F 74- AB7C3S CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE Cornell University Library F 74A87 C35 Athol Massachusetts, past and present / olln 3 1924 028 819 162 /^ DATE DUE . £ Jl t\^%& IMT** fnw'tuWAW *^ f GAYLORD PRINTED IN U S A / Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028819162 i^Ssj^ A SoMrdt AIHOL MASSACHUSETTS, Past ^i^^TpRESENT BY LILLEY B. CASWELL. ILLUSTRATED. "IT IS A NOBLE FACULTY OP OUR NATURE WHICH ENABLES US TO CONNECT OUR THOUGHTS, OUR SYMPATHIES, AND OUR HAPPINESS WITH WHAT IS DIS- TANT IN PLAGE OR TIME; AND LOOKING BEFORE AND AFTER, TO HOLD COM- MUNION AT ONCE WITH OUR ANCESTORS AND OUR POSTERITY." PUBLISHEt) BY THE AUTHOR. ATHOL, MASS. 1899. VIEWS AND CUTS. Athol from the Ledges, 1 Boundary Map, (initial) 1 Round Top, 5. Fitchburg E. E. Depots. 7 Indian Fording Place, 11 Churches, 68 Main Street School House, 126 Lake Park School House, 127 Highland School House, 128 Old High School Building, 137 High School House, 138 Grand Army Badge, 14g Scene of the great fire of 1890 and portrait of Alexander McLeod, 175 "Water Works Elevations, 178 Eesidence of George "W". Horr, Esq., Igg Millers Eiver National Bank, 348 Ginery Twichell as the Unrivalled Express Eider. 356 Letter from John Brovpn to Col. George H. Hoyt. 360 PRESS OF The athol transcript co., Athol, Mass. coisnrE:N:a^s. CHAPTER I. Drscriptive. Location — Boundaries — Surface — Streams — Ponds — Hills — Products — Census — Growth of the Town — Valuation. 1—8 CHAPTER n. Ancient Pequoig. The Nipnets— Survey ol the town— Names of the men who drew house lots in 1734 — First settlers — Indian depredations — French and Indian War. 9— It CHAPTER III. Naming thE^Town. The name of Paxton— Act of Incorporation— Slietch of John Murray. 18—24 CHAPTER IV. Town Government Call for first town meeting — List of Selectmen — Sketches of Wilson D. Smith— George W. Bishop -Chas. A. Carruth —Henry Gray — Town Clerks — Sketch of John D. Holbrook — Town Treasurers — Slietch of Samuel Lee— Collection of taxes— The town's poor — Roads and bridges — The currency. 25 — 44 CHAPTER V. Churches. The first church — Evangelical Congregational Church— First Baptist — Methodist Episcopal — South Athol Methodist Church — Sec- ond Unitarian — St. John's Episcopal — Second Advent — St. Catherine's Catholic. 4.5—83 CHAPTER VI. Athol in the Revolution. Action of the town just before the Revolu- tion — Minute men— Sketch of Ichabod Dexter, Athol's first captain — Marching order of Capt. Ephraim Stockwell — List of Athol men in the Revolution — Votes passed by the town during the war. 84 — 94 CHAPTER VII. Wat of 1812 and Political History. Opposition of the town to the War of 1812— Political History— Representatives— Senators. 95—104 CHAPTER VIII. Athol in the Rebellion. Opening of the Rebellion— First volunteers —"War meetings— Roll of Honor. 105— 12a IV CONTENTS. CHAPTER IX. Educational. First provision made for schools— School expenditures — Sketch of Flora E. Kendall— School Committee— Sketches of Charles A. Chapman and W. D. Luey— Teachers— High School— Principals of the High School— College Graduates— Libraries— Library committee. 123— lf6 CHAPTER X. Grand Army of the Republic. Parker Post, No. 123— Sketches of James C. Parker and Commanders — Hubbard V. Smith Post, No. 140 —Sketches of Hubbard V. Smith and Commanders— Memorial Day Orators— Gen. W. T. Sherman Camp, Sons of Veterans— Hoyt Post, Matrons of the Republic — Woman's Relief Corps, No. 82 — Sketch of Mrs. Clare H. Bnrleigh. 147—165 CHAPTER XI. Fire Dbpartmeht. First engines — Stea^r contest — Sketches of Fred A. HaBkins — James McManamy — Charles F. Smith — Harry F. Boutell — The great fire of December, 1890— Water works. 16&— 178 CHAPTER XII. The Legal Profession. First Lawyers— Sketches of Clough R. Milps- Isaac Stevens — Hon. Charles Field — Geo. W. Horr — Sidney P. Smith — ^Henry M. Burleigh — Edgar V. Wilson — Charles Field, Jr. — Joseph A. Titus— Trial Justices — District Court — Deputy Sherifls. 179 — 194 CHAPTER Xni. The Medical Profession. Early doctors— Sketches of Dr. Wm. H. Williams — Dr. George Hoyt — Dr. George D. Colony— Dr. James P. Lynde — Dr. Samuel H. Colbum — Dr. Marshall L. Lindsey — Dr. Charles H. Forbes — Dr. Hiram H. Bums — Dr. Alphonzo V. Bowker —Dr. H. R. Thayer— Dr. Windsor A. Brown— Dentists. 195—208 CHAPTER XIV. Old Athol Families. The Lords— Olivers— Kendalls— Mortons— God- dards — Sweetser family — Estabrooks— Fish familj' — Humphreys — Hoar family — Morses — Havens — Stockwells — Fays. 209— 28 T CHAPTER XV. Biographical. Sketches of Addison M. Sawyer— Capt. Charles C. Bassett — John C. Hill— Daniel Appleton Newton — Joseph B. Cardany Cephas L. Sawyer-J. Sumner Parmenter-Frank C. Parmenter-Edwln Ellis— Lyman Wilder Hapgood — Nathaniel Richardson — George T. Johnson— Washington H. Amsden— Pardon D. Holbrook— Daniel W. Houghton — J. Wesley Goodman. 288—306 CONTENTS. V CHAPTEE XVI. Biographical Continued. Sketches of Theodore Jones-Frederick Jones- George Sprague— Jonathan Stratton— Abner Graves Stratton— Wm. H. Garfield — Jonathan Wheeler — Joseph Proctor — Major Warren Horr — Col. Wilson Andrews^Joseph F. Packard — Thomas D. Brooks —Edmund J. Gage — Alexander Gray — James M. Rice — Joseph F. Dunbar— Russell Smith— Azro B. Folsom— Daniel Bigelow— Dexter Aldrich— Gilbert Southard— James W. Hunt. 307—328 CHAPTER XVII. Journalism. Athol's first newspaper, Freedom's Sentinel — Worcester West Chronicle — Sketch ol E. Wm. Waterman — Athol Transcript — Sketches of Dr. Vernon O. Taylor— Wells h. Hill— Edgar A. Smith Frank W. Gourlay — Cottager Company and W. H. Brock & Co. — Sketches of Wiofield H. Brock— Will K. Briggs. 329— '!.3!) CHAPTER XVIII. Post Offices and Banks. Early post offices- List of Postmasters at Athol Center — Sketches of James F. Whitcomb — Edwin B. Hortou — Athol Depot post oflice — List of Postmasters — Change of name of post offices — Sketches of Howard B. Hunt — Arthur C. Longley — Justin W. Clayton — Millers River Bank — Athol Savings Bank— Athol Na- tional Bank — Athol Co-Operative Bank — Sketches of Hon, Alpheus Harding — Thomas H. Goodspeed — Col. Albert L. Newman. 340—353 CHAPTER XIX. Sons of Athol. Sketches of Hon. Ginery Twichell — Col. Geo. H. Ho\ t — Joel D. Stratton — Lysander Spooner — Edwin Loriug Sprague — Henry Harrison Sprague — Lucius Knight Sprague — Jerome Jones — Frederick E. Proctor — Wilson H. Lee— Roland T. Cakes — Charles W. Cheney — Henry M. Phillips — Joel D. Miller — Frederic E. Stratton — Seth Twichell— Dr. Maurice H. Richardson— Josiah W. Flint. ."54—384 CHAPTER XX. Early and Latkr Industries. First grist mill and saw mill — Indus- tries in the early part of the century — Boot and shoe industry — Sketches of Charles M. Lee — Solon W. Lee — Merritt Lee — William D. Lee, Jr. — James M. Lee — Athol Shoe Co. — Hill & Greene — Eli G. Greene — Sketches of Leroy S. Starrett— George D. Bates— Charles A. Bates— Arthur F. Tyler— C. Fred Richardson— Herbert L. Hapgood — Almond Smith— Henry R. Stowell— Abijah Hill— Charles L. Morse Frank E. Wing— Lewis Sanders— Fred R. Davis. 385—409 ■VI CONTENTS AND PORTRAITS. CHAPTER XXI. Commercial. Sketches of Oscar T. Brooks — Charles M. Sears — Charles A. Crosman — Nelson Whitcomb — Harding R Barber — Herbert S. Goddard — Adolphus Bangs — Converse Ward — George H. Cooke — James Cotton — Calvin Miller — George S. Brewer — Andrew J. Hamil- ton — Albert R. Tower — Frank S. Parmenter — William H. Kendall — Chas. W. Bannon — Russell S. Horton — Americus V. Fletcher — Allen P. Fletcher — Augustus Coolidge — Lilley B. Caswell — Isaiah L. Cragin Adin H. Smith — Azor S Davis — Hiram C. Dunton — Henry F. Pres- ton — John W. Donavan — Enoch T. Lewis — John Swan — Moses Hill 410 — 439 CHAPTER XXII. MisscELLANEOUs. Free Masons — Odd Fellows — Worcester Northwest Agricultural and Mechanical Society — Spanish-American War — Sketches of William L. Pike— Hugh G. Davis— William H. Rivett^ Harland H. Knight — Samuel French Cheney — George S. Cheney — Amos Cheney — Wheelock A. Cheney. 440 — 448 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PORTRAITS. Aklrich , Dexter 324 Amsden, Wiishin^on H. 3u3 Andrews, Col. Wilson, 318 Avery F. C. 132 Bangs, Adolphus 414 Baunon, Charles W. 424 Bassett, Capt Charles C. 200 Barber, Harding R. 414 Bates, Charles A. 398 Bates, George 1). 397 Bennett, George A . 15S Bigelow, Daniel 324 Bigelow, P:ilen JI. 1.32 Bishop, George W 32 Boutell, Harry F. 172 Bowker, Dr. !Alphonzo X. 204 Brewer, George S. 418 Briggs, Will K. 3,39 Brock, WinHeld H. 3.39 Brooks, Oscar T. 412 Brooks, Thomas D. 318 Brov.n, Rev. Horace F. 58 Brown, Dr. Windsor A. 204 Burleigh, Clare H. 164 Burleigh, Henry M. 150 Bums, Dr. Hiram H. 204 Cardany, Joseph B. 295 Carruth, Charles A. 32 Carruth, Ida E. 134 Caswell, Lilley B Frontispiece Chapman, Charles A. 132 Chenev, Amos 446 Cheney, Charles W. 376 Chenev, Geo. S. 446 Cheney, S. F. 446 Cheney, W. A. 446 Clayton, Justin W. 346 Colony, Dr. George D. 196 Cook," Caleb A. 322 Cooke, George H. 418 Coolidge, Augustus Cotton, .James 428 418 Cragin, Isaiah L. 431 Crosman, Charles A. 412 Davis, .Azor S. 434 Davis, Fred R 408 Doane, Roswell L. 150 Donovan, .John W. 434 Drury, Susie F. 1,34 Dunbar, Joseph F. 324 Dunton, Hiram C. 434 Ellis, Edwin Estabrook, llev. .Joseph 298 248 Fav. Capt. Farwell F. 28 1 Pay, J. Ward 285 Paj- Levi B. 286 Pay, Rev. Lysander 280 Fav, Sereno K. 281 Field, Hon. Charles 182 Pish, William W. 252 Fletcher, Allen F. 424 Fletcher, Americus V. 424 Flint, Josiah 383 Folsom, Azro B. 324 Forbes, Dr. Charles H. 204 PORTRAITS. VII Gage, Edmund J. Garfleld, William H. Goddard, GoodeU Goddard, Herbert S. Goodspeed, Thomas H. Gould, Rev. Edwin S. Gould, Samuel N. Gourlay, Prank W. Gray, Alexander Gray, Charles Gray Henry Hamilton, Andrew J. Hapgood, Herbert L. Hapgood, Lyman W. Harding, Hon. Alpheus Harris, Henry W. Hasliins, Fred A. Heustis, William H. Hill, Abljah Hill, John C. Hill, Wells L. Hoar, Timothy Holbrook, Pardon D. Horr, George W. Horr, Major Warren Horton, Russell S. Houghton, Daniel W. Hoj't, Dr. George Hoyt, Col. George H. Humphrey, Henry M. Hunt, Howard B." Jaquith William E. Jones, Jerome Jones, Theodore Kendall, Miss Flora E. Kendall, Ira Y. Kendall, Joab Kendall, John Kendall, Ozi Kendall, William H. Lee, Charles M. Lee, Wilson H. Lindsey, Dr. Marshall L. Lombard, Rev. Charles P. Longley, Arthur C Lord, Charles L. Lord, Ethan Lord, Franklin G. Lord, Gardiner Lord, Gardiner Jr. Lord, Lucien Lord, Nathaniel Y. Lynde, Dr. James P. Martin, Rev. Edward F. McManamv, James Mellen, William H. Miller, Calvin Morse, Charles L. Morse, Frank F. Morse, Henry T. Morse, Laban 322 314 229 414 351 58 152 336 322 150 32 422 402 299 350 150 172 152 4UB 292 336 263 304 184 318 424 305 196 358 260 346 158 372 307 132 231 229 229 229 422 390 372 196 58 346 218 214 218 218 218 216 218 199 .'J8 172 1.58 418 408 272 150 270 Morse, Leander B. Morton, John D. Murray, Col. John Newman, Col. Albert L. Newton, D. Appleton. Norton, Rev. John F. Oakes, Roland T. Oliver, Dr. James Packard, Joseph F. Parker, James C. Parmenter, Frank C. Parmenter, Frank S. Parmenter, J. Sumner Preston, Henry F. Proctor, Frederick E. Proctor, Joseph Rice, James M. Richardson, C. Fred Richardson, Nathaniel Sanders, Lewis Sawin, Levi C. Sawin, Lewis H. Sawyer, Addison M. Sawyer, Cephas L. Sears, Charles M. Shaw, E. J. Shrimpton, Rev. C. J. Smith, Adin H. Smith, Almond Smith, Charles F. Smith, Edgar A. Smith, Hubbard V. Smith, Russell Smith, Wilson D. Southard, Gilbert Spooner, B. W. Sprague, Edwin Loring Sprague, George Sprague, Henry Harri.sou Sprague, Lucius Knight Starrett, Leroy )S Stowell, Heury K. Stratton, Abiier G. Stratton, Frederic E. Stratton, Jonathan Taft, Charles E. Tavlor, Dr. Vernon O. Tower, Albert. R. Townsend, Harlan P. Twichell, Hon. Ginerv. Twichell, Seth Tyler, .Arthur F. Ward, Converse Waterman, R. Wm. Wheeler, Jonathan Whitcomb, James F. Whitcomb, Nelson Williams, Dr. William H. Wil.son, Edgar V. Wing, Frank E. 272 234 22 362 294 58 372 223 318 150 298 422 298 434 372 316 322 401 300 408 158 158 289 296, 412 152 58 432 403 172 336 158 324 32 326 162 366 311 368 370 395 404 313 134 312 152 336 422 134 354 381 399 414 332 315 346 412 196 190 408 PREFACE. When Athol Past and Present was first conceived it was designed to be a Gift Book of two hundred pages or more, but after the woi'k had been commenced and a portion of it was printed, the author pur- chased all the interest that Mr. W. A. Emerson, its originator, had in the work, and its plan was materially changed until it has reached proportions never thought of at fii'st, with upwards of four hundred and fifty pages, exclusive of the portraits, which number about one hundred pages more. The author has performed all of the work, not only of gathering the material and writing the history, but has also solicited all of the portraits and sold the books, during the time that he could get while not engaged in his regular profession and other business, and most of this has been done in the few months of the winter season of each year for the last nine or ten years. Those who have never written or as- sisted in writing a historical work are not aware of the vast amount of labor involved. The fields from which the material of the following chapters have been garnerned are the town and church records, old muster rolls in the state archives at the State House, family records and manuscripts and printed volumes wherever found. The files of the Athol Transcript and Worcester West Chronicle have been freely con- sulted as well as those of the Barre Gazette and Greenfield Gazette and Courier, and we have also availed ourselves of the valuable information contained in the centennial discourse of the Rev. 8. F. Clarke, the well prepared work of "Athol in Suppressing the Great Eebellion," and the history of Athol by George W. Horr in Jewett's history of Worcester County. We have also received valuable assistance from the Fitchburg Public Library, and from Edmund Barton, librarian of the American- Antiquarian Society at Worcester, and are indebted to the publishers of Picturesque Worcester North for the unique little poem on "Margery Morion" bv Mrs. Clare H. Burleigh, which we have incorporated in our sketch of the Morton Family. The author is also largely indebted to the assistance of George W. Horr, Esq., and Herbert L Hapgood, who have enabled him to cari-y out his plan for a more complete history than was at first contemplated. To these and all others who have in any way contributed to the advancement of the work, and have thus en- abled us to present to the people of Athol the first published history of the town, we would tender our grateful acknowledgements. The first five chapters of the work were printed during the year 1893, and the succeeding ten chapters in 1896, and consequently the events of the departments treated in those chapters and the sketches of individuals there appearina-, do not bring them up to the present date. LILLEY B. CASWELL 0) Ul C5 Q Ul _l bl X I- o DC li. -I o X CHAPTER I. DESCRIPTIVE. " Whatever strengthens our local attachments is favorable both to individual and national character. Show me a man who cares no more for one place than an- other, and I will show you in that same person one who loves nothing but himself." ATHOL is situated in the north-western part of Worcester County, on the Hoo- sac Tunnel line of railroad, 8 2 miles from Boston, and is connected with Springfield, from which it is 48 miles distant, by a branch of the Boston & Al- bany Railroad, form- merly known as the Springfield, Athol & Xortheastern. The township, as originally laid out and surveyed in October and November, 1732, consisted of a territory six miles square, but from time to time portions of the original 2 ATHOL, HISTORICAL AND PICTURESQUE. territory have been annexed to other towns, and set off in the formation of surrounding towns. Portions of Athol were annexed to Eoyalston Feb- ruary 26, 1799, and March 7, 1803; a part of Athol was taken to form Gerry in 1786, and a portion of the north- west corner was set off to form Orange. There has also been several additions to the town, a part of Gerry being annexed February 26, 1806; a part of Orange February 7, 1816, and parts of New Salem February 5, 1830, and March 16, 1837 ; the boundaries now present a very irregu- lar outline, especially on the Phillipston line. The town is bounded on the north by Orange and Koyalston ; on the east by Eoyalston and Phillipston; on the southeast by Petersham, and west by New Salem and Orange. It now contains 19,000 acres. The southeast corner, as at first surveyed, was south of the meeting-house now standing in PhUlipston; the northeast corner was northeast of South Royalston meeting-house ; the northwest corner was a few rods south of North Orange meeting-house, and the south- west corner probably remains unchanged. The surface is very uneven, hills abounding in almost every part of the town, but rising to the greatest height in the northern and eastern sections. Here, Millers River, after entering the town a short distance from South Roy- alston, flows for several miles through a narrow valley among the hills, forming some of the wildest and grandest scenery in this portion of the State, until just below the village it expands into fertUe meadows, which with their emerald hues in Summer form a beautiful setting for the village which lies along the Aalley, and stretches up the sloping hillsides until it merges in the "Highlands," and DESCRIPTIVE. 6 the "Street," the home of the first settlers of the town; indeed, beautiful for situation is Athol, the Queen of North- western Worcester. Millers River, known by the Indians as the Pequoig, like many of our New England rivers and mountains, was robbed of its name, and given one which has no special significance, except that unfortunately for the generations coming after him, a man by the name of Miller was drowned in the waters of this river while attempting to cross it, and thus gave his name to the stream. The most important tributary is TuUy, which coming from the north unites with MUlers River where the meadows expand northwest of the village. This stream, according to tradition, derived its name from an Indian's dog, which in following a deer, drove the animal over the meadows into these waters, and while attempting to seize his prey, was struck by the deer and held under the water until poor TuUy was drowned. This has been the generally accepted theory until re- cent investigations tend to show that this is not probable, as TuUy has been found to be a good old English family name, instead of an Indian name. As there were persons by the name of TuUy in Massa- chusetts and other New England States it seems more likely that the brook was named after some of these early settlers, who in some way became interested in this section, perhaps some surveyor, as has been suggested by those who have investigated the matter. Another stream entering MUlers River, which is of more importance to the town, is " Mill Brook," that has its source among the hUls in the eastern part of the town and the edge of PhUlipston, aiid comes rushing down, making a 4 ATHOL, HISTORICAL AND PICTURESQUE. descent of several hundred feet in the course of two or three miles, and affords numerous sites for mills and facto- ries, and upon which are located some of the most flourish- ing manufacturing establishments of the town, while many other privileges of equal value are yet undeveloped. This stream was known by the name of " Mill Brook '' as early as 1737. In regard to the origin of its name, Rev. Mr. Clarke, in his Centennial address, says : " Whether it was so called from the circumstance that a mUl had been previously built on it, or because it afforded numerous sites for nulls, or from some other cause, I have been unable to determine." But aside from the business connected with this brook, it possesses attractions for the scenery connected with it ; the waters of this stream and its tributaries form what is now known as Lake Ellis, a beautiful sheet of water, dot- ted with islands, upon some of which are located tasty Summer cottages. Before reaching the Lower Village the brook, in a series of cascades and falls, flows along a rocky bed, above which forest trees rise, forming most romantic and picturesque spots. The largest sheet of water is South West Pond, situ- ated in the westerly part of the town, while Silver Lake, secluded among the hills, only a few rods from the village, is a perfect gem, bordered on the east by the beautiful cemetery bearing its name, and on the south and west by " Lake Park," which, ere long, will be covered Avith fine residences, and is destined to become a favorite rural resort. Near by was the home of .Jason Babcock, whose name these waters formerly bore, and who was taken prisoner by the Indians and carried to Canada ; the newh-laid streets DESCRIPTIVE. of this section bear old Indian names and those of the early settlers. The principal hills are Chestnut HUl in the north, Eound Top, Ward's and Pierce's in the east, from which extensive and wide- sweeping views of the coun- try for mUes around can be obtained, with villages dot- ting the hilltops ; below, seeming almost at your feet, winds the river, and by its side curves the iron track over which is daily being trans- ported the passengers and traffic of a continent ; looking to the west, stretching away in the dim distance, can be discerned the peaks of the Green Mountain range of southern Vermont and Berkshire, while to the north, rising in clear, bold, outline, Monad- nock's rocky summit seems to be within hailing distance. To the west, across the intervening valley, is "West Hill," one of the locations of the early settlers, with its " Sentinel Elm," a landmark seen from every direction. High Knob, south of the Centre, is another eminence from which an enchanting view of a deep valley and the western hills beyond is obtained. To the lover of beautiful scenery, pleasant and attrac- tive drives stretch out on every side. Would you like a Avild mountain road,'-jiow on the breezy hilltop, anon dijD- ping into deep gorges, and traversing rocky hillsides, travel over " Bear's Den Road," as it winds o^er and among the € ATHOL, HISTORICAL AKD PICTtJEESQUi:. kills of tke northeastern section of the town ; another ro- mantic drive is the " Gulf Eoad," connecting the Bear's Den Eoad with Chestnut Hill Road. If meadow and river scenery is desired, most charm- ing bits of these can be found on the Orange and South Athol roads. Athol is not distinguished as a farming town, yet there are good farms in various sections of the town that yield fair returns for the labor expended on them, and the farm- ers of Athol have been among its most substantial and reliable citizens. According to the State census of 1885, the agricultural property was valued at $647,319, and the agricultural products amounted to $143,653, of which $43,- "252 was the value of dairy products. But it is as a manufacturing town that Athol is most distinguished, and few towns of its size possess such a variety of manufacturing industries as the people of this busy and thriving community are engaged in. Among the products turned out from the factories and shops are shoes, cotton and woolen goods, silk, doors, sash and blinds, pine furniture, piano cases, billiard tables, rattan chairs and baby carriages, packing boxes, paper boxes, wallets, machinery of various kinds, fine mechanical tools, matches, building material, soapstone articles, etc. The State census of 1885 gave 114 manufacturing establishments, turning out pro- ducts to the value of 1 1,3 28, 948, which at the present time has been largely increased by new industries coming into town, and by additions to those already established. With all these varied industries, there is little danger of a general depression of business. The town has had a healthy growth, both in population and business. FITCHBURG R. R- DEPOT, BUILT IN 1873. fDamaged by Fire. July, 1892.) ■* T^F-^ fe^ FITCHBURG R. R. DEPOT, REBUILT IN 1893. DESCRIPTIVE, 1 The first census of which we have any record was in 1776, when the population was 848, and the first census enumerator was Hiram Newhall, the town records of 1777 stating that it was voted to allow his account for numbering the people. The population had increased but little up to 1800, when the number was 993 ; the various census returns since that time are as follows: 1810, 1,041 ; 1820, 1,211 ; 1830, 1,325; 1840, 1,591; 1850, 2,084; 1855, 2,395; 1860, 2,604; 1865, 2,814; 1870, 3,517; 1875, 4,134; 1880, 4,307; 1885, 4,758 ; 1890, 6,319. The per cent, of gain from 1880 to 1890 was 46. The growth of the town dates from the building of the Vermont & Massachusetts Eailroad, which was completed as far as Athol in December, 1847, the cars commencing to run to this town on the last Monday of that month, when the event was duly celebrated by a large gathering of the people. Since the completion of the Hoosac Tunnel the raUroad facilities have wonderfully increased, until now seven passenger trains a day, each way, pass over the Fitchburg road, while another important factor in the rail- road communication of the town is the branch of the Bos- ton & Albany, which was constructed in 1871 as the Athol & Enfield Eailroad, and in which the town took nearly $100,000 in stock, two passenger trains, each way, pass over this road daily, between Athol and Springfield. The railroad station is an elegant structure, built in 1873, and is an ornament to the town. The valuation of the town, as returned by the Assess- ors for 1891, was $3,156,287. Real estate, $2,473,000 ; personal estate, $683,287 ; polls, 1820 ; dwelling-houses, 1 123. '■ The taxes assessed amounted to $69,895.83, and the 8 ATHOL, HISTORICAL AND PICTURESQUE. rate was |21 per thousand. The growth for the last four or five years has been rapid, more than $600,000 having been spent in the erection of buildings during the past three years, among which are the new Bank Block of the Millers River National Bank, Webb's new Main Street Block, the Commercial House, three new school buUdmgs, including a fine High School building, Lucien Lord's Aca- demy of Music, and C. F. Richardsons Block. The natural and acquired advantages of Athol are many ; with abundant water-power furnished by MUlers River and Mill Brook, good streets and roads, more miles of sidewalk than any town of its size in Western Massa- chusetts, a good system of water-works, streets lighted by electric lights, a good public library and schools, and sur- rounded by beautiful scenery, it is fast being filled up with beautiful homes. CHAPTBR II. " Within a lone, sequestered glen, All desolate and wild, The haunt of beasts and savage men. Here roamed the forest child." ANCIENT PEQUOIG. The valley of the Pequoig seems to have been among the last portions of Eastern and Central Massachusetts to be settled ; the country to the east and south, and the Con- necticut Valley on the vilest, had contained for many years flourishing settlements, but along this valley and on these hills the white man had scarcely penetrated. From the eastern headwaters of MUlers River in Ashburnham, down the valley, until the Connecticut was reached, there were no settlements before 1735. This was the country of the Nipnets, or Nipmucks, whose territory extended bver nearly the whole of Worces- ter County, and an old map makes the Nipmuck region also extend beyond the Connecticut, on the west, and north- ward into New Hampshire. According to Eliot, Nipmuck, or Nipnet, was a " great country lying between Connecticut and the Massachusetts, called Nipnet, where there be many Indians dispersed." These were the Indians out of whom the Christian settlements were gathered, of whom Eliot was the missionary and apostle. One branch or faction of 10 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. the tribe, whose home or headquarters was around Wicka- boag Pond, in West Brookfield, was called the Quabogs. To the east of the Quabogs lay the possessions of the Nip- nets, or Nipmucks. The Nashaways lived north of the Nipnets, and are sometimes called the Wachusetts, from their strongholds in the mountain of that name in Princeton. Another tribe was the Squakheags, who occupied the territory now included in Northfield, Vernon and Hinsdale, and the Millers River Valley. It has been customary with most writers to class all these tribes, under the general name of Nipnets. These natives had many places of temporary sojourn, as the rich valleys for planting, and by the falls of the rivers and shores of ponds for fishing. The meadows of Athol formed one of the favorite corn-plantuig places of the Indians, while the forest-covered hills around, which abounded with wild game, were their hunting-grounds. This was also upon one of the most frequented Indian trails from southern New England to Canada, and there were two Indian crossings of the Pequoig within the limits of this town, one a little above Lewis' Bridge, and the other not far from the house of the late James Lamb. Sqviakheag, now Northfield, was one of the gathering- places during King Phillip's War, and during that strife bands of the dusky warriors traversed this valley. During this war the Indians had gathered at their Menameset camps, which were located in what is now New Braintree and Barre. Major Thomas Savage was sent with a force of troops to break up this gathering. Upon learning of the near approach of the English the Indians left Mena- meset, and pushed on northward, heading for Paquayag. ANCIENT PEQUOIG. 11 This band comprised the Narragansetts, the Nipmucks __ and the Grafton Indians, a miscellaneous crowd, num- bering, in all, about 2,000 souls. The English pur- sued, but the Indians, by a feigned attack, drew them off on the wrong trail, and reached Millers River, which they crossed, prob- ably at the crossing near the James Lamb place. Mrs. Eowlandson, who was a prisoner with the Indians, gives an interesting account of the flight and the crossing of the river. She says : " They went as if they had gone for their lives, for some consider- able way, and then they made a stop, and chose out some of their stoutest men, and sent them back to hold the English army in play whilst the rest escaped ; and then, like Jehu, they marched on furiously, with their old and young ; some carried their old, decrepit mothers, some carried one and some another. Four of them carried a great Indian upon a bier, but going through a thick wood with him, they were hindered, and could make no haste ; whereupon they took him upon their backs, and carried him, one at a time, till we came to Pacquag River. Upon a Friday, a little after noon, we came to this river. They quickly fell to cutting dry trees, to make rafts to carry them over the river, and soon my turn came to go over. A certain number got o,ver the river that night, but it was the night after the Sabbath before all the company got over." 12 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. When the English came np to the river, which was in the forenoon of Monday, they saw on the other side the smoke of the wigwams, which the retreating Indians had set fire to, but the stream was swollen by the Spring floods, and they did not attempt to cross. The Massachusetts Council were deeply chagrined at the signal failure of this expedition, and in a letter to Major Savage, who had made his headquarters at Hadley, said: " Leaving Captain Turner in Captain Poole's place, with the rest of the army we expressly command you to draw homeward, and endeavor in your return to visit the enemy about Pachquake (Paquayag), and be careful not to be deceived by their lapwing stratagems, by drawing you off from your nest to follow some men." Early in May the Indians that had gathered at Squak- heag separated into four parlies. One remained at Squak- heag for planting and fishing ; one went to Pacomptuck Meadows to plant corn, and one to Paquayag, now Athol, for the same purpose. Nearly sixty years after King Phillip's War, a vote is passed, by both Houses of the General Court, in July, 1732, " that there be four towns opened of the contents of six miles square each ; " of these the first one named was to be at Paquoag, on Millers River. This was ordered to be surveyed in October, or November, of that year, and that there be sixty-three house lots laid out, one for the first settled minister, one for the ministry, one for the school, and one for each of the sixty settlers who shall settle thereon in his own person, or by one of his children. Among the conditions that the settlers were to comply with, was, that each settler actually live on his land within ANCIENT PEQCOIG. 13 three years from his admission ; build an house on his land, of eighteen feet square and seven feet stud, at the least, and, within the same time, do sufficiently fence in and till, or fit for mowing, eight acres of land. The settlers in each town were also required to buUd a suitable meeting- house, and to settle a learned orthodox minister, withm the space of five years from the admission of the settlers. In case the settler failed to perform these conditions he was to pay a forfeit of twenty pounds. In the Proprietors' Records is found the following : " The following is a List of the Names of the men admitted by the Honorable William Dudley, Chairman of the Com- mittee and others, the Great and General Court's Com- mittee, to draw House Lotts in the Township of Pequoiag on Miner's River, on the 26 of June 1734 at Concord, as Settlers of said Pequoiag." The names of the settlers given are as follows : Ed- ward Goddard, Daniel Epps, Jr., Daniel Epps, Sr., Eben- ezer Goddard, Zechariah Field, Nehemiah Wright, Richard Wheeler, Richard Morton, Samuel Morton, Ephraim Smith, Nathan Waite, Charles Dulharty, Gad Waite, Joseph Lord, Benoni Twichel, John Wallis, Samuel WUlard, John Smeed, William Chandler, Jonathan Marble, William Higgens, James Kenney, Abner Lee, Abraham Nutt, John Headley, Isaac Fisk, Daniel Fisk, Thomas Hapgood, Richard Ward, Samuel Tenney, John Wood, Benj. Townsend, Jonathan Morton, Joseph Smith, William Oliver, Moses Dickinson, Joshua Dickinson, James Kellogg, Richard Crouch, Ezekiel WaUingford, James Jones, John Grout, Daniel Adams, John Cutting, Samuel Kendall, Jonathan Page, John Long- ley, Joseph Brown, John Child, Nathaniel Graves, George > 14 ATHOL, PAST AND PKESENT. Danforth, James Fay, Captain Joseph Bowman, Francis: Bowman, Stephen Fay, Israel Hamond, Benjamin Bancroft, Joseph Harrington, James Holden. The next year after the drawing of the house lots, on the 17th of September, 1735, there arrived in the township five of these proprietors — Richard Morton, Ephraim Smith, Samuel Morton, John Smeed and Joseph Lord; they had traversed the -\vilderness from Hatfield and Sunderland, on the Connecticut, and had come to make their homes on these unimproved hills, and commence the first civilized settlement in old Pequoiag. These five pioneer settlers must have been men of resolute spirit and bravery ; here they were on these hills with their families, miles from any settlement, surrounded by the virgin forest, through which roamed wild beasts, and the savage Indian. All the means for their sustenance, except what they could procure from the wild game of the forests, must, for months, be transported from the Connecticut Valley ; their labors in clearing up their lands for cultivation must have been arduous, and they must have had a constant anxiety for the protection of their families and themselves against the prowling and wHy Indian. It is probable that they located their dwellings and spent the first Winter together, about a mile south of the Highlands, on what is now called the Street; here they built their first log huts, and here during the first Winter after their arrival, according to tradition, were born three sons, the first white natives of old Pequoig — these were Abraham Morton, son of Richard Morton, Abner Morton, son of Samuel Morton, and Thomas Lord, son of Joseph ANCIENT PEUUOIG. 15 Lord. The &st white female born in town was Margery Morton, who was born in 1738 ; the baby shoes worn by her are still treasured as relics in the Kelton famUy, by Mrs. Electa Kelton, who is a descendant of the Morton family. In the Spring of 1736 this little company of settlers were joined by others, among whom were Aaron Smith, Samuel Dexter, Robert Young, Noah Morton, Nathaniel Graves, Eleazer Graves, Robert Marble, William Oliver and his three brothers — John, James and Robert. Other settlements were soon commenced in different parts of the town — " West Hill," in the northwest part of the town, and Lyon's HUl, in the east part, being the first localities cleared. Chestnut Hill was first settled about the year 1761, and the first settler was John Haven. This was a frontier township, and especially exposed to the depredations of the Indians ; while the breaking out of the French and Indian War, soon after the arrival of the first settlers, together with the fact that this was a favorite haunt of the Indians, made it necessary to exercise the greatest care and precaution against attacks from the wily foes around them, and the settlers were not only obliged to carry firearms with them while about their work, but also to buUd forts, for the mutual safety and protection of the settlement. Three of these forts are said to have been built, the first and principal oncbeing on the " Street," in cl6se proximity to where the first dwellings were erected; another was located on what was called " West HUl," not far from where the old " Sentinel Elm" now stands, as if a monument to perpetuate the memory of the deeds and scenes of those trying days of Ancient Pequoig. The third 16 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. place of refuge is said to have occupied the spot where the Pequoig House, in the Lower Village, now stands. Notwithstanding the perilous situation, it is not known that more than one person was ever kUled by the Indians in this toAvn, and that was Mr. Ezekiel Wallingford, who was living at the time in the fort on "West HUl;" it is stated that, supposing he heard bears in his cornfield, one evening, he went out to watch, but soon discovered that he had been deceived by the Indians, who had imi- tated the noise of bears, and were surrounding him ; he immediately started to regain the fort, which was about a hundred yards away, but was soon stopped by a musket- ball, and his life ended by the tomahawk. This was in August, 1746, and the next Spring, in April or May, Mr, Jason Babcock, \Vhile looking for his cows on the meadows of TuUy Brook, was fired upon by the Indians, wounded, taken prisoner, and carried to Canada; in the course of a few months he was redeemed, and returned to his home, near what is now SUver Lake, where he lived for many years. Rev. Mr. Clarke, in his Centennial discourse, gives an account of a little Athol girl, Mary Smeed, six years old, who, with her father, mother and brothers, was taken pris- oner at " Fort Massachusetts," on the Hoosac River, where they had gone for safety; they were carried through the wilderness to Canada, and, after a captivity of nearly two years, those of the party who survived were ransomed, and returned to their former home, at Pequoiag. Several Athol men were in the army during the French and Indian War, among whom were Samuel Graves and Adonijah Ball ; also Abraham Morton, the first white child ANCIENT PEQUOIG. 17 born in Athol, who was engaged in the expedition agaiast Canada under Colonel Rogers, and of whom tradition teUs the following: That after Rogers' defeat, the party to which Morton belonged, on their return home, being out of provisions, came near starving, and the strong proba- bility is that the party drew lots to determine who of their number should yield his body to save the rest from fam- ishing. It is supposed that the lot fell on Mr. Morton, for he. was never heard of afterwards. • One of the first settlers, Mr. Josiah Holmes, lost his life in consequence of sickness brought on by exposure and fatigue, "experienced while guarding and defending the garrison in which the little flock was obliged to resort for shelter and safety." Such, briefly told, are some of the perils and privations passed through by the courageous and sturdy pioneers and their families, who planted on these hills the first homes of Ancient Pequoig. CHAPTER III. " What's in a Name ? ' NAMraG THE TOWN. ^- i-^f^ HE FOUNDING of a New England town, and investing it with aU the rights and privileges possessed by a town, was an event of great impor tance. Every day brought its labors and duties that must be attended to; roads must be made, schools established and school-houses built, the young men trained to arms against the savages, the bears, wolves and wild cats; the preaching of the gospel must be maintained and meeting houses erected, and for all these taxes must be laid and collected. AU of these duties the first settlers of Old Pequoig performed, and laid for us the foundations of all that we enjoy to-day. For more than a quarter of a century this little settlement had grown and prospered under the Pro- prietors' control, when a movement was made for the incorporation of " Pequoig on Miller's Eiver " into a town. NAMING THE TOWN. 19 What name should be conferred upon this new town when admitted to the sisterhood of towns in the Common- wealth'? It seems somewhat singular that in aU the State there are so few of our towns that bear their old and ro- mantic Indian names, but in most instances were given the names of towns in Old England, or those of the rulers or prominent men in the colony. It would seem from the record of a warrant for a pro- prietors' meeting that appears in the second volume of the Proprietors' Records, that a different name than the one it now bears was first selected for the new town, but why and by whom we have not been able to determine. The record reads as follows: [Seal] " Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, to Nathaniel Graves, of Paxton, in the county of Worcester, New England, Gentleman: GREETING You are hereby required to notify the Proprietors of said Paxton, lately known by the name of Pequoig, lying on Miller's River so called, in the County of Worcester, that they assemble and meets at the Publick Meeting House in said township on the second Wednesday 'of March next, for the transaction of their usual business, &c." This warrant was dated February 22, 1762, just twelve days before the town was incorporated with an en- tirely different name. Why the name of Paxton, which certainly was expected by the clerk of the proprietors to be the one selected, did not appear in the act of incorpora- tion is not known. We may consider it a fortunate circumstance that the town escaped bearing the name of Paxton, for the people 20 of another Worcester County town upon which it was bestowed a few years after became so disgusted with the character of the man from whom they received the name that they petitioned the Legislature to change the name, but for some reason the petition was not granted. Charles Paxton, the man referred to, was one of the Commisioners of the Customs at Boston. He was remarkable for finished politeness and courtesy of manners, but is said to have been an intriguing politician and a despicable sycophant. On one occasion he was exhibited between the figures of the devil and the pope, in proper figure, with this label; " every mamus humble servant, but no ■man's friend." He made himself so obnoxious to the people of Boston because of his issuing search warrants to discover supposed smuggled goods, and was so insolent and tyrannical, that he became an object of such hatred that he was hung in efiigy upon Liberty Tree, and was driven into Castle WUliam. On the evacuation of Boston he accompanied the British army to Halifax, and subsequently went to Eng- land, where he died in 1782. The corporate act creating the new town is recorded in chapter XX of " Acts and laws passed by the Great and General Court or Assembly of His Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England," and reads as follows: — " Anno, Regni, Regis., Georgii III, Secundo, IJ62." CHAPTER XX. "An act for erecting the new Plantation called Payguage, in the" County of "Worcester, into a Town by the Name of Athol. Whereas, it hath been represented to this Court that the inhabitants of the Plantation of Paygauge in the County of "Worcester, labor under great Difflcultie? by reason of their not being incorporated into a Town, and are desirous of being so incorporated; NAMING THE TOWN. 21 Be it therefore enacted by the Governor, Council and House of Eepresentatives that the said Plantation be and hereby is erected into a Town by the Name of Athol, bounded as follows, viz.. Northerly on the Plantations of Royashire and Mount Grace, Westerly on Ervingshire and New Salem, Southerly on Petersham and the Plantation called Number-Six, and Easterly on said Number-Six ; and that the inhabitants thereof be and hereby are invested with all the Powers, Privileges and Immunities that the Inhabitants of the Towns within this Province are by Law vested with. And be it further enacted, that John Murray, Esquire, be and hereby is directed and empowered to issue his Wan-ant, directed to some of the principal Inhabitants within said Town, requir- ing them to warn the Inhabitants of said Town, qualified to vote in Town Affairs, to afesemble at some suitable Time and Place in said Town to choose such Officers as are necessary to manage the Affairs of said Town : Provided nevertheless the Inhabitants of said To^\m shall Ijay their proportionable part of such County and Province Charges as are already assessed in like manner as tho' this Act had not been made." It is established beyond a reasonable doubt that Athol received its name fronji John Murray, Esq., whose name appears in the charter of incorporation as the one directed and empowered to issue the warrant calling the first town meeting, and who was also the moderator of that meeting. He was largely interested in lands in the township, owning several hundred acres before the incorporation of the town, and acquiring nearly as much more thereafter; several of the old deeds of his Athol property are now in possession of his descendants in New Brunswick. That he was probably the most distinguished man among the proprietors is evident from the fact that the title of Esquire is attached to his name as it appears upon the records, which title is bestowed upon no other one of the proprietors. It seems reasonable also that he should desire to bestow his family name upon one of the New England townships in which he was so largely intereisted, and as Rutland, the town where he made his residence, had 22 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. already been named, lie would naturally look to the one in which he was next most largely interested, which was old Pequoig. The fact that the beautiful and romantic scenery of the hills of the new town, which is said to resemble Blair-Athol, his ancestral home, might recall to his mind that (Pleasant Land) among the Scottish hills, and thus be an additional motive for the naming of the town. Athol, in Scotland, is a district of 450 square miles, situated among the hills of Perthshire on the southern slope of the Grampian hUls, and is intersected by many narrow glens, down which flow the rapid tributaries of the Tay. It is chiefly composed of gneiss and quartz rocks, with beds of primary limestone. It was once one of the best hunting districts in Scotland, and the Athol deer forest is said to contain 100,000 acres and 10,000 head of deer, of which 100 are killed annually. The larch trees surrounding Blair Castle, the seat of the Duke of Athol, are said to be remarkable for their enormous size, and for the fact of their being among the first planted ia Scotland. In the picturesque pass of Killiecrankie in this district, 1 7 miles northwest of Dunkeld, Claverhouse feU in 1689, though victorious over the troops of King 'WJ.illiam III. In this connection a sketch of the man who gave Athol her name will be of interest. John Murray of Rutland, Mass., was the youngest son of the Duke of Athol in Scotland. Becoming displeased with his family, he left his country and went to America before the Revolution. It is said that by his enterprise and good fortune he became the wealthiest man of the town. He was the principal man in his section of the COL. JOHN MURRAY. NAMING THE TOWN. ' 23 country, and represented Rutland in the General Court for twenty years, and was one of the country gentlemen or colonial noblemen who lived upon their estates in a style that has long siuce passed away. He was a colonel in the militia, and in. 1774 was ap- pointed a Mandamus Councillor, but was not sworn into office. When the Revolution broke out he remained loyal to his King, and was proscribed and his property seized. He abandoned his house on the night of the 25th of August, 1774, and with a friend, Mr. Hazen, escaped in the darkness of the night to the woods, and only their wives knew their hiding place. These watched their op- portunities, and carried them bread and meat. Sometimes the ladies would be so closely watched that they could not elude the revolutionists, and once it was three days that they could take them no food. Finally they escaped to Boston, and in 1776 Col. Murray, with his family of six. persons, accompanied the royal army to Halifax. In 1778 he was proscribed and banished; and in 1779 his extensive estates in Rutland, Athol and Lenox, valued at 23,367 pounds, 17 shillings and 9 pence, were confiscated, with the exception of one farm for his whig son, Alexander. After the Revolution Col. Murray became a resident of St. John, New Brunswick, and buUt a house in Prince Wil- liam street. He was allowed a pension of £200 per annum by the British Government. The descendants of Col. Murray, in New Brunswick, have several relics of the olden time of much interest ; among these are articles of silver plate of a by gone fashion, books of accounts, bus- iness memoranda, muster rolls, or list of officers of the regiment which he commanded, deeds of his estates, &c. (/ 24 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Of the latter, there are no less than twenty-two of his lands in Rutland, and several of property in Athol. One of the deeds is stamped, but it bears date some years previous to the passage of the odious stamp-act. The manner in which he kept his books and papers, shows that he was a careful, calculating and exact man in his transactions. In person he was about six feet three inches high, and well proportioned, A picture of Col. Murray, by Copley, is in the possession of Hon. J. Douglas Hazen of St. John's, New Brunswick. In this picture he is represented as sit- ting, and in the full dress of a gentleman of the day ; and his person is shown to the knees. There is a hole in this portrait, and the tradition in the famUy is, that a party who sought the Colonel at his house in Rutland after his flight, vexed because he had eluded them, vowed they would leave their mark behind them; and accordingly pierced the canvas with a bayonet. Chapter iv. TOWN GOVERNMENT. "No other practicable human institation has been devised or conceived to secure the just ends of local government, so felicitous as the town meeting.'' HE FIRST Town Meeting of Athol was held March 29, 1762. The call for the meeting read as follows : "WoRCESTEB, ss. To George Cutting of Athol, in the County of Worcester, and one of the principal inhabitants of said Town; "Whereas I, the Subscriber, am Impowered by NUilUcM^,' w^ m til w^\ act of the Great and General Court, to call a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Athol, to choose Town Ofllcers, etc. These are there- fore in his maiestie's name to Require you forthwith to warn and Notifle the said Inhabitants of Athol, qualified to vote in Town Affairs, that they meet at the Meeting- House in said Town of Athol, on Monday, the 29 of this Instant March, at one of the clock in the afternoon, then and there to Choose a Moderator, Selectmen, Town Clerk, Assessors, Town Treasurer, Wardens, Constables, Surveyors of Highways, Tyth- ingmen. Fence Viewers, Sealers of Weights and Measures, Field Drivers, Hog Reaves, and all other ordinary Town Officers, as Towns Choose in the month of March, annually. Hereof fail not, and make return hereof with your Doings hereon, unto me before said meeting. 26 ATHO'Ly FAST ASD PEESEKT. Given under my Hand and Seal at Rutland, In said County, this fifteenth day of March, 1762, in the second year of his present Majestie's, Beign, etc." John Murray, Jus. Peace. At this meeting John Murray was chosen moderator and the following town officers were elected : Selectmen and Assessors, William Oliver, vlaron Smith, John Haven ; Toum Treasurer, Nathan Goddard ; Wardens, Robert Young, Nathan Goddard ; Constable for South Ward, Richard Morton ; Constable for North Ward, Eph- raim Smith ; Surveyors of Highways, Nathan Goddard, John Oliver, Seth Kendall ; Tythingmen, Jesse Kendall and Jotham Death ; Fence Viewers, WUliam Biglo, Martin Morton ; Sealer of Leather, Jotham Death ; Sealer of Weights and Measures, WUliam Oliver ; Field Drivers, Joseph Dexter and James Oliver ; Deer Reeves, Eleazer Graves and Jason Babcock ; Hog Reeves, Silas Marble and Ichabod Dexter ; Sealer of Boards and Shingles, Jesse Kendall. No Town Clerk was chosen untU the next annual meeting, March 7, 1763, when John Haven was chosen to that office. The second town meeting was held May 25, 1762, when the first appropriations made by the town of Athol after its incorporation were voted. The following are some of the votes passed at that meeting : "Art. 2. Voated the Rev. Mr. James Humphrey Fifty-two pounds for the ensuing year, beginning the year when we ware made a Town." "Art. 3. On the third artecal, voated twenty pounds to repair highways." "Art 4. On the fourth artecal, voted seven pounds to buy a book for records, and build a pound, and to defray other necessary charges." TOWN GOVERNMENT. 27 '■•Art. 5. On the fifth artecal, voted Lay out a I'oad from the Eiver to Royalshea line." "Art. 7. On the seventh artecal, voted that men be allowed three shillings a day for highway work, and one shillipg and six- pen^e for two oxen a day, and nine pence a day for a cart and nine pence a day tor a plow, and that eight hours be esteemed a day's worli.^' It is interesting to know who tlie men have been who have been called upon by their fellow citizens to manage the affairs tjf the town, and to learn something of their history. The following is a list of those who have served as Selectmen : 1763 — Samuel Morton, Aaron Smith, John Haven. 1764 — Aaron Smith, John Haven, Martin Morton, Samuel Morton, Silas Marble, 1765 — Wm. Oliver, Aaron Smith, Nathaniel Graves, John Haven Abraham Nutt. 1766 — Aaron Smith, Wm. Oliver, John Haven, Abraham Nutt, Seth Twichell. 1767 — Wm. Oliver, Aaron Smith, John Haven. 1768— Nathaniel Graves, Wm. Oliver, Aaron Smith, Jesse Ken- dall, Ichabod Dexter. 1769 — Nathaniel Graves, John Haven, Lieut. Wm. Oliver. 1770 -Aaron Smith. John Haven, Jesse Kendall. 1771 — John Haven, Jesse Kendall, Nathaniel Babbitt. 1772- -John Haven, James Oliver, Geo. Kelton. 1773 — Aaron Smith, John Haven, Jesse Kendall. 1774 — Dea. Aaron Smith, James Stratton, Jr., James Oliver. 1775 — Aaron Smith, James Stratton, Jr., Hiram Newhall. 1776— Aaron Smith, James Stratton, Hiram Newhall. 1777 — Geo. Kelton, Hiram Newhall, Abner Graves. 1778— Geo. Kelton, James Stratton, Josiah Goddard. 1779 — Josiah Goddard, Abner Graves, Hiram Newhall, 1780— Josiah Goddard, Hiram Newhall, Abner Graves. 1781 — Josiah Goddard, Hiram Newhall, Johir Foster. 1782 — Josiah Goddard, Caleb Smith, Daniel EUenwood. 1783 — Daniel EUenwood. Thomas Lord, Simon Goddard, Josiah Godilai-d, John Poster. 28 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. 1784 — Geo. Kelton, Josiah Goddard, Abner Graves. 1786 — Geo. Kelton, Josiah Goddard, Abner Graves. 1786 — Josiah Goddard, Abner Graves, Caleb Smith. 1787 — Josiah Goddard, Abner Graves, Caleb Smith. 1788— Josiah Goddard, Aaron Oliver, Abner Graves. 1789 — Josiah Goddard, Abner Graves, Aaron Oliver. 1790 — Josiah Goddard, Joseph Pierce, Eleazer Graves, Jr. 1791 — Josiah Goddard, Joseph Pierce, Caleb Smith. 1792 — Josiah Goddard, Thomas Stratton, Aaron Oliver. 1793 — Thomas Stratton, Eleazer Graves, Jr., Caleb Smitli. 1794 — Josiah Goddard, Thomas Stratton, Eleazer Graves, Jr. 1795 — Josiah Goddard, Thomas Stratton, Eleazer Graves, Jr. 1796 — Josiah Goddard, Thomas Stratton, Eleazer Graves, Jr. 1797 — Samuel Young, Joseph Pierce, Aaron Oliver. 1798 — Josiah Goddard, John Humphrey, Aaron Smith, Jr. 1799 — Josiah Goddard, John Humphrey, Aaron Smith. 1800 — Eleazer Graves, Samuel Young, JoshuaBallard. 1801 — Eleazer Graves, Jpshua Ballard, Wm. Young. 1802 — Eleazer Graves, Aaron Smith, Elijah Goddard. 1803 — John Humphrey, Eleazer Graves, Elijah Goddard. 1804 — John Humphrey, Eleazer Graves, Samuel Young. 1805 — Eleazer Graves, Samuel Young, James Humphrey. 1806— Eleazer Graves, "Wm. Young, James Humphrey. 1807 — Eleazer Graves, James Humphrey, James Oliver. 1808 — James Oliver, Elijah Goddard, Joseph Pierce. 1809 — Eleazer Graves, Elijah Goddard, Joel Morton. 1810— Eleazer Graves, Joseph Proctor, Elijah Goddard. 1811 — Eleazer Graves, Elijah Goddard, James Oliver. 1812 — Joshua Ballard, James Humphrey , James Oliver. 1813 — James Humphrey, James Oliver, Joseph Pierce. 1814— James Humphrey, James Oliver, Joseph Pierce. 1815— James Humphrey, James Oliver, Theodore Jones. 1816 — Eleazer Graves, Joseph Pierce, Zachariah Field. 1817— Eleazer Graves, Zachariah Field, Ezra Fish. 1818— Lieut. Eleazer Graves, Ezra Fish, Eliphalet Thorpe. 1819— Lieut. Eleazer Graves, Eliphalet Thorpe, Capt. James Oli- ver. 1820— Eliphalet Thorpe, Joseph Proctor, Capt. James Oliver. 1821— Eliphalet Thorpe, Joseph Proctor, Capt. Jam'fes Oliver. 1822— Eliphalet Thorpe James Oliver, Abner Graves, Jr. TOWN GOVERNMENT. 29 1823— Eliphalet Thorpe, James Oliver, Abner Graves, Jr. 1824— Ellphalet Thorpe, James Oliver, Abner Graves, Jr. 18-25 — Eliphalet Thorpe, James Oliver, Abner Graves, Jr. 1826— James Oliver, Capt. Abner Graves, Col. Nathan Nickerson. 1827- Col. Nathan Nickerson, James Young, Daniel Ellenwood. 1828— James Young, James Oliver, Esq., Dr. Ebenezer Chaplin. 1829— James Young, Samuel Sweetzer, Jr., Josiah Fay, 1830 — James Young, Samuel Sweetzer, Jr., Josiah Fay. 1831 — James Young, Eliphalet Thorpe, Josiah Fay. 1832 —James Young, Eliphalet Thorpe, Josiah Fay. 1833 — James Young, Eliphalet Thorpe, Josiah Fay. 1834 — James Young, Eliphalet Thorpe, Noah Stockwell. 1835— James Young, Gideon Sibley, Noah Stockwell. 1836 — James Young, Gideon Sibley, Noah Stockwell. 1837 — Benj. Estabrook, Amasa Lincoln, Nehemiah "Ward. 1838 — Benj. Estabrook, Amasa Lincoln, Nehemiah Ward. 1839 — Benj. Estabrook, Stillman Knowlton, Nehemiah Ward. 1840 — Theodore Jones, Elias Bassett, Joseph Stockwell. 1841 — J. W. Humphreys, Elias Bassett, Alexander Gray. 1842— J. W. Humphreys, Henry Fish, Alexander Gray. 1843 — John H. Partridge, Alexander Gray, John Kendall. 1844 — Eliphalet Thorpe, Benj. Estabrook, Elias Bassett. 1845— Elias Bassett, Theodore Jones, Samuel Sweetzer. 1846— Theodore Jones, Elias Bassett, Samuel Newhall. 1847 — Samuel Newhall, Benj. Estabrook, Nehemiah Ward. 1848 — Calvin Kelton, Nathaniel Kichardson, Wm. D. Lee, Jr. 1849 — Calvin Kelton, Nathaniel Richardson, Wm. D. Lee, Jr. 1860 — Calvin Kelton, Nathaniel Richardson, Benj. Estabrook. 1851 — Benjamin Estabrook, Isaac Stevens, Josiah Haven. 1852 —Benjamin Estabrook, Isaac Stevens, Josiah Haven. 1853 — Samuel Newhall, Josiah Haven, Nathaniel Richardson. 1854 — Nathaniel Richardson, Josiah Haven, Laban Morse. 1855 — Josiah Haven, George Farr, Calvin Kelton. 1856— Calvin Kelton, James Lamb, A. G. Stratton. 1857— Calvin Kelton, A. G. Stratton, Benjamin Estabrook. 1858— Nathaniel Richardson. Calvin Kelton, John Kendall. 1859 — Nathaniel Richardson, Calvin Kelton, John Kendall. 1860— Calvin Kelton, A. G. Sti-atton, Jona. Drury. 1861— Calvin Kelton, Amos L. Cheney, John Kendall. 1862— Amos L. Cheney, John Kendall, A. D. Horr. 30 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. 1863— Calvin Kelton, A. D. Horr, Amos L. Cheney. 1864— Calvin Kelton, Josiah Haven, G. Lord, Jr. 1866— Calvin Kelton, J. W. Hunt, J. M. Rice. , 1866— Calvin Kelton, J. W. Hunt, J. M. Eice. 1867— Calvin Kelton, J. W. Hunt, J. M. Rice. 1868— Calvin Kelton, N. Richardson, John Kendall. 1869— Benjamin Estabrook. N. Richardson, John Kendall. 1870 — Benjamin Estabrook, A. G. Strattou, Josiah Haveu. 1871— Edwin Ellis, A. G. Stratton, Josiah Haven. 1872— Edwin Ellis, A. G. Stratton, Josiah Haven. 1873 — Solon W. Lee, A. G. Stratton, Josiah Haven. 1874 — A. G. Stratton, Josiah Haven. E. J. Gage. 1875— A.G. Strattou, W. H. Amsden, G. Southard. 1876— W. H. Amsden, Wm. W. Fish, G. Southard. 1877— Wm. W. Fish, G. Southard, W. D. Smith. 1878— Wm. W. Fish, Gilbert Southard, W. D. Smith. 1879— Wm. W. Fish, G. Southard, W. D. Smith. 1880 — G. Southard, Geo. W. Woodward, Josiah Haven. 1881— G. Southard, O. F. Hunt, O. T. Brooks. 1885J — G. Southard, Henry Gray, Josiah Haven. 1883— G. Southard, C. F. Richardson, A. J. Nye. 1884— C. F. Richiirdson, W. D. Smith, Henry Gray. 1885— W. D. Smith. Henry Gray, J. W. Sloan. 1886— W. D. Smith, Henry Gray, J. M. King. 1887— C. F. Richardson, Ira Y. Kendall, A. J. Nye. 1888— C. F. Richardson, Ira Y. Kendall, Henry Gray. 1889— Gardiner Lord, Henry Gray, Orrin F. Hunt. 1890 — Gardiner Lord, Henry Gray, James Cotton. 1891— Geo. W. Bishop, James Cotton, Edwin W. Ellis. 1892— C. F. Richardson, Edwin W. Ellis, James Cotton. 189,3— W. D. Smith, Geo. W. Bishop, Herbert L. Hapgood. Wilson D. Smith, chairman of the board of Selectmen for 1893, was born in New Salem, Jan. 11, 1845. His parents removed to Athol when he was five years of age, and this town has since been his home ; he attended the public schools of Athol and continued his studies at Wes- leyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., and Eastman's Busi- ness College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After leaving school TOWN GOVERNMENT. 31 he engaged in business with George Farr in the manufact- ure of matches on South Street, in which he continued three years, and in 1866 went into the wool and wool waste business, being in company with G. P. Sloan for about a year since which time he has carried on the busi- ness alone ; for about a year he run the cotton mUl, and sold out that business to Jones Brothers. In 1877 he was elected on the board of Selectmen, assessors and overseers of the poor and held that position for three years ; he was elected to the same position in 1884 and again served three years, and in 1892 was elected on the board of assessors of which he was the Chairman. In 1893 he was elected Selectman, Assessor, Overseer of the Poor and Road Commissioner. He has been actively inter- ested in a number of the business enterprises of the town, having been one of the directors of the Athol Machine Co. from its organization until 1892, and has been in almost every stock company that has been organized in town. He is a member of Star Lodge of Masons, Union Royal Arch Chapter and Athol Commandery of Knights Templars, and was a charter member of the Poquaig Club. He was married in 1867 to Lucretia Wheelock, daughter of Dea. E. M. Smith of Athol, and has had two children, only, one of whom, Ray, is now living. Mrs. Smith died in 1891. Geo. W. Bishop was born in West Burke, Vt., Oct. 4th, 1849. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy at the age of 17, and then entered the employ of the Connecticut & Passumpsic River Railroad in the train service and main- tenance of way. After four years of service with this com- 32 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. pany he went to work for the old Vermont of Eleazer Graves Jr. j Athol. Athol, January the lOth, 1794. In obedience to the above Warrant I have this day fully executed the same as the Law directs. John Jacobs, Constable." TOWN GOVERNMENT. 41 Roads and Bridges. — The building and repairing of roads" and bridges was a source of heavy expense to the inhabitants of Athol in the early days of its history, as it was to all our New England towns, and always has been in later times. In 1733 the Provincial Government had caused a road to be laid out and opened for travel from Lancaster to the valley of the Connecticut, near Deerfield, through Hubbardston, Templeton, Petersham, etc , to its westerly terminus at Sunderland, which gave it the name of the "Sunderland Road." This road was undoubtedly used by the early settlers of Athol in their journeys to and from the towns of the Connecticut Valley. In 1740 a road was marked and cleared from Templeton to Pequoig, and in 1754 a county road was laid from Lancaster to Po- quaig through Narragansett No. 6 (Templeton.) In 1753 the town of Warwick chose a committee to lay out and clear a road to Pequeage (Athol.) Prior to 1761, when the first gristmill was erected in AVarwick, the inhabitants of that tovpn were compelled to go to Northfield and Athol with their grain, and not only to go on foot, but to carry home on their backs their grain, and even hay, which they were obliged to buy for their cattle. At the second town meeting after the incorporation of the town, held in May 1762, one of the articles called for the building of a road to Royalshea (Royalston) line. For many years there were no bridges over the rivers, and it was necessary either to ford the streams or cross on boats or rafts. Among the arrangements made by the proprietors in September 1750, for the ordination of Rev. James Humphrey as pastor of the first church, we find that Lieutenant Graves, Lieutenant Morton, Mr. Nutt, 42 Mr. Samuel Morton and Mr. Aaron Smith were appointed "a Committee to make a Boat so big as to carry two Horses at once." The building and rebuilding of bridges over Millers River and Tully was a heavy expense, and among the ways suggested to lighten the burden was that of a lottery, it having been voted by the town in September 1784, "to petition the General Court for leave to make a lottery to build the Bridges over Tully and Millers River and repair the Causeway and chose Hiram Newhall , Josiah Goddard and WUliam Bigelow a Committee for that pur- pose." Among the necessary and indispensable articles for the buUding of a bridge in those days was an abund- ance of rum, sugar and powder, as the following bill which appears on the town records will show : The Town of Athol, Dr. To the Subscribers for rebuilding the bridge over Millers River in the year A. D., 1793. £ s. d. For Timbei-, 9 1 To Framing, U 6 To erecting Abutment, 13 15 7 To Rum, Sugar and Powder, 5 11 6 Samuel Young, Benjamin Blanchard William Young, Eleazer Graves, Jr., ■1 J Committee for Rebuilding said Bridge. Some degree of relief was afforded the towns during the first half of the present century by the turnpike system in which companies were formed and incorporated with the design of making better roads than the towns could afford to make, and toll was collected by the company from those who travelled on them. I^his part of the state obtained relief in that way from the Fifth Massachusetts Turnpike Corporation, which was incorporated about 1800 by the TOWN GOVERNMENT 43 Legislature. A section of the act of iucorporation states the object to be "for the purpose of laying out and making a Turnpike road from Capt. Elisha Hunts in Northfield aforesaid, through Warwick, Orange, Athol, Gerry, Tem- pleton and Gardner to Westminster meeting house, from thence to Jonas Kendall's Tavern in Leominster, and also from Calvin Munn's Tavern in Greenfield through Mon- tague and up Millers River through unincorporated land so as to intersect the road aforesaid in Athol and making the same in such place or places as the said corporation shall choose and keeping the same in repair, which road shall not be less than four rods wide and the path to be travelled in not less than eighteen feet wide in any place." The location of the toll gates is described as follows: "One of which gates shall be near where David Mayo keeps a tavern in Warwick, one oth«r near where Samuel Sweetzelr keeps a tavern in Athol ; one other to be near the line between Gardner and Westminster. One other near where Jonas Kendall keeps a tavern in Leominster, the other one gate where the Corporation may judge most con- venient on the road from Greenfield to Athol aforesaid." In 1806 what was known as the Monson Turnpike was laid out, which extended from Monson in the southern part 6f the state to Richmond, N. H., and intersected the Fifth Massachusetts Turnpike. Athol was largely inter- ested in these roads, and several of its prominent citizens held the office of clerk of the board of directors, Joseph Proctor, Clough R. Miles and Benjamin Estabrook having held that position. In 1832 the Fifth Massachusetts Turnpike Corporation gave up its franchise and the road was laid out as a county road. 44 The Currency. — Great difficulty was experienced dur- ing the Revolutionary War with the currency. The paper money had become a legal tender, and it had depreciated to an alarming extent, the prices of everything being high and unstable while hard money was extremely difficult to obtain and grain became a legal tender for the payment of taxes and other debts. The greatest trouble was expe- rienced from 1779 to about 1785, as is evidenced by the various votes passed by Athol during that time. At a town meeting held in 1783 the Constables were impowered to receive rye for town rates, and it was voted that Benjamin Sanders collect twenty bushels of rye to be delivered to Nathaniel Graves, Jr. Also chose Eliphalet Moore and William Bigelow to receive grain and pay whom the town owes, grain. In July 1780 "Voated to raise Fifty Seven Thousand five pounds to pay the town debt." "Voted to give sixty pound for a blanket, and thirty-six pound for a pair of shoes, and thirty pound for a shirt, and twenty pound for a pair of stockings." At a town meeting held in 1779 it was "voated to give as a Bounty to any man in this Town that shall kill a grown wolf thirty pound, and for a young one fifteen pound, said wolves to be kiUed within ten miles from this meeting house in Athol." The next year this bounty was increased to three hundred dollars. CHAPTER V. CHURCHES. " Great is the Lord our God, And let his praise be great ; He makes his churches His abode, His most delightful seat. These temples of his grace, How beautiful they stand ! The honors of our native place. And bulwarks of our land." gjgpg] T IS impossible to fix the exact date of the Wk I ifl building of the first Meeting House, owing H(^i)fil to the loss of the early records of the Pro- prietors, but from the best information to be obtained, it seems probable that it was not buUt previous to the year 1741. An ancient document referred to by Rev. S. F. Clarke in his centennial discourse con- tains a description of "fifty-eight acres of land" lying on both sides of "Mill Brook," surveyed and laid out by Abner Lee, agreeably to a vote of the Proprietors, " Sept. ye 2d, 1741," "and to ye election and choice of Lt. Samuel Kindle," "on the original Right of Jonathan Marble, No. 30, ye eight acres to Lyee in common for a Buririg Place and Meeting house place, if ye Proprietors shall think proper to put them too." 46 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. From the reading of this it would be inferred that the lot was not then occupied by a meeting house. These eight acres referred to lay upon the north bank of Mill Brook, and included what is now known as the Old Indian Burying Ground on the Hapgood road, and the land where the school house recently erected stands ; it is believed that the first meeting house was located very near the spot occupied by the school house. Here, in a rough and uncompleted log structure, the fathers of Athol first engaged in public worship. But there are no records to tell by whom religious services were conducted, nor how long they were held in that place. It is reasonable how- ever, to suppose that Dr. Joseph Lord, who was the best educated of the early settlers, officiated as the first preacher. This structure was destroyed by fire in a few years, and there is a tradition that it was burned by the Indians ; but later investigations point to the fact that the fire caught from a fire in the woods. Another house was soon erected on " East Pequoiag Hill," or street, in close proximity to the Fort. No record gives any exact date of the erection of this building, or of its size or cost. It is said to have had but one pew, and that original- ly belonged to Dr. Joseph Lord, the first proprietor's clerk Here the few inhabitants of old Pequoiag assembled Sunday after Sunday to engage in worship, and whUe a portion were worshiping God within, others were obliged, arms in hand, to keep guard outside, lest the worshipers should be surprised by the wily and treacherous Indians. The first record of any provision made for preaching in the settlement is as follows: "Oct. 18, 1749. Voted CHURCHES. 47 that Mr. Brown be allowed for one day's preaching, five pounds, Old Tenor." It is possible, however, that a regu- lar preacher may have been employed previous to this date as the early records are lost. Kev. Timothy Brown and Eev. John Mellen are re- ferred to in the records as ministers to whom the Proprie- tors were indebted, and they probably preached for them in the year 174:9, or just previous. Rev. John Mellen was pastor of the first church in Sterling and he is said to have been a man of superior ability, who probably stood at the head of the clergy in the county. His pastorate at the Sterling church extended over a period of 34 years, and after a long controversy regarding the veto power of the clergy, which right he maintained, he was excluded forci- bly from the pulpit. But his friends united with him in maintainuig separate worship, for about 10 years, either in his own house or in a school house. On the third Wednesday of May, 1750, the Proprie- tors "Voted that we choose an Orthodox minister to settle in this Place," and also voted that ]Mr. James Humfries, our present Preacher, be the Orthodox Minister in this Place." Mr. Humphrey, it appears by the records, had been supplying the pulpit at Pequoiag from the 10th of December, 1749, to the 16th of May, 1750. The terms of settlement which were to be offered Mr. Humphrey were: "Voted that we give Mr. James Hum- fries, our present Preacher, the sum of Fifty Pounds law- ful money of this Province of the Massachusetts Bay, per Annum, while he continues in the work of the Gospel Ministry, in this Place, and farther, add to that right, a whole share of Land in the Township of Pequoiag laid 48 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. out by the General Court for the first Minister of sd. Pe- quoiag, of which the House Lott on East Pequoiag Hill, on the west side of the High Way, Number Eight in Part, the sum of Sixty-six Pounds, thirteen shillings and four Pence lawful money of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, to be paid, one-half within one Year after the Pay- ment of the first half, if he accepts of the work of the Gospel Ministry in this Place." Mr. Humphrey's answer to the committee chosen to see if he would accept the call reads as follows : "To the Proprietors of the New Township, called Pe- quoiag, at their Meeting continued by Adjoiirnment from May 16th to August 8th, ensuing"" — "Gentlen.:" " I received by the Hand of Lieut. Richard Morton a Copy of your Votes passed at your Meeting, on the 1 6th of May last, respecting my settling among you in the Capacity of a Gospel Minister. And in Answer thereto, — In the first Place, I do heartUy thank you for the good will you have expressed to me in your Invitation. After mature Deliberation upon the important affair, I now signify my acceptance of the Salary and Encouragement you have given me to Settle in the Work of the Ministry among you in this Place, in Case the Propriety will make me an addi- tion of Forty Shillings lawful money to your former En- couragement for my Annual Support, — and if it please God in his aldisposing Providence regularly to introduce me into the Pastoral Office over you, I hope by his grace and Spirit I shall be enabled in some good measure to fulfil my ministry. So I remain with hearty regards your Servant in Christ Jesus." JAJMES HUMFREY. CHURCHES. 49 "Pequoiag, August 8, 1750." The terms of Mr. Humphrey were accepted, and a committee was chosen to make arrangements for the ordi- nation, also " to send to a Neighboring Miaister or Minis- ters to assist them in a Fast and in Gathering a Church in this Place. " The church was formed August 29th 1750, when the pastor elect, and Eichard Morton, Nathaniel Graves, Abra- ham Nutt, Eobert Marble, Samuel Morton, Nathan Wait, Eleazer Graves, Ephraim Smith and Aaron Smith affixed their signatures to the solemn church covenant. The ordination took place Nov. 7th, 1750, and from that time for nearly 25 years Rev. Mr. Humphrey minis- tered in peace and happiness to his people, until an inno vation in the custom of singing brought on a controversy, which finally, after nearly seven years of exciting town and church meetings, led to the severing of the pastoral rela- tion, and the dismissal of Mr. Humphrey Feb. 13, 1782, and nearly resulted in the dismemberment of the town. In- deed, there is but little doubt that the setting off" of a por- tion of Athol to form the town of Orange was effected in consequence of this quarrel and the dismission of Mr. Humphrey. During his ministry there were 121 mem- bers added to the church. Mr. Humphrey continued to reside in town from the time of his dismissal to that of his death, which occurred May 8, 1796, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. The town and church were without a settled miaister for more than five years, during which time various attempts were made by both church and town to unite upon a preacher, but all was in vain, until July 25, 1787, when 50 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. the right man seems to have been found. The church then voted " unanimously to invite Mr. Joseph Estabrook to take the pastoral care of them in the Lord, " and on the 8th of August the town concurred with the church in extend- ing an invitation to Mr. Estabrook. He was publicly ordained on the 21st of November, 1787, the terms of his settlement being as follows: The town voted to give him two hundred pounds for his " encouragement to settle with them, and also the use of a pew in the meeting house so long as he should remain the minister of the town. " For his " support " or salary they obligated themselves to give him "Seventy-five pounds" in cash, and twenty cords of good fire-wood an- nually. He soon succeeded in bringing harmony and peace out of discord, and for nearly forty-three years ministered to a united parish and happy people until his death, April 18, 1830. Through his careful oversight and good judgment the religious controversies of the day that agitated other communities had not crept into his parish, but on his death the question of exchanges between the minister that shoul i be called and ministers of other churches came up, and a division of the church resulted. After several exciting Town Meetings had been held regarding the hiring of a minister it was finally, at a Town Meeting held Nov. 6, 1830, " Voted unanimously that we give the Rev. Josiah Moore a call to settle as Minister over the First Congregational Church and Society in the Town of Athol, upon the following terms : — 1st. He shall exchange Ministerial labours with all the Consre- gational Clergymen in the neighborhood, who are of regular standii'.g and who will exchange with him : CHURCHES, 5 1 2d. Whenever two-thirds of the voters of said society shall have given Mr. Moore three months notice that they msh the connexion between him and the Society dissolved, it shall be dissolved; and when- ever Mr. Moore shall have given the Society three months notice that he vishes the connexion dissolved, it shall be dissolved accordingly: 3d. We will pay Mr. Moore as a salary, at the rate of Five Hun- dred Dollars for each year, which sum shall be paid at the expiration of each year, and if the said connexion be dissolved before the completion of any full year, the salary which shall then remain unpaid, shall be paid at the dissolution of said connexion." The ordination of Mr. Moore took place Dec. H, 1830, and he served the church as pastor until August, 1833. He was followed by Rev. Liuus H. Shaw, who was ordained Nov. 12, 1834 and dismissed Aug. 29, 1836. Following Mr. Shaw's dismission there was no settled minister for nearly 12 years. Among those who supplied the pulpit during this time were Stephen A. Barnard, Rev. Crawford Nightingale and Rev. E. J. Gerry. Of these Rev. Crawford Nightingale became the best known to the people of the town through his marriage into a prominent Athol family. Mr. Nightingale was born in Providence, R. I., Nov. 3, 1816. He was educated in the public schools of that city, and at Brown University, gi'p^duating from that institution in 1834. After leaving college he entered the Divinity School at Cambridge, from which he graduated in 1838. He was at Charlemont and Shelburne as pastor for two years, and came to Athol in 1841 and was pastor of the church here for two years and at Chicopee for six or seven years. In 1846 he married Mary Hoyt Williams, daughter of Dr. William H. Williams, a physician and prominent citizen of Athol. Mr. Nightingale was pastor of the church in Athol a second time for a year or more, and was then pastor at Groton for 13 years and at Ayer for 10 years, leaving the 52 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. former place on account of his anti-slavery sentiments. He had no settled pastorate after leaving Ayer, and resided in Ashmont, a suburb of Boston, from 1876 until his death, which occurred Aug. 20, 1892, in Providence, where he was crusned to death by a cable grip car on College Hill. During his pastorate in Athol his public spirited and genial ways made him popular, and he was always a welcome visitor in town. Tiev. Samuel F. Clarke was ordained as pastor April 19, 1848, and continued until 1856, having had, next to the pastorates of Rev. Messrs. Humphrey and Estabrook, the longest term of service in the history of the church. He was stirring and active, not only in his church, but in social and town affairs, being for several years a member of the School Committee, and was the first historian of the town, his Centennial Discourse delivered at the cele- bration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the First Church and Society in Athol, Sept. 9. 1850, being the first attempt to rescue the early history of the town from the oblivion to which it was fast hastening, and preserve it in such a permanent form as to make the people ac- quainted with it. This discourse has been the basis of all subsequent historical sketches of the early church and town history. Mr. Clarke was followed by Rev. D. C. O'Daniels, who served 1857-59. Rev. George Bradburn became pastor in 1859. Of all the ministers who have occupied the pulpits of Athol churches, the one who was the best known to the world at large, and the most distinguished was Rev George Bradburn, who occupied the pulpit of the Unitarian Church for one year, during 1859. and was also a resident cnrECHEs. 53 of the town for two years longer, and who for the last twenty years of his life spent a portion of each summer here with his old friends and co-laborers, the Hoyts, He was born in Attleboro, Mass., March 4, 1806, his lather James Bradburn, being one of the earliest manufacturers of woolen cloth in New England. He was educated a practical machinist and at the early age of nineteen stood at the head of a large number of employees, but his love of study and desire of usefulness to his race impelled him to leave this business ; and after pursuing his studies at Exeter Academy and the Divinity "School at Cambridge, he became a Unitarian minister, his first settlement being over a church in Nantucket. While at Nantucket he was elected to the Legislature by the Whigs in 1839, was a Representative from that place for three years, and was considered one of the most remarkable men in the House of Representatives. He allied himself to the Anti-slavery cause and en- dowed with rare gifts as a popular speaker, a face and figure of rare dignity and beauty, and a courage that feared no antagonism, he stood among the strong men of the Anti-slavery cause, and became at one time more widely known throughout the Northern States than almost any of the orators of that cause. He was an intimate associate of Garrison, and had the confidence and friendship of Whittier, Chief Justice Chase, Gerritt Smith, Governor Andrew, and other prominent leaders in that great conflict. He was a dele- gate to the World's Anti-slavery Convention, held in London in 1840, and took a prominent part in its pro- ceedings. 54 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. From 1846 to 1849 he edited the " Pioneer and Herald of Freedom" at Lynn, in 1850 was associated with Elizur Wright on " The Boston Chronotype," and in 1851 removed to Cleveland, Ohio, to become one of the editors of " The True Democrat," a daily paper, afterwards the " The Leader." He resigned this position at the end of two years and entered the lecture field throughout the Western States. He worked through the Fremont political campaign, speaking twenty-six evenings con- secutively. His health faiUng him, an entire change of climate was ordered by his physician, and he soon came to Athol, where he remained until 1861, when his friend, Salmon P. Chase, offered him his choice of consulship abroad, or an honorable position in the Boston Custom House. He accepted the latter, which position he re- tained for 14 years, making his home in Melrose. He died July 26, 1880. "Rev. Ira Bailey served from 1861 to 1866, Rev. W. S. Burton 1868-73, Rev. S. R. Priest 1874-76, Rev. E. P. Gibbs 1877 The pastors since then have been Rev. W. C. Litchfield, Rev. D. H. Rogan. Rev. Caroline R. James supplied the pulpit in 1888 and A. L. Ferry in 1889. Rev. Herbert Whitney, the last pastor, was born in Hancock, Vt., Nov. 6, 1850. He studied theology at St. Lawrence University, and also took a course in philosophy at Harvard. He has been pastor of churches at Waterloo, Canada ; Webster, N. Y. ; Ludlow. Vt. ; Storm Lake, Iowa and Sherburne, N. Y. He came to Athol in July, 1890, and closed his labors Jan. 29. CHURCHES. 55 1893. Rev. Charles Conklin supplied the pulpit in 1893. The second meeting house, which was located on the "Street," was used for public worship until 1773. When it became necessary to build a new meeting house, the town was agitated from centre to circum- ference regarding the location, and for a year or two Town Meetings were held every few months to determine the spot ; votes would be passed and then annulled and made void at the next meeting, until fi- nally, as the best way out of the trouble, it was decided to choose a committee from other towns in the County, and at a meeting held Jan. 16, 1772, " A Committee consisting of Capt. Oliver Witt of Paxton, Capt. Stephen Maynard of Westboro and Col. John Whitcomb of Bolton were chosen to fix a spot for the inhabitants of Athol to sit a meeting house to accommodate the whole town." The Common was finally decided upon as the place, and here the third meeting house was erected and opened for public worship, on the first Sunday of July, 1773. This was occupied until its destruction by fire, probably by an incendiary, on the night of July 2, 1827. The present church edifice was built in 1828, at an expense of between five and six thousand dollars, on land donated for the purpose by Mr. Samuel Sweetzer. This building was remodelled and repaired in the fall of 1847 ; the upper part was finished into a hall and disposed of to the Town, being the prfesent Town Hall. The church below was rededicated, Dec. 8, 1847. THE EVANGELICAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. As a result of the controversy on the theological doc- trines which rent the old First Church after the death of 56 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Rev. Mr. Estabrook, all but eight of the church member- ship, with two of its deacons, withdrew in October, 1830, and formed the, "Evangelical Society of Athol, " articles of faith being adopted by the new church, March 25, 1831. The first meetings were held in the Town House, which stood where now is the yard in front of James M. Lee's stable, on the corner of Common St. The newly organized church worshipped here until a meeting-house was built in the summer of 1833, which is the present house of worship. The church was ded- icated in June of that year, the sermon being preached by Rev. Mr. Winslow of Boston. The land on which the church was built was given by Mr. Frederick Jones of Boston, and the timber was contributed and many days work were put in by individuals. When the building was completed the pews were sold at auction and the money received was used in paying the cost of building. In 1859 the church was enlarged and repaired at a cost of about $6000, at which time the present tall and stately steeple took the place of the old black belfry that had formerly surmounted the structure. In 1868 a fine pipe organ was put into the singers gallery, taking the place of the violins, bass-viols, trombone, flute and seraphine, that had for many years pealed forth their music for the singers ; later the organ was removed to the left of the pulpit in front of the audience, and other changes and improvements have been made about the building. Rev. George J. Tillotson, who had preached for six weeks in the old First Church, before the call was ex- tended to Rev. Mr. Moore, and before the division, continued to minister to' the new church for three months, 1CHUKCHES. 57 wlieii he was invited to become its settled pastor but de clined. During his short ministry there was a revival of religion, when about forty were converted. Mr. Tillotson is remembered as a wise, strong and earnest Christian minister. Soon after leaving Athol he was ordained as pastor of the Congregational church of Brooklyn, Conn., which position he held for twenty-seven years. He served other churches in Connecticut, his native state, for eighteen years, when he retired from active service, after a ministry of forty-five years. In 1860, he married for his second wife Mary Wood, a well-known teacher and descendant of the Sweetzer family of Athol, The first settled minister was Eev. B. B. Beckwith, -who was ordained June 8, 1831, and dismissed Nov. 11, 1834. A notable event in his pastorate was a great re- vival under the labors of Evangelist Foote, which resulted in the conversion of nearly sixty people, and awakened such opposition that it is said a cannon was fired near the church during services, while a stone was thrown through the window in the direction of the pulpit ; another event of importance to the society was the erection of the church. Mr. Beckwith was born in Lyme, Conn., was a gradu- ate of Williams College, and a student of Yale Theological Seminary. His last pastorate was with the First Presby- terian church at Gouverneur, N. Y., where he died July 4, 18T0. He was succeeded by Rev. James F. Warner, who served from March 4, 1835, until Dec. 18, 183T. Mr. Warner is said to have been a man of a quick and excitable temperament, and evidently had mistaken his calling, for after leaving Athol he did not again engage 53 ATHaL, PAST ANC PRESEST, in the ministry, but went to New York City where he be came a teacher of music, and died March 6, 1864. The next pastor was Rey. E,. M. Chipman, whose ministry began Aug- 15, 1839, and ended Dec. 23, 1851, lasting a little over 12 years, and is succeeded in length by only one pastorate in the history of the church. This pas- torate was made exciting by the Temperance Reform and Anti-Slavery agitations as well as the Millerite excitement which at this time was sweeping over the country, and in these agitations this church put itself on record on the side of Temperance and human freedom. Mr. Chipman was a native of Salem, Mass., and a graduate of Dartmouth College, his theological studies being pursued at Princeton, N. J., and at the University of New York. He was an energetic pastor and is remembered with esteem by many ; he was for seven or eight years a member of the School Committee. After his removal from Athol he served churches in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and was also engaged in historical and genealogical work. The fourth settled pastor was Rev. John F. Norton, who was installed March 17, 1852, and served for 15 years, his pastorate terminating March 11, 1867, and being the longest of any pastorate of any church in town with the exception of the two first ministers of the old First Church. No minister of Athol during the last half century has probably made a deeper impression upon the people of the town than Mr. Norton, and under his leadership the church enjoyed a season of uninterrupted prosperity with several revival seasons and large ingatherings to the church. He was also held in high regard and esteem by the towns people, irrespective of church membership, and was given Rev. J. H. HUMPHREY. Rev. E. S. GOULD. Rev. H. F. brown. CHtJRCHES. 59 lesponsible and honorary positions. He was for many years a member of the School Committee, and served as chairman much of the time. On the breaking out of the Eebellion, he was made chairman of a committee appoint- ed by the town to keep a record of all the town did in support of the government. This resulted at the close of the war in the publication of " Athol in Suppressing the E.ebellion," the large part of the work on which was the labor of Mr. Norton, He was born in Goshen, Conn., Sept. 8, 1809, and and was educated at Yale College and East Windsor Theological Seminary. After teaching school for a num- ber of years, he was ordained to the ministry at Milton, Conn., Oct. 23, 1844. He remained there for five years in home missionary work, and previous to coming to Athol was installed as the first pastor of the Porter Evan- gelical Church of North Bridgewater, Mass. After leaving Athol Mr. Norton served churches at Eitzwilliam, N. H., West Yarmouth, Mass., and Hubbardston. He resided for several years in Natick, Mass., where he died Nov. 3, 1892. He left a widow and one son, Lewis M., a professor in the Institute of Technology, at Boston. His remains were brought to Athol and buried at the Highlands, Rev. Temple Cutler, the successor of Mr. Norton, was installed March 4, 1868, and served eight years, being dismissed April 19, 1876. These were years of great spiritual growth and numerous additions to the church. It was during this pastorate that a parsonage was purchased by forty individual members and presented to the Society. Mr. Cutler is still reg rded with the greatest respect and 60 ITHOL, PAST ANU PHESENl', affection here. He was born at Lynn, Mass., May 4, I828» graduated at Marietta, Ohio, in 1857, and studied theology at Andover, Mass. He was ordained at Skowhegan, Maine, Feb. 20, 1861, and preached there seven years before coming to Athol. After leaving Athol, he spent several years in the service of the American Missionary Associa- tion, preaching and teaching at Chattanooga, Tenn., and Charleston, S. C. He now lives at Essex, Mass. Mr. Cutler was followed by Rev. Henry A. Blake, who was ordained Sept. 13, 1876, and closed his labors; May 1, 1883. This, also, was a period of prosperity in the church. It was during this pastorate that the 50th anni versary of the organization of the church and Sunday school was observed, and the historical addresses delivered by Mr. Blake on these occasions are valuable additions to the church history of Athol. After leaving Athol Mr. Blake became pastor of a church in Providence, R. I., and is now settled over the church at Webster, Mass. Rev. H. W. Stebbins, a graduate of Andover Theo- logical Senainary, was settled Sept. 1, 1883, and remained five years, terminating his labors Dec. 31, 1888. He was born in Worcester, Nov. 15, 1857. In his boyhood he went to Montpelier, Vt., where he fitted for college, and entered Dartmouth College, graduating in the class of 1878. He studied another year at that place, after his graduation, and entered Andover Theological Seminary ; he was a member of the class of 1882, but as he took an advanced and extra year, did not leave there until 1883, when he came to Athol. While in Athol he married Miss Anna Spear, a well known vocalist and musician, the daughter of Mr. Caleb Spear. CHURCHES. 61 It was during Mr. Stebbins' pastorate, that the memor- able church trouble, regarding the pastor, occurred that nejirly divided the church, and resulted in the calling of one of the most important and exciting ecclesiastical coun- cils ever held in this section of New England ; the council included some of the most eminent clergymen and leading laymen of the denomination in the State. The decision was, that although recognizing the ability and faithfulness of the pastor, and the more than common success of his work, they deemed it for the best interests of the church that he resign at an early date, not later than the end of the calendar year. In accordance with this recommenda- tion Mr. Stebbins tendered his resignation to take effect Dec. 31, 1888. Soon after finishing his labors in Athol, . Mr. Stebbins received a call to become the pastor of the Congregational church of West Medford, where he com- menced his duties in October, 1889. The present pastor. Rev. Edwin S. Goidd, was born in New Braintree, Mass., Feb. 20, 1844. When five years old his parents moved to Oakham. His early education was received in the schools of Oakham and at Williston Seminary, Easthampton, where he prepared for college and was also a student of Phillips Academy, Andover. In the war he enlisted in the 51st Mass. regiment, and was hon- orably discharged with his regiment, at the expiration of the term of service. He also served in the 60th Mass. regiment. After the war he was for three years local and associate editor of papers in Hartford and Worcester. In the fall of 1869 he entered the Hartford Theological Semi- nary, where he graduated in 1872. He studied a year in Andover Theological Seminary as a resident graduate, and 62 ATHOL, FAST AND PRESENT. was ordained to the ministry in Providence, R. I., Oct. 1, 1873, and installed as pastor of the Richmond Street Free Evangelical church in that city. He was married Oct. 20, 1875, to Phebe Sherman Gladding, of Providence. He has held pastorates in West Brookfield, and with the Globe church, Woonsocket, R. I., and came to Athol May 18, 1890. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. In the early town records appears the following : "We, the Subscribers being chosen a Committee by the Society of the people called Antipedo Baptists, who meet together for religious worship on the Lord's Day in Athol to exhibit a list or lists of the names of such persons as belong to said Society or Congregation do certify, that Zadok Hayward, Benjamin Dexter, Silas Kendall, Daniel Lamson, " Thomas Lord, Nath'l. Babbitt, Joseph Crosby, Ben'm. Powers, John Ballard, do belong to said Society or congregration and that they do fre- quently and usually, when able, attend with us in our meeting for reli- gious worship on Lord's day, and we do verily believe are with respect to the ordinance of Baptism of the same religious sentiments with us." Whitman Jacobs, Elder, "f Simeon Chambeklen, > Committee. Asa Jones, ) August 30th, 1775. Similar lists dated the previous year give the names of Eliphalet Moor, Simon Haven, Ebenezer BuUard, Martin - Morton ; these, with others, constituted the adherents of Elder Whitman Jacobs, who was at that time the second pastor of the Baptist Church in Royalston, but who was a resident of .4thol, and of whom Governor Bullock, in his historical address delivered at the Centennial anniversary of Royalston says, " he left many of those marked and de- cisive influences which control a local history." In May, 1802, three men were baptised in this town by Rev. Ebenezer Burt, pastor of the Baptist church in Hardwick, two of whom afterwards served the church as CHURCHES. 63 deacons and one as pastor. Soon after, others were bap- tized, all of whom became members of the Baptist church in Templeton. June 24th, 1810, the Athol members were constituted a branch of the Templeton church and Isaac Briggs and Aaron Oliver were chosen deacons. They were occasionally supplied with a preacher from abroad, but when they were not, the deacons, in turn con- ducted religious services on the Sabbath. On April 13, 1813, this branch was organized as an independent church with 22 members at school house No. 2 on the " Street." For the first seven years of its existence the church had no regular pastor, and the services were generally conducted by the deacons. The first to be ordained as pastor was Deacon Isaac Briggs, who was called to the pastorate and ordained Oct. 4, 1820, and served the church faithfully for nearly 12 years until, in consequence of the infirmities of age, he re- signed the pastorate of the church March 11, 1832. He died July 12, 1837, at the age of 75 years. This is the longest pastorate in the history of the church. Services were first held alternately at the school house on the " Street," and at the old brick school house in the Lower VUlage. The first house of worship was buUt in 1828 or 1829, and is now the dwelling house of E. T. Lewis, Esq., on the corner of Main and Summer streets at the Highlands. The second and present house of worship, on the corner of Church and Walnut streets, was built in 1848, and dedicated Feb. 14, 1849. The leading spirits in this enterprise were Dea. Job Fry and Dea. Jonathan Wheeler, together with Eev. Lysander Fay, who was then 64 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. pastor of the church at Orange and who canvassed the church and village to obtain funds for the enterprise. An addition was made to the front, and the present stately spire erected in 1859. The interior was entirely remod- eled in 1885 at a cost of about |5,()00, including the fine organ which cost $1,800, and the formal re-dedication of the renovated structure took place on Oct. 1st, 1885. The church has had during the 79 years of its exist- ence as an independent body, fifteen settled pastors. The second settled pastor was Rev. Ambrose Day who came in the spring of 1833 and remained two years ; Rev. J. Gla- zier was settled in April 1835 and served two years; Rev. Asaph Merriam was settled Oct. 13, 1839, and remained until the spring of 1846, a term of six and one-half years ; in May, 1849, Rev. Oren Tracy became pastor and served a little more than a year; April, 1855, Rev. Charles Far- rar became pastor and held the office three years ; in the spring of 1858 Rev. J. D. Reid was settled, but he soon changed his religious doctrines and declared his purpose to return to the communion of the Episcopal church ; he asked a dismission but the church had become greatly at- tached to him and voted to retain him until the end of the year for vvhich he was engaged. This caused trouble and a division of the church and community, and resulted in the closing of the meeting house for a year The next set- tled pastor was Rev. Charles Aver, who commenced his labors in September, 1862, and remained a year and a half; April 2d, 1864, Rev. G. L. Hunt became pastor and held the office for three years ; On April 7, 1867, Rev. D. H. Stoddard preached his first sermon to this church and was settled as pastor the 1st of June following; this pas- CHURCHES. 65 torate continued for seven years, being next to the longest in the history of the church, and was emiuently successful. In 1B74 Rev. J. C. Emery became pastor and served two years, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. M. Bartlett, who commenced his labors on the first Sabbath of July, 1876 and continued four and one half years ; Rev. J. H. Cox became pastor in 1881 and served six years during which time the church enjoyed a great degree of prosperity. Rev. Horace F. Brown, the next pastor, was born in Hopkinton. N. H. He attended the schools of his native town and prepared for college at the New London Literary and Scientific institution, New London, N. H. He gradu- ated at Brown University in 1876 and three years later from the Newton Theological Seminary. He was ordained Oct., 1879, as pastor of the Baptist church in Antrim, N. H., where he remained five and one fourth years. After a pastorate of between two and three years at Rumney, N. H., he came to Athol in 1887, and was the loved and popular pastor until March, 1893, when he re- signed to accept the pastorate of the church in East Green- wich, R. 1. Rev. Byron H. Thomas, the present pastor commenced his duties July 1, 1893, and the services held in ■' Recogni- tion" of the pastor took place on the evening of Sept. 13 following. Rev. Charles A. Eaton of Natick preaching the sermon. Mr, Thomas was born May 22d, 1865, at South Bay in the Province of New Brunswick, and is of Welsh parentage, his father, Benjamin Thomas, coming from Wales to America when a boy. His education was re- ceived in the Boston public schools, Acadia University, ■ Wolfville, Nova Scotia, and the New Brunswick Baptist 66 ATHOL, PAST AKD PEESENT, Seminary at St. John's, N. B. He was ordained to the ministry at Maugerville, N. B., June, 18, 1888, and has served successful pastorates at Sackville, Maugerville and Jacksonville, New Brunswick, more than three hundred being added to these churches under his labors. In April, 1889, he was married to Miss Bessie M. Harrison, daughter of C. B. Harrison, a man well-known in the provincial parliament of his country. Mr. Thomas has always been interested in the temperance cause from a boy, and early connected himself with temperance organizations, in which he has held the highest offices ; he is a Past Grand Chief Templar of New Brunswick. Over nine hundred members have been connected with this church, since its organization. Rev. Ebenezer Biirt, a prominent Baptist, although not a pastor of the Athol church, was well known in this town, which was his home during some of the latter years of his life, and where he occasionally preached. He was born in Norton, March 9, 1766, and died in Athol Nov. 25, 1861. He was ordained as a Baptist minister upon a rock in Hardwick, June 20, 1798, Elder Enoch Goff of Dighton preaching the ordination sermon. He lived to preach 4961 sermons, to solemnize 97 marriages, attend 827 funerals and baptize 200 candidates. Of all the sermons he ever preached, it appears that but one was written, and this after he had been fifty years in the ministry. Among the Societies that have been connected with the Baptist Church, we find the records of one that will be interesting to the members of the church to-day, as showing the self-sacrificing spirit of the sisters of the tHTJRCHES. 67 church a half a century ago. This society flourished from 1835 to about 1845, and bore the name of " The Female Judson Plain Uress Society in Athol." The constitution read as follows: "Akt. 1st. The object of this Society is to lessen our expenses tor dress that we may be enabled to iiierease our charities, and aid in ■sending the gospel and means of grace to the many millions of our tellow creatures who are perishing for lack of a knowledge of the •Savior — And also to encourage the heart of that beloved and devoted Missionary (Mr. Judson) who has recommended that such societies be iformcd, and is willing to deny himself of many things if he may but give the bread of life to the perishing, Akt. 2nd. All females contributing annually twenty-five cents (or more if they feel disposed) shall be members of this Society. Art. Mrd. The funds of this Society arising fi-om contx-ibutions by the members of the Society, or by others disposei I to aid their be- nevolent design, shall for the present, be appropriated to aid in supply* ing the Burmans with the Bible, which is now being printed in their own language." Other articles related to the officers of the Society, their duties, the times of meetings, etc. The first meeting of this Society was held at the Parsonage, Aug. 11, 1835, and the records of the Secre- tary read as follows : " The meeting was opened with prayer by Sister Dexter, after which the constitution was read and adopted. We then proceeded to choose the officers for the year ensuing, and the following were chosen, viz. : Hannah Glazier, Secretary ; Miss Lucinda Fay, Treasurer ; Mrs. Frances Dexter, Mrs. Hannah Briggs, Miss Hannah Ann Ball, Mrs. Mary W. Brooks, Collectors. The meeting was then adjourned to the second Wednesday in August, 1836. Prayer was offered by Sister Goddard — ' May the blessing of Heaven rest on 68 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESKNT, this Society, and may oiir united efforts be a means of putting the Bible into the hands of many a Burman. H. GLAZIER, Sec'y. Hannah Glazier, the secretary, was probably the wife of Eev. J. Glazier, who was the third pastor of the church, while the names of the more than 40 members of the Society are those of old Athol families. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The first Methodist meeting held in the village of Athol Depot, as far as can be learned, was in the fall of 1851 at the house now standing at the corner of Main and School Streets, then the residence of George (Jerry, and the congregation consisted of three persons. On Novem- ber 30th of that year Rev. Wm. A. Qapp, then the preacher in charge of the Phillipston Church, came to Athol Depot and organized a class of fifteen persons, and appointed Mr. George Gerry as leader. The persons constituting the class were Ephraim W. Weston, Roxanna C. Weston, George Gerry, Sophia Gerry, William R. Bat- tles, Cynthia Battles, James Giles, Parthena Giles, Sumner R. Morse, Mary T. Morse, Edwin J. Decker, Charlotte C. Hinckley, Roswell Graham, Sylvester Davis and Catherine Young. Meetings continued to be held at the house of Mr. Gerry until the spring of 1852, when the presiding elder appointed Rev. .Mr. Heywood of Gill as pastor of the society. Mr. Heywood did not reside in town, but came here every week to preach and visit his people. Services were held at this time in what was known as Hill's Hall, in the upper part of the building, now known as the Old wifir^- -IITAnlAN CHURCHES. CHURCHES. 69 Arcade standing at the corner of Main and Canal Streets. After a few months Mr. Heywood was succeeded by Rev. John Goodwin, who moved into town, and lived under the hall in which services were held, making shoes during the week and preaching on Sunday. Mr. Goodwin was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Rice, who also resided in the village. The next minister, and the first one appointed by the New England Conference, was Rev. N. H. Martin, whose pastorate commenced in the spring of 1855 and continued two years. The ministers since then have been as follows : Rev. Linus Fish, '57-58 ; Rev. W. J. Hamble- ton, '59 ; Rev. Increase B. Bigelow,'60-61 ; Rev. John H. Coolidge, '62 ; Rev. F. T. George, '63-64 ; Rev. John Capen, '65 ; Rev. C. H. Hanaford, '66-67 ; Rev. Mr. Hardmg, '67 ; Rev. N. T. Harlow, '68 ; Rev. C. L. Mc- Curdy, '69-70-71 ; Rev. John Peterson, '72-73-74 ; Rev. xiustin F. Herrick, '75-76-77 ; Rev. Lorenzo A. Bosworth, '78-79-80 ; Rev. Wm. Full, '81-82 ; Rev. A. R. Nichols, '83 ; Rev. P. M. Vinton, '84-85-86 ; Rev. W. N. Rich- ardson, '87-88-89-90 ; Rev. Wm. W. Baldwin, '91-92 ; Rev. James H. Humphrey, '93. At the commencement of the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Martin in 1855 the place of meeting was transferred to Houghton's Hall, the building now occupied by the City Hotel, and in 1861 the present church edifice was erected, the dedicatory exercises taking place Nov. 6th, 1861. In 1887 during the first year of the pastorate of Rev. W. N. Richardson, the interior of the church building was re- modelled and repaired at an expense of about $4000, and was re-dedicated Jan. 25th, 1888. In 1892 a corner tower was erected which adds much to the appearance of the 70 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. building, and the grounds in front were graded and en- closed with a stone curbing. Both interior and exterior now present a most pleasant and attractive appearance. During the 42 years existence of this church 696 persons have been in its membership. The present membership is 224. Sixteen revival "seasons have been enjoyed, in which from 20 to 113 names have been entered as pro- bationers, the latter number being during the ministry of Rev. W. N. Richardson, whose pastorate of four- years was the longest of the twenty-two ministers who have served this church as pastors. Two anniversary occasions have been observed by the church ; the first being Nov. 22, 1881, the 30th anniversary of the organization of the church, when Rev. Mr. Full, the pastor, gave an historical address and Mr. C. R. Bruce, Superintendent of the Sun- day School, gave a brief history of the School. At this time the sum of $500 was raised by subscription as a thank offering to pay olf the floating debt of the church. There were five of the former pastors present. Rev. N. FT. Martin, Rev. Increase B. Bigelow, Rev. C. H. Hanaford, Rev. A. F. Herrick and Rev. L. A. Bosworth. The second occasion was the 40th anniversary which was observed Nov. 29, 1891, with a historical sermon by the pastor, Rev. W. W. Baldwin, a sketch of the Sunday School by the Superintendent, L. B. Caswell, and short addresses by those representing the various departments of the church. Rev. W. W. Baldwin, pastor in 1891 and '92, was born in Blenheim, N. Y., May 30, 1837, the youngest in a family of twelve children. His father was of the Con- necticut family of that name, and his mother came from a Scotch Presbyterian family who came to this country CHURCHES. 71 about 1790. Mr. Baldwin was educated at Union College and at the Theological School of Boston University. He was licensed to preach at Seward, N. Y., in August, 1859, and joined the Maine Conference of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, in May, 1862, when he was sent into mission work in northern New Hampshire. In 1865 he Was sent into the Colorado Mission among the gold and silver miners. In 1867 he planted the Methodist church in the then new territory of Wyoming, at its capital, Cheyenne. From 1868 to 1873 he labored in Michigan, and from 1873 to 1884 he served churches in Maine, and from that time his pastorates^ have been in Massachusetts. Rev. James H. Humphrey, the present pastor, was born in New York State, and when two years of age moved with his parents to Wisconsin. He received his coUege training at Lawrence University, Appleton, Wis., and afterwards took a law course at the Wisconsin State University. In 1871 he went to Boston and entered the Theological School of Boston University, from which he graduated in 1873, and subsequently received the de- gree of Ph. D. He is a veteran of the war, having served in the 40th Wisconsin Regiment. His first pastorate was at Marshfield, in 1873, and he has since had appointments at Mansfield, Bourne, New Bedford, Reading, Ashburn- ham, Edgar town and other places. A name dear to Athol Methodists is that of Rev. J. N. Mars, or Father Mars, as he was known among New England Methodists. He was born of slave parents, June 22, 1804, in Norfolk, Conn., but was never a slave, as his father and mother had escaped from bondage, or had committed " An Exodus," as he called it. In a sketch of 72 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. his life, entitled, "Battles with Bondage, or My Life for Three Quarters of a Century," which he prepared for a Methodist publication, he says, " My father, whose name was Jupiter Mars, and mother, whose name was simply Fannie, were not of Puritan stock, but were owned by a Presbyterian preacher, which was no mean -inheritance, and what was more, they were both born in Virginia. Married in the South, they were brought to the North a few years later by their master, the Eev. Mr. Thompson, who had come into New England to live. The minister settled in Canaan, Conn., where my father and his family continued to be his ■ slaves." Father Mars had only six months schooling and worked on a farm until nearly 19 years of age, but he was a natural speaker, with a bright intellect, and being profoundly converted to God, labored with most powerful effect as a minister of the gospel and evangelist. At camp meetings his bronzed face would beam with light, and the vast congregations swayed like the tree-tops in the wind under his powerful exhortations, and he would move his audiences as few other men could. During the war he was Chaplain of the First North Caro- lina colored regiment, and had charge of the army stores at Newbern for several months ; he was ordered to Norfolk and Portsmouth, Va., where he was the Chaplain of a number of regiments until 1864, when he was admitted to the New England Conference, and stationed in Clinton, Mass. Afterwards he became presiding elder in the Washington Conference, (colored,) and was also the honored pastor of a large congregation in Baltimore. Returning to New England in 1870, he was stationed at Revere Street, Boston, was city missionary in 1871 and CHURCHES. 73 stationed in Athol in 1872, which was ever after his home until his death, Sept. 18, 1882. SOUTH ATHOL METHODIST CHURCH. The Methodist Church at South Athol was first or- ganized in December, 1831. The members of the first class were Royal Smith, James Giles, Benjamin Cook, James GUes, Jr., BraddyU Smith, Jr., Daniel Hale, Nathan Smith, James Oliver, Elbridge Smith, Asa Adams, Frank- lin GUes, Ebenezer Wilber, WUlard Blanchard, Daniel Hager. Their meetings were first held in school houses and private dwellings, and sometimes in the summer in barns. The present house of worship, which was among the first Methodist meeting houses in this part of the State, was built in 1836. At that time it was within the limits of the town of New Salem, but the next year after its erection that section became a portion of Athol. The first Methodist converts were baptized in a pond called Hacker's pond in New Salem, and the woods were full of people to witness the ceremony. The first minis- ters were a Rev. Mr. HuU, Eev. Hezekiah CoUer, Rev. Geo. W. Green, Rev. John Brackett, Rev. Simon Pike, Rev. T. W. Gile, Rev. Amasa Taylor, Rev. Jarvis Wilson. The ministers since 1860 have been as follows: Rev. H. T. Eddy, Rev. Alonzo Sanderson, Rev. Mr. Smith, Rev. J. J. Woodbury, Rev. H. S. Booth, Rev. Randall Mitchell, Rev. Wm. Jagger, Rev. Alphonzo Day, Rev. Mr. Ferguson, Rev. T. C. Martin, Rev. Mr. Ross, Rev. J. J. Woodbury, Rev. Mr. Sherman, Rev. Mr. Bragg, Rev. George Hudson, Rev. Wm. Silverthorne. The present PT^ 74 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. pastor is Rev. J. W. Fulton. A large pulpit Bible was presented to the Society at the dedication of the church in October, 1836, by Sumner R. Morse of Athol. The present membership is 29, THE SECOND UNITARIAN CHURCH, This Society was legally organized, at a meeting held at Starr Hall, June 11, 1877, and was composed largely of those Avho had been members and attendants of the Old First Church. The first officers of the Society were : Hon. Alpheus Harding, moderator ; Lucien Lord, clerk ; D. A. Newton, treasurer ; Edward F. Brown, collector ; and an Executive Committee of ten as follows : Hon. Alpheus Harding, George T. Johnson, E. F. Brown, A. A. Ward, A. L. Newman, D. A. Newton, A. L. Cheney, W. W. Fish, Hon. Charles Field, Lucien Lord. The first pastor was Rev. James C. Parsons of Wal- tham, to whom a unanimous call had been extended on April 3rd, 1877, and who preached his first sermon as pastor the first Sunday in May, and was installed June 12, 1877. The installation was a memorable occasion, and was participated in by some of the most distinguished Unitarian clergymen of the State, including Rev. A. P. Peabody, D. D., of Harvard University, who preached the sermon, Rev. A. D. Mayo of Springfield gave the charge to the pastor, and Rev. J. F. Moors, of Greenfield, the address to the people. The Society held its meetings m Starr Hall for over four years, until its present church edifice was built. Land was purchased in the spring of 1880, and the erection of the church was soon commenced and was first opened to the public April 13th, 1881, at CHURCHES. 75 which time the choir gave an organ concert. The first rehgious services were held on Easter Sunday, and on the 7th day of September following, the church was dedicated free from debt, with interesting exercises, the sermon being preached by the Eev. Rush R. Shippen, of Washington, D. C. Mr Parson's pastorate was successful throughout, and under his efficient leadership the Society was rapidly built up. He was a man of culture and fine education, and actively promoted the intellectual life of the community. He was prominently identified with the organization of the Athol Library Association, that has since become the Athol Public Library, and to his labors much of the credit for its successful formation is due. He tendered his res- ignation July 17, 1881, to take effect October 1st of that year, and has since been the, popular Principal of the Prospect Hill School for young ladies at Greenfield. The second pastor was Rev. Charles P. Lombard, who was installed April 11, 1882, Rev. Dr. Bartol, of Boston, preaching the sermon. Mr. Lombard was born in Boston, June 9, 1845, and attended the Mayhew Grammar School in that city, entering the Public Latin School at ten years of age. Preparing to enter college his health failed him, and it was several years before he regained strength to enable him to study for the ministry. He graduated from the Harvard Divinity School in 1878, and received a call to Ellsworth, Maine, where he remained three years, and then came to Athol. He remained as pastor of the church for six years, and then resigned to accept a call to the First Parish of Plymouth, which is the old historic society 76 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. of the Pilgrim Fathers, established in England in 1606, and where he stUl ministers. During Mr. Lombard's pas- torate the handsome and pleasant parish building known as Unity Hall was built, and was dedicated June 11, 1885, with interesting services. Mr. Lombard's pastorate was eminently successful, and when he resigned it was deeply regreted, not only by his own church, but by the towns- people generally. Rev. Charles E. Perkins, the third pastor, was born in La Porte. Ind., June 12, 1853. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Maumee City, Ohio, from the High School of which he graduated in 1867. He was for a time clerk in a dry goods store in Oswego, N. Y., and for eleven years was employed in the office of the Kingsford Starch Works of that city, which position he resigned to take the pastorate of the Universalist Churches in Clifton Springs and Geneva, N. Y., where he remained three years, resigning in May, 1888 to accept the call extended to him by the Second Unitarian Church of Athol. He was installed on the 29th of June of that year, the installation sermon being preached by Rev. Edward Everett Hale, D. D. He resigned the last of April, 1892, and in May went to Iowa City, Iowa, as pas- tor of the Unitarian church of that city During the summer of 1892, Walter Eustace Lane, of Saco, Maine, preached as a candidate on several occa- sions, with such general satisfaction that in September he was given a unanimous call to become pastor of the church, and was ordained and installed Nov. 17, 1892, Rev. Francis B. Hornbrooke, of Newton, preaching the sermon. Rev. Walter Eustace Lane, the present pastor CHURCHES. 77 of the Second Unitarian Society, was born in Gloucester, Mass., Sept. 6, 1866. His home, since he was six years of age, has been in Saco, Maine, where his parents now reside. In his early, school life he conceived a desire to enter the ministry, but circumstances forced him to en- gage in journalistic labors, instead of fulfilling his plan of taking a university course. During several years of newspaper work he furthered his prospects and prepara- tions for the ministry, and in 1888 the way opened for him to enter the Meadville, Pennsylvania Theological school where he took a four years course graduating in the summer of 1892. His energy, enthusiasm and devotion have made him popular as a preacher and in the social life of the church. The cost of the church property owned by this society, including the church edifice, Unity Hall and the parson- age has been about $23,000. A Sunday school was organized June 23rd, r877, with Mr Lucien Lord as superintendent, who has contin- ued to serve in that capacity to the present time. The annual fair, held by the ladies of this society, has become one of the social events of the year and the average net receipts of these fairs during the last twelve years has been over $500. ST. John's episcopal church. According to Whitney, the historian, there was one family of Episcopalians in Athol in 1793, but we have no record of religious services being held by this denomina- tion prior to June 1864, at which time the Rev. P. Voorhees Finch, now of Greenfield, ofiiciated. The meet- 78 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. ings were then held in the Town Hall where E.ev. Dr. Huntington and others continued to hold occasional ser- vices up to the time of the formation of the parish. On September 3, 1866, St. John's Parish was organized and on the third of December following was incorporated. Rev. James D. Eeid was at once chosen as rector of the new parish, but after laboring for about a year he removed from town and for several years thereafter few services were held. In the autumn of 1881, however, Rev. J. S. Beers was elected diocesan missionary and under his faithful labors interest in the work of this organization was revived and prospered and in December, 1888 a suc- cessful effort was made to reorganize the parish. Regular meetings were held in the To\\ti Hall imtil March of the following year, when Temple of Honor Hall was secured where the meetings continued to be held. On March 10, 1889 a Sunday school was established and March 18, a call was extended to Rev. C. J. Shrimpton of Ridgeway Pa., to become the rector of the parish. The call was ac- cepted and on the 7th of April following Mr. Shrimpton began his labors. At that time there were about sixty communicants, and the pressing need of a suitable house of public worship was so apparent and the desire for a permanent church home so generally felt that steps were immediately taken to secure an eligible site for a church edifice. The house and lot of HoUon Farr on the corner of Park Avenue and School Street and extending to Allen Street was purchased, and in June 1890 ground was broken, and the erection of a building begun, the corner stone of CHURCHES. 79 which was laid June with appropriate and interesting exercises. It is a unique structure the interior of which is tastily and beautifully arranged and furnished ; the cost of the buUding was $3,500, and it was first occupied on Sun- day, Oct. 5, 1890. The church was consecrated Oct. 22, 1891 by Rt. Eev. Phillips Brooks, and was one of his first oflacial acts after assuming the duties of Bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts. The present number of communicants is seventy. Rev. C. J. Shrimpton, the present rector, was born in Montreal, in 1835. He was educated in Woodstock Institute, Woodstock, Canada, and was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1861, serving churches at Stratford, Canada, and at StUlwater and Ithaca, N. Y. He was ordained a priest of the Protestant Episcopal church, at Fayetteville, N. Y., in 1878, and was in charge of parishes in Galesburg, 111., and at Ridgeway, Pa., until coming to Athol in April 1889. SECOND ADVENT CHURCH. Those who have given historical sketches of the churches existing in Athol at the time of the great MUlerite excitement which swept over the country in 1842 and '43 allude to its eff'ect upon their societies. Rev. S. F. Clarke in his Centennial discourse of 1850 says, "the two most remarkable excitements experienced in town were those which were felt more or less over a large portion of our country, and which were very similar in their nature, — - the one known here, in popular phrase, as the "Foote," the other as the "Miller" excitement. Upon either of these we forbear comment, or even an attempt at descrip- 80 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. tion. We would be charitable in our judgment, especially of the latter." Rev. D. H. Stoddard in his history of the Baptist Church delivered in 1873 says, "The vagaries of Millerism also brought discord and division to this church as to many others. At one time fifteen members having been led to believe that the church as it then existed w^as Anti-Christ, went out from the church." And Rev. H. A. Blake in his historical address of the Evangelical Congre- gational church delivered on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary in 1880 said, regarding the converts of Evan- gelist Foote, "Some were intemperate, some altogether indifferent and many were drawn into the excitement and error of the Adventist movement of 1843." Evidently there was a great searching and shaking up in the churches while the agitation attending this movement was in progress. In 1842 the Millerites, as they were called, held largely attended camp meetings in a grove not far from the south end of Pleasant Street, and these meetings were kept up for years by a few of the faithful who accepted these doctrines. These faithful few on May 17, 1863, effected a church organization with twenty-eight members. This first church roll contains the following names: Addison Cutting, Daniel EUinwood, J . F. Sawtell, Geo. A. Streeter, Ensign K. Marsh, LaRoy EUinwood, J. F. Crawford, Daniel W. EUinwood, Henry W. Stratton, Persis F. Cuttmg, Jane Sawtell, Caroline Stratton, Mary E. Streeter Hannah Stratton, Lydia W. KendaU, Hannah Whitman, Lutherea Weaver. Fannie M. Stratton, Sarah T. EUin- CHURCHES. 81 wood, Hannah Ellinwood, Sarah R. Stratton, Martha J. Crawford, Anna E. Kendall, Sarah Hager, Lydia Co^ok, Diantha Stockwell, Wealthy J. Stockwell, Laura M. Stratton. Meetings were at first held in the school house, near the Drury farm, on the Petersham road, and in 1870 the hall of the engine house at the Upper Village was engaged and services were held there until 1872. In January of that year the church was reorganized with 54 members a tract of land was purchased on Main Street, nearly opposite the Town Hall, and during the year 1873 the present neat church building was erected at an ex- pense of about $3000. Soon after the new church was occupied Rev. Roland D. Grant became the pastor and served the society from Jan. 5. 1876 to Nov. 1, 1876. Mr. Grant has since become one of the most eminent Baptist preachers of the state, serving churches at Beverly and Boston and is now pastor of a church in Portland, Oregon, with a salary of $4000. Dr. James Hemenway, who has been the acting pastor of the church most of the time since its organization, was born in Framingham in 1823, and began to work in a mill in that town when only seven years old. He educated himself outside of working hours and rose to the position of overseer. He removed to Concord in 1840 and became superintendent of the woolen department of Damon's factory which position he held until 1844, when he was converted and soon began travelling as an independent evangelist. He was ordained in 1859 by the Rhode Island Advent Christian Conference, serving societies in Danielsonville, Conn., Dover, Me., and other places, and came to Athol in 1864. 82 ATHOL, PAST AND PRKSENT. Mr. Hemenway has practised dentistry much of the time since he has resided in Athol, and at one time had a Boston office in connection with his Athol office. He was or nearly four years business agent and treasurer of the Advent Publication Society, and largely increased its bus- iness during his connection with it. He has also devoted much time to a study of the pyramids of Egypt, upon which he has lectured successfully in many places. Dr. Hemen- way has been for several years president of the Advent Camp Meeting Association at Springfield, and is one of the leading men of his denomination. He has been active in temperance and other reformatory work, and was the can- didate of the Prohibition party for Representative to the Legislature in 1893. ST. Catherine's catholic church. ■ Previous to 1850 the Catholics of Athol had no reg- ular services, but were visited occasionally by priests from different places. After this time Rev. M. W. Gibson, of Worcester, held services here, and in 1853 purchased the old Baptist Church in the Upper Village, which was the church home of this denomination for thirty years. In 1855 Rev. Father Turpin, of Fitchburg, took charge of Athol as a mission. About 1862 Otter River in Temple- ton became a parish, and Athol and Orange were attached to it. For several years Rev. Father Bannon, the resident pastor of Otter River, visited Athol monthly and held services. Following hira were Rev's. William Orr, two by the name of McManas, R. J. Donovan and Robert Welch. Rev. Joseph Coyne for several years held services three times each month, until 1882, when Athol became a CHURCHES. h?1 parisli, and Rev. E. F. Martin was appointed as the first resident pastor. Eev. Edward F. Martin was born in Barre, Mass., in 1844. His eariy life was spent in Worcester. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in the United States Navy, and served on board the "Cannndaigua" and "Miami," and was captured at Fort Temple, Sept. 8, 1863. He spent fourteen months in Andersonville and other Southern prisons, and was discharged from the service in 1865. He soon after took up college studies at St. Charles, Maryland, and was ordained at St. Joseph's Sem- inary, Troy, N. Y. He was first stationed at Lee and Adams, in this state, as assistant, and was appointed pastor of St. Catherine's Parish in 1882. The old church build- ing soon proved too small to accommodate the Society, and meeting swere held for a time in the Town Hall. In 1883 the valuable real estate known as Drury's Grove, contain- ing about four acres, and situated between the villages, was purchased, and in 1884 a commodious basement was built and roofed over where the church services have since been held. The next year a fine parochial residence was erected. The Society numbers about nine hundred souls. In addition to ministering to this large number. Father Martin also holds services every Sunday at Orange, which is attached to the Athol Parish. CHAPTER VI. ATHOL TN THE REVOLUTION. "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." HE ANNALS of the town leave no doubt as to the patriotism of Athol in the dark days of the Revolution, and the records of the frequent town meetings held through the years of the war bear testimony that the town was not behind her sister towns in resisting the oppres- sion and tyranny of Great Britian, and in furnishing food and clothing for the suffering armies of freedom, while the families of her citizens who were taking part in the great struggle for liberty were kindly cared for. As early as May, 1770 a vote was passed granting "six pounds to pro- vide a stock of ammunition for the town." When the news of the order for closing the port of Boston was re- ceived, we find the men of Athol gathering at a full meet- ing of the Freeholders and other inhabitants of the Town July 7, 1774, with Deacon Aaron Smith as Moderator, and ATHOL IN THE REVOLUTION. 85 unanimously agreeing to enter into a '■'•League or Covenant binding ourselves to renounce the use and consumption of all goods that shall arrive in America from Great Britain from and after the last day of August next ensuing, until the act for blocking up the Harbor of Boston shall be repealed and us restored to the free use and enjoyment of our national and charter rights, < or until other measures shall be adopted by the body of the people or the General Congress of the Colonies that are soon to meet shall be thought more likely to afford deUverance." A Committee of Correspondence was also chosen consisting of Dea. Aaron Smith, Wm. Bigelow, Josiah Goddard, Capt. John Haven, Ephraim Stockwell, James Oliver, Abner Graves, James Stratton, Jr. and Daniel Lamson, to correspond with similar committees in other towns ot the Province. At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabit- ants of the town duly assembled and convened, on the 25th of August following, seven patriotic resolutions were unanimously passed. The 1st. of these resolutions points to a closer and firmer bond of union between the colonies. The 2d. acknowledges the loyalty of the people to King George the Third, so long as he shall rule and govern agreeable to the English constitution and our chartered rights, but no longer. The 3d. condemns the blockade and plunder of Bos- ton. The 4th. complains of the injustice involved in the practical repeal of the charters of the colonies. The 5th. is a pledge of resistance to the unjust meas- ures pursued by the British Government. 86 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. The 6th. signifies their approbation of a County meet- ing that is to be held at Worcester, and appoints William Bigelow and Daniel Lamson to attend said meeting. The 7th. is as follows: "Resolved, that if any persoa shall accept any commission or post of office to serve under the new establishment, he ought to be looked upon and treated as an enemy to his country; as he, thereby, is joining with, and lending a helping hand to those who are endea- voring to enslave us." Such were the sentiments of the men of Athol in the days of the Revolution. The votes passed at the various town meetings show that the voters of Athol were determined that as far as they were concerned, the rights of freemen should be pro- tected at any cost. At a town meeting held on the 29th of September 1774 it was voted "to enlist thirty men exclusive of officers to send in case of alarm," and also "to have two companies of militia in town," one on each side of the river. At the same meeting William Bigelow was chosen a delegate to attend and represent the town "in the Provincial Congress to be hoi den at Concord on the second Tuesday of October" ensuing. He was also chosen as a delegate to attend at Cambridge and "join with the Provincial Congress at their first sessions if the Continental Congress breaks up and the members that went from this province return home." Jan. 11, 1775, the town voted "that we do approve of and wUl adopt the non importation agreement recommend- ed by the Continental Congress." And on March 6, 1775 the last town meeting is warned in his Majesties name. On the 15th of the following June it is voted to raise a Minute Company consisting of 25 men commissioned offi- ATHOL IN THE REVOLUTION. 87 / cers included. Who were these minute men? Geo. Wm. Curtis in his address at the Centennial anniversary of the battles of Concord and Lexington most truly describes them : "The minute man of the American Revolution, who was he 1 He was the husband and father who, bred to love liberty, and to know that lawful liberty is the sole guaranty of peace and progress, left the plow in the furrow and the hammer on the bench, and kissing wife and child- ren marched to die or to be free. He was the son and lover, the plain shy youth of the singing school and the village choir, whose heart beat to arms with his country, and who felt, though he could not say, with the old English cavalier : •'I could not love thee, deare, so much, Loved I not honor more." When the decisive moment came and "the shot heard round the world" was fired, the minute men of Athol were ready to respond to the Lexington alarm, and among the musty old records preserved at the State House in Boston, we find their names recorded on "X Muster Roll of ye Comp. that marched on ye 19th of April under ye com- mand of Capt. Ichabod Dexter in Col. Doolittles Regt. Ichabod Dexter, captain, Benja. Death, " ;) Ephraim Stockwell, lieutenant, vJ Abner Morton, " ^ Abner Graves, lieutenant, U»o'')^-i Joshua Mortpn, " -i Thomas Lord, sergeant, (Jj^-^ -i Moses Ball, " / Simon Goddard, sergeant, J Isaac Ball, " Caleb Smith, sergeant, -^ Jonathan Train, " y Asa Smith, corporal, «-< j' —• — John Dike, " ; John StockweU, corporal, ,i Bamble Woods, " v| Joseph Cummings, corporal, \ Zebulon Stratton," ,i Ezra Hudson, private, i Joseph Fay, " \Kobbart Young, " \ Ebenz. Goddard, " 88 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. ^' Samuel Young, " Jleuben Graves, " ^-i Wmiam Young, " , Samuel Hall, " Benja Townsing," -4 Jonathan Biglo, " Robbai-t Oliver, " J Asa Hartuess, " Most of these were in service 13 days and their travel was 160 miles. Ichabod Dexter, Athol's first captain in the Revolu- tion, who led the minute men in the Lexington Alarm, was a son of Samuel Dexter, who is supposed to have come to Athol in 1736 and settled on what was called West Hill, irij the vicinity of the old fort. Samuel was a son of Benjamin Dexter who was born in Rochester, Mass. in 1670 ^nd married Sarah Arnold, daughter of Rev. Samuel Arnold the hrst minister of Rochester, and was a descend- ent of Thomas Dexter who came from England in 1630, being one of the 1500 that came with Winthrop. ^chabod was a young blacksmith and according to trachtion was in the French and Indian war, and was at the taking of old Fort Ticonderoga when all the men in line, on both sides of him were shot down and his clothes wejfe riddled with bullets, but none happened to draw blood. He and his brother Samuel were also out as scouts at one time, and were taken prisoners by the Indians, who started with them for Canada, but as they were camped one night the brothers woke up and finding thfeir captors were all asleep they sent the whole company to the happy hunting grounds, and started through the wilderness for Athol, which they barely lived to reach, being obliged to kill and eat their dog which was vsdth them. He was one of the early Selectmen of Athol and held other town offi- ces. Sometime before 1781 he moved to Hardwick, for ATHOL IN THE REVOLUTION. 89 according to the records of that town he was one of the Selectmen of Hardwick in 1781, 1782 and 1785 and re- presented that town in the General Court in 1782 and 1783. He was an active promoter of Shay's Rebellion in 1786 and his name with Samuel Dexter was among a list which the Sheriff of Worcester County in a letter to the Governor says are "the names of a number of their princi- pal leaders and commanders," but he afterwards made his peace with the Government. He died of apoplexy Feb. 13, 1797, being at the time of his death 59 years, 7 months and 19 days of age. On the settlement of his estate in April 1798, shares were allotted to seven children. After returning from the Lexington Alarm it seems that Capt. Dexter soon led another company to the field, for we find a muster roll of a company under command of Capt. Ichabod Dexter in Col. B. Ruggles Woodbridge Regt, to Aug. 1, 1775, most of whom enlisted the last days of April or first of May. On the roll appear the names of seven who were in the first company that marcbed, whUe eighteen new recruits appear. Another Athol captain was Capt. Thomas Lord, who was Sergeant in the first company that marched and was afterwards captain in several different companies. "A Continental Pay Roll of Capt. Thomas Lord's company in Col. Nathan Sparhawk's Regt., of Militia from Athol in State of Mass. Bay to Bennington including the time to return" contains the names of thirty-one men including the Captain. This company enlisted Aug 21, 1777, and was discharged Aug. 26, 1777. Their distance from home was 96 miles, and the time of service including time to return, ten days. 90 ATHOL, PAST ADD PRESENT. Another continental pay roll of Capt. Thomas Lord's company in Col. Job Cushing's Regiment of Militia from the state of Mass. Bay, including the time to return home, contained the names of forty-five men, most of whom marched a distance of 220 miles from home, and were ten or eleven days in service. The name of John Oliver also appears on some of the muster rolls at the State House as an A.thol captain. A statement in the town records of llll shows that Athol had furnished soldiers who were distributed throughout the Continental army, at Cambridge, Roxbury, Dorchester, Nantastick, York, Ticonderoga, Tarrytown, the Jerseys, Rhode Island, Bennington, Saratoga and Fort Edward. There is preserved in the Sprague family an interest- ing relic in the shape of an ancient document which con- tains the marching orders sent to an Athol captain : "To Capt. Eph'm Stockwell: Sir: — By virtue of an express from Genr'l Warren in which i am Directed to detach Every Sixtli man out of my Regiment to go to the releaf of our Distressed Breatheren to the westward. I do Hereby Di- rect and Order you forth-with with-out the Least Delay and with the utmost Despatch to Detach Every Sixth man out of the Training Band and alarm List of your Company for the purpose affores'd and See that they are acquipt according to Law with armes, ammunition, also with Kittles and Cooking utejisils. The Selectmen are Directed to acqnip those that are not acquiped, you are also to detach one Corporal. And when you have so Done you are to march them to Petersham on Mon- day the twenty-eighth day of this Instant July to meet on the Paraid near the Meeting House in said Town at nine o'clock in the forenoon, you are also to take the command of the men Detached from captains Nye. Henery and Lord's Companey's Together with your own Detach- ment. And from sd Petersham you are to make your Route By the way of Bennington, where you are to receive further orders from Colo- Cushing, you are to Return me a List of the names of those men De- tached from your Company Immediately. Barre, July 26th, 1777. NATHAN SPARHAWK, Col." ATHOL IN THE REVOLUTION. 91 This company was in the battle of Bennington and afterwards captured, in New Jersey, a British detachment one less in number without firing a shot. In the terrible conflict of White Plains two of its men were killed who bore the Athol names of Morse and Goddard. The first pastor of Athol, Eev. James Humphrey, has left this rec- ord respecting them, "Mr. Earl Cutting, their townsman and messmate, was between them when they fell." Tra- dition adds that one of them when wounded, leaped over a fence arid died without uttering a word. Preserved ia the archives of the State House at Bos- ton on the various muster rolls and continental pay rolls of companies and regiments we find the names of 156 Athol men who served in the Continental Army at some time from 1775 to the close of the war. Capt. Thomas Lord, Capt. Ichabod Dexter, " John Oliver, Lieut. Abner Graves, " Zebediah Allen, Sergt. Caleb Smitli, " Ezra Hudson, " Martin Morton, " Ebenezer Goddard, " Geo. Cutting, " 'William Smith, Corp. Asa Smith, " Joseph Morse, " Samuel Hara, " John Stone, " Francis Smith, " Ithamer Bowker, Drummer Jesse Stockwell, Fif er Moses Goddai'd, Nathaniel Ara, Isaac Sail, Noah Bates, " Ephraim Stockwell, Lieut. Benj. Townsend, Sergt. Simon Goddard, " Steven Stratton, " Joseph Cummings, " Joseph Buckman, " John Humphrey, " David Oliver, " Aaron Smith, Corp. John Stockwell, " Eobert Young, " Benjamin Death, " Nahum Fairbanks, " Wm. Braimond, " James Wilson, Drummer Isacher Bates, Fiter Simeon Prosson, Moses Ball, Aaron Ball, Theodor Bates, 92 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Uri Babbitt, Joshua Bea] Eeuben Buckman, Daniel Bushnell, Lucas Carlton, Ephraim Cady, Stephen Crosby, Samuel Cutting-, Wm. Cutting, David Copeland, Joshua Davis, John Dike, Benjamin Fairbanks, Philemon Fairbanks, Jason Fisk, James Fletcher, Ebenezer Goddard, Jr., Stephen Goodell, Eeuben Graves, Asa Hartness, Lucas Hilton, Daniel How, Moses Huckans. Elhathan Jacobs, Eli Jacobs, Jonathan Johnson, Jonathan Kelton, Samuel Kendall, Joseph Knights, William Lord James Lucas, Joshua Morton, Silas Marble, Aaron Marble, Daniel Mayson, Moses Mixture, John Muuro, Abraham Nutt, Aaron Oliver, Joseph Parker, David Peri-y, Nathaniel Babbitt, Jotham Biglo, Samuel Bradish, Jabez Carter, belonged to Eeading-, but enlisted for Athol. Ephraim Cheney, Wm. Crosby, Earl Cutting, Isaac Commings, Jonathan Childs, Jotham Death, Benjamin Dollbear, John Fairbanks, Joseph Fay, Jonathan Fletcher, Bartholomew French, David Goddai-d, Timothy Goodell, Samuel Hale, Edward Hamon, Wm. Holman, Jacob Huckans, Seth Hutson John Jacobs, Whitman Jacobs John Kelton, Lucas Kelton, Timothy Kendall, William Lewis, Eobert Love, Abner Morton, Eichard Morton, Moses Marble, John Mansur, Josiah Moor, Sam Mixture, Asa Buckman, Eobbart Oliver, Daniel Parling Eben Parsons, Nathaniel Powers ATHOL m THE teJSVOLtmoK. 93 Benj. Pressoii, Peter Thompson, Seth Rider, Enos Twichell, Zacheus Rich, Josiah Wait, Daniel Rice, Peleg "Watson, ■Jotham Rice, Nicholas Watson, teilfus Richardson, Sam Watson, Benj. Russell, Ichabod Warner, Luke Robbins, Abel White, Solomon Smith, Eben Williams, bayid Smith, Jacob Winslow, ■ Eben Stratton, L/evi Witt, Peleg Stratton, Kimble Woods, Zebulon Stratton, Jonathan Wood, Thomas Stow, Samuel Young, Ruf us Taylor, William Young, Isaac Train, David Youngs Jonathan Train, When we consider that the entire population of Athol during the Revolution did not exceed nine hundred, we can form some idea of what the people of this town were called upon to do, when almost the entire able bodied male population of the little town must have been in the service at some time during the war. We have no means of ascertaining how many of these soldiers were killed in battle, or died from disease brought on by the hardships and perils encountered, or the feats of valor or heroism they may have performed ; it would be interesting to know something more of their lives, but the records of both town and state show that Athol was ever ready with a noble spirit of self sacrifice to contribute of her sons and money most liberally for the cause of free dom. The following are some of the votes passed by the town during the war: 94 Afaoh, -PAsr Anv ttcESEm', July 24, 1776, voted "to grant six pounds to eacli man who should enlist into the colony service to go to Canada." March 10, 1777, "voted to raise thirty pounds to provide a town stock of ammunition." April 29 of the same year, voted to pay twenty-four pounds to each man who "shall enlist himself into the Continental army for three years or during the war," and the selectmen were directed to borrow the money. June 6, six pounds were granted in addition to the above to each man so enlisting. Dec 2, 1777, it was "voted to raise 1128 pounds 16 shil- lings to pay the extraordinary charges of the war." At a town meeting held April 9, 1778, a committee consisting of John Haven, Aaron Smith and Jesse Kindal were chosen to supply the Continental soldiers' families with the necessaries of life, according to the act of contract. June 16, 1778, voted "to raise 125 pounds 11 shillings, to pay for tbe Continental clothing and for transporting the same to the army." July 15, "voted to raise 1583 pounds, three shillings and eight pence to pay those men that have done service in the war for the town of Athol." June 28, 1779, voted "to give 500 pounds for each man that will engage in the nine months Continental service." Voted "to allow 170 pounds for any man that will engage in the six month's service to Providence Plantation," October 27, 1780, voted to allow 7,650 pounds to Oliver Holman, for beef procured by him, as agent for the town, for the army. CHAPTER VII. WAU OP 1812 AOT) POLITICAL HISTOKY. *' A weapon that comes down as still As snowflakes fall Upon the sod, But executes a Freeman's will As lightning does the will of God, And from, its force, nor doors nor locks Can shield you^ — "'tis the hallot-box.'' HE WAR of 1812 was most strenuously opposed by the people of Ath.ol, and the significant language of the various petitions which they addressed to the President of the United States and the State Legislature show the intense feel ing that prevailed and that they were in earnest. The first action taken by the town was at a town meeting held August 31, 1808, when it was voted to petition the Pres- ident of the United States to repeal the laws laying an embargo. The following were chosen a committee to prepare the petition: James Oliver, Elijah Goddard, Joseph Pierce, James Humphrey and Joseph Proctor. The following petition was read and unanimously adopted : 96 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. "To THE President op the United States: The inhabitants of the Town of AthoJ in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts in legal town meeting assembled, beg leave respectfully and unanimously to represent that although the evils resulting from the late embargo laws may not be so immediately and sensibly felt by inland towns as by our seaports, and although the farmer may not at present sO' much as the merchant feel their deliterious efiects, yet they are consid- ered of suiiicient magnitude to create a general alarm and distress in this interior part of the country, and that the riyn of the husbandman will soon follow that of the merchant unless said evils can speedily be removed. We therefore pray that said laws may be suspended as soon as may be consistent with the nature and fitness of things, and as in duty bound will ever pray." This petition not having the desired effect, the fol- lowing winter a town meeting is called to take action on the subject, when the doctrine of state sovereignty and resistance to national control is advocated in a most emphatic and unequivocal manner. The records of this town meeting are most interesting and read as follows : "The inhabitants of the Town of Athol in legal town meeting oii Wednesday, the 16th day of February, 1809, assembled for the purpose of taking into consideration the late measures of our National Admin- istration affecting our Navigation and Commerce, voted to choose a committee to draft an address to our State Legislature upon the subject aforesaid and the following gentlemen were chosen, viz: James Olivei- Joseph Pierce, James Humphrey, "William Young and Joseph Proctor. Adjourned half an hour at the expiration of which time said inhabitants met agreeably to adjournment and their committee reported as follows: "That whereas civil liberty and the pursuit of happiness are considered by us as inalienable rights, and no less essential to the good and well be- ing of Political Society than publick authority, therefore : Eesolved that we will never surrender these Rights but with the surrender of our lives and as the late measures of our national administration by which our commerce is well nigh destroyed, the right of Trial by Jury in many instances taken away, the civil authority subjected to the military, standing armies distributed over our peaceful land and the right of property left unprotected, are in our opinion, partial, unjust, inexpedient and unconstitutional, the opinion of any earthly judge to the contrary POLITICAI- HISTORY. 97 . notwithstanding, therefore : Resolved that we are not bound to support and we will not support such measures: Resolved that we will con- tribute all in our power to aid and support our State Legislature by all proper means, in opposing such oppresive measures hoping and earnestly requesting that Honorable Body not to quit their posts until they shall have asserted the Sovereignity and Independence of this State and secured to its citizens their wonted privileges. James Oliver, Chairman." William Young and Abnev Twichell entered their verbal protest against said report. Political History. It was in 1776 that the first step was taken toward the formation of a State Constitution, when the Legislature recommended to the people that they choose deputies to that body authorized to fix a form of government. The plan or form of government for this state as agreed upon by the convention held Feb. 28, 1778 and submitted to the people was rejected by a large majority, because no declaration of rights was attached to it. That it was not satisfactory to the citizens of Athol is evident by the action of the town meeting at which it was presented, when one hundred and one voters, voted not to accept it, and a committee of nine were chosen "to take into consideration and point out what amendments they think proper on the said form of government and report to the town." In January, 1780, the existing Constitution was formed and submitted to the people who ratified it by a vote of more than two to one. A declaration of the Constitution was that "all men are born equal," and under this provision it was decided by the Supreme Court of the State that slavery was abolished. At the first state election under the Constitution Sept. 4, 1 780, Athol's vote for governor was, John Hancock 39, and for lieutenant 98 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. governor, James Warren 19. In 1790 Athol's vote for governor was, John Hancock 29, Hon. James Bowdoin 9, and Hon. Nathaniel Gorham 6. In 1794 when the immortal Samuel Adams was chosen governor Athol did not cast a single vote for him, the vote for governor that year being Wm. Gushing 22, Samuel Phillips 17 and Francis Dana 12. The insurrectionary movement known as the Shay's Eebellion which had its greatest following in the interior and western parts of the state does not seem to have been looked upon by the citizens of Athol with much favor. This is clearly shown in the action of Athol in the conven- tion held at Boston in 1787 for the purpose of considering the proposed National Constitution, when the entire northern part of Worcester County with the exception of Athol voted against its adoption, assigning as a principal reason that too many of the rights of the citizens were not well guarded. As a general rule those towns and indivdi- uals who favored the Shays movement, opposed the Constitution, from the fear that there would be too much power in the central government. It is interesting to note the part Athol has taken in the various political movements that have agitated the state and nation. At the first presidential election held Dec. 18, 1788, Abel Wilder Esq., and John Sprague, Esq., each received forty votes as candidates for electors of the president and vice president of the United States. A large majority of the voters of Athol were Federalists all through the early years of the century, and in 1800 when Caleb Strong, the renowned Federalist, who held the ATHOL IN THE REVOLUTION. 99 office of governor longer than it was held by any other man, and is said to have been the man of the most decided character that has ever been at the head of the state, Athol's vote for governor was Hon. Caleb Strong 75 votes, and Hon. Elbridge Gerry 10. Governor Strong was defeated in 1808 by James Sullivan, a democrat. The Federalists regained power again in 1809, when Christopher Gore was chosen governor, but in 1810 the Democrats were again successful, making Elbridge Gerry governor and re-electing him in 1811. All through these changes Athol was steadfast to the federalist cause, and in 1812 when a most vigorous and successful eff'ort was made to "redeem" the state from the democrats, and Hon. Caleb Strong was again their leader, Athol rolled up her largest vote when Hon. Caleb Strong received 169 votes for governor and Hon. Elbridge Gerry 27. In 1829 the voters of Athol and other towns in this section of the state were unusually agitated over the rail- road question and broke away from all party allegiance. This was known as the anti-railroad election. Governor Lincoln who was in favor of a railroad line from Boston through Worcester and the southern part of the state to Albany was opposed by Hon. Samuel C. Allen of Greenfield, who was supported for governor by many of the towns in the northern part of the state. In 1828 Lincoln had received 66 votes in Athol against 26 for Hon. Marcus Morton, but at the election of 1828 Governor Lincoln received only two votes, Hon. Samuel Allen 142 and Marcus Morton seven. The following year Athol's vote was reversed, Allen receiving but two. Morton 41 and Lincoln 59. ]00 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT, During the ascendency of the Whig party in Massachu- setts, Athol was a Whig town, and in the famous Log Cabin campaign of 1840 when the great victory of "Tip- pecanoe and Tyler too" was achieved, cast 233 votes for the Whig electors, 79 for the Democratic and 11 for the free Soilers. In the great political overturn in 1854 when the new American or Know Nothing party elected Henry J. Gardner as Governor and buried the old Whig party in Massachusetts so deep that it has never had a resurrection, Athol went overwhfelmingly in favor of the new party, the vote for Governor being Henry J. Gardner 200, Emory Washburn 67, Henry Wilson 13 and Henry W. Bishop 20. The year before, Emory Washburn, the last of the Whig governors, received 146 votes, Henry Wilson 122 and Henry W. Bishop 63, but the Know Nothing candi- date for representative to the Legislature, Josiah Haven, was elected after an exciting contest of two days, receiving on the last ballot but two votes more than the number necessary for election, it requiring a majority vote to elect at that time which rendered the representative contests, especially, very exciting. From the formation of the Eepublican party in 1855 to the present time the vote of Athol, with a few excep- tions, has been given to the candidates of that party for national and state officers. The state campaign of 1860 was a tremendous struggle, and the coming war loomed up on the political horizon. The Republican state con- vention had nominated John A. Andrew for governor, and against him was pitted Erasmus D. Beach, the old Dem- POLITICAL HISTORY. 101 ocratic war horse, the candidate of the Douglas faction of his party. Amos A. Lawrence was the nominee of the conservatives and Benjamin F. Butler of the Breckinridge, or ultra wing of the Democratic party. In this memorable election Athol gave the Republican presidential electors 347 votes, and all others 55. The vote for governor was John A. Andrew 338, Erasmus D. Beach 31, Amos A. Lawrence 13 and Benjamin F. Butler 10. Seldom have political campaigns been fought that created such excitement and interest as always attended the State campaigns when Gen. Benjamin F. Butler was a candidate for Governor of Massachusetts. The very air seemed surcharged with political electricity, and it was said regarding Athol in those days, "that the politics of each child can be ascertained, even before the time of teething is gone by, for men, women and children talk politics." The vote of Athol for Governor in those mem- orable campaigns, was as follows: In 1878, Thomas Tal- bot 419, Benjamin F. Butler 407, Alonzo A. Miner 9. 1879, John D. Long 431, Benjamin F. Butler 428, John Q. Adams 4, Daniel C. Eddy 1. 1882, Benjamin F. Butler 422, Eobert E. Bishop 409, Charles Almy 1. 1883, Geo. D. Eobinson 549, Benjamin F. Butler 537, John F. Arnold 4, Charles Almy 4, John Q. Adams 1. Some of the caucus gatherings held here, have at- tracted more than local interest. When Butler made his first attempt to secure the republican nomination for Gov- ernor in 1871, the Athol republicans engaged in a most exciting contest for the election of delegates to the State Convention. The caucus that was called to meet at the 102 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT, Town Hall organized, and immediately after, the Wash- burn men, fearing that the caucus might be carried for Butler, adjourned to the High school building, where the officers of the caucus, with many others repaired. Dele- gates to the State Convention at Worcester were chosen at both places, the school house delegates being for Wm. B. Washburn, and the town hall delegates for Butler. Both delegations went to Worcester, and the Butler dele- gates were admitted to the convention, on the ground that they met at the place at which the caucus was called. The Butler delegates were Col. George H. Hoyt, A. M. Sawyer and Kev. C. L. McCurdy, then pastor of the Meth- odist church. The unsuccessful delegates were Dr. J. P. Lynde, Ozi Kendall and Hon. Charles Field. Representatives. Athol was represented in the vari- ous Provincial Congresses as follows : William Bigelow was chosen to attend the Congress, to be holden at Con- cord, on the second Tuesday of October, 1774, and was also chosen as delegate to the Congress held at Cambridge Nov. 23, 1774. John Haven was chosen to represent the town in a Provincial Congress held at Watertown, May 31, 1775. The first mention of a Representative to the Great and General Court, is in 1775, when Capt. John Haven is elected. The following are the Representatives since that time: Josiah Goddard, 1792, '95, '96, '98, '99, 1800; Lieut. Eleazer Graves, 1802, '04, '05, '17 ; James Humphrey, 1806, '09, '10, '11, '12, '13, '16, '21, '23, '25 ; Samuel Young, 1808; James Oliver, 1814, '15; Joseph Proctor, 1819 ; Dr. Ebenezer Chaplin, 1827, '29; Col. Sam- POLmCAl HISTORY. 103 uel Sweetzer, 1830, '44, '46 ; Eliphalet Thorpe, 1832 ; Col. Nathan Nickerson, 1833 ; Benjamin Estabrook, 1835, '36, '52. In 1837, two representatives were sent, Benja- min Estabrook and James Young, and in 18S8, Benjamin Estabrook and Abner Young; Theodore Jones, 1840, '43, '45 ; John W. Humphrey, 1841, '42 ; Nathaniel Richardson, 1847 ; Lysander Fay, 1848 ; Stillman Simonds, 1850 ;' Ne- hemiah Ward, 1851 ; Josiah Haven, 1854 ; Laban Morse, 1855 ; James I. Goulding, 1856 ; Charles Field, 1857. In 1857, Atholand Royalston were constituted as the Sec- ond Representative District of Worcester County, and re- mained so until 1877, being represented as follows: Isaac Stevens of Athol, 1858, George Whitney of Royalston, 1859, Nathaniel Richardson of Athol, 1860, Elisha F. Brown of Royalston, 1861, Farwell F. Fay of Athol, 1862, Alpheus Harding, Jr., of Athol, 1863, Ebe- nezer W. BuUard of Royalston, 1864, Calvin Kelton of Athol, 1865, Wm. W. Clement of Royalston, 1866, Al- pheus Harding, Jr., of Athol, 1867, Jeremiah A. Rich of Royalston, 1868, Thomas H. Goodspeed of Athol 1869, Benjamin H. Brown of Royalston, 1870, Ozi Keudall of Athol, 1871, Geo. H. Hoyt of Athol, 1872, '73, Jeremiah A. Rich of Royalston, 1874, Edwin Ellis of Athol, 1875, Wm. W. Fish of Athol, 1876. Under the apportionment of 1876, Athol and Roy- alston constituted the Eighth Worcester District, and were represented as foUows; Joseph Walker of Royalston, 1877, J. Sumner Parmenter of Athol 1878, Leander B. Morse of Athol 1879, Russell S. Horton of Athol, 1880, Ira Y. Kendall of Athol, 1881, Henry M. Humphrey of 104 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT'. Athol, 1882, Dr. Frank W. Adams of Royalston, 188^, C.Frederick Richardson of Athol, 1884, Washington H. Amsden of Athol, 1885, Benjamin W. Rich of Royalston, 1886. Under the apportionment of 1886, based on the cen- sus of 1885, the towns of Athol, Royalston and PhUlipston, were constituted the First Representative District of Wor- cester County, and have been represented as follows : Sidney P. Smith of Athol, 1887, '88, John D. Holbrook of Athol, 1889, C. V/aldo Bates of PhilHpston, 1890, Lucien Lord of Athol, 1891, Charles A. Crosman of Athol, 1892, Col. Geo. Whitney of Royalston, 1893, C. Waldo Bates of Phillipston, 1894, Harding R. Barber of Athol, 1895, '96 Athol has been represented in the Senate by James Humphrey in 1817 and '18, Benjamin Estabrook, 1843, Charles Field, 1858, '59, Alpheus Harding, 1879, '80, and Sidney P. Smith, 1891, '92. Lyman W. Hapgood was elected delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1853. Those who have been honored by their political parties as national delegates and electors are : Hon. Chas. Field, who was one of the Republican Presidential electors in 1860, Hon. Alpheus Harding, delegate to the National Republican Convention at Chicago in 1880, and Leander B. Morse, delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Chicago in 1884. CHAPTER VIII. ATHOL IN THE REBELLION. "But these are deeds which should not pass away, And names that must not wither." HE NEWS of the thrilling events that were transpir- ing in the South, during the opening days of the Rebellion, as it came to the people of Athol, fiUed them with amazement and indignation. When the telegraph wires flashed over the country the startling news that the brave sons of Massachusetts had been shot dovni in the streets of Baltimore, the excite- ment was intense, and the patriotic spirit of the days of the Eevolution burned fresh and bright in the sons of Athol, as with enthusiasm they hoisted the stars and stripes from the buUdings and over the streets, and gathered at the spirited meetings that were held in both villages. On the evening of AprU 20th, 1861, at an immense meeting held in the Town Hall, stirring speeches were 106 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. made by the Orthodox and Unitarian clergymen, Isaac Stevens, Esq., Dr. J. P. Lynde, Principal Lathrop of the High School, Hon. Charles Field and others, counciUing prompt and energetic action in support of the government, and to stand by the flag through all dangers and under all circumstances ; sentiments vphich were received with deep and tumultuous applause. A general illumination fol- lowed, of all the dwellings in both villages, making the night Ughter than the day, while the streets were traversed by long processions, headed by the band playing national airs, untU a late hour, and patriotism reigned supreme. Vigorous measures were taken to form and equip a military company, and at a meeting held April 22nd, after brief addresses 26 volunteers, all young, active and brave, stepped forward and subscribed their names to the enlist- ment papers amidst a perfect shower of cheers. The first Athol man to enlist and be mustered into the United States Service was Leander W. Phelps ; vsdth him were fifteen young men who share with him the honor of standing at the head of the long list of Athol soldiers, and of being the first to start for the seat of war. Their names are: David E. BUlings, J. B. Billings, Delevan Hichardson, Hubbard V. Smith, Edward L. Townsend, Charles H. HUl, Charles S. Green, Columbus Fox, William L. Clutterbuck, Horace Hunt, William Nute, Frederic Cummings, John D. Emerson, Thomas Johnson and Aurin B. French. These were assigned to the Second Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, under command of Col. George H. Gordon. Two brothers, John F. Merrill and James L. Merrill' joined the Tenth Eegiment, which left for the seat of war a few days after the Second. Durino- ATHOL IN THE REBELLION. 107 the summer 23 men joined the Twenty-first Regiment, most of whom were coimected with Co. A, which was raised in Templeton, and was imder command of Captain George P. Hawkes. A successful effort was made in Sep- tember to recruit a company in Athol and vicinity, and in ten days from the time the list was opened for recruits, Mr. Adin W. Caswell had raised a fuU company of 101 men, mainly from the citizens of Athol, of which he was made captain. The first day of the annual Cattle Show and Fair of that year, Oct. 4th, 1861, was made memorable as the date of the departure of the company for the encampment at Springfield, when a dinner was given the soldier boys on the Common at Athol ; and the men were addressed from the balcony of the Summit House. Dr. James P. Lynde presided, and with words of encouragement and patriotism addressed the soldiers and immense audience assembled. A sword, sash, etc., were presented to Captain Caswell, Hon. Chas. Field making the presentation address. Capt. CasweU responded, and addresses were made by Hiram Woodward Esq., of Orange ; James Brooks Esq., of Peters- ham ; J. H. Goddard, editor of the " Barre Gazette "; Rev. I. S. Lincoln, of Warwick ; Rev. A. Harding, of New Salem; Calvin Kelton Esq., Chairman o'f the Board of Selectmen ; Rev. Ira Bailey and Rev. John F. Norton of Athol. A patriotic poem, prepared for the occasion, was read by Rev. D. J. MandeU of Athol. At the close of the exercises the company was escorted to the depot by the large assembly, the Athol High School Guard, under com- mand of Principal Lathrop, with fifty mounted men of Athol, and nearly the same number from Royalston, doing 108 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. escort duty. The company left with the cheers and bene- dictions of the assembled multitude, and at Springfield were mustered into the United States Service as Co. B, of the Twenty-seventh Eegiment, Massachusetts Volunteers. On Aug. 4th, 1862, President Lincoln issued an order* for three hundred thousand men to serve for the term of nine months ; the quota of Athol under this caU was sixty- one men. Great enthusiasm was manifested while the enlisting for nine months service was going on, and many offered themselves who could not be accepted on account of physical disabihty. Farwell F. Fay Esq., of Athol, re- cruited this company, and was elected its captain. This company was assigned to the Fifty-third Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and became Co. E of that regiment. They went into camp at Camp Stevens, Groton Junction, Oct. 1st, 1862, and left that place for New York Nov. 30th. Athol had representatives in many other regiments, of this and other states, and always responded promptly to the various caUs, and when the quota of the last call of Dec. 19, 1864, was filled, the Tovpn had a surplus of 28 men to her credit. The whole number furnished by the town was 387, and of this number 50 died in the service, or from diseases contracted in it. Fourteen were killed, or died of wounds received in action. Thirty-four died of various diseases. One was kOled by the cars, and one thrown from a horse. Among the early town meetings after the breaking out of the war, was one held April 30th, 1861, when upon the recommendation of a committee, consisting of C. C. Bassett, Hon. Charles Field, Nathaniel Richardson, Lyman ATHOL m THE REBELLION. 109 W. Hapgood and John Kendall, it was voted " that |5000 be appropriated " for the purpose of encouraging men to volunteer for military service; and that ten dollars per month be given to each unmarried volunteer and twenty dollars to each married volunteer, in addition to the pay insured them by the laws of the United States. And, "if more be necessary to support the families of the married volunteers, the committee is to make up the deficiency." And thus, all through the years of the war, the voters of Athol were ever ready to provide liberally for the sol- diers who were fighting the battles of their country, and for their famUies left at home, and when the war closed, the total amount of expenses of the town and individual citizens had reached the sum of $39,565,62. One of the great war meetings was held at the Town Hall, July 2nd, 1864, when, by special iuAdtation of many citizens, Geo. W. Horr Esq., delivered an address. The poster announcing the meeting called upon the citizens of Athol, both ladies and gentlemen, to meet at the Town HaU on that evening. "To consult together upon the state of the country — to review the heroic past — to act in * the living present — to provide for the uncertain future — to make a united ofiering in aid of our struggling country." The ladies of both villages organized Soldiers' Aid Societies, and all through the war were actively engaged in sending supplies and hospital stores for the comfort and relief of the brave defenders of the country. athol's roll or honor. The following are Athol's soldiers, who died in the service or from diseases contracted in it: 110 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Andrew J. Ames, private, was born at Brattleborty, Vermont;, he enlisted at the age of 18 years in Company K, Twenty-seventh Regiment. He died of congestion of the lungs at Newbern, N. C, April 2nd, 1862, and was buried at Newbern. Thomas G. Barry, private, was bom in Leominster. He enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment; was m the engagement with his regiment at Roanoke Island. While at that Island he took a severe cold and, remaining sick, was discharged September 12, 1862. He returned to Athol, where he died October 18th, 1862, of the disease contracted at Roanoke Island. Warren A. Beaman, private, was bom m MUlbury ; he was drafted in July, 1863, and reported for service, when be was mustered into the Niuth Regiment, August 21, 1863, and joiaed the regiment in Virginia. In May, 1864, he was in the engagements when General Grant moved towards Richmond and is supposed to have been taken prisoner in the battle of the WUderness, or about that time. He was carried to Andersonville, Georgia, and was in other rebel prisons ; was sick of chronic diarrhoea at the time he was paroUed for exchange at Charleston, ,, S. C, in December, 1864. He was brought to AnnapoHs very low, and died there January 2nd, 1865. He left a wife and one child. Harry R. Blackmer was bom in Dana ; enlisted as a private in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment, and joined the regiment in North Carolina in the fall of 1862. He was in the engagements at Kingston, Whitehall, Goldsboro, Gum Swamp, and at the seige of Washington, N. C. In October 1863, he came with his regiment to ATHOL IN THE REBELLION, 111 Newport News, Va., and served with it ia Norfolk and Portsmouth, having been promoted Corporal August 14, 1863. In January, 1864, he was taken with small-pox, of which he died Jan. 28th, at Norfolk, Va. EU Bodet, private, was bom in Canada East ; he en- listed in Company A, Thirty-second Eegiment, and partic- ipated with his regiment in the marches of Porter's Corps in the retreat down the peninsula, and during the campaign ia Maryland supported batteries at the battle of Antietam. He was taken sick with chronic diarrhoea and removed to a hospital in Washington. He was discharged Jan. 22, 1863, and, while being removed to his home, died in New York, Jan. 26, 1863. His remains were brought to Athol, and funeral services held at the Congregational church, Jan. 29, 1863. He left a wife and two children. Francis B. Brock, private, was bom in Dudley and enUsted in Company A, Twenty-fifth Regiment. He was with his regiment in the expedition of General Burnside to North Carolina and was a participant in the battles of Roanoke Island, Newborn, Kingston, Whitehall and Goldsboro, N. C, and in engagements in Virginia. In the battle of Coal Harbor, while engaged in a desperate but unsuccessful assault upon the enemy's works, he was killed June 3, 1864. His body lay upon the ground about a week before it could be reached by our troops, and buried. George H. Clark, private, was born in Athol. He enlisted in Company F, Thirty-second Regiment, when only 16 years of age; was in the campaign in Maryland, at the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancel- lorsville, and was in the thickest of the fight at Gettysburg 112 ATHOL, PAST AWD PRESENT. and in the battles in the WUdemess ; he is supposed to have participated in 21 battles. Late in the year, 1864, he was taken sick with chronic diarrhoea, and died in Washington, Dec. 15, 1864, in which city he was buried. Welcome J. Cleveland, private, was born in Barre; he enlisted in Company E, Fifty-third Regiment, at the age of 18 years, and went with his regiment to Louisiana. He was taken sick with the measles, and was three months in the hospital, but going into the first day's fight near Brashear City, the effort was too much for him, and he was taken worse and died at that place, April 24th, 1863. His remains were removed to New Orleans for burial. Cyrus W. Conant, private, was born in Stowe; he enlisted in Company E, Fifty-third Regiment, and was with the regiment in its first engagements, but being taken sick at VermUlionville, La., he was taken to the hospital at New Orleans, where he died July 10, 1863, of chronic diarrhoea. He was buried at New Orleans. James Connell, private, was born in Ireland; he en- listed in Company A, Thirty-second Regiment, and went with the regiment to Washington and Harrison's Landing, Va. ; at the latter place he was taken sick and was re- moved to Philadelphia. After his recovery he did service with his regiment. In January, 1864, he reenlisted and came home on a furlough of 30 days. Returning to his regiment he was in the great battle of the Wilderness, and was instantly killed, not far from Spottsylvania Court House. He was shot in the morning and his remains lay upon the breast works until evening, when they were recovered and buried by his comrade, Ebenezer Kneeland, and others. ATHOL IN THE REBELLION. 113 Joseph H. Collins, Color Sergeant, was born in Marlboro; be enlisted in Company A, Twenty-first Regi- ment, and was with his regiment in the engagements at Roanoke Island, Newbern, Camden, and in the forced march to Pollocksville to rescue the Second Maryland Regiment; he was in the Bull Run battle, No. 2, in the battles of ChantiUy and Antietam, and finally in the terrible contest at Fredericksburg, Dec. 12, 1862. He was Color Sergeant in the battle of Fredericksburg, and when about sixty rods from the city, was severely wounded in the leg and fell. This was when Sergeant Plunkett of Company E seized the colors, and, as he was bearing them forward, a shell from the rebel earth works carried away both of his arms. Mr. CoUins was removed, with other wounded ones, to a hospital at Washington, where he died from the effects of his wound, Jan. 3, 1863. He was buried at Southboro, Mass., Jan. 12, 1863. Marshall CoUins, private, was bom in Marlboro ; he enhsted in Company E, Fifty-third Regiment, and was with his regiment at the capture of Fort Bisland, and in the long marches to Opelousas and Alexandria : was sent sick with chronic diarrhoea from before Port Hudson, June 6, 1863, to Baton Rouge, where he died July 14, 1863. He was buried at Baton Rouge, and left a wife and two chil- dren in Athol. George S. Dresser, private, was born in Orange and enlisted at the age of 18 years in Company B, Twenty- sevelith Regiment, in the fall of 1863. He was taken prisoner at Drury's Bluff, May 16, 1864, was removed to Libby Prison, Richmond, and then to Danville, where he was taken sick with lung fever. He was afterwards 114 carried to Andersonville, Ga., where it is supposed he died in the summer or fall of 1864. Theodore Jones Dyer, private, was born in Athol; he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-fifth Regiment, and as- sisted in the captures of Roanoke Island and Newbern, and was with his regiment in all its engagements and expeditions in North Carolina ; he went with his regiment to Virginia, and was probably in the battles at Drnry's Blufi" and Coal Harbor, but during the siege of Petersburg he was taken sick and died near that city Sept. 19, 1864. Daniel W. Foster, private, was born in Phillipston ; he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-sixth Regiment, and was with his regiment in Maryland and Virginia. He was taken sick with an intermittent fever on board the Trans- port, " South America," in Chesapeake Bay ; was landed at Newport News, and died in the hospital there Feb. 14, 1863. His remains were brought to Athol, and funeral services were held Feb. 26, 1863. Jacob Orlando Gould was born in Athol. He en- listed in Company E, Fifty-third Regiment, and was made Corporal May 1, 1863; was with his regiment in the fight of Fort Bisland, and in the long marches to Opelousas and Alexandria. He died at Baton Rouge, July 27, 1863, of chronic diarrhoea. Charles S. Green, private, was bom in Oakham. He was one of the first young men to enlist, from Athol, in Company F, Second Regiment. He was with his regiment on the Upper Potomac and in the Shenandoah Valley. Early in December, 1862, he was taken sick with brain fever, and died at Frederick City, Maryland, on the 20th of that month. His remains were sent home to his friends. ATHOL IN THE REBELLION. 115 Charles E. Hagar, private, was born in Athol. He enlisted ia Company A, Twenty first Regiment, and was with the regiment in the engagements in North Carolina. He was thrown from a horse in Alexandria, Va., and kiUed. James Harkins, Jr., private, was bom in Ireland. He went into the service first as a member of the First New York Mounted Riflemen. He was taken prisoner in North Carolina, and taken to Richmond ; after a few months was exchanged, and, his time of service having expired, was discharged. Jan. 1, 1864, he enhsted in the Thirty-first Regiment, but was transferred to the Sixth Massachusetts Cavalry, and went vdth General Banks on the Red River expedition. In a desperate engagement he was again taken prisoner and carried to Texas ; he escaped and made his way back through swamps and thickets to Louisiana, but was soon taken sick with rheumatic fever, and died at New Orleans, August 30, 1864. William HUl, private, was born in Athol. He enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment ; in the engagement at Roanoke Island, Feb. 8, 1862, he was mor- tally wounded by a ball that passed through him and lodged in his overcoat, and died two days after, being the first man from Athol who was kUled in the war. He was buried at Roanoke Island, and left two sons in service and two daughters in Athol. Andrew J. HUl, private, was born in Athol, a son of William HiU. He enlisted in Company A, Twenty-first Regiment, and was in the engagement at the capture of Roanoke Island. Whole standing in the water during the battle he took a severe cold that brought on a fever, from 116 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. which he died March 3, 1862. He was buried at Eoanoke Island. James S. Hodge, drummer, was bom in Athol. He enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment, and was with his company in the various engagements in North Carohna. WhUe on a furlough to visit his family in Athol he was killed by the cars, at Springfield, Sept. 20, 1863. John W. Howe, private, enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment, and was taken prisoner at Drury's Blufi" from whence he was carried to Richmond, and finally to Andersonville, Ga., where he died of chronic diarrhoea July 24, 1864. He left a wife in Athol. John Humphrey was born in Athol. He joiaed the United States Navy in the summer of 1861, going first on board the receiving ship at Charlestown ; he was after- wards a marine on board the Cumberland when that ill fated vessel was attacked by the rebel ship, Merrimac, near Newport News, Va., March 8, 1862, and was one of the six marines who were killed by a shot before the sinking of the Cumberland. His remains were not recov- ered. Horace Hunt, private, was born in Prescott. He was among the first men to enlist from Athol in the Second Regiment ; was clerk for his captain, and afterwards in the Commissary Department. While with his regiment in New York, to suppress riots, he took a severe cold, and going with the regiment toTullahoma,Tenn.,he was taken sick and returned to his home in Athol very feeble, where he died April 7, 1864. Funeral services were held at the Baptist church. ATHOL IN THE REBELLION. 117 William H. Johnson, private, was bom in Athol. He enlisted in Company A, Twenty-first Regiment, and while participating in the battle of Newbern fell, mortally wounded, dying the next day, March 15, 1862. His remains were buried at Newbem. C. Dwight Kelton, son of Calvin Kelton Esq., was bom in Athol. He enlisted in Company F, Thirty-second Regiment, and went with it to Washington and Harrison's Landing, Va., and to Maryland when the rebels invaded that State. He was taken sick at Alexandria, Va., of pneumonia, and died there Oct. 31, 1862. His remains were brought to Athol for burial, and the funeral was held in the Congregational church, Nov. 11, 1862. Patrick Leonard was bom in Ireland. He enlisted in Company C, Twenty-first Regiment. He went with his regiment to North Carolina ; was wounded very severely in the right leg at the batttle of Roanoke Island, from the effects of which he died, eight days after, and was buried on tlie island. Horatio W. McClellen was born in Athol ; he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment, when 18 years of age; was in the Kinsgton, Whitehall and Goldsboro fights and participated in the defence of Washington, N. C, and the Gum Swamp engagement. He was made Corporal June 19, 1863. He was wounded at Arrowfield Church, Va., May 9, 1864, and was removed to Philadelphia, where he died of scarlatina, June 21, 1864. Adin Oakes was born in Athol. He enlisted in Com- pany E, Fifty-third Regiment, and took part in the capture of Fort Bisland, in the marches to and from Alexandria, and in the first engagement at Port Hudson; he was 118 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. wounded at the latter, place, May 29, 1863, and sent to the hospital at Baton Eouge, where he died June 29, 1863. He was buried at Baton Bx)uge, and left a wife and chil- dren in Athol. Sylvanus E. Oliver was bom in Athol. He enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment. He was with his regiment in the various engagements in North Carolina, and in the desperate battle of Drury's Bluff, May 16, 1864, where he was taken ]li;isoner with 247 others of his regi- ment, and carried to Libby Prison, Richmond, afterwards to Andersonville, Ga., where he died of chronic diarrhoea Aug. 14, 1864. James C. Parker was bom in Stickney, C. E. ; he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-first Regiment, and went with his regiment to North Carolina. In the battle of Newbern he was in the thickest of the fight and was mor- tally wounded, dying the next day, March 15, 1862. He was buried at Newbern, leaving a wife and three children in Athol. Chauncey Parkman Jr., was born in Northfield. He enlisted in the First Heavy Artillery, and went with his company into service in Virginia, and was in the battle at Spottsylvania, May 17, 1864, when he was fatally wounded by a shell in the head and side, and was removed with the wounded to Washington, where he died June 3, 1864. He was buried at Washington, and left one chUd in Athol. Asa Phillips was born in Hubbardston. He enlisted in Company E, Thirtieth Regiment, and started for the seat of war under General Butler, but died at or near Fortress Monroe, Jan. 30, 1862. His remains were brought to Athol for burial, where he left a wife and children. ATHOL IN THE REBELLION. 119 Joshua Rich was born in Royalston; he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-sixth Regiment, and went with his regiment into service in Virginia, and accompanied it to Mississippi. He was killed in the battle of the Wildemess, May 6, 1864, a ball passing through his body from side to side, and he lived but three hours, his remains falling into the hands of the enemy. He was made Corporal April 1, 1863. Samuel Rich was born in Atho!* he enlisted ia Com- pany B, Twenty-seventh Regiment, and was with the regiment nearly three years in North Carolina and Virgia- . ia. At the battle of Drury's Bluff he was taken prisoner, and died at Andersonville, Ga., of Chronic diarrhcea, caused by starvation and cruel treatment about Aug. 1, 1864. Neri F. Ripley was born in Tinmouth, Vt.; he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-first Regiment, and was with his regiment in North Carolina. He died at Winchendon, Jan. 16, 1863, of an abscess in the stomach, brought on in the service. His remains were brought to Athol for burial. Harvey Robbins was born in Warwick ; he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment, and joined the regiment in North Carolina in 1862. He was taken sick and died of a fever, at Newborn, June 23, 1863. He left a wife and four children in Athol. Cutler Seaver was born in MUford; he enlisted when 17 years old in the Forty-second Regiment and went to Great Falls, Maryland, where he did garrison duty till the term for which he had enlisted expired. He reentered the service, and while in camp at Readville, was taken sick and died. 120 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Spencer Stockwell was bom in Athol; he enlisted in Company E, Fifty-third Regiment, and went into camp at Groton Junction, where he was taken sick with diptheria, and died Nov. 20, 1862. His remains were brought to Athol for burial. Horace O. Thayer was bom in Ware ; he enlisted in Company B, Fifty-sixth Regiment, and went into camp at ReadvUlem the fall of 1863, but before the regiment left for the seat of war was taken sick of brain fever, and died Feb. 2, 1864. Lauriston A. Thorpe was bom in Athol; he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment, and went with his regiment to North Carolina, and after taking part in the battles at Roanoke Island, Newbern, and other places, he was sent to the hospital sick ; after recovering he served in various departments of the hospital until the period of his enlistment expired, when he started for home, but the vessel upon which he embarked was sent into quarantine at Fortress Monroe, on account of the prevalence of yellow fever, and Mr. Thorpe died at that place, of the disease, Oct. 7, 1864. His remains were brought to Athol, and funeral services were held at the Methodist church, Oct. 23. Robert W. Thrower was born in Athol ; he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment; was in the battle of Roanoke Island, but was sick on board a transport at the battle of Newbern, and was landed at that place, where he died of lung fever, March 31, 1862. He was buried at Newbern. Nathaniel B. Twichell was born in Erving ; he enlisted' in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment, and was in va- ATHOL IN THE KEBELLION. 121 rious engagements in North Carolina ; was made Corporal Feb. 20, 1863. Hereenlisted in January, 1864, and after a furlough, returned to his regiment and was killed in the engagement at Arrowfield Church by a baU that struck his head, killing him instantly. May 9, 1864. He left a wife and two children in Athol. Willard Twichell was born in Athol ; he enlisted in Company D, Eleventh U. S. Infantry, early in the war, and was in six of the seven days' conflicts before Rich- mond in 1862, also at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania and North Anna, and was fatally wounded in the engage- ment before Petersburg, June 24, 1864. William Washburn was born in Orange ; he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-sixth Eegiment, and was with his regiment at the siege of Vicksburg. After the surrender of Vicksburg he returned with his regiment to Kentucky, where he was sick with dumb ague, and died near Nich- olasviUe, Ky., Sept. 5, 186f3. He left a wife and five children in Athol. Edmund R. West enlisted in Company A, Twenty- fourth Regiment, and is supposed to have died a prisoner at Andersonville, Ga., May 24, 1864. Chandler Whitney was born in Royalston ; he enlist- ed in Company E, Thirtieth Regiment, and died in camp atPittsfield, Mass., Feb. 1, 1862, after an illness of three weeks. Nelson G. Wood was born in Royalston ; he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment, and was with his regiment in various engagements in North Carolina 122 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. and Virginia, and was instantly killed in the conflict at Arrowfield Church, May 9, 1864. He was buried near the battlefield. George B. Wood was born in Shutesbury ; he enlisted in Company E, Fifty-third Regiment ; was taken sick while his regiment was at New York, and was removed to Shutesbury, where he died Jan. 2, 1863, the day after his discharge from the service. Asa Wyman was born in Winchendon; he enlisted in Company K, Thirty-sixth Regiment, and went with his regiment to Virginia, and along the Mississippi. Was sent in the sick boat up the river and removed to An- napolis, where he died of a fever and chronic diarrhoea May 3, 1864, CHAPTKR IX. EDUCATIONAL. "Yet, on her rocks, and on her sands, And wintry hills, the school-house stands, And what her rugged soil denies, The harvest of the mind supplies. The riches of the Commonwealth, Are free, strong minds, and hearts of health; And more to her than gold or grain. The cunning hand and cultured brain." EXT TO liberty and religion, educa- tion was the object nearest to tbe hearts of the fathers of New Eng- land, and consequently we find in the settlement of all these towns that the school house soon followed the church. Of the original grant of the township, one sixty-third part was reserved and forever set apart "for the support of a school." The Proprietors records give no information re- garding schools or teachers, but undoubtedly there were schools formed within six or seven years after the first set- tlement, and probably as in the early history of many other towns, schools were first held in private houses. The first public provision made for schools after the incorporation of the town, was at a town meetiag, March 7, 1763, when it was voted to raise thirteen pounds, six shillings, eight pence, " to provide a school," and " to di- 124 ATSOL, PAST AND PRESENT- vide the school money by the river, and those that live ori the south side to have what they pay towards the sum raised ; and those that live on the north side to have what they pay toward the said sum." Nathan Goddard, Jesse Kendall and John Oliver were chosen a committee to hire a school-master. The town voted March 3, 1766, "to build two school houses, one on the West Hill, between Deacon Aaron Smith's and Ichabod Dexter's, the other on the East Hill, [now known as the " Street,"] at the head of Capt. Field's lane, so-called ; and the above houses are to be buUt sixteen feet wide, and eighteen feet long, and six feet and a half stud." In May of the same year, it was " voted to raise twenty-six pounds, thirteen shillings, four pence, to build these school houses, and that men should be allowed to work out their raits on the school- houses at two shilliiigs and four pence per day, under the direction of the committee chosen for that purpose, by the first day of November next." These were probably the first school houses of Athol, and were doubtless built of logs and furnished in the most primitive style. As other portions of the town became settled, new schools were opened, and in 1770, the town voted to have four addi- tional schools, " one at the north end of Meeting-house hill ; one in the east part of the town ; one at the south- west part, and one on Chestnut Hill, and each part to enjoy the benefit of the money they pay for schooling." In 1774, the town was divided into school districts, or " squadarns," as they were termed, of which there were six, two on the north side of Millers river, Tully east branch being the dividing line of these two, while the south side TEDt)t!AT10NAL. 125 of the river was divided into four. The work of providing school masters for these six schools, must have been one of great responsibility. For some years a committee of thirty was appointed for this purpose; this number by 1796, had become reduced to seven, which thenceforth was the usual number chosen until the State law of 1826 was passed, requiring towns to choose three^ five or seven School Committeemen, since which time the town has chosen a School Committee of three, until 1893, when the number was increased to six. The first General School Committee was chosen in 1829, and consisted of Rev. Joseph Estabrook, Horatio Willard and Abel Sweetzer. In 1772, it was voted to allow Jesse Kendall five shill- ings for going to Salem, to provide a school master. Among the early school masters and dames whose names appear on the town records are; Joshua Poor, who was paid one pound for keeping school in 1776; one pound thirteen shillings, four pence, was also paid to John Bal- lard for his sons keeping school. Among the bills paid in 1777, was one of fifteen shillings to Nathaniel Babbitt for keeping school; Nehemiah Ward received three pounds, twelve shilliugs, and Paul Church received five pounds, four shillings, for his wife keeping school, also the wife of Capt. John Oliver received five shillings, ten pence. All through the Revolution, liberal appropriations were made for the schools, and in 1793, the sum of seventy pounds was granted for schooling. In 1795, in addition to seventy pounds for schooling, twelve pounds was also granted for the use of a singing school, and an appropri- ation for this purpose was regularly made for some years, 126 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. James Oliver being named quite frequently as the agent to lay out said money. From 1819, for a period of ten years, $550 a year was raised for schools, and in 1850, the sum of $1600 was raised. In 1860, there were 540 child- ren of school age, and the amount expended on the MAIN STREET SCHOOL. schools was $2,518.45. In 1870, the total expenditure for schools was $8,176.93, and in 1895, it was $19,894.78. In 1889, the town became awakened to the need of better school buildings, and under the lead of some of the pro- EDUCATIONAL. 127 gressive citizens of both villages, a sentiment was aroused that has resulted in our present beautiful, and well furn- ished school houses. The first to be erected was the Main street building in 1889 ; this was followed the next year by the Highland school house; in 1892, the High school building, and in 1894, the one at Lake Park, making within five years' time, more than $75,000 expended in new school houses. i3!.i"^ ft jT^ LAKE PARK SCHOOL. The town first employed a Superintendent of Schools in 1870, when Dr. J. P. Lynde was engaged at a salary of |450. He held that position for three years. In 1874, the School Committee, in accordance with a vote of the town, procured the services of Virgil M. Howard of Deer- field, as Principal of the High school, and Superintendent of schools. He received for the former, a salary of f 1000, 128 ATHOL, FAST AND FEKSENT. and for the latter, |500. He held the position for two years, from which time, no Superintendent was employed until April 1, 1893, when Miss Flora E. Kendall was elected Superintendent of Schools, which position she holds at the present time. HIGHLAND SCHOOL. Miss Kendall is a native of Montague, and received her early education in the schools of that town, together with a course under private instruction ; this was sup- plemented by a course at Wellesley College, and at a EDUCATIONAL. 129 school of oratory in Boston. She believes that however much one may have been in the schools, that education is never completed, and much of the time of her summer vacations is spent at summer schools. She began teach- ing in the district schools of Ashby, Mass., and worked her way up through the diiFerent grades to the High School. While a teacher in the schools of Leominster, she was elected in 1890, Superintendent of the schools of the Princeton district, which includes the towns of Princeton, Westminster and Sterling, with twenty-eight schools, and held the position for three years. Miss Kendall's work in the Athol schools has been highly commended by promi- nent educators, and she receives frequent calls to address Teachers' Institutes and various educational gatherings. The following persons have served the town as mem- bers of the School Committee : 1829, Kev. Joseph Estabrook, Horatio Willard, Abel Sweetzer. 1330, Rev. Joseph Estabrook, Dea. Elijah Ballard, Emerson Fay. 1831, Rev. Josiah Moore, Wm. H. Williams, Capt. Adin Holbrook. 1832, Rev. Josiah Moore, Rev. B. B. Beckwith, Wm. H. Williams. 1833, Dr. Geo. Hoyt, Rev. B. B. Beckwith, Rev. Lysander Fay. 1834, Rev. Linus H. Shaw, Rev. B. B. Beckwith, Rev. Ambrose Day. 1836, Rev. Wm. Warner, Dr. Geo. Hoyt, Col. Samuel Sweetzer. 1836, Rev. Linus H. Shaw, Rev. Wm. Warner, Rev. J, Glazier. 1837, Dr. Geo. Hoyt, Col. Samuel Sweetzer, Rev. Wm. Warner, Lincoln B. Knowlton. 1838, Rev. Lysander Fay, Kev. Mr. Smith, Benj. Estabrook. 1840, Rev. R. M. Chipman, Rev. Stephen A. Barnard, Rev. Asaph Merriam. 1841, Rev. R. M. Chipman, Rev. Asaph Merriam, Dr. Geo. Hoyt. 1842, Benjamin Estabrook, Chas. Field, Samuel Sweetzer. 1843, Rev. R. M. Chipman, Rev. Crawford Nightingale, Rev. Asaph Merriam. 130 _ ATHOL, PAST AND KRE-SENT, 1844, Kev. R. M. Chipman, Rev. Ci-awford Nightingale-, Rev. Asaph Merrism. 1846, Dr. Geo. Hoyt, Benjamin Estabrook, Daniel Heywood. 1846, Rev. Richard M. Chipman, Rev. Asaph Merriaim, Isaac Stevens. 1847, D1-. Geo. Hoyt, Benjamin Estabi-ook, Elbridge G. "Wood. 1848, Rev. R. M. Chipman, Rev. Samuel F. Clark, Dr. Geo. Hoyt. 1849, Rev. R. M. Chipman, Rev. Samuel F. Clark, Dr. Geo. Hoyt. 1850, Dr. Geo. D. Colony, Benjamin Estabrook, ,Rev. Oren Tracy. 1851, H. W. Carter, Dr. Geo. D. Colony, Lyman W. Hapgood. 1852, Dr. Geo. D. Colony, H. W. Carter, Lyman W. Hapgood. 1853, Rev. S. F. Clarke, Lyman W. Hapgood, Dr. Geo. D. Colony. 1854, Dr. Geo. D. Colony, Lyman W. Hapgood, Rev. Lysander Fay. 1855, Rev. Lysander Fay, Daniel Davis, G. Rice. 1856, Rev. John F. Norton, Rev. Nathaniel H. Martin, Dr. Geo. D. Colony. 1867, Rev. John F. Norton, Dr. Geo. D. Colony, C. B. Swan. 1868, R*jv. John F. Norton, Dr. Geo. D. Colony, Rev. D. C. O'Daniels. 1859, Rev. John F. Norton, Dr. Geo. D. Colony, L. W. Hapgood. 1860, Rev. John F. Norton, L. W. Hapgood, F. F. Pay. 1861, L. W. Hapgood, Rev. I. B. Bigelow, J. B. Gould. 1862, Rev. John F. Norton, Rev. Ira Bailey, James Coolidge. 1863, Rev. John F. Norton, Rev. Ira Bailey, Rev. Charles Ayer. 1864, Dr. J. P. Lynde, S. E. Fay, Edvsrin Ellis. 1865, Dr. J. P. Lynde, S. E. Fay. Rev. Geo. L. Hunt. 866, Dr. J. P Lynde, Rev. Geo. L. Hunt. 1867, Dr. J. P. Lynde, Kdwin Ellis, S. E. Fay. 1868, T. H. Goodspeed, Rev. Temple Cutler, Rev. I). H. Stoddard. 1869.'iRev. Ira Bailey, Benj. Estabrook, Jennie L. Case. 1870, \V. H. Amsden, F. G. Lord. 1871, W. H. Amsden, F. (t. Lord, S. M. Osgood. 1872, A G. Stratton, Edwin Ellis. 1873, Rev. W. S. Burton, Geo. W. Horr, H. A. Stearns. 1»74, E. F. Brown, S. M. Osgood, Edwin Ellis. 1875, E. F. Brown, S. M. Osgood, Edwin Ellis. 1876, H. M. Humphrey, E. A. Thomas, S. M. Osgood. 1877, H. M. Humphrey, Rev. E. M. Bartlett, Fred Allen. TSDUCATIONAIL. 131 1878, H. M. Humphrey, Rev. E. M. Bartlett, Fred Allen. 1879, H. M. Humphrey, Eev. E. M. Bartlett, Fred Allen. 1880, L. B. Caswell, Fred Allen, Eev. E. M. Bartlett. 1881, L. B. Caswell, Dr. James Oliver, E. V. Wilson. 1882, L. B. Caswell, Dr. James Oliver, Rev. J. H. Cox. 1883, L. B. Caswell, Dr. James Oliver, Rev. J. H. Cox. 1884, L. B. Caswell, Sidney P. Smith, Rev. J. H. Cox. 1885, L. B. Caswell, Sidney P. Smitli, A. J. Nye. 1886, L. B, Caswell, Sidney P. Smith, A J. Nye, 1887, L. B. Caswell, A. J, Nye, E. V. Wilson, 18S8, L. B. Caswell, E. V. Wilson, Rev. F. B. Knowlton. 1889, E, V. Wilson, Rev. F. B. Knowlton, Ellen M. Bigelow, 1890, Rev. F. B. Knowlton, Ellen M. Big-elow, E. V. Wilson. 1891, Ellen M. Bigelow, E. V. Wilson, Chas. A. Chapman. 1892, E. V. Wilson, Chas. A. Chapman, Ellen M, Bigelow. ISgS, Chas. A. Chapman, Ellen M. Bi-gelow, Lucien Lord, Dr, James Oliver, Geo. D. Bates, W. D. Luey. 1894:, Chas. A. Chapman, Elien M. Bigelow, Lucien Lord, Drv James Oliver, Geo. D. Bates, W. D. Luey. 1895, Chas. A. Chapman, Ellen M. Bigelow, Lucien Lord, Dr. James Oliver, Geo. D. Bates, W. D. Luey. Charles A. Chapman was born in Springfield, Mass., in 1848, where he attended the public schools Until he was fifteen years of age. The last year of his school life he worked in a store, before and after school hours, on Satur^ days and during vacations, and when eighteen years of age, received the position of confidential clerk and first book- keeper in the firm, which was doing the largest wholesale and retail grocery business in Springfield. After three; years of this work, his health failed, and he was obliged to give up the position for one that would take him out of doors more. In 1868, he was elected teller of the Lee National and Sa\angs Banks, where he remained until 1874, when he was chosen cashier of the Athol National Bank, then just organized, which position he still occupies. 132 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Mr. Chapman has been prominently identified with the Congregational church of Athol, of which he has been a member since his residence in this town. He has been treasurer of the church for ten years, of the parish four years, and has led the singing for eighteen years, and Was Superintendent of the Sunday school for six years. In 1891, he was elected a member of the School Com- mittee, which office he now holds, and has also served the town on important committees. He was married October 13, 1875, to Miss Frances A. Rowland of Spring- field, the daughter of a prominent business man and citi- zen of that city, who was one of the first members and or- ganizers of the Republican party, and was noted for his strong anti-slavery principles. They have one daughter. Wm. D. Luey was born in Deerfield, Mass., April 6, 1855. He attended the lower grade schools of his native town, and the Greenfield High school. After leaving school he worked in a store for a year, and then became clerk in the Franklin County National Bank of Green- field, and was with that institution and the Packard National Bank for six years, when he went to the Con- way National Bank, where he was cashier for a year and a half, and came to Athol in May, 1881, to take the position of cashier of the Millers River National Bank, which position he has held to the present time. He was elected a member of the School Committee in 1893, and is also one of the Sewer Commissioners. He is prom- inently identified with the Second Unitarian Society, and is the collector and a member of its executive committee ; interested in the social life of the town, he was one of CHARLES A. CHAPMAN. F. C. AVERY. ELLEN M. BIGELOW. FLORA E. KENDELL. EDUCATIONAL. 133 the organizers of the Poquaig Club, and is also a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity. In September 1880, he married Emma C. Allen of Greenfield; they have four boys. Among those who have been teachers in the schools of Athol are : Wm. La Roy Haven, now Superintendent of the schools of Morristown, N. J., Hon. Samuel C. Gale of Minneapolis, Minn., Col. Lyman A. White, of Chicago, Hon. Henry H. Sprague of Boston, Hon. Joel D. Miller, Leominster, Frederic E. Stratton, Ph. D., of Carleton Col- lege, Minnesota, Hon. Percival Blodgett of Templeton, the late Capt. Farwell F. Fay, Beriah W. Fay of New Salem, Geo. S. Cheney, Boston, Horace Mann, Petersham, Wilson Smith, Phillipston, Dr. James Oliver and Prof. Harlan P. Townsend. In selecting a few teachers of whom to give brief sketches, we have taken those who have been connected with our schools for the longest time during the last twenty-five years. The teacher best known to the people of Athol, and who numbers among her former pupils members of almost every family who has resided in town any length of time, is Miss Ellen M. Bigelow, now teacher of the Grammar school. Miss Bigelow is a native of Phil- lipston ; she commenced her first school in the Fry ville dis- trict in the summer term of 1856, and for forty years, with the exception of a few terms, has been a popular teacher in the Athol schools, having had charge of the Grammar school for' more than twenty years. She has taken an ac- tive interest in the educational work of the town aside from her duties in the school room, and in 1889 was 134 elected a member of the School Committee, which positoin she now holds ; she has also been a member of the Public Library committee for the last ten years. Susie F. Drury was born in Royalston, a-nd educated in the public schools of that town. She is a graduate of the Westfield Normal school, and was a teacher in the Athol schools for ten years, eight years of which time she was in the Advanced Primary and Intermediate grades, where she proved one of the most successful teachers of the town. After leaving the Athol schools in 1887, she was a teacher in the Gardner schools for two and a half years, when she took a position in the schools of Everett, Mass., and in the summer of 1893, was elected Principal of the Devens school building in that city, which position she now holds, having charge of more than four hundred pupils. Ida E. Carruth is a native of Petersham. She attende d the public schools of that town and the Highland Institute, also Barre Academy in Barre, Mass., and commenced teaching in Dana, where she remained one year, when she came to Athol, and was a teacher for eleven years in the Advanced Intermediate school at the Lower Village. Af- ter leaving Athol in 1888, she was a teacher in the schools of Orange nearly three years, when she took a position in the Brockton schools, which she now holds, Nettie A. Doane was born in Boston, and attended the schools of that city and the Templeton High school. She taught her first school in Phillipston, and commenced teaching in the Athol schools in 1869, where she remained continuously for twenty-six years as a teacher in the FREDERIC E. STRATTON. HARLAN P. TOWNSEND. SUSIE F. DRURY. IDA E. CARRUTH. EDUCATIONAL. 135 Primary grade, resigning in 1895, to accept a position in the schools of Melrose, Mass. Miss Nellie E. Clark came from Winchendon, where she had already attained an excellent reputation as an instruc- tor and disciplinarian in 1872, and took charge of the Ad- vanced Intermediate school at the Upper Village, where she has remained to the present time, giving general sat- isfaction to the committee and parents for nearly a quar- ter of a century. Clara Jackson commenced teaching in the Athol schools in 1883, and has taught continuously to the present time, now having charge of one of the Lake Park schools. Minerva K. Pitts was a teacher from 1881 to 1891, most of the time in the Advanced Primary grade at the Highlands. Harlan P. Townsend, who has been connected with the schools at different times, and has also attained distinction as a teacher of elocution in various institutions of the country, was born in Athol May 26, 1844. He attended the Athol schools, and graduated from the High school, of which for a short time he was assistant teacher. In Sep- tember, 1862, he enlisted in the 53d Mass. Kegt. of Vol- unteers, and was with his regiment during its time of ser- vice. After returning from the war, he taught schools in Phillipston, Warwick, Fitzwilliam, N. H., and Athol. In 1870 he resigned his position in the Athol schools to be- come first assistant in Trenton Academy, Trenton, N. J. In 1873 he went to the National school of Elocution and Oratory in Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1874, and soon accepted a position in Marietta College, Ohio. After 136 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. a few months in that institution, he went to the Lane The- ological Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio, as teacher of elocu- tion, and while there was also one of the teachers in the Conservatory of Music of the Western Female Seminary. Poor health compelled him to resign his position iu those institutions. He studied for two or three years with Prof. James S. Murdock, the celebrated actor and Shakesperian reader, and in 1887 was called to the National School of Oratory at Philadelphia, to have charge of the department of voice culture and expression reading. He has also been a teacher of elocution in various other institutions, but for the last number of years his health has not per- mitted him to take any permanent position. THE HIGH SCHOOL. One of the most prolific sources of controversy between the citizens of many New England towns arises when the locations of public buUdings are to be decided, and Athol passed through one of these experiences in 1856, when the town had attained the number of families which made it necessary to establish a High school. In the March meeting warrant of that year was an article relative to the establishment of a High school, and then occurred that memorable struggle between the two vUlages in regard to the site for the building ; meeting after meeting was held, and the excitement ran high, even to such an extent as to break up long and intimate friendships, and endanger the ties of church membership. Finally the present location was selected, and a High school building was erected that did service for thirty-five years. This gave place in 1892 EDUCATIONAL. 137 too the present fine building that was built at a cost of $25,000, and was dedicated on Labor Day, Sept. 5, of that year, when Rev. A. E. Winship delivered an eloquent ad- dress before a large audience upon "The Mission of the High school." The first term of the High school was held in the spring of 1857, vidlh Geo. A. Wheeler of Topsham, Me., a grad- uate of Bowdoin College, as the teacher. The salaries of the teachers of the school for the first year amounted to $543, and the largest number of scholars during any one term was ninety-three. During the first year of the school some of the older scholars assist- ed the Principal in hearing recitations, and among those V whose names are mentioned in this connection , in the _^___ school reports, are OLD HIGH SCHOOL BuiLDiNu Henry H. bprague, Henry M. Humphrey, Horace Mann and James Oliver, Jr.; also during the year 1858, each member of the school committee frequently instructed some of the classes in the recitation room. The first to be engaged as a regular as- sistant was H. H. Sprague, who in 1858 received a salary of |16 per month for his services. There was no regular course of study until 1873, when a graded system of schools for the town was completed, and a three years course of study established for the High school, the School 138 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Committee at that time being, Eev. W. S. Burton, Geo. W. Horr, Esq., and Henry A. Stearns. The first class to graduate from the school with this course of study was the class of 1876, consisting of nine members. This course was continued until 1882, when the School Committee, consisting of L. B. Caswell, Dr. James Oliver and Eev. J. H. Cox, with the Principal of the school, Mr. B. F. ^■-.1 :■ "^Fiff -'-^-^*^- /^ "-it^JSRy^^Ti^V^^ T^ ^r^~- Z^ __J( ,^'<^^ ^ ' ^ HIGH SCHOOL. Brown, arranged a four years course of study, and in 1883, the first class to complete a four years course grad- uated with honor to themselves and the school. This course was continued for only a few years, as the people evidently were not ready for the change, and again the classes were graduated in three years time. In 1892 the EDUCATIONAL. 139 present courses of study, consisting of classical, literary and general courses of four years, and an English course of three years were adopted. During the forty years existence of the school there have been thirty-one Principals, those serving the longest being, Sidney P. Smith, who taught eleven terms, and L. McL. Jackson and W. H. Terrill, each of whom held the position nine terms. The following list contains the names of those who have held the position of Principals of the High school, and the year in which they served : Mr. Geo. A. Wheeler of Topsham, Me., 1857. Mr. Farwell Fay of New Salem, 1857. Mr. D. D. Leavittof Grantham, N. H., 1857, 1859. Mr. H. Toothaker of Holden, Me., 1858, 1859. Mr. Geo. B. Towle of Saco, Me., 1860. Mr. A. J. Lathrop of Watertown, 1861. Mr. L. S. Burhank of Lancaster, 1862, 1863. Mr. Francis E. Tower of Petersham, 1864. Mr. H. E. Morse of Chelmsford, 1864. Mr. H. F. Lane of Templeton, 1865. Mr. Joel D. Miller of Athol, 1865, 1866. Mr. Oscar H. Stearns, 1867. Mr. H. Brown of Qnincy, 1867. Mr. A. L. Gleason of Amherst College, 1867. Mr. Stephen A. Snow, 1868. Mr. J. P. Fielden, 1868. Mr. F. W. Bardwell, 1868. Mr. Sauford B. Cook of Petersham, 1869. Mr. Fred F. Foster of VVeare, N. H., 1870, 1871. Mr. A. TV. Bacheler of Boston, 1872, 1873. Mr. Geo. G. Pratt of Boston, 1873. Mr. Virgil M. Howard of Deerfield, 1874, 1875. Mr. E. A. Baldwin, 1876. Mr. Sidney P. Smith of Princeton, 111., 1877 to 1880. 140 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Mr. Lewis Parkhurst of Fitchburg, 1880. Mr. B. F. Brown of Fitchburg, 1881, 1882. Mr. L. McL. Jackson of Bernardston, 1883 to 1886. Mr. W. H. Terrill of Mon-isville, Vt,, 1886 to 1889. Mr. W. J. Rushmore ol Cambridge, 1890, 1891. Mr. Geo. M. Strout, 1892, 1893. Mr. F. C. Avery of Waterbury, Vt., 1894, There have been employed as assistant teachers, twenty- two as follows : H. H. Sprague, 1858 ; James Oliver, Jr., 1860 ; Geo. A. Black, 1873 ; Emma L. Pierce, 1873; Annie Knapp Cheney, 1874 to 1876 ; Etta V. Cutter, 1876 to 1878 ; Mary Durkee Robinson, 1878, 1879 ; Ellen M. Bigelow, 1880, 1881 ; Kate Tower Pinney, 1882 to 1887 ; Elizabeth Bridgeford Amsden, 1887 to 1889. Since that date the teachers have been : Clara Preston, Fanny Bugbee Cobb, Grace G. Rickey, Henry A. Roberts, Mary Lang Strout, Janet G. Patterson, Cora Coolidge, Mary Epps, Helen M. Humphrey, Julia Strong and Anna Kitchel. We give brief sketches of some of the principals who have recently served the school. Benj. F. Brown was born in Lowell, Vt. in 1849. He removed to Fitchburg, Mass., in 1866, where he was fitted for college at the Fitchburg High school, and entered Am- herst College, from which he graduated in 1874. From the time of graduation until 1890, he was engaged in teaching in the following places : High school and Day Street Grammar school of Fitchburg, 1874 to 1881 ; Athol High school, 1881 to 1883 ; Montpelier Vt. High school, 1883 to 1885, and the Gibson School, Boston, 1885 to 1890. In 1890 he engaged in the development of a EDUCATIONAL. 141 macMne for automatically measuring, filling, and sealing packets of seeds, dyes, powders etc. The machine was perfected and put into successful operation the following year, and a company organized in Fitchburg to manufac- ture them, of which Mr. Brown is President and Manager. He was married in 1880 to Zephirine Normandin of Mil- ford, and their present residence is at Dorchester, Mass. Mr. W. H. Terrill, who was principal of the High school for three years, beginning with September, 1886, was born in Morristown, Vermont, He prepared for Col* lege in the Academy of his native town, and entered Wes- leyan University in the Fall of 1879, graduating in the class of 1883. He entered upon the work of teaching im- mediately upon graduation. For three years he filled the chair of Natural Sciences in the Vermont Methodist Seminary at Montpelier, Vt., resigning that position to ac- cept the Principalship of the Athol High school. Since leaving Athol, Mr. Terrill has held the position of in- structor in Greek and Latin in Phillips Academy, An- dover, Mass., where he is still employed. F. C. Avery, the present Principal of the High school, was born in Tunbridge, Vt., April 14, 1861. His early education was received in the Grammar schools of Staf- ford, Vt. He was for three years at Kimball Union Acad- emy, Meriden, N. H., and graduated from Dartmouth Col- lege in 1888. After graduating he was Principal of Wells River High school and Superintendent of Grammar schools in that town for two years, and held the same position in Waterbury, Vt. three years, from which place he came to Athol as Principal of the High school in 1893. 142 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Under his charge the school is attaining a high rank among the High schools of the state. He was married in August, 1894, to Miss Mabel Ripley Hatch, of Stafford, Vermont. The whole number of graduates from the school since a course of study was established and diplomas awarded, commencing with the Class of 1876, and including the Class of 1896, is 199. Of this number, divided among the twenty-one classes, more than forty have been engaged as teachers, some of them filling important positions. The largest class to graduate was the Class of 1896, with twenty- two members, and the Class of 1887 was the next in rank, sending out nineteen. Thirteen graduates have died. College Graduates. — The following persons, natives of Athol, have received a College education : Williams College. — Jesse Stratton, 1814; Joseph Es- tabrook, 1818 ; John Wiswell Humphrey, 1823 ; John Drury, Jr., Wm. La Roy Haven, 1864 ; Joel Drury Mil- ler, 1864, Frederick Eugene Stratton, 1871. Harvard University. — Joseph A. Shaw, 1858 ; Henry H. Sprague, 1864 ; Maurice H Richardson, 1873; George A. Black, 1879, Albert H. Newman, 1895. Amherst College. — Chas. H. Sweetser, 1862 ; Henry A. Simonds, 1883 ; Eugene T. Allen, 1887. Yale College. — HoUon A. Farr, 1896. Princeton College. — Ward Talbot. Brown University. Lucien E. Taylor, 1895. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. -Louis Mills EDUCATIONAL. 143 Norton, 1873 ; James P. Lynde, 1886 ; Walter J. Eickey, 1895 ; Mortimer A. Sears, 1896. Military University, of Norwich, Vt. — Henry M. Phil- lips. Wellesley College. — Arline Smith, 1895, Grace G. Rickey. Louis M. Norton took his degree of Ph. D. at Gotten- gen University, Germany. Eugene T. Allen, after graduating from Amherst Col- lege, also took a course at Johns Hopkins University, from which he received the degree of Ph. D. Wm. H. Parmenter entered Yale College, and after two years in that institution entered the Harvard Law school. Ralph W. Drury entered the Massachusetts Agricult- ural College, and left that institution to take an appoint- ment at the United States Military Academy, West Point, where he remained two years. LIBRARIES. Previous to 1830, the Athol Social Library had been in existence, as we find in a copy of Freedom's Sentinel of 1828, an advertisement of books belonging to that organi- zation for sale. During the decade between 1850 and 1860, three libraries were in existence, as follows : A " Ladies' Social Circle Library," organized in 1^56, hav- ing 239 volumes, in charge of Miss Anna Cobleigh, and a " Ladies' Library Association," organized in 1857, having 270 volumes and officered as follows : President, Miss Clara Thorpe ; Vice President, Mrs. Geo. D. Colony ; Sec- retary, Miss Ellen M. Bigelow ; Treasurer, Miss Emma J. Knowlton ; Librarian, Mrs. J. S. Parmenter, with the fol- 144 ATHOL, PAST AKD PRESEinT. lowing assistants: Mrs. Alvin Houghton, Mrs. Leander Cheney, Mrs. Geo. Sprague, Emma J. Knowlton, Miss Josephine M. Knowlton and Mrs. Susan Ainsworth. Another was " The Athol Agricultural and Mechanical Library Association," organized in 1858, "with the object of diffusing among the people a greater knowledge of the acts and sciences," having 150 volumes, and the following officers : President, L. W. Hapgood ; Vice President, F. F. Amsden ; Secretary, J. I. Goulding ; Treasurer, C. B. Swan ; Librarian, J. I. Goulding. The largest collection of books gathered by any Society was that of the Athol Library Association, which was or- ganized in December, 1878, with Hon. Chas. Field as President. This association collected a library of upwards of 1000 volumes during the three years of its existence ; the library room of the Society was at the residence of Joel M. Doane on School street, and Mrs. Eliza Doane was the librarian. In the -spring of 1882, this association offered to make over to the town its library on conditions that the town should furnish a suitable place for the books, and appropriate money for the support of the library and the purchase of new books. This offer was accepted by the town, and at a town meeting held in April 1882, a library committee was chosen, consisting of Hon. Charles Field, Kev. H. A. Blake, Rev. J. H. Cox, E. V. Wilson, Esq., and L. B. Caswell. Mr. Field was chairman of this committee, and Mr. Caswell the secretary and treasurer. The Athol Library Association then made over its library to the town, and the Free Public Library of Athol was established. Ar- ^•^iigfeiAeiits were made to continue the library room at the "same place, and also to retail! the services of Mrs. Doane las the librarian, during the first year that the library was >open to the public 650 persohs availed themselves of its ^rivileges^ and 88t3 books w6re delivered. Duriiig the year 1895^ 13,869 books wete delivered. 'The Library was continued in its first quarters, a room in the dwelling hwuse of Joel M. Doane on School street, and in charge -of th'e samfe librarian, Mrs. Miza F. I)oane, un- til April, 188 '7, when it was removed to its present qtiart- fers, and the present librarian, Mrs. Mercie S^ Doane was lengaged. The appropriation by the town the first year Vvas |300, and from that time until 1894, it was f 500 each year, since which time it has beeii flOOO per year. Special attention has been paid t6 making the library an laid in school work, and in the selection of books calte has been takteti to secure a goodly number of such works as "w ould be of value and stervite to teachers and scholars in their daily work , and the library committee evety ye^ar in- cludes one of more membei« of the iSehool Committee<. The Library now contains 5000 volumes. The organi- fealion of the Library Committiee has been as follows * 1882, Chaa-le* Field, Chairman^ Lilley B. Oas-W^ell, B6V. H. M felake, Bev. J. H. Cox. Edgar V. Wilson. 1883, Charles Field, Chaiiiiiau, Lilley Bi. Cafitvell, Heaiy M- Humphrey, Daniel A. Newton, Lucieii Lord. 1884, ChaWes Field, Chairman, Lilley B. Caswfell, Thomas H, "(ioodspeed, Mrs. A. H. iFrenchs Hsenky M. HikmphSrey, EeV. Chai-les Pv fciombardi, Mi-g Sarah It. Smith. 1886, Lilley B. CaSweli, Chairman, feohfert Bi-oOkhouse, Miss Ellea "M.. Bigelow, Thomas H. Goodspeed, Eevi ChaS. Pi Lorafeard, Mi's* Sarah Hi. Sulith, "Vfilliara Fi ThOniasi. 146 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. 1886, Kev. Charles P. Lombard, Chairman, Sidney P. Smith, Rob- ert Brookhouse, Miss Ellen M. Bigelow, Augustus Coolidge, Mrs. Sarah H. Smith. 1887, Rev. Charles P. Lombard, Chairman, Miss Ellen M. Bigelow, Robert Brookhouse, Almond Smith, Mrs. Sarah H. Smith, Edgar V. Wilson. 1888, William H. Terrill, Chairman, Edgar V. Wilson, Miss Ellen M. Bigelow, Rev. H. W. Stebbins, Almond Smith, Mrs. Sarah H. Smith. 1889, Edgar V. Wilson, Chairman, Mrs. Sarah H. Smith, Miss Ellen M. Bigelow, Rev. Chas. E. Perkins, Almond Smith, Rev. H. W. Stebbins. 1899, Edgar V. Wilson, Chairman, Mrs. Sarah H. Smith, Miss Ellen M. Bigelow, Rev. Chas. E. Perkins, Rev. C. J. Shrimpton, Almond Smith. 1891, Edgar V. Wilson, Chairman, Mrs. Sarah H. Smith, Miss Ellen M. Bigelow, Rev. Chas. E. Perkins, Rev. C. J. Shrimpton, Almond Smith. 1892, Edgar V. Wilson, Chairman, Mrs. Sarah H. Smith, Rev. H. F. Brown, Miss Ellen M. Bigelow, Rev. C. J. Shrimpton, Almond Smith. 1893, Rev. C. J. Shrimpton, Chairman, Mrs. Sarah H. Smith, Miss Ellen M. Bigelow, Mrs. Clare H. Burleigh, Liicien Lord. 1894, Rev. C J. Shrimpton, Chairman, Mrs. Sarah H. Smith, Miss Ellen M. Bigelow, Lucien Lord, Mrs. Clare H. Burlfeigh. 1895, Rev. C. J. Shrimpton, Chairman, Mrs. Sarah H. Smith, Miss Ellen M. Bigelow, Lucien Lord, Mrs. Clare H. Burleigh, Rev. S. W. Sutton. 1896, Rev. C. J. Shrimpton, Chairman, Mrs. Sarah H. Smith, Miss Ellen M. Bigelow, Lucien Lord, Rev. S. W. Sutton, Lilley B. Caswell. CHAPTER X. GRAND AEMY OF THE REPUBLIC. "Loyal to country I Brothers dear, be true Unto the right, in whatsoe'er ye do I And He who died for man will care for you ! With armor golden, free from sinful dross. Bearing the glorious banner of the cross. In the last conflict, ye shall fear no loss 1" EFOEE THE organization of a Grand Army Post in Athol, some of the old soldiers became members of Abraham Lincoln Post, now the General Sedgwick Post, No. 17 of Orange. Early in 1870, a move- ment was started for the formation of a Post in Athol, which resulted in the organization of one during the summer. PARKER POST, NO. 123, G. A. R. Parker Post was organized June 8, 1870, with sixteen charter members. The Post was named in honor of James C. Parker, who enlisted in Co. A., 21st Regiment Mass. Volunteers, which left Athol for the seat of war, Aug. 22, 1861. Mr. Parker was born in Stickney, C. E., in the year 1826, and was thirty-five years of age at the 1 ^ us ATHOt, FAST AITO PRESEWT, time of his enlistment. He went with his regiment t(% North Carolina, and was sick at the time of the capture* of Roanoke Island, and on board a transport. In the bat- tle of Newbern he was in the thickest ©f the fight, and was, mortally wonnd.ed.. The historian of the 5flst Regiment says ; "^Parker was. one eC our many men who went into the fight with an un-. seifTiceable gun, but stood courageoitusly in his place, though unable to fire a shot. He and Wm. H.. JohnsoQ died in the field hospital on the 15th of March- Parker's and Johnson's, names are engraved on the brass> rebel cannon belonging to a battery of flying artillery which was silenced by a bayonet charge of the 21st Reg- iment Mass. Volunteers, under Lieut, Col. Clark, at the battle of New- bern, N. C, March U, 1862. This, cannon was preseiftted to Amherst College in memory of Adjutant. Stearns. Mr. Parker was buried at Newbem, leaving a wife and three children in Athol. A daughter married Monproe F. Gage, The Post has expended in charity during the twenty^ six years of its existence upwards of two thousand dollars, and many a veteran and his family have had cause to bless the organization for the fraternal sympathy and needed relief of which they have been the recipients in times of trouble and sickness. The faHowing is a list of those who have been Commandeirs ; GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 149 Farwell F. Fay, 1870, '71 ; Geo. H. Hoyt, 1872, '73, '76; li. M. Burleigh, 1874, '75; Charles Gray, 1877; Henry T. Morse, 1878 ; Geo. R. Hanson, 1879; Eoswell L. Doane, 1880; E. J. Shaw, 1881 ; James Oliver, M. D., 1882, '83, '86 ; Samuel N. Gould, 1884, '85 ; Chas. E. Taft, 1887 ; Henry W- Harris, 1888, '89, '91 ; Benj. W. Spooner, 1890; Wm. H, Heustis, 1892; James Oliver, 2d, 1893 ; Hiram A. Bancroft, 1894, '95. Sketches of Commanders Fay, Hoyt, Burleigh and Dr, James Oliver will be found in other chapters of this work. The fourth Commander was Charles Gray, a son of Alexander and Elvira Gray, He was born in Athol, Aug, 19, 1841. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Co. B., 27th ttegiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, and was ap- pointed sergeant soon after enlisting, which office he held until discharged from the service, June 26, 1865. He participated with his regiment in the battles and sieges in which it was engaged in North Carolina and Virginia, among which were Roanoke Island, Kingston, Goldsboro, siege of Washington, N. C., and Drury's Bluff, Va., in the latter of which he was taken prisoner and confined in the rebel prisons of Libby, Danville, Anderson ville, Savannah and Millen, being exposed to the weather for over seven months without a change of clothing. Soon after his re- turn from the war he was married Aug. 11th, 1865, to Hattie N. Horton of Athpl, He was a member of the Athol Fire Department for twenty-five years, having joined first in the spring «f 1860, and was for ten years the chief engineer ; he alsq served the tqwn as one of its constables 150 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. for eighteen years, and was for several years one of the truant officers. Henry T. Morse, the fifth Commander, is the oldest son of the late Laban Morse, and was born in Athol, Jan. 11, 1840. He received his education at the common schools of the town, and then went to work in the shop of his father. He enlisted in the 27th Eegiment band and went with his regiment to North Carolina. When the regimen- tal bands were discontinued in Aug., 1862, he returned home, but reentered the service in 1863, in the band of the 1st Brigade, 2d Division, 6th Army Corps, and was three months at Harper's Ferry, and afterwards in the bat- tles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Coal Harbor, and before Petersburg. On the consolidatirm of his Brigade, Nov. 11, 1864, he was discharged and re- turned home. In 1865, with his brother Leander, he en- gaged in business with his father, under the firm name of L. Morse & Sons. This continued for about a year, when he went to California, where he remained two years, and then returned to Athol, which was his home until 1881, when he removed to Boston, and has since been engaged as an inventor. He was the inventor of Morse's folding settee, and one of his latest inventions is Morse's rotary engine. While in Athol he was connected with the fire department for a long time, being the foreman of the Athol Steamer Co. when it was first organized. He mar- ried Helen S. Sibley of Athol. George E.. Hanson, the sixth Commander, was born in New Salem. He enlisted when nineteen years old in the 27th Regiment, and was one of the band accompanying the JAMES C. PARKER. HENRY M. BURLEIGH. CHARLES GRAY. HENRY T. MORSE. ROSWELL L. DOANE. HENRY W. HARRIS. GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 151 regiment to North Carolina in Burnside's expedition. On the discontinuance of regimental bands he was discharged Aug. 30, 1862. He reenlisted July 14, 1863, in Co. A, 2d Mass. Heavy Artillery. Was on detached service for six months with Capt. Geo. W. Bartlett, 27th Mass. In- fantry, was provost marshal at Beaufort, N. C, and clerk at regimental headquarters of the 2d Mass. Heavy Ar- tillery for nearly a year, and held the office of Sergeant in this company. Was commissioned First Lieutenant in the 14th IT. S. Colored Heavy Artillery, June 21st, 1865, and Nov. 7, 1865, was commissioned as Captain in the same. He was discharged from the service Dec. 11, 1865. Eoswell L. Doane, the seventh Commander, was born in Phillipston, Jan. 26, 1843. He attended the schools of his native town and the Templeton High school* leav- ing the latter to enlist in April, 1861, and was mustered into Co. A, 21st Regiment Mass. Infantry in July of that year. He went with the Burnside expedition, and was with his regiment in all the battles in North Carolina, at the second battle of Bull Eun, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg, in the latter of which he was shot in the right hip, the bullet remaining in him to the present day. He was discharged from the service June 1, 1863, and after six years spent in Worcester and other places, came to Athol in 1869, which has since been his home. He carried on the slating business for ten years, and was also extensively engaged in the teaming business for many years. On Jan. 1, 1893, he was ap- pointed deputy sheriff. Was on the staff of department commander Richard F. Tobin in 1886, and accompanied 153 ItWdt, i^Agf Mb PREsMf, iiiflt to the National Encampment at l^an Francisco. A prominent member of the Knights of f ythia*, he wa^ elected in 1893 to the office of Lieut. Col. of the First Hegiment Uniform Eank Knights of Pythias, and has held the office of Judge ' Advocate Qeneiral, oil thd staff of* Brigadier General John H. Abbott, of the Mass. Brigade^ with the rank of Colonel. lie was married Oct. 10, 1864^ to Miss MerCie S. Gray of Templeton. E. J. Shaw, the eighth Commander, was born in SU George^ New Brunswick, July 11, 1840. In 1855 he Went to New York City, where he attended school four' years, after which he learned the druggist business, and in January, 1860, opelied a drug store ill company with hi^ brother, who was a graduate of the New York tlniversity Medical College^ In September^ 1861 ^ he was appointed Surgeon's Steward in the United States Navy, and or-- dered for duty to the tJ. S. S. "Montgomery", under Sur- geon David T Lincoln of Cambridge, Mass. The vessel sailed from the Brooklyn Navy Yard Sept. 29, 1861, and joined the Gulf Squadron ulider Admiral Farragut. Mr. Shaw was proprietor of a drug store in Worcester' from 1864 to 1868, when he sold out his business and came to Athol to take the position of agent and superin-' tendent of the cotton mill, owned by his father-in-law, W^ A. Fisher. He held this position Until the fall of 1881, and since that time has been in the hotel business, being iiow proprietor of the Central Hortse at Plymouth, Mass. Saniuel 1^. Gould, the tenth Comniandei', was born iri Abington, Conn., Jan. 20, 1830. He canle to Massachu^ setts when about sixteen years of age aild learned the car-^ in$it. E. J. SHAyv. S. N. GOULD. CHAS. E. TAFT. WM. H. HEUSTIS. B. W. SPOONER. TJUAND ARMY OP THE UEtUBLIC 153 penler's trade, which he followed for a number of years. In 1853 he married Miss Sally M. Davis, who died in ■early life, leaving one son, and in 1857 he married Miss Phcebe S. Davis. He enlisted from Templeton, July 19, 1861, as musician in Co. A, 2lst Eegiment Mass. Vol- unteers, and followed the fortunes of his regiment through its term of service, being discharged Aug. 30, 1864. He came to Athol in 1874, and entered the Athol Machine Co., where he was employed until the time of his death, Feb. 24, 1892. Soon after coming to Athol he became a member of Parker Post, served as adjutant three years, and was elected as commander for 1884 and 1885, always maintaining a deep interest in the Grand Army. Charles E. Taft, the eleventh Commander, was born in PitzwilUam, N. H., Aug. 9, 1846. He enlisted in Co. A, 21st Mass. Eegiment, and joined his regiment early in 1864, going into service in Virginia ; was first under fire at the explosion of the mine in front of Petersburg, July 30, 1864, and was also in the great battles near Peters- burg, in April 1865. Since his return from the war, Mr. Taft has been a resident of Athol ; in 1870 he kept a billiard hall at the Lower Village, was for a time engaged in canvassing for various papers, and has for many years been employed at the furniture works of L. Morse & Sons, Henry W. Harris, the twelfth Commander, was born in Petersham, July 28, 1845. He enlisted from New Salem in 1863, in the 4th Mass. Cavalry, and also served in Co. H, 4th Mass. Heavy Artillery. His service was mostly in Virginia. In his early life he was a shoemaker, but most of the time since his return from the war he has been en- 154 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. gaged in the meat and provision business. He has been prominently identified with the Grand Army, and was on the staff of Department Commander Myron P. Walker. He is a member of various Odd Fellow and Masonic or- ganizations, and was appointed a Justice of the Peace by Governor xlmes. He was married Jan. 19, 1893 to Lizzie Eldridge of Maine. B. W. Spooner, the thirteenth Commander of the Post, was born July 8, 1837, at the old Spooner homestead in Petersham, where his father and grandfather were also born, and which has always been his home. He was mar- ried Jan. 1, 1862, to Fanny M. Grout of Westminster, Vt., and in September of the same year he enlisted in Co. F, 53d Regiment Mass. Volunteers, under Capt. J. G. Mudge, and was with his regiment during its term of ser- vice in Louisiana. After he returned from the army he engaged in the meat business in connection with his farm- ing, and continued it for fifteen years, when he gave it up, and devotes his entire time to his farm, on which he has made many improvements. He has five children, four daughters and one son. Wm. H. Heustis, the fourteenth Commander, was born in Boston, May 5, 1841, and attended the public schools of that city. He removed to Leominster when about eigh- teen years of age, and on the breaking out of the war went to Annapolis, Md , where he was in government employ un- til September, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. C, 53d Mass. Volunteers, and was appointed corporal. He was wound- ed at Port Hudson June 14, 1863, and was discharged from the service Sept. 2, 1863, after which he re-enlisted GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 155 in the 4tli Regiment Heavy Artillery, and was honorably discharged from the same. Mr. Heustis has been promi- nently identified with the Grand Army, having joined Timothy Ingraham Post May 3, 1872, and was transferred to the H. V. Smith Post, No. 140, of which be was the third commander, and later to Parker Post, No. 123, of which he is still a member. He has served on the staff of Department Commander Geo. L. Goodale, and on the staffs of National Commanders John Palmer and John J. B. Adams. He has been prominent in the Masonic frater- nity, having been made a Mason in 1864 in Wilder lodge of Leominster ; he has held many of the prominent offices of the local lodges, having been Master of Star lodge and Eminent Commander of Athol Commandery, and is also a member of many of the higher orders of the fraternity, in- cluding the Massachusetts Consistory 32d degree, and Aleppo Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a prominent Odd Fellow, and has held the office of High Priest in Mount Pleasant Encampment and Captain of Canton Athol. He came to Athol in September, 1873, which has since been his home. James Oliver, 2d, Commander in 1893, was born in Royalston Sept. 29, 1832, and came to Athol in 1849, working at first in the cotton mill. He worked in various machine shops until 1862, when he enlisted in the 27th Mass. Regiment, and was in the various battles in which his regiment was engaged in North Carolina. In Decem- ber, 1863, he was detailed as Regimental Armorer at Norfolk, Va., and later was detailed as nurse in the hos- pital, and also as carpenter. He was discharged from the service Sept. 27, 1864. 156 ATHOL, PAST AND FEESENT. After his return from the war, he worked four years for the Vermont & Mass. R. E. Co., was in the machine business in Athol for five years, and commencing in 1874, was employed by the Fitchburg Eailroad Co. as locomotive foreman for thirteen and a half years, his home being for several years at North Adams. He returned to Athol in 1890, which has since been his home. He is a member of the Methodist church and one of its trustees. He was married Oct. 19, 1854, to Charlotte D. Bailey of Lunenburg, Mass. They have one daughter, Miss Idella Oliver. Hiram A. Bancroft, the fifteenth Commander, was born Dec. 21, 1847, in Templeton. His parents moved, to Phillipston when he was eight years of age, from which place he enlisted Oct. 26, 1863, in Co. G, 34th Mass. Volunteers, being at the time less than sixteen years of age. He joined his regiment at Harper's Ferry, Va , in January, 1864, and was under Gen. Sigel in the Shenan- doah Valley, on Hunter's raid to Lynchburg, and after- wards under Gen. Sheridan at the time of his ffimous ride from Winchester to Cedar Creek ; was afterwards trans- ferred to the army of the James, and in 1865, to the army of the Potomac, where he was engaged in the final cap- ture of Petersburg and Richmond and the surrender of Lee. He was transferred to the 34th Mass. Regiment, and was finally mustered out of service Jan. 20, 1866. He was married Dec. 22, 1876, to Miss Lizzie Moore of Athol. He joined the Grand Army Post of Orange in 1869, and later was transferred to Parker Post, of which he was elected commander for 1894 and again for 1895. GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 157 HUBBARD V. SMITH POST, NO. 140 G. A. R. This post was organized Feb. 22, 1882, with twenty-five charter members, and was composed almost wholly of com- rades residing in the lower village. Chief Mustering offi- cer A. C. Monroe, was the installing officer, and the first meetings were held in Phoenix hall on Exchange street, and then in Cardany's block, until December, 1886, when the present fine hall was dedicated, which has since been the home of the Post. The Commanders of the Post have been Wm. E. Jaquith, Lewis H. Sawin, Wm. H. Heustis, Levi C. Sawin, W. H. Mellen and Geo. A. Bennett. Hubbard V. Smith, from whom the Post takes its name, was a son of Abner and Florilla Smith, and was born in Shutesbury, April 27, 1840. He came with his parents to Athol in 1850, attended the public schools, and was one of the first to join the army from this town on the breaking out of the Rebellion, enlisting in Co. F, 2d Mass. Infantry ; was in the Shenandoah campaign under Gen. Burke, and was wounded on the retreat from Winchester, May 25, 1862, a minie ball entering his body just above the right hip, and passing so nearly through him that it was extracted above the left hip. He was taken prisoner, and when the rebels were obliged to retreat, he was paroled for exchange ; after being in hospitals at Harper's Ferry and Annapolis for several months he was able to come home in October, and was discharged Jan. 1, 1863. After his return home, he went to WUbraham Academy, but his wound was so troublesome that he was obliged to return home ; he sufiered a great deal and died Aug. 2, 1867. 158 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. William E. Jaquith, the first Commander, was born in Orford, N. H., Sept. 9, 1838. Most of his life has been spent in railroad work, he having served as section fore- man on the Rutland and Burlington, Rutland and Wash- ington, Worcester and Nashua, and New London North ern railroads previous to coming to Athol in 1876. At that time he became a foreman on the Fitchburg railroad, which position he filled for nearly twenty years. On Aug. 29, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 15th Regi- ment Vermont Volunteers. He was married April 3, 1867, in Keene, N. H., to Miss Addie D. Fisher. Since residing in Athol, Mr. Jaquith has been deeply interested in the Grand Army, having joined Parker Post in 1877, and was one of the organizers of Hubbard V. Smith Post in 1882, being its first Commander, and serving in that position at different times for five years. He was instru- mental in the organization of the Gen. W. T. Sherman Camp Sons of Veterans, and also of the Woman's Relief Corps. He was Aide De Camp on the staff of Command- er in-Chief Palmer of the Grand Army, and a delegate to the National Encampment at Milwaukee. Lewis H. Sawin, the second Commander of the Post, was born in Athol Oct. 5, 1845. He was educated in the public schools of the town, and went from the High school into the Navy, in which he enlisted March 6, 1862. For four months he was on the Receiving Ship Ohio, at the Charlestown Navy Yard, and was then transferred to the Gun Boat Sonoma, The Sonoma was sent to the James River, and remained there until McCellan made his famous retreat, when she was sent up the Potomac to I'.^iSmi^ -A -^ •■•» -.75^1 < M M!Ul&£,^aiS^^l\t3^ S ^ rj> HUBBARD V. SMITH. LEWIS H. SAWIN. WILLIAM E. JAQUITH. ~=^- ^'S^, $^ ':.^^||H^^K ^^^H [^ LEVI C. SAWIN. WILLIAM H. MELLEN. GEORGE A. BENNETT. GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 159 Washington, and joined the flying squadron in the West Indies. While on this cruise the Sonoma took three vessels ; this was the first gunboat to go through the ob- structions at Savannah, and did picket duty at Charles- ton the next night after the surrender of the city. He re- ceived his discharge from the Navy March 17, 1865. Af' ter returning home he w^ent to a business college in New Haven, and worked in Boston for a year. Was engaged in the grocery business in Athol, under the firm name of Packard & Co. for about three years, and was in the em- ploy of Smith & Jaquith at Templeton four years, and for nearly twenty years has been book-keeper for the Athol Machine Co. In 1891, served on the staff of Commander- in-Chief Veazy. Is a member of the Sons of Veterans and the Knights of Honor. Was married June 22, 1869, to Miss Marietta Bangs of Leverett. Levi C. Sawin, the fourth Commander, was born in Ashburnhara, Aug. 11, 1838. When sixteen years of age he went to Fitchburg and learned the machinists' trade, and afterwards the carriage makers trade, which occupa- tion he has ever since followed. He went to Gardner and engaged in business for himself, where he enlisted in Co. G, 53d Mass. Regiment, and remained Avith his regiment during its term of service. On his return from the war he resumed his business in Gardner, where he remained un- til 1876, when he came to Athol, where he has built up a flourishing business. In 1864, he married Miss Euth E. Temple of Gardner. While in Ashburnham he joined the Methodist church, of which denomination he has since been a momber, and is one of the trustees of the Athol 160 ATSOL, PAST AND PRESENT, church. Mr. Sawin was commander of the Post for three successive years, and has been captain of the Athol Divis- ion Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias. He was also one of the constables of Athol for nine years. William H. Mellen, the fifth Commander, was born in Spofford, N. Y., Nov. 9. 1842, being the youngest of a family of eight children ; removed with his father's family to North Orange, Mass., when but a few years old. He learned the mechanics trade at Templeton, and on the breaking out of the war of the rebellion enlisted in Co. A. 21st Mass. Volunteers, and was mustered into the U. S. service Aug. 23d, 1861. He was in the battles of Roa- noke Island, Newbern, Camden and Second Bull Run, in the last of which he was wounded and sent to hospitals ui Philadelphia, Washington and Portsmouth Grove, R. I, Was discharged from the service May 6, 1864. In July, 1864, he was married to Miss Gertrude E. Squire of Rus- sia, Herkimer Co., N. Y. He returned to Templeton and resumed his trade, remaining there about a year, when in company with J. W. Lamb, he engaged in the manu- facture of pine and chestnut furniture in the town of Or- ange, under the firm name of Mellen & Lamb. In 1881, they bought a steam mill and did custom sawing ; later Mr. Mellen purchased his partner's interest, and is still en- gaged in the same business, having converted into lumber upwards of twenty million feet of logs. He was elected as Commander of Hubbard V. Smith Post for 1891, and re-elecicd to the same position for 1892, and served on Department Commander Innis staff in 1890. He is also a member of the Knights of Honor GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 161 and Knights of Pythias. He was elected on the board of Selectmen for 1894, and was re-elected in 1895 and 1896, serving the latter year as chairman. He was also elected to represent the First Worcester District in the Legisla- ture of 1897. George A. Bennett was born in Salem, Mass., April 21st, 1844. He received his education in the public schools of that city, and after leaving school was apprent- iced to learn the cooper's trade. He eidisted Aug. 21, 1862, in Co. A, 50th Mass. Eegiment, serving one year, and then re-enlisted in the 13th Unattached Co. M. V. M., and also later in Co. E, 1st Frontier Cavalry. After returning from the war he learned the shoe cutting busi- ness, and since 1878 has been employed as foreman of cut- ting rooms by S. B. Fuller & Son at Essex, Mass., for Francis W. Breed at factories in Lynn and Eochester, N. H., coming to Athol with Mr. Breed in the fall of 1887. For the last three years he has been employed as foreman for Hill & Greene. He was married April 7th, 1874, to Miss Helen F. Lufkin of Essex, Mass. The first few years after the observance of Memorial Day was commenced, Parker Post united with the Orange Post in the decoration ceremonies and exercises in both towns, the speaking being by local speakers. The most distinguished soldier of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic who ever participated in the exercises of Memorial Day in Athol, was Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, who was the honored guest of Athol comrades on Memorial Day, 1873, when the greatest Memorial Day demonstration ever witnessed in this section of the state took place. 162 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. The town was profusely decorated with flags and bunt- ing, and Depot Square was thronged with an immense crowd when the morning train arrived with General Burn- side, accompanied by Gen. Richmond and Sergt. Plunkett, the armless hero of Fredericksburg, and as these old heroes were received by Gen. Hoyt, and escorted to the barouche in waiting for them, the enthusiasm and demon- strations of the veterans of the Grand Army was almost beyond description. The procession, which extended from the Pequoig House, nearly to the Lower Village cemetery, included Parker Post, the Grand Army Posts of Gardner and Orange, the Athol Fire Department, Father Matthew Temperance Society, the school children, and nearly one hundred carriages containing the citizens of the town. Speeches were made by Gens. Burnside and Richmond in front of the Summit House at the Upper Village, and in the afternoon Music Hall was filled with nearly two thousand people to listen to the exercises. The Memorial day orators since that occasion have been as follows : 1874, Hon. Rufus Liver more of Orange ; 1875, Hon. Geo. S. Boutwell ; 1877, Col. J. A. Titus of Worcester ; 1878, Hon. Frank Gargan of Boston ; 1879, Col. W. S. B. Hop- kins of Worcester ; 1880, Capt. A. A. White of the 36th Regiment; 1881, William H. Hart of Chelsea; 1882, Gen. S. G. Griffin of Keene, N. H. ; 1883, Rev. Melville Smith of Newburyport ; 1884, Hon. J. R. Thayer of Wor- cester; 1885, Rev. Geo. S. Ball of Upton, chaplain of the 21st Mass. Regiment ; 1886, Rev. P. M. Vinton of Athol ; 1887, Capt. John F. Ashley of Gardner of the 53d Regi- ment ; 1888, Col. Asa L. Kneeland of Worcester, an old GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 163 Athol soldier of the 32d Regiment ; 1889, Rev. I. J Lansing of Worcester ; 1890, Rev. F. O. Hall of Fitch- burg ; 1891, Wm. H. Bartlett' of Worcester ; 1892, C. S Chapin of Fitchburg ; 1893, Prof. A. S. Roe of Worcester; 1894, J. B. McCabe, Commander-in-chief of the Sons of Veterans of the United States; 1895, Col. G. W. Hooker of Brattleboro, Vt. ; 1896, Past Department Commander Geo. S. Evans of Cambridge. GEN. W. T. SHERMAN CAMP NO. 65, SONS OF VETERANS. This Camp was organized May 26, 1886, with twenty- one charter members. The present membership is fifty. The first captain was W. D. Mellen, and C. H. Upham and Edward Hosmer served during 1887. The Captains since that time have been : F. H. Brock. 1888, F. H. Sprague, 1889, C. W. Chapin, 1890, '91, E. H. White, 1892, F. P. Hall, 1893, W. B. Gould, 1894, H. L. Doane, 1895, P. H. Starrett, 1896, HOYT POST, NO. 3, MATRONS OF THE REPUBLIC. Post 3, Matrons of the Republic, was organized as aux- iliary to Parker Post, at Athol Centre, May 3, 1878. The object of the organization is to assist Parker Post in caring for disabled soldiers and their families, and during the eighteen years of its existence, has expended upwards of three thousand dollars in relief work. Soldiers wives, widows J mothers, sisters, daughters and Sons of Veterans' wives, only, are eligible to membership in the Post. Those who have served as. Commanders, are: Mrs. Mary A. Hoyt, 1878, '79 s Mrs. Sarah L. Drury, 1879, '80 ; Mrs. Mercie S. Doane, 1881, 82, '83, '84 ; Mrs. Fannie Kil- 164 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. burn, 1885 ; Mrs. Mary F. Wellman, 1885 ; Mrs. Abbie A. Hill, 1886, '87, '96 ; Mrs. Kate J. Oliver, 1888, '89 ; Mrs. Carrie M. Pond, 1890, '91, '94, '95 ; Mrs. Nettie C. Stevens, 1892, '93. HUBBARD V. SMITH, WOMAn's RELIEF CORPS, NO. 82. The Woman's Relief Corps, No. 82, auxiliary to Hub- bard V. Smith Post, was organized Feb. 22, 1887, with forty-one charter members. The officers were installed by Mrs. Mary M. Perry of Springfield. The organization has done, and is doing, a grand work in comforting sorrowing hearts and relieving the necessities of needy ones, and ranks high in the state department for relief work. The present membership is one hundred and ninety-seven. The Presidents have been : Mrs. Clare H. Burleigh, who served three years, Miss Minerva K. Pitts one year, Mrs. Mercie S. Doane two years, Mrs. Julia Hamilton three years. Mrs. Sarah H. Smith, who now holds the office is serving on her second term. Mrs. Smith is a daughter of the late Lyman W. Hapgood, and has always been prominently identified with the musical and social circles of the town. She has for some time been the Sec- retary of the Public Library committee. Mrs. Clare Hoyt Burleigh, daughter of Dr. Geo. Hoyt, was born in Athol. Her early education was obtained in the Athol schools, after which she attended the famous Seminary of the Misses Stone in Greenfield for a year and a half, and was also a pupil for about the same length of time of Mrs. Willard's celebrated Seminary in Troy. N. Y. Her musical and art education was obtained under CLARE H. BURLEIGH. GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 165 the instruction of some of the most distinguished teachers of Boston and New York ; among them were Madame Ar- nault, Keller and Kriessman of Boston, Bassini of New York and Madame Nora of the Eoyal Academy. She was the only soprano soloist in Christ and St. John's churches at Hartford, Conn, for six or seven years. She was mar ried in Kansas, April 22, 1869, to H. M. Burleigh, Esq., who died in March, 1894. She is a graceful and able writer, and in the early days of the Athol Transcript was the writer of its editorials, and has contributed poems and sketches for various magazines and papers, also for many local celebrations and anniversaries. A number of these poems have been collected into a volume bearing the title ot " A Four-Leaved Clover and Wayside Rhymes." Her greatest work, however, has been done for the vet- erans of the late war and their dependents. Instrumental in the organization of the local Woman's Relief Corps, she was its first President, which position she held for three years. Her enthusiastic and earnest work caused her to be recognized in the State Department, where she served as Department Inspector, Junior and Senior Vice Presidents, and finally in February, 1894, was elected President of the Woman's Relief Corps of Massachusetts. A woman of more than average talent, gifted as a public speaker, and possessed of great executive ability, she held that position with honor to herself and the women of Massachusetts. Soon after her retirement from that office she was offered the position of Superintendent of the National Home of the Woman's Relief Corps, at Madison, Ohio, which she accepted, and where she is now engaged. CHAPTER XI. FIRE DEPARTMENT. "A little fire is quickly trodden out; which, being suffer'd, rivers cannot quench." T a town meeting held April 7, 1817, a committee consisting of James Oli- ver, Geo. Oliver and James Humph- rey, chosen to investigate in regard to a fire engine made the following report: "As to the engine, your committee are of the opinion that a large majority of the inhabitants of the town could not be directly benefitted by it, but as it will be a benefit to the whole town to have the buildings of any of the inhabitants preserved from fire, we are of the opinion the town will be willing to be at one third part of the expense, if individuals should see fit to pay the residue of the expense of obtaining one all which is submitted." The recommendation of the committee was adopted by the town. The origin and minutes of Fire Engine No. 2, are first recorded under date of May 26, 1817, and at a FIRE DEPARTMENT. 167 meeting of the inhabitants of the town, a committee is ap- pointed to confer with the town's committee to carry in- to effect the intentions of the subscribers, viz : to purchase a good effective engine. George Fitts, Esq., an Athol mechanic, is engaged to build an engine upon the conditions, that if it does not answer a good and sufficient purpose, and answer the ex- pectations of those concerned in it, and be satisfactory as to price, the committee shall not be under obligation to re- ceive it. As the records further state, that three hundred dollars was paid to G. Fitts, Esq. for engine, we conclude that it proved satisfactory in all respects. The sum of thirty-six dollars was also paid Morton & Sheldon for twelve buckets, and of the total amount individuals paid two hundred and twenty-four dollars, and the town one hundred and twelve dollars. The engine men appointed for this engine were as fol- lows : Ebenezer Sheldon, Charles Crosby, Josiah M. Jones, Alden Spooner, Asa Spooner, William Hoar, Peter Wilder, Loring Hascall, Theodore Jones, Paul Morse, George Fitts, James Brown, David Orcut, Joel Kendall, Jr., Wm. Fowler, Wm. Morse, Nathaniel Wilder. The old records of this company refer to suppers had at early candle lighting at Z. Field's and at Mr. Preston's. At one of these festive occasions, the company from the Lower Village, with the Selectmen, Fire Wards and others, were invited guests, who, " to the number of about eighty, took supper, drank toasts and had a jovial time, all which was done in order." Occasionally a vote like the following is recorded : " Voted that the company after the roll call 168 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. return to the tavern-, for the purpose of taking something to cheer up their spirits, and that the clerk should pay for the same out of the fine moneys." There was also an engine and a company in the Lower Village at the same time, and the records of 1817 read as follows: "We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Athol, are appointed by the gentlemen selectmen of the town to man and exercise said engine : Eliphalet Thorp, Adin Holbrook, Ezra Fish, Perley Sibley, Stephen Har- wood, William Newhall, David Young, Jr., David Har- wood, Reuben Fairbanks, Amos Blodgett, John H. Morse, Thomas Barry, Gideon Sibley, Moses Fish, Ira Thorp." The meetings of this company were held at the old " fact- ory store," for which they seemed to have a singular affec- tion, for a term of years, and where undoubtedly their warm deliberations were slaked by installments of "moun- tain dew." In 1840, it was voted to raise sixty dollars to furnish a suitable carriage to convey the ladders and hooks belong- ing to fire engine No. 2, and also to furnish suitable sleds to carry the engines of the town in winter in case of fire, and also a reward of two dollars was voted to the person who shall be first at the depositories of the engines with suitable horses in case of fife. In the summer of 1846, the town purchased two hand fire engines, one for the Upper, and one for the Lower Village. The one for the former was called the Despatch, and that for the latter the Tiger. The officers of the Tiger were C. W. Bannon, foreman, E. A. Puffier, 1st as- sistant, Russell Smith, 2d assistant, Henry Mason, Jr., FIRE DEPARTMENT. 169 clerk, David Drury, foreman of leading hose, F. G. Lord, foreman of suction hose, Eufus Putnam, steward ; the company numbered forty-five men. The Despatch had as officers : J. R. Pierce, foreman, Erastus Smith, clerk and 1st assistant, Samuel A. Hill, foreman of leading hose, Wilder Stratton, foreman of suction hose, Wayland Peck, brakemaster, C. W. Morse, and W. Cram, stew^ards. There was great rivalry between these two companies, and a grand trial was arranged. The contest was a great affair for those days, and was witnessed by a large crowd. The Tigers won, making the quickest time, and throwing the longest and highest streams. The fire department in those days was a great institution, and was called upon to do escort duty on many occasions, as well as to extinguish fires. In 1868, a steam fire engine was purchased for the Lower Village. In the spring of 1871, a committee was appointed to obtain an engine for the Upper Village. The committee consisted of Lyman W. Hapgood, Nathaniel Richardson, A. G. Stratton, Laban Morse, E, T. Lewis, F. G. Lord and D. W. Houghton. At a town meeting held May 4, 1871, a verbal report was presented by L. W. Hapgood, chairman of the committee, the substance of the report being that the committee were divided in opinion between the Amoskeag engine made at Manchester, N. H., and the Jucket made at Fitchburg, as to which should be purchased by the town. The members of the commit- tee of the Upper Village were in favor of the Jucket, and those of the Lower Village favored the Amoskeag; and now occurred that memorable controversy between the 170 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. citizens of the two villages that agitated the whole town, from the children to the gray-haired old citizens and staid matrons. At one of the town meetings it was voted to purchase the engine made in Fitchburg, and then the con- test waxed hot, several town meetings were called and at- tempts made to rescind the vote. The two factions of the committee each purchased an engine, one the Amoskeag the other the Jucket, and the greatest efforts were made by both parties to get their machines to town first. The Jucket, or Fitchburg machine, arrived first, was met at the depot by a band of music, and amid the most intense ex- citement was escorted by the victorious citizens of the Upper Village to their engine house. It did service until the spring of 1893, when a new engine was purchased. The Amoskeag steamer, which arrived soon after the other, was after a short time sold to the town of Orange. A new era of the fire department commenced in 1 877, on the completion of the Athol Water "Works, when the town made a contract with the Athol Water Co. for fifty hydrants. The apparatus at that time consisted of two steamers, two hand engines, four hose carriages, and one hook and ladder carriage, and the water supply was ob- tained from fifty hydrants and three reservoirs. The board of engineers at that time consisted of L. B. Morse, chief engineer, and J. M. King, O. A. Fay and H. H. Haskins, assistants. In 1893, an elegant brick engine house was erected on Exchange street, at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, and in 1896, one was built at the Highlands,^on the corner oi Main and Pleasant streets, costing about twelve thousand FIRE DEPARTMENT. 171 dollars. In 1894, an electric fire alarm system was es- tablished at a cost of three thousand dollars. The engineers of the department for 1896. were Fred A. Haskins, chief engineer, and Chas F. Smith and James McManamy, district chiefs. Fred A. Haskins, Chief Engineer of the Fire Depart- ment, was born in Hardwick, in 1855. At the age of five years his parents moved to the southwest part of New Braintree, where his father carried on a large farm. He remained at home on the farm until fifteen years of age, when he went into the railroad business, serving in various capacities as fireman, brakeman, etc., on the Bos- ton & Albany, Ware Eiver, and New London Northern railroads. After being engaged in this business for up- wards of five years, he learned the carpenter's trade, and came to Athol in June, 1876, where he has been engaged ever since as a builder and contractor, having had charge of the erection of some of the large buildings of the town, among which are the shoe shops of C. M. Lee, the Com- mercial House, Ellsworth's Opera House, the Green Mountain shoe shop, the new Engine House, in the Lower Village and many others. In September, 1881, he married Miss Kate Finn of Athol. Mr. Haskins has been in the fire department five years, four years of which time he has been one of the engineers, and for the last three years has been the chief engineer of the department. He was one of the constables of the town two years. James McManamy, one of the district chiefs, was born in Athol, Feb. 6, 1860. He attended the public schools of the town, and commenced working in the mills when 172 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. only ten years of age. Among the first places in which he was employed were the saw mill of J. M. Cheney, W. A. Fisher's cotton mill, and Leander Cheney's cotton bat- ting mill. For more than fifteen years he has been em- ployed in the sash and blind factory of A. F. Tyler. He was one of the constables for three years, commencing with 1892, and was appointed one of the engineers of the fire department in 1895, which position he now holds. He was one of the organizers of the Highland Association of Firemen, and a member of the committee under whose di- rection the Highland Engine House has been erected. Charles F. Smith, one of the district chiefs for 1896, was born in Townsend, Mass., Dec. 5, 1855. He learned the cooper's -trade, and has been employed in that business most of the time since coming to Athol, in March, 1882, He has been coimected with the fire department thirteen years, and has been one of the Engineers six years. He has also served as constable eight years. He married Mary E. Newton, May 23, 1874. Harry F. Boutell, son of James and Martha H. Boutell, was born in Athol, Sept. 28, 1855. He attended the pub- lic schools of the town until thirteen years of age, when he entered the store of Thorpe & Thomas as clerk, and re- mained in their employ five years. In 1875, he purchased the interest of Geo. Ward, in the firm of Ward Brothers, and the firm of Ward & Boutell was formed, which did a milling and retail hay and grain business at Athol Center. He was also associated with Dexter Aldrich in the same business for a short time, and for quite a number of years carried on the business in his own name until April 1, FRED A. HASKINS. JAMES McMANAMY. CHARLES F. SMITH. HARRY F. BOUTELL. FIRE DEPAKTMENT. 173 1895, when he sold it to his brother, Geo. W. Boutell, and removed to Barre, where he now resides. He mar- ried Eliza W. Upton of Burre, Aug. 1, 1877. There is probably no person that has been connected with the fire department during the last thirty years for so long a time as Mr. Boutell. He joined the Despatch Hand Engine Co. in 1871, when sixteen years of age, and served con- tinuously in some position of the department for twenty- four years, during which time he never missed but one fire when in town, and he had seen every member who was on the rolls when he joined go out of the department. He served for several years on the Athol Steamer Co., and was appointed foreman of Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, May 1st, 1879, which position he held for eight years, when he was appointed as one of the board of Engineers, May 1 , 1887, and served as such until Feb. 1, 1895. He was one of the organizers of the Highland Association of Athol Firemen, and its president in 1895. He is a charter member of TuUy Lodge of Odd Fellows and Banner Lodge Daughters of Rebekah, and is a member of various other organizations. He was elected one of the constables of the town in 1887, and served until March, 1895. Among the great fires of Athol, we have space to men- tion only three : The burning of Music Hall at the Up- per Village, April 8, 1876, when the citizens of that sec- tion saw swept out of existence in a few minutes what had been the pride of their village, for it was the most elegant and perfectly equipped, as well as the largest hall in north- western Massachusetts. The loss amounted to nearly sixty thousand dollars, and was a severe blow to the busi- 114 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT, ness of that village. Another was the destruction of the large shoe shop of C M. Lee, when upwards of two hund- red and fifty hands were thrown out of employment, and the loss was estimated at nearly seventy thousand dollars. This occurred Dfec, 26, 1883. Athol's greatest conflagration was that of Dec. 21, 1890v when Masonic block and Central block, two of the largest business blocks of the town, with their contents were de- stroyed by fire, causing a loss of one hundred thousand dollars worth of property. It was a memorable day, and thousands of people lined the streets, while the Athol fire- men, and a large delegation of the ablest fire fighters of Orange did heroic work, and achieved victory by the most magnificent fire fighting ever witnessed in this section. The saddest event of the day was the accident to the fire- men, n which four of the Athol firemen, and two from Orange were seriously injured, and which resulted a few days after in the death of Alexander McLeod, from in- juries received while in the discharge of his duty as fore- man of Star Hose Company. This was the first time in the history of Athol that one of her firemen had met with death resulting from injuries received while in the dis- charge of duty, and a sadness rested upon the entire com- munity. Alexander McLeod was native of the Province of Quebec. He had been a resident of Athol for more than fifteen years, and was employed in the shoe shops. He had been for more than thirteen years a member of the Fire Department, and was considered one of the most faith- ful and able firemen of the department. His ability had •FTRE DEPARTMENT. 175 been recognized by his appointment as one of the en- gineers of the Department in 1889. At the time of the iire he was foreman of Star Hose Company, The funeral was held at the Methodist church and was largely attend- ed, every member of the Fire Department in town, with the exception of the injured men, being present, while a large number of the citizens by their presence attested their respect and esteem for the deceased fireman. The 176 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT- remains were conveyed to Windsor Mills, Quebec, where the burial took place. Water Works. In 1876, Robert Wiley and Solon L. Wiley, co-partners under the firm name of the Athol Aqueduct Company, " agreed, under seal, with the inhabi- tants of Athol. to furnish them with pure water for fire and domestic purposes, and to provide fifty hydrants at fifty dollars each per year, and others needed at the same rate. This agreement was signed by Eobert and Solon L. Wiley, and the selectmen of Athol, June 7, 1876, and ap- proved by the town June 13, 1876. During the summer and fall of that year, the street mains were laid and the reservoirs constructed. The source of supply selected was among the PhUlipston hills, just over the Athol line, where the Wellington and Cutting brooks, and numerous springs furnished water of purest quality. The main res- ervoir was located partly in Phillipston and partly in Athol, a short distance east of the buildings of the Athol town farm, contains nineteen acres, with a storage capacity of nearly sixty million gallons, and is five hundred and eight feet above the Pequoig House in the Lower Village. The water shed of this reservoir has an area of four hund- red and twenty-one acres. Two distributing reservoirs were also built, one known as the Summer street reservoir, situated north of the Highland cemetery, and the second, of about an acre in area, known as Pleasant street reser- voir, located north of the farm of C. K. Wood. Water was first introduced into town in November, 1876. About this time the Athol Water Company was organized, with a capital of eighty thousand dollars, its act of incorporation FIRE DEPARTMENT. 177 being dated April 10, 1877. The officers of the company were: Robert Wiley, president; Solon L. Wiley, treas- urer ; Joseph B. Cardany, superintendent. In 1886, an additional source of supply was made available by the con- struction of the Buckman brook line, around the Bears Den hills, which brings water from the " Newton" reser- voir to Summer street reservoir, a distance of over four miles. The "Newton" reservoir has a storage capacity of eight million gallons, and a water shed area of five hund- red and twenty-two acres. A Water Committee were chosen by the town in March, 1876, consisting of the board of selectmen, W. H. Amsden, Wm. W. Fish and Gilbert Southard, together with Jonathan Drury, James M. Lee, A. H. Smith, Edwin Ellis, J. W. Hunt and J. S. Parmenter. A controversy between the town and the Athol Water Co. regarding the efficiency of the hydrant service, and the refusal of the town to pay the rental due for hydrants, re- sulted in a law suit in 1888, which was the most extensive law case, in which the town was ever engaged, and which was decided in favor of the Water Company. The management of the Water Works changed hands January 1, 1892, gentlemen from Portland, Me., being the purchasers. The officers of the new management are : Arthur W. Merrill, president ; George F. West, treasurer ; Warren G. West, superintendent. There are at the pres- ent time seventy-one public hydrants and four private, and about twenty-four miles of water pipe laid. The ac- companying diagram gives the elevations of the several reservoirs and other localities in town, with distance above or below Main street at the Pequoig House. 178 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. WATERWORKS ELEVATIONS 508 F.-ra L-lN-^ar DVWFLQW- — ^ MAIN RESERVOIR r^ PH1LL1P5T0N n=A PLEASANT ST. RESERVOIR 325 F. 322 R A NEWTON RESERVOIR 7\ BUCKMAM BROOK -ENTRANCE TO W.N. VV. FAIR GROUNDS \SUMMEaST. reservoir" The return of the Athol Water Company filed in the Tax Commissioner's office, and dated May 1, 1895, states that the capital stock of the Company is eighty thousand dollars, the num- ber of shares eight hundred, and the par value of each share one hundred dollars. The certificate of condition filed by the Company with the Secretary of State dated, July 16, 1895, gives the value of land, water power and buildings as upwards of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and the total as- sets at nearly two hundred and fifty-four thousand dollars. In February, 1895, the Company made two proposals to the town of Athol, one of which was an offer of sale. A committee was appointed by the town, and an investiga- tion of the water supply has been made. 3PA C' CURBSTONE AT SUMMIT HD '^^^ ^- ■ — HIG-HLANDS GREE.N ST. NEAR RESIDENCE 1B7 r.- DF MRS. W.H.AMSDEN .-^ P PARK AVENUE , 1"^' rH ^OPPOSITE ST. JOHNS CHURCH TRACKAT SCHOOL STREET 25 R (FITCHBUR&) R.R, CRDSSlNOv ABOVE -nuiififeHftCENTER OF MAIN 5T. " ., BELtJ'V OPPOSITE PE0UOKJ HOUSE >i I 3 ' F.-l OPPOSITE LOWtaVlLLA&ESC. HDr CHAPTER XII. THE LEGAL PEOFESSION. "The time ahall come when his more solid sense With nod important shall the laws dispense ; A justice with scrave justices shall sit; He praise their wisdom, they admire his wit." 'HE FIRST lawyer of Athol, whom we have any record of, is Solomon Strong. He was a native of Amherst, the son of Hon. Simeon Strong, Judge of the Supreme Court, and was born in 1780. Graduated at Williams College in 1798, was admitted to the bar in 1803, and soon after com- menced the practice of law in Athol. He remained in town three or four years, during which time he was prom- inent in town affairs, serving as moderator at town meet- ings, on various committees, and was one of the first post- masters after the establishment of the post office. The records show that he was the agent of the town in vari- ous cases that came before the courts. He removed to Westminster, became distinguished in politics, and reached the most elevated position in the legal profession. From 1812 to 1814, he was a member of the State Senate, and again in 1844. Served two terms in Congress, and was 180 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1818, which office he reitained until 1843. He removed to Leominster after his appointment to the bench, and resid- ed there until his death in 1850, at the age of seventy years. Hon. Emory Washburn in an address, referred to him as follows : " A few of us remember him before he had been elevated to that place, when he honorably filled a seat in Congress, and was called thence to a vacancy upon the bench. With a good legal mind, and respectable at- tainments in his profession, he brought much experience in the practical affairs of life, to the business of the court, and did much to elevate and sustain its character. He won the confidence of all, by his uprightness as a Judge, and the diligence and fidelity with which he performed his duties." Another lawyer who commenced practice in xlthol early in the century, was Joseph Proctor. He was born in Lit- tleton, Mass., Feb. 11, 1766, and graduated at Dartmouth College in 1791. In 1811, he married Mary Orcutt of Templeton. His house stood in the corner of the roads at the junction, of what is now Main and School streets, near the lot now owned by Mrs. F. C. Parmenter, and his office was a small building located on what is now the Music hall lot at the Highlands. About 1812, there seemed to be more enterprise starting in town, and the town offered to give Mr. Proctor that spot of land where his office was located, and which was then a ledge of rocks, if he would build a residence upon it. Accordingly, he began the task of clearing this ledge away, at a great expense, and LEGAL PROFESSION. 181 built a substantial, square, brick house, which was re- moved to make room for the erection of Music Hall. Mr. Proctor was a man of strict integrity, of few words, but «ound judgment, and his counsel was considered of great worth in his profession, and was sought by the people from all the surrounding towns. He was prominent in town and political affairs ; was one of the committee chosen by the town in 1808, to draw up a petition to the President of the United States for the repealing of the laws laying an embargo, served as moderator at town meetings, was one of the selectmen. Representative to the Legislature in 1819, and postmaster from 1809 to 1822. He died in August, 1822, of paralysis. (jLough R. Miles, who succeeded Mr. Proctor as the lawyer of the town, was born in Westminster, May 31, 1796. Graduated at Harvard College in 1817, and was admitted to the bar in 1820. He commenced the practice of his profession in Athol, where he resided until 1835, when he removed to Millbury, Mass. In 1865, he relin- quished the practice of law and moved to Graniteville, then a part of Needham, now Wellesley Hills, where he died in 1879. He was one of the postmasters of the Athol office, and prominent in town affairs. Isaac Stevens, who succeeded Mr. Miles, was born in Wareham, Mass., April 12, 1792. He was admitted to the Bar in 1821, and commenced the practice of the law immediately after that, in Middleborough, which town he represented in the Legislature. In 1836, he removed to Athol, and continued in the practice of his profession, un- til within a few months of his death, which took place 182 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Sept. 6, 1866. He enjoyed in a large degree the respect and esteem of his associates at the Bar, and the community at large. He was an honest man, and a safe and judicious counsellor. Was honored by his fellow citizens with posi- tions of honor and responsibiUty, serving as Representative to the Legislature in 1858, was several years on the Board of Selectmen and was postmaster from July 13, 1841, to Sept. 5, 1842, and again from June 10, 1850, to May 13, 1854. He was an honored member of the Masonic frater- nity. His sense of justice was very acute, and of his life as a christian, a citizen and a lawyer, too much cannot be said. Charles Field, is one of the senior members of the Worcester County Bar, and one of the vice presidents of Bar Association. He was born in Athol, June 9, 1815, where he lived until his father moved to Greenfield, in 1826. He was educated in the public schools and Fellen- berg Academy, and fitted for college by Professor Coffin, but was obliged to relinquish a collegiate course on ac- count of an affection of the eyes, threatening blindness, caused by over study. On the removal of his father to Troy, N. Y., in 1830, he became an inmate of the fanaily of Hon. Daniel Wells, the leader of the Franklin County Bar, and afterwards Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, in whose office he studied law, and with whom he remained until he was twenty-two years of age. After his admission to the bar he spent four years in the West and Southwest, returning thence to Massachusetts and to his native town, where he has since resided and practiced his profession. In 1856, he was elected to the House of Eep- Hon. CHARLES FIELD. LEGAL PROFESSION. 183 resentatives, and in the two years following to the State Senate, in which he rendered creditable and faithful ser- vice. In the fall of 1860, a few months before the Civil War, when politics were literally seething, he was chosen a Republican Presidential Elector, and with Chief Justice Chapman, John G. Whittier and others, few of whom sur- vive, cast the electoral vote of Massachusetts for Abraham Lincoln and Hanibal Hamlin. Great interest attached to this vote in the Electoral College and in the country gen erally, for strong and impassioned appeals had been made to the electors, in view of the excited state of public feel- ing at the time touching the slavery question, to do noth- ing that would drive the southern states out of the Union, or to arms, which seemed probable if they voted for Lin- coln and Hamlin. But the electors were unmoved by these appeals, and discharged the plain and patriotic duty for which they were chosen. In 1862, Mr. Field was appointed an assistant assessor of the U. S. Internal Eevenue, and held the office until the great majority of taxes under that system were abolished by Congress. Since then he has confined himself to the duties of his profession. On the establishment of the First District Court of Northern "Worcester in 1884, he was ap- pointed J ustice of the same, and still holds that office. Ip 1856, he married Caroline C. Alden, a native of Green- wich, and a lineal descendent of John Alden, of Pilgrim memory, and has one son, Charles Field, Jr., who gradua- ted at Williams College in the class of 1881, and follows his father's profession. In religious belief, Judge Field is a Unitarian of the conservative type. Prominently identi- 184 ATHOL, FAST AND PRESENT, fied in the organization of the Second Unitarian Society in 1 877. he has been for many years a member of its execu- tive committee, and is now one of its most interested and attached members. He was president of the Worcester County Conference of Unitarian and other Christian churches, comprising thirty-three societies, for two success- ive terms, 1885-1887, decUning a reelection. Mr. Field is a charter member and President of the Po- quaig Club, a social club embracing many of the business and professional men of the town, incorporated in 1891, which has become a popular and permanent institution. George W. Horr. the senior member of the bar of Northwestern Worcester, was born in New Salem, June 22, 1829, and is descended from good old New England stock, his great grandfather, Robert Horr, having held an official position in the war of the Revolution, his duties be- ing to collect forage for the army. His father was Major Warren Horr, 'and mother Sally Peirce (Sloan) Horr. He attended the, district schools of his native town, and at thirteen years of age entered New Salem Academy, and when fifteen years old was teaching school, which he con- tinued for three successive winters. Few young men of his day had the educational opportunities with which he was favored, for in addition to the training received at New Salem Academy, he was also a student at Quaboag Seminary, Warren, and Phillips Academy, Andover, and graduated from Williston Seminary, Easthampton, in 184:8, as the Salutatorian in a class of twenty-eight. He entered Harvard College, Aug. 26, 1848, and received his certificate of matriculation from President Edward Everett k GEORGE W. HORR. LEGAL PROFESSION. 185 Jan. 11, 1849. He was a member of the Lawrence Scien- tific School, and the Harvard Law School, from the latter of which he received the degree of L. L. B. iq 1860. Soon after graduating he entered the law office of George T. Davis and Charles Allen of Greenfield, and later was student and clerk in the law office of Lincoln, Maynard & Chatfield of New York City, the latter being Attorney- General of the State. He was admitted to the Massachu- setts bar at Greenfield in 1860, and was admitted to prac- tice in the United States Courts in 1870. He first opened an office in New Salem, but attracted by the enterprise of Athol, came to this town in 1863, where he has been in continuous and successful practice for more than a third of a century. His practice in the department of the Inte- rior at Washington is extensive, his thorough knowledge of and success in pension claims having gained for him an extended reputation. Always interested in the cause of education, he was chairman of the School Committee of New Salem in 1859 and 1860, and was also chairman of the School Committee of Athol in 1874. While a resi- dent of New Salem, he also frequently served as mod- erator at town meetings, and was chosen for two terms as Commissioner of Insolvency of Franklin County. He has also served frequently as moderator at some of the most important and exciting town meetings of Athol. Notwithstanding his extensive professional business, Mr. Horr has always been engaged to quite an extent in literary work from 1854, when in company with the late Charles G. Colby, he organized a literary bureau in Brooklyn, N. Y. In 1876, he prepared interesting his- 186 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT, torical articles on Athol for the Worcester West Chronicle, was author and compiler of the histories of Athol, Peters- ham, Royalston, Phillipston and Dana, for Jewett's History of Worcester County, published in 1879, and was also a contributor to Lewis History of the same County in 1889. He was the author of the sketch of his native town of New Salem, that appeared in the Centennial Souvenir of the Greenfield Gazette and Courier, and the Flora of North- ern Worcester published in Picturesque Worcester, and is now engaged on an extended history of New Salem Academy. He is always a welcome speaker on public occasions, and his eloquence has stirred the people to hearty applause and deep feeling, as he has presented to them the political, educational and social questions of the day. Among the addresses delivered by him are : Addresses at the dedica- tion of the town hall in Erving in 1875, at the dedication of the town hall of Warwick in 1895, the Centennial Fourth of July address in Athol in 1876, also a Fourth of July oration at a large gathering on the Worcester North- west Fair Grounds in 1887, the first address delivered be- fore the Worcester Northwest Agricultural & Mechanical Society, after its incorporation in 1867, the Memorial Day address at Hatfield in 1890, one at the annual meeting of the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, of which he is a life, member, in 1893, on "Academic System of Schools in Massachuisetts," was the orator of the Alumni Association of New Salem Academy in 1890, elected the president of the Association in 1892, and gave an address at the Centennial of the Academy in 1895. He was one 71 m a m z o m o ■n O m O 3) O m z o 3 30 n CO o 186 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT- torical articles on Athol for the Worcester West Chronicle, was author and compiler of the histories of Athol, Peters- ham, Royalston, Phillipston and Dana, for Jewett's History of Worcester County, published in 1879, and was also a contributor to Lewis History of the same County in 1889. He was the author of the sketch of his native town of New Salem, that appeared in the Centennial Souvenir of the Greenfield Gazette and Courier, and the Flora of North- ern Worcester published in Picturesque Worcester, and is now engaged on an extended history of New Salem Academy. He is always a welcome speaker on public occasions, and his eloquence has stirred the people to hearty applause and deep feeling, as he has presented to them the political, educational and social questions of the day. Among the addresses delivered by him are : Addresses at the dedica- tion of the town hall in Ervlng in 1875, at the dedication of the town hall of Warwick in 1895, the Centennial Fourth of July address in Athol in 1876, also a Fourth of July oration at a large gathering on the Worcester North- west Fair Grounds in 1887, the first address delivered be- fore the Worcester Northwest Agricultural & Mechanical Society, after its incorporation in 1867, the Memorial Day address at Hatfield in 1890, one at the annual meeting of the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, of which he is a life, member, in 1893, on "Academic System of Schools in Massachusetts," was the orator of the Alumni Association of New Salem Academy in 1890, elected the president of the Association in 1892, and gave an address at the Centennial of the Academy in 1895. He was one m CO a ui z o m O m O 3) O m z o 31 31 in (0 o LEGAL PROFESSION. 187 of the invited guests at the unveiling of the statue of Josiah Bartlett, the first signer of the Declaration of In- dependence, at Amesbury, Mass., July 4, 1888, and was one of the speakers on that occasion. For more than thirty years consecutively, he lectured before public schools, academies, lyceums, and other popular assemblies upon the subject of astronomy, illustrated by maps, charts and diagrams. During the great civil war he enlisted in the 33d Regi- ment of Massachusetts Volunteers, but after three exami- nations was refused enrollment on account of severe in- juries received before the war. He was an ardent sup- porter of the government through the war, and is a warm friend of the old soldiers, who always welcome him to their gatherings and listen to him with pleasure. He is an As- sociate member of the Hubbard V. Smith Post, G. A. R. In politics he has been a consistent democrat, and cast in 1865, for General Darius N. Couch, the democratic can- didate for Governor, the only democratic vote polled in town that year. He is a member of the Harvard Law School Association and the Worcester County Bar Associa- tion. Sidney P. Smith was born in Princeton, 111., July 13, 1850. His father was from Massachusetts, being a native of Hampshire County. He was educated in the common and High schools of his native town, and entered Amherst College in 1870, and graduated in 1874. After graduat- ing, he taught school for two years in the West, and came to Athol in 1876, as principal of the Athol High school, which position he held until 1880, when he resigned to 188 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. pursue his law studies, which he did at the Union College of Law in Chicago, graduating in 1882, and was the same year admitted to the bar in Illinois. In the spring of 1883, he returned to Athol, was admitted to the Massachu- setts bar, and commenced the practice of law in July, 1883. In 1884 he was elected a member of the School Committee and served three years. On the establishment of the First District Court of Northern Worcester in 1884, he was appointed one of the Special Justices, and was twice re-appointed after vacating the oiRce while a mem- ber of the House of Eepresentatives. He represented the First Worcester District in'the Leg- islature in 1887 and 1888, and was elected to the Senate from the Worcester-Hampshire District, serving in 1891 and 1892. He was a member of the Judiciary committee in both the House and Senate, and served on other im- portant committees. Mr. Smith is a member of the Con- gregational church, and was for three years the Superin- tendent of its Sunday school. As moderator of town meetings for several years, he has gained a reputation as an able presiding officer. Prominently identified with all of the Masonic organizations in town, he was master of Athol lodge for two terms, and has been Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star. He married Miss Stella M. Parmen- ter, daughter of F. C. Parmenter, Dec. 26, 1879. They have three daughters. Henry M. Burleigh was born in Hartford, Conn., March 2, 1835. He was fitted by private tutors for the profession of law, and admitted to the bar of Suffolk County, in July, 1858. He settled in New York City, LEGAL PROFESSION. 189 where lie practiced law until AprU 1861, when he enlisted in the First Regiment New York Volunteers under Col. Allen. He held various offices in his company and regi- ment, served as provost marshal of Camp Hamilton at Fortress Monroe, and in the spring of 1862, was com- missioned by Abraham Lincoln as assistant adjutant gen- eral, and assigned for duty on the staff of Brigadier Gen- eral Max Weber, with whose command he" went to New- port News, May 8, 1862. The following September, with General Max Weber and four regiments of infantry, he joined the army of McClellan, and participated in the bat- tle of Antietam, in which he was badly wounded by a shot through the right shoulder. After recovering from his wound he was assigned to duty in Washington, later at Harper's Ferry, and was then assigned to Custers' division of Sheridan's Cavalry Corps at Winchester, and served in the Shenandoah VaUey campaign untU the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, April 9, 1865. After the war he re- turned to New York, and soon after located in Levan- wOrth, Kansas, where he practiced his profession seven years, holding the office of United States Commissioner for five years, and also served two terms as prosecuting attor- ney of Allen County. While in Kansas he married Clare Hoyt, daughter of Dr. George Hoyt of Athol, AprU 22, 1869. In 1872, he came to Athol, where he engaged in the practice of his profession. He was appointed by Gov- ernor Eussell as one of the special justices of the First District Court of Northern Worcester. He was prominent in Grand Army cii'cles, was one of the early Commanders of Parker Post, and in ^1893, was appointed Judge Advo- 190 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT, eate of the Department of Massachusetts. He was a mem- ber of St. John's Episcopal church, and Superintendent of its Sunday School for three years. He died March 2, 1894. Edgar V. Wilson was born in Winchendon, Mass., July 1, 1847. His early childhood was passed in Winchendon, Gardner and Baldwinville, and when about five years of age, his parents removed to New Hampshire, where his early education was obtained in the schools of Stoddard and Sullivan. From the latter place he entered Cornell University, from which he was graduated in 1872. After teaching school several terms he read law with Wheeler & Falkner in Keene, N. H., and was admitted to practice in the New Hampshire courts in 1875, with a year's less study than is usually necessary. In 1876, he was admit- ted to the Massachusetts bar at Greenfield, and after a few months practice in Orange, came to Athol in May, 1876, where he has continued to practice his profession to the present time. He was appointed Trial Justice by Gov- ernor Long which position he held until 1883. For several years be was prominent in political aff'airs, and was an active member of the republican town committee dur- ing some of the most exciting campaigns ever held in town;. He has been prominently identifi<;d with the edu- cational interests of the town, and for several years de- voted much of his time to school work, serving as a mem- ber of the school committee seven years. He has been auditor for the town several years, and was a member of the Sewer Commissioners during the construction of the sewer system. He married Miss Emma M. Pollard of Woodstock, Vt., July 23, 1879. ■ EDGAR V. WILSON. ■LSGAt tRlOFESSIOlil.. 191 CsA'RLES Field, Jr., son of Judge Charles Field, was born in Cambridge, Mass. His early education was ob- tained in the schools of Athol. He was fitted for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, and with private tutors, and graduated from Williams College in 1881. He studied law in his father's office for two years, was two years in the Boston Law School, and was admitted to the Massa- chusetts bar in June, 1886. Joseph A. Titus, son of Vernon and Mary (Moore) Titus, was born in Leicester, Mass., January 21, 1838, His ancestors on his father's side settled at RehobotK Mass., about 1640, and his mother was a descendant of one of the first settlers of the city x>{ Worcester. He at- tended the public schools of his native town and Leicester Academy, from which he graduated in 1859, and entered Amherst College, At the close of bis junior year he en- listed in the 42d Regiment Mass. Volunteers, and was 1st Sergeant of his company. After the term of service of his regiment expired, he taught school in North Brookfield^ and had charge of the High School of Leicester for two years, with the exception of five months, which he spent in the army as 1st Lieut, of Co. F, 60th Regiment Mass* ^^oluntee^s. He commenced his legal studies in the office of Judge Henry Chapin and Apple ton Dadmun in Wor- cester, and in the year 1868, was admitted to the bar, and opened an office in Worcester, where he remained till the summer of 1891. Ill health obliged him to give up active practice in the city, and he went to Orange, Mass., where he took up the practice of his profession, and from which place he came to Athol in 1894. After his return from 192 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. the army to private life, he remained in the military ser- vice of the state of Massachusetts for nearly twelve years, commanding the Worcester City Guards for four years, and serving the remainder of the period as chief of staff, under the command of Brigadier General Kobert H. Chamberlain, of the 3d Brigade Mass. Volunteer Militia. In 1868, he was appointed Associate Justice of the Muni- cipal Court of Worcester by Governor Bullock, which of- fice he retained until that court was abolished in 1872. In 1872 he was elected a member of the Legislature from the city of Worcester for the year 1873. He also served two years as a member of the Common Council of the city of Worcester. He is a charter member of Geo. H. Ward Post, No. 10, G. A. R., and was for nearly three years its commander. He has spoken in nearly every town in Worcester County on the varied topics connected with politics, agriculture. Memorial Day services and other matters. In 1868, he was married to Bertha G. Manning of Worcester, who died October 29, 1894. He has three children, George A. Titus and Albert G. Titus, now of Boston, and a daughter. Bertha M. Titus, now residing in Worcester. Sketches of Farwell F. Fay and Geo. H. Hoyt, promi- nent as Athol lawyers, will be found in other chapters of the history. Other members of the green bag fraternity, whose names appear as practicing in Athol are : Frederic H. Allen, a graduate of the University of Vermont, Wm. Bliss, graduate of Harvard College in 1818, Ephraim Hinds, graduate of Harvard in 1805, Wm. H. Jewell, who was admitted to the bar in 1883, Henry Hogan, ad- LEGAL PROFESSION. 193 mitted to the bar in 1888, Simeon Saunderson, admitted in 1820, J. C. B. Ward, and Geo. H. Graves, who was a graduate of the Albany Law School. Trial Justices. In the early part of this century law cases both civil and criminal were tried before a Justice of the Peace. For many years Eliphalet Thorpe was the magistrate of Athol before whom cases were tried. In 1858, an act was passed by the Legislature as follows; "The justices of peace, designated and commissioned un- der chapter one hundred and thirty-eight, of the Statutes of 1858, shall continue to hold their offices and powers, according to the tenor of their several commissions; and the governor with the advice and consent of the council, shall from time to time designate and commission in the several counties a suitable number of justices of the peace as trial justices." Under this act, the following Trial Justices, residing in Athol, have been appointed for the County of Worcester, the term of appointment being three years : Isaac Stev- ens, May 7, 1858, and held the office until his death, Sept. 6, 1866. Franklin E. Haskell, Dec. 4, 1866, was re- appointed twice. Thomas D. Brooks, June 25, 1873. Samuel M. Osgood, Jan. 4, 1876, resigned Dec. 31, 1878. Enoch T. Lewis, Nov. 30, 1878. Edgar V. Wilson, May 12, 1880. Lilley B. Caswell, June 13, 1883. Before the the terms for which Enoch T. Lewis and Lilley B. Cas- well were appointed had terminated, the First District Court of Northern Worcester was established, and the powers of all Trial Justices within the towns included in the district ceased. 194 District Court. The act establisMng the First Dis- trict Court for Northern Worcester, was approved in May, 1884, and took full effect July 1st, of that year. The towns included in the district were Athol, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Templeton, Gardner and Hubbard- ston. The court is held in the towns of Athol and Gardner. Charles Field was appointed Justice, James Stiles and Sidney P* Smith, Special Justices, and Julian Dunn, Clerk. In December, 1889, Charles B. Boyce was appointed clerk, which position he now holds, and Henry M. Burleigh was serving as Special Justice at the time of his death, in 1894. The officers now holding the positions are the same as first appointed, with the excep- tion of Clerk. Deputy Sheriffs. Of the residents of Athol who have held the office of Deputy Sheriff, we find the names of William Bigelow and Joseph Pierce, as holding the office previous to 1807. Since that time the ofiice has been held by the following: James Oliver, 1807-28; Flavel Humphrey and Abijah Hill, 1828-38 ; John H. Partridge, 1838-59; Gardiner Lord, 1859-90; Albert W. Tyler, 1890-94, and Eoswell L. Doane, the present incumbent who was appointed in January, 1894. CHAPTER XIII. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. "Nothing is more estimable than a physician who, having studied nature from his youth, knows the properties of the human body, the diseases which assail it, the remedies which will benefit it, exercises his art with caution, and pays eqilal attention to the rich and the poor." jHE first physician of Athol was Dr. Joseph Lord, one of the first five set- tlers of the town, who had practiced his profession in Sunderland, Mass. Among the early doctors of the town were Dr. Daniel EUinwood, Dr. Koyal Humphrey, a son of Rev. James Humphrey, and Dr. Joshua Morton, who was born in Athol Oct. 20, 1744, and was a life long and successful physician. He died Feb. 13, 1827. His home was on the place now occupied by J. W. Sawyer. He was much interested in town affairs, and was town treasurer from 1788 to 1793. Among the doctors of the early part of the present century were: Dr. Ebenezer Chaplin, who is described as a tall portly man. He lived on the east side of the common at the Highlands, and was prominent in political and town affairs, representing the town two years in the Legislature, and was also one of the 196 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT, selectmen. Dr. Jacob Holmes was an old school gentle- man, who lived in the house now occupied by Gilbert Southard. He was succeeded by Dr. George Hoyt, and removed to Leicester, where he practiced from 1834 to 1847. Dr. William H. Williams was born in Deerfield, June 28, 1792. Among his ancestors were the first minister of Deerfield, and the founder of Williams College. His father was a physician of Deerfield, and the son studied medicine there. His first wife was Marietta Stebbins, daughter of Col. Asa Stebbins of Deerfield, a descendant of one of the early settlers of the town, by whom he had three children. Mr. Williams came to Athol about 1816, and in 1822 married Frances Humphrey, a granddaughter of the first minister of the town. They had two children, John H. Williams and Mary Hoyt Williams, who married Eev. Crawford Nightingale. Dr. Williams, in addition to his profession, was largely interested in public and town affairs, having served as postmaster of the town from 1837 to 1847, with the exception of a little more than a year, was town clerk from 1829 to 1833, served on the school committee, was a Justice of the Peace, and a surgeon in the militia. After withdrawing from active practice, he kept the only drug store in town. He died June 22, 1855, and Mrs. Williams, who lived to the age of ninety years and three months, died in 1887. Dr. George Hoyt was born in Deerfield, Mass., April 17, 1801, a son of Ebenezer Hoyt, and a descendant of Lieut. Jonathan Hoyt, who was taken captive by the In- dians and carried to Canada. One of his ancestors owned Dr. GEORGE D. COLONY. Dr. WILLIAM H. WILLIAMS. StU'^- lX,T£^i^ DR. MARSHALL L. LINDSEY. Dr. GEORGE HOYT. MEDICAL PROFESSION. 197 and occupied the " Old Indian House " in Deerfield. He attended the Deerfield Academy, and graduated at the Pittsfield Medical School, and then practiced in the hos- pitals of Boston, especially in surgery. He commenced practice in Hubbardston, Mass., where he remained two years, and where he married Miss Avaline Witt, the eld- est daughter of Clark Witt, Esq, Removed to Athol in 1^32, and succeeded Dr. Jacob Holmes, who lived where Gilbert Southard now resides. He had a large medical practice, and was one of the first to introduce the use of water medically in baths, etc., establishing a Water Cure, which became quite extensively known. He was an active abolitionist and reformer, and espoused the cause of the slave when it was unpopular and even dangerous to do so. At one time, while speaking against slavery in an evening meeting, the minister pronounced the benediction. His action in a habeus corpus case, where he caused a young slave who had been brought to Athol by his mis- tress, to be liberated, caused great excitement at the time, and was the first case of the kind in Massachusetts. The young negro, who was nine or ten years of age, lived in the families of Dr. Hoyt and Eev. Richard Chipman for several years, and attended the Athol schools. For his position in this affair he was almost mobbed, and was threatened so that he did not dare to ride about the town with his gig without carrying stones in it as weapons for his protection. In 1851, he removed to Boston, where he resided for five years, and then returned to Athol and pur- chased what was known as the Morton place, now the res- idence of Dr. James Oliver, which was henceforth his 198 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. home, until his death. June 24, 1866. He was deeply in- terested in the business and social life of Athol, and buUt the first mill where the Hapgood & Smith match factory now stands. He was also for several years a member of the school committee, in which position he did excellent service. He was a great student during his whole life, and was especially interested in the science of Geology, ac- companying Prof. Hitchcock about the state in his geolog- ical investigations. He had two children, George H. and Clare, who married H. M. Burleigh, Esq. Dr. Geo. D. Colony was born in Keene, N. H., May 6, 1821, and graduated at Dartmouth College in 1843. Af- ter graduating, he studied medicine vpith Dr. Amos Twitchell at Keene, attended the Woodstock Medical School, and graduated from the Medical College of the University of Pennsylvania in 1846. He came to Athol, August 6, 1846. One of his first professional calls after coming to town, was to the terrible accident, when a rail- road bridge on the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad went down and several were killed. His cotemporaries in Athol during most of his practice here were. Dr. George Hoyt and Dr. Wm. H. Williams. He was for a number of years a popular member of the school committee. He was married May 23, 1849, to Harriet N. Stevens, daugh- ter of Isaac Stevens. He removed to Fitchburg, May 1, 1861, where he has continued in the practice of his pro- fession to the present time. When Dr. Hoyt removed to Boston, in 1851, he sold his practice and Water Cure establishment to Dr. J. H, Hero. Dr. Hero is said to have been a man of unusual Dr. JAMES P. LYNDE. MEDICAL PROFESSION. 199 natural ability, endowed by nature with a commanding physique and a pleasing manner. He ran the Water Cure for several years with varying success, and sold out to Dr. George Field, who, after a few years gave up the busi- ness. For a number of years previous to 1856, Dr. Aus- tin was a well known physician of the town. He died from the results of an accident on the Phillipston road, and was succeeded by Dr. James P. Lynde. Dr. James P. Lynde. Of the members of the medical profession in Athol, the one best known to the present generation was Dr. James P. Lynde, who was for more than a third of a century a prominent factor in the pro- fessional, social and educational life of the town. Dr. Lynde was born in Gardner, March 19, 1H28, and was the oldest son of Wm. S. and Christiana Comee Lynde. His early education was obtained in the common and pri- vate schools of that town, and at Lawrence Academy in Groton. He studied medicine with Dr. Harriman of Gardner, and the late Dr. Ira Eussell of Winchendon, at- tended medical lectures at the Dartmouth Medical School, and at the Medical department of Harvard University, where he graduated March 3, 1852. The same year he commenced the practice of medicine in Hardwick, Mass., where he remained until 1856. WhUe in Hardwick he represented that town in the Legislature of 1855. He re- moved to Athol in 1856 ; for a period of thirty-four years continued in the active practice of his profession, until his death, Jan. 28, 1890. He was an earnest investigator in his profession, and associated himself with various medical societies, being a member of the Massachusetts Medical 200 ATHOL, FAST AND PKESENT. Society, and also was one of the seventeen original sub- scribers to the constitution and by-laws of the Worcester North District Medical Society, of which he was at one time president; he was also one of the founders of the Millers River Medical Society. Though devoted to his profession, he was a public spirited citizen, and took an active interest in all measures for the advancement of his town and the community. Educational interests always found in him an active worker, and for several years he held the position of school committee and superintendent of schools, and was often called upon to serve the town as moderator of town meetings, and in other capacities. In- terested in Agriculture, he was one of the organizers of the Worcester Northwest Agricultural Society, was its first President, and its delegate on the State Board of Agricul- ture from 1880, until his death ; he was also a member of the Board of Control of the Amherst Experimental station, and for some time its treasurer. As a public speaker he was listened to with interest, and delivered well prepared papers before the State Board of Agriculture, farmers in- stitutes and medical societies, his annual address before the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1887, on " Pure milk as a diet for infants," being received with more than usual enthusiasm, while his address on " Sanitary Conditions of the Home and Farm," was most favorably received at va- rious farmers' institutes. In whatever position he was placed, he brought to the discharge of his duties, life and enthusiasm, and impressed upon his associates, a great degree of the same spirit that animated himself. On the organization of the present sys- MEDICAL PROFESSION. 201 tem of Medical Examiners, he was appointed the Medical Examiner of this district, which position he held until his death. In 1857, Dr. Lynde married Miss Candace Brooks, a daughter of John Brooks, a prominent and wealthy citi- zen, and proprietor of the up town hotel, known as " Brooks tavern." They had two children, Helen and James P., both of whom survive, the latter being engaged in the drug business at Palmer. A memorial of him, pre- pared by his associates of the Worcester North District Medical Association, has the following to say of him : " His social qualities, his general intelligence and cultiva- tion, added to his professional accomplishments, made him among his patients, as among his friends generally, a most entertaining and agreeable companion, and won for him in the community in which he lived, many warm and devo- ted admirers. His surviving professional friends and as- sociates, who mourn his loss and cherish his memory, will not soon forget his cheerful presence, his sympathetic na- ture, his unfailing humor, his entertaining anecdote, and the overflow of good spirits, which added so much to the pleasure of all brought into his association." Other physicians who practiced in Athol at different periods between 1860 and 1880, are: Dr. Kendall Davis, Dr. J. B. Gould, Dr. James Coolidge, who was eminently successful in his profession, and who died in the prime of manhood from a disease produced by nervous prostration and excessive professional labor. Dr. O. M. Drury, Dr. M. F. Cragin, Dr. Alfred G. WLlliams,who served in the army in the rebellion, as assistant surgeon. Dr. Vernon O. 202 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT, Taylor, Dr. Jackson, Dr. Kemp, Dr. King, Dr. Chamber- lain, Dr. Donnell, Dr. Simmonds, Dr. D. A. Chase, Dr. D. D. Davis, Dr. F. Broons, and Dr. H. A. Deane, who was a well known physician in town from 1860 to 1879, when he removed to South Hadley, and later to Easthampton, where he is now located. Dr. Samuel H. Colburn was a graduate of the Hahne- mann Homoeopathic Institution of Philadelphia in 1870, and came to Athol from Springfield, Vt., in October, 1875, opening an office in the bank building. He secured an extensive and successful practice, which he continued until May, 1883, when he removed to Worcester. He returned to Athol with impaired health in the autumn of 1888, and died Aug. 22, 1890, aged sixty-four years. Previous to entering the medical profession he was a Methodist minis- ter in the Vermont Conference for sixteen years. His widow, one daughter and one son still live in town. Among those who have practiced in town since 1880, not residing here now, are Dr. A. W. Parsons and his brother, Dr. C. W. Parsons, Dr. H. R. Dunne, now of Westerly, R. I., Dr. Geo. L. Perry, removed to Petersham, Dr. H. O. Dunbar, who came to Athol in 1873, and was a prominent physician until his death, Dec. 27, 1894. Dr. Sumner T. Smith, a graduate from the College of Medi- cine of the University of Michigan, and who had a large practice in Alstead, N. H., for more than twenty years, practiced in Athol for a few years previous to his death, which took place March 26, 1892. Of the resident physicians at the present time. Dr. James Oliver is the senior in practice. A sketch of him will be found in another chapter of this work. MEDICAL PROFESSION. 203 Dr. Marshall L. Lindsey, son of Dr. Daniel Lindsey, was born in Swanzey, N. H., Dec. 9, 1831. His parents removed to New Salem in 1832, and from there to Peters- ham in 1834, where he attended the public schools, and also was a student at New Salem Academy for several terms. In 1849, he removed with his parents to North Dana, where he commenced studying medicine with his father. In August, 1855, he went to the Berkshire Med- ical College, and in December of the same year entered Harvard Medical School, and after leaving there, practiced with his father until 1862, when he again attended lec- tures at Harvard, graduating in March, 1863. He then returned to North Dana, and practiced there until 1882, when he removed to Athol, where he has siace practiced his profession. He married Luella M. Sly of Webster, Mass., May 14, 1878. Dr. Charles H. Forbes was born in Millville, N. J., Jan. 25, 1860; when about five years of age his parents moved to Monson, Mass., where he lived about ten years and attended the public schools of that town. The re- mainder of his early life was spent in Brookfield and West Brookfield, and he graduated from the High school of the last named town. He pursued his medical studies at the New York Homoeopathic College and Hospital, from which he graduated in 1883, and immediately commenced to practice his profession at Athol in the spring of 1883, where he stUl continues in practice. He was married to Miss Eva L. Bush, daughter of H. W. Bush, Esq., of West Brookfield, Nov. 14, 1883. Mr. Forbes is a mem- ber of the Worcester County, and Western Massachusetts 204 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Homoeopathic Societies, and is also a prominent member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow organizations, and a mem- ber of the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Ehode Island Knights Templars. Dr. Hiram H. Burns was born at Kingston, Mass., in 1856. His early education was received in the public schools of his native town, and he graduated from the Kingston High school in the class of 1876. Entering Tufts College in the class of 1880, he graduated as vale- dictorian of his class, having attained the highest average during his four years course, of any student in that Insti- tution for years. After leaving College, he was a teacher for four years, being Assistant in Natural Sciences at the Marlboro, Mass. High School, Principal of the Hollis, N. H. High School, and teacher of Natural Sciences at Dean Academy, Franklin, Mass. Mr. Burns then turned his at- tention to the study of medicine, studying wtth Dr. J. B. Brewster of Plymouth, Mass., and also taking the course at the Harvard Medical School, from which he graduated in 1887 ; practiced for a short time at Kingston, his native town, and removed to Athol, in February, 1888, where he has since practiced, moving to the Upper Village in Feb- ruary, 1890. He was married in March, 1888, to Sarah B. Faunce, of Kingston, Mass., a graduate of WeUesley College, and former Principal of Kingston High School. Dr. Burns is a member of the following medical societies ; American Medical Association, Massachusetts Medical So- ciety, Harvard Medical Alumni Association, and Millers River Medical Society. Also of the Tufts College Alumni. Dr. HIRAM H. BURNS. Dr. ALPHONZO V. BOWKER. Dr. WINDSOR A. BROWN. Dr. CHARLES H. FORBES. MEDICAL PEOFESSION. 205 Dr. Alphonzo V. Bowker was born in Savoy, Mass., Jan. 17, 1857. His parents moved to Bernardston, Mass. in 1865, which was his home until he commenced the practice of his profession. His education was obtained at Powers' Institute, and he graduated from the medical de- partment of the University of Vermont, in June, 1879. He then practiced for two years in Millers Falls, after which he took a post graduate course in the hospital of Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He returned to Millers Falls, where he practiced his profession until he came to Athol, in 1890. While in Millers Falls he was a member of the school committee of Montague for several years, and also served on the Board of Health of that town. He married E. Louise Amidon of Millers Falls, in November, 1884. Dr. H. E.. Thayer, born in Pittsford, Vt., November 5, 1819. Graduated from the Hahnemann Homoeopathic School, Philadelphia, in March, 1855. Was in the South from 1855 to 1860, and had a large practice in the city of Augusta, Georgia, from; which place he was driven out with his family just before the war, because he was a northern man. He practiced in Athol from 1871 to 1876, when he removed to Boston, and returned to Athol in February, 1892, where he has since practiced. Dr. W. L. Edgar, a graduate of the Hahnemann Medi- cal College of Philadelphia, in 1894, and commenced prac- tice in Athol, in June of that year. Dr. Lilley Eaton", graduated at the Dartmouth Medical College in 1892, served in the Boston City Hospital, as as- sistant superintendent and physician at the Hospital Cot- 206 ATROL, FAST AND FKESENT. tages for children at Baldwinville, and commenced practice in Athol, in January, 1895, Dr. Harbib M. Gardner, a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Vermont, at Burlington, in 1895, commenced to practice in Athol, in July of that year. Dr. Windsor A. Brown, is a native of Aurora, 111., where he was born Nov. 15, 1868. He graduated from, the Medical Department of the University of Vermont in 1889, practiced in Oakham and North Brookfield, and came to Athol, in October, 1895. Dr. Garrett Larkeque commenced practice in Athol in 1894. W. F. Whitman has been employed as a Medical Clari- voyant upwards of forty years. He was born in Palmer, Mass., Dec. 10, 1825, and came to Athol in 1857. O. S. Wheeler has also had quite an extensive practice in the same profession for more than fifteen years in Athol. Dentists. The first dentist in town was Dr. John H. Williams, a son of Dr. Wm. H. Williams, who was born Aug. 24, 1824. He studied dentistry with Dr. Ball of Boston, and was engaged in the business for twenty-five years. He also combined the drug business with his dent- istry, and was engaged in that for about thirty years, be- ing for a long time the only druggist in town. He was one of the most genial and companionable of men, and had a strong vein of humor hidden under a surface appearing to be the opposite. He was for nearly four years post- master of the Centre ofiice. He married Harriett M. Ball, Oct. 14, 1850. His death took place Aug. 22, 1875. MEDICAL PB.OFESSIOK. 12D7 "Dt. H. M. Humphrey studied dentistry in Boston for two years, and then took a course in the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he graduated and received his degree of D. D. S., and practiced ten years. Dr. H. C. Smith, the senior member of the dental pro- fession, was born in Cooperstown, N. Y., where his father was a manufacturer, in 1837. He attended the schools of that town and Hartwick Seminary. He pursued his •studies at the Baltimore Dental College, and studied den- tistry with Dr. Robinson, of Watertown, N. Y. In Dec- ember, 1861, he commenced to practice dentistry in Athol, and has been engaged in his profession continuously, to the present time. His first office was in the old Foster house, now owned by A. J. Hamilton, and for many years in the old Bank building, until he moved into his present office in Webb's block. He was married in 1861, to Sarah F. Steere, daughter of Rev. M. J. Steere, of Provi- dence, R. I. Dr. E. Ward Cooke studied dentistry with Dr. H. C. Smith, and finished his dental studies at the Dental Col- lege in Philadelphia. He commenced practice for himself in AthoL in 1875, and remained here eight years, going to Cambridge in August, 1883, and has continued in prac- tice there to the present time. He married Etta J. Lewis, June 16, 1875. Dr. J. J. Coxeter commenced to study dentistry with Dr. L. F. Tolman in 1876, and afterwards was in partner- ship with him for three years, when he opened an office for himself, and practiced here until 1888, when he re- moved to Newton. 208 ATHOL, Dr. C. E. Smith first studied his profession in the office of Dr. L. F. Locke, of Nashua, N. H., his native city. He graduated from the Dental Department of the University at Pennsylvania, in 1888, with the degree of D. D. S. He came to Athol in 1888, purchasing the business of Dr. J. J. Coxeter. He now has an office in the Bank building, and has a good practice. Dr. L. F. Tolman was born in Fitchburg in 1843. When the rebellion broke out, in 1861, he enlisted in the sixth New Hampshire Infantry, and served until the close of the war. After the war he studied dentistry with Dr. Stebbins, of Shelburne Falls, for three years, and con- tinued in his office until 1875, when he removed to Athol, having purchased the dental business of Dr. James Hem- enway. He continued in the practice of his profession un- til partial blindness compelled him to give up business, when he was succeeded by his son, Leon C. Tolman, in 1894. Dr. James Hemenway practiced dentistry in town for many years, and others of recent years have been Dr. A. O Stoddard and Dr. V. W. Leach, who had offices at the Highlands. CHAPT^ER XIV. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. " If, however, a man says that he does not care to know where his grandfather lived, what he did, and what were that grandfather's politics and religious creed, it can merely mean that he is incapable of taking interest in one of the most in- teresting forms of human knowledge— the knowledge of the details of the Past." N this chapter we give sketches of some of the old Athol families, whose history is inter- twined with that of the town through many decades. Although much attention has been paid to the ancestry of many families, yet we have not attempted a complete genealogy of all branches of the various families of whom sketches are given. Sketches of the heads of families, and some of the most important members, who have been residents of this town, or who have gone out into other communities and become distinguished in various walks of life vdll be given. Among the families selected are the Lords, Mortons, Olivers, Humphreys, Kendalls, Morses, Sweetsers, Estabrooks, Havens, God- dards and others. x\ \ 210 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT, THE LORDS. Of the first five settlers of old Pequoig, the one whose family has been most prominently identified with the town through all the generations to the present time, was Joseph Lord. The first ancestor of the Lords in New England was Robert Lord of Ipswich, whose name appears on the rec- ords of that town as a freeman in 1636, and a representa- tive in 1638. He was town clerk, clerk of the courts and register of deeds. He married Mary Waite, and had eight children. He died in 1638. Of his children, Thomas, born in 1633 at Ipswich, married Alice Rand ; they had eight children. Of these, Joseph Lord, was born / in Charlestown, Mass., June 30, 1672, and graduated at Harvard College in 1691. From 1692 to 1695, probably, he taught the school in Dorchester, He married Abigail, daughter of Governor Thomas Hinckley, (by his first wife ) on the third of June, 1698. In the fall of 1695, a church was gathered in Dorchester with the design of re- moving to South Carolina, and Joseph Lord was ordained as pastor. He accompanied the church to that state and remained as its pastor over twenty years, when he re- turned to Massachusetts, and in 1720 was installed pastor of the church in Chatham, where he continued to preach until his death in 1748. His diary containing many in- teresting notes and observations relative to the church and people on the Cape, is said to be in existence. He had eight children, of whom Joseph and Abigail were born Sept. 27, 1704. Joseph Lord, who was one of the first five settlers of OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 211 Athol, was graduated at Harvard College in 1726, and i/' practiced medicine for a time in Sunderland, Mass., being the first physician of that town. In September, 1735, with four others, he came to Pequoig, and commenced the first settlement of this town ; his dwelHng was located on the " Street," on the place known for a long time as the Humphrey place. He appears to have been the principal man among the company of settlers, both in education and infiuence, and was the first clerk of the Proprietors, which office he continued to hold up to Oct. 18, 1758. He was ^ during all these years the leading spirit in ancient Pe- quoig, being the first doctor, the first preacher, the first magistrate, the first treasurer, the first tax gatherer, the first surveyor, in fact, as an old manuscript has it, he was "■ Boss and all hands." At- length a misunderstanding arose between Mr. Lord and the proprietors, the particular cause for which it is impossible for us to satisfactorily de- termine. For some reason he refused to give up the rec- ords, and an action was commenced against him for the recovery of the books, records, plans etc. The court rend- ered judgment against Mr. Lord in November, 1759, for one thousand pounds. The result was that Mr. Lord left Pequoig and went to Putney, Vt., then New Hampshire, where he lived for thirty years, holding high and responsi- ble positions. By commissions dated the 16th of July, 1766, he was appointed second judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, and a justice of the peace for Cumber- land County. These commissions were renewed on two subsequent occasions, and he was continued in office until the commencement of the Revolution. He was also ap- 212 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. pointed by a writ of dedimus potestatem, a commissioner to " swear all officers " chosen in that county, and held the office until the 14th of AprU, 1772, A few months pre- vious to the time for appointing judges, in the year 1772, Mr. Lord was desirous of withdrawing from the service of the province. In his letter to Governor Tyron, dated the 29th of January, he declared his reasons for wishing to re- tire, in these words : " I being now arrived at the sixty- eighth year of my age, and attended with the infirmities common to advancing years, such as great deafness, loss of memory, dimness of sight, and at times, a paralytic tremor in my hands, etc., which disqualifies me for the full, free, and perfect discharge of the offices of second judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, and justice of the peace, which I have sustained in the county for several years last past, and having a desire to retire from public business and spend the remainder of my days in a calm retirement therefrom, and concern myself in nothing else, but doing good to my numerous family and neighbors, and praying for the King, your Excellency, and all others, the King's officers, and prepare for a glorious Immortality — therefore humbly entreat your Excellency to appoint some other person to said offices in my room and stead." Having been informed that his colleague had tendered his resignation, Judge Chandler wrote to Governor Tryon, begging him to continue Judge Lord in office in the next commission, and suggesting the propriety of rewarding him for his past services — especially for his efibrts in quell- ing a disturbance, in which the inhabitants of Windsor had been engaged. Previous to this time the court had OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 213 been constituted with three judges. A fourth was added at the next commission, and Judge Lord was continued, but with the understanding that he was to take only " as little share of the burden of the office " upon himself as should be agreeable to him. Governor Tyron wrote him in a letter dated the 3d of April, 1772 : " His Excellency desirous of retaining in office the most respectable persons in the county, could not think of appointing any person in your stead." Hall, the historian of Vermont, says of him : " Respecting his abilities, there are no means of deciding ; but of his uprightness and candor as a man and as a judi- cial officer, there can be no doubt. The little that is known of this worthy magistrate is so favorable, that a natural regret arises at the absence of the data which might supply the details of his life, character and services." He died at Westmoreland, N. H., Dec. 7, 1788, in the 85th year of his age, having moved to that place from Putney, some time before. Dr. Joseph Lord had seven children, viz : Joseph, born April 17, 1730, William, born May 3, 1732, Mary, born May 2, 1733, Thomas, born Jan. 17, 1736, the first winter after the settlers 'arrived in Athol, Stephen, Nathaniel and Sarah, who married Judge Thomas Chandler of Vermont. Thomas Lord, the third son of Dr. Joseph Lord, married Leonard Smith, Oct. 18, 1760. He was one of the Athol minute men who marched to Lexington, being sergeant of the company, and was afterwards captain of a company that went to Bennington. He had eleven children : Asa' born Oct. 1, 1761, married Lydia Humphrey, Joseph,* born Oct. 26, 1763, married Esther Johnson, Aaron, born^ 214 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Dec. 25, 1766, married Hannah Graves, Abigail, bom July 7, 1772, married Abijah Ellis, Abel,"' born March. 12, 1774, died in 1799, Rhoda,'born March 1, 1776, Thomas, Jr., born Jan. 17, 1780, was a hotel keeper at Northfield, Jotham, born June 4, 1783, married Julia Allen in 1806, Leonard, born in 1785, Gardiner, born April 8, 1788, married Nancy Young, and Absalom, born June 30, 1790. Jotham Lord, the sixth son of Capt. Thomas Lord had ten children. Ethan Lord, the second child, was born in Athol, Aug. 9, 1808. In his twentieth year he left home, and came to what was then known as the factory village, to begin life for himself. His fidelity to his parents and love for them was shown, when his father had lost a number of cattle by disease, and in consequence was forced to mortgage his httle farm. This misfortune weighed heavily upon Ethan, and at the end of his first years service, he carried home his entire earnings, one hundred dollars, and gave it to his father to clear oif the mortgage. He was married Sept. 6, 1836, to Thankful Richardson of Swanzey, N. H. He had a saw mill and grist mill on Freedom street, and carried on business there for more than fifty years. He bought large tracts of real estate in the village and near by, that at the time of his death had become some of the most desirable property in town. He always shrank from positions of a public na- ture, was a man of unflinching integrity, just and exact in his business dealings, and generous in every cause to every person that appeared to him as worthy. Was identified with the old First Church until the founding of the Sec- ETHAN LORD. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 215 ond Unitarian church, when he became an earnest sup- porter of the latter. He had three sons and two daugh- ters: Ethan, Jr., Lucien, Wallace, Sabra J. and Mary. Sabra married Dr. Vernon O. Taylor, and Mary married John L. Earle. Lucien Lord was born in Athol, Oct. 11, 1840, a son of Ethan and Thankful ( Richardson ) Lord. He attended the village schools, and at an early age went to work for his father in the lumber and saw mill business. When the war broke out Mr. Lord wished to enlist, but ill health prevented him, and he purchased the store of H. K. Barber on Exchange street. A year later he sold the business and went into the store of Walter Thorpe and J. W. Sloan as clerk, where he remained three years. He then went in company with Howard B. Hunt, who Was then the village postmaster, in the book and music busi- ness. In 1869, Mr. Hunt resigned as postmaster, and on his recommendation, Mr. Lord was appointed his successor by President Grant, April 21, 1869. He held this posi- tion through the administrations of 'Presidents Grant, Hayes, Garfield and Arthur, nearly 19 years, when he was succeeded by Wm. W. Fish, in February, 1888. He also during most of the time that he was postmaster, carried on an extensive book and stationery business. In 1873, he purchased the Twitchell property on the south side of Main street, and soon after built the fine Masonic Block, which was destroyed by fire in December, 1890, and other blocks of stores and tenements. Few citizens of the town have been so prominently identified with the social, religious and business interests of Athol during the 216 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. last quarter of a century as Mr. Lord. He is one of those who believe that every man should have a family home, a religious home, and a business home, and he has been eminently successful in building up all of these, not only for himself, but in assisting others to have the same. Since retiring from the post office and mercantile business, Mr. Lord has been engaged in real estate operations of great magnitude. Among his enterprises has been the development of the Lake Park property, which has opened up to the town from the pine forests of six or seven years, a most desirable location, from which the chimneys of more than thirty homes look out upon the village. He has also developed other tracts known as South Park, Intervale and Pleasant Valley, nearly two hundred acres in all. But the enterprise that has re- quii-ed the most courage and backbone, was the building of the new Pequoig House and the Academy of Music, the former of which erected at a cost of sixty-five thousand dollars, is the finest hotel building in Western Massachu- setts, while the Academy of Music, built in 1892, at a cost of nearly forty thousand dollars, is the pride of the town. Mr. Lord started the first street sprinkler, was instrumen- tal in organizing the Board of Trade, and was actively interested in the introduction of the gas and water sys- tems. He has also assisted generously in promoting other local business enterprises, among which is the Athol Silk Co. Li 1871, with the late E. F. Jones, he started the Athol Transcript. In religious belief he is a Unitarian, and was for several years superintendent of the Sunday school of the old First Church. He was instrumental in LUCIEN LORD. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 217 the organization of the Second Unitarian Church, and has been the superintendent of its Sunday school ever since it was organized. In 1891, he represented the First Wor- cester District in the Legislature, and is now a trustee of the Athol Savings Bank, a member of the School Com- mittee, Trustee of the Fubhc library, and Secretary of the Board of Trade. He married DeHa M. Pierce of Royalston. Gardiner Lord, youngest chUd, save one, of Captain Thomas Lord, was born in Athol, April 7, 1788, on the place now owned and occupied by Ira Wright, on the road leading from the brickyard of E. A. Bailey & Co., to North Orange. Being of a large family, and his father's means limited, he was obliged at an early age to earn his own living. He worked as a farm hand and hostler until 1813, when on March 4, he married Nancy Young, daughter of Samuel Young of Chestnut Hill, and went to her home to live. His wife died in less than a year, leaving a daughter who died in early womanhood. On March 2, 1815, he married Sally Smith, a native of Truro, Mass., whose father had lately moved to Phillip- ston, then Gerry; by her he had six children: Abigail, born Nov. 6, 1816, Nathaniel Y., born Nov. 5, 1820, Sarah S., born July 30, 1822, Gardiner, Jr., born Feb. 26, 1B24, Franklin G., born Oct. 4, 1827, and Charles L., born Dec. 26, 1832. He continued on the farm until his death, Nov. 24, 1869. Of his children, Abigail, the oldest, married John Wood of, Royalston, Dec. 5, 1834; they had four child- ren, three of whom are now Kving, Henry S. Wood and 218 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT, Mrs. B. H. Brown of Koyalston, and Geo. H. Wood of Tangerine, Florida. Nathaniel Y. married Sarah Miller of Phillipston, Feb, 11, 1847; she died Sept, 16, 1854, and he married Elvira E. Goodnow of Whitingham, Vt. He had no children. In early life he assumed the care of his father's place, which he occupied to the time of his death, April 28, 1876. He was one of the cemetery committee, who had charge of the laying out of Silver Lake cemetery, and was one of the first to be buried there, Sarah S. Lord was never married, and resides in Athol with Mrs. C. L. Lord. Gardiner Lord, Jr., in early life learned the shoe- makers trade, and was for several years identified with the firm of F. G. & C. L. Lord & Co., boot manufacturers. He was Deputy Sheriff for thirty years, and was one of the Selectmen of Athol in 1864, 1889 and 1890, and has also served as Overseer of the Poor for several years. He married Mary Barker, of Oswego, N. Y., March 18, 1868, He has one son, William G-, born Sept. 7, 1871. Franklin G. Lord, worked on his father's farm until seventeen years of age, attending school about eight or nine weeks during the winter, and then went to work bot- toming boots. When twenty-one years of age he went to Natick, and worked at cutting shoes for George Walcott, the goods made being brogans for the Southern trade; Mr. Lord for two years had charge of the shop. He re- turned to Athol and engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, at first with the late C. C. Bassett, then with Geo. W. Babbitt, and later formed a partnership with his brothers, Gardiner and Charles L., for the manufacture FRANKIN G. LORD. CHARLES L. LORD. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 219 of boots, which continued from 1863 to 1872. When this firm was dissolved, he went into mercantile business with S. M. Osgood for two years, and afterwards was travelling salesman for O. Kendall & Co. for fifteen years. He has been in the retail boot and shoe business since the fall of 1887. He was one of the engineers of the fire de- partment for thirteen years, and also served on the School Committee. On July 4, 1851, he was married to Eliza A. Flint of Athol ; they have two sons, Geo. F. Lord and Fred W. Lord, both of whom have been engaged in busi- ness in Athol. Charles L. Lokd also learned the shoemakers trade, and was in company with his brothers, as already stated, in the manufacture of boots. For a few years he carried on the crockery and furniture business on Exchange street. which he sold out on account of failing health. His first wife was Lottie A. Wight, by whom he had two children, one who died in infancy, and Milton Kirke, who died Dec. 21, 1889, aged twenty-two years. On April 18, 1876, he married for his second wife Miss Eldora Bur- nett of Holden, Mass., who survives him. Mr. Lord died Mav 14, 1892. THE OLIVEES. Among the early settlers of Athol, were four brothers John, Robert, William and James Oliver, who settled in town either in the fall of 1735 or the spring of 1736. They were Scotch-Irish, and came to America directly from the north of Ireland. They are said to have been healthy, stout, robust men, who had the strength and will to build for themselves homes among the forests of old »220 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Pequoig. They were prominent in town and church af- fairs, WiUiam Oliver having been one of the first Select- men and Assessors of the town, and also the second town Treasurer. Robert, William and James, subsequently re- moved to other states, John alone remaining in Athol, and it is from him that the present Olivers of Athol and vicin- ity are descended. John Oliver settled in that part of the town known as Lyon's Hill, and built his first house of logs on, what is now, the east side of the road, a short distance north of the house occupied by Charles H. Moulton. For many years he lived here and cleared up and cultivated the land around, and it was in this log house that most of his child- ren were born. Later he built a gambrel roofed house a few rods above the house known as the Drury house, near the Petersham road. John Oliver was a young man un- der twenty years of age when he .came through the wild- erness from Hatfield, and settled here on these hUls ; every account of him goes to show that he was one of nature's noblemen ; a young man of daring energy, he de- veloped into a man of noble proportions, both physically and mentally. He is described as having been a very large man, six and one half feet tall, straight and well built, a powerful man. He was familiarly known as '' Old Dap." His name appears frequently on the early records as a town ofiicer, and as prominently identified with church affairs, and he was also a Captain in the Revolu- tionary War. He was married about 1746, and had a family of eleven children. He lived to a very old age, and died Dec. 23, 1811, at the age of ninety -three years, OLD ATBOL FAMILIES. 221 iand ^vas buried in the cemetery known as the Street Hill burying ground. He died during the great snow storm of 1811, and his remains lay for eight days in the house, be^ fore they could be taken to the grave yard. Aaron Oliver, the oldest child of John Oliver, was born Sept. 15, 1748, in the old log house built by his father. Although his early life was full of cares and re- sponsibilities that usually fall to the lot of the oldest child of a large family, yet his leisure was improved in such a manner that he obtained a good education for those days. He was a man of prominence in town affairs, and served the town as one of its Selectmen ; was often chosen as moderator to preside at town meeting, and served on im- portant committees. He also had strong religious convic- tions, and was one of the first to espouse the Baptist doc- trines in this town. Aaron Oliver, and his near neighbor, Isaac Briggs, were the prime movers in founding the pres- ent Baptist church in town, and were the two first deacons of the church, being elected to that position Dec. 1, 1810. He married Lucy Smith, Jan. 19, 1T7J:, and had seven children. He buOt a large square story and a half house, about half a mile northeast from the old homestead on the old turnpike road to PhiUipston. This was one of the first carriage roads of the town, and was discontinued over eighty years ago. He lived here about thirty years, and finally sold the farm to his son James. He died Jan. 3, 1826, at the home of his son George, on the farm formerly owned by Thomas Brooks. James Oliver, was the second son of Aaron Oliver, and was born April 19, 1778. Tradition says he was a prom- 222 ATHO'L, FAST AND FKESENT, ising boy, full of daring and energy. He learned surrey- ing, and became the surveyor for this and adjoining towns; his plans of farms and lands surveyed are now in exist- ence, and are skillfully and accurately made. He also did a large amount of business in making out deeds, contracts and all kinds of legal documents. He married Hannah Kendall, Sept. 30, 1801. Miss Kendall was the daughter of Jonathan Kendall, one of the early settlers of Chestnut Hill; they had seven children. In 1804 he built the large two story house, now standing on the old place near the Petersham road, and known as the " Drury place." He was one of the Selectmen of the town from 1807 to the time of his death in 1829, with the exception of six years, and was the Deputy Sheriff for this section for a period of twenty-one years. He was also elected Captain of the militia company, and became known as Captain Oliver. As captain, surveyor, selectman, farmer and deputy sher- iff, he was an exceedingly busy man; and, in addition to all these, he was also sent to the General Court at Boston as Eepresentative, in 1814 and 1815. He acted as auc- tioneer for the whole town for more than twenty years, and during this time settled a large number of estates. The last few years of Capt. Oliver's life were passed in a house on " Athol Street " on the site of the residence of the late Ebenezer Brock. He died there, of erysipelas. May 7, 1829, at the age of 51 years. James Olivee, (2,) the oldest son of Capt. James Oliver, was born July -31, 1802. His early life was spent upon the farm. Soon after he was of age he learned the blacksmith trade, and in the Fall of 1828, DR. JAMES OLIVER. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. "22^ moved to Orange, aad bought the old Putnam shop on the north side of the river, where he did blacksmithing with water power. He lived there four years, when on uccount of his health he vras obliged to sell, and moved to South Athol, then called Podunk, and opened a store. He remained in South Athol about four years, and then moved to Athol street and engaged iu blacksmithing and house building. In September, 1843, he moved to the Upper Village and continued the blacksmith business, and in 1845, built a house upon the Common, which was his home for nearly thirty-five years. About 1850, he com- menced the manufacture of steel garden rakes, potato dig- gers, etc., which he continued with yarying success for ten or fifteen years, and in I860, engaged in getting out house finish, which business he followed for twelve years or more. He married Minerva Fay, Sept. 18, 1827. She died Aug. 16, 1879, and Mr. Oliver April 20, 1887. They had seven children, two of whom died in infancy. Dr. James Oliver, (3,) the only son of James Oliver, ( 2, ) was born June 28, 1836, on Athol Street. His school days commenced at the early age of three years, when he went to school with an older sister. When about seven- teen years of age he taught his first school in the New Sherborn district, where his wages were fourteen dollars per month, and he paid one dollar per week for his board. He taught other schools at North Orange and Phillipston, and during the intervals between his teaching attended the High school. He was the teacher of the Athol Cen- tre Grammar school for several terms, and was one of the first assistant teachers of the High school. 224 ATHOL, PAST AJSTD FRESENT, In 1860, he first commenced the study of medicine as a. student, with the late Dr. J. P. Lynde, and attended med- ical lectures at Boston for several terms, graduating July 16, 1862. During the last year of his studies the Civil war was raging, and several times he almost decided tO' leave his studies and enter the army ; fearing the war might close before his graduation. As soon as he grad- uated from the Medical College, he was commissioned as- sistant surgeon in the 21st Mass. Eegiment, and joined his regiment at Falmouth, Va. At the second Bull Eun battle, which was his first engagement, Dr. Oliver was left in charge of the sick and wounded, and was taken pris- oner, but soon managed to escape. He rejoined his regi- ment at Alexandria, and participated in the battles at South Mountain and Antietam. He was promoted as sur- geon of the 21st Regt. May 26, 1864, and passed through the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Bethesda Church and Coal Harbor. His term of service having expired, he was mustered out Aug. 30, 1864, and in Sep- tember of the same year was commissioned assistant sur- geon of the 61st Mass. Regt., Oct. 18, surgeon of the same, and June 2d, 1865, brigade surgeon. He partici- pated in the great battles of April 1865, which resulted in the fall of Richmond, and was mustered out with his regi- ment July 30, 1865. After the war Dr. Oliver was for a number of years engaged in cotton raising in South Carolina, but returned to Athol upwards of twenty years ago, and has continued to practice his profession to the present time. He has been actively interested in town affairs and politics, sue- OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 225 ceeded the late Dr. J. P. Lynde as the Medical Examiner of this district, is prominent in Grand Army circles, and has been a member of the school committee for several years, being a member of the present board. He married Miss Kate Johnson, daughter of the late Geo. T. Johnson, Jan. 25, 1876. They have two children, Annie J. and James. The other children of James Oliver, (2,) are, Harriett K., who married S. B. Pitts, Jane T., married Foster J. Benjamin, Eosella A., married Ransom Ward, and Min- erva, married Delevan Richardson. George Oliver, a son of Aaron Oliver, was born in Athol in 1776. He lived for many years on the farm known as the Brooks farm on the North Orange road. He removed to Vermont, where he lived a few years, and then came back to Massachusetts and resided in Roy- alston, until his death in 1841. He was married three times. His first wife was Rhoda Young, by whom he had four children, Hepzibah, Samuel, George and Na- thaniel. His second wife was Deborah White, and by her he had four children, Catherine, Cynthia, Moses and Caleb. Cynthia Goddard, the third wife, bore him five children, Charles, James, Aaron, Mary and Lucy. A sketch of James Oliver is given in the Grand Army chap- ter. Chas. Oliver was born April 5, 1831, and married Ellen Davis, a sister of A. S. Davis, April 5, 1854. He resides in Fitchburg. Moses is a civil engineer, and lives in Lawrence, where he has been prominent in building the mills of the city. Franklin Oliver, a son of James (1,) was born March 226 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. 24, 1810, and lived and died in the vicinity of his native place. He had a saw miU near South Athol, and manu- factured lumber, in which he was an extensive dealer. He married Emily, a daughter of Bartholomew Wood- ward, and had eleven children: Ozi, Sylvenus E., Otis, Franklin, Jr., Sally E., Franklin 2d, Solon J., Orville, Orrin, Edd O. and Lilia E. THE KENDALLS. Among the names in the "• List of men admitted by the Great and General Court's Committee, to draw House Lotts in the Township of Pequoig, on Millers Eiver, on the 26 of June, 1734, at Concord, as settlers of said Pe- quoig," we find the name of Samuel Kendall. This Sam- uel Kendall was from Woburn, where he was born, Oct. 29, 1682, a son of Thomas and Ruth Kendall. He was a man of great activity and enterprise, well known as Lieutenant Kendall, having received a Lieutenant's com- mission from Governor Belcher, Oct. 5, 1732. He was an extensive land-owner in his native town, and was also an original proprietor of Northtown, or Townsend. He was one of the principal men among the early settlers of Pequoig, and here he and several of his sons suffered from flood and from depredations of the Indians in the French war between the years 1744 and 1760. He was a car- penter by trade, and did good service in the settlement of the town. He died at Woburn, Dec. 13, 1764. It was either this Mr. Samuel Kendall, or his son Sam- uel, that the proprietors made an agreement with for building a mill, for at a meeting of the proprietors, held by adjournment on the 18th day of October, 1738, a grant OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 227 of sixty acres of land was made " to Mr. Samuel Kendall for building a corn mill and keeping it in Repair for ye space of ten years, so as to Grind for ye Above said Pro- prietors." Jesse Kendall, a son of Samuel, was a promi- nent man in the early days of Athol, especially in building mills and developing the water power, and was one of the deacons of the old first church, being chosen to that position Nov. 10, 1774. Mrs. Anstis Kendall MUes, a granddaughter, in the Kendall genealogy which she ar- ranged in rhyme, has the following in regard to him : "Now Jesse, eleventh of Samuel, I'll show, Whose wile was Elizabeth Evans, I know, He moved to " Pequoage " and lived near the river, Now Athol, for the Kendalls are millers forever. He dug a canal, took the water away. Which moves much mechanical busmess to-day. And built the first mill to ijrind corn and wheat, Eye, barley and oats, for the people to eat. He owned a good farm, which he cleared up with care, And contended for crops with the flood ancl the bear. And the men of the forest, being loth to depart, Shot their arrows of vengeance," but ne'er reached his heart. He was honest in toil, was constant to meeting, And the brethren united and made him a Deacon, Yet at this distant day, it seems rather odd. That they carried their guns to the house of their God. The scripture injunction they fully obeyed, And some watched without while the minister prayed. 'Twas the war with the French that kindled their ire. To murder and steal, and burn up with fire. How little we think what our fathers went through, As we till the green fields that they strove to subdue, E'en my father, when young, caught a cub by the way. When going to meeting one fine Sabbath day. This Jesse a patriarch was in his day, Had twelve sons and daughters, all handsome and gay." Joel Kendall of this family, owned a saw and grist mill, where the factory of the Millers River Manufacturing Co. is now located, and also owned a large tract of land be- tween the villages. He was succeeded in business by his sons, Lyman Kendall and Joel Kendall, Jr., the former's 228 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. residence being the house now occupied by M. L. Lee, while the latter lived where the S. E. Fay house now is, and had a mill where the Goddard and Manning piano shop is now located. Another family bearing the name of Kendall, which has been prominently identified with the town all through its history down to the present day and generation settled on Chestnut HUl. Six Kendall brothers came from Scot- land and settled in Massachusetts. Jonathan Kendall, one of the six, came to Athol and settled on Chestnut Hill. He built a log house and cleared up about half an acre of land, where the old Kendall house now stands. In 1765, he married Anna Oliver. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and participated in the capture of Ticonderoga; his grandson, John Kendall, now has the old powder horn that he carried in the war. His wife, Anna, was a woman of uncommon strength and endur- ance, and is said to have been a great marksman. She did much of the farm work while her husband was in the war, and is said to have dug forty bushels of potatoes in a day. He kept a store, and people came from Warwick to get codfish, salt, rum and molasses, which they carried to their homes through the wilderness on foot. The old store stood until seven or eight years ago on the farm. Jonathan Kendall also owned the up-town common, which he sold to Samuel Sweetzer. He had six children, five girls and one boy. He died in 1817, and his wife Anna, died in 1824. John Kendall, the only son of Jonathan Kendall, mar- ried Susan Smith in 1796. He was prominent in mili- JOAB KENDALL. OZI KENDALL. JOHN KENDALL. GOODELL GODDARD. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 229 tary affairs of those days, and was a captain in the militia. He had ten children, six boys and four girls : Jonathan, Stephen, Wyman, Annie, Joab, Lydia, Ozi, John, Maria and Susan, Stephen and Susan died young. Annie mar- ried Joshua Young, and died in a few years, Lydia mar- ried Gardner Davis, and was the mother of Azor S, Davis, and Maria married Russell Smith, who was one of Athoi's prominent manufacturers. Jonathan settled in Orange, and was the father of Aral Kendall. Wyman went South, and was engaged in peddling saddles and other articles. He returned to Athol and worked at shoe making, and subsequently went to Vermont, where he re- mained for some time. Joab Kendall was born Dec. 22, 1805. He lived at home on the farm, and his education was received in the district school. When twenty-one years of age he went to Worcester, and lived for a year, after which he re- turned to Athol and purchased a farm on Chestnut Hill, near the old homestead. He was married Sept. 26, 1830, to Louisa Young of Orwell, Vt. He carried on his farm for nearly forty-five years, until October, 1871, when he removed to the Village and retired from active business. He was a prominent and active member of the Congrega- tional church, and was one of its deacons for fifteen years. He had one son, Ira Y. Kendall. He died Dec. 14, 1884. Ozi Kendall was born Sept, 13, 1810. He received the common school education afforded in those times, and when a young man of seventeen, entered a Worcester leather store, and later went to Templeton, where he 230 ATBOL, FAST AND PRKSEWT. learned the shoemakers trade of Jonathan Bowker. He returned to Athol, and in 1834, began business for him- self in a small way, in the shop on Main street, which for- merly adjoined the house in which he lived and where he died. His business grew slowly, but steadily, until it out- grew the Main Street shop, and the large brick factory on Exchange Street was erected in 1814. In 1855, he admitted his son George N., into partnership with him, which was continued until 1875. the firm name being O. Kendall & Son. In 1870, his nephew, Ira Y. Kendall and Geo. S. Pond, were admitted to the firm, and the name was changed to O. Kendall & Co., which it re- mained until the business was given up in 1887. In 1884, which completed half a century of his business, he sold out his interest to Ira Y. Kendall and Geo. S. Pond. He married Miss Fanny A. Ainsworth, a sister of the wife of Jonathan Bowker, his early employer in Temple- ton. They had two children, George N. and Helen F., who married Rev. Alonzo Sanderson, a Methodist min- ister, now of Worcester. Mr. Kendall was a trustee of the Athol Savings Bank for many years, and in 1871, represented this district in the Legislature. He was one of nature's noblemen, quiet and retiring, with a tender heart and generous impulses, while the most solid virtues were ingrained in his character, and when he passed away on Nov. 16, 1884, the whole community mourned the loss of a good man. John Kendall was born Oct. 26, 1812, and has always lived on the old homestead settled by his grandfather Jonathan. In addition to carrying on his farm he en- IRA Y. KENDALL. 'OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 2Sl gaged quite extensively for many years in the lumbering business. He has served his fellovr citizens in positions ■of responsibility, having been for six years a member of the board of Selectmen, two of the years being the first years of the late war, and was for forty years one of the sextons. For many years he was a prominent member of the old First Unitarian church, was a teacher ill its Sun* day school, and one of the committee of arrangements for the Centennial celebration of the church in 1850. He is now a member of the Second Unitarian church. The divining rod works well in his hands, and his reputation in this du-ection has been such that his services have been in demand in all of the towns of this vicinity, and he has also been called to a distance. He has discovered more than one hundred and fifty springs in Athol alone. He married Cynthia Garfield, in November, 1836. She died Mar. 13, 1877, and he was married to Almira Goodell, Feb. 22, 1878. He had two children by his first wife, Henry and Susan who married Simeon B. Jiewton. Ira Y Kendall, son of Joab, Was born Dec. 25, 1831. He attended the common schools of the town, and in the fall of 1853, went to Brandon Seminary, in Brandon, Vt.^ where he became acquainted with Miss Ettie Thomas of that town, whom he married Sept. 6, 1855. He learned the shoemakers trade and the bottoming of boots, and settled down at home on the farm, where he was engaged in farming and lumbering, until he moved to the Village, April 1, 1870. He went into company with his uncle, Ozi Kendall, in the manufacture of boots, the firm name being O. Kendall & Co. In 1884, with Mr. Geo, S. 232 ATHOJL, FAST AND PRESENT. Pond, he bought out the business, and continued it under the old firm name, until the spring of 1887. when they retired from business. Since then he has been engaged in the lumber business most of the time. Mr. Kendall has always taken an active interest in town and public affairs, represented this district in the Legislature of 1881, served the town as Selectman, Overseer of the Poor and Road Commissioner in 1888 and 1889, and was for a number of years one of the Republican town committee. During the war of the Rebellion, he was one of the committee for raising money for the volunteers. He is also prominently, identified with the Congregational church, was Superin- tendent of its Sunday School for three years, and was chosen Deacon in 1879, which position he holds at the present time. He had one son, Warren, a young man of much promise, who died in 1890, at the age of eighteen, while a student at Cushing Academy. THE MORTONS. Among the first five settlers of Athol were two brothers, Richard Morton and Samuel Morton, while a third brother, Noah, came a few years after. They came from Hatfield, and were the sons of Abraham Morton, who was born in May, 1676, and married Sarah Kellogg, May 8, 1701. The first ancestor of the family in America was George Morton, one of the Pilgrims, who was their finan- cial agent in England, and the one who chartered the "Mayflower," which brought over the first colony that landed at Plymouth in 1620, coming himself in 1623. Richard Morton married Mary Waite, a granddaughter of Sergeant Benjamin Waite, the " Hero of the Connecticut OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 233 Valley," Feb. 25, 1731. He came to Athol in Septem- ber, 1735, and built the first dwelling in town, which was a log hut near the house formerly occupied by Mr. Lynda Smith. He was actively engaged in the organization of the first church of Athol, and was one of the first to afiix his signature to the solemn covenant. He had seven children: Martin, Jeremiah, Abraham, Margery, Ben- jamin, Mary and Submit. ( 1 ) Martin Morton, the oldest, was born in Hatfield, Feb. 7, 1732. He had fifteen children, born in Athol between 1754 and 1782. This family probably removed from town. ( 2 ) Jeremiah Morton, the second son, was born in Hatfield, Nov. 20. 1733, and married Alice Ford, Nov. 30, 1766. They had seven children, Daniel, the oldest son, married Electa Fairbanks, and had five children, all of whom died within six months of each other, with the exception of Electa, who married John W. Kelton, and died in 1892, at the age of ninety-five years. She was the mother of John and Cornelius W. Kelton. Lieutenant Joel Morton, the second son of Jeremiah Morton, was born Dec. 17, 1770. He married Annie Kendall of Athol, and was a man of wealth and influence in the town, holding the position of town treasurer for many years. He had several daughters, of whom, Alice married Bela Putnam, and Fanny married Lyndes Smith. Jeremiah Morton, the youngest son of Jeremiah and Alice (Ford) Morton, was born Nov. 30, 1781, and mar- ried Olive Morse, March 30, 1809. He was engaged in the saddlery and hatter business, and built the house now 234 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. occupied by Dr. James Oliver, which was his home until his death Feb. 1, 1854. John Dwight Morton, his son, was born Oct. 3, 1830. His education was obtained in the public schools of Athol, and he served his first apprenticeship in business when fifteen years old in a store in Koyalston kept by Austin & Work. He remained there three years, after which he returned home and spent another year in school, when he started business on his own account, in what is now the town of Putnam, Conn., where he remained three or four years, and went to Boston in 1853. He first obtained a situation in the store of Stimson & Valentine, wholesale dealers in paints, oils and varnishes. In 1859 he entered the employ of the house of Banker & Carpenter, who were engaged in the same business, and became a partner in 1864. In 1868, the firm name was changed to Car- penter, Woodward & Morton, and remained the same un- til Jan. 1, 1893, when the business was incorporated, un- der the name of the Carpenter-Morton Company, of which Mr. Morton is the treasurer and general manager. This company does the largest business of any in New Eng- land in its special line of goods, and is one of the largest in the United States. He has had much to do in mould- ing and influencing the business and social organizations of Boston. He was one of the founders of the " Paint and Oil Club of New England," serving as its President in 1886 and 1887, was also one of the organizers of the " National Paint, Oil and Varnish Association," which was organized at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1888, and served as its President in 1893 and 1894. He first suggested the for- JOHN D. MORTON. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 235 mation of the present " Boston Associated Board of Trade," and served as its first vice president. Among the various clubs and associations of which he is a member are: The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, Bostonian Society, Boston Art Club, Boston Commandery of Knights Templars, Boston Chamber of Commerce, Rox- bury Club, Boston Young Men's Christian Union, Ameri- can Unitarian Association, and many others. He was in 1889 and 1890 President of the Worcester Northwest Agricultural and Mechanical Society. He married Mar- cia E. Wesson, daughter of William C. Wesson of Hard- wick, Oct. 7, 1862. They have three children, two daughters and a son. Arabel, the oldest daughter, mar- ried in 1887, Joseph H. Goodspeed, treasurer of the West End Railroad Co., and Clara married George F. Gray of Boston, who is associated with the Shephard & Morse Lumber Co. George C. is associated with his father, and is a director of the Carpenter-Morton Co. ( 3 ) Abraham, the third son of Richard Morton, born Dec. 25, 1735, was the first white child born in Athol. His supposed tragic death is related in the chapter on Ancient Pequoig. (4) Margery, born Oct. 28, 1737, was the first white female born in Athol. She lived a maid. The following poem was written of her by Mrs. Clare H. Burleigh for " Picturesque Worcester:" "No poet, or painter, no hero of fame We 8mg, but of Athol's first baby," whose claim The records preserve undisputed. Her same Was Margery Morton. We know not the tint of her hair or her eyes, If sombre, or gleaming with light from the skies ; If sober, or smiling, if foolish or wise, This Margery Morton. 236 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. But " Athol " her balJy lips learned to repeat, The dust of the highway, the first village street i Was trodden oft-times, by the wee toddling feet , Of Margery Morton. No garment of her's bright with cochineal hues. No apron of jean, dyed with indigo blues. Hare we, but one of the queer little shoes Of Margery Morton. She looked from her home, on the valleys below, On hills clad with verdure, or covered with snow ; The famous old " fort tree " began first to grow With Margery Morton. For her, all the wild flow'rs made haste to unfold Their petals of crimson, of purple and gold ; As lovely as now, were the blossoms of old. For Margery" Morton. Perchance a fierce savage, with dark painted face Frowned on her young beauty, her innocent grace. And danger may always have haunted the place For Margery Morton. We follow her not through life's devious way, A fair winsome maiden, or sad spinster gray ; We sing but of Athol's first daughter to-day, Our Margery Morton. ( 5 ) Benjamin, son of Eichard Morton, was born Oct. 20, 1739, and married Mary Dexter, Sept. 28, 1760. They resided in Orange, and had nine children. ( 6 ) Mary married Stephen Lord of Athol. ( 7 ) Submit married Caleb Smith of Athol. Samuel Morton, who came to Athol with his brother Eichard in 1735, was born at Hatfield, Sept. 8, 1708, and married Lydia Smith, daughter of Nathaniel Smith of Hatfield, June 23, 1731. They had nine chUdren: Lydia married Eobert Bradish, Abigail married James Stratton, Jerusha married Jonas Bradish, Lois married Samuel Humphrey, a brother of Eev. James Humph- rey, and Martha married Daniel Lamson, all of Athol. Julius Sterling Morton, who is descended from Sam- uel Morton, is the most distinguished descendant of the old Athol families. He was born at Adams, Jefferson TfUD ATHOL, FAMILIES. 237 County, New York, April 22, 1832, a son of Julius Dewey Morton and Emeline (Sterling) Morton. When he was but two years old his parents removed to Monroe, Michigan. Until he was fifteen years old he attended a private school in Monroe, and was then placed in the Wesleyan Seminary at Albion, Mich. In 1850, he en- tered the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, and after nearly four years at this institution, he went to Union College, and in 1854 received his degree of A. M., from Dr. Eliphalet Nott, the famous president of that college. During the last two years of his college life he was a fre- quent contributor to the editorial columns of the Detroit Free Press. Soon after graduating he married, and in the fall of 1854, started for the newly organized territory of Nebraska, where he pre-empted a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, and in true pioneer style built a log cabin, which was the home of himself and wife for a year. The cabin then gave place to a cottage, and that spot has ■ ever since been Mr. Morton's home. His early purpose had been to become a lawyer, and he practiced that pro- fession until 1860, when his office and library were burned, when he abandoned law for business, and occupations more congenial to him. In April, 1855, he established the Nebraska City News, which he edited for many years, and which is still in existence, being the oldest paper in the state. He took a lively interest in public affairs, and became a member of the territorial legislature, and was appointed by President Buchanan, Secretary of the Ter- ritory, in 1858, which position he held until 1861, and during a portion of this period he was the acting governor. 2^8 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Mr, Morton has been repeatedly the candidate of his party for governor, and a seat in the United States Senate, but during his entire political career, his state has been stead- fastly Kepublican, and it was not until 1893 that he came into power as a member of President Cleveland's Cabinet, when he was selected as Secretary of Agriculture. It was exceedingly appropriate that this importaut position should be conferred upon one whose devotion to agricul- ture and forestry had become of national renown, as being the originator of Arbor Day, and through whose influence the treeless lands of the West, are being transformed in- to gardens and orchards, and dotted with vigorous forest growth. As a farmer and stock raiser, he has labored un- tiringly to promote the agricultural interests of his state. His entire course of public life has been characterized by an uncommon independence of merely popular and super- ficial movements. His wife died twenty years after their removal to Nebraska. He has four sons, who have grown to manhood and become heads of families. Abner Morton, son of Samuel, was born Jan. 17, 1736. He married Sophia Goddard, May 14, 1764. They be- longed to the church in Athol, he joining in 1765, and she in 1774. The records give the names of four children as born to them. Dr. Joshua Morton, another son of Samuel, was born in Athol, Oct. 20, 1744. He married three times, his first wife being Azubah, daughter of Capt. Nathaniel Graves, the second Eebecca Rich, and the third Azubah Williams. Seven children are recorded as having been born to him. A brief sketch of him is given in the Medi- cal chapter. tSLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 289 IS^oah Morton, who came to Athol a few years after Ms brothers, Eichaid and Samuel, w«,s born in Hatfield, Dec 5, 1718, and died in Athol, March W, 1798. H« mar- ried Ehoda. Waite, and they had three children. THE GODDAEDS. Several of the Goddard families of Athol are descend- ants of one Edward Goddard -of Norfolk County, England, His seventh son, William, was a wholesale merchant in London, and came to New England in 1665 to look after property that he had in this country. He liked so well that he sent for his family and settled in Watertown, Mass. His son, Benjamin, born in 1668, married Martha Palfrey, and lived in Charlestown. Thesy had a son, Benjamin, born in 1705, who married Mary Kidder, and resided in Grafton, Mass. Their son James, born in 1740, came to Athol sometime between 1760 and 1765, with his second cousin, Josiah Goddard, and settled on Chestnut Hill, Josiah on the last farm in Athol, since known as the Flint farm, and Lieut. James Goddard on the next farm south on the east side of the road. Josiah Goddard, or "Squire Goddard," as he was called, was for more than a quarter of a century, probably, the most prominent man in public affairs in town. In the opening days of the Eevolutiou, he was one of the commit' tee of Inspection and Correspondence, and was from 1778 to 1800, one of the selectmen. He was moderator of town meetings for many years, was on many important commit- tees, and was Eepresentative to the Great and General Court for six years. James Goddard married Miss Betty Goddard of Shrews- bury, a sister of Josiah Goddard, in 1767. They had five children. 2i0 Elijah Goddard. the second child of James Goddard^ was born in 1771. He married Miss Mehitable Goodell in 1794, and had twelve children, most of whom died young. He was a staunch supporter of the old First Church, and was one of its deacons from 1807, until the separation of the Evangelical Church in 1830, when he went with the new church, and was one of its deacons un- til his death, in 1854. He was the Superintendent of the first Sunday School in town, until the division of the church, and was for several years one of the selectmen. GooDELL Goddard, the second son of Elijah, was born May 1, 1797. He married Miss Hannah Paine of Green- wich. He rebuilt the hfiuse of his grandfather, Lieut. James Goddard, where he lived until after the death of his mother in 1836, when he returned to his early home to care for his father. He remained on this farm until about 1858, when he removed to the village and occupied a house that he had built on the corner of Park and Central Streets, where he lived during the remainder of his life. He never cared for office of any kind, but loved a quiet life. He dealt largely in real estate, and had an interest at different times in three or four stores, the last one be- ing where Dr. H. M. Humphrey's drug store now is. He was a prominent member of the Congregational church, of which he was elected Deacon, May 1, 1863. He was a member of the church for forty-six years, and a deacon fourteen years. Quiet and unobtrusive in manner, yet firm to the truth at all times, he was respected and be- loved in the community. He died July 12, 1877, being the last survivor of his family. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 241 THE SWEETSER FAMILY. During the first half of the present century the Sweet- ser family was one of the most prominent families of Athol, but for the last thirty or forty years there has been ao descendant in town bearing the family name. Samuel Sweetser, son of Phillip and Sarah (Richardson) Sweetser, was born in Leominster, Mass., Oct. 16, 1764. Before his marriage he kept a store in Warwick for a year or two, and then moved to Athol. where he bought the tav- ern at the Centre. In 1792 he married Miss Hannah Moore of Cambridge, and their home was at the tavern until 1806, when Mr. Sweetser sold to Thomas Lord. The family then moved to the substantial house which Mr. Sweetser had just built on the opposite side of the street from the tarern and further to the north. Upon the death of Mr. Sweetser, this house was occupied by his son Sam- uel until his death in 1847, when it was sold to Mr. Ly- man W. Hapgood. Mr. Sweetser was for many years widely known as a grazier, owning large farms and pastures in Athol, Royal- ston, Wendell, Petersham, Phillipston, Northfield, Heath, and Warwick. He drove great numbers of cattle to the Brighton market, and there, his ruddy face, and portly figure in its long white coat, and his reputation for business ability made him a person of note. One year it was said that he pastured and sent to Brighton 400 head of cattle. Mr. Sweetser was kind and generous to the poor and un^ fortunate, especially to women deprived of their natural supporters, and many supplies from his abundant larder found their way to the needy. He died in 1842 ; but Mrs. 242 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. Sweetser, whose home was for five years with her son Samuel, and afterward with her daughter, Mrs. Frederick Jones in Boston, survived him fifteen years. Mrs. Sweet- ser was a sister of Mrs. Prescott Jones of Athol. She directed her large household skillfully, and without bustle, and lived in the fear of God. The Sweetsers had nine children, all of whom lived to, maturity. (1) Mary, born in 1794, the exemplary and beloved eldest sister died unmarried at the age of twenty-four. (2) Abby, born in 1195, was an intellectual and deep- ly religious woman ; a teacher in the first Sunday school in Athol. In 1818 she married Mr. Joel Wood of West- minster, by whom she had five children. The three sons died in youth. Her oldest daughter, Mary, is better known in Athol than any other descendant of the Sweetser family. After a wide experience as a teacher, she mar- ried in 1860 Rev. Geo. J. TUlotson of Connecticut, in which state she has since resided, and for some years in the town of Wethersfield. Her sister Abby Maria, lived for some years with her imcle, Luke Sweetser, in Am- herst, and married in 1855, Rev. Daniel Bliss, who was first a missionary, and is now president of the College at Beirut, Syria. (3) Samuel Sweetser, Jr., who was born in 1798, and died in 1847, always resided in Athol, and was associated with his father in business. His house, until the death of the father, was that now occupied by Roswell Beard. He was a deacon in the Orthodox Church, and justly re- spected and beloved. To him were fitly applied the words, -'Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 243 the Lord." Mr. Sweetser married in 1823, Anna E. Humphrey of Athol, who died in 1835, three of whose children are living. Hannah A., who in 1847 married Wm. B. Washburn, afterward Governor of Massachusetts. Her home is in Greenfield. George D., of the firm of Sweetser, Pembrook & Co., large jobbers in dry goods in New York, and Wm. Penn, with Charles Fox of Stafford Springs, Conn. Mr. Sweetser was married' the second time in 1836 to Nancy Maria Harbach of Worcester, who died in 1B47, and their son, Charles H., who died in 1871, was a journalist of ability. (4) Luke Sweetser, born in 1800, went to Amherst, Mass., at the age of eighteen. After serving Mr. Wright Strong as clerk for a short time, he bought Mr. Strong's store, and was a successful merchant for thirty-eight years. He represented Amherst in the Legislature and served the town, the college and the church in various offices with fideHty. In 1833, Mr. Sweetser married Abby G. Mun- sell in New York, and their son, John Howard, is also of the firm of Sweetser, Pembrook & Co., of New York. Mr. Sweetser died in 1882, and his wife survived him less than a year. (5) Abel Sweetser, born in 1802, resided in Worces- ter, where he engaged in mercantile business, and later in Springfield, Mass., where he had a milk and fruit farm and nursery, and where, in 1845, he died from an ac cident. His first wife was Almira Jennison of Phillipston, whom he married in 1833, by whom he had two children, Horatio, a house decorator in New York city , and Sarah, now Mrs. Fish of Quincy, 111. In 1841 he was married 244 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. the second time in Lowell to Eunice White, whose son Luke resides in Peoria, 111. (6) Miranda, born in 1804, was married in 1827 to James Goldsbury of Warwick, and their life together was numbered by almost 65 years, when her death occurred, November 6, 1891. Mr. Goldsbury, who throughout his life has possessed the confidence and esteem of his towns- people, still retains health and a clear mind at the age of 96. Their daughter, Ann Maria, lives with him, while the son James resides in Minneapolis, Minn., engaged in real estate business. A younger son, Sweetser, died in early manhood. Mrs. Goldsbury held strong convictions concerning a Christian living and duty, and when, ten years before her death she was crippled by an accident, maintained a lovely spirit of submission to God's will. She outlived all her brothers and sisters, and looked for- ward with clear faith to the life beyond our sight. (7) Maria, born in 1806, married Frederick Jones of Athol in 1831. Mr. Jones continued his father's business, as a tanner, and early commenced the manufacture of boots and shoes, in which he secured a large fortune. In 1836 he removed to Boston, which was ever after his home. The Athol boot and shoe factory was owned by Mr. Jones and Mr. Milton Baker. For half a century, the hospitality of Mr. Jones' city home was enjoyed by the large family circle and many friends, and with it are con- nected delightful memories Mrs. Jones' character was singularly well balanced. With a quick perception of character, and of the humorous side of things, and the rare faculty of saying much in few words,, she had the OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 245 charity that never faileth. Although deeply interested in the church and a wide range of charities, chief of which was the Boston Y. W. C. A., her tastes were preeminently domestic and womanly. She died suddenly of apoplexy, July 16, 1884, and Mr. Jones' death, June 7, 1887, was from the same cause. Two sons died in infancy and a daughter Jane M., at the age of 21. The older daughter, Caroline S., the wife of F. F. Emery, Mr. Jones' partner, died Oct. 1, 1890. (8) Joseph Artemas, born in 1809, early removed to Amherst, and in 1835 married Catherine, daughter of Saihuel Dickinson of that town. Mr. Sweetser became a dry goods merchant in New York City, and their home was first in Brooklyn, then for many years in New York, and after his retirement from business, upon a large estate in Poughkeepsie. He was a man of cultivated tastes and agreeable manners, and much attached to the Madison Square Church and to its pastor, Rev. Wm. Adams. In January, 1874, when the family were boarding in New York, Mr. Sweetser fell upon the ice, striking the head severely. It is supposed that inflammation of the brain ensued, for after a few days of prostration, he walked away from the hotel on the evening of a dense fog, and has never since been heard from. Mr. and Mrs. Sweetser had eight children, of whom three only are living. The oldest, Henry E. was a valued member of the staff of the New York World. Two children died in childhood, and two daughters, Emma and Kate, in young womanhood. Samuel, connected with the Metropolitan S. S. Co., of New York, and Mary, Mrs. Charles H. Sweetser, reside 246 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT, with their mother in Orange, N. J. The youngest daugh- ter, Mrs. Edward Winslow, resides in New York. (9) Carohne, born in 1814, was married in 1838 to Ebenezer L. Barnard of Worcester. Of their five child- ren, Lewis died in infancy ; Edward L., in the civil war ; Caroline, wife of John K. Tiffany of St. Louis, in 1871. The second son, Frederick J., a lavi^er, and Eliza, reside in Worcester. Mr. Barnard died in 1850, and in 1870 Mrs. Barnard married Alphonso Wood, author of the standard works on botany, and their home was in West Farms, New York City. After Mr. Wood's death in 1881, Mrs. Wood resided with her son in Worcester, until her death in 1885. She was a woman of strong character, ardent temperament and wide interest ; and it is to her care in collecting and recording the history of the family that this record is due. The Sweetser family were charac- terized by intelligence, industry, and thrift ; by strong con- viction of duty, sometimes sternly held ; and by devotion to the church and to the needy. THE ESTABROOKS. The Estabrooks are descended from a ministerial family, their ancestor, Rev. Joseph Estabrook, coming from Eng- land in 1660 with two brothers. He entered Harvard College, where he was graduated in 1664, and was settled in Concord in 1667, as colleague with Rev. Mr. Buckley, where he continued till his death, which happened in 1711. He had four sons, of these, Joseph Estabrook. the oldest, was born in 1669, and died in Lexington in 1733 ; he was a deacon in the Lexington church, and filled almost every office in the gift of his townsmen, and also com- OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 247 manded a military company. He was a man of more than ordinary education for that day, was often employed as a surveyor, and was engaged to teach the first mans school in the town. His son Joseph, who was born Oct. 10, 1690, and died Aug. 19, 1740, was like his father, captain of the military company, deacon of the church, and filled almost every important ofl&ce in town. His son, Benjamin Estabrook, was born Dec. 20, 1729, and married Hannah Hubbard of Concord, May 9, 1757. He was for many years a coroner and a justice of the peace, and was in the campaign to Ticonderoga in 1776. He died March 8, 1803. His son, Joseph Estabrook, was born in Lexington, March 4, 1758. Although but a boy of seventeen when the memorable Lexington fight of April 19, 1775 oc- curred, he was one of those who resisted the advance of the English troops on that eventful morning ; after having assisted his father in carrying his mother, with a young in- fant, to a place of safety, he seized his musket and did valiant service in checking the invaders of his country. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1782, and after pursuing his theological studies with Rev. Jonas Clarke, the minister of his native town, he came to Athol, and was ordained as pastor of the Athol church Nov. 21, 1787. The town was most fortunate in securing for its second minister, one whose lemarkable abilities and tact were not only able to bring harmony and peace to a community rent by years of discord and bitter feeling, but who also exerted a most salutary influence upon his associates in the min- 248 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. istry and the people of this whole region, where his name has always been held in blessed memory. He was a man of large perceptive powers, and pos- sessed a rare knowledge of human nature, which enabled him to win the confidence and love of all ; courteous and affable, he was every one's friend, and thus was often let into many family secrets and difficulties where his soothing words and friendly counsel and advice acted like oil upon the troubled waters, and he became known far and wide as a peace-maker. The older residents, even at the pres- ent day, relate many amusing stories of the tact displayed by him in settling troubles among his parishioners and fellow townsmen. Not only was he a peace-maker in the domestic affairs of his people, but among his ministerial associates at that time, when the theological controversies of the day were being hotly contested, and were distracting many of the churches throughout the state. He would not preach upon these doctrines, nor did he wish others to do so in his pulpit. He wished to keep free of human creeds, and advised his brethren in the ministry to do the same. He used repeatedly to say, '■ I am neither a Trini- tarian nor a Unitarian, but a Bibletarian." To the close of his long ministry, Mr. Estabrook retained fellowship with all the neighboring clergy, and all respected him. Soon after his settlement in Athol, Mr. Estabrook was married (Sept. 3, 1788,) to Miss Lucy Gushing of Pem- broke, Mass. Her parents were wealthy residents of the old colony, and she was their only daughter. Born and educated in affuence, she left her home and came into a land of strangers, at that time almost a wilderness. She Rev. JOSEPH ESTABROOK. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 249 acquainted herself with the duties of her situation, and resolutely and successfully performed them. She pos- sessed a strong mind, which study and reflection had dis- ciplined and stored with useful knowledge. For nearly forty-three years, Rev. Mr. Estabrook continued the faith- ful minister of a happy people, and finally closed his life on the morning of Sunday, April 18, 1830, lamented by the entire community. He had seven children, four boys and three girls. Lucy Gushing Estabrook married Col. Abner Young, Marcia married Theodore Jones, Esq., and had a large family, and Fidelia married Rev. Preserved Smith, who became one of the most prominent clergymen of western Massachusetts. Turner Estabrook went South and died young. Gen. Nathaniel Estabrook attained distinction in the militia, and removed to Leominster, where he died at a good old age. Dr. Joseph H. Estabrook graduated from Williams Col- lege in 1818, was also a graduate of the Harvard Medical school, and studied in Boston with Dr. Ezekiel Cushing, and settled in Camden, Me., about 1825, where he prac- ticed fifty years. He was demonstrator of Anatomy in the Brunswick Medical school, and was for two years Presi- dent of the Maine Medical Association. He died at Port- land, Me., in 1885, at the age of eighty seven years. Benjamin Estabrook, the youngest son, was bom Nov. 23, 1803. He remained at home with his father until the decease of the latter, when he came into possession of the " home place." He always remained a resident of the town, and on the place of his birth, and became the most prominent man of his day, wielding a powerful influence 250 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. in the moulding of the town affairs of those days, and by his energy and prudence accumulated property, until at the time of his death he was reported to be one of the wealthiest men of the town. He held almost every office in the gift of his townsmen, having been for many years a member of the board of selectmen, was town clerk, town treasurer, member of the school committee, post-master, represented the town for a number of years in the Leg- islature, and in 1843 was State Senator, and in all the offices that he held there was never a question as to his faithfulness, honesty and capability. The words of condo- lence to friends from one intimately acquainted with him, at the time of his death, are exceedingly appropriate ; " Like all men he had his faults, yet he was a noble heart- ed, philanthropic gentleman of the old school, always hon- est and honorable, possessing a character among his fellow men, that you can feel a just pride in being one of the same blood. That greatest and grandest of human virtues, — that which Christ himself personified and impressed on mankind — charity, " Uncle Ben " practiced to a large and commendable degree." He died October 19, 1872. FISH FAMILY. One of the old-time Athol families, which has been identified with the history of the town for a century or more, and has become interlinked by marriage relations with many of the old families, is the Fish family. Simeon Fish, the ancestor of this family in Athol, came from Mendon some time between the close of the Revolution and the opening of the present century, and settled here. He was a sheriff in Mendon, and had been a soldier in OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 251 the Revolution, being with. Ethan Allen at the taking of Ticonderoga. He was also an extensive landholder. When he came to Athol there were only two houses in that portion of the town that has been known as the lower village ; one of these was the old Pequoig House which had been built several years, and which he pur- chased of Dea. Jesse Kendall. He had seven children : Hannah, Ezra, Samuel, Benjamin, Eunice, Sally and Lucinda. ( 1 ) Hannah, married Joshua Smith, and was the mother of Adin H. Smith. ( 2 ) Ezra Fish was a farmer, and came into possession of the broad acres of his father, that included nearly all the tract now occupied by the busy shops, elegant busi- ness blocks and fine residences of the Lower Village. He had four children, one of whom died in infancy. Moses married Ann Young, lived in Athol a number of years and died in New Jersey. Henry became the owner of his father's farm, and he and his brother Moses were among the first landlords of the old Pequoig House. He married his cousin, Sally Fish. Lucy married Amos L. Cheney. ( 3 ) Benjamin moved from town and resided for a time in Prescott and New Salem. He afterwards re- moved to Peoria, 111., where he died. ( 4 ) Eunice married Absalom Ball of Warwick. ( 5 ) Sally married Capt. Francis Twichell, and was the mother of Ginery Twichell. ( 6 ) Lucinda married Reuben Fairbanks, and moved to Champlain. 252 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. ( 7 ) Samuel Fish, son of Simeon, came to Athol from Mendon, but whether at the same time as his father or not, we are unable to determine. When he first came to town he settled on Lyon's hill, towards Petersham, but as he felt that he was at too great a distance from school for his children to attend, he purchased the farm now oc- cupied by Charles H. Moulton, on the Petersham road. He also at one time lived on Chestnut Hill, on the place now owned by Eev. F. B. Knowlton. He had eleven children : Joseph, Jason, Francis, Nancy, Lucinda, Bet- sey, Sally, Samuel, Jr., Esther, Lucia and Horatio. (1) Joseph, the oldest, went to Putney, Vt., when about twenty-one years old, and afterwards resided in Dummerston in the same state. ( 2 ) Jason was born in Athol, Feb. 14, 1796, and for several years occupied the farm of his father on Lyon's Hill. He left Athol in 1820, and lived in Vermont for about fifty years. He had four sons and one daughter : Frederick A., Prescott M., Henry L., William W. and Abby M. William W. Fish, son of Jason Fish, was born in Dummerston, Vt., May 11, 1832. He remained at home with his father until about seventeen years of age, when he went to Angelica, Alleghany County, New York, and learned the blacksmith trade with his brother. He re- mained there about two and a half years, and came to Athol in September, 1852, and went to work at his trade for Mr. Asa Foster, at the Upper Village. In the spring of 1853, he went into partnership with Mr. Foster, their place of business being a shop where the Chronicle block WILLIAM W. FISH. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 253 now stands. In 1855 he bought the business of Mr. Fos- ter, in which he continued for many years, and also en- gaged in the carriage business, putting up the first build- ings on the " Island " for that purpose. He carried on this business until he was burned out in 1871, and then went into the real estate business with the late J. B. Cardany, and about that time built the block now known as the " Chronicle Block." He is one of the few demo- crats that have represented this district in the Legislature during the last quarter of a century, being a member of the House in 1876. He served the town as selectman four years, has been assessor and road commissioner, and is now one of the cemetery commissioners. President Cleveland appointed him postmaster of the Athol office Jan. 16, 1888, which position he held until Feb. 14, 1891. An active worker in the Masonic organizations, he was for fifteen years prelate of Athol Commandery Knights Templars, of which he has also been Eminent Commander, and High Priest of Union Royal Arch Chap- ter. In 1855, he married Rosella B. Hey wood of Athol, who died in 1867. He was married again in June 1875, to Mrs. Abbie P. Bingham, of Nashua, N. H., by whom he has one daughter, Grace Fish. Since his retirement from the post office, Mr. Fish has not been engaged in active business, except to manage his farm on Chestnut HiU Avenue. Abby M. Fish married Henry L. Sargent. They lived in Athol many years, and moved to Newfane, Vt., where Mrs. Sargent died in 1892. They had one son, Fred H. Sargent. 254: ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. ( 4 ) Nancy married Henry Lee, and was the mother of Samuel Lee. She died at the age of seventy-three years. ( 5 ) LuciNDA married Eber Goddard, and lived on Chestnut Hill. ( 6 ) Betsey married Samuel Newhall, and was the mother of Mrs. Kate L. Newton. ( 7 ) Sally Fish was born in 1808, and died March 3, 1887, at the age of seventy-nine years and nine months. She married her cousin, Henry Fish. They had two children, Wilson and Samuel, both of whom died in early manhood. On the death of her husband, Mrs. Fish came into possession of a large amount of real estate. She deeded to the town the Lower Village Common, and gave to the Baptist Society the lot on which their church stands. She was averse to selling her real estate, and at her death retained some valuable tracts in the heart of the town. She was a woman of great independence of character and a determined will, was true to her friends, and helpful in times of trouble and need. (8) Samuel Fish, Jr., was for many years Superin- tendent in one of the Amoskeag mills in Manchester, N. H. He died Jan. 16, 1863, and his widow, Elvira Fish died Dec. 12, 1896. ( 9 ) Esther married Laban Morse. Mrs. Morse died Sept. 5, 1896. (10) Lucia married Jotham D. Otterson, who was Superintendent of the Lancaster Gingham Mills in Clin- ton. (11) Horatio died young. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 255 THE HUMPHREYS. A family prominent in the history of Athol from the organization of the First Church in 1750 to the present time, is the Humphrey family, whose first representative in this town was Rev. James Humphrey, the first minis- ter of old Pequoig. The first one of the Humphrey fam- ily who came to this country was Jonas Humphrey, who came to Dorchester with his wife Frances, and son James, from Wendover, in Buckinghamshire, England, in 1634. James, the son, was twenty-six years of age when they ar- rived. He was grantee of Necklands in 1637 ; member of the church in 1639 ; freeman May 13, 1640 ;. and pro- prietor in the great lots in 1646. He lived in what is now called Humphrey Street in Dorchester, and the es- tate or portions of it are now in possession of his descend- ents. In the ancient graveyard in Dorchester is a monu- ment vvith the following inscription : "ELDER JAMES HUMPHEEYS, WHO DIED MAY 12, 1686, AGED 78." '•' Inclosed within this shrine is sacred dust, And only waits for the rising of the just. Most useful while he lived ; adorned his station, Even to old age he serv'd his generation: Since his death thought of with great veneration." '■ How great a blessing this Ruling Elder he Unto the Church, and Town, and J?astors, three. Mather, he first did by him help receive ; Flint, he did next of burdens much relieve ; Renowned Danf orth, he did help with skill. Esteemed high by all ;— bear fruit until Yielding to death his glorious seat did fill." Elder James had a son Hopestill, whose son Jonas was the father of James Humphrey, who was born in Dorches- ter, March 30, 1722. He graduated at Harvard College in 1744, taught school in Dorchester in 1748, and was ordained minister of Pequoig Nov. 7. 1750. Mr. Humph- rey commenced his duties as pastor of this town under 256 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. very trying and discouraging circumstances. His salary was small, a trifle over twenty shillings a week. His parishioners were few, there being probably not more than twenty families in the place at the time of his settlement, and they were in constant danger from the hostile Indians. For three years did the young minister preach with his gun by his side, while some of his flock guarded the doors. The next year after his settlement, Rev. Mr. Humplu:ey was married, Oct. 9, 1751, to Miss Esther Wiswell of Dorchester, a lady of high respectability, and much energy of character who was highly esteemed and much re- spected by the people of this town, and lived to an ad- vanced age. The record of this marriage is entered upon the Church Book in the handwriting of Mr. Humphrey as follows : " — Dorchester, October the 9th, 1751, James Humph- rey and Esther Wiswell was married, and the third day we got home to Perquage." The reception of the pastor and his young wife by the people of Pequoig is thus de- scribed : " The occasion of the return of their pastor vdth his young and accompHshed bride was one of lively and exciting interest to the unpolished but affectionate parish- ioners of Pequoig. Before the sun had dissipated the dew on the morning of the third of November, a company of happy men and joyous youth mounted on horseback, each with his good wife or smiling maiden seated on the pillion behind him, were riding over the old street, now moving with cautious step along the obstructed path, and now galloping in frolicsome glee across some open plain, full of high anticipation, on their way to Barre to welcome the OXD ATHOL FAMILIES. 1257 arrival of their absent pastor, and escort him with his pot ished bride within the precincts tjf their own rude but happy homes. That was a joyous day for the settlers on these hills. The few who remained were busy making due preparation for the reception of so important a per- «onage as their pastor's welcome bride." For more than twenty years pastor and people lived together in harmony, during the entire period of which, but three church meet- ings are recorded. Elements of discord began to appear in 1773, and increased in intensity through the years un- til his dismission by an ecclesiastical council, Feb. 13, 1782. After his dismission, Mr. Humphrey withdrew his connection with the church in Athol, and connected him- self with the church in Warwick, but continued to reside in Athol until his death. May 8, 1796. Mrs. Humphrey died March 8, 1822, aged ninety-four years. Their re- mains rest in the family tomb in the old burying ground, a short distance from the lower end of Pleasant Street. Rev. James Humphrey had six children, Sarah, John, Lois, James, Royal and Calvin. Sarah died in infancy, and Calvin died when but little more than six years of age, Lois married an Oliver. John Humphrey, the oldest son, was born Jan. 8, 1758, and died Jan. 24, 1837. He was prominently identified with town aifairs, served as selectman for several years, and was Town Clerk for twenty-one years, the longest time the ofiice has ever been held by one person. He had eight children. Of these two died in infancy. Fran- ' ces married Dr. Wm. H. Williams, and died in 1887, at the age of ninety years and three months. Anna married 258 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT, Samuel Sweetser, Jr. Clarissa married Spencer Field, a brother of Hon, Charles Field, and lived for many years in New Orleans. Charles Humphrey, born Oct. 9, 1807, married Jane Jones, and moved to Lancaster, Mass., where he died. John Harvey Humphrey, the youngest son, was bom Jan. 16, 1813. He married Urania Barrett, of Putney, Vt., May 9, 1837. He was a farmer. He moved to Boston about thirty years ago, and after a few years to Philadelphia, where he died. His son John was killed on board the Cumberland in the late war. He has a daugh- ter. Flora Corson, living in Philadelphia. Royal Humphrey, the second son of Rev. James, was born Sept. 22, 1761. He was one of the early physicians of Athol. He had five children, John Flavel, Arathusa, Otis, Henry and Esther. John Flavel Humphrey, the oldest son of Dr. Royal Humphrey, was born Sept. 7, 1788. He married Betsey Eager, of Gardner, Mass. He was clerk in a store before marriage, and went to Albany, N. Y., where he engaged in the grocery business. His health failed him, and he re- turned to Athol, where he served as Deputy Sheriff for some time. He had four children ; Edwin, bom July 15, 1814, John Flavel, Jr., born Jan. 29, 1819, Caroline, bom June 28, 1821, and Rebecca, born Sept. 15, 1823. John Flavel Humphrey, Jr., was bom in Albany while his father was in business in that city, and removed to Athol with his parents when a few months old. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he worked at for sev- eral years, was engaged at one time in manufacturing, and XSVD ATHOL FAMILIES. 259 was for fifteen years in the general hardware business with Samuel Lee at the Centre. He married Cordelia Baker, ■of Troy, N. H. They had one son, George ilavel. Mrs. Humphrey died April 29, 1S92, and Mr. Humphrey was married again Sept. 30, 1894, to Hattie A. Crosby. Rev. George Flavel Humphrey, son of John Flavel Humphrey, Jr., was born in AthoL May 4th, 1847. He prepared for college at the Athol High school, and en- tered Williams College in the junior class in 1871. Hav- ing completed the junior and senior years, he entered Au- burn Theological Seminary, graduating in 1874. He was ordained in the gospel ministry of the Congregational church by the Hampshire East Conference, Mass., Jan. 7, 1875, and has served the following churches as pastor; North church, Amherst, Mass.', 1874 and 1875; Elmwood church. Providence, R. I., 1877 to 1880 ; the Presbyterian church, Milford, K Y., 1882 to 1885, and in April, 1885, became pastor of the church at Ninevah, N. Y., where he is now located. He married H. Beatrice Hotchkiss, of Virgil, N. Y., Jan. 28, 1875, Caroline Humphrey, daughter of John Flavel Humph- rey, Senior, married Ebenezer Brock, and Rebecca mar- ried Solomon Hoyt of Bernardston. Arathusa, the oldest daughter of Dr. Royal Humphrey, was born Nov, 7, 1795, and married Rev. John Walker, Otis died young, and Esther, the youngest daughter, mar- ried Hiram Allen of Amherst, Mass. Henry Humphrey was born Nov. 7, 1795. He mar- ried Sophronia Parker, June 21, 1836, and had three children, Henry Martin, and two who died in infancy. He was a farmer, and lived on "Athol Street." 260 ATHOL, PAST AND FRESEWT.. Dr. H. M. Humphrey, son af Hrairy Humphrey, wass Born in Athol, Aug. 10, 1840. He received his educa- tion in the public schools af the town, studied dentistry two years in Boston, and was graduated from, the Philadel- phia Dental College. He engaged with the late Dr. J. H. Williams, in the dental business in Septeraiber, 1863, with whom he was associated for five years, and also con- tinued the business alone for a year or two. In 1870, he purchased the drug business of Mr. "Williams, which he has continued to the present time. He has been honored with various positions of trust by his townsmen, having served on the School Committee for several years, and is now one of the board of Registrars of Voters. In 1882, he represented this district in the Legislature, and was a prominent member of the Committee on Education. He has for many years been an active and influential member of the Congregational church, and was for three years the Superintendent of its Sunday School. He is also one of the directors of the Athol National Bank, and has been prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, having held the position of District Deputy Grand Master of this Masonic district. He was married Oct. 18, 1866, to Ab- bie F. Holton of Athol, and has two children, John H, and Helen. John H, Humphrey is a graduate of the Athol High School, and is now associated with his father in business. He is the Secretary of the Worcester Northwest Agricult- ural Society, and chairman of the Republican Town Com- mittee, and is prominently identified with the social and political aff"airs of the town. Helen is also a graduate of i«i HENRY M. HUMPHREY. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 261 the Athol High School, and of the Bridgewater Normal School, and is now one of the teachers in the Fitchburg Normal School. James Humphrey, the third son of Rev. James, was born Dec. 29, 1763. He was the merchant of the town, and prominent in town and political affairs, serving as selectman seven years, town treasurer four years, was rep- resentative to the Legislature for ten years, between 1806 and 1825, and was State Senator in 1817 and 1818. He was also postmaster of the Athol office. He had four children. Lucy married Fenno Thorpe, and one died in childhood. John Wiswell Humphrey, son of James Humphrey, was born Aug. 9, 1801, graduated at Williams College in 1823, commenced the study of law at Greenfield, but sub- sequently went into the dry goods trade in Athol. He represented the town in the Legislature two years, was town clerk five years, and selectman two years. James Humphrey, son of James Humphrey (2,) had three children : Antoinette, who married a brother of Gov. A. H. Bullock, and died in Athol, leaving a son, Rufus A. Bullock, who is a lawyer in Boston. James, who married Mary D. Ripley, was a merchant in Boston, and left a widow and three children, two daughters and a son, James Humphrey ; another son, Fred, died in his youth in Athol. THE HOAR FAMILY. The origin of the name of this family has been ascribed by some to Mount Horeb, the tribe of Horites, the terri- tory of La Hore, and even to the Egyptian Horeis, but 262 ATHOL, FAST AND PRESENT. probably all this is merely imaginary, dating too far back into the distances and darkness of long past ages. Fam- ilies of the name of Hore have been found in very early times of English history, many of that name having sat as members of Parliament in early times from various bor- oughs and counties in England. In early times the name was spelled " Hore," later Hoare; the family that came to America omitted the final letter " e " in their name, and have ever since continued spelling the name Hoar, al- though there are certain branches of the family that have adopted the spelling of the name as " Horr." The Latin "hora, signifies an hour," a mark and boundary of time. The ancestor of the family that settled in America was one Charles Hoare, who was of Frampton-on-Severn, near Gloucester, England, according to the statement of Capt. Edward Hoare of England, who a few years since pub- lished a history of the family. This Charles Hoare mar- ried Annie Clifford, and they had a son Charles, who was an alderman and sheriff of Gloucester in 1634. The son Charles married Joanna Hinkesman. He died in 1638, and administration was granted to his widow, Joanna Hoare, in December of that year. Not long after his death, his widow with all the children except the eldest son, came to New England about 1640, or perhaps a little earlier. Joanna died in Braintree, Dec. 20, 1661. She had four sons and two daughters. Leonard Hoar, son of Charles and Joanna Hoar, graduated at Harvard College in 1650, and was President of the College from 1672 to 1675. The son John, settled first in Scituate, but later went to Concord, Mass., where he died April TIMOTHY HOAR, JR. OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 263 2, 1704. He was an eminent lawyer, and had much to do with the Indians. He was the agent for the colo- nies in negotiating with the Indians for the liberation of Mrs. Eowlandson, who was taken captive at the destruc- tion of Lancaster, Mass., in 1676. He was present at the interview with King Phillip and chiefs at Redemp- tion Rock, Princeton, Mass., which resulted in the lib- eration of the captive. Daniel, the son of John, married Mary Stratton, July 19, 1677. She was the mother of eleven children. Her son, Lieut. Daniel, born in 1680, married Sarah Jones, Dec. 20, 1705, and was the father of Timothy, who married Abigail Brooks of Con- cord, Jan. 23, 175-2. Their son Timothy was born in Concord, Mass., March 15, 1759, and served in the con- tinental army in the Revolution. He married Lydia Hunt,- also of Concord, Oct. 9, 1788, whose ancestry can be traced far back in the annals of EngHsh history, Queen Elizabeth conferring many favors upon the Hunt family in her reign. ' They moved from Concord to West- minster, Mass., in April, 1789, Mrs. Hoar carrying her eldest son William, in her arms on horseback, a dis- tance of thirty-three miles. They had eleven children, seven sons and four daughters. Timothy Hoar, Jr., the second son of Timothy and Lydia (Hunt) Hoar, was born in Westminster, Mass., July 24, 1791. When about sixteen years of age, he commenced to serve an apprenticeship with Mr. Ephraim "WiUiams of Templeton, and went with him to a place called Black Rock, near what is now the city of Buifalo, N. Y. He returned to Westminster, probably in 1812, 264 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. where he remained but a short time, when he went^to Templeton and worked at his trade of a carpenter, and came to Athol about 1816, and located at the Centre. With Paul Morse he developed the water power on the property now owned by Geo. S. Brewer, at the corner of Main and Pleasant streets. There he engaged in the wheelwright business, and the manufacture of sleighs. He added a dwelling house to his factory, which was oc- cupied by his brother William and family with whom he boarded until his marriage. In the records of the old First Church we find the following : " Athol, January the 21, 1819, were married Timothy Hoar and Lydia Bow- ker, both of this town, by me Joseph ^Estabrook." Lydia Bowker was a daughter of Asa and Susannah ( Bryant ) Bowker, and was born in Phillipston, June 9, 1794. They settled down and commenced housekeeping in the house adjoining his factory. About 1832, he built and moved into a new house nearly opposite the old one on the north side of Union Square. At about the same time he also erected the building now occupied by Newton & Call, grocers, and established in it the first bakery in town. Between 1833 and 1835, he built a dam and erected a factory on Mill Brook on the site now occupied by the factories of L. Morse & Sons. In this factory he put in operation the first circular saw mill in this part of the state. He made a spoke machine for turning spokes, axe handles, etc., which was a great labor saving machine. He used it for two or three years, when other parties claimed priority, and he discontinued the use of it. Later he invented a mitre dovetailing machine for OLD ATHOL FAMILIES. 265 jfQakmg boxes strong enough at the corners without nails r ID > Z "i*hC-# /i '«P*SK BANKS. 349 ident, wMch position he held until 1882, when he was succeeded by John G. Mudge of Petersham, who held that office until his death in 1891. Alpheus Harding was the treasurer from the organization of the bank until he be came president in Jan. 1, 1892, when Wm. D. Luey was elected as treasurer. The deposits Jan. I, 1898, amount- ed to 12,019,786.95. Athol National Bank began business Sept. 15, 18T4, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. Its first board of directors were Thomas H. Goodspeed, Solon W. Lee, Lyman W. Hapgood, Edwin Ellis, James M. Lee, Washington H. Amsden and Gilbert Southard, Athol; S. S. Farrar, South Royalston ; Edward Powers, PhiUipston ; D. C. Paige, Petersham ; Isaac Bourn, Templeton. Thomas H. Goodspeed has been president of the bank since its organization, and Charles A. Chapman, cashier. Athol Co-Qperative Bank was organized in July, 1889, with George D. Bates as president, T. H. Goodspeed, vice president and C. F. Richardson, secretary and treas- urer. Eighteen series of shares have been issued, and it now has loans on real estate amounting to $77,205, and on shares of |4,990. Hon. Alpheus Harding, son of Rev. Alpheus and Sarah (Bridge) Harding, was born in New Salem, Jan. 12, 1818, and was the fifth in a family of seven children. His father was a settled minister in New Salem for more than forty years, and especially prominent in connection with New Salem Academy, the public schools, and the general educational interests of his time. Alpheus, Jr., 350 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. was fitted for college in the Academy at New Salem, and entered Amherst College in 1833, leaving, on account of ill health, the following year. In 1835, he entered the store of Jonathan Haskell & Co., and was engaged in mercantile life in Petersham and New Salem for twenty- one years. During ten years of that time he was postmaster of New Salem, and served the town about the same length of time as town clerk and treasurer. He was also at various times chairman of the board of select- men, assessors and overseers of the poor, and has been one of the trustees of New Salem Academy since 1856. He was a member of the House of Representatives from New Salem in 1851, and took part in the long and memorable struggle which resulted in the election of Charles Sumner to the United States Senate for the first time, and was again a member representing the same town in 1853. His first political affiliation was with the democratic party, and he was elected to the Legislature as a democrat, but the slavery question took him out of that party, and he assisted in the formation of the free soil party, with which he acted until the formation of the republican party, of which he has always been an ardent supporter. In 1856, he received the appointment of cashier of the Millers River Bank, and removed to Athol. He held that position eleven years and was then elected president, which office he has held to the present time. In the years 1863 and 1867, he represented Athol and Royalston in the Legisla- ture, serving both years on the committee on railroads, and was instrumental in the latter year in obtaining a charter Col. ALBERT L.NEWMAN. BANKS. 353 man less than twenty years of age, and began his duties as teller of the Millers River National Bank, from which position he was promoted to that of cashier, in January, 1866, and continued in that position until May, 1881, when he resigned to accept the vice presidency of the National Bank of the Commonwealth, in Boston. Mr. Newman had managed the affairs of the Millers River Bank with such ability and success that it had attracted attention from abroad, and when he left Athol for the wider field of the great metropolis of New England, his commanding abilities as a financier and business man soon gave him honorable rank among Boston financiers, and after serving the National Bank of the Commonwealth as vice president for a short time he became its president, which position he continued to hold until about 1892, when he retired, on account of failing health, and with his wife spent several months in Europe. On his return home he engaged in the brokerage business with H. A. Rogers and J. S. Tolman. Mr. Newman was one of the founders, and always a generous supporter of the Second Unitarian church of Athol. He served on the staff of Governor Oliver Ames, with the rank of Colonel. He was a man of engaging social qualities, absolute integrity, and of strong and tender affections. He married Miss Ella M. Harding, only daughter of Hon. Alpheus Harding, June 16, 1868. They had one son Albert Harding Newman. Col. Newman died in Boston, May 2, 1894. CHAPTER XIX. SONS OF ATHOL. '"the heights by great men reached and kept "Were not attafned' by sudden flight ; But they, while their companions slept, "W^ere toiling upward through the night." MONG the Sons of Athol,, reared among these hills who have gone forth into the world and performed deeds that have set in motion influ- ences that have assisted in moulding public opinion and the legislation of the country, and have made their names distinguished beyond the boundaries of their native town, county and state, may be mentioned the names of Ginery Twichell, Lysander Spooner, Joel D. Stratton and Col. George H. Hoyt. Ginery Twichell, a son of Captain Francis Twichell was born in Athol, August 26, 1811. He left school at the early age of sixteen to take charge of a portion of the business of Mr, Joel Kendall, an extensive miU owner. After that he went into the employment of Samuel Sweet- ser, and subsequently worked as clerk in a store in Petersham. At the age of nineteen he took charge of the stage line from Barre to Worcester. Ur-(nip-}ri[aiLR/.lilL3'mn^ &^T\gn(m.ng Co Boaton SONS OF ATHOLv 355 By patience aud kindness, not only to his pat- rons, but also to rivals and competitors in business, by the strictest fidelity to all the trusts committed to him and by wise economy in the conduct of his business, he advanced from the position of driver to that of owner; and finally, by thus conciliating and winning the public patronage ex- clusively to himself, he drove his rivals from the field. For five years he was employed as driver on the stage line from Barre to Worcester, He then secured an interest in the business; and so rapid was his success that in ten years he became sole proprietor of over two hundred horses, and of several lines of stage-coaches between Worcester and var- ious points in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. For ten years from 1840 Mr. Twichell was engaged to collect the votes of the State on election day so that they could be published in the Boston papers the following morning, and in the accomplishment of this he took many stiiTing and daring rides. The most remark- able feat in the way of conveying news was performed by him in 1846, which illustrates his indomitable energy as well as the rival enterprise of the newspaper press. It appears that the steamship Hibernia had arrived in Boston in January, 1846, nineteen days out, with news that Robert Peel was to return to office as Prime Minister, John Russell having failed to form a ministry. This had an important bearing on the question of the Oregon bound- ary, Russell being for war with the United States and Peel for peace. The New York papers were anxious to secure the news as soon as possible. The Herald had made ar- 356 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. rangements with the railroad and steamboat companies to carry its despatches to New York, and the Tribune and other papers of New York and Philadelphia were ex- cluded by the Herald from participating in its arrange- ments. Mr. Twichell undertook to carry the despatches to the papers that were excluded by the Herald, and was obliged to use horses instead of steam power for most of the dis- tance. He could obtain an engine to run from Boston to GiNBRY TWICHBLL AS THE UNRIVALLED EXPRESS RiDER. Worcester only on condition of its being fifteen minutes behind the Herald's train. From Worcester to Hartford, a distance of sixty-six miles, he rode on horseback through a deep snow in the remarkably short time of three hours and twenty minutes; thence from Hartford to New Haven, by railroad, thirty-six miles; from New Haven to New York, seventy-six miles, by horses; and reached New York City in season for the printing of the despatches before the SONS OF ATHOL. 357 arrival of those of the Herald. In this case horse power surpassed steam power. Mr. Twichell's remarkable feat of horsemanship excited so much interest that it was com- memorated by a large and beautiful engraving entitled "The Unrivalled Express Rider." Although the railroad from Boston to Worcester was opened July 6, 1835, Mr. Twichell continued his extensive stage business until June 1, 1848, when he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of the Boston & Worcester Rail- road. In less than a year — May 1849 — he was promoted to the oflB.ce of Superintendent. After holding this posi- tion for ten years he was advanced to that of President of the road, in February 1857, and was elected to the same position annually for ten successive years. Soon after the opening of the war of the Rebellion he rendered valuable assistance to the Government in the transportation of the mail from Washington to the North. Communication with the East was blockaded, when Mr. Twichell tendered his services to the Government to re- move or escape the blockade. The mails had been accum- ulating for five days when the Post Master General con- fided the mails to his care, and they were safely delivered to the towns and cities of the North. Mr. Twichell was elected to Congress, and was a member of the fortieth, forty -fir St and forty-second Congresses, serving on the Com- mittee of Post OflRces and Post Roads. In 1870 he be- came president of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad, which he served four years, was elected president of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad in March 358 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. 1873, and continued until February, 1878. Also, in 1882, became president of the Hoosac Tunnel and Western, Railroad Company. He was twice married, first on Aug. 26, 1846, to Miss Theodotia R.,daughter of Mr. Creighton Ruggles of Barre, by whom he had eight children. He was married a second time, June 28, 1877, to Mrs. Cath- erine M. fBurt) Vinal, daughter of William S. Burt, of Ithaca, N. Y. Among the sons of Athol, none have attained a more famous name, or engaged the attention of the public to a greater extent than did Col. George H. Hoyt, who in the brief time of less than two decades had performed deeds that link his name with some of the most stirring events of the last half century. CoL. George H. Hoyt was born in Athol, Nov. 25, 1837, a son of Dr. George Hoyt. In 1851, Dr. Hoyt moved with his family to Boston, and at an early age George entered a law office in that city. He was engaged in the study of law at the time of the ever memorable John Brown raid on Harpers Ferry. He had inherited from his father those fearless and daring qualities of his nature that were characteristic of him throughout his life, and with the enthusiasm of his young manhood, he offered himself as volunteer counsel for Brown, and his services having been accepted he went to Charlestown, Va., where he defended Brown with courage and ability. Soon after Hoyt's arrival the Southern counsel appointed to defend Brown withdrew, and left the responsibility for the defence upon the young lawyer until the arrival of Messrs Chilton Col. GEORGE H. HOYT. SONS OF ATHOL. 359 and Griswold, who were to conduct the defence. A paper, in referring to these advocates for Brown, had the follow- ing: "The zeal and devotion of Messrs Chilton, Griswold and Hoyt in behalf of an unfortunate fellow being, surrounded only by those against whom his crimes were directed, and from whom, therefore, he could expect no sympathy, are worthy of all praise. Hoyt had come from Boston travelling night and day, to volunteer his services in defense of Brown." As showing the danger to which those who defended Brown were exposed, we quote from a Richmond letter: "Judge Russell of Boston started for home this morning. Mr. Hoyt, the lawyer, also returned. That he was suffered to depart without molestation is considered here a powerful proof of the forbearance of the people." We next hear of the young lawyer in Kansas where early in 1861 he enlisted in John Brown, Jr's. company of sharpshooters, and afterwards became connected with the First Kansas Cavalry, being commis- sioned Second Lieutenant. Early in 1862 he was made a Captain in that regiment, and as such served with dis- tinction under Generals Grant and Rosecrans in various campaigns. After the sacking of Lawrence, Captain Hoyt assisted in raising the Fifteenth Kansas Cavalry, and was made Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, leading it with great bravery in the battles of Lexington, Little Blue, Independence and other severe conflicts. He was com- missioned Brigadier General by Brevet, March 13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of New- tonia, Missouri, Oct. 28, 1864. A Kansas paper referred 360 ATHOL, PAST AND PRESENT. to this battle as follows : "In this charge, one of the most glorious in its results during the war, and perhaps per- formed with less loss to the attacking party, acts of individual daring might be mentioned, deserving special commendation. The conduct of Lieut. Col. Hoyt, in particular upon this occasion, was such as to elicit the highest encomiums from all, and deserves to be recorded as worthy of particular emulation." He served in the army until the close of the war. Although so busily engaged in fighting the battles of the Union, yet he found time during those eventful days to worship at Hymen's altar, and on March 10, 1862, was united in marriage with Mary Anzonette Cheney, an Athol girl, who, courageous as her lover was fearless, journeyed from Massachusetts to Kansas for that purpose. After the war Gen. Hoyt resumed the practice of his profession in Kansas, in which he attained considerable distinction, and was in 1868 Attorney General of the State, residing at Topeka. He was also for a time editor of an influential daily paper of that state. In 1871, he removed to Athol with his family, and continued to practice law, and also purchased an interest in the Athol Transcript, then recently established, and of which he was the editor until the summer of 1873. He was twice elected as Representative to the Legislature from this district, serving in 1872 and 1873, and attained quite a reputation as a leader in legislation. He was commander of Parker Post, G. A. R., for three years, and was prominently identified Avith the Masonic fratemitv. He had two children, George DeWitt and Mary. He died Feb. 2, 1877. Z^ A ir- - - Li'2^ U-! L J cJ?^ -/ L ;cf^/,X'^/--A^Tu-' , % L. z'^/Ju^/^fl t A^ Kjryy^^A^^^Pj^ ^tjt^~K^' p^ ■<^ Cr>-6. c.o:r*'tl, / -€r^ '/»/i»*i*c -m>^^2^s»^t, m^ c--y^ C^-O-^. yu^^ (^f-^UTT-i- O. ^-z.-;