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THE
HISTORY OF SUDBURY,
MASSACHUSETTS.
1638-1889.
Br
ALFRED SERENO HUDSON.
There is no past, so long as books shall Ywz. — Bulwer.
PUBLISHED BY
THE TOWN OF SUDBURY.
1889.
REPUBLISHED BY THE SUDBURY PRESS
P.O. BOX 218, SUDBURY, MASS. 01776
This edition limited to
a printing of one thousand copies
.3.3.8...
This is copy number
Special contents of this edition
Copyright 1968 by the Sudbury Press
LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF
MASSACHUSETTS
amherstTmass.
ERRATA.
On page 15, read Edmund for Edward.
On page 22, line 20, read Massachusetts for Narragansetts.
On page 34, line 30, read Goodnow for Haynes.
Pages 35 and 36. The farm of William Browne at Nob-
scot was not the two hundred acres allowed him by special
grant of the General Court and referred to on page 62, that
land being situated at the north-west corner of the town.
On page 58, line 9, read south for north.
On page 70, line 17, read (W. by S.).
On page 116, line 16, read twenty-five for twenty.
On page 167, lines 2 and 3, read and an ancestor of Dr.
Moore formerly president, etc.
On page 212, line 17, read Watertown for Weston.
On page 274, line 29, read Stow for Stowe.
On page 355, line 23, date wrong.
On page 389, line 37, read Fairbanks for Forbush.
On page 399, Haynes for Hamynes.
On page 409, line 5, read June 17th.
On page 487, line 38, read 1855 for 1857.
On page 494, line 28, read north-easterly for northerly ;
line 31, read Noyes for Haynes.
On page 609, line 38, read horse for house.
On page 634, line 1, read between for below.
List of Illustrations, No. 6, read Brigham for Haynes.
INTRODUCTION
Blaine E. Taylor
It is a hard fact, but no history of a colonial town like Hud-
son's HISTORY OF SUDBURY will ever be written again. In
our mobile society few build up the pride of locality and form their
individual identity within the environment of a particular town. Such a
work would be commercially unprofitable in even the largest community.
A publication of the size and limited distribution of Hudson's book
would today have to sell for seventy-five dollars a copy and even then
the author would receive only five thousand dollars for two years
of hard work.
This book is reprinted because Sudbury is unique in its formation
and in what its history reveals. Its historical records are more complete
and more extensive in scope than those of any other town. As the
second town formed in Massachusetts "beyond the flow of the tides,"
it has a unique heritage as a puritan village on the edge of the wilder-
ness. After Salem, Sudbury was the largest town in Massachusetts
during colonial times. Even during the Revolution it was the largest
town in Middlesex County. In his brilliant and perceptive study
PURITAN VILLAGE, Sumner Clinton Powell points to Sudbury
as a "remarkable experiment in the formation and growth of a social
community. "
This was especially true for Sudbury was one of the few com-
munities representative of all three types of English tradition which
together formed the heritage of Massachusetts. Settlers of Sudbury
came front the open-field manoral village, the incorporated borough,
and the enclosed form East Anglican village. Here in one place in
the new world merged the influence of communal town life, independent
farming, borough government and the experience of English Parish
Churches.
The nineteenth town to be founded in Massachusetts, Sudbury
was on the Old Connecticut Path. Bounded on the east by Watertown
and on the north by Concord, and by open wilderness to the south and
west, her history is full of the experiences of the frontier, Indian
wars, and experimental civilization.
Now is the time for reclaiming the values of the heritage of the
small town for it has only recently been lost. When Sudbury cele-
brated its three hundredth anniversary in 1939, it was still a small
village with about the same population it possessed during Revolutionary
days. Now, no longer the rural town, it is a classic example of the
new suburban phenomena. A "bedroom town" for Boston and Route
128, highly mobile in population, almost completely released from
dependence on its soil, Sudbury must now become selfconsciously aware
of her heritage or lose it forever. Almost as many people, because of
mobility and population explosion, have lived within its borders in the
last thrity years as in the previous three hundred. If the values and
experiences of the first three centuries are to be preserved, now is the
time for their renewal.
Hudson's book is our primary resource and its massiveness forms
a rich opportunity for a treasure hunt. A Protestant minister, com-
missioned by the town to replace the first historian, Hudson worked
diligently to rediscover his roots for he had been raised in the com-
munity. It is therefore fitting that another clergyman who loves the
town should introduce the fruits of his concern.
// is unfortunate that he was not better equipped for his task.
He could not make up his mind which course he wanted to follow.
Although he filled the book with anecdotes and proclaimed that he
would write in a style' that would be both interesting and easy to
read, he also filled the book with innumerable lists and miscellaneous
records and wrote with a pedantic overtone. The book's inclusiveness
is both its value and its weakness.
Once treated to the clear focus and analytical style of Powell,
Hudson is often frustrating and, although it is hard to believe, in-
complete. He is totally uninterested in intellectual history. He does not
care about what men thought or why they acted. He tells us what
happened, and manages to be unaware or unconcerned about why or
even how it happened. He had a job to do and wrote on page by
page without creativity or an awareness of great themes. Yet this is the
excitement of the book. The reader is forced to be his own detective
and this is raw material. The Biblical type lists of names and places
which would on first glance be boring to pursue, are the rich lode of
the book. Often Hudson is unintentionally humorous as his Victorian
style gets the best of the facts. The literary quotations at the head of
each chapter serve as his alternative for serious consideration of any
ideas. At the same time the book has the flavor of authenticity and
cannot be ignored.
It is a great book not because its author was a writer or able
to develop ideas, but because it has a subject detailed nowhere else.
A scholar has to spend ten years to approach the excellence of Powell,
and then cover three decades of history rather than three centuries.
Hudson is necessary today because he opens a time and forms the
flavor of a place. He puts historical supposition in human, personal,
perspective, opening the fullness of the records and the majesty of
the town 's experience.
Sudbury is the mother town of western Massachusetts. This book
covers the beginnings of Wayland, Natick, Cochituate, Framingham,
Marlboro, Grafton, Hudson, Maynard, Stow, Rutland, and the city
of Worcester, for each of these communities grew directly out of
Sudbury.
This is the story of the revolt of youth. Hudson recalls (p. 30-31)
that "the settlers of Sudbury were young men, or in the prime of
stirring manhood. They were not patriarchs near the close of their
pilgrimage. Even those with whom, because of their prominence, we
most associate dignity and gravity were comparatively young men when
the settlement began." A young society has a great deal to learn from
these young men who sailed on the good ship "Confidence" to a
world which was almost as new to them as our world is to those
of us who have lived in this transitional time. Power was still to be
obtained by a combination of application of mind with the courage
to act. It was an open society in a way that ours needs to become.
Vested interest was yet to be claimed and men were able to adhere to
both principle and passion. The wilderness was as frightening and as
challenging as the city is today and almost as complex.
Hudson wrote in the days when war could still be romanticized.
His stories of the great battles and greater wars are ones of suffering,
drama and heroism. We do not worry about human beings, but see
the Indians as savages who torture, who fight with ferocity, and terror-
ize their victims as the white man valiantly tries to shape a neu
continent and find his destiny. Each war is an opportunity for glory anc
a vehicle in which one was able to prove his manhood.
The reader will excuse my interest in Sudbury's "do-it-yourself"
approach to construction in those early days. All the first bridges,
roads, meeting houses and community facilities were built by means
of the same methods later used by the contemporary Sudbury Metho-
dist Church to construct the largest house of worship ever built by the
hands of volunteer workers.
Hudson records the historical background and locates all of the
town's oldest houses and historical landmarks. He gives the story of
the place names of all schools, roads, and sections. If you dip into
these pages, names like Nixon, Loring, JVoyes, Peakham, Dutton,
Landham, Fairbanks, Haynes and Puffer will take on personal iden-
tity and enrich location images. There are more descendents of early
settlers still living in Sudbury than one might expect. I have counted
well over one hundred names in Hudson that I recognize as still being
represented in the town.
No town can furnish such a pure illustration of colonial days
or colonial government. Communities on the coast were much more
directly under the control of the Crown and influenced more by mer-
cantile activities than was a self-contained village. Here is the classic
picture of the development of the New England Town Meeting. Hudson
writes: {page 84) "In the principle of its operation it (the town
meeting) is similar and modeled after the New England Congregational
Church meeting . . . by these meetings each town became like a little
republic. . . . There were no credentials for position that came from a
titled authority, or from ancient hereditary rights based on manorial
acquisition or influence. ..." Although Powell has taught us to be
questioning about such conclusions, the raw materials are both fasci-
nating and suggestive.
The development of the American educational system is available
in prototype in Sudbury's experience. The town was slow to comply
to the laws of the colony because it had to fight in the wilderness for
survival.! In fact, Hudson states {page 279) that "the records inform
us that on January 1, 1702, the town voted that a note should be
made 'to pay the 5 pounds the town was fined for want of a school
master. ' ' Anyone who is aware of today's school construction costs
or has to pay taxes will be interested to learn that {page 464) "in
the year 1800, money was granted for building three school houses,
in the southeast district, two hundred and eighteen dollars; in the
north-west, one hundred and fifty dollars and fifty cents; and in the
south-west, two hundred dollars. The old building in the south-west
was sold for twenty-four dollars. "Jit is aim^ interesting that the town
always paid cash for its schools in (■hbss=days. The changing times are
apparent when we realize that in 1779 Sudbury spent twice as much
for the salaries of its ministers as it did on its entire school budget.
In the same period every school book had to be read by a minister
and his approval secured before the book could be used in the classroom. /
According to Hudson, every interesting historical adventure came
close to the experience of the townspeople. He includes stories on
witchcraft, slavery, the underground railroad, animal bounties, a great
pestilence and plague that wiped out great numbers of Indians, the
winning of great wars, the establishment of early crafts and craftsmen,
the color of early graveyard markers, church politics and the dismissal
of pastors, and the methods of welfare and public protection. We are
told on page 328, for instance, that "in 1753 a movement was
made to establish a work-house in Sudbury. At the above named
date a vote was taken where it passed very fully in the affirmative,
that it {the town) would provide a work-house in the town, that
Idle and Disorderly people may be properly employed. "
When we consider the great positive influence of such industries
as Raytheon in contemporary Sudbury, we are aware of the difference
in the first three hundred years of history when no major business
or industry had yet come to town. The community had to make special
concessions to great craftsmen. A miller was given a large lot and a
guaranteed monopoly before he agreed to locate here. A blacksmith
was given many privileges including all the free timber needed and
free land. This book is the story of a community's beginnings and
its evolution, but its importance lies in the fact that the community
held a unique place in early America and its history demonstrates
all the intricacies of our national heritage and it stands as a prototype
of the American experience.
Although many facts in Hudson are now subject to challenge
and some sections could now be corrected as a result of subsequent
research, it has been decided to reprint the original without change as
an historical document. It is hoped that this work will again stimulate
discussion and inspire one to take up the task of recording the history
of the last hundred years of this unique town. During this period
of change and development, the community has held its place in the
pattern of American historical experience.
I am deeply grateful to Mr. Calvin Otto whose interest, ability
and experience made this project possible.
In this book Hudson describes the custom of ringing a bell on
the occasion of a death in the town. He writes {page 587) that it
used "to break the monotony of our daily toil to have the silence
suddenly broken by the slow tolling bell, that said plainer than words
that another soul had dropped into eternity . . . three times it rang
if it were a man, or three times two if it were a woman. Another
pause, and then strokes corresponding in number to the years of the
deceased. "
The bell now tolls three hundred and thirty for Sudbury. The
puritan village is dead. Yet the experience of its life and heritage
might live on, without sentimentality or artificiality, if the citizens
of our time know the past and face the future with a recognized
identity. In this task Hudson's book can provide a new beginning.
PREFACE.
In submitting this volume to the public, we do not
expect to be so fortunate as to have avoided all mistakes.
We hope, however, that it contains as few as could be
expected in a work relating to so broad a field of facts and
so long a period of time. The following statements con-
cerning the general plan of the work may assist the reader
to a fairer estimate of its merits.
The primary object of the writer has been to present the
annals or general history of Sudbury. The age of the town,
its importance and prominence in the past, and the fullness
of its records have left no room for complete genealogies,
and partial sketches of families or individuals have been
given only so far as pertains to the general design of the
work.
The second object has been to make the book readable.
If a local history is to be read it must be more than a col-
lection of statistics, or quotations from records, or a compila-
tion of facts given apart from their relation to each other
or to events in the country at large. To accomplish the
second object, whenever local events have been connected
with general history, we have taken the space for the
latter which we considered essential to show this connec-
tion, and thus to broaden the view of the reader and add
interest to the subject. As, for example, the statement
that some French Neutrals were for a time cared for by
the inhabitants of Sudbury might be invested with no in-
VI. PREFACE.
terest to the general reader, and soon be forgotten, unless
somewhat of the history of those unfortunates was also
given. Secondly, we have intended, while we have not
neglected minor things, to give greater prominence to events
in which the general public is most interested. Thirdly, in
some instances when we have quoted records verbatim, we
have also taken space to give the same in our own language
that, by enlarging upon the events recorded, we might add
prominence and interest.
In gathering historic material we have relied upon orig-
inal sources of information, except in such instances as the
reputation of an author has warranted us in accepting of
his statements. The original sources from which we have
drawn are the voluminous mass of town records, the loose,
fragmentary papers of the Stearns Collection, the State
Archives, the traditions of old inhabitants, and histories
! whose authors were contemporaneous with the events they
recorded. The first source referred to consists of several
large record books, the first of which dates from the begin-
ning of the settlement, and is followed by a series of well-
kept books containing a detailed and unbroken record of the
transactions of the old historic town. These books cover a
space of two hundred and fifty years, and in instances the
paper is worn and the writing illegible. The Stearns Col-
lection is made up of manuscripts which were gathered by
Dr. Thomas Stearns of Sudbury. Some of these bear an
early date, and consist of deeds, wills, journals or diaries,
and fragmentary bits of information. The State Archives
contain valuable information not found in the town books.
This is especially so as regards the early wars. The town
books contain but little about the war with King Philip, and
the conflicts that occurred during the last of the seventeenth
and the first of the eighteenth century, and also but little
about the French and Indian wars.
PREFACE. Vll.
The old inhabitants referred to are some who are now
living and some who have passed away since this work was
commenced. Among the former are Mr. John Maynard,
Capt. James Moore and Mr. James S. Draper of Wayland.
Among the latter are C. G. Cutler, Esq., Mr. Josiah Haynes,
Mrs. Samuel Jones, Mrs. J. P. Allen, Mr. Reuben Rice of
Concord and Mr. Abel Heard of Wayland, formerly East
Sudbury. We have also obtained valuable information from
local histories of modern date.
In our system of arrangement, we have combined the
chronological with the topical ; that is, we have, since 1650,
considered the history of the town in successive periods of
a quarter century each, taking topically, in the main, the
events which each contained. We consider the advantage
of this system to be that, after a careful perusal of this work,
the reader will be able to take a general view of the town
in all its relations — civil, social, and religious — at any
period of its history.
In the selection of material we have been guided by the
main object of the history, namely, to give a correct and
vivid impression of times, characters, and events.
We have endeavored not to pass lightly by any event that
had an especially formative or far-reaching influence ; but,
in the history of two hundred and fifty years of a town once
the largest in the county, it may be expected that much will
be left out which would otherwise be gathered up.
In making reference to the town books the page has been
generally omitted, partly to save space, partly because some
of the books are not paged, and partly because the date suf-
ficiently indicates the place where the record may be found.
In seeking information we have been kindly received,
and we extend our thanks to all those who have rendered
assistance, and to all who, by the confidence they have
reposed in us and their interest in the work and apprecia-
Vlll. PREFACE.
tion of its magnitude, have made the difficult task more
pleasant. The author would acknowledge his indebtedness
to the members of his own family for substantial aid ; and
especially to Mrs. L. R. Hudson, who has shared with him
in the arduous work, and without whose sympathy, encour-
agement, and assistance, this history would have been longer
in completion and of less value.
Thanks are also especially due to Mr. Jonas S. Hunt,
Sudbury's efficient and courteous town clerk, whose hearty
co-operation as well as substantial assistance demand the
gratitude of both the town and the author.
Thanks are due to Mr. John Ward Dean, Librarian of the
New England Historic-Genealogical Society, for kindly giv-
ing access to the books of the Society, Mr. James S. Draper
of Wayland, for his assistance in locating and drawing a
map of the early homesteads of the settlers, Mr. Asahel
Balcom of Maynard, for facts about the north-west district,
Mr. George H. Barton of the Institute of Technology, Bos-
ton, for preparing a paper on the geology of Sudbury, Miss
G. A. Goodnow, for facts concerning the Methodist church,
and others who have furnished valuable information.
We would also acknowledge the valuable assistance re-
ceived from Temple's History of Framingham, Shattuck's
History of Concord, Saunderson's History of Charlestown,
N. H., Reed's History of Rutland, and Drake's History of
Middlesex County. We would also take this occasion to
express our thanks to the town of Sudbury for the liberal
appropriation which has enabled us to complete the work.
Alfred S. Hudson.
Ayer, June 1st, 1889.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Early Condition of the Country. — Original Boundaries. — Indian
Names. — Primitive Forests. ■ — Laws concerning Timber. — Clear-
ings.— Game. — Johnson's Description. — Meaning of "Meadow
Lands." — " Old Connecticut Path." — Indian Trails, 1
CHAPTER II.
Indians of Sudbury Territory. — Relics. — Localities where they
Lived : at Nobscot, the Vicinity of the River, Weir Hill, Cochit-
uate. — Names and History of Prominent Indians: Karte, Tanta-
mous, Nataous. — Description of Wigwams. — Food. — Charac-
teristics.— Method of Hunting and Fishing. — Tribal Relations.
— Nature of their Early Intercourse with the English, .
CHAPTER III.
Origin ok the Sudbury Settlement. — Why it was formed. — Names
of Early Settlers : Residents of Watertown, Emigrants from
England. — Passenger List of the Ship " Confidence." — Tradition
about John Rutter. — Character of the Settlers. — Biographical
Sketches, 24
CHAPTER IV.
Method of Acquiring Territory. — Character and Jurisdiction of the
Massachusetts Bay Colony. — Colonial Court. — Response to the
Petition fpr a Plantation at Sudbury. — Successive Land Grants.
— Purchase of Territory. — Indian Deeds. — Incorporation of the
Town. — Name. — Sketch of Sudbury, Eng. — Town Boundaries, 57
X. CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
Place and Plan of Settlement. — Data of House-lots. — Description
of Map. — Course of First Street. — Sites of Early Homesteads. —
Historic Highway. — Time of Settlement. — Dimensions of First
Dwelling-house. — Early Experiences of the Settlers, . . .73
CHAPTER VI.
Town Meetings. — Their Origin and Character. — Conditions of
Citizenship. — Freemen. — Place of Town Meeting. — Town Offi-
cers.— Highways. — Bridges. — "Indian Bridge." — The "Old
Town Bridge." — Contracts with Ambrose Leach and Timothy
Hawkins. — Causeway. — Formation of Church. — Settlement of
First Minister. — Erection of First Meeting-House. — Contract
with John Kutter.— Building of Grist-Mill 83
CHAPTER VII.
Land Divisions. — Origin of the Terms " Common " and " Lot." —
Permission of Colonial Court for Land Division. — Principles
upon which Land Divisions were Made. — The Meadows a Basis
of Division. — Meadow Rights, or Meadow Dividends. — Rules
of Division. — Quantity of Meadow Received in Three Early
Allotments.— - Division of Upland. — Town's Common or Undi-
vided Lands. — Proprietors' Common or Undivided Lands. —
Proprietors' Meetings subsequent to 1700. — Specimens of their
Records. — Land Allotments to be Recorded. — Cow Common. —
Land for the Support of the Ministry. — Reservations for " Plant-
ing Fields," a " Training Field," a Mill, a Pasture for " Working
Oxen," Timber Land, 104
CHAPTER VIII.
Miscellaneous. — Laws concerning Domestic Animals, Birds, Wolves,
Ammunition and Fire-arms. — Common Planting Fields. — Fence
Viewers and Fences. — Staple Crops. — Meadow Grass; Abun-
dance, Time and Price of Cutting, Measures for Improving. —
Mode of Travel. — Staking the Causeway. — Climate. — Rain and
Snow Fall. — Occasion of Floods. — Breaking Out Roads. — Care
of the Poor. — Laws for the Prevention of Poverty Enacted by
the Town; by the Province. — Town Action for the Encourage-
ment of Industry. — Education. — Morality. — Instruction in the
CONTENTS. XI.
Use of Fire-arms. — Tything-men. — Stocks. — Lecture Day. —
Fasts. — Baptism of Infants. — Laws Relating to Labor. — Pay-
ments Often Made in Produce. — Negroes Bought and Sold. —
Copy of Bill of Sale. — Schedule of Inhabitants a Century and a
Half Ago. — Respect Shown by the Use of Titles; by Gratula-
tion ; by Seating in the Meeting-House. — Careful of Dues. —
Precaution Against Fire. — Borrowing Canoes. — -Board of the
Representatives. — Peculiar Names of Places, .... 128
CHAPTER IX.
Sudbury in the Colonization of Other Towns : Framingham, Marl-
boro, Worcester, Grafton, Rutland, 151
CHAPTER X.
Activity on the West Side of the River. — Early Homesteads. —
Laying Out of the " New Grant." — Land Allotments. — Owners
and Occupants. — "The Thirty Rod Highway." — Settlement of
Marlboro. — The " Hop Brook Mill." — Highway to the New Mill.
— "Old Lancaster Road." — New Meeting-House; Contract. —
The "Cow Common" Controversy, 177
CHAPTER XL
1675-1700.
Philip's War : Sources of Information ; Cause and Nature. — Defen-
sive Measures by the Town : Garrison- Houses ; Militia. — Defen-
sive Measures by the Colony. — Services of the Town outside its
Limits; List of Men Impressed. — Swamp Fight. — Services of
Ephraim Curtis among the Nipnets: As a Messenger with Pro-
posals of Peace; As a Guide in Captain Hutchinson's Expedi-
tion.— Signs of Indian Hostilities in and about the Town. —
Edmund Brown's Letter. — Night Attack on the Indians, and
Death of Netus, 195
CHAPTER XII.
1675-1700.
Philip's War. — Indian Invasion; Date. — Number of the Enemy.
— Philip's Preparation. — Indian Powwow. — Movements of the
English. — General Attack on the Town. — Assault on the Haynes
Xll. CONTENTS.
Garrison. — Hostilities on the East Side. — Resistance of the Eng-
lish.— Arrival of Reinforcements ; Concord Company, Watertown
Company. — The Indians Driven Over the Causeway and Bridge.
— Attempt to Reinforce Captain Wadsworth. — Description Given
in " The Old Petition," , . . 217
CHAPTER XIII.
1675-1700.
Philip's War. — The Sudbury Fight. — Number of Men in Captain
Wadsworth's Company: The Arrival at Marlboro; The Return
to Sudbury. — The Ambuscade: Place of It. — Philip's Plan of
Attack. — Number of Indians. — The Battle. — The Forest Fire.
— Retreat of the English. — Refuge in Hop Brook Mill. — Num-
ber of the English Slain. — Philip's Loss. — Treatment of Cap-
tives.— Rescue of the Survivors. — Burial of the Dead. — Place
of Burial. — Biographical Sketches: Captain Wadsworth, Captain
Brocklebank. — Roxbury Men. — Concord Men. — Marlboro Men.
— The Christian Indians. — Movements of the English after the
Battle. — Sudbury's Loss 233
CHAPTER XIV.
1675-1700.
Revival of Prosperity after Philip's War. — Payment for Fortifica-
tion of the Meeting-House. — Erection of Saw-Mill at Hop
Brook. — Death of Rev. Edmund Browne; Place of Burial; His-
torical Sketch. — Settlement of Rev. James Sherman. — Purchase
of Parsonage. — Building of New Meeting-House. — Political
Disturbances. — Change of Charter. — Administration of Sir Ed-
mund Andros. — Indian Hostilities. — The Ten Years War. —
Distribution of Ammunition. — Petition of Sudbury. — Phipps
Expedition. — Sudbury Canada Grant. — Witchcraft. — Samuel
Paris; Historical Sketch. — Incorporation of Framingham. —
Miscellaneous Matters, , 259
CHAPTER XV.
1700-1725.
Educational Advantages; Why so Small— School Laws by the
Province. — Town Action. — Grammar School ; Location. — Mixed
Schools. — Masters. — School- Houses. — Ecclesiastical Matters. —
CONTENTS. Xlll.
Dismission of Rev. Mr. Sherman. — Ordination of Rev. Israel
Loring. — Division of the Town into Two Precincts; Petitions,
Remonstrances, Decision of the Court, Subsequent Action of the
Town. — Call of Mr. Loring by the People of the West Precinct;
His Acceptance. — Renewal of the Church Covenant by the Peo-
ple of the West Side; Subscribers Thereto. — Settlement of Rev.
Mr. Cook in the East Parish. — Building of a Meeting-House on
the West Side; Location. — Removal of the East Side Meeting-
House ; New Location 277
CHAPTER XVI.
1700-1725.
Queen Anne's War; Attendant Hardships. — Father Ralle's War ;
Eastern Expedition, List of Sudbury Soldiers. — Ranger Service;
Its Nature. — Death of Samuel Mossman. — Imperiled Condition
of Rutland. — Death of Rev. Joseph Willard by the Indians. —
Petition for Assistance. — List of Sudbury Soldiers at Rutland. —
Captain Wright's Letter. — Lieut. William Brintnall ; His Letter.
— Province Loans. — River Meadow. — Causeway. — Roads. —
Miscellaneous. . 295
CHAPTER XVII.
1725-1750.
Highways. — Bridges. — Schools. — Movement for a New Town-
ship; Remonstrances. — Petition Relating to the River Meadows.
— Sale of Peter Noyes's Donation of tiie Hop Brook Mill. —
Gratuities to the Ministers. — Miscellaneous Matters. . . . JJ05
CHAPTER XVIII.
1725-1750.
Third French and Indian War. — Sudbury Soldiers at Cape Breton.
— Fort No. 4, N.H. — Capt. Phineas Stevens. — Sketch of His
Life. — His Service in Connection with the Building and Defense
of the Fort. — Capt. Josiah Brown. — Engagement with French
and Indians about the Fort. — Petition of Captain Brown. — Peti-
tion of Jonathan Stanhope. — Battle between the Forces of Cap-
tain Stevens and General Debeline. — Expedition of Captain
Hobbs. — Battle between the Commands of Captain Hobbs and
Chief Sackett. — Sketch of Capt. Josiah Brown. — List of Captain
Brown's Troopers, 313
XIV. CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIX.
1750-1775.
The Work-House. — Regulations of it. — Pest- House at Nobscot. —
Graves of Small-Pox Victims. — Pest-Houses on the East Side. —
Graves of Victims. — Inoculation for the Disease. — Statistics
Relating to It. — Highway Work. — Lottery for Repairing the
Causeway. — Schools. — School-Houses. — Fourth French and In-
dian War. — Causes of It. — Lists of Sudbury Soldiers in Various
Campaigns. — First and Second Foot Companies. — Alarm List. —
Troops of Horse. — Battle at Half-Way Brook. — Death of Cap-
tain Dakin. — Sketch of his Life. — Covenant. — Correspondence.
-^French Neutrals. — Death of Rev. William Cook. — Settle-
ment of Rev. Josiah Bridge. — Death of Rev. Israel Loring. —
Sketch of His Life. — Settlement of Rev. Jacob Bigelow. — Divi-
sion of West Part into Wards. — Powder House. — Noon Houses.
— Pound. — Measures to Suppress Swindling, .... 327
CHAPTER XX.
1775-1800.
War of the Revolution. — Causes of It. — Attitude of the Town
Relative to the Stamp Act.' — Instructions to the Representative
Concerning It. — Report of the Committee Relative to the Impor-
tation of Tea.- — Patriotic Resolutions of the Town. — Instruc-
tions to its Representatives. — An Old Document Descriptive of
the Times. — Military Preparations. — Choice of Militia Officers.
— Organization of Minute Companies. — Names and Captains of
Companies. — Muster Rolls. — Equipments. — Drill. — Call Roll
of Captain Nixon's Company. — Military Stores Removed to
Sudbury. — The Alarm. — The Mustering and March. — The
Arrival at Concord. — The Encounter at the North Bridge. —
Retreat of the British. — The Pursuit. — Encounter at Merriam's
Corner. — At Hardy's Hill. — Incident. — Sudbury's Loss. —
x Sketch of Deacon Josiah Haynes. — Sketch of Mr. Asahel Read. 358
CHAPTER XXI.
1775-1800.
Revolutionary War. — Sudbury Soldiers at Bunker Hill. — Muster
Rolls of Captains Russell, Moore, and Haynes. — Battle of Bun-
ker Hill. — Position and Service of the Regiments of Colonels
CONTENTS. XV.
Nixon and Brewer. — Number of Casualties. — The Siege of
Boston, — List of Men in Two Months Service. — List of Men in
Colonel Whitney's Regiment. — Government Storehouses at Sand
Hill. — Service outside the State. — List of Officers in Sudbury
Companies in 1776. — List of Men in Capt. Aaron Haynes's
Company. — Men in Captain Wheeler's Company at Ticonderoga ;
in Colonel Robinson's Regiment, in Colonel Read's Regiment. —
Supplementary List. — Soldiers at Ticonderoga in 1770; in Cap-
tain Wheeler's Company, Captain Craft's Company, Captain Edg-
ell's Company, Captain Aaron Haynes's Company. — Canada
Campaign. — New York Campaign. — Men Enlisted for Three
Years in 1777. — Guard Roll. — Pay Roll. — List of Two Months
Men in 1777. — List of Three Months Men in 1777. — Names of
Sudbury Captains and Companies in the Field in 1778. — Captain
Maynard's Company. — Captain Wheeler's Company. — Captain
Moulton's Company. — Captain Haynes's Company. — Captain
Bowker's Company. — Prices Paid for Enlistment in 1780. . 383
CHAPTER XXII.
1775-1800.
Revolutionary War. — Report of a Committee Appointed by the
Town to Estimate the Service of Sudbury Soldiers. — Appoint-
ment of a Committee to Make up and Bring in Muster Rolls of
the Services of Each Soldier in the War. — Muster Rolls: Cap-
tain Rice's, Captain Wheeler's, Captain Maynard's, Captain Cut-
ting's.— Whole Number of Men in the War. — Their Valiant
Service. — Casualties. — Sketch of Gen. John Nixon. — Town-
Meetings. — Encouragements to Enlistment. — Specimen of En-
listment Papers. — Various Requisitions Made on the Town, . 402
CHAPTER XXI II.
1775-1800.
Attention the Town Bestowed on its Home Needs during the War.
— Specimen Report of a Town-Meeting. — Attitude of the Town
towards the Measures of Boston Merchants relative to the Re
duction of Prices. — -Appointment of Delegate to a Convention
Called for the Purpose of Framing a New Constitution. — Com-
mittee Appointed to Regulate Prices. — Report of Committee. —
Vote on the New Constitution. — Educational Matters. — Division
of the Town. — Committee on a Line of Division. — Committee
Appointed to Present a Remonstrance to the Court — Instructions
\/
XVI. CONTENTS.
to the Committee. — Act of the Court Authorizing a Division. —
Committee Appointed to Make a Division of the Money and Real
Estate. — Report of the Committee. — Appointment of Other Com-
mittees. — Financial Report. — Official Boards for 1780 and 1781. —
Miscellaneous. — Shay's Rebellion. — Erection of Meeting-House.
— Miscellaneous, 415
CHAPTER XXIV.
1800-1825.
Early Families Residing in Sudbury about the Beginning of the
Present Century. — Families Who Came into Sudbury during the
Interval between the Formation of the Town and about the Mid-
dle of the Present Century. — Biographical Sketches, . . . 432
CHAPTER XXV.
1800-1825.
Continuation of Old Customs to the Beginning of the Present Cen-
tury.— Inventory in a Will of 1806. — Extracts from an Old
Account Book. — Description of Manners and Customs by an Old
Inhabitant. — Changes in the Early Part of the Nineteenth Cen-
tury.— Extract from "Fireside Hymns." — Highway Work. —
North Sudbury Road. — South Sudbury Road. — Rebuilding Wash
Bridge. — Railing the Causeway. — Setting out Willow Trees. —
Rebuilding the Canal Bridge. — Miscellaneous. — Educational
Matters. — Report of School Committee in 1802. — Removal of
Centre School-House to the Common. — Singing Society. — Church
Music. — Military Matters. — Patriotic Attitude Assumed by the
Town. — Money Pledged to Soldiers as Wages. — As Bounty. —
Patriotic Resolutions. — Militia Officers. — How Chosen. — Where.
— Specimen of Company Order. — Soldiers in 1812. — Wages per
Day_ — Settlement of Rev. Timothy Hilliard. — Ordaining Coun-
cil, — Dismission. — Bill Allowed for Entertaining the Dismissing
Council. — Sketch of Mr. Hilliard. — Appointment of a Day of
Fasting and Prayer Relative to the Settlement of a New Minister.
— Call Extended to Rev. Rufus Hurlbut. — Accepted.— Death of
Rev. Jacob Bigelow. — His Annuity. — Money Paid his Widow
for Service Rendered by the Clergy as a Gift to her. — Funeral
Expenses. — Sketch of Mr. Bigelow. — Addition to the Church
during his Ministry — Enlarging the Burying Ground. — Pur-
chase of a Bier and Hearse. — Formation of "Sudbury Minis-
terial Land Corporation." — Sale of Ministerial Land. — Report of
the " Ministerial Fund Corporation," 454
CONTENTS. Xvil.
CHAPTER XXVI.
1825-1850.
History of the Sudbury Methodist Episcopal Church. — Members
of a Baptist Society in Sudbury in 1828. — Town Farm. — Town
House. — Erection of Tombs. — Ecclesiastical Disturbance. — For-
mation of a New Parish. — Building of a Meeting-House. — Ded-
ication of it. — Death of Rev. Rufus Hurlbut. — Sketch of his
Life. — Settlement of Rev. Josiah Ballard. — The Old Parish. —
Settlement of Rev. Linus Shaw. — Sketch of his Life. — Succes-
sion of Pastors. — Miscellaneous, . 472
CHAPTER XXVII.
1850-1875.
Names Applied to different Sections of the Town. — Division into
Districts. — Change in the Districts. — Description of South
Sudbury. — Location. — Location of the Railroad Station. — The
Boston and Worcester Highway. — Houses Situated along this
Highway half a Century Ago. — Changes in Buildings. — The
Village Grocery. — Captain Kidder's Shoe Shop. — Sketch of
Captain Kidder. — Sketch of Mrs. Kidder. — The Mill. — Wads-
worth Monument. — Industries. — Modern Improvements. — For-
mer and Present Owners or Occupants of Homesteads. — The
George Pitts Farm. — Description of Sudbury Centre. — Loca-
tion.— Oldest House. — Location of Old Buildings. — Noon
House. — Parsonages. — Old Burying-Ground. — Common. — Gro-
cery Stores. — Mills. — Former and Present Owners or Occupants
of Homesteads. — North Sudbury. — Location. — Post Office and
Postmasters. — Industries. — Iron Ore.— Grocery Stores. — Change
in Construction of Houses. — Taverns. — Saw-Mill. . . .484
CHAPTER XXVIII.
1850-1875.
Description of School Districts. — Lanham District. — Territorial
Limits. — School-House. — -Old School Customs. — Order of Ex-
ercises.— Examination Day. — Former Dwellings. — Their Own-
ers or Occupants. — Clay-Pits. — South-West District. — Origin
of the Term Peakham. — School-house. — Name of it. — District
Limits. — Location of Railroad Station. — Places of Historic In-
terest.— Mills. — Present and Former Owners or Occupants of
XV111. CONTENTS.
Homesteads. — North-West District. — Location of School-House.
— Assabet Village. — The " Rice Tavern." — The Oldest House.
— Early Inhabitants. — North-East or Pantry District. — Territo-
rial Limits. — Origin of the Name. — Railroad Station. — Pantry
School-House. — Poetic Description of it. — Mr. Israel Haynes. —
Incident of his Life. — Block House. — Old Loring Parsonage. —
The Gravel Pit. — Historic Reminiscences. — Taverns. — School-
House.— Indian Grave. — Government Store-Houses. — Training-
Field. — Irregularity of Town Boundary Line. — Cause of it. —
Caleb Wheeler Farm, 501
CHAPTER XXIX.
1850-1875.
The Wadsworth Monument. — Petition to the Legislature. — Re-
sponse. — Description of the Monument. — The old Slate Stone. —
Fac-simile of it. — Dedication of the Monument. — Dismission of
Rev. Josiah Ballard. — Sketch of his Life. — Ordination of Rev.
Charles V. Spear. — His Dismission. — Installation of Rev. Eras-
tus Dickinson. — His Dismission. — Sketch of his Life. — Rev.
Webster Patterson. — Settlement of Rev. Philander Thurston. —
His Dismission. — Sketch of Rev. George A. Oviatt. — Rev.
Calvin Fitts. — Rev. David Goodale. — Rev. Warren Richardson.
— Deacons. — Donation of Samuel Dana Hunt. — Bequest of
Miss Emily Thompson. — Gilts from Mrs. Abigail Smith and Miss
Ruth Carter. — Wadsworth Academy. — Congregational Chapel. —
Changes in School Districts. — In School-Houses. — Numbering
the Districts. — The Goodnow Library. — The Building. — The
Donor. — Incorporation of Maynard. — The Framingham and
Lowell Railroad. — The Massachusetts Central Railroad. — Mis-
cellaneous, 514
CHAPTER XXX.
1850-1875.
The Civil War. — Causes of it. — Warlike Activity at the North. —
First War Meeting in Sudbury. — The " Wadsworth Rifle Guards."
— Acts of the Town Relating to the War. — Soldiers' Aid Society.
— Enlistments. — Sketch of the Thirteenth Regiment. — The
Sixteenth. — The Eighteenth. — The Twentieth. — The Twenty-
Sixth.— The Thirty-Fifth.— The Forty-Fifth. — The Fifty-Ninth.
— Enlistments in other Regiments of Infantry. — Sketch of First
Massachusetts Cavalry. — Enlistments in other Regiments of
Cavalry. — - Enlistments in the Artillery Service. — United States
CONTENTS. XIX.
Sanitary Commission. — List of Conscripts. — Casualties. — Biog-
graphical Sketches of Men who Died in the Service. — Of Sol-
diers now Living in Sudbury. — Summary of Service. — List of
Citizens Subject to a Draft in 1SG3. — Bicentennial of the Wads-
worth Fight. — Laying out of Road to Railroad Station, South
Sudbury. — The George Goodnow Bequest, ..... 535
CHAPTER XXXI.
CEMETERIES.
First Burial Place. — Old Burying-Ground at Sudbury Centre. —
Mount Wadsworth Cemetery. — Mount Pleasant Cemetery. — New
Cemetery. — North Sudbury Cemetery. — Burial Customs, . . 568
CHAPTER XXXII.
TAVERNS.
Early Names. — Character and Importance. — First Tavern. — Oth-
ers on the East Side. — Taverns in the South Part of the Town. —
Description of the South Sudbury Tavern. — '-Howe's Tavern,"
or the "Wayside Inn." — Mr. Longfellow's Connection with it. —
Location and Early History. — Description. — The Last Land-
lord.— Traditions Concerning it. — Taverns on the Central Road
of the Town. — Taverns at North Sudbury, 588
CHAPTER XXXIII.
PHYSICIANS.
Early Mention of Physicians. — Biographical Sketch of Dr. Eben-
ezer Roby. — Ebenezer Roby, 2d. — Ebenezer Roby. 3d. — Josiah
Langdon. — Moses Taft. — Moses Mossman — Ashbel Kidder. —
Thomas Stearns. — Levi Goodenough. — Otis O. Johnson. —
George A. Oviatt, 599
CHAPTER XXXIV.
TEMPERANCE.
Early Customs. — Effects of Cider Drinking in North Sudbury. —
Connection of Taverns with the Liquor Traffic. — Drinking Cus-
toms in South Sudbury. — Common Use of Malt. — Extract from
James Thompson's Account Book. — Dawn of Better Times. —
Pioneers in the Temperance Cause. — Reformatory Measures. —
Temperance Reform, 605
XX. CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXV.
COLLEGE GRADUATES AND PROFESSIONAL MEN.
List of Graduates before 1800. — Biographical Sketches of College
Graduates and Professional Men since 1800, .... 612
CHAPTER XXXVI.
NATURAL FEATURES.
Hills. — Forests. — The Flora. — Ponds. — Brooks. — Sudbury River.
— Its Rise and Course. — Its Fish. — Poetical Description of
Pickerel Fishing. — Birds about the River. — Poetical Descrip-
tion of Duck Hunting. — Fur Bearing Animals about the River.
— Slow Current of the River, 621
CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE RIVER MEADOWS.
Width of the Meadows. — Former Productiveness. — Litigation and
Legislation. — Change in Productiveness. — Causes of it.— Natural
Features at the Present Time. — Grass, 633
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Zoology and Geology, 643
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Public Bequests. — Action of the Town relative to the Publication
of the History of Sudbury. — Preparations for the Observance of
the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Incorporation
of the Town, 653
CHAPTER XL.
Conclusion, 657
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Rev. Alfred S. Hudson, Frontispiece.
View of Hop Brook Valley and Nobscot, .... 13
Jonas S. Hunt, 47
Map of House-lots, by Draper, 77
A Portion of Sudbury Centre, 107
Map of 1708, by Haynes, 125
The Goodnow Library, South Sudbury, .... 149
Residence of Joseph C. Howe, 183
The Browne Garrison House, 199
The Haynes Garrison House, 225
Map of 1676, by Hudson, 237
The Wadsworth Grave, South Sudbury, .... 251
The Walker Garrison House, 271
The Loring Parsonage, Sudbury Centre, .... 291
The Woods, or Allen House, 313
The Summer Residence of Hon. Homer Rogers, . . 333
The Common, Unitarian Church, Town House and Meth-
odist Church, Sudbury Centre, 365
Residence of Charles P. Willis, 391
Residence of Samuel B. Rogers, South Sudbury, . . 413
Map of 1794, by Mossman, 429
Residence of Richard R. Horr, South Sudbury, . . 445
The Bigelow Parsonage, Sudbury Centre, .... 471
The Hurlbut Parsonage, Sudbury Centre, . . . 481
Mill Village (South Sudbury), 487
XXli. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
The Residence of Nahum Goodnow, 505
Rev. Josiah Ballard, 523
The Wadsworth Academy, South Sudrury, . . . 527
The Wadsworth Monument, South Sudbury, . . . 555
The Wayside Inn, 593
Residence of Nichols B. Hunt, South Sudbury, . . G05
The Residence of Hon. C. F. Gerry, Sudbury Centre, . 615
Residence of George E. Harrington, 643
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
CHAPTER I.
Early Condition of the Country. — Original Boundaries. — Indian
Names. — Primitive Forests. — Laws concerning Timber. — Clear
ings. — Game. — Johnson's Description. — Meaning of " Meadow
Lands." — "Old Connecticut Path." — Indian Trails.
'Tis like a dream when one awakes, —
This vision of the scenes of old;
'Tis like the moon when morning breaks,
'Tis like a tale round watch-fires told.
PlERPONT
The town of Sudbury was settled in 1638, and received its
name in 1639. It was the nineteenth town in the Massachu-
setts Bay Colony, and the second situated beyond the flow of
the tide. Originally it was bounded on the east by that part
of Watertown which is now Weston, on the north by Con-
cord, and southerly and westerly by the wilderness, or the
unclaimed lands of the Colony. Up to the year 1637 there
was no white man's trail through the length or breadth of
this land tract. The smoke of no settler's cabin curled
upward through the tree-tops of its far-stretching forests,
and it was only the home of the Indian and the haunt of
wild beasts and birds.
The Indian name of the river and country adjacent on the
north was Musketaquid, or Musketahquid, and it is presuma-
2 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
ble that the same name was applied to this region. Mus-
ketahquid is supposed to be made up of two Indian
words, muskeht, meaning "grass," and ahkeit, which signifies
"ground," the whole signifying "grassy ground;" and if
applied to the river, "grassy brook," or "meadow brook."
The name formed by these words, it is stated, as nearly
resembles Musketahqnid as the Indian dialect will allow.
(Shattuck.) As the same stream runs through Concord and
Sudbury, and the meadows in these places are equally green
and broad, it is not by any means unlikely that the same
term was applied to each place and the river as it runs
through them both. This is rendered still more probable by
the fact that Karte, the Indian owner of the land first granted
at Sudbury, was also an owner, with others of the territory
at Concord ; as the Colony records inform us that Karte, with
Tahattawan, the sachem of that place, with some others,
consented to the sale of territory to the English in 1637.
(See Chapter II.) As Karte lived in the territory that is
now Sudbury, and his wigwam was not far from the river, it
is presumable that he would call the stream as it flowed near
his home by the same name that it was known by as it flowed
through his domains a few miles farther north. Moreover, it
is not to be supposed that the Sudbuiy Indians had no name
for their river.
Probably the first Englishman who made a record of this
word was William Wood, in a work entitled " New England
Prospects." Mr. Wood, it is supposed, came to this country
about 1633; that he then visited the Mnsketahquid region,
and was so charmed with its resources and scenery that, by
representations of it on his return to England, plans were
formed for a settlement at Concord. However this may be,
he first made a record of this Indian name of the river and
the adjacent country, and that before any town boundaries
could have limited its application or made local the name of
this old natural landmark.
The country about Sudbury at the time of its settlement
was largely covered with heavy timber. That tar making
was, to an extent, an early occupation indicates that these
trees were, many of them, pines. But probably not one of
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 3
them now remains ; the rapid growth and early decay of these
trees, and their fitness for building purposes, causing them
to disappear long since. A solitary pasture oak, left here
and there for a landmark or serviceable shade, is about all
that remains of those old monarchs of the wood.
But, notwithstanding there was formerly so much timber
land, we are not to suppose the country was one unbroken
forest; on the contrary, it was interspersed with clearings;
and the fact that in those first years the town was choice of
its timber, and passed stringent laws concerning it, indicates
that these clearings were considerable. The following are
some of the laws. In 1645 Edmund Goodnow was appointed
to look after the timber on the common, and liberty was
given him to designate what timber should be taken; and
" it was ordered, that, if any one took any without his leave,
they were to forfeit nineteen pence a tree."
In 1646, "Ordered, that no oak timber shall be fallen with-
out leave from those that are appointed by the town to give
leave to fell timber, that shall hew above eighteen inches at
the butt end "
Also, " That no man that hath timber of his own to supply
his want shall have any timber granted upon the common."
In 1647, " It was ordered that the people should have tim-
ber for that year to supply their wants, for every two shill-
ings that they paid the ministry, one tree."
On different occasions persons were permitted to take the
town's timber as an encouragement to business, as when a
blacksmith was allowed so much as was necessary to build a
shop, on condition he would set up his trade in town.
In 1664 "timber was granted to Elias Reives for his build-
ing, and also timber and hoop poles for carrying on his coop-
er's trade, in case he would live in Sudbury six years, and
honestly and carefully do the town of Sudbury's cooper work
the said six years, both for making and trimming casks at
such honest rates as they are made and trimmed for at the
bay of Boston."
The cleared spaces were occasioned by both natural and
artificial causes. The Indians, by setting fires, cleared places
for their planting grounds and sunny spots for their homes.
4 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
The natural openings were the broad, beautiful meadows on
the river and brooks.
A remarkable feature of these forests was their freedom
from underbrush. The early settlers could traverse large
portions of them on horseback and meet with few obstacles,
except the streams and swamps. In places the forests were
kept clear by means of the annual fires which the Indians
set to facilitate transit and the capture of game. These fires
were set in the autumn, after the equinoctial storm, that
they might burn with less intensity and be more easily con-
trolled. Afterwards the Colonial Court enacted laws regard-
ing forest fires. It was ordered that " whoever kindles fires
in the woods before March 10 or after April 2, or on the last
day of the week or Lord's day, shall pay any damages that
any person shall lose thereby, and half so much to the com-
mon treasury."
The country afforded fine ranges for wild animals, and was
well stocked with game, which made it an attractive hunting
ground for the Indians. (See Chapter II.) Deer reeves
were annually chosen by the town for years after the settle-
ment, and wolves were considered such a pest that a bounty
was set upon them. Prior to 1646 ten shillings were offered
apiece for them ; and repeatedly were laws enacted for the
destruction of these forest marauders. Bears found favorite
resorts among the highlands of Nobscot and Goodman's Hill,
and tradition informs us that within about a century one has
been killed at Green Hill. Beaver pelts were an article of
merchandise through a large part of the Musketahquid
country. Wild fowl were abundant. Turke}rs strutted with
stately tread in the lowlands by the meadow margins, and
large flocks of water fowl frequented the streams and made
their nests on their sedgy borders. Pigeons were plentiful,
and grouse enlivened the shrubbery of the numerous swamps.
The supply of fish was ample, including salmon, alewives,
shad and dace.
The following is a description of the place as given by
Johnson, a writer of 1654, in a book entitled " Wonder-
Working Providence:" "This town is very well watered,
and hath store of plow-land; but by reason of the oaken roots
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 5
they have little broke up, considering the many Acres the
place affords ; but this kinde of land requires great strength to
break up, yet brings very good crops, and lasts long without
mending. . . . The place is furnished with great plenty of
fresh marsh, but, it lying very low, is much indamaged with
land floods, insomuch that when the summer proves wet they
lose part of their hay ; yet they are so sufficiently provided
that they take in cattel of other towns to winter."
In those early times meadow land had a meaning a little
unlike that which it now has. The term, at least in places,
was used to designate mowing land of whatever description,
after the manner of its significance in England. This distinc-
tion may have been made here by the early writer just quoted.
The marsh he refers to is doubtless the meadow on the so-
called Great River, and the meadows those tracts by the
higher banks of the brooks and those found in natural forest
openings, or wherever the grass land abounded.
Before the Plantation of Sudbury was commenced, there
passed through the southeasterly corner of its territory a
memorable trail. This was a part of the " Old Connecticut
Path." This highway extended from the sea-board settle-
ments far into the interior. From Watertown it passed
through what is now Waltham and Weston to that section
of Sudbury now Way land ; from thence southwesterly to the
north side of Cochituate Pond, and on through the wilder-
ness towards Connecticut. It is, we believe, the road now
traveled from Weston Corner, by the "Five Paths," Way-
land, to Framingham. Mention is made of this wa\ in the
town records as early as 1643, and again in 1648. Where it
passed through the town it was called "the road from Water-
town to the Dunster Farm," a tract of six hundred acres granted
in 1640 to President Dunster of Harvard College, bounded on
the west by Cochituate Pond, and early leased by Edmund
Rice of Sudbury. This trail was first made known to the
English by some Nipnet Indians, who came to Boston bring-
ing corn at a time when there was a scarcity of it in the col-
ony. From this time for years it was the way travelled by
the English in their journeyings to the Connecticut valley.
In 1633 John Oldham and several others journeyed by it to
6 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the westward, in search of a settlement. In 1635 some
inhabitants of Watertown took this way as they travelled to
Wethersfield, Conn., where a large part of them settled. A
year later the ministers Hooker and Stone, with about a hun-
dred others and their families, took this path in their emigra-
tion to Hartford.
Thus through a portion of Sudbury passed an old and
historic road, which is interesting because of the things now
mentioned. But other associations also may cluster about
it. Because of this path, perhaps, the plantation at Sudbury
was started. This supposition is favored by various circum-
stances. The Watertown people, as they journeyed to Con-
necticut, may have been pleased with the country along this
part of the way, and as some of them returned to Water-
town, at which place a plantation at Sudbury was afterwards
planned, favorable reports may have been rendered concern-
ing it.
It was easy to obtain a view of it from the top of Reeves's
Hill, along which their path led, and it is not at all improba-
ble that more than one traveler ascended that sightly emi-
nence, and from it obtained a broad view of the Musketahquid
and its adjacent meadows. The slow-winding stream, as it
flashed afar in the sunlight, and the wood-covered hills that
extended beyond, together with the proximity of such a
desirable spot to their Watertown home and the sea-board
towns, may have led to the plan of its early settlement.
Favorable to this conjecture is the fact that the Watertown
people petitioned for the land soon after the return of the
emigrants. But whether or not emigration through the place
by this path suggested or originated the settlement, it must
have aided it when once begun, and promoted exploration in
that locality.
A trail so near what was to be the first. street of Sudbury
would be quite helpful in the conveyance of the various com-
modities that were essential in starting a settlement. The
planters journeying from Watertown could follow this well-
worn way almost to the spot assigned for their house-lots
where they erected their cabin homes.
Besides this path from the sea-coast to the Nipnet country,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 7
other trails doubtless led through the place, which were used
by the Indians, and which afterwards ma}r have become trav-
eled roads. As the town afforded favorite fishing resorts,
there were doubtless paths from various quarters leading to
them. There were doubtless such to the fishing weir and
fording place in the town's northerly part, and to the rocky
falls of the Sudbury River at the south. Karte probably had
a path from his hill-top home to the lodge of Tahattawan
at Concord. The old pasture path at Nobscot, which still
winds along the northern hill-slope by the spring and the
Nixon farm, was perhaps the well-known way of Tantamous
as he visited the wigwam of JCarte at Goodman's hill, or
attended the preaching of John Eliot at Natick^ or with a
pack of candle or light -wood upon, his back, went with
spear or net to the Musketahquid to fish. Tims the country
of Sudbury at the time of its settlement was, perhaps, more
than ordinarily broken by paths ; and its timber lands, rich
pasturage, and facilities for the capture of game and fish,
made it attractive to both the Indians and the English.
CHAPTER II.
Indians of Sudbury Territory. — Relics. — Localities where they Lived:
at Nobscot, the Vicinity of the River, Weir Hill, Cochituate —
Names and History of Prominent Indians: Karte, Tantamous,
Nataous. — Description of Wigwams. — Food. — Characteristics. —
Method of Hunting and Fishing. — Tribal Relations. — Nature of
their Early Intercourse with the English.
Chief, sachem, sage, bards, heroes, seers,
That live in story and in song,
Time, for the last two hundred years,
Has raised, and shown, and swept along.
Pierpont.
There is no evidence that many Indians lived in Sudbury
at the time of its settlement by the English. But few of their
names have been found on the town records, and compara-
tively little is there mentioned of business transactions be-
tween the natives and whites. About the beginning of the
seventeenth centuiy, a great pestilence prevailed among the
Indians in the vicinity of Massachusetts Bay, and it is not
improbable that it affected the population of Sudbury. This
pestilence or plague was in places severe. It is stated that
the New England Indians, before its outbreak, could muster
about eighteen thousand warriors, but were reduced by it to
about eighteen hundred. Thousands of Indians died in the
country along the south shore. The Pilgrim fathers were
informed of the sad ravages of this dreadful disease by
Squanto, an early visitor among them. It is stated that
Obbatinawat, a sachem living at Shawmut, now Boston,
treated the English very kindly, and was glad to submit him-
self to King James, that he might find protection from his
enemies, as his once powerful tribe was reduced by the pes-
tilence of 1616.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 9
Beside this sickness, there was another that raged a little
later. This was the small-pox scourge, which prevailed dur-
ing the winter of 1633. Drake says of the fatality of it,
that " The Indians died by scores and hundreds ; so fast,
indeed, that the services of the white men were called into
requisition to give them burial." He says the pestilence was
not confined to a single locality, but swept with destructive
effect through all the sea-board nations. The Narragansetts
were reported to have lost seven hundred men, and the war-
like Pequots an unknown number. If such was the fatality
of these diseases along the Massachusetts Bay shores, it is
not unlikely that it extended as far inland as Sudbury, and
if so, that it thinned out the inhabitants. The supposition
that this was the case is strengthened by the absence, in the
records, of many Indian names of places. Few of these names
suggest that there were few people to speak them, or to pass
them along to the race that next possessed the land. There
are but few places in Sudbury whose names are suggestive of
the murmuring woods or the rippling streams. They are
more of English than of Indian origin. The name of Nob-
scot is still the reminder of a race that has passed away.
Cochituate Lake and the highlands about it, places once near
the town's southeasterly limits, have a name unmistakably
Indian. Assabet or Assabeth, the name of a stream running
through Maynard, a place once a part of the town, savors in
sound of the Indian dialect ; yet the origin of this term has
been a matter of doubt, as it has been spelled Assabeth, Eliz-
beth, Elzebet and Elizebeth. Even the name of Karte, who
once owned a large part of the town's territory, has been
spelled and pronounced Cato, and the place of his abode
called Goodman's Hill, with all its prosaic simplicity. The
" Great River," as the town's principal stream was once
called, now bears no name suggestive of its natural features ;
of meadows green with their grassy covering, outstretching
to forest and flowery bank, or winding along its swampy out-
skirts, where the vine and berry bush produce their rich,
plentiful fruit; but it is now known as plain "Sudbury
River."
But although no distinct tribe is known to have existed in
10 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the territory when it was settled, and the evidence is that the
town was not largely occupied by Indians, it is nevertheless
probable that at some period they were considerably numer-
ous. That this may be so is indicated by various circum-
stances. First, the natural features were such as would
invite them to it, and induce them to remain. There was
the hill, valley and plain, just suited for corn lands or fine
ranges for game, while the streams and ponds had supplies
of fish. It is doubtful if there is a town about it where more
advantages meet to make the Indian life easy than here.
The natives depended largely for subsistence upon maize,
game and fish ; hence good land, easily worked and in close
proximity to places where they could take game and fish, were
the conditions of Indian comfort. That these natural advan-
tages were once improved by the Indians is evident from the
number of relics which have been found in various localities.
These consist of arrow and spear heads ; stone plummets ;
chisels and gouges; mortars and pestles, implements for
pounding and crushing corn ; stone tomahawks or hatchets;
and what may have been the stone kettle. Beside these,
there have been unearthed by the plowshare small stones,
that show the probable action of heat, and which may have
been used for their hearthstones, or to form rude ovens for
the purpose of cooking. Where these stones are found under
circumstances favorable to the supposition, they indicate the
former existence of a wigwam or cluster of wigwams. The
favorable circumstances are the neighborhood of a fishing or
fording place, or the common conveniences of a life in the
woods. These wigwams were more or less on dry, sandy
spots, such as are in the present wind-swept, and sparsely
covered with grass. Such places were probably selected as
natural forest openings, where, because of the light, sandy
soil, the wood growth would likely be small, and where the
rays of the winter sun would more easily penetrate, to give
light and heat. When in such places various relics are found,
it is highly probable that there may have been situated an
Indian ^welling-place.
In several such spots in Sudbury, various relics have been
found, notable among which is one by the river meadow, just
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 11
east of the Jonathan Wheeler place. It is between the
meadow margin and the Water Row road, and has an area
of one or two acres. It is a light, sandy upland, in places,
almost or quite without sod. Arrow-heads and plummets
have been found there in abundance, and of a kind of stone
unlike any native to the neighborhood. These relics have
not only been unearthed there by the plow or spade, but
some have been uncovered by the wind. Another place
where relics have been found in abundance is on the Cool-
idge estate, by the Lanham Meadows, a little south of the
East Sudbury depot. This spot is also of a light, sandy soil,
and has a sand pit within it. A little farther north in this
district, on the Frank Walker estate, arrow-heads and parts
of a mortar or stone kettle were found ; while southerly of
Lanham Brook, on the Albert Larkin estate, on an upland
some rods west of the house, arrow-heads have been quite
numerous.
Another place worthy of mention is at South Sudbury, on
the east side of Mill Brook, on what was lately the farm of
Israel How Brown. The spot is a little southeasterly of a
rock by the brook called " Great Rock," and midway between
that and the Goodnow Library. On this place, which is a
light, loamy upland, within the space of a few rods have been
plowed up quite a quantity of loose, discolored stones, that
look as if they had been subjected to the action of fire, and
also coal and charred pieces of wood. The nature of the
place at South Sudbury is such as would be favorable to
Indian occupation. Before the mill was erected there was
probably quite a fall to Hop Brook, and for some distance the
shoal, sparkling stream might form a fine fishing place in the
season of the alewives or shad.
In the west part of the town, at a sandy spot between the
Solomon Dutton and Otis Parmenter places, Indian relics
have also been extensively found.
At North Sudbury there were likewise indications of the
presence of these former inhabitants. Says Mr. John May-
nard, " I have found on my land, east of Cedar Swamp, a
stone axe, part of a tomahawk, a gouge, chisel, flaying knife,
and other strange things ; also about four hundred arrow-
12 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
heads, one-half of them broken. I have plowed over seven
or eight collections of paving stones that were discolored
by fire, that I suppose were the hearthstones of Indian wig-
wams."
There are some parts of the town which we will especially
notice as being places that were perhaps occupied by the
Indians in considerable companies. These are the neighbor-
hood of Nobscot, the River, Weir Hill, and Cochituate Pond.
In the vicinity of Nobscot there is little doubt but that Indi-
ans once made their homes ; as tradition, record and relics
give evidence of it. As we shall notice further on, a noted
Indian by the name of Jethro had a wigwam near there, and
it is supposed the Indians had a lookout there. At the base
of the hill, along the plain land, on the estate of Hubbard
Brown, by the brook, and also on the land south of the Fra-
mingham road, more or less stone relics have been discovered.
The old " Indian wash-bowl," so called, is pointed out in a
field about east of the hill. This is an excavation shaped
like a wash-bowl, formed in a large rock, and may have been
made by nature or art. Probably it was never used as a
washing place by the Indians, but, if made or used by them
at all, it may have been for grinding corn.
That the Indians largely frequented the neighborhood of
the river is quite evident. They probably lived along almost
its whole course, as relics of them have been found here and
there from one bound of the town to the other. On the east
side of the river was an Indian burial place. (See chapter on
cemeteries.) An Indian skeleton has been exhumed by the
roadside at Sand Hill. This was discovered when the road
was built, by a person who was passing by. He drew it
from the bank, together with several Indian relics. The
"old Indian bridge " was supposed to be southerly of Sand
Hill, over West Brook, and formed a crossing in the direc-
tion of Heard's Pond. The home of Karte was not far from
the river. From his wigwam home on the hill, he could
easily reach the mooring place of his birch canoe, or look
down, upon the expanse of broad meadow lands, green with
their covering in Summer, or brown with the frosts of Fall.
He could watch the early flight of wild water fowl, or per-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 13
haps catch a glimpse of the canoe of Tahatawan as it glided
up the Musketahquid.
But the places where it is supposed the Indians were more
numerous than at any other point along the river were toward
the town's northeast bound. Near this point were fording
and fishing places. One of these was at Weir Hill, below
Sherman's Bridge. The very locality of this place is favora-
ble for Indian occupancy. It is situated at a point of the
river where, as we have been informed, at low water the
river can be forded. On its opposite bank a hill extends
almost to the stream, and on either side the meadow bank is
hard, which is a circumstance rare on the river course. At
this place tradition says there was an Indian fishing weir,
which old inhabitants state was about northeast of Weir
Hill ; and from this the hill has derived its name. The fish-
ing weir was an important thing for the Indians, as by means
of it large quantities of fish could be taken. The principle
of construction was the placing across the river of an obstruc-
tion, as perhaps some kind of a fence, which, running diag-
onally from either bank to the centre of the stream, left a
small aperture at the apex, where the fish could be taken in
a wicket work or net. Such an apparatus, at a favorable
place on the river, would supply fish for a considerable vil-
lage. These fish served not only a present purpose, but were
dried and preserved for future use. Another inducement for
Indians to locate in this part of the town was a good fording
place just below Weir Hill, which is at or near a small hill
called Mount Headley, and is between the river and the
county road. That this locality was improved by the Indians
is evident from the quantities of relics that have been found
there. Both about here and at Weir Hill more or less of
these have been picked up ; and, at the latter place, their
hearthstones have been unearthed by the plowshare, with the
coals still upon them.
As has been stated, there are indications that the Indians
once dwelt in considerable numbers about Cochituate Pond.
The region about there was favorable to Indian occupation,
not only on account of the lake itself, but because of its near-
ness to the falls of Sudbury River (Saxonville). The name
14 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
of the locality has been spelled Wachittuate, Cochituet,
Chochichawicke, Coijchawicke, Catchchauitt, Charchittawick,
Katchetuit, Cochichawauke, Cochichowicke. The word as
now spelled is found in a record dated 1644, in connection
with laying out the Glover farm. " The southwest bounds
are the little river that issueth out of the Great Pond at
Cochituate.'1'' This record, as well as others, also shows that
originally the term was applied, not to the pond, but to the
region near the outlet. Temple states that the word signi-
fies, "place of the rushing torrent," or, " Avild dashing brook."
On the westerly side of the pond was an Indian fort, and,
near by, a permanent settlement.
Not very much is known, at most, of the Indians who lived
in Sudbury at the time of its settlement; but a few facts are'
on record concerning some of them.
Karte was owner of the first land tract which was sold to the
Sudbury settlers. His home at one time was at Goodman's
Hill, — sometimes called Wigwam Hill, — but where he lived
in his last years is unknown. That he was a man of some
prominence in and about the town is probable, not only from
the amount of his landed possessions there, but from his asso-
ciation with certain rulers or sagamores at the sale of a weir
and planting grounds at Concord. Of this transaction the
following account is found in the Colony Records : —
"5th, 6mo., 1637. — Wibbacowett; Squaw Sachem ; Natan-
quatick, alias Old Man ; Carte, alias Goodmand ; did express
their consent to the sale of the Weirs at Concord, over
against the town : and all the planting ground which hath
been formerly planted by the Indians, to the inhabitants of
Concord ; of which there was a writing, with their marks
subscribed, given into court expressing the price."
It is said that he was an attendant upon the ministry of
Rev. Edmund Brown, first minister of Sudbury; and that by
his preaching he was converted to the Christian religion.
Another Indian of some notoriety was Tantamous, who
was also called Jethro. He had a son called Peter Jethro.
On an old surve}r is " Peter Jethro 's field," near Nobscot
Hill, where Jethro lived. This field was upon a farm once
in the possession of Mr. Ezekiel How. According to Drake,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 15
Tantamous lived at Nobscot Hill at the beginning of King
Philip's war, and there were about twelve persons in his
family. He was present with Waban of Natick, and some
other natives, at the sale of the territory which is now the
town of Concord. When about seventy years old, he made
a deposition about the transaction, and in connection with
that deposition is spoken of as a Christian Indian of Natick.
In 1674, Tantamous was appointed missionary to the Indians
at Weshakim (Sterling), but remained there for a short time
only. Mr. Gookin speaks of him as a "grave and pious
Indian," and says he was sent to be a teacher at a place near
Lancaster. In 1675, while Tantamous was living at Nobscot
with his family, he was ordered by the Colony to Deer
Island, Boston Harbor, for security. Resenting the ill usage
that was received from those conducting them there, Jethro
and his family escaped in the darkness of night. He was
betrayed, however, by his son, Peter Jethro, into the hands
of the English, by whom, according to Hubbard, he was exe-
cuted, Sept. 26, 1676.
Peter Jethro, or Jethro the Younger, who was perhaps
also called Ammatohu (as this term was applied to one of
the Jethros), was connected with several real estate matters.
He was among the Indians who conveyed to John Haynes
and others thirty-two hundred acres of land east of "Quin-
sigamoge Pond," in Worcester. In 1684, he was among the
Indian grantors of the two-mile tract which was granted to
the Sudbury settlers, and laid out on the town's westerly side.
In 1683, Peter Jethro lived at Dunstable, with Mr. Jonathan
Ting ; and in consideration of this man's kindness, as shown
to himself and his uncle, Jethro gave Mr. Tiug a tract of
land six miles square at Machapoag, north of Wachusett
Mountain and west of Groton, which he had obtained from
his uncle Jeffy.
Still another Indian of some prominence was Nataous. He
was also called William of Sudbury. "Indian William's
Meadow " is mentioned in the Colony Records as early as
1658. Rev. Edward Brown was to have " one small parcell
of three acres formerly called ' Indian William's Meadow,'
lying toward the falls of Cochittuat River." It is stated that
16 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
in 1662, he lived at Nipnax Hill, a place about three miles
north of the plantation at Natick, perhaps Reeves' Hill.
Hubbard speaks of him as being " very familiar with the
whites." Gookin states that he was among the "good men
and prudent " who were rulers at Natick. He was desig-
nated also as the Nipmuck Captain, and was called, in the
Colony Records, Netus; and by this name he was known in
some of the sad scenes of his subsequent life. This Indian,
whose beginning as a Christian was so bright, and who left
on record a religious confession, did sad work in Framinjrham,
b}r leading, near the outset of Philip's war, a party who
destroyed the house of Mr. Thomas Eaines, a former resident
of Sudbury.
In 1668, Mr. Thomas Eames leased the " Pelham Farm "
(in Wayland), and it was ordered, that during his lease of
the place he should "pay to the minister fore pound (for) a
man and 20sh. to every £20 rate." Mr. Eames subsequently
moved to Framingham, and made his home near Mt. Waite,
in the southerly part of that town. When absent on a jour-
ney to Boston for a stock of ammunition, a party of Indians,
Feb. 1, 1676, burned his dwelling-house and barn, and killed
or carried away captive his family. We may not know all
the circumstances that led to this act, but it is supposed that
some of them were of an aggravating character.
English distrust had doubtless led to Indian suspicion.
The removal of certain parties from their homes to Deer
Island might not have been understood. Besides this, it is
said these Indians had been to Maguncook, an Indian station
near b}7, and, on finding that corn had been removed from
their granaries, they started out, partly for food and partly
for revenge, toward the nearest English settlement. Netus,
or Nataous, from this time probably joined the hostile tribes,
and made common cause with King Philip. We hear of
him afterwards near Sudbury, with a war party which was
attacked in the night, March 27, 1676, by a party of English
from Sudbury and from the garrison at Marlboro. (See
chapter on Philip's War.) In that night encounter Netus
was slain, with several others of the enemy, while the}7 were
asleep about their camp-fire. Thus sad were the closing
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 17
scenes in the history of Tantamous and Netus, these illustri-
ous sons of the forest.
The following- are Indian names that have been preserved
in documents concerning real estate transactions in Sud-
bury: Jehojakim, Magos, Muskqua, Musquamog, Wenneto,
Nepamun.
That no more Indian names are found in the records is no
evidence that other Indians did not inhabit the town at the
time of its settlement. Those whose names are recorded
were landed proprietors, and so connected with real estate
transactions ; but others of humble condition, and possessed
of nothing but a few utensils for the wigwam and chase, may
have ranged through the valley and over the hills.
Beside the Indians whose abode was in Sudbury, it is also
probable that Indians from neighboring hamlets or clans made
use of the town's hunting grounds, and were more or less
residents of them. On the north, east, and west were Indian
villages of considerable importance. At Natick they were
gathered in Christian relations by John Eliot, the apostle of
the Indians. At Concord were Tahattawan's subjects, and
at Nashoba, now Littleton, there was a praying band of
Indians. On the west, at Whipsuffrage, now Marlboro,
other Indians were gathered in friendly relations ; while at
Magunkaquog, or Maguncook, a place in Ashland, there was
also another station which had been established by Mr.
Eliot.
It is hardly supposable that, when so many Indians lived
in the surrounding localities, they did not from time to time
traverse the town, and resort to it for fishing and hunting, so
that, if the native inhabitants were few, the place might yet
be considerably occupied. It should furthermore be consid-
ered that one Indian householder might have a numerous
family. An Indian wigwam, as will be farther observed,
sometimes had capacity for several residents. It is said that
a dozen Indians lived at Jethro's house at Nobscot. Karte's
wigwam, at Goodman's Hill, may not have been the home of
a single inhabitant, but a numerous family may have been
about him. His wigwam may have sheltered several families.
About the hill may have resounded many a merry voice at
18 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the coming of the early green corn, or the gathering in of
berries or nuts, or when the alewife or shad returned in the
spring; or at the fall migration of birds, when the whistle of
the wild water fowl's wing was heard, and the pigeons made
their way over the plains.
Tims merry may have been the places where even a single
wigwam stood ; and in those silent, now far-away times, there
may have been more of liveliness connected with aboriginal
life than we are wont to suppose. The inmates of wigwams
or villages may have had more or less intercourse in a neigh-
bor-like way, — Nataous visiting the residence of Karte, and
Karte calling on Tantamous. Tahattawan or his people may
have often passed through Sudbury from Concord to visit
John Eliot at Natick, and more than one may have been the
rough wilderness paths they trod on errands of toil or friendly
intercourse. So that the town, if not very populous, may
have been far from a desolate or lonely place.
The character and habits of the Indians about Sudbury
were naturally in common with those of others in the near
vicinity. Probably no authority on this subject is more reli-
able than that of Mr. Gookin. He was associated with Mr.
Eliot in his labors, and was conversant with the mission sta-
tions in the vicinity of the town. From him we learn the
following about the customs, houses and food of the abo-
rigines in this part of the country. The houses were called
" wigwams," and were made by placing poles in the ground,
and fastening them together at the top by the bark of trees.
The best of these structures were covered neatly, and made
quite warm by strips of bark placed upon them. The bark
used for this purpose was stripped from the trees when the
sap was up, and made into great flakes by the pressure of
weighty timbers. By thus securing and using them when
green, the flakes when dry retained the form to which they
were fitted. The more meanly made wigwams were covered
over with mats made of bulrushes. The Indian houses varied
considerably in size ; some were twenty, some forty feet long.
Says Gookin, " I have seen one fifty or a hundred feet long,
and thirty feet broad."
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 19
We are informed by Mrs. Rowlandson (see chapter on
Philip's War) that, after the Wadsworth fight, the Indians
made a wigwam sufficiently large to contain an hundred men
as a place in which to celebrate their victory. These wig-
wams were kept warm by a fire or fires made within. In
the smaller dwelling one fire was made in the centre ; in the
larger, two, three or four were sometimes made. A door was
formed by a mat hung at the entrance, to be raised as the
person entered, and dropped when he was within. Thus
there may have been more of warmth and comfort in these
rude forest homes than some are wont to suppose. Says
Gookin, " I have often lodged in these wigwams, and found
them as warm as the best English houses." In the wisrwam
was a sort of mattress or couch, raised about a foot high.
This was covered with boards split from trees, upon which
were placed mats or skins of the bear or deer. These
couches were large enough for three or four persons to sleep
on. They were six or eight feet broad, and could be drawn
nearer to or further from the fire, as one chose.
The food of the Indian, to an extent, consisted of game, —
the streams furnishing an abundance of fish, and the forests a
supply of game. Such a diet would be most easily obtained,
and the methods of obtaining it most in accord with the Indi-
an's wild nature and life. But this food was by no means all.
Says Gookin, it consisted chiefly of Indian corn boiled. Some-
times they mixed beans with their corn, and frequently they
boiled in their pottage fish and flesh of all sorts, either fresh
or dry. Bones also were cut in pieces and used ; but, says
our authority, "they are so dextrous in separating the bones
from the fish when eating that they are never in danger of
being choked." They also mixed with their pottage various
kinds of roots, ground nuts, pompions (pumpkins), squashes,
acorns, walnuts and chestnuts, dried and powdered. Some-
times they beat their maize into meal, and sifted it through a
basket made for that purpose. With this meal they made
bread, which they baked in the ashes, after covering it with
leaves. They also made of this maize meal what was called
" Nokake," which it was said was sweet, toothsome and
20 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
hearty, — so much so that when the Indian was going on a
journey, he would often take with him no food but a bag or
basket of this.
The corn was planted in places perhaps first cleared by
fire. It was planted when the oak-leaf was about the size
of a mouse's ear, and fertilized by a fish placed in the hill.
Gookin states that the Indian was given much to hospitality,
and that strangers were given their best lodging and diet.
Their religion consisted in the belief in a Good Spirit called
Kiton, and a Bad Spirit called Hobbammoc, and in a happy
hunting ground beyond the grave. They had their pow-
wows and medicine men who served the place of a rude
priesthood among them, and they conformed .to various cus-
toms which corresponded to their wild ways of life. Some
of these customs, as well as some of the coarse phases of
Indian character, are indicated by the following orders drawn
up and agreed upon at Concord, and as set forth by Rev.
Thomas Shepherd, an early minister at Cambridge.
These " conclusions and orders made and agreed upon by
divers sachems and other principal men amongst the Indians
at Concord in the end of the eleventh month (called Janu-
ary), An. 1646."
"2. That there shall be no more Powwowing amongst the
Indians. And if any shall hereafter powwow, both he that
shall powwow, and he that shall procure them to powwow,
shall pay twenty shillings apiece."
•' 6. That they may be brought to the sight of the sinne
of lying."
" 8. They desire that no Indian hereafter shall have any
more but one wife."
"16. They intend to reform themselves in their former
greasing."
" 20. Whosoever shall play at their former games shall
pay ten shillings."
" 23. They shall not disguise themselves at their mourn-
ing as formerly, nor shall they keep a great noyse by howl-
ing." (Shattuck's History of Concord.)
Johnson speaks of them as " being in very great subjection
to the Divel," and the powwows as being " more conversant
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 21
with him than any others." But to the great glory of the
religion of Christ, it is said these notions were corrected
wherever civilization and Christianity were introduced. The
money or medium of exchange was wampumpage.
In the capture of game the methods were various. Fish
was taken both with the hook and spear. In the migrations
of the alewife and shad, the birch-bark canoes, torch and
spear, were probably effective means in the catch. The
canoes were sometimes forty feet long, says Gookin, and
would carry twenty men. The larger animals were perhaps
sometimes caught by the pitfall, a place dug in the ground,
and covered lightly with sticks and leaves, through which
the game when passing would fall ; sometimes by a forest
drive, by which means a portion of countiy was traversed by
a company of men deployed at short distances, who moved
towards a given point, where was a partial enclosure, through
which the animals were forced to pass ; at the place of exit,
hunters were stationed to dispatch the game as it strove to
make its way through.
Part of the Indians living in Sudbury, when its territory
was transferred to the English, belonged, as it is supposed, to
the Massachusetts Indians who lived about Massachusetts Bay,
and the remainder to the Nipmucks or Nipnets, who lived in
the interior of the State. Those who belonged to the former
were probably of the Mystic Indians, the chief of which
tribe was in the early part of the seventeenth century Nana-
pashemit. The home of this chieftain was at Medford, situ-
ated on a prominent place which overlooked the Mystic River.
He was killed by the Tarrentines, a tribe of eastern Indians.
After his death, his wife reigned under the name of the squaw
sachem. She married Wibbacowett, the chief powwow or
priest (Shattuck). She also lived near the Mystic. The
subjects of this sachem or squaw probably extended nearly
or quite to the Nipmuck country, as it embraced Tahattawan
and his tribe at Concord.
Tribal relations so extended would probably include some
of Sudbury's Indians. Such is supposed to be the case.
It is stated in the Colony Records, that, in 1637, Karte was
associated with the squaw sachem at Medford in the sale of
22 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
a fishing weir at Concord, " and all the planting grounds
Avhich hath Jbeen planted by the Indians there." Nataous, it
is supposed, was of Nipnet origin. If these prominent natives
of Sudbury had different tribal relations, so may it have been
with others less prominent ; but whether they belonged to the
Nipnet or Massachusetts Indians, they all alike belonged to
the great family of Algonquins. The Algonquin Indians
included the class of American aborigines who inhabited
that part of the country extending for hundreds of miles
between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River. They
included Canada on the north, and their southern limits ex-
tended as far as North Carolina. Among these Indians were
various and powerful tribes, inhabiting various parts of this
extended territory. "The New England Indians inhabited
the country from Connecticut to the Saco River. The prin-
cipal tribes were the Narragansetts in Rhode Island and the
western shores of the Narragansett Bay, the Pokanokets and
Wampanoags on the eastern shore of the same bay and in a
portion of Massachusetts, the Nipmucks in the centre of Mas-
sachusetts, the Narragansetts in the vicinity of Boston and
the shores southward, and the Patuckets in the northeastern
part of Massachusetts, embracing the Pennacooks of New
Hampshire." (Lossing.)
In the early years of the town's history, the Indians in and
about the place were on friendly terms with their pale-faced
brethren. As has been noticed, on several sides of the town
were Indian mission stations, from which wilderness outposts
went forth the voice of prayer and praise. Influences so sal-
utary not far from the borders of Sudbury might be expected
to reach into the town itself, and tend to bring its people
to a right way of life. These stations were, to an extent,
made up of people gathered from various parts. It was so
at Natick. Mr. Eliot gathered the natives from different
directions, and fostered with fatherly care those who sought
at his hands the truth, until he fell, as has been stated by
another, "like a great tree in the stillness of the woods."
Truly it might be expected that such influences, radiating like
light through the dark shadows of the unenlightened land,
would bring peace to the people, and that a loving, neighbor-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 23
like spirit would pervade the life of both the Indian and his
white benefactors. Such natural results did prevail prior to
Philip's war. But that war and the death of Mr Eliot were
sad blows to the poor aborigines : by the latter they lost a
friend, and by the former they were called to turn their backs
on the graves of their fathers, knowing not what the end was
to be. Allured, perhaps, by designing men of their race to
join Philip, and ordered from their homes to another locality,
it is not strange if some were demoralized, and that the Indi-
ans should become a weak and broken band. It is said that
at one time about three hundred Indians gathered at Natick
on a training occasion. But, as years passed on, they grew
rapidly less, even at this their old mission home. The last
family hereabouts has long since disappeared,, their name is
unspoken, and their veiy graves are unknown. They have
been gathered to their fathers, with little to tell the stranger
where once they dwelt. The streams still sparkle, but not
for them ; the hills are crowned with our corn ; in the valley
our gardens smile; our grain makes yellow the plain. The
town's natural outlook, in a measure, remains unchanged,
but a race has vanished, and the customs, language, and life
of another race is here.
" Like leaves on trees the race of man is found,
Now green in youth, now withering on the ground ;
Another spring another race supplies,
These fall successive, and successive rise.
So generations in their course decay,
So flourish these when those have passed away."
It is true the Indian is still in the land, but how neglected
and lone ! As another has said : —
" His eye rests on the earth, as if the grave
Were his sole hope, his last and only home.
His pride is dead; his courage is no more ;
His name is but a by-word. All the tribes
Who called this mighty continent their own
Are homeless, friendless wanderers on earth."
But while this race is passing, let us cherish what is good
24 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
in their history, and in charity excuse what we reasonably
can of their faults. Above all, let us present to them the
truths that their great apostle, Mr. Eliot, so long and so suc-
cessfully used.
CHAPTER III.
Origin of the Sudbury Settlement. — Why it was formed. — Names of
Early Settlers : Residents of Watertown, Emigrants from England. —
Passenger List of the Ship "Confidence." — Tradition about John
Rutter. — Character of the Settlers. — Biographical Sketches.
And that pale pilgrim band is gone,
That on this shore with trembling trod ;
Ready to faint, yet bearing on
The ark of freedom and of God.
Pierpont.
In passing from the early condition of the territory of
Sudbury, and its aboriginal inhabitants, we will next notice
who they were, who became possessed of this territory as
settlers, and so changed its condition ; whence they came,
their names, and their character.
The town was settled by Englishmen. The plan of set-
tlement originated at Watertown, which was settled a few
years previous by Sir Richard Saltonstall and Company, who
came to America in the ship "Arbella." Mr. Saltonstall's
party landed at Salem, went from there to Charlestown, and
thence about four miles up Charles River, where they founded
Watertown. Few, if any, colonial places were better pros-
pered than this. It rapidly grew in strength and importance,
and soon parties went out from it to form new settlements.
Some went to the places now Dedham and Concord, and
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 25
some as far off as Wethersfield, Conn. In fact, emigration
from Watertown helped form some of the best towns of the
period.
In 1637, it was proposed that a company proceed westerly,
and settle at what is now Sudbury. The reason for starting
this settlement was, as the petitioners state in their paper,
" straitness of accommodation, and want of more meadow."
Going westerly, they could obtain both these objects ; for,
bordering on the mother town was a territory through which
ran a large stream, with abundance of fresh water marsh. But
though the plan of settlement originated in Watertown, not
all of those who carried it into effect were inhabitants of that
place. To a large extent, the settlers came direct from Eng-
land. Bond, the historian of that town, says, " Only a small
proportion of the names of the early grantees of Sudbury are on
the Watertown records ; and some who went there returned.
Some, whose names are on the records of both places, were
either residents of Sudbury but a very short time, or, it may
be, never lived there at all." The explanation of this may
be, first, that the plantation was not proposed because all the
petitioners designed to make it their permanent home, but
that it might be an outlet to an over-populous place. Water-
town, it was considered, had too many inhabitants. The
emigrants of ship after ship, as they arrived at these shores,
went to the older places ; and this led to what was called
"straitness of accommodation." New land would present
greater allurements to the new comers, and the earlier settlers
would thus be left undisturbed in their original estates.
Secondly, speculative purposes may have led some to engage
in the scheme for the Sudbury settlement. More or less
doubtless enlisted in the enterprise designing to transfer their
titles to others, as fresh emigrants came to the country.
Sharing Avith the residents of the settlement the expense of
the undertaking, they had a right to convey the lands that
were allotted them, and receive such compensation therefor
as their increased value might bring. Thus, while the plan
of the settlement of Sudbury originated at Watertown, and
some of the settlers came from there, yet largely, as we have
said, it was settled by emigration direct from England. Most
26
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
or all of the names of the earlier settlers have been preserved,
and are repeatedly given in connection with land divisions
prior to the close of 1640.
From the town records we have compiled the following
list of the early grantees or settlers, who went to the Sud-
bury Plantation about 1638 or 1639 : —
Mr. William Pelham,
Mr. Edmund Browne,
Mr. Peter Noyse,
Bryan Pendleton,
Walter Haine,
John Haine,
John Blandford,
Hugh Griffyn,
Edmond Good no we,
Robert Beast,
Thomas Noyse,
Thomas Browne,
Robert Darnill,
William Browne,
Thomas Goodnow,
John Freeman,
Solomon Johnson,
William Ward,
Richard Newton,
John Howe,
George Munnings,
Anthony Whyte,
Andrew Belcher,
John Goodnowe,
John Reddock,
Thomas Whyte,
John Knight,
William Parker,
John Parm enter, Senior,
Edmond Rice,
Henry Rice,
Wyddow Buffumthyte,
Henry Curtis,
John Stone,
John Parmenter, Jim.,
John Rutter,
John Toll,
Henry Loker,
John Wood,
John Loker,
Widow Wright,
John Bent,
Nathaniel Treadaway,
Robert Hunt,
Widow Hunt,
John Maynard,
Joseph Tain tor,
Robert Fordum, or Fordham,
Thomas Joslyn, or Jslen,
Richard Sanger,
Richard Bildcome,
Robert Davis,
Henry Prentiss,
Wm. Kerly,
Thomas Hoyte,
Thomas Flyn.
The following are names of persons who were at the set-
tlement soon after it beuan : —
Thomas Axdell,
Thomas Read,
John Moore,
Thomas Bisbig,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 27
Thomas Plympton, John Waterman,
Hugh Drury, Goodman Witherell,
P}iilemon Whale, John George,
Win. How, Thomas King,
John Smith, Peter King,
Thomas Buckmaster, Jonas or James Pendleton,
John Grout, John Woodward,
Thomas Cakebread, Shadrach Hapgood,
John Redit, Edward Wright.
Of the Sudbury settlers who once lived in Watertown, we
have the following names : Robert Betts (Beast), Thomas
Cakebread, Henry Curtis, Robert Daniel (Darnell), John
Grout, Solomon Johnson, John Knight, George Munnings,
William Parker, Bryan Pendleton, Richard Sanger, Joseph
Tainter, Anthony White, Goodman (John) Wetherell, Na-
thaniel Treadaway, John Stone.
Some of these men were prominent and valuable citizens
of Watertown. Bryan Pendleton was one of its early Se-
lectmen. Nathaniel Treadaway and John Stone were sons-in-
law of Elder Edward How. Robert Betts had a share in the
Great Dividend Allotment, and the Beaver Brook " plow
lands." Of those who came direct from England, we have
on a single ship's list of passengers the names of some of the
most prominent persons in the Sudbury Plantation, namely:
" The list of the names of the Passengrs Intended for New
England in the good shipp the Confidence of London of C C.
tonnes John Jobson Mr And thus by vertue of the Lord
Treasrs warr1 of the xjth of April, 1638. Southampton,
24Q Aprill 1638.
" Walter Hayne of Sutton Mandifield in the
County of Wilts Lennen Weaver 55
Eliz : Hayne his wife
Thomas Hayne \ their sonnes
John Hayne \ under 16
Josias Hayne ) yeaves of age.
Sufferance Hayne , their
Mary Hayne ) daughters
28 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
John Blanford \ their 27
John Riddett ( 26
Rich Bildcombe ) servants 16
Peter Noyce of Penton in the
County of South" (Southampton) yeoman 47
Thomas Noyce his sonne lf>
Eliz : Noyce his daughter
Robert Davis \ his 30
John Rutter ( 22
Margarett Davis ) servants 26
at- t, i n \ Upton Gray, Co. of / rA
Nicholas Guy j PSouthJptoil j carpenter 50
Jane his wife
Mary Guy his daughter
Joseph Taynter
Robert Bayley
John Bent of Penton in the
County of South" Husband-
man 35
Martha Bent his wife
Robert Bent ~)
William Bent, their children
Peter Bent, }■ all under ye age
John Bent of 12 years
Ann Bent J
John Goodenowe of Semley
of Welsheir Husbandman 42
Jane Goodenowe his wife
Lydia Goodenowe J their
Jane Goodenowe \ daughters
Edmund Goodenowe of Dun-
head in Wilsheire Husbandman :
Ann Goodenowe his wife
, , ~ , } their sonnes
.John (joodenowe / , ,
„ , > 4 years and
J nomas Goodenowe \ ,
; under
Richard Sanger his servant
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 29
Thomas Goodenowe of Shasbury § 30
Jane Goodenow his wife
Thomas Goodenowe his sonne
Ursula Goodenowe his sister
Edmond Kerley ) of Ashmore 22
William Kerley \ Husbandmen "
It is not certain that the young men mentioned in this
ship's list as "servants," or "hired men," ever came in that
capacity. John Rutter was by trade a carpenter ; Richard
Sanger was a blacksmith ; one had a family when he came ;
two others were afterward sons-in-law of the persons in
whose employ they ostensibly came ; and all of them took
their place among the substantial men of the settlement.
It was a tradition among the descendants of John Rutter,
without their having a knowledge that this ship's list was in
existence, that their ancestor came to this country disguised
as a servant.
The state of the times and the strictness of English laws
at that period, with regard to ships and emigrants coming to
America, might be a reason why some might come in disguise.
If this was so in the case of one, it might have been so with
regard to the rest.
In connection with the names of the settlers, it is appropri-
ate to state something of their character. In attempting
this, perhaps we can do no better than to say that they fitly
represented the noble element that came to the New England
shores at that period. They were Puritans both in theory
and practice ; and afar from the conveniences and luxuries
of their native land, sought in a new country a home remote
from ecclesiastical and political strife. They embarked for
America at a time when England was in an unsettled condi-
tion, and when ship after ship was bringing to these shores
some of her purest and stanchest citizens. As we pass
along, we shall see that they were a practical people, and
possessed of energy equal to the emergencies incident to
pioneer life ; and that they began the settlement as men who
could forecast what a substantial and prosperous community
would require. The whole trend of their conduct is indica-
30 HISTORY OF SUDBUBY.
tive of self-reliance, though recognizing all proper authority.
What the common weal required they took hold of with zest;
and in their adherence to what they thought suitable, they
showed a perseverance truly commendable. Their proceed-
ings in town-meeting, and the manner in which the records
were kept, indicate that the education of a part of them at
least was good for the times ; and the measures enacted for
the common convenience and welfare show common sense
and sagacity.
As a religious people, they in no way lacked what we
ascribe to the historic Puritan. Although compelled by cir-
cumstances to economize all their resources, and to make the
most of time, talents and strength to meet the demands of
every day life, yet they found time to serve their Creator,
and praise and adore Him in their forest home. Their Chris-
tianity manifested itself in their steadfast adherence to the
Christian faith, in their reliance on God, and their love for
His holy law.
Industry was a prominent characteristic. From the minis-
ter down to the humblest citizen, each had a share in the
manual work of the settlement. Though the minister's sal-
ary was in part paid in produce, yet he was assigned lands
and attended to husbandry. Another characteristic trait of
the settlers seems to have been their desire for territorial
enlargement and possession, and for the pioneering of new
places. To such an extent did this spirit prevail in Sudbury
and its neighboring town, Concord, that the following law
was passed by the Court in 1645 : —
"In regard of the great danger that Concord, Sudbury and
Dedham will be exposed unto, being inland Townes and but
thinly peopled, it is ordered that no man now inhabiting and
settled in any of the s'd Townes (whether married or single)
shall remove to any other Town without the allowance of
the magistrates or the selectmen of the towns, until they
shall obtain leave to settle again."
The settlers of Sudbury were young men, or in the prime
of stirring manhood : they were not patriarchs near the close
of their pilgrimage. Even those with whom, because of their
prominence, we most associate dignity and gravity were com-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 31
paratively young men when the settlement began. B}r the
passenger-list of the " Confidence " it will be noticed that
only Walter Haine had reached the age of 55, and John Rat-
ter was only 22 : Robert Davis, 30 ; John Blandford, 27 ;
John Reddet, 26 ; Peter Noyes, 47 ; John Bent, 35 ; John
Goodenow, 42 ; Edmund Goodenow, 27 ; Thomas Goodenow,
30. These ages are doubtless correct, as we have in 1666 a
deposition made by one of them, Edmund Goodenow, in
which he alleges that he is about fifty -five years old. Rev.
Edmund Browne was in about the prime of life when he
came to the plantation ; and Edmund Rice was about thirty-
four. In fact, we find in an old petition presented at the
close of Philip's war in 1676, from a dozen to a score or
more of names that may' have belonged to the early grantees.
Probably from a quarter to a half century passed before there
was a generation of old men in Sudbury. Having noticed
thus much of the character of the Sudbury settlers collec-
tively, we will give a few facts concerning them individu-
ally. These facts will serve the purpose not so much of
genealogy, as an introduction of these ancient worthies, with
whom the history of our town is so closely connected.
William Pelham came to this country in the fleet with
Winthrop, and may have been a brother of Herbert and John
Pelham. Savage states that he lost the passage with the
" Govenor's son Henry, by going ashore at Cowes from the
'Arbella,' and trusting fortune for another ship." It is
recorded in the Colonial Records. 1645, that " Mr. William
Pelham being recommended to this Court by ye town of
Sudbury for the Captaine, and Edmund Goodnow as the
Ensign, were both accepted and confirmed in their places by
this Court." In 1645-6 he was selectman, and representa-
tive in 1647. He returned to England, and was the"ie in
1652.
Edmund Browne. (See chapter on First Minister,
Meeting-House, etc., and period 1675-1700.)
Peter Noyes came from England in the ship " Confi-
dence," 1638. He is called "yeoman" in the ship's passen-
ger list, but is repeatedly mentioned in the records of this
32 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
country as "gentleman;'' and the term "Mr." is often
applied. After a short stay in America, he returned to
England, but came back the next year in the ship "Jona-
than," with, it is supposed, other children, viz., Nicholas,
Dorothy, Abigail and Peter ; also the servants John Water-
man, Richard Barnes and William Street. Mr. Koyes was a
freeman May 13, 1640, a selectman eighteen years, and rep-
resented the town at the General Court in 1640, '41 and '50.
He died Sept. 23, 1657. Three years before his death he
gave his estate in England to his son Thomas. The day
before his death he made a will in which he made his son
Thomas his executor, and named the following other chil-
dren : Peter, Joseph, Elizabeth (wife of Josiah Haynes),
Dorothy (wife of John ILiynes), Abigail (wife of Thomas
Plympton), his daughter-in-law Mary (wife of his son
Thomas), and his kinsman Shadrach Hapgood. The Noyeses
have lived in various parts of the town. The mill on the
west side was built by them. (See period 1650-75.) Promi-
nent members of the family are buried in the Old Burying-
ground, Wayland.
Bryan (or Brian) Pendleton came from England in
1634, and became a freeman Sept. 3, 1634. He went to
Sudbury from Watertown, where he was a grantee of ten lots
of land, which he sold when he left the place. He was one
of the prominent petitioners for a plantation at Sudbury, and
his name is on the town records as one of the foremost busi-
ness men of the place. He was early appointed to lead the
"train band," and was one of the early selectmen. A hill
in the centre of the town still bears the name of " Pendleton
Hill." (See chapter on Cemeteries.) Mr. Pendleton did not
live long in Sudbury, but returned to Watertown, which
place he represented in the Colonial Court for several years.
About 1642 he moved to Portsmouth, of which he was repre-
sentative some years, and from thence went to Saco. At the
close of the Indian war of 1676, he returned to Portsmouth,
where he died in 1681, leaving a will which was made Aug.
9, 1677, and probated Aug. 5, 1681.
Walter Haynes (Hayne or Haine) came to America
from England on the ship " Confidence," in 1638. (See
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 33
ship's passenger-list.) He was a freeman May 13, 1641. He
represented the town in the General Court in the years 1641,
'44, '48 and '51, and was a selectman ten years. Mr. Haynes
was probably one of the first grantees to erect a house on the
west side of the river, which house was probably the "Haynes
Garrison." He died Feb. 14, 1665. In his will, Thomas is
mentioned as being away from home, and Sufferance as being
the wife of Josiah Tread way, and Mary as the wife of Thomas
Noyes. One piece of property disposed of in his will was a
tenement in Shaston, Dorsetshire, Eng. The Haynes family
has been well known and quite numerous in Sudbury. Mem-
bers of it have lived in various parts of the town, and held
prominent offices, both civil and military. Capt. Aaron
Haynes commanded a Sudbury company that marched to
Concord on the memorable 19th of April, 1775, and partici-
pated in the stirring events of that day. Dea. Josiah Haynes
was slain in that contest at the age of eighty, and Joshua
Haynes was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill. (See Revo-
lutionary period.) One of the descendants was Capt. Israel
Haynes, who represented the town in the Legislature at the
session when Charles Sumner was first elected United States
Senator. (See chapter on Pantry District.) A descendant
now living in town is Hon. C. F. Gerry, who has served both
in the House of Represenatives and the Senate of Massachu-
setts, and whose wife, a great-granddaughter of Judge Fos-
ter, the first representative in Congress from New Hampshire,
was a well-known authoress.
John Haynes, son of Walter, came with his father, in
1638, in the "Confidence," at the age of sixteen. We hear
of him about 1658, with other Sudbury parties, in possession
of lands in the territory of Worcester. (See chapter on
Colonists from Sudbuiy.)
John Rlandford came from England in the ship " Confi-
dence," in 1638, at the age of twenty-seven. He came in
the empio}' of Walter Haynes, and, it is supposed, brought
with him Mary, his first wife, who died Dec. 4, 1641. He
married for his second wife Dorothy Wright. He had at
least four children, all born in this country, Sarah, Hannah,
John and Steven. He made a will, dated Oct. 21, 1687, pro-
iH: HISTORY OF SUDBUKY.
bated Nov. 23 following before Sir Edmund Andros. His
widow received all of the estate for her life.
HUGH Gbiffin (or Griffing) was a freeman in 1(14"), and
held the office of the first town clerk in Sudbury. The Col-
ony Records state that, in 1645, Hugh Griffin was "appointed
clerk of the writs in place of Walter Ilaynes." He married
Elizabeth Upsou, a widow, who had one daughter by a former
marriage. He died 1656, and left a will in which are men-
tioned as his children, Jonathan, Abigail (born Nov. 16,
1640), Sarah (born Nov. 20, 1642), Shemuel (born Jan. 9,
1643, O.S.), and also Hannah, daughter of his wife by her
former marriage. Among his descendants was Rev. Ed-
ward Dorr Griffin, D. D., who was a professor of Sacred
Rhetoric at Andover, a pastor of Park-Street Church, Boston,
and third president of Williams College. Dr. Griffin was born
at East Haddam, Conn., in 1670, and graduated at Yale Col-
lege in 1790.
Edmund Goodnowe (Goodnow, Goodinow, Goodenow or
Goodenough) came in the "Confidence," in 1638. The
house-lot assigned to him was on the north street, the third
east of the meeting-house, and adjacent to that of John
liaynes. He was an early inhabitant on the west side, and
probably built the " Goodnow Garrison." (See chapter on
Philip's War.) He was a freeman May 13, 1640. He
repeatedly represented the town at the General Court, was
appointed to lay out land, and was a captain of the town
militia. He died April 6, 1688, aged seventy-seven. His
wife, Ann, died March 9, 1675, at the age of sixty-seven.
Edmund Goodnow and wife were buried in the Old Bury in g-
ground, Wayland. Mr. Haynes brought with him to America
his children John and Thomas. Hannah and Sarah were
born afterwards. Thomas, it is supposed, died young. Han-
nah married James Pendleton, April 29, 1656. Sarah mar-
ried John Kettle. The Goodnow family has had a promi-
nent position in town from an early date. It has largely
dwelt on the west side of the river, and to quite an extent
in the south part of the town. One of the descendants was
John Goodnow, the donor of the Goodnow Library, who was
for many years a well-known merchant of Boston ; as was
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 35
also George Good now, who gave a fund for the aid of the
poor in Sudbury. Their father, John Goodnow, lived to be
over a hundred years old, and was the last survivor in Sud-
bury of those who did service in the Revolutionary War. He
was born on the Noah Clapp farm, about half way between
Sudbury Centre and South Sudbury, from which he went in
early life to lands in Lanham, formerly owned and occupied
by Thomas Read and his descendants.
Robert Betts (Best or Beast) came from Watertown,
where he owned lands. He died at Sudbury in 1655,
bequeathing his estate to his brother-in-law, William Hunt,
and other relatives.
Thomas Noyes. (See sketch of Peter Noyes.)
Thomas Browne was at Concord in 1638, and was per-
haps a brother of Rev. Edmund and William Browne. He
was a freeman March 14, 1639. His wife's name was Brid-
get, who died Jan. 5, 1681, and he had several children. It
is supposed he removed to Cambridge. He died Nov. 3, 1688.
Robert Darnel (Darniel or Darvell) came to Water-
town, where he was a grantee of five house-lots. He died
in 1655.
William Brown, Bond says in his history of Watertown,
has been thought to be of the lineage of Christopher Brown
of Hawkedon,' of the Parish of Bury St. Edmunds, County
of Suffolk, Eng. ; but no evidence of it has been discovered.
Probably William, Thomas and Edmund Brown were rela-
tives, if not brothers, and all perhaps arrived at Sudbury at
or about the same time. William Brown was assigned a
house-lot on the south street of the settlement, the fourth
east of the first meeting-house, adjoining that of Edmund
Goodnow. He eventually settled near Nobscot, on a tract
of land of two hundred acres, which was granted him by the
General Court in answer to a petition presented by him in
1649. (Colonial Records, Vol. III., p. 155.) He was a
freeman June 2, 1641, and became a prominent man at the
plantation, and at one time captain of the militia. He was
the first deacon of the church at Sudbury, and a representa-
tive under the new charter in 1692. About 1643 he "was
chosen and sworne surveyor of the armes of Sudbury." He
36 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
was married Nov. 15, 1641, to Mary, daughter of Thomas
Berbeck or Bisby. (See sketch of Thomas Bisby.) He had
seven children, Mary, Thomas, William, Edmund, Hopestill,
Susanna and Elizabeth. His son Thomas, born May 22,
1645, known as Maj. Thomas Brown, was a man of consid-
erable prominence, because of his public position and ser-
vices. He married, in 1667, Patience Foster, who died
August, 1706, aged fifty-two. He married for his second
wife Mary Phipps of Cambridge, widow of Solomon Phipps,
Jr., and daughter of Dep.-Gov. Thomas Danforth. His
daughter Mary married, Jan. 8, 1691, Jonathan Willard of
Roxbury. Major Brown was a man much engaged in town
business, a representative for successive years, and com-
manded a company of horse in the Indian war. In 1701
he was allowed by the General Court compensation for a
horse lost in pursuit of the Indians in 1697. He died May
7, 1709, and the following note is found concerning him in
the diary of Judge Sewall : "Maj. Thomas Brown, Esq., of
Sudbury, was buried in the Old Burying-place."' We con-
sider it quite probable that the " Old Brown Garrison " in
Sudbury was built by Major Brown. (See chapter on
Philip's War.) Hopestill, another son, married for his first
wife Abigail Haynes, and for his second wife Dorothy, the
widow of Rev. Samuel Paris of Salem withcraft notoriety.
(See period 1675-1700.) The original William Brown
homestead at Sudbury was probably at, or not far from,
the spot where the house now occupied by Hubbard Brown
formerly stood, which was by a large buttonwood tree on
the hillside, a short distance to the westward of its present
location. A short distance southerly, at or near the edge of
the plain, is still visible the site of another building. Either
of these may be the spot where William Brown erected the
first house on his grant of two hundred acres at Nobscot.
The Brown family has been numerous in Sudbury, living for
the most part on the west side of the river. Members of the
family have never ceased to dwell, and occupy land, in the
neighborhood of Nobscot. In the old homestead located
there the three brothers, John, Israel How and Edward,
were born ; and on the ancestral estate Everett and Hub-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 37
bard, two sons of Edward, still live. A third son is Dr.
Frank Brown of Reading, a graduate of Amherst College,
and surgeon in the Union army in the civil war.
Thomas Goodnow was a brother of John and Edmund,
and became a freeman in 1643. He was twice married, and
had seven children by his first wife, Jane. In his will, bear-
ing date 1664, he mentions his brother Edmund and John
Rnddocke. He was petitioner for the Marlboro Plantation,
and moved there at its settlement. In 1661, '62 and '64, he
was one of its selectmen. At least two of his children were
born in Sudbury, Thomas, and Mary, who was born Aug. 25,
1640. The house of his son Samuel, who was born in 1646,
was one of the Marlboro garrison houses. Mary was hilled
and scalped by the Indians in 1707.
John Freeman. We have received but few facts relating
to this early grantee of Sudbury. His wife's name was Eliza-
beth, and he had one child, Joseph, who was born March 29,
1645, and who was a freeman in 1678.
Solomon Johnson became a freeman in 1651. He was
twice married, his first wife, Hannah, dying in 1651. By
this marriage he had three children, Joseph or Joshua and
Nathaniel, who were twins (born Feb. 3, 1640), and Mary
(born Jan. 23, 1644). He married for his second wife
Elinor Crafts, by whom he had four children, Caleb, who
died young, Samuel (born March 5, 1654), Hannah (born
April 27, 1656), and Caleb, again (born Oct. 1, 1658).
He assisted in the formation of the Marlboro Plantatation,
and was assigned a house-lot of twenty-three acres there.
He was selectman from 1651 to 1666. His son Caleb
purchased, with Thomas Brown and Thomas Drury, the
Glover farm near Cochituate Pond, of John Appleton, Jr.
Upon this land Caleb erected a house near Dudley Pond,
Wayland, and died there in 1777. In the inventory of his
real estate one piece of land was " Beaver-hole meadow."
William Ward came to this country about the time of
the settlement of Sudbury, bringing with him, it is supposed,
five children, John (born 1626), Joanna (born 1628), Oba-
diah (born 1632), Richard (born 1635), and Deborah (born
1637). He became a freeman in 1643. By his second wife,
38 HISTORY OF SUDIJUllY.
Elizabeth, he had eight children born in America, Hannah
(born 1639), William (born Jan. 22, 1640), Samuel (born
Sept. 24, 1641), Elizabeth (born April 14, 1643), Increase
(born Feb. 22 1645), Hopestill (born Feb. 24, 1646), Elea-
zer (born 1649), and Bethia (born 1658). In 1643 Mr.
Ward represented the town as deputy to the General Court.
He was prominent in helping to establish a plantation at
Marlboro, and moved there in 1660. He was made deacon
of the church at its organization, and was sent as representa-
tive of the town in 1666. He died there Aug. 10, 1687,
leaving a will made April 6, 1686. His wife died Dec. 9,
1700, at the age of eighty-six.
Richard Newton came from England, and was a freeman
of the colony in 1645. He was a petitioner for the Marlboro
Plantation, and settled in that part of the place now South-
boro. It is supposed he was twice married, and that Han-
nah, his last wife, died Dec. 5, 1697. He died Aug. 24,
1701, at the age of about one hundred years. He had six
children, the first of whom, John, was born in 1641. The
second son was Moses, who, when the Indians attacked
Marlboro, in 1676, causing the inhabitants who were at
church to suddenly disperse, nobly remained to assist in
the escape of an aged woman. He received a ball in
his arm, but succeeded in removing the woman to a place
of safety.
John How (or Howe) was a son of John How, whom it
is supposed came from Warwickshire, Eng., and was de-
scended from John How, the son of John of Hodinhull, who
was connected with the family of Sir Charles How of Lan-
caster, Eng. John How was admitted a freeman in 1641,
and two years later was one of the town's selectmen. In
1655 he was appointed to see that the youth were well
behaved on the Sabbath. He was said to be the first white
settler on the new grant land. He was petitioner for the
Marlboro Plantation in 1657, and moved to that place about
the same year. He was located east of the Indian "planting
field," and was the first tavern-keeper in Marlboro, having
kept a public house there as early, at least, as 1670. At this
ordinary his grandson, who afterwards kept the Sudbury
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 39
" Red Horse Tavern," may have been favorably struck with
the occupation of an innholder, and thus led to establish the
business at Sudbury. Mr. How was a man of kindly feeling
and uprightness of character, and both Sudbury and Marl-
boro were favored with the presence of successive genera-
tions of the family. John How died at Marlboro in 1687, at
which place and about which time his wife also died. (See
chapter on Wayside Inn.)
George Munnings (or Mullings), aged thirty-seven,
came from Ipswich, County of Suffolk, Eng., in the ship
" Elizabeth," in 1634. He was accompanied by his wife,
Elizabeth, aged forty- one, and two children, Elizabeth and
Abigail, aged respectively twelve and seven, and perhaps a
daughter Rebecca. He was for a time at Watertown, and
became a freeman March 4, 1635. He was an active man,
and prominent in public affairs, both of church and state.
He was in the Pequot war, and lost an eye in the service.
In 1845 lie resided at Boston, at which place he died Aug.
24, 1658. By a will, made the day before his death, he gave
his estate to his wife.
Anthony Whyte (or White), aged twenty-seven, came
from Ipswich, County of Suffolk, Eng., in 1634. He came
to this country in the " Francis," went to Watertown, and
subsequently engaged in the enterprise of a settlement at
Sudbury. Afterwards he returned to Watertown. He mar-
ried Grace Hall, Sept. 8, 1645, and had three children, all
born in Watertown, Abigail, John and Mary. He died
March 8, 1686, leaving a will, of which Rebecca, widow of
his son John, was named executrix.
Andrew Belcher married Elizabeth, daughter of Nicho-
las Danforth of Cambridge, Oct. 1, 1639. His occupation at
one time was that of taverner. He had six children, Eliza-
beth (born Aug. IT, 1640), Jemina (born April 5, 1642),
Martha (born July 26, 1644), Mary (born ), Andrew
(born Jan. 1, 1647), and Ann (born Jan. 1, 1649). He
died June 26, 1680, leaving a widow.
John Goodnowe was a brother of Edmund, and came
with him in the ship " Confidence," at the age of forty-two.
He was a freeman June 2, 1641, and a selectman of Sudbury
40 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
in 1644. His daughters L}dia and Jane came with him.
He died March 28, 1554.
John Reddocke (Ruddocke or Reddick) became a free-
man of the colony in 1640. He was actively engaged in
forming the plantation at Marlboro, and in the assignment
of house-lots he received fifty acres of land. His home-
stead was northwesterly of the Marlboro meeting-house. He
was three times married, his second wife, Jane, being sister
of Rev. Mr. Brimsmead, pastor of the Marlboro church. He
built one of the first frame houses in Marlboro, was one of
its first selectmen, first town clerk, and deacon of the church.
Thomas White was a freeman May 13, 1640. He was a
selectman in 1642, and shared in the first three divisions of
land.
John Knight came from Watertown, where he lived in
1636. He was a freeman in 1642, and was by trade a
maulster.
William Parker came from Watertown. He became a
freeman June 2, 1641. The name of his wife was Elizabeth,
and he had two children, Ephraim (who died in 1640, aged
five months) and Ruhamah (born Sept. 19, 1641). He had
land assigned him in the first and second division of meadow
lands, which amounted to five and one -half acres. The
house-lot assigned him was on Bridle Point Road, adjacent
to Peter Noyes. None of the Parker family bearing the
name now live in Sudbury.
John Parmenter, Sr., (Parmeter or Permenter) came
from England to Watertown, and from there to Sudbury,
and was made a freeman May 13, 1640. He was accom-
panied to America by his wife Bridget and his son John,
who became a freeman May, 1642. Other children may have
come from England with them. His wife died April 6, 1660,
after which he removed to Roxbury, Mass., where he mar-
ried Aug. 9, 1660, Annie Dane, widow of John Dane. He
died May 1, 1671, aged eighty-three. Mr. Parmenter was
one of the early selectmen, and second deacon of the
church, to which office he was chosen in 1658. Sept. 4,
1639, he was appointed one of the commission to lay out
the land.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 41
Edmund Rice was born in 1594, and came to this country
from Barkhamstead, Hertfordshire, Eng. He was twice mar-
ried. His first wife, Tamazine, died at Sudbury, where she
was buried June 18, 1654. His second wife, whom he mar-
ried March 1, 1655, was Mercie (Hurd) Brigham, widow of
Thomas Brigham of Cambridge. He had twelve children,
nine of whom were born in England, and the others in Sud-
bury: Henry (born 1616), Edward (born 1618), Edmund,
Thomas, Mary, Lydia (born 1627), Matthew (born 1629),
Daniel (born 1632), Samuel (born 1634), Joseph (born
1637), Benjamin (born 1640), Ruth (born 1659), and
Ann (born 1661). Mr. Rice died May 3, 1663, at Marl-
boro, aged about sixty-nine, and was buried in Sudbury.
His widow married William Hunt of Marlboro. .Mr. Rice
was a prominent man in the settlement. He early owned
lands in and out of the town, some of which came by
grant of the General Court. His first dwelling-place
at Sudbury was on the old north street. Sept. 1, 1642,
he sold this place to John Moore, and Sept. 13 of the
same year leased, for six years, the Dunster Farm, which
lay just east of Cochituate Pond. He bought of the widow
Mary Axdell six acres of land and her dwelling-house,
which were in the south part of the town, and some years
afterwards he bought of Philemon Whale his house and nine
acres of land near " the spring" and adjacent to the Axdell
place ; and these taken together, in part at least, formed the
old Rice homestead, not far from the " Five Paths " (Way-
land). This old homestead remained in the Rice family for
generations. Edmund sold it to Edmund, his son, who
passed it to his sons John and Edmund, and afterwards John
transferred his share of it to his brother Edmund, by whom
it passed to others of the family, who occupied it till within
the last half century. On Sept. 26, 1647, Mr. Rice leased
the " Glover Farm " for ten years, and April 8, 1657, he pur-
chased the '" Jennison Farm," which comprised two hundred
acres, situated by the town's southerly boundary, and be-
tween the " Dunster Farm " and what is now Weston ; and
June 24, 1659, the " Dunster Farm " was purchased by Mr.
Rice and his son. Mr. Rice was one of the substantial men
42 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
of the Sudbury plantation. He was a freeman May 13, 1640,
and was one of the committee appointed by the Colonial
Court, Sept. 4, 1639, to apportion land to the inhabitants.
He served as selectman from 1639 to 1644, and was deputy
to the General Court several successive years. He was promi-
nent in the settlement of Marlboro, for which he was a peti-
tioner in 1656. The Rice family in Sudbury have been
numerous, and the name has been frequently mentioned on
the town books.
Henry Rice was the son of Edmund (see sketch of
Edmund Rice), and was born in England, 1616. He was
assigned a house-lot on the south street of the settlement,
adjacent to that of John Maynard on the east, and his father,
Edmund, on the west.
Widow Buffumthyte (or BufTumthrope). We have
received no facts concerning this early grantee, except that
she received early allotments of land.
Henry Curtis (or Curtice) had his homestead on the
north street of the settlement, probably about where, until
within nearly a half century, an old house called the Curtis
House stood. His descendants have been conspicuous, not
only in town history, but also in that of the county and
colony. Ephraim, his son, was a famous Indian scout. (See
chapter on Philip's War.) Major Curtis, whose grave is in
the west part of the " Old Burying-ground," Wayland, was
a distinguished citizen. (See chapter on Cemeteries.)
John Stone came to Sudbury from Cambridge, and was
son of Dea. Gregory Stone of that place. He was born in
England, and accompanied his father to America. He mar-
ried Ann, daughter of Elder Edward Howe of Watertown,
and had ten children, most of whom were born in Sudbury.
He was at one time an elder in the church, and in 1655 was
town clerk. He was an early settler on land now in Framing-
ham, and at one time owned the land that is now included in
Saxonville. It is supposed when the Indian war began he
removed to Cambridge. He was representative of that town
in 1682-83. He died May 5, 1683, aged sixty-four.
John Parmenter, Jr., was also an early proprietor, and
kept a tavern or ordinary, at which the committee of the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
43
Colonial Court and Ecclesiastical Council for the settlement
of difficulties in Sudbury, in 1655, were entertained. The
old ordinary was situated on the south street of the settle-
ment (Wayland), on the house-lot assigned at the general
allotment of 1639. And until near the beginning of the
present century the "Old Parmenter Tavern" was continued
at the same spot, a little westerly of the house occupied by
the late Dana Parmenter. John Parmenter, Jr., had six
children, among whom was one named John. His wife, Amy,
died 1681. The Parmenter family has been numerous in
Sudbury; they have lived in various parts of the town, and
been a people of industry and thrift.
RUTTER.
Armes. — Gules, three Garbs and Chief, a Lion Passant Argent,
or Mullet for difference.
Nicholas Rutter descended from Kinsley Hall in Com. Chester, who
came first and lived at Hilcot in Com. Glouc.
John Rutter came to America in the ship "Confidence,"
in 1638, at the age of twenty-two. He married Elizabeth
Plympton, who came to this country in the ship "Jonathan,"
in 1639, having as fellow-passengers Peter Noyes, who was
44 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
on his second voyage to America, and also ihe mother and
sister of John Bent, both of whom were named Agnes.
(See sketch of John Bent.) John Rutter had a house-lot
assigned him on the north street, a little westerly of Clay-pit
Hill. He was by trade a carpenter, and engaged with the
town to build the first meeting-house. (See chapter on First
Meeting-house.) He had three children, Elizabeth, John
and Joseph. About the time of the settlement several acres
of land were given him by the town, in acknowledgment
of some public service. He was selectman in 1675. His
descendants for many years lived on the south street, Way-
land ; and the old homestead of Joseph Rutter, which name
has been in the family almost from the very first, still stands,
being occupied at present by Mr. James A. Draper. At this
spot Gen. Micah Maynard Rutter, son of Joseph, was born
in 1779. Gen. Rutter was a prominent man in Middlesex
County. For years he held the position of sheriff, and re-
ceived the commission of General from Gov. Lincoln. He
was energetic and public spirited, and interested in all that
pertained to the well being of the community. He died in
1837. Another descendant was Dr. Joseph Rutter Draper.
He was a graduate of Williams College, principal of the high
schools in Saxonville and Milford, surgeon in the Union
army in the Civil War, and a practising physician in South
Boston, where he died in 1885. His mother's name was
Eunice, daughter of the last Joseph Rutter. Until her mar-
riage with Mr. Ira Draper she lived at the old homestead.
Dr. Draper well represented the John Rutter family, which
as a race was noted for purity and uprightness of character.
He was buried in the Old Burying -ground, in Wayland,
where generation after generation of this ancient family
were laid. Another grandchild of Joseph Rutter is Mrs. A.
S. Hudson (L. R. Draper), formerly principal of Wadsworth
Academy, South Sudbury, and of the high schools of Lin-
coln, Wayland, and Marlboro. The accompanying fac simile
of the Coat of Arms was that of Nicholas Rutter, from whom
John Rutter is supposed to have descended.
John Toll. We have received but little information
relative to this early grantee. His wife was named Cath-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 45
erine, and they had three children, John (born Nov. 20,
1641, died Jan. 31, 1643), Mary (born Dec. 31, 1643), and
John who died Jan. 8, 1657. As the male issue all died, the
family name was not continued in Sudbury. There is still a
place by the river meadows, between the old causeway and
Sherman's Bridge, called ''Toll's Island."
John Wood (or Woods) was one of the petitioners for
the township of Marlboro, and a prominent man of that
place, being one of its selectmen in 1663-5, and one of the
early members of the church. He had several children; and
his wife, who it is supposed was Mary Parmenter, died Aug.
17, 1690, aged eighty years.
John Loker was assigned a house-lot just west of the
meeting-house, where he lived in a house with his mother
as late as 1678. The town purchased of him at that date,
for a parsonage, the east end of his house, together with an
orchard and four acres of land, and the reversion due to him
of the western end of the house, which his mother then occu-
pied. (See period 1675-1700.) It is said that before 1652
he married Mary Draper. Families by the name of Loker
have lived within the ancient limits of Sudbury since the
days of its settlement, dwelling for the most part in the
territory now Wayland, and more especially in the southerly
portion. Isaac Loker was captain of a troop of Sudbury
men on the memorable 19th of April, members of his com-
pany coming from both sides of the river. (See Revolution-
ary Period.)
Henry Loker was perhaps brother of John.
Widow Wright (or Mrs. Dorothy Wright) early had
land at Sudbury. She was assigned a house-lot on the south
street, east of the meeting-house, between that of John Toll
and John Bent. She married John Blandford, whose wife
Mary died December, 1641. She was perhaps the mother of
Edward Wright.
John Bent came to America from Penton, Eng., in the
ship " Confidence," in 1638, at the age of thirty-five. He
was by occupation a husbandman. He was accompanied by
his wife Martha, and by five children, all of whom were
under twelve years of age, whose names are as follows : Rob-
46 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
ert, William, Peter, John, Ann (or Agnes) who married
Edward Rice, Joseph, and Martha who married Samuel How
in 1668. The same year of his arrival in this country he
returned to England for others of his family, and came back
in the ship "Jonathan" the next year. His sister Agnes
Blanchard and her infant child died on the vo}Tage ; and
his mother Agnes also died on the voyage or soon after the
ship reached our shores. He was a freeman May 13, 164U.
He was one of the proprietors of the Marlboro Plantation,
but died Sept. 27, 1672, at Sudbury. His wife died May 15,
1679. His son Joseph was born at Sudbury, May 16, 1641.
The Bent family has from the first been quite numerous in
Sudbury. Some of them have long been residents of Cochit-
uate, formerly a part of the town. John, Jr., purchased
land of Hemy Rice near Cochituate Brook, where he built
a house ; and it is said that he was the fourth person to erect
a dwelling in the territory of Framingham. The Bents have
lived on both sides of the river, and the name is still familiar
within the present limits of the town.
Nathaniel Treadway (Tredway or Treadaway) was a
weaver by trade. He married Suffrance, daughter of Elder
Edward How, and was brother-in-law of John Stone, eldest
son of Dea. Gregory Stone of Cambridge. He had seven
children, three of whom were born in Sudbury : Jonathan
(born Nov. 11, 1640), Mary (born Aug. 1, 1642), and per-
haps James (born about 1644). On the death of his father-
in:law he removed to Watertown. There he was appointed
selectman. He inherited property from Dea. Stone's estate.
His wife died July 22, 1682.
Robert Hunt came from Charlestown, where he was in
1638, and shared in the meadow divisions of Sudbury.
The Widow Hunt, one of the original proprietors, might
have been the mother or the sister-in-law of Robert. She
had a house-lot assigned on the south street, between those
of John Wood and John Goodnow; but it is supposed she
sold this, and took one at "Pine Plain." (See map of house-
Lots.) The name of Hunt has long been familiar in Sudbury,
but more or less of this name probably descended from the
Concord Hunts. The first of the name in Concord was
"A^At —
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 47
William, who was there as early as 1640, became a freeman in
1641, and died in Marlboro, October, 1667, leaving an estate
of £596, and the children Nehemiah, Isaac, William, Eliza-
beth, Hannah and Samuel. William Hunt was born in 1605,
and married Elizabeth Best, who died in 1661. He after-
wards married, while at Marlboro, Mercie [Hurd] Rice,
widow of Edmund Rice, in 1664. The descendants of
William Hunt have, for more than fifty consecutive years,
kept a store at South Sudbury. One of the descendants was
Mr. Sewall Hunt, who died in 1888, at which time he was
the oldest inhabitant of the town, and the last of a family of
ten children. " Mr. Hunt was for more than fifty years a
member of the Congregational Church of Sudbury. In polit-
ical matters he was always in advance of the times, being an
' Abolitionist ' when to be such required strong convictions
and great moral courage. He was the first, and for two
years the only, voter in Sudbury of the old ' Liberty party,1
and for two years a candidate of the ' Free Soilers ' for rep-
resentative to the General Court." His farm was called
the " Hunt place," situated a short distance from " Hunt's
bridge," which crosses Lowance Brook not far from the
southerly limit of the town. He had five children, Sereno
D., J.onas S., Samuel M., Edwin and Clara J. The eldest,
Sereno D., has been principal of the high schools at Con-
cord, Brockton and Milton. Edwin, a graduate of Amherst
College, was assistant principal of the high school in Utica,
N. Y. Jonas S., the second son, has for many years occu-
pied official positions in Sudbury, having been representative
to the General Court in 1876, one of its selectmen and asses-
sors for successive years, and its postmaster and town clerk
for more than a quarter of a century, which positions he still
holds. Clara, the only daughter, married Rev. John White-
hill, a Congregational clergyman. Samuel for a time lived
on the old homestead, and died some years since.
John Maynard was a freeman in 1644. It is supposed
he was married when he came to this country, and that he
brought with him his son John, who was then about eight
years old. Perhaps there were other children. He married
for his second wife Mary Axdell, in 1646. He had by this
48 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
marriage Zachery (born June 7, 1647), Elizabeth, Lydia,
Hannah, and Mary who married Daniel Hudson. Mr. May-
nard was one of the petitioners for Marlboro, and died at Sud-
bury, Dec. 10, 1672. The Maynard family has been promi-
nent in the town, and honorably connected with its annals.
Nathaniel Maynard was captain of a company in the Rev-
olutionary War.
Joseph Tainter (or Tayntor) was born in England in
1613. He sailed for America in 1638. He was at Sudbury
for a short time, where he married Mary Guy (or Gray)
about 1640, and where for a time he was a selectman. He
died in 1690, aged eighty-six ; and his wife in 1705, also
aged eighty-six. He had nine children, four of whom were
sons.
Robert Fordum (or Fordham) was from Southampton,
L. I., and may have come to this country about 1640. He
was for a short time at Cambridge. His wife's name was
Elizabeth, and he had two children. He died September,
1674.
Thomas Joslin (Joslyn or Jslyn) came from London, in
1635, on the ship " Increase." He was aged forty-three, and
by occupation a husbandman. His wife's name was Rebecca,
and her age was forty-three. He had five children, Rebecca,
Dorothy, Nathaniel, Elizabeth and Mary. He was for a time
at Hingham, and in 1654 at Lancaster.
Richard Sanger came to America in the " Confidence."
He was by occupation a blacksmith. In 1649 he went to
Watertown. He married Mary, daughter of Robert Rey-
nold of Boston. He was twice married, and had several
children.
Richard Bildcome came in the " Confidence," in 1638.
He was sixteen years of age, and, according to the ship's
passenger-list, came in the employ of Walter Haynes.
Robert Davis (or Davies) came to America in the ship
" Confidence," with Margaret Davis, who was perhaps his
sister. His wife's name was Bridget. He had two daugh-
ters, Sarah (born April 10, 1646) and Rebecca.
Henry Prentice came from Cambridge. He was a free-
man in 1650, and died June 9, 1654. His wife Elizabeth
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 49
died May 13, 1643 ; and by his second wife, Joanna, he had
six children.
William Kerley (Carsley or Carlsly) came in the ship
" Confidence," in 1638, and was a freeman in 1666. He
was a man of some prominence in the colon}r, having land
assigned him at Pedock's Island, Nantasket, in 1642. He
was a proprietor of Marlboro in 1657, and a selectman for
years. At one time, also, he was sent as representative. In
1667 he was appointed by the General Court to lay out land
between Concord, Lancaster, and Groton. His wife's name,
as mentioned in his will, was Anna, daughter of Thomas
King. He had three children, Mary, Sarah and Hannah.
By his will he gave his brother Henry " his sword, belt and
other arms; and also his military books."
Thomas Flyn. This name is found among the earl}' pro-
prietors, on the town books, but we conjecture it may have
been written by mistake for Thomas Joslyn, or Jslyn.
Thomas Axtell (or Axdell) came to this country about
1642. He was born at Burkhamstead, Eng., in 1619. A
brother was Col. Daniel Axtell, a soldier and officer under
Oliver Cromwell. He commanded the guard at the trial of
Charles I. ; for which he was put to death as a regicide,
when Charles II. was restored. Thomas Axtell settled in
Sudbury, and died there in 1646, at the age of twenty-seven.
His son had land in Marlboro in 1660, married in 1665, and
had several children. He was killed by the Indians, April
21, 1676. His descendants were early settlers of Grafton.
Thomas Read (or Reed) was in Sudbury as early as 1654.
He was the son of Thomas Reed of Colchester, Essex Co.,
Eng., a carpenter; a memorandum of whose will, dated
July, 1665, and probated 1666, was published in the "New
England Historical and Genealogical Register," Vol. XXL,
p. 369, August, 1867, by Mr. William S. Appleton of Boston,
who copied it in London. By the will of Rev. Edmund
Brown, and depositions taken in court, Thomas Read was his
nephew; the term cousin being used for nephew (Waters).
In the will of Thomas Read of Colchester, his son Thomas in
America is mentioned ; also there is mention of his son-in-
law, Daniel Bacon, who married his daughter Mary, who
50 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
were also living in America. Other relations are also men-
tioned, but not as being in this country. Thomas Read set-
tled at Sudbury, in the Lanham district, on land which he
purchased of his uncle, Rev. Edmund Brown, while he (Mr.
Read) was in England. This locality was probably called Lan-
ham by Rev. Edmund Brown, from a little place in England
spelled Lavenham, but pronounced Lannam, near Sudbury,
or between Sudbury and Bury St. Edmunds, about which
locality Mr. Brown and Mr. Read are supposed to have
come from, and from which place Mary Goodrich, the wife
of Thomas Read, the son of Thomas Read of Lanham, came.
Thomas Read, the older in this country, married for his first
wife Catherine, and for his second wife Arrabella. He had
one son, whose name was Thomas; and in the two following
generations there were but two children, both sons, and both
also named Thomas, the last being born in 1678. Thomas
of this latter date had five children, Nathaniel (born 1762),
Thomas (born ), Isaac (born 1704), Daniel (born
1714), and Joseph (born 1722). Nathaniel settled in War-
ren ; Thomas and Daniel settled in Rutland, Mass.; Isaac
and Joseph remained in Sudbury. Joseph had one son
named Joseph (born 1773), who married Olive Mossman of
Sudbury, who died there March 9, 1877, at the age of ninety-
seven, being at the time of her death the oldest person in
town. By the death of Joseph Read the last of the descend-
ants bearing the family name ceased to be residents of Sud-
bury ; but descendants bearing other names have long lived
there, among whom were his daughters Sybel, wife of J. P.
Allen ; Almira, wife of George Heard ; Sarah, wife of D. L.
Willis ; and Maria, wife of Martin N. Hudson. Mr. Joseph
Read and wife are buried in Wadsworth Cemetery, in the
family lot of A. S. Hudson, a grandson. Thomas Read was
a prominent citizen of Sudbury. He was early appointed
one of the tything-men, and in 1677 he was one of the per-
sons to whom the town gave leave to build a saw-mill upon
Hop Brook. (See period 1675-1700.) His place at Lan-
ham was for many years in the family, and his descendants
have been widely scattered and useful citizens. (See chapter
on Lanham District.) Says the historian of Rutland of the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 51
descendants of the Sudbury Reads, who settled there: "This
family of Reads have been useful and industrious inhabitants
of Rutland for one hundred and twenty years." Asahel
Read was one of the two Sudbury soldiers who were killed
at the battle of Concord and Lexington. (See Revolution-
ary Period.) For the space of about two centuries the name
of Read is connected with the annals of Sudbury. One of
the descendants of Nathaniel Read who settled at Warren
is Alanson Read, Jr., a well-known citizen of Chicago, and
one of the proprietors of Read's "Temple of Music." He
has been lately engaged in preparing a history of the Read
family.
John Moore was at Sudbury by 1643, and may have
come to America from London in the *' Planter," in 1635, at
the age of twenty -four, or he may have arrived in 1638. He
was twice married, his first wife's name being Elizabeth, and
he had several children. His second wife was Ann, daugh-
ter of John Smith. His daughter Mary married Richard
Ward, and Lydia (born June 24, 1643) married, in 1664,
Samuel Wright. In 1642 he bought the house-lot of
Edmund Rice. In 1645 he bought of John Stone "his
house-lot, with all other land belonging to the said John
Stone that shall hereafter be due to the said John Stone by
virtue of his first right in the beginning of the plantation of
Sudbury; and also all the fences that is now standing about
any part of the said land, and also all the board and shelves
that are now about the house, whether fast or loose, and now
belonging to the said house." (Town Records, Vol.1 ., p. 54.)
The Moore family have long been numerous in Sudbury,
members of it living on both sides of the river, and at times
taking prominent part in the affairs of the town, Ephraim
Moore, who lived in the west part, was major of the Second
Battalion of Rifles, M. V. M.
Thomas Bisbig Besbedge (or Bessbeck) came to America
in the ship " Hercules, in 1635, with six children and three
servants. He embarked at Sandwich, County of Kent. He
went to Sudbury, joined the church there, and afterwards
went to Duxbury. He subsequently came back to Sudbury,
where he died March 9, 1674. He left a will, which was
52 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
dated Nov. 25, 1672, and probated April 1, 1674. In this
will he directed that his body be buried "at the east end of
the church ; " and he gives to his grandson, Thomas Brown,
the eldest son of his daughter Mary, wife of William Brown,
all the houses and lands in the parishes of Hedcorn and Frit-
tenden, County of Kent, Eng. ; and he mentions his great-
grandchildren, Mary, Patience and Thankful, daughters of
the said Thomas Brown, also other children of this daughter
Mary, of whom there were seven.
Thomas Plympton (or Plimpton) was at Sudbury by
1643. He may have come to America in the ship " Jona-
than," which sailed from London, for Boston, April 12, 1639,
bringing among its passengers Elizabeth Pbympton and Peter
Noyes. Sometime before 1649 he was in the employ of Mr.
Noyes, as is shown by the following record: "Peter Noyes,
Sr., did give unto Thomas Plympton, once his servant, the
sum of six acres of meadow, of his third addition of meadow
lying on the meadow called Gulf Meadow, with the com-
monage unto the same belonging. Sept. 26, 1649." (Town
Records, p. 89.) He married Abigail, daughter of Peter
Noyes, and had seven children, Abigail, Jane, Mary, Eliza-
beth, Thomas, Dorothy and Peter. Thomas Plympton and
Elizabeth, who married John Rutter, were probably brother
and sister, as both were legatees of Agnes Bent, a grand-
mother of Elizabeth. He was killed by the Indians, April
20, 1676, the day before the Wadsworth fight, while he was
engaged, tradition says, in endeavoring to bring a Mr. Boone
and son to a garrison house. The Plympton family has been
numerous, and members of it have been prominent in the an-
nals of Sudbury. Thomas Plympton was -a tower of strength
to the town in the Revolutionary War, being a member of the
Provincial Congress, and the one to whom the news of the ap-
proach of the British to Concord was first brought. He was
at Concord the 19th of April, and had a bullet put through
his clothing. (See Revolutionary period.) The old Plymp-
ton house, a large unpainted structure, was about a mile
from Sudbury centre, and was demolished a few years since.
Hugh Drury was in Sudbury as early as 1641, and was
by trade a carpenter. He married Lydia, daughter of Edmund
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 53
Rice, for his first wife, who died April 5, 1675 ; and for his
second wife, Mary, the widow of Rev. Edward Fletcher.
He had two children, John and Hugh. After dwelling in
Sudbury for a time, where he bought a house and land of
William Swift, he removed to Boston, and died July 6, 1689,
and was buried in the Chapel Burying-ground with his wife,
Lydia.
Philemon Whale was in Sudbury in 1646. He was a
freeman May 10, 1688, and Nov. 7, 1649, married Sarah, the
daughter of Thomas Cakebread. His wife died Dec. 28,
1656 ; and Nov. 9, 1657, he married Elizabeth Griffin. He
owned land in various parts of the town, but his early home
is supposed to have been not far from the head of the mill-
pond (Wayland), perhaps by the present Concord road. He
afterwards built a house in the neighborhood of the " Rice
Spring." A culvert or bridge at the head of the mill-pond
is still called Whale's Bridge ; but the name, except as it is
thus perpetuated, is now seldom heard within the limits of
the town.
John Smith was at Sudbury in 1647. He may have been
John Smith, an early settler of Watertown, or a relative of
his. His wife's name was Sarah. He had assigned him lot
No. 29 in the second squadron of the two-mile grant. The
name Smith has been a common one in town. Capt. Joseph
Smith commanded a company from Sudbury on the 19th of
April, 1775. The Smiths have lived in various parts of the
town, and were early settlers of what is now Maynard, the
names of Amos and Thomas Smith being prominent among
the pioneers of that part of Sudbury territory. A descend-
ant of the Smiths on the east side of the river is Mr. Elbridoe
Smith, formerly principal of the Norwich Free Academy and
present master of the Dorchester High School.
Thomas Buckmaster (or Buckminster) it is supposed
was of the family of John of Peterborough, Northampton-
shire, Eng. He was a freeman in 1646, and was at one time
at Scituate and afterwards at Boston. His wife's name was
Joanna, and he had several children. He died Sept. 28,
1656. Descendants of the family early went to Framing-
ham, and have been numerous and prominent. One was
54 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Col. Joseph, an officer in the French and Indian War period.
Another was Major Lawson, who was in the Revolutionary
War. A third, and one well known, was Thomas, a tavern-
keeper, deacon and selectman ; and another was William,
who was publisher and editor of " The Boston Cultivator "
in 1839-41, and who established "The Massachusetts Plough-
man."
John Grout came from Watertown to Sudbury about
1643, and about the same time came into possession of the
Cakebread mill, and was allowed by the town " to pen water
for the use of the mill " on land adjacent to the stream above.
The name of his first wife was Mary, and for his second wife
he married the widow of Thomas Cakebread. He had ten
children, two of them by his first marriage, John (born Aug.
8, 1641) and Mary (born Dec. 11, 1643). His children by
his second marriage were John, Sarah (who married John
Loker, Jr.), Joseph, Abigail (who married, in 1678, Joseph
Curtis), Jonathan, Elizabeth (who married Samuel Allen),
Mary (who married Thomas Knapp), and Susanna (who
married John Woodward).
Thomas Cakebread was from Watertown, and became a
freeman May 14, 1634. In 1637 he married Sarah, daughter
of Nicholas Busby. He was for a while at Dedham, and
subsequently at Sudbury, where he died Jan. 4, 1643. He
erected the first mill at Sudbury, for which the town granted
him lands. (See chapter on First Church, Meeting-house,
Mill, etc.) The Colony Records state that, in 1642, "Ensign
Cakebread was to lead the Sudbury company." His widow
married Capt. John Grout, and his daughter Mary married
Philemon Whale, at Sudbury, Nov. 1, 1649.
John Rediat lived at Sudbury for a time. He became an
original proprietor at Marlboro, and at the assignment of
house-lots he received twenty-two and one-half acres. He
had one child born in Sudbury, in 1652. He died April 7,
1687.
John Waterman came to this country in the ship "Jona-
than," and landed at Boston, 1639. His passage was paid
by Mr. Peter Noyes, and hence it is supposed he was in his
employ. No descendants of this name live in Sudbury, and
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 55
we have found nothing to designate the former dwelling-
place of this early inhabitant.
Goodman Witherell early received land in the town.
His name is mentioned in the list of those who received land
in one of the divisions of meadow.
John George. We have found no facts relative to the
genealogy of this early grantee, and the name is not familiar
in Sudbury. He was in the town as early as 1644.
Thomas King was at Sudbury near 1650. In 1655 he
married Bridget Davis. He owned land in the fourth squad-
ron of the two-mile grant, his lot being No. 50, and adjoining
the cow-pen in the southwest part of Sudbury. (See chapter
on periods 1650-75.) He was one of the petitioners for the
plantation of Marlboro, in 1656, and was on the first board
of selectmen of that town.
Peter King was at Sudbury not far from 1650. He was
a man of some prominence in the town, being a deacon of
the church, and a representative to the Colonial Court in
1689-90. He was one of the contracting parlies for the
erection of the second meeting-house. Peter King's home-
stead was probably not far from the town bridge, on the east
side of the river, a place on the river not far from this point
being still called "King's Pond." The name King was often
spoken in earlier times in the town ; but perhaps not in the
memory of any now living have any descendants of these
early inhabitants, of this name, lived there.
James Pendleton was a son of Brian, and came from
Watertown. His wife, whose name was Mary, died Nov. 7,
1655, and he married for a second wife Hannah, daughter of
Edmund Goodnow, at Sudbury, April 29, 1656. By his
first marriage he had one son, James (born Nov. 1, 1650),
and by his second marriage he had Brian, Joseph, Edmund,
Ann, Caleb and James. He was one of the founders of the
first church at Portsmouth, in 1671. He lived at Stoning-
ton in 1674-8, and at Westerly in 1586-1700. He acquired
the title of captain, and served in Philip's war.
John Woodward, at the age of thirteen, came to this
country in the ship " Elizabeth," in 1634. He was accom-
panied by his father, and was for a time at Watertown. His
56 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
wife's name was Mary, and they had a son, horn March 20,
1650, who it is supposed died young. He went to Sudbury,
where his wife died July 8, 1654. He afterwards moved to
Charlestown, and there married Abigail, daughter of John
Benjamin, widow of Joshua Stubbs. He returned to Sud-
bury, and by his second marriage he had three children,
Rose (born Aug. 18, 1659), John (born Dec. 12, 1661), and
Abigail. He was a freeman 1690, and died at Watertown,
Feb. 17, 1696. John Woodward received in the division of
the two-mile grant lot No. 41, adjoining that of John Moore,
in the fourth squadron. The name appeared from time to
time in the earlier annals of Sudbury, but has for many years
ceased to be as familiar to the town's people as formerky.
Daniel Woodward, who died in 1760, built a mill on Hop or
Wash Brook in 1740, and about one hundred and fifty years
ago he also erected the house occupied by Capt. James Moore,
who is one of his descendants.
Shadrach (or Sydrach) Hapgood, at the age of fourteen,
embarked at Gravesend, Eng., for America, May 30, 1656, on
the ship " Speedwell," Robert Locke, master. He settled in
Sudbury, and married Elizabeth Treadway, Oct. 21, 1664.
He was killed in the Nipnet country, near Brookfield, in an
expedition against the Indians under the command of Capt.
Hutchinson. (See chapter on Philip's War.) He left three
or more children, one of whom, Thomas, was born in Sud-
bury, Oct. 1, 1669. He settled in the northeast part of
Marlboro, at which place he died Oct. 4, 1765, aged ninety-
five. He left nine children, ninety-two grandchildren, two
hundred and eight great-grandchildren, and four great-great-
grandchildren.
Edward Wright was perhaps a son of the Widow Doro-
thy Wright, and may have come to Sudbury with her. He
married Hannah Axtell (or Adell), June 18, 1659, who died
Ma}r 18, 1708. He had eight children, one of whom was
Capt. Samuel Wright, one of the prominent settlers of Rut-
land, and conspicuous in one of the Indian wars, having
charge of a company of rangers, and doing good service on
the frontier. Edward Wright died at Sudbury, Aug. 7, 1703.
CHAPTER IV.
Method of Acquiring Territory. — Character and Jurisdiction of the
Massachusetts Bay Colony. — Colonial Court. — Response to the
Petition for a Plantation at Sudbury. — Successive Land Grants. —
Purchase of Territory. — Indian Deeds. — Incorporation of the
Town. — Name. — Sketch of Sudbury, Eng. — Town Boundaries.
We have no title-deeds to house or lands;
Owners and occupants of earlier dates
From graves forgotten stretch their dusty hands,
And hold in mortmain still their old estates.
Longfellow.
Before considering the successive steps in the settlement
of the town, we will notice the methods by which the set-
tlers became possessed of the territory. There were two
parties with which contracts were to be made, namely, the
Colonial Court and the Indian owners of the land. To ignore
either would invalidate their claim. From the former it was
essential to obtain a permit to make a settlement, to sell out
and remove from Watertown, to secure the appointment of a
committee to measure and lay out the land ; and from the
Indians they were to purchase the territory.
In order to obtain a right knowledge of the matter before
us, it is important to consider, first, the authority and nature
of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay. King James of
England claimed by right of discovery all the continent of
North America. In the eighteenth year of his reign, he
transferred a portion of this to a company called " The
Colony of Plymouth in the County of Devon, for the plant-
ing, ruling, ordering and governing of New England in
America." " The territory conveyed was all that part of
America lying and being in breadth from forty degrees to
forty-eight V^rees of north latitude, and in length of and
67
58 HTSTORY OF SUDBURY.
within all the breadth aforesaid through the mainland from
sea to sea." And a condition upon which the conveyance
was made was, that " the grantees should yield and pay
therefor the fifth part of the ore of gold and silver which
should happen to be found in any of the said lands." From
this " Council of Plymouth in the County of Devon " a com-
pany, in 1628, purchased a tract of territory defined as being
" three miles north of any and every part of the Merrimac
River," and " three miles north of any and every part of
the Charles River," and extending westward to the Pacific
Ocean. Some of the chief men of this company were John
Humphry, John Endicott, Sir Henry Roswell, Sir George
Young, Thomas Southcoote, Simon Whitcomb, John Win-
thrope, Thomas Dudley and Sir Richard Saltonstall.
The proprietors received a charter from the King, March
14, 1629, and were incorporated by the name of " the Gov-
ernor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New Eng-
land." The government of this company was vested in a
governor, deputy governor and eighteen assistants, who were
to be elected annually by the stockholders of the corporation.
A general assembly of the freemen of the colony (see chap-
ter on Town-meetings) was to be held once in four years at
the least, for purposes of legislation. The king claimed no
jurisdiction, since he regarded the affair, not as the founding
of a nation or state, but as the incorporation of a trading
establishment. But, although the common rights of British
subjects were conferred upon these Massachusetts Bay colo-
nists, a broader and better basis was soon to be adopted.
In September, 1629, the members of the new company, at a
meeting in Cambridge, Eng., signed an agreement to trans-
fer the charter and government to the colonists. Upon this
desirable change, enterprising men set sail for- this country,
and soon that portion of it now Salem and Boston was
smiling with settlements that were founded by persons of
marked character and intelligence. In May, 1631, it was
decided, at an assembly of the people, that all the officers of
the government should thereafter be chosen by the freemen
of the colony; and in 1634 the government was changed to
a representative government, the second of the kind in
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 59
America. This government had its court, to which dele-
gates were sent by the people, called " The Great and Gen-
eral Court of the Massachusetts Colony."
By the authority of a Court thus established, land grants
were allowed the New England colonists. Some of these
grants were to companies who designed to establish towns,
and some to individuals, for considerations that the court saw
fit to recognize. In the former case, certain conditions were
imposed, namely, that the place sought should be settled
within a specified time, that a certain number of settlers
should go there, and that a church should be established and
the gospel ministr}r maintained. These land grants were
usually preceded by a petition, stating the object for which
the land tract was sought, and perhaps reasons why the
court should allow it. The territory of Sudbury was in
part granted to the people collectively who formed the plan-
tation and established the town, and in part to individuals.
The grants to the former were allowed at three different
times, and were preceded by three different petitions. The
first petition met with a response. Nov. 20, 1637, of which
the following is a copy : —
" Whereas a great part of the chief inhabitants of Water-
town have petitioned this Court, that in regard to their
straitness of accommodation, and want of meadow, they
might have leave to remove and settle a plantation upon
the river, which runs to Concord, this Court, having respect
to their necessity, doth grant their petition, and it is hereby
ordered, that Lieut. (Simon) Willard, Mr. (William) Spen-
cer, Mr. Joseph Weld and Mr. (Richard) Jackson shall take
view of the places upon said river, and shall set out a place
for them by marks and bounds sufficient for fifty or sixty
families, taking care that it be so set out as it may not hinder
the settling of some other plantation upon the same river, if
there be meadow, and other accommodations sufficient for
the same. And it is ordered, further, that if the said inhabi-
tants of Watertown, or any of them, shall not have removed
their dwellings to their said new plantation, before one year
after the plantation shall be sot out, that then the interest of
60 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
all such persons, not so removed to the said plantation, shall
be void and cease, and it shall be lawful for such as are
removed and settled there, or the greater part of them, being
freemen, to receive other persons to inhabit in their rooms,
in the said plantation ; provided, that if there shall not be
thirty families at least there settled before the said time lim-
ited, that then this Court, or the Court of Assistants, or two
of the Council, shall dispose of the said plantation to any-
other. And it is further ordered, that after the place of the
said plantation shall be set out, the said petitioners, or any
such other freemen as shall join them, shall have power to
order the situation of their town, and the proportioning of
lots, and all other liberties as other towns have under the
proviso aforesaid. And it is lastly ordered, that such of the
said inhabitants of Watertown, as shall be accommodated in
their new plantation, may sell their houses and improved
grounds in Watertown ; but all the rest of the land in Water-
town, not improved, shall remain freely to the inhabitants,
which shall remain behind, and such others as shall come to
them.
"And the said persons appointed to set out the said plan-
tation, are directed so to set out the same, as there may be
1500 acres of meadow allowed to it, if it be there to be had,
with any convenience, for the use of the town." (Colony
Records, Vol. I., p. 210.)
A further record of Court action, dated March 12, 1637-8,
is as follows : —
"The Court thinketh meet that they (of Watertown)
should have liberty to sell their allotments in Watertown,
and they are to give their full answer the next Court,
whether they will remove to the new plantation and John
Oliver put in the room of Richard Jackson, for to lay out
the said plantation, which they are to do before the next
Court."
The Court having granted the request for a plantation at
Sudbury, allowed the petitioners to go on with their work,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 61
and appointed a committee to establish the bounds and
make an allotment of land, as set forth by the following
record : —
"At Gennall Court held at Boston the 6th Day of the
7th Month, a 1638 [Sept. 6, 1638].
" The petitioners Mr Pendleton, Mr Noyse, Mr Brown, and
Compa, are allowed to go on in their plantation, & such as
are associated to them and Lift. Willard, Thomas Bro
[Brown] and Mr John Oliver are to set out the bounds of
the said plantation & they are alowed 4s a day, each of them
& Mr John Oliver 5 shs a day, to bee borne by the new plan-
tation. And the petitioners are to take care that in their
alotments of land they have respect as well to men's estates
& abilities to improve their lands, as to their number of per-
sons ; and if any difference fall out the Court or the couusell
shall order it." (Colony Records, Vol. I., p. 238.)
The land first appropriated was supposed to comprise a
tract about five miles square. It had for boundaries Concord
on the north, Watertown (now Weston) on the east, and on
the south a line running from a point a little east of Nobscot
Hill along the present Framingham and Sudbury boundary
direct to the Weston town bound, and on the west a line
two miles east of the present western boundary.
The second grant was of an additional mile. This was
allowed, to make up a deficiency in the first grant, which defi-
ciency was discovered on making a survey a few years after
the settlement began, and it was petitioned for May 13, 1640.
The petition was for a mile in length on the southeast and
southwest sides of the town ; and it was allowed on condition
that it would not prevent the formation of another plantation,
" or hinder Mrs. Glover's farm of six hundred acres formerly
granted." (Colony Records, Vol. I., p. 289.)
The third tract was granted in 1649. It contained an area
two miles wide, extending along the entire length of the west-
ern boundary. The Colony Record concerning this grant is :
"That Sudberry is granted two miles westward next adjoin-
ing to them for their furthr inlargement, provided it [preju-
62 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
dice] not Wm Browne in his 200 acres already granted." (Vol.
II., p. 273).
Besides these three grants, there were others made to indi-
viduals. One of these was to William Browne, of which the
record is as follows: "In answer to the petition of Wm Browne
ffor two hundred acrs dew for twenty five pounds putt into
the joynet stocke by Mrs Ann Harvey his Aunt, from whom
he made it appear to the Court he had sufficyent deputacon
to require it, his request was grannted ; viz., 200 acrs of land
to be layed out to him wthout the west lyne of Sudbury by
Capt. Simon Willard & Seargeant Wheeler." This land was
easterly of Nobscot Hill, and about the locality where the
Browns have since lived.
Another grant was the Glover Farm, situated on the town's
southerly border. This tract was largely in the territory of
Framingham. It consisted of six hundred acres, granted to
Elizabeth, the widow of Rev. Josse Glover. Mr. Glover,
rector of Sutton, Eng., in the June of 1638 made a contract
with Steven Day, a printer, to come over at his expense,
designing to set up a printing-press in Cambridge, the seat
of the university. Shortly afterward he embarked for this
country, but died on the passage, and was buried at sea.
Mr. Glover had aided the colonists in various ways, and by
his death they lost a valuable friend. This land tract may
have been given to his widow in recognition of service
received. It lay westerly and northerly of Cochituate Pond,
extending to the northeast corner of Dudley Pond, thence to
the Sudbury old town bound ; being bounded on the west by
the river, and on the south by Cochituate Brook.
Another grant was that of the "Dunster Farm," some-
times called the "Pond Farm." This was a tract of six
hundred acres, granted, in 1640, to Henry Dunster, first
president of Harvard College, who in 1641 married Mrs.
Elizabeth Glover. This farm was situated southeasterly of
the " Glover Farm," and had Cochituate Lake for its west-
ern boundary.
Beyond this farm easterly was a tract of two hundred
acres, extending towards the Weston town line, and called
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 63
the "Jennison Farm." This was granted, in 1638, to Capt.
William Jennison of Watertown, for service that he rendered
in the Pequot war. It was laid out in 1646.
Another grant was to Mr. Herbert Pelham, Sept. 4, 1639.
This land grant was situated in the present territory of
Way land, and was what is called " The Island." For many
years it was mostly owned and occupied by the Heards. Mr.
Pelham came to America in 1638, and for a time lived at
Cambridge. Savage states that he was a gentleman from
the county of Lincoln, and when in London, where he may
have been a lawyer, was a friend of the colony. Governor
Hutchinson says, " He was of that family which attained the
highest rank in the peerage, one hundred years ago, as Duke
of Newcastle." He was much engaged in public service,
and put into the common stock of the colony .£100. He
became a freeman in 1645, at which time he was chosen an
assistant. He was the first treasurer of Harvard College in
1743. In 1645 Herbert Pelham, Thomas Flynt, Lieutenant
Willard and Peter Noyes were appointed commissioners of
sewers " for bettering and improving of ye ground upon
ye river running by Concord and Sudbury " (Colony Rec-
ords, Vol. III., p. 13). He returned to England in 1649,
and resided at Buers Hamlet, County of Essex. He died
in England, and was buried at Bury St. Mary's, in Suffolk
County, July 1, 1673. By his will, dated Jan. 1, 1672, he
gave his lands in Sudbury to his son Edward. His daughter
Penelope married, in 1657, Gov. Josiah Winslow. "Pelham's
Island" was sold in 1711 by the Pelhams, who were then
in Newport, R. I., to Isaac Hunt and Samuel Stone, Jr., who
in November of that year sold a part of it to Jonathan and
George Read.
Land was also granted to Mr. Walgrave, who was father-
in-law of Herbert Pelham. The Records state concerning
both of these men that ''they are granted their lots at Sud-
bury absolutely wth condition of dwelling there only Mr.
Pelham p mised to build a house there, settle a family there
and to be there as much as he could in the summer time."
(Colony Records, Vol. I., p. 292).
64 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
The Colonial Court as a rule did not interfere with the
disposition of the lands granted. It held in reserve the
power to adjust any difficulties, and to see that the condi-
tions on which a township was allowed were kept.
As has been already observed, the Court was not the
only party with which the settlers had to deal if they would
obtain indisputable titles to their estates. While the Eng-
lish claimed the country by right of discovery, there were
those who held it by right of ancient hereditary posses-
sion, and the English were in justice called upon to recog-
nize this right, and purchase the territory of the native pro-
prietors.
This was done by the Sudbury settlers. The first tract
for the plantation was purchased in 1638 of Karte, the Indian
proprietor (see Chapter II.), and it has been supposed that
a deed was given ; but this is not essential as evidence of the
purchase, since in the deed given by Karte for land subse-
quently bought he acknowledged the sale of the first tract,
in the statement that it was sold to " George Munnings and
to the rest of the planters of Sudbury." In this first bar-
gain of real estate it is supposed that Mr. Munnings acted as
agent for the settlers, and that he, together with Brian Pen-
dleton, advanced the money for payment.
The second tract was also purchased of Karte, who gave a
deed, of which the following is a true copy : —
INDIAN DEED.
Bee it known vnto all men by these presents that I Cato otherwise
Goodman for & in consideration of fyve pounds wch I have received in
commodities & wompumpeage of Walter Hayne & Hugh Griffin of Sud-
bury in behalf of themselves & the rest of the planters of Sudbury; doe
this my write in give & grant bargain & sell vnto the said Walter Hayne
— (Haine) — & Hugh Griffin & the said planters of the town of Sudbury
so much land southward & so much land westward next adjoining to a
tract of land wfh I said Cato formerly souled vnto George Munnings &
the rest of the planters of Sudbury as may make the bounds of the said
town to be full fyve miles square wth all meadows, brooks, liberties privi-
ledges & appertenances thereto belonging wth all the said tract of land
granted. And I grant vnto them for me & mine heirs & brethren that I
& they shall & will at any tyme make any further assurance in writing
for the more p'fct assuring of the s'd land & all the premises wth the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 65
appertenances vnto the s'd Walter Haine & Hugh Griffin & the sd plant-
ers & their succssors forever as they shall require.
In witness whereof I herevnto put my hand & seal the twentieth day
of the fourth month one thousand six hundred forty eight.
Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of
Emmanuel Downing
Ephraim Child
Cutchamckin [mark] ) , . , c ~ .
,i J r brothers of Cato
Jojenny [mark] >
This deed was sealed & acknowledged by the sd Cato (who truly under-
stood the contents of it the day & year above written) Before mee.
John Winthrop, Governor.
Registry of Deeds
Suffolk Co. Mass.
The deed for the land last granted, or the two-mile tract
to the westward, is on record at the Middlesex Registry of
Deeds, Cambridge, of which the following is a true copy :
For as much as the Gen1 Court of the Massachusetts Colony in New
England hath formerly granted to the Towne of Sudbury in the County
of Middlesex in the same Colony, an addition of land of two miles west-
ward of their former grant of five miles, which is also layd out & joyneth
to it: and whereas the English occupiers, proprietors and possessors
thereof have chosen Capt. Edmond Goodenow, Leif Josiah Haynes,
John Goodenow, John Brigham & Joseph Freeman to be a comittee for
themselvs & for all the rest of the English proprietors thereof, giving
them their full power to treat with & to purchase the same of the Indian
proprietors of the sd tract of land & to satisfy & pay them for their
native, ancient & hereditary right title & intrest thereunto.
Know all People by these presents — That wee, Jehojakim, John
Magus, John Muskqua & his two daughters Esther & Rachel, Benjamen
Bohue, John Speen & Sarah his wife, James Speen, Dorothy Wennetoo, &
Humphry Bohue her son, Mary Neppamun, Abigail the daughter of Josiah
Harding, Peter Jethro, Peter Muskquamogh, John Boman, David Man-
roan & Betty who are the ancient native & hereditary Indian proprietors
of the aforesd two miles of land (for & in consideration of the just & full
sum of twelve pounds of current mony of New England to them in hand
well & truly paid at or before the ensealing & delivery hereof by the said
Cap1 Edmond Goodenow, Leift. Josiah Haines, John Goodenow, John
Brigham & Joseph Freeman in behalfe of themselvs & of the rest of the
English possessors, occupiers, proprietors & fellow-purchasers) the receipt
whereof they do hereby acknowledge & therwith to be fully satisfied,
contented & paid & thereof and of every part & parcell thereof they do
A
66 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
hereby for themselvs & their heyrs Executors Administrators & assigns
clearly fully & absolutely release, acquitt exonerate & discharge them &
all the English possessors, occupiers, proprietors & fellow-purchasers of
the same & all & every one of their heyrs Executors, Administrators,
Assigns & successors forever) Have given, granted, bargained, sold,
aliened, enseossed, made over & confirmed, & by these presents, do give,
grant, bargain, sell, alien, enseosse, make over, confirme & deliver all that
their sd tract & parcells of lands of two miles (bee it more or less scitu-
ate lying & being) altogether in one entire parcell in the sd Town of Sud-
bury in the County of Middlesex aforesd & lyeth al along throughout on
the westerne side of the old five miles of the sd Towne & adjoyneth
thereunto (together with the farme lands of the heyrs of William Browne
that lyeth within the same tract, unto the sd Capt. Edmond Goodenow,
Leif Josiah Haines, John Goodenow, John Brigham & Joseph Freeman
& unto all & every one of the rest of the English possessors, occupiers,
proprietors & fellow-purchasers thereof as the same is limited, butted &
bounded on the East by the old part of the sd Towne of Sudbury (which
was the five miles at first granted to the sd Towne) & is butted & bounded
northerly by the line or bounds of the Towne of Concord, Westerly by
the line or bounds of the Towne of Stow & is bounded southerly & partly
westerly by the lands of Mr Thomas Danforth. All the lands within
said bounds of hills, vallies planes, intervalls, meadows, swamps, with
all the timber, trees, woods, underwoods, grass & herbage, rocks, stones,
mines, mineralls, with all rivers, rivoletts brooks, streams, springs, ponds
& all manner of watercourses & whatsoever is therein & thereupon, above
ground & underground, with all rights members, titles, royaltyes, liber-
tyes priviledges, proprietyes, uses, proffitts & commodityes thereof &
every part & parcell thereof & that is every way & in any wise thereunto
belonging and appertaining. To Have, Hold, use, occupie, pos-
sess enjoy to the only absolute propper use benefitt, behoofe and dis-
pose of them the sd English possessors, occupiers proprietors & fellow-
purchasers of the Towne of Sudbury & their heyrs executors, adminis-
trators assigns & successors in a free full & perfect estate of inheritance
from the day of the date hereof & so for ever. And the above named
indian Grantors do also hereby covenant promise & grant to & with the
above named Edmond Goodenow, Josiah Haynes, John Goodnow John
Brigham & Joseph Freeman & with all the rest of the Knglish possessors,
occupiers, proprietors & fellow-purchasers of the said two miles of land
(bee it more or less) as above bounded that at the ensealing & delivery
hereof, they are the only & absolute Indian proprietors of the premises
& that they (& none else) have just and full power in themselvs the same
thus to sell, convey confirme make over & deliver & they do hereby
engage & bind themselvs & their heyrs executors administrators &
assigns from time to time & at all times hereafter fully & sufficiently to
secure save harmless & forever defend the hereby granted & bargained
two miles of land (as is above bounded bee it more or less) with all the
rights, members & appurtenances there unto belonging, against all man-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 67
ner & singular other titles troubles charges demands & incumbrances
that may be made or raysed by any person or persons (especially Indian
or Indians) else whatsoever lawfully having or claiming any right, title or
intrest in or to the premises or to any part or parcell thereof to the trou-
ble vexation charges interruption or ejection of the abovesd English pos-
sessors, occupiers, proprietors or fellow-purchasers of the same or any
one of them, they or any one of their heyrs executors administrators or
assigns in his or their quiet and peaceable possession free & full use
enjoyment or dispose thereof or any part or parcell thereof forever-
Furthermore wee the above named Indian Grantors do hereby
oblige & engage ourselvs all and every one of our heyrs executors
Admrs assigns & successors unto the sd English possessors occupiers &
proprietors & fellow-purchasers & to all and every one of their heyrs
executors administraters and assigns that wee and every one of us &
ours as aforesd shall & will from time to time & at all times readily &
effectually do (at our own propper costs & charges) or cause to be so
done any other or further act or acts thing or things that the law doth
or may require for more sure making & full confirming of all & singu-
lar the hereby granted premises unto the sd Edmond Goodenow, Josiah
Haines, John Goodenow, John Brigham & Joseph Freeman & unto all
& every one of the" rest of the English possessors, occupiers proprietors
and fellow-purchasers of the premises & unto all & every one of their
heyrs executors administrators and assigns for ever. In Witness
whereof the above named Indian Grantors have hereunto each for them"
selvs & altogether sett their hands and seals, dated the 11th day of July
in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred eighty & four.
Annoqe Regni Regis Caroli Secundi XXXVI.
Jehojakim his mark X for himselfe & by order of & for John
Boman & seale. O
John Magos for himselfe & by order of & for Jacob Magos his
father & seale. O
Muskqua John & for his two daughters Rachel & Esther
& seale. O
John Speen his marke | & for & by order of Sarah his wife
& seale. O
Abigail Daughter of Josiah Harding and his sole heyr (£=< her
marke & seale. O
Sarah C her marke who is the widdow of Josiah Harding &
mother of sd Abigail & her Guardian.
Peter Muskquamog -J- his mark & seale. O
Benjamen Bohew his R marke & seale. O
Dorithy Wenneto her O marke & seale. O
Mary Nepamun he Q marke & seale. O
Betty her ) marke & seale
Peter Jethro & a seale
John x Boman his marke & seale
James Speen & seale
68 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Cambe 15 Octob 1684 All the persons that have signed & sealed this
instrument appeared before me this day & year above written & freely
acknowledged this writing to be their act & deed
Daniel Gookin Senr Assist.
Endorsement — All the Grantors of the instrument within written
beginning with Jehojakim & ending with Peter Muskquamog did sign
seale &' deliver sd instrument in presence of us.
John Greene — James Bernard —
Moreover wee underwritten did see Benjamen Bohew Dorothy Wan-
neto & Mary & Betty Nepamun signe seale & deliver this instrument
the 15th day of Octob 1684. Andrew Pittamee ^[ his marke
James Rumny marke
Samuel Goff, James Barnard
Daniel Sacowambatt
Febr 1, 1684 Memorandum — Wee whose names are underwritten
did see Peter Jethro signe & seale & deliver ye within written instrument
James Barnard — Stephen fjfj Gates his marke
Peter Jethro, Indian, appeared before me the fifth day of February —
1684 & freely acknowledged this writing within to be his act & deed &
ythe put his hand & seale thereunto. Daniel Gookin Senr Affift
John Boman did signe seale & deliver the within written deed the 23 :
of February in the year our Lord one thousand six hundred eighty &
four in presence of us
John Balcom — -f- Samuel Freeman his marke.
James Speen & John Bowman appeared before me in court at Natick
& acknowledged they have signed & sealed this instrument among others
May 13th 1684. James Gookin Senr Affist
Roxbury April 16. 85.
Charles Josias, Sachem of the Massachusetts, having read & consid-
ered the within written deed with the consent of his Guardians & Coun-
cellors underwritten doth for himself & his heyrs allow of, ratify &
confirm the within written sale to the Inhabitants of Sudbury & their
heyrs for ever, the lands therein bargained & sold. To have & to hold
to the s'd Inhabitants of Sudbury their heyrs and assigns for ever & hath
hereunto set his hand & seale the day above written.
Charls yi Josias his marke & Seale
Allowed by us \
William Stoughton > Guardians to j
Joseph Dudley ) ye Sachem \ Robert 8 Montague
William W. Ahowton
Recorded 19. 3. 1685
by Tho. Danforth Recorder.
A true copy of record Book 9 Pages 344 to 352 inclusive
Attest Chas B Stevens Reg.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 69
The above deed was not received until years after the
grant was made by the Court, and the lands divided up and
apportioned to the inhabitants. The records do not state
what occasioned the long delay, but, as was the case else-
where, perhaps the papers were not passed until, in process
of time, the settlers questioned whether the claim to the ter-
ritory was valid until purchased of the Indian proprietors.
A similar instance occurred at Groton, where the deed came
long after the lands were occupied. The grant was allowed
by the Court as early as 1655, but no title was obtained from
the natives till about 1683 or 1684.
From lands thus allowed, the Plantation of Sudbury was
formed. It required, however, more than the allowance and
laying out of the land and the settlement of it to make it a
town. A separate act of incorporation was necessary to com-
plete the work. This was done September 4, 1639, when the
Court ordered that "the newe Plantation by Concord shall
be called Sudbury." (Colony Records, Vol. I., p. 271.)
By the granting of the name, the act of incorporation is
supposed to have been made complete. It was a short process
for an act so great, yet such was the manner of the Court.
Says Mr. Sewall, in the history of Woburn, of the incorpo-
ration of that place, " The act of Court for this purpose is
contained in these five words : ; Charlestown Village is called
Wooborne.' ' The Court action in this matter was dated
Sept. 4, 1639 ; but it does not follow that this specific day of
the month was the exact date of incorporation, as sometimes
the date of the beginning of the Court session was given,
instead of the date of the particular day when the transac-
tion took place. As, for example, we find the permit for a
division of land to be of the same date as that on which
Sudbury was named.
The name ordered by the Court is that of an old English
town in the county of Suffolk, from which some of the town's
settlers are supposed to have come, or with which they may
have had an acquaintance. It is situated near the parish of
Bury St. Edmunds, at or near which place it is supposed the
Browns may have dwelt. (See chap. Biographical Sketches.)
It is not improbable that the name was given by Rev. Edmund
70 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Brown, the first minister of Sudbury, who sold lands in the
district of Lanham to Thomas Read, his nephew, and it is
supposed may have also named that locality from Lavenham,
Eng., a place between Sudbury and Bury St. Edmunds. (See
sketch of Thomas Read.) The place, though spelled Laven-
ham, is pronounced Lannam in England (Waters). The
proximity of Sudbury and Lavenham, Eng., to what was
probably the original home of Mr. Brown, together with the
fact that he was an early owner of the lands at Lanham, and
a prominent man at the settlement, affords at least a strong
presumption that Mr. Edmund Brown named both Sudbury
and Lanham. It is appropriate, then, to give a sketch of this
old English town, and we present the following from Lewis's
Topographical Dictionary of England: —
" Sudbury is a borough and market town, having separate
jurisdiction locally in the hundred of Babergh, County of
Suffolk, 22 miles (why s) from Ipswich, and 50 (N. E. by N.)
from London, containing, according to the last census, 3950
inhabitants, which number has since increased to nearly 5000.
This place, which was originally called South Burgh, is of
great antiquity, and at the period of the compilation of
Domesday-book was of considerable importance, having a
market and a mint. A colony of the Flemings, who were
introduced into this country by Edward III. for the purpose
of establishing the manufacture of woollen cloth, settled
here, and that branch of trade continued to flourish for some
time, but at length fell to decay. The town is situated on
the river Stour, which is crossed by a bridge leading into
Essex. For some years after its loss of the woollen trade it
possessed few attractions, the houses belonging principally to
decayed manufacturers, and the streets being very dirty ; it
has however within the last few years been greatly improved,
having been paved and lighted in 1825, under an act obtained
for the purpose, and some good houses built. The town hall
recently erected by the corporation, in the Grecian style of
architecture, is a great ornament to the town, in which is also
a neat theatre. The trade principally consists in the manu-
facture of silk crape, and buntings used for ships' flags ; that
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 71
of silk was introduced by the manufacturers from Spitalfields
in consequence of disputes with their workmen, and now
affords employment to a great number of persons, about one
thousand five hundred being engaged in the silk and four
hundred in the crape and the bunting business. The river
Stour, navigable hence to the Manning tree, affords a facility
for the transmission of coal, chalk, lime and agricultural
produce. The statute market is on Saturday, and the corn
market on Thursday. Fairs are held on the 12th of March
and 10th of July, principally for earthen ware, glass and toys.
The first charter of incorporation was granted by Queen
Mary in 1554, and confirmed by Elizabeth in 1559. Another
was given by Oliver Cromwell, but that under which the cor-
poration derives its power was bestowed by Charles II. Sud-
bury comprises the parishes of All Saints, St. Gregory, and
St. Peter, in the archdeaconry of Sudbury, and diocese of
Norwich. The living of All Saints is a discharged vicarage,
rated in the king's books at X4.11.5J endowed, £400 royal
bounty, and Xl^.00 parliamentary grant."
"Quaint old town of toil and traffic,
Quaint old town of art and song.
Memories haunt thy pointed gables,
Like the rooks that round them throng."
From this description we learn that it is a stanch old town
from whicli Sudbury probably received its name ; a place
busy and of good repute. The word has been variously
spelled, as : Sudberry, Soodberie, Sudwrowe, Sudborrough,
Sudborow or, as it is called in Doomsday book, Sutburge.
The boundaries of the town received early attention from
the settlers, and at different dates there are records concern-
ing it. As already stated, the southern boundary line at the
first was from a point a little east of Nobscot, to the northern
point of Dudley Pond ; thence, direct to Weston. That
part of the line outside the present territory of Wayland has
never varied much in its general character. Some slight
changes have been made within about fifty years, by which
a few acres have been taken from Sudbury and annexed to
Framingham ; this was the case along the line by the Brown
72 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
farm and the northerly slope of Nobscot. Before the altera-
tion the line was slightly irregular, and the design may have
been solely to straighten it. Concerning the boundary in the
easterly part of the town's original territory, we have the
following order of the General Court, dated June 6, 1701: —
" Ordered that the line between Sudbury and the farms
annexed to Framingham, as set forth in the plat exhibited
under the hand of John Gore, be and continue the boundary
line between the said farms and Sudbury forever, viz.: from
the northerly end of Cochittwat pond to the bent of the river,
by Daniel Stone's and so as the line goes to Framingham and
Sudbury line."
Concerning the Sudbury and Watertown boundary, the fol-
lowing facts are recorded : " In 1649 persons were appointed
by the town to search the records for the grant of Water-
town, and to see if they can find any means to prevent
Watertown from coming so near." The Colony Records
state that a year later the Court ordered that the inhabitants
of Sudbury should have their bounds recorded, and about
the same time the town sent a petition to the General Court
for a commission to lay out the boundary between the two
towns. In 1651 a report was rendered about the boundary,
which, with slight abridgment, is as follows: —
"The committee appointed to lay out the Watertown
and Sudbury boundary report that the line drawn by John
Oliver, three years previous, called 'the old line,' shall be
the line between the two towns, and forever stand. This
line, beginning at Concord south bound, ran through a great
pine swamp, a small piece of meadow to upland, and ' then
to an angle betwixt two hills.' After the line left the afore-
said angle on its southerly course, it had ' these remarkable
places therein : one rock called Grout's head, and a stake by
the cartway leading from Sudbury to Watertown, and so to
a pine hill being short of a pond about eighty-eight rods, att
which pine hill Sudbury bounds ends.' " (Colony Records,
Vol. IV., page 53.)
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 73
Such was the territory of Sudbury, the manner in which
the lands were allowed, and the parties from whom they were
bought. B^rom this plantation was formed the town ; and
land divisions and allotments were subsequently made, until
no portion of it was held by proprietary right, nor as public
domain, but all passed into private estates except the high-
ways and commons, and here and there a small three-cornered
nook.
CHAPTER V.
Place and Plan of Settlement. — Data of House-lots. — Description of
Map. — Course of First Street. — Sites of Early Homesteads. —
Historic Highway. — Time of Settlement. — Dimensions of First
Dwelling-house. — Early Experiences of the Settlers.
Ay, call it holy ground,
The spot where first they trod !
They have left unstained what there they found —
Freedom to worship God.
Mrs. Hemans.
The settlement of the town began on the east side of the
river. The first road or street, beginning at Watertown
(now Weston), extended along a course of about two miles,
and by this the house-lots of the settlers were laid out and
their humble dwellings stood. The plan of the settlement
can, to an extent, be made out by tradition and the data of
house-lots which are preserved on the Sudbury records, and
74 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
which we here give in abbreviated form, the figures in paren-
theses denoting the acres allowed : —
DATA OF HOUSE-LOTS.
Edmond Brown (80), on Timber Neck (east of Mill
Brook, Wayland).
John Blanford (3), north by highway to river, south by
Joseph Taynter.
Jos. Taynter (4), between John Blanford and Tho. Whyte.
Tho. Whyte (4), between Hugh Griffin and Jos. Taynter.
Hugh Griffin (4), north by Tho. Whyte, south by John
Howe.
John Howe (4), north by Hugh Griffin, south by Edmund
Rice ; (also one acre parted from his house-lot by highway
between Edmund Rice and Hugh Griffin ; also four on Pine
Plain, on road from Sudbury to Watertown, west by Mrs.
Hunt).
Edmund Rice (4), between John Howe and Henry Rice.
Henry Rice (4), between Edmund Rice and John Maynard.
John Maynard (4), between Henry Rice and highway.
Robert Daniel (8), northwest by John Maynard and Robert
Boardman (or Fordum).
Robert Boardman (4), between Robert Daniel and Robert
Best.
Robert Best (4), north by Mr. Boardman, south by John
Loker. .
John Loker (4), between Robert Best and Tho. Flinn
(or Joslyn), [also (one acre) parted from his house-lot by
the highway.]
Tho. Flinn (4), between John Loker and John Haynes.
John Haynes (4), north by Tho. Flinn, south by Edmund
Goodnow.
Edmund Goodnow (4), north by John Haynes, west by
River Meadows.
Wm. Brown (4), north by Edmund Goodnow, south by
John Toll.
John Toll (4), between Edmund Goodnow and Widow
Wright.
Widow Wright (6), between John Toll and John Bent.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 75
John Bent (6), between Widow Wright and John Wood.
John Wood (4), between John Bent and Widow Hunt.
Widow Hunt (4), between John Wood and John Good-
now.
John Goodnow (5), north by Widow Hunt, south by Henry
Loker, east end on highway going to mill, and west by the
great River Meadows.
Henry Loker (4), between John Goodnow and John Par-
menter, Sr.
John Parmenter, Sr. (4), between Henry Loker and the
highway to Bridle Point.
ON NORTHWEST ROW.
John Freeman (4), on northwest corner of highwa}r leading
to River Meadows.
Solomon Johnson (6), east by Wm. Ward.
Wm. Ward (20), on northeast side of Northwest Row.
Solomon Johnson (7), between Wm. Ward and Wm.
Pelham.
Wm. Pelham (50), northeast part, near Wm. Ward.
ON THE NORTH STREET OR EAST STREET.
John Rutter (4), (near clay pits).
John Ruddick (4).
Henry Curtis ( — ).
John Stone (9), between Henry Curtis and Nathl. Tread-
way.
Nathl. Tread way ( — ), on East Street, between John Stone
and John Knight.
John Knight (12).
ON EAST STREET.
Bryan Pendleton (5), north by Tho. Noyes south by Pond
Brook that runs to the river.
Tho. Noyes (4), south by Bryan Pendleton, north by Geo.
Munning.
Geo. Munning (4), between Tho. Noyes and Walter Hayne.
Walter Hayne (6), south by Geo. Munning, north by high-
way to Common Swamp.
76 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
ON BRIDLE POINT HIGHWAY.
Tho. Brown (4), north by highway leading to Bridle Point,
east by the Common, south end running to Mill Brook, west
by Anthony White.
Anthony Whyte (4), north by Bridle Point Road, south
by Mill Brook. Between Tho. Brown and Win. Parker.
Win. Parker ( — ).
Peter Noyes (8), north by Bridle Point Road, south by
Mill Brook. Between Wm. Parker and Thomas Goodnow.
Tho. Goodnow (5), north by Bridle Point Road, south by
Mill Brook. Between A. Belcher and P. Noyes. He sold
to P. Noyes, making Noyes' lot thirteen acres.
Andrew Belcher (4), north by Bridle Point Road, south
by Mill Brook. Between Tho. Goodnow and Richd. Newton.
Richard Newton (4), north by Bridle Point Road, south
by Mill Brook. Between A. Belcher and John Parmenter, Jr.
John Parmenter, Jr. (4). Between Richd. Newton and
Henry Prentiss.
Henry Prentiss (4). Between John Parmenter, Jr., and
Herbert Pelham.
ON MILL ROAD FROM PINE PLAIN.
William Kerley (4), on southwest side of " Pine Swamp,"
on highway leading to mill, northwest of Richd. Sanger.
Richd. Sanger (4), northwest by Wm. Kerley.
ON ROAD TO COTCHITUATT.
Tho. Goodnow [also on Cotchituatt Road]. Probably the
present Pousland lot.
ON PINE PLAIN.
John Howe. Also four acres on Pine Plain, north side of
road from Sudbury to Watertown, west by land of Mrs. Hunt.
Mrs. Hunt, or Widow Hunt. She probably sold her lot on
J' The Street," and took a lot here.
John How. Probably sold his lot on "The Street" to
either Griffin or Rice, and took a lot on The Plain.
Henry Loker (4). Between John Goodnow and J. Par-
menter, Sr.
gwamp
Original trail or way from Watertown through Sudbury,
now discontinued for public travel.
TESnSDKTS"5!rjC55r
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 77
John Parmenter, Sr. (4). Between Henry Loker and
Bridle Point Road.
John Goodnow (5). North by Widow Hunt and south
by Henry Loker. The east end on the mill road, and the
west end on the great river meadows.
Thomas Hoyt. His house-lot containing four acres, having
the house-lot of Brian Pendleton on the south side, and the
house-lot of George Munnings on the north side.
The map that accompanies the data of house-lots was
made by James Sumner Diaper of Wayland, as the result
of the united investigation of himself and the writer. Mr.
Draper has a life-long familiarity with the locality, is a prac-
tical surveyor, and acquainted with the traditions and old
roads of this ancient part of Sudbury. It is not absolutely
certain that every one to whom a lot was assigned ever
became a householder in the settlement; furthermore, it may
be that an exchange was, in some cases, made before the
settlers began to build. With, however, a suitable allow-
ance for possible or probable changes, and making such slight
departures in certain cases from the data as was thought war-
ranted by the circumstances, the locality, and tradition, we
believe this map to be a fair representation of the locations
of most, if not all, of the first homesteads in Sudbury.
We will now consider the plan of the settlement, and trace
the course of the street. The settlement lay along three
roads, which afterwards became the common highway. The
principal one of these roads, called "the North" or "East
Street," and also the " Old Watertown Trail," started at
what is now " Weston and Wayland Corner," and probably
followed the course of the present road over "The Plain"
and Clay-pit Hill to a point near the Abel Gleason estate ;
from this place it is supposed to have made its way a little
northerly of Mr. Gleason's house, and winding southwesterly
passed just south of Baldwin's Pond, and thence to the river
at the bridge. The road originally called "Northwest Row"
ran from this street to what is still called " Common Swamp,"
and by the spot designated as the house-lot of Walter Haynes.
This spot still bears the traces of having, long years ago, been
78 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the site of a house. The cart-path which ran from it to the
meadow is still used.
Along this road traces and traditions of homesteads are
unmistakable : old building material has been unearthed,
and depressions in the ground are still to be seen. Mr.
Draper, a little east of his house, by the brook, unearthed
the stones of a fire-place, with fragments of coals still upon
them. Between this and Clay-pit Bridge (the second bridge
or culvert from the mill-pond, or the first above " Whale's
Bridge") there are, north of the road, several depressions
indicating the sites of old houses. Just beyond Clay-pit
Bridge, the writer, with Mr. Draper, went to look for traces
of houses on the lots assigned to Bryan Pendleton and
Thomas Noyes ; and there, in the exact locality, were dis-
tinct depressions, just where they were looked for. The
Curtis homestead, until within a very few years, was stand-
ing in about the place assigned for the house-lot. Thus
strong is the probability that the lots on this street were
largely built upon.
Another of the principal streets was that which, starting
from a point on the north street near the town bridge, ran
easterly along what is now the common highway, to the
head of the mill-pond, and then to the mill. Upon this
street was the first meeting-house, at a spot in the old
burying-ground (see chapter on First Meeting-house, &c),
and the Parmenter Tavern. The house-lots were mainly at
the west end of this street, and the road was probably
extended northeasterly to give access to the mill. Here,
asrain, tradition confirms the record of house-lots, and shows
that the lots were more or less built upon. . The John May-
nard and John Loker estates were kept for years in their
families, and the Parmenter estate is still retained in the
family. In later years the descendants of John Rutter built
on that street.
The third road was called the "Bridle Point Road." This
started near the Parmenter Tavern, crossed the knoll at the
Harry Reeves place, and ran along the ridge of " Braman's
Hill" for about two-thirds of its length, when it turned
southerly, and, crossing Mill Brook, ran towards the town's
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 79
southern limits. While tradition positively locates this road,
it points to but one homestead upon it, and that the resi-
dence of Rev. Edmund Brown, which it undoubtedly declares
was at the spot designated by the house-lot data. Along
this street are no visible marks of ancient dwelling-places
north of Mill Brook; but beyond, various depressions in the
ground, and remnants of building material, indicate that at
one time this street had houses upon it. With the excep-
tion of those on the south street, the dwellings were about
equally distant from the meeting-house, and all within
easy access to the River Meadows and the mill. Proba-
bly they settled largely in groups, that they might more
easily defend themselves in case of danger. They were in a
new country, and as yet had had little experience with the
Indians ; hence we should not expect the}r would scatter
very widely. In the early times so essential was it consid-
ered by the Colonial Court that the people should not widely
scatter, that, three years before Sudbury was settled, it
ordered, that, for the greater safety of towns, " hereafter no
dwelling-house should be built above half a mile from the
meeting-house in any new plantation." (Colony Records,
Vol I.)
It will be noticed that the positions selected for these
streets were, to an extent, where the shelter of upland could
be obtained for the house. The sandy slope of Bridle Point
Hill would afford a protection from the rough winds of
winter ; so of the uplands just north of South Street. It
was also best to settle in groups, to lessen the amount of
road-breaking in winter. It will also be noticed that these
groups of house-lots were near, not only meadow land, but
light upland, which would be easy of cultivation. Various
things indicate that the most serviceable spots were selected
for homesteads, that roads were constructed to connect them
as best they could, and that afterwards the roads were ex-
tended to the mill. Probably the people on North Street
made the short way to South Street, that now comes out at
Mr. Jude Damon's, in order to shorten the way to church.
Those midway of that street, for a short cut to the mill, the
church and the tavern, would naturally open a path from the
80 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
turn of the road by the clay-pits to the mill. To accommo-
date the people on " The Plain," a road was opened to the
mill in a southwesterly course, which is in part the present
highway, but has in part been abandoned, — the latter part
being that which formerly came out directly east of the
mill.
These several sections of road probably formed what was
called the "Highway." A large share of it is in use at the
present time, and is very suggestive of historic reminiscences.
By it the settlers went to the Cakebread Mill, to the little
hillside meeting-house, and to the John Parmenter Ordinary.
By these ways came the messenger with fresh news from the
seaboard settlements, or with tidings from the tribes of the
woods. In short, these formed the one great road of the
settlement ; the one forest pathway along which every one
more or less trod.
The' erection of dwelling-places along these first streets
probably began in 1638 ; but we have no tradition or record
of the week or month when the inhabitants arrived at the
spot, nor as to how many went at any one time. They may
have gone in small companies at different dates ; and the
entire removal from Watertown may have occurred in the
process of months. It is quite probable, however, that they
went mainly together, or in considerable companies, both for
the sake of convenience and safety; and that they were
largely there by the autumn of 1638. On the arrival of the
" Confidence," the emigrants would naturally be eager to
settle somewhere at once. They would hardly wait long in
Watertown, if their design was to make their homes farther
west. The cold winter being just ahead, .they would pre-
sumably hasten to the proposed place of settlement, to pre-
pare things for their comfort before cold weather fairly
set in.
We have found no record of the dimensions of any of the
first dwelling-places, but we may judge something of their
size by that of the first house of worship, and by the specifi-
cations in a lease of a house to be built by Edmund Rice
prior to the year 1655. This house was to be very small, —
" 30 foot long, 10 foot high, 1 foot sill from the ground,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 81
16 foot wide, with two rooms, both below or one above the
other, all the doors, walls and staires with convenient fix-
tures, and well planked under foot and boored sufficiently to
lay corn in the story above head." But it is doubtful if this
small, low structure fitly represents the settlers' first forest
home ; very likely that was a still more simple building, that
would serve as a mere shelter for a few months or years, till
a more serviceable one could be built. Houses of ordinary
capacity would hardly be necessarj' when the settlement
commenced. The furniture of the dwelling would for a
time, probably, be simple and scant, and consist mainly of a
few household utensils, their firearms, and tools.
The way from Watertown being at first only a forest trail,
it was a difficult task to transport many goods, even if thej'"
were brought to this country. That carts were made use of
the first year for transportation to Watertown is doubtful,
although they were used a few years later. In 1641 it was
ordered, " That every cart with four sufficient oxen and a
man shall have for a day's work five shillings ; " and that
" none shall take above six pence a bushel for the bringing
up of corn from Watertown to Sudbury and twenty shillings
a day for any other goods." (Town Records, p. 17.) The
transportation of corn may have been on horseback.
What the settlers experienced in the rough cabins of
logs, the first years, we can only conjecture. The deep
snow-fall of winter, as it covered their lonely forest path,
presented a strong contrast to the mild climate from which
they came. But they had enough to employ their time.
There were cattle to care for, and lands to clear and make
ready for the coming spring; and it was no small task to keep
the household supplied with wood. The wide-mouthed fire-
place, with hearth broadening to almost midway of the cabin
itself, with its huge andirons, beyond which was the stout
back-log, had the capacity of a dozen stoves ; and to supply
this was a matter of work. But the routine of work was
broken by experiences both sad and glad. In the first
year or two there were the birth, bridal, and burial. On
the 1st of October, 1639, ''Andrew Belcher and his wife
were married." " On ye first day of ye first month (March
82 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
1), 1640, Edward the servant of Robert Darnill was buried."
A year after, Joseph Rice was born. " On the third day of
the twelvth month, 1639, Joseph and Nathaniel the sons of
Solomon Johnson were born." In November, 1644, John
Rutter married Elizabeth Plimpton. The first body buried
was probably borne to the northerly side of the old meeting-
house hill, where tradition says the Indians had a burying-
ground. Here, doubtless, was buried the servant of Robert
Darnill, who was the first, or one of the first, in that long
procession which, for nearly two centuries and a half, has
been borne to the ancient burying-place upon or about that
hill. Beside these experiences, there were others that would
tend to break up the monotony of the settlers' experience,
such as "log-rollings," when the neighbors collected together
and helped clear the land of logs and brush ; " house-rais-
ings," where many joined hands to help raise the heavy
frames; "road-breaking," when, with ox-teams, they cleared
the snow from the path ; corn-planting in the common fields,
or "huskings," when the corn was gathered, — these, with
town -meetings, and an occasional drill of the train -band,
when Bryan Pendleton exercised his little host, would serve
to break up the monotony and enliven the scene at the set-
tlement. Thus, —
Toiling, rejoicing, sorrowing,
Onward through life he goes ;
Each morning sees some task begun,
Each evening sees it close ;
Something attempted, something done,
Has earned a night's repose.
Longfellow.
CHAPTER VI.
Town Meetings. — Their Origin and Character. — Conditions of Citizen-
ship. — Freemen — Place of Town Meeting. — Town Officers. —
Highways. — Bridges. — " Indian Bridge." — The " Old Town
Bridge." — Contracts with Ambrose Leach and Timothy Hawkins. —
Causeway. — Formation of Church. — Settlement of First Minister. —
Erection of First Meeting- House. — Contract with John Rutter. —
Building of Grist-Mill.
But the good deed, through the ages
Living in historic pages,
Brighter grows and gleams immortal,
Unconsumed by moth or rust.
Longfellow.
The first steps in the settlement of the town having been
considered, — namely, the acquisition of the territory, the
assignment of house-lots, and laying out of the principal
highways, — we will now notice further projects for the gen-
eral good. The people acted first in town-meeting ; hence it
may here be appropriate to consider the origin and character
of these occasions, and the manner in which they were con-
ducted. The New England town-meeting is an institution
that originated in the exigencies of New England colonial
life, and sprang into existence at the call of men who op-
posed the concentration of political power, and who would
confer it on no person or persons, only as it was conferred
on them by the people's choice. Situated far remote from
the home government in Europe, too much time was con-
sumed in the transmission of laws, and too little acquaint-
ance was had by the English government with the needs of
American life, to make it practicable to rely on such a source
of authority.
Something was needed to meet an independent and extem-
83
84 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
porized order cf things ; and the result was a New England
town-meeting, which is unlike any other political assembly.
In the principle of its operation it is similar and modelled
after the New England Congregational Church meeting.
The same general freeness and equality to an extent pre-
vailed, and by these meetings each town became like a little
republic. Whatever offices were needed were made, and
the men selected to fill them had a fitness based on personal
merit. There were no credentials for position that came
from a titled authority, or from ancient hereditary right
based on manorial acquisition or influence. Before planta-
tions became incorporated towns, and while undivided lands
still remained which were held by proprietary or collective
right, there were certain privileges possessed by these pro-
prietors or land companies, which related to their real
estate, such as the right to dispose of and improve their
lands, or to enjoy exclusive privileges that were based upon
them. But when all the lands were divided and sold, the
proprietary dissolved, and left the community purely repub-
lican, in which each public meeting was an open town-
meeting, whether it pertained to matters of church or state.
Thus the New England town-meeting was original, and its
principles of operation were in harmony with the character
and purposes of the men who had fled from ecclesiastical and
civil restraint.
As might be expected, the General Court, which was more
or less dependent on the action of town-meetings, was in gen-
eral harmony with them ; and, in its definition of the power
of towns, gave them the elements of democratic government.
In 1635 it was " Ordered, that the freemen of any town, or
the major part of them, shall only have power to dispose of
their own lands and woods, with all the privileges and appur-
tenances of said towns, to grant lots and make such orders
as may concern the well ordering of their own towns, not
repugnant to the orders of the General Court." They were
authorized to impose fines, not exceeding twenty shillings,
and "to choose their own particular officers, as constables,
surveyors for highways and the like." (Colony Records,
Vol. I., p. 72.)
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 85
There were some restrictions that related to citizenship in
those days that have since been removed. At one period
only "freemen" could participate in the shaping of public
affairs. A "freeman" was a person who, by act of the Gen-
eral Court, was admitted to the rights and privileges that
correspond to those now pertaining to American citizenship.
In early times people did not attain to political privileges, as
now, by passing from minority and paying a town tax; but to
attain to full citizenship, with eligibility to office, as late as
1631, it was necessary to be a member of a church within
the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Later, in
1662, the law was so changed that an Englishman, on pre-
senting a certificate of good character, and upon giving evi-
dence of orthodox belief, together with a certificate from a
town selectman that the party was a freeholder and ratable
to the county on a single rate to the amount of ten shillings,
might apply to the General Court for admission as freeman.
If accepted by the Court, it was on condition that the appli-
cant take what was termed the "freeman's oath," which is as
follows : —
"I, A. B., being by God's providence an inhabitant and
freeman within the jurisdiction of this commonwealth, do
freely acknowledge myself to be subject to the government
thereof, and therefore do swear, by the great and dreadful
name of the everlasting God, that I will be true and faithful
to the same, and will accordingly yield assistance and sup-
port thereunto with my person and estate, as in equity I am
bound, and also truly endeavor to maintain and preserve all
the liberties and privileges thereof, submitting myself to the
wholesome laws and orders made and established b}r the
same ; and, further, that I will not plot nor practise any
evil against it, nor consent to any that shall do so, but will
timely discover and reveal the same to lawful authority now
here established, for the speedy prevention thereof; more-
over, I do solemnly bind myself, in the sight of God, that
when I shall be called to give my voice touching any such
matter of this state wherein freemen are to deal, I will give
my vote and suffrage, as I shall judge in my conscience, may
best conduce and tend to the public weal of the body, with-
86 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
out respect of persons, or favor of any man. So help me God,
in the Lord Jesus Christ.''''
After being thus qualified by the vote of the Court, and
by taking the above oath, the freeman was allowed to vote
in the elections in the following manner and under the fol-
lowing penalty: "It is ordered by this Court, and by the
authority thereof, that for the yearly choosing of assistants,
the freemen shall use Indian corn and beans — the Indian
corn to manifest election, the beans the contrary; and if any
freeman shall put in more than one Indian corn or bean, for
the choice or refusal of any public officer, he shall forfeit for
every such offence ten pounds; and that any man that is not
a freeman, or hath not liberty of voting, putting in any vote,
shall forfeit the like sum of ten pounds."
But, though corn and beans were sufficient to elect an
assistant, for governor, deputy - governor, major - general,
treasurer, secretary, and commissioners of the united colo-
nies, it was required that the freemen should make use of
written ballots.
The freemen at first were all required to appear before the
General Court to give their votes for assistants ; but it was
found inconvenient, and even dangerous, for all of them to
assemble in one place, leaving their homes unprotected, and
hence it was ordered, " That it shall be free and lawful for
all freemen to send their votes for elections by proxy, in the
next General Court in May, and so for hereafter, which shall
be done in this manner: The deputy which shall be chosen
shall cause the freemen of the town to be established, and
then take such freemen's votes, as please to send them by
proxy, for any magistrate, and seal them up severally, sub-
scribing the magistrates name on the back side, and to bring
them to the Court, sealed, with an open roll of the names of
the freemen that so send them."
Until as late as the nineteenth century, the town-meetings
were held in the meeting-house. After the meeting-house
was built sometimes they were held in a private house or at
the " ordinary." As for example, Jan. 10, 1685, and again
Feb. 18, 1686, there was an adjournment of town-meeting to
the house of Mr. Walker, " by reason of the extremity of the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 87
cold." In 1764 the town adjourned one of its meetings to
the house of " William Rice, innholder." In 1782, " adjourned
town-meeting to the house of Mr. Aaron Johnson, innholder
in sd town." After the division of the town into the east
and west precincts, the town-meetings alternated from the
east to the west side.
In 1682-3 the time of meeting was changed from February
to October, the day of the week to be Monday. The reason
of this change may be found in the fact that it was difficult
at some seasons to make a journey to the east side meeting-
house ; the passage of the causeway was occasionally rough,
and town action might be thereby delayed or obstructed.
The meeting was for a period warned by the board of select-
men. At the date of the change just mentioned, it "was
voted and ordered, that henceforth the selectmen every year
for the time being shall appoint and seasonably warn the
town-meeting ; " but afterwards this became the work of the
constables. In the warning of town-meetings at one period,
the " Old Lancaster Road " was made use of as a partial line
of division. A part of the constables were to warn the peo-
ple on the north side of the road, and part those who lived
south of it.
The town -meeting was opened by prayer. There is
a record of this about 1654, and presumably it was prac-
tised from the very first. At an early date voting was
sometimes done by "dividing the house," each party with-
drawing to different sides of the room. An example of this
is as follows : In 1654, at a public town-meeting, after " the
pastor by the desire of the town had sought the Lord for
his blessing in the actings of the day, this following vote
was made, You that judge the act of the selectmen in sizing
the Commons to be a righteous act, discover it by drawing
yourselves together in the one end of the meeting-house."
After that was done, " It was then desired that those who
are of a contrary mind would discover it by drawing them-
selves together in the other end of the meeting-house."
In what was done at these meetings, marked respect was
usually had for order and law. We find records of protest
or dissent when things were done in an irregular way, as for
88 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
instance, in 16Y6, we have the following record : " We do
hereby enter our Decent against the illegal proceeding of the
inhabitants of the town : : : for the said proceedings
have Ben Directly Contrary to law. First, That the Town
Clerk did not Solemnly read the Laws against Intemperance
and Immorality as the Laws Require." Mention is also
made of other irregularities, and the whole is followed by a
list of names of prominent persons.
The town officers were mostly similar to those elected at
the present time. At a meeting of the town in 1682-3, it
was ordered that the town-meeting " shall be for the electing
of Selectmen, Commissioners, and Town Clerk." Names
of officers not mentioned here were "Constables, Invoice
Takers, Highway Surveyors, and Town Marshal." About
1648 the persons chosen to conduct the affairs of the town
were first called selectmen. The number of these officers
varied at different times. In 1646 there were seventeen
selectmen.
The service expected of the selectmen, beside being cus-
todians at large of the public good, and acting as the
town's prudential committee, were, before the appointment
of tything-men (which occurred first in Sudbury, Jan. 18,
1679), expected to look after the morals of the community.
This is indicated by the following order: At a meeting of
the inhabitants, Jan. 18, 1679, " It is ordered, that the select-
men shall visit the families of the town, and speedily inspect
the same, but especially to examine children and servants
about their improvement in reading and the catechism.
Captain Goodnow and Lieutenant Haines to inspect all
families at Lanham and Nobscot and all others about there
and in their way, . . . and these are to return an account of
that matter at the next meeting of the selectmen, appointed
to be on the 30th of this instant January." We infer from
certain records that the selectmen's orders were to be audi-
bly and deliberately read, that the people might take notice
and observe them.
The officials known as " highway surveyors " had charge
of repairs on town roads. This term was early applied, and
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 89
has continued in use until now. As early in the records as
1639, Peter Noyes and John Parmenter are mentioned as
surveyors.
The business of town clerk, or " dark," first held in Sud-
bury by Hugh Griffin, is shown by the following extracts
from the town book : " He is to take charge of the records
and discharge the duties of a faithful scribe." " To attend
town-meeting, to write town orders for one year, . . . for
which he was to have ten shillings for his labor." In 1643
he was " to take record of all births and marriages and
[deaths], and return them to the recorder." "It is also
agreed that the rate of eight pound 9 shillings [be] levied
upon mens estate for the payment of the town debt due at
the present, and to buy a constable's staff, to mend the
stocks, and to buy a marking iron for the town, and it shall
be forthwith gathered by Hugh Griffin, who is appointed
by the town to receive rates, and to pa}r the town's debt."
(Town Book, p. 75.) Feb. 19, 1650, Hugh Griffin "was
released from the service of the town." The work that he
had performed was "to attend town-meetings, to write town
orders, to compare town rates, to gather them in, and pay
them according to the towns appointment, and to sweep the
meeting-house, for which he is to have fifty shillings for his
wages."
Other officers were "commissioners of rates," or "invoice-
takers." These corresponded perhaps to "assessors," which
term we find used in the town book as early as the beginning
of the eighteenth century. The office of marshal was the
same as that of constable. There is the statement on page 34
" that there shall be a rate gathered of ten pounds for the
finishing of the meeting-house, to be raised upon meadows
and improved land, and all manner of cattle above a quarter
old to be prized as they were formerly prized, the invoice to
be taken by the marshall."
At an early period persons were appointed for the special
purpose of hearing "small causes." In 1655 " Lietenant
Goodnow, Thomas Noyes, and Sergeant Groute were chosen
commissioners to hear, issue, and end small causes in Sud-
90 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
bury, according to law, not exceeding forty shillings." In
1648 Peter Noyes was " to see people ioyne in marriage in
Sudbury." (Colonial Records, p. 97.)
In the early times towns could send deputies to the Gen-
eral Court according to the number of their inhabitants.
Those that had ten freemen and under twenty, could send
one ; those having between twenty and forty, not over two.
(Palfrey's History.)
We infer that if a person was elected to any town office
he was expected to serve. It is stated in the records of 1730
that David Rice was chosen constable, and " being called up
[by] the moderator for to declare his exception, or non-
exception, upon which David Rice refused for to serve as
constable, and paid down five pounds money to sd town, and
so was discharged."
Having considered the nature of the town-meeting, the
place where works of a public nature were discussed and
decided upon, we will now notice some of the works them-
selves. First, Highways, the Causeway and Bridge.
HIGHWAYS.
In providing means for easy and rapid transit, it was impor-
tant for the town to make haste. Indian trails and the paths
of wild animals would not long suffice for their practical needs.
Hay was to be drawn from the meadows, and for this a road
was to be made. Another was to be made to Concord, and
paths were to be opened to the outlying lands. The first
highway work was done on the principal street, which was
doubtless at first but a mere wood path or trail. An early
rule for this labor, as it is recorded on the Town Records,
Feb. 20, 1639, is as follows : " Ordered by the commissioners
of the town, that every inhabitant shall come forth to the
mending of the highway upon a summons by the surveyors."
In case of failure, five shillings were to be forfeited for every
default. The amount of labor required was as follows : —
" 1st. The poorest man shall work one day.
" 2nd. For every six acres of meadow land a man hath he
shall work one day.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 91
" 3d. Every man who shall neglect to make all fences
appertaining to his fields by the 24th of April shall forfeit
five shillings (Nov. 19th, 1639)."
Highways and cart-paths were laid out on both sides of
the meadows at an early date. The town records make men-
tion of a highway " from below the upland of the meadow
from the house-lot of Walter Haynes to the meadow of John
Goodnow, which shall be four rods wide where it is not
previously bounded already, and from the meadow of John
Goodnow to the end of the town bound." Also of a high-
way on the west side of the river, " between the upland and
the meadow six rods wide from one end of the meadow to
the other." These roads, we conjecture, have not entirely
disappeared. On either side the meadow margin a hay-road,
or " right of way," still exists. It is probable that the town
way called " Water Row " may have been a part of those
early roads ; also, that by the margin of Sand Hill, as it ex-
tends southwesterly towards West Brook, and that by the
Baldwin place, that starts north of the bridge. An impor-
tant road laid out in 1648 was that from Watertown to
the Dunster Farm, or the "Old Connecticut Path."
(See Chapter I.) The record states, "Edmund Rice and
Edmd Goodenow, John Bent and John Grout, are appointed
to lay out a way from Watertown bound to the Dunster
Farm." Another important road laid out in the first decade
was that which went to Concord. In 1648 "^Edmond Goode-
now is desired to treat with Concord men, and to agree with
them about the laying out of the way between Concord and
Sudbury." The term " laying out," as it was employed at
that period, might not always imply the opening of a new
path, but perhaps the acceptance or formal recognition of an
old one, which hitherto had been only a bridle-way or mere
forest foot-trail, that had been used as the most available
track to a town, hamlet, or homestead. Tradition informs
us that at an early date a way from "The Island" to the east
side settlement was by a fording-place, which was by the
present " Bridle-Point Bridge ; " and that there was a road
from "The Island" to Lanham, which passed Heard's Pond
92 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
on the north, to the right of the present highway, or between
that and the meadow margin. By this way hay could be
drawn from the meadow on the south of West Brook, and
the Lanham settlers could pass by it to the Cakebread Mill
and to the home of their minister on Timber Neck.
BRIDGES.
In the work of bridge building Sudbury has had fully its
share from the first. Its original territory being divided by
a wide, circuitous stream, which was subject to spring and
fall floods, it was a matter of no small importance to the set-
tlers to have a safe crossing. Ford-ways, on a river like this,
were uncertain means of transit. Without a bridge the east
and west side inhabitants might be separated sometimes for
weeks, and travelers to the frontier beyond would be much
hindered on their way. All this the people well knew, and
they were early astir to the work. Two bridges are men-
tioned in the town book as early as 1641. The record of one
is as follows: "It was ordered from the beginning of the
plantation, that there should be two rods wide left in the
meadow from the bridge at Munning's Point to the hard
upland at the head of Edmund Rice's meadow." The
other record is of the same date, and states that there
was to be a road " between the river meadow and the house-
lot from the bridge at John Blandford's to Bridle Point."
The bridge referred to in the former of these records may
have been the " Old Indian Bridge," which is repeatedly
mentioned in the town book. From statements on the
records we conclude it crossed the lower part of Lanham
Brook — sometimes also called West Brook — at a point
between Sand Hill and Heard's Pond. This bridge was
probably found there by the settlers, and may have been
nothing more than a fallen tree where but one person could
pass at a time. It doubtless was of little use to the settlers,
and may only have served them as a landmark or to desig-
nate a fording-place where at low water a person could pass.
The bridge referred to in the latter record was probably the
first one built by the English in Sudbury. It was doubtless
situated at the locality since occupied by successive bridges,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 93
each of which was known as the " Old Town Bridge."
The present one is called the Russell Bridge, after the name
of the builder. The location is in Wayland at the east end
of the old causeway, near the house of Mr. William Baldwin.
The first bridge at this place was probably a simple contriv-
ance for foot-passengers only, and one which would cause
little loss if swept away by a flood. The reason why this
spot was selected as a crossing, may be indicated by the laj'
of the land and the course of the river ; at this point the
stream winds so near the bank of the hard upland, that a
causeway on the eastern side is unnecessary. These natural
features doubtless led to the construction of the bridge at
that particular spot, and the location of the bridge deter-
mined the course of the road. About the time of the erec-
tion of the first bridge a ferry is spoken of. In 1642 Thomas
Noyes was " appointed to keep a ferry for one year, for
which he was to have two pence for every single passenger
and if there be more to take two apiece." This ferry may
have been used only at times when high water rendered the
bridge or meadow impassable. As in the price fixed for
transportation only "passengers" are mentioned, we infer
that both the bridge and ferry were for foot-passengers
alone. But a mere foot-path could not long suffice for the
settlement. The west side was too important to remain
isolated for want of a cart-bridge. About this time it was
ordered by the town, " That Mr. Noyes, Mr. Pendleton,
Walter Haynes, John Parmenter, Jr., and Thomas King
shall have power to view the river at Thomas King's, and to
agree with workmen to build a cart-bridge over the river
according as they shall see just occasion." The following
contract was soon made with Ambrose Leach : —
"BRIDGE CONTRACT 1643.
"It is agreed betweene the inhabitants of the towne of
sudbury and Ambrose Leech, That the towne will give unto
the said Ambrose 6 acres in Mr Pendleton's 2nd Addition of
meadow wch shall run on the north side of his meadow lyinge
on the west side of the river & shall run from the river to
the upland. Allsoe foure acres of meadowe more wch shall
94 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
be wth convenient as may be. Allsoe twenty acres of upland
lyinge on the west side of the river on the north side of the
lande of Walter Haynes if he approve of it else so much
upland where it may be convenient. For and in considera-
tion whereof the said Ambrose doth propose to build a suffi-
cient cart bridge over the river three feet above high water
mark twelve foot wyde from the one side of the river to the
other provided that the towne doe fell and cross cutt the tim-
ber and saw all the plank and carry it all to place and when
it is ready framed the towne doth promise to help him raise
it so that he and one man be at the charge of the sayd Am-
brose and he doth promise to acomplish the work by the last
day of Aug. next. Allsoe the towne doth admitt of him
as a townsman wth right to comonage and upland as more
shall be laid out and allsoe ten acres of meadowe to be layed
out which other meadowe is in first addition of meadowe.
"Ambrose Leech Brian Pendleton
" Walter Haynes."
This contract is on the original town book without date.
On the preceding page is a record dated 1642, and beyond is
one dated 1641, which plainly shows either that events were
not recorded chronologically, or that the leaves were not
placed in their original order when the book was rebound in
1840. It may then be safe to conjecture that the date of this
contract was 1642 or 1643. That Mr. Leach carried out his
agreement in good faith, is indicated by the privileges that
were afterwards accorded to him. Repeatedh', on the Pro-
prietors' book, in the record of their meetings held in after
years, are the names of Ambrose Leach and Thomas Cake-
bread included in the list of the early grantees, upon whose
original rights the Proprietors based their titles to the com-
mon lands. No other names are in the list except those of
the early or original grantees ; and the presumption is, that
they were included on account of some service performed for
the town : one perhaps for building a bridge, and the other
for building a mill. The next contract for building a bridge
was with Timothy Hawkins of Watertown, and is as fol-
lows : —
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 95
"The 26th day of November, 16**.
"Agreed between the Inhabitants of Sudbury on the one
part, and Timothy Hawkins of Watertown on the other part
that the said Timothy shall build a sufficient cart bridge over
the river, beginning at the west side of the river running
across the river, five rods long and twelve feet wide, one foot
above high water mark, the arches to be . . . foot wide,
all but the middle arch which is to be 14 feet wide, the silts
— inches square 26 feet long, the posts 16 inches square the
cups and 16, the braces 8 inches square, the bridge
must have a rail on each side, and the rails must be braced
at every post, the plank must be two inches thick sawn, there
must be 5 braces for the plank, — the bridge the bearers 12
inches square, the bridge is by him to be ready to raise by
the last day of May next. For which work the Inhabitants
do consent to pay unto the said Timothy for his work so done,
the sum of 13 pounds to be paid in corn and cattle, the corn
at the general price of the country, and the cattle at the price
as two men shall judge them worHi.
" The said Timothy is to fell all the timber and saw it, and
then the town is to carry it to the place."
The town was also to help raise it. The time of this con-
tract also is uncertain. The record of the date is so muti-
lated that it is uncertain whether it is 1643 or 1653. On the
page preceding are the dates 1652 and 1653. If this contract
was made in 1643, then that with Ambrose Leach might have
been earlier than has been conjectured, and the bridge built
by him may have been destroyed by a flood soon after com-
pletion, which caused the erection of another so soon.
In 1645, it was ordered "that £20 should be alowed ye
town of Sudbury toward ye building of their bridge and way
at ye end of it to be paid ym when they shall have made ye
way passable for loaden horses, so it be done wlhin a twelve
month." (Colony Records, Vol. II., p. 102.) The town
was also for this reason at one time favored by an abatement
of rates, as we are informed by the following record : —
"Whereas it appears to us that Concord, Sudbury and Lan-
96 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
caster are at a greater charge in bridges for the publicque use
of the countrye than some other of theire neighbor tovvnes,
we conceive it meete that they be abated as followeth ; Con-
cord and Lancaster all theire rates, whether payd or to be
payd to those two bridges above named, and Sudbury the one
half of theire rates to the sayd bridges, and theire abatement
to be satisfied to the undertakers of those bridges, or repayed
againe to such as have payed as followeth." (Colony Rec-
ords, Vol. IV., p. 307.)
The bridge built at this spot is said to be the first framed
bridge in Middlesex County. The locality is one rich in
reminiscences of Sudbury's early History. Over this cross-
ing the Indians were forced, on that memorable day when
King Philip attacked the town. At the "Bridge foot" were
buried the bodies of the Concord men who were slain on
that dismal day. (See period 1675-1700.) It was the
bridge of the old stage period. Just beyond, by the "gravel
pit," was the beginning of the "Old Lancaster road." Here
was the crossing, over which Washington passed when he
went through the town. Thus suggestive are the associa-
tions that cluster about the spot, and chime in with the nat-
ural loveliness that sometimes adorns it. When the mead-
ows grow green in the spring-time as the floods are passing
away, and the willows, standing in hedgerows like silent
sentinels, send forth their fragrant perfume, here surely is a
fit place for reflection, a suitable spot in which to meditate
upon things that were long ago.
CAUSEWAY.
Westerly beyond the bridge was built a raised road or
causeway, which was sometimes called the " Casey " or
"Carsey." This is a memorable piece of highway. Repeat-
edly has it been raised to place it above the floods. At one
time the work was apportioned by lot ; and at another the
Legislature allowed the town to issue tickets for a grand
lottery, the avails of which were to be expended upon this
causeway.
Stakes were formerly set as safeguards to the traveler, that
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 97
he might not stray from the way. In 1653, it is recorded
that speedy measures were to be taken to repair the cause-
way and highways. Just when this causeway was built we
have found no record, but we infer that it was begun as early
as 1643, since at that time the cart-bridge was made, and
about that time the service of Thomas Noyes as ferryman
ceased. With the construction of a cart-bridge, the people
would naturally construct a cart causeway, since without this
a cart-bridge could be of no use for vehicles. The older
causeway is that which is a few rods west of the town bridge
further east, and takes a southwesterly course at the parting
of the ways.
GRIST-MILL.
Another necessary convenience to the settlers was a grist-
mill, or, as they expressed it, " a mill to grind the town's
corn." Such a mill was erected in the spring of 1639 by
Thomas Cakebread. The following is the record concerning
it : " Granted to Thomas Cakebread for and in considera-
tion of building a mill, 40 a. of upland or thereabout now
adjoining to the mill, and a little piece of meadow down-
wards, and a piece of meadow upward, and which may be 16
or 20 a. or thereabout. Also there is given for his accommo-
dation for his estate 30 a. of meadow and 40 a. of upland."
(Town Records.)
Mr. Cakebread did not long live to make use of his mill.
His widow married Sargent John Grout, who took charge of
the property. " In 1643, the cranberry swamp formerly
granted to Antient Ensign Cakebread was confirmed to John
Grout, and there was granted to Sargent John Grout a swamp
lying by the house of Philemon Whale, to pen water for the
use of the mill, and of preparing it to remain for the use of
the town."
Probably the house of Philemon Whale was not far from
the present Concord road, near Wayland Centre, and pos-
sibl}r stood on the old cellar hole at the right of the road,
north of the Dana Parmenter house. The bridge at the
head of the mill-pond long bore the name of Whale's Bridge.
This mill stood on the spot where the present grist-mill
98 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
stands, near Wayland Centre, and which has been known as
Reeves's, Grout's, and, more recently, Wight's mill. Some
of the original timber of the Cakebread Mill is supposed to
be in the present structure. The stream by which it is run
is now small, but in early times it was probably somewhat
larger. The dimensions of the mill are larger than formerly,
it having been lengthened toward the west.
CHURCH.
The town now being laid out, and the necessary means for
securing a livelihood provided, the people turned their atten-
tion to ecclesiastical matters. The church was of paramount
importance to the early new England inhabitants. For its
privileges they had in part embarked for these far-off shores.
To preserve its purity they became pilgrims on earth, exiles
from friends and their native land. Borne hither with such
noble desires, we have evidence that when they arrived they
acted in accordance with them. In 1640 a church was orga-
nized, which was Congregational in government and Calvin-
istic in creed or faith. A copy of its covenant is still pre-
served. The church called to its pastorate Rev. Edmund
Brown, and elected Mr. William Brown deacon. It is sup-
posed that the installation of Rev. Edmund Brown was at
the time of the formation of the church. The town in se-
lecting Mr. Brown for its minister secured the services of
an energetic and devoted man. Edward Johnson says of
him, in his " Wonder-Working Providence," " The church
in Sudbury called to the office of a pastor the reverend,
godly and able minister of the word, Mr. Edmund Brown,
whose labors in the doctrine of Christ Jesus hath hitherto
abounded, wading through this wilderness work with much
cheerfulness of spirit, of whom as followeth : —
" Both night and day Brown ceaseth not to watch
Christ's little flock in pastures fresh them feed,
The worrying wolves shall not the weak lambs catch ;
Well dost thou mind in wildernesse their breed.
Edmund, thy age is not so great but thou
Maist yet behold the Beast brought to her fall,
Earth's tottering Kingdome shew her legs gin bow,
Thou 'mongst Christ's Saints with prayers maist her mawle.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 99
" What signes wouldst have faith's courage for to rouse?
See Christ triumphant hath his armies led,
In Wildernesse prepar'd his lovely Spouse,
Caused Kings and Kingdomes his high hand to dread;
Thou seest his churches daily are increasing,
And though thyself amongst his worthyes warring,
Hold up thv hands, the battel's now increasing,
Christ's Kingdom's ay, it's past all mortall's marring."
The home of Mr. Brown was in the territory of Wayland,
by the south bank of Mill Brook, on what was called " Tim-
ber Neck." (See map of house-lots, Chapter V.) The house
was called in his will "Brunswick," which means "mansion
by the stream," and stood near the junction of Mill Brook
with the river, a little southeast of Farm Bridge, and nearly
opposite the Richard Heard place. Nothing now visible
marks the spot, but both record and undisputed tradition
give its whereabouts. (For further of Mr. Brown see period
1675-1700.) Mr. Brown's salary the first year was to be
.£40, one-half to be paid in money, the other half in some
or all of these commodities : " Wheate, pees, butter, cheese,
porke, beefe, hemp and flax, at every quarters end." In the
maintenance of the pastor and church the town acted as in
secular matters. The church was for the town ; its records
were for a time town records. Civil and ecclesiastical mat-
ters were connected. If there was no state church, there
was a town church, a minister and meeting-house, that was
reached by and reached the masses. " Rates " were gath-
ered no more surely for the "king's tax" than to maintain
the ministry. To show the manner of raising the money for
the minister's salary shortly after his settlement, we insert
the following : " The first day of the second month, 1643.
It is agreed upon by the town that the Pastor shall [have]
for this year, beginning the first day of the first month,
thirty pound, to be gathered by rate and to be paid unto him
at two several payments, the first payment to be made one
month after midsummer, the other payment to be made one
month after Michaelmas, for the gathering of which the town
hath desired Mr. Pendleton and Walter Hayne to undertake
it, and also the town hath discharged the pastor from all
100 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
rates, for this year, and the rate to be levied according to the
rate which was for the meeting-house, the invoice being
taken by John Freeman." Of the prosperity of this little
church, Johnson says, in his "Wonder-Working Providence,"
"This church hath hitherto, been blessed with blessings of
the right hand, even godly peace and unity; they are not
above 50 or 60 families and about 80 souls in church fellow-
ship, their Neat head about 300."
MEETING-HOUSE.
A church formed and pastor secured, an early movement
was made for a meeting-house.
"'Mid forests unsubdued
The Sabbath dome rose fair,
And in their rude unsheltered homes
Was heard the call — to prayer."
Simes.
The spot selected was at what is now the "Old Burying-
ground," in Wayland. The building stood in its westerly
part, and a few rods northerly of the Sudbury Centre and
Wayland highway. The site is marked by a slight embank-
ment, and by a row of evergreens set by Mr. J. S. Draper.
The house was built by John Rutter, and the contract was
as follows : —
" February 17th, 1642.
" It is agreed between the townsmen of this town on the
one part, and John Rutter on the other part, that the said
John Rutter for his part, shall fell, saw, hew and frame a
house for a meeting-house thirty foot long, twenty foot wide,
eight foot between joint three foot between, stude two cross
dorments in the house six clear story windows, two with
four lights apiece, and four with three lights apiece, and to
ententise between the stude, which frame is to be made
ready to raise the first week in May next.
"John Rutter.
"And the town for their part do covenant to draw all the
timber to place, and to help to raise the house being framed
and also to pay to the said John Rutter for the said work
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 101
six pounds, that is to say, three pound to be paid in corn
at three shillings a bushel, or in money, in and upon this
twenty seventh day, of this present month, and the other
three pounds to be paid in money, corn and cattle to be
prized by two men of the town, one to be chosen by the
town and the other to be chosen by John Rutter, and to be
paid at the time that the frame is by the said John Rutter
finished.
" Peter Noyse, Walter Haynes,
"Brian Pendleton, John How,
"William Ward, Thomas Whyte."
(Town Book, p. 27.)
An act relative to the raising and locating of the building is
the following, dated May, 1643: The town "agreed that the
meeting-house shall stand upon the hillside, before the house-
lot of John Loker, on the other side of the way ; also that
every inhabitant that hath a house-lot shall attend [the rais-
ing of] the new meeting-house, or send a sufficient man to
help raise the meeting-house." The year after the contract
was made a rate was ordered for the finishing of the house,
to be raised on " meadow and upland and all manner of
cattle above a quarter old, to be prized as they were for-
merly: Shoates at 6 shillings 8 pence apiece, kids at 4 shil-
lings apiece."
A further record of the meeting-house is as follows : —
"Nov. 5th, 1645.
" It is ordered that all those who are appointed to have
seats in the meeting-house that they shall bring in their first
payment for their seats to Hugh Griffin or agree with him
between this and the 14th day of this month, which is on
Friday next week and those that are (deficient) we do
hereby give power to the Marshall to distrain both for their
payment for their seats and also for the Marshall's own labor
according to a former order twelve pence.
"Walter Hayne, William Warde.
"Edmund Goodnow, John Reddicke,
" Hugh Griffin."
102 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Considerable importance was attached in the early times
to the seating of people in the meeting-house, and in the
records of new houses of worship mention is made of this
matter. Respect was had to social condition and circum-
stance ; committees were chosen to adjust these matters in
the payment of rates, and references are made in the records
of town-meeting to the requests of parties about their seats
in the meeting-house. A rule that was general was, that
the men should sit at one end of the pew and the women at
the other. In the third meeting-house erected in Sudbury
it was a part of a plan that the pews should be so arranged
as to seat seven men on one side and seven women on the
other. In this first meeting-house of Sudbury, the people
purchasing seats had a right to dispose of their purchase, in
case they should leave the settlement ; but the right was
reserved by the town of seating the parties who purchased,
as is declared hy the following record, Jan. 26, 1645 : It was
"ordered, that all those that pa}^ for seats in the meeting-
house shall have leave to sell as many seats as they pay for,
provided, they leave the seating of the persons to whom they
sell, to the church officers, to seat them if they themselves
go out of town." About this first meeting-house a burial
place was soon started. No land purchase was made for this
purpose until subsequent years (see chapter on Cemeteries),
but, after the old English custom, graves were gathered about
the church. The services held in the first meeting-house
were probably like those held in other houses of the period.
There were two sermons on Sunday, with a short intermis-
sion at noon. The sermon was usually about an hour in
length, and the time of preaching was measured by an hour-
glass that was placed in the pulpit. Long prayers, if not in
favor, were in use ; and the minister prayed for the practical
needs of his little flock, detailing in his supplications the
wants of the sick, the sorrowful, the sinful, and asking that
all things might be sanctified to the soul's spiritual good.
Strangers were sometimes asked to exhort or prophesy.
Scripture reading, except reading the text, and incidental
readings in the course of the sermon, was not known in the
early churches. We are informed by Mr. Loring's Diary
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 103
that the reading of the Scriptures, as a part of the Sabbath
service, was introduced into the Sudbury church, without
opposition, in 1748. When the Scriptures were read, an
exposition was expected ; and without this it was called
" dumb reading." The church music was of a congrega-
tional character, and made use of for worship. There were
no useless mummeries of meaningless tunes. Most of the
churches for a time after 1640 used "The Bay Psalm Book,"
which was gotten up by New England ministers, and which
Avas the second hymn book used in British America. It is
stated (Palfrey) that, for three-quarters of a centurj', not
more than ten different tunes were used in public worship,
among which were "York," "Hackney," "St. Martyns,"
"Windsor," and "St. Marys." The people were called to
meeting by the beating of a drum. In a record, bearing date
1652, is a statement as follows : " It shall be agreed with
Edmund Goodenow, that his son shall beat the Drum twice
every lecture day, and twice every forenoon, and twice every
afternoon upon every Lord's day, to give notice what time to
come to meeting; for which the town will give him twenty
shillings a year — and to pay him in the town rates." This
son of Edmund Goodenow was John, as the records state
that, in 1654, " John Goodenow was discharged from the
town's engagement for beating the drum to call persons to
meeting." A sexton was soon appointed, and it is recorded
that, in 1644, John Toll was to " make clean the meeting-
house for one year, and to have for his labor six shillings,
eight pence."
CHAPTER VII.
r
Land Divisions. — Origin of the Terms " Common " and " Lot." — Per-
mission of Colonial Court for Land Division. — Principles upon which
Land Divisions were Made. — The Meadows a Basis of Division. —
Meadow Rights, or Meadow Dividends. — Rules of Division. — Quan-
tity of Meadow Received in Three Early Allotments. — Division of
Upland. — Town's Common or Undivided Lands. — Proprietors' Com-
mon or Undivided Lands. — Proprietors' Meetings subsequent to
1700. — Specimens of their Records. — Land Allotments to be Re-
corded.— Cow Common. — Land for the Support of the Ministry. —
Reservations for " Planting Fields," a " Training Field," a Mill, a
Pasture for " Working Oxen," Timber Land.
These are the records, half effaced,
Which, with the hand of youth, he traced
On History's page.
Longfellow.
The settlers had little more than got fairly located at the
plantation, when they began dividing their territory, and
apportioning it in parcels to the inhabitants. Before these
divisions were made there were no private estates, except
such house-lots and few acres as were assigned at the outset
for the settler's encouragement or help, or such land tracts
as were obtained by special grant from the Colonial Court.
But divisions soon came. Piece afterpiece was apportioned,
and passed into private possession. Soon but little of the
public domain was left, save small patches at the junction of
roads, or some reservation for a school-house, meeting-house
or pound, or plot for the village-green.
From common land, which the undivided territory was
called, has come the word " common " as applied to a town
common, park or public square. And from the division of
land by lot, the term " lot" has come into use, as " meadow-
lot," " wood-lot," and " house-lot." The early land divisions
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 105
were made, on permission .of the Colonial Court, by such
commissioners as the town or court might appoint. As a
specimen of these permits, we give the following : —
"A Generall Court, holden at Boston the 4th Day of the
7th month 1639.
" The order of the Court, vpon the petition of the inhabi-
tants of Sudbury, is, that Peter Noyes, Bryan Pendleton, J
[John] Parmrn A [Parmenter], Edmond B [Brown], Walter
Hayne, George Moiling, & Edmond Rise have comission to lay
out lands to the p'sent inhabitants, according to their estates
& persons & that Capt Jeanison, Mr Mayhewe, Mr Flint, Mr
Samuel Sheopard, & John Bridge, or any 3 of them, shall, in
convenient time, repaire to the said towne, & set out such
land and accomodations, both for house-lots & otherwise,
both for Mr Pelham & Mr Walgrave, as the}' shall think suit-
able to their estates, to bee reserved for them if they shall
come to inhabite them in convenient time, as the Court shall
think [fit]."
But while these divisions were by the permission of the
court, the principles of division were largely left to the peo-
ple themselves ; and in the early New England towns various
methods were adopted, in accordance with the plan or com-
pact on which the plantation was formed. In more or less of
the towns, the petitioners for a land tract of which a town
was to be composed were a company of proprietors which
might correspond to a corporation of to-day. They had a
moderator, clerk, record book, and committee. The officials
of these proprietaries, before a place was incorporated, per-
formed functions to some extent corresponding to those of
town officials afterwards. The committees corresponded to
the town's selectmen, the clerk to a town clerk, and the pro-
prietors' books to town records. The proprietors' books were
not only a record of their proceedings, but served also as a
registry of deeds, and were the evidence of land sales, bound-
aries, etc.
These companies or proprietors could, by majority vote,
divide up and dispose of their land in a way subject only to
106 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the terms of the proprietors' compact, to restrictions of the
court, and the common law. When the plantation by incor-
poration became a town, the proprietors did not lose their
original territorial rights, but the principle of ownership and
control was the same as before. If, when the place was a
plantation or proprietary, a person owned certain shares in
the territory by reason of money paid in, or as a reward or
recompense for some service performed, when it became a
town he retained his right to those shares and the rights that
appertained to them ; and when the lands were divided those
rights would be allowed. Hence, whether it were plantation
or town when the division of land was made, though the act
of division was subject to a majority vote, the mode of divis-
ion was to have reference to the original right of every
grantee.
The town of Sudbury, as a plantation, was formed on
what we consider the proprietary principle. The persons
that petitioned for the land tract, and those whom they
represented, or, in other words, the original grantees, at
first possessed the whole territory. In their collective
capacity, they had power to divide up their lands or keep
them as common property ; but when divisions were made,
it must be done in an equitable manner, that is, in proportion
as each had paid in, or in proportion to the value of the orig-
inal right ; or they were to dispose of them in such a way as
was, by general consent, for the common good of the com-
pany, as the selling of land to meet public expenses, or the
granting of it as a gratuity to help on the settlement ; or the
setting apart of a portion of it for a common pasture. But
while the town had a right to do any or all of these things,
as a matter of fact it did not at first divide up all of its land,
except the meadows. These it divided proportionally, as
we have stated, and the meadows being thus divided, became
the basis of future allowance and rights ; in other words, it
is supposed that the settlers put into the enterprise different
amounts of money, and received meadow lands in proportion
to what each put in ; and that, on the basis of the amount of
meadow received, rates were raised for public purposes, and
certain rights were possessed, — as the right of commonage, or
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 107
to divisions of uplands. So far as we know, no lands were
sold at the outset solely and directly to construct public
works, or to pay for a foot of the common territory.
Thus the division of meadow land was an important
transaction. It was not only a disposal of common prop-
erty of the proprietors, but it established a standard of
rates, and in a certain sense of valuation. For example,
money to pay for land purchased of Karto was to " be gath-
ered according to such quantity of meadow as are granted to
the inhabitants of the town." In the division of " uplands,"
the rule of receiving was according as a person was possessed
of " meadow." In the pasturage of the extensive cow com-
mon, the people were to be limited in the number of cattle
put in by their meadows, or their rates as based upon them, j
In the erection of the meeting-house and pay of the minister
reference was had to rates paid on the meadows. Perhaps the
meadows thus assigned might properly be termed "meadow-
rights." As in some places the "acre-right" would procure
lands or privileges in proportion to the part paid into the com-
mon venture by the proprietor, so in Sudbury the meadow-right
might do likewise ; and a person who possessed an original
meadow-right might possess a right to subsequent land allot-
ments, or the right of his cattle to commonage, so long as the
town had undivided territory. Thus it might be said that the
proprietors received values on their investment in the enter-
prise, not by monied divisions, but by land divisions. Hence,
these divisions of land might be called the dividends of those
early days, and the money raised by the town on the basis of
these early divisions of meadow might be called assessments
on the stock made to meet public expenses. We conclude that
these meadow-rights or dividends were merchantable, to the
extent that a person in selling them might or might not con-
vey the right that belonged to them, as related to commonage
and other allotments. The lands that were given by gratu-
lation, for, worthiness or work done for the public, might
or might not have the privileges of an original meadow-
right or dividend. In raising money to pay Karto for the
land which the town last bought of him, it was ordered
that " all meadow was to pay at one price, and that all
108 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
meadow given by way of gratulation should have right of
commonage."
That the original grantees, and those subsequently given
the privileges of such, as a "gratulation" for services per-
formed for the settlers, could transfer the right to subsequent
divisions of the common and undivided land, is indicated by
the records of the proceedings of the proprietors of these
lands many years after the settlement of Sudbury. In the
Proprietors' Book of Records, as will be noticed further along,
are given repeated lists of the names of the early grantees,
even after the most if not all of them had passed away.
These lists are referred to as those possessing an original
right to the town's undivided land, and may indicate that
wherever or whenever one possessed that right as it had been
conveyed through the years, in whatever way, that person
could claim land when a division was made, or could vote on
the disposal of the proprietors' undivided territory.
With this explanation, or setting forth of the principles of
division, we are prepared to notice the divisions themselves,
which are of two kinds : first, those made as an encourage-
ment and help to the settlement ; second, those made on the
principle of meadow dividends or meadow rights. The divis-
ions made under the first head were probably two. The
first of them was that of house-lots, which, as we have said,
comprised only a comparatively small area, perhaps sufficient
for a garden or orchard, and a small clearing about the door,
and intended as an encouragement to the owner to continue
there as a citizen. It is supposed these lots were given in an
equable manner, the average being about four or five acres ;
and when there is much variation from this, it was doubtless
to make up for inequality of situation, soil, or some circum-
stance which called for exception. It mattered not whether
married or unmarried, each received a like lot. As a rule, it
was expected that those receiving lots should build upon
them, as the Colony Records state (Vol I., p. 222) that "Mr.
Pelham and Walgrave are granted their lots at Sudbury abso-
lutely wlh out condition of dwelling there only Mr. Pelham
p mised to build a house and settle a family there & to be
there as much as he could in the summer time."
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 109
It was essential that the plantation should be peopled. The
condition of the grant by the Colonial Court was, that there
should be settled a certain number of families within a speci-
fied time ; and, in case of failure, the lands were forfeited.
It was an object, then, to encourage settlement by the gift of
a lot for a homestead, and so much land as was essential to
give the settler a start. Beside this first allotment for homes,
at an early period an allotment was made of meadows, which
may have also been for encouragement and help. An early
rule for the apportionment of meadow, which we think may
have been for this purpose, is this : —
"It was ordered and agreed that the meadows of the town
of Sudbury shall be laid out and given to the present inhab-
itants, as much as shall be thought meet according to this
rule following.
Imprimis. To every Mr of a ffamilie G akers.
To every wiffe 6£ akers.
To every child 1J akers.
To every mare, cow, ox, or any other cattle that may amount
to 20 <£ or so much money 3 akers."
We conjecture that lands given by this rule were for
encouragement, from the fact that a house-lot of itself would
not suffice to give a support, or afford food for the cattle. It
was also essential that some meadow should at first be allowed
on other than a property basis, as was the case in other divis-
ions. The larger the household and the cattle herd, the more
need of much meadow. We have no record to inform us
how much meadow was assigned by this rule. By other
rules, about a thousand acres, more or less, were divided; and
if there were fifteen hundred acres of meadow in the grant
which the court allowed, supposing as much was found to
exist there, then about five hundred may have been divided
in this way. By this rule, the settlers who came on the ship
"Confidence " would receive about a hundred acres, allowing
a fair amount for their stock.
We come now to consider the second class of divisions
referred to, viz. : those of the meadow lands which were to
110 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
be as land dividends, or as the basis of assessments for raising
money to meet public expenses, or for the allotment of other
lands. It is supposed that three such divisions of meadow
were made on different occasions, all before the close of the
year 1640. An original record of these divisions has been
given on the town books, but it is now so worn, that parts of
it are entirely gone. It is placed early in the first book, and
some one has added to it the date 1638, which is incorrect,
since no divisions were made so soon. In another part of
the first town book (p. 137) is found another list, signed by
John Grout, a subsequent clerk. The list was probably
copied by him from the original, before it became so defaced,
or the lost part may have been restored by him from his per-
sonal knowledge, or from some source not now extant. Still
another list is given in the Stearns' Collection, written by
Noah Clapp ; and other lists are given in the Proprietors'
Book. We give the first list found in the original town book
so far as it can be read, together with the preamble, and com-
plete the list from the point where the part is wanting by the
list of John Grout : —
"A record of the names of the Inhabitants of Sudbuiy,
with their several quantity of meadow to every one granted
according to their estates or granted by gratulation for ser-
vices granted by them, which meadow is ratable upon all
common charges.
Imprimis
The first
division.
Second.
Third.
Gratu-
laiiuii.
Mr William Pelham
16*
m
25
Mr Edmund Brown
164
33i
25
15
Mr Noyse
16
32
24
Bryan Pendleton
13£
30i
22
16
Walter Haine
13i
29i
22^
10
John Hayne
2h
5*
4
John Blandford
H
4
2|
hugh Griffvn
2
3
6*
Edmond Goodnowe
5
11
8
Bobert Beast
3i
7*
6*
Thomas Noyse
4i
10
Ti
Thomas Browne
7
16
m
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Ill
William Browne
Robert Darnill
Thomas Goodnow
John Freeman
Solomon Johnson
william ward
Richard Newton
John Howe
George Munnings
Anthony whyte
Andrew Belcher
John Goodnowe
John Reddock
Thomas Whyte
John Parmenter Senior
Edmond Rice
Henry Rice
wyddow Buffamthwyte
Henry Curtis
John Stone
John Parmenter Jim
John Rutter
The first
Gratu-
division.
Second.
Third.
lation.
2i
3
2|
4
8
17
12i
5
2
4
3
4
8
6
4*
11
7!
2
4
3
2
4
3
3i
7
5i
10
o
O
6i
4|
4
8
6i
2|
9
51
oi
-2
5
3|
5
10
7i
H
12
8|
9*
19
14i
8
4
7
H
1
3
2
2
4i
4f
2
5i
3|
The following names are from
the list of John Grout : —
John Toll
5
4
John Wood
H
7
5±
Henry Loker
1
H
01
-4
John Loker
1
3
2
Widow Wright
2
4
3
John Bent
1
14
lQi
4
Nathaniel 1 Treadway
5
10
7i
• 2
Widow Hunt
1
3
2
10
John Maynard
H
4±
3
Joseph Taintor
l*
5
3|
Richard Fordom
30
Thomas Cakbread
30
Mr. Herbert Pelham
112 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
The first Gratu-
division. Second. Third. lation.
Mr. Glover
Richard Bitlcom (Bildcome)
Robert Davis
Henrv Prentis 1| 4 2| 3
Wm Kerly
Beside the list in this tabulated form, we have a record on
the town book of the first two divisions of meadow, together
with the reason assigned for the record and for the divisions
of land, and also, in some cases, the locations of the lands.
This record, which is as follows, we give in the order that is
found in the book : —
" It is ordered that all the inhabitants of this town shall
have § of their total meadows laid out this present year,
viz. : the first divided according to discretion, and the sec-
ond by lot, and the quantity of every man's particular sum
amounts to the sum following.
" Here followeth a record of the particular quantity of the
acres of meadows, which were laid out in the first division
unto the inhabitants, as they lie successively upon the great
River, with the allowance of such acres which were added
to supply for the badness to be a proportionate rule to the
inhabitants."
" The 22nd day of February 1639.
"It is ordered and agreed that whereas now the commis-
sioners of Sudbury have a levy to gather some money to pay
for the purchase of our plantation, and also other rates for
divers occasions, do order that all our rates shall now be gath-
ered according to such quantity of meadows as are granted
to the inhabitants of the town according to the rate or fixed
propotion, as in pages following, which we have annexed for
future reference.
" Impr To Henry Prentise was laid out 1^ acres being his
just quantity is to be rated for, and lieith on the north side
of Bridle Point, so called now, and on the other side of the
river, and adjoineth to the brook, the end bounded by marked
stakes.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
113
John Parmenter Junior
Acres.
2*
John How
2£
Richard Newton
2
and an acre for allowance
Andrew Belcher
4
Hugh Griffyn
2
Peter Noyse
16
and 11 acres for allowance
William Parker
H
Thomas Whyte
5
Thomas Browne
7
and 3 for allowance
John Parmenter Senior
5*
Joseph Tayntor
2*
and 2 acres for allowance
1 acre for allowance
Henry Loker
li
John Blandford
H
John Goodnow
4*
£ acre for allowance
John Wood
H
Bryan Pendleton
12i
Robert Hunt
1
1 acre for allowance
Richard Whyte
2
Edmond Browne
16i
Thomas Goodnow
2
2\ for allowance
Anthony White
3
George Munnings
H
John Bent
7
3^ for allowance
Widow Noyes
2
Walter Haynes
13£
William Browne
1
James Buckmaster
3
The Minister's Meadow
John Freeman
4
Thomas Joslyn
1
Goodman Witherill
2
Edmond Goodnow
5£
Solomon Johnson
3
Thomas Hayne
2±
John Knight
16i
John Loker
1
Nathaniell Treadaway
5
Robert Beast
3*
Henry Curtise
1
Robert Darnell
8i
John Stone
2
Thomas Noyse
4±
John Reddicke
2*
John Maynard
1±
William Pellam
16i
and one acre for allowance.
" Here followeth a record of the particular quantity of the
acres of meadow which now laid out in the second division
of them unto the inhabitants, as they fall to them by lot.
Acres.
Acres.
Impr. John How
4
Goodman Witherill
4
Bryan Pendleton
30i
Hugh Griffin
5
The Ministers Meadow
Robert Hunt
3
Nathaniel Tread way
10
Richard Newton
4
James Buckmaster
7
Thomas Flyn
3
114
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Acres.
Acres.
John Parmenter Senior
12
Robert Darnell
17
John Ruddicke
5
Henry Curtys
3
John Blandford
4
Robert Beast
7±
John Wood
7
John Goodnow
n
Thomas Haynes
5i
Edmond Goodnow
Hi
William Brown
3
8 for allowance
Richard Whyte
George Mannings
7
Thomas Goodnow
4
4 for allowance
Andrew Belcher
H
Anthony Whyte
«i
Widow Noyse
4
Henry Prentise
4
William Pellam
331
John Parmenter Junior
5i
Thomas Browne
16
William Parker
4
John Stone
4£
Edmund Rice
18i
Heniy Loker
H
Solomon Johnson
7
" Peter Noyse had the moiety of his second addition of
meadows, his 16 acres, laid out below next Concord bounds
and he has laid out 6 acres more next adjoining unto 20
acres laid out unto Edmond Browne, about and against the
Bridle Point. Now in case the said Peter shall be inhibited
from the enjoying of the said 16 acres last specified, it shall
be lawful for the said Peter to have it laid out upon or in
any meadow not laid out to any.
" Edmond Browne is to have 15 acres for his second addi-
tion, in part lying about the timber neck on the south side,
if he accepteth it, and 20 acres laid out next over bridle
point, which 2 acres if he shall not enjoy, or if Mr. Pellam
cometh not up he is then to choose where he will have it
laid out and upon any meadow that shall be assigned by and
of Mr Herbert Pellam
" 20,h 2 m :
"Edmond Brown, Peter Noyse,
"Bryan Pendleton, Walter Haynes,
"Edmund Rice, George Munnings."
Beside the foregoing record of the first two divisions, there
is a record, which directly follows, of an " addition " made
Nov. 18, 1640, which is this : —
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
115
" We whose names are under written being chosen by the
town of Sudbury, and part in commission for to assign to the
inhabitants of such land as by order was given them which
was called the third additions, have affixed unto them as
followeth, the eighteenth day of November 1640.
" Granted unto
John Knight
Acres.
55
Joseph Tayntor
Acres.
7i
Hugh Griffin
20
These lands lie at gravel pitte.
Acres.
Acres.
To John Stone
9
John Wood
4
Nathaniel Treadavvay
16i
William Ward
8
Henry Curtys
4
John Freeman
13
John Reddicke
9*
Solomon Johnson
11
Edmond Rice
9
John Knight
6
Edmond Goodenough
7*
Upon the south side
of the
land last above written.
Acres.
Acres.
Brian Pendleton
38
Widow Hunt
4*
Walter Haynes and John
John Bent
23
Haynes
67
John Maynard
9
Edmond Goodenough
11
Thomas Jslyn
4£
John Goodenough
9
Andrew Belcher
14
William Kerly
10
Thomas Goodnough
8£
Robert Beast
8
Mr. Noyse
53
Thomas Noyse
17i
William Brown
18
John Waterman
12
Thomas Brown
29
Walter Haynes
22
Anthony Whyte
10£
Bryan Pendleton
18
Thomas Cakbread
44
John Blandford
17
John Parmenter Sr
19i
Edmond Rice
25
Henry Loker
8
John Howe
8
John Goodnough
8
Robert Darnill
18
John Wood
Hi
Henry Prentiss
9
Widow Rite
8£
John Parmenter Jn
9
John Loker
6i
Richard Newton
6*
" Peter Noyse, Bryan Pendleton, Edmond Rice, Walter
Haynes, Edmund Goodnough."
116 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Such are some of the larger land divisions recorded in the
earlier days of the town, and before the division of the new-
grant on the west side. Other divisions took place as the
years went by. Not only the meadows but the uplands
were parcelled out and apportioned, some for public use,
some to the early grantees, and some to individuals in return
for value or service.
In 1642 an addition of upland was made " in acres accord-
ing to the 1st and 2ond divisions of meadows granted unto
them by the rule of their estate ; and Peter Noyes, Bryan
Pendleton, George Munnings, Edmund Rice and Edmund
Goodenow were to have power to lay out the 3d division at
their discretion."
In 1678 John Loker was to have for a house and some
land which the town desired of him for the minister, and
which was situated just west of the meeting-house, " twenty
pounds of money of New England, and also forty acres of
land on the west side of the great river of Sudbury, in some
place of the common land, that he, the said John Loker, shall
choose, near to that called the World's End. Only it is to
be on the eastern side of the highway, that there leads from
Pantry Bridge to Concord, and lieth also on the north side of
the Pantry and Gulf meadows."
Rev. Mr. Sherman, also, about the same time, was to have
" six acres of common upland, being on the back side of the
town, at the end of Smith field ; and also six acres of meadow
ground, some where out of the common meadows of this
town." He was also to pasture his cattle on the common
lands, and have firewood and timber from them.
These records show that a variety and abundance of terri-
tory was at the disposal of the town as late as towards the
last of the seventeenth century ; but years after the town
had ceased to apportion undivided lands to the inhabitants,
and the original grantees were all or nearly all dead, there
existed a portion of territory owned and controlled by par-
ties who were called in their record book " ye Proprietors of
ye Common and undivided land in Sudbury." These pro-
prietors based their claim to this property on the transferred
ownership and right of the original grantees. These proprie-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 117
tors met at times far along into the eighteenth century. They
kept a record of their meetings, transacted business in an
orderly way, and determined matters by majority vote. By
their records we learn that they sold and gave away lands,
discontinued and laid out highways, and allowed territory to
the town for public purposes. About the beginning of the
eighteenth century the persons making up this proprietary,
as given in their records, are as follows : —
Thomas Frink, John Allen,
Win, Jennison, Jonas Barnard,
Peter Jennison, Joseph Noyes,
David Haynes, John Grout,
Peter Haynes, Jonathan Rice,
Samuel Wright, John Adams,
Widow Blandford, John Parmenter,
Jonas Rice, Elisha Rice,
Caleb Jonson, Nathaniel Rice,
Samuel Howe, Samuel Graves,
Attorney for Mr. Ed. Pelham, Jonathan Grout,
Thomas Reed, Benjamin Parmenter,
John Smith, James Reed,
Thomas Godfrey, John Long,
Joseph Moore, John Loker,
Benjamin Moore, John Haynes,
Jonathan Griffin, Hopestill Bent,
Thomas Brown, Thomas Brown, Jr.
The names of the proprietors changed as the years passed
by. They held their meetings at a private residence, and
one house is designated on their records as the place where
they convened for years. Their lands were widely scattered
throughout the town, and were divided sometimes by lot.
When a difference existed that was not settled among them-
selves, they referred the matter to others. In 1705 a com-
mittee, consisting of Edward Goffe, Joseph Noyes and Joseph
Sherman, were chosen by the proprietors for the adjustment
of matters relating to their division, and the following is the
report, Sudbury, March 15, 1705 : —
118 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
" We whose names are underwritten being chosen as a
committee by the Proprietors of the Common Land in Sud-
bury to adjust and settle the difference between persons
drawing their rights in the division of common land either
by rate or by meadow Ave the subscribers do agree that he
that hath right in the common land by his meadow and
chooses to draw by his rate our opinion is that every person
who hath a right in ye common by virtue of his meadow and
chooses to draw by his rate made in the year 1655 that two
shillings in sd rate shall be equal in proportion with ye right
of one acre of meadow provided the rate did arise upon their
own proper estate.
"Edward Noyes, Joseph Noyes, Joseph Sherman."
Thus at an early date was the land tract first assigned by
the Colonial Court for the settlement apportioned and set
apart for private and public purposes. Little, doubtless, did
those early inhabitants conceive of the changed condition
that a century would bring forth. Little did they think that
their meadow paths would become county roads, and their
cow commons the site of thriving villages.
A few specimens of the proprietors' records may serve to
show something of the character and doings of " ye Proprie-
tors of ye Common and Undivided lands of Sudbury : " —
" Sudbury, Janary ye 15th 1705.
"Att a meeting of The Proprietors of ye Common and
undivided Land In Sudbury Tho Browne was Chosen mod-
erator To Gary on ye work of Sd Day By a vote of ye Pro-
prietors of The Common and undivided Land in Sudbury
Thomas Frink was Chosen and Sworn, at ye above sd meet-
ing, To Perform ye office of a Clark for ye proprietor as above
sd. By Thomas Brown Justes of ye peace.
"Att ye above sd meeting, voted yl ye proprietors of ye Com-
mon and undivided land In Sudbury will Lay out all or part
of Their undivided Lands In Sudbury. Att ye above sd
meeting voted yl Samuell King ** Graves William Jenison
Are Chosen a Commitey to prosecute Those y' have or Shall
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 119
Traspass In falling of wood or timber on our undivided
lands."
" Sudbury, febuaiy 13th 1707-8.
" Upon the Consideration of the Great Strip and waste of
ye wood and timber In the Comon or undivided Land In
Sudbury, and in an espesiall manner In the Lands called the
Cow Comons, for the prevention hereof we the Commetey
hereafter named Doe notefy the Proprietors of said Common
or undivided Land, to meet at the House of Susanna Blan-
ford on tuesday the 24th of this Instant, feburary at ten of
the Clock on said Da}', then and there to take sum speedy
Care for the prevention thereof, By Laying out said Lands
Either part of it or the whole, Either In said Cow Commons
or without the Cow commons : or any other Business said
Proprietors shall see cause to act or Doe when meet on said
Day."
" Sudbury October 24th, 1710 at a meeting of ye Proprie-
tors Of ye Common and undivided Land in Sudbury which
meeting was by adjournment from Sept 19 1710 Cap John
Goodenow Petitioning to ye Proprietors to buy of Them one
acre of land in sudbury on ye west side of The River being
ye point of Land between ye road y' Leads to Marlborough
Northerly: and to Lanham southerly And Esterly of ye Land
of Thomas Brintnall without any violation to Her Majesa
Highways on every side."
" Sudbury February 16 17\l At a meeting of }'e Proprie-
tors Of the Common and undivided Land in Sudbury which
meeting was by adjorunment from January 12 : 1712-13.
Said Proprietors by a vote Granted to John Brooks and his
wife During Their Natural Lives having a small Hous on
the same And is Fenced in : : Shall be and Remaine for
Ever for the use of the poor To be ordered and Disposed of
by the selectmen of Sudbury for ye use and Benefit of the
poor. Likewise said Proprietors Granted yl There should
be so much Land Added to this Land as to make ye same
seven acres of the Land near or adjoining to ye same
Likewise ye Proprietors Granted that There should be Two
Acres of Land added to the Donation of Ensign Peter Noyes
120 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
to the Town of Sudbury for the use of the poor. The said
Two Acres to be Laid out as said David Hayns shall Judge
most conveniant Joyning to said Donation. Likewise said
Proprietors Granted that There shall be a further Addition
to }re above said Donation of Ensign Noyes and Impowered
sarj David Hayns to lay out so much Land as he shall think
needful for flowing and in larging the mill pond."
"Sudbury May 25th 1713. At a Meeting of ye Proprie-
tors of the Common and undivided Land in Sudbury which
Meeting was by Adjournment from March The 23: 1713
The Proprietors Chosen and Impowered The Comitte here-
after Named To view and lay out Two Conveniant Training
places or Fields in said Sudbury and on each side ye River
where it may Be most Conveniant and the Comitte are to
agree with any prson or prsons yl owneth ye Land y* is most
Convenient for said Training places if Land may not Con-
veniently be found for said uses in ye said undivided Land
in said Sudbury: the Comitte are Capt Brown Capt Hayns
Leiut Frink Leiut Hayns Ens Noyes Ens John Balcom
Quartr Brintnal Quarf Carter ye Major part of said Comitte
are Impowered to act in said affair and to make Return of
Their Doings in it to ye Proprietors at their next meeting :
Likewise the Proprietors Adjourned their meeting to the
14 Day Septemb 1713 to be at ye hous of Mrs Susan ah
Blanford in said Sudbury at Twelve of ye clock Noon on
said Day."
At a meeting "of ye Proprietors of The Common and undi-
vided Land in Sudbury on June ye 14: 1714 = said Pro-
prietors by a vote Granted yl the Land Layd out on ye East
side of ye River in said Sudbury for a Training Field shall
Lye for ye use aforesaid for ever according to ye Plott and
return of ye Comitte : : Said Proprietors at said meeting by
a vote Adjourned their meeting untill Monday the 28 of this
Instant June at Twelve of ye Clock noon of said Day: to be
at ye Hous of Mrs Susanah Blanford in said Sudbury."
The proprietors, at a meeting on April 5, 1715, " granted
by a vote to Ens John Noyes a Liberty To fence in the old
burying place but yet ye said Noyes his heirs and assigns are
for ever prohibited and hindered from breaking up said bury-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 121
ing Place or seting up any building on the same it being kept
and reserved for burying ground.
"Peter Hayns, Moderator."
" Sudbury July 1715 : Upon The Desire of John Rice Jun
yt he might have a high way from his hous into the Country
road To pass to meeting Market & Mill &c: we the Sub-
scribers being Apointed by the Proprietors &c for The
Squadron have Layd out an Open high way of Two rods
wide Beginning at the said Rice Land near his Barn on the
south Side To ye road that leads To Framingham, and
marked Trees runing from where we began The Cow Comon
Land To Ensig" Jonathan Rices Lot, so runing through that
to The South east Corner of Mathew Gibbs his field, and so
along by his fence to the road upon Lanham Plain, and the
said Jonathan Rice being present Did Agree, Provided the
Proprietors would make him Allowance And he would have
his Allowances Upon the Gravel Hill by his hous.
44 Benjmin Moor, ) „ .
44 Sam- Wright, jComitte'
14 Sudbury February 26: 1716: 17: at a meeting of ye Pro-
prietors of the Comon and undivided Land in Sudbury by
adjournment from December 18: 1716 voted by the Proprie-
tors that they will have another Addition as big as their
Division first Layd out in the Comon and undivided Land
in Sudbury. And that they will draw lots who shall be ye
first and so successively till all the Lots are Drawn Pitched
and Layd out and if any Proprietor after notice given him
by the Surveyor or Chain ... By ye Comittes order or ye
Committe To pitch their Lots Doe neglect or refuse to Doe
the same, and not pitch Their Lot or Lots in the space of
Twenty four hours after notice given : That then the Comitte
shall pitch It and the surveyors shall proceed to the next
Lot or Lots every man paying the charge before any Record
be made of it."
44 The proprietors voted that there shall be a Burying
place Layd out on the west side of The River of one acre
and a half in ye most Convenient Place : Cap1 Hayns Mr
Peter Hayns Sarj Benj Moors Lt Hayns Corp1 Nathanel Rice
122 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
are the Comitte Chosen by the Proprietors to Doe this
work."'
"At a meeting of the proprietors held 1717 At the house
of Mrs. Susannah Blanford there is the following record of
roads granted to be laid out. Highway laid out in the south
squadron on ye West Side of The River in Sudbury Aprill
1715 by us the Subscribers A highway from ye Country
road To Blandford's pond of four rods wide beginning
Between Sam11 wrights and Joseph Goodnows and so by
Lt Thomas Brintnalls hous and so by Brookss and over
green hill and over Pinners wash to ye Said Pond marked
as the path now runs and So to be Lye and continue. The
said highway to run up to the Thirty rod highway at the
new grants This Said highway to be held four rod wide and
at Benj wrights land bounded by said Land and by wrights
land where it toucheth : : Also a highway out of said High-
way into Lancaster Road beginning on ye North end of Green
hill so running Down to Noah Claps Land on the nor west
corner as the path now goes by the Land of Benj Moor as
the path goes to Long meadow brook Between ye land of
said Moor from thence as the path goes to the lower end of
south meadow into Lancaster road holding four rods wide
through ; and marked trees all along : Also a highway from
Brooks3 Hous into the mill path and so over Goodmans Hill
as the path goes the Said road to be a bridle road through
Lt Thorn5 Brintnells Land by Brooks s for People to pas and
repass with horse and team without molestation or interrup-
tion with opening and shutting gates after Them : not being-
allowed to Cutt any wood within said Brintalls Land or
fences : and to be an open road then to the end running as
the path goes By the Land of Benj Moor unto the Mill Path
and to the corner of Thomas Plympton Land and so over
Goodmans Hill."
Such are some of "ye Proprietors' " records that have date
after 1700. But a few specimens have been selected from
the scores of pages contained in their book. As the pro-
prietors held their meetings several times in a year, and met
occasionally more than once a month, their records consid-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 123
erably accumulated as time passed by. In the present, we
hear little or nothing of " ye Proprietors' " acts ; tradition is
silent concerning them ; but old bridle-ways and cart-paths,
that may be marked by fallen or moss-covered walls, were
first traced, it may be, by "ye Proprietors'" committee, as
they laid out a right-of-way to some ancient meadow lot, or
to some wood-land just divided up. Though the farm boy
knows little of the lane to the pasture bars, except that the
herd pass along it, and the farmer little of the history of his
familiar home, yet "ye Proprietors" may have determined
the locality of both homestead and lane at a meeting held at
Susannah Blanford's, where they Ave re accustomed to meet.
The old oak left alone on the hillside, or that midway stands
on the plain, may have been " blazed " by strokes of the pro-
prietors' axe, and served as a boundary of some new allot-
ment. Thus, though no chronicler may trace out their ways,
nor map off their ancient domain, various farms in the town
contain more or less of the many broad acres of "ye Proprie-
tors' Common and undivided lands."
After the divisions of the toAvn land, care Avas taken to
have them duly recorded. This is indicated by the following
record from the Toavii Book : —
" In a public toAvn meeting, Avarned for the examination of
the record of land according to the town grant, which thing
Avas duly performed, all the record both first and last, respect-
ing the town grant to the inhabitants, were published read
and approved ; and hereupon the toAvn ordered, that any
Inhabitant should have liberty to repair to Hugh Griffin our
town clerk, Avho upon their desire, shall Avithin three days
space, give them a true copy of the record of such land as
they have record of in the town book under his hand Avhich
shall be a correct title, they pa}dng the clerk for his service."
It Avas not only a privilege to have a record of lands pre-
served, but at an early date it Avas made compulsory. In
1641 it Avas ordered that all Avho had land laid out should
bring in a copy of it, that it might be recorded by the tAven-
tieth day of September; and, for neglecting to do this, twenty
shillings Avere to be forfeited.
124 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
We do not propose to engage in the work of locating each
allotment of land; this could not be done in many instances,
and, if undertaken, would be liable to mistakes, so often
did property change hands in those days. Moreover, the
boundary marks that were made use of oftentimes were of a
transient or changeable character, which, though familiar to
the people of that generation, are now wholly obliterated.
For example : —
"•Here folio we th the line of the new grants with the mark.
1 a black oak 2 a white oak, 3 a black oak 4 a black oak
dead 5 a walnut tree, 6 a white oak near Jethro's field, 7 a
lone red oak, [8] in a swamp a dead [red] oak, 9 a white
ash tree in a run of water, 10 a naked pine tree on rocky
hill, 11 a chestnut, 12 a white oak, 13 a white oak, 14 a
white oak, 15 is a dead black oak stands at the westerly
corner with a heap of stones at the root of the tree.
" John Goodnow in the name of the rest who went
last on parambulation."
(Date 1640.)
While the early land divisions were being made, reserva-
tions were also made of lands for pasturage, which it was
understood were to remain undivided. These lands were
called "Cow Commons," and the record of them explains
their use. The first was laid out or set apart the 26th of
November, 1643, and was on the east side of the river. The
record concerning the location is as follows : —
" It is concluded by the town that all the lands south-
ward that lie from the southeast corner of the house-lot
of Robert Darnill, unto the common cartbridge going to
Edmund Goodnow's meadow, and so upon a strait line to
Watertown bound, which lands so granted, for a cow com-
mon, shall never be reserved or laid down without the con-
sent of every Inhabitant that hath right in commonage. All
the lands we say that are contained within these terms, that
is between the houselot of Robert Darnill and the cartbridge
before specified, southward within the five miles bound first
granted, down to the great river, and bounded on the side
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HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 125
which the extremity of our line bounding Watertown and
Sudbury, all our land contained within these terms except all
such land as have been granted out in particular, that is to
say a neck of upland lying between mill brook and Pine
brook, also another neck of land with the flat belonging to
it lying between the aforesaid neck and the great river on
the other side, also another plat of land that lieth westward
from them, containing some 3 or 4 score acres and granted
out to particular men.
" The Inhabitants of the town are to be limited and sized,
in the putting in of cattle upon the said commoYt in propor-
tion according to the quantity of meadow the said inhabi-
tants are stated in upon the division of the meadow, or shall
be instated in by purchase hereafter, provided they buy with
the meadow the liberty of commonage alloted to such a quan-
tity of acres as shall be purchased.
" Bryan Pendleton, Walter Hayne,
" Peter Noyes, William Ward,
"John Wood, Thomas Jslyn,
" Edmund Goodnow, Thomas Goodnow,
" John Reddicke."
It is somewhat difficult to define the bounds of this cow
common exactly from the description given in the records,
but the following may be considered its general outline :
From Weston bound direct to Wayland centre, thence west
of south to the river, and thence again direct to Weston
bound.
The cow common on the west side was reserved in 1647,
and is thus described in the Town Book: —
" It is ordered by the town that there shall be a cow com-
mon laid out on the west side of the river to remain in per-
petuity, with all the upland within these bounds, that is to
say, all the upland that lies within the bound that goes from
Bridle point through Hopp meadow, and so to the west line,
in the meadow of Walter Hayne, and all the upland within
the gulf and the pantre brook to the uper end of the meadow
of Robert Darnill, and from thence to the west line, as it
shall be bounded by some men appointed by the town,
126 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
except it be such lands as are due to men already, and
shall be laid out according to the time appointed by the
town. Walter Hayne and John Groute are appointed to
bound the common, from Goodman Darnill's meadow to the
west line."
The territory which was comprised in this common may
be outlined, very nearly, by the Massachusetts Central Rail-
road on the south, the Old Colony Railroad on the west,
Pantry Brook on the north, and the river on the east. It
will be noticed that these two commons included most of the
hilly portions of the town, on both sides of the river; and it
was doubtless the design of the settlers to reserve for com-
mon pasturage these lands, because less adapted to easy cul-
tivation. But in process of time they ceased to be held in
reserve. More or less controversy subsequently arose about
what was known as " sizing the commons," and by the early
part of the next century they were all divided up and appor-
tioned to the inhabitants ; and now over the broad acres of
those ancient public domains are scattered pleasant home-
steads and fertile farms, and a large portion of three consid-
erable villages, namely, Sudbury, South Sudbury, and Way-
land Centre.
Beside the reservation of territory for common pasturage,
lands were laid out "for the use of the ministry." Two
such tracts were laid out on each side of the river, consist-
ing of both meadow and upland, which were let out to indi-
viduals, the income derived therefrom going towards the
minister's salary. The lands that were situated on the west
side have passed from public to private possession, being
sold in 1817 for $3,200.98.
Various other portions of land were reserved for public
use. In 1647 fifty acres of upland about Hop Brook Meadow
(South Sudbury), "near the cart-path that goes over the
brook," was " to be reserved for the use of the town when
they shall set a mill upon it." (See period 1650-75.)
Lands situated in various places were assigned for general
planting fields. (See Chapter VIII.) A training field was
laid out in 1640, consisting of about nine acres, near the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 127
present Abel Gleason estate, a portion of it lying southerly
of Mr. Gleason's house. And the same year there was
reserved in the space enclosed by the first streets, and lying
in the direction of Mill Brook or the present Concord and
Way land highway a common pasture "for working oxen."
Besides the reservations thus made, there were small tracts
set apart for timber lands or other public purposes. In 1642
three swamps were reserved ; " one back of the house [lot]
of Walter Haynes, and by a fresh pond ; " " another lying
under the north side of a hill called Long Hill lying towards
Concord;" and "another swamp that butteth against Con-
cord line ; also these swamps are reserved in common for the
use of the inhabitants."
April 5, 1662, it was " ordered that the town of Sudbury
will keep the said one hundred and thirty acres of land
which the said Thomas Noyes did lay down at Doescine
Hill [Doeskin Hill, Nobscot District] to be a peculiar store
of timber for the use of the town. Also voted that no
inhabitant of Sudbury whatsoever shall fell any tree or trees
whatsoever growing upon the said one hundred and thirty
acres at Doescine Hill upon the forfeiture of 19s. a tree."
In 1685 the town ordered that there should be " a piece of
ten or a dozen acres of the best timber land at or about
Goodman's Hill for a reserve for timber for the town's only
use."
CHAPTER VIII.
Miscellaneous. — Laws Concerning Domestic Animals, Birds, Wolves,
Ammunition and Fire-arms. — Common Planting Fields. — Fence
Viewers and Fences — Staple Crops. — Meadow Grass; Abundance,
Time and Price of Cutting, Measures for Improving. — Mode of
Travel. — Staking the Causeway. — Climate. — Rain and Snow Fall.
— Occasion of Floods. — Breaking Out Roads. — Care of the Poor. —
Laws for the Prevention of Poverty Enacted by the Town ; by the
Province. — Town Action for the Encouragement of Industry. —
Education. — Morality. — Instruction in the Use of Fire-arms. —
Tything-men. — Stocks. — Lecture Day. — Fasts. — Baptism of In-
fants.— Laws Relating to Labor. — Payments Often Made in Produce.
— Negroes Bought and Sold. — Copy of Bill of Sale. — Schedule of
Inhabitants a Century and a Half Ago — Respect Shown by the Use
of Titles; by Gratulation ; by Seating in the Meeting-House. — Care-
ful of Dues. — Precaution Against Fire. — Borrowing Canoes. —
Board of the Representatives. — Peculiar Names of Places.
For the structure that we raise,
Time is with materials filled;
Our to-days and yesterdays
Are the blocks with which we build.
Longfellow.
In early colonial days, and also later in the provincial
period, laws were enacted and customs existed that now
look curious and quaint. These laws and customs were the
result, not only of the characteristic ways of the people, but
also of the condition and circumstances of the country and
the times. These changed, new rules and practices came
into use ; and, as we become accustomed to them, the old
look far distant, as if belonging to another race. It is our
purpose in the present chapter to relate some of these cus-
toms, usages and laws, and also to give an account of some
incidental matters that belong not only to this but to subse-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 129
quent periods. To do this by grouping them in a single
chapter will make less of a break in the narrative than to
mention them in chronological order as we proceed with this
work.
LAWS RELATING TO DOMESTIC ANIMALS.
In 1641 it was ordered that " every one that keeps any
hogs more than his own within one fortnight after this day
shall rid them out of this town only that for every hog
that shall be taken in to be kept by any won more than his
own for every week shall pay five shillings." In 1643 it was
ordered " that every inhabitant should drive out his hog
every morning into the wood, and when they come home at
night to see them shut up safe or else if they be about the
street to ring and yoke them." In 1643 it was voted in town
meeting, " that every swine that shall be found of any man
out of his own properity without a sufficient yoke and ring,
after the first of March next, the owner thereof shall forfeit
for every swine so taken one shilling, and if the swine be
yoked and not ringed or ringed and not yoked, then six
pence for any swine so taken, beside all the damage done by
any such swine." It was also " agreed that all yokes should
be under the throat of the swine, and so long as the swine
was high and a rope go up on each side to be fastened above,
and that swine should not be accounted sufficiently ringed if
they could root."
In 1643 it was "ordered by the freemen of the town that
all the cattle within this town shall this summer not be
turned abroad without a keeper, and the keeper shall not
keep any of the herd in any of the great river meadows from
Bridle Point downwards towards Concord, the intent of the
order to preserve the river meadows." In 1655 it was
orderd that "all young new weaned calves shall be herded
all the summer time."
It was ordered that "every goat that is taken in any man's
garden, orchard or green corn shall be impounded and the
owner shall pay for any such goat so taken 3 pence."
In 1754 it was voted "that a fine of two shillings be laid
upon the owner of any dog or dogs that, should cause and
130 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
make any disturbance at either of the meeting-houses on the
Lord's day, or Sabbath day, one half of the fine was to go to
complainant and the other half to the use of the town."
There is a record of a contract made with William Brown
and Edmund Goodnow for making a pound. It was to be
six feet or six and a half from the ground to the top of the
upper rail, the posts a foot square, with seven rails, the upper
vail pinned at each end. In 1664 Joseph Noyes was to keep
the pound, and to have "four pence for every particular
man's cattle every time they are impounded." The only
pound, so far as we know, that within a few years belonged
to the town of Sudbury, was situated at the northeast corner
of the Sudbury Centre old burying-ground.
In 1647 the town mark ordered by " ye General Co'te for
Horses to be set upon one of ye nere yrtrs" was "Sudberry."
(Colony Records, Vol. II., p. 225.)
LAWS CONCERNING BIRDS.
In 1651 it was ordered by the town " that whoso shall
take pains by nets, guns, line or otherwise, to destroy com-
mon offensive blackbirds, whether old or young, that for
encouragement therein, they shall be paid for every dozen
of heads of those birds that are brought to any public town
meeting, six pence in the next town rate." The order was
to continue five years, and the birds were to be killed in
town and by the people of the town. The law for destroy-
ing blackbirds as late as 1700 stood thus : " Voted that what
Persons of or belonging to Sudbury shall kill any old black-
birds from the 29th March 1700, to the last of May 1700,
shall have a pennv per hed." In 1654 a person who killed
a woodpecker or jay might receive one penny. The same
year an inhabitant killing a fox within the town precincts
was allowed one shilling six pence.
LAWS CONCERNING WOLVES.
That an order was passed relating to wolves we learn from
the following notice of its repeal in 1646: "The order for
wolves, that was formerly made by the town was ten shil-
lings for any wolf killed within this town, is repealed."
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 131
Whether the bounty was too great, or the wolves had
become thinned out, we know not. But, though this
order was repealed, an order relating to these animals was
passed afterwards. In 1679 " the town granted in addi-
tion to the ten shillings which the law gave ten shillings
more, upon the presentation of the wolf's head to the town
constable." The wolf was to be killed in town, but it was
ordered that " all borderers that paid town rates, that killed
any wolf upon their own lands tho' not within the town
lands, should have the reward." As this order was after
King Philip's war, it may be that during its continuance the
wolves increased. If some of the more exposed estates were
during that period abandoned, the wild animals of the woods
might have been left to a freer range than was allowed them
for a season before the war. A wolf bounty was granted as
late as 1709, when the town allowed "any of ye inhabitants
of Sudbury that kills any wolf or wolves above a month old
within ye Bound of Sudbury shall have ten shillings allowed
him or them."
LAWS CONCERNING AMMUNITION AND FIRE-ARMS.
In 1653, "The town appointed Edmund Goodnow and
Hugh Griffin to divide the shot and overplus of bullets to
the inhabitants, what was wanting in shot to make up out of
the overplus of bullets, and the shot and bullets to be divided
to each man his due by proportion according to what every
man paid so near as they can."
In 1669, "Edmund Goodnow, John Parmenter, Jr., and
John Stone were to see to the barrel of powder, to the trial
of it, to the heading it up again, and to take some course for
the safe bestowing of it."
The same year the selectmen not only ordered for the pro-
viding of a barrel of powder, but a hundred pounds and a half
of musket bullets, and a quarter of a hundred of matches.
When the third meeting-house was built, it was ordered that
there should be in it " a conveniant place for the storing of
the ammunition of the town over the window in the south-
west ffable." About that time the town's stock of ammuni-
tion was divided and intrusted to persons who would " engage
132 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
to respond for the same" in case that it was "not spent in
real service in the resistance of the enemy."
The Colonial Court at an early date ordered that " the
town's men in every town shall order that ev'y house, or
some two or more houses ioyne together for the breeding
of salt peetr i' some out house used for poultry or the like."
The duty of looking after this matter for Sudbury was
assigned to Ensign Cakebread. The saltpetre thus obtained
was for the manufacture of gunpowder. In 1645, Sudbury
was "freed from ye taking further care about salt peeter
houses : : : in answer to their petition."
In 1642 the Court made more stringent the laws previously
existing against selling fire-arms to the Indians, exacting a
forfeiture of .£10 for the sale to them of a gun, and £5 for a
pound of powder.
In 1643 the Court ordered " that the military officers in
every town shall appoint what arms shall be brought to the
meeting-house on the Lord's days, and other times of meet-
ing, and to take orders at farms and houses remote that
ammunition bee safely disposed of that an enemy may not
possess himself of them."
COMMON PLANTING FIELDS.
In the town's earlier years it was the practice to plant fields
in common ; and repeatedly in the records are these common
fields referred to. These planting places were situated in dif-
ferent parts of the town ; between the old North and South
street in the neighborhood of the Gleasons, also between Mill
Brook and Pine Brook along "the Plain" in the vicinity of
the Drapers, and towards the south bound of the town, near
the new bridge. In 1642, five general planting fields are
spoken of. Various reasons suggest themselves for this
planting in common. The "plow lands" that were easily
worked were comparatively few as late as 1654, as Johnson
states in his " Wonder Working Providence." (See Chap. I.)
When there was a large open space of easy cultivation, it
was better to make of it one field, that several might share
in its benefits. Moreover, these fields required vigilant
watching to protect them from marauding beasts and birds ;
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 133
the several owners of the crops could stand guard by turns,
and so many hands make light work ; sometimes, also, it
would be necessary to join teams. Besides these general
fields, there were also " men's particular fields."
FENCE VIEWERS AND FENCES.
A good degree of attention was early bestowed by the town
on its fences. Several surveyors were appointed each year
to look after them ; and although the office of " fence viewer"
has now gone into disuse, it was once one of considerable
responsibility. As early as 1655, " Surveyors were appointed
to judge of the sufficiency of the fences about men's particu-
lar properties in cases of damage and difference." We read
in the records that John Maynard and John Blanford were,
a certain year, to attend to the fences "of the field and the
cornfield on the other side of the way from the pond to the
training place." " Edmund Rice and Thomas Goodenow for
all the fences of cornfields from new bridge southward within
the town bound."
In 1674, " The work of fence viewing on the west side of
the river was assigned to Serjeant : : Haynes, Thomas Reed
and Edward Wright. These were appointed surveyors of
all the field fences on the west side of the great river of the
town and Lanham Penobscott new mill." The persons ap-
pointed to view the fences, likewise, had power to enforce
their orders. In 1641, " It was ordered that those men who
were deputed to look after the fences shall have power to
distrain for every rod of fence not lawful, half a bushel of
corn, the one-half to him that looks to the fence the other
half to the town."
In 1666 the records state that " Persons were appointed
surveyors for this year over the fields where Henry Loker
dwells, and the field fences, where Solomon Johnson dwell-
eth." Field fences are mentioned as being on the south side
of Pine Brook, also as being between Mill Brook and Pine
Brook ; also, " upon the hill from the little pond by the
dwelling house of John Blanford unto Mill brook." Sev-
eral kinds of fences were used. One kind was made by
ditching. It was ordered, in 1671, "That all the great river
134 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
meadows shall be fenced, that is to say that all the proprie-
tors of the great river meadows shall fence the heads or both
ends of the meadows, and where it may be necessary, to have
a ditch made from the upland to the river at the charge of the
squadron that shall lie on both sides of the said ditch accord-
ing to their benefit." For the upland, also, this mode of
fencing was sometimes used. By the roadside, about half
way between Wayland Centre and the Plain, are distinct
traces of one of these ancient fences.
Hedges were sometimes made use of. Mention is made of
fences that were to be made up " of good rails well set three
feet and one-half high or otherwise good hedge well staked
or such fences as would be an equivelant the fences to be
attended to by April 1st if the frost give leave if not then
ten days after." After a certain date all the field fences
were to be closed, as is indicated by the following : " It is
ordered, that all the fences that are in general fields, in this
town of Sudbury, shall be shut up by the 10th May or else
to forfeit for every rod unfenced five shillings."
STAPLE CROPS.
Some of the staple crops were Indian corn, — sometimes
called by the one word "Indian," — rye, barley, wheat, peas
and oats. Hemp and flax were also raised.
Hay was early a great staple article ; this, as we have
noticed, the river meadows bountifully produced. To such
an extent did this crop abound, that the settlers not only
kept their own stock, but they received cattle from abroad.
(See Chapter I.)
The time for cutting the meadow grass is indicated by such
statements as these. When Sergant John Rutter hired the
Ashen swamp meadow, " he was to cut the grass by the 10th
of July, or else it shall be lawful for any other man to cut
the said meadow." He was to pay for it that year 4s. and 6
pence. Such prices as the following are also mentioned : two
bushels of wheat and one bushel of Indian corn for Long
Meadow. Strawberry Meadow was let out the same 3rear,
1667, for one bushel of wheat ; also the minister's meadow
in Sedge Meadow was let out for eight shillings to be paid in
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 135
Indian corn ; Ashen Swamp Meadow was let out the same
year to Ensign John Grout for three shillings, to be paid
one-half in wheat, the other in Indian corn. The meadow
on the southeast side of the town was let out to Henry Rice
for a peck of wheat. These, we think, were probably com-
mon meadows of the town, and let out from year to year.
Measures were taken from time to time for improving the
meadow lands. In 1645, a commission was granted by the
colonial authorities (Colony Records, Vol. II., p. 99) "for
ye bttr & impvng of ye medowe ground vpon ye ryver running
by Concord & Sudberry." Later, also in 1671, a levy of
four pence an acre was to be made " upon all the meadow
upon the great river for the clearing of the river ; that is,
from Concord line to the south side, and to Ensign Grout's
spring.*' J
MODE OF TRAVEL.
The travel by vehicle in those early times was, for the
most part or wholly, by means of the cart, as we infer from
the mention of this term in connection with bridges and
ways ; as Avliere the Court orders that Sudbury should
make cartways, and as in a contract for a cart-bridge over
the river, and a cart-bridge at Lanham. This was probably
a clumsy conveyance, and used for farm work and freight,
rather than for passenger travel.
Travelers probably went on horseback or on foot ; in early
times the pillion was used, by which two could ride on one
beast. To keep people from danger in passing over the
causeway, stakes were arranged along the roadside, and we
read about 1742 of staking the long causeway for a guide.
In 1730, the following article is found in a warrant: "To see
if the town Avill take care and order that the fences on the
north side of the Long causeway be taken or struck down so
as to prevent the snow from drifting thereon."
CLIMATE.
The following records will serve to indicate the character
of the climate at that period compared with the present. It
was at one time ordered by the town that the fences should
136 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
be set by the 1st or the 10th of April. In 1642. "it was
ordered that no cattle were to be found on the planting fields
and all the fences were to be up by March 1st."
Tradition says the snow-fall was formerly greater than at
present. If this is so, the fact may be due to the removal of
a great quantity of timber. The same cause might also lessen
the fall of rain. Greater rain-falls and the retention of mois-
ture in the vast forest tracts may have enlarged the small
streams, and rendered them more efficient for mill -power
than they are now. The same cause may have made exten-
sive river floods. This may also explain the fact that for-
merly there were freshets, notwithstanding the absence of
dams along the river course.
But if the temperature was ordinarily about the same as it
is now, there were seasons of unusual severity.
" In ye year 1667 from ye middle of November until ye mid-
dle of March was the tereblest winter for continuance of frost
and snow and extremety of cold that ever was remembered
by any since it was planted with English; and was attended
with terebell coughs and colds and fever which passed many
out of time into eternity, and also through want and scarcity
of fother multitudes of sheep and cattle and other creatures
died. It is a duty incumbent on all those that call themselves
the people of God to consider his great works and the opera-
tions of his hands. John Goodnow Clerk."
" Feb. 7, 1763. There has been no rain this Winter nor
sence the snow came, and the springs is low and they grind
but two bushels in a day at this mill, the snow is on a leavil
3 foot and 3 inches in open land." (Stearns' Collection.)
With great snow-falls came the necessity of "breaking out
the roads." In early times this was done with ox-teams.
Most of the farmers had one or more " yokes of oxen " or
"steers." Perhaps a dozen of these were attached to a stout
ox-sled, and thus the roads were ploughed through. Often
a plow was attached to the sled's side, the more effectually
to widen the path. Sometimes strips of road were abandoned
entirely for the season where the way was unusually blocked,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 137
and the fields used instead. A very merry morning it was
for the men and boys when all hands were called out for this
work. The train starts out with a single ox-team, but is
joined by others as house after house is reached until rein-
forcements make a long train.
CARE OF THE POOR.
In 1649, it was ordered that certain persons " have power
to speak with Mrs. Hunt, about her person, house [or home]
and estate, and to take some care for her relief." The fol-
lowing vote was recorded years afterwards : that " Mrs Hunt
shall have fifty shillings, out of a rate to be made this present
February 1665, this in respect of her poverty." In 1669
[or 7] Mrs. Hunt was to have fifty shillings pension paid out
of the town rate. In 1673, " because of the poverty of her
famely, it was ordered that Mr. Peter Noyes do procure and
bring sergeon Avery from Dedham to the Widow Hunt of
this town to inspect her condition to advise, and direct, and
administer to her relief, and cure of her distemper." Ten
pounds were also to be put " into the hands of Peter Noyes
with all speed to assist Mrs. Hunt with."
About 1663, a contract was made with Thomas Rice to
keep a person a year, " if he live as long," for which he was
to have five pounds sterling; and if the person kept had any,
or much sickness during the year, the town was to give Mr.
Rice " satisfaction to content, for any physic, attendance or
trouble." In 1663, £1 were added to the present rate, "for
the use of Thomas Tfling's sickness, and to pay for intend-
ance of him." In 1664, John White was " exempted from
paying his present rate to the town, and also unto the minis-
ter." Dr. Loring, in his diary, gives repeated instances of
collections taken for the afflicted in the time of his ministry;
as, for example, in 1750 : " Lord's day, had a contribution
for Thomas Saunders, laboring under a severe and incurable
cancer; collected £16-8-0." In 1757 or '59, " had a contri-
bution for our brother, Tristam Cheeny. £31 was gathered."
About 1762, October 7th, public Thanksgiving : " A contri-
bution was made for the wife of Asahel Knight of Worcester.
£18 was collected."
138 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
LAWS FOR THE PREVENTION OF POVERTY.
But, while the people, as shown by such instances, were
generous to the deserving poor, as a town they took strin-
gent measures for the prevention of poverty. This it did,
both by discouraging its importation, and by encouraging
what tended to thrift. In the records we find the following:
"In consideration of the increase of poor people among us,
: : : as also considering how many poor persons from other
towns come in to reside, Ordered, That not any one who
owned houses or lands in town should either let or lease any
of them unto any strangers that is not at present a town-
dweller, without leave or license first had and obtained of
the selectmen in a selectmen's meeting or by leave had and
obtained in a general town-meeting or otherwise shall stake-
down, depositate, and bind over a sufficient estate unto the
selectmen of Sudbury, which said estate so bound over unto
the said selectmen, that shall be in their the said selectmen's
judgment sufficient to have and secure the town of Sudbury
harmless from any charge that may so come by the said lands
so leased, and if any person notwithstanding this order shall
lease any houses or lands unto any stranger as above said
without lisence and giving good security as above said, shall
for every week's entertainment of a stranger into his houses
or lands, forfeit the sum of 19 shillings 6 pence to the town
of Sudbury; and any person bringing a stranger presuming
to come as a truant contrary to order as above said, shall for
every week's residence forfeit 19 shillings 6 pence to the
town of Sudbury."
In 1683, Mathew Rice was to be warned to come before
the town clerk, for admitting to some part of his land
Thomas Hedley, who brought his wife and child. Thomas
Hedley was also to be warned to quit the town. Another
person was censured for " taking in and harboring of Chris-
topher Petingal, who is rendered to be a person of a vicious
nature, and evil tongue and behavior, and otherwise discour-
aging enough." In 1692-3 a law was enacted by the prov-
ince, by which towns were allowed to warn away strangers.
If the warning was not given within three months, then the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 139
parties so far became residents, that, if in need, they were to
receive assistance from the town. If persons warned did not
leave within fourteen days, the constable could remove them
by law. The town repeatedly made use of this power.
ENCOURAGEMENT OP INDUSTRY.
About 1663 the town voted to grant " Mr. Stearns of
Charlestown, ironmonger and blacksmith," certain meadow
lands, and " firewood for his family use, and wood for coals
for to do the smithy work." He was also to take timber in
the commons "to build his house and shop and fence." A
little later Joseph Graves Avas allowed to take timber to
build a house, and part of the land formerly given him to
erect a smith shop upon. Also there was granted to Rich-
ard Sanger " six acres of meadow, on the west side of the
river, upon the condition he stay amongst us to do our
smith's work for four years, the time to begin the twenty-
fourth day of August, 1646."
EDUCATION.
The following records afford some information concerning
early educational advantages in Sudbury. In 1664 " the
town promised to give answer at the next meeting whether
or no they will accommodate Mr. Walker [with] any lands
towards his encouragement to keep a free school in Sud-
bury." We infer that Mr. Walker was encouraged in his
project by the following report on educational matters ren-
dered in 1680 : —
"And as for schools, tho' there be no stated school in this
town, for that the inhabitants are so scattered in their dwell-
ings that it cannot well be, yet such is the case that, by hav-
ing two school dames on each side of the river, that teacheth
small children to spell and read, which is so managed by the
parents and governors at home, and prosecuted after such
sort as that the selectmen who distributed themselves did
within three months last past so examine families, children,
and youth, both as to good manners, orderly living, chate-
chizing, and reading, as that they returned from all parts a
comfortable good account of all these matters, and render
140 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
them growing in several families beyond expectation, rarely
reprovable anywhere, encouraging in most places, and in
others very commendable, so as that the end is accomplished
hitherto. And for teaching to write or cypher, here is Mr.
Thomas Walker, and two or three others about this town,
that do teach therein, and are ready to teach all others that
need, if people will come or send them."
From the report rendered the court for the county of Mid-
dlesex, in reference to education in morals, we infer that
attention was early turned to that matter. In 1655 persons
were "appointed for to take pains for to see into the general
families in town, to see whether children and servants are
employed in work, and educated in the ways of God and in
the grounds of religion, according to the order of the General
Court." The same year John How was "appointed by the
Pastor and Selectmen to see to the restraining from the prof-
anation of the Lord's day in time of public exercise."
The stocks were employed as a means of punishment. In
1651, "John Rutter promised to mend the stocks." They
were used as late, at least, as 1722, when it was voted
" uv ye town to grant five shillings to bye to pad Locks
for ye pound and stocks." This old-time appliance was for
a period near the meeting-house, as the records state that, in
1681, "Samuel How was to build a new pair of stocks," and
was " to set them up before the meeting-house." In subse-
quent years, tything-men were appointed, and duly sworn
before the selectmen, as the law directed. All these agencies
were made use of to maintain a wholesome morality. That
they succeeded in accomplishing something, the following
from the foregoing report of 1680 indicates: " And the select-
men having also been made acquainted that the court expects
their inspection touching persons who live from under family
government, or after a dissolute or disorderly manner, to the
dishonor of God, or corrupting of youth, the selectmen of
the town as above having personally searched and enquired
into all families and quarters, in and about this town, do
return this answer, that they find none such amongst us."
Not only were the youth in colonial days instructed in
intellectual and moral things, but also in the use of arms.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 141
In 1645, " it was ordered that the youth from ten to sixteen
should be instructed upon ye usual dayes in ye exercise of
amies, as small guns, halfe pike, bows and arrows, provided
the parent did not object."
It was expected in early times that the children of believ-
ing parents would be presented in baptism. These children
were usually baptized the Sabbath following their birth, and,
if born on Sunday, sometimes on the day of their birth.
Besides the ordinary Sabbath exercises, religious services
were held on some secular day of the week, which was called
" Lecture Day." A Friday afternoon meeting was held in
the Sudbuiy Orthodox Church until about the beginning of
the last quarter century. In 1652, when a bargain was
made with John Goodnow to beat the drum twice every
Sabbath, he was also to beat it for service on " Lecture
Day." (See Chapter VI.) " Training Days " were sup-
posed to be opened and also closed with prayer. Fast days
were more frequent than now. In some of the New England
towns they were observed at the haying and planting sea-
sons, and at the close of the harvest. Private fasts were
sometimes observed. As late as July 4, 1749, there was a
fast observed at the Widow Winch's, " on account of one
of her daughters having a cancer. Mr. Mudge prayed and
Mr. Stone preached." (Extracts from Loring's Diary.)
Special seasons of prayer were also sometimes observed.
"Apr. 10th, 1757, Lord's day, the church voted that they
would spend a part of the last Thursday of every month in
extraordinary Prayer to God, on account of the calamitous
war with our enemies the French."
LAWS RELATING TO LABOR.
It was ordered "that one shall take for mowing by the
acre fourteen pence for every acre, or one and thirty pence a
day." It was " ordered that all Carpenters, Bricklayers and
thatchers, shall have one and twenty pence for a day's work,
and common laborers eighteen pence a day." It was " ordered
that a yearly covenanted servant, the best of them, shall take
but five pounds for a year's service, and maid servants, the
best, shall take but fifty shillings the year's service." As
142 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
late as 1751, the town voted that " for highway work, eight
hours be accounted for a day's work, and two shillings shall
be the price of a day's work, one shilling for a yoke of oxen,
three pence for a good cart."
Commercial relations were not always carried on by pay-
ments in money, but sometimes wholly or in part in produce.
Edmund Rice, in 1654, "for service as deputy," was to have
" six pounds to be paid in wheat at John Parmenters senior,
and so much more as shall pay seven pence a bushell for the
carraige of it, to be paid within one week after next Michel-
mas." For work on the meeting-house, about the year 1688,
"he was to have country pay, at country price." The country
pay was to be " in good sound merchantable Indian corn, or
rye, or wheat, or barley, or malt, or peas, or beef, or pork, or
work." At a meeting of the selectmen, Oct. 25, 1678, it was
ordered that "Mr. Peter Noyes, Peter Kinge and Thomas
Stevens or any of them are appointed to collect of the Inhab-
itants of this town what may be wanted of the sum granted
by any person or persons towards the new college at Cam-
bridge in building according to an order by the Gen C * * *."
This being attended to, the town received its discharge, of
which the following is a copy: —
" Discharge. Received then of several persons of the town
of Sudbury several parcels of corn amounting to (with the
transportation from S. to Cam.) the full sum of what was
there subscribed to contribute to the new building for the
college.
"I say received by me, William Manning."
Sometimes payments were promised either in produce or
money, as, in 1696, Benjamin Parmenter was to sweep the
meeting-house, from April 1 of that year to April 1 of the
next year, "for ten bushells of Indian corn, or twenty shil-
lings in money." Whether Mr. Parmenter was to take which
he chose, or the party engaging him was to give which they
chose, is not stated. Sometimes the produce was rated, or
paid for town rates, in accordance with what the produce
was rated or paid for in count}' rates ; as, in 1673, it was
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 143
ordered that "all corn or grain, paid into the towns rate for
this year, shall be paid in at such prices as the county rate is
paid in at for the year." We conclude that the town had
the liberty to establish the value of produce that was to pay
the town rates ; as, for the year 1686, wheat was rated at
five shillings per bushel, peas at four shillings, oats at two
shillings, Indian corn at two shillings nine pence.
SERVANTS.
Jan, 9, 1653, " it was determined that the land' last granted
to the town by the court shall be divided to the inhabitants,
according to their several estates and families, counting the
family to be husband, wife, children and servants as men
have, that they have either bought or brought up." In Mr.
Loring's Diary is the following, dated 1758, March 1: "Died
Toby, negro servant of Col. Brown."
In Vol. LXXIX., p. 247, State Archives, is a petition
from Richard Heard, to the effect that he had a negro man
in His Majesty's service ; that he was in Captain Nixon's
company, and was taken sick in Deerfield on his way home,
and remained there sick for a long time ; and that he had to
take his two horses and go after him. He asks that the
court will take his case into consideration ; and the commit-
tee reported " twenty-five shillings in full to be paid to Col.
John Noyes for the use of the Petitioner."
It is stated (Temple's History of Framingham) that in
1733 Thomas Frost of Framingham bought of Jonathan
Smith of Sudbury, for sixty pounds current money, a negro
man named Gloster, aged about thirty years. Rev. Mr.
Swift of Framingham disposed of five slaves by his will, one
of whom, named Nero, he gave to his son-in-law, Ebenezer
Roby of Sudbury. In 1764, Josiah Richardson of Sudbury
sold a negro girl named Phebe to Elizabeth Balch of Fram-
ingham, and the following is the bill of sale : — -
Know All Men by these Presents, that I, Josiah Richardson Jun. of
Sudbury in the county of Middlesex, Gentleman, for and in considera-
tion of the sum of 1 Pound 6 shillings and 8 pence, lawful money, to me
in hand well and truly paid at the ensealing hereof by Elizabeth Balch
of Framingham Widow, the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge,
144 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
and for the consideration thereof, Do Sell to the said Elizabeth Balch
and to her heirs and assigns forever, A Negro female Child named
Phebe, of about two years old, with her wearing apparel she now hath.
And I the said Josiah covenants to and with the said Elisabeth Balch
and her heirs and assigns that the said Negro Child is my slave For
Life, and that I have good right to sell and convey her in manner afore-
said for the term of her natural life ; and that by force and virtue hereof
the said Elisabeth Balch shall hold her the said Phebe for a slave for
the term of her natural life. In Witness whereof, I the said Josiah
Richardson Jun., have hereunto set my hand and seal this 13th day of
August 17G4. Josiah Richardson, Jun. [Seal.]
In presence of Samuel Jones.
Colored people were sometimes held in high esteem by the
town's people, as is indicated by an entry made in the diary
of Rev. Israel Loring, April 80, 1755, where he speaks thus
of Simeon, a negro who was born and bred in his household,
and a short time before had arrived at the age of freedom :
" April 30th, 1755. This morning Simeon was taken ill of
colic, but soon recovered. May 10th, Simeon died aged 21.
Altho' he partly recovered he grew worse again. He was
greatly beloved by the family and has drowned us in tears.
In the evening we committed the remains of Simeon to the
grave. A great number of the congregation attended the
funeral." Mr. Loring preached a sermon on his death the
Sabbath following, from Psa. lxxxix. 48.
A century and a half ago but few negroes were living in
Sudbury, as is shown by the following statement : —
Number of white people in town, on both
sides of the river .... 1,745
Number of negroes, males . . 15
Number of negroes, females . . 12
Total number of blacks .... 27
(Memoirs of Sudbury.)
In early times titles were quite commonly used ; and terms
designating military positions, such as " corporal," " cap-
tain," "ensign," "sergeant" or " sargeant," are not infre-
quently met with on the town records. The terms " Mr."
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 145
and " Mrs." are seldom found, except when applied to the
minister and his wife. The term " esquire " is almost un-
known. The term "goodman" was in quite common use.
It was employed to designate a person of excellent charac-
ter, rather than one of exceptional gentility. The following
is its use in a record of the Town Book dated 1640: "It is
ordered by the town that Goodman Hayne shall have the
remainder of the meadow which Mr. Brown the Pastor
divided up, except one acre that is to be divided between
Goodman Knight and Goodman Hayne, if it be there."
But not alone by the application of titles was there a rec-
ognition of merit and respect shown where it was due. In
1666, the Town Book states, " We have chosen, constituted
and appointed our trusty friends Mr. Joseph Noyes, Sar-
geant John Grout and Corporal John Rutter to read, issue
and determine all matters of difference ensuing about suffi-
ciency of fence." It was customary to " gratulate " some-
times for service done for the public. In a single list in the
Town Book are the following persons, who were "gratu-
lated " for some service done by them, and the quantity of
land given : —
Brian Pendleton,
14 acres
meadow.
George Munning,
10 "
a
10 of upland.
Walter Haynes,
10 "
ti
10
John Parmenter, Sr.,
10 '*
u
Edmund Brown,
15 "
it
20 of upland.
Peter Noyes,
20
John Bent,
4 acres
meadow,
6
Edmund Goodnow,
6 "
ti
William Ward,
12 "
u
Another way of showing respect was in the appointment
of seats in the meeting-house. The following rule was
made in 1687-8 : " The most considerable rule for seating
of persons in the meeting-house (the new one) shall be by
what they pay to the building thereof, excepting in respect
to some considerable persons as to age and other considera-
ble qualifications."
146 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
The following records show that the town was not care-
less in collecting its dues : " November, 1670, " Ordered that
Jon. Stanhope do see that the minister's rate be duly paid,
and in case any neglect or refuse to pay their proportions to
said rates when due, he is appointed and impowered by the
town to summons such persons before a magistrate, there to
answer for their neglect." In 1683-4 it was voted, " That
whereas certain proprietors and inhabitants of the town have
neglected to pay their proportions to the minister's rate, and
added to the evil by not paying the proportion due upon the
two six months' rates made since, to the dishonor of God,
contempt of his worship, unrighteousness to their neighbors,
as if they ; ; ; slyly intended they should pay their rates
for them again, and to the disturbance in and damage of this
town, after so much patience used, and to the end this town
may not longer be baffled ; ; ; In his majesties name you
are therefore now required forthwith to [collect] by distress
upon the monies, neat cattle sheep or other beasts, corn,
grain, hay, goods or any other estate movable (not dis-
allowed by law) you can find so much of each person herein
named so greatly transgressing, the several sum or sums set
off against each man's name."
In the early times there were people living on the town's
border, who were designated " farmers," and their estates
were called "farms." It was probably with reference to
these that the following order was passed in 1677-8 : " All
persons bordering upon this town and who live and dwell
near unto the precinct thereof shall pay (not only to the
ministry but also) to all town rates, for that they belong to
us, they shall be assessed their due proportions, as all other
inhabitants of this town are, and in case of any of them
refusing to pay, the same shall be levied by distress."
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE.
An order was issued whereby every householder was to
have a ladder sufficiently long to reach the top of the house.
For non-compliance with this act a person was subject to a
fine of ten shillings.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 147
BORROWING CANOES.
It was, in 1648, voted by the town " that whosoever : : :
shall take away any man's canoe without the leave of the
owner shall forfeit for every default so made two shillings."
BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVES.
On page 157 of the records it is recorded that " the sum
of three pounds shall be added to the town rate for the pay-
ment of our deputie's diet at Hugh Drurvs at Boston during
his attendance at the Genral Court." Years later, in 1679,
Peter Noyes " openly declared at that town-meeting that he
freely gave to the town his time, charge, diet, in and about
his service at the fore said session of the General Court
which the town thankfully accepted."
PAYMENT AND PROTECTION OF PROPERTY.
While the people were busy in the formation of the new
plantation and dividing and improving their lands, they were
careful to provide means for the pa}rment and protection of
them. The records state, May 26, 1648, " Walter Hayne
and Hugh Griffin are appointed to go down to the Governor
and Magistrate to confirm the bargain of land now bought
of Goodman's, and to take course for the payment of Good-
mans, and they shall be paid for their labor."
Sept. 11, 1648: "It is agreed upon by the town that the
five pound that is paid to Goodemans shall be raised only by
the meadows as every .man is possessed of."
"It is also agreed that all meadows that are given by way
of gratulation shall have right in commonage as the meadows
which are first, second, and third division of meadow, and
that for the raising of the rate for the payment of the last
purchase of Goodman's all meadows shall pay at one price."
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
In 1661 the town appointed men " to agree with Robert
Proctor of Concord, about his trespass of burning up our
pine for making tar." They were to sue him if they could
148 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
not agree. In 1671, James Adams was to have liberty to
feed his cattle on Sudbury bounds, and "to take old and dry
wood that shall be upon the ground, the said Adams to pre-
vent any trespass by Concord herds, or cattle, also in our
wood and timber, forth with to give notice to the town."
PECULIAR NAMES OF PLACES.
Peculiar names have been attached to many places in Sud-
bury, which have been preserved, some by record and some
by usage.
One of these is " Lanham." It is mentioned in connection
with a deed as early as 1666. (See Liber III., pp. 233 and
234, Registry of Deeds, Cambridge.) The deed mentioned a
piece of land " lying and being on the west side of the Ham-
lett called Lanham." (See Chapter III., sketch of Thomas
Read ; also Chapter VI.)
uLo\vance" is the name of a stream which enters Mill
Brook between South Sudbury and Lanham bridge. Proba-
bly it was first applied to the meadows along its banks. It is
found as early as 1666 (Liber III., p. 233, Registry of Deeds,
Cambridge). It is doubtless a contraction of "allowance,"
which term was used to designate lands that were allowed
the settlers in the territorial divisions. Sometimes an allow-
ance of land was given in one place to make up for deficiency
of quality or quantity in another.
The term " Pantry," applied to one of the school districts,
is found in connection with a land sale in 1657. (Liber III.,
p. 7, Middlesex Registry of Deeds.) In the document referred
to it is used in connection with both the brook and meadow.
This term may have been derived from the words "pine"
and " tree ; " and this theory receives favor from the fact
that in the Town Book, page 98, it is spelled " Pantree."
" Piners Wash," or "Pinners Wash," was a term formerly
applied to the brook above South Sudbury, commonly called
" Wash Brook." It occurs repeatedly, both on the Town
Book and the Proprietors' Book. The following record is
taken from the former, dated 1779: "To see if the town will
discontinue a town road laid out through the enclosures of
Ensiffn Josiah Richardson over the ' Mill Brook ' or ' Piners
THE GOODNOW LIBRARY. SO. SUDBURY.
See page 28.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 149
Wash ' from being an open way and leave it a bridle way as
formerly." This motion "passed in the negative." The road
here referred to is that over Hayden's Bridge. We have
found nothing definite by which to determine the origin of
this name. We conjecture that this brook passed through a
pine district, and that by some connection of the brook with
the trees, or with those who may have livedor worked among
them, who were perhaps called "Piners," the name may have
come into use. " Wash Brook " doubtless came from this
term.
"Indian Bridge." This is supposed to have crossed West
Brook, as the lower part of Lanham Brook is called, between
Sand Hill and Heard's Pond. (See Chapter VI.) The
term is repeatedly found in the town records. On page 52
is the statement that Mr. Herbert Pelham was to have " all
the land lotts of meadow and upland joining to his farm
which lies between the Indian Bridge and the utmost bound
of the great pond joining upon a short line from the Indian
Bridge to the extremity of the pond, also twenty acres of
upland joining to the Indian Bridge to the land granted to
Mr. Herbert Pelham, and going thence downward to the hill
on the west side the great pond, and west ward joineth to
the land of Wm Pelham, and is parted from the west meadow
by land reserved for a highway." Jan. 13, 1667, the town
appointed a committee "to set a substantial mark where the
old Indian Bridge was in West Meadow."
The word "sponge" was in early use as applied to local-
ities. In 1646, "John Rutter was to have a sponge of
meadow;" and the following is also a record of early date in
which the Avord is used: "To Brian Pendleton 14 acres of
meadow lying in a sponge upon the west side of the great
meadow over against Munning's point." This word was
formerly used in connection with real estate in New Eng-
land, but long since ceased to be so used. Says Dr. Green,
"It was a local word in England, used in Suffolk, and meant
an irregular, narrow projecting part of a field, whether planted
or in grass."
The term "Honey Pot Brook" is found. In 1778, Mr.
Jonathan Puffer of Stow was released from rates on condi-
150 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
tion "that he keep the causeway and bridge over Honey Pot
brook from Stow line to the eastward of said causeway in
good repair for ten years."
The term "Cedar Croft" is spoken of in papers from 1700
to 1725 in connection with the homestead of Thomas Bryant
(Wayland). (State Archives, Vol. XVII., p. 520.) The
same term is found in Liber III., p. 233, date 1666, Middle-
sex Registry of Deeds, spelled "Cedar Crought."
Another term long and frequently used is " Bridle Point,"
spelled " Bridell Poynt " in a deed dated 1666. (Liber III.,
pp. 232 and 272.) This is a point of land at the southwest
end of Braman's Hill, near the wooden bridge on the new
road from Wayland to Sudbury.
The term " Gulf* is used as early as 1647. " Granted to
the Pastor to lay down his third division in the Gulf." This
term is applied to the meadows that lie along the banks of
the easterly part of Pantry Brook.
" Doeseine Hill" is mentioned in 1661. It probably means
Doeskin Hill. Thomas Noyes had one hundred and thirty
acres of land, the second lot in the new grant near this hill.
The term "Goodman's Wigwam Hill" is found in Book II.,
Town Records ; also the term " Wigwam Hill " is found in
the first part of Book I.
Other terms are "Rocky Plain" (Sudbury Centre) ; " Pine
Plain" (in the Draper neighborhood, east part of Wayland);
" World's End " (in the Gulf neighborhood, northeast part
of Sudbury); " Haynes' Island" (northeast side of Gulf
Brook) ; " Castle Hills " (north part of Wayland); " Spruce
Swamp" or "Cranberry Swamp" (north of the highway, by
Whale's Bridge, Wayland).
The following names are on the Proprietors' Book, and the
places they designate are on the west side : " Lake's End
Hill," "Log Slough," "Lake's End Bridge," "Pine Island,"
"Long Meadow," "Strawberry Meadow," "Mine Way,"
"Mill Field," "Hop Meadow," "Cedar Swamp Plane,"
" Ridge Meadow Brook," " Dunsdale," " Haynes' Slough,"
"Log Hole."
The following are also on the Proprietors' Book: "Hog
House Hill," " Windmill Hill," " Bow Leg Meadow," " Penny
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 151
Meadow Brook,'* " Swath Meadow," "Porringer Hill," "Com-
mon Swamp Bridge," "Prospect Hill," "Long Meadow,"
" Highway from Lake's End to Log Slough," " Path from
Log Slew to Pine Island," " Common Meadow Bridge,"
"Ashen Swamp," "Widow Rice's Plain, "Lake End" or
"Lake's End," "Gulf Neck," "Iron Works Meadow,"
"\Valnut Tree Hill," " Bare Hill."
CHAPTER IX.
Sudbury in the Colonization of Other Towns : Framingham, Marlboro,
Worcester, Grafton, Rutland.
His echoing axe the settler swung
Amid the sea-like solitude,
And, rushing, thundering, down were flung
The Titans of the wood ;
Loud shrieked the eagle, as he dashed
From out his mossy nest, which crashed
With its supporting bough,
And the first sunlight, leaping, flashed
On the wolf's haunt below.
Alfred B. Street.
The settlement of Sudbury in its earlist stages having
now been noticed, let us, before considering farther what
occurred within the town limits, give our attention to the
work of its people in the settlement of other towns. The
sons of Sudbury wrought nobly, not only within but with-
out their own borders. A pioneer spirit very early pre-
vailed, and as the town's citizens reached out for new acqui-
sitions of land, the}' helped establish some of the best towns
in the State. In this work of colonization were both hard-
152 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
ship and hazard. Few but such as were of an adventurous
nature would so speedily have removed from newly con-
structed homesteads to erect other abodes in the farther
forest. But a brave band of frontiersmen pushed boldly for-
ward and out into the dark outstretching wood ; and, amid
perils of climate, wild beasts, and uncivilized men, they
opened new paths and prepared the way for new settle-
ments. In narrating the work thus performed, we will to
an extent present an outline of facts as they are afforded by
the histories of the towns in which the work here mentioned
was done. On the south and west of Sudbury, at the time
of its settlement, was a wilderness. On the west was what
is now Marlboro, on the south what is Framingham and.
Natick, and beyond this border territory was a far out-
stretching forest awaiting the approach of the English to
give it the light of civilized life.
FRAMINGHAM.
First there was an occupation of the lands on the south.
This territory — so much of it as is now Framingham, and
which was called a plantation by 1675, and was incorporated
as a town in 1700 — was, at the earliest occupation by the
English, unclaimed land of the colony. It never was granted
to a company of petitioners, as was the case with Sudbury,
but was allowed to individuals at different dates, whose
names became associated with the lands granted. The fol-
lowing is a list of the prominent grants, and the quantity
of land comprised in some of them : The Stone Grants ; the
Glover Farm, 600 acres ; the Rice Grants; the Eames Grant,
200 acres ; the Corlett Grant, 200 acres ; the Gookin and
How Purchase ; the Mayhew Farm, 300 acres ; the Danforth
Farms ; Crowne's Grant, 500 acres ; Russell's Grant, 500
acres ; Wayte's Grant, 300 acres ; the Natick Plantation
Grants. Several of these tracts were either granted, as-
signed or conveyed to, or in part settled by people from Sud-
bury.
The Stone Grants. — Mr. Temple, in his " History of
Framingham," says : " The first man to build upon our soil
was John Stone, who removed from Sudbury (now Way-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 153
land), and put up a house at Otter Neck, on the west side of
Sudbury River, in 1646 or 1647." The lands owned by Mr.
Stone were in several parcels, and granted at different times.
In 1643 he had a grant of six acres in " Natick bounds;"
and in 1656 he purchased lands of the Indians at the Falls
of Sudbury River (Saxonville). This land was situated
northwesterly of the falls, and on the southeasterly and east-
erly slope of the hill. It was confirmed to Mr. Stone by the
Court, May, 1656, with fifty acres in addition. The land
last granted was laid out May 26, 1658, by Edmund Rice
and Thomas Noyes, and is described as "joining to Sudbury
river at the falls of the said river, twenty acres of the said
fifty being southward joining to the lands of John Stone,
which said lands were purchased of the Indians, and after
confirmed by the honoured Court; also the other thirty acres
of the said fifty lying northward of the aforesaid purchased
land and joining to it." Other land tracts were obtained by
Mr. Stone in the territory of Framingham, till he possessed
several hundred acres. Two of his sons, Daniel and David,
settled near their father in 1667.
The Glover Farm. — This was the next grant to be
occupied by a Sudbury citizen. (For description, see Chap-
ter IV.) This farm was leased Sept. 29, 1647, by President
Dunster, guardian for the Glover heirs, to Edmund Rice for
the term of ten years. By agreement in the lease, he was to
erect a house on the place. (For dimensions of this house,
see Chapter V.) He was also to build a barn, with dimen-
sions as follows : " Fifty long, eleven foote high in the stud,
one foote above ground, the sell twenty foote if no leantes
or eighteen foote wide with leantes on the one side, and a
convenient threshing-floare between the doares." (Barry.)
These buildings, it is supposed, were located near Dudley
Pond, and on that part of the Glover Farm which, by an
adjustment of the town bounds in 1700, came into the town
of Wayland. When the Glover estate was settled, the farm
became the property of John Glover and Priscilla Appleton,
his sister. Subsequently John transferred his part to his
sister, and the place became known as the Appleton Farm.
In 1697, John Appleton and wife sold the estate, then esti-
154 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
mated at about nine hundred and sixty acres, to three Sud-
bury parties, — namely, Thomas Brown, Thomas Drury, and
Caleb Johnson, — for four hundred and forty pounds. The
land was divided among these purchasers, and with the result
that, after some exchange of the property among themselves,
Mr. Brown had as his part of the upland two .hundred acres
on the northerly side, and situated westerly in Fraraingham
territory ; Mr. Drury, two hundred acres on the southerly
side, also in Fraraingham, and one hundred acres in the
northeasterly part in Wayland ; and the land possessed by
Mr. Johnson was the middle portion, and consisted of two
hundred acres of upland, upon which he erected a dwelling,
where the Mars house now stands. Thus, not only was the
Glover Farm first occupied by a Sudbury citizen, but in its
subsequent divisions it became the property of three others.
The Rice Grants. — Not only did Edmund Rice lease
the large land tract just mentioned, but, by petitioning the
General Court, he became owner of the several pieces of land
that are called the " Rice Grants."" In 1652 he was allowed
three pieces of meadow, comprising about twenty acres, and
thirty acres of upland, which was situated about a mile from
Cochituate Brook, and in a part of Fraraingham called Rice's
End. In 1665 he again petitioned the Court, and received
about eighty acres more, which was also in the southeast
part of the town. In 1659, Mr. Rice gave a deed of the
land at Rice's End to his son Henry, who built upon it, and
who, it is supposed, was the second person to build on Frara-
ingham soil.
The Eames Grants. — These grants were of lands ob-
tained from the General Court and the Indian owners by
Thomas Eames, who was a former inhabitant of Sudbury.
In 1669, Mr. Eames built a house and barn on the southerly
slope of Mt. Wayte, South Framingliara. The land was of
the Wayte grant, and Avas owned by Thomas Danforth, who
purchased it of Mr. Richard Wayte. On Feb. 1, 1676, the
Indians burned the buildings of Mr. Eames, and killed or
took captive his family. (See Chapter II. and period 1675-
1700.) As a return for the loss of property then incurred,
which amounted to about three hundred and thirty pounds,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 155
the General Court, in 1677, granted him two hundred acres
of land; and by consent of the Court he obtained, in 1676-7,
a tract of two hundred acres of the Indians, which was situ-
ated near where his former dwelling stood. " The Eames
Farm " was situated in the southerly part of Frainingham,
south of Sudbury River, and ran westerly as far as Farm
Pond. The grant of two hundred acres allowed by the
Court in 1677 was laid out by John Brigham of Sudbury, in
1686, and is said to have been "land in the wilderness adjoin-
ing to Lancaster line."
The Corlett Grant. — This land tract was laid out
May 28, 1661, to Mr. Elijah Corlett, a schoolmaster of Cam-
bridge. It was situated " about a mile distant from the
southwest angle of the lands formerly granted to Sudbury ;
also having a parcel of meadow granted to Mr. Edmond
Browne, teacher to the church in Sudbury, on the south,
also being about half a mile distant northerly from the river
which runneth to Sudbury, also being about a mile and a
quarter distant west northwesterly of the now dwelling-
house of John Stone." In 1661, Mr. Thomas Dan forth
purchased the land of Mr. Corlett, and the same year trans-
ferred it to Mr. John Stone.
The Gookin and How Purchase. — This was a land
tract that came into possession of Samuel Gookin of Cam-
bridge, a son of Maj.-Gen. Daniel Gookin, who was colonial
commissioner to the Indians, and a co-worker with Rev.
John Elliot and Samuel How of Sudbury. The tract was
obtained of the Indians, who gave a deed of it dated May
19, 1682. A specification in the deed was that it contain,
"by estimate, two hundred acres more or less."
The Mayhew Farm. — This was a land tract of three
hundred acres granted to Thomas Mayhew, Oct. 17, 1643.
It is described as " lying between Marlboro, Magunkook and
Frainingham," and was assigned by will of Thomas Mayhew,
bearing date Sept. 15, 1666, to John Stone and Nathaniel
Treadaway, both grantees of Sudbury. In 1708 it was laid
out to their heirs.
The Danforth Farm. — These lands consisted of several
parcels that came to Thomas Danforth by grant or purchase.
156 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
One of these was granted in 1G60, and contained two hun-
dred and fifty acres, which were laid out adjacent to the
south boundary of Sudbury, west of the river, and joining
the land occupied by John Stone. Another tract was granted
in 1662, and consisted of two hundred acres adjoining the
" same land he hath between Conecticot path and Marl-
borough." The Court appointed to lay out this land " Ensign
Noyes of Sudbury with old Goodman Rice and John How,"
and "the act of any two of these was to be valid both for
quantity and qualit}-." This tract was adjacent to and
west of the two hundred and fifty acres just mentioned,
and extended along the south line of the Lanham District.
Other lands were allowed to Mr. Danforth until, by grant or
purchase, he owned about two-thirds of the Framingham
Plantation. These Danforth lands were from time to time,
more or less of them, leased to individuals, and among those
leasing them were Samuel Winch and Thomas Frost, who
were formerly inhabitants of Sudbury, and both of whom
lived at Lanham, — the former as early as 1670, when he
purchased land there of Samuel How, and the latter about
1685. The lease to Messrs. Winch and Frost is dated March
25, 1693, and was of land that had been occupied by Mr.
Winch on parole lease for several years. The time of the
lease was nine hundred and ninety-nine years, and a payment
was to be made of four pounds ten shillings per annum.
The farm was bounded northerly by "Sudbury line," easterly
by the river and Dea. John Stones' land, and southeasterly
by "Mr. Danforth's own land," southerly by the " Lynde
Farm," westerly by the six hundred acres of reserved land
(at Nobscot). The tract comprised three hundred acres,
more or less, and contained "all those mesuages and tene-
ments wherein they, the said Samuel Winch and Thomas
Frost, do now dwell, containing two dwelling-houses, out-
houses, and lands adjoining." This estate was situated in
the northerly part of Framingham, and with the Stone Farm
probably comprised largely the midway border territory in
the northerly part of that town.
Another Sudbury settler who was one of the early occu-
pants of Framingham territory was John Bent, son of Peter
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 157
Bent. In 1662 he purchased of Henry Rice a piece of land
westerly of Cochituate Brook, and built a house there " near
the fordway over that brook on the west side of the ' Old
Connecticut Path.' " (Temple.)
Other parties from Sudbury connected with the coloniza-
tion of Framingham were Josiah B radish, who it is supposed
settled northerly of Nobscot Hill ; John Adams, who bought
two hundred acres of Gookin and How at Saxonville, and
erected a dwelling not far from the location of the present
railroad station ; Thomas Walker, who bought eighty acres
of Gookin and How, and built a house at Rice's End ; Sam-
uel King, John Loker, Mathew, David and Benjamin Rice.
Such are some of the facts which set forth the service of
Sudbury in the settlement of Framingham. From Nobscot
to Cochituate, and from there scattered along southerly into
" Natick bounds," the frontier was pioneered by them as
they marked out new trails or opened rude forest paths. It
is supposed that at the time of Philip's war, the Stones,
Rices, Bents, Eameses, and Bradishes were the only English
occupants on the Framingham Plantation. John Stone, at
the falls of Sudbury River, was one of the nearest neighbors
of Thomas Eames at Mt. Wayte ; and at his home in the
hollow, near the locality of the present railroad station, was
the only English hearthstone from which a light gleamed at
night, while about Dudley Pond and Cochituate the Rices
had their share of solitude in their lone woodland home.
Thus the loneliness of the settlers' life was a notable circum-
stance in the colonization experience of these bold Sudbury
frontiersmen. The wild rushing of the water in the circui-
tous stream at the "falls," the sounds heard in the forest as
the tall tree-tops were tossed by the wintry storms, and the
wind swept through the dark woody dells, were in strange
contrast with the noise of business that now proceeds from
that active place.
The settlers who went from Sudbury to the present terri-
tory of Framingham were called " Sudbury Out-dwellers,"
or " Sudbury Farmers." Their ecclesiastical and social rela-
tions were for a time with the town of Sudbury, — that is,
they were expected to pay rates levied for certain objects
158 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the benefit of which they shared. To such an extent were
they identified with Sudbury, that it has been supposed b}T
some they were a part of the town. This claim, it is said,
was made, among others, by Dr. Stearns. Some tilings indi-
cate that they were of the town, others that they were not.
That they were not of the town is indicated by the following
statement made about 1694—5, in a petition to the General
Court, " Whereas ourselves and sundry more families, to the
number of fifty or upwards, are settled upon the waste lands
lying between Sudbury, Natic, Marlbury, and Sherborn, and
as yet have not been orderly settled, with a township, but
are forced to travell to the nearest of the meeting-houses,
some to one and some to another." It is also indicated in
a petition to the General Court in 1698 for the appointment
of a committee to view lands of which it was desired to
make the town of Frainingham. The petition was sent in
by John Bent and Nathaniel Stone, and the farmers about
Cochituate, who set forth that they "had been for a long
time united to Sudbury in civil and social rights and privi-
leges." A further indication of no territorial relationship to
Sudbury is the following from the Sudbury Records : " Oct.
26, 1686. Agreement between the town of Sudbury and
certain out -dwellers, viz., Corp. Henry Rice, Corp. John
Bent, Mathew Rice, Benjamin Rice, William Brown, Daniel
Stone, John Loker, John Adams, Samuel King, and David
Rice, who are inhabitants bordering upon, but dwelling
without the line or bounds of this town — have engaged to
pay all rates for building the meeting-house, and lor the
maintenance of the ministry of the town, and for defraying
town debts and the support of the poor — provided the town
do relieve the poor amongst them and free them from repair-
ing the highways within the town's bounds."
Still another thing that may indicate that there was no
territorial relation is a report made at a selectmen's meet-
ing in Sudbury, in 1682. They represent in this report the
acres of land given to those dwelling in the town, a list of
lands of persons dwelling up and down the country, and a
list of men's lands bordering about or near the town. The
amount in the latter list is spoken of as amounting to five
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 159
thousand one hundred and three acres, in which Mr. Dan-
forth's lands (which were in the region now Framingham)
and Mr. Gookin's lands are not cast, because the contents
were not certain. (See period 1675-1700.) The inference
is that considerable land tracts were about Sudbury, largely
on the southerly side, on which the town claimed some finan-
cial rights, but which were not claimed as territory of the
town.
A reason why some may have supposed that these farmers
were a part of the town of Sudbury is found in the following
answer to a petition sent to the General Court, Mar. 8, 1691-2:
kt In answer to the petition of the Selectmen of Sudbury, or-
dered ; That the out-dwellers adjoining unto the said Town,
comprehended within the line beginning at Matth. Rice's,
from thence to Cornet Wm Brown's Corp. Henry Rice's,
Thomas Drury's, Tho. Walker, Jr., John How, and Samuel
Winch's (not belonging to "any other towne), be annexed
unto the Town of Sudbury, and continue to bear their part
of all duties and partake of all privileges then as formerly
until further order." As to how the order was interpreted
by those who had petitioned, may be indicated by a petition
sent to the Court July 4, 1700, to which these same farmers
attach their signatures: "■The said town of Sudbury have for
above a year denied your Petitioners the liberty of voting
and other town privileges, utterly disclaiming them as not
belonging to the said town, though your Petitioners have
contributed to the building the meeting-house and mainte-
nance of the minister, and have paid several town rates and
done many town duties ; wherefore they pray to be annexed
to the town of Framingham."
Another statement bearing upon the question is the fol-
lowing from a petition sent to the Court, in 1730, by the
inhabitants of Framingham living on the east and south of
the river. They state " that they are principally consisting
of those Farmers taken from Sudbury and Sherborn and
those of Sudbury Farmers with others remote from meeting
before the Court had taken emm off from Sudbury and
annexed them to Framingham were designing to address the
General Court to have been made a separate town ::::::
160 HTSTORY OF SUDBURY.
And your petitioners would intimate, that we of Sudbury
farmers and Sherborn farmers should never have yielded to
be annexed to Framingham had we not expected the meet-
ing house had been fixed in the place where it now is."
MARLBORO.
About the time that the Sudbury settlers were pioneer-
ing on the south of their plantation, their attention was
turned in a westerl}7 course also. Marlboro, which formerly
included Northboro, Southboro, Westboro, and Hudson,
was a wilderness country bordering in that direction. Very
naturally, as the people began to feel the need of more ter-
ritory, they sought it thitherward as well as towards the
south.
The result was, that, in 1656, the following petition was
presented to the General Court: —
_"To the Hon. Governor &c assembled in Boston. The
humble petition of several of the inhabitants of Sudbury
whose names are here underwritten showeth, that whereas
your petitioners have lived divers years in Sudbury and God
hath been pleased to increase our children which are now
divers of them grown to man's estate and we many of us
grown into years so that we should be glad to see them set-
tled before the Lord take us away from hence and also God
having o-iven us some considerable cattle so that we are so
straightened that we cannot so comfortably subsist as could
be desired and some of us having taken some pains to view
the country we have found a place which lyeth westward
about eight miles from Sudbury which we conceive might be
comfortable for our subsistence, It is therefore the humble
request of your Petitioners to this Hon'd Court that you
would bee pleased to grant unto us eight miles square or so
much land as may containe to eight miles square for to make
a Plantation."^]
This petition was signed by the following parties: "Ed-
mund Rice, Wm Ward, Thomas King, John Wood, Thomas
Goodnow, John Ruddock, Henry Rice, John How, John
Bent Senr, John Maynard, Richard Newton, Peter Bent,
Edward Rice."
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 161
Answer was given to this petition at a General Court ses-
sion held in Boston, May 14, 1656, to the effect that a tract
of land six miles square be granted, provided it hinder no
prior grant, and that a town be settled thereon with twenty
or more families within three years time, so that an able min-
istry might there be sustained. A committee was appointed
to lay out the bounds, and make report to the " Court of
Election." Unless they did this, the grant would be void.
A portion of the territory desired had previously been
granted to the Indians, on petition of Rev. John Elliot, but
a committee was appointed who amicably adjusted the mat-
ter, so that each party had their lands laid out and duly
confirmed. The plantation of the Indians was known as
Ockoocangansett, and was partly surrounded by the plan-
tation of the English, which for a brief period was called
Whipsuppenicke. A plan of the latter was made in 1667,
and approved by the authorities the same year. It contained
29,419 acres, which, with the 6,000 acres which had been
reserved for the Indians, made 35,419 acres.
The first proprietors' meeting was held Sept. 25, 1656, and
the same year William Ward, Thomas King, John Ruddock,
and John How were " chosen to put the Affairs of the said
new Plantation in an orderly way." A petition for incor-
poration was soon sent to the General Court, and, being
favorably received, in 1660 the place ceased to be merely a
plantation legally connected with Sudbury, but became a
town of itself, and was called " Marlborrow."
The places where some of the Sudbury settlers early had
their abodes in Marlboro are still known, and some of them
have been designated in the history of the town. Such
places furnish food for reflection to the thoughtful mind, and
not the least so, perhaps, to the people of the town from
whence the early occupants of those dwellings went forth.
May the sites of those primitive dwelling-places, on which
the roof-tree long since decayed, continue to be pointed out,
and suggest the spirit of enterprise that inspired that little
company who went forth from Sudbury in search of new
lands !
162 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
WORCESTER.
But Sudbury helped settle towns still farther westward.
Beyond Marlboro were the lands of what is now the city of
Worcester, then a wilderness across the frontier. To this
spot repaired some of the people of Sudbury. Among these
was Lieutenant Curtis, the sturdy backwoodsman of whose
service in the war with King Philip we are yet to speak. (See
period 1675-1700.) Ephraim Curtis was a son of Henry Cur-
tis, an original grantee of Sudbury. He was of a sturdy, ad-
venturesome nature, a frontiersman, soldier and scout. The
customs of the red men, the resort of wild game, the camp-fire
and the night ambuscade, were all familiar to him. A short
time before the outbreak of King Philip's war Lieut. Ephraim
Curtis turned his face towards the west, and made his camp
at what is now Worcester. We quote the following con-
concerning his subsequent experience in that locality : " It
was in the fall of 1673, as near as can now be ascertained by
tradition and otherwise, that Ephraim Curtis, the first actual
white settler, left Sudbury, with a pack on his back, a long,
light Spanish gun on his shoulder, and an axe in in his hand,
and set his face towards Worcester ; arriving, after two
days' travel, on the very spot still owned and occupied by
his descendants, on Lincoln Street, to the sixth generation.
The principal reason for his selecting this locality to settle
upon was the supposition of mineral wealth in the soil, from
the report of a valuable lead mine having been discovered in
the vicinity by the Indians, who had a sort of rendezvous on
Wigwam Hill while on their fishing and hunting excursions.
Here Ephraim Curtis was all alone in the wilderness for a
year or more, and in subsequent times used to tell how, after
working all day, he would sit down and look towards Sud-
bury, and shed tears in spite of himself. But he had a will
that bore him through. For a time he claimed the whole
town of Worcester, but had to be content with two hundred
acres near the upper part of Plantation Street, and another
plantation near Grafton Gore, granted by the Great and
General Court as his share of the territory of Worcester.
Curtis and others (who had followed him) stayed in Worces-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 163
ter until driven from there by the Indians in 1675. He left
the spot which he attempted to settle to his descendants,
with no other personal memorials, it is said, than his gun
and silver-headed cane marked ' E. C In his later life he
returned to Sudbury, where he died at the age of ninety-
two. He left Worcester plantation to the care of his son
John, and in 1734 lie conveyed two hundred and fifty acres,
on the border of Worcester, Auburn, and Millbury, to his son
Ephraitn Curtis, Jr." (Fall's "Reminiscences of Worces-
ter.")
The violet sprung at Spring's first tinge,
The rose of Summer spread its glow,
The maize hung out its autumn fringe,
Rude Winter brought his snow ;
And still the lone one labored there,
His shout and whistle broke the air,
As cheerily he plied
His garden spade, or drove his share
Along the hillock's side.
Alfred B. Street.
But the pioneer work done by Sudbury in the settle-
ment of Worcester was by no means confined to one
man. In 1657 thirty-two hundred acres were granted to
Increase Nowell of Charlestown. His right was purchased
by Josiah and John Haynes, Thomas Noyes, and Nathaniel
Treadaway ; and in 1664 the}r became proprietors of a large
tract east of Qninsigamond Pond. Haynes, Treadaway, and
Noyes petitioned the General Court for a committee "to
view the country." The death of Mr. Noyes, and the dis-
turbed condition of things, prevented the commissioners
whom the Court appointed from carrying out the order.
But, in 1667, the Court again took measures towards a set-
tlement of the country, and appointed a committee, who
state in their report that " about five thousand acres is laid
out to particular persons, and confirmed by this Court, as
we are informed, which falls within this tract of land, viz.,
to Ensign Noyes, deceased, his brother three thousand two
hundred acres, unto the church at Maiden one thousand
acres, and others five hundred acres bought of Ensign
164 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Noyes ; but all this notwithstanding, we conceive there may
be enough meadow for a small plantation or town of about
thirty families, and if these farms be annexed to it, it may
supply about sixty families." The committee recommended
to the Court that it " reserve it for a town ; " and, for the
settling of it, it advised " that there be a meet proportion of
land granted and laid out for a town, in the best form the
place will bear, about the contents of eight miles square."
(Colonial Records, Vol. IV., p. 587.)
Another Sudbury citizen who assisted in the settlement of
Worcester was Digory Sargent. So much of interest clusters
about the character and experience of this adventurous man,
that we will quote entire the account of him as given in Lin-
coln's " History of Worcester:" "Among those who attempted
the settlement of Worcester, after the first unsuccesful enter-
prise, was Digory Sargent, who had built his home on Saga-
tabscot Hill, southeastward of the present town. He was a
native of Sudbury, and had been a carpenter by occupation
before his removal. A will made by him in 1679 is preserved
on the Middlesex records. As the list of goods and effects,
strangely mingled together, presents an example of the hum-
ble personal possessions of pioneer times, and the style affords
specimen of quaint peculiarity, it will not be uninteresting.
" ' digory sargent's will.
" ' March the 17th day 1696. The last Will and Testa-
ment of Digory Sargent. I, Digory Sargent, being in my
health and strength and in my perfect memory, blessed be
the Lord for it ; these few lines may satisfy whom it may
concern, that I, Digory Sargent, do freely give unto my
daughter, Martha Sargent, my house and land with all its
rights and privileges there unto belonging: this house and
four score acre lot of land lieth within the township of
Worcester ; I likewise do give unto her all my goods ; one
flock bed and boulster, with one rugg, and two blankets and
two coverlets ; six froes ; one broad ax and one pujling ax
and one hand saw; one frying pan ; one shave ; one drawing
knife ; one trunk and a sermon book that is at Mrs. Mary
Mason's Widow, at Boston ; with one pewter pint pot ; one
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 165
washing tub; one cow and calf; one [ — ] ; three iron wedges;
two butte rings ; and if in case the Lord should see good to
take away the said Digory Serjent by death, then I, the said
Digory Serjent, do leave these things above written unto
George Parmenter of Sudbury to be disposed of as- he shall
see good to bring up the said Digory Serjent's child ; and if
in case that this child should die likewise, then I do freely
give my house and land with all the goods above mentioned
unto George Parmenter forever, and to his heirs, to look
after these things and to dispose of them as he shall see
cause. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal the day and year above named. There is one gun too.
" ' Digory Serjent.
" ' Witnessed by John Keyes, John Wetherby.'
" Having afterwards been married to the sister of Parmen-
ter, his family became more numerous, and afforded more
victims to be involved in the miseries of death and captivity.
Long after the other planters had fled from the perils of the
conflict that raged around them, Sargent remained with his
children, the solitary occupants of the town, resisting all
importunity to seek safety by desertion, and resolving with
fearless intrepidity to defend from the savage the fields his
industry had redeemed from the waste. During the summer
of 1702 his residence was unmolested. As winter approached
the committee, alarmed by his situation on the frontier of
danger, sent messengers to advise his removal to a place of
security. As their admonitions were disregarded, they at
length despatched an armed force of twelve men, under Cap-
tain Howe, to compel compliance with the order. At the
close of day the party arrived at a garrison near the mills.
Here they halted for the night, which grew dark with storm
and snow, and, kindling their fires, laid down to rest, while
one of the band watched the slumbers of his comrades. In
the morning they went onwards, and reached the house of
Sargent, on Sagatabscot, at the distance of nearly two miles
from the post where they had halted. They found the door
broken down, the owner stretched in blood on the floor, and
the dwelling desolate. The prints of many moccasins lead-
166 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
ing westward, still visible through the snow, indicated that
they had been anticipated by a short time only in the object
of their mission. It was soon found that the children of
Sargent Avere living in Canada. On the release of the eldest
she related the particulars of the fearful catastrophe they had
witnessed. When the Indians, headed by Sagamon John,
as it is said, surrounded the house, Sargent seized his gun to
defend his life, and was fired on. As he retreated to the
stairway, a ball took effect and he fell. The savages rushed
in, with their tomahawks completed the work of death, and
tore off his scalp from his head as a token of victory. They
seized the mother and her children, John, Daniel, Thomas,
Martha, and Mary, and, having discovered the neighborhood
of the white men, commenced a rapid retreat westward.
The wife of Sargent, fainting with grief and fear, and in
feeble circumstances, faltered, and impeded their progress.
The apprehension of pursuit induced the Indian to forego
[ ] torturing his victim. As they ascended the
hills of Tataesset, a chief stepped out from the file, and,
looking around among the leafless forests as if for game,
excited no alarm in the exhausted and sinking captive, and
awoke no cry of horror to betray their course. When she
had passed by, one merciful blow from the strong arm of the
sachem removed the obstruction of their flight. The chil-
dren they carried away reached the northern frontier in
safety, and were a long time in Canada. Daniel and Mary,
preferring the wild freedom of their captors to the restraints
of civilized life, adopted the habits and manners of the Indi-
ans. They never again resided with their relatives, although
they once made them a visit when Miss Williams, taken at
Deerfield, was restored. In 1715, Thomas was in Boston.
John had been liberated in 1721. Martha was probably
redeemed earlier than her brothers, married Daniel Shattuck,
and returned to dwell on the spot so fatal to her family. "
(Lincoln's " History of Worcester.")
Another inhabitant of Sudbury who went to Worcester, in
the third attempt to settle that town, was Nathaniel Moore.
He was one of the most prominent citizens of that place dur-
ing the first half century, and was for twelve }rears one of its
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 1G7
selectmen. Mr. Moore was one of the first two deacons of the
Old South Church, an ancestor of Dr. Moore, and formerly
president of Williams and the first president of Amherst
College. Still another who went from the town was Capt.
Moses Rice. He went to Worcester about 1719, and built a
tavern there. Captain Rice was commander of a cavalry
company, and fought in several engagements with the Indi-
ans. He went to Rutland about 1742, where he was killed
by the Indians in 1755, aged sixty. Others who went there
were Thomas Brown, Benjamin Crane, John Curtis, Simon
Meyling, Jonathan Grout, — all of whom received lands in
that vicinity.
GRAFTON.
Another place in whose settlement Sudbury citizens had
some share was Grafton, a town in Worcester County. Its
Indian name was Hassanamesit, which means a place of
small stones. The land, which contained seven thousand
five hundred acres, was purchased of the native proprietors,
upon leases obtained of the General Court, May, 1724.
The petition, asking the privilege of making the purchase,
was presented by a number of persons, principally from
Marlboro, Sudbury, Concord, and Stow; and the petitioners
sought leave " to purchase of the Hassanamisco Indians land
at that place." In the Indian deed concerning' the territory,
among other specific declarations is the following : " To
Jonathan Rice and Richard Taylor both of Sudbury in the
County of Middlesex aforesaid husbandmen each one fortieth
part thereof ... to them and their respective heirs and
assigns forever." After the purchase of the territory, and
the establishment of the plantation, those who composed the
company laying claim to the territory held proprietors' meet-
ings, more or less of which were at the house of Jonathan
Rice in Sudbury. Their records and proceedings show the
prominent part taken by Sudbury citizens in the formation
of the township. A few specimens of these records are as
follows: "At a meeting of the Proprietors of the common
and undivided lands in Hassanamisco holden at the house of
168 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Jonathan How in Marlboro, April, 1728, Mr. Jonathan Rice
was chosen clerk for the Proprietors to enter and record all
votes and orders from time to time as shall be made and
passed in said Proprietors meetings." "July 9, 1728. The
Proprietors held a meeting at Sudbury, at the house of Jona-
than Rice, and chose a committee to take charge of building
a meeting house." "Jan. 6, 1730. At the house of Jona-
than Rice, voted to lay out 3 acres to each Proprietor 30
acres of land for the third division ; voted to raise seven
pounds of money on each Proprietor for the finishing of the
meeting house and school house."
In the appointment of committees for important business
Sudbury was creditably represented. The committee chosen
"to take a survey of the plantation of Hassanamisco, and
find out and stake the centre plot of the plantation," were
Captain Brigham of Marlboro, John Hunt of Concord, and
Richard Taylor of Sudbury. Jan. 1(3, 1734, it was voted
that Col. John Chandler of Concord and Jonathan Rice of
Sudbury should be " a committee to make Hassanamisco a
town." Thus, at Sudbury and by her citizens, were more or
less of the plans laid and business transacted at the begin-
ning of this thriving town.
RUTLAND.
Another town, in the settlement of which Sudbury was
early and creditably represented, is Rutland, Mass. This
town was incorporated by the General Court at a session of
1722. The territory, however, which included the portion
incorporated at this time, and which was six miles square,
was some years before this explored by daring pioneers, and
embraced, in its full extent, a tract twelve miles square,
and took in a part or the whole of the territory of what is
now Hubbardston, Princeton, Holden, Oakham, Paxton, ftnd
Barre. The original territory in these latter-named limits
was purchased, for twenty-three pounds, of Puagastion of
Pennicook, Pompamamay of Natick, Wananapan of Wamas-
sick, Sassawannow of Natick, and other natives, on Dec. 22,
1686. The name of the whole place was Naquag, and the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 169
deed of it, signed and acknowledged by the above-named
Indians, was received April 14, 1714, and is on record at the
Middlesex Registry of Deeds, page 511 of Book XVI.
The ownership of this twelve-mile land tract was confirmed
by the General Court in 1713, on petition of the heirs of
Maj. Simon Willard, of Indian war fame, and others whose
names were in the associate deed. One condition imposed
by the Court in the confirmation of ownership was, that,
within seven years, there be sixty families settled there, and
a reservation of land for church and school purposes. On
Dec. 14, 1715, the proprietors, at a meeting in Boston,
decided that a tract of six miles square of the original
twelve miles should be surveyed and set apart for the set-
tlement of sixty-two families, in order to keep the conditions
by which the grant was to be allowed. It decided to grant
to Capt. Benjamin Willard, for certain considerations, one of
which was that he build a mill, k' one-third part of a thirty-
third part of said township, or nine hundred and thirty
acres." A portion of this large grant to Captain Willard
passed into the hands of several prominent Sudbury citizens,
who were assignees to Captain Willard. Three of them were
Rev. Israel Loring, Capt. Samuel Stone, and Capt. Samuel
Wright. The land thus assigned went to the parties as fol-
lows: To Mr. Loring, three hundred acres; to Captain Stone,
two hundred and forty acres ; and to Captain Wright, one
hundred and twenty acres.
So much of the land of the twelve miles square as amounted
to six miles square having now been confirmed to the claim-
ants, and surveyed, and positions assigned for settlement, on
petition to the General Court, at a session beginning May 30,
1722, an act of incorporation was passed, making of this ter-
ritory the town of Rutland. The place thus being in readi-
ness for settlement, and quite a portion of it being in the
hands of Sudbury citizens, and a leader in the enterprise,
Captain Wright, being a Sudbury man who, for years before
Rutland was incorporated, was a manager in its affairs, it is
no wonder that emigration flowed from the town into this
new country. It was as the great West to a place as near
the seaboard settlements as Sudbury; and the romance and
170 HTSTORY OF SUDBURY.
adventure of pioneer life very likely took hold of the inhabi-
tants, as the same spirit led their ancestors to seek homes
about the borders of Sudbury River about a century before.
Accordingly, as might be expected, we find an early exodus
from the town to the place ; and among the names of parties
who found homes in Rutland, or in the towns of the original
twelve miles square, we find the following, which now
are, or have been, familiar in Sudbury: Newton, Moore,
Howe, Knight, Ward, Brown, Hunt, Bent, Stevens, Wright,
Read, Dakin, Goodenow, Rice, Brintnal, Haynes, Stone,
Parment'er, Estabrook, Clapp, Walker, Maynard.
Other towns about Sudbury that were represented in the
settlement of this place were Marlboro, Concord, and Fra-
mingham, besides some from Boston, Lexington, Lancaster,
and Brookfield, and some emigrants from Ireland.
But it is not simply the matter of names and numbers of
parties from the town that makes it important and interest-
ing to mention the part taken by Sudbury in the settlement
of Rutland, but tin1 prominence of several of them. More or
less were leaders in the enterprise, and active and influen-
tial in shaping the young town's life. As showing their
character, we will give a short sketch of some of them.
Among the most valuable men of the place Avas Capt.
Samuel Wright, who came from the West Parish in Sud-
bury, and was proprietor of lot No. 1 in the first apportion-
ment of Rutland territory. Captain Wright was the first
deacon of the church there, justice of the peace, captain of
the militia, and for years held various other town offices.
He was clerk and one of the proprietors of the twelve-miles-
square land tract. It was at a meeting at his house that
land divisions of the town were confirmed, June 2o, 1721.
He was the first moderator, town clerk, and selectman
chosen after Rutland became incorporated. Captain Wright
kept a tavern for some time opposite the first meeting-house,
at which place much of the business of the town was trans-
acted. He was prominent in defending the town against the
incursions of the Indians, who assailed it savagely in its early
history ; and in this defense he was reinforced by soldiers
from Sudbury. Captain Wright was the sixth son of
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 171
Edward Wright, who is supposed to have been a son of
one of Sudbury's early inhabitants or grantees. He was born
April 9, 1670. He married Mary Stevens, a daughter of
Cyprian Stevens, whose wife was Mary Willard, daughter
of Major Simon Willard of Lancaster, and of his third wife,
Mary Dunster, who was a relative of Mr. Dunster, president
of Harvard College. Captain Wright was by this marriage
one of the heirs to the large land tract originally assigned as
the Rutland territory, which, as we have mentioned, was, in
1713, confirmed as to ownership, on petition of the sons and
grandsons of Major Simon Willard; and his daughter Mary's
name was among the other heirs in the associate deed. He
was also by this marriage with Mary made brother-in-law of
Deacon Joseph Stevens, another early and prominent citizen
of Rutland, who was the father of Capt. Phineas Stevens,
the settler of whom we shall next speak in this sketch. Mr.
Wright had several children, one of whom married Rev.
Thomas Frink, the first settled minister of the place, and of
whom mention will be made further on. The Wright family
years ago almost or wholl}r ceased to be inhabitants of Rut-
land.
One of the next in prominence as an historic character in
the early history of Rutland, and who lived in Sudbury and
had children while there, was Deacon Joseph Stevens. He
was a son of Cyprian Stevens, who, as we have seen, married
Mary Willard of Lancaster. He went from Sudbury to Fra-
mingham, and from there removed to Rutland about 1719.
He married Prudence Rice, a daughter of John Rice of Sud-
bury, and while at Sudbury his son Phineas, the Indian
lighter and famous captain in the French and Indian war,
was born. Mr. Stevens was thus by relationship grandson
of Major Simon Willard, and by heirship had an interest in
the land tract. In the homestead allotment he received lots
Nos. 15 and 56. He also had two hundred acres of other
land. He filled various offices, military, ecclesiastical, and
civil, among which were those of captain of militia and dea-
con of the church. He put up a small hut on some meadow
land five miles from his dwelling-place, and, there being no
road to the place, he went to it daily on rackets or snow-
172 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
shoes to feed his stock. On the 14th of August, 1728, after
the daily devotional service with his family, Mr. Stevens
staited with four young men to gather hay, and while en-
gaged in the work he was assailed by the Indians, two of his
sons were killed, the eldest and youngest were taken prison-
ers, and he alone escaped. The captives were taken to Can-
ada ; and, being kept there a year, were redeemed at great
expense, after the father had taken two trips to Canada. It
is said, that, after the capture of these boys, the Indians,
thinking that Isaac, the younger, who was but four years
old, would be troublesome to them on their way to Canada,
were about putting him to death, when their design was dis-
covered by Phineas, who made signs, that, if his brother
were spared, he would carry him along on his back. The
request being granted, little Isaac was carried by his brother
Phineas, then about seventeen, to the Indians' far-off wilder-
ness home. Isaac was so young when taken captive that he
soon acquired the customs and habits of the Indians. It is
stated that the Indian woman who had this young child in
charge was so kind in her treatment of him, that he would
have remained among the savages. By the redemption of
Phineas Stevens from his captivity in Canada, the country
received a man whose services were invaluable in after years.
This son of Sudbury afterward became an historic character,
from his masterly military prowess in and about Fort No. 4, a
place on the Connecticut River at Charleston, N.H. Deacon
Stevens had three daughters, Mindwell, Mary, and Kather-
ine. He died Nov. 15, 1769, and his wife about 1776.
Capt. Edward Rice and Rachel, his wife, were from Sud-
bury, and were some of the most prominent people of Rut-
land. He was proprietor of two lots — Nos. 34 and 60 — and
their after divisions. One of these lots he sold to Mr. Benja-
min Dudley, and settled on the other, which was located at
Muschapauge Hill, and contained one hundred and forty-
five acres; but, after building upon it, he sold it, and bought
a lot south of Pomagussett Meadow, at which place he
lived, and where he died, at the age of sixty-seven, during
a remarkable sickness which, in 1756, swept over Rutland,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 173
destroying during the fall months nearly sixty children.
Mrs. Rice, his wife, died of small pox, Jan. 7, 1760. Cap-
tain Rice was a useful citizen for his country, town, and
church. He entered into the service of his country in 1724,
and after his return home held both militia and town offices.
Capt. Samuel Stone was of Lexington, but previously was
a citizen of Sudbury. He was proprietor of lot No. 25; but,
with his sons, he eventually became owner of about nine
hundred acres of land. Samuel Stoue, Jr., on Oct. 20, 1732,
married a daughter of Deacon Stevens, by whom he had sev-
eral children. He was an ardent patriot, and died in the
service of his country at the time of the Revolutionary War.
His son Isaac died in the French War, Nov. 20, 1756.
Capt. Phineas Walker and his wife, Beulah Clapp, were
from Sudbury, where their first two children were born.
Mr. Clapp owned land at the junction of Ware and Long-
meadow Brooks, to which place he moved in 1750. He was
a valuable inhabitant of Rutland, and filled various important
town offices, and was also a captain in the Revolutionary
War. Mr. Walker and wife, soon after arriving at Rutland,
united with the church, and it is stated of them, that, though
living four miles from the meeting-house, " their seats were
seldom empty." In the great sickness of 1756, their two
sons, Abel and John, were buried in one grave. Two of
their other sons were physicians ; one, named Asa, practised
in Barre ; the other died Nov. 30, 1797. Jonas was a minute-
man and officer in the Revolution.
Col. Daniel Clapp was a Sudbury man, and in 1768 bought
land in Rutland, to which place he moved from the town of
Princeton. He filled many important offices while at Rut-
land, was an officer in the Revolutionary War, and for many
years registrar of deeds for Worcester County.
Lieut. Luke Moore and Lucy, his wife, were other citizens
from Sudbury. Mr. Moore was an officer of militia, and a
worthy citizen. He subsequently removed from Rutland to
New Hampshire. It is stated that Mr. Luke Moore was a
brother of all the women of the name of Moore who went
from Sudbury to Rutland.
174 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Lieut. Paul Moore, another titled citizen, was from Sud-
bury. He was by trade a carpenter. He filled various town
offices, as town clerk, selectman, and treasurer. Mr. Moore
married, May 3, 173-3, Hannah Hubbard, a daughter of Capt.
John Hubbard, who moved from Worcester to Rutland about
1728; and for his second wife he married Azubah Moore of
Sudbury. The wife of Lieutenant Moore was a well-known
maker of deer-skin clothes. A grandson of Mr. and Mrs.
Moore was Rev. John Hubbard Church, formerly of Pelham,
N.H.
Cornet Daniel Estabrook and Hannah, his wife, were both
from Sudbury. It is stated that Mr. Estabrook, in 1723,
bought land laid out to Samuel Goodnow to his right of lot
No. 46, situated on Worcester Hill ; and that when he began
to fell trees it was perilous going to his work without his
gun, not only from exposure to Indians, but also to bears
and wolves.
Another Sudbury citizen who owned land in Rutland, and
whose family was represented among its early settlers, was
Thomas Read, proprietor of Lot 22, with its divisions.
Thomas Read, the son of Thomas, moved from Sudbury to
Rutland with Sarah, his wife, and located their homestead
on the lot just mentioned. They were some of the first pio-
neers, and shared the perils incident to a settler's life. Mr.
Read had five children, Jason, Thomas, Mary, Jonathan, and
Micah. All Mr. Read's sons married wives from Framing-
ham. Mr. Read was of the old Read family in Sudbury, the
first of whiclf family in the town was Thomas, who settled at
Lanham as early as 1654. It is said, in the " History of Rut-
land," that "this family of Reads have been useful and indus-
trious inhabitants of Rutland for one hundred and twenty
years."
Jonathan Stearns, who married Abigail Moore, bought
lands adjacent to what is called the East Wing.
Moses Maynard and his wife, Tabitha Moore, bought
land in Rutland adjacent to the East Wing, which was
once granted to Jonathan Waldo, and first division of upland
to the right of lots Nos. 26 and 27. The descendants of Mr.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 175
and Mrs. Maynard were numerous, and settled to quite an
extent in New Hampshire and Georgia. In 1836 it was said
that Mr. Maynard was the largest man that ever lived in
Rutland, and that about a year and a half before his death,
which occurred in his sixty-eighth year, he weighed four
hundred and fifty-one pounds.
Mr. Moses Baxter, a carpenter, who married Mary Moore
of Sudbury, bought a farm joining the East Wing.
Mr. Eliphalet Howe was of the old Howe family in Sud-
bury, and bought land on Walnut Hill, Rutland.
Among the settlers in and about Rutland are other and
familiar Sudbury names ; but those which have been given
show how much the town contributed towards the settle-
ment. In the establishment of the church, also, Sudbury
was quite prominent. The first deacon was Samuel Wright,
at whose house was held a meeting for the signing of the
church covenant, July 18, 1727. July 24, 1721, Rev. Joseph
Willard was chosen pastor, but was slain by the Indians
August 14 of the same year. At a meeting held May 17,
1727, at which Capt. Samuel Wright presided, Rev. Thomas
Frink was chosen by unanimous vote to be the settled pas-
tor. He was a native of Sudbury, and took his degree at
Harvard College in 1722. His father came from England,
with two brothers. He was settled at Rutland, Nov. 1,
1727, and dismissed Sept. 8, 1740. Previous to the installa-
tion of Mr. Frink, letters missive were sent to six churches,
among which were those of the East and West Parishes,
Sudbury. Samuel Wright and Lieut. Simon Davis were
chosen to sign these letters for the church. In accordance
with the invitation, Revs. Loring and Cook of Sudbury were
present. Mr. Frink and Capt. Samuel Wright joined the
church by letters brought from the West Precinct Church.
Rev. Israel Loring preached the installation sermon, from
2 Cor. ii. 16 : " And who is sufficient for these things."
After laying on of hands by Revs. Loring, Prentice, Par-
sons, and Chenery, Mr. Frink " was ordained a Presbiter
of the Church and Pastor of Rutland." Mr. Loring gave
the right hand of fellowship. After singing part of the
176 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Eighty-ninth Psalm, the pastor "pronounced the Bless-
ing.
After Mr. Frink was dismissed from Rutland, he was
installed pastor of the Third Church, Plymouth, Nov. 7,
1743 ; and October, 1753, he was installed pastor at Barre,
where he labored until July 17, 1766. He married Isabella,
daughter of Capt. Samuel Wright, Feb. 13, 1729, and had a
family of ten children. He was a man of considerable ability,
and preached the election sermon at Boston in 1758. His
son Samuel was also a minister ; and at the time of Mr.
Whitefield's visit to the country he was rector of a church
in Savannah, Ga. John Frink was a physician, and prac-
ticed in Rutland.
Thus the influence of Sudbury in the settlement of Rut-
land was strongly marked ; and it may be gratifying to the
town's people to-day that such good and prominent results
have accrued from the presence of her citizens abroad.
CHAPTER X.
1650-1675.
Activity on the West Side of the River. — Early Homesteads. — Laying
Out of the "New Grant." — Land Allotments. — Owners and Occu-
pants.—"The Thirty Rod Highway." — Settlement of Marlboro. —
The "Hop Brook Mill." — Highway to the New Mill. — "Old Lan-
caster Road." — New Meeting-House; Contract. — The " Cow Com-
mon " Controversy.
The smoke wreaths curling o'er the dell,
The low, the bleat, the tinkling bell,
All made a landscape strange,
Which was the living chronicle
Of deeds that wrought the change.
A. B. Street.
Having noticed the leading events in the establishment
of the town, we will now consider its history mainly by
periods of a quarter of a century each. In doing this we
shall consider events somewhat in chronological order, tak-
ing liberty, however, to deviate as much as convenience and
a proper treatment of the subject may direct.
Between 1650 and 1675 the west side had rapid develop-
ment. Prior to the beginning of this period the pioneer
spirit of the settlers had led to a thorough exploration of
this part of the town, and they had located by its hills and
along its meadows and valleys, as if undaunted by distance
from the meeting-house and mill, and indifferent to the perils
of the wilderness. But although there was, to an extent, an
occupation of the west part of the town from the very begin-
ning of the settlement, yet the greater activity was for a
time on the east side ; in that part was the centralization of
people, and things were more convenient and safe. Indeed,
the settlers for a season may have regarded the west side as
177
178 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
a wilderness country, destined long to remain in an unbroken
state. The view westward from certain points along the first
street was upon woody peaks and rocky hillsides. Beyond
the valley of Lanham and Lowance, towered Nobscot; its
slope, thickly covered with forest, might look like an inhos-
pitable waste; while the nearer eminence of Goodman's Hill,
with its rough, rocky projections, may have had a broken
and desolate aspect. It is no wonder, then, that in the ear-
lier years of the settlement we read of so many corn-fields on
the east side of the river, and find parties desirous of obtain-
ing new farms seeking them in a southerly rather than a
westerly direction. But when absolute wants were once
met, and things essential to existence were provided ; when
the settlers had acquired a better knowledge of the country
and of the character of its native inhabitants, and a substan-
tial causeway was made, — then began a greater development
of the west part of the town.
The indications are that these things were accomplished
about the year 1650. At this time we begin to notice the
mention of homesteads on the west side, and the construc-
tion of works for public convenience. The lands first occu-
pied, probably, were those near Lanham and Pantry, and
along the meadows by the. river course ; while the more
central portion, called " Rocky Plain," was not taken till
somewhat later. This is indicated, not only by the known
locations of early homesteads, but by the locality of the west
side cow common. (See Chapter VII.) These sections
may have been first taken on account of the abundance of
meadow land, and the existence of roads which had been
made for the transportation of hay.
A prominent person who early located there was Walter
Haynes. He had a house b\ the meadow margin, which, in
1676, was used as a garrison, and which early in town his-
tory was called " Mr. Haynes' old house." In 1646 he was
granted liberty to run a fence " from his meadow, which lies
on the west side of the river, across the highway to his
fence of his upland at his new dwelling-house, provided that
Walter Hayne do keep a gate at each side of his meadow for
the passing of carts and the herds along the highway that
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 179
his fence may not be prejudicial to the town." Both rec-
ord and tradition indicate that John and Edmund Goodenow
early had lands near the Gravel Pit, and also at or near the
present Farr and Coolidge Farms. By 1659, Thomas Noyes
and Thomas Plympton had established houses on the west
side, — the former on lands at Hop Brook, and the latter at
Strawberry Bank. As early at least as 1654, Thomas Read
was at Lanham ; and by 1659 Peter Bent was there also.
Some public acts which indicate activity on the west side,
as set forth by the records, are as follows : In 1654 it was
ordered that Walter Hayne and John Stone " shall see to
the fences of all the corn-fields on their side the river ; " and
in 1659 a committee was appointed to look after the high-
ways there. The mention of bridges by 1641, the ferry of
Mr. Noyes in 1642, and the contract for a cart-bridge in
1643, are all indications of early activity in the west part
of the town. But the more important matters of a public
nature were in connection with the laying out of new lands,
the construction of important roads, and the erection of a mill.
LAYING OUT OF NEW LANDS.
These lands consisted of the two-mile grant, allowed in
1649. (See Chapter IV.) Its eastern boundary line ex-
tended nearly as follows: A little west of North Sudbury,
Sudbury Centre, and South Sudbury, or, more specifically,
by the Moses Mossman place, across the Poor Farm, by
the east bank of Willis's Mill Pond, across or just east of
Blandford's Pond, over the Walter Rogers place, and a little
west of Hunt's Bridge. From this easterly limit, it extended
to the town's western boundary. Oct. 27, 1651, John Sher-
man and others were appointed to lay out this land. The
following record indicates how the money was raised to meet
the expense of this work, and also a rule that was agreed
upon for the apportionment of the land: —
Nov. 27, 1651. "It is agreed in a public town meeting
warned for that purpose, that the rate now to be levied for
the payment of John Sherman and others for laying out the
two miles westward joining to our former bounds which Was
last granted by the Court for our enlargement shall be paid
180 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
by the inhabitants every man to pay alike, the same in quan-
tity and when that the two miles shall be layed out that
every man shall enjoy a like quantity of that land."
About two years later a dispute arose relative to the man-
ner in which the two-mile grant was to be divided. " Two
ways were proposed, neither of which gave satisfaction ; the
first was to divide them equally to every man ; the other was
to divide by estate or family — to every man four parts — to
every wife, child or servant bought or brought up in the
family one part."
On Jan. 4, 1655, at a selectmen's meeting it was " voted
to take some means to get the new grants laid out ; " and it
was also agreed " to keep a herd of cattle upon the land the
next summer." Thus the subject of the new grant was a
prominent one, and how to apportion it was an important
matter. At length the plan was adopted of dividing it
into squadrons, the arrangement of which was as follows:
"The south east was to be the first, the north east the
second, the north west the third, and the south west the
fourth." It was voted there should be a highway extending
north and south, " 30 rods wide im the new grant joining to
the five miles first granted;" also, "Voted that there should
be a highway 30 rods wide, from south to north, paralel with
the other said highway in the middle of the remaining tract
of land."
The records further state, that, as there was a pond in the
third and second squadrons, " so that the middle highway
from south to north cannot pass strait," it was voted to have
it "go round the pond." These squadrons were subdivided
into parcels of equal size, each containing one hundred and
thirty acres, and were apportioned to the people by lot. It
was voted that "the first lot drawn was to begin at the
south side of the first squadron running east and west
betwixt our highways ; the second lot to be in the north
side of the first, and so every lot following successively as
they are drawn till we come to Concord line and so the first
and second squadron."
Persons who received parts of this land, and the order of
receiving it, are thus given in the records : —
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
181
JohnBlanford
Thomas Noyes
Walter Hains
William Kerley
Joseph Freeman
Henry Curtis
Mr. Brian Pendleton
Thomas Rice
Edward Rice
Mr. Herbert Pelham
L[t] Edmund Goodenow
Robert Davis
The second squadron are :
William Ward
Josiah Hains
Henry Loker
John How
Edmund Rice
Philemon Whale
John Loker
Mr. Edmund Browne
John Parmenter, Dea
John Maynard
Robert Darnill
Thomas White
Richard Newton
John Reddicke, part of his
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
These twelve lots written, are the
first squadron, the first of them
joining to the country land on the
south, and the last of them join-
ing to Lancaster highway on the
north, each lot containing one hun-
dred and thirty acres, the length
being nearest hand east and west,
the breadth north and south.
These thirteen lots and a part afore written are the second squadron,
the first whereof being William Ward's who joineth to Lancaster high-
way on the south, the last being part of Sargent Reddicke's lot which
joineth to Concord line on the north all this squadron of lots, with the
other aforegoing, being bounded on the east by a highway thirty rods
wide, and part of the two miles last granted to Sudbury each lot contain-
ing one hundred and thirty acres ; third squadron are as followeth : —
John Ward
Peter Kin<;e
John Smiih
Hugh Griffin
Henry Rice
John [ ]
Robert Beast
William Kerley Sen
John Wood
John Rutter
27 Mr Wm Browne his farm of
28 two hundred acres, and his lot of
29 one hundred and thirty acres, be-
30 ing granted to be in the north
31 west angle beyond Asibath river
32 before the lots were laid out. Also
33 the other part of Sargent Red-
34 dicke's lot joining to Mr. William
35 Browne's farm on the north.
36
182 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Solomon Johnson Sen 37
John Toll 38
Widow Goodenow 39
The thirteen lots last written with Mr. Wm Browne's farm and lot
and the part of Sergent Reddicke's lot, are the third squadron. Mr.
Browne's farm joineth to Concord line on the north, and the widow
Goodenow's lot joineth the same said Lancaster highway on the south,
the said squadron of lots and farm being on the east the middle highway
thirty rods wide and the second squadron, and butting on the west upon
the wilderness.
The fourth squadron are as followeth : —
John Moores 40
John Woodward 41
John Grout, 42
John Bent Sen, 43
Thomas Goodenow 44
Thomas Plympton, 45
John Haines, 46
Mr. Peter Noyes, 47
Mr William Pelham 48
John Parmenter Junior, 49
Thomas Kinge 50
The Cowpen land being one
hundred and thirty acres 51
These above eleven lots going with the cowpen land, are the fourth
and last squadron, the first [one] of [which] being [that of] John Moores,
who joineth on the north the same said Lancaster highway, the cowpen
being the last, which joineth on the south to the wilderness the said
eleven lots and cowpen butting on the east the aforesaid -J- highway and
first squadron and butting on the west the wilderness. Also let it he
remembered that the long highway from south to north goeth at the
west end of the pond through the lands of John Toll and Solomon John-
son, and is twelve rods wide at the narrowest, which way the said John
Toll and Johnson have sufficient allowance.
This land, laid out so regularly, was good property. Some
of the most substantial homesteads of the town have been,
and still are, upon it. The names of Howe, Parmenter,
Woodward, Moore, Browne, Walker, Noyes, Balcom, and
Rice, of the older inhabitants, and, later, of Fairbanks,
Stone, Willis, Smith, Hayden, Maynard, Perry, Bowker,
Vose, Brigham, and others, — all had residences there. The
possession of this new grant territory, and its early appor-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 183
tionment, would serve naturally to keep the people in town.
It opened new resources to the settlers by its timber lands ;
and the circuitous course of Wash Brook gave meadows and
mill privileges which the people were not slow to improve.
Probably the earlier settlers of this tract went from the east
side of the river as into a new country or wilderness. There
they erected garrisons ; and that there were in this territory
at least three of these houses indicates the exposed condition
of the place at the time of its early occupation by the English.
"Willis," the largest pond in town, a part of "Nobscot," the
highest hill, and the most extensive timber tracts, are in this
new grant. In it have been located no less than five saw or
grist mills. From this territory was taken part of the town
of Maynard, and in it were located for years two out of five
of the old-time district school-houses. The Wayside Inn
and the Walker Garrison are still there ; and although the
stirring scenes of the old stage period, which gave liveliness
to the one, and the dismal war days, which gave importance
to the other, have passed away, yet there remains a thrift
and prosperity about the substantial farms of the ancient
new grant lots that make this locality one of importance and
interest.
THE THIRTY-ROD HIGHWAY.
But, while these new lands proved so beneficial to the
town, the " Thirty-Rod Highway " in time caused considera-
ble trouble. It was laid out for the accommodation of the
•owners of lots, and, as the name indicates, was thirty rods
wide. The unnecessary width may be accounted for as we
account for other wide roads of that day : land was plentiful,
and the timber of so large a tract would be serviceable to the
town.
But the width tended to cause disturbance. The land was
sought for by various parties, — by abutters on one or both
sides, it may be ; by those dwelling within the near neigh-
borhood ; and by such as desired it for an addition to their
outlying lands, or a convenient annex to their farms. The
result was that to protect it required considerable vigilance.
Encroachments were made upon it, wood and timber were
184 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
taken away, and at successive town-meetings what to do
with this Thirty-Rod Highway was an important matter
of business. But at length it largely ceased to be public
property. Piece after piece had been disposed of; some of it
had been purchased by private parties, some of it exchanged
for lands used for other highways, and some of it may have
been gained by right of possession.
But, though so much of this road has ceased to be used by
the public, there are parts still retained by the town and
open to public use. The Dudley Road, about a quarter of a
mile from the William Stone place, and which passes a small
pond called the Horse Pond, tradition says is a part of this
way. From near the junction of this with the county road,
a part of the Thirty-Rod Way runs south, and is still used as
a way to Nobscot. On it, tradition also says, is the Small-
Pox Burying-Ground at Nobscot. A part of this road, as it
runs east and west, is probably the present Boston and Ber-
lin Road, or what was the " Old Lancaster Road." Other
parts of this way may be old wood-paths that the Sudbury
farmers still use and speak of as being a part of this ancient
landmark.
"OLD LANCASTER ROAD."
This road, which was at first called the " Road to Nashu-
way," probably followed an ancient trail. In 1653 it was
" agreed by the town that Lieutenant Goodenow and Ensign
Noyes shall lay out the way with Nashuway men so far as it
goes within our town bound." A record of this road is on the
Town Book, and just following is this statement : —
"This is a true copy of the commissioners appointed by
the town taken from the original and examined by me.
" Hugh Griffin."
This record, which is among those for 1646, by the lapse
of time has become so worn that parts are entirely gone. It
is supposed, however, that some of the lost parts have been
restored or supplied by the late Dr. Stearns. We will give
the record, so far as it can be obtained from the Town Book,
and insert in brackets the words that have been supplied
from other sources : —
RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH C. HOWE.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 185
We whose names are hereunto subscribed appointed by] Sudbury
and the town of Lancaster to lay out the high[way over the] river
meadow in Sudbury near Lancaster to the [town] bound according to the
Court order, have agreed as follows [viz.] That the highway beginning
at the great river meadow [at the gravel] pitt shall run from thence [to
the northwest side of] Thomas Plympton's house, [and from thence] to
timber swa[mp as] marked by us and so on to Hart Pond leaving the
[rock] on the north side of the way and from thence to the extreme
[Sudbury bounds] as we have now marked it the breadth of the way is
to be the gravel pitt to the west end of Thomas Plympton's lot and . . .
rods wide all the way to the utmost of Sudbury bound and thence upon
the common highway towards Lancaster through Sud[bury] therefore
we have hereunto set our hand the 22nd day of this pres[ent month]
Edmund Goodenow
Date 1653 Thomas Noyes
William Kerley
This road has for many years been a landmark in Sud-
bury ; but the oldest inhabitant cannot remember when, in
its entire length, it was used as a highway. Parts of it were
long since discontinued, and were either sold or reverted to
the estates of former owners. In 1806, an article was in the
warrant " to see if the town would take any measures for
opening the road called ' Lancaster Old Road ' at a gate a
little north of Curtis Moore's dwelling house thence running
southerly till it comes into the road leading from the mills to
the meeting house." The road here referred to is probably
that which comes out by the present Horatio Hunt place,
about midway of the two villages. This record shews the
track of the road from its intersection with the present
meeting-house road to the point referred to as being "a little
north of Curtis Moore's dwelling house ; " and, from that
point, it probably continued along the present travelled way
to the Berlin road. Its course east of the Hunt place, so far
as we can judge from tradition, record, visible traces, and
the lay of the land, took the following course : Going east-
erly a few rods, it goes southerly, and at a point about a
quarter of a mile easterly of the Wadsworth Monumesfc it
takes a southeasterly course, and intersects the present
Graves Road at the junction of two roads, near the William
Jones place. It then, we believe, ran northeasterly over the
length of the ridge, by what is still a rude wood-path, and
186 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
came out on the eastern slope of the hill, near the Albert
Haynes place, where Mr. Plympton once kept a grocery store.
A little east of this, and south of the Elbridge Bent place,
there are traces of a road, that for a little distance has a stone-
wall on either side, and which comes out a little south of the
western end of the northern causeway, or at a point a little
south of where the Water-row Road intersects the road going
from Sudbury Centre to Wayland. Some have placed that
part of this road which is east of the Graves Road a little
further south, — that is, along the south side of the hill,
rather than upon it, — but we believe the nature of the
meadow at the east, and the absence of all trace of the road
in the valley, together with traces of an ancient road through
the woods on the hill and also near the Elbridge Bent place,
are evidences that it took the course first described. Prob-
ably mistakes have been made relative to the course of this
road west of Sudbury Centre, from the fact that formerly
there were two Lancaster roads. (See map of 1794.)
The two-mile grant was hardly disposed of, and the Lan-
caster Road laid out, before there was a plan for the forma-
tion of a new plantation. The result was the settlement of
the town of Marlboro. (See Chapter IX.) But the loss
of population did not materially affect the prosperity of the
town or delay the progress on the west side.
THE HOP-BROOK MILL.
In 1659 a mill was put up, where the present Parmen-
ter Mill stands in South Sudbury. This mill was erected by
Thomas and Peter Noyes. In recognition of the servicea-
bleness of their work to the community, the town made them
a land grant, and favored them with such privileges as are
set forth in the following record : —
Jan. 7th 1659. Granted unto Mr Thomas Noyes and to Mr Peter
Noyes for and in consideration of building a mill at Hop brook laying
and being on the west side of Sudbury great river below the cart way
that leads to Ridge meadow viz : fifty acres of upland and fifteen acres of
meadow without commonadge^o the said meadow four acres of the said
fifteen acres of meadow lying and being within the demised tracts of
uplands ; Also granted to the above named parties timber of any of Sud-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 187
bury's common land, to build and maintain the said mill. Also the said
Thomas and Peter Noyes do covenant with the town for the foregoing
consideration, to build a sufficient mill to grind the town of Sudbury's
corn ; the mill to be built below the cart way that now is leading to
Ridge meadow, the said Grantees, their heirs and successors are to have
nothing to do with the stream above four rods above the aforementioned
cartway of said mill to be ready to grind the corn by the first of Decem-
ber next ensueing, and if the said grantees, their heirs or assigns shall
damage the highway over the brook, by building the said mill, they are
to make the way as good as now it is, from time to time, that is to say,
the above specified way, over the Mill brook of said Thomas Noyes and
Peter are also to leave a highway six rods wide joining to the brook
from the east way that now is to the Widow Loker's meadow. (Town
Records, Vol. I.)
While the new mill was being built, a way was being
made to it from the causeway, as we are informed by the
following record, dated Feb. 7, 1659: —
We the Selectmen of Sudbury, finding sundry inconveniences, by rea-
son of bad and ill highways not being passable to meadow lands and
other towns, and finding the law doth commit the stating of the highways
to the prudence of the selectmen of towns, we therefore being met the
day and year above written, on purpose to view the highways in the west
side of Sudbury river, and having taken pains to view them, do we say,
conclude and jointly agree that the highway from the Gravel pits shall
go through the land newly purchased of Lieut. Goodenow to that end,
and from thence down the brow of the hill the now passed highway,
unto the place where the new mill is building, that is to say, the way that
is now in occupation, we mean the way that goeth to the south and Mr
Beisbeich his house, we conclude and jointly agree, that the way to the
meadows, as namely, the meadow of John Grout, Widow Goodenow,
John Maynard, Lieut. Goodenow, shall go as now it doth, that is to say,
in the hollow to the said meadows, the highway to be six rods wide all
along by the side of the said meadows.
The new road here mentioned is, probably, mainly the
same as that leading from the old causeway, or Gravel Pit,
to South Sudbury to-day. Until within about a century it
passed round the southern brow of Green Hill. This road
was probably part of a path or trail that had been travelled
before. This is indicated both by the circumstances and the
language of the record. It is not improbable, that, before
the formal recognition or laying out of this road, a part of
it was a way from the Gravel Pit, or end of the long cause-
188 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
way, to Lieutenant Goodenovv's, southeasterly of the present
Coolidge place, and extended from that point to Lanham, and
was the road travelled by Thomas Read and others of Lan-
ham to the meeting-house. There is still an old lane easterly
of the Cooledge Farm, marked by fragments of wall, which
may have been a part of the way to the old Goodenow Gar-
rison. It is not improbable that this lane extended as a path-
way along the margin of Lanham Meadows to Lanham. If
this was the case, then the land spoken of as purchased of
Lieutenant Goodenow, for the " new mill " road, may have
extended, from the point where this lane leaves the present
county road, along towards Green Hill ; and the " now passed
highway " mentioned may have been the road in Soutli Sud-
bury called the " old road," which, it is conjectured, was a
part of the path leading from South Sudbury to the old Lan-
caster trail. (See period 1675-1700.) Or, in other words,
two ways may be referred to in the records as making a part
of this new road ; one, a portion of the path leading from the
old Lancaster trail to the southwest part of the town, which
was probably travelled by those living in the vicinity of Nob-
scot, as they passed to the east part of the town ; the other,
an early path by the Goodenow Garrison to Lanham.
NEW MEETING-HOUSE.
While the town was making improvements on the west
side of the river, it was active on the east side also ; and one
of the important works there, in this period, was the erection
of a new meeting-house. Whether the people had outgrown
the old one, or desired a better, is not stated ; but it is a mark
of thrift, or of increase, that they proposed to build anew.
That more room was wanted, is indicated by this record, in
1651 : " It was agreed by the town that Edmd Rice Senior,
William Browne, John Reddicke and Henry Rice that they
four shall desire the Pastor's approbation to build galleries
in the old meeting-house, and if the Pastor do consent, then
the town doth hereby give full power to the Pastor and these
four men to continue the work, and to let it out to work-
men."
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 189
Probably these galleries were never put in, as they soon
afterwards commenced building a new meeting-house. Be-
fore, however, it was decided to build anew, various plans
were suggested relative to the enlargment and improvement
of the old one. In 1650 it was ordered that the deacons
should "mend the meeting house and make it comfortable."
One plan was to enlarge it by the addition of " 13 foote at
the end of it," and that the committee should " finish the
back side which enlargement is for a watchouse." A plan
a little later was that the meeting-house " be enlarged by
building 10 foote on the foreside of it all the length of the
meeting house to be built with two gable ends in the front ;
and Mr. Brown the Pastor doth promise to give twenty shil-
lings toward the work ; the former order for enlarging the
meeting house at the north west end is hereby repealed. It
is also ordered that the back side of the meeting house be
made hansom."
On Dec. 10, 1651, the town succeeded in passing a vote
for the erection of a new meeting-house, the vote standing
twenty-five for and fourteen against it. But this vote was
repealed at a meeting January 23 of the same year (Old
Style), together with all orders for the repairing or altera-
tion of the old one. The following year it was " agreed that
the meeting house shall be made use of for a watch house
until some further course be taken by the town." At length
it was again decided to build a new meeting-house ; and in
1652 a contract was made for the work.
This contract is on the Town Records, but has become
considerably worn and defaced, so that parts are almost
or quite unintelligible. There is, however, a copy in the
"Stearns Collection," which, with some slight immaterial
alterations, is as follows : —
The town agreed with Thomas Plympton Peter King & Hugh Griffin
to build a new meeting house which was to be forty feet long & twenty
feet wide measuring from outside to outside, the studds were to be 6
inches by 4 to stand for a four foot clapboard. There were to be 4 tran-
som windows five feet wide & 6 feet high, and in each gable end a clear-
story window, each window was to be 4 feet wide and 3 feet high. There
were to be sufficient dorments across the house for galleries if there
190 HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
should afterward be a desire for galleries the beams to be 12 inches by
14 and the ground sills were to be of white oak 8 inches square. The
posts were to be a foot square, and the 2 middle beams to be smoothed
on three sides and the lower corners to be run with a bowkell. They
the said Plympton King & Griffin are to find timber to fell, hew, saw,
cart, frame, carry to place & they are to level the ground and to find
them sufficient help to raise the house, they are to inclose the house
with clap boards and to lyne the inside with cedar boards or otherwise
with good spruce boards, & to be smoothed & over lapped and to be
lyned up the windows, & they are to hang the doors so as to bolt. One
of the doors on the inside is to be sett with a lock. They are to lay the
sleepers of the doors with white oak or good swamp pine, & to floor the
house with plank. They are to finish all the works but the seats, for
which the town do covenant to give them * * * * 5 pound 20 to be
paid in march next in Indyan [corn] or cattle, 30 more to be paid in Sep'
next to be paid in wheat, butter, or money & the rest to be paid as soon
as the work is done in Indyan corn or cattle the corn to [be] merchanta-
ble at the price current.
Witness Edmd. Goodnow
Thomas Noyes
The new building was to be erected on the site of the old
one. The town ordered " that the carpenters should provide
12 men to help them raise the meeting house," for which
they were to be allowed half a crown a day. The roof was to
be covered with thatch, and the workmen were to have " the
meadow afterwards the minister's to get their thatch upon."
In 1654 a committee was appointed "to agree with some-
body to fill the walls of the meeting house with tempered
clay provided they do not exceed the sum of 5 pounds 10
shillings." The parties who were to build the house were
employed " to build seats after the same fashion as in the old
meeting house," and they were to have for every seat one
shilling eight pence. The seats were to be made of white
oak, "both posts and rails and benches." In 1655 the pas-
tor and Mr. Noyes were empowered lt to appoint a man to
remove the pulpit and the deacons' seat out of the old meet-
ing house into the new meeting house." Hugh Griffin was
appointed for the work, and was k to have 18 shillings for
the work if the work is done this week or next according to
the pastor's approbation."
The records also state that " upon the pastor's request the
town hath granted that he shall have liberty for to set up
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 191
the seat for his wife in the new meeting house under the
window by the pulpit."
Dec. 27, 1655, it was voted that the meeting-house should
be seated with new seats, "that the seats now brought into
the meeting house shall be carried out again and the select
men shall have power to place men in the seats when they
are built."
The new building being brought to completion, the
people probably left the little first meeting-house that the
deft hands of John Rutter had reared, and went into this
with hearts thankful for new comforts and conveniences.
It may, however, have been with some reluctance that they
left the old meeting-house, as around it doubtless clustered
memories both glad and sad ; for it had sheltered them
in times of united worship in their earlier experience in
Sudbury ; when they had special need of divine support
as strangers in a wilderness country, there they met, and
together found strength for their trials and toils, and grace
which brought patience and faith. Surely the old meeting-
house was a place only to be exchanged for another, as that
other brought new comforts and was better adapted to meet
their needs. Thus at the beginning of this period the town
was in a thrifty condition, and had a fair prospect of speedy
development and future prosperity. Civilized life was cast-
ing its brightness over the hills and along the valleys, and
the scattered corn and wheat fields were gladdening the
plains, which were being dotted on both sides of the river
with pleasant homesteads. The young people who early
came to the settlement were now coming into the full
strength of sturdy manhood and womanhood ; and all had
been sufficiently long in the country to know what it re-
quired of them and what they might expect from it. No
outbreak had as yet occurred between the white man and
his copper-colored brother of the woods, and both Nature
and her children worked together in harmonious relations to
bring plenty and peace. There are various small matters on
record which indicate that the town looked well to its
minor relations or interests, and exercised a vigilant watch-
fulness in making provision for whatever called for its
192 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
care. The following are the records of some of these mat-
ters.
March 6, 1650, it was ordered " that the town rate of |
now to be raised for the payment of the town debt shall be
paid in corn." The same year it "ordered, a rate for the
town pound to the value of 10 pound shall be leved to be
paid in wheat 5 bush butter 6d, and | shall pay as much as a
bushel of wheat."
A controversy was going on about this time with regard
to the Sudbury and Watertown bounds, and the town made
"provision to prevent the encroachments of Watertown;"
and a committee was appointed " to seek for the stopping of
Watertown proceedings in coming too near our bound."
The same year it was ordered that " a part of the town rate
should be appropriated for the drum and halberd," and a
rate was assessed " for repairing the Bridge, and Hugh Grif-
fin was to have some pine poles for the staying of the same."
In March, 1654, the controversy about the territorial bounds
between Sudbury and Watertown was ended by the estab-
lishment of a boundary line between the two towns, by
agents appointed from both places. In 1655, "the line of
the New Grant was run by John Ruddock, Thomas Noyes,
and John Howe."
But while the town was growing and increasing in strength,
a controversy occurred which was of a somewhat serious char-
acter. Questions arose relating to the division of the " two-
mile grant," to the title of parties to certain lands, and to
rights in the east side cow common. The controversy con-
cerning this latter subject was in relation to "sizing" or
" stinting " the common. It was specified when this land
was reserved, that it " should never be ceded or laid down,
without the consent of every inhabitant and townsman that
hath right in commonage ; " and the rule for pasturing cat-
tle upon it was, " The inhabitants are to be limited in the
putting in of cattle upon the said common, according to the
quantity of meadow the said inhabitants are rated in upon
the division of the meadows." The rule of allowance on
this basis was as follows : "For every two acres of meadow
one beast, that is either cow, ox, bull or steer, or heifer
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 193
above a year old, and every horse or mare above a year old
to go as one beast and a half, and every six sheep to go for
one beast, and that all cattle under a year old shall go with-
out sizing." The endeavor to define rights of commonage,
or the relation of the individual to this piece of town prop-
erty, proved a difficult task. As might be expected among
a people of positive natures, strong opinions were enter-
tained, and decided attitudes were taken concerning a mat-
ter of individual rights. The affair was not wholly confined
to the town in its social and civil relations, but the church
became connected with it. The result was that a council
was called to adjust ecclesiastical matters, and advice was
also sought and obtained of the General Court.
It is not our purpose to give all the details of this once
memorable case. We will, however, state a few facts that
may suggest something of its general character. The case
came before the people by a call in town-meeting for a vote
as to whether they considered " the act of the selectmen in
sizing the commons a righteous act." The affair not being
satisfactorily adjusted in town-meeting, all the issues con-
cerning the controversy, whether related to the cow com-
mons or other matters in dispute, were laid before a com-
mittee of the Colonial Court. In answer to a petition of
Edmund Brown, Peter Noyes, Jr., Walter Haynes, and
divers others of Sudbury, the Court ordered that Maj. Simon
Willard, Ensign Jn° Sherman and Mr. Thomas Danforth
should be a committee " to hear and determine the differ-
ence between all or any of the inhabitants of Sudbury in
reference to what is mentioned in the petition which petition
is on file." (Colonial Records, Vol. IV., p. 228, date 1655.)
The committee met at the ordinary kept by John Parmen-
ter, and the questions which came before them were as fol-
lows : first, as to the right or title of certain individuals to
certain lands, and specifically as to some held by Rev. Ed-
mund Brown and Hugh Griffin ; second, as regarding the
right of suffrage exercised by some not considered town
inhabitants ; third, as regarding the right of sizing or stint-
ing the common ; fourth, as regarding the act of defacing
the town records. The committee appointed by the Court
194 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
to adjust matters rendered this report: "Concerning the title
of lands appropriated to several inhabitants ... we do not
find just cause to make valid their claims ; " and as concerns
the land held by Mr. Brown the pastor of the Church there
touching a part thereof some objection has been made and
clamoring report laid against him, we do not find any just
ground for the same." The committee concluded his titles
were good, and confirmed them. Concerning the stinting of
the common within the compass of the five miles, the com-
mittee concluded that the rule was " not as clear as desira-
ble ; " and they made the following recommendations, which
are given mainly in their own words : That, in the rule for
stinting the common, respect should be had for both those
whose estates had been weakened and those which had been
prospered, that those of the former class should be consid-
ered and proportioned according to their several allotments
of meadow, which gave them their right in the other part
of the common already determined, the rule for which was
in the Town Book, folio 27, and there was no disagree-
ment about, and those of the latter class, namely, whose
estate had been prospered, should be considered and propor-
tioned according to the invoice of their estates given in for
the county rate last past, without any respect had to their
meadow formerly allotted them. The committee also de-
clared that no person should have power to vote about the
common " but such as have been allowed as free inhabitants
of the town or have come upon the right of some that were
so allowed." Since the committee found that the records,
folio 58, touching the case, had been " crossed and defaced,
they censured the act, and recommended that they be kept
by the recorder of the court until there be a loving com-
posure and agreement for former differences and a mutual
choice of a fit person to keep the same." As some com-
plaint had been made in reference to the title of Hugh Grif-
fin's land, they stated that they considered his title valid.
They finally concluded that every "allowed inhabitant of the
town should have his commonage according to his meadow
or invoice of his estate at his pleasure ; " and that no person
who is not an allowed inhabitant, or had meadow, in case of
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 195
voting should have any claim to commonage. The people
of Sudbury expressed full assent to the report of the com-
missioners, and returned " hearty thanks unto them for their
paines faithfulness and love expressed." The council of
churches having also met and considered the case, a for-
mal adjustment of matters was made, and again things
moved on in their accustomed way. "John Parmenter
having expended the sum of 17-5-12 in entertaining both the
council and committee appointed to end their differences, the
Court orderes the said charges to be borne by all the town." j
CHAPTER XI.
1675-1700.
Philip's War: Sources of Information; Cause and Nature. — Defensive
Measures by the Town: Garrison- Houses ; Militia. — Defensive
Measures by the Colony. — Services of the Town outside its Limits;
List of Men Impressed. — Swamp Fight. — Services of Ephraim
Curtis among the Nipnets : As a Messenger with Proposals of Peace;
As a Guide in Captain Hutchinson's Expedition. — Signs of Indian
Hostilities in and about the Town. — Edmund Brown's Letter. —
Night Attack on the Indians, and Death of Netus.
Over the hillsides the wild knell is tolling,
From their far hamlets the yeomanry come;
As thro' the storm-clouds the thunder-burst rolling
Circles the beat of the mustering drum.
O. W. Holmes.
The last quarter of the seventeenth century began dark
and threatening to the colonists. A memorable Indian war
was at hand, and gloomy and portentous was the outlook as
the year 1675 set in. Sudbury, on account of its frontier
position, was to be badly harassed by the enerr^; and per-
196 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
haps no New England town became more prominent than
this in the annals of that remarkable period.
But, notwithstanding the prominence of Sudbury in this
remarkable conflict, there is little information pertaining to
it in the records of the town. This absence of information,
however, is not very remarkable. The town books were for
town business, and the military movements of that period
largely related to the colony. The sources from which
mainly we derive information are papers preserved in the
State archives, historians of the period, and a valuable paper
recently discovered among the old Court files. The paper
last mentioned consists of a petition presented by the inhabi-
tants of Sudbury to the General Court assembled Oct. 11,
1676. This document settles the date of the Sudbury fight,
and gives in detail some of the events connected with Philip's
attack on the town. We shall refer to it as " The Old Peti-
tion."
Before commencing the narrative of the war, we will con-
sider briefly the cause and nature of it. This war originated
with and was conducted by Philip, a Wampanoag chieftain.
His aboriginal name was Metacomet, but he was called Philip
by Governor Prince, because of his bravery. Philip was a
son of Massasoit, a friend of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, and
lived at Mount Hope, near Bristol, R.I., a place on the west
side of Mount Hope Bay. The Indian name of the place was
Pokanoket. Metacomet, unlike his father, distrusted the
English. He feared the gradual encroachment upon his
broad forests betokened no good ; and he sought to check
the English advance and increase by a devastating war. To
accomplish his object, he sought alliance with most of the
tribes of New England, and so far succeeded that a large
portion of them were engaged in the hostilities that followed.
With his combination of tribes, Philip had the material to do
great mischief.
Probably of all the foes that New England ever encoun-
tered, Philip of Pokanoket was most dreaded ; and this war
was the most destructive of any Indian war waged for the
same length of time in this country. Villages and hamlets
faded before his savage force ; homes became smouldering
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 197
ash-heaps; and lands, smiling in the sunlight of civilized life,
were left forsaken and desolate, again to be draped in the old
forest shade.
Besides the usual ferocity expected in an Indian combatant,
the peculiar characteristics of the time and place aggravated
the unhappy situation of the settlers. The wild condition
of the country, the isolation of dwellings, the slow commu-
nication of place with place, — all these were circumstances
suited to arouse feelings of distrust, and to stir the inhabi-
tants to a state of alarm. They were subjected to constant
expectation of sudden Indian attack. Any sign might fore-
bode the approach of the foe, and send the people to the
shelter of their friendly garrisons. The strange foot-print of
a moccasin on the outskirts of an outlying field, the freshly
made trail in the forest, the mysterious smoke rising above
the distant woodlands, or the dull sound of a gun in the
thicket, were omens mysterious and strange. Besides the
arousing of apprehension by signs of a material character,
the situation was such that the superstitious nature of the
inhabitants was wrought upon to an unusual degree. It was
thought there were mysterious prognostications of what was
to come. Strange omens were supposed to be seen in the
sky, and wild, rushing sounds heard over the tree-tops,
which were considered ominous of evil. So marked, indeed,
were these circumstances, that perhaps the impressions made
were different from those of any other war in New Eng-
land.
Long after its devastations had ceased, the tale of Philip's
raids was rehearsed by the farm-house fireside ; tradition
passed the story of the times to posterity ; children received
it from the lips of the parent who had heard, while within
garrison walls, the wild whoop from the woods, or witnessed
the skulk of the savage along forest, bramble, and rock. It
was a wild, weird story to tell, and late listeners lingered
about the bright hearthstone, and left with reluctance the
warm kitchen precinct for the remote chamber beneath the
old roof.
For a better understanding of the particular relation of
this war to Sudbury, we divide the subject thus : —
198 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
First, the defensive condition of the town when the con-
flict set in.
Second, The part its citizens took in military operations
outside the town limits.
Third, the Indians' near approach, their repulse, and the
death of Netus.
Fourth, the attack on the town and the defense of the gar-
risons.
Fifth, the contest at the causeway and old town bridge.
Sixth, the battle at Green Hill, or the Sudbury fight.
DEFENSIVE MEASURES.
The principal means of defense in this war were the
garrison-houses. These were not always under colonial
authority, but were often private dwelling-places conven-
iently located. They were sometimes a rendezvous for the
town's militia in times of expected attack, and used occa-
sionally to shelter colonial soldiers when sent to a belea-
guered place. Some of these garrison-houses were built
strong, for the purpose of defense, while others were built
in the ordinary way, and fortified when the danger became
imminent.
Sudbury had several of these places of defense, a knowl-
edge of which has come down to us, namely : The Brown
Garrison, the Walker Garrison, the Goodenow Garrison,
the Haynes Garrison, two others whose names are now
unknown, and a block-house. Of these places we give the
following information, derived from personal knowledge, rec-
ord, and tradition : —
THE BROWN GARRISON.
This stood on the present estate of Luther Cutting, about
a dozen rods southeasterly of his residence, or a few rods
east of the Sudbury and Framingham road, and about a half
mile from the town's southern boundary. It had a gable
roof, was made of wood, and lined with brick. It was per-
haps built by Major Thomas Brown, and was owned and
occupied by the descendants of the Brown family till a mod-
THE BROWNE GARRISON HOUSE.
From an original painting by A. S. Hudson, from descriptions given by persons
once familiar with it.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 199
ern date. It was demolished about thirty-five years ago,
when in the possession of Mr. Conant.
THE WALKER GARRISON.
The Walker Garrison-house is in the west part of the
town, a little south of the Massachusetts Central Railroad,
on the Willard Walker estate. This building is a curious
structure, with massive chimney, large rooms, and heavy
frame-work. It is lined within the walls with upright plank
fastened with wooden pins. It may have been erected by
Thomas Walker, whose name, with others, is subscribed to
"The Old Petition."
THE GOODNOW GARRISON.
This garrison stood a little southeasterly of the present
Coolidge house, or a few rods northeast to east of the East
Sudbury railroad station, and perhaps twenty or thirty rods
from the South Sudbury and Way land highway. A lane
formerly went from the road to a point near the garrison.
This house was standing about three-quarters of a century
ago. Tradition states, that an old building a few feet square
stood by it, which was called " the old barrack," and was
removed to the Farr Farm. An old inhabitant, — C. G.
Cutler, — who had been to the house in his early life,
informed the writer that there was no mistake about this
being the Goodnow Garrison ; for years ago it was generally
considered so by the community.
THE HAYNES GARRISON.
This garrison stood on the Water-Row Road, by the mar-
gin of the river meadow, a little northerly or northeasterly
of the Luther Goodenow house. It was about an eighth
of a mile from the Wayland and Sudbury Centre highway,
two or three rods from the road, and fronted south. In later
years it was painted red. In 1876 it was still standing, but
has since been demolished. It is supposed to have been
erected by Walter Haynes, and was probably the place
which, in the early records of the town, was repeatedly
referred to as "Mr. Haynes' old house."
200 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
One of the buildings which common tradition says was a
garrison, but whose name is unknown, stood near the Adam
How place, about twenty-five rods northwest of the house.
It was one story high, and had a room at each end. For a
time it was owned and occupied by Abel Parmenter, and
was torn down years ago. It is stated by tradition, that,
when the Wayside Inn was built, the workmen repaired to
this house at night for safety.
The garrisons previously mentioned were named from their
early occupants. Parmenter was the name of the first occu-
pant of this house of whom we have any knowledge ; if he
was the first, then doubtless this house was formerly known
as the Parmenter Garrison.
The other garrison, the name of which is unknown, was
north of the Gulf Meadows, and on or near the present
Dwier Farm (Bent place). Tradition concerning this one
is less positive than concerning the other. An old inhabi-
tant, once pointing towards the old Bent house, said, "There
is where the people used to go when the Indians were about."
It is quite evident that the Bent house was not a garrison,
for that was built about a century ago ; but across the road
southwesterly there are indications that some structure once
stood, which may have been a garrison.
THE BLOCK-HOUSE.
The block-house stood in the north part of the town, on
the Israel Haynes Farm. It was situated, perhaps, from
thirty to fifty rods southwest of the house of Leander
Haynes, on a slight rise of ground. It was small, perhaps
fifteen feet square, more or less, and so strongly built that it
was with difficulty taken to pieces. It was demolished about
three-quarters of a century ago, when owned by Mr. Moses
Haynes. Mr. Reuben Rice of Concord, a relative of Mr.
Haynes, when over ninety years of age informed the writer
that when it was torn down he chanced to be passing by,
and looked for bullet-marks, and believed he found some.
He stated there was no mistake about the house being used
as a garrison.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 201
There may have been garrisons in town about which tra-
dition is silent; and doubtless other dwellings were put in
a defensive attitude when Indian hostilities began. It is
stated that " many houses were fortified and garrisoned."
On the east side we have heard of no garrisons, but Rev.
Edmund Brown fortified his house. In a letter sent to the
Governor, Sept. 26, 1675, he states as follows: " I have been
at a round charge to fortify my house, and except finishing
the two flankers and my gate have finished. Now without
four hands I cannot well secure it, and if for want of hands
I am beaten out, it will be very advantageous to the enemy,
and a thorn to the town." The men asked for were granted
him ; and his house afforded a place of defense to the inhabi-
tants of that locality, who were directed to resort to it in
time of peril. After the war began the meeting-house was
made a place of security, and fortifications were constructed
about it.
Such were some of the means provided for protection in
the coming conflict. These were the strongholds that stout
hearts defended. In view of their service, it is unfortunate
that these relics have to such an extent been destroyed. But,
as we have stated, only one remains. With regard to the
others, all that can now be done is carefully to mark the site
and preserve the traditions concerning them.
MILITIA.
Beside the garrison-houses, the town had a small force of
militia. Says "The Old Petition": "The strength of Our
towne upon ye Enemy's approaching it, consisted of eighty
fighting men." These men were able bodied and strong for
the work of war, liable to do duty for either country or
town ; while others, younger and less vigorous, could stand
guard and do»some light service. When the war was fairly
begun, the town's force was replenished by outside help.
So that, with the people collected in garrisons, and the armed
men able to fight in a sheltered place, a stout defense could
be maintained against a considerably larger force.
202 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
COLONIAL MEASURES OF DEFENSE.
Beside the defensive measures adopted by the town, there
were also others devised by the colony. The cause was a
common one. If the frontier towns were left unprotected,
the seaboard settlements would be rendered unsafe. Some
of the defensive measures adopted by the colony, in which
Sudbury shared, are set forth in the following papers : —
Cambridge, 28: 1 mo. 1676.
In obedience to an order of the Honorable Council, March, 1675-6,
appointing us, whose names are underwritten, as a committee to consult
the several towns of the county of Middlesex, with reference to the best
means of the preservation of our out-towns, remote houses, and farms,
for their security from the common enemy, we having sent to the several
towns to send us their apprehensions by some one meet person of each
to\vn, this day we consulted concerning the same, and have concluded
to purpose as followeth.
1. That the towns of Sudbury, Concord and Chelmsford be strength-
ened with forty men apiece, which said men are to be improved in scout-
ing between town and town', who are to be commanded by men of pru-
dence, courage and interest in the said towns, and the parties in each
town are to be ordered to keep together in some place commodious in
said towns, and not in garrisoned houses ; and these men to be upon
charge of- the country.
2. That for the security of Billerica there be a garrison of a number
competent at Weymessit, who may raise a thousand bushel of corn upon
the lands of the Indians in that place, may be improved daily in scouting
and ranging the woods between Weymessit and Andover, and on the
west of Concord river on the east and north of Chelmsford, which will
discover the enemy before he comes to the towns, and will prevent lurk-
ing Indians about our towns. Also that they shall be in a readiness to
succor any of these towns at any time when in distress; also shall be
ready to join with others to follow the enemy upon a sudden after their
appearing.
3. That such towns as Lancaster, Groton, and Marlborough, that are
forced to remove, and have not some advantage of settlement (peculiar)
in the Bay, be ordered to settle at the frontier towns, , that remain, for
their strengthening; and the people of the said towns to which they are
appointed, are to see to their accommodation in the said towns.
4. That the said towns have their own men returned that are abroad,
and their men freed from impressment during their present state.
5. That there be appointed a select number of persons in each town
of Middlesex, who are, upon any information of the distress of any town,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
203
forthwith to repair to the relief thereof; and that such information may
be seasonable, the towns are to dispatch posts, each town to the next,
till notice be conveyed over the whole country, if need be.
Your humble servants,
Hugh Mason,
Jonathan Danforth,
Richard Lowdon.
Another paper, setting forth suggestions for defensive
measures, is the following: —
For the better securing our frontier towns from the incursion of the
enemy, it is ordered by this Court, and authority thereof, that in each
and every of these towns hereinafter mentioned, respectively, shall be
allowed for their defence a sutible numbers of soldiers, well armed and
furnished with ammunition fit for service; the number or proportion in
such towns to be as follows, viz.
Groton,
Pawtucket,
Sudbury,
Braintree,
Bradford,
Haverhill,
Chelmsford,
Medfield,
20 men.
— men.
30 men.
15 men.
10 men.
20 men.
20 men.
30 men.
Weymouth,
Billerica,
Andover,
Concord,
Milton,
Hingham,
Dedham,
15 men.
20 men.
20 men.
20 men.
10 men.
20 men.
20 men.
And it is further ordered, that each and every of the towns above
mentioned, shall well and sufficiently maintain their several proportions
of men with suitable provisions, respecting diet, at their own proper cost
and charge during the time of their service.
These garrison soldiers, together with those who are to be in the
prosecution of the enemy, are to be raised out of the four counties in
which the garrisons are to be settled, and that these soldiers that are
raised out of the garrison towns, shall be allowed them in part of the
garrison, according as their proportion shall be, and that the settling
of these garrisons in the respective towns, as to the place, and also the
commander-in-chief, together with direction for the improvements of
said garrisons to the best advantage for the security of towns and per-
sons, it shall and is hereby left to the committee of militia in the several
towns, who are hereby required and impowered to act therein according
to this order. And this to be instead of a line of garrisons formerly
proposed.
The deputies have past this with reference to the consent of the
honored magistrates hereto. William Torrky, Clerk.
204 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Still another paper, showing the country's alarming condi-
tion, and the effort made by the colony to meet it, is the fol-
lowing: It was ordered, May 3, that each of the frontier
towns be "divided into so man}^ parties as a meete number
may each day by turns be sent forth vpon the scout wth
whom a party of Indians at the charge of the county shall be
joined." (Colonial Records, Vol. V., p. 79.) These were
to be managed by suitable commanders appointed by the
military committee, and the soldiers who were absent " in
service appertaining to sayed townes " were to be returned
home and freed from the impress. In connection with said
order, Sudbury was mentioned. Six others only were given.
It was also ordered, at the same time, that when any town
was assailed by the savages the chief commander, if present
in any town, shall "send forth with what ayde can be spared
with safety at home, for the security of the distressed." It
was also ordered, — lest the frontier towns be endangered by
persons leaving them in an exposed condition, — that no per-
son "who is by law engaged to trayne, watch, ward or scout,
is to leave the town he is an inhabitant of, without the con-
sent of the committee of mellitie, or vpon their denial of the
council of the commonwealth." Also, no party capable of
doing garrison duty was to absent himself without the leave
of the garrison commander. The Court also ordered, that
soldiers should be employed daily "in scouting and warding,
to prevent the skulking of the enemy about the sayd townes,
and to give tymely notice of approaching danger, and also
that the brush in highways and other places [judged neces-
sary] be cut up;" "such persons, youth, &c." as were not in
"traine bands, and exempt by law," were to be under obliga-
tions " to attend command for that service."
Thus the inhabitants of the frontier towns were to remain
at their posts, and fight. If they fled to the forest, it was a
lurking place for the foe ; if they ventured for security to the
seaboard settlements, they were liable to seizure and exile.
All they could do was to gird themselves for the contest,
and, gathered about their cordon of garrisons, await the com-
ing foe.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 205
SERVICES OF SUDBURY OUTSIDE ITS OWN TERRITORY.
The people did not have long to wait inactive about their
garrisons ; for though at the beginning of the war the town
of Sudbury was not attacked, as the Indians chiefly confined
hostilities to the county of Plymouth, yet it was soon called
upon to send aid to other places. Nov. 22, 1675, a warrant
came from Major Willard to John Grout, Josiah Haynes and
Edmund Goodnow, who called themselves the li humble ser-
vants the militia of Sudbury," requiring the impressment of
nine able men to the service of the country. They state to
the Governor and Council that they have impressed the fol-
lowing men, namely: William Wade, Samuel Bush, John
White, Jr., Thomas Rutter, Peter Noyes, Jr., James Smith,
Dennis Headly, Mathew Gibbs, Jr., and Daniel Harrington ;
but that they wish to have them released. Joseph Graves,
master of Harrington, states that his servant had not cloth-
ing fit for the service; that he was well clothed when he was
impressed before, but that he wore his clothes out in that
service, and could not get his wages to bu}r more. The ser-
vice that he was formerly impressed for was the guarding of
families in " Natick Bounds." One of those families is sup-
posed to be that of Thomas Eames, which was attacked by
the Indians near the outbreak of the war. (See Chapter II.)
A further reason for their release from this service is found
in the following extracts from their petition : " Considering
our condition as a frontier town, and several of our men
being already in the service, our town being very much scat-
tered ; " furthermore, that, several families being sickly, no
use could be made of them for " watching, warding, scout-
ing or impress, whereby the burden lies very hard on a few
persons."
But, notwithstanding the imperiled condition of the peo-
ple, we find that the town was represented a few weeks
later in the "swamp fight," which was one of the hard-
fought battles of the war. This conflict occurred Dec. 19,
1675, in what is now Kingston, R. I. At this place the Nar-
ragansett Indians had a stronghold that the English resolved
to attack. For this purpose an expedition of one thousand
206 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
men was fitted out from the united colonies of Massachusetts,
Plymouth, and Connecticut, under command of Major Josiah
Winslow, Governor of the Plymouth Colony. The march
of the expedition was in winter, and heavy snows impeded
the progress of the troops. The fort, for one built by
Indians, was unusually strong. It was situated on a few
acres of upland, in a swampy morass. The work was con-
structed of pallisades, surmounted by brush work, and the
way to it was by fallen trees, which could be protected by
firing from a block-house. As the English charged over this
bridge, they were swept by the fire of the foe in a murderous
manner, and before the fight was over seventy of the English
were slain, and one hundred and fifty were wounded, while
the Narragansetts, it is supposed, lost about one thousand.
Sudbury was represented in Captain Mosely's company
which company, together with Captain Davenport's, it is
said, led the van. Among the nine of Captain Mosely's
men who were wounded was Richard Adams of Sudbur}\
Not only did Sudbury furnish its quota of militia, but it
supplied farther aid to the colony by the services of Lieut.
Ephraim Curtis, the famous guide and scout. Mr. Curtis
was a carpenter by trade, and at this time about thirty-three
years of age. He had an intimate acquaintance with the
country and its native inhabitants, and could speak their
language with fluency. One prominent service that he per-
formed was in acting as a messenger of the colonial authori-
ties to the Nipnet Indians, who inhabited western and cen-
tral Massachusetts. Supposing that an alliance of those
Indians with Philip had not already been made, or that, if
made, it might be broken, the authorities selected Ephraim
Curtis to go among them and make* overtures of peace. In
giving information to the country of what had been done to
avert the war, the authorities state as follows : " When our
forces were sent out against Philip, We to satisfy and secure
them, (the Nipnets), sent them, by Ephraim Curtis, a dec-
laration with the public seal, that we had no design or intent
to disturb them or any other Indians, that would remain in the
plantation peaceable. Which message and messenger were
rudely entertained by many of them there assembled, and the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 207
messenger much endangered by the younger men, and not
with any satisfaction by the sachems, as the event showed."
Lieutenant Curtis went on more than one expedition to the
Nipnets. June 25, he was sent '"to make a perfect discovery
of the motions of the Nipmug Indians." In a letter to the
colonial authorities, dated July 4, he says that he delivered
the letter to the committee at Brookfield, and from there
went directly to the Indians, whom he found at the same
place where he had met them before. The task undertaken
by Curtis in carrying out his embassy was dangerous in the
extreme, and his thrilling experiences as set forth in a letter
addressed to the Governor and Council, July 16, show a
sagacity and daring unsurpassed even in those heroic times.
We will give this letter in substance, quoting verbatim as
far as space will allow : " Whereas your Honors employed
your servant to conduct and also to make a perfect discovery
of the motions of the Nipmugs and western Indians, Your
Honor may be pleased here to see my return and behaviour."
After giving some incidents of the journey before he reached
Brookfield, he goes on to say, that, entering the woods, they
proceeded westward, till they discovered an Indian trail,
which they followed many miles, till they came to " the low
river by Springfield old road." He says, " Here we saw new
footings of Indians, and so, looking out sharp, in about two
miles riding we saw two Indians, which when I saw, I sent
the Indians that were with me from Marlborow, to speak with
them, but as soon as they had discovered us, they ran away
from us, but with fast riding and calling, two of our Indians
stopped one of them, the other ran away. We asked this
Indian, where the other Indians were. He being surprised
with fear, so he only told us that the Indians were but a
little way from us. So then I sent the Marlborow Indians
before, to tell them that the messenger of the Governor of
the Massachusetts was coming with peaceable words, but
when he came to them they would not believe him." Mr.
Curtis describes their place of encampment as being an
island, in area about four acres, encompassed by a broad,
miry swamp. Before reaching the river there met them at
least forty Indians, some with their guns on their shoulders,
208 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
others with them in their hands ready cocked and primed ;
and most of those next to the river presented at them.
He addressed them in the name of the Governor, whom lie
called his master, the Great Sachem of the Massachusetts,
and required them to own their fidelity. He informed them
that he came not to fight or to hurt them, hut as a messenger
from the Governor. He states that there was a great uproar
among them, and some would have him killed. Says he,
" I requested their sachems to come over the river, hut they
refused, saying that I must come over to them. My com-
pany was something unwilling, for they thought themselves
in very great danger where they were. I told them we
had better never have seen them, than not to speak to the
sachems, and if we ran from them in the time of this tumult
they would shoot after us, and kill some of us. So with
much difficulty we got over the river, and moist meadow, to
the island where they stood to face us at our coming out
of the mire, many Indians with their guns presented at us
ready cocked and primed, so we rushed between them and
called for their sachems. Still the uproar continued with
such noise that the air rang. I required them to lay down
their arms, and they commanded us to put up our arms
first and come off our horses, which I refused to do. With
much threatening and persuasion at last the uproar [ceased] .
Many of them said they would neither believe me nor my
master, without he would send them two or three bushels of
powder. At length I spoke with their sachems which were
five, and their other grandees, which I think were twelve
more. Our Natic Indians seemed to be very industrious, all
this time to still the tumult, and so persuade the Indians,
and as I came to speak with the sachems we dismounted
and put up our arms." Mr. Curtis says their number was
about two hundred. (State Archives, Vol. LXVIL, p. 215.)
Thus important and perilous was the work in which Curtis
engaged for the colony; and that he was selected for the
undertaking indicates the confidence of the authorities in
both his courage and sagacity. It may be in connection with
work among the Nipnets that the following order came to
the constables of Sudbury, July 1G, directing them "to im-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 209
press two or three valuable horses with men and arms as
Ephraim Curtis shall require." These were to be delivered
to Curtis, and to accompany him, with two or three " able
and confiding Indians which Captain Gookin will provide to
go with him on the country's service." The order was to be
carried out with all speed. If the carrying out of this order
related to work among the Nipnets, then more than one Sud-
bury citizen participated in it and encountered its perils.
Still another service that was rendered by Curtis was in
connection with the ill-fated expedition sent out under com-
mand of Capt. Edward Hutchinson. July 27, 1675, Captain
Hutchinson was ordered to take with him Capt. Thomas
Wheeler of Concord, and a score or more of his troop of
horse, Ephraim Curtis as a guide, and three Christian Indi-
ans as interpreters, and forthwith to repair to the Nipmuck
country, to ascertain the movements of the Indians. The
company went from Cambridge to Sudbury, July 28, 1675,
and August 1 they arrived at Brookfield. They there learned
that the Indians were about ten miles away. Messengers
were sent to inform them of the approach of the English
with friendly intentions. An interview was had with the
sachems, who promised to meet the English near Brook-
field the next morning. At the appointed time the English
repaired to the place agreed upon, but the Indians were not
there. It was considered inexpedient to follow them fur-
ther ; but, urged by the people of Brookfield, they pro-
ceeded, contrary to the advice of their guides, several miles,
to a place near a swamp, when they found themselves in an
ambuscade. The Indians, consisting of two or three hun-
dred, suddenly attacked the little company, killing eight and
wounding three. Among the killed was Sydrack (or Shad-
rack) Hapgood of Sudbury, and among the wounded were
Captains Hutchinson and Wheeler. A retreat was at once
made to Brookfield ; and, having reached there, the soldiers
entered one of the strongest houses and prepared for defense.
Ephraim Curtis and Henry Young from Concord were sent
to acquaint the Council at Boston of their imperiled condi-
tion. The brave emissaries started at once on their venture-
some mission ; but the town was so beset with the savages
210 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
that they were forced back to the garrison. Soon afterwards
the house was assailed with great fury. Young, looking
from the garret window, was shot and mortally wounded.
The night that followed was terrible. The shot pelted on
the walls like hail, and the Indians attempted to set the
building on fire. The situation was critical, the ammunition
was growing scant, and unless something was done to bring
relief all would inevitably be killed or taken captive. The
undertaking was extremely hazardous. To succeed required
a man of great courage and endurance, with a sagacity suffi-
cient to outmatch the foe. Few were fit for such a service,
even if any could be found to serve. But the task was to
fall upon some one, and the man selected was Ephraim Cur-
tis. Again the bold adventurer set forth from the garrison,
a lone soldier, to rely on his prowess and a protecting Provi-
dence to shield him on his course. Captain Wheeler in his
official report states of the affair as follows : " I spake to
Ephraim Curtis to adventure forth again on that service, and
to attempt it on foot as the way wherein was the most hope
of getting away undiscovered. He readily assented, and
accordingly went out; but there were so many Indians every
where threatened, that he could not pass, without apparent
hazard of life, so he came back again, but towards morning
the said Ephraim adventured forth the 3d time, and was fain
to creep on his hands and knees for some space of ground
that he might not be discovered by the enemy, but through
God's mercy he escaped their hands, and got safely to Marl-
boro, though veiy much spent and ready to faint by reason
of want of sleep before he went from us, and his sore travel
night and day in that hot season till he got thither." On
arriving at Marlboro he met Major Simon Willard and Capt.
James Parker of Groton, with forty-six men, who were there
to scout between Marlboro, Lancaster, and Groton. These,
on receiving intelligence of affairs at Brookfield, hastened at
once with relief. They arrived August 7, just in season to
rescue the survivors. After this narration, it is unnecessary
to speak of the bravery of this Sudbury scout, or the value
of his services to the country. It was a forlorn hope upon
which he went forth, and none better than he knew the haz-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 211
ardous nature of his task, or the sad consequences of capture.
Many weary miles of travel lay between him and the sea-
board settlements, but, tired and faint, he sped on his way
till he had faithfully discharged his trust, and sent the res-
cuers to his beleaguered comrades.
But the time was near when Sudbury was to need all her
resources for the defense of her own territory. The foe that
hitherto largely operated in the county of Plymouth was
soon to invade that of Middlesex, and make Sudbury the
scene of most important events. The first approach of the
Indians to the town and its vicinit}' with hostile intent was,
we judge, in small bands, which ranged the forest in an inde-
pendent way, or which acted as detachments to spy out the
land. These scouting parties alarmed the inhabitants, who
sent messages to the colonial authorities, with a statement of
facts and request for relief. The indications are that the
colonial authorities did not anticipate that great peril was so
near. After the defeat of the Narragansetts in the swamp
fight, it was supposed that the Indians were in a crippled
condition, and that the devastating effect of that fight would
tend to discourage and keep them in check. To so great an
extent was a sense of security felt by the authorities, that in
some cases soldiers were dismissed from the garrison-houses.
Captain Brocklebank, who was stationed at Marlboro, asked
to be dismissed from that place, stating that he had little to
do. But the weakness of the enemy was evidently overesti-
mated ; and it was not long before the frontier towns were
made aware that a formidable foe was near. Feb. 23, 1G75,
Hugh Clark stated to the Council, that he " being the last
week upon the scout with Capt. Gibbs, about Lancaster,
Concord and Sudbury, found several houses deserted, having
corn in them, and cattle about them, belonging to the late
inhabitants thereof, who for fear left their habitations." He
states that they found at least about sixty bushels of corn in
one house. And he assured the Council that " it would be
of advantage to the Indians and straighten the English unless
something is done to prevent it."
The Rev. Edmund Brown, who, as we have before noticed,
fortified his house, sent information to the authorities by
212 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Ensign Grout about the presence of a lurking enemy in Sud-
bury. He says: " It is reported that our woods are pestered
with Indians. One Adams within our bounds was shot at
by a lurking Indian or more. He was shot through the
coat and shirt near to the arm pit. One Smith walking the
woods was assailed by 3 or 4 Indians, whom he discovered
swooping down a hill toward him, but Smith saved himself
by his legs. One Joseph Freeman coming up about 4 mile
Brook discovered two Indians, one in the path presenting
his gun at him in the way (in a bright moonlight night), but
Freeman dismounting shot at him, and mounting rode for it.
One Joseph [Shaley] coming home from Marlboro on Thurs-
day last discovered Indians in our bounds, one of which made
a shot at him, the bullet passing by him, but being mounted
and riding for it he escaped. One Joseph Curtis, son to
Ephraim Curtis on Saturday last heard 3 volleys of shot
made by Indians between us and Weston. This being to
long. Ensign Grout can give a full narrative to your Honor
and Councill. The consideration of all which I hope will
excite you : : : to order that these woods may be scoured
and that our town of Sudbury a frontier town may be ena-
bled to contribute aid therein and defend itself with its
quantity of men, I humbly move. And this I shall [present]
unto the Honorable Councill that we may not have men
pressed out of our small town." Date, " Sudbury 26th 7th mo."
In another letter dated " Sudbury 7th of 12th mo. 75," Mr.
Brown refers to a late order of the authorities dismissing
garrison soldiers, and requests that John Gleason, who had
been impressed but returned in safety, might be at his dis-
posal. He also speaks of Zenias Parmenter, whom they
"were pleased to free from impress." He objected to
having his guard dismissed, on any general order for the
dismissal of garrisons, since he maintained it at his own
expense.
Thus, towards the close of 1675, Sudbury and its vicinity
felt a sense of insecurity, because of a lurking foe. The
indications are, that before the Indians made an advance
in great force they came in small detachments or bands,
doing occasional mischief, and keeping the inhabitants in
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 213
a state of suspense. No one was safe who went abroad
unarmed ; and those living in the more exposed localities
had even abandoned their homes. In the instance related
by Hugh Clark, the flight was precipitous, the corn being
left in the crib. But it was not long after these evidences
of a mere scattered foe before there were indications that the
town was to suffer a more general attack by a considerably
increased force. In the towns beyond its western border
more or less havoc had already been made, and one after
another of them had already succumbed. Feb. 10, 1675,
Lancaster suffered by the loss of fifty killed or taken cap-
tive ; and the same month a requisition was made upon Con-
cord and Sudbury requiring them "forthwith to impress 8
carts in each town for the bringing down of goods of such
persons of Lancaster as being bereaved by the late hand of
God are disabled from continuing there." By March 13,
Groton was made desolate, and forty dwellings were burned;
and Marlboro alone remained between Sudbury and the vast
wilderness that sheltered the foe. The first blow that fell
on the town, that has been noted by historians of that day,
was on the 10th of March, 167(3. Sajs Mather, " Mischief
was done, and several lives were cut off by the Indians. An
humbling Providence, inasmuch as man}' churches were this
day fasting and praying." This attack on the town was evi-
dently sufficient to put the people more on their guard, and
the better prepared them to meet the great force which was to
assail them in the following month. It was about three days
before this attack of March 10 that Rev. Edmund Brown's
letter was dated, in which he writes to the authorities, and
mentions the " eminent danger yet remaining over our heads
which occasions divers of our towns to make address for
some grant and with good success." Eleven days after this
attack, " at the motion and request of Ensign Grout of Sud-
bury, on behalf of Lieut. Ephraim Curtis, it was ordered that
the said Curtis, together with any other volunteers which
shall join with him, shall march under his command into the
woods, and endeavor to surprise, kill, or destroy, any of the
Indians our enemies : : : and he may expect such encour-
agement as the late order of the General Court directs."
214 HTSTORY OF SUDBURY.
THE NEAR APPROACH OF THE INDIANS, THEIR REPULSE,
AND THE DEATH OF NETUS.
While the prospect was thus threatening, the design of
the Indians for a season was effectually stayed, and a disas-
trous invasion prevented, by a bold move made by the inhab-
itants of the town. The event referred to occurred March
27, 1676. A force of savages, near three hundred in num-
ber, were within about a half mile of Sudbury's western
boundary. The force was led by Netus, the Nipmuc cap-
tain. (See Chapter II.) This band was intent on mischief.
It was on the trail for prey. Flushed with the expectation
of easy victory, they waited the dawn of day to begin their
foul work, and seize such persons and spoil as were found
outside the garrisons. On Sabbath night they made their
encampment within half a mile of a garrison. Their mis-
chievous course through the previous day had been so little
opposed that they felt secure as if in a world of peace. But
the English were on their track.
Intelligence of their presence at Marlboro had reached
Sudbury, and a movement was made to oppose them. A
score of bold citizens set forth for the beleaguered place.
On their arrival at Marlboro they were reinforced by twenty
soldiers, who were taken from the garrisons, and the two
forces went in search of the enemy. Before daybreak they
discovered them asleep about their fires. The English, in
night's stillness, crept close upon the camp. Wrapped in
slumber, and unsuspicious of what was so near, the Indians
were suddenly startled by a destructive volley from an unex-
pected foe. The English took them by complete surprise.
So effectually had they directed their fire that the Indians
speedily fled. About thirty of their number were wounded,
of whom it is said fourteen afterwards died. Not only were
the Indians numerically weakened, but demoralized some-
what by such a bold and unlooked-for assault. Probably
this act saved Sudbury for a time. Netus was slain, and for
near a month there was a cessation of hostilities within and
about the town.
As the importance of this event is considerable, and the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 215
evidence is quite clear concerning it, we will present the
narrative as given by several authorities. Says Mather:
" March 27th some of the inhabitants of Sudbury being
alarmed by what the Indians did yesterday to their neigh-
bors in Malbury, apprehending that they might come upon
the enemy unawares, in case they should march after them
in the night time, they resolved to try what might be done,
and that, not altogether without success, for toward the
morning whilst it was yet dark, they discovered where the
Indians lay by their fires. And such was their boldness, as
that about 800 of them lay all night within half a mile of one
of the garrison houses, in that town where they had done
so much mischief the day before. Albeit the darkness was
such as an English man could not be distinguished from
an Indian ; yet ours being 40 in number discharged several
times upon them, and (as Indians taken at that time do con-
fess) God so disposed of the bullets that were shot at that
time, that no less than thirty Indians were wounded, of
whom there were 14 that died, several of which had been
perpetrators in the late bloody tragedies. They fired hard
upon the English, but neither killed nor wounded so much
as one man in the skirmish."
Captain Brocklebank, garrison commander at Marlboro,
states thus in his report to the colonial authorities: "Sabbath
day night there came about 20 men from Sudbury, and we
out of the several garrisons drew 20 more, and in the night
time they went out to see if they could discover the enemy
and give them some check." He states, that " they found
them by their fires, and fired on them, and they ran away ;
but their number being few, and not knowing the number
of the enemy, but apprehending by their noise and firing at
them that the force of the enemy was considerable, they
returned home without the loss of any men or wounds from
the enemy, and only one man had his hand shattered by the
breaking of a gun."
Thus straightforward and plain are these authorities in
their description of this nightly encounter. No better evi-
dence could be desired than Captain Brocklebank's letter.
From these narratives we are informed that the people of
216 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Sudbury formed this bold project ; that a score of her brave
citizens went forth to stay the course of the Indian invaders ;
that they went beyond the limits of Sudbury into a neigh-
boring town that had already been attacked by the foe ;
and that, upon receiving aid from a government official in
command of the garrison, they made this successful assault.
There is no evidence that when they started they had any
assurance that reinforcements would be afforded them. They
knew the enemy were in force at Marlboro, and courageously
marched to check their advance. Whether the reinforce-
ments that they received at Marlboro were citizens of that
town, or some of the soldiers who were sent there b}' the
government, we are not informed. We know that Captain
Brocklebank was a government commander, and that a part
of the Marlboro garrison were government men, some of
whom subsequently accompanied Captain Brocklebank to
the Sudbury fight.
That Sudbury people in this affair acted not simply in
their own defense is implied in "The Old Petition," in which
it is stated that " the Indians in their disastrous invasions
were resolved by our mine to revenge ye reliefe which our
Sudbury volunteers approached to distressed Marlborough,
in slaying many of ye enemy & repelling ye rest."
CHAPTER XII.
1675-1700.
Philip's War. — Indian Invasion; Date. — Number of the Enemy. —
Philip's Preparation. — Indian Powwow. — Movements of the Eng-
lish.— General Attack on the Town. — Assault on the Haynes Garri-
son.— Hostilities on the East Side. — Resistance of the English. —
Arrival of Reinforcements ; Concord Company, Watertown Company.
— The Indians Driven Over the Causeway and Bridge. — Attempt
to Reinforce Captain Wadsworth. — Description Given in'" The Old
Petition."
Up the hillside, down the glen,
Rouse the sleeping citizen;
Summon out the might of men!
It is coming, — it is nigh !
Stand your homes and altars by;
On your own free thresholds die.
Whittier.
Having noticed the course of hostilities in and about
Sudbury by scattered detachments and skulking squads of
Indians, we will now consider a more prominent event of the
war, — namely, the attack upon the town by King Philip^
with one of the most formidable forces that he ever led
along the New England frontier. We have found no evi-
dence that, up to April, 1676, Philip himself ever visited the
place; but in the final assault the great chieftain directed his
warriors in person. At the time of the invasion there was
nothing west of Sudbury to obstruct his course. The last
town was Marlboro, and this was devastated as by a close
gleaner in the great field of war. The people had almost
wholly abandoned the place ; the dwellings were reduced to
ash-heaps, and a few soldiers only were quartered there to
guard the road to Brookfield and the Connecticut. Sudbury
at this time was the objective point of King Philip. That
217
218 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
he had a special purpose in assailing the place, other than
what led him to conduct the war elsewhere, is implied in
" The Old Petition," in the words before quoted, where the
object of revenge is mentioned. Certain it is, he had a
strong force, and fought hard and long to destroy the place.
date of philip's attack on the town.
Before entering, however, on the details of the conflict, we
will notice the time at which it occurred. Previous to the dis-
covery of "The Old Petition," two dates had been assigned,
namely, the 18th and the 21st of April. Various authorities
were quoted in support of each. So important was the mat-
ter considered, that a committee was appointed to examine
evidence on the subject. The committee reported in favor
of the 21st. (Report of Kidder and Underwood.) Notwith-
standing this decision, opinions still differed ; but the dis-
covery of " The Old Petition " has fully settled this matter,
and established beyond question that the date of Philip's
attack on the town and the garrisons, and the " Sudbury
Fight," was the 21st. We can understand how, before the
discovery of this paper, opinions might vary ; how an histo-
rian might mistake as to a date, and a monument might per-
petuate the error. When President Wads worth erected a
slate-stone at the grave of Captain Wadsworth, the date in-
scribed might have been taken from the historian Hubbard,
who might have received it from an unreliable source. But
we can hardly suppose that a mistake could occur in the paper
above referred to concerning the date of this event. This
paper is a calm, deliberate document, signed by inhabitants
of Sudbury, and sent to the Colonial Court less than six
months after the invasion by Philip. It gives the date of
the invasion in the following words: "An Account of Losse
Sustained by Severall Inhabitants of ye towne of Sudbury by
ye Indian Enemy 21st April 1676."
NUMBER OF THE ENEMY.
Philip arrived with his force at Marlboro on or about the
18th of April, and soon started for Sudbury. The number
of his warriors has been variously estimated. In the " Old
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 219
Indian Chronicle " it is given as " about a thousand strong."
Gookin states, in his history of the Christian Indians, " that
upon the 21st of April about mid-day tidings came by many
messengers that a great body of the enemy not less as was
judged than fifteen hundred, for the enemy to make their
force seem very large there were many women among them
whom they had fitted with pieces of wood cut in the forms
of guns, which these carried, and were placed in the centre,
they had assaulted a place called Sudbury that morning, and
set fire of sundry houses and barns of that town . . . giving
an account that the people of the place were greatly dis-
tressed and earnestly desired succor."
Besides Gookin's statement as to the presence of squaws
in the company, we have the authority of Mrs. Rowlandson,
who mentions an Indian that went to the Sudbury fight
accompanied by his squaw with her pappoose upon her back.
Mrs. Rowlandson was the wife of Rev. Mr. Rowlandson of
Lancaster, and was made captive in the attack on that town.
She went with Philip to Sudbury, and became a witness to
some of the sad scenes there, which were published in a book
entitled " Mrs. Rowlandson's Removes."
Other evidence of the size of Philip's force is found in the
" Old Petition," which says, " Let ye Most High have ye
high praise due unto him, but let not ye unworthy Instru-
ments be forgotten. Was there with vs any towne so beset
since ye ware begun, with twelve or fourteen hundred fight-
ing men, warriors, sagamores, from all Parts with their men
of Arms ? "
THE PREPARATION.
Before the Indians went to Sudbury they made careful
preparation. Says Mrs. Rowlandson, " They got a company
together to pow-wow." The manner as she describes it is as
follows : —
There was one that kneeled upon a deer skin with a company round
him in a ring, who kneeled striking upon the ground with their hands
and with sticks, and muttering or humming with their mouths. Beside
him who kneeled in the ring there also stood one with a gun in his hand.
Then he on the deer skin made a speech, and all manifest an assent to
220 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
it, and so they did many times together. Then they bid him with a gun,
go out of the ring, which he did, but when he was out they called him in
again, but he seemed to make a stand. Then they called the more ear-
nestly till he turned again. Then they all sang. Then they gave him
two guns, in each hand one, and so he on the deer skin began again, and
at the end of every sentence in his speaking they all assented, and hum-
ming or muttering with their mouths, and striking upon the ground with
their hands. Then they bid him with the two guns go out of the ring
again, which he did a little way. Then they called him again, but he
made a stand. So they called him with greater earnestness. But he
stood reeling and wavering as if he knew not whether he should stand or
fall, or which way to go. Then they called him with exceeding great
vehemence, all of them, one and another. After a little while he turned
in, staggering as he went, with his arms stretched out, in each hand a
gun. As soon as he came in they all sang, and rejoiced exceeding
awhile, and then he upon the deer skin made another speech, unto which
they all assented in a rejoicing manner, and so they ended their business
and forthwith went to Sudbury fight.
The foregoing statements plainly show that a large force
was being led to Sudbury. The great chieftain doubtless felt
sure of his prey. Mrs. Rowlandson says, " To my thinking
they went without any scruple but that they should prosper
and gain the victory." Philip was not aware of the strong
reinforcements which were to be seut to the town's relief.
The tramp of Wadsworth and his company had not as }ret
reached his ears. For aught he knew, the forest resounded
with only the tramp of his own stalwart men.
But, while the Indians were preparing for the attack, the
English were by no means idle. Things were fast being put
in readiness to meet the worst. The blow received was to
be returned, and the spoils of conquest were to be dearly
obtained. Notwithstanding the customary cunning of the
Indians, and their usual sly way, the attack in this instance
was not an entire surprise. Their coming was announced by
several acts of hostility on the day previous to the general
assault. According to tradition, they began their marauding
by burning several houses and killing several inhabitants.
Among the slain were a Mr. Boone and son, and Mr.
Thomas Plympton, who was endeavoring to conduct them,
with some of their goods, to a place of safety. This skir-
mishing on the outskirts put the people on their guard, and
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 221
warned them to flee for their lives. It showed the hostile
intent of the enemy, and the necessity of making haste if
they would escape capture or death. Adequately to describe
the state of affairs in Sudbury on the eve of this Indian inva-
sion would be a difficult task. We may, however, conjec-
ture that the scene was a thrilling one, and that it was a
time of uncertainty and anxious suspense to the inhabitants.
What had come upon others was about to come upon them.
The dismal intelligence of disaster to far-off settlements was
to be made more vivid by the same dread foe in their midst.
It was their dwellings that were soon to be ash-heaps, their
herds that were to be spoils of war, their fields that were to
suffer invasion. The wild omens were to bring presaged
wrath to their doors; and the warm homes once smiling with
comfort were to be forsaken and left to the foe. With but
a partial realization of what was to come, we may conclude
that Sudbury was never before or since so astir. There
were men struggling for life ; families hurrying together to
the shelter of garrisons, with whatever of household goods
they could snatch; loving ones bearing the feeble and sick in
their arms, and all rushing to a place of safety. From hither
and yon flocked the company. Again and again the latch-
string was flung loose from the garrison, as one by one new
arrivals came in. None knew when they abandoned their
homes that they would see them again, nor that they them-
selves would ever reach a safe place. The Indian invader
was hard by their track. He might spring any moment upon
them. Each object might be his place of concealment. He
lurked by the woody wayside, he crept along the margin of
the open lands ; and on the outskirt of the woodland he peered
to get a sight at some late refugee whom he might bear away
as his prey.
Within the garrisons the scenes were also, doubtless, of a
stirring character. These places were soon to be isolated.
Communication with them was to be cut off. They were to
be surrounded by a fierce horde of beleaguering savages ;
and before help could arrive the doors might be battered by
tomahawks, or the torch be applied to the wall. Anxiously
might those who had entered these places watch and await
222 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
coming events ; eagerly may they have looked to catch a
glimpse of their belated townsmen who might be coming
from the more exposed outskirts, or who, like the brave
Thomas Plympton, had gone forth to bring to the garrison
the dwellers on lonely homesteads. The sound of firing over
the distant woodlands ; the smoke rising in clouds upon the
far-off horizon ; occasional new arrivals from different locali-
ties, bringing evidence of the near approach of the Indians, —
all these would present a scene of a startling character ; and
as the night shadows of April 20 crept about the lonely gar-
risons, those within had no assurance but that it was as the
darkness of the shadow of death.
But, though the scene was thrilling and one of anxious sus-
pense, it was nevertheless one of courage and hope. From
what we know of the character of the Sudbury inhabitants,
and of their conduct when the attack was begun, we con-
clude that in those hours of ingathering there were hearts
full of determination, and that plans were laid for a success-
ful defense. Doubtless the ammunition was carefully looked
to and put in a convenient place, the flints scraped, the
priming-wire used, and every aperture in the garrison walls
closed and secured, except such as were left to fire from.
Beside the regular force of the town's militia who were to
assist in defense of the garrisons, it is supposed some militia
were present from other places. Some men from the force
of Captain Brocklebank, the garrison commander at Marl-
boro, are supposed to have been there. Of twelve soldiers
who went from Rowley, and did service in Sudbury, seven
returned to their homes.; and it is hardly supposable that so
many should have escaped if in the Wadsworth fight. We
presume, therefore, with the historian of Rowley, that they
helped man these garrisons.
THE ATTACK.
During the night of the 20th of April, Philip advanced his
forces, and took positions for the coming day. The Indians
possessed such a knowledge of the country as enabled him
to do this to advantage. Every path through the woodland
had been trod by the moccasined foot ; every log crossing or
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 223
rude bridge, from the Connecticut to the river at Sudbury,
were on old and well-worn trails. Among the invaders were
some who had lived thereabouts for years, or had ranged the
forest for game, or frequented the Musquetahquid (Sudbury
River) fur fish. From these Philip might obtain information
of the country, and thus be enabled to lay his plans. This
doubtless was what he did.- Probably every homestead, how-
ever humble, was noted ; every highway guarded, and every
wood-path carefully watched. No lone haystack in secluded
meadow nook, no rude shelter for cattle, no rough shed for
the sheep, escaped the vigilance of his roving marauders as
in night's stillness they ranged through the town. As they
reconnoitred about the garrisons, they doubtless noticed each
object from which they could direct their fire, and each way
of approach and retreat.
Of the movements of the Indians the English probably
knew but little as the night wore on. The soft tread of
the moccasin, as the dusky squad stole silently about these
strongholds, was too gentle for even the ears of such anxious
listeners in the ominous stillness of that solitude. Even the
slow-moving bush which may have hidden from view some
adventurous savage, as he approached a little nearer to recon-
noitre the place and discover its weak or strong points, though
it aroused suspicion of a lurking foe, yet revealed nothing of
his number or strength, nor of the squad in concealment
near by, who awaited the whispered report of their comrade.
No night-fires lit the heavens with their lurid glow, disclos-
ing the foe's intent. His dark encampment wras doubtless
within the dense pines, where he lay on his evergreen couch
until called forth by the signal of daybreak. The stillness
of nature and of man were both there. It was the calm that
foreboded a storm which was to burst upon man and his
dwelling, the herd and its stall.
But the silence soon broke. With the morning the mys-
tery cleared. It was early discovered by the inhabitants
that during the night-time the Indians had gotten possession
of ever}rthing in the west part of the town but the garrisons,
and that they had become so scattered about in squads, and
had so occupied various localities, that at a given signal they
224 HrSTORY OP SUDBURY.
could strike a concerted blow. Says the "Old Indian Chron-
icle,^ "The houses were built very scatteringly, and the en-
emy divided themselves into small parties, which executed
their design of firing at once." The smoke of dwellings
curled upward on the morning air, the warwhoop rang out
from the forest, and from the town's westerly limit to the
Waterto wn boundary the destructive work" was begun. Tt
is said by tradition that the Indians even entered the Water-
town territory, and set fire to a barn in what is now Weston.
About the time of firing the deserted houses, the Indians
made their attack on the garrisons. The detachments for
this work were probabljr as specifically set apart as were
those for burning the dwelling-places ; and doubtless hours
before daybreak the foe lay concealed in their picked places
ready to pour their shot on the wall. The attack on the
Haynes house was of great severity. The position of the
building favored the near and concealed approach of the
enemy. The small hill at the north afforded a natural ram-
part from which to direct his fire : behind it he could skulk
to close range of the house, and drive his shot with terrible
force on the walls. There is a tradition, that, by means of
this hill, the Indians tried to set the building on fire. They
filled a cart with flax, ignited, and started it down the
hill towards the house ; but before it reached its destination
it upset, and the building was saved. Tradition also states
that near the house was a barn, which the Indians burned ;
but that this proved advantageous to the inmates of the gar-
rison, as it had afforded a shelter for the Indians to fire from.
Probably this barn was burned with the expectation of set-
ting fire to the house.
But it was not long that the Indians were to fight at
close range. The bold defenders soon sallied forth, and
commenced aggressive warfare. They fell on the foe,
forced them back, and drove them from their " skulking
approaches." Could Philip have spared reinforcements at
this critical time, he doubtless would have readily done so,
rather than suffered defeat at this garrison. But his main
force was lying in wait at Green Hill for Captain Wads-
worth, other detachments were plundering on the east side,
THE HAYNES GARRISON HOUSE.
From original painting by A. S. Hudson.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 225
and some were besieging other garrisons. The force needed
at different localities prevented a concentration at any one
point. Thus the day was won at the Haynes house. In
the skirmish the Indians suffered considerably, while the
English lost but two, and that through their own indiscre-
tion.
While the conflict was going on, the inmates of the garri-
son showed stout hearts and commendable coolness and cour-
age ; even the women manifested but little, if any, timidity.
Perhaps they served in opening and closing the apertures
to the garrison, when the musket was thrust out and with-
drawn ; they ma}7- have swabbed the foul guns, wiped the
priming-pan, and scraped the flints ; they may have stood,
powder-horn in hand, with the powder all poured for the
charge, and the tow wadding all torn for the ramrod's ready
work. Such was the work at the old Haynes Garrison, —
the noble work of a noble company.
The service at the other garrisons was probably all that
was needed. That none of these houses were captured is
enough to indicate a stout and manly defense. They were
all coveted objects of the enemy, and plans for the capture
of each had been carefully laid. That all the garrisons did
both defensive and aggressive work is shown by " The Old
Petition," which says, " Our Garrison men kept not within
their Garrisons, but issued forth to fight ye Enemy within
their skulking approaches." Thus manly was the defense of
the garrisons during the long morning hours of that eventful
day. From the dawning till noon the clouds gathered and
broke over those frail, scattered fortresses. All about them
was confusion and turmoil ; in various directions the dense
smoke-cloud drooped its dismal drapery over smouldering
homesteads ; and on the ears of the beleaguered inhabitants
frequently broke the wild yell of the foe. But still they
fought on, with none near to assist them. No drum-beat
announced the approach of reinforcements. They might not
have known that relief parties had started. The tramp of
Wadsworth and his company, as they passed through to
Marlboro the preceding night, might have been mistaken for
226 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the tramp of the foe ; and nothing, for aught they knew,
awaited the garrisons but to win the victory alone.
HOSTILITIES ON THE EAST SIDE.
While the conflict was raging around the garrisons on
the west side, there was by no means inactivity on the east
side. The condition of things was critical there also ; the
circumstances in the two places, however, were different.
The east side was so protected by the high water, which at
that time covered the meadows, that the savages would nat-
urally be more cautious in their mode of attack ; with a
crossing only at the town bridge and causeway, it would be
unsafe to scatter their forces very much, or to venture far
from the place of retreat ; nevertheless they invaded the ter-
ritory, and commenced their mischievous work by plunder-
ing dwelling-houses. They doubtless intended to take what
spoils they could carry away, and then burn the place ;
but they were effectually checked in their work. The in-
habitants fell upon them with fury. They beat them from
the very thresholds of their humble homes, and snatched
the spoil from their savage clutch; they even forced them
to retreat on the run, and seek safety in precipitous flight.
During the progress of the conflict the women and chil-
dren were probably at the stockade of Rev. Edmund Brown,
at Timber Neck. This stockade was sufficient to shelter
all in that neighborhood. It was admirably situated as a
place of defense : being at the junction of Mill Brook
and the river, at high water it had but two sides of attack,
and the Indians could only reach it by a circuitous course.
From these circumstances it is hardly probable that it would
require many soldiers to man this stockade; hence more could
be spared to defend their homes. But all that could be spared
made a very small company at best.
The entire defensive force of the town being but about
eighty militia men, with a few added who had come from
outside, we may conclude that the fighting was largely done
by a few. Says " The Old Petition," "• The enemy was by
few beaten out of houses which they had entered and by a
few hands were forced to a running fight which way they
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 227
could, ye spoil taken by them on ye East side of ye river was
in great parte recovered." This gives an outline of the facts,
which, like the rest of " The Petition," suggest various pos-
sible and probable details of the conflict ; and the conjecture
is by no means extravagant, that those morning hours on
both sides of the river witnessed scenes of daring by those
brave little companies unsurpassed in the annals of King
Philip's War.
Before leaving this part of the subject, we will quote from
" The Old Petition," which to an extent has furnished the
facts from which the foregiven description has been taken :
" The Enemy well knowing Our grounds, passes, avenues,
and situations, had near surrounded Our town ni ye morning
early (Wee not knowing of it) till discovered by fireing sev-
erall disserted houses ; the Enemy with greate force & fury
assaulted Deacon Haines' house well fortified yet badly scit-
uated as advantagous to ye Enemy's approach & dangerous
to ye Repellant yet (by ye help of God) ye Garrison not
onely defended ye place fro betweene five or six of ye clock
in ye Morning, till about One in ye Afternoon but forced
ye Enemy with considerable slaughter to draw off. Many
Observables worthy of Record hapened in this assault, vizt :
that noe man or woman seemed to be possessed with feare ;
Our Garrisonmen kept not within their Garrisons, but issued
forth to fight ye Enemy in their sculking approaches: We
had but two of Our townes men slaine, & yl by indiscretion
none wounded."
ARRIVAL OF REINFORCEMENTS.
While the town's inhabitants were defending the garri-
sons, and at the same time endeavoring to prevent the sav-
ages from further plundering their dwellings and making off
with the spoils, reinforcements were approaching the town
from several directions. Among the principles of action
proposed by the authorities at the beginning of the war was,
that one town should assist another with what men it could
spare, on the giving of a general alarm ; so it was in the
case before us. Intelligence of the enemy in the neighbor-
hood of Sudbury spread rapidly to surrounding places, and
228 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
men hastened from Concord and Watertown, and were sent
by the colonial authorities from the vicinity of Boston. As
each of these three reinforcements had a history of its own,
we will describe them separately.
THE CONCORD COMPANY.
This consisted of " twelve resolute young men," who
endeavored to render assistance in the neighborhood of the
Haynes Garrison-house. Before they had reached it, how-
ever, and formed a junction with the citizens of the town,
they met with a melancholy fate in the neighboring meadow.
The account of the affair is thus given by Mr. Shattuck in
the Concord history, which account, he states, is preserved
by tradition : "Arriving near the garrison-house of Walter
Haynes, they observed several squaws, who, as they drew
near, danced, shouted, powwowed, and used every method
to amuse and decoy them. Eleven of the English pursued
and attacked them, but found themselves, too late, in an
ambuscade, from which a large number of Indians rushed
upon and attacked them with great fury. Notwithstanding
they made a bold resistance, it was desperate, and ten of
them were slain. The other escaped to the garrison, where
the neighboring inhabitants had fled for security, which was
bravely defended."
Of those who were killed at this time belonging to Con-
cord, Shattuck's history gives the following names : James
Hosmer, Samuel Potter, John Barnes, Daniel Corny, and
Joseph Buttrick. The Middlesex Probate Records have the
following concerning James Hosmer, in connection with the
settlement of his estate : " being slayne in the engagement
with the Indians at Sudbury on the 21st of the second
month [April] in the year 1676." In the Middlesex County
Probate Records are also the following names of soldiers
slain in Sudbury, April 21: David Curry and Josiah Wheeler
of Concord, and William Haywood of Sudbury. Says the
Old Indian Chronicle: "They were waylaid and eleven of
them cut off." Says Hubbard of this affair : »« These men at
the first hearing of the alarm, who unawares were surprised
near a garrison-house, in hope of getting some advantage
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 229
upon a small party of the enemy that presented themselves
in a meadow. A great number of the Indians, who lay un-
seen in the bushes, suddenly rose up and intercepting the
passage to the garrison-house, killed and took them all."
The men thus slain on the meadow were left where they
fell until the following day, when the bodies were brought
in boats to the foot of the old town bridge and buried. Two
of the parties who helped perform the work of burial were
Warren and Pierce of the Watertown company. The fol-
lowing is their description of the scene, as given in a petition
to the General Court: "On the next day in the morning, so
soon as it was light, we went to look for the Concord men
who were slain in the River meadow, and there we went in
water up to our knees, where we found five, and we brought
them in canoes and buried them there." The spot men-
tioned here as the burial place is, we conjecture, on the
northerly side of the town bridge, on the eastern bank of
the river. This supposition is based on the fact that it was
high water on the meadow at that time, and hence this place
was probably the only one suitable for burial. A monument
to this brave relief company would be very appropriate, and
serve to mark a locality which on that day was full of stirring
events.
THE WATERTOWN COMPANY.
The reinforcements from Watertown were more fortunate
than those from Concord, and were spared to assist in saving
the town. This company was under the command of Capt.
Hugh Mason, a bold and gallant commander. Captain Mason
was of a committee of four appointed March 15 to provide
for the defence of the frontier towns of Middlesex county.
At the head of forty Watertown men he had marched pre-
viously to the relief of Groton. He was now prompt to meet
the foe at Sudbury, and, although seventy-five years old, he
came in a timely manner.
These reinforcements probably arrived some time before
noon. As the attack began about daybreak, and took the
inhabitants of Sudbury somewhat by surprise, it is hardly
probable that the news would reach Watertown until the
230 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
morning was well advanced. Watertown was the border
town on the east. The part now Weston was called the
"Farmers' Precinct." At this locality the sound of guns
could without doubt be heard, and the smoke rising over
the woods in dark ominous clouds might bespeak what was
befalling the neighborhood. Moreover, the intelligence may
have reached Watertown by couriers, who carried it to Bos-
ton, arriving there about midday.
When Captain Mason reached Sudbury, about two hun-
dred Indians were on the east side the river engaged in mis-
chievous work. The little company of town's people who
could be spared from the stockade was too small to drive
them back over the river. The best they could do was to
keep them from too close range of their little stronghold,
and save a part of their property and dwellings. But when
these reinforcements arrived, the united forces compelled the
foe to make a general retreat. Whereas, before the arrival
of reinforcements, the Indians, as stated in "The Old Peti-
tion," " were by few beaten out of houses which they had
entered and were plundering, and by a few hands were
forced to a running fight," they were now driven beyond
the causeway and bridge.
The contest that preceded this retreat of the savages was
doubtless severe. Two hundred Indians were a force suffi-
cient to offer stubborn resistance. They were near a large
force held in reserve by King Philip on the west side of the
river, and might at any time receive reinforcement from
him : and if they could hold the causeway and bridge, the
day might be won. On the other hand, the English had a
vast deal at stake ; if the foe was forced over the stream, the
east side would for a time be safe. They could defend the
narrow causeway and bridge, while the high water would
protect their flanks. Such were the circumstances that
would cause each to make a hard fight. But the English
prevailed. The foe was forced back, and the bridge and
causeway were held, so that they could not repass them.
But the English did not stop with this victory; though the
day was won here, the contest still waged on the west side.
From beyond Green Hill, about two miles westerly, came
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 231
the sound of combat; and they knew that Captain Wads-
worth and his company, who passed through Watertown on
their way to Marlboro, were engaged in stern conflict. The
scent of battle as it came borne on the April breeze, the dull
sound of the distant firing, and the outlying detachments sent
to keep reinforcements away, indicated that the contest at the
hill was hot. But, undaunted, the English pushed forward.
Beyond the bridge and the causeway, up the slope of the
hill, perhaps by the Old Lancaster Road, they moved on to
the work of rescue ; but they failed in the accomplishment
of their object. The Indians were too many for that small
company. Notwithstanding their courage, they had but lim-
ited strength. The Indians endeavored to surround them,
and being forced to retreat they sought refuge in the Good-
now Garrison. There they remained until nightfall, when
they again sallied forth ; but this time it was not to meet
the enemy. The conflict was over. The disastrous day was
done. Night covered as with a friendly mantle the terrible
scene ; its shadows were unbroken by the flash of guns, and
its stillness undisturbed by the rude sounds of war. The
foe had retired, their victims lay dead where they fell, and a
"few surviving comrades" were all they could bear with
them to the east side settlement.
Thus noble was the work of that company ; and the peril
attendant upon the undertaking is indicative of the courage
with which they entered upon it. Major Gookin, in his
" History of the Christian Indians," states concerning this
affair as follows : " Upon April 21, about midday, tidings
came by many messengers that a great body of the enemy
had assaulted a town called Sudbury that morning. Indeed
(through God's favor) some small assistance was already
sent from Watertown by Capt. Hugh Mason. These with
some of the inhabitants joined and with some others that
come in to their help, there was vigorous resistance made,
and a check given to the enemy, so that those that were got-
ten over the river were forced to retreat, and the body of
the enemy were repulsed, that they could not pass the
bridge, which pass the English kept."
Says Warren and Pierce, who were of the Watertown
232 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
company: "But we who were with them can more largely
inform this Honored Council, that as it is said in the peti-
tion that we drove two hundred Indians over the river, we
followed the enemy over the river . . . and with some others
joined and went to see if we could relieve Capt. Wadsworth
upon the hill, and there we had a fight with the Indians,
but they being so many of them, and we stayed so long, that
we were almost encompassed by them, which caused us to
retreat to Capt. Goodnow's Garrison, and there we stayed it
being near night till it was dark."
We have found no list of Watertown soldiers with the
express statement that they served at Sudbury, but we give
the following names of men who were impressed from that
town in November, 1675, for the defense of the colony, and
who were returned by Captain Mason as " rationally most
fit to goe upon the servis " : " Daniell Warrin, Sr., John
Bigulah, Sr., Nathaniel Hely, Joseph Tayntor, John Whit-
ney, Sr.. George Harrington, William Hagar, Jr., John Park-
hurst, Michael Flagg, Jacob Bullard, Isaac Learned, Joseph
Waight, George Dill, William Pierce, Nathaniel Sangar,
Moses Whitney, John Windam, Joseph Smith, Nathaniel
Barsham, John Barnard."
CHAPTER XIII.
1675-1700.
Philip's War. — The Sudbury Fight. — Number of Men in Captain
Wadsworth's Company: The Arrival at Marlboro; The Return
to Sudbury. — The Ambuscade : Place of It. — Philip's Plan of
Attack. — Number of Indians. — The Battle. — The Forest Fire. —
Retreat of the English. — Refuge in Hop Brook Mill. — Number
of the English Slain. — Philip's Loss. — Treatment of Captives. —
Rescue of the Survivors. — Burial of the Dead. — Place of Burial. —
Biographical Sketches: Captain Wadsworth, Captain Brocklebank. —
Roxbury Men. — Concord Men. — Marlboro Men. — The Christian
Indians. — Movements of the English after the Battle. — Sudbury's
Loss.
Fast on the soldier's path
Darken the waves of wrath ;
Long have they gather'd, and loud shall they fall ;
Red glares the musket's flash,
Sharp rings the rifle's crash,
Blazing and clanging from thicket and wall.
O. W. Holmes.
When the intelligence readied Boston that the Indians
had invaded Marlboro, the Council sent to its relief a com-
pany of soldiers under command of Capt. Samuel Wadsworth
of Milton. The number in this company has been variously
estimated. Mather sets it at seventy ; " The Old Indian
Chronicle " says, " Wadsworth being designed of a hundred
men, to repair to Marlboro, to strengthen the garrison and
remove the goods." Hubbard says, " That resolute, stout
hearted soldier, Capt. Wadsworth . . . being sent from
Boston with fifty soldiers to relieve Marlboro." It is not
remarkable that estimates should differ with regard to the
number in this company, since all the men who accompanied
Wadsworth from Boston were not in the engagement at
233
234 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Sudbur}r. When Captain Wadsworth reached Marlboro he
exchanged a part of his younger men, who were wearied
with the march, for some at the garrison, and accompanied
by Captain Brocklebank, the garrison commander, started
back to Sudbur}\ Lieutenant Jacobs, who commanded the
garrison in the absence of Brocklebank, in reporting to the
authorities in regard to the number of men left with him,
states as follows: "There is remaining in our company forty-
six, several whereof are young soldiers left here by Captain
Wadsworth, being unable to march. But though he left a
part of his men he took some from the garrison at Marlboro."
From what we know of the fate of a large part of this com-
pany, and the circumstances attendant upon the expedition,
we conclude the number engaged in the Sudbury fight was
not much over fifty. If twenty-nine men were found slain
after the battle, and fourteen escaped, and about a half dozen
were taken captive, the number would not be far from the
foregoing estimate.
Captain Wadsworth arrived at Marlboro some time during
the night of the 20th. Upon ascertaining that the Indians
had gone in the direction of Sudbury, he did not stop to
take needed refreshment, but started upon the enemy's trail.
Hubbard sa}rs, "Understanding the enemy had gone through
the woods towards Sudbury, this unwearied company, before
even they had taken any considerable rest, marched immedi-
atelv back towards Sudbury [East Sudbury], that lies ten
miles nearer Boston." Says Gookin (" History of Christian
Indians"), "He [Wadsworth] understanding that the enemy
had attacked Sudbury, took a ply of his men, about six files,
and marched for their relief, with whom Capt. Broklebank,
who kept guard at Marlboro went. Taking this opportunity
as a good convoy, to speak with the council. Capt. Wads-
worth being a valient and active man and being very desir-
ous to rescue his friends at Sudbury, marched in the night
with all the speed he could." Says Lieutenant Jacobs, in
his official letter, of Wadsworth's departure, " Although he
had marched all the day and the night before, and his men
much wearied, yet he hastened back again, and was accom-
panied by Capt. Broklebank, commander of the garrison of
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 235
Marlboro with the small number he durst spare out of his
garrison." (Date April 24, 1676. State Archives, Vol.
LXVIII., p. 227.)
The English encountered no Indians until they had gone
some distance into Sudbury territory, when they came upon a
small party, who fled at their approach. Captain Wads worth
with his company pursued until they found themselves in an
ambush, where the main body of Philip's force lay concealed.
THE BATTLE-FIELD.
Before considering the battle which followed, we will give
some description of the place where it occurred. This place
was at what is now South Sudbury, a little northeasterly of
the village, and on the westerly side of Green Hill. The
ambush was probably laid near the foot of the hill, a few
rods east of the place where Wadsworth was buried. At
this point there was, until within a Very few years, an old
path through the woods (see map), which we conjecture
once led from the Hop Brook Mill to the Old Lancaster
Road, and may have been the way travelled to that mill, and
to the westward of it, before the construction of the new
road that was built in 1659. This road, in our recollection,
extended to the edge of the cleared land on the Joseph Rich-
ardson farm (present Newton place), but since the clearing
up of the woods in that locality it has almost or quite dis-
appeared. We conjecture that at or along this path the
battle began. This we think is indicated by several circum-
stances .
First, it was very near the spot where the slain soldiers
were buried. The burial-place would naturally be not far
from the greater number of the slain, or about midway of
the battle-field, unless the nature of the ground was such as
to make it inexpedient to dig the grave there. From the top
of Green Hill to near the spot where the soldiers were buried
is hard, rocky ground, while at the place of burial was easy
digging; and, moreover, being of sandy soil, it may have been
covered with but small, scanty shrubbery, and been a sunny
spot in the woods quite suitable for the purpose. It is not
therefore unlikely, if the main part or all of the slain were
236 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
scattered from about the foot to the summit of the hill, that
they were Carried to that spot for interment.
Second, it was not far from the foot of the hill, which the
English ascended as the battle advanced. The space fought
over could not have been great, since every foot of it was
hotly contested, and the engagement lasted but a few hours.
The distance from the path at the foot of the hill to the
summit, where the English made their stand, was about an
eighth of a mile. Therefore we judge the battle began on
or near the path.
But the one thing which more than any other may indi-
cate the place of ambush was the probable plan of King
Philip. This plan was to intercept Captain Wadsworth
before he could reach the east side, or get into the neigh-
borhood of the Goodnow or Haynes Garrisons. To do this,
he would naturally allow the English to pass on to Marlboro
during the night undisturbed, and then conceal his force to
intercept him on his return. The wily chieftain knew that
his return was only a matter of time, and he hastened to
get his ambush in readiness for him. But, to have the plan
a success, it was all-important to choose the spot where
Wadsworth would be most likely to pass. To the west-
ward of Hop Brook it might be hard to determine what way
the English would take. But it was probable they would so
direct their course as to cross Hop Brook at the bridge, near
Noyes' Mill (South Sudbury), since at that season of the
year the stream might be swollen so as to make it difficult to
pass it at any other place. At some point easterly of the
bridge, then, the ambush would naturally be laid.
But from Hop Brook to the east side, as before noticed,
there were two ways : one, a part of the Old Lancaster Road
north of Green Hill, connected with Hop Brook Mill by the
wood-path before mentioned ; the other, the " new road,"
which went south of Green Hill. As it was uncertain which
of these roads Wadsworth would take, Philip would natu-
rally lay his ambuscade upon the path which we have con-
jectured connected these two highways (see map) ; so that
if Wadsworth went by way of the Lancaster Road he would
fall into the ambush, and if he went by the south road Philip
A ROCKY PLAIN. (Sudbury Center.)
B NOYES'S MILL (So. Sudbury,)
C WIGWAM HILL (Goodman's Hill.)
D GREEN HILL.
E WADSWORTH BURIAL PLACE.
F HAYNES GARRISON HOUSE.
G EDMUND GOODNOW GARRISON.
H TOWN BRIDGE.
I FIRST MEETING HOUSE.
J ROAD TO HOP BROOK MILL. Constructed 1659
K OLD LANCASTER ROAD- Constructed I65«
L HOP BROOK.
M LANHAM BROOK.
N LOWANCE BROOK.
0 OLD WOOD ROAD OR CART PATH.
P CAUSEWAY
Q GRAVEL PIT;
R MARLBORO' ROAD.
S SUPPOSED PART OF CART PATH.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 237
would lead him into the fatal path by decoys. This is what
we suppose Philip did. He allowed Wadsworth to pass to
Marlboro at night, then selected a place by this path in
which to conceal his men. Wadsworth, all unsuspicious of
his plan, had probably passed the Hop Brook Bridge, and
was passing by the south road to East Sudbury, when the
Indian decoys turned him from his course, and led him to
the place of ambush.
The following statements from several well-known authori-
ties favor the foregoing suppositions. Says " The Old Indian
Chronicle," " When they arrived within a mile and a half
of Sudbury, the enemy having hid themselves behind the
hills, sent forth two or three to cross the march of our forces,
and being seen to counterfeit themselves affrighted and fly,
whereby to trepan our men into their ambuscade, which mis-
chievous plan succeeded according their to wishes." Hub-
bard says, "Being come within a mile of the town, we espied
a party of Indians not far from them, about a hundred, not
more as they conceived. These they might easily deal with,
who turning back awhile drew Capt. Wadsworth and his
company above a mile into the woods." Says Gookin, "Be-
ing spent and weary with travel and want of rest Capt.
Wadsworth fell into the enemy's ambushment on the morn-
ing, and the enemy being numerous encompassed him round."
It is noticeable by these statements, that the distance that
these men were decoyed is variously estimated at from a mile
to a mile and a half. This does not exactly correspond with
the distance between the supposed place of ambush and the
aforesaid roads. But they may have been allured by a cir-
cuitous course, or the distance mentioned by these authors
may have been a loose estimate. It would not be strange if
authors should be somewhat inexact on a point like this. It
was an unfamiliar locality to them. If they received infor-
mation from survivors of the fight, the place also was strange
to them, and they might think the distance over which they
were led by decoy to be greater than it in reality was ; and as
in the case of the date of the fight, one historian might trans-
mit another's mistake. If our conjectures, then, are correct,
we think these soldiers were allured from some point on
238 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the road from Hop Brook to East Sudbury to a spot ne;ir
the place of their burial.
THE AMBUSCADE.
The force that lay in ambush is supposed to have been
quite strong. Gookin speaks of " the enemy being numer-
ous." "The Old Indian Chronicle " speaks of it as about a
thousand. The latter estimate is probably not far from
right. If two hundred Indians were engaged about the old.
town bridge, and if Philip entered Sudbury with towards
fifteen hundred, about one thousand may have been in am-
bush. As the foe appeared, the English pursued, and fol-
lowed hard as they withdrew. That they should do this
unsuspicious of peril may be a matter of some surprise.
Captain Wadsworth was not inexperienced in Indian war-
fare ; before this he had been on their trail. When Lan-
caster was assailed, he had gone to its relief. It might
seem strange, then, that he should be led into ambush,
when aware of Indian strategy, and accompanied by Cap-
tain Brocklebank, who could advise him of King Philip's
strength.
A little reflection, however, may diminish surprise. If
one hundred Indians, as is stated by Hubbard, at once hove
in sight, the English may have considered it King Philip's
main force. These by their flight may have acted surprised.
They were in the vicinity of the place whither, it is said, the
Indians had gone. Wadsworth was not far from two of
Sudbury's garrisons, and not far from the outskirts of the
east side settlement. He may have heard the sound of guns
in different directions, and especially the firing at the old
town bridge ; this, perhaps, led him to suppose Philip's
forces much scattered about, and that what he saw was the
nucleus of his powerful host. It is not, then, very remark-
able if he was thrown off his guard, and that he considered
that but little caution was required.
But the pursuit was fatal. The Indians retreated until
the place of ambush was reached. Then suddenly the foe
opened his fire from a chosen place of concealment, where
each man had the opportunity of working to advantage. By
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 239
these means the trap was sprung. Simultaneous with this
sudden onslaught of the ambushed foe an attempt was made
to surround the English. Mather says that, " a great body
of the Indians surrounded them." Hubbard states, " On a
sudden a great body of the enemy appeared. About five
hundred as was thought compassed them around." This
was shrewd on the part of Philip. The first move of the
English would naturally be to regain the main path, and
make for the highway so near at hand. A short run to the
northerly would lead Wadsworth to the Old Lancaster Road,
or a quick retreat southerly would soon bring him to the
road from Hop Brook to East Sudbury ; while one of these
ways would bring him to the town bridge and the old
Haynes Garrison, and the other to the Goodnow Garrison.
It might, then, be expected that Philip would cut off the
retreat.
But, though suddenly surrounded and beset on all sides,
they maintained a most manly defense. It may be doubtful
if there is its equal in the annals of the early Indian wars.
From five hundred to one thousand savages, with Philip him-
self to direct their manoeuvres, pouring their fire from every
direction, and this against about four-score of English, hard
marched, in an unfamiliar locality, could do deadly work.
Yet there is no evidence of undue confusion among the ranks
of the English.
The sudden onslaught of the savages was attended, as
usual, with shoutings and a horrible noise, -which but in-
creased the threatening aspect, and tended to indicate that
things were worse than they were. In spite of all this,
the brave company maintained their position, and more than
held their own. Says Mather, " They fought like men and
more than so." Says "The Old Indian Chronicle," " Not at
all dismayed by their numbers, nor dismal shouts and horrid
yellings, ours made a most courageous resistance." Not only
was the foe kept at bay, and the English force mainly kept
compact, but a movement was made to obtain a better posi-
tion ; hard by was the summit of Green Hill, and thither-
ward, fighting, Wadsworth directed his course. This he
reached, and for hours he fought that furious host, with such
240 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
success that, it is said, he lost but five men. Says "The Old
Indian Chronicle," " Having gained the top of the hill, they
from thence gallantly defended themselves, with a loss of
five men, near four hours." Hubbard informs us that " the
Indians forced them to the top of an hill, where they made
very stout resistance considerable while." Thus successfully
was the battle waged by the English, despite circumstances
and the strength of the foe.
THE FOREST FIRE.
But a new element was to be introduced. The fight had
doubtless been prolonged far beyond what Philip had at first
supposed it would be. Desperate in his disappointment that
the English had not surrendered, they again resort to strat-
egy to accomplish their work. The day was almost done.
Philip's force had been decimated by Wadsworth's stubborn
defense. Darkness was soon to set in, and under its friendly
concealment the English might make their escape. New
means were to be employed, or the battle to the Indians
was lost, and the fate of Philip's slain warriors would be un-
avenged. Wadsworth might form a junction with the sol-
diers at the east side of the town, or make his way to the
Goodnow Garrison just beyond Green Hill. A crisis was at
hand. Philip knew it, and made haste to meet it. The
fight began with strategy, and he sought to close it with
strategy. He set fire to the woods, the leaves of which at
that season are sometimes exceedingly dry; and the flames,
fiercely fanned in the April breeze, drove Wadsworth from
his advantageous position. The English were forced to fly
before the devouring element. Says " The Old Indian
Chronicle," " The cowardly enemy disheartened by so many
of their fellows slain in the first attack, not daring to ven-
ture close upon them, yet that we may not think these bar-
barians altogether unacquainted with strategem, nor so silly
as to neglect any advantages, at last they set the woods on
fire to the windward of our men, which by reason of the
wind blowing very hard, and the grass being exceedingly
dry, burnt with a terrible fierceness, and with the smoke and
heat it was like to choke them, so that being no longer able
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 241
at once to resist the approaching fire, and the cruel enemy,
they are forced to quit that advantageous post in disorder."
The historian Hubbard says nothing about the fire ; he states,
however, " The night drawing on, and some of the English
beginning to scatter from the rest, their fellows were forced
to follow them so as the enenry taking the chase, pursued
them on every side as they made too hasty a retreat." That
Hubbard mentioned no fire may naturally occasion surprise;
but the silence of one historian concerning an event should
not invalidate the affirmation of it by another, especially
since by a little reflection it may be a matter of surprise that
the English should retreat in such haste without the menace
of some new peril, when night's friendly help was so near.
The statement then of one author, with no reason to doubt
his veracity, but a strong presumption to confirm his words,
may remove any doubts that might be suggested by the
silence of others.
THE RETREAT.
With this new combination of forces pressing hard upon
them, nothing was left but retreat. But the results of the
retreat were disastrous and exceedingly sad. There is some-
thing melancholy indeed attendant on that precipitous flight.
For hours, shoulder to shoulder, those men had manfully
stood. Inch by inch they had gained the hill-top. The
wounded had likely been borne with them, and laid at
their protectors' feet; and the brave company awaited night's
friendly shades to bear them gently to a place of relief. But
they were to leave them now in the hands of a foe less mer-
ciful than the flames from which they had been forced to
retire. Their defenders had fired their last shot that would
keep the foe at bay, and in hot haste were to make a rush
for the Hop Brook Mill. It was a race for life ; a gauntlet
from which few would escape.
Historians agree that the rout was complete. Hubbard
mentions the too hasty retreat, " by which accident, being
so much overpowered by the enemy's numbers, they were
most of them lost." Says " The Old Indian Chronicle,"
" The Indians taking advantage of [the rout] came in upon
242 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
them like so many tigers, and dulling their active swords
with excessive numbers obtained the dishonor of a victory.
Our two Captains after incomparable proof of their resolu-
tion and galantry, being slain upon the place with most of
their men." So closed the scene on Green Hill, as the fitful
gleam of the forest conflagration lighted the night shadows
and revealed the terrible work.
The flight of the men to the mill was doubtless attended
with fearful loss. It was situated at what now is South
Sudbury village, on the site of the present Parmenter Mill.
The distance from the top of Green Hill is from a quarter to
half a mile. This distance was enough to make the slaughter
great. A break in the ranks, and the foe could close in, and
the tomahawk and war-club could do a terrible work. It
is said that a small company broke away from the enemy.
Says "The Old Indian Chronicle," "But those few that
remained escaped to a mill which they defended until
night." This statement indicates that the rout began before
night, while Hubbard says "the night drawing on." This
disparity of statement is slight. Each may mean the same
thing, if the rout occurred about night, as it probably did.
We would expect Philip's strategy to be employed before
the day closed, as he wished to scatter the English before
darkness afforded the means of escape. Gookin informs us
that " Wadsworth's men were generally cut off, except a few
who escaped to a mill which was fortified but the people
were fled out of it, and the enemy knew not of their flight."
Other authorities give different estimates. Hubbard states,
"scarce twenty escaping in all."
Thus closed that tragic day. The firing had ceased. Silence
settled with the nightfall over that usually peaceful spot ; yet
night's natural stillness was not undisturbed. The shouts
of the captor as he exultingly looked over his fallen foe, the
groans of the wounded white man and savage, the gathering
of Philip's scattered forces, each to narrate the deeds of that
eventful day, the blaze of the Indian's night-fire, and the
strange forms that flitted to and fro, — all together might
present a scene that was dismal, weird, and strange.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 243
LOSS OP THE ENGLISH.
As to the number of English slain, accounts somewhat
differ. This is not strange, when men differ as to the num-
ber engaged. Mather says " that about fifty of the men
were slain that day." Gookin speaks of " thirty-two besides
the two captains." Hubbard says, " So as another captain
and his fifty perished that time of as brave soldiers as any
who were ever emplo}red in the service." Lieut. Richard
Jacobs of the garrison at Marlboro, in his letter to the
Council, dated April 22, 1676 (Vol. LXVIIL, p. 223, State
Archives), says, " This morning about sun two hours high
ye enemy alarmed us by firing and shouting toward ye gov-
ernment garrison house at Sudbury." He goes on to state
that " soon after they gave a shout and came in great num-
bers on Indian Hill, and one, as their accustomed manner is
after a fight, began to signify to us how many were slain ;
they whooped seventy four times which we hope was only to
affright us, seeing we have had no intelligence of any such
thing, yet we have reason to fear the worst, considering the
numbers, which we apprehend to be five hundred at the
most, others think a thousand." The Indians informed Mrs.
Rowlandson that " they killed two captains and almost an
hundred men." She states, "One Englishman they brought
alive with them, and he said it was too true, for they had
made sad work at Sudbury."
Thus, according to the various accounts, by far the greater
part were slain. There is one thing which goes to show,
however, that Mather may not be far from correct, — that is
the evidence of the exhumed remains. When the grave was
opened a few years ago, parts of the skeletons of twenty-nine
men were found. We can hardly suppose, however, that
these were all the slain. Some who were wounded may
have crawled away to die. Others, disabled, may have been
borne from the spot by the foe; and in various ways the
wounded may have been removed, to perish near or remote
from the field of battle.
According to the testimony of Mrs. Rowlandson, the bodies
of the slain were plundered. She remarks, that, "after the
244 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
master came home, he came to her and bid her make a shirt
for his pappoose of a pillow-bier." She says also, "About
that time there came an Indian to me and bid me come to
his wigwam that night, and he would give me some pork
and ground nuts. I did, and as I was eating, another Indian
said to me, he seems to be your good friend, but he killed
two Englishmen at Sudbury, and there lie the bloody clothes
behind you, I looked behind me, and there I saw the bloody
clothes behind me with bullet holes in them." No signs
of equipments or attire were found in the grave when the
remains were disinterred ; and it is probable that the slain
were stripped by the savages, and the garments and equip-
ments were carried away.
LOSS OF PHILIP.
As to the number of savages slain on that day, we can
hardly expect to obtain any accurate knowledge. The
Indians would intend to leave no traces of what havoc
the English had made. They would likely care for their
wounded, and remove or conceal their dead. Tradition
states ("History of Framingham"), that one of the sons of
Eames of Framingham was present as a captive at the attack
on Sudbury, and he is said to have reported that the Indians
suffered severely by the fire from the garrison ; and that an
aged squaw lost six sons, all of whom were brave and distin-
guished warriors.
From all the circumstances, there is space for fair infer-
ence that their loss was large. Wadsworth and Brocklebank
were bold and sagacious men ; their soldiers were doubtless
valiant to a great degree. During those hours of defensive
work there is little doubt but the ranks of King Philip were
greatly thinned. Encompassed as the English were by hun-
dreds of combatants eager to rush in and close the contest
with hatchet and club, it is safe to infer that only an effective
and quickly repeated fire, such as would be deadly to many,
would keep such a host at bay. The very fact that Philip
by daybreak withdrew, after his destructive work at Green
Hill, is a presumption that he was in a crippled state. With-
out losses so severe as to make it utterly unwise to push on,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 245
flushed by Wadsworth's defeat, he would naturally move for-
ward to destroy the east side settlement, and go with con-
quering march toward the sea. But he retraced his steps
westward.
A further evidence that the havoc in Philip's force was
great, is the statement of Mrs. Rowlandson, " that they came
home without that rejoicing and triumphing over their vic-
tory which they were wont to show at other times ; but
rather like clogs (as they say) which have lost their ears,
yet I could not perceive that it was from their own loss of
men. They said they lost not above five or six. And I
missed none, except from one wigwam. When they went
they acted as if the devil had told them that they should
gain a victory, and now they acted as if the devil had told
them they should have a fall. Whether it were so or no, I
cannot tell, but so it quickly proved, for they quickly began
to fall, and so they held on that summer till they came to
utter ruin. They came home on a Sabbath day, and the
powwow that kneeled upon the deerskin came home, I may
say, without any abuse, as black as the devil." She further
strtes that " it was their usual manner to remove when they
had done any mischief, lest they should be found out ; and
so they did at this time. We went about three or four
miles, and there they built a great wigwam, big enough to
hold one hundred Indians, which they did in preparation to
a great day of dancing. They would now say among them-
selves that the governor would be so angry for the loss at
Sudbury that he would say no more about the captives."
Hubbard says, "It was observed by some (at that time
their prisoners, since released), that they seemed very pen-
sive after they had come to ther quarters, showing no such
signs of rejoicing as they were usually wont to do in like
cases. Whether from the loss of some of their own com-
pany in that day's enterprise (said to be an hundred and
twenty) or whether it were the devil in whom they trusted,
that deceived them, and to whom they paid their addresses
the day before by sundry conjurations of their powwows, or
whether it were by any dread that the Almighty sent upon
their excreable Blasphemies which 'tis said they used in the
246 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
torturing of some of their poor captives (bidding Jesus come
and deliver them out of their hands from death if He could)
we leave as uncertain, though some have so reported. Yet
sure it is, that after this day they never prospered in any
attempt they made against the English, but were continu-
ally scattered and broken till they were in a manner all con-
sumed."
As ultimate authority in this, as in other matters, we
refer to " The Old Petition," in which it is stated as fol-
lows of the Indians slain : " Secondly, ye service pformed at
Sudbury by ye help of ye Almighty whereby ye Enemy lost
some say 100, some 105, some 120, and by that service much
damage prevented from hapning to other places whereby ye
Country in Generall was advantaged, reason requires some
favorable considerations to ye servants of Sudbury. For if it
be considered what it hath cost our Country in sending out
some forces some of which p ties have not returned with
ye certaine newes of such a number slaine as with us."
These things indicate that Philip's loss was severe. He was
stayed in his course ; he was unable to reinforce his outstand-
ing detachments in their attempt to destroy the town, and he
quickly made his retreat. Wadsworth did not die in vain.
Not only did he help save the east side settlement, but, keep-
ing the foe hotly engaged for hours, he crippled their force
to such a degree that they abandoned their plans of conquest
in that vicinity.
THE CAPTURED.
But the sad story is not wholly told when we speak of the
slain. The tragedy was not complete when the surviving
few had left the field and taken refuge in the mill. Some
were captured alive. These were subjected to such atrocious
treatment as only a savage would be expected to give. Says
Hubbard, " It is related by some that afterwards escaped
how they cruelly tortured five or six of the English that
night." Mather says, "They took five or six of the Eng-
lish, and carried them away alive, but that night killed them
in such a manner as none but savages would have done, . . .
delighting to see the miserable torments of the wretched
creatures. Thus are they the perfect children of the devil."
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 247
THE SURVIVORS.
The few English who escaped to the mill found it a place
of safety. Says tradition, this was a fortified place, but it
was then left in a defenceless condition. This latter fact the
Indians were ignorant of, hence it was left unassailed. The
escaped soldiers were rescued at night by Warren and Pierce,
with some others, among whom was Captain Prentis, " who
coming in the da}r hastily though somewhat to late to the
relief of Capt. Wadsworth having not six troopers that were
able to keep way with him fell into a pound or place near
Sudbury town end, where all passages were stopped by the
Indians." Captain Cowell also gave assistance, and thus
these weary, war-worn men, the remnant of the gallant com-
pany that fought on that memorable day, were conducted to
a place of safety.
BURIAL OF THE DEAD.
The morning light of the 22d of April broke upon a sad
scene in Sudbury. The noise of the battle had ceased, and
the fires had faded away with the night-shadows. Philip
had betaken himself from the field of his hard-earned and
unfortunate victory, and nothing of life was left but the leaf-
less woods, and these charred as if passed over by the shadow
of death. It was a scene of loneliness and desolation. The
dead, scalped and stripped, were left scattered as they fell ;
while their victors by the sunrising were far on their way
back over the track which the^ had made so desolate. This
scene, however, was shortly to change. Warm hearts and
stout hands were pushing their way to see what the case
might demand, and if possible render relief.
Before nightfall of the 21st, so far as we have learned, lit-
tle, if any intelligence was received by the parties who had
rushed to the rescue, of the true state of things about Green
Hill. Wadsworth and Brocklebank were encompassed about
by the foe, so that no communication could be conveyed to
the English, who anxiously awaited tidings of their condi-
tion. It was known at the easterly part of the town that
hard fighting was in progress at or near Green Hill. The
248 HTSTORY OF SUDBURY.
shouting, firing, and smoke betokened that a battle was in
progress, but how it would terminate none could tell. After
the Sudbury and Watertown men had driven the Indians
over the river, they strove hard to reach the force on the
hill. Says Warren and Pierce, in their petition : " We who
were with them can more largely inform this Honored Coun-
cil that as it is said in the petition, that we drove two hun-
dred Indians over the river and with some others went to
see if Ave could relieve Capt. Wadsworth upon the hill, and
there we had a fight with the Indians, but they being so
many of them, and we stayed so long that we were almost
encompassed by them, which caused us to retreat to Capt.
Goodnow's garrison house, and there we stayed it being near
night till it was dark."
But another force had also striven to reach the town,
and join in the work of rescue. This was a company from
Charlestown, commanded by Captain Hunting. Of this
company, Gookin says (" History of Christian Indians ") :
" On the 21st of April, Capt. Hunting had drawn up and
ready furnished his company of forty Indians at Charles-
town. These had been ordered by the council to march to
the Merrimac river near Chelmsford, and there to settle a
garrison near the great fishing places where it was expected
the enemy would come to get fish for their necessary food."
But, says Gookin, " Behold God's thoughts are not as ours,
nor His ways as ours, for just as these soldiers were ready to
march upon the 21st of April, about midday, tidings came by
many messengers that a great body of the enemy . . . had
assembled at a town called Sudbury that morning." He
says " that just at the beginning of the lecture there, as soon
as these tidings came, Major Gooken and Thomas Danforth,
two of the magistrates who were there hearing the lecture
sermon, being acquainted, he withdrew out of the meeting
house, and immediately gave orders for a ply of horses belong-
ing to Capt. Prentis's troop under conduct of Corporal Phipps,
and the Indian company under Capt. Hunting, forthwith to
march away for the relief of Sudbury; which order was ac-
cordingly put into execution. Capt. Hunting with his Indian
company being on foot, got not into Sudbury until a little
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 249
within night. The enemy as is before [narrated] were all
retreated unto the west side of the river of Sudbury, where
also several English inhabited."
But though the rescuing parties were either repulsed, or
too late to render assistance at the fight, they were on hand
to bury the dead. Says Warren and Pierce : " After hurry-
ing the bodies of the Concord men at the bridge's foot, we
joined ourselves to Capt. Hunting and as many others as
we could prbcure, and went over the river to look for Capt.
Wadsworth and Capt. Broklebank ; and we gathered them
up and burried them."
The manner in which this burial scene proceeded is nar-
rated thus by Mr. Gookin ("History of Christian Indians"):
" Upon the 22nd of April early in the morning over forty In-
dians having stripped themselves and painted their faces like
to the enemy, they passed over the bridge to the west side
of the river without any Englishmen in the company, to
make discovery of the enemy (which was generally con-
ceded quartered thereabout), but this did not at all discour-
age our Christian Indians from marching and discovering,
and if they had met with them to beat up their quarters.
Bat God had so ordered that the enemy were all withdrawn
and were retreated in the night. Our Indian soldiers having
made a thourough discovery and to their great relief (for
some of them wept when they saw so many English lie dead
on the place among the slain), some they knew, viz, those
two worthy and pious Captains, Capt. Broklebank of Rowley
and Capt. Wadsworth of Milton, who with about thirty two
private soldiers were slain the day before. ... As soon as
they had made a full discovery, [they] returned to their
Captains and the rest of the English, and gave them an
account of their motions. Then it was concluded to march
over to the place and bury the dead, and the}' did so.
Shortly after, our Indians marching in two files upon the
wings to secure those that went to bury the dead, God so
ordered it that they met with no interruption in that work."
Thus were the slain soldiers buried on that April morning,
in the stillness of the forest, far away from their kindred,
friends, and homes. Those, who through inability had
250 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
failed to defend them in the day of battle, now tenderly
took them to their last long resting-place. A single grave
contained them. Though scattered, they were borne to one
common place of burial, and a rough heap of stones was all
that marked that lone forest grave. Such was that soldiers'
sepulchre, a mound in the woods, left to grow gray with the
clustering moss of years, yet marking in its rustic simplicity
one of the noblest and most heroic events known in the
annals of King Philip's War. They sleep —
" While the bells of autumn toll,
Or the murmuring song of spring flits by,
Till the crackling heavens in thunder roll,
To the bugle-blast on high."
PLACE OF BURIAL.
The grave was made on the westerly side of Green Hill,
near its base, and was in the northeast corner of the South
Sudbury cemetery before its recent enlargement. In our
recollection, the grave was marked by a rude stone-heap, at
the head of which was a plain slate-stone slab. The heap
was made of common loose stones such as a man could easily
lift, and was probably placed there when the grave was
made. It was perhaps three or four feet high, and a dozen
feet wide at the base. The slab was erected about 1730 by
President Wadsworth of Harvard College, son of Captain
Wadsworth. As we remember the spot, it was "barren and
briar-grown ; loose stones, fallen from the top and sides of
the mound, were half concealed in the wild wood grass that
grew in tufts about it. It remained in this condition for
years, and the villagers from time to time visited it as a place
of interest.
In the year 1851 the town agitated the matter of erecting
a monument, and the Legislature was petitioned for aid,
which was granted. But the monument does not mark the
original grave. The committee who had the matter in charge
located it about fifty feet to the north. The old grave was
at, or about the turn of the present avenue or path, at the
northeast corner of the Adam Smith family lot, in the pres-
THE WADSWORTH GRAVE,
So. Sudbury
From an original painting by A. S. Hudson.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 251
ent Wadsworth Cemetery. After it was decided to erect
the monument in its present position, the remains of the
soldiers were removed. The grave was opened without
ceremony in the presence of a small company of villagers.
It was the writer's privilege to be one of the number, and
according to our recollection the grave was about six feet
square, in which the bodies were placed in tiers at right
angles to each other. Some of the skeletons were large, and
all well preserved.
In connection with the events just described, we will give
a few facts concerning some of the men engaged in them.
CAPT. SAMUEL WADSWORTH.
Capt. Samuel Wadsworth was the son of Christopher and
Grace Wadsworth of Duxbury. He was supposed to be
their oldest child. It is stated that when he died he was
forty-six years old, but this is uncertain. He married Abi-
gail Lindall of Duxbury, and owned lands at one time in
Bridgewater, which were a part of a grant to his father.
These lands comprised one sixty-fourth part of Bridgewater
when it included most of Hanson and Abington. In 1685
Captain Wads worth's share is entered upon the Bridgewater
records under the name of Widow Wadsworth. About 1660
Captain Wadsworth bought several hundred acres of land in
Milton. A part of this estate was retained in the family to
the eighth generation. His family consisted of six boys and
one girl. His wife lived on the homestead many years after
his death. Captain Wadsworth was an influential citizen,
and took an active part in affairs both political and religious.
At the time of Philip's War he was a captain in the militia
of Milton. He was considered " a resolute, stout-hearted
soldier," and " one worthy to live in our history under the
name of a good man." (Genealogy of the Wadsworth
Family) .
CAPT. SAMUEL BROCKLEBANK.
Capt. Samuel Brocklebank was a citizen of Rowley, Mass.
He was born in England about 16o0. A few years after his
arrival in this country, his mother, who was a widow, came
252 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
over, accompanied by two children. Samuel Brocklebank
shortly after becoming of age was chosen a selectman, and
continued to hold important town offices until his death.
He became a deacon of the church Feb. 18, 1665. In 1673
the Council appointed him captain of militia, and after the
breaking out of Philip's War he was stationed at a govern-
ment garrison at Marlboro, where he had command of some
colonial soldiers, and from which place he went with Captain
Wadsworth to Sudbury. At the time of his death he was
about forty-six years old. He left a widow and six children,
Samuel, Hannah, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Joseph. Cap-
tain Brocklebank was an estimable citizen, a brave soldier,
and a fit associate of Captain Wadsworth in his perilous
work.
Lieutenant Sharp of Brookline and Lieut. Samuel Gardiner
of Roxbury were, it is stated, brave and efficient men. And
all the soldiers who were slain on that disastrous occasion
were, we are informed, as brave soldiers as any who were
engaged in the service at that time.
ROXBURY MEN.
The following is a list of the Roxbury men who were of
Captain Wadsworth's company, and killed at the Sudbury
fight : Thomas Baker, Jr., John Roberts. Jr., Nathaniel
Seaver [or Leason], Thomas Hawley [or Romley], Sr.,
William Cleaves, Joseph Pepper, John Sharpe, Thomas
Hopkins, Samuel Gardner.
CONCORD MEN.
John Barnes lived in Concord in 1661, and married Eliza-
beth Hunt in 1664.
Joseph Buttrick was a son of William Buttrick, who came
to New England in 1635, and died in 1698, aged eighty-two.
His second wife was Jane Goodnow of Sudbury.
James Hosmer was the oldest son of James, who came to
Concord among the first settlers, and died in 1685. James,
the son, married Sarah White in 1658. His widow married
Samuel Rice.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 253
Samuel Potter was son of Luke Potter, one of the first set-
tlers at Concord and deacon of the church there. Samuel
married Sarah Wright in 1675.
MARLBORO MEN.
In Hudson's " History of Marlboro " it is stated that the
records of that town give the names of John Howe, Henry
Axtel, and Eleazer Ward as being slain by the Indians in
Sudbury; but whether in the Sudbury fight with Wads-
worth, or not, is not known.
John How was a son of John How, one of the petitioners
for the Marlboro Plantation. He was born in 1G40, proba-
bly in Sudbury, and married in 1662.
Henry Axtel was one of the proprierors of Marlboro at
the time of its incorporation, and drew his land in the first
division. He married in 1665, and was slain by the Indians
between Sudbury and Marlboro, April 20, 1676.
Eleazer Ward was born near 1649, married Hannah Rice,
lived in Sudbury, and was killed by the Indians upon the
highway between Sudbury and Marlboro, April 20, 1676.
THE CHRISTIAN INDIANS.
In connection with what has been said of the English who
were in this battle, we will give a few facts concerning the
Indians who came to the rescue under Captain Hunting.
These were a detachment of the Christian Indians who had
been placed on Deer Island by the colonial authorities, after
the outbreak of the war. Years before, they had been gath-
ered by Rev. John Eliot into several villages, where they
lived peaceably among themselves, and on friendly relations
with the whites. Their character and conduct was such as
showed the civilizing influence of Christianity, and the power
of the gospel to uplift and bless their race. But a few acts
by a few recreant and unfaithful ones aroused the suspicion
of the English against them all, so that, instead of allowing
them to be their allies, they exiled them to an island in Bos-
ton harbor. But as the war progressed, their assistance was
needed ; and at the request of Mr. Eliot and General Gookin,
the Governor and Council allowed a detachment to be placed
254 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
under the command of Captain Hunting, and sent at once to
Sudbury. In this service they showed their bravery and
faithful attachment to the English. When they crossed the
river, to discover the enemy's movements on the west side,
thejT knew not but what Philip was in ambush for further
prey, but they moved forward, and went beyond Green Hill ;
and when in the solitude of the forest they beheld those
prostrate forms, their stern spirits were melted, and it is said,
they wept.
MOVEMENTS OF THE ENGLISH AFTER THE FIGHT.
The dead having been buried, the English repaired, ac-
cording to Warren and Pierce, to Nobscot to bring the carts
into "Sudbury towne." These carts are probably the same
as those mentioned by Gookin, when he says, " At the
same time [that is, at the time the survivors of this fight
were secreted in Noyes's Mill] Captain Cutler of Charles-
town, with a small company," — according to Hubbard,
eleven, — '"having the convoy of some carts from Marl-
boro that were coming to Sudbury, having secured his car-
riage at a garrison house, escaped narrowly being cut off by
the enemy." The same author goes on to state, that the
enemy " at that time cut off some English soldiers that were
coming down under the conduct of one Cowell of Boston,
that had been a convoy to some provisions at Quaborg
Fort." Other soldiers were soon on the march to the
spot, the country having been aroused by this disaster to
Wadsworth.
On April 22, lb'76, it was ordered by the Council, " that
the majors of Suffolk and Middlesex issue out their orders,
Maj. Thomas Clark to the Captain of the troop of Suffolk,
to raise forty of his troops, well attended, and completely
armed with fire arms, and furnished with ammunition, under
the conduct of Cornet Eliot, [and] such officers as he shall
choose to accompany him, forthwith to visit Dedham, Med-
field, and so to Sudbury ; and Major Daniel Gookin to issue
out by order a like number of troops out of Middlesex troops,
under the conduct of Thomas Prentis, or such as he shall
choose, to visit Concord, Sudbury, and so to Medfield."
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 255
The order to Cornet Eliot was, " You are ordered and
requested to take forty of the troop, and so many as you
can suddenly raise, and march with them into Sudbury, and
inquire of their present distressed condition, and of the inter-
ring of the dead bodies, as also of the enemy's motion, and
place of their rendezvous, and if you have opportunity you
are to distress, kill, and destroy the enemy to the uttermost,
taking good heed lest, through any neglect, or too much
adventurness, you hazard the lives of the men by their sud-
den surprisal of you. You are also to visit Medfield, and
make report of what you find to the Council, and in so doing
this shall be your warrant."
Thus, after this disastrous battle, the English were on
the move ; but the Indians had departed westward. As we
have noticed by the letter of Lieutenant Jacobs, they passed
through Marlboro on the morning of the 22d, when the
sun was about two hours high. This was Philip's westward
retreat. He never retraced his footsteps. Sudbury was the
last eastward town in his march. As a conqueror he could
go no farther. On April 21 his sun had reached its merid-
ian; on the 22d it turned towards its setting. His host was
broken ; the ranks of his warriors began to thin ; and when
he returned to his home at Mount Hope, it was to be hunted
and harassed ; and Aug. 12, 1676, he fell by the hand of one
of his race.
sudbury's loss.
The war with King Philip left the town in a weakened
condition. Even had the people sustained but little direct
loss, their prosperity would naturally have been checked by
the imperiled state of the community; but the actual loss to
the people in property was considerable, as is indicated by
various petitions, in which they set forth their circumstances.
In 1677, some inhabitants of Marlboro, Lancaster, and Sud-
bury sent a petition to the Court, asking that a certain tract
of land lying about Marlboro, called by the Indians Whip-
suffrage and Ocogooganset, might be given them. The rea-
son of this request was, as they say, " Because many of
which Indians in our late war have proved very perfidious
256 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
and combine with the common enemy," and because we hav-
ing been "upon ye Country's service, and hazarded our lives
against ye common enemy, have suffered much damage bv
being driven from our habitation, and some of our habita-
tions burnt." (State Archives, Vol. XXX., p. 240.)
But we are not left to general statement of the material
loss sustained, for the specific damage to each individual's
property is given in "The Old Petition." The first part of
the petition, together with a list of the losses, which we give
here verbatim, is as follows : —
To ye Honb'e ye Governor Magistrates & Deputies of ye Gen' Court
assembled at Boston ye ll'h Octobr 1676.
The humble Petition of yor poore, distressed Inhabitants of Sudbury
Humb'y Showeth.
That whereas yor impoverished Petition" of Sudbury have received
intelligence of a large contribution sent out of Ireland by some pious &
well affected p sons for ye reliefe of their brethren in New England by ye
hostile intrusions of ye Indian Enemy, and that upon this divers dis-
tressed towns have presented a list of their losses sustained by fireing
and plundering their estates. Let it not seem presumption in yor poore
Petition1"3 to p'sent a list of what Damages are sustained by yor enemies
in his attempts ; hoping that or lott will be considered among Our breth-
ren of ye tribe of Joseph ; being encouraged by an act of Our Honbie
Genii Court ; that those who have Sustained considerable damage should
make addresses to this prsent session.
An Accompt of Losse Sustenied by Severall Inhabitants of ye towne
of Sudbury by ye Indian Enemy ye 21st Aprill 1676.
L
s
D
Mary Bacon formerly ye Relict of
Ensign Noyes
140 :
:00:
00
Thomas Plimpton
130:
:00:
00
Deacon John Haines
180 :
:00:
00
Seg Josiah Haines
190
:00
:00
Cap1 James Pendleton
060 :
00:
:00
John Goodenow
150:
:00:
;00
William Moores
180:
00:
:00
Edward Wright
100
:00
:00
Elias Keyes
060:
00:
00
John Smith
080:
00
:00
Samuell How
140:
:00
:00
Mr Pelham
050:
00:
:00
Mr. Stevens
015:
:00:
:00
Corporall Henry Rice
180:
:00:
:00
John Allen
060:
:00
:00
James Roose
070:
;00
:00
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 257
John Grout jun-" 060 : 00 : 00
Thomas Rice 100 : 00 : 00
Widd Whale 024 : 00 : 00
Henry Curtice 200 : 00 : 00
John Brewer 120 : 00 : 00
Jacob Moores 050 : 00 : 00
Henry Loker 100 : 00 : 00
Joseph ffreemon 080 : 00 : 00
Joseph Graves 060 : 00 : 00
Peter King 040 : 00 : 00
Widd Habgood 020 : 00 : 00
Benjamin Crane 020 : 00 : 00
Jhomas wedge 015 : 00 : 00
John Blanford 010 : 00 : 00
Thomas Brewer 010 : 00 : 00
Richard Burk 010 : 00 : 00
Thomas Reade 003 : 00 : oo
Wholl Sum 2707 : 00 : 00
Beside ye uncovering ye Many houses & Barnes & some hundred of
Acres of lands which are unimproved for feare of ye Enemy to Our
greate loss & Damage — (Signed)
' Edm Browne Joseph [ ]
Edm Goodnow Peter Noyes
John Grout Jonathan Stanhope
John Haines Edward wright
Josiah Haines Jabeth Browne
Thomas Read John Grout junr
Peter King Joseph Graves
John Ruter senr Tho Walker
Joseph Noyes John Blanford
John Goodnow John Allen
Mathew Gibs Henry Curtis
Thomas wedge Jacob Moores
Benjamin Crane John Brewer
Zecriah Maynard James Ross
Joseph Moore Richard Burk
John Parminter Thomas Brewer
Henry Loker Samuell How.
The contribution to which the petition refers was called
"The Irish Charity Donation or Fund." The gift was made
in 1676, for the people in the Massachusetts, Plymouth and
Connecticut colonies who had suffered in King Philip's War.
It was " made by divers Christians in Ireland for the reliefTe
258 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
of such as are Impoverished, Distressed and in Nessesitie by
the late Indian wars ; " sent by the " Good ship called the
Kathrine of Dublin." Rev. Nathaniel Mather, the brother of
Increase, is supposed to have been a means of procuring the
fund. The proportion received by Sudbury was for twelve
families, forty-eight persons, 11. 4s. Od. This was to be deliv-
ered to the selectmen of the several towns in meal, oat meal,
and malt at 18c?. per ball, butter 6d. cheese 4c?. per pound.
The following is another section of the same petition : —
Furthermore prmitt yor humble Peticonrs to present a second motion.
And let it be acceptable in ye eyes of this Our Grand Court vizt:
That whereas by an Act of Our late Gen" Court ten rates are leavied
upon Our towne amounting unto 200,b: as appeareth p warrant from Our
Treasurer, which said sum was leavied by Our Invoyce, taken in ye yeare
before Our greate damage susteyned. It is ye humble & earnest request
of yor Petitionrs to commiserate Our Condition, in granting to us some
abatement of ye said sum for ye ensueing consideration, Vist: ffirst Our
towne to pay full for theire estates then taken which in greate pte they
have now lost by ye enemy's invasion may seem not to savor of pitty no
not of equity
Is it not reason1" that this service soe beneficiall should not be consid-
ered with some reward which may not easily be esserted (sic) by issuing
forth an Act of yor grace in a suitable abatem1 of ye said sum leavied
with ye conferring of a Barrell of Powder & suitable shott in regard that
yor Petioners have spent not only their owne stock or others but much
of ye Towne stock.
In response, "the Court judged meet to order that Sud-
bury be allowed and abated forty fower pound ten shillings
out of ye whole sume of their ten county rates." (Colonial
Records, Vol. V., p. 124.)
CHAPTER XIV.
1675-1700.
Revival of Prosperity after Philip's War. — Payment for Fortification of
the Meeting-House. — Erection of Saw-Mill at Hop Brook. — Death
of Rev. Edmund Browne; Place of Burial; Historical Sketch. —
Settlement of Rev. James Sherman. — Purchase of Parsonage. —
Building of New Meeting-House. — Political Disturbances. — Change
of Charter. — Administration of Sir Edmund Andros. — Indian Hos-
tilities.— The Ten Years War. — Distribution of Ammunition. —
Petition of Sudbury. — Phipps Expedition. — Sudbury Canada Grant.
— Witchcraft. — Samuel Paris; Historical Sketch. — Incorporation of
Framiugham. — Miscellaneous Matters.
The land lies open and warm in the sun,
Anvils clamor and mill-wheels run ;
Flocks on the hillsides, herds on the plain,
The wilderness gladdened with fruit and grain.
Whittier.
The war with King Philip being ended, the way was
opened for renewed prosperity. New buildings went up on
the old estates, the garrisons again became quiet homesteads,
and the fields smiled with plentiful harvests. An early move-
ment was made to meet indebtedness caused by the war.
March, 1676-7, it was ordered, " that the rate to be made
for the fortification about the meeting house of this town
shall be made by the invoice to be taken this spring, leaving
out all strangers and sojourners, and that the logs there used
be valued at two shillings six pence each, boards five shil-
lings six pence per hundred foot, and every man's day's work
at 18d." A little later, Feb. 26, 1677, it was ordered, "that
such persons as have brought in logs for fortification of the
meeting house, do bring in their account of logs, and all per-
sons an account also for their days' work done thereupon
259
260 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
unto the town clerk between this and the next town meeting-
no w appointed to be the 11th of March next, and such as do
not, shall lose both their logs and work, for the town will
wait upon them no longer."
ERECTION OF SAW-MILL.
Another movement that denotes the town's activity and
recuperative power was the erection of a saw-mill. A town
record, dated March 26, 1677, informs us it was ordered that
"Peter King, Thomas Read, Sen., John Goodenow, John
Smith and Joseph Freeman have liberty granted them to
build a saw mill upon Hop Brook above Mr. Peter Noyes's
mill, at the place viewed by the committee of this town
chosen the last week, which if they do, they are to have
twenty tons of timber of the common lands for the building
thereof, and earth for their dam, and also they are to make a
small dam or sufficient causage so as to keep the waters out
of the swamp lands there, provided also that if Mr. Peter
Noyes shall at any time throw up his corn mill they do in
room thereof set up a corn mill as sufficient to grind the
town's corn and grain as Mr. Noyes's present mill hath done
and doth, and see to maintain the same, and whenever they
or any of them their heirs, executors, administrators, Assigns,
or successors, shall either throw up their said corn mill or
fail to grind the towns corn and grain as above said, the
towns land hereby granted shall be forfeited and returned to
the town's use again, and lastly the said persons are not to
pen up the water, or saw at anjr time between the middle of
April and first of September, and they are also to make good
all the highway that they shall damage thereby."
DEATH OF REV. EDMUND BROWNE.
The town had not moved far on the road to renewed pros-
perity before another calamity came. This was the death of
its pastor, Rev. Edmund Browne, who died June 22, 1678.
The first intimation we have on the town records of Mr.
Browne's sickness is the following : " Ordered, that next
Lord's day there be a free contribution [asked] and collected
by Deacon Haines for and towards carrying and charge of
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 261
Preacher (upon the sickness of Mr. Edmund Browne, Pas-
tor) that the pulpit might be supplied notwithstanding, after
the best manner that may be obtained." Captain Goodenow,
Deacon Haines, Mr. Joseph Noyes and Peter King were em-
powered to be a standing committee during the pastor's sick-
ness, and ordered " to take care that this town be supplied
with able Preachers whilst the Pastor is not able to offici-
ate." "The following named persons offered themselves for
the 1st month to travel with horse and weekly to fetch and
return Preachers for the supply of the town, at least every
Lord's day. 1st Peter Noyes, Joseph Parmenter, 2d Tho.
Brown, Joseph Moore, 3d Jn° Goodenow, Joseph Graves,
4th Samuel How, Thomas Read, Jr."
We have discovered no record, and are aware of no tradi-
tion, relating to Mr. Brown's burial or place of interment.
He may have been buried in the old yard in Wayland, and
the grave may have been left unmarked, or the stone may
have been broken or fallen, and been removed. It has been
conjectured that his remains were placed in some tomb in or
about the city of Boston. The writer has examined copied
inscriptions on the stones of some of the older graveyards
of Boston, but has discovered there no name which could
be that of the first pastor of Sudbury. In Sewall's Diary
is the following entry: "Monday, May 9th, 1709. Major
Thomas Brown Esq. of Sudbury was buried in the old Bury-
ing place. Bearers, Cook, Sewall, Hutchingson, Townsend,
Jas Dummer, Dudley, Scarves and Gloves." "The old Bury-
ing place " was that of King's Chapel, Boston. The wife of
Major Thomas Brown was buried in the East Side Burying-
ground, Sudbury. If Major Brown was not buried with his
wife, but it was considered important that his remains should
be taken to Boston for interment, the same may have been
the case with Edmund Browne.
In the death of its first pastor the town met with a great
loss. It is true, he was nearly or quite fourscore years old,
but judging from his activity in the Indian war, in fortifying
his house, and sending messages to the Colonial Court, he
was still energetic and robust. Moreover, he had been with
the people from the beginning of the settlement ; he had
262 HTSTORY OF SUDBURY.
passed with them through the desolations of a terrible war,
and had been a sharer of their joys and sorrows for many
years. From what we know of him, we judge him to have
been a warm friend of the truth, and an ardent defender of
the Christian faith. It is certainly creditable to him, that,
after such a long pastorate, his people were of a character
to empower their committee to provide " an able Orthodox
Preacher," after he was taken ill.
Mr. Browne came from England in 1637, and, according
to Mather, was ordained and in actual service in that coun-
try before he came to America. He was a freeman of Mas-
sachusetts Bay Colony, May 13, 1640. He married, about
1645, Anne, widow of John Loveren of Watertown, but left
no children. He was a member of the synod that established
" The Cambridge Platform," 1646-8 ; was on the council
that met in 1657 to settle the difficulties in Rev. Mr. Stone's
church, Hartford ; preached the artillery election sermon in
1666 ; and his name is attached to the testimony of the
seventeen ministers against the proceedings of the three
elders of the First Church, Boston, about 1669.
Mr. Browne was quite a land owner, his real estate, as it
is supposed, amounting to three hundred acres. His early
homestead at Timber Neck had originally belonging to it
seventy acres. He received from the General Court a grant
of meadow land situated in the present territory of Framing-
ham, and from time to time became possessed of various
lands both within and without the town. Mr. Brown
hunted and fished, and it is said was a good angler. He
played on several musical instruments and was a noted
musician. In his will he speaks of his "Base Voyal " and
musical books and instruments. He was much interested in
educating and Christianizing the Indians, and at one time
had some of them under his special care. His library was
for those times quite valuable, containing about one hundred
and eighty volumes. He left fifty pounds to establish a
grammar school in Sudbury; but by vote of the town, in
1724, it was diverted to another purpose. He also left one
hundred pounds to Harvard College.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 263
SETTLEMENT OF REV. JAMES SHERMAN.
The town was not left long without a pastor. It soon
called the Rev. James Sherman, who had preached during
the illness of Mr. Browne. May 6, 1678, "it was ordered
that the committee engage the service of Mr. James Sherman
that hath officiated in the town in that kind to continue in
that work till the first of September next, or lojiger as they
shall see cause, or till further order from the town." May
20, on a " training day," it was decided that Mr. Peter King
was to entertain Mr. Sherman, and to have six shillings per
week "for his diet, lodging, attendance, and horse."
Active measures were immediately taken to provide the
minister with a house. The town bought of John Loker the
east end of his house, standing before and near the meeting-
house, and his orchard, and the whole home lot of about four
acres ; it also bought of him the reversion due to him of the
western end of the house that his mother then dwelt in.
This part of the house was to be the town's property at the
marriage or death of the said Widow Mary Loker. For this
property the town was to pay John Loker fifty pounds. (See
p. 116.) The Widow Loker appeared at town-meeting, and
surrendered all her reversion in the western end of the house
to the town, reserving the liberty to have twelve months in
which " to provide herself otherwise." She also promised in
the meantime "to quit all egress and regress through the
eastern end of the house and every part thereof." In conse-
quence of this the town agreed to pay her annually — that
is, till she should marry or die — twenty-five shillings, money
of New England. The town also voted to raise twenty-five
pounds with which to repair the house. The records inform
us, that " the said town doth freely give and grant unto Mr.
James Sherman, minister of the word of God, all that house
and lands which the said town bought lately of John Loker,
and twenty pounds to be paid him in [country] pay towards
the repair of the said house, and also twenty pounds more to
be paid him in money, for and towards the purchase of the
widow Mary Loker's lot that lies adjoining to it, when she
264 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
shall have sold it to the said Mr. James Sherman, and also
six acres of common upland lying on the back side of the
town at the end of Smith field, and also six acres of meadow
ground some where out of the common meadows of this
town. These foregoing particular gifts and grants the said
town doth engage and promise to the said Mr. James Sher-
man minister and his heirs ... in case he shall settle in this
town and live and die amongst them their Teaching Elder.
But in case the said Mr. Sherman shall not carry out the
constant work of preaching in and to this town, during his
life, or shall depart and leave this town before his death,
then all the premises shall return to the said town's hands
again to be at their own dispose forever, only they are then
to pay to the said Mr. Sherman all the charges he hath been
out for the same in the meantime, as [they] shall be judged
worth by indifferent men mutually chosen, unless both par-
ties shall agree therein among themselves."
The town also agreed to pay Mr. Sherman eighty pounds
salary; twenty pounds of this were to be paid him in "money,
twenty pounds in wheat, pork, beef, mutton, veal, butter, or
cheese, or such like species at country price, and the remain-
ing forty shall be paid him in Indian Corn and Rye, or Bar-
ley or Peas, all at country prices." He was to have five
pounds added per annum to his salary for the cutting and
carting home of firewood. He was also to have the use of
the minister's meadow lands, and could pasture his cattle on
the common land, and have firewood and timber from the
common land of the town.
The 30th of October, 1678, " the said Mr. James Sherman
did then and there freely and fully declare before the town
his acceptance of all that which the said town had granted
and done in all respects as is before written, in consideration
thereof for his part he did promise the said town, that he
would live and die in the constant and public discharge of
this, duty, by preaching the word of the Lord unto them, and
in the faithful administration of all the ordinances of Christ
amongst them ; which the Inhabitants of the said town ac-
cepted of ; and said Mr. Sherman also declaired there that if
the mint house should be put down so that money cannot be
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 265
had he should neither expect nor desire any part of his sal-
ary in money."
Thus the town secured the services of Mr. Sherman, and
provided him with a place of residence ; and within a year
after the death of Mr. Browne, the church was again equipped
for work. Mr. Sherman was son of Rev. John Sherman
of Watertown. He married Mary, daughter of Thomas
Walker of Sudbury, and had two sons, John and Thomas.
He was ordained in 1678, and was dismissed May 22, 1705.
After leaving the pastoral office he remained in town for a
time, occasionally preaching abroad. Afterwards, he prac-
ticed medicine in Elizabethtown, N. J., and Salem, Mass.
He died at Sudbury, March 3, 1718.
NEW MEETING-HOUSE.
During the pastorate of Mr. Sherman, the town took meas-
ures for the erection of a new house of worship. Oct. 6,
1686, " it was determined, ordered, and voted, that a new
meeting house be built within this town with all convenient
speed, after such manner as shall be resolved upon by the
town." "It was ordered that the said new meeting house
shall be erected finished and stand upon the present Burying
place of this town and on the most convenient part thereof
or behind or about the old meeting house that now is."
The business of building the meeting-house was entrusted
to Deacon John Haines, between whom and the town a cov-
enant was made at a town-meeting, Jan. 10, 1685. It was
to be raised on or before the first day of July, 1688 ; and for
the work Mr. Haines was to have two hundred pounds, —
one hundred and sixty pounds of it to be paid in " country
pay and at country price," and the other forty pounds to be
paid in money. The country pay was to be in " good sound
merchantable Indian corn, or Rye, or wheat, or barley, or
malt, or Peas, or Beef, or Pork, or work, or in such other
pay as the said Deacon Haines shall accept of any person."
The meeting-house was to be " made, framed and set up,
and finished upon the land and place appointed by the town
on the 6th of October last past, in all respects for dimentions,
strength, shape, . . . and conveniences, as Dedham meeting
266 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
house is, except filling between studs ; but in all things else
admitting with all in this work such variations as are particu-
larly mentioned in the proposition of Corporal John Brewer
and Sam1 How." The town was to help raise the building,
the clapboards were to be of cedar, the inside to be lined
with either planed boards or cedar clapboards, and the win-
dows were to contain two hundred and forty feet of glass. It
was voted, "that Leut. Daniel Pond shall be left to his lib-
erty whether he will leave a middle alley in the new meeting
house, or shut up the seats as they are in Dedham meeting
house, provided always that the seats do comfortably and
conveniently hold and contain seven men in one end of the
seats and seven women in the other end of the seats."
At a town-meeting, Feb. 13, 1687-8, " a committee of
eleven men were chosen to receive the new meeting house
of Deacon John Haines, when it is finished according unto
covenant made between him and the town," and also " to
appoint persons how and where to sit in the meeting house."
It was voted, "that the most considerable rule for seating of
persons in the meeting house shall be by what they pay to
the building thereof, excepting in respect to some considera-
ble persons or to age and other considerable qualifications."
It was voted that there should be "a good, sufficient and
strono- ladder placed at the meeting house with as much
speed as may be, to prevent whatsoever occurrence may hap-
pen." "Mary Loker was to have one pound fifteen shillings
for the year ensuing for sweeping the new meeting house
and keeping it clean." It was voted, that " there should be
a convenient place for the storing of the ammunition of the
town over the window in the south west gable. The dirt
on the north east and south east side of the new meeting
house was to be moved and placed at the foreside of it, and
the ground was to be raised to within four or five inches of
the sill, and to cover it with gravel and make a convenient
way in at the door."
A few years after this meeting-house was built a bell was
provided for it. It cost "twenty and five pounds in money."
John Goodenow and Edward Wright paid this, and they
bought the bell of Caleb Hubbert of Braintree. It was voted
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 267
that John Parm enter should sweep the meeting-house from
April 1, 1696, to April 1, 1697, for fourteen bushels of Indian
or twenty shillings in money. The building being completed,
a committee was chosen " to go to Dedham and clear up ac-
counts with and obtain a discharge from Lieut. Daniel Pond
concerning our new meeting house."
CIVIL AND MILITARY DISTURBANCES.
While the people of Sudbury were endeavoring to repair
their misfortunes, they worked at a disadvantage. The
countiy was by no means quiet. Disturbances, both civil
and military, embarrassed the land. Kings in rapid succes-
sion ascended the British throne. In 1685 came the death
of King Charles, who was succeeded by James II., who was
followed by William of Holland. Change in England meant
change in America, and change in America meant change in
the colonial towns. For some time there had been a con-
troversy concerning the colony's charter. In 1685 it was
declared that this charter was forfeited. The liberties of the
people passed into the hands of the King of Great Britain,
and the colony was called to submit to such form of govern-
ment as Charles II. and James his successor saw fit to allow.
But the people yet hoped to resume the old charter. Events,
however, proved that these hopes were vain. In 1692 a new
charter was brought to Boston by Sir William Phipps, and
from a colony Massachusetts passed to a province, which
included Nova Scotia, New Hampshire, Plymouth, Massa-
chusetts, and Maine. With this change came new relations
and laws. The new charter gave the governor extended
power. He had the appointment of all the military officers,
and, with the consent of the Council, the judicial also. He
could call or adjourn the General Court, and no act of gov-
ernment was valid without his consent. But before the com-
pletion of this list of events, the community was agitated by
a usurpation of power unsurpassed in the history of the
colony.
In 1686, Sir Edmund Andros was commissioned by King
James to succeed Dudley as colonial governor. Andros
proved a pernicious ruler, whose despotism was not long
268 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
to be borne. Among his arbitrary acts was imprisonment
without trial, unjust and oppressive taxation, denial of the
right of habeas corpus and the right of the people to hold
their town-meetings. But the act which perhaps threatened
the greatest embarrassment was that relating to real estate.
The people were informed that they had unsound claims to
their lands, and that the titles to them were void. Notwith-
standing Indian deeds were produced, they were told these
were "worth no more than the scratch of a bear's paw."
Although King James is said to have commanded, that
" the several properties according to the ancient records "
should be continued to the people, yet the commission to
Andros intimated his intention of assuming the whole "real
property " of the country, and that landed rights were to
be granted the people on such terms as the king might
demand.
The result was a general embarrassment, and on April 18,
1689, there was a revolt and resort to arms. A council
of safety was formed, and there met in Boston the 22d of
May, the representatives of fifty-four towns. Sudbury sent
Peter King as its delegate. He was instructed "to consult
with the council sitting," and directed " not to resume the
former charter government only that the present council
should stand until we receive orders from his Royal High-
ness the Prince of Orange, and that the prisoners in durance
be safely kept until such time as they may be brought before
lawful justice." Forty of the representatives of the fifty-
four towns voted in favor of resuming the old charter.
This, however, being opposed by Broadstreet, the presi-
dent, and also by many of the old magistrates, it was agreed
to resume only the government chosen in 1686 under the
charter, until further orders were received from England.
Forty delegates voted for this measure, and Mr. King of
Sudbury was among the number. The dissolution of the
old charter was in 1686. On May 26, 1689, a ship brought
the news of the proclaiming of King William and Queen
Mary ; and the arrival of the charter for a province was in
1692.
Thus, when the country was stirred by civil commotion,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 269
the town took its appropriate part ; and, despite the bustle
and stir in these important matters of state, it pursued its
steady way. The persons who served from Sudbury in the
General Court from the deposition of Andros, in 1689, were
Peter King, Peter Noyes, John Haynes, Joseph Freeman.
(Mass. Hist. Coll., Vol. XXIV., p. 289.)
THE TEN YEARS WAR.
The disturbing elements of this period were not confined
to civil relations. The border settlements were exposed to
the sudden assaults of the savages, who needed only a pre-
text or an opportunity to commence their depredations. An
occasion was soon afforded. About 1689 hostilities broke
out among the settlements of New Hampshire and Maine,
and the county of Middlesex was called upon to send its
troops and munitions of war to the ravaged districts between
the Penobscot and Merrimac. But a war of greater propor-
tions soon threatened the colony, and which was to be of
a duration, not of months, but of years. This war, waged
between England and France, and known as King William's,
or the " Ten Years War," for about a decade of years,
menaced the frontier towns of New England. The work of
devastation was soon commenced, and revived the associa-
tions of by -gone years. The musket was once more to be
shouldered and the sword unsheathed in defense of imperiled
firesides and the arbitrament of disputed rights.
French authorities, with the sanction of the governor gen-
eral of Canada, sought an alliance with the Indians, and the
French and savages combined made the border a perilous
place. But the war .affected the New England colony in
general. Levies were made on the towns for men to man
the outposts and to go on expeditions of an aggressive and
hazardous nature. During these years of hostility Sudbury
was less exposed than in the war with King Philip. Her
greatest trial was from sudden incursions, and a liability to
large drafts on her weak resources. It is recorded in the
town book, that, in 1688, there was a distribution of the
stock of ammunition. The following statement is accompa-
nied by a list of persons who took the stock in charge : —
270
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
The names of those persons as have taken the public stock of am-
munition into their hands, and have agreed to respond for the same in
case that it be not spent in real service in the resistance of the enemy
are as followeth.
Benjamin Moore
Samuel How
Matthew Gibbs
Mr. Hopestil Brown
Daniel Stone
Corp. John Bent
Corp. Henry Rice
Mr. William Brown
Mathew Rice
John Allen
Mr. Peter Noyes
Widow Mary Rice
John Parmenter
Mr. James Sherman
Stephen Blandford
John Grout, Jun.
Thomas Knapp
Benjamin Parmenter
Sarjeant James Barnard
John How.
Captain Thomas Brown
John Goodenow
Lieut. John Grout
Ensign Jacob Brown
Peter King
Lieut. Edward Wright
John Rice
Mr. Thomas Walker, Sr.
Thomas Reade, Sr.
Deacon John Haines
Lieut. Josiah Haines
Sargent Joseph Freeman
Corp. John Brewer
Joseph Curtis
Mr. Joseph Noise
Joseph Moore
Zachariah Maynard
Sargent John Rutter
Jonathan Stanhope
Corp. Richard Taylor
Corp. Joseph Gleason
Jonathan Rice
Thomas Plympton
The most of the persons thus named had allowed them
a little over four pounds of powder, a little over thirty-three
pounds of shot, and thirteen flints. About two years from
this date, 1690, an order came to Major Elisha Hutchinson,
commander of the forces, to detach " 18 able soldiers well
appointed with arms and ammunition out of the several com-
panies of his regiment to rendezvous at Sudbury upon Tues-
day the 27th of May with six days provisions a man."
These things indicate a harassed condition of the country,
and perhaps a near approach of the foe to Sudbury. Noth-
ing, however, so forcibly sets forth the military service of
the town in those times as a paper bearing no date, but found
in the State Archives among others belonging to that period.
The document, which is in the form of a petition, is as fol-
lows : —
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 2717
To the honorable Governor, Deputy Governor, and to all our honored
Magistrates and Representatives of the Massachusetts Colony,
now sitting in General Court in Boston.
The humble petition of us who are some of us for ourselves, others
for our children and servants, whose names are after subscribed humbly
showeth lhat being impressed the last winter several of us into dreadful
service, where, by reason of cold and hunger and in tedious marches
many score of miles in water and snow, and laying on the snow by night,
having no provision but what they could carry upon their backs, beside
hard arms and ammunition, it cost many of them their lives. Your hum-
ble petitioners several of us have been at very great charges to set them
out with arms, and ammunition, and clothing, and money to support
them, and afterwards by sending supplies to relieve them and to save
their lives, notwithstanding many have lost their lives there, others came
home, and which were so suffered, if not poisoned, that they died since
they came from there, notwithstanding all means used, and charges out
for their recovery, others so surfeited that they are thereby disabled
from their callings. Likewise your humble petitioners request is that
this honored court would grant this favor that our messengers may have
liberty to speak in the court to open our cause so as to give the court
satisfaction. Your humble petitioners humble request is farther that
you would please to mind our present circumstances, and to grant us
such favors as seems to be just and rational, that we may have some
compensation answerable to our burden, or at least to be freed from far-
ther charges by rates, until the rest of our brethren have borne their
share with us. and not to be forced to pay others that have been out but
little in respect of us, whereas the most of us have received little or noth-
ing but have been at very great charges several of us. If it shall please
this honorable General Court to grant us our petition we shall look upon
ourselves as duty binds us ever pray.
John Haynes Sen. Thomas Walker
Joseph Noyes Sen. John Barrer
Peter Haynes Sen. [or Noyes] Samuel Glover
Mathew Rice Joseph Gleason sen
John Allen Thomas Rutter
Mathew Gibbs sen Joseph Rutter
Thomas Rice Benjamin Wight
James Rice sen Peter Plympton
Joseph Curtis Israel Miller
Josiah Haynes sen. Stephen Cutts
(State Archives, Vol. XXXVI., p. 59.)
This petition presents a story of sorrow. The service
referred to was, it is supposed, in connection with the ill-
fated expedition of Sir William Phipps in 1690. In this
272 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
expedition Sudbury was represented b}r a company of men,
some of whom were from Framingham. A large force, con-
sisting of forty vessels and two thousand men, most of whom
were from Massachusetts, was fitted out for the capture of
Quebec. The fleet sailed from Boston, and the land forces
marched by way of Montreal and the lakes. But the great
enterprise failed. Gotten up in haste, it was poorly pre-
pared, and its military stores were but scant. Being late in
the season, unfavorable weather prevailed, the small-pox set
in, and the expedition came back with its object unachieved.
It is said that many more died of fever after the expedition
returned to Boston. But this was not all. The money in
the treasury was insufficient to pay the soldiers, and for the
first time in the history of the country paper money was
issued ; but from this the soldiers obtained only from twelve
to fourteen shillings to the pound.
Years after the Phipps expedition, survivors or their heirs
petitioned the Court for land grants, and received them.
These lands were called Canada grants. In answer to such
a petition, Sudbury received land in Maine, which was
called the Sudbury Canada grant. This grant now makes
the towns of Jay and Canton. (New England Historical
Antiquarian Register, Vol. XXX., p. 92.) The names of
the petitioners for the foregoing grant have been preserved
in a paper which bears date "Oct ye 26th 1741." The list
was given in connection with what was called " A lift tax of
fifteen shillings a man." A few of these names are as fol-
lows: Ward, Graves, Stone, Rice, Bridges, Newton, Walker,
Woodward, Joseph Rutter, Gibbs, Peter Bent, Brewer, Sam-
uel Paris. The petitioners were formed into a society, hav-
ing Capt. Samuel Stone, treasurer, and Josiah Richardson,
clerk, both of Sudbury.
Thus along from 1688 till the declaration of Peace at
Ryswick, Dec. 10, 1697, there was inconvenience and loss.
On the 27th of July, 1694, a detachment of the Abenakis,
under the Chief Taxnus, crossed the Merrimac, and assailed
Groton, where the Indians killed twenty -two persons and
captured thirteen. In August, 1695, a sudden descent was
made on Billerica, in which fifteen persons were killed or
THE WALKER GARRISON HOUSE.
See page I 99.
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 273
captured. Lancaster suffered in 1692, also in 1695, and in
September, 1697, the Indians again entered the town. Thus
near lurked the troublesome foe, and Sudbury doubtless felt
its insecurity when it learned of these savage incursions in
the neighboring towns. The following record on the Town
Book bears testimony to this sense of insecurity: "Also
agreed to call the town together for the choice of all town
officers next lecture day at twelve of the clock, and it being
a troublesome time with the Indians but few appeared."
WITCHCRAFT.
Another source of disturbance towards the last of the
century was the witchcraft delusion. Supposed cases had
occurred before in the Massachusetts Colony, and persons
had been executed whom it was said had the power to
bewitch men ; but in 1692, it broke out with renewed
violence, and strangely disturbed society. We know of no
alleged cases in Sudbury ; but a person prominently con-
nected with Salem witchcraft subsequently went to Sudbury,
and dwelt there until his death. This was the Rev. Samuel
Paris, the first minister of what was then Salem Village, but
now the town of Danvers. In view of this fact, a few words
concerning the matter and Mr. Paris' sad history may not be
amiss.
The Salem witchcraft delusion began in Mr. Paris' family.
During the winter of 1691-2 a company of young girls were
accustomed to meet at his house and practice fortune-telling,
necromancy, and magic. It is stated they attained some skill
in this matter, and that after a while they ascribed to it
supernatural agency. The community became alarmed, and
the physician called them bewitched. Two of these girls
were of Mr. Paris' household, — one a daughter, the other a
niece, neither of them over eleven years of age. The com-
plaints made were similar to those made years before by the
children of John Goodenow of Boston. An Indian woman
named Tituba, who had been brought from New Spain,
lived in Mr. Paris' family. Tituba was accused of being
the witch, and of bewitching these children. She confessed,
and claimed to have confederates. Had the children of Mr.
274 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Paris been unnoticed, or the matter brushed lightly by, per-
haps it had stopped right there ; but they were pitied, and
shown special attention, and new cases soon occurred. The
work of accusation and suspicion went forward, and rapidly
spread, until it reached fearful proportions. Scores were
apprehended, tried, and condemned, until men knew not
when they were safe.
The delusion was soon dispelled, and society resumed a
more tranquil state ; but as the darkness broke it left bitter
regrets ; for the light shone on a record as sad as any in the
annals of the Massachusetts Colony. From Mr. Paris' posi-
tion, as pastor of the Salem Village Church, he may have
come in contact with cases in a perfunctory way which gave
hini unpleasant publicity. In 1695 a council met at Salem
Village to confer about the witchcraft matter as related to
Mr. Paris and his people. Shortly after this he left the
church and the place. He became a trader, went to Water-
town, then Concord; but his stay in each place was short.
He then went to Dunstable, where for a few months he
preached. He at length went to Sudbury, and died there
about 1720. Thus originated the Salem witchcraft, and thus
passed away the man who received notoriety by it.
Moral. — Deal not with familiar spirits. " Resist the devil,
and he will flee from you." Leave necromancy, magic, and
all the black arts, and seek more substantial and sensible
things.
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
Mr. Paris was the son of Thomas Paris of London. He
went to Harvard College, but did not remain to graduate.
Before preaching at Salem Village he preached at Stowe.
He was twice married, his first wife dying in 1696, at about
the age of forty-eight, his second wife in 1719. His first
wife was buried at Danvers; her grave is marked by a head-
stone upon which is the following verse, after which are the
initials of Mr. Paris : —
Sleep Precious Dust, no stranger now to Rest,
Thou hast thy longed wish, within Abraham's Brest,
Farewell Best Wife, Choice Mother, Neighbor, Friend,
We'll wail thee less, for hopes of thee in the end.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 275
Mrs. Paris, it is said, was a good woman. Mr. Paris left
several children. His daughter Dorothy, born 1700, became
the wife of Hopestill Brown of Sudbury. Another daughter
married Peter Bent. His son No}res Paris, born 1699, took
his first degree at Harvard College, 1721. His other son,
Samuel, was born 1702.
After Mr. Paris came to Sudbmy, we conclude that for
a time he taught school there. The records state, that in
1717, Mr. Samuel Paris was to teach school four months of
the year at the school-house on the west side of the river,
and the rest of the year at his own house. If he was absent
part of the time, he was to make it up the next year. In
Book III., Sudbury Records, we have the following state-
ment, with date May 25, 1722 : " These may certify that
ye 28 pounds that ye town of Sudbury agreed to give Mr.
Samuel Paris late of Sudbury, for his last yeares keeping
school in sd town, is by Mr. John Clapp treasurer for said
town by his self and by his order all paid as witness my
hand John Rice excuter of ye last will and Testament of ye
sd Mr. Paris."
There are graves of the Paris family in the old buiying-
ground at Wayland. Towards the southeast side of it stands
a stone with the following inscription: "Here lyes ye Body
of Samuel Paris, Who Died July 27th 1742 in ye 8th year of
his age." On another stone is marked: ''Here lyes ye Body
of Mrs. Abigail Paris who departed this life February ye
15th 1759 in ye 55th year of her age."
INCORPORATION OF FRAMINGHAM.
At the close of the century, Sudbury lost a portion of the
inhabitants who dwelt upon its southern border and were
identified with the town. This loss was occasioned by the
incorporation of Framingham in 1700. A petition was pre-
sented to the Court in 1792-3 (State Archives, Vol. CXIII.)
by these people and others, who state, that they are "persons
dwelling upon sundry farms lying between Sudbury, Con-
cord, Marlboro, Natick, and Sherborn, and westerly in the
Wilderness." They say they "have dwelt there about forty
years, and are about forty families, some having built, and
276 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
some building." They also say they " have endeavored to
attend public worship some at one town, some at another;"
and they ask to be made a township, and have the privileges
usually accorded in such cases. The Court granted the
request of the petitioners, and ordered that the farms adja-
cent to Framingham should be annexed to the proposed new
town ; and the people of Framingham having asked the
Court "that the line between sd annexed farms and Sudbury
be accepted," the request was granted. Some of the names
attached to the petition are still familiar in Sudbury, viz. :
Bent, Stone, Rice, Gleason, Walker, and How.
STATISTICS.
The population of the town toward the beginning of this
period is indicated by the fact that in 1GT9 six ty thing-men
were appointed, who were " to inspect from ten to thirteen
families each." The following is a report made at a select-
men's meeting, in 1682, of improved land in and bordering
upon the town: "Lands of persons dwelling in the town,
3896 acres. List of lands in town of persons dwelling else-
where up and down the country, 2522 acres, list of men's
lands bordering about or near the town, amounted to 5130
acres, in which Mr. Danforth's lands and Mr. Gookin's lands
were not cast, because the contents were not certain."
These were sent, together with the list of troopers in and
about town, by Deacon Haines, commissioner, to Cambridge.
The list of troopers that the town clerk made a rate upon,
as mentioned with date 1683, is eighteen ; and with date
1682 we have the county's money rate mentioned as fol-
lows : " The part to be collected on the east side the river,
5lbs : 4s : 5d ; on the west side the river, 4lbs : 8s : 0d."
Some little attention was given to matters of education in
this period, as indicated by a selectmen's report dated March
30, 1680. On Oct, 2, 1692, John Long was chosen as " a
wrighteing school master, to teach children to wright and
cast accounts." Mr. Long continued to serve the town as
schoolmaster for several years.
Thus closed the century in which the town of Sudbury
had its beginning. It was a diversified history, in which the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 277
light and shadow alternately played on the scene. But the
power of a protecting Providence kept the people safe amid
every trial and danger, and brought them forth with a pros-
perity and strength which fitted them for the important
events of the future. Probably but few, if any, who were of
the original grantees in 1638, entered upon the scenes of the
eighteenth century; but their children and children's chil-
dren were to continue their work, and project their influence
into far-off years; and as we continue the narrative, and
consider the subsequent events in this history, we may see
how the fathers lived in their sons.
CHAPTER XV.
1700-1725.
Educational Advantages; Why so small. — School Laws by the Province.
— Town Action. — Grammar School ; Location. — Mixed Schools. —
Masters. — School-Houses. — Ecclesiastical Matters. — Dismission of
Rev. Mr. Sherman. — Ordination of Rev. Israel Loring. — Division
of the Town into Two Precincts; Petitions, Remonstrances, Decision
of the Court, Subsequent Action of the Town. — Call of Mr. Loring
by the People of the West Precinct; His Acceptance. — Renewal of
the Church Covenant by the People of the West Side; Subscribers
Thereto. — Settlement of Rev. Mr. Cook in the East Parish. — Build-
ing of a Meeting-House on the West Side; Location. — Removal of
the East Side Meeting-House; New Location.
The wealth of thought they knew,
And with a toil-blest hand
The path of learning, broad and free,
Sped through our favored land.
Miss Simes.
A prominent feature in Sudbury at the beginning of
the eighteenth century was the attention given to schools.
Hitherto comparatively little had been done in this matter.
As has been stated, means were provided for moral instruc-
278 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
tion, but the opportunities for acquiring more than the rudi-
ments of secular knowledge were extremely meagre. The
causes of this were various. It was not an educational age,
there was but one college in the Massachusetts Bay Prov-
ince ; teachers at that day were scarce, and without proper
instruction there was but poor encouragement to establish
public schools. Moreover, it was an age of economy. Care-
ful expenditure was a necessity in that tax-burdened and im-
poverished period. Society was bearing the burdens incident
to the waste of successive wars. Specie was scarce and com-
modities dear. To procure things needful for every-day life
payment in country produce was often made. Sometimes
town taxes were paid in wares. In 1687 the taxes of Hing-
bara were paid in pails. In 1693 those of Woburn were paid
in shoes. Various were the expedients that the towns em-
ployed to meet necessary calls that were made upon them.
No wonder that in such times schools were neglected. It
would not be strange if men were unmindful of every demand
but those of stern necessity.
But in 1692 a law was enacted, that every town in the
province having fifty householders, or upwards, should be
"constantly provided of a schoolmaster to teach children
and youth to read and write ; and where any town or towns
have the number of one hundred families or householders,
there shall also be a grammar school set up in every such
town, and some discreet person of good conversation, well
instructed in the tongues procured to keep such school."
Any town neglecting this requirement one year was liable
to be fined ten pounds. In 1701 the Provincial Court passed
an additional school act, stating, concerning the former one,
that it was " shamefully neglected by divers towns, and the
penalty thereof not required tending greatly to the nourish-
ment of ignorance and irreligion, whereof grevious complaint
is made." For neglecting this second law the penalty was
made twenty pounds. This also proved quite insufficient for
its purpose, for it was stated "many towns . . . would incur
the penalty and pay for the neglect of the law rather than
maintain the school required." In 1718 the Court enacted
that the fine should be thirty pounds in the case of towns
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 279
that had one hundred and fifty families, forty pounds in
the case of towns of two hundred inhabitants. There was
certain provision made by the law of the province by which
the schoolmaster was to be maintained. He was to have a
convenient house and competent salary. It was also pro-
vided that the instructor should be an actual schoolmaster ;
the town minister was not to act as a substitute.
Such were some of the school laws at the beginning of the
eighteenth century. That they affected town action is prob-
able ; and very likely they exerted a powerful influence in
procuring better schools in Sudbury. The records inform us
that Jan. 1, 1702, the town voted that a rate should be made
"to pay the 5 pounds the town was fined for want of a school
master." This is the only time we hear of the town's receiv-
ing the penalty. On the contrary, there is ample evidence
of diligent endeavor to meet the law. Nov. 17, 1701, at a
town-meeting, " it was voted to choose Mr. Joseph Noyes as
a grammar school master for one year. . . . Also chose Mr
Wm Brown and Mr. Thomas Plympton to present the said
school master unto the Rev. ministers for their approbation
of him, which are as followeth, Mr. James Sherman, Mr.
Joseph Esterbrooks, Mr. Swift of Framingham." This Rev-
erend Committee duly met, and examined the candidate, and
reported as follows, Nov. 21, 1701: "We the subscribers
being desired by the town of Sudbury to write what we
could testify in concerning the justification of Mr. Joseph
Noyes of Sudbury for a legall Grammar School master, hav-
ing examined the said Mr. Joseph Noyes, we find that he
hath been considerably versed in the Latin and Greek
tongue, and do think that upon his dilligent revisal and
recollection of what he hath formerly learned, he may be
qualified to initiate and instruct the youth in the Latin
tongue. Joseph Esterbrooks, John Swift."
On the strength of this careful approval and guarded rec-
ommendation, the successful candidate went forth to his
work. He did not, however, long retain his position. For
some cause not mentioned, the place soon became vacant ;
and February of the same year Mr. Picher became Mr.
Noyes's successor. The contract made with Mr. Picher was
280 HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
as follows : " It is agreed and concluded that the town will
and doth grant to pay unto Mr. Nathaniel Picher six pounds
in money in course hee doth accept of the Towne's choice as
to be our Grammar scool master, also for one quarter of a
yeare, and to begin ye third of March next ensuing, and to
serve in the place the full quarter of a yeare, one half of the
time on the east side of the River, and the other half of
the time on the west side of the river. This Grammar scool
master chosen if he accepts and doth enter upon the work it
is expected by the above said Towne, that he should teach
all children sent to him to learn English and the Latin
tongue, also writing and the art of Arithmatic." In 1703
it was voted to pay Mr. Picher for service done that year
twenty-eight pounds, " he deducting a months pay . . . for
his being absent one month in summer time from keeping of
scool, which amounth to twelfeth part of time;" "also voted
and agreed as a free will, to give unto Mr. Picher two days
in every quarter of his year to visit his friends, if he see
cause to take up with it." In 1711, Lieut. Thomas Frink
and Quartermaster Brintnall were " to agree with sum per-
son who is well instructed in ye tongues to keep a scool."
His pay was not to exceed thirty pounds.
These records show something of the expense of a gram-
mar school in the olden times; they also give hints of the
character, duty, and pay of the teachers ; and of the manner
of selection and examination. We have no means of know-
ing the proficiency attained by the pupils in those grammar
schools ; but with so much careful painstaking, and so large
an expenditure of money, we may presume that something
more than the mere rudiments were obtained.
The place of the school was changed from time to time.
In 1702 it was voted " that the scool master should keep ye
scool on ye west side of ye river at ye house of Thomas Brint-
nell, which is there parte of time belonging to ye west side of
ye river." The custom of changing the place of the school
was continued for many years ; for we find the following rec-
ord as late as 1722: "Voted by the town that ye scool master
shall keep scool one half of ye time on ye west side of ye river
in Sudbury, voted by ye town, that ye scool master shall keep
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 281
ye first quarter at ye scool house at ye gravel pitt, voted by
ye town that ye second to bee keept on ye east side ye river as
Near ye water as may be conveniant, voted by ye town that
ye third quarter to be keept at ye house of Insign John
Moore, voted by ye town that ye fourth quarter to be keept
at ye house of Clark Gleason." In the year 1717, Samuel
Paris was to keep school four months of the year at the
school-house on the west side of the river, and at his own
house the rest of the year. If he was away part of the time,
he was to make it up the next year.
But in addition to these means for obtaining advanced
instruction, there were schools of a simpler character. About
the time that provision was made for a grammar school, we
read of " masters who were to teach children to rede and
wright and cast accounts." This was done in 1701, at which
time the town " voted and chose John Long and John Bal-
com " for the purpose just stated, and to pay them for one
year thirty shillings apiece. From this time repeated refer-
ence is made in the records to schools of a primary or mixed
character.
Among the schoolmasters who served before 1750, are
William Brintnal, Joseph Noyes, Nathaniel Picher, Jonathan
Hoar, Samuel Paris, Nathaniel Trask, Jonathan Loring, John
Long, John Balcom, John Mellen, Samuel Kendall, Ephraim
Curtis, and Zachery Hicks. Some of these taught for a suc-
cession of terms or years. William Brintnal taught a gram-
mar school as late as 1733-4, and receipts are found of Samuel
Kendall in 1725 and 1736.
Prior to 1700, school-house accommodations were scant.
There was no school building whatever. In 1702 " the town
agreed that the school should be kept at the meeting house
half a quarter and the other half quarter at the house of
Benjamin Morses." But it is a law of progress that improve-
ment in one direction suggests improvement in another ; so
with better schools better accommodations were sought for.
Jan. 1, 1702, the " town voted and paste into an act, to have
a convenient scool hous ; " also voted " that the scool house
that shall be built by the town shall be set and erected as
near the centre of the town, as may be conveniantly set upon
282 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the town's land;" also "that it be twenty feet in length,
: : : eighteen feet in breadth, seven feet from the bottom of
the cell to the top of the plate, a large chimney to be within
the house, the house to be a log house, made of pine, only
the cells to be of white oak bord and shingles to be covered
with.. Also the chimney to be of stone to the mortling and
finished with brick. This was paste into an act and vote
Jan. 15th 1701-2." At another meeting it was decided "that
there should be two scool houses ; " that they should be of
the same dimensions ; and " that the one on the east side
should be set near to Enoch Cleavland's dwelling house."
It was afterwards voted that " the scool houses should be
builte by a general town acte and that the selectmen should
make a rate of money of 20 pounds for their erection." One
of the houses was to be placed " by Cleafflands and the other
near unto Robert Mans." In 1711 the town voted to have
but one school-house, and this school-house was to be built
at "ye gravel pitt." " Ye scool house " here mentioned was
" to be 20 foot long, 16 foot wide, six foot studd, nine foot
and a half sparrl. Ye sills to be white oak ye outside, to be
horded, and ye bords to be feather edge. Ye inside to be
birch and horded with Ruff bords, lower and uper flower to
be bord and a brick Chemne, and two glass windows 18
Enches square per window, and the Ruffe to be horded and
shingled." It was to be ready for a school by the last of
May, 1712. Joseph Parmenter was to make it, and have for
pay fourteen pounds.
The evidence is that the desire for school privileges spread,
and that the extremity of the town soon sought for increased
advantages. April 17, 1719, the town was called upon " to
see if it will grant the North west quarter of the towns peti-
tion, they desiring the school master some part of the time
with them."
The above records comprise the most important ones relat-
ing to schools during this period. As we leave these educa-
tional matters, some reflections arise concerning their relation
to the town's future and far-reaching history. They were
the beginnings of great and long-lasting influences. Those
humble houses of the early New England schools were the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 283
town's nurseries of useful knowledge. In them minds were
disciplined for that active period which, before the century
closed, was to shape the country's career, and make of the
colonies a great cluster of states. What a work was wrought
within them ! What responsibility was upon those who had
charge of these far-back beginnings ! We have found noth-
ing on the records to indicate what methods were employed
in governing or teaching ; but there is abundant room for
the supposition that those who founded and those who
taught these schools feared God ; and that they considered
his Word a book suitable to be read and taught in all places
of learning. No wonder, that, with such a beginning, our
common schools have had such great success ; and that the
influences that survived those times, manners, and men
should have such large and lasting results.
ECCLESIASTICAL MATTERS.
As in educational matters, so in those pertaining to the
church, we find the period prolific in change. Great and
important events transpired relating to the meeting-house,
the minister, and the people. The first change was the
dismission of the pastor. On May 22, 1705, the pastoral
relation between Rev. James Sherman and the people of
Sudbury was dissolved. But not long was the church left
pastorless. The same year of Mr. Sherman's removal a
town-meeting was held, in which it was voted "y* ye town
will chose a man to preach ye word of God unto us for a
quarter of a year." The Rev. Israel Loring was chosen for
the term mentioned. He began to preach in Sudbury, Sept.
16, 1705 ; and the result was he was ordained as pastor, Nov.
20, 1706.
After the settlement of Mr. Loring ecclesiastical matters
were not long in a quiet state. A new subject soon engrossed
public attention. There was an attempt made to divide the
town into two parochial precincts. The west side people
doubtless loved the little hillside meeting-house, about which
were the graves of their friends, and whose history was asso-
ciated with so much of their own. Their fondness for it had
doubtless increased as the years passed by, and there clus-
284 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
tered about it memories of things the sweetest and the sad-
dest that had entered into their checkered experience. Here
their children had been offered in baptism;. here had been the
bridal and the burial, the weekly greetings and partings, the
exchange of intelligence of heart and home. It had been the
place for prayer and the preached word; a place of watch
and ward, and a place of resort in times of danger. But not-
withstanding their fondness for the sacred spot, they were
too practical a people to allow sentiment to interfere with
their true progress, and what they believed to be their spirit-
ual good. With their slow means of transit, and the rough
roads of that period when at their best, it was a long and
weary way they had to travel every Sabbath day; but when
the roads became blocked with the drifting snow, or the river
was swollen with floods, then it was sometimes a perilous
undertaking to reach the east side meeting-house and return.
In that primitive period the people of Sudbury did not desire
even a good excuse to keep them from public worship ; they
were Puritanic in both precept and practice. They would
allow no small obstacle to cheat their soul of its rights ; but
if there were hinderances in the way to their spiritual helps,
they required their immediate removal.
Hence, a movement was inaugurated to divide the town,
and make of it two precincts, in each of which there should
be a church. A primary act for the accomplishment of this
purpose was to obtain the consent of the General Court. To
do this a petition was presented, which, as it tells its own
story, and sets forth the entire case, we will present : —
Petition of the West Side people of Sudbury to Governor Dudley and
the General Assembly.
The petition of us who are the subscribers living on ye west side of
Sudbury great River Humbly showeth that wereas ye All wise and over
Ruling providence of ye great God, Lord of Heaven and Earth who is
God blessed forever moore, hath cast our lott to fall on that side of the
River by Reason of the flud of watare, which for a very great part of the
yeare doth very much incomode us and often by extremity of water and
terrible and violent winds, and a great part of the winter by ice, as it is
at this present, so that wee are shut up and cannot come forth, and many
times when wee doe atempt to git over our flud, we are forced for to seek
our spiritual good with the peril of our Lives.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
285
Beside the extreme Travill that many of us are Exposed unto sum
3:4:5:6 miles much more than a Sabbath days Jurney, by Reason of
these and many more objections, to many here to enumerate, whereby
many of our children and little ones, ancient and weak persons, can very
Rarly attend the public worship. The considered premises we truly
pray your Excellency and ye Honorable Council and House of Repre-
sentatives to consider and compassionate us in our Extreme suffering
condition, and if we may obtain so much favor in your Eyes as to grant
us [our presents] as to appoint us a Commity to see and consider our
circumstances and make report thereof to this honorable Court. And
your pore petitioners shall ever pray.
Sudbury, January 15th 170f
John Goodnow.
John haines
John Brigham
William Walker.
George Parmenter.
David how.
George Parmenter, Jr.
Joseph Parmenter.
John brigham.
Samuel willis.
Joseph willis
Richard Sanger.
Tho : Smith
Joseph Hayes [Haynes]
timothy gibson, Jr
Joseph F. Jewel (his mark).
Isaac Mellen
Melo C. Taylor, (his mark).
John Balcom.
Joseph Balcom.
(State Archives, Vol. II., p. 221.)
John haynes. Jr.
Robert Man his mark
Benjamin wright.
David Haynes.
Prefer haines.
Thomas Brintnal.
Edward Goodnow his mark
John Goodenow, jr
Ephraim Garfield, his mark.
Thomas Smith, Junior.
Jonathan Rice.
It was ordered that the town of Sudbury be served with a
copy of the petition, and notified to attend the next session
of the Court, and present objections if they had any. At
a town-meeting in Sudbury, Oct. 4, 1707, a committee was
chosen to attend the General Court, and give answer to the
above petition. The committee was composed as follows :
" Mr Joseph Noyes, Lieut. Hop" Brown, Ens. Sam" King,
Mr. James Barnard, Mr. Noah Clapp, Mr. Thomas Plymp-
286 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
ton." This committee duly appeared to present a protest
to the west side petition. The following are their words of
remonstrance : —
The committee chosen humbly showeth,
That whereas a petition hath been presented to this Hon. Court in
their late session by a Small number of persons Dwelling on the west-
erly side of the river in Sudbury, (though Privately carried on)
Praying that these may be a precinct by themselves &c. we do Hum-
bly offer to your Judicious consideration
That the number thus Petitioning is but Small and that others Inhab-
iting on the westerly side of said River a number near Equal to them,
Do oppose the same Looking on such a motion by their neighbors att
this Time Especially to be Unseasonable and unreasonable, considering
1.) the Great Expense that we have of Late been att: Occasioned by
the deposition of our Late, and the Settling of our Present Minister.
(2.) The vast Expenses attending the same, calls and may call for,
Obliges us to Request that the Division Petitioned for, may be sus-
pended, we deem ourselves incapable of affording,
1st Two Orthodox minister's Gospel maintainance, 2nd we are Ready
to afford to our neighbors what help we can in making the Causway,
(so much complained of) passible in ordinary floods, by allotting to every
man his quota or proposition to raise, which would be much for the Ben-
efit of Travellers, as well as ourselves.
Finally there are also some of those who now petition for division :
that did complain, and declare that the Salary granted to our present
minister was so Great that the town was not able to perform it, and if
they Plead their remoteness from the public worship of God : we humbly
offer that if the meeting house be placed in the Centre of the Inhabitants
on the westerly side of the river (where we may expect it will be), many
of their dwellings will be as Remote from the meeting house as they are
now, We might bring many more objections which might be of weight,
but shall add no more, but leave these to the Judicious consideration of
this Honourable Courte, and follow these our Representatives with our
petitions to the High Court of Heaven, that this Honouable Court may
be so directed in this and in everv affair before them, that Gods Glory
and the Prosperity of Religion may be promoted, and we, your most
humble and obedient servants, may have ever cause to pray &c.
Sudbury. October. 29th : 1707.
Joseph Noyes, James Barnard,
Thomas Plympton, Noah Clapp,
Samuel King.
(State Archives, Vol. II., p. 227.)
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
287
The following names are signed to the original document
WEST SIDE INHABITANTS.
Hop11 Browne
Tho': Plymton
Sam11 Wright,
Joseph Goodenow
John Moore
Mattw Gibbs
Noah Clapp
Joseph Stanhope
John Gibbs
William Arnold
Tho8 Read Jur
Josiah Hayden
Go8 Steenens
Tho" Cuttler
John Rice
widow Sarah Bowker
Benj Moore
Nath" Rice
wid : Arabella Read
John Burk
Kphranin Pratt
Peter Plymton
Tho8 Read
Joshua Hayns
A True Coppy
EAST SIDE INHABITANTS.
John Rice
Joseph Gleason Ser
Mattw Stone
Sam11 Graves
Jo8 Chamberlim
Jo8 Moore Ser
Jo8 Moore
Jo8 Noyes
Jon Long
Benj parmentor
Isaac Stanhope
John Allin
John Parmintor
Edmund Rice
Mattw Rice
her mark James Brewer
Nat11 Moore
Tho8 Brown
Ephaaim Rice
Isaac Gleason
John Graues
John Grout
James Ross
Tho' ffrinke
Geron Jennison
Eber Rice
Sam11 Allin
Jon4 Rice
Joseph Gleason Jr
John abbutt
John Adams
Sam11 King
Jon' Griffin
Ephraim Curtiss
John Loker
Tho8 Moore
After hearing both petition and remonstrance, the Court
ordered that a committee should be sent, and report what
the case required. This committee was made up of Capt.
Samuel Checkley, [Capt.] Thomas Oliver, and Capt. Jonas
Bond. These parties " were to join with such as the hon-
288 HTSTORY OP SUDBURY.
ourable board should nominate, and they were to go upon
the parish and hear what was for or against, notifying the
town at least a week beforehand." John Phillips and Joseph
Lynde, Esq., were named a committee of the board for the
office aforesaid, and the petitioners were to pay the charges
of the committee. The report of these parties was rendered
May 13, 1708. It was in substance, that they considered
" the thing was necessary to be done, but their opinion is,
that now by reason of the [grievous] times not so conven-
iant."
But the petitioners were not to be baffled by an answer
like this. Accordingly, again they presented their case by
another petition, dated May 26, 1708-9. This second peti-
tion sets forth the case thus : —
The Humble Petition of Several of the Inhabitants of the town of Sud-
bury, on the west side of the River.
To Court session assembled May 26th 170f showeth that your Peti-
tioners lately by their Petition to the Great and General Assembly, rep-
resented the hardships & Difficulties they Labored when by reason of
their distance from the meeting house and the difficulty of getting over
the water and Some times Impossibility, there being three hundred and
sixty five on that'side and sometimes in the winter not one of them can
possibly go to meeting, the East and West sides are Equal in their pay-
ments to the minister and therefore praying they might be made a Pre-
cinct and have a meeting house and minister of their side of the River,
wherupon the petition was refered to a committee who upon Considera-
tion of the premises (as your petitioners are Informed) have made a
Report to this Great and General assembly that the thing was necessary
to be done, but their opinion is that now by reason of Troublesome
Times not so Conveniant.
Your [Petitioners] thereupon humbly pray that this great and General
assembly would please to Grant them the Prayer of their petition, that
they may be Empowered to build a meeting house and have a minister
settled on their side, in such time as to this Great and General Assem-
bly shall seem meet and Yor Petitioners (and as in duty bound) shall
pray, John Brigham, John Balcom. In behalf of ye rest.
This petition was more successful, and obtained, in part
at least, what it sought ; and the following, read in council,
the 28th of May, 1708, and read a second time and concurred
in, June 24th, the same year, was ordered : —
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 289
Notwithstanding the present difficulties represented by the commit-
tee, If the Inhabitants on West side the River think themselves able to
Erect a meeting House and support a minister and shall present a Sub-
scription to this Court amounting to fifty pounds per annum for his
maintenance during the first seven years,
That then the Prayer of their Petition be Granted, to bee a Parish or
Precinct by themselves. And that they have liberty to erect a meeting
house for the Public worship of God, and to invite and procure a Learned
Orthodox minister of good conversation to preach to them.
Always Saving Inviolate, and in no ways Infringing the Contract and
agreement of the Town made with Mr. Loring, the present minister, and
his maintenance, to be duly paid him accordingly, until the Town in
General shall make other Provision or the Court take further Order.
But, although the petitioners received permission to build
a meeting-house, years elapsed before they availed themselves
of the privilege. Meanwhile the subject was more or less
agitated. Various measures for the adjustment of matters
were proposed, and failed. At one time there was action by
the town, at another by the Court. In 1712-13 there was a
town-meeting, " to see if the town will do any thing to bring
the house into ye center of ye town, or within a quarter of a
mile of ye centre, or as near ye centre as may be conveniant,
ye town of Sudbury being seven miles long, and ye meeting
house as it now standeth but about a mile and half from
ye east end of said town."
In December, 1715, a committee was appointed by the
Court, who assigned a place for the meeting-house. Tradi-
tion states that a spot about a mile northeasterly of Sudbury
Centre, and not far from the Thomas Plympton estate, was
once designed for the meeting-house. This may have been
the place assigned by the committee of 1715. In 1720 the
town voted to remain an entire town ; to have a meeting-
house on the west side of the river sufficiently large to
accommodate all, and to have it built at or near the Gravel
Pit.
June 9, 1721, it was ordered by the General Court that
" a new meeting house be erected, built, and finished upon
the place assigned by a committee assigned by ye sd Court, in
Dec. 1715, and that ye old meeting house be put into good
repair." At a town-meeting, Dec. 26, 1721, held at the house
290 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
of Mr. George Pitts, it was agreed " to grant 24 pounds for
preaching for the present on the westerly side of the river."
It was also decided at that meeting to choose a committee to
present a petition to the General Court, "that ye west side
inhabitants may have liberty to place their meeting house on
ye rocky plaine ; " which request was granted.
The preliminary work of forming two parochial precincts
was now completed ; it only remained to adjust ecclesiastical
relations to the new order of things, and provide whatever
was essential to its success. The church was to be divided,
ministers secured, and a meeeting-house built. All these
came about in due time. After the decision, in December,
1721, " to have the preaching of the word amongst us," and
the granting of money to meet the expense, Rev. Mr. Minot
was invited to preach six Sabbaths in the west precinct. It
may be that about this time Mr. Loring preached some on
the west side, since on the town debt, as recorded April 9,
1722, there stands this statement : " To Mr. Israel Loring to
ye supporting ye ministry on both [sides] ye river in Sud-
bury 80. 0. 0."
But more permanent arrangements were soon made. On
the 6th of June, 1722, they extended a call to Rev. Israel
Loring, and offered "£100 for his settlement." July 10, Mr.
Loring responded to the invitation in the following words :
"To the Inhabitants of the west Precinct in Sudbury: I
accept of the kind invitation you have given me to come
over and settle and be the minister of the Westerly Pre-
cinct." A few days after the above invitation the east side
invited him to remain with them, and took measures to pro-
vide for "their now settled minister, Mr. Israel Loring."
The day after replying to the first invitation, he wrote to
the east side people informing them of his decision to leave
them and settle in the west precinct. Mr. Loring moved to
the west side, July 25, 1723. (Stearns' Collection.) He
lived about a mile toward the north part of the town, in
what was afterwards an old red house, on the William Hunt
place that was torn down some years since. He subse-
quently lived at the centre, on what is known as the
Wheeler Haynes place.
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jgfi Bj2ifiHl&^i i^-
a SPPBEIr-<
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fflE .j&Sj^SHj
-<■_.-•' "■ Biiiliill
(£?*>> *"r "'jy H'1"****- 1|fc'".%
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THE LORING PARSONAGE, Sudbury Centre
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 291
The church records by Mr. Loring state as follows: "Feb.
11, 1723. The church met at nvy house, where, after the
brethren on the east side had manifested their desire that
the church might be divided into two churches, it was so
voted by majority." At the time of the division of the
church, the number of communicants on the west side was
thirty-two males and forty-two females. (Stearns' Collec-
tion.) The Church Records went into the possession of the
West Parish. On March 18, 1724-5, the west side people
"entered into and renewed" a "holy church covenant," to
which were subscribed the following names : —
Israel Loring David Haynes.
Hopestill Brown Peter Plympton.
James Haynes Senr Noah Clap
John Clap Senr Ephraim Pratt
Thomas Read Sen1" Joseph Noyes
Peter Haynes. John Moore.
Benjaman Wright, Daniel Estabrooke
Joseph Goodenow Hopestill Brown Jun.
John Rice, James Craige,
Samuel Willis. Joseph Brown.
Thomas Read Jun. Jonah Haynes.
John Brigham, Micah Stone.
John Haynes. Ebenezer Dakin. out of town.
David Parmenter, John Clap Jr.
Joseph Gibbs, dismissed, Peter Noyes,
David Maynard. James Haynes.
While ecclesiastical matters were in process of adjustment
on the West side, they were progressing towards a settlement
on the East side also. It is stated that the East Precinct
was organized June 25, 1722. (Temple.) When the effort
to secure the services of Mr. Loring proved futile, a call was
extended to Rev. William Cook, a native of Hadley, Mass.,
and a graduate of Harvard College. The call being accepted,
Mr. Cook was ordained March 20, 1723, and continued their
pastor until his death, Nov. 12, 1760. (See period 1750-
1775.) The town granted eighty pounds to support preach-
ing on both sides of the river for half a year.
292 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
NEW MEETING-HOUSES.
An important matter in connection with the new order of
things was the erection of new meeting-houses. This work
received prompt attention. uAt a town meeting January
22: 172| the town grunted five hundred pounds to build a
new meeting house on the west side, and repair the old one
on the east side, three hundred and eighty pounds for the
new, and one hundred and twenty pounds for the repairing
the old on the east side." The sum for repairing the old
house was at a subsequent meeting made one hundred and
fifty pounds. That this grant of the town was followed up
by speedy action is indicated by the following receipt, dated
Sudbury, May 31, 1725: —
Received of Deacon Noah Clap treasurer for the town of Sudbury,
ten pounds four shillings and four pence, in full of all accounts relating
to the building of the new meeting house in the west precinct of said
Sudbury.
This ten pounds, four shillings, and four pence, and former receipts
of money, making the sum of four hundred pounds, we say received
by us. Abraham Wood,
Joseph Dakin.
The meeting-house in the West Precinct was placed on
the site of the present Unitarian Church in Sudbury Center.
The location was probably selected because central to the
inhabitants of the West Precinct. The following town rec-
ord is interesting, not only because it relates to the location
of the meeting-house, but to other familiar landmarks in the
vicinity: —
Sudbury. June 12: 1725. laid out to the right of Briant Pendleton,
sixteen acres and one hundred and forty rods on and adjoining to the
Pine Hill, near to and Northwesterly of the meeting house on Rocky
Plain in the west precinct in said Sudbury, southerly partly by a high-
way, or road leading from Pantry towards Mr. Wood's mills (at South
Sudbury), along by said meeting house, partly by land laid out for a
burying place and accommodations for and about said meeting house,
and partly by Lancaster road, westerly by land claimed by the Grouts
and northerly bounded by land claimed by James Craigs. In part and
partly by land claimed by the Maynards, and easterly bounded by said
Maynards land.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 293
There is no evidence that when the West side meeting-
house was built there was so much as a humble hamlet at
Rocky Plain. The presence there at that time of a single
house is all that is indicated by tradition or record. In sev-
eral instances the records state something about "ye new
house on rocky plain." In May, 1722, there was a town-
meeting at the new house on Rocky Plain. Oct. 11, 1722,
"a meeting was held at the new house on rocky plain " to
attend to matters relating to a new meeting-house. The
first town-meeting that was held in the new church edifice
was on Aug. 5, 1723. At that time it was voted to have the
warnings for town-meetings for the future posted on both
sides of the river at the two houses of worship.
Near the spot selected for the meeting-house was the
burying-ground set apart by " ye Proprietors of ye undivided
lands " in 1716-17. (See p. 121.) This reservation may
have influenced the people in the selection of Rocky Plain
for the new meeting-house ; and the erection of the meeting-
house there probably determined the location of the central
village of the West Precinct, and in later years of the town
of Sudbury. Furthermore, if the town at this time had
decided to remain one parish, and erected a meeting-house
near the Gravel Pit, for the accommodation of all, the prin-
cipal village would have been gathered in that locality, and
the town might have remained undivided to this day.
After the setting off of the West parish, it was considered
advisable to move the East side meeting-house nearer the
centre of the East Precinct. Jan. 29, 1721-2, "the town by
a vote showed its willingness and agreed to be at the charge
to pull down ye old meeting house and remove it south and
set it up again." At the same meeting they chose a com-
mittee to petition the General Court for permission. In a
paper dated Dec. 28, 1724, and signed by Mr. Jennison,
Zechariah Heard, and Phineas Brintnal, it is stated that they
were " the committee who pulled down and removed the old
meeting house in the East Precinct of Sudbury." About
1725 was recorded the following receipt: "Received of Mr.
John Clap, late treasurer of the town of Sudbury, the sum
of four hundred pounds in full, granted by said town to
294 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
carry on the building of a meeting house in the East Pre-
cinct in said town. We say received by us, Joshua Haynes,
Ephraim Curtis, John Noyes, Samuel Graves, Jonathan Rice,
Committee." This building was located at what is now
Wayland Centre, on the corner lot just south of the old
Town House. The town instructed the committee "to make
it as near as they can like the new house in the West Pre-
cinct, except that the steps " are to be hansomer : " it was
also to have the same number of pews. There is on record
the following description of material used for one of the pul-
pits, together with the price : —
Seaming fringe 0 = 10 = 0
4 Tassels. 1 = 4 = 0
2 yards very fine Silk Plush 2 = 0 = 0.
If yds Tickn for the Cushn 0 = 7 = 7.
4 lbs. finest feathers, a. f 8 : 0 = 11 = 3.
Making Cushn pm & filling 0 = 1 = 6.
Thus at last both precincts were provided with new meet-
ing-houses, and a matter was settled that had occasioned
much interest and more or less activity for nearly a quarter
of a century. Doubtless participants in the affair at the
beginning and during its progress had passed away, and
before its settlement worshipped in a temple not made with
hands, whose Builder and Maker is God. The intercourse
between the two precincts was pleasant, and for a while the
ministers exchanged once a month. For years the salaries
of the two pastors were equal, and again and again is there a
receipt on the town book for eighty pounds for each.
CHAPTER XVI.
1700-1725.
Queen Anne's War; Attendant Hardships. — Father Ralle's War; East-
ern Expedition, List of Sudbury Soldiers. — Ranger Service ; Its
Nature. — Death of Samuel Mossman. — Imperilled Condition of Rut-
land. — Death of Rev. Joseph Willard by the Indians. — Petition
for Assistance. — List of Sudbury Soldiers at Rutland. — Captain
Wright's Letter. — Lieut. William Brintnall ; His Letter. — Province
Loans. — River Meadow. — Causeway. — Roads. — Miscellaneous.
Straggling rangers, worn with dangers,
Homeward faring, weary strangers
Pass the farm-gate on their way ;
Tidings of the dead and living,
Forest march and ambush giving,
Till the maidens leave their weaving,
And the lads forget their play.
Whittier.
While ecclesiastical matters were in process of adjust-
ment in Sudbury, and business was being transacted to fur-
ther the blessed gospel of peace, the community was again
stirred by the rude sounds of strife. The red hand of war
was once more outstretched for destruction, and requisitions
for both material and men were again made on the New
England towns. The first war of the period was Queen
Anne's, so called from Anne of Denmark, who had ascended
the throne of Great Britain. It was waged between England
and France, and, like that of King William, continued about
ten years. The province, to an extent, conducted the war by
campaigns. In 1704, Col. Benjamin Church marched to make
an attack on Acadia. He commanded a force of about five
hundred men, and designed also to attack the Indians of the
295
296 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Penobscot and Passamaquody. In 1710 an expedition was
formed, commanded by General Nicholson, which recovered
Port Royal. In 1711 a campaign was arranged for the cap-
ture of Quebec. For these, and other warlike undertakings,
the resources of the provincial towns were drawn upon ; and
the taxation, deprivation, and loss attendant on these succes-
sive drafts became a grievous burden.
During these years Sudbury had its part to bear. Although,
being removed from the border it did not suffer attack, it
had seasons of suspense. In 1706 it was rumored that a
large force was coming to New England ; and Chelmsford,
Groton, and Sudbury were alarmed. The next year the
enemy approached Groton and Marlboro, but still left Sud-
bury unmolested. The town is mentioned in a province
resolve of May, 1704-5, where it is ordered " that such and
so many of the soldiers enlisted in the military companies
and troops within the respective towns and districts herein
after named, shall each of them at [his] own charge be pro-
vided with a pair of good serviceble snow shoes, mogginsons,
at or before the tenth of November this present year, which
they shall keep in good repair and fit for the service."
(State Archives, Vol. I., p. 247.)
The testimony of the town concerning the hardship of
the period is given in a protest before quoted, in which the
people set forth, as a reason why the parish should not be
divided, " the Vast Expenses which the present wars and
expeditions attending the same calls and may call for."
Peace came in 1713, by the treaty made at Utrecht, and
for a time the land had rest.
But the cessation of Indian hostilities that followed Queen
Anne's War and the Peace of Utrecht was not long contin-
ued. The war-path was soon again to be trod by the savage,
and his freshly made trail was to be followed by the white
man to bring back the captives or recover the spoil. The
cause of the second war of this period was the encroachments
of the savage tribes in the east. The Indians in the eastern
part of the province (Maine), instigated, as is supposed, by
the Governor General of Canada, and by the Jesuits coming
among them, sought to prevent English inhabitants from a
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 297
reoccupation of the former settlements. For this object,
the Cape Sable and Penobscot Indians joined with the tribes
of the Kennebeck and Saco.
This savage alliance meant hardship to the frontier whites.
Predatory bands of the foe lurked in the dark woodlands,
and parts of the province were again kept on the watch.
Sudbury was in no instance assailed, but its soldiers did ser-
vice in other parts. It had men in the eastern expedition,
which was fitted out in 1724, to operate against the Indians
on the Kennebeck. Upon this river, at Norridgewock, there
was an Abenaki village, which had been to the English a
source of trouble, and it was determined to destroy it.
When the troops arrived, the place was found in an
unguarded condition. Ralle, the Jesuit missionary, who
had been the chief instigator of the Indian atrocities, fell
dead in the furious affray. The chiefs Mogg and Bomazeen
also perished, and the tribe was vanquished. Among the
soldiers in the eastern expedition are the following, who
were in three different companies : —
Elijah Willis, Jas. Maynard,
Isaac Rice, Barth0 Stephenson,
John Gould, Sargent, Joseph Woodward,
John Barker, Clerk, Nathan Walker.
Thomas Gates.
(State Archives, Vol. XCIII., pp. 131-46.)
RANGER SERVICE.
Sudbury rendered the country service, not only by its sol-
diers in the conspicuous campaign, but also by its rangers
in a less ostensible service, made up of such marchings and
scoutings as helped to harass and hinder the foe. They
ranged the frontier as a faithful border guard, and stood
between homestead and savage invaders, who lurked ready
to swoop down on the defenseless home, and make captive
or kill the inmates.
In this service one of the Sudbury men lost his life under
peculiarly sad and touching circumstances. Says the narra-
tor : "At evening one of our men viz: Samuel Mossman of
298 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Sudbury, being- about encamping, took hold of his gun that
stood among some Bushes, drew it towards him with the
muzzle towards him, some Twigg caught hold of the Cock,
the Gun went off and shot him through, he died immedi-
ately." (Letter of John White to the authorities. State
Archives, Vol. LXXIL, p. 230.) Thus a lone grave in the
wilderness was prepared for a soldier of Sudbury. What
other instances of accident, hardship, and loss may have been
sustained in service like this, there are none now to relate ;
but the very nature of this border warfare is suggestive of
hardship, of hair-breadth escapes, of exposure to wilderness
perils, to rough weather and the tricks of a war}' foe.
One place in which Sudbury soldiers did valuable service
at this time was Rutland. This town was frontier territory,
and for thirty years had suffered more or less from savage
incursions. As has been noticed, it was settled largely by
people from Sudbury (see Chap. IX.); and naturally the
town would be interested in their kinsmen or former citi-
zens.
About the time of which we write, several of the inhabi-
tants had been killed or captured. Among the former was
their minister, Rev. Joseph Willard. The circumstances at-
tending this death were peculiarly sad. Mr. Willard had
been called to the ministry of the Rutland church, and
was to have been ordained in the fall. One day in August,
being out with his gun hunting, or to collect fodder for his
cattle, he was suddenly beset by two Indians. They fired
upon him, but without effect. He returned the fire, wound-
ing one of them ; the other closed in for a hand-to-hand
fight, when three more Indians came to his assistance, and
together they gained the mastery, and killed and scalped
their victim.
Such was the exposed condition of the early settlers at
Rutland in this gloomy period. February, 1724-5, they sent
a petition to Governor Dummer for help, in which they
stated that "the summer previous they laboured under great
difficulty & hardship by reason of the Avar with the Indian
enemy, and not being able to raise their corn and other pro-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 299
visions, so that they were obliged to travel near twenty miles
for the same, and purchase it at a very dear rate, which ren-
der it very difficult to subsist themselves and their families,
more especially ye soldiers posted there." They desired that
more might be added to the five soldiers already allowed
them.
This indicates the imperilled condition of the place. Pred-
atory bands were lurking about it. The woodlands were a
covert from which the savage might suddenly sally, and in
whose dark forest retreat he might safety secure his prey.
At any time the people might suffer attack. Their harvest,
their homes, their households, were alike liable to be devas-
tated and swept away. But strong men were sent to defend
them, stout hearts were soon there ; and to a large extent
these came from the town of Sudbury. Again and again
were detachments sent from the place. Some of the soldiers
for this service were under the command of Capt. Samuel
Willard. In his journal he speaks of mustering at the town
of Lancaster one day, and moving on to Rutland the next;
of laying by in foul weather, of marching back and forth
through the country, and of seeing and following the signs
of Indians. The service spoken of was from July to August,
1725. In the course of his narrative he speaks of William
Briritnall being sick, and of David How being lame, both
of whom he sent home. (State Archives, Vol. XXXVIII.,
pp. 109, 110.) These two men were soldiers from Sudbury.
Another commander under whom the Sudbury soldiers served
was Capt. Samuel Wright. (See p. 170.) On a muster-roll
of Captain Wright, read in Council, June 17, 1724, are the
following names of Sudbury men who had served for several
months : —
Daniel How, Lieut. Hugh Ditson,
Corp. Joseph Bennet, Wm Thompson,
John Norcross, Gentl. Jona Stanhope,
Isaac Gibbs, Daniel Bowker.
Amnill Weeks, servant to Samuel Stevens.
In another muster-roll, consented to in 1724, are the fol-
lowing names : Samuel How, Sergt. Joseph Bennet, Corp.
300 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Hugh Ditson, William Thompson, John Ross, son to James
Ross, Amnil Weeks, servant to Samuel Stevens. In another
muster-roll of Captain Wright, examined in 1725, are the
names of Serg. Daniel How, Mark Voice [Vose], Daniel
Mackdonald, Richard Burk. Other rolls examined in 1725
have the names of Daniel Bowker, Abner Cutler, Charles
Adams, Elias Parmenter, and Pegin, a Natic Indian. (State
Archives, Vol. XCI.)
It was in the year 1724 that an occurence took place which
shows the perils of the times, and the nature of the service
to which our rangers were called. Says Captain Wright in
a letter to the Court : —
These are to inform your Honors that what I feared is come upon us
for want [of men] to guard us at our work, this day about 12 o'clock five
men and a boy [were] making hay in the middle of the town.
A number of Indians surrounded them and shot first at the boy which
alarmed the men, who ran for their guns, but the Indians shot upon
them, and kept them from their guns, and shot down three of the men
and wounded another in the arm, who got home, the fifth got home with-
out any damage.
The men that are killed are James Clark, Joseph Wood, Uriah Ward,
the boy missing is James Clark.
(State Archives, Vol LXXII.)
This matter-of-fact report of Captain Wright is vividly
su""£restive of the nature of that period. The border settle-
ments knew not when they were safe. There was poor
encouragement to sow if a foe might destroy the harvest
or keep the husbandman from its safe ingathering. Yet
so it was. Spring with its sunshine and showers might
warm and mellow the soil, the field be well sown, the mid-
summer ripen the crops, and the time of harvest promise
gladness and plenty. A noontide stillness rests on the fruit-
ful fields. The warm, mellow haze of the early autumnal
day enwraps nature about, and the landscape is tranquil in
the mild air of a New England Fall. All is quiet, save for
the motion of the busy harvesters as, moving about amid the
rustling maize, they cut the stalks or gather the corn. But
the whole scene may suddenly change ; like the haymakers
mentioned by Captain Wright, so these harvesters, all uncon-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 301
scious of what is near, may be startled by the rushing of sav-
age feet, and, before they can make any defense, be slain or
carried captive to a far-off place.
Before the service closed, William Brintnall, whose name
has been prominent on the muster-lists, was assigned to the
leadership of the little company who was to guard Rutland,
going there as lieutenant. The following is a letter written
by him to the Governor : —
Rutland, August 19th 1725.
Honored sr. After my duty to you presented, these are to inform
your Honors, that by virtue of the Order I received from you to go to
Rutland in quest of the Indian Enimies, and Scout about the meadow,
with twelve volunteers, I have accordingly obeyed said orders, by having
the twelve men, Eight of which are Capt. Willard's men, and Four who
I Enlisted and came to Rutland with these on friday Last, and have
Ever since scouted and guarded the meadow, for ye people in their get-
ting of hay, we have discovered no signs of Indians as yet, but Expect
them dayly, for Ensign Stephens is arrived with his son from Canada,
and saith that ye [there] was a company designed for New England,
when he came from Canada, he intends to be at Boston with your
Honor on Monday next, all at present. I remain your Hon01"'"* Ever
Devoted Lieut. Wm Bkintnall.
The new men who I enlisted are
Samu" Goodenow, Paul Brintnall,
Benj. Dudley, Jonathan Bent.
Capt. Willard's men are
William Brintnall, Joshua Parker,
Danel How, Jacob Moore,
Cyprian Wright, James Nutting,
Delivce Brooks, Thomas Lamb.
(State Archives, Vol. LXXIL, p. 258.)
According to the muster-roll of Sergeant Brintnall, he and
his company of volunteers served from Aug. 17, 1725. Their
pay was four shillings per day, the time of service ten weeks
and two days, and their duty to serve as a guard about Rut-
land. William Brintnall taught school in Sudbury shortly
before his enlistment in ihe above service. On the town
book is the following record: "Received of the Constable of
Sudbury, by order of the town Treasurer, 'all that was Due
to me for keeping the school in the year 1722: 1723: 1724.
Signed per William Brintnall Sudbury, Sept. 8, 1726."
302 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
One of the last prominent military acts of this period was
the disastrous defeat of John Lovewell of Dunstable, by the
Pigwackets, at the present town of Fryeburg, Me. At about
this date the tribes ceased hostilities. For a time the war-
path was abandoned, and it was again safe for the defense-
less traveller to take the forest trail.
PROVINCE LOANS.
In order to meet the exigencies of the times, in the year
1721 the General Court issued a loan to the amount of fifty
thousand pounds. This Avas to be distributed among the
several provincial towns, in what were called bills of credit.
The distribution was according to the taxes paid by the
towns, and was to be returned to the public treasury within
a certain length of time. That Sudbury took her share of
the loan is indicated by several payments which were suc-
cessively made and a record of receipts received. Of these
the following is a specimen : —
Boston August 2 : 17:20.
Received of the Trustees of the town of Sudbury by Mr. Daniel
Haynes, one hundred and one pounds, twelve shillings, being the first
fifth part of their proportion to the ^50,000. Loan.
Per. Allen, Treasurer.
From time to time other fifths were paid, and receipts ren-
dered therefor, until Aug. 12, 1730, when the last fifth was
paid, and a receipt in full was received. The loan of 1721
was followed by another a few years later to the amount
of sixty thousand pounds. The order authorizing it was en-
acted in 1728, and was called "an act for raising and settling
public revenues for and defraying the necessary charges of
the government by an emission of £60,000 in bills of credit."
(Felt's " Historical Account of Massachusetts Currenc}*,"
p. 84.) Sudbury had a share in this loan also.
While the attention of the people in this period was largely
engrossed with educational, ecclesiastical, and military mat-
ters, the regular, routine business of the town was not neg-
lected. Aug. 11, 1702, "it was voted, that the Towne would
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 303
send a pettione to the general cort concerning our River
meadows, that are much damnified by reason of many stop-
pages, that the Generall Cort would ease us of our tax, or
choose a committee to see if it may be helpt, the pettione to
be sined in the name of the towne." This vote was carried
out, and a petition was sent to the Court jointly by Concord
and Sudbury. In it they state that they had sustained —
Grate damage by reason of the water lying on sd meadow whereby
they are much straitened and incapacited to bear Town and county
charges, and maintain of their families, and something hath been done
in order to the Lowering of the water by Removing Rocks and bars of
sand, and formerly there hath been a committe sent up by the general
court to view the sd meadow, and they have found the stoppage of water
may be cleared, but by reason of different apprehensions it hath Layne
ever since, we therefore humbly pray the Hon1 Court that it impower a
committee to see that the work be done forthwith, that so the present
opportunity may not be neglected, and to set us a way that those persons
concerned in sd meadow may beare an equal proportion in sd work.
The court resolved to appoint a committee of persons in Concord, Sub-
bury and Hillerica fully empowered to order and determine what may be
necessary for clearing sd meadow.
In 1710 the town voted to petition the General Court to
make the long causeway "a county road." Feb. 22, 1714-15,
it was requested "to see what method the town will take for
mending and raising the causeway from the Town Bridge to
Lieut. Daniel Haynes." On June 2, 1720, it was requested
" to see if the town will raise the causeway from the Gravel
pit as far as Capt. Ilaynes'es old place, proportionally to the
aforesaid Long Causewa}r when mended."
Feb. 25, 1714-15, the town ordered that it would choose
a committee of three men to join with Concord to view the
obstructions and stopages in the great river.
In 1723-4 a way was laid out from Lanham to the west
meeting-house. According to the records, "the latter part
of said way, bounded as follows, viz. through the ministerial
land, near the southwesterly corner, and so on, something
northwesterly. From thence it went, in a straight line, to
Nathaniel Rice's, and so northerly, to the highway leading
to Lancaster, near the new meeting house." It is now
known as the Old Graves Road, so called from a house
304 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
which stood just south of the Old Lancaster Road, at its
intersection with this one.
Dec. 14, 1715, the town voted that " there be a horse
bridge built on Assabeth river : : : and that the selectmen
do order that ye bridge be erected and built over assabath
river between ye land of Timothy Gilson and Thomas Burt's
land." In 1717-18 the town voted that it would have u* a
New bridge built over Sudbury river where the old bridge
now stands, at the end of the long Causeway."
About 1715 a statement is made in relation to three pounds
for providing " a burying cloth, for ye towns use."
In 1722 there is reference to two padlocks, — one for the
pound, another for the stocks, — indicating that the unruly
were subject to restraint and discipline.
May 13, 1723, it was voted to choose a committee to pre-
sent a petition to the General Court " to prevent ye stopage
of ye fish in Concord and Sudbury river."
CHAPTER XVII.
1725-1750.
Highways. — Bridges. — Schools. — Movement for a New Township;
Remonstrances. — Petition Relating to the River Meadows. — Sale
of Peter Noyes's Donation of the Hop Brook Mill. — Gratuities to
the Ministers. — Miscellaneous Matters.
The years with change advance.
Tennyson.
The period upon which we now enter was an eventful
one throughout the whole country. Three governors, Bur-
nett, Belcher, and Shirley, bore rule. Burnett died in 1729,
Belcher left office in 1740, and Shirley entered upon the
office in 1741. During the latter part of this period war
again called to the front the provincial forces, and the
towns were to hear its stern voice and to feel its rude
shock. Before, however, the season of strife set in, there
was a brief season of peace. During this respite the town
made advancement. The tokens of increasing prosperity
were manifest in the construction of highways and bridges,
and the attention given to miscellaneous matters.
HIGHWAYS.
Of these improvements we will notice, first, those relating
to highways. This subject had more prominence than in the
preceding period, the reasons for which are obvious ; as time
passed on new clearings were made upon which to locate
new homes, and new homes perhaps demanded new roads.
The last period was one of war ; new facilities may have
been postponed till better times. Furthermore, the forma-
tion of the west precinct doubtless called for new roads.
With a meeting-house at Rocky Plain, and a community
beginning to gather, new paths were to be opened to it.
305
306 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
In 1735-6 a way is mentioned as " beginning- at Marl-
borough road, at Mr. Abraham Woods shop until it comes
to Lieut. John Haynes." About the same time is the state-
ment of a change of highway from Whale's Bridge over
Pine Plain (Wayland), a part of which way is spoken of in
connection with Jonathan Grout's land. In 1736 a new
highway is spoken of over Pine Brook at John Grout's.
In 1733 the town accepted of a road "laid out by Samuel
Dakins to Concord line, and so into the road leading to Stow
by Mr. Jonathan Browns in sd town." Also at the same
meeting "a way for the upper end of little Gulf at Mr.
Samuel Noyes land by David Maynards to Pantry Bridge."
In 1734 a way was laid out "from Landham to Sudbury part
of the way to go through the land of John Goodnow and
part land of Isaac Reed." About 1735-o a way is spoken of
" from Landham to the Clay pits on the east side of Paul
Brintnal's barn." During this period " Zackriah Hurd was
to make a new way lastly laid out by John Grout's by a
Jury," "a substantial, passable County Road." In 1742 a
highway was " accepted for the County road by the town
bridge to Sedge meadow." The next year Eliab Moore was
allowed "to set up gates or bars and fence from the highway
leading from the town bridge to Sedge meadow." Towards
the end of the period a highway is spoken of "from Honey
Pot Brook through Jabez Puffer's land." In 1728 the town
accepted of a highway "from the centre road by the house
of Joseph Moore by the training field till it come into the
Concord road." In 1729-30 it was voted " to accept the
way laid out from Thomas Smiths to the west meeting
house." This was to go "through Pantry." In 1730 men-
tion is made of a way from " Non sidge round hill by Peter
Bent's into town." Also a highway is spoken of from
Lancaster road "beginning at Mr. Peter Plympton's land
leading into Gulf neck, by David Parmenters and Uriah
Wheelers, by the training field, and so into same road at
Lake end." A way is also spoken of in 1729, in the east
precinct of Sudbury, " from Non Such Round hill to the
meeting house in said Precinct." In this period there is
mentioned a road " from the New bridge, by Mr. Joseph
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 307
Stones In sd Towne to the road leading to Framinoham
by Mr. Benjamin Stones In sd town."
As might be expected, when so much attention was paid
to the highways, the causeways and bridges were not neg-
lected. In 1733 two men were to repair the bridge at the
east side of the causeway, " so as }re said butments may not
be washed down or be carried away by ye floods as in times
past." In 1735 new plank was provided "for the Grat bridg
at the East End of the Long Causewa." About 1743 a sub-
scription was made for a bridge between the land of "John
Haynes on the west side the river and John Woodward on
the east side the river, and Mr. Edward Sherman and John
Woodward, agreed, if the subscribers would erect the bridge,
to give a good and conveniant way, two rods wide through
their land." In 1747 Jonathan Rice rebuilt Lanham Bridge,
and received for the same five pounds. The next year there
is a record as follows : " To Matthew Gibbs for Rum & for
raising Landham Bridge 12 Shillings." In 1726-7 it was
voted to expend on the " long causeway from the town
bridge to the gravel pit one hundred pounds." In 1729 the
town voted to build a new bridge at the east end of the long
causeway. In connection with this record we have the two
following of about the same date: that "part of the effects
of the old meeting house " was to be paid toward the build-
ing of the bridge over Sudbury River. The other is this
report of the committee chosen by the town to build a
bridge at the eastern end of the long causeway: "To David
Baldwin for frame of Bridge, 37 pounds. To twelve men to
raise said bridge, who went into ye water 3 pounds." Other
items were given, among which is this: "For Drink &c.
os ld." (Date, 1729.) On the town records, dated Nov. 28,
1730, is the following : " Received of the selectmen of said
town [Sudbury] four pounds and ten shillings in full dis-
charge for building a bridge for said town over the brook by
Mr. Abraham Woods in Sudbury [South Sudbury]. I say
received per John Goodnow."
EDUCATION.
During this period educational advantages were on the
gain. In 1732 a school-house was built on the east side.
308 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
In 1735 the town voted thirty pounds for the support of
public schools. The next year the town granted twenty
pounds for the out-schooling in said town, three parts for
the west and two for the east side of the river. In 1733 the
committee were instructed " not to exceed sixty pounds for
the schools ye year ensuing." In 1734 it voted thirty pounds
for the grammar school in Sudbury; also voted that their
representative present a petition to the General Court in
behalf of the town for a school-farm in some of the unappro-
priated land. In 1734 it "granted 30 pounds to support
schools at the school house, and twenty pounds for and
towards schools in the out parts or quarters of sd town for
that year.' In 1735-6 Amos Smith asked to have the gram-
mar school removed into the several out-parts of the town
"for the futer;" but the town voted in the negative. In
1740 it was ordered that the grammar school should be kept
" in the five remote corners of the town, as it hath formerly
been from the 8th day of December until ye end of October
next." In 1747 the town voted that the schools should be
kept at five places, "at the school house near Nathan Good-
now's, at that near Israel Mosses, and at or near the house
of Mr. Elijah Haynes, at or near the house of Dea. James
Brewer as can conveniantly Bee, and ye school belonging to
ye farm near Mr. Smiths." Thus former school privileges
were still kept up, while new opportunities were extended to
districts more remote.
MOVEMENT FOR A NEW TOWNSHIP.
While the town was thus making perceptible progress,
and the tokens of wholesome prosperity were appearing here
and there, an occurrence arose which was thought to be por-
tentous of undesirable things. This was an attempt, in the
year 1739-40, by a portion of the Sudbury inhabitants to
colonize and become a new town. The movement was made
jointly by parties from Framingham, Sudbury, Marlboro, and
Stow. A petition was sent by them to the General Court,
March 14, 1739, in which they ask to be made a "separate
Township, invested with proper liberties and privileges, and
as such proposing our centre at a pine tree with a heap of
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 309
stones round it." The reasons they gave were that " we
have for a long time been greatly incommoded, and labored
undere great difficulties as to an attendance on ye means of
grace, publickly dispensed, by reason of ye great distance
from ye place of ye public worship in ye towns to which we
respectively belong, some of our houses being three, four,
five and six miles therefrom, and ye roads very difficult espe-
cially at some seasons of ye year." They further state " we
apprehend ourselves capable by the blessing of Heaven on
our lawful endeavor to support ye charges y* may accrue."
This was signed by forty-three persons. The Court received
the petition, and by an act of the House of Representatives,
March 14, 1739, it was ordered that the petitioners "serve
the towns represented by it with a copy of the petition, that
they might be present at the next May session, and show
cause, if they had such, why it should not be granted."
(State Archives, Vol. XII., p. 137.)
Sudbury was duly represented at the appointed time.
The town voted, May, 19, 1740, "that Capt. John Haynes
& Mr. John Woodward Be a committee fully impowered in
the town's behalf To go to the Great & General Court or
assembly to give our reasons why ye prayer of the Petition
of Sundry inhabitants of Sudbury, Framingham and Stow
should not be granted as set forth in the petition." When
the case was called up by the Court, the delegates in behalf
of the town presented the protest. In the document that
contains it they set forth several reasons why the petition of
David Howe and other inhabitants of Sudbury, Marlboro,
Framingham, and Stow, dated March 14, 1739, should not
be granted. They state that " there in an uncertainty "
about the petition ; that the town does not know what
damage it is likely to sustain by loss of population or land ;
that to weaken the town would tend to discourage the min-
isters, who have several times applied for more salary, which
would very readily be granted if the ability of the town would
admit of the same. They refer to the —
Very great charge that the town hath lately been at in building 2
meeting houses, 2 school houses, and settling 2 ministers together with
several great bridges and sundry long and difficult causeways, which
310 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
with the continual accompanying changes of the said town, make the
burthen in a great measure insupportable on many of the inhabitants,
and if any should be taken from said town, it would make the burthen
still heavier. That the meeting house on the west side of Sudbury river
was placed by a committee of this Hon. Court, where the Petitioners
desired it, and that they signed to the place where the meeting house
now standeth with their own hands, and yet many of the inhabitants on
the west side of said River, live at a greater distance, from the west
meeting house than any of the Petitioners. The very great difficulties
that the town of Sudbury is under by reason of the floods that in the
summer season often overflow our meadows, and so damage our hay and
grain, that makes many of the inhabitants of said town so weak, that
instead of bearing charges in the town apply themselves for relief, all
which reasons and considerations lay the town of Sudbury under a
necessity of claiming those privileges granted to them by the Royal
Charter in the following words, viz. That all and any land, tenements,
hereditaments, and all other estate, which any person or persons, or bod-
ies, politic or Corporate Towns, do hold or enjoy or ought to hold and
enjoy, within the bounds aforesaid, by or under any grant or estate duly
made or granted by any General Court formerly held, or by any other
lawful right or title whatever shall be by such Towns their Respective
Heirs, successors, assigns, forever hereafter held and enjoyed according
to the Import and patent of such respective grant.
We therefore pray this Hon. Court to take the Premises into ye wise
consideration and dismiss the before recited Petition, and so resting we
Crave leave to subscribe our Selves your Excellency's and Honor's most
humble servants, who as in duty bound shall ever pray.
T TT i Committee
John Haynes /
John Woodward ( °r
) Sudbury.
A remonstance to the petition was also sent by the town
of Framingham, and the request of the petitioners for a new
township was not granted.
RIVER MEADOWS.
July 15, 1742, a petition was presented, signed by Israel
Loring and about seventy-five others, relating to the river
meadows. It was directed to His Excellency, William
Shirley, Esq., Captain General and Governor, and was as
follows : —
The petition of us who are the subscribers, who are the major part of
owners and propriters of the meadows lying upon the river called Con-
cord and Sudbury River, Humbly showeth, that wheras your petitioners
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 311
have and do often times suffer very great damages both in our hay as
well as our grass, by reason of the floods which hath and do very often
over flow and stand a long time upon our said meadows, and great cause
whereof as we humbly conceive in the many bars and stoppages which
are in the river, and sundry of these within the bounds of Concord and
Sudbury, whereof our humble request is that your Excellency and
Honors would be pleased to appoint for a relief, as in your great wis-
dom you shall think best, commissioners of sewers (as the law directs in
such causes) with full power to act and do for our relief what may be
thought by them in our case needful and necessary for the removal of
said bars and stoppages that are in the said river &c, all which is humbly
submitted, and your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. (State
Archives, Vol. CV., p. 209.)
There was a further list of sixty-two names given in an
additional part, dated December, 1742, accompanied by a
statement that the signers did not have opportunity to sign
the first petition.
SALE OF HOP BROOK MILL.
In 1699 the town chose a committee to receive a donation
given by Mr. Peter Noyes, late of Sudbury, to the poor of
the town. This donation consisted of his mill. After the
town took possession of this property, it was leased for a
term of years to Mr. Abraham Wood. On the town record
is the following reason for granting this lease : —
Wheras the tovvne taking into consideration the gift that Ensign
Peter Noyes hath given to ye poore of our towne namely ye mills, com-
monly called by ye name of ye new mills, with ye lands and privilleges
belonging to ye same and being sensible that ye letting of it yearly, will
be a means to bring ye sd mills and housen to decay and in time utter
ruine, in which will be a great wrong to our poore, and that will not
answer ye end of ye (Townes) doner, Therefore in respect to both [him]
and our own good which is involved in ye same, we therefore by a vote,
grant liberty to them that are concerned as to ye disposal of said gift, to
dispose of it for years as they shall see cause for ye benefit and in behalf
of ye poore of ye towne of Sudbury.
March ye 19th, 1700. This was passed into an act by ye towne by a
magger vote.
In 1728-9 it was voted to sell the mills, and give a deed
in the name of the town. The heirs of the donor had laid
claim to a considerable part of his gift ; a lawsuit had com-
812 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
menced, and the town had voted money to defend the prop-
erty ; the town, therefore, voted to sell the same for the
sum of seven hundred pounds. The money was to be put
on interest for the use of the poor, and to be disposed of by
the selectmen and ministers. The property was purchased
by Messrs. Abraham Wood, Sen., and Abraham Wood, Jr.
The following record was made concerning the sale: "These
may certify that the subscribers, selectmen of the town of
Sudbury, have received the bonds or security given by Mi-
Abraham Wood Sen. and Abraham Wood Jun. for seven
hundred pounds Province Bills, in full of and at the hands
of Noah Clapp, Uriah Wheeler, and John Ilayns. Barin
date Mar. 13th 1728 : 9."
In 1730-1 the town petitioned the General Court " that
the Great Bridge over Charles river may not be built, but a
ferry erected instead."
The four records following show the kindness the town
exercised towards its ministers: In 1733 it voted to give
Rev. Mr. Cook twenty pounds in money towards making up
for the loss of his barn, which it is said was agreeable to a
petition of some inhabitants of Sudbury ; it also voted, at
the same meeting, to give the ministers a gratuity of forty
pounds each for the year ; in 1734 the town voted that Rev.
Mr. Minot should have five pounds for preaching three days
when Mr. Loring was lame ; in 1735 the ministers were to
have so much as to make their salaries, including the wood,
a hundred and fifty pounds each of them.
In 1739 an article was in the warrant " to see if the town
will grant money to provide more ammunition to the town's
stock."
In 1740 the town "voted to procure another meeting house
bell as good as the one they had."
In 1741 the following items were inserted in the town
book : " To Dr Roby for medicine administered to Frank,
negro woman." "Granted ten pounds for cutting and clear-
ing the brush growing or standing around the west meeting
house." Granted twenty pounds for the relief of the [poor
of the] town. " Granted to Joseph Muggins and Joseph
THE WOODS OR ALLEN HOUSE.
The oldest house in South Sudbury, and the author's birthplace.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 313
Goodnow, to take the care of, arid sweep the meeting houses
in sd town, and take care of the two school houses in sd town,
at forty shillings apiece, old tenor, End the year ensuing."
" To Thomas Reed for what he did for Frank, Negro, in
ye time of her last sickness."
In 1746-7 "a committee was chosen to show cause to the
General session why the wife and children of Edward Joyn
should not be deemed inhabitants of the town."
In 1747 " an agent or agents were appointed to prosecute
such person or persons as have Broken the meeting house
Bell Belonging to said Town, now hanging in the School
house near the East meeting house, In said town."
CHAPTER XVIII.
1725-1750.
Third French and Indian War. — Sudbury Soldiers at Cape Breton.—
Fort No. 4, N.H. — Capt. Phineas Stevens. — Sketch of His Life.—'
His Service in Connection with the Building and Defense of the Fort.
■ — Capt. Josiah Brown. — Engagement with French and Indians about
the Fort. — Petition of Captain Brown. — Petition of Jonathan Stan-
hope.— Battle between the Forces of Captain Stevens and General
Debeline. — Expedition of Captain Hobbs. — Battle between the Com-
mands of Captain Hobbs and Chief Sackett. — Sketch of Capt. Josiah
Brown. — List of Captain Brown's Troopers.
He cometh unto you with a tale which holdeth children from play, and
old men from the chimney-corner. — Sir Philip Sidney.
Having considered the records of a short interval of peace
in this period, we again turn to the annals of war. England
and France were again to engage in strife. This war has
had various names. It has been called in America " King
314 HTSTORY OF SUDBURY.
George's War," but in England " The War of the Austrian
Succession." It has also been called " The Cape Breton
War," and "The French and Indian War." The latter term
is appropriate, but might tend to mislead, since other wars
have occurred with these parties. A suitable term for it may
be "The Third French War."
The war was declared in 1744, and continued till the
peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1748. Its principal event was
the capture of Louisburg, a French stronghold at Cape Bre-
ton, which had been called, because of its strength, the
Gibraltar of America. It had been built since the peace
treaty of Utrecht, at great expense, but after a forty-nine
days' siege it fell into the hands of the English. The troops
for its capture were from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode
Island, and New Hampshire. The men suffered much before
the place surrendered, but when the work was at length
accomplished there was rejoicing throughout the province.
Sudbury soldiers assisted at the capture of this place. The
following is a list of some of the men : —
Samuel Osborne, Silas Balcom, John Underwood, Samuel Balcom,
John Rice, Reuben Vose, Ruben Moore, John Nixon [at this time of
Framingham, afterwards of Sudbury], Lieut Estabrook, Lieut. Augustus
Moore, Abijah Walker, Micah Parmenter, Jas. Balcom, Eben Mossman,
James Balcom.
Besides service in connection with this prominent event in
the war, there was another service with which Sudbury sol-
diers were connected, which, though less prominent than the
one just mentioned, was of vast importance to the country.
This was the work of a border guard, or manning the fron-
tier forts. As in other contests between England and France,
when hostilities broke out in America there was a wild border
conflict with a mixed savage and civilized foe. Tribes not
friendly to the English, nor bound to them by treaty alle-
giance, hastened to aid their old allies, the French, in Can-
ada, and strewed their pathway thither with sad marks of
their mission and of their impatience to begin the strife.
A confederation thus formed by the Indians and French
meant terror to the English frontier. Predatory bands of
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 315
savages again took the trail. The woodlands again resounded
with their rude shouts; and the sunny hillsides and fair inter-
vales by the northern New England streams were again trod
and retrod by the Indian in his sly search for human prey.
To protect these defenseless places, and form a rendezvous
into which the people could flee, and at the same time fur-
nish quarters for such a military guard as might be sent to
intercept the foe, was of very great importance. To accom-
plish these objects there was erected by the province and the
towns a cordon of block-houses and forts. Several of these
were situated in the vicinity of the Connecticut River, of
which the most northerly was called No. 4, and was at what
is now Charlestown, N.H. This fortification was notable for
the frequent attack and repulse of the enemy. It was in the
direct track of the French and Indians as they swept down
from Canada, by way of Lake Champlain and Montreal, on
their way to the frontier towns of Massachusetts. To take
this fort was considered of great importance by the enemy,
who hovered about it as a coveted prize ; and it was of equal
importance to the English to retain it.
In the holding of this wilderness fortress, and in military
operations in the vicinity, Sudbun^ soldiers had a prominent
share. The commander of the fort was Phineas Stevens,
a native of Sudbury ; he was a noted Indian fighter, and
an ambassador to Canada to negotiate for the ransom of
prisoners.
CAPT. PHINEAS STEVENS.
Mr. Stevens was born Feb. 20, 1706 (see Chap. IX.), and
went to Rutland with his father, Dea. Joseph Stevens, about
1719. Aug. 14, 1723, he was taken captive by the Indians,
and carried to Canada. He was afterwards redeemed, and
taken home. In 1734 he married his cousin, Elizabeth
Stevens, of Petersham, Mass. He lived for a time at Rut-
land, and moved from there to Charlestown, N.H. He was
a prominent citizen of that place, in both civil and military
matters, in its early history. His name was on the proprie-
tors' book about 1743 as a petitioner for a proprietors' meet-
ing ; and the same year he was on a committee for providing
316 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
a " learned and orthodox minister to preach the Gospel."
The same year he received a commission as lieutenant of
militia from Governor Wentworth of New Hampshire. In
174-4 he was commissioned by Governor Shirley of Massachu-
setts as lieutenant of volunteers for the defense of the fron-
tier. The next year he was appointed by the same authority
as captain for service against the French and Indians.
Captain Stevens was repeatedly commissioned to go to
Canada to negotiate for the deliverance of prisoners. In
1752 he negotiated for the deliverance of John Stark of
New Hampshire, who was afterwards General Stark who
commanded the continental forces at the battle of Benning-
ton. The ransom of Stark was an Indian pony, valued at
one hundred and three dollars. This amount was paid back
by Stark in money, which he earned as a hunter on the
Androscoggin, Maine.
Since to narrate all the services of Captain Stevens at
No. 4 and elsewhere in this Avar would take considerable
space, we will only present a few facts which may set forth
something of his military history and the arduous nature of
his work. A settlement was begun at No. 4 about 1740, and
shortly afterwards Mr. Stevens went there and became one
of the three proprietors who settled the place. At that time
No. 4 was the most advanced post of English civilization in
the northwest. It was surrounded by dense forests, and
much exposed to the French and Indians in their incursions
from the north. The foe to which the people were exposed
was exceedingly fierce and cruel. Such a combination of
bad qualities as was manifested by the enemy that came
from Canada was seldom seen.
FORT NO. 4.
About three years after the settlement began, the prospect
of war was so great that the proprietors of No. 4 held a meet-
ing and decided to erect a fort, and made an assessment to
meet the expense. Lieutenant Stevens was one of the asses-
sors to apportion the sum of three hundred pounds towards
the work. He was also one of a committee appointed to
keep the fort in repair, and " to take care that no person
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 317
come to dwell in any of the houses within the fort but such
as they the said committee shall approve."" The fort was
built under the direction of Col John Stoddard of Northamp-
ton, Mass., who had formerly superintended the building of
the block-house at Fort Dummer in central Massachusetts.
The fort contained about three-quarters of an acre, was built
in the form of a square, and had about one hundred and
eight}7 feet on a side. The walls were made of squared
timbers, and put together after the manner of a log-house.
Inside the enclosure were houses, which were owned by pri-
vate parties previously to their enclosure in the fort, but
were bought up and afterwards called province houses.
One of these belonged to Lieutenant Stevens, for which
he received thirty-five pounds. These houses were placed
against the walls of the fort, and so arranged that the}* could
at once be put in a state of defense if the enemy got inside
the fort. On the north side the fort had a stockade of tim-
bers about a foot in diameter, which were placed end-wise in
the ground, and were about twelve feet high.
New Hampshire having but little interest in defending a
place so far from their other settlements, and Massachusetts
feeling under no obligations to protect them, because out-
side her limits, the little company provided its own means of
defense. The assistance subsequently rendered by Massa-
chusetts was on account of the protection afforded by this
fort to her settlements on the south.
The fort was scarcely finished when war was declared by
England against France and Spain. A few soldiers were
stationed to defend the little stronghold, and Capt. Phineas
Stevens was placed in command. In the early part of the
war the fort was unmolested ; but April 19, 1746, about
forty French and Indians came into the vicinity, and did
disastrous work. Several men were captured, and a saw
and grist mill was burned. May 2d another raid was made,
and one man was killed. On May 24th, Capt. Daniel Paine
of Dudley, Mass., was sent to assist in defending the place.
Shortly after his arrival, some of his men ventured out to see
the place where the man had been killed a few days before,
when they were suddenly assailed by the savages, who killed
318 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
five of them and captured one. Captain Stevens with a few
men rushed to the rescue. He engaged the savages, and
forced them to retire, as it is supposed, with the loss of sev-
eral men. At about this time Captain Stevens was rein-
forced by a troop of horse from Sudbury, under command of
Capt. Josiah Brown.
SERVICES OF CAPTAIN BROWN'S COMPANY.
On the 17th of June, shortly after their arrival, this com-
pany was called into action, and had a severe engagement
with the enemy in a meadow not far from the fort. The
following is an account of the affair published July 1, 1746:
We hear that on Thursday, the 19th. ult., at a plantation called No. 4,
Capt. Stevens, of the garrison there, and Capt. Brown, of Sudbury, with
about fifty men, went out into the woods to look for horses and, coming
near a causeway there were obliged to pass, their dogs being on the hunt
before them, and barking very much, they suspected some Indians were
near; whereupon, keeping a good lookout, they discovered a great num-
ber of them, supposed to be a hundred and fifty, lying in ambush, wait-
ing for them on the other side; so that if they had passed over, in all
probability, most of them might be cut off.
The Indians on finding themselves discovered, suddenly started up,
and a smart engagement immediately ensued, in which, it is supposed,
that the English fired first and engaged them so closely and briskly that
they soon drew off, and being followed by our men retreated into a
large swamp; whereupon the English returned to the garrison, not car-
ing to venture, after such numbers, into so hazardous a place. (Farmer
& Moore, Vol. III., p. 294.)
Captain Brown, in a petition to the General Court in
behalf of himself and his troops, states as follows concern-
ing this battle : —
That whereas on the 19th day of June 1756 in his Magestie's service,
at a place called No. 4, on the western frontier, the said Josiah Brown
with his troop had a very warm and dangerous engagement with a num-
erous party of the Indian enemy, together with painful travel, and with
other hardships and difficulties attending. In which engagement by
good evidence and the most certain accounts we can get a considerable
number of said enimies were slain and others sore wounded. [The pur-
port of the petition was that the Court might afford them such "encour-
agement" as it thought best.]
By order of said troop, at their meeting on the 25th Dec. 1750.
(State Archives, Vol. LXXIII., p. 733.) Josiah Brown.
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 319
Captains Stevens and Brown had no men killed outright
in this engagement, but Jedediah Winchell was mortally
wounded and shortly afterwards died. Jonathan Stanhope,
David Parker, and Noah Eaton were wounded. Stanhope
was from Sudbury, and Eaton from Framingham. Mr. Stan-
hope subsequently presented two petitions to the General
Court, one of which is as follows : —
In the battle with the Indians at No. 4, June 19, when I was a Trooper
in his majesty's service, I received a shot which broke my arm all to
pieces, and caused me great pain, and cost for the injuries, and has inca-
pacitated me from obtaining a subsistance for myself, and I have very
little hopes of ever having the use of it again. The account of the time
I have lost and expenses which I have been exposed to since I was
wounded is as follows :
To sixteen weeks at said No. 4, when I lay confined with my
wound to the first months when I had Province billeting at
6-3 per week besides said billeting /I. 5. 0
To 12 weeks more when I found myself altogether and had
no Province pay nor billeting at 12-G pr wk. . . 7. 10. 0
And to my son's attending on me then and finding himself
from the 23d of June to the 17«h of October following, being
16 weeks and 3 days : to my son's nursing and attending
me the said 16 weeks, at 5 per week 4. 2. 6
And to 9 weeks board when he had neither Province pay nor
billeting at 7-6 per week 3. 7. 6
/16. 5. 0
At the close of military operations, in 1746, Massachusetts
withdrew most of her soldiers stationed in the vicinity of the
Connecticut River in New Hampshire. The chief reasons
for this were that the place was outside her own limits, and
that New Hampshire refused to co-operate in defending it.
No. 4 being deprived of troops, it was for a time abandoned.
The people in the vicinity were obliged to leave their home-
steads, and take refuge in the older settlements. During
the winter that followed the evacuation of No. 4, the enemy
did not venture far from their quarters in Canada. Mean-
while an effort was made to again man the deserted forts. A
prominent person in the furtherance of this project, it is sup-
posed, was Captain Stevens. He communicated with Gov-
ernor Shirley, and stated that a force of one hundred men
320 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
should be sent to several of the frontier posts to "go and
waylay the streams the enemy come upon when they issue
out from Crown Point." The authorities did not grant the
request by allowing all the men that were asked for, but
only so many as it was thought would repel an attack made
on the forts. The matter of taking measures for such agress-
ive work as was proposed by Stevens was deferred.
ATTACK OF GENERAL DEBELINE.
In March, 1747, Captain Stevens was ordered to go with
thirty men and take possession of No. 4. He arrived there
on the 27th. A few days later the place was furiously
assailed by the French and Indians, under the leadership
of General Debeline. Captain Stevens, in his report made
to Governor Shirley, dated April 9, 1747, gives the following
account of the attack : —
Our dogs being very much disturbed, which gave us reason to think
that the enemy were about, occasioned us not to open the gate at the
usual time; but one of our men, being desirous to know the certainty,
ventured out privately to set on the dogs, about nine o'clock in the
morning; and went about twenty rods from the fort firing off his gun and
saying, Choboy to the dogs. Whereupon, the enemy, being within a few
rods, immediately arose from behind a log and fired : but through the
goodness of God, the man got into the fort with only a slight wound.
The enemy being then discovered, immediately arose from their ambush-
ments and attacked us on all sides. The wind being very high, and
everything exceedingly dry, they set fire to all the old fences, and also to
a log-house about forty rods distant from the fort to the windward ; so
that within a few minutes we were entirely surrounded with fire — all
which was performed with the most hideous shouting and firing, from
all quarters, which they continued, in a very terrible manner, until the
next day at ten o'clock at night, without intermission; during which time
we had no opportunity to eat or sleep. But notwithstanding all their
shoutings and threatenings, our men seemed not to be in the least
daunted, but fought with great resolution ; which, doubtless, gave the
enemy reason to think we had determined to stand it out to the last
degree. The enemy had provided themselves with a sort of fortifica-
tion, which they had determined to push before them and bring fuel to
the side of the fort, in order to burn it down. But instead of performing
what they threatened, and seemed to be immediately going to undertake,
they called to us and desired a cessation of arms until sunrise the next
morning, which was granted : at which time they would come to a par-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 321
ley. Accordingly the French General Debeline came with about sixty
of his men, with a flag of truce, and stuck it down within about twenty
rods of the fort in plain sight of the same, and said if we would send
three men to him he would send as many to us, to which we complied.
The General sent in a French Lieutenant with a French soldier and an
Indian.
Upon our men going to the Monsieur, he made the following pro-
posals, viz. — that in case we would immediately resign up the fort, we
should all have our lives and liberty to put on all the clothes we had,
and also to take a sufficient quantity of provisions to carry us to Mon-
treal, and bind up our provisions and blankets, lay down our arms and
marph out of the fort.
Upon our men returning, he desired that the Captain of the fort
would meet him half-way, and give an answer to the above proposal,
which I did, and upon meeting the Monsieur, he did not wait for me to
give an answer, but went on in the following manner, viz. — that what
had been promised he was ready to perform, but upon refusal he would
immediately set the fort on fire, and run over the top, for he had seven
hundred men with him, and if we made any further resistance, or should
happen to kill one Indian, we might expect all to be put to the sword.
"The fort," said he, " I am resolved to have or die. Now do what you
please, for I am as easy to have you fight as to give up." I told the
General, that in case of extremity his proposal would do; but inasmuch
as I was sent here by my master, the Captain General, to defend this
fort, it would not be consistent with my order to give it up unless I was
better satisfied that he was able to perform what he had threatened ;
and furthermore I told him that it was poor encouragement to resign
into the hands of the enemy, that upon one of their number being killed,
they would put all to the sword, when it was probable that we had killed
some of them already. "Well," said he, "go into the fort, and see
whether your men dare to fight any more or not, and give me an answer
quick, for my men want to be fighting." Whereupon I came into the
fort and called all the men together, and informed them what the French
General said, and then put it to vote which they chose, either to fight on
or resign ; and they voted to a man to stand it out as long as they had
life. Upon this, I returned the answer that we were determined to fight
it out. Upon which they gave a shout, and then fired, and so continued
fighting and shouting until daylight the next morning.
About noon they called to us and said " Good morning," and desired
a cessation of arms for two hours that they might come to a parley ;
which was granted. The General did not come himself, but sent two
Indians, who came within about eight rods of the fort and stuck down
their flag and desired that I would send out two men to them, which I
did, and the Indians made the following proposal, viz. — That in case we
would sell them provisions, they would leave and not fight anymore;
and desired my answer, which was, that selling them provisions for
322 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
money was contrary to the laws of nations, but if they would send in a
captive for every five bushels of corn, I would supply them. Upon the
Indians returning the General this answer, four or five guns were fired
against the fort, and they withdrew, as we supposed, for we heard no
more of them.
In all this time we had scarce opportunity to eat or sleep. The cessa-
tion of arms gave us no matter of rest, for we suspected they did it to
obtain an advantage against us. I believe men were never known to
hold out with better resolution, for they did not seem to sit or lie still
for one moment. There were but thirty men in the fort, and although
we had some thousands of guns fired at us, there were but two men
slightly wounded, viz. John Brown and Joseph Ely. (Saunderson's
"History of Charlestown, N.H.")
In the course of the year 1747 the people living near the
Connecticut River suffered much from the enemy's incur-
sions. As they could obtain little or no aid from New
Hampshire, they again applied to Massachusetts. In Feb-
ruary, 1748, the authorities allowed one hundred men each
for Forts Massachusetts and No. 4; and directed that orders
be issued to the commanding officers in those garrisons that
a suitable number of men should be employed, until the
following October, to intercept the French and Indians in
their march to the frontier. At the same time a bounty was
offered of a hundred pounds for an Indian scalp. Captain
Stevens was again appointed to command at No. 4, and Capt.
Humphrey Hobbs, another brave officer, was made second in
command.
Shortly after Captain Stevens assumed command of No. 4,
on March 15th, a party of Indians attacked some men near
the fort who were out to gather wood. Captain Stevens sal-
lied forth to the rescue, but no general engagement occurred,
as the enemy, which consisted of only a small company, left
the place, after killing, in their first onset, one person and
wounding another and taking captive a third. As the spring
advanced Captain Stevens and his men were engaged more
or less in marchings and scoutings in the vicinity of No. 4,
and from there to Fort Dummer in the central part of Massa-
chusetts. June 24 forty men, under command of Captain
Hobbs, started on a scouting expedition, designing to march
through the wilderness to Fort Shirley, in Heath, Mass.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY 323
After being out two days, they had an engagement with
the Indians, which, it is said, lasted four hours, and in
which one of the Sudbury soldiers was wounded. The fol-
lowing account of the battle is from Saunderson's " History
of Charlestovvn, N.H."
BATTLE BETWEEN CAPTAIN HOBBS AND CHIEF SACKETT.
Capt. Hobbs started out from No. 4, on the 24th of June. During the
first two days of his march, he met with no interruptions, except such as
were occasioned by the natural difficulties of ihe way. On the 26th, it
being Sunday, after travelling a little distance, he halted at a place about
twelve miles north-west of Fort Dummer, in the precincts of what is now
the town of Marlborough, to afford his company an opportunity to
refresh themselves ; and though he did not dream that he was pursued,
or that the enemy was any where near, he still posted a guard on his
trail, like a true officer, as carefully and circumspectly as if danger had
been nppreh ended. The party then took possession of a low piece of
ground, covered with alders intermingled with large trees, through which
rl )wed a rivulet, and without any anticipat on of being disturbed, had
begun regaling themselves at their packs.
But, as was too frequently the case in those tunes, danger was nigh,
though they had no apprehension of it ; for a large body of Indians had
discoverd their trail, and made a rapid march for the purpose of cutting
them off. Sackett, their chief, (reputed to be a half-blood,) was not only
a courageous and resolute fellow, but was distinguished for a sagacity
that rendered him no common antagonist.
Apparently certain of victory, on account of his numbers, which fore-
stalled the necessity of a wily approach, he dashed down upon the trail
of Hobbs, driving in the guards which he had posted in his rear, and
instantly commenced an attack upon his main force with all the yells
and demonstrations of a savage warfare.
Hobbs, though taken by surprise, was not in the least deprived of his
self possession.
An old Indian fighter as he was, whose men were under a perfect
discipline, it took but a moment to form them for action, and but a mo-
ment more elapsed before each, by tie adv'ce of his commander, had
selected the cover of a large tree, and stood ready to repel any assault
of their oncoming foe. Confident of success, on account of the superi-
ority of their numbers, which were more than four to one, to the force
under Hobbs, the enemy without seeking cover, rushed forward with
terrible shouts, as if they had determined at the outset to bear down all
resistance ; but being met by a well directed fire, by which several of
their number were killed, their impetuosity received such a check as to
cause them to retreat for shelter behind the trees and brush.
The conflict which then followed between the parties, in which the
324 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
sharp-shooters bore a prominent part, was of the most exciting nature.
The two commanders had been known to each other in times of peace,
and were both distinguished for their intrepidity.
Sackett, who could speak English, frequently called upon Hobbs, in
tones that made the forest ring, to surrender; and with threats in case
of refusal that he would annihilate his force with the tomahawk.
Hobbs, with a voice equally loud and defiant, challenged him to come
on and put his menace, if he dared, into execution. The action contin-
ued for four hours, Hobbs and his force displaying throughout the most
consummate skill and prudence, and neither side withdrawing an inch
from its original position. The Indians, during the fight, not unfre-
quently approached the line of their adversaries, but were as often driven
back to their cover; the fire of the sharp-sighted marksman opposed to
them being more than they could endure. Thus the conflict continued,
till, finding that his own men had suffered severely in the struggle, and
that the resistance of Hobbs and his men was not likely to be overcome,
Sackett retired and left them the masters of a well fought field.
The company of Capt. Hobbs was so well protected that only three,
Ebenezar Mitchell, Eli Scott, and Samuel Gunn, were killed. The
wounded were Daniel McHenney of Wrentham, who had his thigh
broken by a ball, by which he was disabled for life ; Samuel Graves, Jr.,
of Sunderland, a brave lad of seventeen years of age, who was shot
through the brain in a horrible manner, yet recovered, but not so as to
be afterwards capable of business; — also slight wounds were received
by Nathan Walker of Sudbury, and Ralph Rice. Many of the enemy
were seen to fall, especially when they left their cover and advanced.
Yet, though their loss was undoubtedly great, so effectually was it con-
cealed that its extent was never ascertained. After the retirement and
disappearance of the Indians, Captain Hobbs and his men remained
concealed till night, apprehending another attack; but, as the darkness
fell around them, discovering no signs of the enemy, they gathered up
their packs, and took their dead and wounded, and after burying the
former under some logs, about half a mile from the scene of action, and
conducting the latter to a more conveniant place, about two miles dis-
tant, they encamped for the night. They arrived at Fort Dummer the
next day, which was the 27th, at four o'clock in the afternoon, whence
they sent their wounded to Northfield where they could receive the
needed medical aid.
Nathan Walker recovered and arrived safely home. He
afterward petitioned the General Court for assistance. In
the petition he states that he was a soldier in the Province
service under the command of Capt. Hobbs, and that on
June 26th, 1748, in a fight with the Indian and French
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 325
enemy, he was wounded in the arm. (State Archives, Vol.
LXXIII., p. 620.)
Capt. Josiah Brown, the commander of the troop which
went from Sudbury to assist in the defense of Fort No. 4, was
a brave soldier and worthy man. The following is a brief
sketch of his life, together with two lists of men who be-
longed to his troop before the war began and also towards
its close. As some of the names are in both lists, perhaps
they served through the intervening years, and were present
at the defense of No. 4. The troop of 1747-8 was called
into service that year, September 23, and served a short time.
CAPT. JOSIAH BROWN.
Mr. Brown was a prominent citizen of Sudbury. He
passed through all, or nearly all, the grades of town office ;
and his name is also conspicuous in the annals of the church.
In 1757, Josiah Brown, Samuel Dakin, and Jabez Puffer
were chosen delegates to assist in settling the difficulty be-
tween the church in Leominster and their pastor. The first
two were brave captains in the war against the French and
Indians ; the first was prominent at Fort No. 4, the other
was killed near Fort Edward in 17i8. (See period 1750-
1775.) As a token of his regard for the West Side Church,
Mr. Brown gave it a piece of land, the proceeds of which,
it is stated, were sufficient for the supply of the elements for
communion. He was one of the signers of the church cove-
nant in 1724-5.
Sudbury June 4th 1739
A list of the Genumen of the Horse under the command of Capt.
Josiah Brown
Trum: Jonathan Belcher, Nathaniel Seaver
Cor. Josiah willas [willis] Cor. Daniel Winch
Cor. Daniel Gregory, Bezebeal Frost
Cor. Edward Moore Benja Whitten
Benony Prat Cornelus Wood
David How David Stone
Danil Goodenow Elipha wheler
David Maynard Jr. Ebenezer Puffer.
Elijah Bent Elijah Smith
Ebenezer Heminway Edmond Parmenter
Ecobad Heminway Hezekiah Moore
326
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Ephriam Puffer
Hopestill Browne
John Cheney
John Heminway
Jabez Mead
John Maynard Jr.
Nathan Loring
Robert Seaver
Sam1 Brigham
Timothy Sternes
John Bent
[Isaac] Reed
Thomas Winch Jr.
James Crage
Joseph Parmenter
Nathaniel Rice
Phinehas Gibbs.
Sam1 Heminway
Sam1 Browne
Jabez Puffer
Jonathan Maynard
Jonathan Puffer
Philis Part
Sam1 Stone
Solomon Parmenter Jr.
Muster roll of Brown's company 1747-8.
Josiah Brown Capt
John Noyes C >rnet
Dai1 Stone Clerk
Jonft Belcher Trumpeter
Nathaniel Seaver
Phinehas Gibbs
Sam1 Brown
Jonathan Maynard
Isaac Reed
Joseph Reed
W" Brown
Dan1 Stone
John Bruce
Parmenter
John Gould
Other names are
Thomas Winch
Dan1 Gregory
James Peterson
Thomas Biglo
Thomas Winch
Samuel Winch
Josiah Hoar.
Micah Gibbs
Joseph Brintnall
John Brigham
Wm Hunt
Matthew Gibbs
Henry Smith
David Maynard
Samuel Maynard
Isaac Brewer
Obediah Moore
Nathan Walker
Joseph Greene
Isaac Brintnall
Henry Loker
Sam1 Giles
Beng Eaton
Sam1 Frost
Elias Whitney
George Whitney
Sam1 Whitney
CHAPTER XIX.
1750-1775.
The Work House. — Regulations of it. — Pest- House at Nobscot. --
Graves of Small-Pox Victims. — Pest-Houses on the East Side. —
Graves of Victims. — Inoculation for the Disease. — Statistics Relat-
ing to It. — Highway Work. — Lottery for Repairing the Causeway. —
Schools. — School-Houses. — Fourth French and Indian War. —
Causes of It. — Lists of, Sudbury Soldiers in Various Campaigns. —
First and Second Foot Companies. — Alarm List. — Troops of Horse.
— Battle at Half- Way Brook. — Death of Captain Dakin. — Sketch
of his Life. — Covenant. — Correspondence. — French Neutrals. —
Death of Rev. William Cook. — Settlement of Rev. Josiah Bridge.
Death of Rev. Israel Loring. — Sketch of His Life.— Settlement of
Rev. Jacob Bigelow. — Division of West Part into Wards. — Powder
House. — Noon Houses. — Pound. — Measures to Suppress Swindling.
Over the roofs of the pioneers
Gathers the moss of a hundred years ;
On man and his works has passed the change
Which needs must be in a century's range.
Whittier.
Between 1750, and 1775, the country was in an unsettled
condition. Events of a stirring character transpired, and the
times were productive of lasting influences. Peace prevailed
when the period began, but was very short-lived. The treaty
of Aix-la-Chapelle, made in 1748, was of little avail to hold
England and France in friendly relations. After the lapse
of about a half-dozen years, war was again declared, and hos-
tilities in America broke out anew. The close of the period
also was stormy. It was just before the Revolutionary War.
The provinces were in process of preparation for that far-
famed struggle from which they Avere to emerge a new
nation. Before, however, entering upon military matters,
we will notice some of the civil events of the period.
327
328 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
THE WORK-HOUSE.
In 1753, a movement was made to establish a work -house
in Sudbury. At the above-named date a vote was taken,
when "it passed veiy fully in the affirmative, that it [the
town] would provide a Work House in sd town, that Idle
& Disorderly People may be properly Employed." Ephraim
Curtis, Joseph Brown, and Ebenezer Koby were a committee
in the matter. In process of time the project thus begun
was accomplished. March 17, 1762, the town decided "to
hire some suitable house for a Work House that the Idle
Persons in sd Town might be kept to Labor." Pursuant to
vote, a building was rented of Isaac Reed, for which he was
to receive two pounds eight shillings. In 1765, the town
" voted to give Mr. Reed two pounds eight shillings for his
house (and garden spot) & his putting sd house in good
Tenantable Repair." In 1763, the town chose "overseeis
of the poor for sd house," and Mr. Isaac Reed was of this
board.
WORK-HOUSE REGULATIONS.
At a quarterly meeting of all the Overseers of the Poore in Sudbury
at the work house in said Sudbury on the first Tuesday of the month,
April, Anno Domini 1763, in order to inspect the management thereof
and for ordering the Affairs of the said House when we the said over-
seers were Duely and lawfully meet together at the said work house, and
after Due and mature consideration, we Came into the Folowing need-
full Rulls and orders for the Regulation of the said house, and those
Idle Persons that are by Law or may fall under our Inspection.
Which Rules & orders are as followeth. l8,ly That every one of the
overseers Shall Punctually meet at the Said work house, at the times set
for their monthly or Intermediate Meetings, and in Case of their not
attending or unseasonably attending, Shall forfitt and pay to the sd over-
seers and for their use, the Sum of Two Shillings Lawfull money, and in
Case he or they Shall neglect or Refuse to pay the Same or to Shew any
Reasonable Excuse for his neglect, the Same Shall be Recovered from
him or them by their Clark by Distress and Sale of his or their Goods,
the Clark observing the Same Rulls that Constables are by law obleged
to Do in making Distress for their Rates.
2"dly. That when any Parson whome we Shall Judge Doath Fall
under our Immediate care and Inspection Shall be by a Summon under
the hand of our moderator or Clark Duly Sent to him Setting forth the
time for his appearance before us at the said work house, and Shall not
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 329
Punctually apeare before us the said Overseers, at the said work house,
that then and in that Case, a warrant under the hand and Seal of our
said Clark Shall Isue out Dyrected to the master of the said work house
or to the Constable of the sd Towne of Sudbury forth with Requiring
them to apprehend the body of the sd Contemptous Parson and Cause
him or her to appear before us, the sd overseers, at the said work house,
that he or she may be Proceeded with or Punished for his or her Con-
tempt, by being publickly whipped at the whipping post at the work
house not Exceeding Ten Stripes or otherways as the Said Overseers
Shall then order, and be Subject to pay to the officer that Shall have
served the sd warrant his fees by Law allowed him, the Service of which
Summons Shall be found by Giving him or her Summon in form afore-
said or Leaving same at his or her Last or usual place of abode, by any
Constable of sd Sudbury or any one of the Overseers who Shall make
Return of ye sd Summons to the sd Overseers at the time therein ordered.
As evidence of farther modes of discipline employed in
this period, we find that, in 1760, the town allowed payment
to Colonel Noyes for making stocks, and also for four staves
for the tything-men. In the warrant for a town-meeting in
1757, is the following article: "To see what the town will do
with regard to Dido a Negro woman who is now upon charge
in this town." With regard to this Dido the town ordered
the selectmen "to make strict inquiries who brought Dido
into town."
SMALL-POX HOSPITALS.
Another institution introduced into the town in this period
was the pest-house. There is in the Stearns' " Collection "
a document, without date, that is presumably a petition to
the selectmen, asking that a town-meeting be called —
As soon as maybe by Law, for the Purchase of and Erecting a House
or houses for the conveniance of taking the Small Pox by Inoculation,
for the better Security of the Good Citizens of sd town, [to] do or act as
the Town shall Judge proper when met.
As in duty Bound
Jno. Goodenow Jonathan Bent,
Luther Richardson, Jotham Goodenow,
Elisha Goodenow, Israel How,
Elisha Moore, Caleb Wheeler.
Silas Goodenow,
Joel Goodenow.
330 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Probably the above petition antedates the record given
below, dat.nl "Oot 14, 1761: Town Dr. To Mr. Isaac Rood
for sledding wood and assisting to repair a House, for these
who may have the small pox." Tradition points to several
localities, which at that time were within the town limits,
where pest-honses were situated. The site oi' one of these
is at NoDSCOt Hill. On the eastern side oi' the hill, on land
owned by Mr. Hubbard Brown, and a short distance from a
small pond, are the graves o{ the small-pox victims. They
are clustered together, beneath a small growth of pines that
are now scattered over that briar-grown spot : ami the wind,
as it sweeps through the branches of this little pine grove,
and the occasional note of the wild-wood bird, alone break
the stillness and disturb the loneliness of that forest burial-
place. On a stone that marks one grave is the following
inscription : —
IX MEMORY
OF
MR BUCKLEY HOW.
SON OF
MR BUCKLEY HOW
OF
HUBARDSTON
WHO DIED OF THE SMALL POX,
NOV. 14th 1792
IN THE 21st YEAR OF HIS AGE.
MR BUCKLEY HOW.
Just how many graves are about this spot we have no
information, but a former owner of the land, Mr. Edward
Brown, conjectured, as he mowed the brush thereabouts
many years ago, that there were at least eight or nine
well-defined graves there. This burying-plaee, as we have
said, is on a part of the Thirty-rod Highway. The small-
pox hospital at Nobseot, tradition says, was in the " Nixon
pasture," which is the large field on the northern slope of
the hill ; and the same authority asserts that the house in
which John Nixon once lived, and which was on his farm.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 331
was the building used for the hospital. Tradition also says
that the Browns, who at that time dwelt at a place just
west of the residence of Hubbard Brown, were accustomed
to carry milk to a designated spot, and put it in vessels left
there to receive it by those in charge at the hospital.
In the north part of Sudbury there are several grave.- of
persons who died of small-pox. Three of them are on the
plain, a mile west of the old Pratt Tavern ; but they were
levelled down by a person who came into j n of the
place about 1825. Other graves are on the farm south of
Mr. Jonathan Rice's Tavern, in the northwest part of the
town. There is another at Bridle Point, just east of the
bridge near the railroad crossing.
There were two pest-houses on the east side ; one on "the
Island," and the other at the northeasterly part of the pres-
ent town of Wayland, not far to the northerly of the Sumner
Draper estate. There is a field in that vicinity still called
the "pock pasture." On the Draper farm, not far back of
the dwelling-house, are the graves of other victims of this
dreaded disease. The following inscriptions are taken from
stones that mark these graves : —
IN MEMORY OF
MR. ZEBADIAH ALLEN
WHO DIED OF THE SMALL POX —
JUNE 2, 1777
AGED 76 YEARS.
IX MEMORY OF
MARY, WIFE OF
MR. ZEBADIAH ALLEN
WHO DIED OF THE SMALL POX
JUNE 7, 1777
AGED 75 YEARS.
These hospitals were designed especially for persons who
desired to be inoculated for the disease with the virus of a
small-pox patient. This method of treatment was introduced
about 1721. For a time it met with great prejudice, but
332 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
at length it gained ground, and man}*- people incurred the
risk involved in having the disease in this way, which, with
proper treatment, was said to.be very light, rather than the
risk of taking it in the ordinary way by contagion. The fol-
lowing statistics, taken from Rev. Israel Loring's "Diary,"
will tend to show with what reason society believed in this
method : —
July 19th 1764. Persons who have had the small pox in Boston in
the year 1764. : : : : .
In the natural way —
Whites —
644
Blacks,
55
Total,
699
Died —
Whites,
102
Blacks,
22
Total,
124
By inoculation
Whites,
4690
Blacks,
207
Total,
4897
Died,
Whites,
43
Blacks,
3
Total,
46
Removed into the country to
avoid the
disease, 1537.
This old manner of practice is now among the things that
were ; and with it the pest-houses, too, have passed away.
HIGHWAY WORK.
In 1751, it was voted that in highway work " eight hours
shall be accounted for a days work," "two shillings shall be
a day's wages for a man, or so in proportion to an hour;"
also " that one shilling be allowed for a good yoke of oxen
a day."
In 1756, a proposition was started to raise money by way
of a lottery to repair the long causeway from the town bridge
to Lieut. Benjamin Estabrook's. When it came to town-
meeting it "passed in the negative." In 1758, the town
again proposed to raise and repair the long causeway, and
THE SUMMER RESIDENCE OF HON. HOMER ROGERS.
Biographical Sketch, page 619.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 333
two short ones towards Lieutenant Estabrook's, and to do it
by means of a lotte^. To this proposition a formal remon-
strance was presented, in which it was stated that the raising
of the causeway would damage the meadow, by causing the
water to flow back ; that there was "a good bridge over the
river where people may travel at all seasons of the year, from
Boston to Marlboro;" and that there is not "one foot of fall
in said river for twenty-five or thirty miles." This remon-
strance, however, did not prevent the ultimate accomplish-
ment of this project. At a March meeting, 1758, the town
voted to petition the General Court for leave to repair and
raise the causeway by lottery, and chose the following com-
mittee to attend to the work : Col. John Noyes, William
Baldwin, and Col. Josiah Brown. The Court gave its assent,
and made specifications and conditions as to how the scheme
should proceed. One of the conditions was that drawing
lotteries was not to continue over fifteen days, exclusive of
Sunday. In these lotteries the town took ventures. In 1761
"the town voted to take the tickets in Sudbury Lottery third
class, that shall remain unsold in the manager's hand, when
the drawing lst« Lottery shall commence, : : : and ordered the
tickets that remain unsold aforesaid to be lodged with the
Town Treasurer, on the day the Lottery commences draw-
ing." The town lost by this venture, as May 11, 1761, it
"granted 27lbs 12s Lawful money, to defray the loss the town
sustained by the tickets which the town voted to take, and
ordered the assessors to vote it into a rate forthwith, and
each person to have the liberty to work out his rate, pro-
vided he or they work it out at or before the time set for
working out sd rate, and to be under the regulation of the
managers of sd Lottery." In October of the same year the
question came up as to taking tickets in Sudbury lottery
fourth class that should remain unsold in the hands of the
managers when the drawing began. " The vote passed in
the negative."
In 1653, it was "voted to accept of a highway laid out
from Peletiah Deans North east corner, unto ye town way
leading from the Training field by Ephraim Curtis, Esq. by
Lt. Rice's to Weston." The same date a road was laid out
334 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
from "Mr. Jonathan Griffin's Corner, running southwesterly
into the way by Mr. Eliab Moor's North Corner, formerly
Mr. John Adams'." In 1769, the town "granted money to
improve a road lately laid out from Rev. Josiah Bridges, to
the school house near the East meeting house." The school-
house was the old Newell Heard store, and the road referred
to, was the present way from the Wellington place by H. B.
Braman's into Wayland Centre. In 1773, the town took
action to see if it would discontinue the road "leading from
Dr. Roby's [now Warren Roby's] to Zecheriah Briant's [now
H. B. Braman's] lying between the two county roads." This
was a travelled road before the la}dng out of the one last
mentioned. It had its course from near the old Roby house,
just west of Mr. Braman's, along the ridge toward Bridle
Point. In 1774, the town accepted " a way laid out from
Samuel Goodnow's dwelling house to the Lancaster road."
The same date the town accepted a wa}r " laid out from
Lancaster old road to Lt. Joseph Willis' gate by the widow
Brigham's dwelling house." In 1774, the town accepted a
road "laid out from Mr. Thomas Walker's land leading to
the west meeting house." In 1771, money was granted "to
widen the causy at Iron Works meadow." Jabez Puffer,
John Balcom, and Joseph Willis were chosen a committee.
SCHOOLS.
While the town was advancing in means for the public
convenience and safet}r, educational matters were progressing
also. In 1751, the selectmen agreed " with Mr. Wm Cook
[only son of Rev. Mr. Cook] to keep a grammar school . . .
for six months, beginning the school the first day of Novem-
ber; and also to teach children & youth to Read English and
wright and Instruct them in Rethmetick, and to keep the
school in the Town School House as the Selectmen shall
from time to time order For the sum of Twelve pounds
Exclusive of his Board." It was voted that year that the
grammar schools should be kept in the two town school-
houses by each meeting-house. This shows us where two of
the town school-houses stood at that time ; and this, with
other records, show that school matters were at that time
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 335
conducted by the Board of Selectmen. Another record of
1756 shows where two other school-houses stood, inasmuch
as the town voted that year that the grammar school should
be kept at four places, — " two at the school houses near the
meeting house, one at the school house near Joseph Smith's,
and the other at that near Nathan Goodnow's." John Mon-
roe was to keep the school, and have five pounds thirteen
shillings four pence for a quarter, and the town was to pay
his board. Other school-houses were also alluded to in the
following record made the same year: " The town voted 14
pounds for a reading and writing school, and that it should
be kept at four places, viz, at the school house near Samuel
Puffer's [perhaps the Pantry school], at the one near Deacon
Rice's, at the one near Joseph Stanhope's, and the one near
the house of Jonas Brewer."
In 1755, the town " voted for Grammar school 30 pounds,
three fifths to be spent on the west side, and two fifths on
the east side the river; for the west side the school was to
be kept at the farm." In 1752, it k' voted for the support of
the Grammar school in sd town the year ensuing 37 pounds
6 shillings 8 pence." The school was to be held in five
places, — "two on the east side the river and three on the
west, in places as followeth. In the school house near the
house of Mr. Joseph Smith, and in a convenient place or
near the house of Dea Jonas Brewer as may be, or in a con-
venient place as near the house of Mr. Edward More as may
be, and in a convenient place as near the house of Ll Daniel
Noyes as may be, and in the school house near to and north-
erly from the house of Dea Jonathan Rice all in sd town."
The same year the town voted that " the Reading & writing
school should be kept In the two Town school houses the
year ensuing." During this period several school-houses
were built, which stood about half a century. In 1705, it
was " voted, that the School house near [the] East meeting
house [should] be improved, [and] to build a new school
house near said meeting house." This may have been
afterwards the Newell Heard store. Besides school-houses
repaired and built, an attempt was made to supply them
with fuel at the town's expense. It is recorded, that, March
336 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
1, 1774, the town voted " to see if [itl will order that the
several school houses in said town shall he supplied with
wood for the future at the charge of the town, agreeable to
the petition of Jacob Reed and others." " The article passed
in the negative."
FOURTH FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.
The peace that followed the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was
of short duration. But a few brief years elapsed before the
thunder tones of a terrible conflict burst on the ears of a
startled land, and sent a shudder to hearts and homes. For
the fourth time the English and French were to cross their
weapons in an inter-colonial war. For years the two nations
had been expanding in population and power on the Ameri-
can shores, and during this interval they had been fanning
the old flame of jealousy which had its origin far back in a
feudal age. Each was desirous of supremacy on this side the
Atlantic, and to obtain it each was strengthening its lines for
aggressive and defensive work. The one power worked on
the seaboard, and extended its operations from the Penob-
scot a thousand miles south ; the other stretched its lines of
defense along the far-distant interior, and dotted the valley
of the St. Lawrence River, the margins of the Mississippi
and far-distant lakes, even to the borders of the Gulf of
Mexico, with its trading-posts, its strongholds, and its papal
missions. These powers sought the same common prize, —
the conquest of the country. Already the English claimed
that part of it south of the latitude of the north shore of
Lake Erie, and westward to the far-off Pacific, by right of
charter. Already the Frenchman disputed this right, and
claimed the interior as it bordered the Mississippi River
and its tributaries, by right of exploration and settlement.
Which was to be the permanent title was to be settled, not
by diplomacy, but by the arbitrament of the musket, toma-
hawk, and torch. The French early prepared for this mode
of adjusting their claims. More than sixty fortifications had
been constructed by them prior to 1750. The English, made
suspicious by the erection of garrisons, and knowing the sig-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 337
nificance of trading-posts in the interior of the country, pre-
pared to arrest the course of the foe.
Before, however, a settlement was effected a long and
severe war ensued ; so severe, indeed, was the struggle, that
long after the period was past its events were prominent in
the annals of New England. Tradition kept them alive as
the years rolled by, and the wild scenes set forth by survivors
became the subject of ballad and song. Long after the
struggle had ceased, tales of those times were recited by the
blazing hearth, as, gathered by the fitful fire-light, groups
of listeners gave ear to the thrilling rehearsal, while they
watched the changeful glow of the coals as they crackled
and crumbled on their ashen bed. The snow-shoes, brought
down from the garret, where they had long lain amid the
dust of that mystic place, were reminders of the cold, rough
march, and the noiseless procession of rangers, as they sped
over the pathless snow. The bright fire-light, as it flickered
up the chimney's broad flue ; the mossy wood, newly cut, in
the corner, — all were alike suggestive of forest adventure,
of the lone sentinel guard in the dark, deep shade, and of tales
told by the light of camp-fires in places far from home.
The war was to a large extent carried on by expeditions
or campaigns, the object of which was to capture the strong-
holds of Canada. We will give lists of Sudbury soldiers who
were in these campaigns.
CROWN POINT EXPEDITION.
In 1755, a regiment was raised, and placed under command
of Col. Josiah Brown of Sudbury, for the purpose of prevent-
ing the encroachments of the French about Crown Point and
upon " Lake Iroquois, commonly called by the French, Lake
Champlain." The regiment belonged to the command of
William Johnson. The following is a list of the field and
staff officers : —
Josiah Brown, Col. Samuel Brigham, Surgeon.
John Cummings, Lt. Col. Benjamin Gott, Surgeon's Mate
Steven Miller, Major David Mason, Commissary-
Samuel Dunbar, Chaplain Joseph Lovering, Adjutant
338 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Sept. 10, 1755, Samuel Dakin received a commission as
captain of foot in this regiment. The muster-roll of his com-
pany contains forty-eight names, of which the following are
supposed to be from Sudbury : —
Capt. S. Dakin Sam1 Grout
Elisha Cutler Jason Gleason
Silas Clapp Abel Farrar
Moses Puffer Josiah Barker
Nath1 Eveleth Ephriam Woods, Jr.
Sam1 Gibbs Jr Samuel Estabrook
Sam1 Burbank Lt. Joseph Baker
Joseph Sherman Jona Barrett
Sudbury men in a second list of Capt. Samuel Dakin's
Company, 1755 : —
Samuel Grout sergt. Samuel Mead, Jr.
David Eveleth corp1 Jason Gleason
Jonathan Bent Nathaniel Gibbs
Silas Clapp Samuel Burbank
Silas Puffer Moses Jones
Joseph Maynard Charles Wetherbe
Wm Skinner Abijah Brigham
Simon Maynard Josiah Sherman
Jedediah Parmenter Josiah Walker.
Sudbury men in Capt. Jonathan Hoar's company, 1755 : —
Adam Gilbert Charles Roiley
Uriah Choochett Jonathan Stanhope.
Sudbury men in the Crown Point expedition of 1756, in
Capt. Ebenezer Newell's company : —
John Nixon Lieut. [Fram] Micah Grout
Ensign Joseph Brintnall Leavitt How
Warren Goodenow Isaac Goodenow
Ezra Barker
Sudbury men in Capt. John Nixon's company, 1756 : —
Samuel Parmenter Samuel Putnam
Phinehas Haynes Wm Puffer
Samuel Burbank Jon* Maynard
Eph. Hayden
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 339
Sudbury men in a third list of Capt. Samuel Dakiu's com-
pany : —
Samuel Grout Joseph Sherman
David Evelith Jonathan Bent
Silas Clapp Joseph Maynard
Wm Skinner Silas Puffer
Jedediah Parmenter Simon Maynard
Samuel Mead Jr. Jason Gleason
Nathaniel Gibbs Moses Stone
Samuel Burbank Abijah Brigham
Charles Wetherbe
Sudbury men in other lists are as follows: Crown Point ex-
pedition in Capt. William Jones' company, Colonel Thatch-
er's regiment : —
Jonas Balcom Miles Realy
Ebenezer Woodis Nathaniel Hayden
Leavitt How Nathan Maynard
Oliver Grout Jonas Gibbs
Benjamin Gleason Solomon How
Joseph Mungry Nathan Smith
Micah Grout
In Col. John Jones' regiment for the invasion of Canada,
under command of General Amherst : —
Joel Clapp Daniel Parmenter
Silas Hemenway Isiah Parmenter
Joseph Green Cole
Ebenezer Wooddis Samuel Putman
Andrew White
In Capt. Josiah Richardson's company, Col. Joseph Buck-
minster's regiment : —
Jonas Balcom Miles Realy
Joseph Muzzy Nathaniel Hayden
Leavet How Nathan Maynard
Micah Grout
In the company of Capt. John Nixon of Sudbury, 1761: —
Isaiah Parmenter, Serg1 Uriah Gibbs.
Ebenezer Woodes, Corp1 Moses Haynes
340
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Caleb Clark
Nathaniel Cutter
Benja Cutter
Benj» Clark
Wm Daniels
Josiah Everton.
Ephraim Goodnow Jun.
Thomas Green
Ephraim Hayden
Isaac Lincoln
Jesse Putnam
John Putnam
Daniel Parmenter
David Rice
Elijah Willis.
In Capt. Moses Maynard's company : —
Oliver Gould Benjamin Gleason
Others in the service : —
John Rutter.
Josiah Baldwin.
Josiah Pratt.
Samuel Graves
Daniel Wyman.
Lieut. Samuel Curtis and eighteen men joined Capt.
Samuel Dakin's company in the expedition to Canada in
1758.
The following lists contain the names of the active militia
force of Sudbury, April, 1757. Many whose names are in
these lists engaged in one or more of the campaigns as the
war progressed, and then returned to exchange the musket
or sword for the implements of peaceful pursuits, still hold-
ing themselves in readiness at their country's call to place
their names again on the muster-roll : —
A List of The Officers and Soldiers of the First Foot Company in
Sudbury under the command of Capt. Moses Maynard, L' Joseph Curtis
and En. Jason Glezen.
Sarg John Rice
" Israel Rice
" Samuell Russell
" Isaac Cutting.
Corp1 Jonathan Underwood
" Nehemiah Williams
" Josiah Farrar
" Sam1 Fisk
Drum. John Combs.
" Wm Russell.
Joseph Smith
Abraham Jenkens Jun.
Ebenezer King
Joseph Trask
Thomas Allen Jun
Elijah Rice
John Parmenter Jun
Grindly Jackson
Caleb Moulton
Bez'aleel Moore
Timothy Underwood
Phineas Gleyen
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
341
Shemnel Griffyn
Joseph Rutter
Samu11 Abbott
Randall Davis Jun
Wm Moulton
John Parmenter
Sam1 Gould Jun.
Ephraim Smith
Jonathan Graves
Jacob Alderick
Sam1 Livermore
Charles Wetheaby
Wra Ravis
David Bent
Isaac Damon
James Davis
Henery Coggin
Wm Dudly
Micah Rice
Isaac Wetheaby
Jonathan Belcher
Ephraim Abbott
John Allen
Benj* Glezen
A true Copy taken Apr. 25, 1757
A true list of the 2ond Foot Company
Captn Josiah Richardson taken by Ezek
1757.
Capt. Josiah Richardson
Lefnt Abijah Haynes
Ensin Jabez Puffer
Serg* Joseph Willis
Serg' Elijah Smith
Serg1 Corneleas Wood
Serg4 David Moore
Corp Joseph Stanhope
Corp Samuell Eaton
Corp Oliver Dackin
Corp Josiah Richardson Jun.
Drum. Jessie Willis
u wm Rice Jun.
John Rice
John Reamos
Jonas Gibs
John Jacob Cibellar
Samu11 Griffyn
Micah Maynard
Wra Grout
Edwd Shannon Jun
John Walker
John Meriam
Edmond Rice
Jason Glezen
Elijah Ross
John Morffet
Benj* Cory
Ebenezer Staples
Sam1 Pool
Zebediah Allen Jun
Josiah Maynard
Jonas Woodward
Benj* A. Williams
David Patterson
David Stone
Jason Glezen Jun
Thomas Bent Jun
Thadeus Russell
James Ross
W"1 Sanderson
Saml Curtis, Clerk.
in Sudbury under command of
iel How Clerk, April ye 25th
Wm Skiner
Wm Gibs
Wm Hayden
Isaac Hunt Jun
Jeams Wier
Ephriam Rice '
Ephriam Goodenow
Elijah Parmenter
Ezekiel Parmenter
Ephriam Hayden
Edmond Goodenow
Ebenr Burbank
Ebenr Woode
Geo. Wheller
Geo. Mossmon
Joseph Maynard Jun
Jeames Carter
342
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Leavit How
Micah Goodenow
Michall Mellong
Morris Clarrey
Micah Parmenter
Micah Grout
Miells Rayley
Mosies Rice
Nathan Moore
Nathaniel Gibs Jun.
Nathaniel Muzzey
Norman Saever
Nathaniel Cuter
Rowen Boogrill
Reubin Willis
Richard Ralley
Reubin Norse
Oliver Mors
Peletiah Parmenter
Edward Bointon
Patrick Roach
Simeon Harris
Samuiell Parmenter
Samuiell Osbon
Samuiell Brigham
Samuiell Dackin Jun
Samuiell Burbank Jun
Samuiell Puffer Jun
Samuiell Knight Jun
Silas Balkom
Silas Puffer
Silas Smith
Samuiell Putnam
Thomas Goodenow
Thomas Walker Jun
Uriah Parmenter Jun
Wm Parmenter
Daniel Noyse Jun
James Haynes
Isaack Linckon
Jeames Thompson
Jonathan Maynard
Josiah Haynes
John Mossman
Jonas Hallden
Jonas Hayden
Isrial Haynes
Jeams Puffer
Jonal Balcom
Josiah Rice
John Willis
John Burbank
Josiah Bennit Jun
Jonathan Haynes
Jonathan Rice Jun
John Goodenow
John Puffer
Jeams Puffer Jun
Joseph Muzzey Jun
Aron Haynes
Abijah Walker
Ambrus Tower
Asa Smith
Asiell Clap
Aron Johnson
Abel Brown
Aron Earns
Andrew White
Benimin Tower
Beniman Berry
David Maynard Jun
Daniell Clap
Daniell Bowken
David Clark
Daniell Parmenter
There was also in Sudbury what was called an Alarm List.
This included persons between the ages of sixteen and sixty,
who were ordinarily exempt from military duty, but were
liable to be called upon in emergencies. The following are
the names on an Alarm List which is supposed to have been
commanded by Capt. Thomas Damon.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
343
List of those persons who are obliged to appear on an alarm, between
the ages of 16 and 60 in the First foot Company in Sudbury. Apr 25.
1757
Samuel Curtis, Clerk.
Ebenezer Roby, Esq.
Wm Cook Jun
Wm Baldwin
Ebenezer Roby Jun.
Abial Abbott
Isaac Baldwin
Naham Baldwin
John Ross.
Zecariah Briant.
Benj" Briant
Benjn Ball
Daniel Wyman
James Patterson
Thomas Bent
Joseph Goodnow
Elijah Bent
Cor. Thomas Damon
James Graves
Amos Sanderson
Ezra Graves
Joseph Livermore
Isaac Rice
Peter Bent
Zebediah Allen
Paul Brintnal.
Hopstill Bent,
Joseph Beal.
Joseph Sharmon,
James Brewer jun.
Eliakim Rice.
Benjaman Dudley
Samuel Parris.
Peter Bent Jun
Thomas Graves
Isaac Woodward
Thomas Jenkinson
David McDaniels
Daniel Moore Jun
Amos Brown
Jonathan Patterson
Elisha Rice Jun.
Peter Briant
David Sharmon
Josiah Haynes
Isaac Stone
Jonathan Griffin.
In August, 1757, the men on both the Active and Alarm
Lists were mustered for service. The year had been one
of disaster to the English and American forces ; and, on
August 3, General Montcalm with about nine thousand
French and one thousand Indians besieged Fort William
Henry, which he captured after a six days' siege, during
which time it was gallantly defended by Colonel Monroe
with a force of twenty-three hundred and seventy -two men.
The report of the disaster was sad intelligence to New Eng-
land and consternation prevailed. The militia were called
to arms, and soon a large part of those on both the Active
and Alarm Lists were on their way towards Fort William
Henry ; but Montcalm not taking advantage of his victory
in the way that was expected, in about two weeks the troops
returned.
344 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
The following are the officers of a troop of horse in
Sudbury in 1762: —
Capt. John Noyes
1st Lieut. Israel Moore
2ond Lieut. Richard Heard
Cornet, Jonathan Parmenter
Quarter Master, Samuel How.
Officers of the troop of horse in Sudbury in 1771 : —
FIRST COMPANY. SECOND COMPANY.
Capt. Joseph Curtis Capt. Aaron Haynes
1st Lieut. Micah Maynard. 1st Lieut. Daniel Bowker
2ond Lieut. Ebenezer Staples. Ens. James Puffer.
Ens^ Samuel Choate
THIRD COMPANY.
Capt. Samuel Knight
1st Lieut. Moses Stone
The foregoing lists indicate that the town was well repre-
sented in the last French war, and that its militia force was
quite strong. Some of the officers whose names are given
were prominent citizens. Col. Josiah Brown has been men-
tioned in connection with military operations of a preceding
period. Capt. John Nixon, who in 1759, is mentioned as a
citizen of Sudbury, was, subsequently, General Nixon of
Revolutionary fame. Other of her soldiers who became
efficient officers in the Revolutionary War received their first
lessons in military tactics in this severe school.
In one of the expeditions of this war, the town sustained
the loss of Capt. Dakin and several others of its citizens, who
were killed by the Indians at Half-Way Brook, near Fort
Edward, July 20, 1758. At the time of this event, Capt.
Dakin and his company were connected with the expedition
of General Amherst against Crown Point. The following
brief account of the attendant circumstances are stated in a
diary kept by Lieut. Samuel Thomson of Woburn : —
"July 20, Thursday in the morning, 10 men in a scout
waylaid by the Indians and shot at and larmed the fort and
a number of our men went out to assist them, and the enemy
followed our men down to our Fort, and in their retreat,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 345
Capt. Jones and Lieut. Godfrey were killed, and Capt Law-
rence and Capt. Dakin and Lieut. Curtis and Ens" Davis,
and two or three non-commissioned officers and privates, to
the number of 14 men, who were brought into the Fort, all
scalped but Ensn Davis, who was killed within 30 or 40
rods from the Fort: and there was one grave dug, and all
of them were buried together, the officers by themselves at
one end, and the rest at the other end of the grave ; and
Mr. Morrill made a prayer at the grave, and it was a solemn
funeral ; and Nath' Eaton died in the Fort and was buried ;
and we kept a very strong guard that night of 100 men.
Haggit [and] Wm Coggin wounded."
Then follows a list of the killed, beginning, —
Capt. Ebenezer Jones of Willmington
Capt Dakin of Sudbury
Lieut Samuell Curtice of Ditto
Private Grout of do
" We have also an account that there are seven of our
men carried into Ticonderoga, which make up the number
of those that were missing.
" 21. Friday, in ye forenoon a party of about 150 went
out to find more men that were missing, and we found 4 men
who were scalped, and we buried them, and so returned :
and at prayer this evening we were Laromed by a false out-
cry. Nicholas Brown died and was buried ; and Moses
Haggit died."
As Jonathan Patterson and Nathaniel Moulton of Sud-
bury are reported missing, they may have been among the
number above referred to.
The following epitaph of Captain Dakin was written by
William Rice, Esq., who was his orderly sergeant.
Good by, Capt. Dakin Samuell.
In a battle near Lake George he fell.
In the death of Captain Dakin, a loss was sustained by
the town, the church, and the province. The following
sketch contains some facts concerning his life.
346 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
SKETCH OF CAPTAIN DAKIN.
Samuel Dalrin was a son of Deacon Joseph Dakin, whose
father, Thomas, settled in Concord prior to 1650. In 1722,
he married Mercy Minott, daughter of Colonel Minott who
built the first framed house in Concord. The farm of Cap-
tain Dakin was in the northern part of Sudbury, on the road
running northerly to Concord, his house being very near the
town boundary. As early as 1745, he was appointed ensign
of the second company of foot in Sudbury, of which Josiah
Richardson was captain and Joseph Buckminster was colonel.
Sept. 10, 1755, he received the commission of captain in
Col. Josiah Brown's regiment. In May, 1758, he received
an order from Ebenezer Nichols to be present with his com-
pany at Worcester on the 25th, and to furnish his men with
" Bounty for Biliting." From Worcester he proceeded to
Fort Edward, where he probably arrived about the middle
of June, and in the vicinity of which he remained till his
death, which occurred as before described. Captain Dakin
was not only valiant in his country's service but valiant in
the army of the Lord as well. His character as a Christian
is indicated by the following covenant, copied from the
original, which is still in the possession of one of his
descendants.
COVENANT.
O, Thou Glorious God ! Thou hast promised merc}r in
Christ Jesus, if I turn to Thee with my whole heart. I
therefore upon the call of the Gospel, do come and throwing
down my weapons of rebellion, do submit to Thy mercy, as
Thou requirest as the condition of my acceptance with Thee,
that I put away mine idols and be at defiance with Thine
enemies, which I acknowledge I have wickedly sided with
against Thee, I do now from my heart renounce them all,
firmly covenanting with Thee not to allow myself in any
known sin, but constantly to use all means that I know
Thou hast prescribed, for the death and destruction of my
corruptions, and as my heart has been running after this
world and sin and vanity, I do now resign it to Thee that
made it, protesting before Thy Glorious Majesty, that it is
HISTORY OF STJDBTJRY. 347
the firm resolution of my heart and that I do unfeignedly
desire grace from Thee, that when Thou shalt call me here-
unto, I may practice this my resolution, and by Thine
assistance, to forsake that which is dear to me in this world,
rather than turn from Thee to the ways of sin, and Thou
wilt enable me to work against all temptations, whether in
prosperity or in adversity, lest they draw my heart from
Thee. O, Glorious God, I would again come before Thee
with all possible veneration bowing myself at the feet of
Thy Glorious Majesty. I do here take the Lord Jehovah,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for my portion and chief good,
and do give up myself body and soul for service to serve
Thee all the days of my life I do here upon the bended
knees of my soul, accept of Jesus as the only way by which
sinners have access to God. I do this day take the Lord to
be my Lord, and Jesus Christ to be my Saviour, resolving
to serve Thee in all my affairs. I do renounce my former
righteousness, and take Thee to be " The Lord my right-
eousness " and am willing to take my lot as it falls, as to the
goods of this world, leaving all my concerns with Thee,
verily supposing that nothing separate me from the love of
Jesus Christ my Lord and dear Redeemer, and from this
day I shall be bold to call the Lord Jehovah my Father, and
Jesus Christ my Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost my sancti-
fier, hoping that my God will suffer no allowed sin to make
void this covenant, and this covenant that I have made on
,earth, may it be ratified in heaven. Amen & Amen.
July 27th 1753. memorandum.
This day renew this covenant having often broken it.
The Lord accept me again for his great mercy sake in Jesus
Christ.
Sept. 29th 1756. memorandum.
This day renew this covenant, having often broken it,
although nothing hath failed on God's part and now going
on an Expedition against the enemy at Crown point, I have
given myself up wholly to God to be at His disposal in life
or death, and O that God would accept of me again for Jesus
Christ's sake.
348 HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
May 23d 1758. memorandum.
This day renew this covenant with God, and while going
on an expedition against Canada I have left myself wholly
in the hands of God, to be at His disposal in life or death.
Samuel Dakin.
Captain Dakin's character is also shown by the following
extracts from letters to his wife while he was serving in the
Canada campaign. In a letter dated Sept. 26, 1755, he
says : " I am in good health and my company are so obe-
dient to me and so loving one to another that it makes my
life exceeding comfortable and pleasant. I have never yet
heard one thwarting word in my company, but they seem all
to have a brotherly care one for another, and have never
heard one profane word among them, and their forwardness
to attend religious exercises is delightful to me so that I have
many mercies."
In a letter of June 10, 1758, he speaks of the condition of
his company, and says: "they are all well, and I hope I
shall be very happy in my company, and they are very ready
to attend prayers and singing of Psalms which we have
practiced on our journey."
July 11, 1758, in writing from Lake George he says :
"And now my dear wife and children, I desire you would
not distress yourselves about me but commit me in your
prayers to God to be wholly at his disposal and I hope by
his preserving providence I shall after awhile rejoice with
you again in my own house ; but if not I hope we shall all
rejoice together in heaven which will be spiritually better."
Before he closes his letter he asks for their prayers for him-
self, his men, and the whole army.
Such are some extracts from the correspondence of this
Christian soldier. They serve, not only to set forth the
character of the man, but of an officer in the military service
of those times. Surely, if Captain Dakin was a representa-
tive of that generation of men, no wonder that the cause for
which they fought was at last triumphant. His descendants
have been prominent citizens of Sudbury. Levi and Thomas,
grandson and great grandson, were deacons in the Congre-
gational Church.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 349
Not only were the New England towns called upon to
furnish men for the war, but their equipment and mainten-
ance also when in the field. As the soldiers to an extent
enlisted for single campaigns, repeatedly, the expense of
fitting out demanded new contributions. This condition
of tilings occasioned heavy taxation and the issuing of bills of
credit by the government. Besides the money provided by
the public for the prosecution of the war, some means were
furnished by the merchants, farmers and others for the
encouragement of enlistments.
FRENCH NEUTRALS.
Among other services rendered by the towns was the
maintenance of what were termed French Neutrals, the
people whom Longfellow has described in his poem, "Evan-
geline." As Sudbury had some of these to care for, a few
words relative to their general history may be appropriate.
Upon the cession of the province of Nova Scotia by France
to the British in 1713, a colony of about seven thousand
French Roman Catholics became subjects of Great Britain.
These colonists were allowed to remain on the land they had
occupied, on condition of their taking the oath of allegiance
to England. The oath was taken with the qualification
that, in case of war against France, they were not to take
up arms against their own countrymen. It was thus they
acquired the name of French Neutrals. But it was alleged
that, during the war which began in 1755, they furnished
the French and Indians with substantial aid, thus enabling
them the better to harass the English, that three hundred
of them were found in arms at the taking of Fort Beau-
Sejour, and that although an offer was made to such as had
not resorted to arms to still hold their estate on taking the
oath of allegiance without qualification, yet they one and all
refused to do so. In view of this attitude, the English
believed that the public safety required their removal from
the- province. If they were taken to Canada they would
still be enabled to assist the French. It was, therefore,
determined to convey them to different parts of the British
Colonies. The plan of removing them was largely intrusted
350 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
to the forces of Massachusetts under command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Win slow.
At an appointed time, the people were called into the
different ports "to hear the King's orders." About four
hundred of their best men assembled at the village of Grand
Pre. A guard being placed about the church where they
were, Colonel Winslow made known his sad errand.
One thousand of these French Neutrals arrived in the
Massachusetts Bay Province and were supported at public
expense. Different towns, among which was Sudbury, had
their quota to care for. Repeatedly is there a record of
supplies furnished them by the town. The following is a
general statement of some of these, and also a bill of attend-
ance and medicine furnished by Dr. Roby, one of Sudbury's
old time physicians.
An account of what hath been expended by sd Town of Sudbury on
Sundry French Persons sent from Nova Scotia to this province and by
sd government to Town of Sudbury.
The subsisting of Eighteen persons ten days — six persons three
weeks, and four persons twenty-three weeks, the whole amounting to
one hundred and twenty-seven weeks for one person charged at four
shillings week for each person £25 — 8s
Ephraim Curtis Ebenezer Roby
Josiah Brown Josiah Haynes
John Noyes Samuel Dakin
Elijah Smith. Selectmen.
Some of them being sick a great many comers and goers to visit
them made the expense the greater even thirteen or fourteen at a time
for a week together.
State Archives, Vol. XXIII., page 98.
MASSACHUSETTS PROVINCE.
For medicine and attendants for the French Neutrals from Nova
Scotia.
1755, Dec. 11 — To Sundry Medicines for French young woman —
27 — To Do. for girl 6d
1756, Mar. 22, — To Sundry Medicines and Journey in the night west
side the River — 0—5-8
To Sundry Medicines Journey west side 0-4-0
To Do. 4" To Journey and Medicines 0-7-0
To Do. £ for the old Gentleman when he fell off the House and was
greatly bruised and sick of a fever the clavicula being broke.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 351
May, 1756, To medicine and attendants for the old Gentleman, the
whole month of May and his wife greatest part of the time himself when
dangerously sick of a fever, violent coughs and are still remaining in a
low languishing condition.
N. B. The above old gentleman and wife have been in a low lan-
guishing condition all the spring and have had no more doctoring than
what has been of absolute necessity.
State Archives, Vol. XXIII., page 97.
Melancholy, indeed, was the fate of those ancient Aca-
dians. Although the circumstances were such that the
English may have considered their removal a military neces-
sity, yet the fact remains that sorrow and hardship attended
their exile. They were strangers in a strange land. Their
pleasant homes were abandoned, and with their lands passed
into the hands of another race.
" Waste are those pleasant farms and the farmers forever departed ;
Scattered like dust and leaves when the mighty blasts of October
Seize them, and whirl them aloft and sprinkle them far o'er the ocean."
Feb. 10, 1763, a treaty of peace was signed at Paris, and
the long, arduous struggle between the two great nations
ceased. The announcement brought great joy to New Eng-
land. Days of public thanksgiving were observed, and
praise was offered unto Him " from whom all blessings flow."
No longer was Canada to be a place from which a foe
could sally forth to harass the exposed frontier, and to
which he could return with his captives and booty. The
same flag was to float over New England and beyond the
northern border, and the Canadian fortresses were to be
manned by English or American soldiers.
In yet another way did thie war bring its benefits to
Americans. It gave them a knowledge of the military
tactics of Europe, by which they were the better able to
cope with the British when, in after years, they met them
on the memorable fields of the Revolutionary War.
About ten years after the close of the war both precincts
lost their pastors. The first that died was Mr. Cook, who
passed away in 1760. That year the town voted "sixty-five
pounds to each of the Revd ministers for the year ensuing
352 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
including their salary and fire wood ; in case they or either
of them should decease before the expiration of the year,
then they or either of them to receive their salary in propor-
tion during the time they shall live and no longer."
This may indicate that their death was anticipated. An-
other record indicates that Mr. Cook had been sick some
time when this vote was passed, as the town book goes on
to state, " The same meeting granted thirty-three pounds,
six shillings six pence to pay persons who had supplied the
pulpit in Mr. Cook's confinement, and also granted thirty
pounds more to supply the pulpit during his sickness, ajjd
chose a committee to provide preaching in the meantime."
May 11, 1761, the town appropriated seventeen pounds, six
shillings, eight pence " out of the money granted for the
Rev. Mr. Cook's salary in the year 1760, to defray the Rev.
Mr. Cook's funeral expenses."
Mr. Cook had one son who taught the grammar school for
years in Sudbury, and died of a fever in 1758. After the
decease of Mr. Cook, another minister was soon sought for
on the east side. A little disturbance, and perhaps delay,
was occasioned "by a petition sent to the General Court
relating to the settlement of another minister on the east
side the river. But the matter was amicably adjusted by
a vote of the town ; whereby it decided " not to send an
agent to the General Court to show cause or reason why the
petition of Deacon Adam Stone and others relating to the
settlement of a Gospel minister on the East side the river
should not be granted." The town furthermore voted, that
the " prayers of the petition now in Court should be granted,
Provided the Court would Grant and confirm the like Privi-
lege to the West Church and Congregation when there shall
be reason. John Noyes Moderator."
The way cleared of obstructions a new pastor was soon
found. Choice was made of Rev. Josiah Bridge. Oct. 14,
1761, Capt. Moses Maynard was allowed twelve shillings
" for his travel to Lunenburg to wait on Mr. Bridge ; " and,
at the same meeting, it was " voted to grant to Mr. Bridge
his settlement and salary as he had contracted with the East
HISTORY OP SUDBURY 353
Precinct for, and ordered the assessors to assess the inhabi-
tants of the town for the same."
Delegates were duly chosen by the West Side Church,
Nov. 3, 1761, to attend Mr. Bridge's ordination, — Deacon
Haynes, John Haynes, Josiah Richardson, and Cornelius
Wood. Mr. Bridge was a native of Lexington, and graduate
of Harvard College in 1758. He was ordained Nov. 4, 1761,
and died June 19, 1801, aged sixty-two, and in the fortieth
year of his ministry. A few years after Mr. Cook's decease
Rev. Mr. Loring also passed away, his death occurring
March 9, 1772.
The West Church voted, April 7, 1772, " to set apart
Thursday next as a day of Fasting and prayer to seek ye
direction and blessing of heaven on the endeavor to settle
another Gospel Minister among them." Also, " voted that
the Rev. Mr. Stone of Southboro, Rev. Mr. Bridge of the
East Precinct, Rev. Mr. Bridge of Framingham, and Rev.
Mr. Swift of Marlboro be requested to give their presence
and assistance. Exercises to commence at 10 o'clock."
May 6, 1772, the town " granted Eighteen pound Lawful
money for to pay the charge of Rev. Mr. Loring's Funeral,"
also at the same date it was " voted that the remainder of
the [money] granted to pay the Rev. Mr. Loring's salary
should be applied for supplying the pulpit."
SKETCH OF MR. LORING.
The service of Mr. Loring in the church at Sudbury was
long and fruitful. He died in the ninetieth year of his age
and the sixty-sixth year of his ministry. It was said of him
that " as he earnestly desired and prayed that he might be
serviceable as long as he should live, so it pleased God to
vouchsafe his request, for he continued to preach 'till the
last Sabbath but one before his death, and the next day
prayed in the town meeting, which was on the 2nd day of the
month. The night following he was taken ill, and oh the
9th of March 1772, he expired." Mr. Loring had pious
parentage. His father, Mr. John Loring of Hull, came from
England, Dec. 22, 1634. It has been said of him that, like
354 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Obadiah, " he feared the Lord greatly." His mother was
also religious, and " prayed with her family in her husband's
absence." Mr. Loring was born at Hull, Mass., April 6,
1682. It is supposed he was converted in his youth. He
graduated at Harvard College in 1701. He began to preach
at Scituate, lower parish, Aug. 1, 1703, and preached first
at Sudbury July 29, 1705. In the year 1723, on the 25th of
July, he removed to the west side of the river, where he
continued in service until flesh and strength failed. He left
two sons and four daughters, his son Jonathan having died
some years before the death of his father. Elizabeth, born
Nov. 16, 1712, married Richard Manson of Sudbury, June 6,
1746. Mary, born Sept. 14, 1716, married Elisha Wheeler,
and died, Jan. 22, 1801. Nathan, born Nov. 27, 1721, mar-
ried Keziah Woodward, Dec. 31, 1747, who died July 28,
1754. He married a second time, and died April 25, 1803.
" He was a farmer, and lived on the place afterwards owned
by Loring Wheeler 1st." On the fidelity of Mr. Loring's
ministry we need offer no comments: his works are his
memorials. At the time of his installation at Sudbury the
church numbered one hundred and twenty, — forty-one
males and seventy-nine females. During his ministry four
hundred and fifty were added to it ; of these, forty-two
males and sevent}--two females were added before the divi-
sion of the church, and, after the division, there were added
to the West Church one hundred and twenty-nine males and
two hundred and seven females. The whole number of
children baptized by Mr. Loring in Sudbury was fourteen
hundred.
It has been said concerning his service on the West Side,
" Thus did this excellent and venerable man thro' a long
series of years, burn and shine in eminent Piety, indefati-
gable Dilligence, faithfulness, and distinguished usefulness
of truly primitive stamp. Heu Pietas ! lieu prisca Fides ! "
It is said, further, that he was " honored and revered by all
whose regards were worth receiving ; and for a great number
of years was the head and the glory and delight of the
ministiy." Beside these substantial testimonials of merit,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 355
he has left various publications which also set forth his
worth. Some of these printed works are as follows : —
"The nature and necessaty of the New Birth, (a ser-
mon.) Printed for and sold by D. Henchman, over against
the British meeting house. MDCCXXVIII."
" Serious thoughts on the miseries of hell. (Preached at
Sudbury, Sunday, Feb. 20, 1731-2.)"
Several other sermons on important religious subjects
were published, also an election sermon, of date 1739; a
convention sermon, 1742, and others not mentioned here,
making in all eleven publications. He also kept a succes-
sion of diaries, some of which are still extant. They are
closely written and somewhat hard to be read, but contain
valuable matter that pertains to the affairs of both province
and town. Mr. Loring was a strong Calvinist, an earnest
preacher and somewhat noted minister. It is said he did
not like the ways of Mr. Whitefield, the evangelist, and the
excitement attendant upon his revivals ; and this, together
with some other matters, led to some unpleasantness for a
time. He was fine looking, tall, slender, and of dark com-
plexion. When he lived on the East Side, he occupied the
parsonage which the town provided for Mr. Sherman. In
1778, the town voted " to give to Mr. Isreal Loring our
present minister ye 4 acres of land and ye building now
upon it y' ye bought of John Loker to him and his heirs
forever, on yesd Mr. Isreal Loring relinquishing }'e £50
which ye town granted him." (See Chapter XV.)
Thus lived and died a good and great man ; but " though
dead he yet speaketh."
" The precious memory of the just
Shall flourish when they sleep in dust."
After the death of Mr. Loring, the church did not remain
long dependent upon a temporary supply. On July 27,
1772, it proceeded to select a Gospel minister, and the Rev.
Jacob Bigelow was unanimously chosen. He was to have a
salary of seventy-four pounds. He was ordained Nov. 11,
1772. The following churches were represented on the occa-
356 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
sion of ordination : East Precinct, Josiah Bridge ; Waltham,
Jacob Cushing ; Weston, Samuel Woodward ; Sherburn,
Elijah Brown ; Framingham, Matthew Bridge ; Lexington,
Jonas Clark ; Westborough, Ebenezer Parkman.
MISCELLANEOUS.
For a time preceding the Revolution, the West Side was
divided into the North and South Wards. In 1765, Richard
Heard offered to collect the taxes on the East Side the river
for three pence per pound if they would appoint him col-
lector and constable ; and Aaron Haynes offered to collect
them for the North Ward, West Side, and Jedediah Par-
menter for the South Ward at the same rates.
In 1765, the town " voted to build a new stone pound
between Lieut. Augustus Moors' dwelling house at the
gravel pit, on Col. Noyes land which he promised to give
the town to set a pound on by Dead." The pound was to
be " 30 feet square from Enside to Enside 6 ft high with
pieces of timber locked together round the top 8 inches
square, for six pounds and the old pound."
In 1771, the town voted to build a powder-house in which
to keep the town's stock of ammunition. It granted for
this object " 7 pounds 9 shillings and 4 pence, and agreed
with Col. John Noyes to build it, and place it near or on
Wm Baldwin's land near Major Curtis'." Another record
of the same year states that " the town voted to erect the
powder house on the training field near Mr. Elisha Wheel-
ers." In 1773, it " voted to remove the powder house to
some suitable place on or near the gravel pit hill, and chose
a committee to remove the same, if the committee should
think the house will be sufficient for the use it was built for,
and rough cast and underpin said building."
In 1772, the town "gave leave to John Balcom, Joseph
Willis, Abijah Brigham, and Jonathan Smith, to set up a
small House on the town land near the west meeting house
for the people to repair to on the Sabbath day." There may
have been other similar buildings erected near. They were
intended as a convenient resort for the people, during the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 857
interval between services on Sunday, for the purpose of
warming themselves and eating their dinners.
May 17, 1773, the town chose a committee " to consider
and report what is proper to be done in order to suppress
that set of men in this town, who make it their business to
trade with and cheat strangers." The committee reported
as follows : —
" That for the benefit of the public; the names and char-
acter of the persons belonging to and residing in Sudbury
hereafter named .... are persons who go about the country
and cheat honest men by purchasing their horses, cattle and
other effects, by telling fair stories, and promising short pay,
should be published in the several newspapers, that the
Public may be cautioned against trading with or trusting
them on any account."
The town accepted of the report, and chose a committee
to find out the persons who aided and assisted in the work,
" by purchasing the horses and cattle &c at a low price
which they know are obtained in such a clandestine way
and manner, that their names may be exposed in like man-
ner. Also voted, that the town Clerk send an attest copy
to the several Printers in the town of Boston, to be printed
for the benefit of the public."
CHAPTER XX.
1775-1800.
War of the Revolution. — Causes of It. — Attitude of the Town Relative
to the Stamp Act. — Instructions to the Representative Concerning
It. — Report of the Committee Relative to the Importation of Tea. <—
Patriotic Resolutions of the Town. — Instructions to its Represen-
tatives.— An Old Document Descriptive of the Times. — Military
Preparations. — Choice of Militia Officers. — Organization of Minute
Companies. — Names and Captains of Companies. — Muster Rolls. —
Equipments. — .Drill. — Call Roll of Captain Nixon's Company. —
Military Stores Removed to Sudbury. — The Alarm. — The Muster-
ing and March. — The Arrival at Concord. — The Encounter at the
North Bridge. — Retreat of the British. — The Pursuit. — Encounter
at Merriam's Corner. — At Hardy's Hill. — Incident. — Sudbury's
Loss. — Sketch of Deacon Josiah Haynes. — Sketch of Mr. Asahel
Read.
Far as the tempest thrills
Over the darken'd hills,
Far as the sunshine streams over the plain,
Roused by the tyrant band,
Woke all the mighty land,
Girded for battle from mountain to main.
O. W. Holmes.
The period from 1775 to 1800, in this country, may truly
be termed the' period of the Revolution. It witnessed the
commencement and close of armed opposition to the British
Crown, and the establishment, in America, of a new nation-
ality. In the work of overthrowing the old and establishing
a new government, the several provincial towns had a
common concern ; each supplied its quota and each stood
ready to respond to the country's call. Sudbury, on account
of its situation and size, bore a prominent part. It was the
most populous town in Middlesex County ; its territory was
extensive, and for a time in close proximity to the seat of
358
HISTORY Off SUDBURY. 359
war: for these reasons, much was expected of it, and its
patriotism was equal to the demand. Before a consideration
in detail of the part taken by the town in this stormy
period we will notice in brief the causes of the war. The
thirteen original States were, for the most part, settled by
English emigrants. They loved the mother country, its
institutions and laws, and had no desire to throw off alle-
giance so long as England respected their rights. The two
countries had stood together on the fields of successive wars,
they had things in common to be shared and kept, — one
language set forth their traditions, one literature contained
their history and laws. It was natural and desirable that
they should have but one flag and sustain one general gov-
ernment. But causes worked to alienate and bring about
a final rupture. The colonies were oppressed with excessive
taxation, denied the rights of their ancient charters, refused
representation in council and the right of petition at court.
Misguided and rash officials were placed in their midst, and
they were subject, in various other obnoxious ways, to checks
on their peace and prosperity.
Before hostilities broke out, protests were repeatedly pre-
sented to the Crown against its despotic proceedings; but
the colonies had little hope of English concession, hence,
great activit}' prevailed in council, and the people prepared
to meet the worst. Resolutions were passed, and such plans
laid for aggressive and defensive measures as the exigencies
of the province required. In these measures Sudbury had
her share. The town was usually present, by delegates, in
response to all calls, and her vote was stanch for the conti-
nental cause. In 1770, the people manifested their hearty
appreciation of the agreement of merchants in Boston " to
stop the importation of British goods, and engaged for them-
selves and all within their influence, to countenance and
encourage the same." At an early day, they chose a com-
mittee to prepare and present instructions to Peter Noyes,
Representative to the General Court, in regard to the Stamp
Act, which set forth their opinions very strongly concerning
that petty piece of tyranny. Record after record appears on
the Town Book, of resolutions and acts that show how posi-
360 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
tive the people were in their patriotism, and how pronounced
they were in declaring it. These are of such a character
that to give a few of them will suffice.
1773. The Town being met, the committee appointed by the town
to take into consideration the affair relating to the Tea sent here by the
East India Company, reported as follows, viz." —
Taking into Consideration the late Conduct of administration, to-
gether with an act of Parliament enabling the East India Company to
export their Teas unto America Free of all, Duties and Customs, Regu-
lations and penalties in America as are provided by the revenue Act ;
we are justly alarmed at this Detestable Craft and Policy of the Min-
istry to deprive us of our American Liberties Transmitted to us by our
Worthy Ancestors, at no less expense than that of their Blood and
Treasure. That price our Renowned Forefathers freely paid, that they
might transmit those Glorious Liberties as a free, full, and fair inher-
itance to Posterity, which liberties through the Indulgent Smiles of
Heaven, we have possessed in peace and Quietness, till within a few
years Past (Excepting in the reign of the Detestable Stewarts) but now
Behold ! the pleasing scene is changed, the British ministry, assisted
by the Inveterate Enemies to American Liberty on this as well as on
the other side of the Atlantick, Combining together to Rob us of our
dear Bought freedom; have Brought us to this sad Dilemma, either to
resolve like men in defense of our just Rights and Liberties, or sink
under the weight of their Arbitrary and unconstitutional measures into
a State of abject Slavery. Therefore as Freeborn Americans Intitled
to all the immunities, Liberties and Privileges of Freeborn Englishmen,
we look upon ourselves under the Strongest Obligations to use our
utmost Exertions in defense of our just Rights in every constitutional
method within our Power, Even though the Cost of the Defense should
equal that of the purchase. Therefore resolved
1st That as we are entitled to all the Privileges of British Subjects,
we have an undoubted and exclusive Right to Grant our own monies
for the support of Government and that no Power on Earth has a right
to Tax or make Laws binding us, without our consent.
2dly That the British Parliament laying a Duty on Tea Payable in
America, for the express purpose of Raising a Revenue, is in our
opinion an unjust Taxation, and that the specious method of permitting
the East India Company to export their Teas into the Colonies, has a
direct tendency to rivet the Chain of Slavery upon us.
3dly. That we will lend all the aid and assistance in our Power in
every Rational Method, to hinder the Importations of Teas, so long as
it is subject to a duty ; and that this Town are well pleased with, and
highly approve of that Resolution in particular entered into by the
Town of Boston, viz that they will not suffer any Tea to be imported
into that Town while subject to an unrighteous Duty ; and it is the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 361
desire and expectation of this Town that said resolution be not relaxed
in any Degree ; which if it should it would much lesson that confidence
(which we hope we may justly say) we have reason to place in that
respectable metropolis
4thly That the Persons appointed by the East India Company to
receive and vend their Teas (by their obstinate refusal to resign their
odious Commission) have shown a ready disposition to become the
Tools of our Enemies, to oppress and enslave their Native Country, and
have manifested such stupidity and wickedness to prefer private Inter-
est to the good of their Country, and therefore can expect no favor or
respect from us ; but we leave them to accumulate a load of Infamy,
proportionate to their vileness.
5 " That whoever shall sell, buy, or otherwise use Tea, while sub-
ject to and poisened with a Duty, shall be deemed by us Enemies to
their Country's welfare ; and shall be treated by us as such. The Town
by their Vote Ordered the foregoing resolves to be recorded in the
Town Book, and a Copy of the same to be forwarded to the Committee
of Correspondence at Boston, with our sincere thanks to that Respect-
able Town, for their Manly Opposition to every minsterial measure to
enslave America.
Thomas Plympton, Ezekiel Howe, John Maynard )
Sampson Belcher, Phinehas Glezen, Josiah Langdon f
With like spirit the town expressed itself in the following
instructions to Peter Noyes, its Representative to the Court :
Sir, you being chosen by the inhabitants of this town to represent
them in the Great and General Court or Assembly of their Province,
we think proper at this critical Day, when our invaluable rights and
privileges are so openly invaded to give you the following instructions.
That you invariably adhere to and steadfastly maintain (so far as you
are able) all our Charter Rights and Priveleges and that you do [not]
consent to give them or any of them up, on any pretense whatever.
That you make use of all your influence, that some effective method be
devised and pursued for the restoration of our violated rights and
redress of all our grievances. That you use your endeavors that the
Governor be prevailed upon to make a grant for the payment of our
agent chosen by the Representative body of the Province to present
our complaint to the ears of our King
John Maynard. "]
Sampson Belcher. I
John Balcom. !
„,. -D- T r Committee.
Wm Rice, Jr.
Phineas Gleason. j
Aaron Merriam. J
362 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Nov. 14, 1774, the town voted " their approbation of the
several measures of the Provincial Congress so far as has
been communicated to them." It also voted, at the same
meeting, " to choose a committee to observe the conduct of
all persons touching the association agreement entered into
by the Continental Congress, whose business it shall be to
see the articles contained therein are strictly adhered to by
the inhabitants of this town."
In 1774, the town chose Thomas Plympton, Capt. Richard
Heard, and James Mossman to represent it at the proposed
Provincial Congress. The records just quoted are a few
from many that show the fidelity of Sudbury to the great
cause of freedom in those tumultuous times. It was decided
as to the true principle of action, and equally prompt and
consistent in carrying it out. Enough has been said to show
the town's place in that preparatory period that led to the
clash of arms ; but we will quote a paper written by a Revo-
lutionary soldier of Sudbury, which shows the spirit of the
age and gives a synopsis of events and the way in which
they were viewed by one living in town at the time of their
occurrence ; and although, in presenting this paper, we may
anticipate some of the events we are about to narrate, yet
we think it proper to do this, rather than make a break in a
paper so valuable both to local and general history.
" The Causes that led the Colonies to Take up armes
Against the Mother Country is proper to be Shown To
Prove the Necessity the Colonies were under to resist the
oppressive Measures which the Colonies were laid under ;
namely the stamp act; on the Stamp act Being Repaled, an
act called the Declaritory act, more oppressive and Hostile
to American Rights than any thing that had Preceded it.
A Cargo of Tea was consigned To the Friends of the Royal
Governor Hutchinson with a duty [of] three pence on a
pound, but the inhabitants of Massachusetts [being] Deter-
mined not to pay that Duty, a Party of men in Disguise
Entered on bord the Ships and Destroyed Three Hundred
and Forty Two Chests of Tea. After these proceedings
were received in England The Excitement was very strong
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 363
against Massachusetts and Particularly against Boston,
which was considered The seat of Rebellion. A Bill was
then Brought forward that was called the Boston Port Bill ;
the Port of Boston was Precluded the Privelege of Landing
and Discharging or Loading and Sniping goods. The words
Whigs and Tories was introduced about this Time. To the
Honor of Sudbury there was Not any of the latter Glass to
be found within the limits [of] Sudbury.
" The People were Carfull to Promote men that were
Strongly opposed to British Tireny. The Town of Boston
Passed a vote to stop all importation from Great Britain and
the West Indies.
" Requesting the other Colonies to fall in with the same
Resolve, Many of the inhabitants of . . . signed a Resolve
not to buy any imported goods. Most Noted Men in Boston
that took the lead . . . were James Otis John Hancock
and Samuel Adams ; in September 1774 Ninty of the Rep-
resentatives of Massachusetts Met at Salem and formed
What was Called the Provincial Congress and adjourned to
Concord. Here they chose John Hancock President, and
drew up a Plan for the immediate Defense of the Province
By appointing officers, also Pased a Resolve to get in
Readiness to Compose an Army at the shortest Notis and
called Minute men. The minute company in Sudbury was
commanded by Capt John Nixon afterwards General, the
North Melitia Company was commanded [by] Capt. Aaron
Haynes The South By Capt. Moses Stone, the orders were
for Every man to be supplied with a Gun and Bagnet
Cartrege Box and 36 Rounds, our Guns to [be] Kept in
Good Repair. The men that were freed by Ege from doing
Militory Duty formed themselves into a Company Called the
Alarm Company Commanded by Capt. Jabez Puffer. Train-
ings were as often as once a week the three fall months, in
the winter Not so often. The young Men In the Winter
months made a Practis of calling on their officers Evenings
and going through the Manual Exercise In Barn Flours. I
have exercised many a Night With my Mittens on. Such
was the Patriotic sperit that Reigned in the Brest of Every
True American Never to stain the Glory of our worthy
364 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Ancestors but like them Resolve never to part with our
birthright. To be wise in our deliberations and determined
in our Exertions for the preservation of our libertys, being
Irritated by Repeated Injuries and Striped of our inborn
rights and dearest Priveleges ; The Present Generation may
view those Transactions with surprise ; every Rational mind
must feel satisfied of the overruling hand of Providence.
To bring about the great event here we must Cast our Eyes
on the Father of Mercies with a full belief that He would
Make his arm beare For us as he did for our Ancestors
that we should be Enabled to Defend and Maintain our
Rights Boath of a Civil and Religious Nature. With these
impressions Strongly impressed in their Hearts on the morn-
ing of [the] Ever Memorable 19th of April 1775 Husbands
left their wifes and Fathers their daughters Sones their
Mothers Brothers their Sisters to Meet a Haughty Foe.
" On this eventful morning an Express From Concord to
Thos Plympton Esqr who was then a Member of the Pro-
vintial Congress [stated] that the British were on their way
to Concord : In 35 Minites between 4 and 5 oclock in the
Morning, the Sexton was immadelly Called on, the bell
Ringing and the Discharge of Musket which was to give the
alarm. By sunrise the greatest part of the inhabitants were
Notified. The morning was Remarkable fine and the Inhab-
itants of Sudbury Never can make such an important appear-
ance Probably again. Every Countenance appeared to
Discover the importance of the event. Sudbury Companies
were but a short distance From the North Bridg, when the
first opposition was made to the Haughty Enemy. The
Dye was Cast and the Torch Lit by which means we Have
Becom an independent Nation, and may the present gener-
ation and those unborn, preserve unimparred the Libertys,
sivel and Religious so long as Time Endures —
" On the 19 of April, I was Runing across a Lot where
there was a bend in [the] Road in order to get a Fair Shot,
at the Enemy, in company with a Scotchman who was. in
Braddock's Defeat 19 year Before, after we had Discharged
our Guns I observed to the Sco1 who appeared very Com-
THE COMMON.
Unitarian Church, Town House and Methodist Church,
Sudbury Centre.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 365
posed I wished I felt as Calm as he appeared to be — [He
said] its a Tread to be Larnt,
" Before I served through one Campain I Found the Scots
Remark to be a just one —
" The old soldiers Name is John Weighton He informed
me he had been in seven Battles and this Eight." (Stearns
Collection.)
MILITARY PREPARATIONS.
Nov. 14, 1774, " it was voted, that the town recommend
to the several companies of militia to meet far the choice of
officers for their respective companies, as recommended by the
Provincial Congress. Also voted, that a company of militia
on the East side, meet on Thursday next at twelve o'clock at
the East meeting house in Sudbury, to choose their officers ;
and that the companies on the West side to meet at the West
meeting house at the same time and for the same purpose."
Besides looking after the militia, the town took measures
to form companies of minute men. These, as the name
implies, were to hold themselves in readiness to act at a
minute's warning. The officers received no commissions,
but held their positions by vote of the men. Two such
companies were formed, one on each side of the river.
There was also a troop of horse composed of men from both
precincts. Besides these companies of able-bodied men, there
was an alarm company composed of men exempt from mili-
tary service. The names of the companies were, —
North Militia Co. West Side, Capt. Aaron Haynes GO men
East Militia Co. East Side. Capt. Joseph Smith, 75 men
South Militia Co. (Lanham District) both Sides. Capt. Moses Stone 92 men.
Troop of Horse. Both Sides. Capt. Isaac Loker. 21 men.
Minute Co. West Side. Capt. John Nixon. 58 men
Minute Co. East Side. Capt. Nathaniel Cudworth. 40 men.
These make, besides the alarm list of Jabez Puffer, six com-
panies — three hundred and forty-eight men — in process of
preparation for the coming struggle.
The muster rolls of these companies, as present at the
Concord and Lexington battle, have for the most part been
866 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
preserved, and are here given as found in State and town
documents. They may not, in every case, give the names
of all who were on the rolls of either militia or minute men
in 1774 ; and they may also contain names which were not
properly of the companies in whose rolls they stand. But
this may be explained by the fact that these rolls represent
those who were in the Lexington and Concord fight, and
that the alarm company and troop were mingled with other
companies of the town on that memorable day.
A muster Roll of Militia Company and part of an Alarm Company
that marched to Cambridge by Concord on the Alarm on the nineteenth
of April last under the command of Capt, Aaron Haynes of Sudbury
and returning home.
Aaron Haynes Capt, Thomas Puffer
Daniel Bowker Lieut, Rufus Parmenter
James Puffer Lieut, James
Joshua Haynes Sergt, Ebenezer Plympton
Samuel Dakin " Abel Tower
Samuel Puffer " Francis Green
Jonathan Haynes " Jason Haynes
Benjamin Smith Corp. Joseph Haynes
Ashael Balcom " Israel Brigham
Hope Brown " Abel Willis
Ithamon Rice " Isaac Rice
Phineas Puffer, Clark John Bemis
Aaron Haynes Moses Noyes
Abel Maynard, Private David Moore
Micah Maynard Abijah Brigham
John Maynard Israel Haynes
Jonas Haynes Edmund Parmenter
Isaac Puffer Henry Smith
Oliver Dakin Dea Thomas Plympton
Silas How Lieut Dakin
Sworn to by Capt. Aaron Haynes, Jan. 20, 1770
A muster roll of the Company under the Command of Capt. Joseph
Smith, in Col. James Barret's Regiment from Sudbury on April
19th 1775, in persuit of the ministerial Troops
Capt, Joseph Smith Isaac Damon
Lieut, Josiah Farrar John Tilton Jr.
Lieut, Ephraim Smith John Cutting
Ensign Timothy Underwood Samuel Tilton Jr,
Sergeant William Bent Amos Addaway
Sergeant Samuel Griffin Travis
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
36T
Sergeant Robert Cutting
Sergeant John Bruce
Corporal Samuel Tilton
Corporal Nathaniel Smith
Corporal Peter Johnson
Corporal John Merriam
Drumer Thomas Trask
Edmund Sharman
Timothy Bent
Micah Rice
Isaac Gould
John Barney
Jacob Gould
Benjaman Dudley
Zachariah Briant Jr,
Ebenezer Johnson
Jonathan Bent
Simon Belcher
Joel Stone
Roland Bennett
Isaac Stone
John Stone
Isaac Rice Jr,
William Dudley
John Peter
Francis Jones
James Sharmon
Samuel Sharmon
Joseph Goodenow
Josiah Allen
Elisha Cutting
John Dean
James Goodenow
Ephraim Bowker,
Jonathan Cutting
James Davis
Jason Parmenter
Middlesex Dec 218t 1775, The above named Joseph Smith made
solemn oath to the truth of the above roll, Before me, Moses Gill*
Justice Peace.
These Certify that the mens names
ye 19th 0f April last to Head Q™ we
Col0 How of Sudbury and Moses Stone
Moses Stone Cap4
Jona Rice L*
Joseph Goodenow 2 Lt.
Joseph Moore Serg'
Ephrm Carter Corp1
David How
Benja Berry
Jona Carter
Elijah Goodnow
David How
Ezek1 How jr.
Jonas Wheeler
Isaac Lincoln
The above named were
Peter Haynes
L' Elisha Wheeler
Aaron Goodnow
Thomas Walker
Ebenr Burbank
The above named were
hereafter annex'd marched on
being under Command of Lt
Cap
Tho* Ames
Thomas Burbank
Nath1 Bryant
Israel Maynard
Tho8 Carr junr
Isaac Moore
Uriah Moore
Abner Walker
Wra Walker
Abel Parmenter
Dan1 Csburn
Tho8 Derumple
out four days.
Tho" Derumple
Nath1 Brown
Uriah Hayden
Israel Willis
Calven Clark
out three days.
368
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Province of the Massachusetts Dr to Isaac Locker and the men
under me by name in ye Colony for service done in defence of the
Country on ye 19th day of April to ye 218t of the same when the alarm at
Concord, agreable to the General Courts Order — made up this Acco'
Isaac Locker
U Oliver Noyes
Qr Mr Ja8 Puffer
Corp1 Ja8 Noyes
Corp Jesse Gibbs
Corp1 Abel Smith
Da1 Wood Moore
Eph " Moore
Jonas Wheeler
Jesse Mossman
Rufus Bent
Jason Bent
W Wyman
Jo8 Rutter
Wm Noyes
Tim0 Sharmon
Dan1 Moore Jr
David Curtis
Zachh Heard
Jacob Jones
Nath1 Knowlton
Jonas Rice
Nathan Stearns
Micah Greaves
Nath' Jenison
Stephn Locker
Asaph Travis
Jonas Locker
Simon Newton
David Heard
A List of a Company of Minute Men under the command of Capt.
John Nixon, in Col Abijah Pierce's Regiment who entered the service
April 19th 1775
David Moore Lieut Abel Holden "
Ashael Wheeler 2d Lieut Hopestill Brown Corp.
Micah Goodnow Sergt Jesse Moore "
Elijah Willis " Uriah Wheeler "
Jeremiah Robbins " William Moore
PRIVATES.
Joseph Balcom
Philemon Brown
Samuel Brigham
Samuel Cutting
Asher Cutler
William Dun
Aaron Ames
Robert Ames
Eliab Moore
Uriah Moore
Isaac Moore
John Moore
Josiah Richardson
Nathan Read
Charles Rice
James Rice
Ezra Smith
Rueben Haynes
Joshua Haynes
Caleb Wheeler
John Weighten
Simon Kingman
Israel Willis
Hopestill Willis
Ebenezer Wood
Jonas Holden
Elisha Wheeler
Daniel Loring
Thadeus Moore
William Maynard
Daniel Maynard
John Shirley
Peter Smith
Abraham Thompson
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 369
Samuel Gleason Daniel Weight
Thomas Goodenow Nathaniel Rice
Jesse Goodenow Daniel Putman
William Goodenow Micah Grant
Sworn to by Lt. Asahel Wheeler, Feb. 3, 1776.
A muster Role of the Minute Company under the command of Capt.
Nathaniel Cudworth in Col. Abijah Pierce's Regiment.
Nathaniel Cudworth Capt. Samuel Pollard
Thadeus Russel, Lieut. Daniel Rice
Nathaniel Maynard Ensign Samuel Whitney
Nathaniel Reeves Sergent Benjamin Adams
Jonathan Hoar " Samuel Curtis
Caleb Moulton ;' Richard Heard Jr
Thomas Rutter " Samuel Bent
Joseph Willington Corp. Samuel Haynes
Thadeus Bond " Joseph Nicolls
David Clough " William Grout
Joshua Kendall " Samuel Merriam
John Trask Drummer David Underwood
Phineas Gleason Private Naum Dudley
Ebenezer Dudley James Phillips
John Noyes Jr Edmund Rice Jr.
Timothy Underwood Nathaniel Parmenter
Peter Britnell David Damon
Zebediah Farrar David Rice
Jonathan Parmenter Jr Edward How
Jonathan Wesson Timothy Sharmon
Sworn to by Nathaniel Cudworth, Feb. 21, 1776.
In 1776, the town " voted to pay each of the minute men
one shilling and sixpence for training one half day in a week,
4 hours to be esteemed a half day, after they were enlisted
and until called into actual service or dismissed ; and the
Captains 3 shilling and Lieutenants 2 shillings and six pence
and the ensign 2 shillings."
The foregoing muster rolls represent about one-fifth of
the entire population. The number in actual service at the
Concord and Lexington fight three hundred and two. The
following report shows to what extent these companies were
equipt.
370 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
" Sudbury March yf 27th 1775 :
" The Return of the Severall Companys of Militia and
Minute in sd Town viz.
" Capt. Moses Stone's Company — 92 men of them, 18 no
guns, at Least one third part ye forelocks unfit for Sarvis
others wais un a quipt.
" Capt. Aaron Hayns Company — 60 men weel provided
With Arms the most of them Provided with Bayonets or
hatchets a boute one quarter Part with Catrige Boxes.
" Capt. Joseph Smith's Company consisting of
75 able Bodied men forty well a quipt twenty Promis to
find and a quip themselves Emedetly fifteen no guns and
other wais un a quipt
"The Troop Capt. Isaac Locer (Loker) — 21 Besides
what are on the minit Role well a quipt.
" Returned by Ezekiel How. Left" Con1 " (Stearns
Collection.)
It is not strange that, at the time this report was given,
the troops had not been fully equipped. It was not easy to
provide for so many at once, but the following record may
indicate that the town had been endeavoring to supply the
deficiency since the preceding fall, Oct. 3, 1774.
To Capt. Ezekiel How for 20 guns and Bayonets 27 — 0 — 2
600 pounds Lead S— 16— 0
300 french Flynts [9 or] 19— —11
Chest for the arms and carting them 7 — 2 — 2
Probably before the 19th of April they were fairly
equipped for service, as there is among the town papers a
bill to one of the minute companies for ammunition that the
town had supplied. Each man mentioned had, for the most
part, received about a pound of powder and two pounds of
balls for which a charge was made of one pound, one shilling.
In the matter of military drill, the men showed a spirit of
perseverance which indicates their expectation of rough
work. It was by no dress parade or review on some gala
occasion when, with burnished muskets and uniforms gay
and bright, they became proficient in the art of defence, but
HISTOEY OF SUDBURY. 371
on the cold barn floor in their homespun suits, with the mute
cattle their only spectators, that these men were fitting for
work, and zeal for their object was the tocsin that mustered
the clan. To show the regularity with which the minute
men met for drill as the crisis approached, we will present
Capt. John Nixon's minute company's call roll, which is still
preserved among the old documents of Sudbury. We find
in it but six blanks ; showing an average of only one absentee
each night. We might expect that, when the call of the 19th
of April came, these men would be present and ready for
work.
A Call Roll of Capt Jn° Nixon's Company of Minut Men. They
Inlisted March ye 13th
March ye
13th 1775
March
ye 20
March
ye 27
April 3
April ye
10th
Do ye 17th
Jn° Nixon Capt.
1
1
1
1
1
1
David Moor Lieut.
1
1
1
1
1
1
Asehel Wheeler Do
1
1
1
1
1
Josiah Langdon Clarke
1
1
1
1
1
1
Micah Goodenow Serg'
1
1
1
1
1
1
August8 Moor D°
1
1
1
1
1
Elijah Willis D°
1
1
1
1
1
1
Jeremh Robbins D°
1
1
1
1
1
1
Hope1 Brown Corp1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Jesse Moor D°
1
1
1
1
1
1
Uriah Wheeler D°
1
1
1
1
1
1
Will"1 Moor D°
1
1
1
1
1
1
D iniel Putnam Drum
1
1
1
1
1
Caleb Brown Phiffe
1
1
1
1
1
1
Joseph Nixon D°
1
1
1
1
1
1
Joseph Balcum
1
1
1
1
1
1
Phil" Brown
1
1
1
1
1
1
Sam1 Brigham
1
1
1
1
1
1
Hosea Brigham
1
1
1
1
Sam1 Cutting
L
1
1
1
1
1
Asher Cutler
1
1
1
1
1
1
Wm Dun
1
1
1
1
1
1
Aaron Ernes Jr.
1
1
1
1
1
1
Robert Ernes
1
1
1
1
1
1
Dan1 Goodenow
1
I
1
1
1
1
Sam1 Gleason
1
1
1
1
1
1
Tho' Goodenow
1
1
1
1
1
1
Jesse Goodenow
1
1
1
1
1
1
Wm Goodenow
1
1
1
1
1
1
372
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
March ye
March
March
April 3
April ye
Do ye 17th
13th 1775
ye 20
ye 27
10th
Reuben Haynes
1
1
1
1
1
1
Joshua Haynes
1
1
1
1
1
1
Jonas Holden Jr
1
1
1
1
1
1
Abel Holden
1
1
1
1
1
1
Simeon Ingersol
1
1
1
1
1
1
Daniel Loring
1
1
1
1
1
1
Thadeus Moor
1
1
1
1
1
1
Wra Maynard
1
1
1
1
1
1
Daniel Maynard
1
1
1
1
1
1
Hezekiah Moor
1
1
1
1
1
1
Eliab Moor
1
1
1
1
1
1
Uriah Moor
1
1
1
1
1
1
Isaac Moor Jr.
1
1
1
1
1
1
John Moor
1
1
1
1
1
1
Josiah Richardson
1
1
1
1
1
1
Nathaniel Reed
1
1
1
1
1
1
Charles Rice
1
1
1
1
1
1
Oliver Rice
1
1
1
1
1
1
Jonas Rice
1
1
1
1
1
1
Asahel Reed
1
1
1
1
1
1
Ezra Smith
1
1
1
1
1
1
John Sheirley
1
1
1
1
1
1
Peter Smith
1
1
1
1
1
1
Abel Thomson
1
1
1
1
1
1
Daniel Weight
1
1
1
1
1
1
Caleb Wheeler
1
I
1
1
1
1
John Weighton
1
1
1
1
1
Elisha Wheeler
1
1
1
1
1
1
Israel Willis
1
1
1
1
1
1
Hopestil Willis
1
1
1
1
1
1
Ebenezer Wood
1
1
1
1
1
1
It was becoming more and more evident that a collision
with the King's forces was close at hand. A considerable
quantity of Continental supplies had been deposited at Con-
cord; there also was a centre of strong patriotic influence;
at that place, therefore, the blow was liable to fall first.
March 29, a report came that the British were about to
proceed to that place. The Committee of Safety for the
Province met at Cambridge, and ordered the removal there-
from of stores. The order was carried out and the stores
sent in several directions. To Sudbury were sent fifty
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 373
barrels of beef, one hundred of flour, twenty casks of rice,
fifteen hogsheads of molasses, ten hogsheads of rum, and five
hundred candles, fifteen thousand canteens, fifteen thousand
iron pots ; the spades, pickaxes, bill-hooks, axes, hatchets,
crows, wheel-barrows, and several other articles were to be
divided, one-third to remain in Concord, one-third to be sent
to Sudbury, one-third to Stow, and one thousand iron pots
were to be sent to Worcester. (Shattuck.)
The rumor at this time proved false, yet a little later the
event came about. General Gage, who was stationed in
Boston as Commander-in-chief of the British troops, took
measures to send a detachment to Concord for the destruc-
tion of Continental stores. For the accomplishment of this
purpose he sent out spies to examine the land. Two of
these secret messengers, Captain Brown and Ensign D'Ber-
nicre, went to Worcester in February, and to Concord, March
20. They went by way of Weston and Sudbury, stopping
in the former town at the Jones Tavern, which still stands
on the main street of Weston, and passed through East
Sudbury by way of the South bridge. Having received the
report of these spies, the British prepared to advance.
General Gage detached eight hundred of light infantry,
grenadiers and marines from the ten regiments under his
command, and, on pretence of instructing them in a new
military exercise, took them from regular duty on April 15.
His plan was for the troops to cross Charles River by night,
and at daybreak be far on their way toward Concord and
thus take the place by surprise. But there were those who
were watching his wary course, and a sly, swift courier was
to precede him on his way. A previous arrangement had
been made by which a lantern was to be displayed in the
belfry of the old Xorth Church when the British began their
march. Paul Revere, at the signal, was to start with the
news and proclaim it from place to place. About that
messenger, his mission, his midnight ride, it is unnecessary
for us to relate. The oft-told tale is very familiar, how Paul
Revere went forth and " spread the alarm through every
Middlesex village and farm."
374 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
THE MUSTERING AND MARCH.
The news thus started by Paul Revere reached Sudbury
between three and four o'clock in the morning. As the
town is eight miles southwestward of Concord, intelligence
of the approaching column was received later than at towns
on the Boston and Concord highway. But, notwithstanding
the distance, the sun was not yet arisen when the summons
arrived in town, and then followed a scene of activity un-
paralleled in the annals of Sudbury. The course taken by
the various companies to reach Concord was, probably, not
the same, as they started from different parts of the town.
Two companies from the West Side — the minute company
and the North Militia — would go by the road through North
Sudbury, while the East Side men would, most likely, go by
way of Lincoln. Captain Nixon's company started from the
West Side meeting-house. The companies of Nixon and
Haynes designed to cross the Concord River by way of the
old South bridge, or " Wood's bridge," on the site of
the county bridge near the Fitchburg Railroad. From doing
this, however, they were deterred by an order which reached
them when about half a mile away, and by which they
marched on to the North bridge. The appearance of this
host of town's people, on an errand like that before them,
must have been imposing and sad. The gathering and the
start were enough of themselves to stir the idlest spectator,
and move the most indifferent soul. The morning was
peaceful and lovely. Nature was advanced for the season.
The fields were green with the grass and grain which even
waved in the April breeze, and the buds were bursting,
prophetic of early spring. But, in strange contrast, the
souls of the people were stirred as if swept by a tempest.
The appearance of that hurrying pageant as it swept through
the town was at once solemn, strange, and sublime. Their
haste was too great to admit of a measured or dignified pace.
They were impatient to arrive at the front. Daniel Putnam
may be excused if no drum taps are heard save the "long
roll " at the very start. Caleb Brown may put by his
" Phiffe " until he hears from Luther Blanchard, at the old
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 375
north bridge, the strains of "The White Cockade." The
music of the morning was made by the quickened heart-
throbbing in those patriotic breasts, as in double-quick they
strode over the old north road to be on hand at the ap-
proach of the foe. Along the route, mothers and children
appeared, to catch a glimpse of the loved ones, who fast
flying were soon lost to view. A kiss lovingly cast into the
morning air, the passing benediction of word or look, and
the crowd rushed by. The loved ones were left to sad
conjecture as to what the dread issue might be. We have
heard a great-granddaughter of Captain Nixon say that she
has been told by her grandmother that a messenger came at
night to the house and said, " Up, up ! the red-coats are up
as far as Concord ! " that Mr. Nixon at once started off on
horseback, and that sometime during the day Mrs. Nixon
went out of the house, which was on Nobscot hillside, and
putting her ear to the ground could hear the sound of distant
guns.
The north militia and minute company, as we have stated,
designed to reach Concord village by way of the old south
bridge, but when about half a mile from it were ordered to
proceed to the north bridge by Col. James Barrett, the
commander of the minute regiment, whose son Stephen had
been sent to convey the message to the approaching com-
panies. By obeying this order, the Sudbury companies
would join a force already assembled on the north side of
the village, and also avoid speedy contact with the British
guard that already held the south bridge.
When the British arrived at Concord by way of the
Lexington road, which leads from the easterly into the town,
Colonel Smith, the commander, made a threefold division
of his force of eight hundred men. The light infantry were
sent in two detachments to guard the bridges and destroy
the stores on the village outskirts, while the grenadiers and
marines he detained with himself and Major Pitcairn at the
centre. In the execution of this plan, Capt. Lawrence
Parsons took possession of the north bridge, Capt. Mundy
Pole did the same at the south bridge, and each sent
detachments from their force to destroy Continental stores.
376 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
The Americans, meanwhile, were powerless to prevent this
occurrence. As yet, but comparatively few Continental
troops had arrived.. It was only about seven or eight o'clock
in the morning, and but a few hours since the general alarm.
They knew not positively about the work at Lexington
Common, nor that the British had come with a deadly intent.
They wanted to know just what was right, and waited for
strength to enforce the right ; while thus waiting, they with-
drew over the river beyond the north bridge. To this
vicinity were the Sudbury men sent. But there was, at
least on the part of one of the company, a reluctance
to turn from their more direct course. They were in the
country's highway, and this one person, perhaps, felt like
Captain Davis of Acton, who before leaving that town said,
" I have a right to go to Concord on the King's highway,
and I intend to go if I have to meet all the British troops in
Boston." The person referred to as reluctant to turn from
his course was Deacon Josiah Haynes, who was eighty years
old. It is stated that he was " urgent to attack the British
at the south bridge, dislodge them, and march into the
village by that route." Had his opinion prevailed, the
battle might have been then and there, and the old south
rather than the old north bridge have been the place of note
forever. But the south bridge was avoided. In accordance
with Colonel Barrett's command, Captains Nixon and Haynes
with Lieut. Col. Ezekiel How started, as we have stated, for
the old north bridge.
When at the South bridge they were on the westerly side
of Concord village, while the North bridge was a little to the
north of east. Their way, therefore, was by something of a
circuitous course ; and, to reach the point to which they
were ordered, they were to pass the house of Colonel Barrett,
a mile and a half north-west of the village, where Captain
Parsons with three British companies were destroying Con-
tinental stores. When the Sudbury soldiers came within
sight of Colonel Barrett's house they came to a halt. Before
them were the British engaged in their mischievous work.
Gun carriages had been collected and piled together to be
burned, the torch already had been applied, and the resi-
HISTOBY OF SUDBUBY. 377
dence of their Colonel had been ransacked. They halted,
and Colonel How exclaimed, " If any blood has been shed
not one of the rascals shall escape ! " and, disguising him-
self, he rode on to ascertain the truth. It was, probably,
not far from nine o'clock when this event took place. This
indicates the celerity with which the Sudbury troops had
moved. From the morning alarm, by which the minute
men met at the West Side meeting-house, until the fore-
going transaction but about five hours had passed, and,
meanwhile, the mustering, the march, the arrival. While
the Regulars were engaged in their destructive work at
Colonel Barrett's, the Provincials were concentrating their
forces in preparation for what was to come. Their place of
gathering was at Punkatasset Hill, about a mile north of the
Concord meeting-house. While here, they increased their
forces by repeated arrival of troops. Says Drake, " Mean-
while," that is while the British were engaged at Colonel
Barrett's, "the Provincials on Punkatasset were being con-
stantly reinforced by the militia of Westford, Littleton,
Acton, Sudbury, and other neighboring towns, until the
whole body numbered about four hundred and fifty men,
who betrayed feverish impatience at playing the part of idle
lookers on while the town was being ransacked ; but, when
flames were seen issuing in different directions, they could
no longer be restrained. A hurried consultation took place,
at the end of which it was determined to march into the
town at all hazards, and if resisted to " treat their assailants
as enemies." Colonel Barrett told the troops to advance.
From Punkatasset they moved to Major Buttricks, but a
short distance above the North bridge, and from Major
Buttricks they marched to the bridge where the Americans
and English met face to face. The circumstances at the
bridge are too familiar to need any narration by us. The
British attempted to remove the planks, a remonstrance was
made and the work ceased. The Provincials advanced with
rapid steps ; when a few rods away a single shot was fired
by the foe, which was at once followed by a volley. The
first shot wounded two of the Americans, and the volley
killed two — Davis and Hosmer of Acton. The order then
378 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
came for the Provincials to fire. It was obeyed, and three
British soldiers were slain, besides several officers and four
soldiers wounded. Then came the retreat and pursuit.
Whether -or not the companies of Nixon and Haynes had
joined the Provincials at Punkatasset when the command to
move forward came, we leave the reader to judge for him-
self. Drake implies that they had ; some circumstances may
also favor this theory, for, after leaving Colonel Barrett's,
they would likely hasten to join the main force, which was
not far distant. But other things would lead us to conclude
that they had not caught up with the column when it
reached the bridge.
Shattuck says, " Two companies from Sudbury under
How, Nixon and Haynes came to Concord, and having
received orders from a person stationed at the entrance of
the town, for the purpose of a guide, to proceed to the North
instead of the South Bridge, arrived near Col. Barrett's just
before the British soldiers retreated." The same author,
after speaking of what we have just narrated of Lieutenant-
Colonel How, states, " Before proceeding far, the firing
began at the Bridge, and the Sudbury companies pursued
the retreating British." From these statements and facts,
we may infer this, — that these companies passed the British
at Colonel Barrett's and pushed on to meet the force at the
bridge, that before they joined it the foe made his attack
and that they joined in the hot pursuit. This theory accords
with the statement that we have quoted before, as made by
a survivor of the fight, which is that " Sudbury Companies
were but a short distance from the North Bridge when the
first Opposition was made to the Haughty Enemy."
Thus, to an extent, have we traced the course of two
Sudbury companies during a part of that eventful day. As
to the others, it is supposed they attacked the British at
different points along the line of the retreat. The men who
came from East Sudbury would, as we have hitherto said,
be likely to march through Lincoln to Concord. If so, they
would be likely to strike the British retreat ; there it is that
we hear of them. Two encounters, at least, are mentioned
in which East Sudbury soldiers were engaged. To rightly
HISTORY OP STJDBUBY. 379
understand how and where these engagements took place,
let us notice the movements of the British after the events
that transpired at the old North bridge. Having fired on
the Americans as they approached the bridge from -the oppo-
site bank, by which fire two Acton minute men fell, and
having received the Provincial fire in return, by which three
of the English were slain, Lieutenant Gould of the regulars
withdrew his shattered guard to the village. Three signal
guns having been fired by the British just before their
troops fired at the bridge, all the distant detachments came
in. Captain Parsons hurried his companies from Colonel
Barrett's to the old North bridge ; and, seeing the havoc that
had been made with Gould's guard and their dead comrades
upon the bank, " they were seized with a panic and ran with
great speed to join the main force." Captain Pole with-
drew his companies from the old South bridge, and then
Colonel Smith began to retreat towards Boston. But it was
not only a retreat but a rout. The battle at the bridge
was but the beginning of aggressive work. The foe were
followed and hard pushed from point to point. At the
cross-roads they met fresh arrivals of Provincial troops.
The stone walls and stumps were coverts from which they
directed their fire. In addition to an almost continuous
engagement, occasional encounters occurred which were
exceptionally sharp and severe. In two of these severe
encounters the soldiers from East Sudbury were engaged, —
one at Merriam's Corner, the other at Hardy's Hill.
The action at Merriam's Corner occurred at about half-
past twelve. Three circumstances concurred to bring about
and make severe this conflict. First, there was a junction
of roads, the one from Bedford meeting that leading to
Lexington along which the English marched. By this road
had come reinforcements from Reading, Chelmsford, Bed-
ford and Billerica. To this point, also, had come some
Provincials across the great fields in the direction of the
old North bridge. Another circumstance that made the
fight sharp was that here the British massed their forces
because of the lay of the land. In their march from Con-
cord, which was about a mile thus far, the British threw out
880 HISTORY OF SUDBTJRY.
a part of their infantry to serve as a guard to their flanks
and to protect the main body as it marched on the road.
These flankers moved along the dry upland on the right of
the road, as it curves gently from Concord village, until
they reached Merriam's Corner where they joined the troops
in the road, in order to avoid the moist land by the way-
side, and pass the dry causeway to the highway beyond.
As this flank guard thus joined the main force it gave the
Provincials, who as we have indicated were there gathered in
force, an opportunity which they were not slow to make use
of. They poured upon the regulars a destructive fire.
" Now and here began," says Drake, " that long and ter-
rible conflict unexampled in the Revolution for its duration
and ferocity, which for fifteen miles tracked the march of the
regular troops with their blood." A company from East
Sudbury were in time for this second conflict. This, doubt-
less, was the one commanded by Joseph Smith. Rev. Mr.
Foster, an historian of 1775, says of this conflict: " Eefore
we came to Merriam's Hill we discovered the enemy's flank
guard of about eighty or a hundred men, who on the retreat
from Concord kept the height of the land, the main body
being in the road. The British troops and the Americans
at that time were equally distant from Merriam's Corner.
About twenty rods short of that place the Americans made
a halt. The British marched down the hill with a very
slow but steady step without a word being spoken that could
be heard. Silence reigned on both sides. As soon as the
British gained the main road and passed a small bridge near
the common, they faced about suddenly, and fired a volley
of musketry upon us. They overshot and no one to my
knowledge was injured by the fire. The fire was immedi-
ately returned by the Americans, and two British soldiers
fell dead at a little distance from each other in the road near
the brook. Several of the officers were wounded, including
Ensign Lester." The other engagement in which the Sud-
bury soldiers are especially noticed was at Hardy's Hill, a
short distance beyond. One narrator has spoken of it as
a spirited affair, where one of the Sudbury companies,
Captain Cudworth, came up and vigorously attacked the
enemy.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 381
It is interesting that we can thus trace our soldiers and
know so much of their whereabouts and what they did on
that memorable day. An incident of the fight was related
to the writer by the late Mr. Josiah Haynes when eightj'--
five years old. He said that his grandfather, Josiah Haynes,
one of the militia of Sudbury at the Concord fight, captured
a gun from a British sergeant. The Briton was with a
squad of soldiers a little removed from the main body, prob-
ably a part of the flank guard before mentioned. Mr.
Haynes lay concealed behind a stone wall with some com-
rades who soon left him alone. As the squad approached,
he thought they were coming directly upon him, but, as the
main body followed a curve in the road, the squad turned
also. With this movement, Mr. Haynes placed his gun on
the wall, and on firing the sergeant fell. Mr. Haynes
sprang and seized the sergeant's gun and tried to tear off
his belt and cartridge box, but these last he did not secure.
The squad, but a few rods away, turned and fired. The
balls whistled about him, but he escaped unhurt. It would
be interesting to know more of the incidents and adventures
of our soldiers on that April day, but time has made havoc
with tradition and the records are scant. Years ajro the
last survivor of the Revolution died, and years before, the}r
were scattered, many of them into other towns and other
States. But the fragments of tradition that have floated
down from that far-off period are all the more valuable
because they are few.
THE LOSS.
During the day Sudbury sustained the loss of two men,
Deacon Josiah Haynes and Asahel Reed. Joshua Ha}rnes
was wounded. Deacon Haynes was eighty years old. He
was killed by a musket bullet at Lexington. He belonged
to the old Haynes family of Sudbury, where his descend-
ants still live. He was one of the original signers of the
West Precinct Church Covenant, and was made deacon May
24, 1733. He was buried in the Old Burying Ground,
Sudbury Centre. The grave is marked by a simple slate
stone. Mr. Asahel Reed was of Captain Nixon's minute
382 HISTOEY OF SUDBURY
men. His name is found on that company's call roll to
which we have before referred ; it is left out after the battle,
probably because after his death the name was stricken from
the list. He belonged to the old Reed family of Sudbury,
whose progenitor, Joseph Reed, settled at Lanham about
1656. Probably he was alsoi buried in the old ground at
Sudbury Centre. Mrs. Joseph Reed, a member of the same
family and grandmother of the writer, said many years ago
that the body of Mr. Reed was brought to Sudbury. So,
although no stone has been found which marks the grave,
he doubtless rests somewhere in the old burying-ground at
the centre, which was the only one at that time in the West
Precinct. Joshua Haynes, who was wounded, may have
been one of Captain Nixon's minute men or one of the
militia of Captain Haynes. The same name is on each
company's muster roll ; but the one in the latter was ser-
geant while the one wounded is mentioned without any title.
Lieut. Elisha Wheeler, whose horse was shot under him,
and Thomas Plympton, Esq., who had a bullet put through
the fold of his coat, were both volunteers on horseback.
After the fight the soldiers showed no undue haste to
return, but some of them lingered from three days to a
month to repel attack or serve their country in whatever
way it might require ; and, when at length they returned to
their homes, it was only, in the case of some of them, to bid
the loved ones good-by and then go away again to engage
the foe.
CHAPTER XXI.
1775-1800.
Revolutionary War. — Sudbury Soldiers at Bunker Hill. — Muster Rolls
of Captains Russell, Moore and Haynes. — Battle of Bunker Hill. —
Position and Service of the Regiments of Colonels Nixon and Brewer.
— Number of Casualties. — The Siege of Boston. — List of Men in
Two Months Service. — List of Men in Colonel Whitney's Regiment.
— Government Storehouses at Sand Hill. — Service outside the
State. — List of Officers in Sudbury Companies in 1776. — List of
Men in Capt. Aaron Haynes's Company. — Men in Captain Wheeler's
Company at Ticonderoga ; in Colonel Robinson's Regiment, in Colonel
Read's Regiment. — Supplementary List. — Soldiers at Ticonderoga
in 177G; in Captain Wheeler's Company, Captain Craft's Company,
Cap'am EdgelPs Company, Captain Aaron Haynes's Company. —
Canada Campaign. — New York Campaign. — Men Enlisted for
Three Years in 1777. — Guard Roll. — Pay Roll. — List of Two
Months Men in 1777. — List of Three Months Men in 1777. —
Names of Sudbury Captains and Companies in the Field in 1778. —
Captain Maynard's Company. — Captain Wheeler's Company. —
Captain Moulton's Company. — Captain Haynes's Company. — Cap-
tain Bowker's Company. — Prices Paid for Enlistment in 1780.
Few were the numbers she could boast ;
But every freeman was a host,
And felt as though himself were he
On whose sole arm hung victory.
Montgomery.
Sudbury was represented by three companies at the battle
of Bunker Hill. These were commanded by Sudbury cap-
tains and made up mainly of Sudbury citizens. The town
also furnished three regimental officers, — Col. John Nixon,
Major Nathaniel Cud worth and Adj. Abel Holden, Jr.
Capt. John Nixon of the minute men was promoted to the
rank of colonel, and was authorized, April 27, to receive
nine sets of beating papers. Capt. Nathaniel Cud worth was
384
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
made major in the regiment of Col. Jonathan Brewer, who
received enlistment papers April 24, and Abel Holden, Jr.,
was made Colonel Nixon's adjutant. The Sudbury men who
served in these companies are as follows : —
A list of Captain Russell's company in Colonel Brewer's
regiment. •
Thaddeus Russel Capt.
Nathan Tuckerman Lieut.
Nathan Reeves Ens.
Sergt Josiah Wellington
" Thomas Rutter
" Thad Bond
Ephraim Allen
Longley Bartlett
Rolon Bennet
Peter Brintnall
Timothy Bent
Samuel Curtis
Edward Sorce [Vorce]
Jacob Speen
Ephram Sherman
Samuel Tilton
Asa Travis
David Underwood
Jonathan Wesson
Lemuel Whitney
Samuel Sherman
Nahum Dudley
Oliver Damon
Corp. Joshua Kendall
" David Rice
" David Damon
Drumer Thomas Trask
Fifer Nathan Bent
" David Smith
PRIVATES.
William English
Ambros Furgison
William Grout
Elisha Harrington
Richard Heard
William Mallet
Samuel Merriam
Cuff Nimra
Benjamin Pierce
NatLel Parmenter
James Phillips
Samuel Pollard
Rufus Parmenter
Edward Rice
Martin Rourke
Denis Ryan
Amos Silleway
A return of Captain Moor's company in the fifth regiment,
commanded by Col. John Nixon, Sept. 30, 1775.
David Moore, Capt
Micah Goodenow 1st Lieut
Jona Hill, 2ond Lieut Framingham
SARGENTS.
Elijah Willis Daniel Loring
Hopestill Brown Daniel Wait
Jesse Moore Uriah Wheeler
CORPORALS.
James Rice Joseph Balcom
Oliver Rice Aaron Eames Jun.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
385
DRUMMER AND FIFER.
Ebenezer Boutwell ) Framingham
Thomas Nixon )
PRIVATES.
Nathaniel Bryant
Aaron Emes
BenjJ- Bennet
Samuel Cutting
Micah Goodenow
Ephraim Goodenow
Lemuel Goodenow
Asahel Gibbs
Uriah Hunt
Isaac Moore
Eliab Moore
Total in the Co. 48. From Sudbury 33
Thadeus Moore
Jesse Mostman [Mossman]
Israel Maynard
William Maynard
Nathan Rice
Is"rael Willis
Ephraim Whitney
Abel Thompson
Ezra Smith
Charles Rice
A list of names of the officers and soldiers in Captain
Haynes's company in Colonel Brewer's regiment.
Aaron Haynes Capt
Mathias Mossman 2ond Lieut
Serg1 Josiah Moore
Cop John Weighting
Cop Daniel Putnam
Drummer Aaron Haynes
Fifer Naham Haynes
John Bemis
Nathan Cutter
Porter Cuddy
James Durumple
Joseph Dakin
Joseph Green
Francis Green
PRIVATES.
Abel Parmenter
Asa Putnam
Ephraim Puffer
John Brewer
Isaac Rice
Aaron Mossman
Joshua Haynes
Prospect Hill, Oct. 6, 1775
Aaron Haynes, Capt
Total in the Co. 47. From Sudbury 21.
The following names found in the Stearns Collection, as
being in the eight months service, we give in connection
with the foregoing lists.
Jonas Haynes
John Stone
Caleb Wheeler
Hezekiah Moore
Jeremiah Robins
Benj Berry [or Barry]
John Shirley
Wm Dun
386 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Total number in these three muster rolls is one hundred
and fifty-two. Of these, one hundred and four were from
Sudbury, and only the latter have been here given except
when designated. Lieut Nathaniel Russell re-enlisted a part
of the East Sudbury company and reported for duty April
24. Capt. Aaron Haynes went into service with his com-
pany May 3. These companies were in the regiments of
Colonels Nixon and Brewer, which did valuable service in
the engagement of June 17. A consideration of the plan of
that battle and something of its history will show where
these regiments were, what they did, and the conduct of the
Sudbury soldiers.
BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL.
On the 16th of June, the Americans, under command of
Colonel Prescott, to the number of about one thousand men
repaired at night to what was then called Breed's Hill, to
fortify the place by earthworks. Their object was to pre-
vent the occupation of Charlestown by General Gage, who
had been reinforced by about ten thousand men. Through
the still hours of the night they plied the pickaxe and spade,
and at daybreak General Gage, from his quarters in Boston,
surveyed the newly-made works with surprise. British
batteries soon opened their fire from ship and shore, yet
steadily the provincials worked on. Gage summoned his
officers in council, and it was determined to take the place
by storm. Immediately, columns were formed and set in
motion, boats were procured to carry troops to the Charles-
town shore, and a scene of general activity set in. Mean-
while, the Americans were also astir forming plans to resist
the assault. Reinforcements were ordered to the Charles-
town peninsula, and long lines of troops filed from the
neighboring encampment to ioin their comrades at the hill.
The march was attended with hazard, for British batteries
swept the way, and ranks broke into detachments and
squads, rather than pass the ordeal in closely formed lines.
Among those who marched over this perilous way Avere the
regiments of Brewer and Nixon, and they arrived on the
field in season to form for the fiffht.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 387
When the regiments had all arrived on the Charlestown
peninsula, an almost unbroken line stretched along from the
Charles River on the south to the Mystic River on the
north. The places of the respective regiments were as fol-
lows : Prescott held the redoubt near the summit with about
one hundred and sixty-three men ; a breastwork to the
northerly, near this, was occupied by men of Prescott,
Bridge and Frye ; on the left, to the northwesterly or
north, were the regiments of Brewer, Nixon, Knowlton and
Stark ; while on the right, to the southeasterly or south,
were the regiments of Wyman and Robinson with about
three hundred men. Sudbury soldiers were thus placed on
the left of the line to the northerly of the Bunker Hill sum-
mit. Between the breastwork and redoubt, and the Mystic
River or left flank on the northerly, there was, for a time, an
unfilled space. By this way, the foe had only to advance
attack the American works in the rear, and the place was
captured and retreat cut off. General Putnam discovered
this gap in time, and ordered troops to man it at once.
Stark, Knowlton and Reed took their stand on the north by
the Mystic, Brewer and Nixon on the south of them. Thus
was filled the hitherto unprotected gap, which, if neglected,
had invited the foe, and caused speedy and most disastrous
defeat.
The British, knowing the importance of the position thus
held, brought against it a formidable force. This was led
by Sir William Howe in person. Some of the troops had
been recently at the Concord and Lexington fight. They
were likely eager to recover their prestige or avenge the fate
of their fallen friends. Furthermore, the protection of the
Provincials at this point was weak ; no entrenchments were
there to protect them from the foe. The most favored had
but a few rude improvised works, hastily constructed after
they arrived on the ground, but the position of the regiment
in which the Sudbury men served was the most exposed of
any in that poorly protected column. A part of the line had
not the slightest protection whatever. The only attempt
that was made to construct a breastwork was by the gather-
ing of some newly-mown hay that was scattered about the
388 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
place. But they were prevented from the completion of
even such a slight breastwork as this. The foe advanced
and they were compelled to desist. But no exposure to the
fire of well-disciplined, veteran troops, and no lack of breast-
work protection led those brave Middlesex colonels and com-
panies to turn from or abandon this important position. It
was enough to know that there was an unguarded gap. The
practised eye of Col. John Nixon, who had so often seen
service in the old French wars, doubtless saw at a glance
what the case required, and knowing the need took measures
to meet it. Says Drake, " Brewer and Nixon immedi-
ately directed their march for the undefended opening so
often referred to between the rail fence and earthwork.
They also began the construction of a hay breastwork, but
when they had extended it to within thirty rods of Prescott's
line the enemy advanced to the assault. The greater part
of these two battalions stood and fought here without cover
throughout the action, both officers and men displaying
the utmost coolness and intrepidity under fire." The same
author also says of Gardiner, Nixon and Brewer, " Braver
officers did not unsheathe a sword on this day ; their battal-
ions were weak in numbers, but under the eye and example
of such leaders invincible." He states that, " with about
four hundred and fifty men, they stood in the gap with
Warren and Pomeroy at their head." Just before the
attack, Putnam gave the order not to fire until they could
see the whites of the enemy's eyes. When the foe was
fairly in range the Provincials opened fire. The lines blazed
with a hot discharge ; whole ranks were swept down before
it, men dropped on the right hand and left ; no mortal could
withstand that withering storm ; it was an unerring, death-
dealing discharge. Howe's attendants were struck down at
his very side, and for a time he stood almost alone. He gave
the word for retreat, and his shattered remnant withdrew from
the field. He had failed to break the ranks of these left line
regiments, and hence the redoubt was still safe from an
attack in the rear. But these soldiers were again to be put
to the test. For about an hour there was a cessation of strife,
then the column advanced to a second assault. Steadily the
HISTORY Otf SUDBURY. 389
veterans moved forward and bravely did their opponents
await them. When the signal was given the engagement
began. The same tactics were employed as before, and with
like results : whole ranks melted away before the Provincial
fire, battalions were reduced to mere companies, Howe's
best officers were dying or dead, the way was mown by
Provincial bullets, and again the redoubt and breastwork
were safe. But the British, persisting with the tenacity
that belongs to the race, reformed for still another assault,
and this time they were more successful, for the ammu-
nition of the Provincials was exhausted and there remained
nothing but retreat or a hand-to-hand fight. The order was
given and the Provincials withdrew, but before leaving, there
was a terrible encounter. Prescott, who so bravely held the
redoubt while the left line regiments held the British from
an attack on the rear, now rallied his men to fight in an
improvised way. With clubbed guns, and with bayonets
wrenched from the foe they still fought the unecpual fight,
until, steadily pressed, they were compelled to give up the
redoubt. This captured and the breastwork abandoned, the
men in the gap were between two fires and the only resort
was to retreat. They stood while there was any hope of
success, and did not abandon the gap until General Warren,
who, it is said, stood at the head of the rail fence breastwork
between the regiments of Brewer and Nixon, considered it
expedient. In fact, Colonel Nixon's regiment was one of
the last to leave the battle-ground. Both Nixon and
Brewer were wounded, the former so severely that he was
borne from the field, and their brave leader, General Warren,
was slain. Thus nobly was the defence maintained. The
losses sustained by the regiments of Brewer and Nixon were
as follows : —
Brewer's regiment : Killed 7 Wounded 11
Nixon's regiment: Killed 3 Wounded 10
Total 10 21
Of the killed, two were of Captain Haynes's company,
namely: Comming Forbush, Framingham ; Joshua Haynes,
Sudbury. One was of Captain Russell's company, namely:
390 HISTOItY OF SUDBURY.
Lebbaus Jenness of Deerfield. Thus ended that day of des-
tinies. Dismal indeed was the scene as night settled upon
it. The beloved of both armies had fallen. Major Pitcairn,
prominent in Concord fight, was among the English slain,
while General Warren, a man of promise and much admired
by the Americans, had also perished.
THE SIEGE OF BOSTON.
After the engagement at Bunker Hill the Provincials
began the siege of Boston. The British bivouacked the night
of the seventeenth on the battle-field, but the Americans soon
environed them from Roxbury to Medford. On the 3d of
July, George Washington took formal command of the Con-
tinental Army, and then commenced, under his generalship,
that series of military movements which resulted in the evac-
uation of Boston by the British, March 17, 1770.
The soldiers of Sudbury in the battle of Bunker Hill, all
or nearly all having enlisted for eight months, were engaged
in this siege. During the summer, Colonel Brewer's regi-
ment was stationed at Prospect Hill, and General Nixon had
quarters at Winter Hill.
Before closing the account of Sudbury's service in the year
1775, we will insert the names of some Sudbury men who
were in the two months service with Captain Wheeler in
1775, and also of a small number who were in the regiment
of Colonel Whiting and did service at Hull, and after leav-
ing there were stationed at Fort Independence.
IN THE TWO MONTHS WINTER 1775.
Capt Asahel Wheeler Daniel Maynard
Ithamer Rice Gideon Maynard
John Maynard Jr. Silas Mosman
John Balcom Jr.
col reed's regiment.
Peter Smith Abel Tower
Ebenezer Plympton Joel Brigham
Jonathan Bent James Haynes
Ruben Haynes Daniel Frazer
Simeon Ingersol Thomas Smith
HISTORY OF SXTDBTJRY. 391
IN COLONEL WHITING'S REGIMENT.
Micah Balcom John Brown
Thomas Goodenow Lt. Abel Brigham
Jas Balcom Jacob Reed
Luther Moor Thos. Dal.[rymple]
Thad Harrington Elijah Howe
Israel Tr Moore
GOVERNMENT STOREHOUSES.
Besides other responsibilities the town had charge of some
government storehouses containing munitions of war, which
the Sudbury teamsters, from time to time, conveyed to the
front. Various receipts are still preserved which were
received by these teamsters. These buildings were situated
on the northerly part of Sand Hill, east of the county road.
There were several of them, and some were remaining within
the memory of an aged citizen who conversed with the writer
concerning them. One or more of them were moved to
Wayland, and one was moved to the Captain Rice place
where it was used as a cider mill. Recently it was moved
to another spot on the same farm and made over for a stable ;
the old timbers of the original structure were retained.
Before its alteration the writer examined it and took meas-
urements. It was a very low building, perhaps forty by thirty
feet, with a broad sloping roof. It was without partitions,
and formerly had a very wide barn-like door in front. At
one time Mr. William Rice, the father of Captain William,
had charge of these houses and military stores. Several
squads of soldiers were employed to guard them, and at one
time Captain Isaac Wood was commander of the guard. In
1777, the following soldiers did guard duty : " Corporal
Robert Eames, Silas Goodenow Jr, Philemon Brown, Elisha
Harrington, Jona Clark." A guard of the same number
was there in 1778 and 79, but all the men were not the same.
The field in or near which these buildings stood was used as
a training field in former years, and at one time a militia
muster was held there. But now all trace even of the site
has become obliterated, and for years it has been a quiet
feeding place for cattle, and all is as peaceful there as if the
392 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
slow pacing of the old Continental guard had never been
heard at Sand Hill.
SERVICE OUTSIDE OF THE STATE.
While Sudbury was so well represented in the field during
the eventful year of 1775, when the seat of war was in its
own neighborhood, when its farms were liable to become the
front and its very door-yards the field of battle, it was also
fitly represented when the war passed to other localities.
We will now present the names of some of the soldiers
who served in the subsequent scenes of the war in places
remote from the town. A few that have become illegible
will be omitted and doubtful ones will be enclosed in
brackets.
After the British left Boston the American Army went to
New York, and a part of the Sudbury soldiers, including
three captains, went with it. These -captains were Abel
Holden, Caleb Clapp and Aaron Haynes. Gen. John Nixon,
it is supposed, accompanied it in the brigade of General
Sullivan. On the 9th of August, John Nixon was promoted
to the rank of brigadier-general, and his brother, Thomas,
became colonel of his regiment. This regiment and another
with a body of artillery, all under command of General
Nixon, were stationed for a time at Governor's Island, New
York Harbor, and after the retreat of General Washington
from Brooklyn, August 27, the brigade passed up the North
River with the army.
The following is a list of officers and some of the privates in
the Sudbury companies in 1776, Gen. John Nixon's brigade
COL. THOMAS NIXON'S REGIMENT.
Capt. Abel Holden Ruben Haynes
Lieut Levi Holden Colven Eames
Lieut Oliver Rice Thadeus Moore
Capt Caleb Clap Luther Eames
Lieut Joshua Clap John Stone
Serg't Joseph Balcom Joshua Maynard
Joseph Nixon Roland Bennet
Luther Moore Hezekiah Moore
The company of Capt. Aaron Haynes was in Colonel
RESIDENCE OF CHARLES P. WILLIS. (David Lincoln Place
Historical Sketch of Willis Family. Page 453.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
393
Whitcomb's regiment, having been transferred from Colonel
Brewer's while stationed at Prospect Hill. The following
list contains part of the names : —
Capt Aaron Haynes.
Aaron Haynes Jr.
John Rusk
Joseph Maynarcl
Jonas Haynes
Ephriam Goodenow
Capt. Aaron Haynes was in command of a company at
Peekskill, N. Y., in the spring of 1777.
Besides the soldiers who went with the army to New York
in 1776, there was quite a force that went in an expedition
against Canada. A large part of the soldiers who served in
these campaigns were under the command of Capt. Asahel
Wheeler, and in one at least of the campaigns were in the
regiment of Col. John Robinson. Of the Sudbury soldiers
who served under these officers in the Canada Expedition or
Ticonderoga Campaign, we give the following : —
John Merriam
Benj
Joseph Smith
Ephraim Smith
Zebediah Farrar
Daniel Lawrence
Job Brooks.
Rhuben Hains.
Roger Bigelovv
Oliver Curtis
Samuel Jones
John Tozer
Abijah Mead
Samson Wheeler.
John Lough
Oliver Conant
Jonah Gilbert
Joseph Mason
A Buttrick
John Weston
Samuel Adams
Joel Adams
Daniel Hosmer
Phinehas Hager
Jacob Jones
Phinehas Glezen
David How jr.
Francis Jones
Timothy Underwood
Jonathan Davis
Daniel Benjaman
Ithamer Rice.
John Peter
Nathaniel Park
Converse Big
Abraham Parmen'er
Steven Taylor
Jonas Brown
Andrew Green
John Cobb
James Stedman
Francis Chaffin
Amos Nutting
G Ames
Amos Stow
William Thorney
John Hives
Nathaniel Bemis
Thomas Corey
John Farrar
394 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Besides those who served in the Canada Expedition in
Captain Wheeler's company, Colonel Robinson's regiment,
we give the following who served in his company when in
the regiment of Colonel Read. A large share of the names
in this and other lists were once familiar in Sudbury. Those
which were not may have been of substitutes who made
np the quota.
COT.ONEL READ'S REGIMENT, GENERAL DRECKET'S BRIGADE, GENERAL
GATES' DIVISION.
Capt. Asahel Wheeler John Taylor
Sergent Uriah Wheeler Hezekiah Hapgood
Lieut. Hopstill Willis [Moris Clary]
Corp. Daniel Osborn Nathaniel Browne
Aaron Eames Ebenezer Plympton
Thomas Eames Gideon Maynard
Josiah Richardson Isaac Rice
Jesse Goodnow Timothy Rice
Uriah Hunt Francis Green
Thomas Burbank Abel Willis
Benj. Berry, John Fia/.er
Nathaniel Rice Jacob Kiblcy
Deliverance Parmenter Jason Haines
Isaac Moore Samuel Merriam
Daniel Noyes Jonas [Chase]
John Sheperd Abel Willis
Wm Walker Aaron Eames Jr.
Daniel W. Moore Josiah Ilosmer
Jonas Clark Benj. Tower
W,n Dun Solomon Ta)lor
Nathaniel Bryant Judah Welherbce
Aaron Maynard Wm Graves
Jonathan Burbank Ezekiel Smith
Richard Wetherbee James Willis
Phinehas Gleason Edward [Cheney]
Phinehas Gleason Jr Thomas Harrington
John Barney Jacob Stevens
John Adams Phineas Stevens
John [Thonning] Nathan Gates
Wm [Thorning] Daniel Noyes
Ebenezer Park Benj. [Hale]
Edward Whitman Nathaniel Rice
Thomas Ernes W'" Hosmer Jr.
David Underwood Amos
Rice Samuel Brown
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
395
Joseph Rutter
Charles Brown
John Parmenter
Francis Hemenway
Isaac Rice
Silas Conant
Blanchard
Several names belonging in the above list have become
illegible in the records.
The following were also in
1776, in the company of Captaii
the Ticonderoga Campaign,
in Wheeler: —
James Wright
Abel Tower
Isaac Bartlett
Mica Graves
Thomas Bloget
Ezra Parmenter
Abel Goodenow
Theodore Harrington
Jonathan Bent
Isaac Bartlett
Abel Tower
Aaron Mosmon
Ebenezer Nixon
Jonas Emery
Paul Colidge
Josiah Tomson
Elias Bigelow
Joseph Abbot
Gregory Stone
Nath1 Knowlton
Nathel Browne
John Park
Samuel Bond
William Hosmer
Peter Brintnal
Nathan Maynard
Aaron Maynard
Abel Child
Jacob
John Carter
Joseph Rutter
Nathaniel Knowlton
Elijah
Jacob Jones
Uriah Wheeler
W» Grout
Joseph Goodenow
John Hoar
Ebenezer Heald
Christian Wagner
Abel Goodenow
[Samuel Dakin]
Ebenezer Heard
Solomon Whitney
William Thomas
Samuel
' Josiah Farrar
Caleb Wheeler
Jason Belcher
Samuel Emery
Jonas Billings
Samuel Hoar
Samuel Osborn
Jesse Mosmon
Capt. David Moore
Francis Green
Joshua Haynes Lieut
Daniel Maynard
John Parmenter
Micah Graves
Charles Rice
Samuel Curtis
John Adams
Eleezer Parks
Jonas Bond
Samuel Poland
Abel Willis
John Parks
Isaac Moore
Micah Bowker
John Bennet
John Warren
John Lands
396 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
The following Sudbury men served in the Ticonderoga
Campaign, 1776, in the company of Captain Craft, Colonel
Graton's regiment : —
Peter Smith Abel Maynard
Isaac Wise Jesse Mosman
Aaron Mosman Simeon Ingersol
Abel Tower Charles Eames
The following served in the Ticonderoga Campaign,
1776, in the company of Captain Edgell, Colonel Brewer's
regiment : —
Lieut. Jonathan Rice Serg't Augustus Moore
William Maynard Nathan Hayward.
Joel Brigham.
Capt. Aaron Haynes had a company at Ticonderoga in
1776 in Col. Asa Whitcorab's regiment. His minute roll
bears date, December, 1776, and the following names are
upon it : —
Aaron Haynes Capt Joseph Willis Ensigne
Aaron Holden l8t Lieut, Aaron Haynes Drummer.
The soldiers included in the lists now given were of the
armies which were endeavoring to gain Canada for the Con-
tinental cause, and force the British from the State of New
York. The expedition or campaign against Canada was
planned in the year 1775 by a committee of Congress which
met at Cambridge in August of that year. The capture of
the fortresses Ticonderoga and Crown Point on Lake Cham-
plain in May, 1775, by Connecticut and Vermont militia,
had opened the way to the St. Lawrence, and the expedition
was designed to aid in getting possession of that part of
Canada. Two forces were engaged in the work. One of
these was composed of New York and New England troops
and was placed under the command of Generals Schuyler
and Montgomery and ordered to go by way of Lake Cham-
plain to Montreal and Quebec. The other expedition left
Cambridge, September, 1775, and was under the leadership
of Col. Benedict Arnold. In the Canada Expedition, 1776,
the following casualties occurred : Benjamin Berry lost an
HISTORY OF ST7DBURY.
397
arm, and at Ticonderoga the same year the following per-
sons died : —
Ensign Timothy Underwood Phinehas Gleason
Solomon Rice Timothy Rice
Sergeant Samuel Maynard died of small pox at Quebec with Arnold.
The service rendered by the Sudbury men who left Massa-
chusetts with the army under Washington was largely per-
formed in New York and vicinity. Washington arriving at
New York about the middle of April, at once set about
fortifying the vicinity and securing the passes of the High-
lands on the Hudson River. In the operations about this
part of the country hard fighting and toilsome marches were
experienced. We hear of Sudbury soldiers at Saratoga,
Stillwater, Fort Edward, and other places connected with
the activity of the Continental forces in New York. At
Saratoga Serg. Thadeus Moore was slain and Lieut. Joshua
Clapp was wounded.
Names of Sudbury men enlisted in 1777 for three years or
during the war.
OFFICERS.
Gen. John Nixon
Capt. Abel Holden
Leuit. Levi Holden
Leuit. Oliver Rice
Capt. Caleb Clap
Leuit. Joshua Clap
Capt. Aaron Haynes
Nathaniel Cutter
Charles Gouell
Ruben Moore Jr.
Oliver Sanderson
Uriah Moore
Hezekiah Moore
William Dun
Joseph Nixon
Joel Puffer
Ephraim Goodenow
Francis Green
Luther Eames
Luther Moore
Joel Brigham
PRIVATES.
Sergeant Ruben Haynes
Sergeant Aaron Haynes
Sergeant Joseph Balcom
Sergeant Uriah Eaton
Sergent Thadeus Moore
Sergeant Jonas Haynes,
John Buck
Joshua Maynard
Joseph Maynard
Jonathan Robbinson
Zak. Robbenson
Oliver Robbenson
Joseph Cutter
Calvin Eames
Josiah Cutter
Joseph Willis
Donal Lincoln
Ruben Moore
Joseph Meller
398
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
In connection with the foregoing we give the following
list of men who enlisted for the same length of time but
perhaps in another year. They were from " the 4th Regi-
ment of Foot, commanded by Col. Ezekiel How." Only
five of the names given in the two lists are alike.
GUARD ROLL.
Capt. Abel Holden
Benjamin Tower
Luther Eames
Charles Eames
Corneleus Wood
Joel Brigham
Joseph Nixon
Levi Holden
Luther Moore
Uriah Moore
years
Micah Grant . 3 years
Jesse Goodenow
Thomas Burbank
Ephraim Goodenow
Jonathan Bevens
Jonas Welch
Joseph Bent
Abel Thompson
Thomas Gibbs during the war
PAY ROLL.
Sudbury June the 27th, 1778. We the Subscribers have received of
Capt. Asahel Wheeler Nine Pounds for oure wages in full oure pay for
October & Part November 1777 both for contannatel and State and
mileage we say Received by ous —
Moses Stone
Nathaniel Rice
Abel Smith
William Brown
Jonathan Haynes
Wm Moore
Timothy Moore
Abel Brigham
Mathias Mosman
Samuel Puffer
Gidon Maynard
Silas Tower
James Moore
Hezekiah Johnson
his
Silas X Parmenter
mark
Samuel Knight in behalf- [of]
Silas Knight
Daniel Maynard
Caleb Stacy
Timothy Ernes
Ephraim Moore
Asher Cutler Jr
Hopestill Willis
Jason Haynes
Daniel osborn
Phineas Puffer
John Parris
Samuel Cutting
Isaac Goodenow
Beside men who enlisted for a long term of , service in
1777, we have two lists of those whose enlistment was for a
very short period.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 399
FIRST LIST.
Jan. 1777
To New York — Two months
Capt. Nathaniel Hayward's Company, Col. Thatcher's Regiment.
Cornelius Wood Thomas Dalremple
Daniel Loring Thomas Dalremple Jr
Ser' Majr Wm Goodenow Thomas Moore
Serg' Uriah Wheeler Daniel Hamynes
Wm Brown Theodore Harrington
Abel Parmenter
The last four of these men are spoken of as having been
taken prisoners and never heard of afterwards.
SECOND LIST.
July 1777.
To Saratoga — Three months.
Col. Brown's Regiment. General Gates, Commander.
Capt. Jonathan Rice John Brown
Serg' Abel Maynard Ebenezer Burbank
Ezekiel How Nathaniel Brown
Caleb Wheeler Nathaniel Bryant
Isaac Wier David How
Abel Willis
As the war progressed Sudbury was still active in filling
its quota. In 1778, several companies were still in the field.
Four of these had three hundred and twenty-seven men and
were commanded as follows : West Side men, Capt. Jona-
than Rice and Capt. Asahel Wheeler; East Side men, Capt.
Nathaniel Maynard and Capt. Isaac Cutting. In the Stearns
Collection we have the following lists of men in two of these
companies.
FOR CAP. MAYNARD'S COMPANY, SUDBURY
Lieut. Joseph Wellington, during the war.
Robert Bennet "
Farkins Hosmer "
Oliver Sanderson **
Simon Newton "
Ephraim Barker "
Jonathan Barker "
James Gibbs u
400 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Pathrick Flinn during the war.
James Welch "
Timothy Ahgen "
John Carrol "
Morris Griffin "
Daniel Hickey "
Samuel Whitney "
Joseph Foster "
Christopher Capen "
Ephraim Carry "
Ambros Fergerson for 3 years
Timothy Bent "
Samuel Whitney "
Phinehas Butler
Wm Cook Gleason "
Thomas Jones "
Abraham Parmenter "
Noah Bogle "
John Stover transient "
FOR CAPT. WHEELER'S COMPANY.
Joseph Balcom 3 years Joseph Mossman 3 years
Ruben Haynes " Joel Brigham "
Capt. Jonathan Maynard had a company in the two months
service in 1782 in the Seventh Regiment, Lieut. Col. John
Brooks. He also had a company in the twelve months
service in the same regiment.
FOR CAPT. MOULTON'S CO.
Joseph Smith 3 years Richard Morris 3 years
John Burk " James Scroday
Joseph Maynard " Wm Bevens "
Joshua Maynard " Uriah Eaton ,;
Isaac Rice " Francis Green "
Nathaniel Cutler " Patherick Flin during the war
Joseph Cutler " John Carrol "
Thadeus Moore " Morris Griffin
Oliver Sanderson i4
Other enlistments were, —
Capt Aaron Haynes during the war Eleazer Lawrence 3 years
Aaron Haynes Jr 3 years James Beamis "
The following is a list of Sudbury men in Capt. Daniel
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
401
Bowker's company, together with the time when they joined
Colonel Webb's regiment : —
SUDBURY.
Daniel Bowker Capt.
Oliver Parmenter
Ezra Mossman
Edward Moore
Silas Ames
Ashbel Moore
Isaac Cary
Asa Holden
Oliver Travis
Steven Puffer, died Oct. 3d.
Silas Puffer
John Brigham
Samuel Willis
Corp. Ezra Willis
SUDBURY EAST.
Isaac Cory Jr
Ruben Graves
The men from Sudbury joined Sept. 9th except Capt. Bowker who
entered Sept. loth. Those from East Sudbury entered Oct. 6th
Highlands, Nov 20, 1785
The following paper shows the sums paid for enlistments
in 1780: —
Sudbury June 22d 1780
We the subscribers do hereby acknowledge that we have severally
received of the Committee appointed by the town of Sudbury to agree
with and hire the said Town's Quota of soldiers agreeable to an act of
the Gen. Court of the fifth of June instant the several sums annexed to
our names —
his
Benjamin X Seaver .£000
mark
Joshua Hemenway " 750
Jonas Haynes " GOO
Abel Brigham " 600
Abel Cutler " 600
Ezra Willis "900
Naham Haynes "750
Asa Holden " 600
his
Joseph X Cutter ,£900
mark
Peter " 900
Ebenezer Parmenter "600
his
Peletiah X Parmenter "600
mark
Luther Moor " 700
Luther Ernes " 900
CHAPTER XXII.
1775-1800.
Revolutionary War. — Report of a Committee Appointed by the Town
to Estimate the Service of Sudbury Soldiers. — Appointment of a
Committee to Make up and Bring in Muster Rolls of the Services of
Each Soldier in the War. — Muster Rolls: Captain Rice's, Captain
Wheeler's, Captain Maynard's, Captain Cutting's. — Whole Number
of Men in the War. — Their Valiant Service. — Casualties. — Sketch
of Gen. John Nixon. — Town-Meetings. — Encouragements to Enlist-
ment.— Specimen of Enlistment Papers. — Various Requisitions
Made on the Town.
Their death shot shook the feudal tower,
And shattered slavery's chain as well ;
On the sky's dome, as on a bell,
Its echo struck the world's great houi.
Whittikk.
Having now presented the names of the soldiers obtained
from various other sources, we will give a list found on the
Town Records, which purports to contain the names of all
soldiers of the town who served in the Revolutionary War
up to the fall of 1778, together with extracts from the
records which led to this enrollment of names.
June 25, 1778, " The town by their vote ordered their
Com. appointed to estimate the services of each particular
person in Sudbury in the present war, to report at the next
Town meeting."
At a town-meeting held October 19, the committee above
mentioned reported as follows : — (The fractional parts of
pounds we have omitted.)
That the minute men be allowed each £3
That the Eight Months be allowed each -0
Six weeks men to Roxbury allowed each 4
402
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 403
Two months men to Cambridge allowed each £6
The years men to York and the Northward allowed each 75
Six months men to the Castle allowed each 9
Five months men to Ticonderoga allowed each 50
Three months men to Dorchester with Cap' Moulton allowed each 7
Two months men to York allowed each 25
Three months men to York and the Jerseys allowed each 48
Two months men to Providence allowed each 12
Three months men to Ticonderoga allowed each 52
Thirty days men to Saratoga allowed each 20
Three months men to Providence allowed each 30
Three months men to guard at Cambridge allowed each IS
Six weeks men to Rhode Island allowed each 20
Four months men to guard the troops and stores allowed each 20
Three months men to Boston allowed each 20
That those persons who have hired men to perform any of the above
services at a time when there was an actual Levy for men, be allowed
for Said Service as if performed in person. That those that paid fines
or advanced money for the good of the service, be allowed in the same
proportion as their money would procure men to perform the Services
which at that time they Neglected to do in person. That no persons
shall be intitled to Receive pay for any of the above Services Unless he
Shall be first taxed towards the payment thereof. Also that Each per-
son shall Receive pay only for the time he was in actual Service
Sudbury Octor 19th 1778 Ezekiel How "|
Phineas Glezen
Jona Rice
Asahel Wheeler
Isaac Loker
Tho Walker J
The town voted to accept the above report, and appointed
men to make up and bring to the town complete muster rolls
of the services of each person in Sudbury in the then present
war with Great Britain. This meeting was adjourned to
October 26, at which date the following record was made,
namely : —
Oct. 20th 1778. Capt Rice's musteroll was read, and the town voted
to Grant to Each person Expressed by name in said musteroll the Sum
Set to their Respective name, as may appear by said musteroll, which
was as follows viz1
To Hopestill Willis .£73 Silas Parmenter £YJ
Ens" Josiah Richardson 75 Elisha Harrington 12
John Moore 53 Nathan Read. 25
Committee
404
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Uriah Moore Jur j£58
Asher Cutler Jur 71
Will'" Goodenow 51
Lr Thomas Goodenow 30
Israel Willis admr 51
Sam1 Cutting 41
Nathal Rice Jur 35
Joseph Green 10
Abel Parmenter 17
Isaac Hunt Ju1' 02
Nath11 Bryant 35
Uriah Hayden 95
Abel Goodenow 31
David How 120
Philemon Brown 35
L' Jacob Read 70
James Wyse 75
John Goodenow 50
L' Jona Carter 102
Dan11 W Moore 50
Wm Walker 50
Deliverance Parmenter 50
Jotham Goodenow 50
Col. Ezekiel How 70
Dan11 Osborn 70
Elijah Rice 50
Peter Haynes 50
Jonn Carter Jur 70
Nath11 Rice 50
Cap1 Jon" Rice 95
Isaac Read 33
Elijah Moore 10
Cap1 Cornelius Wood 9
L' Rowand Bogle 03
Robert Ernes 20
Ephm Carter 25
John Brigham 35
John Parry 45
Uriah Parmenter 55
Josh Parmenter 45
Oliver Mors 28
Ephm Moore 45
Joseph Moore 35
Hopestill Brown 90
Wm Brown 68
Isaac Lincoln Jur 4S
L' Micah Goodenow ,£116
Ebenr Wood 51
Jesse Moore admr 21
Hopestill Browne adr 6
Cap' Sam1 Knight 44
Asher Cutler 9
Cor1 Sam1 How 46
Aaron Johnson 77
William Parmenter 9
Reuben Vorce 12
Sam11 Hunt 12
Cap1 Israel Moore 102
L' Elisha Wheeler 73
Aaron Goodenow Jur 52
Tho. Ernes 26
Nath11 Brown 11
Edward Bayanton 26
John Browne 52
Wid° Sarah Brigham 52
Israel Parmenter 52
Cap' Moses Stone 50
Silas Goodenow 40
Tho3 Carr Jur 48
Uriah Gibbs 30
Micah Parmenter 30
James Thomson 41
Ens" Jonas Holdin 53
Wm Hayden 53
Eliab Moore 39
Jonas Wheler 18
Tho' Dalrimple 27
Sam11 Geason 26
Abel Thomson 75
Will"' Hunt 33
Dr Josiah Langdon 12
Sam11 Bent 3
Elisha Wheeler Ju 51
Ephm Goodenow Jur 20
David How Jur 3
Moses Goodenow 3
John Willis 32
Sam11 Brown 32
Joseph Grout 32
Cap' Abel Holdin 96
Luther Moore 29
Aaron Ernes 21
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
405
Jesse Gibbs ,£48
Nahum Hayden 48
Wm Parmenter 48
Reuben Willis 48
Tho9 Walker 48
U Joseph Read 27
L* Joseph Goodenow 19
Timothy Emes 27
Mr Asahel Goodenow ,£12
Elijah Willis ExeT 10
Aaron Goodenow 17
Augustus Walker 17
Charles Emes 20
Ezekiel How Jur 52
Ensn Levi Holdin 75
Capt Asahel Wheeler's Musteroll was read, and the town voted to
allow to each person expressed by name therein the Sum Set to his
name in said musteroll, which was as follows viz'
To Cap1 Asahel Wheler
Ll Joshua Haynes
U Abijah Brigham
Augustus Moore
Isaac Maynard
Asahel Balcom
Will"1 Moore
Uriah Wheler
Jason Haynes
Peter Smith
John Maynard Jur
Dan11 Maynard
Jason Pent
Jona Bent
Joseph Balcom
John Balcom
Jonas Balcom
Sam11 Brigham
Hope Brown
John Clark
James Carter
Joseph Dakin
Dea™ Sam11 Dakin
Dan11 Goodenow
Moses Haynes
Israel Haynes
James Haynes
Jona Haynes
Charles Haynes
Cap1 Aaron Haynes
Macah Haywood
Moses Maynard
Nathan Maynard
John Maynard
,£88
Phinehas Puffer
£68
78
Tho" Puffer
52
41
Isaac Puffer
32
40
James Parmenter Jur
30
19S
Edmund Parmenter
50
72
Tho3 Plympton Esqr
80
71
Dan11 Puffer
32
51
Charles Rice
21
70
Wm Rice 3d
70
82
Ithamor Rice
54
10
Abel Smith
44
59
John Shirly
21
GO
Sam11 Puffer
05
17
L' Oliver Noyse
81
30
Nathan Loring
32
49
Cap' Elijah Smith
52
52
Henry Smith
90
18
Benjn Smith
52
55
Jotham Brown
20
29
John Shepard
30
21
Ambrose Tower
132
38
Israel Wheler
50
25
John Weighton
34
32
Abel Willis
50
32
Cop1 Dan11 Bowker
70
113
L' James Puffer
52
129
James Puffer Jur
45
45
Dan11 Loring
70
73
Jereh Robbins
21
190
W"> Hunt Jur
02
49
John Mosmon
50
25
L' Mathias Mosman
35
35
Francis Green
20
150
Jesse Willis
32
406
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Aaron Maynard
£50
Silas Tower
£4
Timo? Moore
24
Capt David Moore Exr
20
Zech Maynard
70
Triad' Moore Exr
95
Jesse Mosman
95
Simeon Ingersal Exr
79
Joseph Maynard Guar
75
Natha Cutter Exr
24
Danu Noyse Jun
55
Jonas Rice Exr
20
Moses Noyse
77
Jona Smith
49
Then Cap1 Nath11 Maynard's Musteroll was read and the town voted
to allow to each person expressed by name therein the Sum Set to his
name in said Musteroll which was as followeth viz'
To John Adams ,£50
Benjn Adams 23
Josiah Allen 50
Ephera Abbot 30
Amos Abbot 20
Wm Baldwin Esqr 50
L* Wm Barker 32
Rolan Bennet 12
John Dean 45
James Davis 52
L4 Josiah Farrar 13
Abraham Jenkinson 52
Sam11 Griffin 80
Micah Graves 57
Phinehas Glezen 63
Isaac Gould 4
Reuben Gould 25
Jacob Gould 25
Cap1 Josiah Hoar 5
L4 Jona Hoar 40
Cap4 Nath11 Maynard 68
Daniel Maynard 50
Dan11 Moore 34
Israel Moore 12
John Noyes Esq' 50
James Noyes 52
Jason Parmenter 18
Jonr Parmenter Jur 15
Dr Ebenr Roby 50
Joseph Rutter Jur 50
Tho8 Rutter 20
Jonas Sherman 25
Edward Sherman 50
Timo* Sherman 12
L4 Ebenr Staples ^18
Tho8 Trask 12
Isaac Woodward 7
L4 John Noyes 73
Samuel Sherman 20
Ephm Allen adm 95
James Philips 95
Lemuel Whiting 95
L4 Josiah Wilinton 95
John Brewer 40
Elijah Bent 95
Zechh Bent 6
Zechh Bryant Jur 70
John Bruce 50
Majr Jo8 Curtis 5
David Curtis 32
IS Sam11 Choat 25
Thad8 Bond 40
Cap1 Joseph Payson 32
Wm Wyman 30
Isaac Brintnal 20
Peter Brintnal 20
Joshua Kendal 20
Cap4 Richard Heard 132
Tho8 Heard 53
Richard Heard Jur 20
Trobridge Taylor 18
Darius Hudson 52
Joseph Emerson 52
Nath1 Knolton 20
Sam" Haynes 3
Wid° Ann Noyes 30
Isaac Moore- 20
Simon Newton 70
HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
407
Then Capt Cutting's Musteroll was read and the town voted to allow
to each person expressed by name therein, the Sum Set to his name in
said Musteroll, which was as follows, viz'
To L' Wm Bond
£22
L' Joseph Smith
£95
Thorn8 Brintnal
5
Cap' Caleb Moulton
34
Joseph Beal
32
Micah Maynard adr
50
Isaac Cutting
32
Amos Ordeway
4
John Cutting
50
Dn Sam11 Parris
32
Elisha Cutting
58
L' Isaac Rice
54
Jona Cutting
20
Isaac Rice
25
Sam11 Curtis
20
Dan11 Rice
17
Tho8 Damon Jur
57
Israel Rice Jur
26
Wm Damon
25
Jonas Rice
9
Isaac Damon
12
Edmund Rice
42
BenjD Dudley Jur
6
L' Sam11 Russell
32
Cor' Joseph Dudley
50
Capt. Thad9 Russell
20
Ebenr Dudley
29
Capt Robert Cutting
55
Wm Dudley
56
Jacob Reeves
46
Ebenr Johnson
50
L' Natha Reeves
20
Peter Johnson
2-1
Joseph Smith Capt.
76
John Loker
45
L' Ephraim Smith
22
Jonas Loker adr
5
Isaac Stone
50
Cap' Isaac Loker
76
David Stone
50
John Meriam
26
Joel Stone
16
Capt. Caleb Moulton
34
John Tilton
32
Capt Micah Maynard adr
50
John Tilton Jur
60
Amos Ordeway
4
Timoy Underwood adr
55
Dr Sam" Peris
32
Timoy Underwood
21
Lt Isaac Rice
54
Jona Westson
20
Isaac Rice
25
Isaac Williams
20
Dan11 Rice
17
L' John Whitney
88
Israel Rice Jur
26
Ebenr Eaton
52
Micah Rice
4
Will™ Grout
35
Isaac Smith
56
Francis Jones
64
Cap' Tho8 Damon
20
Cap1 Jesse Ernes
5
John Barney
4
The foregoing lists indicate a patriotic zeal highly com-
mendable to the citizens of Sudbury. The town had a
population of twenty-one hundred and sixty with about five
hundred ratable polls ; and it is supposed that, during the
war, from four to five hundred men had some service either
in camp or field. Of these soldiers, one was brigadier-
408 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
general, three were colonels, two were majors, two were adju-
tants, two were surgeons, twenty-four were captains and
twenty-nine were lieutenants. We hear of Sudbury men
from Concord to Bunker Hill, and from there to the High-
lands of the Hudson. Where Washington went they fol-
lowed. They stood, near Stark in that post of danger by the
bank of the Mystic. They were ordered to strike the front
of Burgoyne at the north, and they endured, the rigors of a
Canadian winter in the attempt to gain Canada for the Con-
tinental cause. It matters not where they were found, they
were true to their commander and loyal to every trust. The
officers were the friends of the great leaders of the American
army, and the record of the achievements of the sons of
Sudbury, in the old French and Indian War period, was not
broken when they met in open field the discipline and expe-
rience of the veteran troops of the British throne. Wherever
an English front was deployed, Sudbury soldiers, if ordered,
never flinched from meeting it. They went into the field to
stay, or, if they returned, to rally if again called, to the
conflict. The summons to town-meeting at home was but
;is the long roll of the civilian which called him to devise
means for filling and equipping the quota of troops or
to assist the families of men at the front. Ticonderoga,
Saratoga, Stillwater and White Plains were familiar names
in old Sudbury. The battle-fields of the Revolution were
not alone heard of by the children in the little red school-
houses on the town's common land, but they heard them
talked of in the household by those who had been upon them
in the measured march or counter-march, the advance,
retreat, or pursuit, until they were as well known as the
broad acres on their own peaceful farms. The old king's or
queen's arm in the corner had its history. The bullet-pouch
had been emptied time after time into the ranks of the foe,
and the cocked hat that long hung by the fireside was be-
grimed, not by the smoke from the hearth, but by the dust
and smoke of battle. That the soldiers were in places of
peril is indicated by the following record of casualties,
though probably but a part of them are here recorded.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 409
CASUALTIES TO SUDBURY SOLDIERS.
KILLED.
Deacon Josiah Haynes, Aged 80, April 19th 1775
Asahel Read April 19th 1775
Joshua Haynes Jr, of Capt Aaron Haynes' Company, June th 1775, at
Bunker Hill.
Sergeant Thadeus Moore, 1777, at Saratoga
Benjamin Whitney, — By accident —
WOUNDED.
Gen, John Nixon at Bunker Hill Cornelius Wood
Nathan Maynard : : Nahum Haynes
Capt, David Moore Lieut, Joshua Clapp, wounded at
Joshua Haynes Saratoga
Benjamin Barry, lost an arm in Canada Expedition, 1770
DIED OF SICKNESS.
Sergeant Major Jesse Moore Sergeant Samuel Maynard, of the
Sergeant Hopestill Brown small pox, at Ouebeck with
Sergeant Elijah Willis Arnold, 1770
AT TICONDEROGA.
Ensign Timothy Underwood Oliver Sanderson
Daniel Underwood James Puffer
Phinehas Gleason Stephen Puffer, of Capt Daniel
Solomon Rice Bowker's Co , Col Webb's Reg'
Timothy Rice died Oct 3d
Josiah Cutter
TAKEN PRISONER AND NEVER HEARD OF.
Thadeus Harrington Thomas Dalrimple
Thomas Moore Daniel Haynes.
LOST PRIVATEERING.
Isaac Moore Silas Goodenow
Lemuel Goodenow Peletiah Parmenter
PERSONS WHO MET WITH CASUALTIES THE NATURE OF WHICH IS NOT
SPECIFIED.
John Brewer James Demander
John Bemis Timothy Mossman.
" Green be the graves where her martyrs are lying ;
Shroudless and tombless they sank to their rest;
While o'er their ashes the starry fold flying
Wraps the proud eagle they roused from his nest."
Ill closing this account of Sudbury's military service we
will q-ive some facts in the life of General Nixon.
410 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
SKETCH OF GENERAL NIXON.
Gen. John Nixon was a son of Christopher Nixon who
went to Framingham about 1724, where seven children were
born of whom John was the oldest. At an early age, being
but a mere boy, he entered the army, and at the instigation
of older persons he left unlawfully, but clemency was shown
him and he was allowed to return to the ranks. His subse-
quent career proved him to be a true soldier.
In 1745, when he was but twenty years old, he was in the
Pepperell Expedition to Louisburg, and lieutenant in Cap-
tain Newell's company at Crown Point in 1755. Later in
the war he served as captain. At one time, when operating
against the French forces, he was led into an ambuscade and
only forced his way out with the loss of most of his men.
As before noticed, at the beginning of the Revolutionary
War he served as captain of a company of minute men.
April 24, 1775, he received the commission of colonel. He
fought and was wounded at the battle of Banker Hill. He
went with the army under Washington to New York, and
was promoted, August 9, to brigadier-general. His promo-
tion to the rank of general of brigade Was on recommenda-
tion of Washington, who stated to Congress that Nixon's
military talents and bravery entitled him to promotion. In
his new position he had, for a time, command of two regi-
ments and a force of artillery at Governor's Island, New
York Harbor. August 27, he left there, and subsequently
operated with the army in the northern campaign in New
York State against Burgoyne. When it was decided to
advance against the latter, General Gates ordered Nixon and
two other commanders to make the attack. A cannon ball
passed so near his head that the sight and hearing on one
side were impaired. After the surrender of Burgoyne,
General Nixon and some others were detailed to escort the
prisoners to Cambridge. About that time he had a furlough
of several months, in which time he married his second wife.
General Nixon was on the court-martial — with Generals
Clinton, Wayne and Muhlenburg, and of which Gen. Ben-
jamin Lincoln was president — for the trial of General
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 411
Schuyler for the neglect of duty in the campaign of 1777, by
which Ticonderoga was surrendered. The trial was at the
request of General Schuyler, and by it he was fully acquitted
with the highest honors. In 1777, General Nixon's brigade
had head-quarters for a time at Peekskill, N. Y., and for a
time in 1777, at Albany. On Sept. 12, 1780, he closed his
military career by resigning his commission as general, and
retired to private life. He married for his first wife Thank-
ful Berry, Feb. 7, 1754 ; and for his second, Hannah Gleason
in 1778, the widow of Capt. Micajah Gleason who was killed
at the battle of White Plains, N. Y., in 1776. He had nine
children, of whom five were daughters. One of them,
Sarah, married Abel Cutler, the father of the late C. G.
Cutler, Esq., of Sudbuiy.
About 1806, he went to Middlebury, Vt. At the time of
the battle of Lake Cham plain he was living with a daughter
at Burlington ; and, on hearing the sound of the cannon on
the lake, he wanted a horse brought that he might go and
witness the fight. General Nixon died at Middlebury, 1815,
at the advanced age of ninety. When he was thirty years
old he bought a tract of thirty-two acres of land of Josiah
Browne on the northern side of Nobscot Hill, where he was
living at the breaking out of the Revolutionary War. After
he retired from the army, he lived for a time at Framingham
and kept tavern at Rice's End. He afterwards returned to
Sudbuiy, and was admitted to the church there May 22, 1803.
Although Mr. Nixon was pre-eminently a military man
by nature and experience, and had known much of the hard
fare and the rough companionship of the army, yet he was
a man of affable address and quiet demeanor. He was of
light complexion, medium size and cheerful disposition. He
was a decided man and a great lover of children. One of
his grandsons informed the writer that the old man used to
take his grandchildren on his knee and sing war songs to
them ; one that he remembered was as follows : —
" Oh, why, soldiers, why, should we be melancholy, boys ? whose busi-
ness 'tis to die.
Through cold, hot and dry we are always bound to follow, boys, and
scorn to fly."
412 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
C. G. Cutler, the grandson referred to, was about ninety
years old when he repeated the verse. None of General
Nixon's family, who bear the name, are now living in Sud-
bury. The site of his dwelling-place is still pointed out not
far from the run or spring land on the northerly slope of
Nobscot, but even the last faint trace of his former dwelling-
place time is fast wearing away, and soon nothing but the
record will tell of this illustrious citizen and soldier of
Sudbury.
In considering the military service of the town in the
Revolutionary War, we have only considered a part of her
history. During that time important civil transactions were
taking place also. There were deprivations to be endured
by those at home : the country was burdened with debt, the
currency was in a very uncertain stale, and, because of its
depreciated condition, there was more or less confusion in
commercial affairs. There was as much need of sagacity on
the part of the civilian in council, as of military men in the
field, to direct the affairs of State and town. The town-
meetings of those da}Ts were very important occasions, and,
unless the people met emergencies there in a prompt and
efficient manner, the fighting element in the field could
accomplish but little. In this respect the people of Sudbury
were not deficient. We have heard of no instance where a
Tory spirit was manifest nor where a patriotic purpose was
wanting. During; the war, a larije share of the town war-
rants set forth the needs of the county or town which were
caused by the war ; and the town-meeting that followed was
about sure to result in a generous response to the demand.
As the history of the Avar period will not be complete with-
out presenting some of these acts we will give a few of them
here.
ENCOURAGEMENTS TO ENLISTMENT.
We may well presume from the spirit manifested by the
minute companies, more or less of whose members enlisted
for a longer or shorter term, that patriotism was a prominent
motive for entering the service. But the war was protracted,
and a large share of the soldiers had families dependent upon
them, and, hence, for the late enlistments extra inducements
RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL B. ROGERS, So. Sudbury.
Sketch of Family History. Page 450.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 413
were to be expected. To narrate all that was done at each
successive town-meeting would be needless ; we will, there-
fore, give only a few specimens which will serve to show the
spirit of the people.
In 1777, twenty pounds were voted to each man who
would enlist ; also the town chose a committee to provide for
soldiers' families.
In 1778, voted some three hundred and seventy pounds
for clothing for the soldiers ; also the town committee were
instructed to hire men for the army for seventy-four pounds
each "if they could if not, to give more." The same year
" voted to give 50 pounds to each man who would enlist as
a part of the town quota for 9 months."
The same year a committee was appointed " to hire 12
men to go to the North River for 8 months or such time as
they will agree for."
The same year " 14 men were hired for the service of
Providence."
On May 17, 1779, voted to " hire the men to be detatched
from the militia of this town to march to Tiverton, R. I.,
and granted 1300 pounds to hire the men with and 200
pounds to provide things for their families."
In 1779, a committee was chosen " to hire men for the
public service in behalf of the town whenever there may be
a call on the militia for service."
At the same date, four hundred and twenty pounds were
granted " to hire five soldiers with for service of Tiverton
R. I."
The same date, thirty-nine hundred pounds were granted
to hire thirteen soldiers for nine months' service.
In 1781, voted that the committee should attend to "hiring
the town quota for three years without loss of time and if the
men cannot be obtained in town then they are to apply else-
where," fifteen pounds in specie was granted for the purpose.
As an inducement to enlistment the town sometimes
offered live stock. The following is a specimen : —
" We being a Committee appointed by the Town of Sud-
bury to hire the Town Quota of men for three years or
414 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
During the war agreable to a Resolve of Court Dec 2, 1780
do agree with John Ruck, Naynam Haynes, Zechrus Robi-
son and Oliver Robison who has enlisted themselves into the
Sarvis agreable to Law, Resolve to give each of them
Eighteen this Spring Calves, Said Calves to be kept for and
Delivered to the above Parsons when they are Regularly
Discharged from the Said Sarvis, also Three Thousing Dol-
lars old Currency to be paid Each when they are properly
mustered.
" Asahel Wheeler \
" Aaron Haynes > Committee."
uJona Rice )
We give below a copy of a soldier's Enlistment Paper.
We the subscribers do hereby severally inlist Ourselves into the
Service of the United Colonies of America to serve until the first day
of April next, if the service shall require it ; and each of us do engage
to furnish and carry with us into the Service a good effective Firearm
and Blanket also a good Bayonet and Cartridge Pouch if possible. And
we severally consent to be formed by such Persons as the General
Court shall appoint into a Company of Ninety men including one
Captain Two Lieutenants one Ensign four Sergeants, four Corporals
one Drummer and one Fifer, to be elected by the Companies, and when
formed we engage to march to Headquarters of the American Army
with the utmost Expedition and to be under the command of such Field
Officer or Officers as the Gen. Court shall appoint. And we farther
agree during the Time aforesaid to be subject to such Generals as are
or shall be appointed ; and to be under such Regulations in every
Respect as are provided for the Army aforesaid. Dated this Day of
A. D. 1776.
Jesse Jones Zebediah Farrar.
John Peter Richard Heard
Sarson Belcher Joseph Smith
Timothy Underwood John Merriam.
Josia Farrar Abraham Parmenter
Ephraim Smith Benjamin Dudley
Phinehas Glezen Israel Jones
Uriah Moore.
Besides the furnishing of men and equipments various
other services were from time to time required of the town.
At one time the towns were assessed for hay for the army at
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 415
Cambridge, and Sudbury was required to furnish nine tons ;
only three other towns were required to furnish as much.
At another time they were called on to provide men and
teams to convey gunpowder to Springfield.
CHAPTER XXIII.
1775-1800.
Attention the Town Bestowed on its Home Needs during the War. —
Specimen Report of a Town-Meeting. — Attitude of the Town
towards the Measures of Boston Merchants relative to the Reduc-
tion of Prices. — Appointment of Delegate to a Convention Called
for the Purpose of Framing a New Constitution. — Committee
Appointed to Regulate Prices. — Report of Committee. — Vote on
the New Constitution. — Educational Matters. — Division of the
Town. — Committee on a Line of Division. — Committee Appointed
to Present a Remonstrance to the Court. — Instructions to the Com-
mittee.— Act of the Court Authorizing a Division. — Committee
Appointed to Make a Division of the Money and Real Estate. —
Report of the Committee. — Appointment of Other Committees. —
Financial Report. — Official Boards for 1780 and 1781. — Miscellaneous.
— Shay's Rebellion. — Erection of Meeting-House. — Miscellaneous.
The roll of drums and the bugle's wailing
Vex the air of our vales no more ;
The spear is beaten to hooks of pruning,
The share is the sword the soldiers wore.
Whittier.
The following specimen of work done at a fall town-
meeting in the very midst of the war shows that home needs
were not neglected while military matters were absorbing so
much attention. Nov. 8, 1779, the town granted money as
follows, namely : —
To pay the several town Debts .£1457 : 0 : 0
To pay the Revd Ministers their Salary 148 : 0 : 0
416 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Gratuity to the Revd Ministers ,£2000 : 0 : 0
for the Grammar School 1000 : 0 : 0
for a Reading and Writing School 2000 : 0 : 0
for the support of the Poor 2000 : 0 : 0
to pay the Assessors 200 : 0 : 0
to pay the town Treasrer 40 : 0 : 0
to the Towns Comt,ee for money paid to the Last Six
months men to the State of New York 500 : 0 : 0
to the Selectmen the money paid to sd men by order of
the General Court 500 : 0 : 0
to pay the money that has been paid to the six months
men to Rhode Island 180 : 0 : 0
to provide for the Continental families 800 : 0 : 0
At the same town meeting adjourned to Dec. G"1 1779 the town
granted six hundred pounds to enable a committee chosen at said
meeting to oppose a Division of the town and to carry on said affair.
James Thompson, Town Clerk.
At a town meeting held July 12, 1779, it was
Voted that this town highly approves of the measures taken by the
merchants and other the inhabitants of the town of Boston in order to
reduce the exorbitant prices of the necessaries of life. Consequently
to appreciate our Currency that the town will adopt such reasonable
measures as may be agreed upon by the joint Committees from the
several towns in this state. It also voted to send Major Joseph Curtis
to represent them in the convention to meet in Cambridge for the
purpose of framing a new constitution or form of government, and
instructed him to cause a printed copy of the form of a constitution
that might be agreed upon to be transmitted to the Select Men of the
town.
Aug 9th. The town voted to appoint seven persons to state the
prices of Innholders' labour, Theaming, manufactures and all other
articles not taken up by the convention at Concord.
Aug. lGth. The town having met according to adjournment, the
Committee appointed to state the prices of all such articles as were not
taken up by the Convention at Concord reported as follows
West India Rum by the gallon £6. 9
New England Rum by the gallon 4.15
Coffe by the pound 4.15
Sugar by the pound from 11 to 14. Chocolate by the pound 24.
Bohe Tea by the pound 5 : 16. Cotton wool by the pound ?>7 : 0.
German Steel 30 D° Salt best quality by the Bushel £10 : 10
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 417
Country Produce — Indian Corn by the Bushel 80, Rye by the
Bushel, £o : 10 Wheat by the Bushel £8 : 10 Beaf by the pound 5
Muton, Lamb and Veal by the pound 3 : 6 Foreign Beaf and Pork as
sett by the convention. Butter by the pound 11 Chese D° 6 Milk by
the quart 10 English Hay qr hundred 30
Men's shoes 6,bs, women's shoes 411'3, cotton cloth 4 : 0,
Labor. — teaming under 30 miles IS, carpenter work by the day 60,
Mason per day 60, Maids wages per week 5 Dollars. Oxen per day
24, Horse Hire 3 per mile. Inn Holder a good dinner 20, common
dinner 12. Best supper and Breakfast 15, each common Do. 12,
Lodgings 4. Horse keeping 24 hours on hay 15, on grass 10, a yoke of
oxen a night 15.
The grade of prices thus established was made in accord-
ance with a resolve of a convention that met at Concord,
and the list of prices made was in depreciated currency that
was in ratio of about twenty shillings paper to one shilling
in silver. " If any one should persist in refusing to accept
these prices, their names should be published in the public
News Paper and the good people of the town should with-
hold all trade and intercourse from them."
On May 17, 1779, a vote was taken to see how many
favored the formation of a new constitution or form of
government. Fifty -nine voted in the affirmative and ten
in the negative. The representative was instructed to
vote for calling a State convention to form the new con-
stitution.
At a meeting held May 22, 1780, " The Constitution
being read, the town voted that they think it reasonable
that each town in the State should pay their own proper
representatives both their travel to and attendance at the
General Court, and desire that clause providing for their
pa}' for travel out of the public treasury should be altred,
41 voting for this alteration and 8 against it. They desire
that the word Protestant may be inserted in the room of, or
added to the word Christian Religion, in qualifications of the
Govenor and all other officers both civil and military, 30 for
and 19 against it.
" They also desire that the time for revising the Constitu-
tion may not exceed seven -years, 55 voting for this altera-
tion, one against it."
418 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.
Prominent among the records relating to educational
matters in the early part of the period was the following :
1773. "To Daniel Bowker for building N. W. School House
18 pounds, to the same for building Lanham School House
23-6-8. To Ambrose Tower for building school house near
west meeting house 17-7-4. To Wm Dudley to building
the Farm end school house 26-13-4." In 1774, a vote was
taken to see " if the town will order that the several school
houses in said town shall be supplied with wood for the
future at the charge of the town." It " passed in the nega-
tive." It may be that it had been customary for the citizens
of each district to contribute wood for the school-houses
and that this was an early movement made to have it sup-
plied by the town. That the school-houses were warmed in
those times is evident. The following year the town granted
eight pounds for supplying the several school-houses with
wood for the year, and repeatedly after this were sums
granted for this purpose. That the school-houses at that
time were warmed by means of a fire-place is indicated by
the following record of 1782 : " To Jacob Reed for mending
hearth at Lanham school house." In 1778, the town voted
to build a new school-house near Mr. Phineas Puffers. In
1779, it was voted to build a new school-house in the north-
west corner of the town, appropriating the two old school-
houses for the building of the new.
DIVISION OF THE TOWN.
A prominent event of this period was the division of the
town. The proposition came before the town by petition
of John Tilton and others June 25, 1778, in the East
meeting-house. " The question was put whether it was the
minds of the Town, that the Town of Sudbury should be
divided into two towns, and it was passed in the affirmative.
And appointed the following gentlemen to agree on a Divi-
sion Line and Report at the Adjournment of this meeting
viz Col Ezekiel How Cap1 Richard Heard Mr Nathan Loring
Mr Phinehas Glezen Mr John Maynard and Mr John
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 419
Meriara." The committee reported that they were not
agreed as to the line of division.
At a meeting held Jan. 1, 1779, the town appointed
Major Joseph Curtis, Thomas Plympton, Esq., Mr. John
Balcom, Capt. Richard Heard and Capt. Jonathan Rice to
agree on a line of division. At the same meeting measures
were taken to petition the General Court. Strong opposi-
tion at once manifested itself, and the town was warned to
meet at the West meeting-house December 6, —
" 1st To choose a moderator
" 2d To see if the town will choose a Committee to act in
behalf of this Town at the Great and General Court of this
State to Oppose a Division of sd Town and give the Comtee So
chosen Such Instruction Relating to said affair as the Town
may think proper and grant a Sum of Mone}^ to Enable said
Comtee to Carry on Said Business "
The meeting resulted as follows : —
" 1st Chose Asahel Wheeler moderator
" 2d Chose Col Ezekiel Howe Mr Wm Rice Jur and Thomas
Plympton Esq a committee for the Purpose contained in this
article and granted the sum of three hundred Pounds to
Enable their Comtee to Carry on said affair then adjourned
this meeting to tomorrow at three oclock at the same place.
" Tuesday Decemr 7th The Town met according to
adjournment proceeded and gave their Comtee Chosen to
oppose a division of this Town &c the following Instruc-
tions viz.
" To Col0 Ezekiel Howe, Thos Plympton Esq and Mr Rice
Jur you being chosen a Comtee by the Town of Sudbury to
oppose a division of sd Town as Lately Reported by a
Comtee of the Honle General Court of this State
" You are hereby authorized and Instructed to preferr a
Petition or memorial to the General Court in behalf of Said
Town. Praying that the Bill for Dividing Sd Town May be
set a fire or altred setting forth the Great Disadvantages the
Westerly part of the Town will Labour under by a Division
of said Town as reported by sd Comtee viz : as said report
deprives them of all the gravel and obliges them to maintain
420 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the one half of the Great Causeways on the Easterly part
of said Town notwithstanding the necessaiy repairs of the
Highways on the westerly part of said Town are nearly
double to that on the East.
" Said Report also deprives them of the Pound, it also
deprives them of a Training field though Given by the Pro-
prietors of Said Town to the Westerly side for a Training
field for Ever
" And further as there is no provision made in said report
for the Support of the Poor in Said Town which will be a
verry heavy burthen to the West side of the Town as the
report now stands. Also at said adjournment the Town
Granted the sum of three Hundred pounds, in addition to
the other Grant of three hundred Pounds to Enable their
Comtee to carry on said Petition
;' Then the town by their vote dissolved this meeting "
But, notwithstanding the vigorous protest made by promi-
nent citizens, their arguments did not prevail with the
Court, and an article was passed, April 10, 1780, which
authorized a division of the town. A committee was ap-
pointed by the town to consider a plan for the division of
property and an equitable adjustment of the obligations
of the East and West parts of the town. At an adjourned
meeting, held March 14, the committee rendered the follow-
ing report which was accepted and agreed upon.
" We the Subscribers being appointed a committee to Join
a Comtee from East Sudbury to make a Division of the
Money and Estate belonging to the Town of Sudbury and
East Sudbury agreeable to an Act of the General Court
Passed the 10th of April 1780, for Dividing the Town of
Sudbury, proceded and agreed as folio weth viz : that all the
Money Due on the Bonds and Notes being the Donation of
Mary Doan to the East Side of the River be Disposed of to
East Sudbury according to the will of the Donor. And
the money Due on Bonds and Notes given by Mr. Peter
Noyes and Capt Joshua Haynes for the Benefit of the Poor
and Schooling be Equally Divided between Each of the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 421
Sd Towns, which Sum is 423 : 3 : 4 That all the Money
Dae on Bonds and Notes for the New Grant Lands, or
Money Now in the Treasury or in Constables' hands be
Equally Divided between Each of Said Towns which Sums
are as follows viz :
" Due on New Grant Bonds and Notes 133 : 14 : 7
" Due from Constable 3110 : 10 : 7
" Due from the Town Treasurer 348 : 6:5
" And that all Land that belonged to the Town of Sud-
bury or for the benefit of the Poor shall be Divided agree-
able to the Act of the General Court for Dividing Said
Town. And that the Pound and Old Bell and the Town
Standard of Weights and Measures which belonged to the
Town of Sudbury be Sold at publick vandue and the pro-
ceeds to be Equally divided between the towns of Sudbury
and East Sudbury.
" Also that the Town Stock of Arms and Amanition be
Divided as set forth in the Act of the General Court for
Dividing the Town of Sudbury. And if any thing shall be
made to appear to be Estate or property that Should belong
to the town of Sudbury before the Division of the above
articles it Shall be Equally Divided between the Town of
Sudbury and the Town of East Sudbury. And that the
Town of East Sudbury shall Support and Maintain as their
Poor During their Life the Widow Vickry and Abigail
Isgate, And all Such Persons as have Gained a Residence in
the Town of Sudbury before the division of Sd Town and
shall hereafter be brought to the Town of Sudbury or the
Town of East Sudbury as their Poor Shall be Supported by
that Town in which they Gained their Inhabitance. Also
that the Debts Due from Said Town of Sudbury Shall be
paid the one half by the Town of Sudbury and the other
half by the Town of East Sudbury which Sum is 2977 : 7 : 1
" Asher Cutler Asahel Wheeler \
" Thos Walker Isaac Maynard V Committee "
" James Thomson )
Other committees concerning the matter of division were
appointed the same year. The assessors were to make a
.£1487.
9.
10
1661.
19.
o
142 lbs
.394 lbs
4
£1188.
10.
0
391,
,15.
0
27.
0.
0
20.
8.
0
422 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
division with East Sudbury of the men required of Sudbury
and East Sudbury for three years ; also to make division of
clothing, beef, etc., required of said town. A committee,
April 23, 1781, made the following financial exhibit: —
Due to Sudbury in the Constable's and Treasurer's hands
That the town had to pay the sum of
Sudbury's part of the Powder
Their part of the Lead
their part of the Guns on hand
The old Bell, Pound and Town Standard of Weights and
Measures sold for
Sudbury's part of the above sum is
Received of money
The charge of sale
The remainder to be paid by the treasurer of E. Sudbury.
Money due to the town in Mr Cutler's hands taken out of
the State Treasury for what was advanced by the
Town of Sudbury for the support of Soldiers' families
who are in the Continental Army 1200 .2.0
In the division Sherman's Bridge was left partly in each
town, and the river formed about half the town's eastern
boundary. At a place on Sand Hill the town line was made
irregular in order to admit the training-field and the Caleb
Wheeler farm, which was a triangular piece of about forty-
three acres. The definition of the town boundary line and
the clause which retained the training-field and the Wheeler
farm in the town is as follows : —
" Beginning with the river between Concord and Lincoln,
thence running with the river till it comes to the mouth of a
ditch on the west side of said river between the lands of
W1" Baldwin Esq, and Eliakim Rice ; — thence on said ditch
to the County road leading to Stow, crossing said road ;
connected (or continuing) on the South side thereof till it
comes to the line between land of Nath1 Rice and Jona.
Carter ; — thence southerly with the line between said Rice
& Carter to land of Elisha Wheelor ; then running Easterly
with the line between said Carter and Wheelor to the
County roading leading to Marlboro'; — thence running up
and bounded on the Westerly side of said road till it comes
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 423
opposite to the line between the heirs of Lieut. Dan1 Good-
now and land in possession of Robert Ernes at " Sandy
Hill"; — thence crossing said road to the corner aforesaid ;
— thence running to a White Oak the head of Capt. Moses
Maynard's meadow; — thence on a straight line; — thence
on a straight line to a swamp-White-Oak on the bank of the
River — eastwardly from the dwelling house of Capt. Moses
Stone; thence up the river to Framingham line."
" And it is also enacted that the House and lands of
Caleb Wheelor — together with the Training-field adjoining
thereto, shall remain to the Town of Sudbury."
In the division provision was made for the maintenance,
by Sudbury, of the Canal Bridge and that portion of the
old causeway which extends from the bridge westerly to the
upland. As the support of the Canal Bridge came upon
Sudbury and mention is made of it in various places in the
Town Records, it may be of interest here to state something
of its histoiy. This bridge is so named because it crossed
that portion of the river which it is supposed ran through an
artificial channel. No bridge in that immediate vicinity but
the " Town bridge " is mentioned in the earlier records, and
the stream, as before stated (see page 93), originally passed
near the eastern upland. The earliest record we have any
knowledge of, which contains reference to this bridge, is in
1768, which is a bill for the repairing of the "new bridge
near Dea. Stone's, Lanham, Sherman's, the Town bridge and
the Canal bridge." This shows its existence at that time,
but gives no intimation as to when it was made ; neither is
there any record so far as we know as to when the canal was
constructed. An artificial opening might not have been
made there until years after the bridge was made. The first
water-way may have been a natural one which only required
a small crossing, and may subsequently have been enlarged
by the current. In other words, when the causeway was
built a small outlet may have been left in it at this point for
the purpose of allowing the water to pass off the meadow
more readily in time of flood. This passage way at first may
have been but an open fordway. In the process of time, as
424 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the causeway was gradually raised and the channel or
aperture naturally increased in size, a more substantial
bridge may have been required. Another theory is that the
making of the canal and the bridge was the result of raising
the causeway at one time or another. If the town succeeded
in raising the money when it tried to do so by means of a
lottery in 1758, the Canal Bridge may have been built at
that time. As there was opposition to raising the causeway,
because it was supposed that it would set back the water,
the statement being made that there was " not one foot of
fall in the river for 25 or 30 miles," an aperture might have
been left in the raised road or causeway or a canal cut to
obviate the difficulty, and the canal would require a bridge.
Still another theory is that the canal was built by private
enterprise. Mr. Abel Gleason, now one of the oldest inhabi-
tants of Wayland, states that when he was a boy, ten or
twelve years old, he helped make hay on both sides of the
canal for Colonel Baldwin, the owner of the land ; and that
the colonel told him that " the water always made its way
over the ' oxbow ' more or less ; but at one time a Mr.
Goodnow and another man, whose name he could not re-
member, dug out a straight channel for the water to run in."
A channel once dug would naturally increase until suffi-
ciently large to allow all the water to pass through it. The
short causeway from Sudbury to the Canal Bridge was laid
out by the county commissioners in 1832, and the same year
was made under the supervision of a committee from East
Sudbury.
The following officers were chosen, just before the divi-
sion, at a town-meeting held in the East and West meeting-
houses, March 6, 1780 : " Selectmen — Capt. Asahel Wheeler.
Wm Baldwin Esq. Mr. Thomas Walker, Capt. Caleb Moul-
ton, Mr. Isaac Maynard. Capt. Thadeus Russel, Mr. Benja-
min Smith. Town Clerk and Treasurer James Thompson.
Other officers chosen were 3 Assessors, 4 Constables, A
' committee of correspondence,' consisting of five persons. 4
' wardins.' 2 surveyors of shingles, 2 sealers of leather, 3
fence viewers. 2 deer reeves, 4 tythingmen, 4 hog reeves,
2 field drivers, 8 surveyors of highway, 2 fish reeves, and 2
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 425
clerks of the market. Total on the official board fifty -five
persons."
After the division the town went on with its usual
activity. At a town-meeting held March 5, 1781, the fol-
lowing officers were chosen: " Moderator — Capt. Jonathan
Rice. Selectmen — Mr. Wm Rice, Capt. Moses Stone, Lieut.
Jacob Reed, Lieut. Abijah Brigham, Capt. Samuel Knight.
Clerk and Treasurer, Wm Rice." The records state that the
town-meetings were frequently held at the house of Mr.
Johnson. Probably this was the house of Aaron Johnson,
Innholder. Some of the early town records and acts after
its division are the following : Oct. 8, 1781, granted " Rev.
Mr. Bigelow for salary the ensuing year seventy-four pounds
in specie, also granted for a grammar school for a year, 12
pounds and ordered that said school be kept at the school
house near the meeting house, also granted for support of a
reading and writing school 48 pounds and ordered the same
to be kept in the other four school houses in the same pro-
portion. Also granted GO pounds to furnish their quota of
beef for the suppty of the army. Also allowed 16 shillings
for the taking care of the meeting house, and chose John
Green to take care of the meeting house and dig graves as
occasion required for the ensuing year." At the same meet-
ing money was granted for the supply of the soldiers for the
Continental army.
In the warrant of a meeting dated Jan. 15, 1781, was an
article " to see if the town would choose a committee and
empower them to bring an action against or proceed other-
wise in a suit of law with the town of Boston for their
bringing Mary Piper and her children into Sudbury, she and
her children not being able to support themselves and not
belonging to Sudbury." At a subsequent meeting the com-
mittee was chosen to proceed against Boston as suggested.
In 1782, it was " voted to pay Rev. Mr. Bigelow's salary
in specie 111 pounds, of which Roland Bogle's part to
collect as constable was £52 — 11s — 9d and Mr. Joshua
Hayncs part as constable to collect was £58 — 8s — 3d." In
1782, the town ordered their committee to build a suitable
place at the school-house " near the meeting house for
426 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
hanging their bell on instead of repairing the place where
it now stands." In 1785, the number of selectmen chosen
was reduced to three. In 1787, it was voted to rebuild the
canal bridge. The same year Isaac Lincoln was chosen to
take care of the meeting-house and ring the bell, for which
he was to have eighteen shillings, which was the lowest
price bid.
shay's rebellion.
In 1 786, occurred an event called Shay's Rebellion or In-
surrection. The cause of it was the unsettled condition of
the country, its depreciated currency, and a lack of business
prosperity in general. A small portion of the community
sought to adjust matters by resorting to arms. An effort
was made by some of the insurgents to prevent the holding
of the county courts, and, on several occasions, the presence
of troops was required to preserve the peace. Concord,
being a county town, was one of the imperiled places, and
there were indications that on Sept. 12, 1708, an outbreak
might occur there, as on that day a company of about one
hundred men assembled there under command of Job Shat-
tuck of Groton, and Nathan and Sylvanus Smith of Shirley.
Matters, however, were adjusted without any open out-
break. From the proximity of Concord to Sudbury, nat-
urally the town would be expected to render military service
at that place if it was needed, and also to furnish aid, in
common with the other towns, for the suppression of the
rebellion. The following papers are supposed to refer to
such service.
" Sudbury 10th September 1786
" Sir you will fully comply with the orders you received
from me this Day, Excepting your Marching by the shotest
Rout to Concord, you will instead of Marching to Concord
March with your Company Imbodied to Sudbury Meeting
House at Eight oclock in the Morning in order to join the
Reg4
" Capt Benj Sawin yours &c Jona Rice Lt. C, Comd "
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 427
" Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dr
" To the Selectmen of Sudbury for furnishing the men
that was called out to Supres the Late Rebellion agreeably
to the Militia Law to three different times to seven Days
each at four Shillings Pr Day."
Nov. 24, 1788, it was voted to hear the report of a com-
mittee who had, at a previous meeting, been appointed to
present a report of the depreciation of Mr. Bigelow's salary.
They " reported that the sum of £155 — 18s — 9d was due to
Mr. Bigelow on the deficiency of his salaries for the years
1776, 1777, 1778 and half of 1779," and it was voted to pay
£120 to make up the deficiency.
In 1789, the town " empowered a committee to purchase
the land of Mr. Doane for the purpose of enlarging the
burying ground and voted that the committee provide and
build the wall around the yard." When the town were
assembled in October, 1789, and the committee reported
relative to the land for enlarging the burying-ground, it was
voted "that the inhabitants of the town now present go
out and inspect the land proposed, when the inhabitants
returned, and a vote was taken, but passed in the negative ;
this question came up if they would accept of the land if
they could have it free of expense and they voted in the
affirmative."
In 1792, the town voted to sell the training field in the
southeast part of the town, and " the Committee formerly
employed to sell the Work house " were appointed to attend
to the work. The same year measures were taken for the
prevention of the small-pox. The article concerning it in
the warrant was " To see if the town would admit the Small
Pox into sd town by Inoculation." " It passed in the nega-
tive." The following year the selectmen were instructed
" to take measures to prevent the spreading of the small
pox, and to prosecute the persons who transgressed the laws
respecting the disease." Instructions were also given " to
make diligent search to see if there were any persons who
had been inoculated for small pox contrary to law."
428 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
In accordance with a vote of the General Court in 1794,
a map was made of the town. This map, a copy of which
is in the State Archives (Vol. II., page 7), was made by
Mathias Mosmon, and bears date April 17, 1795. A copy
of it is here given together with the following statement and
description by the author of the map : —
"The above Plan of the Town of Sudbury in the County
of Middlesex, Common Wealth of Massachusetts was taken
by the Direction of a Committee Chosen by the Inhabitants
of Sd Sudbury in obedience to an order of the General Court
dated June 26th — 1794. on the above plan Air inserted
and described Each Town line that meets or joins with
Sudbury. the Rivers are also accurately surveyed and
planned, the breadth of which are as folio weth. the River
Elsabeth is from 4 to 5 rods wide, but [there is] no public
bridge over the river where it joins Sudbury, the other river
called Sudbury or Concord River is from 7 to 8 or 9 rods
wide, and [there is] one bridge over sd river where it joins
Sudbury called Sharman's Bridge, 100 feet long, one-half
belonging to Sudbury, and 25 rod of Causeway. Sudbury
also [is to] build and keep in repair the Canal Bridge in
East Sudbury Long causeway and 52 rods of sd causeway,
the County roads are also surveyed and planned, in Sud-
bury is but one house for public worship which is noted,
the center of the town is about one mile northwestwardly
from the meetinghouse, the distance from Sd Sudbury to
Cambridge the shire-town of the county is 17 miles, and
from sd Sudbury to Boston the Metropolis of the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts through Watertown and Roxbury
is 22 miles, and through & over West Boston Bridge is 20
miles, in Sudbury is but 3 ponds of any considerable mag-
nitude which has been Surveyed and planned as above,
here is no falls of Water worthy of note, in Sd Sudbury is
not a hill whose summit is lofty, in the Southwardly part
o£ sd town is part of a hill called Penobscott which will be
described in the plan of Framingham. No manufactories are
erected in Sudbury, in sd [town] are three grist mills, two
saw mills, and one fulling mill as above described, on a
MARLBOROUGH
836 R W V "
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 429
Stream known by several different names as above, the
width of which where it leaves Marlborough and enters
Sudbury is not much more than a yard wide and where it
enters East Sudbury is about 5 yards wide, in the North-
wardly part of sd Sudbury a mine has been discovered and
worked upon, the depth of the hole is about feet in
a Ledge of rocks supposed to be a copper mine but has not
been worked in since the beginning of the Revolution, here
is not Iron Works or furnaces, said plan is laid down by a
scale of 200 rods to an inch Surveyed by
" Mathias Mosmon
" Dated at Sudbury April 17 = 1795."
THE NEW MEETING-HOUSE.
In the latter part of the period the town took measures to
erect a new meeting-house. In 1789, " chose a committee
to look out a place suitable for a new meeting house, for
drafting a plan, and receiving proposals from individuals in
relation to building the same." They subsequently decided
upon the shape and dimensions, but, different opinions pre-
vailing relative to the location, the construction of the build-
ing was deferred for some years.
Oct. 5, 1795, the town again voted " to build a new Meet-
ing House, that it should be erected on the common land
near to the present meeting house, and that the south and
west cells of sd house should occupy the ground on which
the south and west cells of the present meeting house now
stand upon, and that the enlargement of the meeting house
should extend North and East. Voted to accept a plan
drawn by Capt Thomson which plan is 60 feet by 52 with
a porch at one end with a steeple or spear on the top of sd
porch. Voted that the Commitee for building the house
should consist of nine persons, and that they should receive
nothing for their services." In 1796, it was voted that a
bell should be purchased for the meeting-house. October,
1798, the building committee presented to the town the sum-
mary of receipts and expenditures which was six thousand
twenty-five dollars and ninety-three cents. The town
granted three hundred dollars for the purpose of grading
430 HISTORY OP SUDBtJRY.
the ground around the new meeting-house. Those who
desired it were granted the privilege of working out their
proportionate share of the expense ; the price of labor being
nine pence per hour for a man and nine pence per hour for
a good yoke of oxen and cart. November, 179G, it was
" voted to request the Rev. Mr Bigelow to preach a sermon
at the dedication of the meeting house." At the same meet-
ing it was " voted that the Pew Holders in the body of the
Meeting House as soon as Divine Service is over fling their
pew Doors wide open so as not to obstruct the passage of
the people in the allies — that the Speaker pass out first,
then the pew holders to pass on after as fast as Conveniently
may be out at the front Door, then those who sit in 'the
seats next — also voted that as soon as they are out they
move off from the door steps so as to let the people have
liberty to come out without Crowding — also voted that the
pew holders in the galleries fling their pew doors wide open
that they empty their pews, together with the fore seats
first, the 2d and 3d seats to follow in course — also voted
that those who come down the West pair of stairs pass out
at the West Door those who come down the East stairs pass
out at the East Door, and to move from the door steps so
as to give Liberty to empty the house as soon as conven-
iently may be. It was then voted to Choose a Committee
for the purpose of Regulating the Assembling of the people
at the Dedication of the Meeting House, to keep good order
on said day and prevent damage being done to said House.
Said Committee to consist of 12." At the same meeting
" voted to appropriate to the use of the Singing Society in
Said Town the front gallery and so much of the side galleries
next the front as shall be necessary for their accommodation."
May, 1799, the town-meeting adjourned to allow its com-
mittee on building stables to go out and view the land ; on
their return they reported that they had " set up a stake
and stone at the south east corner of Lt Willis stables to the
North east corner of the meeting house. Sd line being about
35 ft back of sd meeting house." " Report was accepted."
In 1796, the town-meetings were held at the house of Col.
Benjamin Sawin, innholder. This was during the building
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 431
of the new meeting-house. The same }'ear the town
appointed Col. Sawin's new barn and yard adjoining the
same for a pound for a year.
October, 1797, " The Committee previously appointed to
select a suitable place whereon to erect a pound reported
that said pound be erected upon the East end of the Burying
yard, the south side to be erected about ten feet north of
L* Reuben Rices Stone wall, the wall of sd pound to be
5^ ft in Height with a Hewn stick of chestnut, or white pine
Timber 10 inches in Height upon the top thereof, the Bury-
ing yard wall to form one side. Sd pound to be thirty feet
square within the walls." The report was accepted, and
twenty dollars was granted for the purpose. The committee
appointed for letting out the building of the pound were to
" have the privilege of all the stones on the common round
the meeting house, excepting so many as shall be necessary
for horse blocks." At the same meeting forty dollars was
granted for rebuilding Lanham Bridge.
April, 1797, voted " to provide a carriage for the town's
use Suitable for the conveyance of Corps to the Burying
yard." October, 1797, granted thirty dollars for the pur-
pose of teaching a singing school for one month. In 1798,
" Chose a Committee to let out the building of a school
house in the north east district in place of the one which was
burnt." Also appropriated two hundred dollars for the
building. At the same meeting appropriated two hundred
and fifty-five dollars for building a school-house in the centre
district. Also at the same meeting, granted " for a harness
for the town carriage to carry corps upon 15 : 75 " In 1799,
voted " that the Committee that was appointed to build a
shelter for the funeral carriage, if they think it can conven-
iently be done, to build a place in it for storing of the towns
stock of ammunition."
CHAPTER XXIV.
1800-1825.
Early Families Residing in Sudbury about the Beginning of the Present
Century. — Families Who Came into Sudbury during the Interval
between the Formation of the Town and about the Middle of the
Present Century. — Biographical Sketches.
Happy he whom neither wealth nor fashion,
Nor the march of the encroaching city,
Drives an exile
From the hearth of his ancestral homestead.
Longfellow.
In entering upon the history of the nineteenth century,
we may, with propriety, pause in our narrative to notice the
condition of the community at the beginning of this new
period, and compare it with the condition of things in for-
mer and distant years. We have arrived at a point when
this can be done to advantage. We have chronicled the
events of more than a century and a half, and considered
the character, customs and conduct of the earlier inhabitants,
and the town when in its formative state. We have seen
influences gather and grow from sources small and' remote,
and men come in, act their part, and go out. Before pro-
ceeding to consider new facts, let us notice the results of
those already set forth and their relations to what is to come.
Let us notice to what extent early names and families were
familiar at the beginning of the nineteenth century, what
new inhabitants had come into town, and how far there had
been a transmission of customs, traits and manners of living
and doing in the home, the church and the town.
Down to about the year 1800, quite a share of the old
families remained, and, to an extent, kept their former
prestige. Such were the Goodnows, Bents, Parmenters,
432
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 433
Maynards and Reeds, the Hunts, Browns and Hows, also
the Haynes family, the Rices and Plymptons. In East
Sudbury there were the Rutters, Curtises and Lokers, the
Johnsons, Noyeses, Grouts and Wards. But, while so many
of the old families remained, they no longer, as at the town's
beginning, bore all the responsibility of its management, nor
were their names alone prominent upon the records. Some
of these families had begun to decline. Their ranks were
decimated, their power was on the wane. So it was with
the Hows, the Plymptons, the Maynards, the Rices, the
Reeds; and in East Sudbury with the Curtises, Noyeses and
Grouts. Indeed, the decline of some of these families,
which began before the century set in, has to such an extent
gone on that some of them have not a member in Sudbury
who bears the family name ; when it is called, no one is left
to respond. Their history is but a tradition for others to
tell, or found in fragmentary records on the town book, or
inscribed on the tombstones of Sudbury's old-time burying
grounds. But the decadence of old families is not the only
reason why, at the beginning of the present century, town
business was not wholly done by the descendants of the
early grantees. There had been, in the process of years, the
introduction of new families into Sudbury, many of which
took a prominent part in its affairs. Among those of this
class who came before or about the beginning of the
eighteenth century, there are the following names of per-
sons on the west side of the river : Balcom, Bogle, Bowker,
Brigham, Brintnal, Bush, Clapp, Cutler, Cutter, Dakin,
Gibbs, Hayden, Jones, Mossman, Perry, Puffer, Richardson,
Stanhope, Stevens, Taylor, Thompson, Tower, Walker,
Wedge, Wheeler, Willis ; on the east side, Abbott, Allen,
Baldwin, Brewer, Bryant, Cutting, Damon, Drury, Frink,
Gleason, Graves, Heard, Jennison, Long, Paris, Reeves,
Roby, Ross, Sherman and Wellington. The following are
names of families who settled in the present territory of
Sudbury between about the years 1800 and 1850 : Adams,
Allen, Arnold, Bacon, Barton, Burr, Carr, Clark, Conant,
Dwyer, Eames, Eaton, Fairbanks, Garfield, Gerry, Harring-
ton, Horr, Hudson, Hurlbut, Lyon, O'Neil, Powers, Pratt,
434 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Robinson, Rogers and Shaw. We will give a few facts con-
cerning such of these families as have a member still living
in town who bears the family name, or is in some way still
identified with the place. The object of these sketches is
not to give anything like a complete genealogy, but, as in
the case of the early grantees (Chapter III.), only to give a
brief outline of family history, mainly as it has been con-
nected with the town.
Adams. — At an early date the name of Adams is upon
the town records, and the indications are that one of the
name was living near the Sudbury and Concord boundary
not long after the settlement began. In 1671, James Adams
was to have liberty to feed his cattle on Sudbury bounds,
and " to take old and dry wood that shall be upon the
ground, the said Adams to prevent any trespass by Concord
herds or cattle also in our wood and timber, forthwith to
give notice to the town.1' (Sudbury Records.) This James
Adams is probably the one referred to in the genealogy of
Concord inhabitants (Concord History) as belonging to a
family said to have been banished from Scotland by Oliver
Cromwell, and who married Priscilla Ramsden of Concord
in 1662, and died Dec. 2, 1707. James had seven children,
— Priscilla, Elizabeth, James, Hannah, John, Nathaniel and
Dorcas. Descendants of these have lived in Acton and
Carlisle, which places were formerly in Concord. A John
Adams of Sudbury was wounded at the Swamp Fight, R. I.,
in 1675. (See period 1675-1700.) The Adams family of
Sudbury descended from the Acton branch. John Adams
was born at Acton, Sept. 27, 1746, and had six children, —
Lydia, Paul, John, Josiah H., Mercy, Mary. Josiah H. was
born Aug. 4, 1780, and lived about twenty years on the
place now occupied by the American Powder Company ; he
then moved about a mile south to the present John Adams
place. He had five children, — two of them sons, Joseph B.
and John. John Adams, the present superintendent of the
Fitchburg Railroad, was born at and now owns the place
formerly occupied by his father in Sudbury.
Allen or Allin. — The Allen family was early in Sud-
bury. The name of John Allen is on the " Old Petition "
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 435
of 1676 ; on another, of 1690 are the names of John and
Thomas, Jr., and Zebediah, Jr., and on a paper of 1707, sub-
scribed to by the East Side inhabitants protesting against a
parochial precinct on the West Side, are the names of John
and Samuel Allen. The first Allen of the present century
in Sudbury was John Plympton, who moved from Wayland
to South Sudbury, where he carried on the blacksmith's
trade for nearly fifty years. He married Sibel Read who
was born in Sudbury in 1800. He had four children, —
Francis, Franklin S., Margaret M., Abby A. Margaret M.
Allen is at present a resident of South Sudbury.
Arnold. — The name of William Arnold is on an old
petition among a list of inhabitants on the west side the
river in 1707 ; but for an interval of years there were none
by the name in town. Edwin, first Sudbury resident of the
name in the present century, is grandson of Winslow and
Abigail (Hagar) Arnold, who were born, married and lived
in Marlboro. His father was Joel who married Ruth,
daughter of Israel and Susanna (Stone) Parmenter of Sud-
bury, April 25, 1843. Edwin married Abby Hunt, daughter
of Abel and Sally Smith of Sudbury. They have had one
child, Frances A. Edwin Arnold resides at South Sudbury.
Bacon. — The Sudbury ancestor of the Bacon family,
which in the present century has resided in town, was
Jonathan who came from Natick in 1835. His father, whose
name was Jonathan, was born in Natick in 1756, married
Zipporah (Goulding) Mann and had two children, Jonathan
and Ebenezer. Jonathan, Jr., married Lydia Hammond of
Natick, born Oct. 11, 1778, and had six children, — Zippo-
rah, Asa, Samuel, Edward and Lydia, all born in Natick,
and Adoniram born in Sudbury. He lived on the South
Sudbury and Marlboro road in a house built and once occu-
pied by Joel Jones, and at present occupied by Adoniram.
Jonathan died several years ago, but his widow, Lydia
Bacon, is still living at the age of one hundred and one.
Balcom. — The Sudbury Balcoms are descended from
Henry Balcom of Charlestown, Mass., a blacksmith. He
married Elizabeth Haynes of Sudbury, August 12, 1666, and
died April 29, 1683. Soon after his death, the family moved
436 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
to Sudbury and settled in the northwesterly part in what is
now Maynard, where his descendants still live. Among the
children of Henry was Joseph, who was born Dec. 17, 1674,
and died Sept. 17, 1745, at Sudbury. He married Tabitha
Mossman. Among their children was John who was born
March 13, 1713 (or 1715), and married Susanna Haynes,
August 23, 1737. Among the children of John and Susanna
was Asahel, born June 5, 1741, who married Jerusha Wil-
lis. Their children were Asa who married Adah Balcom,
Jerusha who married Adam Howe, Rebecca who married
Daniel Puffer. Asa was the father of Hollis and Asahel,
two well-known citizens of the present century living in that
part of Sudbury now Maynard.
Barton. — George Barton was born in Concord, and came
into town April 1, 1851. He married for his first wife Mary
Susan, youngest daughter of Israel Hunt of Sudbury, and
occupies the Israel Hunt farm in the Pantry district. His
children are George II., born 1852 ; Frank P., 1857 and
Alice M., 1859.
Bogle. — Thomas was the first of the Bogle family who
lived in Sudbury. He came from Scotland to Boston, and,
after remaining there a short time, went to Sudbury, where
he purchased the farm now occupied by Deacon Francis
Walker. He had seven children, one of whom was Rowand
who married Elizabeth Goodenow and occupied the old
homestead. Rowand and Elizabeth had five children, —
Hannah, Francis, Elizabeth, Submit and Polly. Francis
married Patty Hemenway of Framingham, and had four
children, — Miranda, Sarah H., Lucy and Nancy E. Mi-
randa married Azariah Walker of Framingham, who pur-
chased the Bogle farm in 1826, which he occupied till his
death. Lucy and Nancy Bogle reside at South Sudbury.
Bowker. — The Bowker family was in town as early as
1707 ; the name Widow Sarah Bowker being upon a paper
of that date. A prominent member of the family was Capt.
Daniel Bowker, who served in the Revolutionary War, and
died early in the Nineteenth Century. He went with his
wife from Hopkinton before 1756, and settled on what has
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 437
since been known as the Bowker place in North Sudbury.
He had ten children, two of whom were sons named Daniel
and Joseph. He died Jan. 31, 1822, aged ninety-two, and
his wife died June 28, 1813, aged seventy-nine. Daniel Jr.,
born Sept. 13, 1772, married Ruth Brown of Hubbardston
and had fourteen children. He died Oct. 18, 1853, aged
eighty-one, and his wife died Jan. 15, 1846, aged sixty-
eight. Two sons of Daniel Jr. were Daniel and Samuel N.
Daniel died May 19, 1880, leaving no children. Samuel N.
was born June 16, 1799, and died Oct. 9, 1872. He married
Mary Earle of Berwick, Me., and had seven children, one of
whom is Frank M., born in 1850. Frank M. married for his
first wife Anna Hunt of Morenci, Mich., and for his second
Carrie Conley of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and has had five chil-
dren. He lives on the old homestead, and his children are
the fifth generation who have lived there.
Brigham. — The ancestor of this family in New England
was Thomas, who embarked from London for America in
1635, and settled in Watertown. He had several sons, the
eldest of whom, named Thomas, lived in Marlboro, and mar-
ried the granddaughter of Edmund Rice, one of Sudbury's
original grantees. It is conjectured that the Sudbury Brig-
ham's are descended from this branch of the family. The
name of John Brigham is in the Indian Deed of the Two
Mile Grant, and also (page 0o) on the petition to Governor
Dudley by the West Side people for a new precinct in
1706-7. One of the same name early settled in the territory
of Maynard. The name of Samuel is found on the roll of
the 2nd Foot Company in 1757. A prominent member of
the family in the present century was Capt. William Brig-
ham. His farm was that now occupied by Elisha Goodenow.
Rufus, a son of William, resides at Sudbury Centre. The
Brigham family have lived mostly in the north and north-
west parts of the town.
Burr. — Hiram Burr, son of Daniel, came from Derby,
Vt., in 1845, when a young man. His first wife was Ellen,
daughter of Deacon Gardner Hunt. His second wife was
Nancy J., daughter of Deacon Thomas Dakin. He owns
438 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
and lives on the Gardner Hunt farm, South Sudbury. He
has had four children, — Frank G., Arthur H., Clifford B.,
Howard C, Nellie May.
Butterfield. — Luther Butterfield was born at Antrim,
N. H. He came to Sudbury in 1841, and settled in the
Lanham district on the road from Sudbury to Saxonville.
He has six children, — Ebenezer S., James B., George F.,
Sarah, Jerome, Edward C.
Carr. — The Sudbury ancestor of the Carr family now
living in town was Ezra, who went to Sudbury in 1810 and
resided on the old Carr homestead, then occupied by his
brother John and since owned by his son Crosby. Abiathar,
another son, was born in Wilmington, Vt. He married
Rebecca, daughter of Israel and Rebecca (Rice) Wheeler,
and had six children, four of whom are living, — Lucinda J.,
Charlotte M., Frederick E. and Merrick. Lucinda and
Merrick are residents of Sudbury. The old homestead passed
out of the family about 1850.
Conant. — Silas Conant was born in Stow, May 31, 1747.
He moved to North Sudbury in 1782, and lived until his
death, Sept. 20, 1836, on the farm since owned and occu-
pied, until his death in 1859, by Emory, his grandson. The
father of Emory was Amos, who had four sons, — Emory,
Dexter, Silas and Amos. John M., son of Amos, Jr., and
present resident of Sudbury, is of the tenth generation from
Roger, who came from England to Plymouth, New England,
about 1623. John M. has served as selectman and assessor
for several years. He married Lucretia A. Richards of
Concord, Vt., and has had four children, — Clara J., Lillian,
Edwin A. and Louisa.
Clark. — Isaac Clark was born April 18, 1806, in Wind-
ham, N. Y., and moved to Hopkinton in 1816. He married
Almira Osborn of Sudbury, Sept. 26, 1833. In April, 1837,
he purchased and settled upon the Osborn place where he
now resides. He has had six children, — Everett O., Eliza
S., Almira A., Ellen O., Frederic P. and Franklin P.
Cutler. — The name of Thomas Cutler is found on a
petition of 1707, and that of Elisha on a muster-roll of 1755.
The family have resided mostly at the south part of the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 439
town. Asher, grandfather of the late C. G. Cutler, Esq.,
once owned the mill at South Sudbury, which he left jointly
to his sons Asher and Abel. In the early part of the
century, Abel, the father of Christopher, kept a tavern
near the Gravel Pit. C. G. Cutler, a well-known citizen,
died at his residence in South Sudbury a few years since at
the advanced age of ninety. He had four children, — Jo-
seph, Mary, Emeline and Caroline.
Cutter. — An early resident of this name was Nathanael,
who was a soldier in Captain Nixon's Company in 1761. (See
period 1750-1775.) Joseph Cutter was born in 1761, and
married Prudence, daughter of James Thompson of Sudbury.
He was a drum major in the Revolutionary War, and died in
Sudbury in 1807. He left several children. A daughter
married William Stone, who formerly kept tavern about a
mile west of South Sudbury on the Boston and Worcester
road (William Stone place). A son, Joseph, Jr., lived on
the present Hiram Goodnow farm until his death. Joseph,
Jr., married Lucy, daughter of Gideon Richardson. They
had five children, — Dana, Augustus, Dexter, Caroline and
Lucy Ann. Augustus married Abby A., daughter of John
and Sibel (Read) Allen, and has four children, — Harry C,
Howard A., Joseph, Mary Sibel. Lucy A. married Hiram
Goodenough.
Dakin. — The first Sudbury ancestor of this family was
Captain Samuel who was killed in the last French and
Indian War. (See period 1750-1775.) Thomas, the father
of Deacon Joseph the father of Samuel, went to Concord
prior to 1650. The family lived in North Sudbury near the
northern boundary. Three of them have been deacons, —
Samuel, June 30, 1775 ; Levi, March 24, 1817 ; and Thomas
L., son of Levi, in 1838.
Dwyer. — Richard Dwyer emigrated to America in 1845.
He purchased the place in North Sudbury on which he still
resides. He has seven children, — John, Richard, Thomas,
Maria, Kate, Mary and Lizzie.
Eaton. — The Eaton family descended from Jonas who
was in Reading in 1642. He had eight children, among
whom was Jonas, whose son John had eleven children,
440 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
among whom was Jonas, born May 18, 1680. Jonas was a
carpenter and bricklayer, and settled in Framingham in
1705-6, where lie bought eighty acres of land and erected a
house on the present John M. Harrington place, near the
Sudbury and Framingham boundary. He had ten children,
among whom was Noah, born July 22, 1708. Noah was
known as Cornet Eaton. He had eight children, among
whom was John, born July 30, 1740. John lived on the old
homestead. He married Olive Conant and had twelve chil-
dren, among whom were Reuben and Sally. Reuben, born
May 14, 1769, married' Betsy Hunt, and Sally, born Nov. 8,
1770, married Elisha Hunt of Sudbury. Reuben went to
Sudbury in 1799. He lived on the Loring Eaton place
(near Heard's Pond). Among his children were Loring and
John. Loring lived until his death on the old homestead,
and had five children. John lived on the present John
Eaton place at Lanham. He had three children, — Edward,
John, Sarah. The sons live on the old farm.
Eames. — This family is descended from Thomas Eames,
whose house, in what is now Framingham, was destroyed by
the Indians, Feb. 1, 1675-76. He came to America by 1634,
served in the Pequot war in 1637, lived for a time in Cam-
bridge, and moved to Sudbury where he leased " the Pelham
Farm " (Heard's Island, Way land), and lived until he leased
land, in 1669, at Mt. Wayte, Framingham. (See page 154.)
He was twice married; the second wife, whom he married
in 1662 and who was killed by the Indians, was Mary, a
daughter of John Blandford of Sudbury. It is supposed he
had twelve children, three of whom were born in Sudbury.
John, one of the children of Thomas, born Oct. 6, 1642,
built a house in Framingham, and had ten children, among
whom was Henry, born April 28, 1698. Henry married
Ruth Newton of Marlboro in 1722, and had eleven children,
among whom was Timothy. Timothy was twice married ;
his first wife was Sarah Stone, who died April 25, 1763, at
the age of twenty-three ; his second wife, Hannah, widow of
Dr. Hills, died in 1795. He lived on the Sewall Hunt place,
south of Lowance Brook. He had six children, among whom
was Phinehas, born May 14, 1766, who married in 1788
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 441
Jane, daughter of Col. Ezekiel How, and had eight children,
among whom was Fisher, who married Laura H., daughter
of Benjamin Dudley. In 1835, Fisher settled at Lanham on
the place now occupied by his son, Addison E.
Fairbank. — This family descended from early inhabi-
tants of Framingham, Holliston and Sherborn, who it is
supposed were descendants of Jonathan Fairbank of the
West Riding of Yorkshire, England, and settled in Dedham
previous to 1641. The first who came to Sudbury was
Jonathan, who came from Holliston or Sherborn prior to
1783. He was twice married, his first wife being Hannah
Morse of Northboro, who died leaving two children, and his
second wife, Bridget Parmenter, who had ten children. He
settled in the south-west part of the town on what is known
as the Abijah Walker place. Among Jonathan's children
was Drury, who was born July 17, 1793, and married,
Oct. 26, 1817, Mary Spring of Hubbardston. He lived in
the west part of Sudbury on the farm now occupied by
Charles Whitney, on the road from Sudbury to Hudson.
He was colonel of militia, justice of the peace, and held
various town offices. He had six children, — Nelson, Nancy,
Winthrop, J. Parker, Hannah, Mary S., all of whom were
born in Sudbury except Nelson who was born in Boston.
Nelson is at present a town resident and has held various
town offices. He married Susan, daughter of Aaron and
Lois Hunt of Sudbury, Dec. 24, 1844, and has had four
children, — Albert G., Hattie S., Sarah A. and Mary L.
The latter was born Dec. 12, 1858, and married William H.
Goodnow of Sudbury, Oct. 17, 1888. J. Parker married
Emily, daughter of Loring Wheeler of Sudbury. His son,
Winthrop H., lives on the Tilly Smith farm and has held the
office of selectman.
Fisher. — The Sudbury ancestor of the Fisher family was
Edward, who moved into town from Newton in the early
part of the century. His wife was Mary Norcross, and they
had nine children, — Emily, Mary, Edward, Fanny, Caroline,
Joseph, Charles, Martha and Lyman. Six of these children
were born in Newton. Charles married Harriet Brown of
Sudbury, and had one child, Julia, wife of Hubbard H. Brown.
442 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Martha married John Goodwin, an ex-speaker of the Massa-
chusetts House of Representatives and editor of a Lowell
newspaper. Lyman married Dolly Con ant, and his son Fred,
who resides in Sudbury, married Emma H., daughter of
Everett and Mary (Dakin) Brown. Edward Fisher, Sen.,
was a wheelwright, and carried on business at the old shop,
South Sudbury, where his son Charles also followed the
same trade until his death.
Garfield. — A near ancestor of the Garfield families in
Sudbury was Enoch. He was born in New Hampshire and
his wife was from Lincoln. His sons, Francis and John,
were born in Lincoln, and went to Sudbury from Concord,
the former in 1860 and the latter about 1854. Francis
married Sarah, daughter of Thomas B. Battles, and has four
children, — Emma F., Thomas F., Henry C. and William E.
John has been twice married ; his first wife was Louisa Rice
of Marlboro, married in 1853 ; and his second is Harriett M.
Flagg of Lincoln, married in 1858. He has two children,
Mary L. and John W. Francis is a farmer and John is in
the grocery business, and both reside at Sudbury Centre.
Gerry. — According to sketches of Stoneham, by Silas
Dean, Thomas Gerry came to America as boatswain on a
war vessel sometime in the seventeenth century and settled
at Stoneham ; and, after remaining there several years, he
entered the service of his country and was killed in battle.
The same authority speaks of him as a man of great courage,
and narrates the following incident : One day, when on his
way home about dusk, he came in contact with a number of
wolves. Armed with an axe, he braced himself against a
tree and pitched battle with his antagonists. The next
morning, on returning to the spot, he found he had killed
four wolves and wounded a fifth. Elbridge Gerry, formerly
governor of this State and vice-president under Mr. Madi-
son's administration, is said to have been a member of this
family. Thomas, another descendant, was born in Stone-
ham, March 15, 1732. He married for his first wife Jane
Wilder, and for his second, Priscilla Jewett. He struck the
first blow towards settling the town of Royalston by building
a log-house for another party, being guided to the spot des-
ignated by marked trees. David Jewett, fourth child of
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 443
Thomas and Priscilla, was born in Stirling, Feb. 23, 1770,
and came to Sudbury about the year 1817, where he died,
Oct. 27, 1849, aged seventy-nine. He married Lucy Thomp-
son of Stirling. Their children were Thomas, Eliza, and
Charles. He kept the Old Pratt Tavern about five years,
and subsequently engaged in roof building, then a separate
trade, and bridge building. With his son Charles, he built
the first span bridge across the Nashua River at Dunstable,
now Nashua. Charles was born in Fitzwilliam, Feb. 3, 1802,
and went to Sudbury when about fifteen years of age. He
was one of the selectmen in Sudbury several years, and
master builder of the Acton Powder Mills. For many years
he lived on the present Farr farm. His children are Charles
F., Martha A., Eliza L., Edwin A., Israel H., Laura J.,
Sarah A., David J., Helen F., Clara J., Henry E., Frank E.,
Herbert L. and two who died in infancy. Charles F. is the
only son now living in Sudbury.
Harrington. — The name of Daniel Harrington is on a
list of nine soldiers who were impressed into the service by
a requisition made on the town by the Colony in 1675. The
family, however, has not been numerous in Sudbury. Edwin
Harrington, born in Lexington, Feb. 21, 1821, went to Sud-
bury in 1843, where he married Eunice E., daughter of
Reuben Moore, Nov. 27, 1845. He carried on the wheel-
wright's business for some years at Sudbury Centre in the
shop once used by the Evangelical Union Society for religious
services. (See period 1825-1850.) He built the dwelling-
house adjoining, and subsequently erected the house lately
moved from the site of the present residence of George E.
He was town treasurer in 1861-1863. He had one child,
George E., who was born in Sudbury, Oct. 27, 1846, mar-
ried, June 13, 1878, Alice E. Brown of Sudbury, who died,
Nov. 19, 1879, and Dec. 31, 1881, married M. Edna Newton
of South Framingham. He has three children, — Beth Mar-
garet, Ruth Elinor and Alice Erline.
Hudson. — Martin Newton Hudson was born in Fram-
ingham Sept. 22, 1812. He went to Sudbury, and, Jan. 8,
1837, married Maria, youngest daughter of Joseph and Olive
(Mossman) Read, who died Jan. 17, 1857. He lived at
South Sudbury, and had three children, — John Plympton,
444 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Alfred Sereno and Ellen R. He died at South Sudbury,
Oct. 7, 1861, at the age of forty-nine. The Hudson family
in Sudbury is descended from Nathaniel Hudson of Lancas-
ter, born May 15, 1671, and whose father Avas probably Dan-
iel of that town. Nathaniel married Rebekah Rugg and set-
tled in Lancaster where his two older children were killed
by the Indians. From 1709-1719 he lived in Billerica where
he held town oflice. He afterward removed to Framingliam.
Nathaniel had eight children besides those killed by the Indi-
ans,— Nathaniel, Abigail, Sarah, Samuel, John, William and
Johanna. William lived at Framingham, married, March 8,
1747, Dorcas Walkup, and had three children, — Nathan,
Thomas and William, all of whom were baptized in Fram-
ingliam. William, baptized May 11, 1755, married Tabitha
Kibbey and had three children, among whom was Nathan,
born Dec. 15, 1786. Nathan was twice married. His first
wife was Annie, daughter of Andrew Newton, married July
3, 1808, by which marriage he had four children, among
whom was Martin Newton of Sudbury.
Hayden. — The Hayden family was in Sudbury as early
as 1701, and settled near the west boundary of the town.
The name of Josiah Hayden is on the list of west side
remonstrants to the division of the town into two parishes
in 1707, and it is repeatedly on the muster-rolls a century
and a half later. Within the last fifty }rears the family has
gradually died out ; the last one being Dana, who lived until
his death on the old farm.
Hour. — The first of this family in Sudbury was Richard
R., who came in 1850 from Castleton, Vt. His mother was
of the old Smith family of East Sudbury (Way land). He
married for his first wife Julia N. Brown of Sudbury, in
1853, who died, 1877. His second wife is Annie Lee, a
native of England. By his first marriage he had two chil-
dren,— Jervis E. and Roger IL, by the second he had
Howard A. He has held the office of selectman three years
and trustee of the Goodnow Library fifteen years.
Hurlbut. — Rev. Rufus Hurlbut was the first Sudbury
ancestor of the famiiy now living in town. He had six
children, — Thomas P., Mary S., William R., Steven H.,
RESIDENCE OF RICHARD R. HORR,
So. Sudbury.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 445
John L. and James D. Thomas Prentiss married a daughter
of Curtis Moore of Sudbury and had three children, — Rufus,
Elisabeth and Helen. He was a prominent citizen and held
various town offices. Between 1864 and 1872 he was chair-
man of the board of selectmen. He was a member of the
Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1870 and 1873,
and of the Senate in 1874. He was chairman of the town
committee for the arrangement of terms at the incorporation
of Maynard. For years he was deacon of the Evangelical
Union Church, which position he held at the time of his
death. Rufus, son of Thomas P., married Catherine, daughter
of Jonas Tower of Sudbury, and has four children, — Arthur
S., Marion B., Grace P. and Anza P. He was a member of
the House of Representatives in 1884. He lives at South
Sudbury and is one of the firm of Hurlbut & Rogers, ma-
chinists.
Jones. — An early inhabitant of this name was John, who
lived at Lanham, and was a soldier in the expedition to
Canada in 1690. Early in 1700 he moved to Framingham.
He had two sons, both named John, one of whom died young,
the other, born July If), 1709, lived on his father's place in
Framingham, was twice married, and had six children, one
of whom was Samuel, born Nov. 18, 1746. Samuel settled
in Framingham, and went to Dublin, N. H., about 1779,
where he died in 1820. The Joneses now in Sudbury are
descendants of the Jones family in Holliston, whose ancestor
was, probably, Colonel John of Boston, who in 1715 removed
to what is now Ashland, then Framingham. Samuel, son of
Samuel of Holliston, went to Sudbury where he married
Rachel Haynes, Feb. 12, 1778. He had eight children,—
Joshua, Samuel, Joel, Asa, John, Lydia, Rachel and Eliza.
Joshua's children were William and Cyrus. William mar-
ried Sarah Bogie of Sudbury and had three children, —
William, John and Marshall. John, son of William and
Sarah, resides at South Sudbury. Samuel had five children,
one of whom was William, who married Catherine, daughter
of Israel Howe Brown, and lives at South Sudbury. Asa had
three children, among whom was Smith, who lives at Sud-
bury Centre (Hurlbut place). John, the youngest son of
446 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Samuel and Rachel, had seven children, among whom was
Maynard and Dexter. Dexter has been twice married ; his
first wife was Emily Richardson and his second Elizabeth
Hurlbut, both of Sudbury. He lives on the road between
South Sudbury and the Centre. He has held various town
offices and was Representative to the Legislature in 18G1.
Lyon. — Patrick Lyon emigrated to America in 1844.
He purchased a place in North Sudbury where he has resided
for about thirty-five years. He has five children, — John,
Frank, Thomas, Mary, and Margaret.
O'Neil. — John O'Neil attended St. Jarlath's College,
Suam, Ireland, and was a member of the government sur-
veying party that surveyed England, Ireland and Scotland
in 1845. He emigrated to America in 1849, and settled at
Concord. He married Julia, daughter of Thomas McManus
of Assabet. In 1863, he moved to the Samuel Puffer fariri,
North Sudbury, where he still resides. He has four sons, —
Thomas F., John L., Charles E. and Joseph M. Thomas F.
was sent as Representative to the Legislature in 1887.
Osborn. — An early inhabitant by this name was Samuel.
His father's name was Andrew, who, with his wife, came to
this country from Annapolis, Ireland. Samuel was born on
the water. He married Lydia Griffith of East Sudbury
(Wayland), Nov. 1, 1732, and had five children, two of
whom were Samuel and Daniel. Daniel married Sarah Perry
of Sudbury, Nov. 16, 1769. He lived south of Hart Pond,
his house being but a short distance from the County road.
The Osborn place in the south part of the town was the farm
since owned b}r Isaac Clark.
Perry. — The Perry family is descended from Ebenezer
Perry, who came from Dedham, probably not far from the
beginning of the eighteenth century. He married Mercy
Brigham, and lived on the farm now occupied by Obadiah
and Levi Perry in the west part of the town. He died in
1731. He had a son Obadiah, whose son John was the
father of Obadiah, who was the father of Obadiah and
Levi E. Obadiah, the father of Obadiah and Levi E., was
born March 25, 1779. He had eight children, — Betsy,
Jesse, Lyman, John, Charles, Luc}', Obadiah and Levi E.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 447
Obadiah was born Oct. 9, 1817 ; Levi E. was born March
18, 1820, and has two children, — Ellen Maria, born July 2,
1847, and Sylvester Dwight, born Jan. 4. 1851.
Powers. — Abijah Powers, first of the name in Sudbury,
was a native of Maine. He went from Stirling to Sudbury
in 1841, and purchased a place at the Centre where he still
lives and carries on the blacksmith's business. In 1838, he
married Delia Maynard of North Sudbury and has had four
children, — Emily R., Edwin A. (died in 1846), Clara A.
and Edwin A. Edwin A. married Emma F., daughter of
Francis and Sarah Garfield, in 1869, and has one son, —
Willard M.
Pratt. — An early Sudbury resident of the name was
Ephraim, who, with others, in 1729 signed a petition asking
that the subscribers, who claimed to be owners of the New
Grant lots, might hold a legal meeting " to be at the house
of Jonathan Rice (North West District) in said Sudbury,
Innholder." The farm occupied by Ephraim Pratt was
known as the VVedge-Pratt farm, which was sold in 1743 to
Jabez Puffer of Braintree, and is now included in the town
of Maynard. Mr. Pratt moved to Shutesbuiy, where he
died in 1804 at the age of one hundred and sixteen years.
He was born in Sudbury in 1687. Dr. Dwight, having
visited him a short time before his death, in his " Travels "
gives the following facts concerning him : " He was of
middle stature ; firmly built ; plump, but not encumbered
with flesh; less withered than multitudes at seventy; pos-
sessed of considerable strength, . . . and without any marks
of extreme age." But a short time before, his sight and
hearing had become impaired. " His memory was still vig-
orous ; his understanding sound and his mind sprightly and
vigorous. He had been a laborious man all his life ; and had
mown grass one hundred and one years successively. The
preceding summer he had been unable to perform this labor ;
but in 1802 he walked without inconvenience two miles and
mowed a small quantit}r of grass. . . . Throughout his life he
had been uniformly temperate. ... In the vigorous periods
of his life he had accustomed himself to eat flesh, but more
abstemiously than most other people in this country. Milk,
448 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
which had always been a great part, was now the whole of
his diet." He was never sick but once, and then with fever
and ague. Nathan Pratt, one of the founders of the Amer-
ican Powder Company, was a native of Fitchburg, came to
Sudbury from Charlestown about 1833, moved to Arlington
about 1855, and left the powder business in 1805. He had
no children. Nathan, a nephew of Nathan and present resi-
dent of the town, was a son of Capt. Levi Pratt. He was
born in Fitchburg in 1829, and came to Sudbury Jan. 1,
1849. He was for twenty-one years in the employ of the
American Powder Company, and from 1800 to 1870 super-
intendent of the Powder Mills. In 1870, he bought and took
possession of the property previously known as " Moore's
Mills " in the west part of the town, which consists of a saw,
grist and planing mill. Mr. Pratt is a Director in the
American Powder Company and the Hudson National Bank
and Trustee of the Hudson Savings Bank. He has also held
various town offices and was chairman of the board of select-
men for four years. In 1855, he married Harriet, daughter
of Aaron Hunt of Sudbuiy, and has three children, — Sarah
E., Harriet M. and Nathan R. Sarah E. has for the past
nine years been a teacher in the State Normal School, Frain-
ingham.
Puffer. — This family first appeared in Boston in 1040,
and was granted land at Mount Wollaston, now Quincy.
George, who sometimes was called Poffer, had three chil-
dren. James the oldest married at Braintree, 1050, Mary
Ludden. He had six children, — James, born 1663, and
Jabez, 1072; both removed to Sudbury in 1712. James
married Mary Ellis of Dedham in 1090, and had six children
born in Braintree ; he died in 1749. Captain Jabez married
Mary Glazier in 1702 and had seven children, all but the
last two born in Braintree ; he died in 1740. Jabez 2d
married Thankful Hay ties in 1731, Samuel married Dorothy
Haynes in 1732. They were sons of Jabez 1st and married
sisters. Reuben, son of Jabez 2d, graduated at Harvard
College in 1778, and was settled at Berlin. He died in 1829.
He was distinguished in his profession, and received the
degree of D. D. from Harvard College in 1810. A. D.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 449
Puffer — a great-grandson of Jabez 2d, who resides in Med-
ford and is an extensive manufacturer of soda fountains —
was born in Sudbury in 1819. Daniel, grandson of Jabez
2d, was an extensive land owner. The Puffer family have
lived mostly in the north-west and north-east parts of the
town. Deacon Samuel Puffer lived in the latter district in
the early part of the present century. One branch of the
Puffer family, in which the name Daniel has been prominent,
was so noted for skill in catching wild pigeons as to give
rise to the term, familiar in Sudbury, of Pigeon Catcher
Puffer. Luther, a son of Samuel, Jr., graduated at Bowdoin
College in 1853. Alpheus, another son, is a resident of
South Sudbury. James, a son of Josiah, resides at Sudbury
Centre.
Richardson. — Major Josiah was the first of the Richard-
son family in Sudbury. He was born in Woburn Jan. 12,
1701-2, and married Experience, daughter of Benjamin
Wright of Sudbury. They had four children, — Gideon,
Josiah, Experience and Luther. Gideon went into the
ministry and settled at Wells, Me., but soon afterwards died.
The Richardsons of the present day are descendants of
Josiah, Jr., who was the only son living when his father
made his will in 1758. Major Josiah Richardson lived on
the Israel Howe Brown place, which once included what are
now the Newton and Hiram Goodenow farms, — the first of
which formerly belonged to Gideon, son of Josiah, Jr., and
the latter to Joseph Cutter, who married Lucy, one of
Gideon's daughters. Major Richardson has already been
mentioned in connection with the Sudbury militia. In 1765,
Josiah was appointed coroner of Middlesex County. The
family have lived mostly at South Sudbury. Abel Richard-
son, son of Gideon, for years owned the saw and grist mill
there, and his brother Josiah was a well-known musician.
Benjamin, a son of Benjamin, who was brother of Josiah and
Abel, represented Sudbury in the Legislature in 1858, and
is a justice of the peace. He has had eight children, —
Anna M., Merrick L., Clifford W., Waldo F., Emily C,
Leonard F., Ralf L., Nellie M.
Robinson. — A member of this family early in town lived
450 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
in a house which stood on or near the Smith Jones place
(Hurlbut place). He had several children, among whom
were Paul, Oliver and Silas. He went from Stow to Sud-
bury, where he died. Paul was born in Stow, went to
Sudbury, and had several children, among whom was Dexter,
who still lives at South Sudbury. Dexter had two children,
Fitz A. and Martha A. Fitz married Louisa Tower of Sud-
bury Centre and resides in Weston. Martha married Elias
King.
Rogers. — The Rogers family has been in town more
than three-quarters of a century. The first was Walter,
born in Marshfield Aug. 6, 1767; he came from Braintree
in 1805. His wife was Betsey Barstow of Hanover, born
Aug. 1, 1772. He purchased of Mr. Waite a part of the
Jonas Holden place, of which the C. G. Cutler farm is also
a part, and both of which belonged to the George Pitts
place in the early part of the eighteenth century. He
erected a house on the farm and died in Sudbury at an
advanced age. He was a person of considerable mechanical
ability, having made a hand fire engine for his own use. He
had nine children, — Betsey, Lydia, Lucy, Abigail, Mary,
Jane, Walter, Nancy, Samuel B. Betsey, widow of Deacon
Gardner Hunt, is still living at the age of about ninety.
Walter married for his first wife Emily M. Hayden, Dec. 1,
1831, and for his second wife Emeline S., daughter of Wil-
liam Stone of Sudbury, July 10, 1855. He owns and occu-
pies the old homestead, and has had five children, — Bradley,
Edwin, Albert, Homer and Elizabeth. Samuel B. has been
a prominent business man in South Sudbury. He married
Eliza, daughter of Noah Parmenter, and has had four chil-
dren,— Alfred S., Bradley S., Melvina A., Atherton W.
Atherton resides at South Sudbury and is chairman of the
present board of selectmen.
Taylor. — The name of Mello C. Taylor is recorded in
connection with a petition to Governor Dudley by the West
Side inhabitants in 1706-7 ; and among the inhabitants of
the north-west district, early in the century, was Richard
Taylor, who was one of the Proprietors of and prominently
connected with the settlement of Grafton. (See page 167.)
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 451
Hezekiah and John were early settlers of what is now May-
nard. The immediate ancestor of the present Taylor family
in Sudbury was John, who went to Sudbury from Stow
about 1800. He married for his first wife Mary Conant of
Framingham, and for his second wife Elizabeth Hews of
Weston. By his second marriage he had six children, —
Mary, Eliza, Cyrus, Sarah, Rebecca and Susan. Sarah mar-
ried Thomas B. Battles of Sudbury. C}tus, born 1796,
married Mary Barker of Sudbury and had nine children, —
John, Sewall, Mary, George, Henry, Susan, Lewis, Andrew
and Martha. John married Caroline, daughter of Samuel
Jones of Sudbury, and has one child, Carrie, who married
W. H. Bent, formerly of Sudbury. Sewall married Mrs.
Susan (Moore) Moulton. George married Susan Spring of
Weston, and has one son, Edward.
Thompson. — Tradition says that the first Thompson in
Sudbury was born on the passage from England to America.
While living in Sudbury, but absent from home, his house
was at one time attacked by the Indians. His wife, with an
infant child, escaped to the woods. In her flight she
received a musket-ball in the leg from which she suffered
greatly, being obliged to stay in the woods all night. A son,
James, was town clerk in the latter part of the eighteenth
century. Jedediah, son of James, was born and died in
Sudbmy. Nahum, son of Jedediah, was a prominent citizen.
In the early part of his life he was town clerk, and later
town treasurer. He had seven children, three of whom
are sons, of whom Alfred is a Sudbury resident. The old
Thompson house at South Sudbury stood just west of the
track of the Massachusetts Central Railroad at its junction
with the county highway. A part of it was moved to the
Thadeus Moore place west of Hayden's Bridge.
Walker. — Thomas Walker is mentioned as teacher of a
free school in Sudbury in 1664. (See page 139.) He is also
mentioned as an Innholder in 1672. Thomas, probably the
same one, had eight children, among whom were Mary and
Thomas. Mary married Rev. James Sherman ; and Thomas,
born May 22, 1664, bought sixty acres of land, April 10,
1688, of Gookin and How, in the territory now Framingham,
452 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
and built a house near Rice's End. He married Martha,
daughter of Samuel How, Dec. 7, 1687, and had ten chil-
dren, among whom was Samuel, born Sept. 24, 1689, who
married, Nov. 3, 1715, Hannah Jennings. Samuel and
Hannah had five children, among whom was Azariah, born
June 24, 1722, who married Abigail Seaver. The youngest
son of Azariah was Mathias, who married, in 1792, Jane
Moulton of East Sudbury, and one of whose sons, Azariah,
born Nov. 1, 1798, married Miranda Bogle and moved to
Sudbury. His son Francis married Ellen, daughter of Ed-
ward Brown of Sudbury, and lives on the old homestead.
Their children are Eugene, Prentiss, Elinor, Shirley and
Carlton. Thomas has been a common family name. It is
found on the " Old Petition " in 1676, in a list of those who
shared the town's stock of ammunition in 1688, and in the
muster-roll of the 2nd Foot Company in 1757. From
William, son of Thomas 1st, has descended the Walker
family that long lived in the west part of the town. He had
a son Thomas who was deacon of the Sudbury Church and
father of Paul, who was sent as a representative to the
Legislature. Willard Walker, son of Paul, lives on the old
farm. He has been twice married and has three children, —
Roselbie, Caroline and Georgiana.
Wheeler. — It is quite probable that this family came
from Concord, where the name appears from the settlement
of the town. It is stated (History of Concord) that the
family came from Wales, and that the descendants have been
so numerous and so many have borne the same Christian
name that their genealogy is traced with great difficulty.
The name of George Wheller is on a muster-roll of the 2nd
Foot Company in 1757 ; and the name of Caleb Wheeler is
attached to a petition to the selectmen asking that a town-
meeting be called to consider the matter of purchasing a
house for small-pox patients. A prominent member of the
family in the present century was Loring, whose father,
Abel, was born in Sudbury July 21, 1776. Loring married,
April 10, 1827, Polly Cutter of Temple, N. II., and had
seven children. He lived until his death, Oct. 15, 1855, on
the place formerly occupied by his father in the east part of
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 45S
the town. He had five children, — Emily, Adaline, Loring,
Henrietta and Abel. Emily married J. Parker Fairbanks ;
Adaline, John Goodenow ; and Henrietta, James Puffer, all
of Sudbury. Loring, Sen., was for years on the board of
selectmen.
Willis. — The names of Samuel and Joseph Willis appear
on a petition of 1706-7 ; and on a list of the 2nd Foot
Company of 1757 are the names of Serg't Joseph, Jesse,
Reuben and John. The family have, for the most part,
lived in the westerly or north-westerly part of the town, and
Willis Pond and Willis Hill are familiar landmarks. Among
well-known citizens of the present century, descendants of
whom still live in town, were Smith and James Prescott,
brothers ; Daniel Lyman and George W., brothers ; and Eli.
The former two were sons of Silas. Smith had two daugh-
ters, Adaliza and Iantha. James P. married Adaline R.
Haynes, lived near Sudbury Centre and had five children, —
James L., Albert, Adaline, Edward and Charles P. James
L. married for his first wife Emily R., daughter of Abijah
Powers, June 17, 1866 ; for his second wife, Ella S. Simpson,
July 7, 1870. Charles P. married Cora E. Willard. Both
are residents of Sudbury. Daniel Lyman married Sarah,
daughter of Joseph Reed, and had eleven children, — Jerusha,
George, Charles A., Nancy, Mary, Abi, George L., Joseph H.,
Samuel A., Charles A. and John F. Joseph H. married
Caroline Hunt and had one child named Samuel. George W.
married Adaline Haynes and had six children, — Edward,
Cyrus L., Harriet E., Mary, Adaline and Ella. Eli married
a daughter of Israel Haynes of Sudbury and had several
children, one of whom, Eli, married Sarah Butterfield and
lives at Lanham.
By this brief review of family history, we are reminded
that the years have brought changes in the homesteads and
among the households of Sudbury. There has been a going
out and coming in of inhabitants, and not only highways,
occupations, churches and schools have changed, but whole
families have vanished, leaving no one to perpetuate their
names.
CHAPTER XXV.
1800-1825.
Continuation of Old Customs to the Beginning of the Present Century.
— Inventory in a Will of 1806. — Extracts from an Old Account
Book. — Description of Manners and Customs by an Old Inhabitant.
— Changes in the Early Part of the Nineteenth Century. — Extract
from " Fireside Hymns." — Highway Work. — North Sudbury Road.
South Sudbury Road. — Rebuilding Wash Bridge. — Railing the
Causeway. — Setting out Willow Trees. — Rebuilding the Canal
Bridge. — Miscellaneous. — Educational Matters. — Report of School
Committee in 1802. — Removal of Centre School-House to the Com-
mon.— Singing Society. — Church Music. — Military Matters. — Pa-
triotic Attitude Assumed by the Town. — Money Pledged to Soldiers
as Wages. — As Bounty. — Patriotic Resolutions. — Militia Officers.
— How Chosen. — Where. — Specimen of Company Order. — Sol-
diers in 1812. — Wages per Day. — Settlement of Rev. Timothy
Hilliard. — Ordaining Council. — Dismission. — Bill Allowed for En-
tertaining the Dismissing Council. — Sketch of Mr. Hilliard. — Ap-
pointment of a Day of Fasting and Prayer Relative to the Settlement
of a New Minister. — Call Extended to Rev. Rufus Hurlbut. —
Accepted. — Death of Rev. Jacob Bigelow. — His Annuity. — Money
Paid his Widow for Service Rendered by the Clergy as a Gift to
her. — Funeral Expenses. — Sketch of Mr. Bigelow. — Addition to
the Church during his Ministry. — Enlarging the Burying Ground.
— Purchase of a Bier and Hearse. — Formation of "Sudbury Min-
isterial Land Corporation." — Sale of Ministerial Land. — Report of
the " Ministerial Fund Corporation."
By the fireside there are old men seated
Seeing ruined cities in the ashes,
Asking sadly
Of the Past what it can ne'er restore them.
Longfellow.
The interest of the community in ecclesiastical matters in
the beginning of the nineteenth century was similar to that
of the century that preceded it. The town was the parish
and the church was still at the front. The people regarded
454
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 455
the minister as the exponent of a system of truth that
they revered and of a faith that they cherished and taxed
themselves to support. Marked respect was shown him
by both old and young ; the former not being too busy to
leave the workshop or field when he called, and the latter,
not having so far outgrown that civility which is becoming
to youth, as to pass unnoticed one whose calling was held in
such esteem by their elders. The Sabbath was observed by
a general attendance at church, and a large share of the
town officials were either church members or regular church
attendants. Special church occasions, such as ordinations,
installations and dedications, were gala days to the com-
munity, and days of fasting and thanksgiving were relig-
iously observed. The outward form of religion was not
then divorced from the town-meeting, the school or the
home.
Politically and socially, at the beginning of the present
century, affairs were conducted largely as in the century
preceding. Officials were elected mainly on the basis of
merit. Military honors were still recognized. The same
strict economy was practised and the same careful consid-
eration of need before the smallest expenditure. If it was
only to decide upon the location of a horse-shed, the town
deemed the matter of sufficient importance to adjourn its
town-meeting to take a look at the premises, and, if thought
desirable to erect a "noon-house," it might be essential to
bring the subject before the town.
The custom and manner of living had not yet undergone
any radical change, and all " new fangled " things were still
looked upon with suspicion. The fireplace was the same as
when the family group sat about it at evening and listened
to the tales of Indian warfare. The people still wore the
coarse cloth their own hands spun and wove. The hired
man and the housemaid might be children of some of the
most well-to-do families in town. Travel was largely on
horseback or on foot. The horseblock by the meeting-house
was still in use. Malt was a common commodity. New
England rum was considered essential in hay-time. The
wooden plow was in use, and the hay-fork and other farming
456
HISTOKY OF STJDBUKY.
tools were still made by the village smith. As late as 1806
the following articles are mentioned in- the will of Hopestill
Willis of Sudbury, which is, perhaps, a fair specimen of the
inventory of a householder about the beginning of this
century : " One calaca gown. A small Spinning Wheel.
Wooden Ware. Meal sieve. Old Chist. Pewter Ware.
Warming pan. Flax comb. Candle sticks and shears.
Tongs, Trowels, meat tub. Cyder barrel."
In order to show the articles manufactured and used in
town about the beginning of the present century, the price
of work and of some common commodities, we quote a few
extracts from the account book of James Thompson of South
Sudbury.
£
Jeduthan Moore Dr
To making a slead 0- 4-0
to two Bushil of Malt 0
to two pecks of Ground Malt 0
to mending a Spinning Wheele 0
to a pair of temples. 0
Hezekiah Moore Dr Old Tenor
1770 to making a Bedstead
to making a flax Breake
1771. to one Days Reaping of Abel
Ashur Cutler Dr Old Tenor.
1772 to two days Labour at the Mill
1773 to Ashur's Trundle Bedstead
to a kneeding Trough
1774 Making the Sawmill whele and work in the mill
Making a foot to a Little whele
Credt to Mr Ashur Cutler Old Tenor
1771 by one Bushil of Rie
one Bushil of Indian Corn
and one Bushil of Malt
Capt John Nixon Dr Old tenor
Jan ye 10th 1774 to making a Slay and finding nails
May ye 26, 1774 to mending a Spinning Wheele
July at the Begining to making a cart and Ladders
and finding boards
and making an ox yoke
Jan? 1775. to one Bushil of Malt 1 -
April 17. 1775 to a Chist 2 -
9:0
2:9
0:6
1: 0
s d
2- 0-0
1- 2-6
0-15-0
1-16-0
0-18-0
0- 9-0
5-10-0
0- 3-0
1- 7-0
1- 2-6
1- 5-0
3- 0-0
0- 5-0
3- 7-6
0- 7-6
5-0
8-0
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
457
7:0
1 :2
6:0
8:0
Coln John Nixon Dr old Tenor
1776. to Kneeding trough 1 : 2:6
to four Bushils of Barley Malt 7- 0-0
Dec. 27th 1776 to Coffin for his wife 3- 0-0
July 1783. Recd of Gen11 Nixon 2:2:0
1781, Isaac Hunt. Debtor in Lawful money,
to making a cart body 0 : 12 : 0
To a Coffin for his Father 0 : 10 : 0
To making a Slead 0 : 5:0
Jonas Holden Jur Debtor to James Thompson
1790 to 2 Days framing 0
and half a Day Covering the Mill 0
1791. to two Bushils of Malt 1
to four Days on the Gates 0
To Aaron Johnson Dr Old Tenour
to making two Margent window frames 1- 7-0
to making three plain frames 1- 7-0
to making 203 Squares of Sashes at \ 11-16-0
Confirmatory of the truth of our conjecture that, up to
the time of which we write, no great changes had taken place
in the customs and ways of society, we quote the following
description of manners and customs by Mrs. Israel Haynes,
a resident of Sudbury, written about the year 1864, at the
age of eighty.
STATEMENT OF MRS. ISRAEL HAYNES.
" * * I still remember seventy-five years back more cor-
rect than what has been transacted within a week. * * I
think people enjoyed their simple way of living as well as
they do now. I recollect when the old meeting [house] was
standing. A plain Building Ceiled with Boards and a few
pews. There are several Barns now in town Finished much
handsomer than that was. * * There was no bell on the
house. But a small school house stood near by on the
common finished of as poorly as the meeting house, there was
a little entry-way where there was a little Bell Hung all
that belonged to the town to ring for meetings or funerals
or what not. There was Body seats below for the oldest
people And seats in the gallery for other people. The most
popular took the front seats and had Pegs put up to hang
458 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
their Cockt Hats on. [they] made quite a show. * * The
Deacons used to read the hymns two lines or a verse and
then they sung it. They had a pitch pipe to pitch the tune.
After awhile there was a bass viol Introduced and brought
into town and did not suit the old People, one Old Gentle-
man got up took his hat of the peg and march'd off, said
they had begun fidling there would be dancing next. The
children occupied the stairs when the seats were full, and I
believe they enjoyed [it]. They chose tithing men to keep
them regulated but still there was some confusion. I would
describe their dress as near as I can remember, it Consisted
of one Dress one of their Mother's old Dresses she had when
she was married or a Cheap Calico Coarser than A strainer
I ever used. I recollect the first one I had — it was thirty
three cents a yd as we recon now and I thought it as Beau-
tiful as they think of A Nice silk. As to bonnets I dont
seem to remember as far back as I went first to meeting.
But Children went to meeting in such clothes as they had —
now if they have not such clothes as they like they stay at
home. They want a gold watch a breast pin and rings on
the finger. In my young days we did not know what such
things were. There was a minister in each adjoining town
I Believe all of one Denomination, old People called it the
old standing Order * * I have not described the men's
Attire, it Consisted of A Cotton and linen shirt a pair of
trowsers they were then called an under jacket one coat or
Frock no padding or lining * * I have heard an old lady
say she could make a coat in a day with her Baby in her lap.
It would have been thought extravigant for A young man
to have had boots before they were twenty one they wore
cowhide shoes and liggins I never saw any under clothes
they stood the cold weather better than they do now. I
must say a word about our schools. The scholars were
under as good regulations as they are now, there was no
books in school except the Bible Dillingsworth spelling Book
the primmer and Psalter and only one of a kind in A Family.
The teacher set all the Coppies made all the pens. Those
that studied Arithmetic the Master wrote down the Rules
and sums in their Books and then they had Birch Bark split
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 459
to do their sums on instead of slates. The school house was
a little rough Building like a shed only it had a Door, there
was A large Fire Place large enough to hold several logs
and four feet wood and a stone hearth and chimney and
Cross leg'd Benches for writers. The Boj^s wore leather
aprons and breeches And for dinner they used to fetch a
sausage or slice of Pork and a Crust of Bread sharpen a
stick and broil it over the coals and [there were] plenty of
grease spots. The girls wore short loose Gowns and skirts
and thick leather shoes and woolen stockings. They wore a
blanket over their heads or their Mother's old Cloak. In
the summer they wore [shaped] gown and skirt and cape
bonnet colour'd otter with bare feet. You might as soon
look for a white Bear as to see shoes on Children in summer
time. The Dwelling houses for the most part had two
rooms and a fire place almost as large as they build their
little Kitchens now and an oven right over the fire place
and a large stone hearth. They mostly Built one room first
and when they got able set up another room and if they had
A son Many generally settled down at home. There was
two families in almost every house that had two rooms. * *
The People were farmers, most of them went on Pretty
much the same way every year. Each one tried to raise
enough for their family, they did not make much improve-
ment nor speculate. They kept Oxen and Cows and hogs
for their own use and raised Corn and Rye Potatoes and
Beans and other vegitables, some kept A Horse, they had
no Carriages except a cart and sled. They used to ride
horseback to meeting have a saddle and Pilion the man ride
forward the woman behind. Sometimes go to visit their
friends forty Miles and carry two Children, they went to
Market horseback had a wallet made of two Cloths, left open
in the middle on a pair [of] paniards made of Basket stuff.
The women went as often as the men, they swung the wallet
over the horse's back put in their boxes each side so as to
balance, then the Paniards [were] fixed on behind filled with
pigeons or something else. I remember when there was but
one old chaise in town and I dont remember of there beimj
any thing that could be called A Carriage seventy years ago.
460 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
seventy years ago I dc-nt think there was a Carpet in town
scarce a painted floor Our diet was simple not as many
luxuries as they have now. at thanksgiving we had flower
a good Chicken Pie and Mince pies and apple and Pumpkin
and Plum pudding. I think a pound answered, sometimes
a part was used in the Best mince pies * * if our Flower
fell short we used Rye flower we had good rye. the best
Farmers did not buy by the Barrel, 7 or 8 lbs used to answer
the purpose, we had no Factories spun and wove and made
our own Clothing * * I recollect when they began to go
with two and four horses tackled in a wagon it looked
as strange as these new inventions the cars or steamboats
* * Neighbors used to visit and seemed to enjoy them-
selves. For supper they generally had Fresh meat or
sausage or a short rye Cake made into a toast, Pye and that
was good enough for a king, the women were Neighborly
and Industrious willing to assist each other, one would get
in a bedquilt and the others drop in and help get it out * *
People began to improve in dress and living sixty years ago.
I earnt money enough to buy a silk Dress when I was Mar-
ried and A white Bonnet, if you could see it you would say
the shape resembled a scale that store keepers use. we had
to be prudent to lay by enough to purchase a silk Dress
they was as high as they are now and wages only four
shillings a week for house work, but we did not have so
much Cloth in a dress as they do now and no needless trim-
mings. I have had Calico Dresses made out of six yards
and a half. It was customaiy in winter to make a party
for the middle aged, invite all the nearest neighbors and the
school master, get a meat supper and the company and table
set in the same room, for the most part there was a Bed and
trap door in the room — twas a considerable undertaking
but they enjoyed it better than to call one or two at a time."
Thus much did the beginning of the nineteenth century
partake of the spirit and ways of the past, but as the years
advanced there came a wonderful change, and before the
first period had passed, modern improvements began to creep
into society, the church and the home took on an altered
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
461
appearance ; and the second generation of the period became
as accustomed to new manners, methods and implements, as
if the former ones had belonged to some remote age. The
change has continued to go on with accelerated speed, until
now the very architecture, compared with that of the past,
is strange ; even the products of our fields are different, and
men and women and children at church, at home and at
school do that and say that which to the fathers of 1800
would be as unfamiliar as to those of the century that went
before. The years of the present century have taken away
the things of the olden time.
Though we search for them long and with diligent care,
There were joys in the past now exceedingly rare.
The fireplace no longer burns bright as of yore
Sending out its bright beams on the old kitchen floor,
With its back-log all glowing as snugly it lay
Against the huge chimney, 'mid warm ashes gray ;
The ancient brick oven is closed from our gaze,
Where were baked the brown loaves of the rich, golden maize,
And the beans and " pan dowdy " and nice pumpkin pie
That so suited our taste, and delighted our eye ;
The " beaufet " that once so smilingly stood
With its three-cornered shelves of unpainted wood ;
The quaint pewter platters, substantial and bright ;
The candle of tallow, so smooth and so white ;
The hard, oaken floor that was scoured with such care ;
The garret, a store-house of relics most rare ;
The old-fashioned clock with its bell-note so clear,
And whose pendulum-tick we could easily hear ;
The plain, simple dress and the old-fashioned ways,
The " raisings," the " huskings " of those early days,
The "apple-bees," " training-days," breaking out roads,
The turnpikes, the toll-gates, the stages, the loads
Of rich country produce that was carried to town
By the farmer, whose custom it was to " go down ; "
The old-fashioned winter, the mild early spring,
With snow-drifts and sunbeams which these used to bring;
The old district school with its three months a year,
The little red school-house with benches so queer,
Where to cipher, to read, to parse, and to write
Were deemed wholly sufficient to educate quite ;
The singing-school also has passed out of date,
And the fugue-tune and fiddle have shared the same fate,
462 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
As these were made use of in country church choir,
Or on special occasions by the sitting-room fire.
Thus have the years in their flight left behind
The old-fashioned things that are now hard to find ;
We may search for them long and with diligent care,
And if we find them at all, 'tis exceedingly rare.
We now pass from a consideration of general changes that
occurred about 1800, to events that took place in the first
period of the present century. First, as they are related to
highways, bridges and causeways. Early in the century an
effort was made to secure the construction of a highway
through North Sudbuiy. As early as 1800, complaint was
made against the town for not making a road there, and the
town appointed an agent to defend its cause.
In 1801, a committee was appointed to see about " an
alteration in the road from Rev. Mr. Bigelow's to near Mr.
Tower's by Wm Rice's Esq as far as Mr. Vose's." The
indications are that an alteration had been made in the road,
that a shorter way was proposed, and that the court had
been applied to for a discontinuance of the alteration formerly
made. In 1806, an article was in the warrant to see if the
town would take any measures " for the purpose of dis-
charging an execution against said town it being in conse-
quence of not complying with the requisition of the order
of the Court of Sessions for the making of the road through
the northerly part of said town." The town also appointed
an agent to oppose the acceptance of the road ; but, not-
withstanding the opposition, the North road was built.
About the same time the south part was interested in a
proposition to make some alteration in the South road,
known as the Boston and Worcester. In 1805, a committee
was appointed to act with one appointed by the Court of
Sessions for this purpose. The design was to straighten
portions of the road from Green Hill to the brick kilns or
Gibbs farm. In 1805, the sum of $1800 was appropriated
for highway work, and the same year $1000 was granted for
the purpose of repairing " Lancaster and Worcester Road so
called." The following year the records make mention of a
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 463
road laid out from Jonathan Fairbank's to John Perry's.
In 1807, it was voted " to sell and discontinue part of the
road from Ezekiel Loring's to Framingham line."
In 1801, Lieut. David How rebuilt Wash Bridge for forty-
five dollars and twenty-five cents. That year, also, a com-
mittee of five was appointed " for the purpose of railing this
town's proportion of the Long Causeway, and setting out a
sufficient number of willow trees to answer the purpose for
Guides in the time of flood." In 1804, sixty-four dollars
were granted for making a wall each side of Sherman's
Bridge. In 1806, the town voted to let out the rebuilding
of the Canal Bridge. In 1815, the town voted twenty
dollars and thirty-three cents for the Canal Bridge.
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.
In 1804, the town voted two hundred and twelve dollars
for repairing and painting the meeting-house. In 1805, a
settlement was made of a prolonged lawsuit between the
town and Peter Smith " who brought forward a pauper."
The suit was decided in favor of the town to the amount of
ten hundred and sixty dollars and twenty-five cents. But
"it remitted to Smith $544.31 out of said execution it being
the balance which appeared to be due him." In 1806, the
town granted thirty dollars for the purpose of enabling their
selectmen to settle with Captain Barrett, the gaol keeper of
Concord, " for Boarding of certain Poor persons that were
confined in gaol and belonged to the town." As, formerly,
the law allowed imprisonment of poor debtors, these persons
probably belonged to that class. In 181G, voted that the
constables see that the porch of the meeting-house, both
above and below, be cleared of those people who were
inclined " to occupy the avenues to the meeting house at
the commencement of the exercises of each day of public
worship." Also, to see that people at the close of worship
went out properly. In 1817, the town engaged in lawsuits
with East Sudbury, Lincoln and Stow about the support of
the poor. It was successful in the first suit, but failed in the
last two.
464 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.
No marked changes took place during this period in edu-
cational methods. The money granted for schools was
equally divided between the five districts. In the year
1800, money was granted for building three school-houses, —
in the south-east district, two hundred and eighteen dollars ;
in the north-west, one hundred and fifty-seven dollars and
fifty cents ; and in the south-west, two hundred dollars.
The committee that year were William Rice, Esq., centre
district; Gen. Benjamin Sawin, south-east ; Deacon Thomas
Walker, south-west; Lieut. Hopestill Willis, north-west;
and Samuel Puffer, north-east. The old building in the
south-west was sold for twenty-four dollars.
The following is, in substance, part of a report of the
school committee in 1802. That they had been empowered
to hire all the teachers of the public schools in town for the
year ensuing, and that they had been instructed, after con-
sultation with the minister and the teachers employed, to
decide what books should be used, only that the same ones
should be used in all the schools of the same grade. That,
if any scholar should fail to provide himself or herself with
the books required, six days after notice of the deficiency
had been given to the parent or guardian, the scholar should
not receive instruction in the branch of study to which said
book or books were assigned until supplied. Provided,
nevertheless, that if any scholars were unable by reason of
poverty to provide their own books they should be supplied
by the committee. In 1825, leave was granted to the centre
district to move its school-house to some convenient place on
the Common. Besides the attention bestowed by the town
on the common or day schools, encouragement was given to
instruction in music.
Along the first of the present century there existed what
was termed a "Singing Society," and the town, from time
to time, made appropriations for its benefit. This " Society "
constituted the church choir. A half century ago, the long
rows of singers along the length of the gallery was quite a
part of the audience ; and, doubtless, it was for the purpose
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 465
of benefiting the church music that the town granted aid to
the " Singing Society." In 1801, a committee was appointed
by the town " to get a singing master and for regulating the
Singing Society." The same year liberty was given the
society to occupy the several school-houses, indicating that
the sessions were held in different districts. Ten dollars
was granted that year to pay the master. In 1802, the town
voted " to have Dr. Belknap's Psalms and Hymns introduced
and made use of in the Singing Society," In 1821, twenty
dollars were allowed for the society, and in 1822' thirty
dollars. Early in the century quite an orchestra assisted in
the old church. Mr. Josiah Richardson, familiarly known
as " Uncle Siah," played the violin, Mr. Emory Hunt the
clarionet, Mr. George Hunt the base viol, and Deacon Mar-
tin Brown the bassoon. At the same time, Esquire Lyman
How, the last landlord of the Wayside Inn of the name of
How, was among the, singers. He also led the choir after-
wards at the Orthodox Church.
MILITARY MATTERS.
Before the war of 1812 and 15 set in, the town of Sud-
bury, as did others, took action as to the state of affairs then
existing between the United States and England ; it also
made provision by which it could supply its quota of men
in case they were called for ; and passed resolutions relative
to the conduct of public affairs that evinced a patriotic spirit
and a steadfast purpose to stand by the government. In
1807, when the American frigate, Chesapeake, had been
attacked by the English frigate, the Leopard, activity in
military matters commenced in the New England towns.
Sudbury voted to give to " each soldier that was called upon
to stand at a minute's notice $12 per man per month includ-
ing what government has made provision for, during the
time they are in actual service, and six dollars to each
soldier as advance pay, that shall equip himself for said
service, the aforesaid six dollars to be paid previous to his
marching if called upon and to be subject to deduction from
his wages." In 1808, the town "voted $30 as a bounty to
this town's proportion of soldiers that are called upon to
466 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
hold themselves in readiness at the shortest time, being
eighteen in number." Also, " directed the commanding
officer of each respective company, to make out a return of
the name of each soldier that held himself in readiness." A
meeting was called Feb. 4, 1809, " to see if the town will
express their opinion in such manner as will show to the
world that we are willing to support the laws of our general
government, in consequence of certain resolutions denounc-
ing all good citizens who shall give their aid and support in
the execution of the laws of said government." A com-
mittee was chosen at that meeting to draw up a preamble
and resolutions to present to the town, relative to what was
mentioned in the above article. The Preamble and Resolu-
tions that were reported were passed in the affirmative and
were in substance as follows: The inhabitants of Sudbury
see with concern a party in the State exciting jealousies
against the government and recommending resistance to its
laws. Therefore, resolved,
1. That we have the highest confidence in the wisdom and
integrity of the government.
2. That we believe the embargo laws are good and
necessary.
3. That we have seen with regret certain resolutions
denouncing all good citizens who give their support in the
execution of those laws, and that such resolutions produce
on our minds a determination, when called upon, to give
those laws prompt and undivided support.
4. That, as the management of our foreign relations is
delegated to the councils of the nation, it is inexpedient for
the State legislature to interfere.
In 1812, the number of soldiers reported to be in readiness
was eighteen. " Voted to give them $1.25 per day while in
service and doing actual duty." The following persons
from Sudbury were in service a short time during the war:
Aaron Hunt, Jonas Tower, James B. Puffer, Josiah Puffer,
John Can*, Cyrus Willis, George Barker, Leonard Dutton,
Otis Puffer, Jesse Puffer, John Sawyer. Warren Moore was
in the naval service on a privateer, was taken prisoner and
spent some time in Dartmoor prison.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 467
In the militia the officers were chosen by the men and
received their commission from the Governor of the State, as
in later times. In 1806, Caleb Strong gave a commission to
Jesse Goodnow as captain of a company in the 4th Regiment
Infantry, 2d Brigade, 3d Division Militia. To an extent, it
was customary to hold the meetings for the election of militia
officers at the taverns. The following is a specimen of the
" Company Order " of the times.
COMPANY ORDER.
" To Reuben Gleason Corp1
" You are hereby ordered and directed to warn and notify
all the men, Commissioned Officers and soldiers whose names
are hereafter mentioned belonging to the company under my
command, to appear at Mr. John Stone's Tavern in Sud-
bury, on Friday, the 18th day of March Inst, at 1 o'clock
P. M., for the purpose of electing a Captain, and filling such
other vacancies as may then happen.
" By Order of Ephraim Plympton Lieut. Col. Dated at
Sudbury, March 14, 1814."
ECCLESIASTICAL EVENTS.
In 1814, the town settled a new pastor, Rev. Jacob Bige-
low having become infirm. In 1810, Rev. Timothy Hilliard
had been invited to preach as a candidate, and June 1, 1814,
he became colleague pastor at a salary of six hundred and
fifty dollars and five hundred dollars to begin with. The
ministers, with their churches, who comprised the ordaining
council were Rev. Messrs. Kellogg of Framingham, Newell
of Stow, Adams of Acton, Ripley of Concord, Stearns of
Lincoln, Lovering of Andover, and Dr. Kirkland of Harvard
College who preached the sermon. The next year Mr.
Hilliard " resigned his office as clergyman of the religious
Society of Sudbury." His resignation was accepted, and he
was recommended to the churches on a vote of thirty-eight
to eight. A council was held for the purpose of ratifying
the doings of the church and town " in dissolving the Cove-
nant with Rev. Mr. Hilliard." He was dismissed Sept. 26,
468 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
1815. The following is the bill allowed to Mr. Asahel
Wheeler for the entertainment of the council : —
To eleven dinners and Suppers with wine #6 "
To Horse keeping 2 "
To Liquors 2 "
10 "
Also allowed Mr Daniel Osborn for Notifying the
Council and for attendance $3 "
After leaving Sudbury, Mr. Hilliard practised medicine in
his native town, Kensington, N. II., and also engaged some
in teaching. He was a scholarly man and a graduate of
Harvard College in 1800. lie also studied divinity at Cam-
bridge. During his short ministry forty-three united with
the church, nineteen males and twenty-four females. Soon
after the pastorate became vacant, the town took measures to
secure another minister. May, 1810, it was " voted, at the
request of Dea. Puffer, to set apart a day for fasting humil-
iation and prayer to the Supreme Governor of the Universe
for his direction and guidance in those measures that shall
be most conducive to the harmonizing us in the reestablish-
ment of a gospel minister amongst us." The day appointed
was November 3. It was voted to invite some minister to
preach on that day, and also to invite the attendance of
other ministers. Soon after this the town " voted to hear
Mr. Hurlbut and two others on Probation/' At a town-
meeting Dec. 16, 1816, " it was moved to see if the town
would request the church in this place to give Mr. Rufus
Hurlbut a call to settle with them in the gospel ministry,
and being put to vote, it passed in the affirmative by 58 for
and 9 against it." The church having voted to extend the
call, on December 23 the town expressed its concurrence by
a vote of thirty-four for and six against. " It was then
voted that Mr. Hurlbut's creed be read before the town,
which was produced and read agreeable to said vote." A
committee was chosen by the town to confer with the
church ; and they recommended a salary of seven hundred
dollars while he was in active service without the improve-
ment of the ministerial land, " which their late minister
HISTORY Otf SUDBURY. 469
Rev. Mr. Bigelow had the improvement of during his life."
Mr. Hurlbut declined to accept of the sum specified, if he
was only to be allowed it while in actual service ; giving as
a reason for his refusal, that, in case of inability to preach
at any time, by a reduction or withholding of his salary he
would be left without a means of support. The matter was,
therefore, reconsidered, and an offer made of six hundred
and fifty a year so long as he should continue to be their
pastor. This offer was accepted. A committee or agent
was appointed to receive a quit-claim of Mr. Hurlbut of all
the ministerial land.
Soon after the settlement of a new minister, Rev. Jacob
Bigelow passed away. He died Sept. 12, 1816, at the age
of seventy-five, having filled the Sudbury pastorate for over
forty years. He was beloved by his people, and in his last
years was granted an annuity. In 1816, two hundred and
forty-six dollars and sixty-seven cents was granted " for
Mr. Bigelow's salary." This vote, al a later meeting of the
town, was reconsidered, probably on account of his death.
The town also gave to his widow thirty dollars for the ser-
vice that was rendered by the reverend clergy, as a gift to
her, by their supply of the pulpit after her husband's death.
The funeral expenses were defrayed by the town and the
following bills are on record : —
"To Mr. Jonathan Fairbanks Jr. for making the coffin for
Rev. Mr. Bigelow, 110.00.
"To Lewis Moore for digging the grave and attending the
funeral of Rev. Mr. Bigelow $2.00.
" To Capt. Jesse Moore for beef he provided at the funeral
of the Rev. Mr. Bigelow 1—13
" To Mr Ruben Moore fur 7 lbs old cheese he found at the
funeral of Rev Mr Bigelow.
" To Doctor Ashbel Kidder for dining the clergy & com-
mitteee of arrangements &c at the funeral of Rev. Mr.
Bigelow $16.20
" To Mr Daniel Goodenow for spirit an sugar &c provided
at the funeral of the Rev. Mr. Bigelow, $15.40."
470 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Mr. Bigelow was a native of Waltham. He was twice
married. His first wife was a sister of Dr. Heard of Con-
cord. By this marriage he had a daughter. He married for
his second wife Mrs. Wells, and had two sons. One of
these was Dr. Jacob Bigelow of Boston, a noted physician,
and at one time Professor of Materia Medica in Harvard
Medical School. He died at the age of ninety. An old
inhabitant of Sudbury (C. G. Cutler) described Rev. Mr.
Bigelow to the writer as being " a large man with a large
face, very pleasant and full of jokes." He was said to be
affable and social. He built the house now known as the
George Goodenow place, about a quarter of a mile from
Sudbury Centre, and there he lived and died. He was
ordained Nov. 11, 1772. During his ministry one hundred
and fort}T-two were added to the church, fifty-five males and
eighty-seven females.
The year of Mr. Bigelow's death the following records
were made relating to the enlargement of the Burying
Ground: " Bought of Walter Haynes in 181(3 about a half
acre of land on the whole south side the grave yard for
enlarging it." The price paid was one hundred dollars.
Among the town debts: "To Walter Haynes for building
the burying yard wall and a small gate, 119.50." There are
other records relating to placing posts near the yard. The
indications are that the yard, at that time, was nearly full,
and, probably, the death of the minister called the town's
attention to the fact. As Mr. Bigelow's grave is on the
southerly side of the yard, it may have been made in the
portion that was bought at that time. Besides the addition
on the south, in 1800 the town bought a " piece of land for
three dollars of Asher Goodenow on the east end of the
burying ground." Another matter in this period, pertaining
to the burial of the dead, was an order, in 1806, "for a bier
for the Burying yard," and in 1818 for building a hearse.
About the time of Rev. Jacob Bigelow's death a move-
ment was made to dispose of the land which had been set
apart for the support of the ministry, for cash or notes at
interest. As has been observed, a committee was appointed
at the settlement of Rev. Mr. Hurlbut to obtain of him a
THE BIGELOW PARSONAGE, Sudbury Centre.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 471
quit-claim to these lands, which act was, doubtless, in antici-
pation of the movement in 1818. In 1816, a committee was
appointed to apply to the Legislature for leave to dispose of
the ministerial land, and it was granted. The following
year there was constituted what was called " the Sudbury
Ministerial Land Corporation." In March, 1818, the trus-
tees of this corporation reported that, in accordance with an
act of the Legislature, June 14, 1817, they had sold the land
lying near Mr. Elisha Jones', containing by plan seventeen
acres and Lay-three rods, on July 24, 1817, in two lots:
No. 1 to Capt. Silas Puffer for $67 per acre, No. 2 to the
same part? f,.i- $43 per acre. The first lot contained a little
over ten acres, the other a little over six acres. The whole
amount received was $ 99G.5G. Other lots were as follows :
Ministerial river meadow near Mr. Israel Wheeler's was sold
July, 1817, in two lots. No. 1 to Lewis Moore for $146.69,
No. 2 to Israel Wheeler for $154.40. " The ministerial land
laying near the meeting house " was sold August, 1817. It
contained about thirty-eight acres, and was disposed of in
lots as follows : No. 1 to Walter Haynes and Thadeus
Tower for $462, No. 2 to William Moore for $406.87, No 3
to Capt. William Rice for , No. 4 to Joshua Jones for
$372.15, No. 5 to Israel Moore for $336.81, No. 6 to Joshua
Jones for $10. " The total sum arising from the sale of the
ministerial lands in said town amounts to $3200.96. At the
close of this period, March, 1825, the following report was
rendered to the town by the Ministerial Fund Corporation : —
Capt Silas Puffer Note the sum of
Mr Lewis Moore " " " "
Mr. Israel Wheeler " " " "
" Walter Haynes " " " "
William Moore " " " "
Thadeous Towers " " "
Haman Hunt " " " "
Josua Jones " " " "
Joel Moore " " " "
The interest on this amount was paid to the Rev. Rufus
Hurlbut, agreeable to the aet of incorporation.
996 '
' 56
146 " 69
154 '
' 40
200 '
' 31
406 '
' 87
200 '
« 31
376 '
' 86
382 '
' 15
336 '
' 81
#3200 '
' 96
CHAPTER XXVI.
1825-1850.
History of the Sudbury Methodist Episcopal Church. — Members of a
Baptist Society in Sudbury in 1828. — Town Farm. — Town House.
— Erection of Tombs. — Ecclesiastical Disturbance. — Formation of
a New Parish. — Building of a Meeting-House. — Dedication of it. —
Death of Rev. Rums Hurlbut. — Sketch of his Life. — Settlement of
Rev. Josiah Ballard. — The Old Parish. — Settlement of Rev. Linus
Shaw. — Sketch of his Life. — Succession of Pastors. — Miscellaneous.
Our theme shall be of yesterday,
Which to oblivion sweeps away
Like days of old.
Longfellow.
Between 1825 and 1850, important ecclesiastical events
transpired in Sudbury. Measures that resulted in the forma-
tion of the Methodist Episcopal Church were taken in the
last part of the preceding period, but, as this church became
established or largely developed in this period, the history
of it properly comes here.
THE METHODIST CHURCH.
In 1823, a class was formed by Rev. Erastus Otis, in
connection with the " Old Brick Church " at Marlboro,
which consisted of the following members : Varnum Bal-
com, leader, Webster Cutting, Buckley Willis, Emerson
Brown, Abel Noyes, Samuel Dudley, Miss Abigail Dudley,
Mrs. Noah Smith, Mrs. Edwin Cutting, Mrs. A. Noyes,
Mrs. Varnum Balcom, and some others. Previous to the
formation of this class there were but two members of the
Methodist church in Sudbury. In the early stages of the en-
terprise, meetings were occasionally held in the school-house
of the north-west district; but, in 1835, the town voted not
472
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 473
to allow the school-houses to be used for religious meetings.
After this, preaching services were sometimes held in a hall
at the house of Mr. Walter Haynes ; but not long was the
little company to be without a church home. A paper was
soon started by Emerson Brown, soliciting aid for the
erection of a meeting-house. A part of the names are lost:
the following are some of the subscribers and their gifts, —
Emerson Brown, $500 ; Edwin Cutting, $500 ; Isaac Par-
menter, $500 ; Marshall S. Rice, $200 ; Martin Brown, $200 ;
Solomon Weeks, $100 ; Amos Hagar, $50 ; Noah Smith .
A piece of land for a meeting-house, consisting of sixty
rods, was purchased of Luther Goodnow for the sum of one
hundred and twenty-five dollars. It was conveyed by deed
to Isaac Parmenter, yeoman, and Emerson Brown and Edwin
Cutting, shoemakers ; and bears date Sept. 19, 1835. The
meeting-house was soon erected, and in 1836 was dedicated.
Rev. Abel Stevens, LL.D., preached the dedication sermon.
In 1841, a bell was purchased at a cost of three hundred and
three dollars and twenty-five cents, Edwin Cutting giving
one hundred dollars. The new church was in what was
then called the " Needham Circuit." After the erection of
the meeting-house, meetings were held five days and thirty-
one evenings in succession ; at which time it is supposed
about fifty persons were converted. In the early years of
the church, E. O. Haven afterwards Bishop Haven, then a
young man, taught school in the vestry. The fact that the
career of that widely-known and useful man was connected
in its early beginning with this quiet spot adds to it a special
interest and pleasantness. In that little meeting-house, hard
by the margin of the town's common land and one of its old-
time burial places, was the spot where at least two of Sud-
bury's college graduates now living pursued their early
studies. (See College Graduates.) Here, too, at least one
worshiper, who afterwards entered the ministry, took the
first step that led to that service (Rev. L. P. Frost). Rev.
Charles Rogers, who for several years has been Presiding
Elder, was one of the later preachers, and at the same time
a teacher in the Wadsworth Academy. The very surround-
ings of the place are suited to stir to reflection ; and when
474
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
nature, in spring-time, clothes with green the shrubbery
about it or there rests on it the stillness of the soft summer
day, then the scene accords with the associations of the
meeting-house, the wayside burial place, and the memories
that cluster around the village green. From the time the
meeting-house was completed the new church has moved
steadily on. At its quarterly meeting, February, 1837, the
Presiding Elder present was D. Kilburn. The same year the
Conference sent as first pastor, Rev. Elias C. Scott. He
taught school for which he received eighty-four dollars, and
this, with what he received from other sources, made his
salary three hundred and twenty-three dollars and fifty-five
cents. Succeeding Mr. Scott are the following pastors of the
church with their dates of service : —
Luman Boyden
1S37-8
Porter M. Vinton
1863-64
George W. Bates
1839-40
George Sutherland
1864-65
J. S. Ellis
1840-41
Philo P. Gorton
1865-66
P. R. Sawyer
1841-42
J. W. P. Jordan
1866-67
W. Tucker
1642-43
George E. Chapman
1867-69
G. W. Weeks
1843
Miles R. Barney
1869-71
Benjamin King
1845-40
Walter Wilkins
1871-74
Luther Caldwell
1846-47
John S. Day
1874-75
W. F. Lacount
1847-48
A. M. Sherman
1875-76
Horace Moulton
1848-49
Nathaniel Bemis
1S77-79
George Frost
J. Richardson
1879-80
L. P. Frost
J. A. Ames
1880-81
John W. Lee
1852-53
F. O. Holman and M. D. Sill 1881-83
J. H. Gaylord
1853-55
A. R. Archibald
1883-84
M. Leffingwell
1855-57
J. Marcy
18S4-87
Wm. A. Clapp
1857-59
Geo. H. Bolster
1887-88
Charles S. Rogers
1859-61
H. E. Wilcox
1888-89
Joseph Scott
1861-63
Nearly a half century ago the little congregation was gath-
ered from various parts of the town ; the Butterfields came
from Lanham, the Parmenters and Noyeses from Peakham,
the Battleses from the Gravel Pit district, the Bents and
Hayneses from Pantry. Years ago, some of these early
worshipers passed from this place of prayer to the temple
above. In 1875, Amos Haynes the old sexton died. For
thirty-two years he had faithfully stood at his post and rung
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 475
the bell at the hour of prayer. The familiar form of Thomas
B. Battles about the same time was missed from the choir.
Then the tall, slender form of George Goodnow, who had
been a tower of strength, was also called to his reward ; and
thus, one by one, they have passed away, till now only two
remain whose names were on the church records forty years
ago. Amid its many vicissitudes the church has never been
closed more than one Sabbath at a time. The highest salary
ever paid its minister was seven hundred dollars. The
ladies have been associated in a society which has aided in
all the church enterprises ; and a prominent member among
them has been Mrs. George Goodnow who has faithfully
planned and labored for the maintenance of the church
through many years of its history.
BAPTIST SOCIETY.
In 1828, the following persons were members of a Baptist
society in Sudbury : —
Leander G. Wiley, Obadiah Osborn.
Joseph G. Hunt, Azariah Walker.
James Moore, John W. Haynes.
Abijah Walker, Amos Haynes.
Ruth Walker, W™ Stone Jr.,
Cyrus W. Jones, Thadeus Tower,
David Lincoln, Hollis Gibbs.
Marden Moore, Joel Dakin, Clerk.
TOWN FARM.
March 5, 1832, the town voted to purchase a Town Farm.
The place selected was the property of Asa Noyes, situated
in the north part of the town, and the same now used for
the town's poor. In 1843, the town voted to build a house
on the farm, and in 1845 it granted one thousand and
seventy-six dollars and sixty-seven cents to pay for it. Some
years ago the barn was burned and another was erected
soon after.
TOWN HOUSE.
In 1845, the town voted to build a Town House. A
committee was chosen consisting of five persons, one from
476 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
each school district, to select a spot, bring in a plan, and
estimate the cost. April 20, 1846, the town granted one
thousand dollars for the building, and appointed a committee
to confer with the First Parish about the terms on which
the town could have a spot on the common to set a building
upon. At a legal meeting of the First Parish held in April,
1846, it was " voted that sd Parish give to the town of
Sudbury liberty to set a town house on the meeting house
common, nearly or partly on that part now occupied by
the Center school house sufficient for the occupation of sd
Town House, and ten feet passage around it. Provided,
sd gift to sd town shall not be construed in any way to
injure the title of sd Parish to the remainder of sd common."
The town "voted to place the Town House where the school
house now stands, provided, said Parish adheres to their
agreement." A few years ago an iron safe was procured,
in which to keep the town records, and placed in the Town
House ; and recently, a fire-proof depository of brick-work.
The west part of the Town House was formerly used as an
armory of the " Wadsworth Rifle Guards ; " and rows of
rifles and military accoutrements were ranged on the side of
the long, narrow room. A part of this room is now used as
a selectmen's office.
ERECTION OF TOMBS.
A petition having been presented to the town by William
Hunt and others, for leave to erect a number of tombs on
the northerly part of the meeting-house plot, nearly opposite
the burying-ground, April 3, 1826, the town granted per-
mission, and appointed a committee of five to locate the
ground where they should be built, and to confer with the
petitioners as to the plan, so as to have them uniform. In
November, the committee reported a place, and recommended
that leave be given the petitioners to fix upon some uniform
plan of building to suit themselves. The report was accepted.
April 3, 1830, Luther Goodnow, Asher Goodnow, Tilly Smith
and Levi Smith received permission to erect tombs on the
east side of the powder house.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 477
ECCLESIASTICAL DISTURBANCE.
A prominent ecclesiastical event in this period was the
formation of a new parish. The causes which brought
this about had been at work for some years previously, and
were, mainly, the same as those which wrought similar
results in other New England towns about that time. In
the early part of the century a controversy took place con-
cerning certain theological questions, principal among which
were the nature and mission of Christ, the measure or extent
of human depravity, and man's need of regeneration by a
personal Holy Spirit ; or, in other words, the Divinity of
Christ, the Atonement, Total Depravity, Regeneration and
the Personality of the Holy Spirit. The advocates of the
liberal movement — among whom were Ware, Buckminster,
Norton and Channing — sought to extend the principles of
Unitarianism. On the other side, prominent theologians,
among whom were Prof. Moses Stuart of Andover and
Rev. Lyman Beecher, stoutly set themselves to oppose it.
The controversy spread through society. In this part of the
country the age became one of theological discussion, and, in
the course of a few years, many old churches and parishes
were divided into two organizations, one of which took the
name of Unitarian Church, and the other of Orthodox Con-
gregational or Trinitarian Church. The influence of this
wide-spread discussion did not produce any marked result in
the Sudbury church till about 1839. There were in the
town records, some years before that time, various state-
ments which indicate that dissatisfaction prevailed respecting
the minister's theological views. The desire was expressed
that Mr. Hurlbut would exchange more with the neighboring
clergymen, " as formerly ; " and there was querying as to
why he did not. Notwithstanding, however, the existence
of dissatisfaction there was no outbreak until Mr. Hurlbut,
whose health had become feeble, procured the services of
another minister to supply the pulpit for a Sabbath. The
attitude of the congregation then became clearly defined.
On the Sabbath morning two new clergymen appeared on
the scene, one provided by Mr. Hurlbut, the other by the
478 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
parish committee. When Mr. Hurlbut and his minister
arrived at the steps of the church, he found the door had
been fastened, and that the minister whom the parish had
provided was within. Says one, who was standing by and
witnessed the affair and heard the conversation, " Mr. Hurl-
but informed the committee that he would like to introduce
his minister. The request being granted, they passed in,
and Mr. Hurlbut, after making a few remarks to the people,
left the meeting-house. A large share of the congregation
left also, and, with their minister, went over and worshiped
that morning with the Methodists." Soon after, they hired
a hall, which stood on the site of Mr. Sewall Taylor's wheel-
wright's shop. It had two stories and a gallery on three sides
of the audience room. It was subsequently used as a wheel-
wright's shop by Edwin Harrington and was destroyed by
fire about thirty years ago.
FORMATION OF A NEW PARISH.
Shortly after the events just narrated a new religious
society was organized. March, 1839, a warrant was issued
by Christopher G. Cutler to Israel How Brown, an applicant
for the same, requiring the said Brown to notify all the
legal voters " who have congregated the year last past for
public worship in a building owned by Wm Brigham in said
Sudbury to meet at said building" March 25, at one o'clock
in the afternoon, for the purpose of " organizing according to
law a religious society for the public worship of God." The
petitioners for the warrant were Enoch Kidder, A. B. Rich-
ardson, Israel H. Brown, Abel Dakin, Joseph Cutter, Roland
Cutler and Gardner Hunt. The meeting was held pursuant
to warrant, and, in the absence of C. G. Cutler, Esq., and at
his request, Lyman How, Esq., presided. Samuel Puffer
was chosen clerk and William Brigham moderator. Nahum
Goodenow, William Brigham and I. H. Brown were chosen
assessors, and William Rice collector and treasurer. The
assessors were also chosen as the prudential committee, and
the same persons were also appointed to report a name for
the new society. It was voted at the same meeting to grant
eight hundred dollars for preaching the ensuing year. The
HISTORY OF StTDBURY. 479
committee presented the name of The Sudbury Evangelical
Union Society, which was accepted and adopted. The
word Sudbury was afterwards struck off, leaving the name
of the society as it stands to-day. A second meeting was
held, April 8, 1839, at which Lyman How, Esq., was chosen
moderator. The society at that meeting voted to build a
meeting-house " on the plan of the Orthodox Society of
Marlboro." A committee chosen at the previous meeting
for selecting a suitable building spot reported " that it is
expedient to set the house on the ground near the Black-
smith's shop owned by Jonas Tower." A building com-
mittee was chosen of which Mr. Gardner Hunt was chairman.
This committee was instructed to borrow money for building
the house on the credit of the society ; and, after the com-
pletion of the building, to sell the pews to defray the
expense of construction. A contract was concluded May 27,
1839, between Gardner Hunt, William Brigham and Jonas
Tower, building committee, and Mr. Jeremiah Flint. Mr.
Flint, by the terms of the contract, was to have for the work
fifty-seven hundred dollars. The society was to provide the
foundation and the steps, and the work was to be completed
by the following November. At a meeting Dec. 25, 1839,
it was voted to direct the building committee to sell the
pews on the appraisal that had been reported, reserving
the right to tax to an amount not exceeding five per cent,
per annum on the appraised value. Also voted to direct the
committee to sell the pews on the day after the dedication
of the house, and give deeds of the same. In the sale of the
pews, No. 1 was to be reserved for the minister, and the
four under the gallery were to be reserved for free seats.
The valuation of the pews varied from forty dollars to one
hundred and five dollars, and the total amount was forty-
seven hundred and five dollars. At a meeting of the society,
held Feb. 10, 1840, it was voted to direct the parish and
assessors to " circulate a petition for to obtain money to
procure a bell." The money was raised and a bell was
purchased at Medway. Jan. 1, 1840, the meeting-house was
dedicated ; Rev. Mr. Horsford of Saxonville preached the
480 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
sermon. April, 1840, it was voted to sell rights to build
sheds on the society's lands.
While the new meeting-house was in process of comple-
tion, Rev. Rufus Hurlbut passed away. He died May 11,
1839, having been pastor of the church twenty-two years.
He was a son of Steven Hurlbut, and was born in South-
hampton April 21, 1787, graduated at Philips Academy in
1808, and at Harvard College 1813. He studied theology
with Rev. Thomas Prentiss, D.D., of Medfield, whose
daughter Mary he married Dec. 17, 1817. His wife was the
granddaughter of Dr. John Scollay, who was for over forty
years town clerk of Boston. Mr. Hurlbut was tall and thin,
of dignified demeanor, agreeable and gentlemanly in his
ways. He lived at the present Smith Jones house. He was
buried in the old burying-ground where a slate stone marks
his grave.
SETTLEMENT OF FIRST PASTOR.
Feb. 15, 1841, Rev. Josiah Ballard was called at a salary of
six hundred dollars, and accepted the call. His installation
took place March 2, 1841. The council was composed of the
following ministers with their churches : Rev. Messrs. Brig-
ham of Framingham, Harding of Easi Midway, Corner of
Berlin, Hyde of Wayland, Horsford of Saxonville, Dyer of
Stow, of Medfield, Woodbridge of Acton, Means of Con-
cord, Day of Marlboro. Rev. Mr. Buckingham of Milbury
preached the sermon. For a time the tax for preaching was
levied upon each person on the basis of the town valuation,
but later, the money was raised by subscription, and recently
the envelope system has been employed.
THE OLD PARISH.
After the division took place, the old parish disclaimed
any formal or legal relationship to Rev. Rufus Hurlbut.
March, 1839, it declared by vote that it no longer considered
him their minister as he had withdrawn from them. The
records state that after " a portion of the church and con-
gregation had withdrawn and formed a new Society called
THE HURLBUT PARSONAGE, Sudbury Centre.
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 481
Orthodox the old Society enjoyed the outward services of the
Gospel irregularly," and that the church was reduced to a
small number. We have not ascertained from record what
membership was left ; but Deacon Thomas P. Hurlbut was
accustomed to state that "but one member remained with
the old Parish." All the property was retained by the old
society ; but the indications are that a portion, at least, of
that which was portable was transferred to it by those who
no longer worshipped at the old meeting-house, since one
of the records of the Evangelical Union Church, dated
February, 1839, is as follows: "To choose a committee to
settle with Levi Dakin, the present Treasurer of the Church,
and take the papers and money now in his hands, and keep
them until claimed by the church, which may be formed in
the first Parish." A few years afterwards the First Society
had an increase of membership, and the church was reor-
ganized as the records of the old parish state. (Page 38.)
" In the Fall of 1844 the Church was reorganized, and a
number of persons came forward and united in the Lord's
Supper, with the few who were members before, and were
acknowledged members of the First Church. The number
then uniting was twelve."
For a time the old society had different preachers to
supply the pulpit. From March 30 to September 22, accord-
ing to a record book of Capt. Israel Haynes, no less than
twelve different ministers preached there. In the summer
of 1841, Rev. Linus Shaw was invited to preach, which he
did till fall. Soon after, the meeting-house was remodelled,
and in 1844, he was invited to preach there again ; he did so,
and the result was his settlement as pastor. lie was installed
June 5, 1845, and continued in the pastorate till his death.
REV. LINUS H. SHAW.
Linus H. Shaw was born in Raynham Nov. 29, 1804, where
he fitted for college with Rev. Enoch Sanford, pastor of
the Trinitarian Congregational Church. He entered Brown
University, which he left at the close of two years in 1827,
to engage in teaching. He was for a time second principal
of the Bristol County Academy at Taunton, and in 1830, he
482 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
entered the Divinity School, Cambridge, where he remained
three years. In 1834, he was ordained at Athol. He mar-
ried Louisa Alden Jones, and had five children, — Louisa,
Henry, Joseph, Maria and Helen. In 1850, he built a house
on Plympton Hill, a little north-east of Sudbury Centre,
where he lived until his death, Jan. 5, 1866. Mr. Shaw
was an estimable man, a valuable citizen, and much respected
by the community. He was small in stature, dignified and
gentlemanly in demeanor, quiet and unassuming in his ways.
Nov. 24, 1864, he preached a sermon at a union service, held
by the several churches of Sudbury, on the subject, " The
Black man and the War ; " which, at the people's request,
was printed. Since the death of Rev. Linus Shaw, the fol-
lowing ministers have acted as pastors for the First Parish :
Revs. Bond, Dawes, Webber, Knowles, Willard, Sherman,
E. J. Young and Gilman. For several years the church has
had preaching but a small portion of each year.
MISCELLANEOUS.
In 1825, " the building Lanham Bridge was let out to
E. Fairbank and David How for the sum of eighty eight
dollars."
In 1826, the town granted thirty dollars "to furnish din-
ners and powder for soldiers muster day."
In 1828, voted to exchange the old bell for a new one.
April 7, 1828, a road was accepted " from Wm Hunt's
land, over land of Elisha Hunt to Lanham."
Nov. 14, 1881, " the town gave leave to have stoves placed
in the porch of the meeting house, the funnel passing into the
house up through the roof." Rev. Rufus Hurlbut offered to
pay fifty dollars towards the expense of the stoves, provided
others would raise the remaining amount. A subscription
paper was started to which thirty-five names were sub-
scribed. The sums pledged varied from fifty cents to six
dollars, making in all one hundred dollars. Only three of
the thirty-five are now living, — Walter Rogers, Hopestill
Brown and Willard Walker.
In 1832, a road was accepted by the town " from the Berlin
road to Ephraim Moore's." "Voted that the Poor be left
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 483
to the Overseers of the Poor to let them out to one or more
contractors for one year as they shall think best."
In 1833, the town chose a committee to petition the Post-
master-General for a post office at the Centre, and also " to
have the North and South offices discontinued. At the same
meeting " voted to take the map [of the town] of Mr Wood
at sixty-eight dollars." Also u voted that each individual in
town shall have a map of the town for twenty-eight cents."
Also " voted to authorize some person to give a warranty
deed of the John Green farm."
In 1835, the town gave liberty to Thomas Plympton to
enclose with a fence " the graves of his father and mother
and family connections now buried in the grave yard."
In 1848 and 9, much excitement was caused in Sudbury, in
common with other places, by the discovery of gold in Cali-
fornia. The discoverer was James W. Marshall, who first
saw it near the saw-mill of Capt. John A. Sutter, Feb. 2,
1846. The " gold fever " became quite general, and a
number of persons started out in the hope of making their \
fortune, among whom were Humphrey Sawyer, Hiram Burr,
Haman Hunt, Nichols Brown, Samuel and Edward Bacon,
Thomas Stearns, Samuel Carr, Eli H. Willis, Samuel Gar-
field, Elbridge Haynes and Levi Dow.
CHAPTER XXVII.
1850-1875.
Names Applied to different Sections of the Town. — Division into
Districts. — Change in the Districts. — Description of South Sud-
bury.—1- Location. — Location of the Railroad Station. — The Boston
and Worcester Highway. — Houses Situated along this Highway
half a Century Ago. — Changes in Buildings. — The Village Grocery.
— Captain Kidder's Shoe Shop. — Sketch of Captain Kidder. —
Sketch of Mrs. Kidder. — The Mill. — Wadsworth Monument. —
Industries. — Modern Improvements. — Former and Present Owners
or Occupants of Homesteads. — The George Pitts Farm. — Descrip-
tion of Sudbury Centre. — Location. — Oldest House. — Location of
Old Buildings. — Noon House. — Parsonages. — Old Burying-Ground.
Common. — Grocery Stores. — Mills. — Former and Present Owners
or Occupants of Homesteads. — North Sudbury. — Location. — Post
Office and Postmasters. — Industries. — Iron Ore. — Grocery Stores.
Change in Construction of Houses. — Taverns. — Saw-Mill.
We may build more splendid habitations,
Fill our rooms with paintings and with sculptures,
But we cannot
Buy with gold the old associations.
Longfellow.
As we enter upon the history of the last half of the
present century, it may be appropriate and interesting to
pause in the narrative and notice some changes that have
taken place in the various villages and districts as these
relate to the occupants of homesteads, to industries, and the
location of dwelling-houses, stores and shops. In doing this,
it is desirable and essential to describe things as they are in
the present period, not only that by the contrast we may
better note the change which the passing years have brought,
but that a knowledge of the present may thus be imparted
to those who are to come after us, to whom the present will
484
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 485
be the past. Different terms have been used to designate
the different parts of the town in different stages of its
history. In early times, it was the " East and West Side of
ye great River ; " later, it was the " East and West Pre-
cinct," or the "East Side " and " Rocky Plain." After a
time, the West Side was divided into wards for the purpose
of notification of town meetings, road repairing, and militia
organizations. At one time the territorial limit of certain
official duties was the old Lancaster road. This ancient
highway, probably, divided the town more equally than any
other landmark of that time. Still later, the town was
divided into districts for school purposes. The locality gave
its name to the school, and the school gave its name to the
district. But soon after the middle of the century the
school districts underwent a change. The Pantry school-
house at the road corners was removed, and a new building
was erected by the " Great Road " for the North part or
North Village. Another school-house was erected about a
quarter of a mile south of Pantry bridge, and two schools
were established at the Centre. A year later a school-house
was built at South Sudbury. These events somewhat
changed the designation of different parts of the town by
districts ; yet, notwithstanding this, the history of the town
is so associated with the five old and familiar school districts,
that it is expedient to follow this division in describing dif-
ferent parts of the town outside the villages. Before de-
scribing the various school districts, however, we will give
a description of the villages. The town has three distinct
villages, — South Sudbury, Sudbury Centre and North Sud-
bury. These all lie in a line, north and south, about midway
of the town.
SOUTH SUDBURY.
The village of South Sudbury is about a mile south of the
Centre, on the Boston and Worcester highway and the Mas-
sachusetts Central and northern branch of the Old Colony
Railroad. Until recently it was known as " Mill Village."
It has a store, post office, machine shop, blacksmith's shop,
school-house, chapel, grist-mill, a junction depot, the Good-
486 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
now Library, and about fifty dwelling-houses. The depot is
a little westerly of the village, in the locality known to the
old inhabitants as "Dana Hunt's swamp," formerly part
wood and part pasture, which belonged to the old Thompson
estate. The place was once resorted to by the villagers for
bilberries, and children picked young checker-.bush there.
The swamp, though not large, contained a variety of shrub-
bery, mixed with pines, oaks and birches. In winter it was
quite a resort for partridges, affording both feeding-ground
and shelter for them. An old hunter informed me that he
had passed through there in the morning and shot birds, and
returning at night had taken others, which had flown in
during the day from the neighboring woods.
The oldest house in the village is the " John Allen house,'
first east of the store on the north side of the road. It
probably dates as far back, at least, as 1700, and may have
been built by Abraham Woods, who near that time leased
the mill, or by the Noyeses who built it. The house for-
merly had a long sloping roof on the back, was painted red,
and had a door on the east side. Tradition tells of a small
house that stood near the site of the blacksmith's shop by
the mill. It also says that, one day, the Indians appeared
on the rising ground just over Mill Brook (Leavett's Hill),
and a woman at the house made them think men were about
by calling out, "Be quick, boys, the Indians are coming!"
whereupon the Indians fled.
South Sudbury has undergone various changes. The
Boston and Worcester highway formerly went south of
Green Hill, then followed " the old road " to the village,
and beyond the bridge it turned southerly and left the Cutler
and Walter Rogers houses on the north, and came out by the
Wheeler house near the clay-pits that were formerly on the
old Gibbs farm. This highway in former times was much
travelled. Loaded teams came from as far as Vermont, and
sometimes two or three stages daily passed over it. One
day a three-horse team from Brookfield was coming up Green
Hill when a flash of lightning killed every horse. Along this
road the village was built. The only buildings on the south
side of it fifty years ago, between Abel Smith's at Green Hill
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 487
and the bridge, were Capt. Enoch Kidder's house (John B.
Goodnovv's), built in 1813 or 14, the mill buildings, the
blacksmith's shop (J. P. Allen's), built in 1826 and lately
demolished, and an old barn nearly opposite the Allen house.
In this old barn, tradition says, a noted character, commonly
called Tom Cook, sometimes stopped for the night. This
man was a notorious tramp or itinerant thief, well known for
his eccentric ways. A little later the Kidder shoe shop was
built, just east of the Kidder house. On the north side of
the road were about a dozen buildings between Green Hill
and the bridge. The first by the brook was a blacksmith's
shop, where the Browns made billhooks, cleavers, hatchets
and knives ; next to this was the Thompson malt house, to
which the town's people brought barley for malt ; beyond
this was the William Brown place, a low, one-story house;
and further on at the west corner of the Boston and Worces-
ter and meeting-house roads was the " tavern stand ; "
beyond the tavern, on the opposite corner, was the store
kept by Gardener and Luther Hunt, a small building with an
L running north ; next in order came a dwelling-house since
burned, Fisher's wheelwright's shop, the Woods or Allen
house, the Fisher house, and a few rods up the hill the house
occupied by Josiah Richardson, which is still standing. Be-
tween this house and Green Hill was only the Cutter place
(Hiram Goodnow's) and the Gideon Richardson place (now
Newton place). Up to 1825, there was no house on the
" meeting-house road " to the Israel How Brown place. Such
was South Sudbury half a century ago. The changes that
have come over it have been gradual ; no sudden or single
stroke has swept the landmarks away, but one by one they
have gone. The old store was burned Feb. 14, 1841, and the
one built in its place shared a like fate in 1887. A new mill
was erected in 1853, which in 1886 was burned, and the same
year another was built on its site. The blacksmith's shop and
malt house, after years of disuse, were torn down, one about
thirty, the other about forty years ago. About 1864, the
tavern buildings were demolished. In 1861 and 62, the
Goodnow Library was put up by John Harriman. In 1857,
Wadsworth Academy was built, and in 1879 it was burned,
488 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
and the Congregational Chapel erected in its place in 1880.
Thus change has been active with its busy hand. The
history of some of these buildings that have thus passed
away is of considerable interest. The old store was the only
village grocery for scores of years, as was also its successor.
Tradition says it was established by Capt. Levi Holden, who
commanded the "south militia company." Subsequent to
Captain Holden's possession, it was owned by Asher Cutler,
and kept by Abel Cutler and Jesse Goodnow, and was pur-
chased by Messrs. Gardener and Luther Hunt near the
beginning of the present century. Much spirituous liquor
was sold at this grocery t6 the people in all the country
round, till the starting of the temperance cause, when the
traffic in rum there ceased. G. and L. Hunt were succeeded
by Charles and Emory Hunt. The present proprietor is
George, son of Emory. Formerly, this store was the centre
of an extensive trade. About the year 1850, there was a
large barter in straw braid. Women and children braided
straw in their homes from the material cut green in the rye
field, then dried, whitened and split, and turned straw upon
straw in " seven strand," which brought from a half cent to
two cents a yard. Teams from the neighboring towns
brought this work, which was exchanged for a variety of
wares, and the hitching-posts of the entire store front were
sometimes all in use at one time. An old store sign was
" Furniture, Feathers & Crockery Ware Rooms," and this
included stoves, carpets, and sundry commodities not always
found in a country store. In process of time the braid trade
ceased, the old mill that " brought custom " ceased for a time
"to grind the town's corn," the old "firm" was dissolved,
and a part of the store became a private dwelling-place ;
since then the other part has been an ordinary store for the
sale of English and West India goods. Besides Hunt's
store another place of some interest was the " Kidder shoe
shop." This has lately been remodelled and made into a
private residence, but for years the upper part was a shoe
shop and the lower used as a grocery. In the earlier life of
the well-known proprietor, business at this shop was very
brisk. In addition to the local patronage, marketers were
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 489
accustomed to leave orders as they came from the towns
beyond. This was, perhaps, one of the last places where the
old " tongue " boot was made. The Kidder shop was quite
a resort for the villagers on a wet day or winter's evening.
There they gathered and gossiped and smoked as the night's
early hours went by. It was a quaint old place. Pictures
of a patriotic and political character — " The Battle of
Bunker Hill," "The Storming of a Mexican Fort," like-
nesses of Webster, Benton, Calhoun and Clay — were upon
the walls, and near the ceiling hung two flint-lock muskets
left over when the militia broke up. Captain Kidder was
bent in form and looked old when those now middle-acred
were young. He was a Whig and held various town offices.
His wife was the village florist, and various and wonderful
to our eyes were the plants and flowers that grew in Mrs.
Kidder's " front yard." Besides these, there were in the
side yard beds and boxes of plants. In this collection was a
fig-tree which she had cultivated from the seed and which at
one time bore one or two hundred figs. On the place were
high cherry-trees, heavy in their season with luscious fruit,
and apple-trees that were choice and in those days rare.
Mrs. Kidder was a good-hearted, benevolent woman, of large
hospitality, and, like her husband, was much esteemed. As
the Kidders were so well and so widely known, a short
sketch of the household may properly be considered a part
of the historic sketch of South Sudbury.
Enoch Kidder was born in 1777 and died in 1865. He
was a brother of Dr. Kidder, a physician of Sudbury. (See
Chapter on Physicians.) In early life he learned the tan-
ner's trade. On moving to Sudbury he commenced the
manufacture of boots and shoes. For a time he occupied
the Josiah Richardson house. After building the Kidder
house, for a time he used the east part of it for a shop or a
lodging-place for his apprentices. His trade was largely
with the old shoe firm of Faxon and Company of Boston,
and his reputation was known far and near as a manufacturer
of reliable work. At one time he was captain of the militia,
and was sent as representative to the Legislature. His wife,
Hannah Newton of Marlboro, born in 1781, was, before her
490 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
marriage, a school teacher, and was a personage as con-
spicuous as was the shrubbery that adorned her home. Her
loud, cheerful voice was a familiar sound in the village, as,
on a bright morning in June, she bustled about the premises
as busy as the bees among her bright flowers. A green
turban sat on her head which broadened her genial face, and
when she went out for a neighborly call she wore a " calash "
of the same color. Besides Mr. and Mrs. Kidder, the house-
hold consisted of a daughter Nancy, born in 1807, who was
the only child living, and Miss Almira Cutter, the house-
keeper. Nancy was the pet of the home and a general
favorite ; she was of delicate health and died in 1856.
" Mira " Cutter, as the housekeeper was familiarly called,
belonged to the Cutter family of Sudbury. She went to
Mrs. Kidder's to spend the day and remained forty years,
having the main charge of the household and outliving the
whole family. She died a few years ago and was buried in
the Kidder tomb in Wadsworth Cemetery.
Another object of interest is the mill. At one time it was
owned by Asher Cutler. We were informed by his grandson,
the late C. G. Cutler, that he was very rigid, and would shut
down the mill at sundown Saturday night. Asher Cutler
left the mill jointly to his sons, Asher and Abel, the former
of whom lived in the " Woods house." The fact that the
house and the mill were both owned by the same parties at
different periods leads to the conjecture that the two pieces
of property, for a time at least, went together, and possibly
the " Woods House " was built by the Noyeses who put up
"the mill." Later owners have been General Sawin, a
militia officer, who also owned the old tavern stand, Jesse
Brigham, and Mr. Knight who sold it to Abel Richardson.
This mill has not only ground the town's corn, but some also
for the region around. For years it was a grist and saw-mill
combined : the former was run by a large breast- wheel and
had two run of stones, the latter, by a wheel of itself which
ran an upright saw. The "Mill Lane," which led from the
county road, used to be well filled with "saw logs," mostly
white pine and oak. A few years ago, the old upper dam,
which was a few rods north of the bridge, was in use.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 491
Three gates that could be raised with an iron bar controlled
the waters that for acres above, at certain seasons, set it
back nearly to Hayden's bridge. The present dam by the
bridge is of recent construction, and was built by Charles O.
Parmenter, the present owner. The old mill was demolished
about 1853, and another was put in its place, which, about
1866, was leased to Samuel Rogers and Company for manu-
facturing purposes. After being used for making hats and
leather board it again became a grist-mill, and so continued
until, a few years ago, it was destroyed by fire. A new mill
has been erected on the site of the old one, and still the
farmers of Sudbury bring their grists to the same old spot
where their grain has been ground for about two hundred
years. Another building of interest was the Wadsworth
Academy. (See Period 1850-1875.) The old tavern stand
was another familiar spot. (See Chapter on Taverns.)
The principal object of interest in this village is the
Wadsworth Monument. From the hill slope (Green Hill),
just east of the monument, is a magnificent prospect, as the
countiy outstretches for miles to the westward without a hill
to obstruct the view. On this hill-top was Wadsworth's
last battle-ground. (See Period 1675-1700.) A part of
South Sudbury village is situated in a quiet vale, with a spur
of Green Hill on the north and Leavitt Hill on the south ;
the former takes its name from the evergreens that once
grew upon it, and the latter from Leavitt How whose home
was on the south side of it ; an old cellar hole still marks
the spot.
INDUSTRIES.
The industries of South Sudbury have been various. In
1794, besides the saw and grist-mill run by Cutler and
Holden, there was a fulling-mill run by Mr. Reed. About
three-quarters of a century ago, bricks were made at the
Gibbs place and also at the Farr farm. Clay-pits at both
places are yet to be seen unless recently filled. As has been
noticed, malt was made at the malt house (Thompson's),
people coming from all parts of the town for this product.
Leather was tanned by William Wheeler at a place just
492 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
beyond the bridge, near the old " upper dam." There were
also tanning vats on the " Island " (land between the ma-
chine shop and the mill). On the "meeting house road"
was a bakery. It was moved from the spot just east of the
Willard Wheeler house, and is now owned by John Jones.
About 1850, William Jones and Theodore Brown had a shoe
manufactory at what is now the Bowen place. Since 1850,
shoe tacks and nails -were made at the mill by Calvin How,
and hats and leather board by Rogers and Moore. The main
business in and about South Sudbury has been farming. Of
late years, early gardening has received much attention and
greenhouses have been used by some. The first greenhouse
in Sudbury was erected in 1879 by Hubbard H. Brown for
raising cucumbers. He has since erected three more, all of
which cover six thousand feet of ground. Since 1882, thirty
greenhouses have been built. There is now used for raising
vegetables and flowers nearly one hundred thousand square
feet of land covered with glass. Fifteen farmers and gar-
deners are engaged in the work. It is estimated that seven
hundred tons of coal are consumed yearly, and about fifty
thousand dollars are invested in the business. The buildings
are all heated by hot water except in one instance where
steam is used. Most of these are used for raising vegetables,
such as cucumbers, lettuce, rhubarb, tomatoes, etc. One
house has twenty-eight thousand lettuce plants, another has
twelve thousand carnation pinks. In 1881, the manufacture
of machinery was begun at South Sudbury by Rufus H.
Hurlbut. The business is now carried on by the firm of
Hurlbut & Rogers. The machine shop is near the Parm en-
ter mill and the Massachusetts Central Railroad.
MODERN IMPROVEMENTS.
The first carriage in town was owned by John Brown.
A wagon was owned by Christopher Cutler nearly fifty or
seventy-five years ago which cost eleven dollars. The first
kerosene lamp was used by Miss L. R. Draper (Mrs. A. S.
Hudson) at the Willard Wheeler house. The first mowing
machine was owned by John Whitman Rice, and used on
the Farr farm. The first sewing machine was, perhaps, the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 493
one used by Richard Horr at the Kidder shop for stitching
" shoe uppers." It was operated by a crank turned by hand.
Hard coal was, perhaps, first used at Hunt's store.
The former owners of most of the farms in and about
South Sudbury have been given in connection with other
parts of its history ; we will, therefore, only mention the few
that remain. The Thadeus Moore place was the Ashbel
Hayden place ; the main house was the Thompson house,
moved from just beyond the bridge at South Sudbury village.
The Nathan Haynes place, just beyond Lowance Brook or
Hunt's Bridge, was the Jonas Hunt place. The small red
house with gable roof, on the South Sudbury and Fram-
ingham highway, just beyond the Old Colony Railroad, was
moved to its present position, many years ago, from the
Bryant place just beyond the William Stone house. Walter
Rogers' farm was formerly part of the Cutler place and was
owned by Major Holden, and before that by Mr. Seger, a sea
captain. The C. G. Cutler place was the old George Pitts
place. A building formerly stood south of the present one,
near which the old road passed. It was once used for a
tavern, and was probably kept by George Pitts, at whose
house one of the early meetings was held to consider the
matter of having preaching on the West Side. (See Period
1700-1725.) The George Pitts farm once contained a large
land tract which was granted to him in 1715. The record
of this grant is as follows : In 1715, at a meeting of the
proprietors of the common and undivided land in Sudbury,
" Said Proprietors by unanimous vote without any Contra-
diction did give and grant to George Pitts of Sudbury and
his heirs and assigns forever all the common land as the
committee hath viewed it and returned and bounded it that
is td say, all ye common Land Lying between the new Mills
in Sudbury and so from there as the road goeth to Marl-
borough to the gate yl Leads to Capt Brown's yl is, all the
Land on the South Side of the road as it is bounded and the
meadows called Lowance meadows Lying east south and
west of the land, all which land the Proprietors have granted
to George Pitts, only the Proprietors reserve for our con-
venient Drift ways to the above said Lowance Meadows,
494 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
and gravell to mend the Mill Dam and the highways as there
shall be occasion. This vote passed into an act as attest.
" Peter Haynes Moderator
" This said land is on the west side of Sudbury river."
(Proprietor's First Book of Records, page 175.)
SUDBURY CENTRE.
The " Centre," or, as it was formerly called, the " Middle
of the Town," is situated on the northern branch of the Old
Colony Railroad, and nearly midway of the town. It has
three churches, a school-house, town-house, blacksmith's
shop, wheelwright's shop, grocery store, depot and three or
four dozen dwelling-houses. The place was anciently called
"Rocky Plain," afterwards "The West Precinct," and dates
its beginning as a village about 1725. The oldest house in
the village is, probably, the " Tower house," now owned by
Frank E. Bent, and situated next south of the Orthodox
Church. Its date is unknown, but it looked old in the youth
of the oldest inhabitant, as did also the Lewis Moore house,
the next but two further south, where Mr. Moore, the village
cooper, in an L running northerly, once plied his trade.
The Tower house, prior to its possession by Mr. Jonas
Tower, was occupied by a man named Noyes. This house
may have been the first one erected on " Rocky Plain," and
the one referred to in the Town Records as " the new
house." This village has undergone much change within
the past seventj^-five years. Early in this century there was
a blacksmith's shop at what is now the corner of the railroad
and highway, and northerly of the house of Horace Par-
menter. The shop was kept by Josiah Haynes; nearly op-
posite, north of the road, was a house since demolished
occupied by Asa Haynes ; and a little beyond this on' the
bank, was the George Barker house, a low building with its
four-sided roof, which stood until a few years ago. Dr. Taft,
a physician, once lived there. Subsequently a store was
kept at the place by Reuben Moore. Where Garfield and
Parmenter's grocery stands, there was formerly a store kept
by Ephraim Stone and Asahel Dakin, which was burnt about
forty years ago, together with a tavern house which stood
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 495
on the corner nearly north of it. Nearly opposite the grocery
site the Powers house once stood, at which time it was
painted red. At the Joel Moore place, since the residence
of Lemuel Brown, the first house west of the Unitarian
Church, a store was kept by Capt. Asahel Wheeler. This
country store-keeper, we are informed by an old inhabitant,
"was large, smart, and lived to be very old." For a long
time he led the singing in the old church choir. Nearly
opposite Captain Wheeler's store was a low, unpainted house
which looked old seventy-five years ago. The school-house
was near the bank by the town-house. It was a small, red
structure, built towards the close of the last century. Its
successor stood on the common at its south-east corner, and
was moved to its present position only a few years ago. On
the common, nearly front of the old parish meeting-house
and under the large buttonwood-tree, was the horse-block
where the people mounted and dismounted when they went
on horseback to church. Near the site of the Orthodox
Church once stoogl the blacksmith's shop of Abijah Powers.
It was moved to its present location about 1839, and was an
old building then. Before its possession by the present
owner it was occupied by Myron Wright, and still earlier
by John Wallace. A " noon house " stood near the horse-
sheds ; perhaps there were more than one. These buildings
were erected by private parties and furnished with fireplaces
for the benefit of people between services on the Sabbath.
Beyond the Common to the easterly, in what was then the
first house towards Boston (Loring parsonage), a tavern was
kept by Walter Haynes. Beyond this, at the George Good-
no w house, Parson Bigelow lived. On the road to South
Sudbury, at what is now the Smith Jones place, Rev. Rufus
Hurlbut lived.
The house now occupied by Luman Willis was the old
Ashur Goodnow store. There a grocery was kept for years,
and many a townsman still remembers the bent form of the
aged proprietor as he dealt out his wares. The second
building westerly of the Unitarian Church was erected by
Dr. Thomas Stearns, about a half century since, and used
for his residence till his decease ; and after the " old Corner
496 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Tavern " was burnt it was used for a public house by
Webster Moore. The present store building was moved to
its present location since 1848. The lower story was for-
merly the old Centre school-house. Various traders have
sold at its counters, prominent among whom were Stone and
Dakin, Jonas Hunt and Smith Jones. The house occupied
by Horace Parmenter was formerly owned by Capt. William
Brigham, and was moved to its present location from a spot
to the north-easterly, to give place to the railroad. The
wheelwright's shop of Sewall Taylor is on the site of the
building once used for religious services by the Evangelical
Union Church. It was built in 1853, and was moved from
South Sudbuiy, where it was originally Haynes's carpenter's
shop, and later, Jones and Brown's shoe shop. In 1851, a
saw and grist mill was built near Wash Bridge by Asahel
Haynes. It is now owned by the Prescott Willis heirs. A
small saw-mill once stood southerly of the Asa Jones place,
which was built by Mr. Jones in 1842. It was moved about
five years afterwards and demolished in 1851. Beyond the
Willis mill is the Wash Brook bridge. About seventy-five
years ago, the father of the late Reuben Rice of Concord was
killed crossing this bridge ; he was engaged hauling lumber
for the meeting-house when the load fell on him. Before
leaving this part of the town, it may be of interest to men-
tion the outlying estates as they were known to the older
inhabitants. For the sake of brevity, we will place in two
columns the present or recent and former names of the
places, owners or occupants.
PRESENT. FORMER.
Charles Haynes. Curtis Moore.
The Prescott Willis heirs. David Lincoln.
Elisha Goodnow. Capt. William Brigham.
Widow Asahel Dakin. Asa Jones.
Francis Haynes. Samuel Jones, prior to him Maynard.
John Quinn. Lyman Willis.
Elisha E. Smith. William Maynard.
George Moore. Newell Bent.
Calvin J. Morse. Martin Moore.
Theodore Morse. Jason Bent.
Asahel F. Hunt. William Hunt.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 497
W. H. Fairbank. Tilly Smith.
Luke McCann. Henry Goodnow.
Charles Haynes. Reuben Moore.
John W. Rice (House recently Capt. William Rice.
burned).
Horatio Hunt. Thomas Hurlbut.
Lucius Bent. Reuben Moore, Jr.
Isaac Clark. Osborn.
Aaron Hunt. Thomas Plympton (House demol-
in 1886).
Among the objects of interest about the village of Sudbury-
Centre is the old Burying-Ground. The Common, also, is a
place of interest. Thither the minute-men repaired at the
bell strokes on the morning of April 19, 1775. The train-
bands of Sudbury afterwards made it their place of parade
and spread their tents upon it on " old Election " or the
Fourth of July. Generations of church-goers from the West
Precinct's very beginning have strolled over it, or sat on its
grassy covering during the intermission of Sabbath services ;
and all that is mortal of many a former inhabitant has been
borne over its quiet roadway to the church-yard beyond.
The school children from the old red school-house made it
their play-ground for many years. There the people talked
politics on town-meeting day Avhen the meeting-house was
their voting-place, and about it clustered the first homesteads
that made a village of Sudbury Centre.
NORTH SUDBURY.
The village of North Sudbury is in the northerly part of
the old Pantry school district, which it was once a part of,
and borders on Concord. It contains about thirty dwelling-
houses, which is about the same number as were there both
fifty and one hundred years ago. Whatever of village this
locality has is mainly made up of scantily scattered farm-
houses along the Boston and Fitchburg highway, which was
built about 1800. It has a post office, kept by Edwin
Conant. The school-house is by the " Great Road ; " it was
built during the late war and cost three thousand dollars.
Before its erection the pupils went to "the Pantry school."
498 HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
The post office was established about 1880, on petition of
Willard Maynard and others. The following postmasters
served up to 1839 : Josiah Adams, Joseph Wheelock, Wil-
liam Hunt, 3d. For a time, the postmaster at Lincoln took
charge of the North Sudbury mail ; but, on petition of three-
fourths of the town voters for the removal of the South office
to the Centre, the South postmaster, wishing to retain his
office, suggested to the people of the north part to petition
for the re-establishment of a post office there, which they
did with success. The petition for an office at the Centre
was refused on the ground that it was nearer the South office
than the department rules would allow. The new office at
the North was kept by John Sawyer. Various small indus-
tries have engaged the attention of the people of this neigh-
borhood in the past. In 1770, a Mr. Brown had a harness
and whip shop near the south side of the Tavern Plain. In
1780, Samuel Dakin and Deacon Dakin had cooper's shops,
and there was another near J. H. Adams's in 1825. A shoe-
maker's shop was at J. Puffer's tavern in 1800, and N.
Barrett had a shoe shop one-half mile east of Pratt's tavern.
Daniel Bowker had a blacksmith's and axe shop between 1790
and 1820, and John Haynes had a blacksmith's shop from
1820 to 1840 and a wheelwright's shop from 1835 to 1845.
Abijah Brigham had a blacksmith's shop one mile west of
Pratt's tavern from 1770 to 1800. The site is now in May-
nard. Thus the ring of the anvil and hammer have been
heard in the past where now not a shop exists. In 1827,
iron ore was taken from the edges of bog meadows and from
different farms to the amount of over one hundred tons,
which was carted to Concord River at Lee's Bridge and
taken in boats to Chelmsford.
About 1815, a grocery store was kept a few years by Asa
Puffer, one-half mile west of Pratt's Tavern, and at the same
place groceries and dry goods were kept by Josiah II. Adams
from 1822 to 1830. In 1820, William Hunt, 3d, and William
Wheeler kept a grocery and dry goods store, a half mile east
of Pratt's tavern, and at the same place from 1825 to 1851
Nahum Thompson kept a stock of the same articles. Gro-
ceries were also kept by John Sawyer, three-quarters of a
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 499
\
mile west of Pratt's tavern, from 1830 to 1840. In this part
of the town the most noted tavern was perhaps the old Pratt
Tavern, burned in 1887. This was built previous to 1820
by Nathan Wheeler, adopted heir' of Isaac Puffer, who many-
years kept a tavern in a house now owned by Mrs. McNulty.
Since the first proprietorship the following persons have
kept this inn : David Gerry, 1822 ; Earl Stratton, Willard
AViley, 1826 ; Lucius Dickinson, one year ; Joseph Wheelock,
William Hunt 3d, Lyman Haynes, Solomom E. Pratt, about
ten years ; Jesse Gibbs, Robert Burrington, Leonard Carter,
1863. The farm and buildings were purchased of the Bur-
rington heirs about 1864, by Capt. Abel B. Jones, who
annexed the land to his farm and discontinued the tavern.
Four stages daily, Sundays excepted, stopped at this inn for
passengers and a relay of horses. The stage route belonged
to Chedorlaomer Marshal, commonly called Kidder Marshal,
of Fitchburg, who was mail contractor.
This stage route continued after Mr. Pratt kept the tavern
until the completion of the Fitchburg Railroad. Jonas Puffer,
brother of Isaac, kept a tavern a half mile from his brother's
during the last quarter of the last century, on the old Con-
cord and Marlboro road, then much travelled, now almost
deserted. The road through North Sudbury is called by the
people of the place the " Great Road," and by those of the
centre and South Sudbury the " North Road." The true
name is the Boston & Fitchburg Road.
But few homesteads in North Sudbury are possessed by
the posterity of original proprietors. It is supposed that the
ancestors of Frank M. Bowker, Jonathan C. Dakin and
Frederic Haynes were probably the first settlers on the farms
that their descendants now occupy, but other places have
largely changed hands. There are in the district but few old
houses. Most of those built from 1700 to 1725, which had
two stories in front and one in the rear, and nearly all of
which faced southward, whatever direction the road, were
nearly all pulled down between 1820 and 1840, and were
succeeded by houses of two stories, only one room in width
with a projecting kitchen called an " L." It is said this
style continued about twenty years and was followed by the
500 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
modern house of various shape. A saw-mill once stood near
the place now owned by George Barton, which was built by-
Joseph Noyse about 1775. The water power was insufficient,
and the mill was finally sold, taken down and carried to
Maynard.
It is said that the saw, as it dragged down through the log
and then went up, sounded as if saying, " Shall I go or shall
I not."
CHAPTER XXVIII.
1850-1875.
Description of School Districts. — Lanham District. — Territorial Limits.
— School-House. — Old School Customs. — Order of Exercises. —
Examination Day. — Former Dwellings. — Their Owners or Occu-
pants.— Clay- Pits. — South-West District. — Origin of the Term
Peakham. — School-house. — Name of it. — District Limits. — Location
of Railroad Station. — Places of Historic Interest. — Mills. — Present
and Former Owners or Occupants of Homesteads. — North-West
District. — Location of School-House. — Assabet Village. — The
"Rice Tavern." — The Oldest House. — Early Inhabitants. — North-
East or Pantry District. — Territorial Limits. — Origin of the Name.
— Railroad Station. — Pantry School-House. — Poetic Description of
it. — Mr. Israel Haynes. — Incident of his Life. — Block House. —
Old Loring Parsonage. — The Gravel Pit. — Historic Reminiscences.
— Taverns. — School-House. — Indian Grave. — Government Store-
Houses. — Training-Field. — Irregularity of Town Boundary Line. —
Cause of it. — Caleb Wheeler Farm.
Each man's chimney is his golden mile-stone,
Is the central point, from which he measures
Every distance
Through the gate-ways of the world around him.
Longfellow.
LANHAM DISTRICT.
This word has been spelled Lanham, Landham and Lan-
num or Lanum. (For origin, see page 70.) As a school
district, it formerly extended a half mile westerly of Mill
Village (South Sudbury) and southerly to just beyond Hunt's
Bridge. Lanham proper extends from the South Sudbury
and Wayland highway to Framiugham line, and from Heard's
Pond to Lowance Brook. Various changes have taken place
in this district, noticeable among which is the removal of the
school-house to its present location. It formerly stood on
501
502 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the town's common land, near the Coolidge place, between
the three roads, and was removed but a few years since. Its
predecessor was an old red structure built, probably, about
a century ago. We remember it as a nearly or quite square
building- with a roof sloping four ways and a small L for an
entry on the south. The windows were high, and on the
rude benches and desks were the signs of misspent hours,
where the idler with his jackknife had made his mark. As
the customs of district school life here wvere, probably, the
same in the other districts, we will allude briefly to some of
them. There were two terms in the year, called the " winter
school " and the " summer school." The former began the
first Monday in December and closed about the first of March.
The beginning and the ending were both great events. The
first was attended by early rising and repairing to the school-
house to get a "good seat." While propriety gave the back
seats to the elder scholars, the principle acted on was " first
come, first served." Weeks beforehand, books were put in
the desks as a kind of half claim, but the day the school was
opened the room was occupied long before daybreak. At
nine o'clock the schoolmaster appeared, sometimes attended
by the local " committee man." He at once became the
object of common and curious scrutiny, his sagacity, stature
and strength being then and there duly considered. The
names and ages of the scholars were then taken, and the
questions to each, "What have you studied?" " How far
have you been ? " " What studies do you expect to take ? "
were quickly put and answered, and the classes were formed.
The order of exercises in the morning was as follows : roll-
call, reading of the Scriptures, each scholar rising and read-
ing a verse in turn, prayer at the option of the master, and
classes in reading, arithmetic and writing, interrupted by a
short recess at half-past ten. In the afternoon the order was,
usually, reading, beginning with the first class, geography,
grammar, history and spelling. The recess was at half-past
two. The "nooning" was from twelve to one. This was
usually employed by the boys, in good weather, at ball,
"round ball "being the favorite. The Massachusetts Cen-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 503
tral Railroad now runs over the old ball-ground, which lay
east and west of the bridge.
Such was the usual routine as the weeks passed by. Now
and then some little episode would break in, as when the
" committee came in " or the school had a sleigh-ride some
bright winter's day, or a half holiday for some reason was
given. At the close of the term was examination day,
familiarly called the "last day." This was the great event
of the term, when the committee, and friends, and visitors
from other districts came in. The day before was always
devoted to washing and trimming the school-room. The
floor was scoured till it was almost white. The woods were
searched for evergreens, and wreaths and festoons were
made to decorate the nicely cleaned walls. When all was
completed, the weary workers sat down to a feast, made up
of pie and cake brought by the girls, and confectionery pur-
chased by the boys with a collection of small change. After
the recitations of examination day were over the committee
" made remarks," the clergyman offered prayer, and the
visitors retired. The master lingered for a time to make
some parting remarks, or perhaps to present a card or book
or bestow a reward for good conduct, and then "school was
done." The summer school was always taught by a woman,
and lasted two or three months. The older boys and girls
were kept at home this term to assist in the household and
on the farm.
Besides changes connected with the school, many others
have occurred in Lanham in the last hundred years. A
stone bridge has taken the place of the wooden one. On
the site of the Nahum Goodnow house, built in 1886, the
old house of John Goodnow the centenarian once stood.
The latter, built by Mr. Gooodnow when a young man, is
still standing a few rods to the north. At or near its present
site was a small building where Mr. Goodnow lived when
he first came to his Lanham estate. The lane, running-
westerly by Lanham meadows towards Lowance to William
Goodnow's, is old. On the north side of it various dwell-
ings once stood, a man named Gibbs living in one of them.
Near where the Brooks house now stands was the old Elisha
504 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Hunt homestead. Several generations of Hunts have lived
in this house, which was probably built at least one hundred
and fifty years ago. It is now moved easterly, to the north
side of the road, and is used as the farmhouse of the Brooks
estate. The first house on the place, tradition informs us,
was built of planks, and was half frame and half log house ;
it stood at or near the original site of the farmhouse. By
the roadside, at the corner a few rods west, was a small, low,
unpainted building consisting of two rooms, once used for a
school-house. At one time Isaac Mo*ore, a Revolutionary
soldier, lived there. His son, Warren, was in the privateer
service of 1812, and was made prisoner and taken to Dart-
moor Prison, England. In this district was the old Good-
no w Garrison. (See page 199.) In this district are several
clay -pits ; some are near Heard's Pond, and some are men-
tioned in the records as being near the town line. Lanham
brook is the lower part of Hop brook. Robinson brook,
near Green Hill, has its name from the Robinson family,
which lived south of the road on the east bank of the brook.
The Massachusetts Central Railroad station in this district
is called East Sudbury.
SOUTH-WEST DISTRICT.
This district has also been called Peakham. It is stated
that a man by the name of Peakham once owned a little land
in that part of Sudbury, and that the land was called after
the name of its owner ; from which circumstance the whole
locality thereabouts came to be called Peakham. The area
embraced in the original limits of this district is large, but
it contains neither post office, village, nor even any consider-
able hamlet. The school-house is situated a little northerly
of the South Sudbury and Marlboro road, and was built
towards forty years ago. A school-house has stood on the
spot at least a hundred years. Latterly, the school was called
the " Wayside Inn School," but for several years it has been
discontinued, and the scholars being few are carried to South
Sudbury.
Formerly, children attended the Peakham school from as
far south and east as the Brown farms near the Framing-
RESIDENCE OF NAHUM GOODNOW
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 505
ham line, and from as far north as the Perry and Moore
places. This district lies along a large share of the town's
western border, but is perhaps at no point more thickly in-
habited than within a half mile of the school-house. The
Massachusetts Central Railroad runs through it, and has a
station called the " Wayside Inn Station." The situation of
this depot is exceptionally secluded, no other building being
in sight on account of the woods by which it is nearly sur-
rounded. The district has several places of considerable
historical interest, and has been the birthplace and home of
some of Sudbury's most prominent men. Here is " Howe's
Tavern " or the " Wayside Inn." (See chapter on Taverns).
Here is the old Walker Garrison House, and the sites of the
Parmenter and old Brown garrisons. (See Chapter XI.)
Here, at Nobscot, was the house of John Nixon, and here
was the small-pox hospital. For years there were three
mills in this district, — Howe's, Dutton's and Moore's. The
first, early in the century, was owned by Buckley Howe,
and still earlier by Joseph Howe. It was for years a grist-
mill only, but subsequently it was made use of by J. C.
Howe as a manufactory of shoe nails. It stands on Hop
Brook a short distance above the Wayside Inn, and was the
most westerly mill on this stream in town.
Dutton's mill was built by Joel and Samuel Knights about
1780. They also owned and used it. About the same time
they established a West India goods store on the " Dutton
farm." Moore's or Pratt's mill was erected about 1740, by
Daniel Woodward, its first owner, who died in 1760 In
1794, it was called Perry's saw-mill. Mr. Woodward also,
about one hundred and fifty 3rears ago, built the house occu-
pied by Capt. James Moore, whose grandfather married Mr.
Woodward's daughter. At first this mill was only a saw-
mill, but in 1830 a shingle mill was started there, and in 1837
a grist and bolting mill were put in by Ephraim and James
Moore, who divided the property in 1848. Colonel Ephraim
Moore used the mill until about twenty-five years ago, since
which time it has been owned by S. B. Rogers, and latterly
owned and used by Nathan Pratt.
Heavy timber once grew on the Peakham district. (See
506 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Chapter I.) These lands, though some of them sandy and
light, have yet been fairly productive by the diligence and
thrift of its inhabitants. In the hundred years last past,
great changes have taken place in the occupants of old home-
steads.
The following are some of these changes, as given by Capt.
James Moore when over eighty years of age. In the left
column are present or late owners or occupants, and opposite,
in the right column, are the earlier owners or occupants of
the same places.
Newton and Spencer Brown. Samuel Brown.
Hubbard Brown. John Brown.
Luther Cutting. William Brown, brother of John.
John Dakin. Caleb Brown, later Abel Dakin.
The above farms were probably one estate originally, and
belonged to William Brown, an early grantee. (See Chap-
ter III.)
Nahum Goodnow. Isaac Gibbs.
George Stone. Wm. Stone, Innholder. (See chapter on Taverns.)
Above the Stone place, on the left of the road that goes to
the north, was the Jeduthan Moore farm. Two old, unpainted
buildings stood there until within thirty or forty years.
Jonathan Bacon. Ri'V) later, Joel Jones.
Near the junction of the South Sudbury and Marlboro
road with the road to the school-house, was a house owned
by a man named Dalyrimple.
Abel Willis. Ezekiel Loring.
Beyond the Willis place was the Dutton house now re-
moved. Next to the Dutton house, on the corner, and now
removed, was a house formerly occupied by Peter Willard,
carpenter.
Abel Parmenter. Peletiah Parmenter.
This was an old Garrison House. (See Chapter XI.)
Addison Parmenter. Jedediah Parmenter, brother of Peletiah.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 507
The next building is the Wayside Inn.
Calvin Howe. David Howe.
West of Nobscot Hill there was a house destroyed by fire
which was formerly occupied by David Howe.
Otis Parmenter. Israel Parmenter (original owner).
In a lane near the Dutton place was a farm once owned
by Caleb Clark, but now a part of the Dutton place.
Solomon Dulton. Samuel Knight of Charlestown (original owner).
Abiathar Carr. Plympton (original owner).
Willard Walker. Deacon Thomas Walker (Garrison).
Above the Willard Walker place was the Abner Walker
place, buildings now gone.
Madison Parmenter. Micah Parmenter (original owner).
Abijah Walker. Oliver Morse.
Hayden farm. William Hayden.
Back of Hayden's farm lived John Moore, grandfather
of Deputy Sheriff John B. Moore of Concord. (Building
now gone.)
Joseph Noyes. Eliab Hayden.
Dudley place. Benjamin Dudley.
Perry place. Ebenezer Perry (original owner).
Woodward Moore. Daniel Woodward Moore.
Capt. James Moore. Daniel Woodward.
This house is in point of age perhaps second or third in
Sudbury. Cider-mills once stood in this district at the
houses of Buckley Howe, David Howe at Nobscot, Micah
Parmenter, Paul Walker, Capt. James Moore, John Brown,
and at the Wayside Inn. A prominent person who lives in
this district, and one of the oldest citizens of the town, is
Capt. James Moore. He is a descendant on his mother's
side of Daniel Woodward, before mentioned as the builder of
Moore's Mill. For years Captain Moore was one of the
town's selectmen and moderator of its meetings.
508 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
THE NORTH-WEST DISTRICT.
This district formerly bordered on Concord and Stow, but
when Maynard was set off, about two thousand acres of it
became a part of that town. This locality was a school dis-
trict for probably at least a hundred and fifty years. The
school-house stood in about the centre of the district, by the
county roadside, not far from the Balcom estate. As only a
part of the original district comes within the present town
limits, only a few facts about it will here be stated. The
village of Assabet, now Maynard, was for years the com-
mercial centre. A paper-mill was built there about seventy
years ago, it is supposed, by William May, and a grocery
store was kept by J. Sawyer. Near Jewell's mills, over the
river, a saw-mill once stood, and there was also on a brook
near the Daniel Puffer house another mill, which was con-
nected with the farm. It had but little head of water, and
because it ran slowly the people used to start it and then go
to their work. A tavern was kept nearly ninety years ago
at what has since been the Levi Smith place. But the old-
time tavern best known in the district was kept by Jonathan
Rice. It was an inn for about a hundred years. Says an old
resident, " The last quarter of the last century on the very
old Concord and Marlboro road then much travelled, now
almost deserted, in the west part of Sudbury, was the noted
Rice tavern, kept by the same family as early or earlier than
1750. Col. Jonathan Rice was the last proprietor, and closed
it about 1815." The building stands just north of the
present town bounds.
The oldest house in the district is supposed to be the
Daniel or Jabez Puffer house. It is not known when or by
whom it was built, but it is surmised to have been built by a
Pratt, Puffer oi Wedge. Some of the earlier occupants of
this district were Jonathan Rice, Jabez Puffer and Peter
Smith ; other early occupants were Amos, Asahel and Heze-
kiah Smith, Richard Taylor, Mathias Rice, Jonas Balcom,
Wedge, Ephraim Pratt, William Rice ; and still later,
but yet early, Benjamin Smith, Henry Vose, Ithamer Rice,
HISTORY OE SUDBURY. 509
Abijah Brigham, Joel, Micah and Asa Balcora, Loring
Wheeler, Daniel and Reuben Puffer and Abel Willis.
THE NORTH-EAST OR PANTRY DISTRICT.
Another district in Sudbury is that which has been famil-
iarly called the " Pantry School District." This is in the
north-easterly part of the town, and takes in the region about
the head of " Gulf Meadow " and of a small stream called
"Pantry Brook." The district may have been named after
the aforesaid brook, but whence the name of the brook,
probably no one knows. It may be from a shortening of the
term Pine-tree.
A natural feature of the district is the extensive " Gulf
Meadows," which at high water are overflowed in places,
nearly up to the county road. This district is sparsely
peopled, if we exclude the village of North Sudbury, which
is now hardly within its limits. It has neither store, shop,
nor mill, but scattered about it are well-kept homesteads and
farms, where live a thrifty and industrious people. A saw-
mill stood by the brook many years ago. The northern
branch of the Old Colony Railroad passes through the
locality, and has a station which is called North Sudbury.
About a half mile southerly of the station is a school-house,
and about an equal distance north-easterly is the North Sud-
bury cemetery. One of the marked changes of this district
in the past quarter century is the removal of the " Old
Pantry School-House," a place once dear to many an inhabi-
tant now middle aged or already grown old. This school-
house formerly stood at the road corners near the Pantry
bridge, and was latterly like others of the town, a one-story,
white building, with two doors towards the south. There for
years the youth of the " North part " went to school. From
the east and north they came, from nearly as far as the town
line, and from the south and west from half to three-quarters
this distance. But the children of this district go to school
at that spot no more.
A few 'years since, the old school-house was moved and
became the depot of the Old Colony Railroad, and has since
510 HISTOKY OF SUDBURY.
been destroyed by fire. Its former site remains unmolested
as the town's common land ; and the place once merry with
the shouts of glad school children is now' voiceless, save as
the words of the transient traveller break the silence of the
play-ground of this old-time school. The routine of school
life here was doubtless like that of the other school districts,
and such as is described in our sketch of " Lanham." It
may not however be inappropriate to introduce here a poetic
description by Hon. C. F. Gerry, an old pupil of "Pantry."
PANTRY SCHOOL.
I'm thinking of the school-house, Ned,
Where, sitting side by side,
We studied Webster's spelling-book,
And laughed o'er Gilpin's ride ;
And traded jackknives now and then,
When not engaged in play,
And got our jackets nicely warmed,
How often I'll not say.
I'm thinking of the roadside green,
Of every tree and nook,
And how, in sultry hours of noon,
We swam in Pantry Brook ;
And, when upon the casement came
The ruler's tattoo loud,
How each of us in passing in
Took off his hat and bowed.
I'm thinking of the benches rude,
And desks so broad and steep,
On which we left our autographs,
In letters wide and deep ;
And of my first new writing-book,
Without a stain or spot,
So soon adorned, on every page,
With many an off-hand blot.
I'm thinking of the " Old Slough," Ned,
Whose waters dark and cool
So often laved our sunburnt feet,
While on the way to school ;
On whose warm rim the tadpoles lay,
In spring-time, many a score,
While golden lilies richly bloomed
In summer, near the shore.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 511
I'm thinking of the forest hoar
Where fir-trees densely grew,
And tired feet in mosses sank,
While hunting gum to chew ;
"And of the pleasant meadows, where,
On many a scattered tree,
The red-winged blackbird sang in spring,
His love song, " Quonk-a-ree."
I'm thinking of the hour-glass, Ned,
With sands so white and fine,
On which our teacher smiling gazed,
As neared the hour to dine ;
But feel my sands are wasting, Ned,
For oft the children say,
While fondling them upon my knee,
" Papa, you're growing gray."
A short distance from the North Sudbury Depot is the old
residence of the late Israel Haynes, who, it is said, cast the
decisive vote that elected Charles Sumner to the United
States Senate.
Mr. Haynes was an old -line Democrat, and that year
represented Sudbury at the General Court. When the vote
was taken for Senator there was for a time no choice ; but
Mr. Haynes liked the young man Sumner, and he changed
the equipoised balance by a break from the party vote. By
this ballot Sumner went to the United States Senate, where
he championed liberty's cause and stirred up those elements
that burst forth into civil war, which made our whole land
free. What an influence thus went out from this quiet
place, and how changed our nation's history by this silent
act ! Mr. Haynes belonged to the old Haynes family
of Sudbury and had a numerous progeny, some of whom
still live on the old estate. On the Haynes farm, and south
of the homestead, perhaps forty or fifty rods distant, once
stood a block house. It was a small structure, heavily built,
and demolished nearly a century ago. This doubtless was
the stronghold for the neighborhood in the Indian war. (See
page 200.) South-westerly of the depot a half mile or more
is the Town Farm, or the " Poor Establishment," as it is
sometimes called. In the southerly part of the district, on
512 HISTOKY OF SUDBURY.
the estate of the late William Hunt, stood the old residence
of Rev. Israel Loring. The building was latterly an old red
structure with a long slope roof at the back, and was used
for years by Mr. Hunt as a lodging place for some of the
town's poor, under the system of boarding paupers at the
lowest price bid. Such are some of the features of " Pantry,"
as it is and was, in the not far distant past. Like other
districts, it is dear to many who remember the days of the
old district schools, but the reminiscences that are rich about
it are passing or are passed away with the generations to
which they belonged.
THE GRAVEL PIT.
Another locality of interest, though not called a district,
is the vicinity of the old causeway or gravel pit. The place
is partly in Wayland, the town line running nearly midway
of it. It takes its name from the gravelly bank by the road-
side, from which the town has taken gravel for public pur-
poses from the time of its settlement. Repeatedly on the
records, as the years passed by, has the term Gravel Pit been
inscribed ; and one objection of the East Side people to the
division of the town was that by such an event they would
lose the gravel pit. The locality had early occupation, and
is often referred to, but outside the records little is left to
indicate what it has been. The natural objects remain, but
persons and their dwelling-places have passed away. There,
was probably the west side of the ferry, before the build-
ing of the causeway. Peter Noyes's boat may have been
moored to those meadow banks, when it furnished the main
means of transit to the town's early grantees as they went
to the West Side. Before the town was divided into two
parochial precincts, an effort was made to have a meeting-
house built there. (See page 289.) There was the begin-
ning of the old Lancaster road which went to " Nashuway "
(Lancaster). There the road started that went to Noyes's
mill at Hop Brook ; and, from that point, a meadow path
was laid out north and south over which the people hauled
their hay. Several taverns have been kept there. During
the Revolution a man named Wheeler kept a tavern there.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 513
The house stood on the Thomas Battles place, which was
formerly owned by John Taylor, and since, by the Wheeler
Haynes heirs. It was burned down years ago. Later, a
tavern was kept by Abel Cutler, and at another time by a
Mr. Carter. A school-house was once located there, and
a blacksmith's shop used by Mr. William Brown, and
Thomas Plympton kept a store there. Near the gravel pit
is a place once called " Judge's Point." There, by the hill-
side, Micah Goodnow, a fisherman, lived, whom they called
" Judge," which circumstance probably gave a name to the
place. On the upland, not far from the training-field and
northerly or north-easterly of it, is a spot where, tradition
says, an Indian is buried. It is said he was shot from the
east side of the river as he was exploring thereabout in a
time of hostility, and that the gun is now in possession of
John Morse, son of Noyes Morse of Wayland. It is a long,
heavy piece, a rare specimen of firearm, and has been in the
Noyes family for successive generations.
The vicinity of this section is memorable in connection
with the Revolutionary period. South-westerly on the hill,
about a quarter of a mile away, were the government store-
houses. (See period 1775-1800.) The land about the place
was called Training-field Hill, the town owning about an acre
there for training purposes. At one time a muster was held
there. At the beginning of the present century there was
an old, low building standing on or very near the spot where
the George Taylor house stands ; in this house some of the
government guard were boarded. The town's eastern
boundary, as it runs through this locality, turns abruptly
towards Wayland, takes in a small space, and then goes on
in its regular course. The occasion of this was as follows :
when the town was divided, a remonstrance was made by
the inhabitants of the West Side, because, among other rea-
sons, they would lose their training-field. Remonstrance
was also made to the division by Caleb Wheeler, who stren-
uously opposed having his farm of forty-three acres included
within the limits of East Sudbury. It is supposed that, to
compromise matters and so adjust things as to secure a
division, the whole farm and the training-field were allowed
514 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
to remain in Sudbury. At various times, propositions have
been made for straightening the line, but all efforts to accom-
plish it have thus far failed. The piece of land is triangular
shaped, situated on Sand Hill, and the South Sudbury and
Wayland highway passes through it. It belongs to the Fan-
farm, and is still called the " Wheeler place."
CHAPTER XXIX.
1850-1875.
The Wadsworth Monument. — Petition to the Legislature. — Response. —
Description ot the Monument. — The old Slate Stone. — Fac-simile
of it. — dedication of the Monument. — Dismission of Rev. Josiah
Ballard. — Sketch of his Life. — Ordination of Rev. Charles V. Spear.
— His Dismission. — Installation of Rev. Erastus Dickinson. — His
Dismission. — Sketch of his Life. — Rev. Webster Patterson. — Set-
tlement of Rev. Philander Thurston. — His Dismission. — Sketch of
Rev. George A. Oviatt. — Rev. Calvin Fitts. — Rev. David Goodale.
— Rev. Warren Richardson. — Deacons. — Donation of Samuel Dana
Hunt. — Bequest of Miss Emily Thompson. — Gifts from Mrs. Abigail
Smith and Miss Ruth Carter. — Wadsworth Academy. — Congrega-
tional Chapel. — Changes in School Districts. — In School-Houses. —
Numbering the Districts. — The Goodnow Library. — The Building.
— The Donor. — Incorporation of Maynard. — The Framingham and
Lowell Railroad. — The Massachusetts Central Railroad. — Miscella-
neous.
Look, how they come, — a mingled crowd
Of bright and dark, but rapid days ;
Beneath them, like a summer cloud,
The wide world changes as I gaze.
Bryant.
The period between 1850 and 1875 was an eventful one
to the country. In it occurred the great and calamitous
Civil War ; and Sudbury, in common with other towns, bore
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 515
a share in the toil and the sorrow that were incident to it.
Before, however, entering upon this subject we will give the
annals of the town exclusive of those relating to the war.
In presenting these, we shall, in some instances, make our
narrative more consecutive by mentioning events that oc-
curred outside the period.
THE WADSWORTH MONUMENT.
An important event that occurred early in the last half of
the present century was the erection of the Wadsworth
Monument. February, 1852, a petition was presented to the
Legislature of this Commonwealth, in which, after a brief
rehearsal of the events in connection with the Wadsworth
fight, the petitioners say " that a small, temporary monu-
ment was erected many years ago by the Rev. Benjamin
Wadsworth, President of Harvard College, over the grave
of his father, Captain Wadsworth, and his associates in arms.
Said monument being in a dilapidated condition, it is desir-
able that it be rebuilt in a more durable form. Wherefore,
at a legal town-meeting held for that purpose, your peti-
tioners were chosen for a committee and instructed to
petition your Honorable body for aid in erecting a suitable
monument to the memory of said officers and men."
Signed, " Drury Fairbank and thirteen others."
The committee on military affairs, to which was referred
this petition, in closing their report say : " The petitioners
further state that said monument, which still bears the
names of those brave officers, is now in a dilapidated condi-
tion, and must soon go to destruction unless some immediate
measures are taken to rebuild it ; and that the inhabitants
of Sudbury, being actuated by a strong desire to preserve it,
are willing to defray a portion of the expense attending its
rebuilding, if the State will aid them in so doing ; although,
independent of the fact of its being located within the limits
of their town, they feel no greater interest in its preserva-
tion than should be felt by every patriotic citizen of the
Commonwealth. Your committee concur with the petitioners
on this point. True, the monument is intimately connected
with the early history of Sudbury ; but is it not also cpuite
516 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
as intimately connected with the history of the State ? And
should not every son of Massachusetts venerate and hold
sacred these ancient landmarks, so to speak, wherever upon
her soil they are found, which serve so forcibly to remind
him of the struggles, the trials, and the valor of his fore-
fathers ? . . . They do not ask the State to erect a new
monument over the remains of those who survived a san-
guinary strife, and died among their own kindred and friends
after a long enjoyment of that for which they contended ;
nor do they ask to have such a monument erected away
from the scene of that strife ; but they ask that the State
will aid them in the discharge of a duty which they feel
belongs to every patriotic citizen of the Commonwealth, —
that of endeavoring to preserve from destruction a simple
and not expensive monument, built by their forefathers
nearly a century and a quarter ago, over the single grave of
the twenty-nine gallant men whose memory it was designed
to perpetuate, and upon the very spot where their lives were
sacrificed in the service of their country, and which is fast
going to decay. Your committee are of the opinion that this
case . . . has no precedent and can establish none. And,
even if it should establish a precedent, it is a good one, and
one which should be followed in all similar cases, if any such
should be hereafter presented, for it would be an indelible
stain upon the escutcheon of Massachusetts and a source of
the deepest mortification to her sons, if a single spark of
patriotic feeling remained in their bosoms, if these sacred
memorials of her past history were permitted to go to
destruction, merely because their preservation would involve
the expenditure of a few paltry dollars from the public
treasury." Accompanying this report is the resolve, "That
a sum, not exceeding five hundred dollars in all, be and the
same is hereby appropriated towards defraying the expense
of repairing or rebuilding, in a substantial manner, the mon-
ument in the town of Sudbury, erected by President Wads-
worth of Harvard College, about the year 1730, to the
memory of Capt. Samuel Wadsworth and a large number of
other officers and soldiers and others in the service of the
colony, who were slain upon the spot marked by the monu-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 517
ment, ... in the defence of that town against the Indians,
— the said sum to be expended under the direction of His
Excellency the Governor, in connection with a committee of
said town of Sudbury."
Agreeable to the foregoing resolve, at a legal town-meeting
held June 14, 1852, it was voted that Nahum Thompson,
Drury Fairbank, Ephraiin Moore, Enoch Kidder and J. R.
Vose be a committee to superintend the building of the
Wadsworth Monument. It was then voted to appropriate
a sum of money, sufficient to complete said monument and
finish about the same, out of any unappropriated money in
the Treasury, said sum not to exceed five hundred dollars.
His Excellency George S. Boutwell, then Governor of this
Commonwealth, in connection with the committee of the
town, " procured a handsome monument, consisting of three
large square blocks of granite, one and one-half, two, and
three feet thick, raised one above the other; from the upper
one of which risesa granite shaft, tapering towards the top;
the whole being twenty-one and one-half feet in height. On
the front of the centre block appears the following inscription :
This monument is erected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
and the town of Sudbury, in grateful remembrance of the services and
suffering of the founders of the State, and especially in honor of
Capt. Samuel Wadsworth, of Milton ;
Capt. Brocklebank, of Rowley ;
Lieut. Sharp, of Brookline ;
and twenty six others, men of their command, who fell near this spot, on
the 18th of April, 1676, while defending the frontier settlements against
the allied Indian forces of Philip of Pokanoket.
1852.
(The date of the fight as above given is incorrect : see
page 218.)
In front of the monument is the slate stone which stood at
the head of the old grave. " There is, in the rooms of a
Boston Society, a broken slab, which is an exact facsimile of
the lower part of this stone, and is claimed by some to be the
original erected by President Wadsworth over the remains
of his dead father and the men who fell with him. But
518 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
there are no records or traditions to identify it, and the only
mode of accounting for its existence is by supposing that a
slab, first made, was accidentally broken in the stone-yard
in Boston, and that the broken piece found its way into the
collection, while another was made and sent to Sudbury
where it has ever since remained." This monument is firmly
set upon a foundation of split stone, six feet thick, five feet
of which are covered with earth. At the foot of the monu-
ment, in front, was an aperture through which the remains
of the ancient martyrs, which had been disinterred, were
deposited in the tomb, after which it was hermetically sealed.
The monument is surrounded by a handsome iron railing
twenty feet square, durably and strongly set. The whole
cost of monument, fence, and grading was one thousand and
fifty dollars. The foregoing quotations concerning the mon-
ument, and the following account of the dedication, are taken
from a Report, published by the town in 1853 : —
"This new tribute to the memory of our fathers was dedi-
cated on the 23d of November, A.D., 1852. There would,
probably, have been a very full attendance had it not been
for a steady, continued snow-storm through the day.
" A number of military companies had been expected, and
had the day been pleasant the ceremony would have been
imposing. As it was, the affair went off well.
" At a little after ten o'clock a procession was formed at
the Town Hall, under the marshalship of Col. Drury Fair-
bank, in the following order : —
"Sudbury Brass Band, Marshall Eaton, leader ; Sudbury
Wadsworth Rifle Guards, in grey uniform and full numbers,
commanded by Capt. Ephraim Moore ; this corps marched and
looked well, and the band attached performed excellently,
although it has been formed scarcely a year; carriages con-
taining His Excellency George S. Boutwell, Governor of this
Commonwealth, and the invited guests ; citizens on foot.
The procession moved over the road to Saxonville, south-
ward, and within a mile of the Town Hall, turned to the
left, where, in the rear of a newly located burying-ground,
appeared a neat granite column. It was in this vicinity that
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 519
the event which the ceremonies of the day commemorated
took place ; the scalped and mangled bodies of Captain
Wadsworth and his command having been found scattered
over a small space of ground in the brushwood. After
marching around the monument, the procession moved back
to the Town Hall, the upper floor of which was soon thronged
with many hundred guests, nearly one-half of whom were
ladies. The remains of the ancient dead were then brought
in, and the six boxes containing them deposited in the hall
near the door. These remains are in a remarkable state of
preservation, many teeth being perfect, and the skulls and
other bones of several bear the marks of the Indian bullet
and the Indian tomahawk, the evidence of blows that fell
one hundred and seventy-four years ago.
" The medical gentlemen who have had the care of these
bones since their disinterment are Dr. O. O. Johnson of Mill
Village, Sudbury, and Dr. Goodnough ; they hud twenty-
seven pairs of thigh bones and fragments of two pairs more,
corresponding to the number of men that are mentioned by
history as having been slain. In one skull there is a hole
half an inch wide and several inches long, directly over the
temple in the left side of the top of the head, answering
exactly to the size of a tomahawk blade ; in another, the
lower jaw shows a similar aperture below the teeth where
the weapon has crushed in sideways. But the most remark-
able thing is the completeness of the teeth ; and in the left
side of the lower jaw of one skull two of the teeth are worn
down, as if by the constant use of a pipe, making a semi-
circular cavity, the surface of which is perfectly smooth.
The jaw indicated an aged man. One of the skulls was,
evidently, that of a young man, the wisdom teeth not having
been cut, but the majority were all of middle age, and the
size of the bones of all gave evidence that, if they were not
picked men, the trials of a colonist's life and the rough
training of the early settlers was calculated to develop the
physical nature of our ancestors in high perfection.
" As soon as the Chief Marshal had arranged the audi-
ence and obtained silence, Nahum Thompson, the President
of the Day, arose and said: Fellow Citizens, — we have
520 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
assembled upon this interesting occasion to recall to our
minds the services and sufferings of our forefathers, those
devoted men, who sacrificed their lives that they might be-
come, as it were, stepping-stones to the attainment of those
innumerable and inestimable blessings and privileges, both
civil and religious, which we their descendants are permitted
to enjoy, and to dedicate to their memory yonder monument,
that Granite Pillar, durable as the names of Wadsworth,
Brocklebank and Sharp are imperishable ; in doing this, it
becometh us to acknowledge Him whose superintending
providence has continually been over us ; I would therefore
introduce to ou the Rev. Linus H. Shaw, who will address
the Throne of Grace that God's mercy still rest upon us.
The reverend gentleman made a very appropriate prayer ; a
hymn was then read by Rev. C. V. Spear and sung by all
present to the tune of ' Old Hundred.'
" His Excellency George S. Boutwell was then introduced,
and made an address."
The proceedings which followed the address are thus de-
scribed in the published account of the exercises : —
" The company then adjourned to the lower room of the
Hall, where dinner had been prepared by Mr. Wright, at
which a blessing was invoked by the Rev. Mr. Spear and
thanks returned by Rev. Mr. Lee. The entertainment was
good, though the guests were not numerous and no speeches
were made. It had been originally intended to have the
dinner near the monument in Mr. Wright's tent, which had
been erected ; but early in the morning, after everything had
been prepared for the reception of fifteen hundred guests,
the irons which fastened the upper part of the canvas to the
masts suddenly unbent, in consequence of the immense
weight of snow which had covered the tent, and the awning,
with its superincumbent weight of snow, fell upon and cov-
ered the tables. No damage will accrue, except the breaking
of a small quantity of crockery and glass ware.
" The dinner being over, all present reascended to the
upper hall, where the bones were exhibited to the multitude,
after which the boxes were removed, and the regular toasts of
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 521
the day were read by Nahum Thompson, Esq., and responded
to by the band, so that all present were entertained with a
succession of military pieces, well played, for the space of
over an hour. At half-past four o'clock the Governor with-
drew and returned to Boston. After the regular toasts had
been read and volunteer sentiments had been called for, Col.
Winthrop E. Faulkner of Acton, having stated some facts
respecting the action that resulted in the death of Captain
Wadsworth and his company, gave the following sentiment:
" ' The sons of Sudbury. — May they be as marked for
martial courage, for prompt and vigorous action and true
republican principles, as were those whose remains have just
been removed to their last resting-place.'
"To this, Colonel Fairbanks, the Marshal of the day,
responded.
" The clergyman of the Orthodox Society in town, Rev.
Mr. Spear, then — having alluded to the unique character and
great interest of the occasion, as the dedication of a monu-
ment commemorating an event, the earliest in our history
thus commemorated, and having referrred to the interesting
character of Governor Boutwell's Address — gave the fol-
lowing : ' The Orator of the day. — He deserves our warmest
thanks for his lucid and deeply interesting sketches of the
times and the scenes passed through, the causes of alienation
which operated, and the characters developed and exhibited,
during the progress of King Philip's War.'
"Mr. S. D. Hunt of Concord then, by a well-timed classic
allusion, complimenting the band which had contributed so
much to the interest of the occasion, gave, as the closing
sentiment, the following : —
"'The Sudbury Brass Band. — May their shadow never
be less.'
" The occasion went off well, under the care of the follow-
ing gentlemen : —
" Committee of Arrangements. — Asahel Balcom, Lyman
Howe, Abel B. Jones, Ephraim Stone, John P. Allen, in
addition to the Building Committee: Nahum Thompson,
Drury Fairbanks, Enoch Kidder, Ephraim Moore and Jona-
than R. Vose.
522 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
" Pall Bearers. — Tilly Smith, William Brigham, Israel
Haynes, David Lincoln, Charles Gerry, Asa Jones, Jonas
Tower, Jonathan Fairbanks.
" After the closing sentiment, the audience, which through-
out the exercises had given the most fixed attention, quietly
dispersed."
" The entire lot left by the proprietors for the Wads-worth
monument consists of a parallelogram ten rods by four." An
old deed mentions " the monument," meaning the old mound,
as being " marked out in an oblong or square just about the
centre of the farm." This was the Israel How Brown farm.
When the committee decided not to erect the monument on
the site of the old mound, but a little to one side (see page
250), they procured a piece of land of Mr. Brown, a portion
of which was taken for the enclosure that contains the monu-
ment. The avenue leading to it was opened about the same
time, and was a part of the same farm. In 1855, the select-
men were instructed " to plant trees around the monument
and on the avenue leading to it, the trees to be set at a dis-
tance of not more than thirty feet apart." A few years ago
a large white pine-tree stood within the enclosure easterly of
the monument, but it was struck by lightning and afterwards
cut down. The town expended over nine hundred and fifty
dollars, besides what was received from the State, in erecting
the monument and enclosing it with an iron fence.
ECCLESIASTICAL EVENTS.
During the third period of the century several changes
took place in the Evangelical Union Church. March 15,
1852, the society voted to concur with Mr. Ballard in calling
a council for his dismission, and his pastorate in Sudbury
soon after ceased. During the latter part of his ministry
here he lived at the present George Parmenter place, which
was then owned by several persons and leased for a par-
sonage. The following is a brief sketch of his life : —
REV. JOSIAH BALLARD.
Josiah Ballard was born at Peterboro, N. H., April 14,
1806. He learned the mason's trade, and worked at it for
<Ti
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/&<-^-.,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 523
some years. He fitted for college, completing his studies at
Munson Academy, and graduated at Yale in 1833. He
studied theology two years with Dr. Whiton of Antrim, N.H.,
and was licensed to preach in 1835. The same year he
married Elizabeth D., daughter of Rev. John Whiton, D.D.
He was settled at Chesterfield, N. H., then at Nelson, N. H.
He was installed at Sudbury, March 3, 1841, and dismissed
April, 1852. He was afterwards settled at New Ipswich,
N. H., and at Carlisle, Mass., at which latter place he died,
Dec. 12, 18G3, aged fifty-seven. He had two children, —
Edward 0. and Catherine E., both born at Nelson, N. H.
Mr. Ballard and his wife were buried at Carlisle, but were
afterwards removed, and laid, in accordance with their desire,
in the New Maplewood Cemetery at South Antrim, N. H.,
occupying one of the five family lots joining each other. Mr.
Ballard was much esteemed in Sudbury. His influence was
widely felt, and the remembrance of him was fondly
cherished for many years after he left town. He was a re-
served, dignified man, rather grave in manner and a hard
worker.
July 26, 1852, the society voted to extend a call to Rev.
Charles V. Spear, at a salary of 8650 ; and October 27 of
the same year he was ordained and installed. The minis-
ters who composed the council were as follows : Revs. John
Todd, D.D., of Pittsfield, E. Russell of East Randolph, J.
C. Bodwell of Framingham, Henry Allen of Wayland, W.
C. Jackson of Lincoln, L. H. Angier of Concord, J.
Ballard of New Ipswich, N. H., J. C. Woodbridge of
Auburndale, and B. G. Northrup of Saxonville. The sermon
was by Dr. Todd. Sept. 18, 1855, Mr. Spear was dismissed
on account of ill health ; and May 14, 1856, Rev. Erastus
Dickinson was called as his successor at a salary of $800.
The council of installation was as follows : Revs. R. S.
Storrs, D.D., of Braintree, Henry Allen of Wayland, Marcus
Ames of Westminster, Levi A. Fields of Marlboro, and C.
V. Spear of Pittsfield. The sermon was by Dr. Storrs. Mr.
Dickinson remained in the pastorate of the church till June
30, 1868, when he was dismissed. He was born at Plainfield,
Mass., and graduated at Amherst College in 1832. He
524 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
studied theology at Auburn Theological Seminary, and was
ordained at Canton, where he preached a year. Subse-
quently he was settled at Chaplin and at Colchester, Ct., and
Sudbury. While at the latter place he was sent as Repre-
sentative to the Legislature. On leaving Sudbury, his health
being somewhat impaired, he went to Lake wood, N. J.,
where he was postmaster fifteen years. He died Sept. 4,
1888, at the age of eighty-two.
From the time of Mr. Dickinson's dismission the pulpit
was most of the time supplied by Rev. Webster Patterson,
until the settlement of Rev. Philander Thurston, Feb. 1,
1870. The salary of Mr. Thurston was $1200. The install-
ing council was composed of the Revs. T. D. P. Stone of
Assabet, M. J. Savage of Framingham, C. H. Williams of
Concord, A. S. Hudson of Burlington, E. R. Drake of Way-
land, G. G. Phipps of Wellesley, and H. J. Richardson of
Lincoln. The sermon was by Dr. J. M. Manning of Boston.
Rev. Mr. Thurston was dismissed Sept. 22, 1874. Shortly
after the close of this pastorate, Rev. George A. Oviatt
became acting pastor of the church, and continued to serve
in that capacity for a period of eight years. As a pastor he
was kind and sympathetic, and one of those men who never
grow old. Jan. 1, 1883, being enfeebled by sickness, he
asked to be released from his charge, and the request was
reluctantly granted. He had been a preacher for half a cen-
tury, and had held five pastorates, — at Belchertown and
Chicopee, Somers and Talcottville, Conn., and Sudbury. He
was one year Secretary of the American Sunday-School
Union, and three years engaged in mission work in Boston.
The Shawmut Church, Boston, was organized as the result
of his labors. In the War of the Rebellion he went to
Louisiana in the division of General Banks, as chaplain of
the 25th Connecticut Regiment. In that service he lost his
health and it was never fully regained. He died at Sudbury,
June 1, 1883, aged seventy-six, and was buried at Mount
Auburn.
Rev. Calvin Fitts preached for a few months after Mr.
Oviatt resigned, and died at Sudbury in the fall of 1883.
Rev. David W. Goodale commenced preaching in June, 1884,
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 525
and remained about three years. Rev. Warren Richardson,
the present acting pastor, commenced his term bf service in
the fall of 1887.
The following persons have served as deacons in the Con-
gregational Church : Gardner Hunt, Thomas L. Dakin,
Thomas P. Hurlbut, Emory Hunt, Benjamin H. Richardson,
Francis F. Walker. The last two are in service at the pres-
ent time.
Aug. 10, 1874, the society voted to accept of one thousand
dollars donated by Samuel Dana Hunt, for " the preaching
of the Gospel essentially in its present doctrine or belief."
If the church was ever removed to South Sudbury, or a new
name given it, the gift was to remain.
In 1881, the society voted to accept of a bequest by Miss
Emily Thompson. A gift was also received of Mrs. Abigail
Smith of Sudbury, and one hundred dollars of Miss Ruth
Carter.
EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.
Considerable change occurred in educational matters dur-
ing this period. One important event was the establishment
of Wadsworth Academy.
WADSWORTH ACADEMY.
In 1856, measures were taken to establish an academy at
South Sudbury. A corporation was formed, the object of
which was to hold property, consisting of a building, land,
and suitable fixtures for educational and religious purposes.
The design of the projectors of the enterprise was to erect a
building, the upper part of which could be used for a school,
and the lower part for social and religious services. There
had been no hall at "Mill Villiage," as South Sudbury was
then called, except one over the "old wheelwright's shop,"
where sometimes a meeting was held on Sabbath, evenings,
and occasionally a private school was kept, where the tuition
was ninepence a week. This hall was low and dilapidated,
and reached by a flight of stairs on the outside, and wholly
unfit for public use. Besides the need of a hall was the need
of a higher school than was provided by the town. To meet
526 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
these needs a corporation was formed, the capital stock of
which was three thousand dollars. The parties who com-
posed it, and the number of shares taken by each were as
follows : Samuel D. Hunt, three shares ; Dexter C. Jones,
three; Gardner Hunt, one and one-half; Samuel Puffer,
three; A. B. Richardson, three; Charles Hunt, three;
Joseph Richardson, three ; Walter Rogers, six ; Samuel
Rogers, three ; Emory Hunt, three ; George Parmentcr,
three ; Levi Goodenough, three ; Roland Cutler, six ; Eliza-
beth Hunt, one and one-half ; Nancy J. Moore, three ; J. D.
and C. A. Cutter, three ; Abigail B. Brown, three ; Arthur
Bo wen, three.
The first meeting was held March 11, 1857, and the fol-
lowing officers were elected : President, Dr. Levi Good-
enough ; Directors, Roland Cutler, Samuel Puffer ; Treas-
urer, Samual D. Hunt. The land was purchased of
Nichols B. Hunt, and the building was erected by Arthur
Bowen of South Sudbury. It was two stories high, had a
colonade in front and faced the west. It was named in
honor of Captain Wadsworth. Among the studies pursued
in the school were the higher mathematics, the classics,
French, drawing and painting. The tuition varied with the
studies taken. The first teacher was Erastus N. Fay,
formerly teacher of the Wayland High School, and graduate
of Dartmouth College. Then followed Mr. James Russell,
a graduate of Amherst College, Miss Lydia R. Draper
(Mrs. A. S. Hudson), a graduate of New Hampton Sem-
inary, Miss S. Jennie Holden (Mrs. E. P. Tenney), Miss
Gibbs, Mr. Charles Rogers, a graduate of Middleton Uni-
versity, Conn., Mr. Edwin Hunt, a graduate of Amherst
College, and Miss Sarah Russell. After a time the school
ceased to exist as an academy. It had done its work of
affording advanced educational privileges to a class of young
men and women, some of whom had entered higher institu-
tions of learning, others had become school teachers, and
others still had entered upon the practical duties of life in
the household, or on the farm, or in some branch of business
or trade. The need of an academy having been met, the
demand for its continuance ceased, and the rooms were used
THE .WADSWORTH ACADEMY,
S i. Litli Sudbury
From an original sketch by A S Hudson
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 527
for one of the town's common schools. A few years later the
building was destroyed by fire, and on its site was erected a
Congregational chapel in 1880 ; but, though the old academy
has passed away, there are some who trace their success and
many of life's pleasant relations to their beginnings in that
peaceful spot.
Important changes took place during this period in con-
nection with the common schools. Old districts were di-
vided, and new ones were formed ; old school-houses were
moved and new ones built. A large share of the territory of
the north-west district was taken from Sudbury by the
incorporation of Maynard ; but in the districts that remained
the schools and school-houses increased. The centre school-
house, that had stood on the common, was moved to its
present location south of the Methodist meeting-house, and
after its removal was fitted up for the use of two schools, —
a primary and grammar. In 18G8, the Lanham school-house
was moved from the road corners by the Coolidge place to its
present location, north of the Boston and Worcester highway,
on land that once belonged to the Goodnow farm. In 1869,
eight hundred dollars was granted for repairs on the south-
west school-house. In 1870, the town voted to build a new
school-house in the north-east district, to be located at or
near the junction of Puffer Lane and the north road. The
building was erected at a cost of $2884.82. The same year
measures were taken for the removal of the old Pantry
school-house, and the result was that a new school-house was
built in the southerly portion of the north-east district, and
the Pantry school-house was moved and became the depot of
the Framingham & Lowell Railroad. The new school-house
was located near the house of Alfred Thompson, and cost
$3825.23. About the same time the town voted to build a
school-house in the west part of the town in a locality where,
hitherto, there had been none. It was erected on the Bos-
ton and Berlin road, near the house of John Coughlin, at a
cost of $2508.77. The building committee rendered their
report to the town March 4, 1872, and at the same meeting
the committee appointed to number the school districts
reported that plates had been procured, lettered and num-
528 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
bered at a cost of $7.50, and that commencing with the
centre district, which they designated as number one, the
committee next proceeded to the house in the south-west
district, which they numbered two. Thence, passing to the
right of the centre of the town, the remaining houses were
numbered in their regular order, closing with the new house
near the residence of John Coughlin, which was numbered
six. The town opened a new school at South Sudbury,
and March 1, 1875, " voted to allow the proprietors of
Wadsworth Hall $100 for rent of said hall for school
purposes."
In 1881, a school-house was built in the Wadsworth
district by C. O. Parmenter, at a cost of $2560.61. It was
placed on a lot containing a half acre of land, which was pur-
chased of Walter Rogers, and situated on the south side of
the Sudbury and Marlboro road, about midway between
the Massachusetts Central and Old Colony Railroads.
THE GOODNOW LIBRARY.
In 1862, the town received the means of establishing a
Public Library through the generosity of John Goodnow of
Boston. The gift came in the form of a bequest, which was
set forth in his will as follows : —
" First: I give, devise, and bequeath unto my native
Town of Sudbury, in the County of Middlesex, the sum of
Twenty Thousand Dollars, to be appropriated for the pur-
pose of purchasing and keeping in order a Public Library,
for the benefit of the inhabitants of that Town."
" Second : I also give, devise and bequeath to the said
Town of Sudbury, three acres of land on the northerly part
of the Sudbury Tavern Estate, adjoining the land of Howe
Brown, beginning at the Meeting-house road, and running
with equal width with Brown's line to the brook, for the
purpose of erecting thereon a suitable building for a Library ;
and the further sum of Twenty-five Hundred Dollars for the
erection of such building ; and whatever portion of said land
shall not be needed for the purposes of said Library building,
the said Town of Sudbury shall have full power and
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 529
authority to apply to any other Town purposes, but without
any power of alienation."
" At a legal meeting held at Sudbury, on the seventh day
of April, 1862, the Town voted to accept the bequest con-
tained in the first and second clauses of the last Will and
Testament of John Goodnow, late of Boston ; and Messrs.
James Moore, John H. Dakin, and George Parmenter,
Selectmen of the Town, were appointed and authorized to
receive and receipt for the said bequests." At the same
meeting it was voted to adopt the following resolution :
" Resolved by the Inhabitants of Sudbury, in Town meet-
ing assembled, That we accept with thankfulness the noble
bequests given to the town by the late John Goodnow of
Boston ; and that, as an evidence of our gratitude, we pledge
ourselves to endeavor to the utmost of our ability, Honestly
and Honorably to carry out the benevolent intentions of the
Donor."
July 14, the town instructed the committee to erect a
building for the library given by John Goodnow, according
to plan reported to them, the sum not to exceed $2500.
April 4, 1864, the committee reported the cost of the build-
ing, including $32.43 for setting out shade trees, to be
$2691.35. The building was enlarged several years ago
by an addition on the west ; and at present there is little,
if any, unoccupied space. Four catalogues have been is-
sued ; the first, at the opening of the Library, when it con-
tained less than 2300 volumes; the second in 1867; the
third in 1874, when it contained nearly 5000 volumes; and
the fourth in 1887, when it contained over 9700. The
grounds about the Library are ample, and tastefully laid out,
consisting of a level lawn adorned with shade trees. The
building is reached by a circular driveway extending from
the county highway. In the rear the land extends to Hop
brook.
John Goodnow, the donor of this library fund, was a son
of John and Persis Goodnow, who lived at Lanham. He
was born at Sudbury, Sept. 6, 1791, and died in Boston,
Dec. 24, 1861. His remains were placed in his tomb at Sud-
bury Centre.
530 HISTORY OF STTDBTJRY.
INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF MAYNARD.
In 1871, an area of about 1900 acres of land was set off
from Sudbury, which, with about 1300 acres taken from
Stow, formed the town of Maynard. The new town was
incorporated April 19, 1871, and took its name from Amory
Maynard, formerly of Marlboro. The town of Sudbury
opposed the separation and, Jan. 23, 1871, appointed a com-
mittee of three to nominate a committee of three to oppose
any petition to the General Court to set off any part of the
territory of Sudbury. Deacon Thomas Hurlbut, Charles
Thompson, Esq., and James Moore, Esq., were nominated.
The town accepted the nomination and authorized the com-
mittee to use all honorable means to prevent the formation
of a new town, including any part of the territory of the
town of Sudbury.
The committee chosen Jan. 23, 1871, to oppose the incor-
poration of any portion of the territory of Sudbury into a
new town, reported April 1, 1872, that previous to any hear-
ing before the committee of the Legislature on the petition
of Henry Fowler and others for an act incorporating the
town of Maynard, certain propositions were made by the
petitioners as terms of separation and settlement between
the town of Sudbury and the proposed new town. These
propositions having been laid before the town of Sudbury,
Feb. 20, 1871, the committee were given discretionary
power, provided they accept of no terms less advantageous
to the town of Sudbury than those contained in the agree-
ment. By mutual consent a bill was agreed upon and passed
by the Legislature, by which the town of Maynard was
incorporated. Subsequently the committee were authorized
to settle with the authorities of the toAvn of Maynard,
according to the provisions of their charter. They reported
that they had attended to that duty, also that the proportion
of the town debt, together with the money to be paid by the
town of Maynard to the town of Sudbury, or Maynard's
share of the stock in the Framingham & Lowell Railroad
Corporation owned by the town of Sudbury, with interest on
the same, amounted to $20,883.28 ; which sum was paid by
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 531
them to the treasurer of the town of Sudbury, Oct. 6, 1871.
They say they have also attended to establishing the line
between the said towns, and erected a stone monument at
the angle in said line near the iron-works causeway, which
will also answer as a guide-board, and will be kept in repair
by the town of Sudbury ; that they have also erected a stone
monument marked S. and M., at such places as said line
crosses the highway.
May, 1871, it was " voted that the committee chosen by
the town, January 23, consisting of Messrs. Thomas P. Hurl-
but, Charles Thompson and James Moore, Esq., shall be a
committee to act for and in behalf of the town of Sudbury
with the authorities of the town of Maynard, in all matters
pertaining to said town, according to the provisions of the
charter incorporating said town of Maynard."
RAILROADS.
No railroad passed through the present limits of the town
until about the beginning of the last period of the present
century. A branch of the Fitchburg Road went through
Assabet village, but, after that place became Maynard, it left
Sudbury without a railroad. The only public conveyance
for years was by the stage-coach which went from South
Sudbury, and passed through the centre of Sudbury, Way-
land and Weston, carrying for each of those places one mail
daily. It started about seven o'clock, and arrived at the
Stony Brook station of the Fitchburg Railroad in Weston
about nine; and starting from there about five P.M. arrived
at its destination about seven. It was an old-time stage
drawn by four horses, with the driver on the " box," under
which were kept the mails. The trunks were strapped
on a rack behind. Prior to the starting of this coach, South
Sudbury was accommodated by a stage that passed through
the town to Marlboro. About 1870, the Framingham &
Lowell Railroad was begun, and in the fall of 1871, the cars
began passing through the town. A station was built at
North and South Sudbury and at the centre. The one at
South Sudbury was built a little northerly of the junction of
532 HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
the Sudbury and Marlboro and Framingham highways, and
has since been moved.
July 22, 1870, it was voted " That the Town Treasurer be
authorized and instructed to subscribe for, take and hold
Capital Stock in the Framingham and Lowell Railroad
Company to the amount of Thirty thousand dollars.
Provided said Railroad shall not be located in any place more
than half a mile from the last survey in the Town of
Sudbury."
The first station master at the South Sudbury depot was
B. H. Richardson, who served in that capacity ten years.
Since the railroad started, trains have regularly been over it,
but the indirectness of the route to Boston, and the high
passenger rates, made the road of little practical value to the
town. The old coach continued to run its regular course,
and more or less of the business to the eastward was done by
this and private conveyance. The road has recently been
leased to the " Old Colony " company, and is now known as
the " Northern Branch of the Old Colony Road." In 1887,
every station of this road within the limits of Sudbury was
burned. Recently, new and more commodious ones have
been built on or near the sites of the former ones.
MASSACHUSETTS CENTRAL RAILROAD.
In October, 1880, the first rails were laid at South Sudbury
on the track of the Massachusetts Central Railroad, begin-
ning at its junction with the Framingham & Lowell road.
During the following winter the road was continued towards
Hudson on the west and Boston on the east ; and July 22,
1881, nine car loads of rails passed over the Central road,
entering upon it at Waverly and going to Hudson. April
20, 1881, a train of cars passed over the road from Boston to
Hudson ; and October 1, the same year, regular trains began
to run. May 16, 1883, the cars stopped running, and com-
menced again Sept. 28, 1885, under the management of the
Boston & Lowell Railroad. Recently the road was leased to
the Boston & Maine Railroad corporation. The Junction
Station is a fine one, and the town is now provided with
excellent railroad facilities.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 533
MISCELLANEOUS.
In 1854, the committee were instructed to finish the
Wadsworth monument by building a road to said monument
and fencing the land. They were also instructed to print
the proceedings at the dedication of the monument. The
same year the town appropriated thirteen hundred dollars to
build a road and bridge at Assabet village.
In 1855, it was voted to instruct the school committee to
place the dictionaries presented by Mr. Plympton in the
several schools, also that the school-houses be free for
lyceums and singing schools for the year.
In 1857, it was voted " that the four libraries now in
existence be so divided as to make five ; and that these be
distributed among the five school districts." The same
year it was voted " to allow the town of Wayland to copy
such of the records as they wished at the home of the clerk,
or to employ any person in town to do the same." The
same year it was voted to build a stone bridge at the canal
bridge. The bridge was let out to Charles Haynes and
Thomas E. Bent for five hundred dollars.
February, 1859, the selectmen were instructed " to petition
the Legislature to remove or cause to be removed the Mid-
dlesex Canal Dam, erected across the Concord River at
Billerica, or such part thereof as the Legislature shall deem
expedient or just for reclaiming the meadow lands bordering
upon Sudbury and Concord river."
In 1859, it was voted to choose a committee to let out the
raising of the Causeway from Sudbury to Wayland, as
ordered by the county commissioners. The same year it was
voted " to establish the Town Poor house as a work house,
as the law provides."
In 1861, the selectmen were instructed to procure gravel
pits in the several wards where they are needed. The same
year the selectmen were instructed to build a suitable wall
around the new burying ground wherever needed.
Dec. 17, 1862, the town authorized " the selectmen to give
a deed of a lot in the new cemetery to the executors of the
will of the late John Goodnow of Boston for the purpose of
534 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
building thereon a tomb." The same year the town voted
to choose two agents to remonstrate against the petition of
C. P. and T. Talbot for the repeal of an act in relation to a
flowage of the Sudbury and Concord River meadows.
In 1864, the town granted the use of the Town Hall for a
year to the " Comprehensive Temperance Society."
In 1866, the town granted the use of the Town Hall for a
year to the " Musical Union " and for " Musical Instruction."
In 1867, a vote was passed to straighten the road over
Meeting-house hill.
March 11, 1867, the town voted that the management of
the Goodnow Library should be entrusted to a Committee
of three persons, one member to be chosen each year, for
the term of three years.
Nov. 3, 1868, it was " voted that the regulations of the
New Burying ground should be so changed that one-third
of said ground at the north end be reserved for free lots,
instead of one-third part of the westerly end, and that per-
sons taking said free lots shall have the same control of them
as other persons have of lots taken in other parts of the
yard."
April 5, 1869, the town voted to instruct the selectmen to
build a receiving tomb. March 7, 1870, the selectmen
reported the work completed at a cost of 1488.86 ; they also
reported that they had procured a cooler for the use of the
inhabitants in preparing bodies for burial at a cost of thirty-
seven dollars.
In 1871, the town granted fifty dollars to aid the Grand
Army of the Republic on Decoration Day, the amount to be
payable to the commander of the Post of the G. A. R.,
located in Assabet village. May, 1871, " The town, by a
vote of fifty-seven yeas to thirty nays, voted to prohibit the
sale of Ale, Porter, Strong Beer or Lager Beer, in said
town."
April 2, 1875, the town voted to send to the Centennial
Celebration at Concord, of the 19th April, 1775, thirty-two
of the oldest citizens as delegates, and provide a carriage for
them at the town's expense, also to provide a fife and drum
if necessary, also to provide a marshal.
CHAPTER XXX.
1850-1875.
The Civil War. — Causes of it. — Warlike Activity at the North. — First
War Meeting in Sudbury. — The " Wadsworth Rifle Guards." — Acts
of the Town Relating to the War. — Soldiers' Aid Society. — Enlist-
ments.— Sketch of the Thirteenth Regiment. — The Sixteenth. —
The Eighteenth. — The Twentieth. — The Twenty-Sixth. — The
Thirty-Fifth. — The Forty-Fifth. — The Fifty-Ninth. — Enlistments
in other Regiments of Infantry. — Sketch of First Massachusetts
Cavalry. — Enlistments in other Regiments of Cavalry. — Enlistments
in the Artillery Service. — United States Sanitary Commission. — List
of Conscripts. — Casualties. — Biographical Sketches of Men who
Died in the Service. — Of Soldiers now Living in Sudbury. — Sum-
mary of Service. — List of Citizens Subject to a Draft in 1863. — Bi-
centennial of the Wadsworth Fight. — Laying out of Road to Railroad
Station, South Sudbury. — The George Goodnow Bequest.
The sturdy patriots went forth
From city, village, hamlet, farm ;
Unsparing was the sacrifice
To shield our native land from harm.
THE CIVIL WAR.
The events of the Civil War are so familiar to many now
living, that it may be thought unnecessary to give even an
outline of its cause or nature. But there is a generation
who were not living while that war was in progress. To
these it is a matter of history only, and the tales of it come to
them as the tradition of the wars that preceded it. A few
words, then, of introduction may be important. The war
began in 1861. For many years previous there had been a
disagreement between the North and the South on the sub-
ject of slavery. At the North there had been a growing
sentiment that the system was wrong, and, as time passed on,
535
536 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
opinions grew more and more positive and outspoken. The
.South looked upon this growing sentiment with suspicion,
and when the strength of it was made manifest by the
election of Abraham Lincoln, and he had been inaugura-
ted President of the United States, it broke out into open
revolt. State after State passed the " Act of Secession,"
and measures were taken to defend their position by
force of arms. On April 12, an attempt was made to cap-
ture Fort Sumpter, Charleston Harbor, by bombardment ;
on the 13th it surrendered, after bravely sustaining an at-
tack from the rebel batteries for thirty-three hours. This
attempt to capture United States property aroused the
North to a condition of intense activity. The news sped
from city to town, and from the town to the most remote
hamlet and farm. The North was resolved to save the
Union at all hazards, and men came forward and offered
themselves and their money for the safety of their country.
April 15, 1861, President Lincoln called for seventy-five
thousand soldiers to serve for three months. At this time
military activity began, which did not cease for the space of
four years. From 1861 to 1865, there was the establishment
of camps, the occasional filling of quotas, and war meetings
were held in the towns throughout the Northern States to
raise money and men to carry on the war. These meetings
were sometimes held at evening. It was no remarkable
occurrence in those times to see the people at the close of a
hard day's work on the farm, or in the busy workshop, wend-
ing their way to the town-house to provide means to furnish
their quota of troops, and to do or act as some emergency
called for. Never was the free spirit of the Republic more
manifest, nor its readiness to respond to what its institutions
required, than in those stirring days. Sudbury was fully
abreast of the average New England town in its promptness
and zeal. The first war meeting was a citizens' mass meeting
held in the Town Hall. The people did not wait for the
slow call of a warrant. They assembled spontaneously to
consult as to what was required of them, with full confidence
that in a town meeting to be subsequently called their acts
would be ratified and made legal. This meeting was charac-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 537
terized by unanimity and enthusiasm. The spirit of the
heroes of '75, when they were assembled on Sudbury
Common, with arms in their hands as militia and minute
men, to start on their march to Concord, was evinced on this
April evening nearly a century later, when the citizens of
Sudbury were again met to defend their homes and native
land.
The principal business of this meeting related to the
fitting out of the " Wads worth Rifle Guards." This was a
company of State militia which belonged to Sudbury, and
was attached to the Second Battalion of Rifles, and was
commanded by Major Ephraim Moore of Sudbury until his
death, which occurred some years previous. The following
record of a legal town meeting held April 29, 1861, sets
forth the business that was transacted at the mass meeting,
and its ratification by the town.
" The town voted to furnish new uniforms for the mem-
bers of the Wadsworth Rifle Guards, Company R, Second
Battalion of Rifles, M. V. M., forthwith, also to furnish each
member of said company with a revolver, in case said com-
pany is called into the service of the country, the revolvers
to be returned to the selectmen of the town when the
holders of them shall return home and be discharged from
the service ; also the uniforms to be returned to the town if
the members of the company are not held in service more
than three months. Voted also to pay to each member of
said company, in case they are called into service, a sum of
money in addition to their pay received from the govern-
ment, which shall make the whole amount of their pay
twenty dollars per month while they are in such service,
and that ten dollars of the above sum be paid to each mem-
ber whenever he shall enter such service. Voted also that
the families of those who may leave shall be furnished with
all necessary assistance at the expense of the town, and the
business of those who may leave it shall be properly cared
for by the town and not allowed to suffer by their absence."
" Voted, also, that each commissioned officer of the company
belonging in town be presented with a suitable sword at the
expense of the town, and that the other commissioned
538 HISTORY OF SUDBTJRT.
officers not belonging in town be furnished with the same, if
they are not otherwise provided for." " Voted to grant the
sum of one thousand dollars," for the purposes above men-
tioned.
The amount of money actually expended in fitting out this
company was nine hundred and eighty-seven dollars. About
the time of the holding of the first war meeting there were
enlistments into the Sudbury company, with the expectation
of soon being called into the service for three months, and
the company for a time continued to drill. No call, however,
came for this term of service. The emergency had been
met, Washington for the time was safe, and it was at length
discovered that the company as such would not be received
into any existing regiment, for the term of three months.
The next demand was for soldiers to serve for three years or
the war, and the " Wadsworth Rifle Guards" were soon or-
dered to Fort Independence that they might enlist in the
Thirteenth Regiment for this length of time. Twenty -five
of them enlisted, and July 30, the regiment left the State.
This was the largest number of Sudbury men who enlisted
at any one time, and they have the honor of being the first
Sudbury soldiers who enlisted from the town. The history
of the regiment will be given further on.
From the time of the first enlistments there were repeated
calls for troops. " Three hundred thousand more " became a
familiar term, and at each new call the town took measures
to fill its quota. July 4, 1862, the President issued a call
for volunteers foi three years, and July 28, the town " voted
to pay a bounty of one hundred and twenty-five dollars to
each volunteer who has enlisted or may enlist into the ser-
vice of the U. S. * * to the number of fourteen." Also,
" Voted to instruct the selectmen to look after and provide
for any sick or wounded volunteer belonging to the Town of
Sudbury." In August of the same year, a call came for
soldiers for nine months' service ; and Aug. 19, 18G2, the
town " voted to pay the sum of one hundred dollars to each
person who voluntarily enlists into the service of the United
States for the term of nine months, on or before the first day
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 539
of September next, to a number not exceeding the quota of
their town."
Dec. 17, 1862, the town voted to fill up their quota by pay-
ing one hundred and forty dollars bounty. December 22, the
committee reported at a town meeting held in the evening,
" that they had procured sixteen men to fill up the town's
quota for the military service of the U. S., that said men had
been accepted and sworn into the said service, and had been
properly accredited to the town of Sudbury, and that said
committee paid the sum of one hundred and thirty dollars
for each man."
Oct. 17, 1863, the President issued another call for three
hundred thousand men, and December 7, the town " voted
to authorize the selectmen to use all proper and legal meas-
ures to fill up the town's quota of volunteers, agreeable to
the call of the President of the United States for three hun-
dred thousand volunteers, dated Oct. 17, 1863."
March 14, 1864, the President issued a call for two hun-
dred thousand men, and March 22 the town appointed a
committee " to take all proper and legal measures to fill the
quota of the town " under this call. June 9, the town voted
to " raise money sufficient to pay one hundred and twenty-
five dollars to each volunteer who shall enlist into the ser-
vice of the U. S., and be duly accredited as a part of the
quota of the Town of Sudbury in anticipation of a call from
the President to recruit the armies now in the field, and that
the selectmen be required to use all proper measures to pro-
cure said volunteers." It was voted also " that the select-
men be authorized to procure not less than seventeen men."
At the same meeting " the committee appointed by the town
at a meeting held March 22, 1864, to take all proper and
legal measures to fill the quota of the town under the call of
the President of the U. S. for two hundred thousand men,
dated March 14, 1864, reported that the town's quota was
ten men ; that there had been seven men accredited to the
town by volunteer enlistment at an expense of nine hundred
and ten dollars, and that the remaining three were drafted
and accepted."
540 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Nov. 8, 1864, it was " voted to grant the free use of the
Town Hall for the Soldiers' Aid Society." This was an or-
ganization formed in the war period for the purpose of assist-
ing the soldiers. May 29, 1865, it was " voted to refund all
money contributed by individuals to fill the quotas of the
town of Sudbury in the year 1864."
ENLISTMENTS OF SOLDIERS.
In meeting the requisitions made upon the town, enlist-
ments were made at various times and in various regiments.
Where there was a considerable number of enlistments in any
one regiment, we will give not only the names of the soldiers,
but a very brief sketch of the regiment in which they served.
THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.
Twenty-three men enlisted in this regiment for three years,
July 16, 1861, and two others a little later.
Thomas C. Richardson, Band Leader, age 20, enlisted July 20, 1.SG1 ;
expiration of service, Aug. 31, 1802.
James F. Fish, age 27, enlisted July 24, 1801 ; dropped, Sept. 1, 1802, de-
tailed on gunboat service.
William H. Green, age 20, expiration of service, Aug. 1, 1804.
Mortimer Johnson, age l'J, expiration of service, Feb. 19, 1804, to re-
enlist ; transferred, July 13, 1S04, to Thirty-ninth Infantry.
Corp. Aimer H. Gay, age 28, expiration of service, May 20, 1802,
disability.
Corp. Spencer Smith, age 20. expiration of service, Aug. 1, 1804.
Corp. George L. Willis, age 18, expiration of service, Aug. 1, 1804.
Henry S. Battles, age 24.
Francis H. Brown, age 19, expiration of service, Jan. 10, 1803, disability.
George S. Dickey, age 35, died at Williamsport, Md., March 4, 1802.
Samuel H. Garfield, age 18, expiration of service, Dec. 22, 1802,
disability.
Charles E. Haynes, age 24, expiration of service, Aug. 1, 1804.
George W. Jones, age 22, expiration of service, Aug. 1, 1804.
John H. Moore, age 21, expiration of service, Aug. 1, 1804.
Proctor Pingree, wagoner, age 35, expiration of service, May 10, 1802,
disability.
Cyrus E. Barker, age 23, expiration of service, Jan. 30, 1803, disability.
Edward Blake, age 33, expiration of service, Aug. 1, 1804.
Lyman W. Brown, age 18, expiration of service April 15, 1803, disability.
Albert Conant, age 22.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 541
Charles E. Duley, age 18, expiration of service, Dec. 15, 1862, disability.
Dana F. Dutton, age 29, transferred, July 14, 1804, to Thirty-ninth
Infantry.
Leander A. Haynes, age 27, expiration of service, Aug. 1, 1864.
Henry F. Moore, age 22, expiration of service, Aug. 1, 1864.
George W. Woodbury, age 18, expiration of service, Feb. 11, 1863,
disability.
Eugene L. Fairbanks, age 21, expiration of service, Feb. 11, 1863,
disability.
George T. Smith at the age of twenty-two re-enlisted
from Sudbury in this regiment, and was transferred to the
Thirty-ninth Infantry, July 19, 1864. The Thirteenth Regi-
ment was commanded by Col. Samuel H. Leonard of
Boston, and saw hard fighting. It was in the battles of
Antietam, Fredericksburg and the second Bull Run in 1862,
and at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg in 1863. Jan. 1,
1864, it was in camp at Mitchell's Station, Va., near the
Rapidan River, on the extreme front of the army, where it
had a camp of log huts, and did important service picketing
the river. In the spring following it moved south, and
from May 4 to June 6 it is stated that the regiment was
under fire night and day. June 16, it marched to the James
River, crossed in transports and moved towards Petersburg.
July 15, the regiment left City Point, Va., for Washington,
and arrived at Boston July 21, 1864.
THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT.
Five men were members of the Sixteenth Regiment, all of
whom were mustered in July, 1861. Their names are:
Gardner H. Darling, John Forsyth, Henry H. Parmenter,
Horace Sanderson, Warren B. Witherell; John Forsyth
and Horace Sanderson were killed ; Warren B. Witherell
was wounded in the leg and discharged for disability July
28, 1863 ; Gardner H. Darling was wounded and taken
prisoner at the battle of Fair Oaks, and exchanged. He was
mustered out July 27, 1864. Henry H. Parmenter was dis-
charged at the expiration of his term of service, June 29, 1864.
The Sixteenth was one of the earliest regiments of three
years men that was organized in Massachusetts. It was
542 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
commanded by Col. Powell T. Wyman of Boston. Before
its close of service one of its lieutenant-colonels was Daniel
S. Lainson of Weston. The regiment left the State Aug. 17,
1861. It was in the battles of Fair Oaks, Glendale, Mal-
vern Hill, Kettle Run, Chantilly and Fredericksburg in 1862,
and at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Locust Grove in
1863. It was engaged in the campaign under the leader-
ship of General Grant, which resulted in the capture of
Petersburg ; and during the year 1864, was engaged in some
of its hardest fighting. In May it started southward, and for
days it had marchings and fightings. Says one in writing
the history of this regiment: "May 4th, at 11 A.M., crossed
the Rapidan. At 3 P.M., encamped on the same grounds
where one year previous we fought the battle of Chancellors-
ville. * * The bones of our fallen companions, whitened
by the frosts of winter, were scattered over the field and
through the woods, about which were blooming in innocent
beauty the violet and other spring flowers.
"May 6th [battle of the Wilderness]. * * At 6 A.M.
the entire line was advanced about one mile, the battle raging
fiercely until 11 A.M., when the heavy reinforcements of
the enemy were thrown in masses upon our lines. At this
time the Sixteenth showed its real pluck, and held the
ground until the entire line both to the right and left had
fallen back. At 5 P.M. General Longs treet's corps made its
famous charge upon our line. The advance line of battle
fought the masses of the enemy until their ammunition was
expended, when they were obliged to evacuate the works
and seek shelter in our rear. While so doing the enemy
occupied the advance line. In a moment, as if by magic,
the Sixteenth leaped the works and charged the enemy,
forcing him back, and captured a large number of prisoners.
* * The flag of the Sixteenth first waved over them
after the recapture. * * May 12. * * [The battle of
Spottsylvania]. At 12 M., the Sixteenth was ordered
along the crest of a hill where the enemy had regained a
few rods of the works lost in the morning. * * Our
object was that the enemy should capture no more of the
works. * * The musketry fire was terrific. It was at
HIBTORY OF STTDBTJRY. 543
this point a tree, some fourteen inches in diameter, was
actually fallen — being cut down by bullets — it being be-
tween the fire of the contending parties. Regiment after
regiment was thrown into this deadly position, and were cut
down before the terrific fire like grass. Indeed, the blood
flowing from so many killed and wounded, mixing with the
rain then falling, gave the running water the appearance of
streams of blood. The men fired upwards of three hundred
rounds of ammunition, after which they were relieved to
clean their pieces. In this action our loss was heavy. The
Regiment arrived in Massachusetts July 22, 1864, and was
mustered out the 27th."
THE EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT.
Five men enlisted for three years in this regiment,
namely : —
Edwin S. Parmenter, age 20, mustered, Aug. 22, 1863, died, June 9, 1864.
Leander Haynes, age 27, mustered, July 16, 1861, expiration of service,
Aug. 1, 1864.
Henry Moore, age 22, mustered, July 16, 1861, expiration of service,
Aug. 1, 1864.
Eugene L. Fairbanks, age 21, mustered, July 16, 1861, expiration of
service, Feb. 11, 1863, disability.
George W. Woodbury, age 18, mustered, July 16, 1861, expiration of
service, Feb. 11, 1863, disability.
The Eighteenth Regiment was commanded by James
Barnes of Springfield. Eight of its companies were mus-
tered into the United States service Aug. 27, 1861, and left
the State the next day. The other two companies joined the
regiment in the fall of the same year. The regiment was at
the battle of Gaines' Mill, Second Bull Run, Shepardston
and Fredericksburg in 1862, and at Chancellorsville, Gettys-
burg, Rappahannock Station and Mine Creek in 1863. May
1, 1863, it crossed the Rappahannock. Shortly after, it* was
under command of Col. Joseph Hayes and formed a part of
the Third Brigade, First Division, Fifth Corps, and until the
20th of July, when it was ordered to Washington, because
near the expiration of its term of service, it was repeatedly
544 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
■
engaged with the enemy. Lieutenant-Colonel White, in
giving a report of the regiment from Dec. 3, 1863, to June
19, says: "I am pleased to say that both the officers and
men of my command, during the series of operations to this
date, have behaved in a manner which has entirely satisfied
me. All have acted so well, there is little reason to particu-
larize." A battalion, made up of men whose term of service
would not expire with the regiment, was detached, and
remained a part of the Third Brigade ; it was engaged with
the enemy about Petersburg, and at one time captured fifty
prisoners and a battle-flag belonging to the Twenty-seventh
South Carolina Regiment. After the expiration of its term
of service, the battalion was consolidated with the Thirty-
second Massachusetts Regiment.
THE TWENTIETH REGIMENT.
Besides the foregoing enlistments, which were largely
made up of Sudbury citizens, there is among the town
papers the following list of men, who in December, 18G2,
were furnished by the town for the three years service. All,
except the first, were in the Twentieth Massachusetts Regi-
ment and mustered in December 19.
fcGB.
OCCUPATION.
REGIMENT.
MUSTERED.
23 Patrick Wilson,
Laborer,
First,
Dec. 18,
1862.
22 John Stewart,
Carpenter,
Twentieth,
19,
u
35 Thomas Faver,
Barber,
"
"
it
22 William Johnson,
Cigar-maker,
"
<t
u
27 John McCluskey,
Boatman,
(i
«
it
22 David Henry,
Seaman,
u
((
it
22 James Maloney,
Cooper,
((
<«
it
21 Joseph Powell,
Pressman,
M
a
it
21 William J. Robinson,
Steward,
(1
u
it
21 John White,
Seaman,
II
it
ii
22 John Wiley,
Stone-cutter,
ii
it
ti
26 Charles Rogers,
Laborer,
tt
ii
it
23 John Morgan,
Seaman,
((
a
it
29 James Walsh,
u
If
"
ti
39 Henry Price,
el
(I
K
it
22 Charles Daniels,
Harness-maker,
l<
(i
u
The Twentieth Regiment was commanded by Col. Wil-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 545
liiira Raymond Lee of Roxbury, and left Massachusetts Sept.
4, 1861. It was in the battle of Balls Bluff in 1861, and
in the battles before Richmond, Antietam and Fredericks-
burg in 18G2, and at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Bris-
tow's Station and Mine Run in 1863. May 3, 1864, the
regiment left winter quarters, crossed the Rapidan, and on
the 5th marched to the Wilderness and there engaged the
enemy. It fought bravely and suffered severely. In one
engagement of three hours it had one major killed, a colonel,
three captains and two lieutenants wounded. In its march
southward from the Wilderness to the front of Petersburg,
it had hard fighting and lost many men.
THE TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
Sixteen men were enlisted in the Twenty-sixth Regiment,
namely : —
Elias E. Haynes, 2nd Lieut., age 28, mustered, Nov. 12, 1862, expiration
of service, April 21, 1865, resigned.
John M. Haynes, Corp., age 18, mustered, Sept. 20, 1861, Dec. 31, 1863,
re-enlisted.
John M. Haynes, Sergt., age 20, mustered, Jan. 1, 1864, expiration of
service, Aug. 26, 1865.
Albert L. Weeks, Sergt., age 22, mustered, Jan. 1, 1864, expiration of
service, Aug. 26, 1865.
William Barr, age 37, mustered, Jan. 1, 1864, expiration of service,
Aug. 26, 1S65.
James Dooner, age 20, mustered, Jan.' 1, 1S64, expiration of service,
Aug. 26, 1865.
James W. Fisk, age 2S, mustered, Jan. 1, 1864, expiration of service,
Aug. 26, 1S65.
William T. Sawyer, age 19, mustered, Sept. 6, 1861, expiration of service,
Nov. 21, 1865.
Silas Willis, age 22, mustered, Sept. 4, 1861. expiration of service, Nov.
22, 1862, to enlist in United States Army.
Michael Dooner, Oct. 18, 1861, expiration of service, Aug. 26, 1865.
George Flood, mustered, Oct. 18, 1861, expiration of service, Aug. 26,
1865.
John A. Haynes, mustered, Oct., 1861, expiration of service, Aug. 26,
1865.
James Hefferman, mustered, Oct. 18, 1861, expiration of service, Aug.
26, 1865.
John Kelly, mustered, Oct. 18, 1861, expiration of service, Aug. 26, 1865.
546 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
John O'Donnell, mustered, Oct. 18, 1861, expiration of service, Aug. 26,
1865.
Marcus M. Puffer, mustered, Oct. 18, 1861, expiration of service, Aug.
26, 1865.
This regiment left the State Nov. 21, 1861. It was
commanded by Col. Edward F. Jones of Pepperell, and was
an offshoot of his old regiment, the Massachusetts Sixth,
which was attacked when passing through Baltimore, April
19, 1861. The regiment previous to January, 1864, was for
a time in Louisiania. July, 1864, it went to Bermuda Hun-
dred, Va., and was for a time in the army of the Shenan-
doah with General Sheridan: It was in the battle of Cedar
Creek and lost several men.
THE THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT.
Eight men were mustered into the Thirty-fifth Regiment,
Aug. 16, 1862, for the term of three years, namely : —
Sergt. Rufus H. Hurlbut, age 20, expiration of service, June 9, 1865.
Corp. William F. Bowen, age 20, expiration of service, June 9, 1S65.
Corp. George F. Moore, age 20, expiration of service, June 9, 1865.
William B. Bailey, age 25, expiration of service, June 9, 1865.
Francis Garfield, age 32, transferred, March 15, 1861, to V. R. C.
George H. Hall, age 22, expiration of service, June 9, 1865.
Albert H. Moore, age 26, expiration of service, June 9, 1865.
Eli H. Willis, age 21, expiration of service, June 9, 1865.
This regiment was recruited in July, 1862, and left the
State the 22d of August under command of Col. Edward A.
Wilde of Brookline. September 6, it started from Arlington
Heights for Maryland, and began active service while the
soldiers were yet but an undisciplined collection of enlisted
citizens, or raw recruits having had but one battalion drill. Its
first battle was at South Mountain, in which Colonel Wilde
lost an arm, which obliged him to leave the regiment, and
Lieut.-Col. Sumner Carruth of Chelsea was promoted colonel.
The regiment was in the battles of Antietam and Fredericks-
burg in 1862. After this, the regiment was assigned to
General Burnside's corps, and sent into Kentucky to hunt
guerillas, where it continued until June 4, 1863, when it was
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 547
sent to Washington to reinforce General Grant. After the
surrender of Vickburg, July 4, 1863, it was sent to Jackson,
Miss., in pursuit of General Johnston, where it had several
da)rs' fighting, which resulted in the retreat of Johnston.
The Thirty-fifth was the first regiment to enter the city, and
it secured the rebel flag from the State House. The cam-
paign was a severe one because of the extreme heat and
scarcity of water. The regiment then returned to Kentucky,
and Sept. 30, 1863, started for Knoxville, Tenn., and re-
mained there during the siege of that place. While at
Knoxville the regiment endured severe hardship and depri-
vation. The rations were short and the clothing scant. At
times during the winter, when the ground was covered with
snow, some of the Sudbury soldiers had no shoes. One of
them cut off the tail of his coat and sewed it on his feet.
Some of them sewed on pieces of green hide with the hair
left on the inside. Throughout the winter the soldiers were
on half rations ; and during the siege, which lasted nineteen
days, they were allowed some days only one pint of unbolted
corn -meal ; one day they had only one ear of corn apiece,
and other days they had nothing. During this time they
were on picket duty more than half the time, and were
obliged to be awake every alternate twenty-four hours, and
sometimes forty-eight hours at a time. This occurred after
the retreat from and battle with General Longstreet, which
kept them fighting and marching without rest for three nights
and two days.
In the spring of 1864, the regiment was sent back to the
Army of the Potomac, and was engaged in the battles of the
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and all the hard
fighting to the James River. It remained in front of Peters-
burg till the close of the war.
THE FORTY-FIFTH REGIMENT.
Thirteen men were mustered into the Forty-fifth Regi-
ment, Sept. 26, 1862, for the term of nine months, namely: —
Marshall L. Eaton, 1st Sergt., age 30, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
Homer Rogers, Sergt., age 22, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
548 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Arthur Dakin, Corp., age 22, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
Bradley Hemenway, Corp., age 26, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
Frank H. Hunt, Musician, age 18, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
Albert B. Richardson, Musician, age 19, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
Asa B. Bacon, age 41, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
James B. Butterfield, age 22, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
John H. Eaton, age 24, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
Theodoric A. Jones, age 18, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
Alpheus Puffer, age 22, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
William Scott, age 19, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
Charles C. Spaulding, age 24, expiration of service, July 7, 1863.
This regiment was organized in the summer of 1862, and
the companies composing it came from different towns. It
left the State, Nov. 5, 1862, and July 21, 18G3, it returned
to Boston and was recruited. The regiment took part in
the battle of Kingston, N. C, Dec. 14, 1862, and in the
battle of Goldsboro. It was also engaged in the movements
about Newbern. Its losses in battle were twenty killed and
seventy-one wounded, exceeding that of all the other nine
months regiments taken together. The loss from sickness
and disease was also very heavy. The march to Goldsboro,
under a sultry sun, is spoken of as a long and weary one to
men unaccustomed to such hardships, but they stood it like
true soldiers, and held on their way till it was ended. One
of the younger ones in his company was Theodoric Jones ;
though his feet were badly blistered by his coarse army
shoes he never flinched nor lagged behind ; and when, for
once having climbed a fence by the roadside for a momentary
rest, he heard it intimated that he was giving out, he in-
stantly sprang to the ground, and with some vigorous
remarks resumed his journey with apparent ease. When he
arrived in camp his shoes were a curiosity, — it is said they
were so completely run down that the heels were nearly
bottom side up, and the owner's feet were in such a condi-
tion that, for a number of days, he was entirely disabled.
Of the Sudbury men in this regiment, perhaps William
Scott did as much as any towards breaking up the monotony
of the weary march and the tedious camp life. " Billy," as
the boys called him, was short and stout, a good soldier and
full of fun. Sometimes he would act as barber, and get his
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 549
pay in the sport he made of his patrons. On the march of
the regiment from Goldsboro to Newbern, Billy captured
a small mule about the size of a heifer; and, having loaded
the beast with such articles as had been picked up by the
way and his gun and accoutrements, he mounted it and the
journey was resumed towards camp. A lieutenant, having
his attention called to the animal, required him to give it
up, but Billy clung to the bridle without saying a word ; the
officer threatened, but Billy rode on, and when at length he
arrived at Newbern he presented a comical spectacle. He
had, besides the blankets, muskets, haversacks, etc., two
geese, some hens, and a large number of canteens, so that
the little mule was well nigh covered. Billy was smiling,
as usual, and the boys smiled too. The mule was unloaded
and given up, and Billy, so far as known, received no repri-
mand but what he had at the start.
THE FIFTY-NINTH REGIMENT.
The following men enlisted in the Fifty-ninth for three
years : —
Cyrus E. Barker, age 25, mustered, Jan. 14, 1864, died April 9, 1865.
Curtis Smith, age 21, mustered, Jan. 14, 1864, died Oct. 19, 1S64.
Benjamin Ryde, age 35, mustered, Feb. 9, 1S64, transferred, June 1, 1865,
to Fifty-seventh Infantry.
Alfred Moore, age 21, mustered, April 2, 1864, transferred June 7, 1865,
to V. R. C.
This regiment was raised and commanded by Jacob P.
Gould of Stoneham, who was formerly Major of the Thir-
teenth. It left the State for Washington, April 26, 1864.
Ten days after, it was engaged in its first fight; and in 1864
it took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania,
North Anna, Coal Harbor, the battles before Petersburg, and
the battle of Weldon Railroad.
With the exception of the instances now mentioned, the
soldiers who went from Sudbury, for the most part, enlisted
in different regiments, and their names are scattered along
in the various rolls of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia,
and bear date from the first to the last year of the war. The
550 HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
following are the names of these soldiers as given in the
State Adjutant General's Report or the Sudbury Soldiers'
Record Book, from which we have also taken the foregoing
lists.
ENLISTMENTS IN OTHER REGIMENTS OF INFANTRY.
NINE MONTHS MEN IN THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
Samuel G. Brown, Corp., age 27, mustered, Aug. 31, 18G2, expiration of
service, June 3, 1863.
Solomon Davis, age 3G, mustered, Aug. 31, 1862, expiration of service,
June 3, 1863.
Francis Dutton, age 26, mustered, Aug. 31, 1862, expiration of service,
June 3, 1863.
Augustus Newton, mustered, Aug. 31, 1862, expiration of service, June
3, 1863.
Matthew Smith, age 19, mustered, Aug. 31, 1862, expiration of service,
June 3, 1863.
ONE HUNDRED DAYS MEN IN THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
Rockwood Puffer, age 18, mustered, Aug 18, 1864, expiration of service,
Oct. 27, 1864.
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE NINTH REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Walter Lee, age 38, mustered, March 28, 1864, transferred, June 10, 1864,
to Thirty-second Infantry, expiration of service, June 29, 1864.
Michael Muller, age 29, mustered, Aug. 21, 1863.
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE NINETEENTH REGIMENT.
Cornelius Buckley, age 38, mustered, March 26, 1864, expiration of
service, June 30, 1865.
Thomas Smith, age 28, mustered, March 26, 1864, died, Jan. 26, 1S65.
Josiah Garfield, mustered, July 26, 1861, expiration of service, June 30,
1865.
MEN IN THE TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT.
Michael Malone, age 32, mustered, March 26, 1864.
THREE YEARS MEN IN TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
Michael Fitzgerald, Corp., age 22, mustered, Jan. 26, 1865, expiration of
service, June 30, 1865.
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE THIRTIETH REGIMENT.
Stillman Willis, mustered, Jan. 4, 1862, expiration of service, .
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT.
John Herschel Moore, mustered, July 2, 1862, discharged for disability.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 551
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT.
John Rothe, mustered, Oct. 5, 1861, expiration of service, Oct. 20, 1864.
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
John Roth, age 40, mustered, Aug. 5, 18G2, expiration of service, Jan.
11, 1865.
Robert Arnold, mustered, Aug. 13, 1862, regiment mustered out, .
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
Marcus T. Baker, age 21, mustered, Jan. 21, 1865, transferred, June 22,
1865, to Twenty- sixth Infantry.
George A. Jones, age 18, August 21, 1S62, expiration of service, June
30, 1865.
MEN IN THE THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT.
James M. Sawyer, age 19, mustered, Aug. 18, 1862, expiration of service,
July 18, 1865.
NINE MONTHS MEN IN THE FORTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Silas H. Blake, age 38, mustered, November, 1862, expiration of service,
Sept. 1, 1863.
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE FIFTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
William F. Coombs, age 37, mustered, Feb. 25, 1864, expiration of
service, Aug. 1, 1865, order War Department.
MEN IN THE SIXTY-FIRST REGIMENT.
Edward A. Farnsworth, age 24, mustered, Jan. 10, 1865, expiration of
service, July 16, 1865.
Peter McDougal, age 38, mastered, Jan. 16, 1865, expiration of service,
May 27, 1865, order War Department.
SUDBURY SOLDIERS IN THE CAVALRY SERVICE.
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE FIRST CAVALRY.
Averill F. Willis, mustered, September, 1861, expiration of service, June
26, 1865.
George F. Butterfield, mustered, September, 1861, expiration of service,
June 26, 1865.
This regiment was commanded by Col. Robert Williams
of Virginia, and left the State by battalions ; the First on
the 25th, the Second on the 27th, and the Third on the 29th
of December, 1861. It was stationed in the Department of
the South until August 19, 1862, when eight of its compa-
nies joined the Army of the Potomac. The two men from
Sudbury served in Company L, Capt. William Gibbs of
552 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Waltham. It is stated that, while in South Carolina, "they
suffered from hunger, storm, wind and heat, and were at the
terrible battles of James Island, Fort Wagner, and Morris
Island." After leaving South Carolina, they were in Vir-
ginia with the Tenth Army Corps, commanded by Major-
General Gilmore, and served in front of Petersburg until its
surrender. In 1864, a part of the battalion of cavalry,
known as the Independent Battalion Massachusetts Cavalry,
that served in the Department of the South and was formerly
of the First Massachusetts Cavalry, constituted, with the
First Battalion Veteran Cavalry, the Fourth Massachusetts
Cavalry.
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE SECOND REGIMENT CAVALRY.
Hartson D. Sinclair, age 21, mustered, Feb. 14, 1805, died, May 20, 1805.
John F. Casey, age 19, mustered, Aug. 9, 1804, expiration of service,
June 17, 1805.
Richard H. Graham, age 19, mustered, Aug. 9, 1804, expiration of ser-
vice, June 17, 1805.
John O'Brien, age 20, mustered, Aug. 9, 1804, expiration of service, June
17, 1805.
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE FOURTH REGIMENT CAVALRY.
John Lee, 2nd Lieut., mustered, July 1.'}, LSG5, expiration of service,
Nov. 14, 1805.
George F. Butterfield, Corp., age 20, mustered, Sept. 23, 1001, expiration
of service, Sept. 24, 1804.
Frank F. Willis, Bugler, age 19, mustered, Sept. 23, 1801, expiration of
service, Sept, 24, 1804.
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE FIFTH REGIMENT CAVALRY.
Daniel Robinson, age 21, mustered, Aug 25, 1804, expiration of service,
May 23, 1805.
Lyman Taylor, age 21, mustered, Aug. 25, 1804, expiration of service,
May 23, 1805.
SUDBURY SOLDIERS IN THE ARTILLERY SERVICE.
THREE YEARS MEN IN SEVENTH BATTERY OF LIGHT ARTILLERY.
John P. Hudson, age 23, mustered, May 21, 1802, died, March 7, 18G4.
THREE YEARS MEN IN FIRST REGIMENT, HEAVY ARTILLERY.
Edward R. Cutler, Asst. Surg., age 22, mustered, Sept. 25, 1803, Surg.
Dec. 19, 18G4.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 553
THREE YEARS MEN IN THE FIRST BATTALION, HEAVY ARTILLERY.
George A. Dean, age 18, mustered, Feb. 11, 1865, expiration of service,
Oct. 20, 1865.
THREE YEARS MEN IN SECOND REGIMENT, HEAVY ARTILLERY.
Thomas Corcoran, age 21, mustered, Aug. 18, 1864, died, April 11, 1865.
ONE YEAR MEN IN THE FOURTH REGIMENT, HEAVY ARTILLERY.
Sidney Smith, age 21, mustered, Aug. 12, 1864, expiration of service,
June 17, 1865.
Alexander Black, age 42, mustered, Aug. 25, 1864, expiration of service,
June 17, 1865.
Joseph Clear, age 19, mustered, Aug. 23, 1864, expiration of service, June
17, 1865.
Jonathan G. Leavett, age 34, mustered, Aug. 25, 1864, expiration of ser-
vice, June 17, 1865.
James F. Rundell, age 19, mustered, Aug. 17, 1864, expiration of service,
June 17, 1865.
Charles R. Taylor, age 22, mustered, Aug. 23, 1864, expiration of ser-
vice, June 17, 1865.
ONE YEAR MEN IN THE TWENTY-NINTH UNAT. CO., HEAVY ARTILLERY.
Cornelius Fitzpatrick, age 23, mustered, Sept. 1, 1864, expiration of
service, June 10, 1865.
Matthew Heaphey, age 21, mustered, Aug. 25, 1864, expiration of ser-
vice, June 10, 1805.
Michael Shea, age 21, mustered, Sept. 1, 1864, expiration of service,
June 16, 1865.
UNITED STATES SANITARY COMMISSION.
Two Sudbury men, Edwin Hunt and Alfred S. Hudson,
were with the army in the service of the Sanitary Commis-
sion. The first remained until obliged to return on account
of ill health ; the other entered the service July, 18G4, and
was stationed at City Point, Va., at the junction of the
Appomatox and James Rivers, near Petersburg, at the time
of the siege.
Notwithstanding the promptness of the town in taking
means to fill its quotas by voluntary enlistments at home,
and by offering bounties for enlistments from abroad, before
the war closed it was subjected to a draft. July 17, 18G3,
the names of the town's citizens included in the First Class
List were deposited at Concord, and the following names
were drawn therefrom.
554
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
LIST OF CONSCRIPTS IN THE TOWN OF SUDBURY, DRAWN AT CONCORD,
JULY 17, 1863.
M. W. Evans,
Albert T. Parmenter,
William Gormin,
Francis H. Moore,
Francis H. Brown,
Michael Newell,
Jonas Goodnow,
Samuel Bent,
T. M. Brenn,
George H. Murphy,
E. S. Butterfield,
Luther S. Cutting,
E. R. Chase,
Dana W. Hayden,
William E. Eager,
exempt. William L. Stone, exempt,
substituted. Frank Webster "
paid. G. H Murphy,
exempt. Edwin Rogers, "
" Hubbard H. Brown, paid.
" Joel F. Parmenter, "
" Luther G. Hunt, "
Winsor Pratt, substituted.
" Lorenzo Parmenter, exempt,
enlisted, Joseph B. Adams, "
exempt. C. W. Floyd, "
paid. Henry H. Cheney, "
" James J. Puffer, "
exempt. N. C. Haynes, paid.
" Francis F. Walker, exempt.
In the foregoing lists are the names of some of Sudbury's
most valuable citizens. Voluntarily they came forward, and
offered themselves at their country's call. Young men left
the farm, the store, and the work-shop, and in the best of
their years and their strength engaged in the work of war.
The death rate among them, according to the records, is very
small. Yet the history of the regiments in which most of
these soldiers served shows that they sometimes occupied
positions of extreme peril. Some, who passed through the
severest engagements, escaped unharmed ; while others were
wounded repeatedly, and recovered and again entered the
ranks. Some of the strongest were the first to succumb to
the power of disease ; while others, slender of stature and
unaccustomed to out-door toil, came back at the end of their
term of service robust and strong. Such are the fortunes
of war.
LIST OF CASUALTIES.
The fatal casualties that. occurred to persons who were
accredited to or natives of Sudbury, as we have found them
recorded in the Town Book or the Adjutant General's
Printed Report, are as follows : —
KILLED OR MORTALLY WOUNDED IN BATTLE.
Horace Sanderson. John Forsyth. Edwin S. Parmenter.
THE WADSWORTH MONUMENT
South Sudbury. See page jjj.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 555
DIED IN THE SERVICE OF DISEASE OR HARDSHIP INCIDENT TO
ARMY LIFE.
John P. Hudson. Thomas Corcoran.
Curtis Smith. Hartson D. Sinclair.
George T. Dickey. Thomas Smith.
Abel H. Dakin. Cyrus E. Barker.
The following is a sketch of the above-named soldiers so
far as we have information concerning them.
HORACE SANDERSON.
Horace Sanderson, born at Waltham in 1837, was a mem-
ber of Company K, Sixteenth Regiment, M. V. M. He
enlisted for three years and was mustered in July, 1861.
He was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863.
JOHN FORSYTH.
John Forsyth, son of John and Hannah Forsyth, was born
in Waltham, Feb. 12, 1885. He enlisted at Newton in
Company IT, Sixteenth Regiment, for three years, and held
the position of sergeant. He was mustered into the service
in July, 1861. By trade he was a carpenter, and his former
home was in the east part of the town. He was killed at
the battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863.
EDWIN S. PARMENTER.
Edwin S. Parmenter, son of Charles and Fanny Parmenter,
was born in Sudbury, August 19, 1844. He was by occu-
pation a farmer, and lived at his father's home in the north-
easterly part of the town. When the draft came, July 17,
1863, his brother, Albert T., was among the Sudbury con-
scripts, and Edwin went as his substitute ; making the
second son in the family to go in the defence of his country.
He belonged to Company H, Eighteenth Massachusetts
Regiment, and was mustered in August 2-, 1863. He was
mortally wounded at the battle of Bottom Bridge, Va., and
died, June 8, 1864.
JOHN P. HUDSON.
John Plympton Hudson was mustered into the United
States service, May 21, 1862, and was a member of the
556 HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
Seventh Massachusetts Light Battery. He was with it in
its first engagement, which was with the artillery of Gen.
Roger Pryor, at the " Deserted House," near Suffolk, Va.
This action was noted for the effective work of the battery.
Said the " New York Tribune," in the news of Feb. 3, 1863,
" The Seventh Battery achieved great honor in sustaining
a furious cannonading and in more than matching it [Pryor's
Battery] in this its first engagement." In describing the
action, it states, " Follett's Battery [that is the Seventh
Massachusetts] was then wheeled into position, and at twenty
minutes to four o'clock, the action commenced in earnest.
Then ensued an exhibition of artillery practice, such as has
rarely been seen in this war. For three hours and eleven
minutes this artillery duel continued, and the service of the
guns on both sides, it is said, was not surpassable. During
this time the enemy was slowly giving way before the su-
periority of our cannonading. Their pieces were all si-
lenced by seven o'clock, and they had been driven two miles
from the Deserted House." In his own description of the
action in a letter to his brother, dated Suffolk, Va., Jan. 31,
1863, Mr. Hudson said, "I was in a battle yesterday and a
desperate one too, but I am safe and uninjured. ... I was
in the hottest of the fight, all of it, and got a hole torn in
my overcoat by a shell. It was a regular artillery duel for
three hours. Our company had two men killed and ten
wounded." In another description of the battle, he states
that the ground was plowed with the shot and shell, and
that the trees above the battery looked as if seared by the
frost or by a fire. In one instance his clothing was sprinkled
with the earth that was thrown up by the shot. During the
same year the battery was engaged at South Quay, Som-
erton, Providence Church Road and Holland's House. It
was afterwards ordered to New York to prevent a riot in the
enforcement of a draft. While there, Mr. Hudson became
unfitted for duty through disease, contracted while in the
service in Virginia, and entered the hospital. After rejoin-
ing the battery, while yet in an enfeebled condition, he
obtained a furlough to go North. He arrived at Sudbury in
November, 1863, where his illness increased until his death,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 557
which occurred at the Luther Goodnow house, near the old
Haynes Garrison, March 7,-1864. John P. Hudson was born
at Wayland, " Wayland and Weston Corner," Oct. 5, 1838.
He was the son of Martin Newton and Maria (Reed) Hudson,
and early went with his parents to Sudbury, where the most
of his life was spent. He was held in high esteem by his asso-
ciates, and had the confidence of the community in every
position that he occupied from his early youth to the time
of his going forth a young man in his country's service. As
a soldier, he was true to every trust, and faithfully stood at
his post until health gave way in camp life about the swamps
of Suffolk, Va. In a letter sent by a comrade in the battery,
Dr. William H. Ruddick of South Boston, it was said, " He
had not an enemy in the company, always did his duty
faithfully like a good soldier, his conduct and bearing was
an example for the rest to follow, he was loved by all." He
died at the age of twenty-five, and was buried at Wadsvvorth
Cemetery in the family lot. His grave is marked by a
marble stone, which is inscribed as follows: —
volunteer's grave.
JOHN P. HUDSON
A MEMBER OF
THE 7TH MASS. LIGHT BATTERY
DIED
In the U. S. Service March 7th 1864
Aged 25.
" How sleep the brave, who sink to rest,
With all their country's wishes blest.
By fairy hands their knell is rung;
By forms unseen their dirge is sung;
There Honor comes, a pilgrim gray,
To bless the turf that wraps their clay;
And Freedom shall awhile repair,
To dwell a weeping hermit there."
CURTIS SMITH.
Curtis Smith, son of Joseph and Olive (Moore) Smith,
was born at Sudbury, Dec. 22, 1842. He enlisted, January,
1864, for three years in the Fifty-ninth Regiment, and was
558 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
a member of Company E. He was a farmer, and the second
son of the family to enter the service of his country. May 6,
ten days after leaving the State, his regiment was engaged
in its first fight, and between that time and the middle of
June it was in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania,
North Anna and Cold Harbor. Between June 3 and 17, by
which time the regiment was before Petersburg, fifteen of its
men had been taken prisoners, among whom was Mr. Smith.
He was taken to Andersonville June 10, and died there
October 19. The town of Sudbury had one son offered as
a sacrifice to her country in that terrible prison pen. The
story is sufficiently told by the Town Record Book, whicli
says, " Died, Oct. 19, 1864, of starvation in prison at Ander-
sonville, Ga."
GEORGE T. DICKEY.
George T. Dickey was a son of Ira S. and Eliza Dickey.
He was born in Weston, and afterwards lived in the west-
erly part of Wayland, but the proximity of his house to Sud-
bury and his family connection with it allied him socially to
that town. He was by occupation a farmer, and, perhaps,
few soldiers were better equipped physically for the endurance
of army life than he ; and his cheerful disposition was well
suited to brighten the rough experience of the camp and the
march ; but, like some others who were exceptionally robust,
he was stricken down by the hand of disease, and after but
about a half year's service as a soldier, he died in the hospi-
tal at Williamsport, Md., March 4, 1862.
ABEL H. DAKIN.
Abel Henry Dakin enlisted from Natick in Company I,
Thirty-ninth Regiment, M. V. M. He entered the army as
a drummer, but afterwards held the position of bugler. He
died of consumption near Kelly's Ford, Va., Dec. 20, 1863.
In the Wadsworth Cemetery is a stone bearing the following
inscription : —
ABEL H. DAKIN,
Member of Co. I, 39th Reg't Mass. Vols.
Aet. 31 Years.
"Rest, Soldier, Rest."
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 559
Mr. Dakin was a son of Abel and Emeline (Stone) Dakin,
and was born at Sudbury, Dec. 28, 1832. His life was
mostly spent in his native town at the home of his uncle,
John H. Dakin, at the present Carpenter place. He was a
young1 man of excellent character, and, while in his country's
service, he faithfully performed his part. One of his com-
pany, in a letter to his sister, Mrs. Mary S. Brown, after his
death, stated, that "he did his duty cheerfully, was never
heard to complain," and that " they could feel that he was
a true and faithful soldier." At the time of his enlistment
he resided in Natick. He was married April 17, 1858, and
has left one daughter, Game O. Dakin. He gave his life
for his country, and was one of the great army of martj^rs
that marched to the South to be offered as a sacrifice in the
sacred cause of freedom.
Thomas Corcoran, died, April 11, 18G5, at Kingston, N. C.
Hartson D. Sinclair, died, May 20, 1805, at Cumberland, Md.
Thomas Smith, died, Jan. 20, 186.").
Cyrus E. Barker, died at Annapolis, Md.
"On Fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread ;
While glory guards with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead."
SKETCHES OF RESIDENT SOLDIERS.
We will now give a sketch of the Sudbury soldiers who are
living in town, so far as our information of them extends.
The task will be an easy one, for time has made more havoc
than the bayonets or bullets of the foe. The ranks of the
veterans have been thinned, year by year, through death and
removal. Fewer and fewer have become the survivors, till
but about a half score are left to decorate the graves of
their comrades as the spring-time returns ; and when a few
more years have passed the last veteran will be gone. The
Sudbury soldiers who are non-residents of the town are
somewhat widely scattered ; but, as in the case of residents,
more or less of them are at the head of households, occupy
honorable positions, and are useful and substantial citizens.
560 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
They laid down the weapons of war and took the imple-
ments of peaceful pursuits, glad of the repose that comes
after victory.
Welcome with shouts of joy and pride
Your veterans from the war-path's track ;
You gave your boys untrained, untried,
You bring them men and heroes back.
Alice Cary.
JAMES B. BUTTERFIELD.
James B. Butterfield, son of Luther and Mary Butterfield,
was born in Wayland, July 22, 1840. He was the second
member of the family to serve in the war, his brother George
having enlisted Aug. 18, 1861, in the First Massachusetts
Cavalry. His early home was at Lanham, at which place he
has recently resided.
WILLIAM B. BAILEY.
William B. Bailey, son of Mathew and Roxanna Bailey,
was born at Palmer in 1837. He was a resident of Sudbury
at the time of enlistment, and by occupation a shoemaker.
He married Alvina Darling of Sudbury, and since his dis-
charge from the army has lived at the place in South Sud-
bury formerly owned by his father-in-law, Trobridge Darling.
He belonged to Company D, Thirty-fifth Regiment.
JOHN H. EATON.
John Henry Eaton, son of John and Ruth Eaton, was
born in Sudbury, Nov. 17, 1838. His home was in the
Lanham district and his occupation that of a farmer. He
belonged to Company F, Forty -fifth Regiment. Since his
discharge from the army he has lived at his former home.
JOSIAH GLEASON.
Josiah Gleason, born in Sudbury Aug. 8, 1826, was son
of Reuben and Jerusha Gleason. He was by occupation a
farmer, and since the war has resided in town.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 561
FRANCIS GARFIELD.
Francis Garfield, son of Enoch and Priscilla Garfield, was
born in Lincoln, October 1830. He was by occupation a
shoemaker, and became a citizen of Sudbury several years
before entering the army. He married Sarah, daughter of
Thomas B. Battles, and resides at Sudbury Centre.
CHARLES E. HAYNES.
Charles E. Haynes, son of David and Rachel Haynes, was
born at Sudbury June 12, 1837. He enlisted for three years
in the 13th Reg't., M. V. M., Co. F, and was mustered into
service July 16, 1861. At the time of enlistment he was a
farmer by occupation and a member of the " Wadsworth
Rifle Guards." After he was mustered out of the United
States service, Aug. 1, 1864, he returned to Sudbury where
he now resides. He married Abi, daughter of Daniel L. and
Sarah Willis, and has one son, Charles Ernest. He was
several times wounded. His first wound was caused by a
fragment of shell which struck him on the head at the
second battle of Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862. In the same
battle he was also taken prisoner, but escaped. He was
wounded next at the battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862, by
a musket ball, which passed through both legs. The third
wound was received May 8, 1864, at the battle of Spottsyl-
vania, where he was shot through the hand and at the same
time was struck by some missile in the side which knocked
him down.
RUFUS H. HURLBUT.
Rufus H. Hurlbut, only son of Thomas P. and Mary
(Moore) Hurlbut, was born at Sudbury, July 16, 1842. He
enlisted at the age of twenty, in the Thirty-fifth Regiment,
and was promoted to . sergeant, May 8, 1865. While his
regiment was before Petersburg, Sept. 30, 1864, he was
wounded in the head. During his march through the Wil-
derness he was taken sick, and for a time he was in danger
of being left behind ; a comrade, John Morse, then of Way-
562 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
land, nobly offered to remain with him. At Fredericksburg,
as he went up the perilous heights, he was obliged to pass
through a gap in a fence, the position of which was so ex-
posed that he was forced to tread upon a heap of bodies
which had just been slain, but he escaped unhurt. He con-
tinued with the army till the expiration of his term of
service, June 9, 1865, when he returned to South Sudbury,
where he still resides.
JOHN H. MOORE.
John Herschell Moore was born in the west part of Sud-
bury, June 30, 1841, and was the youngest son of James and
Sally (Thompson) Moore. He enlisted for three years when
a student, and was a member of Company G, Thirty-second
Regiment. This regiment was engaged in the battles before
Richmond, at Antietain and Fredericksburg in 1862, and at
Chancellorsville, Spottsylvania and Rappahannock Station in
1863.
ALPHEUS PUFFER.
Alpheus Puffer was born at Sudbury in 1840. He was
the son of Samuel and Laura Puffer, and his early home was
in the north-east part of the town. At the time of enlist-
ment he was a resident of South Sudbury and by occupation
a carpenter. He was a member of Company F, Forty-fifth
Regiment. He is at present a resident of South Sudbury,
and engaged in the business of a machinist.
ELI H. WILLIS.
Eli H. Willis, son of Eli and Mary Willis, was born in
Sudbury in 1841. He was by occupation a farmer. He
married Sarah, only daughter of Luther and Mary Butter-
field, and resides in the Lanham district. He was a member
of Company E, Thirty-fifth Regiment, and was the second
member of his father's family to go to the war ; a brother,
Averill, having enlisted August, 1861, in the First Massa-
chusetts Cavalry.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 563
SUMMARY OF SERVICE.
According to Schouler in his " History of Massachusetts
in the Civil War," Sudbury furnished one hundred and
sixty-eight men, which was eleven over and above all de-
mands. He states that " four were commissioned officers.
The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by
the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was
seventeen thousand five hundred and seventy-five dollars.
The amount of money raised and expended by the town dur-
ing the war for State aid to soldiers' families, and repaid by
the Commonwealth, was $6,199.18."
" The population of Sudbury in 1860 was 1,691 ; the
valuation, $1,043,091. The population in 1865 was 1,703 ;
the valuation, $1,052,778. The selectmen in 1861 and 1862
were James Moore, John H. Dakin, George Parmenter; in
1863, A. B. Jones, George Goodnow, H. H. Goodnough ; in
1864 and 1865, Thomas P. Hurlbut, Charles Hunt, Walter
Rogers. The town clerk during all the years of the war
was J. S. Hunt. The town treasurer during the years 1861,
1862 and 1863 was Edwin Harrington ; in 1864 and 1865,
S. A. Jones."
Shortly after the war, Sudbury's rank among the towns
of the county in population was the thirty-ninth. In 1776,
it was the only town in Middlesex County having a popula-
tion of two thousand.
It may be of interest, as well as important as a matter of
history, to give the names of Sudbury citizens who were in-
cluded in the first and second classes of those subject to a
draft in November, 1863.
Provost Marshal's Office,
Headquarters Seventh District, Massachusetts.
Concord, November 24, 1863.
By order of the Provost Marshal General of the United
States, the following list of the names of all persons enrolled
in the Sub-District of Sudbury, is published for the informa-
tion of whom it may concern.
Any person enrolled as below may appear before the
564
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Board of Enrolment on Monday, December 14th, 1863, and
claim to Lave his name stricken from the list, if he can show
to the satisfaction of the Board that he is not liable to mili-
tary duty on account of, 1st, Alienage ; 2d, Non-Residence ;
3d, Unsuitableness of Age ; 4th, Manifest Permanent Phy-
sical Disability.
As all disabilities must be manifest and permanent, cer-
tificates of physicians cannot be examined or considered.
All persons who were exempted from the recent draft on
account of having furnished a Substitute, or paid Commuta-
tion Money, need not appear.
FIRST
Adams, Joseph B., 33, farmer.
Butterfield, S. Ebenezer, 21, shoe-
maker.
Bones, Patrick, 33, laborer.
Brown, Francis H., 21, farmer.
Bacon, Adoniram J., 24,
Bent, William H., 24,
Bent, Cyrus A., 23,
Bent, Lucius P., 31,
Bent, Samuel, Jr., 30,
Brinn, Thomas M., 32, tailor.
Brown, Spencer W., 37, farmer
Brown, Hubbard H., 24
Brown, Edward E., 33,
Brown, Newton E., 24,
Conant, E. Luman, 23,
Conant, Edwin A., 33,
Conant, John M., 24,
Carr, Erwin S., 25,
Carter, Leonard, 33, hotel keeper
Cutting, George F., 27, trader.
Cutting, Luther S., 30, farmer.
Chase, Eli R., 25, clerk.
Cheney, Henry H., 21, carpenter.
Conant, Albert, 25, laborer.
Dadman, Orin, 43, farmer.
Evans, Moses W., 22, laborer.
Eaton, Edward N., 2G, farmer.
Eager, William E., 31, laborer.
Floyd, Charles W., 28, laborer.
Goodnow, John B., 33, farmer.
CLASS.
Hunt, Samuel M., 33, farmer.
Horr, Richard R., 30, shoemaker.
Hunt, Horatio, 34, carpenter.
Haynes, Nathan C, 28, farmer.
Haynes, George F., 28, "
Jones, John C, 31, laborer.
Jones, Levi S., 38, farmer.
Linehan, John, 28, laborer.
Lamson, Frederick A., 21, laborer.
Moore, Francis U., 29, carpenter.
McCann, Owens, 31, farmer.
Maynard, Moses W., 43, farmer.
Moore, William H., 3:5, miller.
Moore, Benjamin, 20, miller.
Murphy, George H., 31, laborer.
Nilligan, Morris, 28 "
Newell, Michael, 24, "
Parmenter, Lorenzo, 31, farmer.
Parmenter, Alfred N., 23, "
Parmenter, Alfred T.. 23, "
Parmenter, John W., 27, carpenter.
Phillips, John H., 25, laborer.
Puffer, Dexter R., 32, clerk.
Priest, Abraham, 27, farmer.
Puffer, James F., 23, farmer.
Prouty, Augustus, 34, clerk.
Puffer, James J., 34, carpenter.
Parmenter, Joel F., 33, trader.
Pratt, Nathan L., 33, powder-maker.
Pratt, Windsor, 31, cooper.
Pratt, Francis, 24, farmer.
HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
565
Garfield, John W., 30, shoemaker.
Goodnow, Nahum, 20, laborer.
Gleason, Josiah, 37, laborer.
Goodnow, Elisha, 24, farmer.
Gormain, William, 30, overseer.
Gay, Aimer H., 27, shoemaker.
Garfield Samuel H., 20, laborer.
Goodnow Jonas, 42, laborer.
Goodnow, John, 3d, 24, trader.
Heffiman, James, 20, paper- maker.
Hayden, Dana W., 28, farmer.
Hunt, Luther G., 27,
Haynes, Andrew, 25, "
Haynes, Marshal, 22, "
Hemenway, Adoniram J., 21, clerk.
Hudson, S. Alfred, 23, student.
Haynes, James, 25, laborer.
Haynes, Sylvester, 27, laborer.
Hunt, Edward, 34, farmer.
Pratt, Levi L., 37, farmer.
Parmenter, Tisdale W., 26, farmer.
Rogers, Edwin, 27, butcher.
Richardson, Thos. C, 28, musician.
Richardson, Lyman B., 22, miller.
Stone, William L., 21, farmer.
Stone, George W., Jr., 25, farmer.
Smith Curtis, 20, "
Smith, Elisha E., 34, "
Sherman, Theo. S., 30, shoemaker.
Thompson, Alfred N., 31, farmer.
Thompson, Charles, 36, "
Tilton, John F., 35, «
Vinton, Porter ML, 29, clergyman.
Willis, James L., 25, farmer.
Walker, Francis F., 26, farmer.
Webster, Franklin, 28, machinist.
White, Calvin, 30, laborer.
SECOND CLASS.
Agnew, James, 36, spinner.
Brigham, Rufus, 44, farmer.
Burr, Hiram G., 36, trader.
Casey, Martin, 36, farmer.
Cutter, Joseph D., 42, farmer.
Cutter, Charles A., 37, butcher.
Dakin, Asahel, 41, farmer.
Doyle, Edward, 35, "
Dittling, Felix, 36, "
Dakin, John H., 43, "
Dakin, Jonathan C, 43, farmer.
Fairbank, Nelson, 43, "
Fairbank, Jona P., 37, "
Goodnough, Hiram H., 37, farmer.
Goodnough, John, 2d., 38, "
Goodnow, George, 43, "
Gough, William J., 36, carder.
Hunt, Jonas S., 36, trader.
Haynes, Reuben, 41, farmer.
Haynes, Hiram, 39 "
Harrington, Edwin, 43, "
Hunt, Aaron, Jr.. 43, "
Haynes, Warren H., 41, farmer.
Hurburt, Thomas P., 43, "
Hunt, Nicholas B., 42, "
Haynes, Francis, 39, "
James, Charles A., 43, machinist.
Jones, William P., 43, shoemaker.
Jones, William F., 35, laborer.
Joice, John, 40, laborer.
Ladd, Thomas, 41, laborer.
Moore, Curtis B., 35, farmer.
Milleman, Elisha, 35, "
Moore, George, 35, "
Murphy, James, 36, laborer.
Noyes, Joseph, 38, farmer.
Puffer, Napoleon B., 42, overseer.
Parmenter, Madison, 36, farmer.
Parmenter, Samuel O., 43, "
Puffer, Otis, 38, mariner.
Parmenter, Addison, 36, farmer.
Pierce, Luke, 40, farmer.
Perry, Levi E., 42, farmer.
Rice, Isaac, 43, laborer.
Rice, John W., 41, farmer.
Rice, Oliver R., 37, farmer.
Richardson, Benj. H., 42, carpenter.
Seymore, Charles, 43, farmer.
Smith, Farwell, 39, farmer.
Sawyer, Theodore W., 44, farmer.
Taylor, Sewall B., 43, machinist.
Taylor, John, 44, carpenter.
566 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Howe, Joseph C, 44, manufacturer. Taylor, George, 41, farmer.
Harriman, John K, 38, carpenter. Tilton, Edward F., 37, powder-maker.
Heard, Augustus, 44, farmer. Tilton, George W., 38, "
Jones, Dexter C, 42, farmer. Willis, George W., 42, carpenter."
But few events of especial prominence, not already men-
tioned, have transpired in Sudbury thus far during the closing
period of the century ; and no record of its commonplace
annals will be given. After mentioning the Bicentennial
of the Wadsworth Fight, the laying out of an important
highway, the George Goodnow Bequest, and the organization
of societies, we shall consider in the subsequent chapters
several subjects that stand related to each period of the
history of Sudbury.
BICENTENNIAL.
April 18, 1876, the town celebrated what was supposed to
be the two hundredth anniversary of Wadsworth's Fight at
Green Hill (For true date see page 218.) At early dawn
a salute was fired, and a procession of " Antiques and Hor-
ribles " paraded, making a trip to South Sudbury. Later in
the day a procession of the citizens, including the school
children, was formed and marched to Wadsworth Monument,
which was decorated with the national colors. The following
sentiment was offered by Jonas S. Hunt, Esq., and was
responded to by Hon. T. B. Hurlbut : " Wadsworth Monu-
ment, — The joint tribute of the State of Massachusetts and
the town of Sudbury."
Services were held at the Unitarian Church, which con-
sisted of prayer by Rev. George A. Oviatt, an oration by
Prof. Edward A. Young of Harvard College, and remarks by
Rev. George A. Oviatt, Luther H. Sherman, who spoke for
Wayland, John H. Hillis, who spoke for Maynard, and
Capt. E. D. Wadsworth of Milton, a descendant of Capt.
Samuel Wadsworth. J. P. Fairbanks was president of the
day. Jonas S. Hunt, Esq., was toast-master, and Homer
Rogers chief marshal. Music was furnished by the Sudbury
Cornet Band, Alfred M. Moore of Maiden, leader. The
exercises closed by the singing of America.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 567
Nov. 7, 1882, a committee appointed to consider the laying
out of a road between the Horatio Hunt place and the rail-
road junction, reported favorably, and the road was com-
pleted.
THE GEORGE GOODNOW BEQUEST.
In November, 1884, it was voted to " accept of a donation
of Ten Thousand Dollars offered the Town of Sudbury, by
George Goodnow of Boston, for the purpose of establishing
a fund, the income of which he desires to be used by the
selectmen of said Town for the time being, to assist such
citizens of the Town who are not, at the time of receiving
the assistance, paupers, but who may for any cause be in
need of temporary or private assistance." By motion of
Rev. George A. Oviatt, the town voted that, " we do now as
a town by vote express our hearty thanks to the donor of
this generous Fund, assuring him of our appreciation of his
love of his native town, and equally of his noble desire to
render aid to the needy therein. And may his sunset of life
be bright to the last, and terminate in the day of endless
light and blessedness."
Dec. 24, 1884, Goodman Council, No. 868, of the Royal
Arcanum was organized.
March 5, 1885, the Sudbury Grange, No. 21, was organized.
In 1889, an unsuccessful effort was made by the Society
of the Orthodox Congregational Church to hold their regular
Sabbath Day services at South Sudbury. The same year the
town took measures for securing a suitable spot for the erec-
tion of a High School Building at Sudbury Centre.
CHAPTER XXXI.
CEMETERIES.
First Burial Place. — Old Burying-Ground at Sudbury Centre. — Mount
Wadsworth Cemetery. — Mount Pleasant Cemetery. — New Cem-
etery.— North Sudbury Cemetery. — Burial Customs.
Our vales are sweet with fern and rose,
Our hills are maple-crowned ;
But not from them our fathers chose
The village burying-ground.
Whittier.
There are few, if any, places in our New England towns
more suggestive of the past than its ancient burial places. It
is there that we find names now but rarely spoken in the
places that knew them once, and the old headstones give a
record of births, ages and deaths, which perhaps could be
found nowhere else. Sudbury has at present five cemeteries
within its limits: one at South Sudbury, one at North Sud-
bury, and three at the Centre ; but the first burial place of
the town was in East Sudbury, now Wayland.
sudbury's first burying-ground.
This ancient burial place is in Wayland, on the north side
of the road leading to Sudbury Centre, and about a half
mile from the railroad station. It has the general appear-
ance of an old-time graveyard. The wild grass covers the
toughened and irregular sod, and the uneven surface of the
ground indicates that it was long, long ago broken by the
sexton's spade. These indications of the existence of old
graves are correct. It was the burying-ground of the set-
tlers, and here —
" Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap,
Each in his narrow cell forever laid,
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep."
668
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 569
The older part of this cemetery lies near or beside the
county highway, and may be the half acre bought of John
Loker for a burial place. Tradition says that prior to the
selection of this spot a few interments were made just over
the hill to the north, where tradition also states that there
was an Indian graveyard. These traditions have perhaps
some confirmation in the fact that on the northern hillside
remains of human skeletons have been exhumed. An old
citizen, Mr. Sumner Draper, states that in his boyhood, when
men were at work in the gravel pit in what was known as
the "old Indian graveyard," he saw bones which they dug
up, that he thought belonged to several human skeletons,
and that he had himself in later years dug up a human skull.
He also stated that there were two or three flat stones on
some graves, which he believed were without any inscrip-
tion, and that he thought some such stones were removed
from the spot long ago.
The town owned thereabouts two or three acres of land,
which was generally known as the " old Indian graveyard."
But if this land was reserved by the settlers for a burial
place, it was not long made use of; for the southerly slope
was soon set apart for this purpose, and has continued to be
used for more than two centuries and a half. Additions
have repeatedly been made to this latter portion, as the
generations have passed away, and new graves have been
opened to receive them ; and thus has the slow, solemn
march of that silent company been moving over that midway
space, until the two portions are almost joined. Besides the
age of the yard, there are other things that make it an inter-
esting spot to the inhabitants of Sudbury. Within its enclos-
ure stood the first meeting-house. (See page 100.) Here lie
buried the bodies of those who bore the name of Goodnow,
Curtis, Grout, Rutter, Parmenter, Rice, Bent, and others of
the early grantees, besides still others of Sudbury's most
prominent citizens before the division of the town. Because
of the interest that thus attaches to the place, although it is
not now within the limits of the town, we will give the in-
scriptions on some of the older gravestones which lie along
the common highway.
570 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Memento Mori.
Here lyethe remains of Ephraim Curtis ESQr who departed this lyfe
Nov' the 17th A D 1759 in the 80th Year of his age. He was a Loving
Husband and a Tender Parent a faithful Friend, as a Justice of the
Peace he Hon'd his Commission by adhering steadily to the Rules of
Justice, he was Major of a Regiment, in which Office he conducted in
such a manner as gave General Satisfaction. He was many years Rep-
resentative in the General Court, a lover of True Piety, belov'd by all
that knew him and Equally Lamented at his Death.
" Here learn
the end of man
Know that thy life
is but a span."
On this gravestone is a skull and crossbones.
In memory of Capt. Joseph Smith Who died March 9th 1803, aged
87 years.
Farewell my dear and loving wife
Farewell my children and my friends
Until the resurrection day.
Probably the captain of the east side militia. (See period
1775-1800.)
Here lyest ye Body of M" Abagail Paris wife to Mr Samuel Paris,
who departed this life Feb1* ye 15th 1759 in y 55th Year of her age.
Probably the wife of the son of Samuel Paris of Witch-
craft fame. (See period 1675-1700.)
Here Lyes ye Body of Mrs Patience Browne wife to Majr Thomas
Browne Aged 59 years. Died Aug8t ye 15, 1706.
Major Thomas Browne was a very prominent Sudbury citi-
zen. (See page 36.)
In memory of Mr. Joseph Rutter, who died Dec. 19th 1781 in
ye 7gth year 0f his age.
Down to the dead, all must descend,
The saints of God must die.
While Angels guard their souls to rest,
In dust their Bodies lie.
Erected in memory of Mrs Mary Rutter wife of Mr. Joseph Rutter
who died Sept 2°nd A E 82
HISTOEY OF STJDBTJRY. 571
Joseph Rutter was a descendant and probably grandson of
John Rutter, builder of the first meeting-house, which stood
just beside where the remains of Joseph Rutter now lie.
(See page 43.)
Memento Mori.
In memory of
Mr. Thomas Bent who died Mrs. Mary Bent wife of Mr.
Wednesday morning July the Thomas Bent who died Wednes-
26th 1775. day morning July ye 26th 1775
jEtatis 69. ^Etatis 57.
Our term of time is seventy years Yet then our boasted strength de-
An age that few survive cays,
But if with more than common To sorrow turns and pain
strength So soon the slender thread is cut
To eighty we arrive And we no more remain
Two notable stones are those that mark the graves of
Capt. Edmund Goodnow and wife. They are in a horizontal
position, and just east of the old meeting-house site. The
inscription is rudely cut, and in the language of other years.
It is as follows : —
YE- DUST-
HEARE-LYETH- PRETIOUS-
NT-
OF - THAT - EMENANT - SARVA
OF-
GOD - CAP - EDMOND - GOODENOW -
YEARE -
WHO -DIED -YE -77- OF -HIS -
AYGE- APRIL -YE -6 -1688.
HERE - LYETH - YE - BODY - OF - ANNE - YE -
WIFE - OF - CAP - EDMOND - GOODENOW -
WHO - DYED - YE : 9 : OF : MARCH 1676 : AGED -
67 -YEARS.
HERE - LYETH - YE - BODY - OF - JOSEPH -
GOODENOW - WHO - DYED - YE - 30 - OF - MAY :
1676 : AGED - 31 - YEARS. FEBRY - 18 - 1691.
572 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Here lies Buried The Body of ye worthy Joshua Haynes Esq De-
ceased March ye 29 1757 in the 88 year of His Age. He was a Hearty
Promoter of the Public weal Whose . . Humanity Integrity and Laud-
able Munificence Embalm His name. He was charitable to the Poor
and at his Death gave many Gifts to Particular . . Besides 2 Thousand
Pounds Old Tenor to a Publick School and ye Poor of ye Town of
Sudbury.
Joshua Haynes was the donor of the fund called, in the list
of bequests to Sudbury, the " Ancient Donation Fund."
HERE - LYES - YE - BODY - OF - M R - JONATHAN -
SIMPSON - LATE - OF - BOSTON - WHO - DE-
PARTED - THIS - LIFE - NOVR - l8t- 1773 - IN - THE -
54th YEAR -OF- HIS -AGE.
Charlestown doth claim his birth,
Boston his habitation ;
Sudbury hath his grave,
Where was his expiration.
THE OLD BURYING -GROUND AT SUDBURY CENTRE.
A winding wall of mossy stone,
Frost-flung and broken, lines
A lonesome acre thinly grown
With grass and wandering vines.
Whittier.
The oldest graveyard within the present limits of Sudbury
is at the Centre. It is situated in the north-easterly part of
the village, along the Concord road east of the Methodist
Church. An early record of this burying-place is found in
the proprietor's book, and bears date Feb. 26, 1716-17.
(See pages 121 and 122.) Another record referring to it is
dated June 12, 1725. (See page 292.)
In this old graveyard, for a century and a half or upwards,
what was mortal of many of the west side inhabitants was laid.
The names of Haynes, Hunt, Parmenter, Goodnow, Brown,
Moore and Howe, Bent, Rice, Richardson, Willis, Wheeler,
Jones, Puffer, Hayden, Walker, and a host of others, long
familiar in Sudbury, are to be found on the stones. Un-
like the older part of the first yard, at what was East Sud-
bury, the gravestones are here quite numerous ; but, though
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 573
many, they do not mark all the graves, which nearly cover
the entire space of that " thickly peopled ground." The
enclosure is encompassed by a substantial stone wall, which
within a few years has been well repaired. The place has
but little shrubbery and few trees. Just beyond the road
was the pound, near by or on the site of which the hearse
house now stands. Within the past few years this yard has
been but little used. Now and then the ground has been
broken as the fragment of some ancient family has found its
resting place among a group of old graves ; but these in-
stances are fewer and farther between as time passes by, and
it will probably soon cease to be used for new burials, but
remain with unbroken turf until the morning of the resurec-
tion. It is a place of sacred association, and as such has
been regarded by the town's people ; especially was it much
visited by them during the intermission between the Sabbath
services, when two sermons were preached in one day. Then
the}r visited this quiet spot, read epitaphs, talked of the past,
and derived, it may be, such lessons from the suggestive
scenes as were a moral and spiritual help. Along the north-
erly side of the yard is the Sudbury and Concord highway ;
and ranged beside this are family tombs. One of these is
that of Mr. John Goodnow, the donor of the Goodnow
Library. Upon others are names of old Sudbury families.
Within the yard is only one tomb and that is underground
and about westerly of the Plympton monument, and sur-
mounted with a small brick work upon which lies a slate
stone, with these words : —
HOPESTILL BROWN, ESQ., TOMBE.
1731.
This tomb contains the remains of descendants of Dea.
William Brown, an early grantee, who once resided near
Nobscot. The tomb was years ago nearly full, the last burial
being about 1852. This burying-ground contains several
marble monuments of some considerable size. The first one
was erected in 1835, and is commemorative of the Plympton
family. The graves of two, at least, of Sudbury's old min-
574 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
isters are there, — Reverends Bigelow and Hurlbut ; the in-
scriptions on the headstones are as follows : —
Sacred to the memory of Rev. Rufus Hurlbut late minister of the
church and society in Sudbury. He was born in Southampton, April
21, 1787, and died May 11, 1839. Aged 52.
" Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Jesus
said " I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me though
he were dead yet shall he live."
In memory of Rev. Jacob Bigelow, Pastor of the Church and Con-
gregation at Sudbury. Born Mar. 2, 1743. Graduated at Harvard
College 1766. Ordained in the Gospel Ministry 1772. After a happy
and harmonious connexion with the People of his charge 44 years he
died Sept 12, 1818. JEX 75 years. Habitual in piety and exemplary in
his life & conduct, Cheerful and active in health, patient and resigned
in sickness: beloved and respected while living, he was followed to the
tomb with grateful remambrance by his relatives and the flock of his
charge.
This yard is the burial place of more or less of those
who participated in the Concord fight, and subsequent bat-
tles and scenes of the Revolutionary period. Notable among
these is the grave of Deacon Haynes, upon whose gravestone
is this epitaph : —
In memory of Deacon Josiah Haynes who died in Freedom's Cause
ye 19th of April 1775 : in the 79th year of his Age.
Come listen all unto this call
Which God doth make to day
For you must die as well as I
And pass from hence away.
(For more concerning Deacon Haynes see Chapter XX.)
Other stones at the graves of prominent men of those
times are inscribed as follows : —
In memory of Capt. Asahel Wheeler an officer in the Revolution,
Died Oct. 28 1822 aged 81 years.
In the northerly part is the grave of Capt. Jabes Puffer,
marked with a slate stone slab.
Sacred to the memory of Col. Ezekial How who died Oct. 15, 1796.
/Etatis 77.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 575
Sacred in memory of Wra Rice. Esq. who died Dec. 5, 1819. ^Et. 82.
Whose true character will be better known at the resurrection.
Erected in memory of Mr. John Goodnow who died Oct. 13, 1863.
yEt. 101 yrs. 8 mos. 14 ds " The Lord is my Shepherd."
The grave of a servant of Rev. Israel Loring has a stone
there thus inscribed : —
Here Lies ye Body of Simeon ye Once Faithful & Beloved Servant of
ye Rvd M isra" Loring, who Died May ye 10, 1755. In ye 22 Year of
His Age.
On the stone of Capt. David Haynes, who died 1775, in
his eighty-fifth year, is this inscription : —
Reader
Death is a debt to Nature Due
As I have paid it so must You.
On that of Mrs. Mary Willis the inscription is as fol-
lows : —
Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Mary Willis who died Oct. 9, 1805.
Aged 84 years.
Sickness sore long time I bore
Physicians was in vain
Till GOD did please to give me ease
And free me from my pain.
Some of the oldest have the following inscriptions : —
Here lyes ye Body of Mr Joseph Brintnal Died June ye 28: 1731 in
ye 49th year 0{ his age.
Here lies Buried ye Body of Deacn James Haynes who Departed this
life Octobr ye 15th A. D. 1732 In ye 72d year of his age.
Here lies buried ye body of Mr Abraham Woods Junr who departed
this life July ye 11th A. D. 1742. Age 58 years, 2 M. & 25 D.
The oldest graves are near the centre of the yard. Proba-
bly for the first few years after the lot was laid out, burials
were less numerous than a little later, as the associations
connected with the more ancient churchyard in the east part
of the town would naturally lead to its somewhat continued
use by the west side inhabitants.
576 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
MOUNT WADSWORTH CEMETERY.
It lies upon a sunlit slope,
Where, lingering late, the sunset rays
Aslant their golden radiance cast,
And lovingly day longest stays.
This cemetery is at South Sudbury, and formerly belonged
to the Israel Howe Browne estate. It was originally quite
small, having been enlarged several times. Formerly the
last lot to the eastward was that of Asahel Haynes, and the
northern boundary was just north of the tombs or about mid-
way of the present width of the cemetery. The entrance
was formerly south of Dr. Levi Goodenough's house and
joined his grounds, but it was changed about the time the
Wadsworth monument was erected, and now leads from the
avenue that goes to the monument. In presenting the vari-
ous changes that have been made in this cemetery, we quote
from a paper prepared by A. J. Goodenough in 1881, and read
before an audience in Sudbury Town Hall : " The cemetery
was first enlarged in 1842. Miss Jerusha Howe, who died
Feb. 21, 1842, had provided in her will a sum of money for a
monument, which at that time seemed an extravagant outlay.
Her brother, Lyman Howe, Esq., wishing to obtain a suit-
able site for so costly a structure, and no satisfactory place
within the old grounds being found, he selected the emi-
nence north of the grounds — then a stony pasture — as
being more sightly and appropriate. Mr. Browne was un-
willing at first to have him occupy this place, as it involved
the enlargement of the grounds, and among other difficulties
did not wish to see land further north [used] for burial pur-
poses without the consent of Dr. Goodenough, as it might
injure his well of water. After considerable consultation on
the subject, Mr. Browne yielded, Dr. Goodenough giving his
consent, provided no lots should be sold any nearer his land
than Miss Howe's. This increased the size of the cemetery
to about double the original extent. But many years did
not pass before the new ground was almost wholly occupied ;
Miss Howe's monument attracting much attention, and being
probably the principal cause of many selecting their lots
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 577
here. By some means, however, four lots were sold between
Miss Howe's and Dr. Goodenough's land, and three of them
were occupied. This proved a difficulty, as they not only
interfered with the entrance to Miss Howe's lot, but Dr.
Goodenough became anxious lest the water in his well
should be injured by this encroachment. Accordingly he
bought the three lots that had been occupied, paying the
owners for new lots, as well as the expense of removing the
remains, and Esquire Howe buying out the unoccupied lot.
Thus they hoped to secure for the future open grounds,
which might be either a grassy lawn, or be beautified with
flowers, and thus render those living near free from danger
in their wells of water, Mr. Brown assuring the doctor that
the ground should not be used for burial purposes during his
lifetime. One of these lots came so close to Miss Howe's
that access could scarcely be had to it, no space being left
for a walk between. This probably was the reason why Mr.
Howe united in purchasing the lots. It is presumable that
this was the occasion of a general agreement between the
owners of lots, to make walks between their lots, for no pro-
vision was made for walks when the cemetery was first laid
out."
Since the paper from which we have quoted was written,
the cemetery has been still further enlarged until it now ex-
tends nearly back to the hill. A few years ago, there was a
small growth of trees along the avenues and about more or
less of the lots, but they were recently removed lest they
should deface the stones. The arch at present over the east
entrance to the cemetery was erected in 1879, by Mr. Israel
H. Browne over the west entrance. It was completed July,
1879. There are those who remember the old man as he
stood and surveyed it, leaning on his staff, his eyes filled
with tears. "This will stand," he said, " when I am gone.
The rest will live to see it, but I shall not be here long."
He died within a few weeks.
The following is from a newspaper notice of his death :
" Mr. I. H. Browne, who recently caused the arch to be
erected over the entrance to Mt. Wadsworth, was suddenly
stricken with paralysis Aug. 10 [1879]. He rallied for a
578 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
few days, then swiftly sank away, and in two weeks passed
from earth, dying Aug. 25, proving his own words prophetic,
that he might be the first from town borne beneath the arch
for burial." The erection of this arch permanently affixed the
name Mount Wadsworth to the grounds. After the ceme-
tery came under the control of the cemetery corporation the
arch was removed to its present position.
The first monument erected in this yard was that of
Jerusha Howe, and placed in the first enlargement of the
grounds. The next was a plain marble shaft put up by Dr.
Goodenough, which was the first in the old ground. Ac-
cording to an estimate made about the year 1881, the
number buried in the old part of the cemetery was about
one hundred and thirty-three, and in the new parts one hun-
dred and thirty-nine. This estimate does not include those in
the tombs, nor several graves nearly or quite levelled down.
The plan of making this a common burial place, it is sup-
posed, was first conceived of by Mrs. Lucy Hinckly, a
daughter of Mr. I. H. Browne, whose brother had recently
died and been interred in the family tomb at the Centre.
About that time there also died at South Sudbury Mrs.
John Browne, Sen., and Mr. Gideon Richardson and wife,
who were likewise buried at Sudbury Centre. The desire to
have the bodies of these friends nearer by, the fact that the
old burial-ground was so full, and that the spot was suitable,
and made appropriate by the grave of Captain Wadsworth
and his men, all contributed to the setting apart of this
ground as a cemetery. The first interments were of remains
removed from the old burying yard, and were made June 20,
1835. It is supposed the bodies then removed were those
of Elbridge, Melissa, and John Calvin Richardson and Edwin
H. Browne ; that the latter was one of them is indicated by
the following from a letter of Mrs. L. Fairbanks, daughter of
I. H. Browne : " I have just been to the new cemetery, where
dear little Edwin now rests. He was removed with some
others some time ago from the old brick tomb where our
ancestors were all buried, and now they are only a little dis-
tance from our home. Lucy was the first to suggest to have
Father plan this new burial place."
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 579
Mr. John Browne, Sr., the brothers Gardner, Luther, and
Sewall Hunt formed a plan to build jointly three tombs.
Mr. Luther Hunt, dying April 17, 1836, did not see the
work completed which he had helped to plan. The tomb of
Mr. John Browne, Sr., has inscribed ou it J. and E. Browne.
These tombs were erected in 1836. The stone was quarried
at the foot of Nobscot hill, on the north-east side, and cut,
hewn and fitted at the cemetery by Messrs. Damon and Pen-
niman, who were the principal workmen. The granite, it is
supposed, was from a hugh boulder, rather than from a ledge
native to the hill. The next tomb was erected by C. G. Cut-
ler, in 1839, and later, followed those of Roland Cutler and
A and E. Kidder ; the latter of which has been somewhat
altered within the last few years. In this tomb were- de-
posited for a little time the remains of Captain Wadsworth's
men, after they were taken up for removal to the present
enclosure.
ORGANIZATION OF THE MOUNT WADSWORTH CEMETERY
CORPORATION.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSCHUSETTS.
MIDDLESEX ss. Sudbury, Jan. 12, 1887.
To the proprietors of " Mount Wadswortb Cemetery " in Sudbury, in
said County.
A majority in interest of the proprietors of Mount Wadsworth Ceme-
tery, having petitioned to Jonas S. Hunt, a justice of the peace in said
county, that they desire to organize a corporation under the public
statutes, the said justice of the peace has issued his warrant directed to
the undersigned, and the substance of said warrant is: That a meeting
of said proprietors will be held at the chapel in South Sudbury on
Monday, the 31st day of January, A. D. 1887, at 2 o'clock P. M., for the
purpose of organizing a corporation of the proprietors of Mount Wads-
worth Cemetery, to elect all necessary officers of such Corporation and
to transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting. Hubbard H. Brown,
One of said Proprietors.
Certificate of Organization.
We, Rufus H. Hurlbut, President, Hubbard H. Brown, Treasurer,
and Joseph C. Howe, John B. Goodnow and Nahum Goodnow, being a
majority of the Board of Directors of the Mount Wadsworth Cemetery
Association, in compliance with the requirements of the Public Statutes,
580 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
do hereby certify that the following is a true copy of the agreement of
association to constitute said corporation, with the names of the sub-
scribers thereto :
" We whose names are hereto subscribed do, by this agreement,
associate ourselves with the intention to constitute a corporation accord-
ing to the provisions of the eighty-second chapter of the Public Statutes
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the acts in amendment
thereof and in addition thereto.
" The name by which this corporation shall be known is ' Mount
Wadsworth Cemetery.'
" The purpose for which the corporation is constituted is to hold
land and tombs for a place of sepulture, and such buildings as may be
necessary for such purpose, with the right to sell burial lots, erect
tombs, and with all privileges such corporations are entitled to under
the Statutes of Massachusetts.
" The place within which the corporation is established or located is
the town of Sudbury, within said Commonwealth.
" In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this twelfth
day of January, in the year eighteen hundred and eighty-seven."
Samuel B.'Rogers, Jonas S. Hunt,
John B. Goodnow, Edward E. Brown,
Nahum Goodnow, Hiram G. Burr,
Hubbard H. Brown, James P. Carpenter,
RUFUS H. HURLBUT, WlLLIAM L. STONE,
Athertox W. Rogers, Edward N. Eaton,
Luther S. Cutting, W. A. Ames,
Joseph C. Howe, Stephen Moore,
Walter Rogers, Homer Rogers,
Charles L. Goodnow, Geo. A. Oviatt,
Fred. C. Fisher, Mrs. John A. Goodwin,
George W. Hunt, Mrs. J. D. Goodenough.
" That the first meeting of the subscribers to said agreement was
held on the thirty-first day of January, in the year eighteen hundred and
eighty-seven, and by adjournment on the fourteenth day of February, in
said year.
" In witness whereof, we have hereunto signed our names this four-
teenth day of February, in the year eighteen hundred and eighty-seven."
RUFUS H. HURLBUT,
Hubbard H. Brown,
John B. Goodnow,
Joseph C. Howe,
Nahum Goodnow.
commonwealth of massachusetts.
Middlesex ss. Feb. 14, 1887.
Then personally appeared the above-named Rufus H. Hurlbut, Hub-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 581
bard H. Brown, John B. Goodnow, Joseph C. Howe and Nahum Good-
now, and severally made oath that the foregoing certificate, by them
subscribed, is true to the best of their knowledge and belief.
Before me,
Jonas S. Hunt,
Justice of the Peace.
Town Clerk's Office, Sudbury, March 1, 1887.
The above certificate received and recorded with " Sudbury Records
of Organization of Corporations."
Attest: Jonas S. Hunt,
Town Clerk.
proceedings of first meeting.
Jan. 31, 1887.
Pursuant to a warrant issued by Jonas S. Hunt, justice of the peace,
dated Jan. 12, 1887, on petition of Samuel B. Rogers and others inter-
ested in the Mount Wadsworth Cemetery, so called, a meeting was held
in the chapel at South-Sudbury, for the purpose of organizing a corpora-
tion under the Public Statutes of Massachusetts.
Said meeting was called to order and the warrant read by Hubbard
H. Brown, to whom said warrant was directed, and the several articles
were acted upon as follows :
Article 1. Chose Rufus H. Hurlbut moderator.
Art. 2. Chose Jonas S. Hunt clerk.
Art. .'5. Voted to proceed to organize a corporation to be called the
Mount Wadsworth Cemetery.
Art. 4. Voted to choose necessary officers for said corporation by
ballot ; said officers to consist of the following, viz. : a President, Clerk,
Treasurer, three Trustees and five Directors, and the following were
chosen: Rufus H. Hurlbut, President; Jonas S. Hunt, Clerk; Hubbard
H. Brown, Treasurer; John B. Goodnow, Nahum Goodnow and Joseph
C. Howe, Trustees; Rufus H. Hurlbut, John B. Goodnow, Nahum
Goodnow, Joseph C. Howe and Hiram G. Burr, Directors.
Soon after the death of Mr. Israel H. Browne, the former
owner of the cemetery grounds, his heirs sold their interest
in the property to five persons, who conveyed it to the
Mount Wadsworth Corporation soon after its organization.
On the southerly side of the cemetery is the grave of Hon.
John Goodwin, once Speaker of the House of Representa-
tives. In the north-easterly corner, as it was about 1850,
was the original Wadsworth grave. Because of the former
existence of that grave and the present Wadsworth monu-
ment, this cemetery is of more than ordinary importance,
582 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
and will long be visited by those interested in the history of
Captain Wadsworth and his men.
MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETERY.
"In that village on the hill
Never is sound of smithy or mill ;
The houses are thatched with grass and flowers,
Never a clock to tell the hours ;
All the village lie asleep;
Never again to sow or reap;
Never in dreams to moan or sigh,
Silent and idle and low they lie."
The third cemetery laid out in Sudbury is at the Centre
and is called Mount Pleasant. As its name suggests, it is
pleasantly situated on a hill and is just north of the common.
The original name was " Pine Hill," and later, it took the
name of "Pendleton Hill." In the second book of Town
Records is the following, referring to land near it, "laid out
to the right of Briant Pendleton sixteen acres and one hun-
dred and forty rods on and adjoining to the Pine Hill near
to and north-westerly of the meeting house on Rocky Plane
(Sudbury Centre) in the West Precinct in said Sudbury."
(See page 292.) This cemetery contains about four acres,
which were bought of Mrs. Reuben Rice, afterwards Mrs.
Thomas Bent, by a company of proprietors, the original
members of which were Aaron Hunt, Cyrus Hunt, Charles
Gerry, William Maynard, Abel B. Jones, Thomas Stearns,
Samuel Jones, Asa Jones. The land cost one hundred
dollars, and the proprietors paid twelve dollars and a half
apiece. After the original purchase, a small three-cornered
strip was bought of William Maynard for a passage-way to
the town graveyard. It was set apart for burial purposes
soon after 1840. The first proprietor's meeting was held
May 24, 1845, and the following officers were elected : Abel
B. Jones, Moderator ; Charles Stearns, Clerk ; Aaron Hunt,
Treasurer; Aaron Hunt, Abel B. Jones, Charles Stearns,
Directors. The first body buried there was that of Capt.
Samuel Jones, and about the same time that of Dr. Thomas
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 583
Stearns. There is a fine view from the hill to the north-
ward, and, though the place is so near a much travelled
highway, it is so situated as to be quite secluded.
THE NEW CEMETERY.
Near Mount Pleasant is a new cemetery that is owned by
the town. It was purchased a few years ago, and has an
entrance on the south to the county road, near the tomb of
John Goodnow.
NORTH SUDBURY CEMETERY.
It knew the glow of eventide,
The sunrise and the noon,
And glorified and sanctified
It slept beneath the moon.
Whittier.
The North Sudbury Cemetery is situated upon a sunny
knoll and consists of one and six-tenths acres of land, for-
merly owned by Reuben Haynes, and purchased by a com-
pany for a cemetery in 1843. It is about one-eighth of a
mile from North Sudbuiy village on the county road lead-
ing from Framingham to Concord. It is quite regularly
laid out in paths, with a carriage-way extending about it.
The lots are in area twenty-four by thirty feet ; there are
about two hundred and eleven persons buried in the yard
and tombs. The first person buried there was Sumner
Haynes, son of Josiah, Jr., and Mary Haynes, who died
Aug. 6, 1843.
Soon after, the bodies of the following persons were re-
moved from the old cemetery at Sudbury Centre and interred
here.
LYDIA,
Wife of Josiah Haynes,
Died Mar. 3, 1843.
Aged 66.
Gone from earth to bloom in heaven.
HARRIET AMELIA,
Daughter of Leander and Harriet Haynes,
Died Nov. 28, 1839.
584 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
SUSAN HUNT,
Daughter of Israel and Ruth Hunt.
Died Jan. 2, 1817.
In this yard lie buried Capt. Israel Haynes, Nahum
Thompson, Esq., and Deacon Levi Dakin. Among the
aged people are John Hunt, born Aug. 16, 1777, died April
1, 1873 ; Willard Maynard, died June 29, 1879, aged ninety-
two, and Josiah Haynes, died Sept. 6, 1857, aged eighty-nine
years, five months. Two soldiers who died during the Civil
War are buried here.
OLIVER M. RICHARDS,
member of co. g.
47th Reg't Mass. Vols.
Died Sept. 5, 1863.
Aet. 36 yrs. 5 m.
The grave has claimed our cherished one.
Father, teach us to say, " Thy will be done."
On those bright plains, that ever blessed shore,
We hope to meet thee there, to part no more.
HENRY L. HAYNES,
killed at the battle of
Berryville Va.
Sept. 19, 1864. Aet. 36 yrs.
A Member of Company C, 14 Reg. N. H. Vols.
Here are two tombs, severally inscribed : —
ISRAEL HUNT'S TOMB
1845.
ELISHA MOORE
1861.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 585
BURIAL CUSTOMS.
For thus our fathers testified —
That he might read who ran
The emptiness of human pride,
The nothingness of man.
Whittier.
The piety of our ancestors left little room for customs that
were senseless or uninstructive. If they were severely sol-
emn, they were devoutly so ; and, if they employed some
curious devices, it was for the promotion of good. The
position of their gravestones shows that the dead were laid
with the feet toward the east, or, as it was termed, " facing
the east." Whence and why this custom, we know not. It
might have had reference to the star of the east that an-
nounced the birthplace of Christ ; but, whatever the cause,
it doubtless was suggested by some religious idea. To us
it is a strong reminder of the words of John Bunyan : " The
pilgrim they laid in a large upper chamber whose window
opened towards the sun rising, the name of the chamber was
Peace, where he slept till break of day, and then he awoke
and sang."
The character of the gravestones was another peculiarity
of those primitive times. It would seem the object was to
impart to these mementos of the departed the most sombre
aspect imaginable. As no flowers but those that were strewn
by God's pitying hand were ever suffered to intrude their
gay, sweet presence within the solemn enclosure, so the
nearest approach to anything like sympathetic embellishment
on those dark slabs was the weeping willow, which drooped
its long branches over a funeral urn. But the more common
ornament was the "skull and cross-bones," under which
were uncouth markings and strange inscriptions. Sometimes
the stones were placed in groups, sometimes in irregular
rows. Some were placed upright and others horizontal on
the ground ; but, as the latter are few and of very early date,
we infer that this mode was exceptional or that it soon passed
out of use. Perhaps it was a wise precaution in those far-off
times to protect the grave from the wild beasts which were
586 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
prowling about through the adjacent forests in search of prey.
Another peculiarity is the fewness of the stones in our old
graveyards. A casual glance might lead one to think they
were full of slate-stone slabs, but actual count gives only a
few hundred for all who died in the first century and a half.
Indeed, in the older portion of the East Sudbury grave
yard there are only two or three scores of stones, yet the
yard contains the remains of a large portion of the town's
early inhabitants. Indeed, a new grave can hardly be dug
without intruding upon an old one. This seems to show
that the practice of marking graves in old times was the
exception and not the rule. Still another characteristic
feature of these ancient grounds was their barren and neg-
lected aspect. The graves were gradually levelled by the
touch of time, the ground became uneven and rough and
covered over with briars and wild grass. Yet we may be-
lieve these spots were not in reality neglected nor forsaken,
for, though the floral and decorative offering was a thing
unknown, many an irregular, beaten path testified that the
place of their dead was an oft frequented spot.
In early times the dead were carried to the place of burial
by the hands of friends. No hearse was used till about
1800, when one was purchased at a cost of fifty dollars. In
process of time a bier was used, and, as late as the beginning
of this century, the body was carried on the shoulders of the
bearers. In 1715, the town granted tk three pounds for pro-
viding a burying cloth for ye town's use.'" In 1792, it voted
to provide two burying cloths; these were to throw over the
remains in their transit to the grave. This is indicated by
the following record : —
" Lieut. Thomas Rutter is chosen to dig graves, to carry
the bier and the cloth to the place where the deceased person
hath need of the use thereof, and shall be paid two shillings
and six pence in money for every individual person."
In early times, gloves were provided for funeral occasions.
We are informed of this repeatedly by the records of the
town. About 1773, " To James Brown, for 6 pairs of gloves
for Isaac Allen's child's funeral — 11 — "
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 587
" To Col. Noyes for 7 pairs gloves for Isaac Allen's burial
— 13 — "
" To Cornelius Wood for 3 pairs gloves for John Goode-
now's funeral." This was about 1673.
Almost down to the present time the good old custom pre-
vailed of ringing the bell on the occasion of a death. How
it used to break into the monotony of our daily toil to have
the silence suddenly broken by the slow tolling bell, that
said plainer than words that another soul had dropped into
eternity. Now a pause — listen ! three times three — a man,
or, three times two — a woman. Another pause, and then
strokes corresponding in number to the years of the deceased.
On the morning of the funeral the bell tolled again, and also
when the procession moved to the grave.
As late as 1860, it was common to have a note read, " put
up " the phrase was, in church on the Sabbath following
a death, in which the nearest relatives asked " the prayers
of the church that the death be sanctified to them for their
spiritual good."
The grounds early used for burial were owned by the town
and set apart for its common use. No private parties
possessed " God's acre " then. Proprietary lots were un-
known in Sudbury one hundred years ago. Every citizen
had a right to a spot for burial wherever in the town's bury-
ing-ground the friends might choose to take it. The rich
and poor were alike borne to this common spot ; caste was
laid aside, and nothing save the slab at the grave's head
might indicate the former position of the silent occupant
of the old-time burial place. The graves of households
were often in groups, reminding one of our present family
lots, but this was by common consent, and not by any titled
right to the spot.
The expense of funerals in those early days was much less
than at present. The coffin was made by the village carpen-
ter of common pine boards, and was usually colored red.
The following are bills for coffins about a hundred years ago :
" Aug. 21st, 1781, Isaac Hunt Dr to James Thompson ' to
a coffin for his Father, 0 : 10 : 0.'"
" 1800, 'For making a coffin for a woman, 1.67.' "
588 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
" 1806, ' To Peter Willard for a coffin for Elizabeth Good-
now, 1.30.' "
" The coffin of Rev. Jacob Bryelow cost $10.00, and dig-
ging the grave and attending his funeral was $2.00."
CHAPTER XXXII.
TAVERNS.
Early Names. — Character and Importance. — First Tavern. — Others
on the East Side. — Taverns in the South Part of the Town. — De-
scription of the South Sudbury Tavern. — "Howe's Tavern," or the
"Wayside Inn." — Mr. Longfellow's Connection with it. — Location
and Early History. — Description. — The Last Landlord. — Tradi-
tions Concerning it. — Taverns on the Central Road of the Town. —
Taverns at North Sudbury.
Whoe'er has travelled life's dull round,
Where'er his stages may have been,
May sigh to think that he has found
His warmest welcome at an inn.
Shenstone.
The Public House was from an early date considered in
Sudbury an important place. In 1653 or 1654 we find it on
record that " John Parmenter, senior, shall keep a house of
common entertainment, and that the court shall be moved on
his behalf to grant a license to him." (Town Records, page
115.) From this early period for the space of more than
two centuries public houses were kept here and there. At
first they were called " Ordinaries," at other times Public
Houses, but generally the term Tavern was used. In one
prominent instance has the term Inn been applied, and that
in connection with Howe's Tavern, which Mr. Longfellow
called the " Wayside Inn."
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 589
The business of these places was to provide travelers with
lodging and food, or to furnish " entertainment for man and
beast." They were to an extent under the control of the
town, as is indicated in a record of Oct. 4, 1684, when it
was ordered that upon the " uncomfortable representations
and reports concerning the miscarriage of things at the
Ordinary :::::::::
three or four of the selectmen, in the name of the rest, do
particularly inquire into all matters relating thereto." In
all of these taverns strong drink was probably sold. Licenses
were granted by the Provincial or Colonial Court, and the
landlords were usually men of some prominence. Taverns
were considered useful places in the early times, and laws
existed relating to the rights of both landlord and guest. In
the period of the Revolutionary War, when a price-list was
determined at Sudbury for various common commodities, the
followino- was established for taverns : —
'S
1779— Mugg West India Phlip 15
New England Do 12
Toddy in proportion
A Good Dinner 20
Common Do 12
Best Supper & Breakfast 15 Each.
Common Do 12, Lodging 4.
The " Parmenter Tavern " was the first one kept in town,
and was in what is now Wayland, on the late Dana Par-
menter estate, a little westerly of the present Parmenter
house. The building was standing about eighty years since,
and was looking old then. It was a large square house, and
in the bar-room was a high bar. There the council was en-
tertained which the court appointed to settle the famous
" cow common controversy." Subsequently, taverns at East
Sudbury were kept as follows : one a little easterly of Wil-
liam Baldwin's, one at the Centre, now called the " Pequod
House," one west of Reeves' hill, at the Reeves' place, one
at the Corner, and one at the end of the old causeway, near
the gravel pit. The tavern at the East Sudbury Centre was
kept nearly a hundred years ago by John Stone, father of
William who afterwards kept one at Sudbury.
590 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
The taverns that were on the west side the river, or
within the present town limits, were on the three principal
highways that passed easterly and westerly through the
town. At the south part they were on the Boston and
Worcester road. The first beyond that by the gravel pit,
was on the John Taylor place, and kept by Mr. Wheeler at
the time of the Revolutionary War. The next was that at
South Sudbury. This house was of medium size, had two
stories and a small porch in front. It stood at the corner of
the Sudbury Centre and Boston and Worcester roads, and at
a point south or south-east of the Goodnow Library. To
the right and left of it were large barns and driveways, with
numerous stalls, and between them and the house was a line
of sheds, one of which had feeding troughs for horses. It
could probably put up from twenty -five to fifty horses, and
in the old days of staging and teaming it was a lively place.
At the beginning of this century the tavern looked old, and
was at about that time occupied by a Mr. Sawin. Subse-
quently, it had several landlords. One of the last whose sign
swung there was S. G. Fessenden, who occupied the place
about forty years ago. There was formerly a bowling alley
and ball-room attached to the place. A stable was kept
there, and it was the terminus of the stage route from Stony
Brook to Sudbury. This place was formerly a landmark in
the village of South Sudbury, and when removed made a
great change in the old-time look of the place. It was in
appearance a typical tavern. Facing southward, it looked
smilingly upon the approaching traveler, with its little roofed
porch around which the clustering woodbine clung, while
just in front and be}rond the short circular drive which
gently curved from the country road, was the " sign post "
and " martin box " to which the martins annually came.
Besides these, was the old ash-tree that still stands, and all
taken together made pleasant surroundings that were quite
appropriate to a country inn. A tavern was kept for a while
at the Stone place, about a mile west of Mill Village. Mr.
William Stone was its only proprietor, and it years ago ceased
to be used as a public house. Beyond the bridge a tavern
was early kept on the George Pitts place. (See page 493.)
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 591
THE WAYSIDE INN.
The scroll reads by the name of Howe.
Longfellow.
The fifth tavern on the Boston road through Sudbury,
or the last toward Marlboro, is the old " Howe Tavern," or
the famous " Wayside Inn " of Longfellow. This well-
known hostelry scarcely needs any description by us.
Pictures of it by pencil and pen have been many times
made, and have variously portrayed its quaint characteris-
tics. But a few facts here will be proper ; and, first, as
to the poet Longfellow's connection with it. It is supposed
that he never visited the spot more than twice, and that
then his visits were short. Once, in his youth, it is believed
that he stopped there while on his way to New York, to
take passage for Europe, and once, years later, at which
time the writer saw him at South Sudbury with his friend
J. T. Fields, as they stopped at the house of a relative of the
Howe family to inquire about the Howe coat-of-arms. Thus
limited was Mr. Longfellow's personal knowledge of the
place, and even when on the premises it is said that he re-
ceived legends and traditions from a source somewhat ques-
tionable. The truth is, the place was early brought into
notoriety by summer boarders, who came from the suburban
towns, prominent among whom were Dr. Parsons and Prof.
Treadwell of Cambridge. The former of* these first men-
tioned " Howe's Tavern " in verse, and from his writings,
and from information obtained from others, Mr. Longfellow
doubtless derived much of his material ; and about these
facts he arranged such a setting of romance and legendary
lore as his ready mind knew how to employ.
But stripped of every feature of romance which may prop-
erly have been given it by the great poet's pen, the Wayside
Inn is a grand old landmark. It was built about the begin-
ning of the eighteenth century by David Howe, who in 1702
received of his father, Samuel Howe, a son of John one of
the town's early grantees, a tract of one hundred and thirty
acres of land in the "New Grant" territory. (See Chapter
X.) The land upon which this ancient ordinary was built
592 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
is situated in what was called the fourth squadron of the
New Grants, and was probably either lot No. 48, which was
assigned in the land apportionment in 1651 to Mr. William
Pelham, or lot No. 49, which was just south of Mr. Pel-
ham's, and was assigned at the same time to Mr. John Par-
menter, Jr. Beyond these two lots, southerly, was that
assigned to Thomas King, and adjacent to this, on the south,
was the " Cowpen Land," which, like the others, was a one
hundred and thirty acre lot, and joined the then " wilderness
lands," or the territory of what is now Framingham. These
lots abutted easterly, on the thirty-rod highway which ran
north and south through the town, and westerly, on what is
now Marlboro. The lot of land upon which the tavern was
built was not the lot formerly assigned to John Howe, the
grandfather of David, in the apportionment of 1651. That
tract was lot No. 16, and situated in the second squadron,
which was the north-easterly one of the " New Grants." But
Mr. John Howe may have exchanged that lot for another, or,
if it passed by inheritance to Samuel, his son, it might by
him have been exchanged or sold, and No. 48 of the fourth
squadron bought, or it may be that David, the grandson,
made the change. As the " New Grant," though allowed in
1649, and laid out and apportioned by lot in 1651, was not
purchased of the Indians until 1684, great changes doubt-
less took place in the ownership. But, however the change
in this case came' about, David selected this spot for his home,
and at about the time of the gift began to build. During the
process of constructing the house, tradition says, the work-
men resorted for safety at night to the Parmenter garrison, a
place about a half-mile away. (See Chapter XI.) The
safety sought was probably from the raids of Indians, who,
long after Philip's War closed, made occasional incursions
upon the borders of the frontier towns. At or about the
time of its erection, it was opened as a public house, and, in
1746, Col. Ezekiel Howe, of Revolutionary fame, put up the
sign of the " Red Horse," which gave it the name that it
went by for years, namely, the "Red Horse Tavern." In
1796, Col. Ezekiel Howe died, and his son Adam took the
place and kept the tavern for forty years. At the death
THE WAYSIDE INN.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 593
of Adam it went into the hands of Lyman, who continued it
as an inn until near 1866, about which time it passed out of
the hands of an owner by the name of Howe. Thus, for
more than a century and a half, and by representatives of
four generations of the Howe family, was this place kept as
an inn. In the earlier times this house was of considerable
consequence to travelers. It was quite capacious for either
the colonial or the provincial period, and was within about
an easy day's journey to Massachusetts Bay. The road by
it was a grand thoroughfare westward. Sudbury, in those
years, was one of the foremost towns of Middlesex County
in population, influence and wealth, while the Howe family
took rank among the first families of the country about.
The seclusion of this quiet spot to-day is not indicative of
what it was in the days of the old stage period, and when
places since made prominent by the passage of a railroad
through them were almost wholly or quite unknown. In
the times of the wars against the Indians and French it was
a common halting place for troops, as they marched to the
front or returned to their homes in the Bay towns. It was
largely patronized by the up-country marketers, who, by
their frequent coming and going, with their large canvas-
topped wagons, made the highway past this ordinary look
like the outlet of a busy mart. Stages also enlivened the
scene. The sound of the post-horn, as it announced the near
approach of the coach, was the signal for the hostler and
housemaid to prepare refreshment for man and beast. In
short, few country taverns were better situated than this to
gain patronage in the days when few towns of the province
were better known than old Sudbury. This place, noted,
capacious and thickly mantled with years, is thus fitly de-
scribed by Mr. Longfellow : —
As ancient is this hostelry
As any in the land may be,
Built in the old Colonial day,
When men lived in a grander way
With ampler hospitality;
A kind of old Hobgoblin Hall,
Now somewhat fallen to decay,
594 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
With weather-stains upon the wall,
And stairways worn, and crazy doors,
And creaking and uneven floors,
And chimneys huge and tiled and tall.
The region about this old ordinary corresponds to the
building itself, reminding one of the Sleepy Hollow among
the highlands of the Hudson described by Washington Irv-
ing. It is on the edge of the plain lands of the Peakham
district, just at the foot of the northernmost spur of Nobscot
Hill. To the westward, a few rods, is the upper branch of
Hop Brook, with its faint fringe of meadow lands, over
which the county road gently curves. In the near neigh-
borhood are patches of old forest growth, whose tall trees
tower upward like sentinels in the view of passers along the
county road. Indeed, so aptly does Mr. Longfellow describe
the place where the house is situated that we quote further
from his beautiful verse.
A region of repose it seems,
A place of slumber and of dreams,
Remote among the wooded hills !
For there no noisy railroad speeds
Its torch-race, scattering smoke and gleeds.
Along the highway to the eastward in the direction of
South Sudbury, which from this place is about two miles
distant, are still standing several ancient oaks. These trees
were, doubtless, standing and had considerable growth when
lot number forty-eight was of the town's common land, and
owned by Tantamous and others who signed the Indian
deed in 1684, by which the new grant lands were conveyed.
Beneath them Washington and his retinue passed, and per-
haps Wadsworth and Brocklebank when they sped in their
haste to save Sudbury from Philip, and a long procession
of travelers, since the opening of the way to Marlboro from
the Hop Brook mill, has passed under their venerable shade.
Soldiers to Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and the various
expeditions to the west and north in the Revolutionary and
French and Indian Wars have halted in their march as they
approached this picket line of ancient oaks that were de-
ployed at the approach to the Inn.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 595
Ancient Druid never worshipped
Beneath grander oaks than these ;
Never shadows richer, deeper,
Than have cast these giant trees.
Monuments of earthly grandeur —
Shrines at which the people bow,
Yielding homage as to nobles
Of the honored name of Howe.
Like an old baronial castle
This weird structure holds its place,
Through whose portals has departed
Every remnant of the race.
Lucinda (Brown) Fairbanks.
There is now about the place an aspect of vacancy, as if
something mighty were gone, and very appropriate are still
further words of the poet Longfellow.
Round this old-fashioned, quaint abode
Deep silence reigned, save when a gust
Went rushing down the country road,
And skeletons of leaves and dust,
A moment quickened by its breath,
Shuddered, and danced their dance of death,
And, through the ancient oaks o'erhead,
Mysterious voices moaned and fled.
We will now briefly state something concerning the house,
and the family in later years. The structure of the building
is quaint. It has a gable roof which rests on low-posted
walls, while L's extend from the main body toward the east
and west. It stands by the roadside, facing the south, while
here and there, not far from it, are the huge trunks of decay-
ing trees, with branches growing more and more scant as the
years pass by. It is said that in the house are eighty-one
windows. There is upon one of the window panes, cut with
a diamond, this sentence : —
What do you think
Here is good drink
Perhaps you may not know it,
If not in haste, do stop and taste
You merry folks will show it.
William Molineux, Jr., Boston, June 24, 1776.
596 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
The house was furnished with a hall, the typical kitchen
of a country inn, the bar-room with its high counter, while
outside and beyond the road and nearly in front was swung
the red-horse sign.
Squire Lyman Howe, the last landlord of the inn and the
one of Mr. Longfellow's poem, was a man rather imposing
in appearance, somewhat dignified and grave. He was at
one time a prominent singer in the Congregational choir, a
school committee man, and justice of the peace. Years ago,
he was a familiar object to the villagers of South Sudbury,
riding in his chaise with the top tipped back, as he went to
the post-office or to visit the district schools ; and he fitly
represented, in his younger and more prosperous years, the
family of Howe. He lived a bachelor and was the last link
of an illustrious lineage. As a tavern-keeper, he did less
and less business as his years increased, and finally the
landlord died at the inn, the last of the name of Howe who
lived at that famous house. Since his death, the place has
been a resort for pleasure-seekers and people of antiquarian
tastes. It has been visited from far and near, and so it will
continue to be as time passes by. Traditions concerning it
may gather and grow, and treasures of colonial art may be
traced to it, till, like the alleged articles of the " Mayflow-
er's " illustrious cargo, the original place of deposit could
not have contained them all. Indeed, marvellous stories
have already been told of the auction that followed the death
of Squire Lyman Howe, but these stories are extravagant.
A few articles that were rare and relic-like may have been
sold, but, for the most part, it was only a commonplace sale
at the inn when the landlord died. Probably the house was
largely depleted of what it once contained ; the family never
was one of great wealth, and the circumstances attending
the life of the last landlord would naturally scatter many
of the furnishings of the old-time inn. The piano that was
sold was the first one ever brought into the town. Strange
stories have also been told as to occasional guests at this
ancient "ordinary." It has been said that Captain Wads-
worth here rested and refreshed his men on his way to the
Wadsworth fight ; that here Washington stopped and Lafay-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 597
ette lodged. That some of the traditions are true is prob-
able, that some are not true is also probable ; as to its con-
nection with Captain Wadsworth and his company, it is
sufficient to refer to the date of the house and the date of
the fight. That General Washington stopped there is quite
probable, since he went from Marlboro to Boston and dined
at Weston with Colonel Lamson who commanded the Fifth
Middlesex Regiment in the Revolutionary War. As the
Howe Tavern would be on his direct route it would be nat-
ural for him to stop there and, at least, take a lunch with
Mr. Howe, another of the colonels of the Revolution. But,
though a part of the traditions of the place are improbable,
there yet remains enough of reality to make this a favorite
place, and it needs no embellishment of fancy to give to it
a sufficient charm or make it rich in rare reminiscences.
The old stage road that winds its way by it; the double
eaves of its gable roof; the old oaks hollowed by the hand
of time; the name and history of the family of Howe, —
these, with the notoriety of Mr. Longfellow's poem, all con-
spire to give the place a fame akin to that of the village of
Grand Pre of Evangeline. What though the tales of the
Wayside Inn were never uttered at Howe's Tavern at all
under such circumstance, as the poet describes ; other tales
as touching, as thrilling, and grand, may often have been
uttered within it. Groups, characteristic of colonial and
provincial times, often sat by its fireside; the inhabitants of
Nobscot and Peakham gathered there from hamlet and farm,
to sit and talk of a long fall night ; the stage-driver and his
passengers stopped there for lodging or lunch, the marketer
halted as he was "going down " with his load, the teamster
with his ox-wagon and yokes of slow steers, the transient
traveler also, and the occasional errandless tramp. Such at
times were guests at this house, and found refreshment and
shelter within its time-worn walls. Surely, many scenes of a
quaint character transpired there in the years of the town's
early history, and though they have all passed by, the old
house is suggestive of them, and stands a souvenir of other
and busier days on an old stage road of the town. It recalls
to mind an old family of Sudbury and familiar events in con-
598 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
nection with it, and is a memorial of the typical tavern in
those old-time days.
The taverns on the central road of the town were on the
present Berlin and Boston highway, and from the " Gravel
Pit " to the middle of the town. The first, passing westerly,
was on the Captain Rice place, about half a mile from the
Centre. Here, at an early date, was an inn which was kept
during the Revolutionary period by William Rice. The
house was a square, two-story building of medium size, with
a large chimney in the middle. It stood a few rods north of
the road and faced the south. It is many years since it was
used as an inn. For a long time it was the homestead of
Capt. William Rice, and was last occupied by his descend-
ants. A short time ago it was burnt. Tradition says that
formerly the road ran through the door-yard, and came out
by Daniel Smith's at Water Row.
The next tavern west was the Wheeler-Haynes House,
formerly the parsonage of Rev. Israel Loring. Walter
Haynes kept a public house there in the early part of this
century, but it has long since ceased to be used for that pur-
pose. The third tavern was at the Centre, at the road-
corner just north of the store, or at the angle made by the
Berlin and Boston highway, with that leading from South
Sudbury to Concord on the left side going north. This
tavern was kept years ago by a Mr. Rice, who was killed at
Wash bridge. Subsequently, in the early part of this cen-
tury, it was kept by Dr. Kidder. About fifty years ago, it
was kept by Joel Jones, and later, by Miranda Page, at which
time it was burnt. A fourth tavern was at the Dr. Stearns
place, the second house west of the Unitarian Church. It
was not built for an inn, but was the residence of Thomas
Stearns, a physician. After Dr. Stearns' death it was occu-
pied by Webster Moore, who kept a public house there for
some years. A tavern was kept at North Sudbury, well
known as the "Pratt Tavern." Another was the "Puffer
Tavern ; " and one quite old was kept at the north-west part
by Jonathan Rice, a prominent man in town.
Such are some of Sudbury's old-time taverns. They had
their day and disappeared, because the means of their nmin-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 599
tenance failed. One means, on which all these ancient hos-
telries depended perhaps to a greater or less degree, was the
sale of intoxicating drinks. Some received patronage from
the old stage routes, and all of them from the passing trav-
eler and his team. But now the great growth of the tem-
perance movement, and the introduction of new modes of
conveyance, have so changed the condition of things that
the old tavern is needed no more.
CHAPTER XXX11I.
PHYSICIANS.
Early Mention of Physicians. — Biographical Sketch of Dr. Ebenezer
Roby. — Ebenezer Roby, 2d. — Ebenezer Roby, 3d. — Josiah Lang-
don. — Moses Taft. — Moses Mossman. — Ashbel Kidder. — Thomas
Stearns. — Levi Goodenough. — Otis O. Johnson. — George A. Oviatt.
. . . Doubtless, after us, some purer scheme
Will be shaped out by wiser men than we,
Made wiser by the steady growth of truth.
Lowell.
An early mention of a doctor in Sudbury is on page 155
of the first book of Town Records, where it is stated that
" Alrake, Physician, was to have five bushels of wheat in
consideration of his care of the Widdow Hunt." Another
record on page 185 of the same book states that, at a select-
men's meeting, "it was agreed with Dr. Chattock and payed
him for his paynes and phisick hee gave to Debrah Wedge
and agreed with him for a month to keep her for 2 shillings
a week which month was out Sept the 5th 1702." We con-
600 HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
elude there was no surgeon in town up to the year 1673, as
it was then ordered that " Mr. Peter Noyes do procure and
bring Surgeon Avery from Dedhara to the Widdow Hunt of
this town to inspect her condition and to advise and direct
and administer to her relief and cure of her distemper."
EBENEZER ROBY, M. D.
One of the most noted physicians of Sudbury was Dr.
Ebenezer Roby who lived on the East Side. He was born
in Boston in 1701, and graduated at Harvard College in
1719. He settled in Sudbury about 1725, and in 1730, mar-
ried Sarah, daughter of Rev. John Swift of Framingham.
He lived in the old Roby house which was recently destroyed
by fire. He was prominently connected with town matters
in Sudbury, where he lived and practiced his profession till
his death. He was buried in the old graveyard at East Sud-
bury, and the following is his epitaph : —
In memory of Ebenezer Roby Esq, a Native of Boston New England.
He fixed his residence in Sudbury in the character of a Physician
where he was long distinguished for his ability and success in the
healing art.
Born Sept 20th 1701
Died Sept 4th 1772 aged 71.
For a specimen of the charges of Dr. Roby see page 350.
His son, Dr. Ebenezer Roby, Jr., born in 1732, also prac-
ticed medicine in Sudbury, and died July 16, 1786, aged
fifty-four. Dr. Joseph Roby, son of Ebenezer, Jr., was a
practicing physician in East Sudbury till 1801.
JOSIAH LANGDON, M. D.
The name of Josiah Langdon is in the town records of
Revolutionary soldiers with the title of doctor attached,
which indicates that he was a practicing physician in town
at that time. As he died soon after the making of the
record, at the early age of thirty -two, his professional career
was very brief. His death occurred in 1779, and he was
buried in the Old Burying Ground, which indicates that his
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 601
home was in the West Precinct. The following inscription
is on the stone that marks his grave : —
In memory of Doctor Josiah Langdon who died Feb. ye 24th 1779
ALt32
Mortuus Vivit.
MOSES TAFT, M. D.
Dr. Moses Taft practiced medicine in Sudbury towards the
close of the last century. He lived at the " Centre," in
what has been known subsequently as the " Barker house,"
and where a grocery store was once kept. (See period
1850-75.) He was buried in the western part of the Old
Burying Ground. His grave is marked by a slate stone,
inscribed, —
Doct. Moses Taft, Died July 22nd 1799
Aged 45.
" Let living friends his virtues trace
Then they11 in glory see his face."
MOSES MOSSMAN, M. D.
Dr. Moses Mossman was one of the old-time physicians of
Sudbury. He practiced medicine there towards the close of
the last and the early part of the present century. His
professional work extended over quite a portion of the
neighboring country, reaching to Stow, Acton, Concord and
Marlboro. The following is a specimen of his bills, which
shows the expense of medical calls and medicine in those
times : —
" To Doctor Mossman for doctoring Asahel Knight in his
late sickness, 3 visits and medicine 2.75."
His home was in the northerly part of Sudbury at the
Mossman place ; and it is said that, about the locality of his
garden plot, the herbs still grow which the doctor used to
cultivate. He was much beloved and respected as a citizen,
and it was said that he was very religious. In one of his
journals he states that on one occasion, as he was riding in
a very dark night, while in communion with God, a light
602 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
shone about the team to guide him. He died, Aug. 15, 1817,
aged seventy-five, and was buried in the western part of the
Old Burying Ground. At the grave is a slate stone with
this inscription : —
In memory of Doctor Moses Mossman and Mrs. Mary Mossman his wife.
Doctor Moses Mossman died Aug. 15, 1817,
Mt75.
Mrs. Mary Mossman died Aug. 17, 1817,
^Et66.
They lived mutually active, and highly respected, and died much
lamented.
" Our lives are closed and o'er,
Our Saviour's praises now we sing,
He saves us by redeeming power
And takes us to our Heavenly King."
ASHBEL KIDDER, M. D.
Dr. Ashbel Kidder practiced medicine in Sudbury for
about twenty-five years in the early part of the present
century. He was born at Sutton in 1770, and studied medi-
cine at Harvard College. Before and after the commence-
ment of his medical studies he taught school. He married
a daughter of Ezra Taylor of Southboro. He was lame
and his health was not robust. He was a Free Mason
and Master of Middlesex Lodge in Framingham. He was
also justice of the peace, as is indicated by a record in his
note-book of marriage ceremonies performed by him from
1815 to 1819. His practice extended over a considerable
district and he was well known in the neighboring towns.
As indicative of medical charges at that time we give the
following found among his bills : —
" To Ashbel Kidder for doctoring Ephraim How of Ac-
worth, while sick at Sudbury in 1812, to 30 visits 2 miles
and medicine left each time 30.25."
He lived at Sudbury Centre in a house at the corner of
the roads, which was used for many years as a tavern and was
burned near half a century ago. (See chapter on Taverns.)
He died in 1823, and left four children, — Almira, Francis,
Dana, Caroline, and Ezra Taylor. A daughter of Francis D.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
603
is Mrs. Frances (Kidder) Adams, wife of Dr. Z. B. Adams
of Framingham. Dr. Kidder and wife were buried in the
Old Burying Ground, and afterwards removed to the Kidder
tomb, Wadsworth Cemetery.
THOMAS STEARNS, M. D.
Dr. Thomas Stearns practiced medicine in Sudbury for
some years previous to 1840, about which time he died. He
lived at the Centre, in the second house west of the Unita-
rian meeting-house, on the north side of the road, and since
used as a tavern. He was an active citizen, of a positive
nature, and energetic in the prosecution of his plans. He
was interested in what pertained to the history of Sudbury,
and gathered quite a collection of old documents, which,
since his death, have been purchased by the town and are
known as the " Stearns' Collection." He was buried in
Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
LEVI GOODENOUGH, M. D.
Dr. Levi Good enough was born in Derby, Vt., Oct. 30,
1803. He received his diploma from the Medical School of
the University of Vermont, Sept. 16, 1828, and settled in
Sudbury Feb. 12, 1830, where he remained till his death.
He was a typical country physician. Having had the advan-
tage of studying with a physician who kept a drug store, he
acquired some skill in compounding medicines, and was
accustomed largely to prepare and furnish the medicines he
prescribed. In extracting teeth he made use of the " turn-
key," which he never failed to adjust with due deliberation
and care. As a citizen, Dr. Goodenough was public spirited,
and a stanch advocate of reform ; in temperance, his name
stands among the pioneers. He was a professing Christian
from early youth. On going to Sudbury, there being no
church in it of his persuasion, he joined the Baptist Church
in Weston, where he occasionally joined in worship. He
also aided in the support of the Methodist Church, Sudbury,
but he identified his interests with the Congregational Church
of that place, all the meetings of which he took delight in
attending whenever circumstances would permit. His in-
604 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
terest in missions was very great and he gave freely in their
behalf. He had two children by his first marriage, and
named them Ann Haseltine and Adoniram Judson, after the
well-known missionary to Burmah and his wife, Dr. and
Mrs. Judson. His early educational advantages were lim-
ited, but he was a lover of learning, and in after years
became somewhat proficient in Latin and the sciences, while
he practiced the most rigid economy that he might give a
liberal education to his own children and lend a helping
hand to others who were striving to the same end. In his
declining years he became deeply interested in geology and
mineralogy, and was enthusiastic in the collection of speci-
mens and in calling attention to their marvellous structure.
At about the age of fifteen he was thrown from a horse,
thereby incurring injuries which rendered his after life one
long struggle with disease and weakness ; yet he practiced
medicine for over fifty-six years in Sudbury. He died, April
3, 1886, at the age of eighty-two, and was buried in Mount
Wadsworth Cemetery. He married for his first wife Cynthia
Rice of East Sudbury (Wayland), Feb. 11, 1830, and for his
second wife Jerusha Dakin of Sudbuiy, Nov. 8, 1837. He
adopted two children, Carrie and Grace ; the former died
young.
OTIS O. JOHNSON, M. D.
Dr. Otis O. Johnson practiced medicine in Sudbury for
some years about the middle of the present century. He
was son of John and Polly (Hemenway) Johnson, and born
at Southboro, April 17, 1817. He studied medicine with
Dr. John B. Kittridge of Framingham, and went from that
place to Sudbury where he practiced homoeopathy. He lived
at the Centre and South Sudbury. He afterwards returned
to Framingham where he died, Jan. 8, 1882. He married
Mary, daughter of Dexter Stone of Framingham, and had
two children.
GEORGE A. OVIATT, M. D.
Dr. George A. Oviatt was born in Boston, March 30, 1849.
He was the son of Rev. George A. and Isabella G. Oviatt.
His paternal ancestor came from Wales and settled in Mil-
RESIDENCE OF NICHOLS B. HUNT,
South Sudbury
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 605
ford, Conn. His great-grandmother on his mother's side was
Polly, daughter of Captain Minot of Concord. She was
present at the Concord fight, and was sent with the small
children of the town, who were entrusted, to her care, to a
place of safety till the danger was past. Dr. Oviatt fitted
for College at Hartford Latin School, and graduated at Yale
in 1872. He received his medical diploma at the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, New York, March, 1875. April
of the same year he commenced the practice of medicine in
Sudbury, where he still resides. Jan. 20, 1878, he married
Ella A., daughter of Nichols B. and Angeline (Brown) Hunt
of Sudbury, and has one child, George Parker.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
TEMPERANCE.
Early Customs. — Effects of Cider Drinking in North Sudbury. — Con-
nection of Taverns with the Liquor Traffic. — Drinking Customs in
South Sudbury. — Common Use of Malt. — Extract from James
Thompson's Account Book. — Dawn of Better Times. — Pioneers in
the Temperance Cause. — Reformatory Measures. — Temperance Re-
form.
An honest tale speeds best, being plainly told.
Shakespeare.
This town, now prohibitory as it relates to the liquor
traffic, was formerly, we judge, very much like the average
towns in the State in this matter. There is evidence that
intemperance has, from an early period, made havoc and had
its victims here. The following record is found upon the
town book : " Upon the uncomfortable representations and
reports concerning the [condition] of things at the Ordinary
606 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
of this town, it is ordered this 4th of October 1684, that three
or four of the selectmen in the name of the rest do particu-
larly enquire into all matters relating thereto, and if upon
examination they find matters there as they are reported
that they advise with Mr. Walker and his wife, and labor by
persuasion with them with all conveniant speed to take down
their sign, and to lay down and relinquish their selling of
any drink."
In 1807, a vote was passed "that the town would use its
endeavor to assist the selectmen in carrying into effect the
law respecting Retailers and Taverns in said town [as they
were related to certain persons] viz : those persons who mis-
spend, waste and lessen their estates whereby they are likely
to become chargeable to said town."
It was tha habit of the people for two centuries to use
spirituous liquors and special occasions had their special
quantities. The farmer wanted his extra cider for his
hoeing or threshing and his extra rum for haying ; and in
the latter work he hardly thought it possible to get along
without it. The carpenter wanted a good allowance for
"raising," and on afflictive, and social, and gala occasions it
was thought liquor was indispensable. In 1729, there is a
record of payment " To David Baldwin for frame of Bridge
37 pounds ; to twelve men to raise said bridge who went into
ye water 3 pounds, for drink &c 5s — Id " In 1759, there
is a record of payment " To Caleb Moulton for material for
new bridge and 5 quarts Rum 2 — 11 — 3." In 1747, Jona-
than Rice rebuilt Lanham Bridge, and the next year there
was a record in the town book of payment " To Mathew
Gibbs for rum and for raising Lanham bridge 12 shillings."
As late as 1816, on the occasion of Rev. Jacob Bigelow's
funeral, we find the following in the record of the town's
indebtedness for articles furnished : " To Daniel Goodenow
for spirit and sugar &c $15.40."
In 1779, prices were established for the common commodi-
ties, and among them for spirituous liquors as follows :
" West India Phlip 15 New England Do 12 Toddy in pro-
portion." Malted liquor was also early made use of. Malt
was one of the articles granted the town after Philip's War
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 607
from the so-called " Irish Charity Fund," and valued at
18c?. per ball. Malt liquors were extensively used, and malt
was long considered quite a useful commodity. About 1688,
when Deacon John Haines made a contract for building a new
meeting-house, he was to receive for the work in " country
pay at country price, merchantable Indian corn, Peas, Beef,
Pork and Malt." There was an old malt house at South
Sudbury owned by James Thompson. When it was demol-
ished, which was about the middle of the century, it was
much dilapidated, as if it had not been used for many years.
This indicates the disuse of malt liquor in Sudbury from
early in the century. But a drink largely made use of, be-
cause cheap and easily manufactured, was cider. The cider
mills were in various parts of the town. The effect of cider
drinking in North Sudbury has been so forcibly set forth by
Mr. John Maynard that we quote his words : —
"In 1830, in that half of the town north of the road from
Wayland to Hudson, there were 12 cider mills owned by
farmers who ground their own apples and allowed their
neighbors the use of the mills for 8 cents per barrel of 32
galls. The amount of cider made there was much less than
50 years previously. Old orchards had decayed and new
ones bore grafted fruit for the market. The price was very
low because the use of cider as a daily drink had been super-
seded largely by that of cheap New England rum — a change
for the better somewhat, as temperate people limited them-
selves to 3 glasses or less per day instead of the unlimited
use of cider . . . Within the territory above named are now
only two mills making together only about 100 barrels yearly
and that for vinegar. Orchards now produce grafted fruit,
and the windfall, bruised and refuse apples are sold to large
mills at Sherborn, Maynard and S. Acton, for about 25 cents
per barrel of 2^ bushels. The product is not so strong as
that made formerly from sound ripe natural fruit. New
England families, one hundred years ago, larger than at
present, would use both in city and country 200, 400, and
sometimes more gallons of cider yearly. The mug was inva-
riably on the table at meal times, always on the sideboard,
608 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
and too often those who went to the cellar for a supply
1 drank at the tap.' Old people of intelligence who lived to
see the dawn of total abstinence have expressed the opinion
that much of the rheumatism, inveterate sores, and other
complaints of former da}rs was chargeable to the cider mug.
Every one who called, from the minister to the tramp, was
offered the common drink with the apology if it was very
sour as it sometimes was in the spring ' it is pretty hard,' to
which custom required the response, ' it is harder where
there is none,' an assertion that often had more of politeness
than truth. Many men and some women kept more or less
4 boozy ' week after week, and it is a question whether the
larger percentage of stupid and stammering children born
then, compared with those of the present time was not due
to the excessive use of cider by parents."
That the custom of drinking any kind of spirituous liquor
was exceedingly pernicious, notwithstanding what some have
said of the quality of it in those days, is very evident. The
testimony is that the tavern bars were a nuisance. Says the
writer just quoted concerning them, —
" One of the incidental benefits of railroads has been the
discontinuance of the old country and village taverns. They
were a public necessity, were licensed for the 'public good,'
kept by respectable people, afforded good accommodations
for man and beast at moderate rates, but the profits came
from the sale of liquors at the bar which was open seven days
in the week day and night, and few landlords were willing to
admit that a man unless he was furiously or beastly drunk
had taken too much, until he had no money to pay for more.
The taverns were nuisances to the neighborhoods where they
were located, and like the modern saloons, nurseries of
drunkenness and pauperism. The taverns of Sudbury were
as good as the average elsewhere and probably no better."
Such is the strong language of one of Sudbury's promi-
nent citizens, with regard to the former use of both fer-
mented and spirituous liquors. The estimate as here given
we believe facts will generally confirm. There were drunk-
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 609
ards in those days, and sad havoc was made in the town, in
the church, and in many families by intemperance. Not
only was the practice of moderate drinking well nigh uni-
versal, but it was considered respectable. What every-
body did was supposed to be right, and that almost every-
body used intoxicants is indicated by a statement made to
the writer by an inhabitant of Sudbury nearly seventy years
old. He said that when he was a boy he did not know of
a person in the place (South Sudbury) but what used it ; and
that there were three places in that small village where they
could get it. He said it was not considered a disgrace to
drink, but it was considered a great disgrace to get drunk,
and that any one who got so was held up as a warning to
others. He also said it was considered no disgrace on a holi-
day to get a little lively. That it was not considered disgrace-
ful to use liquor as a beverage is evident from the open and
commonplace manner of the sales. It was not by any means
confined to the taverns, but was a commodity that passed
over the counter of the grocery as well. On a Saturday
night the staid villager would go to the store to get the sup-
ply of new rum as naturally as of molasses or salt. As indi-
cating the commonplace way in which malt was bought and
sold, we give the following from a credit page in an account
book of James Thomson, a carpenter and wheelwright, who
kept the malt house in South Sudbury : —
Credit to Jonas Holden Jur
by one pint of Rum
Septr 12th 17S(J by one Mugg of Flip
Septr 1789 to two half Muggs of Flip
Octr to one half Mugg of Flip to Flag
Novr to one Pint of West India Rum
June. 8. 1780 by one quart W : Rum
Octr 5. 1790 by 71-£ of Beef at 2d
Novr 1790 by half pound of Butter
Jany 1791 by 17lb of Cheese at 12
Jany 13th 1791 by one Bushil of Indian corn
July 1791 by fustian for the foreparts of a Jacket
Dec. 8 to his house to Concord 0-1-4
Not only did each householder provide liquor for himself
and family, but custom required that callers, not excepting
0-
0-
4.
0-
0-
8.
0-
0-
8.
0-
0-
4.
0-
0-
■ 7.
0-
0-
7
0-
11-
10.
0-
0-
5.
0-
2-
10.
0-
2-
8.
610 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
the doctor and the minister even, be furnished with flip, and
the more distinguished the guest, the more indispensable the
article. Traders, under certain circumstances, were expected
to extend the same courtesy.
Captain Kidder told the writer the story that a customer
once came to his shop, and he mixed a mug of flip, supposing
he had prepared enough for them both, and passed it to him ;
he took it, and, placing it to his lips, drank the entire con-
tents without stopping. When the captain took the mug
from his hand and saw it was empty, he said, " Won't you
have a little more?" "Oh, no," said the man, "I never
drink to excess."
But better times at length dawned on the town. With the
early agitation of the subject of temperance in the land, Sud-
bury began to make progress. Here and there, an enter-
prising person thought work could be done without the use
of intoxicants. One of the first to believe this in the early
part of the present century was Deacon Levi Dakin, who
had a barn raised without furnishing rum on the occasion.
Another early advocate of the temperance reform was Dr.
Levi Goodenough, who would not provide any intoxicating
liquor to those whom he employed. Other pioneer advo-
cates were Deacon Martin Brown, Nahum Thompson, Esq.,
Edward and Howe Brown, Abel and Joseph Richardson and
Deacon Gardner Hunt. Rev. Rufus Hurlbut was one of the
early reformers in his profession, and Charles Gerry was the
first selectman in Sudbury to refuse a liquor license. Before
the reform set in it was the custom at " Kidder's shop," at a
given time each day, for an apprentice to go to the grocery
opposite and get some rum for "black strap," — a concoc-
tion of New England rum and molasses. One of the ap-
prentices, Ira B. Draper of Wayland, then quite young, con-
cluded that it was a poor practice for him to indulge in ; he
therefore refused to go for the liquor. The example was
followed by others, and soon a large share of his fellow
workmen found they could get along without their daily
potation of " black strap."
About 1835-40, when there was an agitation of this sub-
ject in the country, temperance meetings were held at
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 611
the centre of the town on Sunday evenings, probably in
the porch of the Old Parish Meeting-house, where evening
meetings were sometimes held. Besides these meetings, an
occasional lecture was given on the subject. Soon temper-
ance societies began to be formed ; one of which was the
" Cold Water Army," an organization for the children
formed about 1841. This society adopted a pledge, and at
times formed processions and marched with banners. Very
soon liquor ceased to be sold at the South Sudbury grocery
store, and it was left for the old tavern stand to be the sole
place for the retail of the stronger stimulants for that part of
the town. With the lessening of places for the sale, and the
growth of a better sentiment, the community became more
abstemious, the example of one person was followed by
another, until by about the middle of the present century
the entire drinking customs of society thereabouts were
changed. But even after that time liquor was sold at the
taverns. At South Sudbury the bar-room was still open to
the traveler and the occasional call of a villager ; but one
by one the taverns were closed, and drunkenness grew less
and less, until at the present time this may be considered a
strong prohibitory town.
CHAPTER XXXV.
COLLEGE GRADUATES AND PROFESSIONAL MEN.
List of Graduates before 1800. — Biographical Sketches of College
Graduates and Professional Men since 1800.
" Not many lives, but only one have we;
One, only one.
How sacred should that one life ever be, —
Day after day filled up with blesse'd toil,
Hour after hour still bringing in new spoil."
The following is a list of college graduates prior to 1800.
The names of those who graduated before 1776, are taken
from a sketch of Sudbury supposed to have been written by
Dr. Israel Loring.
HARVARD COLLEGE GRADUATES BEFORE 1800.
Samuel Jennison 1720
Noyes Parris 1721
William Brintnall 1721
Thomas Frink 1722
John Loring 1720
Jonathan Loring 1738
William Cooke 1748
William Baldwin 1748
The following are biographical sketches of college gradu-
ates and professional men since 1800, so far as we have
information.
Gideon Richardson
1749
Samuel Baldwin
1752
Jude Damon
1776
Aaron Smith
1777
Ephraim Smith
1777
Reuben Puffer
1778
Jacob Bigelow
GEORGE H. BARTON.
George H. Barton, son of George W. and Mary S. (Hunt)
Barton, was born at Sudbury, July 8, 1852. At the age of
seventeen he attended the academy at Chester, Vt., after-
wards, S. P. Frost's private school, Maynard, and the high
612
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 613
school of the same town. After a somewhat rough experi-
ence carpentering, blacksmithing, etc., he entered the Warren
Scientific Academy in Woburn, and, at the age of twenty-
four, entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
and graduated with the class of '80. In 1881, he taught in
the Drawing Department of the Institute. He was offered
and declined a position on Charnay's Expedition to Yucatan
and Central America. He soon after accepted an offer from
the Hawaiian Government survey, and left Boston for Hono-
lulu Aug. 9, 1881. After remaining in this survey about
two years, he received an appointment in the Geological
Department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
which he accepted and still retains.
FRANCIS F. BROWN, M. D.
Francis Frederick Brown, son of Edward and Abigail
(Rogers) Brown, was born in Sudbury, Aug. 12, 1834. He
studied at Warren Academy, Woburn, and in 1851 entered
Amherst College, where he graduated in 1855. He studied
medicine at the Harvard and Berkshire Medical Schools,
graduating at the latter in 1862. Subsequently he served as
assistant surgeon of the Forty-eighth Regiment M. V. M.,
until it was mustered out Sept. 3, 1863. He settled in
Reading in 1864, where he still resides and follows his pro-
fession. June 7, 1865, he married Emma Mary Clapp of
Dorchester, and has had six children.
E. R. CUTLER, M. D.
Edward Roland Cutler, son of Roland Cutler, was born in
Boston Jan. 15, 1841. In his early life his parents removed
to Sudbury. He attended Wadsworth Academy at South
Sudbury and entered Williams College in 1858. He gradu-
ated at the Harvard Medical School in 1863, having spent
a year at Rainsford Island Hospital, Boston Harbor. He
entered the United States service as assistant surgeon of the
First Heavy Artillery, formerly the Fourteenth Infantry. In
1864, he became surgeon of the regiment, and served in that
capacity till the close of the war. He practiced medicine
614 HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
for a time at Hartford, Conn. ; spent three years in medical
study abroad, mostly in Vienna ; and, Jan. 1, 1870, settled in
Waltham, where he now resides. He married Melvina A.,
daughter of Samuel B. Rogers of Sudbury, and has had
seven children.
JOSEPH CUTLER, ESQ.
Joseph Cutler, son of Christopher G. Cutler and great-
grandson of Gen. John Nixon, was born at South Sudbury,
Dec. 9, 1815. He entered Amherst College at the age of
nineteen, from which he graduated in 1840. He studied at
the Harvard Law School and began the practice of his pro-
fession in Boston. As a lawyer, he was especially able in
matters of real estate. He acted for many years as counsel
for the Cambridge Savings Bank. He was the author of the
celebrated compendium entitled, " The Insolvent Laws of
Massachusetts," three editions of which were published prior
to the United States Bankrupt Law, and the fourth edition
of which was revised and enlarged by him after its repeal.
Said the "Boston Advertiser," "his memory will be fondly
cherished as of an excellent lawyer and an honest man, as
approximating closely to the highest standard in every de-
partment of life and duty, and as, if not one of the world's
most famous, one of its worthiest and best."
HON. CHARLES F. GERRY.
Charles Frederick Gerry, son of Charles and Orisa Gerry,
was born at Sudbury, June 3, 1823. He graduated at the
Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., and soon after be-
came a teacher in the Boston Mercantile Academy, and later,
in the Fort Hill School, Boston. Subsequently, he engaged
in the insurance business, and for a time lived at Hyde Park,
being its first representative to the Legislature in 1877, and
for some years President of its Savings Bank. In the midst
of a busy life, he has been a frequent contributor to peri-
odical literature, and some of his productions have been
selected for school text-books, and some set to music of dis-
tinguished composers. In 1888, Lee & Shepard published
his book of poems, entitled " Meadow Melodies." From
RESIDENCE OF HON. C. F. GERRY.
Sudbury Centre
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 615
Hyde Park he removed to Sudbury, from which place he
went to the Legislature, serving one term in the House and
two terms in the Senate, being chairman during the second
term of the joint committees on Education, the State Library
and Parishes and Religious Societies. He married Martha
A. Clough of Canterbury, N. H., who was a literary lady of
wide reputation and for some years had charge of the edi-
torial columns of the " Boston Olive Branch." Mr. Gerry
has four children, — Charles C, Eleanor M., Frank F. and
Gilbert H.
ADONIRAM J. GOODENOUGH.
Adoniram Judson Goodenough, son of Dr. Levi and Cyn-
thia (Rice) Goodenough, was born at Sudbury Aug. 6,
1833. He finished his academic studies at Warren Academy,
Woburn. He entered Amherst College where he graduated
in 1854. He began the study of medicine, but weakness of
the eyes compelled him to abandon it. He spent several
years in the South engaged in business, and returned North
in 1863. His later life has been spent at Providence, R. I.,
where he still resides.
GEORGE M. HOWE, M. D.
George M. Howe, son of Buckley and Sally Howe, was
born in Sudbury, July 2, 1824. After attending the Fram-
ingham, Leicester and East Hampton Academies, he entered
Union College, but was prevented by ill health from com-
pleting his collegiate course. He pursued his professional
studies at the Harvard Medical School, and settled as a
physician in the town of Harvard where he practiced about
ten years ; he then went to Framingham, where he continued
in his profession till his death which occurred Sept. 16, 1882.
He was married at Harvard, Jan. 17, 1855, to Harriet M.,
daughter of Rev. James Howe of Pepperell, and had five
children. Dr. Howe was a skillful physician, courteous and
gentle in disposition and much esteemed by the community.
In the words of an obituary notice of him, " he was laid
away for his final rest on a bright, warm, autumnal day
amid the smiles of nature and the tears of his friends.
616 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
ALFRED S. HUDSON.
Alfred Sereno Hudson, son of Martin N. and Maria (Read)
Hudson, was born at South Sudbury, Nov. 20, 1839. He
studied at Wadsworth Academy, and entered Williams Col-
lege in 1860, at which institution he graduated in 1864.
The same year he entered the service of the United States
Sanitary Commission, and was stationed for a time near
Petersburg, Va., during its siege. Upon his return he en-
tered the Theological Seminary at Andover, at which he
graduated with the class of '67. Sept. 26, 1867, he married
Miss L. R. Draper of Wayland. He was ordained and in-
stalled pastor of the Congregational Church, Burlington,
Dec. 19, 1867, where he remained six years. Subsequently
he was acting pastor of the Congregational Church at Eas-
ton. In 1876 he went to Maiden where he remained six
years ; there he had charge of the Congregational Churches
in Maplewood and Linden, both of which erected meeting-
houses during his pastorate. Nov. 1, 1883, he became acting
pastor of the First Congregational Church at Ayer, which
position he still occupies.
EDWARD B. HUNT.
Edward Brown Hunt, son of Emory .and Alice How
(Brown) Hunt, was born in South Sudbury, Feb. 19, 1855.
He fitted for college at the Boston Latin School, entered
Harvard College in 1874 and graduated in 1878. He taught
school at Newburyport three years, and has been in the
Boston Public Library since 1883.
EDWIN HUNT.
Edwin Hunt, son of Sewall and Sophia (Puffer) Hunt,
was born at Sudbury in 1837. At the age of fifteen he
entered the High School, Concord, where he fitted for col-
lege. Two years later he entered Amherst College and
graduated in 1858. He chose teaching as his profession, and
taught a select school* in Enfield, Haydenville, and Sherborn,
and Wadsworth Academy. He served in the United States
Sanitary Commission until obliged to leave on account of ill
HISTORY Off SUDBURY. 617
health. Resuming his profession, he became assistant pre-
ceptor at North Bridgewater, after which he accepted the
position of instructor of natural science in the Free Academy
at Utica, N. Y. He was especially interested in the depart-
ment of botany, the study of which he had pursued through
a large part of his professional life. He was a successful
collector of specimens and possessed an extensive herbarium.
For researches in natural science he received the degree of
Ph.D. He was re-elected to his position in the Academy
till failing health obliged him to withdraw. He died May 24,
1880, beloved by his pupils, trusted in his profession, and
respected by all. He married Mary A., daughter of Edward
Brown of Sudbury, and left several children.
OTIS E. HUNT, M. D.
Otis Eugene Hunt, son of Joseph Goodnow Hunt and
Lucy Howe Hunt, was born in South Sudbury, July 7, 1822.
He fitted for college at the Holliston Academy, Wayland
High School and Wilbraham Academy. He entered the
Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., in 1844, but ill
health compelled him to leave at the expiration of nine
months. He afterwards studied medicine with Dr. Levi
Goodenough of Sudbury, and in the Boylston Medical
School, Boston, and graduated at the Berkshire Medical
College in 1848. He began the practice of medicine and
surgery in Weston, where he remained sixteen years. He
then moved to Waltham and afterwards to Newtonville,
where he now resides. He has been one of the leading phy-
sicians in Middlesex County, and was the first to administer
sulphuric ether as an anesthetic in the towns of Sudbury,
Wayland and Weston. He married Aroline E., daughter of
Nahum and Abigail Thompson of Sudbury, Oct. 9, 1849, and
has two children, Nina Maria and William O.
SERENO D. HUNT.
Sereno D. Hunt, son of Sewall and Sophia (Puffer) Hunt,
is a native of Sudbury. He early attended a select school
at Sudbury Centre, taught by Dr. E. O. Haven. He after-
618 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
wards attended the academies at Framingham and Deny,
N. H. He was the first principal of the high school in
Concord, Mass., and for ten years taught a select school at
North Bridgewater. In 1865, he became the preceptor of
the Norfolk County Academy, Milton, Mass., and subse-
quently principal of the high school ill the same town, which
position he held till 1877.
HERBERT S. JONES, M. D.
Herbert Samuel Jones, son of William P. and Catherine
A. (Brown) Jones, was born at South Sudbury, Nov. 5,
1851. He entered Williston Seminary, Easthampton, 1873,
and Yale College in 1875. In 1885, he entered the New
York Homoeopathic Medical College, and graduated in 1888.
The same year he entered upon the practice of medicine in
Elizabethport, N. J., where he now lives. He married
Evelyn Wilson of Roselle, N. J., in 1887.
JOHN L. O'NEIL, ESQ.
John L. O'Neil is- son of John and Julia O'Neil, who
went to Sudbury in 1863. He studied law for a time in the
office of Hon. William F. Courtney of Lowell, after which he
graduated at the Harvard Law School, and was admitted to
the bar in 1882. In 1884, he began the practice of his pro-
fession in Chelsea, where he still resides.
HARRIET M. PRATT.
Harriet M. Pratt, a daughter of Nathan L. and Harriet
Hunt Pratt, was born in Sudbury. After a course of study
at the Framinghani High School, she entered Smith College,
Northampton, from which she graduated in 1881.
LUTHER PUFFER.
Luther Puffer, son of Samuel, was born in North Sudbury,
Sept. 11, 1833. In 1850, at the age of seventeen, he en-
tered the sophomore class at Bowdoin College, and graduated
in 1853, delivering the salutatory oration. He began the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 619
study of law in Andover, N. II., and died Oct. 27, 1854. He
was a person of fine ability and excellent character, and his
early death ended a career which gave promise of great use-
fulness.
HOMER ROGERS.
Homer Rogers, son of Walter and Emily Rogers, was born
at South Sudbury, Oct. 11, 1840. He studied at Wads-
worth Academy, entered Williams College in 1858, and
graduated in 1862. Soon after leaving college he enlisted in
Company F, Forty-fifth Regiment, M. V. M. At the ex-
piration of his term of service he taught school one year in
Douse Academy, Sherborn, and from 1864-6 in Natick
High School, since which time he has been engaged in
business. Jan. 15, 1868, he married Ellen E. Perry of South
Natick, and lias seven children. His present residence is
Boston. In 1888 and 1889 he was elected alderman and is
at present chairman of the Board.
HENRY SHAW, M..D.
Henry Shaw, son of Rev. Linus H. and Louisa A. Shaw,
was born at Raynham, Sept. 12, 1829. In 1851, he began
the study of medicine and graduated at Harvard Medical
School in 1854. For a time he practiced his profession in
Upton and Leominster, and in 1861-2 he went from the
former town as a representative to the Legislature. He was
subsequently sent by Governor Andrew to Newbern, N. C,
on a service connected with the care of the Massachusetts
troops in that vicinity. July, 1862, he received a com-
mission as acting assistant surgeon in the navy, and served
in all the blockading squadrons from Mobile to Wilmington.
In 1865, he was promoted to the next higher rank in the
medical corps. Leaving the United States service in 1866, he
practiced medicine for a time in Bedford. In 1872, he be-
came a visitor in connection with the State Board of Chari-
ties. He married, in Sudbury, Jane M. Taft of Upton,
October, 1855, and has five children. He resides in Charles-
town.
620 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
JOSEPH A. SHAW.
Joseph Alden Shaw, son of Rev. Linus Hall and Louisa
Alden (Jones) Shaw, was born in Athol, Jan. 4, 1836. He
went to Sudbury in 1845, and in 1853 attended Phillips
Academy at Exeter, N. H., and graduated July, 1855, in the
advanced class. The same year he entered the sophomore
class at Harvard College and graduated in 1858. While at
college he received a Dexter prize from the Hopkins fund,
" for remarkable diligence in his studies." In 1858, he be-
came principal of the New Salem Academy, which position
he held six years. For sixteen years he has been a teacher
in the Highland Military Academy, Worcester, Mass., of
which he is at present the head master. He is a member of
the American Philological Association, and a contributor to
the periodicals of the day on the subject of philology. In
1863, he married Eliza Antoinette Thompson of New Salem.
He has two children.
CHARLES THOMPSON, ESQ.
Charles Thompson, born at North Sudbury, March 6,
1827, is the eldest son of Nahum Thompson. He fitted for
college at Concord, and the Pinkerton Academy at Derry,
N. H. In 1845, he entered Yale College, but was soon
obliged to abandon his studies on account of a severe sick-
ness, which left his eyes in a weak condition. After some
years he studied law, and was admitted to the bar Jan. 20,
1864. Jan. 15, 1864, he married Emily A., daughter of
George M. Barrett of Concord. In 1872, he removed to
Concord, where he now resides and follows his profession.
He has been special justice of the District Court of Central
Middlesex since its establishment, and from 1876 to 1885
was chairman of the Concord Board of Selectmen.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
NATUEAL FEATURES.
Hills. — Forests. — The Flora. — Ponds. — Brooks. — Sudbury River. —
Its Rise and Course. — Its Fish. — Poetical Description of Pickerel
Fishing. — Birds about the River. — Poetical Description of Duck
Hunting. — Fur Bearing Animals about the River. — Slow Current
of the River.
And sweet homes nestle in these dales,
And perch along these wooded swells ;
And, blest beyond Arcadian vales,
They hear the sound of Sabbath bells.
Whittier.
In its natural features the town of Sudbury is highly
favored. There is a good variety of hills, valleys, and plains,
and these, together with the villages, hamlets, thrifty farms
and smiling homesteads, give a pleasant variety to the land-
scape.
HILLS.
Those hills my native village that embay
In waves of dreamier purple roll away.
Lowell.
There are several hills in Sudbury of considerable promi-
nence for a town so near the sea.
Nobscot Hill. — The most notable of the Sudbury hills
is Nobscot. This is partly in Sudbury and partly in Fram-
ingham, the larger part being in the latter town. It is about
five hundred and twenty-five feet above the sea level. The
summit and sides in great part are covered with woods, but
the northerly slope has long been an open pasture, greatly
resorted to for the whortleberries that abound there. This
slope has generally been known as the " old Nixon pasture,"
621
622 HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
because it contains the site of Gen. John Nixon's house and
was a part of his farm. The name of this hill is of Indian
origin, and may be a contraction of the word Penobscot,
which is found in the earlier records of Sudbury. In 1G74,
" Surveyors were appointed of all the field fences on the
west side of the great river of the town and Landham,
Penobscot new mill." Temple says, in the history of Fram-
ingham, that the meaning of this word is " at the fall of the
rocks." On the summit are heaps of stones, which perhaps
were taken there by the Indians for the purpose of building
a "look out" from which to survey the surrounding country.
The view on a clear day is charming, reaching from the State
House on the east to the far-off hills of New Hampshire.
Goodman's Hill. — This is another considerable hill, and
perhaps next in prominence to Nobscot. It is a little south-
east of Sudbury Centre, and about a half mile from it. The
westerly side is mostly covered with forests, consisting
largely of chestnut and oak. This hill was the home of
Karto or Goodman, from whom it derived its name. (See
Chapter II.)
Green Hill. — This is a spur of Goodman's Hill, extend-
ing south-westerly, and is made historic by Wadsworth's
fight with King Philip. On its western slope, for hours the
English held the Indians at bay, and from its summit they
were driven at night-fall by the forest fires set by their
savage foes. (See chapter on Philip's War.) The slope of
Green Hill or a spur of it extends to Hop Brook meadows.
Along its western side, on a small plateau, is Mount Wads-
worth Cemetery. (See chapter on Cemeteries.) The hill
takes its name from the growth of evergreen trees with
which it was formerly covered.
Sand Hill. — This hill is in the easterly part of the town
adjoining Wayland. In the Revolutionary War, government
store-houses were built there, and, subsequently, a portion
of it was used for a training-field and owned by the town.
Round Hill. — This is a conspicuous, well-defined hill in
the town's easterly part, and cultivated to its top. It lies
not far from the river meadows, in the vicinity of Sherman's
Bridge. Near Round Hill, and just by the junction of Gulf
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 623
brook and Sudbury River, is Weir Hill, so called from its
proximity to the place of a fishing weir used by the Indians.
(See Chapter II.)
Willis Hill. — This is in the north-westerly part of Sud-
bury, and takes its name from the Willis family long living
in that vicinity. It is quite a prominent landmark. A hill
at the north part, on which a flag-staff was erected during
the Civil War, has been called for a half century Jones' Hill,
but in old deeds was called Cedar Swamp Hill.
FORESTS.
The soil of Sudbury has, from its settlement, been abun-
dantly productive in its timber lands, of which it has always
possessed many acres. The principal trees are the oak,
pine, chestnut, walnut, maple, white birch and spruce with
here and there a poplar, elm and hemlock. The first three
are the most abundant, and, until recently, many acres were
covered with them. It was so in the west part of the town
on the farm of the late Paul Walker, near the line of the
Massachusetts Central Railroad, and on the farm of the late
Curtis Moore on the line of the Old Colony Railroad, and
these are but specimens of what was on many farms in the
town within the last half century. Large quantities of cord-
wood, mostly pine, were, about forty years ago, carried by
ox-team to the railroad and factories at Saxonville, and the
lanes and yards of the Sudbury saw-mills were piled with
hundreds of large logs to be sawn into boards. Since the
more general use of coal, less wood has been cut, and prob-
ably more land is being abandoned to forest now than thirty
years ago. To our personal knowledge, tracts of country
that were formerly used for tillage and pasturage are now
growing up to wood. In some places the growth is rapid,
about twenty years only being required to obtain a fair
Growth. Chestnut-trees have been abundant on and about
Goodman's Hill, Nobscot, and some parts of Peakham Plain
and lands in the central parts of the town. Walnut-trees
grow abundantly about Nobscot, and to an extent in other
localities. Black birch is found and other kinds of wood
624 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
besides these now mentioned, but in far less quantities.
With wild berries the town is well supplied. Besides grow-
ing in the open pasture, very frequently when the land
is cleared of forests the whortleberry and blueberry-bush
spring up. More or less of the swamps abound with high
blueberries or bilberries, notable among which are Hayden's
swamp and the one about Willis Pond. Blackberries grow
on the plain lands, and the barberry on the rough, stony soil
of the hills. Strawberries are scattered here and there. A
place years ago where they were especially plentiful was
east of the old Lancaster road, between Goodman's Hill and
Green Hill.
THE FLORA.
The following are some of the flowers found in Sudbury.
The small cow-lily (Nuphar kalmianum), Vitus riparia, trum-
pet weed (Eupatorium rotundifoliwri), mountain rice (Ory-
zopsis canadensis'), mountain laurel {Kalmia latifolia), trailing
arbutus {Epigwra repens), the pitcher plant (Sarracenia
purpurea), meadow beauty (lihexia virginica), buckbean
(Menyantlies trifoliata), the two orchids, the Pogonia ophio-
glossoides and the Arethusa bulbosa, and Clintonia borealis. In
some of Sudbury's meadows are found the fringed gentian
of Bryant ( Gentiana crinita) and the painted cup ( Castilleja
coccinea). It is also stated on good authority that the flow-
ering dogwood (Cornus florida) grows within the town limits.
PONDS.
The ponds of Sudbury are small.
Willis Pond. — This is the largest and lies at the north-
west part of the town. It is nearly surrounded by forests,
and is a little lake in the woods. It has an outlet to Hop
Brook called Run Brook.
Blandford's Pond. — This is another which is sur-
rounded by forests. It is situated just west of Hop Brook,
about midway between South Sudbury and the Willis mill.
It has an artificial outlet at high water to Hop Brook.
Bottomless Pond. — This is a small pond near the
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 625
Marlboro line and has no outlet. (For area of ponds see
map of 1794.)
BROOKS.
Mill Brook. — This stream is next in importance and
size to the river. It rises in Marlboro, and enters the town
at its south-westerly part a very small stream, and by a very
circuitous course empties into the river near Bridle Point
Bridge (Wayland). Upon its banks are the mills of Howe,
Pratt, Willis and Parmenter. It is crossed by at least eight
highway bridges within the town limits, the first being near
the Wayside Inn. It was early known as Hop Brook, upon
which stood the Noyes mills, the second built in Sudbury.
Later, it has had several names, being called at its lower end
West Brook ; farther up, Lanham Brook ; at South Sudbury,
Mill Brook ; about the Willis mill, Wash Brook ; also Piners'
Brook and Piners' Wash. The lower meadows upon tjhis
brook were formerly of considerable value, but below Lan-
ham Bridge they have, of late, largely been in a condition
similar to that of the river meadows. The current of this
stream is naturally rapid away from the various mill-dams,
and perhaps for this reason it received its early name " Hop
Brook," as, when clear of obstructions, it may have skipped
over the stones, especially along the locality of South Sud-
bury where the fall was considerable. This is the only
brook in town that affords mill privileges, and in this respect
it has proved very valuable, having furnished power for both
saw and grist mills.
Pantry Brook. — This stream is in the north part of
Sudbury, and its name may have been a contraction of the
word pine-tree. It rises in the north-west part of the town
and empties into the river near Weir Hill. Near its mouth
it receives as a tributary a small stream called Cold Brook.
Along this stream are the Gulf meadows, which, before they
in part shared the fate of the river meadows, produced con-
siderable hay. Other and smaller brooks are Dudley or
Trull Brook, which, running from the west part of the town,
empties into Hop Brook near Blandford's Pond ; and Low-
ance Brook, whose name is probably a contraction of " Al-
626 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
lowance," and which, running from the southerly part of
the town, empties into Mill Brook between South Sudbury
and Lanham Bridge. Both of these brooks have been more
or less fished in for trout. The latter has some considerable
meadow land, and is crossed by Hunt's Bridge. All these
streams and ponds abound in fish, mostly of the kind found
in the river. Besides those mentioned further along are the
shiner (Stilbe chry&olencas), cheven (Leuciscus chephalus) ,
black sucker ( Catostomus) and the chub sucker, a fish of like
genus, and also a few trout (Salmo fontinalis). We have
seen a specimen of the latter that was taken in Mill Brook 'a
short distance below South Sudbury mills that weighed nearly
five pounds. This fish was caught by Mr. Nichols Brown,
once a famous fisherman and hunter in Sudbury. This is
the only trout we ever knew of, large or small, taken in Mill
Brook.
SUDBURY RIVER.
All round upon the river's slippery edge,
Witching to deeper calm the drowsy tide,
Whispers and leans the breeze-entangling sedge ;
Through emerald glooms the lingering waters slide.
Lowell.
The Indian name of this stream was " Musketahquid,"
meaning grassy meadows or grassy brook. It was also called
the "Great River." It takes its rise in Hopkinton and
Westboro, the branch from the latter town having its source
in a large cedar swamp. Passing through Framingham, it
enters Sudbury on the south-east, and forms the boundary
line between it and Wayland. After leaving the town, it
runs through Concord and borders on Lincoln, Carlisle and
Bedford and empties into the Merrimac River at Lowell. It
is made use of for mill purposes at Framingham and Billerica.
This river receives but two tributaries of any account from
the town. One of these is West Brook that empties in at
Bridle Point Bridge, the other Pantry Brook that flows
through the Gulf meadows.
In former times boats passed from Boston through the
Middlesex Canal to the Concord River, and so to Sudbury.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 627
(Shattuck's History of Concord.) Within the present cen-
tury iron ore dug in town was laden in boats at the Old Town
Bridge and taken to Chelmsford. Near the bridge on the
east bank, until recently, pieces of the ore could be found.
The width of this river where it enters Sudbury is about
fifty feet, where it leaves the town it is about two hundred
feet ; at the latter place it is one hundred and fourteen feet
above low water mark at Boston. (History of Concord.)
Its course is very crooked, seldom running far in one direc-
tion, but having many sharp curves. The banks are quite
bare of shrubbery, except the occasional bunches of water
brush that here and there assist in tracing its course. Fish
abound in this river, of which the more useful and com-
monly sought are the pickerel (Esox reticulatus), perch
(JPerca flavescens'), bream or sunfish (Pomotis vulgaris*),
horned pout (Pime loduscatus') , and common eel (Anguilla
tenuirostris'). The kind most sought for the sport in taking
is the pickerel. Indeed Sudbury River has become some-
what noted for the pastime it affords in pickerel fishing.
Specimens weighing a half dozen pounds are sometimes
caught. A good description of this sport has been given in
verse by one of Sudbury's poets, Hon. C. F. Gerry, in a
poem entitled, " A day on the Sudbury Meadows."
The clouds drift slowly o'er the sky,
But dense and black to westward lie,
Assuring with the east wind's chill,
A splendid day for pickerel.
The river gained, we launch our boat
And slowly down its current float,
Till, roused, we fish on either shore,
Still moving with a silent oar, —
Now trolling with the greatest heed
Through lily pads and pickerel weed,
Until a whirlpool near is seen
Beside a floating mass of green ;
The bait moves off with race-horse speed,
And, down beside a quivering reed,
Is swallowed with a gourmand's greed.
A twitch sends through my frame a thrill,-
626 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
lowance," and which, running from the southerly part of
the town, empties into Mill Brook between South Sudbury
and Lanham Bridge. Both of these brooks have been more
or less fished in for trout. The latter has some considerable
meadow land, and is crossed by Hunt's Bridge. All these
streams and ponds abound in fish, mostly of the kind found
in the river. Besides those mentioned further along are the
shiner (Stilbe chrysolencas), cheven (Leuciscus chephalus) ,
black sucker ( Catostomus) and the chub sucker, a fish of like
genus, and also a few trout (Salrno fontinalis). We have
seen a specimen of the latter that was taken in Mill Brook 'a
short distance below South Sudbury mills that weighed nearly
five pounds. This fish was caught by Mr. Nichols Brown,
once a famous fisherman and hunter in Sudbury. This is
the only trout we ever knew of, large or small, taken in Mill
Brook.
SUDBURY RIVER.
All round upon the river's slippery edge,
Witching to deeper calm the drowsy tide,
Whispers and leans the breeze-entangling sedge ;
Through emerald glooms the lingering waters slide.
Lowell.
The Indian name of this stream was " Musketahquid,"
meaning grassy meadows or grassy brook. It was also called
the " Great River." It takes its rise in Hopkinton and
Westboro, the branch from the latter town having its source
in a large cedar swamp. Passing through Framingham, it
enters Sudbury on the south-east, and forms the boundary
line between it and Wayland. After leaving the town, it
runs through Concord and borders on Lincoln, Carlisle and
Bedford and empties into the Merrimac River at Lowell. It
is made use of for mill purposes at Framingham and Billerica.
This river receives but two tributaries of any account from
the town. One of these is West Brook that empties in at
Bridle Point Bridge, the other Pantry Brook that flows
through the Gulf meadows.
In former times boats passed from Boston through the
Middlesex Canal to the Concord River, and so to Sudbury.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 627
(Shattuck's History of Concord.) Within the present cen-
tury iron ore dug in town was laden in boats at the Old Town
Bridge and taken to Chelmsford. Near the bridge on the
east bank, until recently, pieces of the ore could be found.
The width of this river where it enters Sudbury is about
fifty feet, where it leaves the town it is about two hundred
feet ; at the latter place it is one hundred and fourteen feet
above low water mark at Boston. (History of Concord.)
Its course is very crooked, seldom running far in one direc-
tion, but having many sharp curves. The banks are quite
bare of shrubbery, except the occasional bunches of water
brush that here and there assist in tracing its course. Fish
abound in this river, of which the more useful and com-
monly sought are the pickerel (Usox reticulatus) , perch
(Perca flavescens), bream or sunfish (Pomotis vulgaris-),
horned pout (Pime loduscatus) , and common eel (Anguilla
tenuirostris). The kind most sought for the sport in taking
is the pickerel. Indeed Sudbury River has become some-
what noted for the pastime it affords in pickerel fishing.
Specimens weighing a half dozen pounds are sometimes
caught. A good description of this sport has been given in
verse by one of Sudbury's poets, Hon. C. F. Gerry, in a
poem entitled, " A day on the Sudbury Meadows."
The clouds drift slowly o'er the sky,
But dense and black to westward lie,
Assuring with the east wind's chill,
A splendid day for pickerel.
The river gained, we launch our boat
And slowly down its current float,
Till, roused, we fish on either shore,
Still moving with a silent oar, —
Now trolling with the greatest heed
Through lily pads and pickerel weed,
Until a whirlpool near is seen
Beside a floating mass of green ;
The bait moves off with race-horse speed,
And, down beside a quivering reed,
Is swallowed with a gourmand's greed.
A twitch sends through my frame a thrill,-
630 HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
But not unnoticed do they always pass
To snug retreat, amid the meadow grass.
Traced is their course sometimes by sportman's eye,
Who knows the reedy cove to which they fly.
His trusty gun he takes from off the hook,
And starts at once for the secluded nook.
His boat is launched from off the shelving shore,
And glides along with quiet, dipping oar.
Close to the margin of the stream he clings,
Where, mid the water brush, the blackbird sings.
Now the shy muskrat star\s with sudden bound
From off the bank, with harsh and splashing sound,
That makes the anxious sportsman start with fear,
Lest upward start the ducks ere he draws near.
He rows more gently, as he now detects
Through the tall grass-tops, slowly gliding specks,
That tell him there the dusky squadron lie,
All snugly sheltered in the pool hard by.
And as he listens, lo ! the Quack, Quack, Quack,
A noise so welcome to his ear, comes back.
In river bend his little craft he steers,
As place abreast the pool he slowly nears.
Then with one long and calculating peep
Upon the flock, he takes his gun to creep
A little closer, but ere this he do,
His fowling-piece he takes to prime anew.
When all is ready, and the distance right
To make the shot effective, then keen sight
He takes along both barrels. Lo, a flash !
And fast the deadly missiles hurrying dash.
At once the startled flock, with sudden fright,
Rise from the pool to make a hasty flight.
But stop ! behold again another flash !
And yet once more the deadly missiles dash
Amid the flock, and lo ! the feathers fly,
And round about the dead and wounded lie.
Quickly the sportsman springs to seize his prize,
That flutters there before his eager eyes.
The wounded first are seized, then all secured,
He quickly goes to where his boat is moored.
This he draws up beside the reedy bank,
Where it is left concealed mid grasses rank.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 631
Then he goes back and waits for further flight
Of birds, to come there ere he leaves it quite.
Round him the twilight deepens into gray,
And fast fade out the beams of ebbing day.
The wet dews, foggy, heavy, damp and chill,
The night with moisture now begin to fill.
But soon he starts ! a sound comes through the air.
'Tis whistle of the wood-duck's wing that's there.
Quick to his eye his fowling piece is raised,
The trigger pulled, once more the piece has blazed.
And still again, from off the meadow land,
The fluttering bird is seized with eager hand.
Reloading, he again with listening ear,
Is all intent, still other birds to hear.
But hark ! that rushing, whistling, nearing sound
Shows that a large sized flock flies near the ground.
Low lies the hunter, nearer comes the flock,
Upward he springs, and click, click goes the lock.
Whang! Bang! the charges of both barrels go,
As swoop the flock in circle small and low.
The feathers fly, and scattered here and there
A dusky form is falling through the air,
While quick with sudden start and wheel and curve,
The unhurt fowls to other quarters move.
With loaded hand, but step and heart that's light,
The sportsman does not wait for further flight
But starts at once to launch his waiting boat,
And soon again he finds himself afloat.
Stoutly he plies the bending, splashing oar,
That swiftly bears him towards the sought-for shore.
Around the curve of river bend he speeds,
Now dark with bush or overhanging reeds.
Afar he sees the gleam of distant lamp
Beyond the meadow's mist, so dark and damp,
And on the still air now and then is heard
The whistling wing or night-call of a bird.
Soon nearer comes the sounds he gladly hears,
That show him that the causeway road he nears, —
A sound of travel and of rattling team,
Which rolls along the bridge that spans the stream.
Soon he has nearly reached the wished-for shore,
And slacks his speed and lays aside his oar,
632 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
Takes carefully his game and gun in either hand,
Safe moors his boat, and nimbly springs to land.
With brisk walk, quickly to his home he goes
To tell his story, as the game he shows.
Beside the natatores or swimmers there also are found the
gralatores or waders. Among' these the great blue heron or
crane (Ardea herodias) is quite common, and the green heron
or '"Fly up the Creek" (Butorides virescens) is also seen.
But the most abundant is the night heron or "Qua Bird"
QArdea nycticorax). A few years ago a colony of these in-
habited the woods just south of West Brook, and not far
from Heard's Pond. They built their nests on trees of a
young growth, and would leave them at night-fall to visit the
neighboring ponds. In the early evening it was quite com-
mon to hear the peculiar note, "qua," "qua," "qua," from
the birds far out of sight overhead, and in the early morning
they would return to their nesting places, where they would
generally remain through the day. After a time the colony
removed a mile or two westward and located in the vicinity
of the Lowance Meadows.
Of the bitterns, the stake driver (Ardea minor') is the most
numerous. The note of this bird so resembles the words
" plum pudding " that it is called by that name. The least
bittern (Ardetta exilis~) is found sometimes, a fine specimen of
which we possess, which was shot on the meadow.
There are also found in their season the snipe, yellow legs,
plover, sandpiper, rail, and various smaller birds such as fre-
quent similar localities in this section of the State. Wild
geese sometimes stop for a brief period, but are seldom
taken.
The fur-bearing animals about the river are, mainly, the
muskrat or musquash (Mus zibethicus) and an occasional
otter. The muskrats are quite plentiful ; as many as a
dozen or more are sometimes taken in a day, when the high
water drives them from their cone-shaped houses to the
causeway. Not an otter has been taken on the river for
years, although they have sometimes been seen. And no
beaver has been seen in the memory of the oldest inhabitant,
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 633
although formerly they probably lived there to a considera-
ble extent.
A chief characteristic of this river is its slow moving cur-
rent, which in places is scarcely perceptible at a casual
glance. This slow current is supposed to be occasioned by
various causes, any one of which may perhaps be sufficient,
but all of which at present doubtless contribute something to
it. The chief reason is its very small fall, which may be
occasioned by both natural and artificial causes. It is said
to have but two inches to the mile for twenty-two miles.
This slow current tends to keep the river from straightening
its course, and to increase the water weeds that grow in the
channel. To speak of the river in its general historic con-
nection is here unnecessary, as in the course of this work
mention has frequently been made of historic objects and
events that have existed or transpired in its vicinity.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE RIVER MEADOWS.
Width of the Meadows. — Former Productiveness. — Litigation and
Legislation. — Change in Productiveness. — Causes of it. — Natural
Features at the Present Time. — Grass.
Where merry mowers, hale and strong,
Swept scythe on scythe, their swaths along.
Whittier.
These meadows have been notable from an early period.
They extend, with varying width, the entire length of the
river course. In some places they may narrow to only a few
rods, while in others they extend from half a mile to a mile,
where they are commonly called the Broad Meadows. They
634 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
are widest below the long causeway and Sherman's Bridge.
Comparatively little shrubbery is seen on these meadows, but
they stretch out as grassy plains, uninterrupted for acres by
scarcely a bush. At an early date these meadows yielded
large crops of grass (see Chapter I.), and subsequent years
did not diminish the quantity or quality, until a compara-
tively modern date. From testimony given in 1859 before
a Legislative Committee, it appeared that, until within about
twenty-five years of that time, the meadows produced from
a ton to a ton and a half of good hay to the acre, a fine
crop of cranberries, admitted of "fall feeding," and were
sometimes worth about one hundred dollars per acre. The
hay was seldom "poled" to the upland, but made on the
meadows, from which it was drawn by oxen or horses. Tes-
timony on these matters was given before a joint committee
of the Legislature, March 1, 1861, by prominent citizens of
Sudbury, Wayland, Concord and Bedford. Their opinions
were concurrent with regard to the condition of things both
past and present. The following are testimonies by some of
the witnesses from Sudbury.
John Hunt, eighty-two years (p. 105 Printed Report). —
" I have owned meadows on the Gulf Brook, one or two
hundred rods from the river. I had care of the " Ministerial
Lot" on the river ; and the nine years I was out of town, I
had care of twenty lots below for some years, from 1803 to
1807. I sold the grass on the former for $10 an acre, stand-
ing. A great change has since taken place ; I suppose it
would scarcely pay taxes for some years past. They have
mortgaged the 'Ministerial Lot' to pay for it, not getting
enough to pay taxes. . . . Loring's ' bank meadow,' which,
when 1 was a boy, was worth $100 an acre, is not now worth
$10. A horse could then be taken to the river shore, you
could not now get near the river for the water. Where I
have in the low meadows fished standing dry, it is now over
my head. There are fifteen or twenty acres in this meadow.
When I was fifteen, it produced the best of meadow grass —
a kind of red-top, resembling, though not the same as the
upland red-top — there is none of that, and not much except
coarse grass, and poor — some of what we -call sedge. There
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 635
was not much poling then ; then they took the horses to
the river. They now pole it as far as I know. . . . The
other lands in the same neighborhood suffer ; cattle were
turned in there for fall feed, as long ago as I can remember.
It was quite an item to farms adjoining ; nobody now sends
them for fall feed. Cattle could then go on the shore ; for
years these hoods have entirely destroyed the cranberries.
My land on the Gulf Brook, has been torn up by freezing
and breaking up."
William Stone, seventy-two years (p. 108). — "I bought,
forty-three years ago, a meadow on the Sudbury River, close
to the meadow mentioned by Mr. Hunt. When I bought it
I used to get the hay almost every year. There were two
acres of shore, and the rest, where the water came on, was
such a meadow as I never saw, producing pipe and lute grass.
I used to get a ton and a half per acre. I used to drive
across the meadow to water my team. I mowed it about
twenty years ; I began then to find the water came over. I
built a causeway across, but the water seemed to stay. I
tried to pole the hay out, but it cost too much. I sold it for
$110 for eleven acres. At first it was worth to me $80 per
acre. The water seemed to go away only by evaporation.
... I have seen cattle getting fall feed on the meadows ; not
even a man could now go there without miring."
William Rice, seventy-seven years (p. 109). — "I have
always lived in sight of the meadows — I had seven acres,
and the same in another place, separated by the road. I
inherited the land. Blue grass and pipes grew there —
there were other kinds of hay, good for meadow hay. We
considered the river meadow hay, the best meadow hay —
the quality is now affected. Sedge and water grass, of little
value, now grows, which is used for cattle bedding. The
lots have grown softer ; we could go on with a team gener-
ally. I have known times when we did not pole a cock of
hay. I have rode a horse over the meadow. I don't know
when they could go on without rackets of late years. Rack-
ets were not in fashion in the olden times. They used to
drive the cattle on for fall feed, but have not for twenty or
thirty years. They have not been fed there much for forty
636 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
years. I do not own the meadow now, I gave it away two
or three years ago. The meadows have been growing softer,
as a general thing, for thirty years."
J. P. Fairbanks, thirty-three years (p. 131). — "I own
meadow land ; none runs clear to the river, but is on the
'Gulf and 'Broad Meadows' . . . The 'Broad Meadows'
are entirely worthless since I have owned them. From
1500 to 2000 acres in the ' Broad Meadow ' are of about the
same level. Not much, if any, of the grass on the ' Broad
Meadows ' has been cut of late years. The best of my cran-
berry vines are on the ' Broad Meadow ; ' but for the water,
a bushel of cranberries to the rod could be obtained ; ... if
the water should be off we could get good crops ; they are
now worth $11 or $12 a barrel. ... In high flood we get 6 or
7 feet of water all over the ' Broad Meadows.' The water
is on them most of the year."
From such evidence it appears that a great and gradual
change in the condition of the meadows came after the year
1825. The main cause alleged for this changed condition
was the raising of the dam at Billerica. This dam, it is said,
was built in 1711 by one Christopher Osgood, under a grant
for the town of Billerica, and made to him on condition that
he should maintain a corn-mill, and defend the town from
any trouble that might come from damages done by the mill-
dam to the land of the towns above. In 1793 the charter
was granted to the Middlesex Canal, and in 1794 the canal
company bought the Osgood mill privilege of one Richard-
son, and in 1798 built a new dam, which remained till the
stone dam was built in 1828. As indicating that the dam
has from time to time been raised, we give the testimony
quoted from the argument of Hon. Henry F. French, before
the Legislative Committee, March 1, 1861.
Jonathan Manning. — "In 1798 I helped build the dam.
There was a dam previously there, — what some call a zig-
zag dam, — leaky and not very high. The dam I helped
build was higher than the former one. They made rafts to
bring timber from the Merrimac, and there was not water
enough to fill the canal " (p. 77). " I should think, from the
difference in the height of the water, that after we made the
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 637
new dam, the dam must have been raised from nine to twelve
inches. I think it made the water about a foot higher in the
canal" (p. 80).
Herman Bay. — " New flash-boards were on the dam in
1817 " (p. 168).
Theophilus Manning. — " After the dam of 1798 was built,
they were obliged to put something upon it to fill the canal.
A foot and a half was put on. They call it a figure four.
In 1800 the flash-boards were on " (p. 169).
Daniel Wilson. — " In 1820 or 1821 they put timber and
flash-boards on the dam of 1798, thirty inches high'" (p. 266).
It would be difficult and take too much space to give a
full and extensive account of the litigation and legislation
that has taken place in the past near two centuries and a
half, in relation to this subject. It began at Concord as
early as Sept. 8, 1636, when a petition was presented to the
court, which was followed by this act : " Whereas the in-
habitants of Concord are purp'osed to abate the Falls in the
river upon which their towne standeth, whereby such townes
as shall hereafter be planted above them upon the said River
shall receive benefit by reason of their charge and labor. It
is therefore ordered that such towns or farms as shall be
planted above them shall contribute to the inhabitants of
Concord, proportional both to their charge and advantage."
(Shattuck's History of Concord, page 15.) In 1644, Nov.
13, the following persons were appointed commissioners :
Herbet Pelhani, Esq., of Cambridge, Mr. Thomas Flint and
Lieut. Simon Willard of Concord, and Mr. Peter Noyes of
Sudbury. These commissioners were appointed "to set
some order which may conduce to the better surveying, im-
proving and draining of the meadows, and saving and pre-
serving of the hay there gotten, either by draining the same,
or otherwise, and to proportion the charges layed out about
it as equabty and justly, only upon them that own land, as
they in their wisdom shall see nieete." From this early date
along at intervals in the history of both Concord and Sud-
bury, the question of meadow betterment was agitated.
At one time it was proposed to cut a canal across to Water-
town and Cambridge, which it was thought could be done
638 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
" at a hundred pounds charge." Says Johnson, " The rocky
falls causeth their meadows to be much covered with water,
the which these people, together with their neighbor towne
(Sudbury) have several times essayed to cut through but
cannot, yet it may be turned another way with an hundred
pound charge." In 1645, a commission was appointed by the
colonial authorities (Col. Rec. Vol. II. page 99) " for ye btt r
and imp'ving of ye meadowe ground upon ye ryvr running
by Concord and Sudbury." In 1671, a levy of four pence an
acre was to be made upon all the meadow upon the great
river, " for reclaiming of the river that is from the Concord
line to the south side, and to Ensign Grout's spring." Later,
a petition was sent by the people of Sudbury, headed by
Rev. Israel Loring, for an act in behalf of the meadow
owners. But legislation and litigation perhaps reached its
height about 1859, when most of the towns along the river
petitioned for relief from the flowage. The petition of Sud-
bury was headed by Henry Vose and signed b}r one hundred
and seventy-six others; and that of Wayland by Richard
Heard and one hundred and sixteen others. On April 6,
1859, a joint commission was appointed, to whom the petition
was referred. The committee met, and ordered publication
of notice for the hearing in five different newspapers in Bos-
ton and Lowell. As data of evidence in the case, a careful
survey was made of the premises along the river, the water
gauge accurately taken by competent engineers, and a com-
plete report rendered thereon.
After thirty days devoted by the committee to investiga-
tion, on the 27th of January, 1860, the report of five hundred
pages was submitted to a second joint committee appointed
by the Legislature of 1860. This committee reported that
the findings of the committee of the year before are sustained
by the evidence, and that it appears that the dam at Billerica
" is an efficient cause of the flowage of nearly 10,000 acres
of the most valuable meadow land in the eastern section of
the State," and that " this immense injury to those lands
has been gradually accomplished by the canal corporation
under their charter, without the payment of a single cent
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 639
of damages to any land owner for the injury." (See Ho.
Doc. No. 221, argument of Mr. French.)
A bill was reported for the removal of the dam, and passed
by the Legislature. It was entitled " An Act in Relation to
the Flowage of the Meadows on Concord and Sudbury
Rivers." It provided that the governor, with the advice of
the council, might appoint three commissioners with author-
ity to remove thirty-three inches of the dam across the Con-
cord River, at North Billerica, at any time after the first day
of September 1860, and that when the same was so removed
it should not be again rebuilt.
Time was considered necessary for the mill owners to put
in steam, and the act was changed so as to leave six feet,
two inches of their dam. An injunction was obtained from
the Supreme Court, but the Legislative enactment was sus-
tained. An effort was made in 1861 to have the act repealed.
Thus strenuous have been the efforts to have the dam at
Billerica lowered. In the contest able counsel has been em-
ployed on both sides, among whom are Judge Abbott and
Benjamin F. Butler, Esq. ; skillful engineer service has also
been made use of.
For any one to attempt with great positiveness to clear up
a subject which has perplexed legislators and lawyers, might
be considered presumptuous. It is safe, however, to say that
while there is evidence showing that the meadows were
sometimes wet in the summer at an early period, they were
not generally so ; it was the exception and not the rule. It
was a sufficient cause of complaint if the settlers had their
fertile lands damaged even at distant intervals, since they so
largely depended upon them ; but the fact that they did de-
pend on them, and even took cattle from abroad to winter,
indicates that the meadows were generally to be relied upon.
Certain it is that, were they formerly as they have been for
nearly the last half century, they would have been almost
worthless. Since the testimony taken in the case before
cited, these lands have been even worse, it may be, than be-
fore. To our personal knowledge, parts of them have been
like a stagnant pool, over which we have pushed a boat, and
where a scythe has not been swung for years. Dry seasons
640 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
have occasionally come in which things were different.
Such occurred in 1883, when almost all the meadows were
mown, and even a machine could in places cut the grass.
But this was such an exception that it was thought quite re-
markable. For the past quarter century people have placed
little reliance upon the meadows ; and if any hay was ob-
tained it was almost unexpected. This condition of things
in the near past, so unlike that in times remote, together
with the fact of some complaint by the setlers, and an occa-
sional resort by them to the General Court for relief, indi-
cates that formerly freshets sometimes came, but cleared
away without permanent damage to the meadows. At times
the water may have risen even as high as at present. It is
supposed that at an early period the rainfall was greater than
now, and that because of extensive forests the evaporation
was less. The little stream that may now appear too small
to afford adequate power to move saw and grist-mill ma-
chinery, may once have been amply sufficient to grind the
corn for a town. But the flood probably fell rapidly, and the
strong current that the pressure produced might have left
the channel more free from obstructions than before the flood
came. Now, when the meadow lands are once flooded they
remain so, till a large share of the water passes off by the
slow process of evaporation. The indications are that some-
thing has of late years obstructed its course. As to whether
the dam is the main and primal cause of the obstruction, the
reader may judge for himself. Before closing this subject,
we give other quotations from the argument of Mr. French.
avery's soundings on bars in concord river.
Depth of Water Deptli of Bar below
on Bars. Bolt & Dam.
On line " A. B." near dam, 3.92 feet 3.11 feet.
On line "C. D." Ford way, one mile from
dam, 3.26 " 2.29 "
At Barrett's Bar, one half mile below Con-
cord N. Bridge, eleven miles from dam, 1.91 " 1.22 "
At Junction of Assabet and Concord, 2.65 " 1.56 "
Bar below Sherman's Bridge, fifteen miles
from dam, 2.45 " 1.00 "
Bar at Canal Bridge, Wayland, twenty-one
miles from dam, .39 "
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 641
Commenting upon the data of the report, the counsel goes
on to state as follows : " Add to these depths of the bars be-
low the bolt, which is the top of the dam, the depth of water
on the dam, and you have the least possible depth on these
bars, when the dam is full. But we must in fact add much
more to those depths, because water requires some fall to
give it motion. The more crooked the stream the more ob-
structed by weeds and bushes and logs, and the more rough
the channel the greater is the fall required to move the water.
Mr. Avery's surveys show how the water deepens as he goes
up the river, till he finds a fall in all of forty-five inches in the
distance. The dam prevents ang improvement. Being higher
than anything else in the river for twenty-one miles, if every
bar was cut out, and the channel made into a canal, the
water must remain higher than any of the bars. The land
owners expect and desire to improve the channel, which is
rapidly filling up with weeds and deposits of sand and mud.
Formerly they could do this to some extent. Of late years
the greater height of water has prevented, and unless the
dam is reduced their case will grow worse and worse. With
the great increase of water and the obstructed channel, and
this dam higher than any other object in the whole river,
their condition is hopeless. Reduce the dam thirty-three
inches, the water will fall proportion ably on all these bars,
which may be then cut out, and the river may be brought and
kept within its banks in the growing season. *****
I will only add that if any man is bold enough to assert that
the bars in this river prevent the water from flowing off the
meadows, and that the dam, which is by actual level higher
than any of these bars, has no such effect, he is welcome to
all the votes he can obtain from sane legislators for the re-
peal of this act."
We will now turn our attention to a few things regarding
the natural features that the later condition of the meadows
have brought about. It is said to be an ill wind that blows
nobody any good, and it may be that some new attractions
have been afforded these lands that were not possessed of
old. Sometimes when the flood is up, the large expanse of
water with its irregular margin flashing in the sunlight, adds
642 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
great beauty to the landscape. The meadow at certain
seasons, when in this condition, furnishes excellent fishing
ground for such as take fish with the spear in the night-time.
On mild spring nights the fish resort to the warm, shoal
waters near the uplands, where, all unsuspicious, they are
found by the wary fisherman, as with light dipping oar his
boat glides over the flood. The outfit for such fishing is a
small boat capable of carrying two persons, with an iron
frame-work or "jack " set on an upright rod at the bows to
hold the fuel or torch which is usually made of old pine
stumps, and a six-pronged spear with an eight-foot handle.
With this apparatus on a still night the fisherman sets out.
The margin of the upland is followed, and at one time the
boat glides by open fields or pasture lands, at another darts
beneath the deep shades of an overhanging wood. Every
now and then, at a signal from the spearsman at the bows,
the boat is " slowed up," the spear poised in the air for an
instant, then a dash, and up comes the fish. The frequent
flowage of the meadows, it is supposed, has caused the
"punk holes," so called, to which wild water fowl resort,
while the clogged channel with its sluggish stream may have
made the place a favorite haunt for the pickerel. Thus
beauty and utility in some ways have resulted from the
present condition of the meadows.
GRASS.
Various kinds of grass grow on the meadows, which are
known among the farmers by the following names : " pipes,"
"lute-grass," "blue-joint," "sedge," "water-grass," and a
kind of meadow " red-top." Within a few years wild rice
has in places crept along the river banks, having been
brought here perhaps by the water fowl, which may have
plucked it on the margin of the distant lakes.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
ZOOLOGY AND GEOLOGY.
To him who in the love of Nature holds
Communion with her visible forms, she speaks
A various language.
Bryant.
FUR-BEARING ANIMALS.
Chief among these, except those mentioned in connection
with the river meadows, are the fox, rabbit, squirrel, wood-
chuck, skunk and weasel.
RARE BIRDS.
Besides the smaller birds most common in the vicinity,
and those mentioned in connection with the meadows, are
the rose-breasted grosbeak (Jxuiraca ludovicia?ia), indigo bird
{Cyanospiza cyanea), scarlet tanager (Pyranga rubra) and
red start (Setophaga ruticilla). Of late, the purple finch
(Carpodacus purpureus) has become quite common. A few
years ago, in a hard winter, a flock of pine grosbeaks (Pini-
cola canadensis) visited the town. Sparrows, vireos, flycatch-
ers, thrushes and warblers abound. Of the larger kinds, not
considered game-birds though considerably hunted, are found
the grackles (Quiscalinae), pigeon woodpecker (Calaptes
auratus) and meadow-lark (Sturnella magna) ; hawks, crows
and jays are frequent, and the latter have been so destruc-
tive that, at different times, a bounty has been paid for them
by the town.
GAME-BIRDS.
The most common of these and the most sought after is
the partridge or ruffed grouse (^Bonasa umbellus), the quail
{Ortyx virginianus) and the woodcock QPhilohela minor).
643
644 HISTORY OP SUDBURY.
The grouse and quail vary in numbers with the nature of
the season ; the former being favorably affected by a dry
summer and the latter by a warm winter. Quail a quarter
of a century ago were quite scarce, but of late years they
have been more numerous. To shoot a half dozen partridges
in the best of the season is now considered but a fair day's
work for a good hunter, and so it has been for the past
fifty years, such being about the average day's work of Sud-
bury's old hunter, the late Nichols Brown. Woodcock have
become quite scarce, very few being found except in the
migratory season. Formerly they nested in town, but this
is now unfrequently done. Fifty years ago the wild pigeon
(Ectopistes migratoria) was abundant in Sudbury, a favorite
locality being Peakham Plain. Considerable numbers were
caught in nets ; grain was scattered upon a small space of
ground, over which, when the birds had alighted to feed, a
net was sprung by a sapling which was artfully adjusted for
the purpose. Dozens were taken in this way, but the bird
is now scarcely seen in the town. (For fish, see chapter on
Natural Features.)
GEOLOGY OF SUDBURY.
BY GEORGE H. BARTON, S. B.
In the history of a town as well as of a country, it is fitting
that a few words at least should be devoted to its geology.
For geology is in itself a series of records enabling us to
trace the history of our globe back into the past far beyond
any human records. So far, indeed, does it carry our knowl-
edge backward, that the very earliest traces of human history
are only as the deeds of yesterday as compared with the
ages that elapsed before man made his appearance on the
earth.
In order to understand the geology of an isolated political
division of the country, such as forms a town, it is necessary
to have a general understanding of the geology of the country
of which it forms a part. The United States is a fair repre-
sentative of the world, furnishing within its area a more or
less complete record from the earliest known ages to the
present time. Here, in geological development, as it is in
RESIDENCE OF GEO. E. HARRINGTON.
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 645
human, time is naturally divided into certain grand divisions
or eras, each marked by its own peculiar characteristics.
The natural divisions coincide with the development of life
from the lowest and most humble forms in the beginning to
the high and varied ones of to-day which have finally culmi-
nated in man. Thus, as in human history, we have the An-
cient, Mediaeval, and Modern Periods, in geology we have the
Eozoic, Palaeozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras.
In the records belonging to the first of these, the Eozoic,
which means the dawn of life, we catch faint, glimmering
traces of the condition of the world at that time. We see,
indistinctly, a globe covered with an almost universal ocean,
with here and there occasional islands rising above the
general waste of waters grouped in such a way as to fore-
shadow the continent which was to take their place. As
time went on during this era land continually arose from
below the surface of the waters till before its close the
embryo continent was formed.
As the name implies, the first beginnings of life are here
found, but they are nothing definite, they are only strong
indications. With our present knowledge we know of no
method by which large beds of iron ore, or large beds of
graphite, can be formed except by the agencies of organic
life. As such beds are abundant in the Eozoic they furnish
grounds for the belief that life existed then in some little
abundance.
Then limestones, which are largely made up of the accum-
ulations of the remains of animal life, are abundant in this
series of rocks. In connection with these latter rocks occurs
a peculiar structure which has been thought by some high
authorities to be the remains of a low order of animal life
and to which the name of Eozoon, or dawn animal, has been
applied.
However the question of life in the Eozoic era may finally
be settled, we find the next era, the Palaeozoic, a term mean-
ing ancient life, beginning with an abundance of the lower
forms of life in the waters, though we find no evidence of its
existence upon the land. Some of these forms were quite
highly organized, one being about the same as the horse-shoe
646 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
crab of to-day, and this would cause us to believe that life
must have existed for ages before to have arrived at this
stage of development.
From the beginning of Palaeozoic time to the present there
is estimated to have elapsed about thirty-five millions of
years. The Eozoic is supposed to have comprised at least
as many years.
The Palajozoic has three main sub-divisions, which may
be known as the Age of Invertebrates, during which life
consisted entirely of marine forms of animals and plants
of the lower orders, except toward its close when fishes and
a few land plants appeared ; the Age of Fishes, when these
first vertebrates predominated and sharks ruled the seas,
when the continents first became covered with forests such
as we find in the tropics to-day, and insects appeared as the
first land-animals ; and finally the great Coal Age, when the
continent was covered with the dense growths of tropical
forests which after ages of accumulations have given the coal
beds of to-day, which have furnished such an important factor
in the progress of our national life.
During all this time the continent had been steadily
growing in a westerly and southerly direction, till the shore
line, which at the beginning did not extend in either direc-
tion further than the limits of the State of New York, had
reached on the south into Mississippi and west into Missouri
and Kansas, with large islands in the area now occupied by
the Rocky Mountains.
In the third of the grand divisions of time, the Mesozoic,
middle life, there is found a great change from the preceding
ages. Huge reptiles of unwieldy form and bulk predomi-
nated over the life both in the sea and on land. Birds inter-
mediate in form between the reptiles and birds of the present
day also appeared, and toward its close the first faint fore-
shadowings of the trees of our present forests. The climate,
which at the beginning of this era had been tropical through-
out the world, had at its close become much like our present
climate, being only a few degrees warmer.
from the beginning of the Mesozoic to the present time
from fourteen to seventeen millions of years have elapsed,
HISTOBY OF SUDBURY. 647
and of these eight or nine millions at least were comprised
in the Mesozoic.
In the Cenozoic, recent life, which began at the close of
the Mesozoic and still continues, we have mammals the pre-
dominating form of life, and somewhere in very recent
geological time the introduction of the human race.
Then Cenozoic has two main sub-divisions, the Tertiary
and the Quaternary. The latter is again divided into three
divisions : the Glacial, Champlain and Terrace. These three
it is necessary to notice somewhat more fully. The Glacial
Epoch is due to certain conditions that caused the entire
northern portion of our continent to be covered with a sheet
of ice which over New England reached a thickness of more
than six thousand feet, sufficient to cover our highest peak,
Mt. Washington. It reached so far south as to entirely
cover New England, and its southern termination can be
marked by an irregular line drawn through New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, etc.
This ice sheet had a constant tendency to move south-
ward, and in doing so transported with it all the loose mate-
rial which had previously covered the surface of the country
in the shape of decomposed rock, soil, boulders, etc. At the
same time it ground down, smoothed and polished the sur-
face of the rocks over which it passed, leaving it in many
cases with a high polish, but almost invariably accompanied
by scratches or grooves on the polished surface which are
nearly always parallel to each other and have a nearly con-
stant direction of S-30-E.
A large portion of the loose material, the earth or drift as
it is usually termed, was eventually deposited below the ice,
which passed over it and thus compacted and hardened it
till it became nearly as hard and as tough as the rocks them-
selves. This consists largely of tough, tenacious blue clay,
somewhat filled with more or less rounded boulders, bearing
upon their smoothed sides the same striations we find upon
the smoothed ledges. This portion is known as the lower
drift.
The remaining portion of the loose material was borne
upon the surface of the ice or incorporated in its mass, and
648 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
when the ice sheet melted and disappeared was left as a thin
covering over the surface of the lower drift and is known as
the upper drift. The boulders found in connection with this
are angular and show little or no signs of wear.
A prominent feature of the lower drift are the hills known
as drumlins which are very numerous in some sections, very
rare in others. They are round, oval, or lenticular in shape,
are largely made of blue clay, and contain no ledges, except
in some cases just at their bases. The upper drift covers
them with a thin mantle similar to the other surface.
The melting of the ice sheet gave rise to a large amount
of water, which caused large rivers, lakes, and floods, both
upon the surface of the ice and the country. This worked
over the materials of the upper and lower drift, exerted a
sorting action upon them and deposited them anew in the
three separate forms of gravel, sand and clay. The old river
channels were filled with floods, and large masses of the
gravel and sand accumulated in them, while the clays were
carried away b}r the rushing water. Upon the surface of the
ice rivers wore channels in which accumulated pebbles usu-
ally from an inch to a foot in diameter. As the ice melted
these were left upon the surface of the country as long and
very narrow ridges, often known locally as Indian ridges, to
which the term Kame has been applied.
As the waters of the Champlain Epoch subsided the
streams cut down into the beds of gravel and sand they had
previously deposited in their broad valleys, and thenceforth
ran in narrower channels leaving marked terraces on one or
both banks, hence giving the name of the Terrace Epoch,
which still continues to the present day.
Before considering the special geology of our town it will
be well to speak briefly of that of our State as a whole, that
we may better understand the general relations of our town.
Nearly the whole of Massachusetts is composed of rocks
formed during the Eozoic era, but not belonging to its oldest
divisions. Nearly the oldest of the Palaeozoic, in the Age ofl
Invertebrates, is represented by the area known as the Bos-
ton Basin, extending from Medford, Maiden, etc., on the
north, to Braintree, Quincy, etc., on the south, and from the
HISTORY OP SUDBURY. 649
ocean on the east to Waltham on the west. The Age of
Fishes is not represented. The Coal Age is represented by
an area extending into the State from Rhode Island, in Attle-
boro, Mansfield, etc. The Mesozoic era is represented by
the red sandstones of the Connecticut Valley, in which have
been found numerous evidences of the reptilian life of that
time, and by the trap ridges which form Mts. Tom, Holy-
oke, etc.
Then in the Cenozoic we have the entire State covered
with its mantle of drift, in some places very thin, in others
reaching a thickness of three to four hundred feet, as in the
southeastern portion of the State.
Now in regard to the special geology of our town. The
formation which underlies it is made up of a series of crystal-
line rocks, approaching a dark granite in general appearance,
which are included in two divisions, diorite and diabase,
but so intimately are these mixed that it is not convenient
to separate them, and with these are a series of quartzites
and baked slates. The crystalline rocks are of volcanic
origin, and in those early ages were probably erupted
through and between the layers of quartzite and slate which
had been formed by deposition under the waters of the sea.
These rocks all belong to a period somewhere near the mid-
dle of the Eozoic, and from that time to the glacial epoch we
have no records to tell us of the history of the town. We
know that long before the latter time the Sudbury River had
hollowed its channel out of these hard rocks and was flow-
ing nearly in its present position on the eastward of the
town. That Nobscot and Green Hills were prominent ob-
jects in the topography, but that Plympton's Hill, the hill at
the Centre, Cutting's Hill, and those near Alfred Thomp-
son's, Parker Fairbank's, and Andrew Haynes' had no exist-
ence, as we shall see later.
As a whole, Sudbury is a somewhat sandy town, but there
are certain areas that are quite rocky. In the north of the
town Captain Jones' small hill, and the high lands north of
Cold Brook and west of the railroad are composed of out-
crops of the crystalline rocks previously mentioned. The hill
between Patrick Lyons' and Calvin Morse's is also largely
650 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
of rock. In the area bounded generally by the road, from
Plympton Hill to the river on the north, the river meadows
on the east, the Central Massachusetts Railroad on the south,
and the road from South Sudbury to the Centre on the west,
is the largest series of continuous outcrops in the town. In
the extreme south, Nobscot rises a solid mass of rock to its
summit. There are many other places where small ledges
outcrop, but not of sufficient importance to mention in this
short paper.
Much of the rock shows stratification, which in some cases
is due to its formation in layers under water, in others to
successive sheets of lava flowing over each other. Wherever
this is shown the prevailing direction is about north-east,
south-west.
The rocks at Newbury, containing the ores mined there
some years ago, have the same general trend, and belong to
the same series. This has caused some search for ores, but
nothing of importance has been found, though just over the
line in Concord digging was carried on to some depth, show-
iug the presence of some lead and silver, but not enough to
be of any economic value.
A small amount of limestone is found just to the east of
the so-called county road on the north bank of Cold Brook.
At some time in the past it has been burned for lime, traces
of the burned fragments still being found, but beyond the
memory of any one now living. In this I have found slight
traces of the structure, eozoon.
So far as my knowledge extends there is no rock in Sud-
bury that will ever admit of extensive quarrying for build-
ing purposes.
In turning our attention to the drift we find that to it are
due many of the features of our landscape. Over many
portions of the town the lower, upper and modified drift
forms a considerable thickness, but there are no means of
measuring its depth.
Those interesting features of the lower drift, the drumlins,
are well represented. Perhaps the two more typical ones are
the ones known as Cutting's Hill in the northwest portion of
the town, and the one a half mile west of Sherman's bridge
HISTORY OF SUDBTJRY. 651
on the Sudbury River known as Fairbank's or Round Hill.
The former represents the typical lenticular hill, its longer
axis running a little north of west, the latter is nearly circu-
lar in outline. On the line between Sudbury and Concord
is a somewhat large one, on the top of which is the residence
of Andrew Haynes. On the old county road, about a mile
and a half north of the centre of the town, is a complex mass
made up of two or three drumlins united together. Upon
the crest of the lowest is situated the residence of the late
Aaron Hunt, while the larger ones rise directly back of A.
N. Thompson's. Plympton's Hill and the hill directly back
of the Unitarian Church and Town Hall are also well-marked
examples. There are also many other small elevations in the
town belonging to this type but not worthy of special notice.
The southern portion of the town seems to be quite free from
them, though I am not familiar with the extreme southwest
corner.
The upper drift does not need particular mention, though
some portions of the better soil of the town are furnished by
it. Boulders of sufficient size to attract attention are rare, a
single prominent one being situated on the road leading from
the Town Farm to the Centre on land belonging to the town.
There are a few others scattered in the woods away from the
roads.
The modified drift is an important factor, furnishing the
sand-plains which are the most objectionable feature from
an economical standpoint. Of these Peakham Plain is the
largest, and this is but a portion of the large plain continued
west into Marlboro, Hudson and Stow. To this belongs all
the area south of the Maynard line, and stretching to the foot
of Nobscot, while on the east it is bounded by an irregular
line, in some cases reaching nearly to the Old Colony Rail-
road. Other smaller but well-marked areas occur scattered
over the remainder of the town, one extending along the
north road from the Pratt Tavern to the Old Colony Rail-
road and about a mile southward, another to the eastward of
the residence of the late Andrew Hunt, and a third north-
ward from George Taylor's along the river meadows. In the
Peakham area are several small sheets of water such as
652 history or stjdbuby.
Willis Pond, Bottomless Pond, etc., which probably owe
their origin to large masses of ice having been left there,
around which the sand was deposited by the currents, and
later as these masses of ice melted they left the hollows
which now hold the ponds.
Kames are not well represented in our town, though there
is one very typical example crossing the road directly in
front of the house of Elbrit Goding, and continuing north-
ward immediately to the east of the road till reaching the
northern boundary of the town. This same gravel ridge ex-
tends northward nearly through the town of Acton. South-
ward it does not cross the north road so as to be plainly seen,
though there are traces of it nearly as far south as the Way-
side Inn.
In the southern part of the town another kame begins
just south of Lanham Brook, and east of Sewell Hunt's, and
runs generally parallel to the road toward Framingham till
it crosses the boundary of the latter town.
Now in conclusion, taking a hasty review, we see that our
town is situated in that part of America that appeared above
the waters of the ocean in the earliest ages, and thus ranks
in age with not only nearly the oldest parts of America but
also of the world ; that from that time to the present it has
remained above the sea. forming a part of the dry land of the
continent, and hence, though there are no records of all
those vast ages preserved, it has witnessed all the grand
panorama of the development of life ; that during the ice age,
which was only about ten thousand years ago, its topography
was very much changed and nearly all its hills, which till
then had no existence, were formed, and that it was at the
close of this latter age that so much of its territory was
buried beneath the sand that causes several large areas to be
scarcely worthy of cultivation. Immediately at the close of
the ice age, if not before, primitive man began roving over
the country, and then geological is united with human his-
tory.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Public Bequests. — Action of the Town relative to the Publication of
the History of Sudbury. — Preparations for the Observance of the
Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Incorporation of the
Town.
Till at last in books recorded,
They like hoarded
Household words, no more depart.
Longfellow.
BEQUESTS.
The " Goodnow Library Fund," $20,000, donated by John
Goodnow. The "Samuel D. Hunt Fund, $1,000; the in-
come of this fund is to be distributed among the poor, sick,
and needy, who are not inmates of the almshouse or other-
wise assisted by the town. Accepted, Nov. 3, 1874. The
"Elisha Goodnow Fund," $4000; the income of three-
quarters of this is to be distributed in substantially the same
manner as the " S. D. Hunt Fund ; " and the income of the
other fourth is to be used in the purchase of books for poor
children attending the public schools. The " Jerusha Howe
Fund," $1000 ; the income to be expended in fuel for the
industrious poor. The " Ancient Donation Fund," $453.78 ;
given to the town by Joshua Haynes, two-thirds of the in-
come to be used for the poor, and one-third for schools. A
considerable portion of the original fund last named has been
lost by bad investment. The " George Goodnow Fund,"
$10,000 ; the income to be used for the industrious poor not
otherwise assisted by the town. Accepted, November* 1884.
The " Henry Plympton Fund," $250. The " George Good-
now Fund," $400. The "Lois Hunt Fund," $500. The
income of the last three are to be used for cemetery purposes
or improvements.
Total amount of bequests, $37,603.78,
653
654 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
ACTS RELATIVE TO THE PUBLICATION OP THE HISTORY OP
SUDBURY.
The subject of publishing a History of Sudbury was first
brought before the town at a meeting held Nov. 4, 1862,
under the following article : —
" To see if the town will take any measures to have a his-
tory of the town written."
The result was that a committee, consisting of Dr. Levi
Goodenough, Rev. Limus H. Shaw and Charles Thompson,
Esq., was appointed " to consider the matter and report at
some future meeting what action, if any, may be advisable
for the town to take in reference to said subject." This
committee made a verbal report April 6, 1863, and were au-
thorized to make arrangements with Mr. Andrew Ward of
Newton to prepare a history of the town. Mr. Ward com-
menced the work, but soon afterwards died. The subject
was again brought forward, March 6, 1876. A committee
composed of Steven Moore, Jonas S. Hunt, and Richard R.
Horr was appointed to consider the matter and report at a
subsequent meeting. Their report was submitted to the
town and accepted April 3, 1876. The following is a part of
this report : —
" Your committee believe that when this ancient Town
has its history compiled it should not be done hastily, but
with care and skill, and with such research as may be neces-
sary to such a history as will not only be a matter of satis-
faction but of pride to the town. As the history of Sudbury
is also a history of Wayland to a comparatively recent date,
it seems proper that she should be consulted as to the pro-
priety of uniting with us in the preparation of the joint his-
tory of the two towns, at least to the time of their separation.
It is therefore recommended that the town choose a com-
mittee whose duty it shall be to ascertain if Wayland will
unite with Sudbury in having a joint history of the two
towns prepared ; to collect such material as they may be able,
and report their doings at November meeting, with estimates
of the probable cost of the completed work." This report
was accepted by the town, and the committee making it were
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 655
continued in office and authorized to take such action as they
thought proper to carry forward the recommendations con-
tained in their report. The chairman of the committee soon
after left town and no further action was taken in the mat-
ter. March, 1885, a committee consisting of Capt- James
Moore, Jonas S. Hunt, Esq., and Horatio Hunt was ap-
pointed " to confer with Rev. A. S. Hudson in regard to a
publication of the History of Sudbury." April 6, of the
same year, the committee reported to the town the result of
their interview. This was in part that the work be devoted
to the annals of the town, but not any part of it to genealogy
as it is usually inserted in books of this kind.
April 2, 1888, the town " voted to publish not less than
750 copies of the History as written and compiled by Rev.
A. S. Hudson, and to pay him $1500 for his services in writ-
ing and superintending the publication of the work ; and
that the Trustees of the Goodnow Library be a committee
associated with him to have charge of the publication of the
work." The town also voted at the same meeting $1500 for
the publication. The names of the library Trustees are as
follows: Hubbard H. Brown, Atherton W. Rogers and Edwin
A. Powers.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 260TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRA-
TION.
At a meeting held November 1888, the town voted to peti-
tion the Legislature for permission to grant money to be ex-
pended in the observance of the 250th Anniversary of the In-
corporation of Sudbury. Permission having been obtained,
at a subsequent meeting the sum of three hundred dollars was
appropriated, and a committee was appointed to make and
carry out such arrangements as would be appropriate to the
proposed celebration. The committee consisted of Jonas S.
Hunt, Rufus H. Hurlbut and Edwin A. Powers, who were
to cooperate with a committee from Wayland, and the joint
committee were to act for the two towns.
The joint committee met at Sudbury and organized with
J. S. Hunt for chairman, and R. T. Lombard, Esq., of Way-
land for secretary. The following outline of a plan was pro-
656 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
posed, and left open subject to change if deemed expedient
before the day arrived.
1. A gathering of the children of the two towns at Way-
land on the morning of Sept. 4, when entertainment and a
collation would be furnished.
2. A return by railroad at noon to South Sudbury, when
a prooession will form and march to Sudbury Centre.
3. Dinner in the Town Hall.
4. Speaking from a platform on the Common, if the day is
fair, and, if not, in the Unitarian Church.
5. Fireworks and music in both towns, with ringing of
bells morning and night.
It was voted to extend an invitation to Hon. Homer
Rogers of Boston, to act as president of the day ; to Richard
T. Lombard, Esq., of Wayland, to serve as chief-marshal ; and
to Rev. Alfred S. Hudson of Ayer, to deliver the oration.
Ample opportunity was to be provided for addresses by
speakers from abroad, who are expected to be present and
assist at the celebration.
CHAPTER XL.
CONCLUSION.
In concluding a work of such magnitude and importance,
we naturally pause and reflect over the long, long story of
the past, before we leave its pages and close the history.
Many notable events have been considered, and many promi-
nent persons have been brought to view, who long since
passed away. Successive periods have been presented in
order, from the beginning of our existence as a town, until we
come to a generation amid which we live and of which we
are an actual part. It may be difficult to comprehend the
changes that the years have wrought, but a passing glance at
the chief of them indicates that the town has had a varied
experience. First, we behold a small number of settlers
making their homes amid the woodlands of a new country.
They clear fields, erect homesteads, and let in the light of
civilized life ; but the scene is soon changed ; shadows
darken the prospect, the town is invaded by Indians, and
all its resources are brought into requisition to preserve its
existence. The conflict passes, and there are years of peace.
Again the settlement is disturbed by war, and again peace
follows. The town makes progress in the succeeding years,
and then again, comes a season of strife. Thus alternate
sunshine and shadow have played on the scene as the years
have advanced, giving to the town a history of mingled pros-
perity and adversity. But through all these changes it has
maintained a steady growth and developed a more substantial
character by these rockings by the storm. As we look back
over the scenes of its history there is much for which to be
grateful. 1. That our ancestors were of such sterling worth.
Few, if any, New England towns perhaps are more favored
667
658 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
in this respect. The record of their actions is evidence that
they did not emigrate to this country as mere aimless or
reckless adventurers, but as men with worthy purposes.
They evinced a perseverance in subduing the soil and a
fortitude in meeting the privations of pioneer life that is
commendable in a large degree. Their faith, zeal and stead-
fastness in the service of God, and their reverence for things
sacred is prominently noticeable in the records ; and upright-
ness in their dealings is indicative of like theory and prac-
tice. 2. That the town has had such a wholesome and far-
reaching influence. Town after town received from Sudbury
some of its early settlers, and in this process of colonization,
a formative influence was carried forth by her citizens, which
has strengthened and widened as the years have rolled by.
3. That the town has never shrunk from bearing its part in
the burdens of the country at large. In peace and in war, it
has stood ready to meet all the demands that have been made
upon it. Even when its own borders were imperiled it did
not refuse to furnish aid to others if needed ; and the long
muster-rolls and the enactments of town meeting are evi-
dence of its patriotism. 4. That to so large an extent the
traits of the fathers have been transmitted to their posterity.
This may be due to the comparative stability of its popula-
tion. Generation after generation occupied old homesteads,
and, with the lands, the characteristics became as heirlooms
in old families. While we have these things for which to be
grateful, it is also gratifying to contemplate the historic
character of the town. Although, hitherto, it has been con-
sidered historic, yet as we have noticed consecutively and in
detail its prominent events, we are more and more convinced
of the importance of its history. The story of the past is
associated with its hills and valleys and plains and streams.
Its fields have been fields of battle, its soil contains the bones
of the fallen. King Philip once strode over its territory, and
there he was stayed in his devastating march towards the
sea. The highways of the town were trodden by the militia
and minute men on their way to oppose the British at Con-
cord. The town's common land was their place of parade,
and from its belfry sounded the call to arms.
HISTORY OF SUDBURY. 659
Thus the God of our fathers has blest us by giving such
founders of our town, by bringing us safely forth from the
vicissitudes and exposures and perils of two hundred and
fifty years, and by the benign influences of the institutions
that our ancestors established and maintained. From the
faith of our fathers that was God-given, and that clung so
closely to his Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, has come the
prosperity, the integrity, the worth of our town, and the
wholesomeness of its far-reaching influence. " Praise God
from whom all blessings flow," should be our general acclaim ;
and together with this devout ascription should be the culti-
vation of a cherished purpose to maintain and perpetuate what
of good the past has bequeathed. To do this requires the
use of the same means which our ancestors employed in pro-
curing this good, namely, a reliance on God and His word, a
reverence for the Sabbath and love for His church. The
Bible to our fathers in the wilderness was literally " the man
of their counsel." By it they were led in their daily duties,
comforted in the time of calamity, and strengthened in the
hope of " a better country, that is, an heavenly." Next to
the Author of all good we should bear in grateful remem-
brance the privations and hardships endured by our ancestors.
Our sunny hillsides and fields were cleared by their toil : let
these be objects that quicken to gratitude. Let the places
that are designated as historic be suggestive of their depriva-
tions. As from the far-reaching and silent past survive the
signs of its many changes, may we take knowledge that these
are indicative of changes yet to be. It is a law of human
destiny that one generation passeth away and another cometh.
The old burial places were once new ; and the town's inhab-
itants when they set them apart provided as they believed
for a far-distant future. That future has come and gone, and
they who looked forward to it have joined the silent proces-
sion in their march to the city of the dead ; and among the
moss-covered stones and monuments, strangers scan the in-
scriptions for their names and fragmentary scraps of family
history. The new cemeteries will one day be as the old, the
resting-place of the generation that set them apart ; and in-
the years that are yet to be, and which to some it may be are
660 HISTORY OF SUDBURY.
in a distant cloud-land, the stranger will look for and read
other epitaphs, even those which tell of our history.
The paths we travel may be closed and new ones opened,
which stranger feet will tread. New dwellings, new man-
ners, and new men will be here, and we shall be " only
remembered by what we have done." May we then so live
that our lives will be associated with as much of good, our
memories with as much affection, as those which we have
been considering. It is the desire of the author that the
record of the past, which is contained in this history, be
helpful in this respect to ourselves, to our families, and to
those who shall come after us.