r-K ?«rF *"-■"- ^^ -fs»«; p# m^^ f CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DATE DUE mk3 V^'^ S^'' \»VJ0I^ CATLORO Cornell University Library F 74G2 H56 History of tlie town of Gardner, Worceste olin 3 1924 028 820 491 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/cu31924028820491 ZAJl^. >- CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. THE TOWN CONSIDERED AS AN INTEGRANT PART OP THE UNITED STATES. PAGE. Derivation of the word Town — Remark of De Tocqueville Concern- ing Political Sovereignty — Of Aristotle — Of Blackstone— De- Tocqueville Conceruing Town Meetings — The Officers of the Town — Selectmen, Their Duties and Powers — Town Clerk, Duties Of — Assessors, Their Duties — Town Treasurer — High- way Surveyors — Constables — Field Drivers — Fence Viewers — School Committee! Their Powers and Duties — First Town Meeting, in Plymouth Colony — Remark of Alexander Ham- ilton 1 CHAPTER II. INCORPORATION AND TOPOGRAPHZ OP THE TOWN. The Petition for Incorporation, by Whom and "When Presented — Formed from the Four Adjacent Towns — The Name, Whence Derived — Act of Incorporation, When Granted — The First Warrant, to Whom Issued — Fjrst Town Meeting, When and Where Held — Topography — Latitude and Longitude of the Town — Causes of Its Irregular Outline — Remonstrance against the Petition of William Whitney and Others — Scenic Attrac- tions — Soil, Climate — Hills, Elevations, Forests, Flora, Fauna, Lakes, Streams — Original Poem 26 CHAPTER III. CHARACTER OF THE INHABITANTS. Number of Original Inhabitants — Their Scattered Condition — Hard- ships and Privations — The Domestic Spinning Wheel and Loom — Itinerant Shoemaker — Ancient Fireplace and Oven — West India Goods, How Received — Going to Church — Sources of Information — Sceijes at Tavern — Social Habits — Raisings — May Trainings and Musters — Times of General Excitement — Habits of Industry — Spirit of Independence — Growth of Pop- OONTEjSTTS. ulation, ia Decades — English Descent — Irish and French — Elegant Residences — Neat Irish Homes — Town Hall — Pecu- niary Reverses — Self Developed Wealth — Valuation in 1877. 56 CHAPTER IV. THE TOWN AS CONNECTED WITH NATIONAL AND STATE AITAIRS SHATS' REBELLION. Baneful Effects of the Revolutionary War — Depreciated Currency — Letter of John Adams, Concerning Prices Current — Wag- gish Advertisement — Numerous Suits at Law — Numerous Pe- titions for Abatement of Taxes — Popular Estimation of Gov- ernment Responsibility — Spirit of Discontent Everywhere Rife — County Conventions to Consider Grievances — Spirit of Man- hood — Regulators — Captain Shattuck — Convention at Paxton — Instructions to Capt. Samuel Kelton — Petition to Governor Bowdoin — Shays' Rebellion — History of the Insurrection in Massachusetts, by William L. Smith, Elsq. — Embargo of 1807, Causes Of — Inconvenience to the People of Gardner — Petition to the President of the United States, iu Consequeace of the Embargo 72 CHAPTER V. ROADS. Early Mode of Travel — Gibbons' Account of Roman Roads — Ma- caulay's Account of Roads in England, in the 1 7th Century — Roads in the Early Colonies, in 1634 and Following — Early Roads of this Town — Petition to lay County Road Through the Centre of the Town — Roads Laid Out in 1786 — Petition of Seth Heywood — Petition of the Town Concerning Road over Kendall Hill — Opening of Different Roads and Streets — Nam- ing of Different Roads and Streets — Turnpike — Condition of Roads in Switzerland 108 CHAPTER VI. RAILROADS. Inconvenience of Travel, at the Beginning of the Present Century, and for Many Years Subsequent— Journey of Elkanah Watson in 1777 — Ezra Lunt's Advertisement — Semi-Weekly Stage be- tween Boston and New York— Imperfect Condition of the Postal System— Letters to the Army, 1778— Gradual Disap- pearance of Postal Inconveniences— First Railroad in the United States — Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad, When Incor- porated- Hon. Alvah Crocker, His Attempts to Prevent this Road's Running through Gardner— How Thwarted— Repeated Legislation— Final Location— Boston, Barre and Gardner Rail- HISTOID. ^Z' ¥own of G^kfdnef, WORCESTER COUNTY, MASS. FROM THE INGOIiPORATION, JUNE 27, 1785, TO THE PRESENT TIME. By Eey. Wm. D. Herrick. "That the generations to come might know them, even the children which should be born, who should arise and declare them to their children." — Psalm, Ixxviii : 6. GARDNEK, MASS.: Published by the Committee. 1878. Ps Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1878, by WM. D. HEREICK, in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. GARDNER, MASS.: PRINTED BY A. G. BUSHNELL *. COMPANY, AT THE OFFICE OF THE GARDNER NEWS. INTKODUCTIOK. In introducing this work, to the public, some explanation, regarding its origin and authorship, is required. It will be re- membered that, early in the year 1876, Congress recommended to all the towns, in the Union the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of our nation's independence, by appropriate public exercises, among which should be an historical address, a copy of which, should be deposited, in the nation's archives, at Washington. Stirred by the spirit of '76, so greatly revived, at that time, all over our land, the people of Gardner assembled in the Town Hall, on the evening of June 12th, to consider measures for carrying into effect this recommendation of Congress. A general committee of arrangements was chosen, who furnished an appropriate order of exercises for the day, which consisted, in firing a, hundred guns, at sunrise, on Bickford Hill, also a pro- cession, which was formed, at South Gardner, and marching through the principal streets, terminated at Crystal Lake Grove, where an historical addreas'was delivered, by the author of this work. This arrangement was successfully carried out, the day being fine, the procession large, and the closing scenes of fireworks, on Bickford Hill, brilliant and beautiful. For this celebration the town appropriated five hundred dollars. In preparing the historical address, which was not wholly delivered on that occasion, for want of time, the author became greatly interested in the records of this town, which, in his judgment, ought to be published, in the form of a town history. Acting under this conviction, he caused an article to be inserted iv INTR OD UOTION. in the town warrant, for the following March meeting: "To see if the town will take any measures, in relation to publish- ing a history of the town of Gardner, act or transact anything relating thereto." Acting under this article, the town chose a committee of five, consisting of Messrs. Thos. E. Glazier, W. D. Herrick, Francis Eichardson, Asaph Wood and John M. Moore, who should report at the April meeting. This committee made the following report, which the town voted to accept and adopt : — Fellow Citizens: Your committee, to whom was assigned the duty of considering and recommending some plan upon which the history of this town shall be written, ask permission to present the following, as their report : — Having consulted those who have had experience, in writing the history of towns and cities, and acting upon the wisdom gained from them, your committee recommend, that the town employ a competent person to write the history of Gard- ner, as soon as practicable ; that this person publish an edition of eight hundred copies, octavo, which can be done at a probable cost of three dollars per volume ; that the town, at its own expense, furnish the author of its history, a map of the town and pictures of such public buildings and objects of general interest, as a committee chosen to superintend the publication of such a history, may think proper to insert. And that the town subscribe for two hundred copies of said history, at a sum not exceeding three dollars per volume, to be kept on sale by the town clerk, for the benefit of the town's treasury ; no copy of said history to be sold, by the clerk, to any citizen of Gard- ner, until the author has made a thorough canvass of the town, in his own behalf. That individuals and societies furnish, at their own expense, such pictures of houses, shops, churches, etc., as they may desire to see in such a work, the admission of which, to be at the discretion of the committee of publication. The town then "Voted, To choose a committee of three, who shall have the charge of procuring a history of Gardner INTR OD UOTION. v by a competent author, and that the town become a subscriber for two hundred copies of said history, at a sum not exceeding three dollars per Tolume, and that said committee shall be authorized to incur such additional expense, as a map of the town and the pictures of such public buildings and places as they think advisable to insert, may require. Chose Thomas E. Gla- zier, Rev. W. D. Herrick, John M. Moore." This committee began immediately to attend to the duties assigned them by the town. Correspondence was held, with some who had had large experience, in writing town histories, but no definite arrangements were entered into, with any one, till last October, when the author, who had been laid aside, from his pastoral duties, by sickness, for three months previous to September, 1877, was strongly urged, by some of his friends, to undertake the work. Ill health and distrust of his ability, made him reluctant to assume so great a task, in addition to his I'egular pastoral labors. At length, " by fair persuasion, mixed with sugared words," he consented, on certain conditions, to yield his own judgment to the wishes of others. Had he thought such an event as tb^ writing of the town's history by him, possible, not unmindfvg of the experience of Haman, he would most certainly not have been as active as he was, in inducing the town to have its history written. The conditions, above alluded to, were these: That Mr. T. E. Glazier, who was greatly interested in the matter, should aid the author, in procuring necessary statistics and facts, and should be responsible for the entire preparation of the chap- ters entitled, " Memorable Events," " Genealogy of the Early Families of Gardner," and the chapter on " Military Affairs." To this gentleman, always, from early years, greatly inter- ested in the welfare of his native town, and who about twenty years since, aided his venerable father, in preparing a small history of Gardner, we cheerfully and cordially accord the credit and responsibility, attending the authorship of the three chapters, in this work, above named. vi INTB OD UCTION. The author is also most happy to accord to his wife — a help- meet indeed — the credit of invaluable assistance, in the prep- aration of this work. To her belongs the credit of writing the subdivision of Chapter II., entitled " Scenic Attractions," as well as that part in Chapter X., entitled " The Murphy Move- ment." The author also takes pleasure in acknowledging the valuable assistance rendered him, in copying and proof reading, by Mr. George F. Peabody, 2d, a young gentleman of this town, who has, for the last three years, been engaged in the study of law, and is about to be admitted to the bar. To all these friends and to all others, to whom the author is indebted for aid in this work, most cordial thanks are publicly extended. When it is remembered, that this work was begun, about the middle of November last, and has been carried forward, by the author, without any remission of his pulpit, or pastoral duties, till its completion, at the present date — less than eight months — an apology for imperfection and m.arks of haste, will not be re- garded as out of place. In this regard, the advice of Horace to authors, to keep their writings nine years, before publishing them, is most recklessly disregarded. It should be stated, that the committee, early inserted in the Gardner News, an invitation, to all individuals and religious societies, to present such pictures as they might wish to accom- pany this work. Several responded, who are here represented by heliotypes, executed by the Heliotype Printing Company of Boston. It is due to the author to state, that his portrait is in- serted, in this work through the desire and at the expense of his friends, to whom for their other acts of kindness, he cherishes sentiments of genuine gratitude. The maps, accompanying this work, were prepared by Mr. Charles J. Day, of this town, and are models of excellence, in his art. The negatives, for the heliotypes, are by Mr. William A. Cowee, of Gardner; the printing is by A. G. Bushnell & Co., of the Gardner News. INTRODUCTION. vii In the production of this work, the author has spared no lains to possess the facts, regarding which, he has written, ?hile at the same time, he has sought to make the work some- hing more than a barren, dry restatement of town records, by onnecting with these, events of general history, calculated to hrow light upon more recent facts, coming under his notice, lis object has been to make this, a book of interest, to the eader, by directing his mind, to events of history not only ontemporaneous, with those connected with this town, but ntecedent to its existence. The author is aware that there are several mistakes in this i^ork, which he has no intention of pointing out, since the eader will do that without his assistance. If any are repi-esented, in this history as dead, who "still ive," we onl}' have to say, that, the announcement need lave no effect, in hastening an event, which is sure to come as oon as they will be ready for it; if any are said, in this work o be still alive who are dead, we have no fear that the state- Qent will have the least impression upon them ; if any are ecorded as married, who never have been, we hope that noth- ng here said will prevent them from verifying the record, re have made of them : if any are regarded as having too much, ir too little prominence in this work, we have only to say, that t has been our aim to make the facts of history speak for them- elves, whatever their effect upon individuals. Further than his, we have no feeling of personal responsibility. If any have leen omitted who should be mentioned we are sorry, for our leglect is wholly undesigned. We began this work, with no adequate idea of the im- aense amount of labor involved in completing it. We come the end of our editorial work, with a higher appreciation of he fortitude and faithfulness of the founders of this town, and f those who have succeeded them in promoting its growth, in 11 good directions. We are aware that a complete index, to a work, like this, is good thing, while one incomplete is only a vexation. Not viii INTR OD UOTIOJSr. caring to make a full index, we have thought best to substitute a full table of contents instead, having carefully arranged the work in topical chapters. In conclusion, we are able, with great candor to state, that our ambition, for this kind of authorship, is entirely satisfied. We lay down our pen, upon this, our nation's natal day, with the most intelligent and unalterable conviction, that nothing but grim necessity, can ever again induce us to resume it, for the purpose of writing a town history. We would say, however, to all clergymen, who are laid aside from pastoral labor, through " nervous prostration" that our experience has taught us, that the speediest and surest way to regain health and forget troubles, is to engage in a work like this, preaching at the same time twice, on the Sabbath. They will find its efiects more lethean than a draft of Lethe itself, and the greatest of all " nerve tonics," at their command. Debili- tated brethren, by all means, write a town history. We have only to say with Byron, " What is writ is writ, Would it were worthier." Wm. D. Hereiok. Congregational Parsonage, July 4th, 1878. CONTENTS. • xi PAGE. road — Original Charter, When Granted — Repeatedly Located — When Built to Gardner — Opposition to its Extension to Win- chendon — Excited Town Meetings — Final Triumph in the Leg- islature — When Completed to Winchendon — Running of the First Train to Winchendon 135 CHAPTER VII. INDUSTRIES. narks Concerning the Importance of Steady Toil — Proverbs Con- cerning Labor — Remark of Sidney Smith — Agriculture- — Prod- ucts Of, in Gardner — Cooperage — Chair Manufacturing — An- cient Furniture among the Egyptians, Assyrians, Greeks and Romans — Furniture used by the Colonists, Imported — Enor- mous Manufacture of Cane Seated Chairs — Commencement of Chair Making in Gardner — Simplicity of Machinery used at First — Origin of the Different Chair Firms — Names of Present Chair Firms — Annual Amount of Business, etc. — Mode of Manufacturing Chairs — Different Machines Used — Automatic Channeling Machine Described — Crimping Press — Spline and Embossing Press — Mode of Inserting the Woven Seat — Cane Department of Heywood Bros. & Co. — Cane, How Prepared — Rattan Chairs — Foundry, Where Located — Amount of Busi- ness Done — Tubs and Pails. — Manufacture of Lumber — Doll Toy Carriages, Chamber Sets, etc. — Eave Troughs — Furni- ture Dealers — Spring Beds — Tin Ware — Hardware — Brick — Grist Mill — Marblp Works — Wheelwrights — Blacksmiths — Painters — Harness Makers — Carpenters — Masons — Jewellers — Civil Engineers — Surveyors of Land — Photographers — En- gravers of Wood and Metals — Floriculture — Dealers in Coal and Lumber — Dry Goods and Groceries — Meat Markets — Dry Goods — Millinery — Fancy Goods — Clothing Stores — Mer- chant Tailors — Dealers in Boots and Shoes — Drugs and Medi- cines — First National Bank — Savings Bank — Post Offices — Printing — The Gardner News 159 CHAPTER VIII. 'ernors — Representatives — Town Officers — Justices of the Peace etc . 200 CHAPTER IX. CARE OP THE POOR. Dictate of Humanity — Instances from the Bible — Mendicants Divided into Two Classes, the Settled Poor and the Vagrants How Treated in the Reign of Henry VIII. and Previously — Act for the Suppression of Vagrancy in 1531 — Severe Punish- ment of "Sturdy Mendicants" — Treatment of the Poor in the xii OOJSTTERTS. PAGB. Early Colonies — Legislation of Plymouth and Massachusetts Colonies, Concerning Vagrancy — Instance of Warning Recent Settlers out of Town, by the Selectmen of Gardner — Improved Condition of Workingmen in England — Instances of their Mode of Living — Vagrancy Fostered by Indiscriminate Almsgiviug — Remarks of Mr. Lambert, Poor Law Inspector, in England — Early Method of Caring for the Poor, in this Town — Vendu- ing Them to the Lowest Bidder, at the Annual Town Meeting — Purchase of Work House, in 1849 — Rules and Regulations for the Government of the Work House — Size of the Town Farm — Cost of Supporting the Poor, Annually, Since 1860 — Names of Masters of the Work House 218 CHAPTER X. VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Military — Gardner Light Infantry — Gardner Grays — G. D. Far- ragut Post No. 116, G. A. R.— Hope Lodge— Odd Fellows- Hibernians — Fire Department — Cataract No. 1 — Constitution and By-Laws — Prizes —Torrent No. i — Constjtution and By- Laws — Prizes — Special Rules and Regulations of the Fire De- partment — Rules for Fire Alarms — Firemen's Muster, in Gard- ner, September oth, 1877 — Driving Park— Rifle Club— Steam- boat Company — Sovereigns of Industry — Musical Associations — Bands — Worcester North Musical Association — Constitution —Young Men's Christian Association — ^Temperauce Organiza- tions—Temperance Legislation in the Plymouth and Massachu- setts Colonies — Formation of the First Temperance Organiza- tion, in 1808 — Gardner Temperance Society, When Formed, Constitution — Washington Total Abstinence Society, Constitu- tion, By-Laws — Gardner Temperance Society, When Reformed — Seizure of Liquors, Account of, in Boston Times— -'Sons of Temperance — Philokalia Lodge— Reform Club — Women's Christian Temperance Unions — Temperance League — The Murphy Movement — Repeated Efforts to Expel the Liquor Traffic — Present Licenses 244 CHAPTER XI. CEMETERIES. Derivation of the Word Cemetery— Custom of Burying the Dead Among Ancients— Town Burying Yard— Vote to Purchase Land of Seth Hey wood in 1 783— Additional Purchase in 1806 —Deed for the Same — Hearses— South Gardner Green Bow- er Cemetery— By-Laws— Crystal Lake Cemetery— Rules and Regulations 288 CHAPTER XII. INVENTORS AND INVENTIONS. Pearson Cowee— Levi Hey wood— Gardner A. Watkins— Description .OONTMN-TS. xiii PAGE. of the Splicing Machine — Power Loom, for Weaving Chair Seats, etc. — Samuel L. Fitts — Frank F. Parker — George W. Parker — Quotation from Lord Bacon, Concerning Inventions and Inventors. . . . • 299 CHAPTER XIII. PUBLIC LIBRARIES. )tation from Prof. Read of Philadelphia — Once a Small Public Library at the Centre — The Absence of a Public Library a Serious Defect — South Gardner Social Library Association — Legacy of Abijah M. Severy — The Severy Will — Contents of this Library — Number of Shares 31.5 CHAPTER XIV. MEMORABLE EVENTS, 3s and Injuries by Lightning, etc. — Casualties — Small Pox — Suicide — Murders — List of Persons who have Died in this Town Over Eighty Years of Age 320 CHAPTER XV. GENEALOGY OF THE EARLY FAMILIES OF GARDNER. ! names of the families, in this chapter, are arranged alphabeti- cally, for the convenience of the reader, so that they need not be repeated, under this heading. 329 CHAPTER XVI. BIOGRAPHIC. ident Physicians — Physicians Formerly Resident Here — Den- tists — Attorneys and Counsellors at Law^— Graduates — Men of Note — Names of Young Men now Pursuing a Course of Ed- ucation, in Different Colleges and Schools 394 CHAPTER XVII. MILITARY AFFAIRS. nes of Revolutionary Soldiers — Gardner in the War for the Union — Causes of Our Civil War — General Excitement in Gardner, on Receiving news from Fort Sumpter — Seventy-five Thousand Volunteers Called For — Gardner's First Town Meet- ing, to Provide Volunteers — Subsequent Votes — Number of Enlistments — Tables Showing the Name, Age at the Time of Enlistment, etc., of Every Man who Entered the Service — Cost of the War, to the Town in Money — Names of those who were Killed or Died in the Service 416 CHAPTER XVIII. SCHOOLS. tin of the Common School System — Public Schools in the xiv CONTENTS. PAGE. Plymouth and Massachusetts Colonies — Schools the Outgrowth of the College— Remark of Pres. J. H. Seelye of Amherst College — First Division of the Town into Districts — Vote to Squadron out the Town — When School Houses were First Built in Town — How they were Located — Brief Terms of Schooling — Small Pay of School Teachers — Choosing a Com- mittee of Four to Inspect Schools, at the Opening and Close of Each Term, in 1807 — Second Districting of the Town, in 1818 — First Money Received from the State, for the Benefit of Schools, in 1808- — Abolishment of the District System and In- auguration of Graded Schools, in 1869 — Appraisal of School Property — High School — Failure to Establish One, in 1856 but Established in 1866— Where Located — Voted to Build a New High School House, in 1872 — Report of the Committee Chosen to Procure a Site and to Estimate the Cost — Architect — When the High School Building was Completed — When First Occupied — Description of the Building and Grounds — Names of Teachers — Course of Study — Names of School Com- mittee, and Annual Appropriation, from the Incorporation of the Town, to the Present Date 440 CHAPTER XIX. CHURCHES AND THEIR PASTORS. Events Preceding Establishment of Church and Ministry of this Town — Remarks of D'Aubigne Concerning the Study of Great Things in Small — His Remarks Concerning Calvin as the Father of American Liberty, Civil and Religious — Martyrs of the Sixteenth Century — Formation of a Church of Separatists at Scrooby — Sailiug of the Mayflower from South Hampton — Plantation Religious — Worldly Gain not the End of the Peo- ple of New England, but Religion — Language of Increase Mather Concerning the Pilgrims — Of Hubbard — Judgment of Bancroft — Humanity's Rights Recovered in the Cabin of the Mayflower — Reasons for Union of Church and State in the Colonies — Strong Colonial Government Necessary — The Con- gregational the Established Church — Every Man Obliged to Contribute to Its Support — Subsequently Modified — Voluntary System Adopted in 1833 — Gospel Preaching Required by Law — Character of New England Ministry — Rev. Jonathan May- hew, Author of '• Committee of Correspondence" — First Parish and Church Till 18G7 — Early Action of the Town in Building Their First Meeting-house — Voted to Build — Condition of Sale of Timber and Stuff — Schedule — Digging the Trench and Pro- viding Underpinning — Nails Bought with Butter — The Raising —The Sale of Pews — Finishing the Inside of the Meeting- house — Color of the Meeting-house — Repairs of the Meeting- CONTENTS. XV PAGE. house in 1845 — Conditions of Repair — Occupied till May 1st, 1867 — Vote Concerning the Bass Viol iu the Old Church — First Congregational Church When Formed — Covenant— Hir- ing of Preaching in 1785 — Call of a Pastor — Proposed Salary — Call to Jonathan Osgood, July 21st, 1781 — Conditions of Settlement and Salary — Installation — Character of Mr. Os- good — Call to Mr. Lincoln — Sketch of Mr. Lincoln — His Dis- mission from the First Church — Mr. Farr — Mr. Cutler — At- tempt at Union in 1846 — Mr. Fish — Mr. Bannister — Call Ex- tended to Mr. Paine in 1817 — When Dismissed — Call to Mr. Herrick — When Dismissed — Evangelical Congregational So- ciety and Church — From 1830 to 1867 — Constitution of the Society — Building of the New Church — Abandonment of the Old Church, and Occupation of the New One Erected in 1856 — Movement for Uniting the Two Societies in 1867 — Terms of Union — United April 18th, 1867 — Evangelical Congregational Church Formed in 1830 — Its Pastors — Votes of the Church Ee- gardiug Slavery — First Congregational Church and Society Since 1867 — Conditions Upon Which the Two Churches Unit- ed — Pastors of the United Church — Erection of a Parsonage — Vote to Build a New Church — Description of the New Church — The Baptist Society and Church — Formation of the Society in 1828 — Building of the Church in 1833 — Repaired in 1872 — Funds of the Society — Baptist Church When Formed — Names of Pastors and Terms of Service — Catholic Church — When Organized — Extent of the Parish — Building of the New Church — Names of the Pastors — Universalist Church — ■ When Founded — Preamble — Church Organization — Covenant — Building of the New Church — When Dedicated — Sketch of Pastors — Methodist Episcopal Church — Outcome From First Congregational Church — Letter of Mr. Osgood to Mr. Stone — Lorenzo Dow — Society Existed in 1800 — Revival in 1827 — Society Formed in 1869 — Chapel Built on West Street — New Edifice Dedicated August, 1877 — Its Cost, Its Dimensions — Sketch of Its Pasters — Final Remarks 466 ILLUSTRATIONS. W. D. Herrick Frontispiece. MAPS. Map or the Town Following Introductiou. Map of the Villages End of the Work. VIEWS OF THE VILLAGES. PACING PAGES Gardner Centre and West Village (From Glazier Hill) . . 32 South Gardner Village (From Kendall Hill) 48 VIEWS OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS, ETC. Town Hall 64 Gardner Work House 240 High School House 456 First Congregational Church 504 First National Bank 192 VIEWS OF CHAIB FAGTOEIES. Chair Factory of Philander Derby 128 Chair Factory OF Heywood Brothers & Co 176 Paint Shop of Heywood Brothers & Co 184 PRIVATE RESIDENCES. Residence of Levi Heywood 144 Residence of S. K. Pierce 168 Residence of Philander Derby 280 Residence of Seth Heywood 328 POBTBAITS. Philander Derby 160 Levi Heywood 304 David Parker, M. D 400 Thomas E. Glazier 416 John M. Moore 440 Sylvester K. Pierce 456 History of Gardner. CHAPTER I. THE TOWN CONSIDEEED AS AN INTEGRANT PART OE THE UNITED STATES. "God made the country and man made the town." — Cowper's Task. ) I \ HERE is much wisdom embodied in the saying of Aris- -1- totle, "that the nature of everything is best seen in its smallest portions." This wisdom is applicable to all who are seeking for a correct understanding of the principles upon which the government of these United States, and the execution of its laws, is based. It is natural for us to inquire into the causes of things, to seek for the source and hidden depths out of which spring those events, which arrest attention and deter- mine the condition of society for succeeding ages. Kane, en- during the rigors of an Arctic winter, in search of an open Polar Sea, Livingston and Stanley, hunting, amid the dangers of African exploration, for the sources of the Nile, are fit illus- trations of a desire in man to make himself familiar with the orisin of things. Hence it is, that the student of our United States government, must not content himself in merely viewing it as a central organization, whose power, through its Chief Executive, is felt to the remotest parts of the nation ; he must continue his investigations till he has ascertained the fons et origo from which this power is derived. In so doing he will be led directly to the source of all power in the nation, as imma- 2 HISTORY OF GARDNER. uent in the sovereign people. This investigation will ultimately lead him to a consideration of the town as an integrant portion of the nation. In his " History of New England,'' Mr. Palfrey remai'ks that "with something of the same propriety, with which the nation may be said to be a confederacy of republics, called states, each New England state may be described as a confederacy of minor republics, called towns." Tracing our nation to its ele- mentary sources, we reach the town, whose origin and functions are thought to be worthy of some special notice in a work like this. The word town is derived from the old English word tun, and this from tynan, meaning to enclose. In early times, in Great Britain, the word was used to denote an assemblage of houses having a market and surrounded by a wall. Some- times it denoted an enclosure, "containing the homestead or dwelling of the lord of the manor. According to Blackstone the idea of the town is Saxon in its origin, and is allied to the Saxon word tithing, meaning, in ancient law, "a number or company of ten house-holders, who, dwelling near each other, were sureties or free pledges to the king, for the good behavior of each other." WhateA'er may have been the origin of the term, we find that in New England, from its first settlement, the town was the primary organization. Its existence, though somewhat peculiar to the New England States, seems to have been a necessity to the colonists, in order that they might more conveniently and securely reach the ends for which they sought a settlement upon these shores. No sooner had they made their selections of land, formed their little settlements and builded their rude dwellings, in Convenient proximity to each other, than they organized themselves into an independent mu- nicipality, in which every citizen exercised the sovereign right of suffrage. It is worthy of remark here, that the town as an integral portion of the state and the republic, is an institution in great degree, peculiar to New England. Here the towns existed HISTORY OF GARDNER. 3 previous to the counties and tlie state. Subsequently the towns were formed into counties. But in the southern portion of the country there are parishes instead of towns. The town is an independent municipality, and is a direct result of the principle of popular sovereignty. " The docti'ine of the sovereignty of the people," says De Tocqueville, " came out of the townships, and took possession of the states. Political life (in New Eng- land) had its origin in the townships ; and it may almost be said, that each of them formed an independent nation. When the kings of England afterwards asserted their supremacy, they were content to assume the central power of the state. They left the townships where they were before ; and although they are now subject to the state, they were not at first, or were hardly so. They did not receive their power from the central authority ; but on the contrary, they gave up a portion of their independence to the state. The townships are subordinate to the state, only in those interests which I shall term social, as they are common to all others. They are independent in all that concerns themselves alone ; and amongst the inhabitants of New England, I believe, that not a man is to be found who would acknowledge that the state has any right to interfere in their town affairs. The people reign in the American political world, as the Deity does in the universe. They are the cause and the aim of all things ; everything comes from them and everything is absorbed in them. " In America the principle of the sovereignty of the people is neither barren nor concealed, as it is with some other nations. It is recognized by the customs and proclaimed by the laws ; it spreads freely and arrives without impediment at its most re- mote consequences. If there be a country in the world where the doctrine of the sovereignty of the people can be fairly ap- preciated, where it can be studied in its application to the affairs of society, and where its dangers and its advantages may be judged, that country is America." From the foundation of the colonies, the social condition of the American people has ever been increasingly democratic. From i HISTORY OF GARDNER. the beginning, tliere has ever been a jealousy of superiority and a steadfast aiming at equality in all political rights.' In New England, the germs of aristocracy were never planted. Farther south they obtained ground in the earliest history of the nation. It was this hatred of arrogancy of power, in New England, that made our fathers intolerant of all priestly domination and urged them to expel from their midst the representatives of the estab- lished church of England. In the words of Rev. John Wise of Ipswich, "Democracy is Christ's government in church and in state. The pew and the pulpit had been educated to self- government." Said Lord Chatham, in his celebrated letter to the king, "They left their native land in search of freedom, and found it in a desert. Divided as thej"^ are into a thousand forms of policy and religion, there is one point in which they all agree; they equally detest the pageantry of a king and the supercilious hypocrisy of a bishop." Some idea of this independence of early American democracy may be seen in a print executed in those times, entitled "An attempt to land a bishop in America." The scene is at a wharf, at which is lying a vessel into whose rigging is climbing a bishop, clothed in his vestments, out of whose mouth are pro- ceeding the words of good old Simeon, " Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." The colonists are represented as pelting him with works entitled, " Locke," "Sydney on Gov- ernment," "Calvin's Works," "Barclay's Apology," while above their heads are floating banners surmounted by the cap of liberty and bearing the exclamations, "Liberty and freedom," " No lords spiritual or temporal in New England,'' " Shall they be obliged to maintain bishops, who cannot maintain themselves !" Thus with the resolute exertions of the colonists aided by pikes, the vessel is pushed from the wharf, on whose deck is seen the bishop's carriage with the wheels ofi"; the crosier and mitre hanging in the rigging, while " the saint in lawn" seems quite glad to be put on his voyage to a laud whose soil and climate are more congenial to the growth of bishops, than that whose shores he leaves behind. The motto of the colonists was, "A HISTORY OF GARDNER. 5 church without a bishop and a state without a king." This scene is introduced here to show tlie spirit of independence in which American democracy had its birth and earl}"^ nurture. It was this love of sovereignty, this spirit of independence, and self- government that early manifested itself in the townships of New England, which began their existence as early as 1650. From this time forward, our fathers began most clearly to verify the saying of Aristotle that, " Man is by nature a political being." Thej'^ possessed an independence in some degree, " scornful of experience and jealous of all authority." They began, in their New England towns, to show to the world that, " a democracy more perfect than antiquitj^ had dared to dream of, started in full size and panoply from the midst of an ancient feudal society." It being the fact then, that American democracy had its birth and early development in our New England townships, it will be a matter of interest, to consider the town, in its corporate capacity, as a miniature of this great republic. In doing this, we shall become better acquainted with the important position which these little municipalities hold, and the mighty influence they exert in controlling the destinies of the nation, " whose government is of the people, by the people and/or the people.'' If then society governs " itself for itself," centering all power in its own bosom, there must be some well established method by tvhich the sovereign will of the people shall find fitting ex- pression. And, since the freeman's ballot is the most approved method of expressing his will, politically, he must have some convenient method by which to do this. He cannot visit, as often as his vote is sought, the capitol of the nation, or the state. This necessity he avoids through the provision he has made, for his convenience, in the laws which he has enacted for the government of the town. It is here, at home, and among his neighbors, that as often as he may be required, he exercises the right of suifrage. Here it is that he declares who shall fill the chair of the Chief Executive of the nation, for the coming four j^ears. Here, also, he determines who shall serve him in 6 HISTORY OF GARDNER. the nation's house of representatives, and indirectly through his representative in the state legislature, who shall occupy the high and responsible position of United States senator. Here,. also, he chooses the governor of the commonwealth and all those officers whose election to positions of " honor and trust" is secured by the votes of the people. Here, also, he chooses the officei'S of the county in which his. town is located. Thus, within the limits of his own township, the American citizen wields the sovereign power hj which he controls the destinies of the nation and the state, of which he proudly re- gards himself as a constituent portion. But while the Ameri- can citizen thus remotely and indirectly shapes the character of the state and national governments and their administrations, yet, nowhere does he exercise his power so immediately as in the choice he makes of town officers. In matters of state and national concern, he acts through those whom he choose? to represent him, while in the selection of town officers, the exer- cise of his sovereign right, as a freeman, has its immediate eifcct. As an individual member of that great organic whole, called the nation, " every man," as Blackstone says, " when he enters into society, gives up a part of his natural liberty as the price of so valuable a purchase." This "giving up a part of his natural liberty," the American citizen cheerfully does, that he may aid in constituting a government which shall not only Con- trol himself, but guarantee to him the protection of life, liberty and property, which find their security only in a wise and be- nevolent general government. " The end of the state," says Aristotle, " is not merely to live, but to live nobly." "The state," says Hegel, " is the realization of freedom and it is the absolute end of reason that freedom be real." The American citizen understands the value of free republican government^ in which is realized the axiom, ornnes homines, natura cequales sunt, all men are by nature equal. He willingly subjects himself to the abridgment of his own liberty, that he may enjoy the high- est libei-ty, which is liberty under law. He believes with Mil- HISTORY OF GARDNER. 7 ton that, " a nation ought to be as but one huge christian person- age, one mighty growth or stature of an honest man, as big and compact in virtue as in body, for look, what the ground and causes are of single happiness to one man, the same ye shall find them to a whole state;" or as Burke says, "The state ought not to be considered as a partnership agreement to be taken ujj for a little temporary interest and dissolved at the fancy of the parties. It is to be looked on with reverence, be- cause it is not a partnership in things subservient to the gross animal existence of a temporary and perishable nature. It is a partnership in all science ; a partnership in all art ; a partner- ship in every virtue and in all perfection." This wisdom of these sages, the sovereign people of our re- public cheerfully subscribe to, while at the same time, they do not ignore their peculiar rights as citizens of their respective townships. Within these limits they allow no state interference beyond the bounds which they have fixed through their repre- sentative in the state legislature. It is here, within the town- ship that the student of American democracy, must begin his studies of American institutions. It is here, in the American town meeting that he will find democracy not only in its germ, but as having M'hat Lord Bacon calls, "springing and germinant accomplishment " in the wider ranges of state and national af- fairs; Here every man, the rich and the poor, the native born, and he who is born in other lands, having become naturalized, deposits his ballot without fear of challenge or intimidation, and one man's ballot is as valuable as that of another. To the dem- ocratic citizen of our New England township, the town meeting is an institution of incalculable importance. Here more than any where else he feels the bracing atmosphere of liberty and equality before the law. Here he discusses and determines o-reat state and national issues, and with fervid and voluminous argumentation, and the practice of those mysterious arts, in which he is so well trained, he wins his political victories or suffers his political defeats. Here he chooses from his fellow citizens, those officers of the town, in all their gradations, who 8 HISTORY OF GARDNER. shall act as the agents through .whom the popular will shall find expression. Thus the town meeting becomes an educator of American j'outh and the promoter of American democracy. " Town meetings," says De Tocqueville, " are to liberty, what primary schools are to science ; they bring it within the people's reach, they teach men how to use and how to enjoy it." At the ballot box, all men, with few exceptions and restrictions, patent to all, are placed upon an equality. This privilege educates men in the value of human freedom, so long withheld from the masses under oligarchal, monarchical and feudal forms of government. Along with the ballot, dropped from the free- man's hand, comes to him a higher sense of manhood and per- sonal worth. It is here that the young man takes his first les- son in the dignity of political sovereignty. The privilege of voting in town meeting, has a direct ten- dency to produce in men a deeper interest in all that relates to the welfare of the community, the state and the nation. He feels that upon him, as a votei', rests in some sense the weal or woe of the social fabric of which he is part. Says De Tocque- ville again, "In the American townships, power has been dis- seminated with admirable skill, for the purpose of interesting the greatest possible number of persons in the common weal. Independently of the voters, who are from time to time called into action, the power is divided among innumerable function- aries and officers, who all in their several spheres, represent the powerful community in whose name they act. The local ad- ministration, thus aifords an unfailing source of profit and in- terest to a vast number of individuals. In this manner the ac- tivity of the township is continually perceptible ; it is daily manifested in the fulfillment of a duty or the exercise of a right, and a constant though gentle motion is kept up in society, which animates, without disturbing it. The American attaches him- self to his little community for the same reason that the moun- taineer clings to his hills, because the characteristic features of his country are there more distinctly marked ; it has a more striking physiognomy. The native of New England is attached HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. 9 to his township, because it is independent and free ; his co- operation in its aifairs insures his attachment to its interests ; the well-being it affords him, secures his affection ; and its wel- fare is the aim of his ambition, and of his future exertions. He takes a part in every occurrence in the place ; he practices the art of government in the small sphere within his reach ; he ac- customs himself to those forms without which liberty can only advance by revolutions ; he imbibes their spirit ; he acquires a taste for order ; comprehends the balance of power and col- lects clear practical notions on the nature of his duties and the extent of his rights." There is nothing connected with the working of our muni- cipal and state governments, which strikes the foreigner with more surprise and interest, than the absence of all show of ad- ministrative authority. He enters one of our towns and, perhaps lives in it, for many days or months, but fails to discover the source from which proceeds the direction and control of its pub- lic affairs. He sees no pompous or fussy official, clothed in the insignia of his office, and swelling with a consciousness of his brief authority ; no gens d'armes nor mounted policeman, busy in keeping the peace and executing the laws. He would pos- sibly be at considerable inconvenience, to find the source of au- thority, in town matters, should he so desire. And yet, authority is not wanting. If the municipal machinery moves thus quietly, there is a power that moves it. This moving power will be found to reside in a class of men, elected at " the annual town meetin* " called town officers, whose duties are clearly defined by state enactment. These officers, in whom resides the ad- ministration of town affairs, deserve mention in the present chapter, and since the selectmen, more than any other town officers, embody and express the popular will, special attention will be paid to their duties and powers, while other town officers will have only a brief mention. Selectmen. — Every town at its annual town meeting shall choose from the inhabitants thereof, a board of officers, called selectmen. This board shall consist of three, five, seven or 2 10 HISTORY OF GARDNER. nine men, chosen by ballot. According to Massachusetts Gen- eral Statutes "every person elected selectman, "vvho enters upon the performance of his duties, before taking the oath of oflS.ce, shall forfeit for such oflFence, a sum not exceeding one hundred dollars. The selectmen shall be assessors of taxes and over- seers of the poor, in towns where other persons are not spec- ially chosen to those offices, and when acting as assessors, they shall take the oath required of assessors." " The powers and duties of selectmen are not fullj' defined by statute. Many of the acts usually performed by them, in be- half of towns and which are recognized as within their appro- priate sphere, have their origin and foundation in long continued usage. The management of the prudential aflfairs of towns, necessarily requires the exercise of a large discretion, and it would be quite impossible, by positive enactment, to place defi- nite limits to the powers and duties of selectmen, to whom the direction and control of such aflfairs are intrusted. Speaking generally, it may be said, that they are agents to take the gen- eral superintendence of the business of a town ; to supervise the doings of subordinate agents and the disbursement of moneys, appropriated by vote of the town, to take care of its property, and perform other similar duties. But they are not general agents. They are not clothed with the general poAver of the corporate body, for which they act. They can only exercise such powers and perform such duties as are necessarily and properly incident to the special and limited authority conferred on them by their office. They are special agents, empowered to do only such acts as are required to meet the exigencies of ordinary town business. They a.re not authorized to institute or defend suits, where the town is a party, without special power given them by the town."* There are, however, certain duties made imperative by statute. upon selectmen. The Gen- eral Statute declares that the annual meeting of each town shall be held in February, March or April ; and other meetings at * Herrick's Town Officer, p. 63. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 11 such times as the selectmen may order. According to state au- thority, every town meeting shall be held in pursuance of a warrant, under the hands of the selectmen, directed to the con- stables, or some other persons, appointed by the selectmen for that purpose, who shall forthwith notify such meeting in the manner prescribed by the by-laws, or a vote of the town. The selectmen may, by the same warrant, call two or more distinct town meetings, for distinct purposes. The warrant shall express the time and place of the meeting and the subjects to be there acted upon : the selectmen shall in- sert therein, all subjects which may, in writing, be requested of them, by any ten or more voters of tiie town, and nothing acted upon shall have a legal operation, unless the subject matter thereof, is contained in the warrant. They shall", at least ten days before the annual town election and at least ten days before the Tuesday next after the first Monday in Novem- ber, annually, make correct alphabetical lists, of all the persons qualified to vote for the several officers to be elected at those periods ; and shall at least ten days before said election, cause such a list to be posted up in two or more public places in their respective towns. According to an act of the legislature of 1877, the selectmen of each town, shall make and keep a record of all persons entitled to vote therein, at any election for town, coun- ty, state or national officers, which shall be known as a Register of Voters. Said register shall contain the names of such voters, written in full, the street or place in town where each resides at the tirne of registration, each voters occupation, and such other specifications as may be necessary to fully identify the persons named, and the date of registration. No name shall be added to a votino- list in any town, imtil it has been reoorded in said reo-ister, and none shall be added to a list of voters in use at any election, after the opening of the polls, except to correct a clerical error or omission, and all names on voting lists shall be written or printed in full. The selectmen shall be in session at some convenient place, for a reasonable time, within forty-eight hours next preceding all meetings for the election of the officers 12 HISTORY OF GARDNER. aforesaid, for the purpose of receiving evidence of the qualifi- cation of persons, claiming a right to vote, in such elections, and correcting the list of voters. They shall hold this meeting for one hour, at least, before the opening of the meeting, on the day of the election. Notice of time and place of holding the sessions, shall be given on the posted list. The selectmen shall enter on such list, the name of any person known to them to be qualified to vote, and shall erase therefrom the name of Skaj person known to them not to be qualified ; they shall, before entering upon the lists the name of a naturalized citizen, require him to produce for their in- spection, his papers of naturalization, and be satisfied that he has been legally naturalized ; they shall decide whether national, state, district and county officers shall be voted for on one bal- lot, or at the same time on separate ballots, and shall give notice thereof in the warrant calling the meeting. They shall preside at town meetings for the election of national, state, dis- trict and county officers, and shall have all the powers which are vested in moderators ; they shall procure of the secretary of the commonwealth a sufficient number of self-sealing enve- lopes to supply each voter, in the town, beariug the arms of the state, and shall allow no other to be used at the polls ; they shall receive, sort and count all votes cast for national, state, county and district officers, and make public declaration thereof in open town meeting ; when a vacancy occurs, in a represen- tative district, upon notification of the same from the speaker of the house of representatives, fixing a time to fill such va- cancy, the selectmen shall issue their warrant to fill such va- cancy ; they shall give a certificate of electiou to a person voted for as representative to the general court, in accordance with the declaration of the vote, in open town meeting, or forfeit three hundred dollars for their ofience ; at every election in towns, for officers other than town officers, the selectmen shall cause the voting on check lists and all ballots given in, after having been counted, declared and recorded, to be secured in an envelope and sealed, and they shall endorse on such envelope^ HISTORY OF GARDNER. 13 for what officers the enclosed ballots were cast, and at what election, and the same shall be sealed, endorsed and delivered to the town clerk before the adjournment of the meeting at which the ballots were cast ; when the right of persons oflFering a ballot, at any such election is challenged, for any cause rec- ognized by law, the selectmen, if they receive the same, shall require the voter to write his name and residence thereon, and they shall add thereto the name of the challenger and the cause assigned for challenging. And if such ballot shall be offered sealed, the writing as aforesaid, may be upon the envelope covering the same, and the selectmen shall mark and designate such ballot by writing thereon the name of the person by whom it is counted, and at the close of the election, the same shall be returned to^the envelope in which it is deposited. If the town clerk is absent the selectmen shall preside ; if there is a vacancy in the office of town clerk, or he is not pi-esent, the selectmen shall call upon the qualified voters present to elect a clerk pro tempore in like manner as town clerks are chosen, and shall sort and count the votes and declare the election of such clerk ; if by reason of death or removal or other cause, a town clerk cannot per- form the duties of his office, the selectmen may in writing, under their hands appoint a clerk for the performance of such duties ; they shall annually in March or April, appoint certain town officers, should the inhabitants of the town neglect to choose them ; for instance, one sealer of weights and measures, and as many more as the inhabitants at their annual meeting determine, and a gauger of liquid measures ; and they may at any time remove the same and appoint others in their places ; one measurer of wood and bark, and as many more as the in- habitants at their annual meeting may determine. In case any person elected as school committee, after being duly notified, refuses or neglects to accept said office, or if any member of the board declines further service, or from change of residence or otherwise, becomes unable to attend to the duties of the board, the remaining members shall, in writing, give notice of 14 HISTORY OF GARDI^Ell. the fact to the selectmen of the town, and the two boards, after a week's public notice, shall proceed to fill the vacancy by a majority vote of the joint boards. The selectmen may appoint one or more persons to superin- tend scales for the weighing of hay ; they may appoint police officers, with all or any of the powers of constables, except the power of serving and executing civil process, who shall hold their office during the pleasure of the selectmen, by whom they are appointed ; they may upon petition of any railroad corpora- tion having a passenger station within the limits of such town, appoint as many as they may deem proper of the persons in the employ of said corporation, police officers, to act as railroad police, to preserve order within and upon the premises aud upon the cars of the corporation upon whose petition they are appointed. They shall appoint a suitable person to be officer of the watch established by the town, and direct the manner in which watchmen shall be equipped. lu case of fire, where no fire-wards are appointed, the select- men may direct any house or building to be pulled down or de- molished, when they judge the same to be necessary to prevent the spreading of the fire. When the selectmen of any town consider it necessary for the protection of persons and property in such town, against fire, to take water from any or all pipes or conductors of any aqueduct company running through such town, said selectmen may order the engineers of the fire de- partment in said town to request such aqueduct company to put conductors into such pipes or conductors of said company for the purpose of attaching hydrants or conducting water into res- ervoirs and in such places as engineers shall think necessary to secure the safety of such persons and property against fire. The selectmen shall, upon application of seven freeholders, in- habitants of a proposed fire district, requiring them to notify a meeting of the inhabitants thereof, duly qualified to vote in town affiiirs, forthwith give notice to such inhabitants in the manner of notifying town meetings, to assemble at some suit- able place within the district, for said purpose, the substance of which shall be expressed- in the notification. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 15 In case no board of health is chosen by the town, the select- men shall constitute that board. They may appoint a physi- cian, who shall hold his office during their pleasure. They shall establish the salary or other compensation of such phj^si- cian. The selectmen shall require and enforce the vaccination of all the inhabitants, and whenever, in their opinion, the pub- lic health requires it, the revaccination of all the inhabitants who do not prove to their satisfaction that they have been suc- cessl'ully vaccinated or rcvaccinated Avithin five years. They shall provide a hospital, not within a hundred rods of any dwelling, for the reception of those having small-pox or any other infectious or contagious disease, and make all such regula- tions as they deem necessary for the removal of nuisances and the preservation of the public health, and to give public notice when dangerous diseases exist in the town. The selectmen may determine a suitable place for the erection of a school- house and necessary buildings and proceed to select the same at their discretion, and to lay out a lot or enlai-gement thereof and to appraise the damages thereof to the owner of such land, in the manner provided for laying out town ways and apprais- ing damages sustained thereby. The selectmen may lay out or alter town ways for the use of their respective towns, and provide ways for the use of one or more of the inhabitants thereof; or may order specific repairs to be made upon such Avays, and shall cause suitable bounds to be erected at the termini and angles of all roads laid out by them. They are to assign limits to surveyors of highways, in writing, before the first of May, to regulate water-courses in the roads ; to determine compensation for damages occasioned by repairs in highways ; to' report at town meeting where guide- posts are erected and are needed; they are to determine, in writing, where the posts of a lelegraph company shall be placed, the height at which, and the places where the wires may run. They may establish such public drinking troughs, wells and fountains, within the public highways, squares and com- mons of their respective towns, as in their judgment the public necessity and convenience may require. 16 HISTORY OF GARDNER. The selectmen of any town may make such rules and regula- tions in relation to the passage of carriages, wagons, carts, trucks, sleds, sleighs or other vehicles, through the streets or public ways, as they shall deem necessary for the safety or con- venience of those who travel on said streets or ways, on foot or in vehicles, with penalties fof violations thereof, not exceed- ing twenty dollars for one offense. Once in every five years two or more of the selectmen of each town shall perambulate the town, run the lines and renew the murks. Previously to a perambulation, the selectmen of the most ancient of the con- tiguous towns, shall give ten days' notice, in writing, to the selectmen of the adjoining town, of the time and place of meeting for such perambulation. The selectmen of the con- tiguous towns shall erect, at the joint and equal expense of such towns, permanent monuments to designate their respective boundary lines, at everj' angle thereof, except where such lines are bounded by the ocean or some permanent stream of water. The monuments shall be of stone, well set in, and at least four feet high from the surface of the ground ; and the initial letter of the respective name of each contiguous town, shall be plainly and legibly cut thereon. The selectmen of towns bordering on another state, where the lines between the states are settled and established, shall, once in every five years, give notice to the selectmen or other propel' municipal oiEcers of such towns in the other state, as adjoin their town, of their intention to perambulate the lines between their adjoining towns. Where such lines are in dis- pute, the perambulations shall be made once in every five years after the lines are settled and established. The selectmen of any town, when in their opinion the public good requires it, may ofier a suitable reward, to be paid by the town, not exceeding five hundred dollars, in one case, to any person who in consequence of such oflTer, secures any person charged with a capital crime or other high crime or misdemeanor, committed in such place, and such reward shall be paid by the treasurer upon warrant of the selectmen. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 17 The selectmen, upon the order of the commander-in-chief,- shall appoint a time and place of parade for the militia in their town, and order them to appear at the time and place, either bj'^ leaving a written notice or orally, and then and there pro- ceed to draft as many thereof, or accept as many volunteers, as are required, by the commander-in-chief, and shall forthwith notify the commander-in-chief that they have performed such duty. The selectmen of towns may annually appoint one or more persons to be inspectors of provisions and animals in- tended for slaughter, who shall receive such compensation as the selectmen may determine. They may annually appoint one or more persons to be inspectors of milk, who shall be sworn. The selectmen may grant licenses, annually, to persons, whom they deem fit, for the sale of intoxicating liquors, to inn-holders and common victualers. They may grant licenses for billiard tables or bowling alleys, for hire, gain or reward, upon such terms and conditions, as they deem proper, to be used for amusement merely; l)ut not for purposes of gaming for money or other property. They may license theatrical exhibitions, public shows, public amusements and exhibitions of every de- scription, to which admission is obtained upon payment of money, upon such terms as they may deem reasonable. Such are some, but not all of the powers, duties and respon- sibilities devolved upon the selectmen of the towns as executors of the will of the sovereign people, whose duties are defined by the general statutes of the state. They are the embodi- ment of municipal power, in the exercise of which, the town is governed and its interests secured. It is worthy of notice, how the public official acts of the 'selectmen of a town, like the many tributaries of a great river, flow into the broader and deeper channels of state and national influence and power. It is through their action, that the will of the township combines with, and expresses the will of the whole nation. There is in this system of popular government by townships, a careful avoidance of centralization of power, in the state or the national administration. The people deter- 3 18 HISTORY OF GARDNER. ■ mine for themselves, who shall be their servants in carrying out their will, in town, state and nation. If they are not satisfied with their selectmen or representatives in the state or. national legislature, they quietly express their disfavor at the ballot box. The ballot is, to them, a noiseless, yet all-powerful means of expressing their political opinions and reaching their political aims. Town Clerk. — Every town has its town clerk, whose duties are various and well defined. He shall record all votes passed at the meeting at which he was elected, and at all other meet- ings held during his continuance in office. He is to record all reports of committees ; to make a record of his own election and qualification. He shall administer the oath of office to all town officers, who appear before him for that purpose, and shall make a record thereof, and of oaths of office taken before jus- tices of the peace, of which certificates are filed. The names of persons voted for, the number of votes received for each person and the title of the office for which he is proposed, shall be entered in words at length, by the town clerks, in their records. Within ten days after an election for governor, lieu- tenant-governor, councilors, senators, secretary, treasurer and receiver- general, auditor, attorney- general, representative in congress, commissioner of insolvency, sherifi^s, registers of pro- bate and insolvency, district-attorneys, or clerks of the courts, town clerks shall transmit copies of the records of the votes, attested by them, certified by the selectmen and sealed np, to the secretary of the commonwealth : they shall in like manner, within ten days after an election for county treasurer or register of deeds, transmit such copies of the records of the voters, to the county commissioners of their several counties ; and within seven days after an election for county commissioner, trausmit such copies of the records of the votes to the clerk of the courts of their several counties. Town clerks upon payment of their fees, shall record all mortgages of personal property, delivered to them, in books kept for the purpose, noting therein, and on each mortgage, HISTORY OF GARDNER. 19 the time it is received. Tiiey shall also record notice to fore- close, with affidavits of service and notices to pledgers of property, of intention to foreclose, with affidavits of service, and notice of liens ou ships. The town clerk shall issue certi- ficates of marriage, upon sufficient evidence that the parties applying for the same are legally entitled to receive them. If he issues a certificate of marriage to a man under the age of twenty-one years, or female under the age of eighteen, having reasonable cause to suppose the person to be under such age, except upon the application or consent, iu writing, of the parent, master or guardian of such person, he shall forfeit a sum not exceeding one hundred dollars ; but if there is no parent, nuistcr or guardian in the state, competent to act, a certificate may be issued, without such application or consent. For this service, his fee shall be fif(y cents, paid by the parties receiving the certificate. He shall also record all births and deaths within the town. He shall make an entry, in a book kept for that purpose, of all money or property, found by any one, to the amount of three dollars or more value, and of all stray beasts, with a description of the color and natural and artificial marks of the beast, for which the finder shall pay him the sum of twenty-five cents. It shall be the duty of the town clerk of any town, which is authorized to subscribe for any stock of any railroad company, or to loan its credit, or to grant aid to the same, to transmit to the secretary of the commonwealth and to the board of rail- road commissioners, a certified copy of any vote of such town, under such authority, within thirty days, from the day on which said vote shall be taken. Considering these and other duties not here named, belonging to thp town clerk, it will be readily seen that the office is no sinecure. Assessors. — The assessors of a town constitute a board of three or more competent citizens, chosen in annual town meet- ing, who shall take the oath of office, in substance as follows : — ''You being chosen assessors, (or an assessor) for the town of , for the year ensuing, do swear that you will impartially, according to 20 HISTORY OF GARDNER. your best skill and judgment, assess and apportion all such taxes as you are, during that time, directed to assess, and that you will faithfully dis- charge all other duties of said office." If any person chosen assessor, having notice of his election, neglect to take the oath of office, he shall forfeit a sum not exr ceeding fifty dollars. The duties of assessors are quite im- portant and well defined by general statute. Town Treasurer. — The town treasurer shall be chosen by ballot, at the annual town meeting and shall take the oath of office. In addition to this, he shall give bonds, in such sum as the selectmen may require, with sureties, to their satisfaction, for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office ; shall re- ceive and take charge of all sums of money belonging to his town, and pay over the same according to the order of such town or the officers thereof, duly authorized in that behalf. The bond thus required should be given to the town, and not to the selectmen. The town treasurer is not excused from pay- ing over money collected by him, because it has been stolen from him without his fault. His sureties are still liable for his failure to pay, on that account. He may in his own name and official capacity, prosecute suits upon bonds, notes or other securities, given to him or his predecessors in office, and when no other provision is specially made, shall prosecute for all fines and forfeitures which enure to his town or the poor thereof. He shall prosecute for any trespasses' committed on any building or enclosure belonging to his town. If appointed col- lector of taxes, he may appoint deputies, who shall give bonds for the faithful discharge of their duty, as the selectmen may think proper. A treasurer so appointed collector, may issue his warrant to the sherifi^ of the county or his deputy or to any constable of the town, directing them to distrain the property or take the body of any person who is delinquent in the pay- ment of taxes, and to proceed in like manner as collectors are required to do in like cases. The treasurer shall annually render a true account of all his receipts and payments, and HI8T0RY OF GARDJSfER. 21 other official doings, to the town, and shall receive such com- pensation for his services as the town may determine. Highway Surveyors. — There shall be in each town, one or more highway surveyors, who, when chosen, cannot refuse to serve, under penalty of ten dollars ; but he shall not be obliged to serve oftener thau once in three years. If he neglects the duties of his office, he shall forfeit ten dollars for each of- fense ; and he may be prosecuted by indictment for any defi- ciency in the highways, within his limits, occasioned by his fault or neglect. The powers and responsibilities of this class of town officers, are almost unlimited, so far as they relate to the highways and all that pertain to their management, of which, we cannot occupy space here to speak. There are also constables, appointed to keep the peace and execute the laws ; field drivers, whose duty it is to take up, at any time, swine, sheep, horses, asses, mules, goats or neat cattle, going at large in public highways, or town ways, or on common and unimproved lands, and not under the care of a keeper ; fence viewers, who have power to determine the legality of fences, between owners of lauds adjacent; and may, when a fence line is in dispute, or unknown, designate a line on which a fence shall be built, and may employ a survej'or there- for if necessary ; surveyors of lumber, measurers of wood and bark, and overseers of the poor. An important agenc}" in every town, in carrying out the wishes of the people, regarding public education, is the school committee, who are chosen at the annual town meeting, by ballot, whose duty it is to have the charge and general superin- tendence of all the public schools in the town. They shall consist of any number divisible by three, one-third to be elected annually, and to serve three years, unless the town otherwise determines, at its annual meeting ; the school committee shall select and contract with the teachers of the public schools, and shall require full and satisfactory evidence of the good moral character of all instructors, who may be employed, and shall ascertain, by personal examination, their qualifications for teach- 22 HISTORY OF GARDNER. ing, and capacity for government of schools. They shall re- quire the daily reading in schools, of some portion of the Bible, without written note or oral comment ; but, they shall require no scholar, to read from any particular version, whose parent or guardian shall declare that he has conscientious scruples against allowing him to read therefrom, nor shall they even direct any school books, calculated to favor the tenets of any particular sect of christians, to be purchased or used in any public school. They shall direct M'hat text books shall be used in the public schools, and shall prescribe, as far as practicable, a course of studies and exei'cises to be pursued in said schools. If any change is made in text books, each pupil then belonging to the public schools and requiring the substituted book, shall be furnished with the same, by the school committee, at the ex- pense of the town. They shall give notice in writing, to the assessors of the town,, of the names of the pupils, thus supplied, of the books so furnished, the prices thereof, and the names of the parents, masters or guardians, who ought to have supplied the same, that the assessors may add the price of the books to the next annual tax of such parents, masters or guardians, that the amount may be paid into the town treasury, in the same manner as town taxes. Thus all parents, masters and guardians are compelled to furnish children under their charge, with the means of procur- ing a common school education. The school committee may al&o appoint, if the town so vote, a superiutendeut of public schools, and fix his salary. If a superintendent is appointed by them, they shall not be entitled to a compensation for their services. They shall make an annual report to the town and to the secretary of the board of education, of the common- wealth, and perform all other duties specified by law. From this survey of the town, in its self-governing capacity as a constituent element of the state, and through the state, of the nation, we may obtain some higher appr^eciation of its im- portance. We find it to be a little municipality, existing under HISTORY OF GARDNER. 23 well defined laws, admirably adapted, through the agency of town officials, to secure its highest ends. There is in it, no permanent superiority of one individual over another, for which, the Pilgrim Fathers had no love, but an intense hate. The original settlers wei-e men who regarded themselves as stand- ing upon perfect equality. They were men of poverty, "and there are," says De Tocqueville, in speaking of these men," no surer guarantees of equality, among men, than poverty and misfortune. Born in a country which had been agitated, for centuries, by the struggles of factions, and in which all parties had been obliged, in their turn, to place themselves under the protection of the laws, their political education had been per- fected in this rude school, and they were more conversant with the notions of right, and the principles of true freedom, than the greater part of their European contemporaries. "At tlie period of the first emigrations, the township system, that fruitful germ of free institutions, was deeply rooted in the habits of the English, and with it, the doctrine of the sover- eignty of the people, had been introduced into the bosom of the monarchy of the house of Tudor." We find that the township, "that fruitful germ of free institutions," has had a wonderful development in the progress of years. We see the germ of it, clearly manifesting itself in the Plymouth Colony, as earl}^ as 1621, when, as the historian tells us, in speaking of the Pilgrim Fathers, "after they had provided a place for their goods, or common store and begun some small cottages for their habita- tion, as time would admit, they met and consulted of Imvs and orders, both for their civil and military government, as the necessity of their condition did require." Here first " the sim- ple democracy, the earliest instance of New England town meeting government, proved it=e]f equal to the need of the little republic." Here these sturdy men, in their little town meeting, deliberated on the means of defending themselves against the attacks of the aboriginal savage, who hung with hostile intent upon the borders of their little settlement. Here it was, that upon " a very fair and warm day," April 1st, 1621, 24 HISTORY OF GARDNER. " while they were deliberating on public affairs, in town meeting, Samoset came, the third time and four others with him, to visit the pilgrims." It was here, on the second day of April, 1621, that they completed their ' ' military orders " and made those laws which seemed necessary in their ' ' present estate and con- dition." Here they re-elected Carver as governor of the colony, with indefinite powers, but always responsible to "the w-hole company." Here in this early stage of their colonial existence, they had occasion to test the powers of their new government, when John Billington, who had been " shuffled into their com- pany," showed his dislike of Captain Miles Standish, when in " opprobrious speeches," he manifested his " contempt of the captain's lawful commands." This " profane and worthless fel- low," was " convcnted before the whole company," and for his offense, was sentenced "to have his neck and heels tied to- gether." This unfortunate member, however, under " military orders," "humbled himself and craved pardon," in view of Avhich, his penalty was remitted. Thus, even in the very infancy of this half depopulated colony, was the public authority upheld by the action of "the M'hole body," in their first town meetings. The township and the town meeting were brought, in their seed form, across the ocean, in the hold of the Mayflower. They were planted in the soil of Plymouth, from which they have developed into a mighty republic, whose borders arc washed by the great oceans. We see then how the idea of the township, with its organic life, as an independent municipality, beginning in Massachusetts Bay, has gradually extended itself over all the nation— a miniature democracy — and yet so interwoven in its political action, with the whole state and the whole nation, as to be a vital part of a stupendous whole, one body politic, in which, if " one member suffer, all the members suffer with it, or oue member be hon- ored, all the members rejoice with it." Distinct and inde- pendent as the town certainly is, those, who have had a part in shaping its municipal organism, have had the wisdom to dis- cover, that, unus homo, nullus homo — man alone, is not a man. HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. 25 — but that the highest political coudition is reached only, when man acts, not within the confined limits of his own town or state, but, in the wider range of the nation's life, whose great heart is as the heart of one man, sending its life-giving cur- rents out through all the arteries and veins of the body politic. In conduct of such far reaching significance on the part of our fathers, is confirmed the wisdom of Alexander Hamilton, who in the Federalist says, " as all external provisions are found to be inadequate, the defect must be supplied, by so contriving the interior structure of the government, as that its several con- stituent parts, may, by their mutual relations, be the means of keeping each other in their places." 4 26 HI8T0RY OF GARDITEB. CHAPTEE II. INCORPORATION AND TOPOGRAPHY OP THE TOWN. " The wise and active conquer diffloulties By daring to attempt them; sloth and folly Shiver and shrink at sight of toil and hazard, And make the impossibility they fear." — Bowe. (A}CC0RDING to the most accurate information, which we XA_ are able to obtain, regarding the initiatory steps, taken for the incorporation of this town, Mr. John Glazier, then a citizen of Westminster, in May, 1785, presented a petition, to the Massachusetts legislature, bearing about thirty signatures, praying that body to erect certain portions of Winchendon, Ashburnham, Westminster and Templeton, into a township, called Gardner. Although careful search has been made in the journal of the house of representatives, for the year 1785, we have not been able to ascertain who these petitioners were, no names accompanying the petition, having been preserved. However, among these petitioners, stands the name of Mr.' John Glazier, as some of his descendants, still living in town, can testify. Accompanying this petition, was an outline map, still on file, at the state house, giving a view of this and the adjoin- ing towns, when Gardner should be set off from them. The town received the name of Gardner, in honor of Colonel Thomas Gardner, who fell in defence of his country's liberties. The following is the Act of Incorporation, with the date of its passage, by the General Court, which it is thought best to embody entire in this chapter. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 27 ACT OF INCORPORATION. An act for erecting the westerly part of Westminster, the southwesterly part of Ashburnham, the southeasterly part of Winchendon and the easterly part of Templeton, in the county of Worcester, into a town by the name of Gardner : — Whereas, The inhabitants of the westerly part of the town of Westminster, the southwesterly part of the town of Ash- burnham, the southeasterly part of the town of Winchendon and the easterly part of the town of Templeton, in the county of Worcester, have represented to this court, the difficulties they labor under in their present situation, and request that they may be incorporated into a separate town, and it appearing to this court, proper to comply with their request : Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same: That the westerly part of the town of Westminster, southwest- erlj' part of the town of Ashburnham, southeasterly part of the town of Winchendon and easterly part of the town of Temple- ton, in the county of Worcester, bounded as follows, viz : Be- ginning at the west corner of the town of Westminster, running southeasterly on the town line on Templeton and Hubbardston, to the southeasterly corner of lot number thirty -two, third divi- sion ; thence running northeasterly, straight to the southeasterly corner of lot number ninety-one, second division ; from thence, upon the line between lots number ninety-one and ninety-two, to Ashburnhanl town line ; thence, running southwesterly on Ashburnham line, to the northeast corner of lot number fifty-five, second division, in Ashburnham ; thence, by the northeasterly line of said lot, to the north corner of the same ; from thence, straight to the northeast corner of lot number forty-five, second division; from thence, on the north line of the same, to the northwest corner on Winchendon line ; from thence, northeast- erly on said line, to the northeasterly corner of lot number fifteen, second division of Ashburnham line ; from thence, south- 28 HISTORY OF GARDNER. westerly on a straight line, to the northwesterly corner of lot number one hundred and sixty, on Templeton line ; from thence, southeasterly on said line, to the southeast corner of lot number eighty-four, second division ; from thence, on the southeasterly line of said lot, to Otter Eiver, so called ; from thence, up said river to Westminster town line ; from thence, on said line to the first mentioned corner, be and they hereby are erected into a town by the name of Gardner, and the inhabitants thereof, hereby are invested with all the powers, privileges and immuni- ties which the inhabitants of other towns within this common- wealth do or may enjoy. And be it further enacted: That where the lots that are now settled, are cut by the above lines, every owner of such lot, shall be holden to pay taxes for the whole of such lot to that town in which his house now stands. Provided, nevertheless : If any owner of such lot, shall return a certificate into the sec- retary's office, within six months after the passing of this act, expressing his desire to belong, with his said lot, to the other town, such lot and the owner thereof, shall forever afterwards be holden to pay taxes to the other town accordingly. And he it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid : That the inhabitants of the said town, shall pay their proportion of all taxes already granted to be raised in the several towns from which they were respectively taken. And be it further enacted: That Nicholas Dyke, Esq., be and hereby is empowered to issue his warrant directed to some principal inhabitant, requiring him to warn and give notice, to the inhabitants of the said town, to assemble and meet at some suitable time and place, in said town, to choose all such officers as towns, by law are required to choose, at their annual town meeting in the month of March. Samuel Phillips, Junior, President of the Senaie. Nathaniel Gorham, Speaker of the House. June 27th, 1785. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 29 That the reader may see, with what cordiality and unanimity, the adjoining towns, surrendered a portion of their territory, for the formation of a new township, the following votes of these towns, as taken from original files, will here be inserted. VOTE OF WINCHENDON. At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Winchendon, by adjournment, on the 16th day of May, A. D., 1785, voted. That if the petitioners, in the southeast part of said town, pay their equal portion of what the town shall owe, when they are established hj the General Court, into a town or district, that all the land lying southeasterly of the following bounds, viz : Be- ginning at the northeast corner of lot number fifteen, in the second division in Ashburnham line ; thence southwesterly, on a straight line to the northwesterly corner of lot number one hundred and sixty, in Templeton line, be set off, in order for forming a town or district, with others in the neighboring towns. Moses Hale, Moderator. VOTE OF ASHBURNHAM. At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of said town, voted, That the southwest corner of this town, be set off, to join with a part of Westminster and Winchendon, into a separate town, as far as the following lots, viz : Beginning at the northwest corner of lot number forty-five, second division ; from thence, by the north line, to the northeast corner of said lot ; from thence, straight to the northeast corner of lot number fifty-five, second division, and by the east line of said lot, to Westminster town line, including two thousand, three hundred and fortj^-eight acres. A true copy, attest, Samuel Wilder, Jr., Town Cleric. Ashburnham, Sept. 3d, 1784. VOTE OF WESTMINSTER. Voted, To set off the westerly part of the town, beginning at the southeasterly corner of lot number thirty-two, third di- 30 HISTORY OF GARDNER. vision, on Hubbardstou line ; thence running northeasterly, to the southwesterly corner of lot number ninety-one, second division ; from thence on the line between lots number ninety- one and ninety-two, to the town line. At a legal meeting of the town of Westminster on the 17th day of May, 1785, the above vote was passed. Attest, Joseph Holden, Town Olerk. VOTE OF TEMPLETON. At a meeting of the inhabitants of Templeton, legally con- vened, the town voted to accept the report of the committee, which is as follows, viz : The committee chosen to consider the petition of sundry persons, praying for a piece of land off of this town, to adjoin with a part of several other towns, to make a town or district, report as follows, viz : That it is the opinion of the committee, that all the land that lies on the east side of Otter River, from Westminster line, south part, down the river, till it comes to the southerly side of third division, lot number eighty-four, be set off for that purpose. Which is humbly submitted. Samuel Cook, Jr., Moderator. A true copy, attest, Ebenezer Weight, Town Clerk. Templeton, Api-il 6, 1785. The following is the report of a committee of Winchendon, which was " accepted and adopted," on the I7th of May, 1781, relating to parting with a large section of its township, to aid in forming the new town, which Mr. Marvin, from whose his- tory of Winchendon, it is copied, characterizes as " unselfish and honorable" : — " We, the subscribers, being appointed by the town of Win- chendon, as a committee to take into consideration the petition of Gideon Fisher and others, inhabitants of the southeasterly part of Winchendon, requesting to have a part of said town set off, and being annexed to parts of other towns, to form a dis- HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. 31 tinct district, have attended to that business, and report as follows : Considering the situation of the petitioners, we think it reasonable a part of said town should be set oflF when those towns concerned have determined the respective boundaries of the district to be so formed, as that the same may be properly accommodated ; and as circumstances now appear, we think a straight line beginning at the northeast corner of lot number fifteen, to the southeast corner of lot number eighty, would best accommodate, if the parts taken from the other towns are correspondent thereto ; and in order that said boundaries may be ascertained, we think it expedient that those towns con- cerned should meet by their committees, or otherwise, to con- sult on the same." It will be seen from the dates of these votes, that the forma- tion of this town, was a matter contemplated for a number of years, but for some reason, not perfected till June, 1785. In accordance with the injunction of the General Court, contained in the Act of Incorporation, and addressed to Nicholas Dyke, Esq., of Westminster, that gentleman, as justice of the peace, issued his warrant for calling the first town meeting, direct- ed to Peter Goodale, as "principal inhabitant" of the town of Gardner. Undoubtedly, Mr. Goodale was duly sensible and fully appreciative of the distinguished consideration, thus paid him, by a servant of the Great and General Court of Massa- chusetts. The warrant, is as follows, which it is thought ad- visable, together with the doings of the town, at its first meet- ing, to insert here, that the reader may see how the fathers managed their public affairs, in the commencement of the town's history. 32 HISTORY OF GARDNER. [seal.] FIRST TOWN WARRANT. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss. To Peter Goodale, one of the inhabitants of the town of Gardner : Greeting. Whereas, The Honorable General Court Assembly and House of Representatives, at their last session, at the request of said inhabitants, have erected the westwardly part of the town of Westminster, the southwestwardly part of the town of Ash- burnham, southwardly part of the town of Winchendon, and the eastwardly part of the town of Templeton, in the county of Worcester, into a town by the name of Gardner ; and I am also directed by the said court to issue my warrant, to some prin- cipal inhabitant of said town, to assemble and meet at some suitable place, as shall be appointed, and you are hereby, in the name of authority aforesaid, forthwith, required to warn all the inhabitants of said town, to meet at the house of Mr. John Glazier, in said town, on Monday, the fifteenth day of August present, at nine o'clock, forenoon, to act on the following arti- cles, viz : 1st. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting. 2d. To choose all town oflacers, as the law directs, at annual March meetings. 3d. To know the mind of the town, whether they will grant money to defray town charges. 4th. To see what method the town will come into, to collect taxes, or to transact any matters or business as they think nec- essary. And you are hereby required to make due return of this warrant and your doings thereon, unto myself, on said day, at said place of meeting, where I shall attend. Given under my hand and seal this third day of August, A. D. 1785. Nicholas Dyke, Justice of the Peace. 5 ffl HISTORY OF GARDNER. 33 Warrant. — To Peter Goodale. In obedience to this warrant I liave notified and warned all the inhabitants of this town, to meet at time and place within mentioned. Peter Goodale. Gardner, August ye 15th, 1785. A true record of the warrant, Seth Heywood, Town Clerk. FIRST TOWN MEETING. At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Gardner, for the first time, on the 15th day of August, 1785, at the house of John Glazier, agreeable to warrant : — 1st. Said meeting being opened b^' Nicholas Dyke, Esq., Capt. Elisha Jackson was chosen moderator, for the govern- ment of said meeting. 2d. Chose Seth Heywood, clerk; Elisha Jackson, Samuel Stone, John White, Simon Gates, John Glazier, selectmen. Voted, That the selectmen be the assessors ; then adjourned for one hour. Met agreeable to adjournment, and chose Seth Heywood, treasurer; Elijah Wilder, collector, and agreed with him, to collect the taxes, for four pence on the pound, he procuring bondsmen, to the acceptance of the town. Then chose Elijah Wilder, constable ; William Bickford, tith- ingman"; Simon Gates, Josiah Wilder, Seth Heywood, Ebene- zer Howe, Ebenezer Bolton, highway surveyors ; Bezaleel Hill, Ezra Moore, hog reeves; Jonathan Bancroft, field driver; Jo- seph Payson, sealer of leather; Joseph Bacon, surveyor of . boards and shingles ; Andrew Beard, deer reeve ; DavicJ Nich- ols, warden; John. Glazier, sexton. The several officers were sworn by Justice Dyke. The third and fourth articles were dismissed. A true record, Seth Heywood, Clerk. 34 HI8T0BY OF GARDNER. It is obvious, to one reflecting upon the events of this par- ticular period, in the history of the town, that the first town meeting, was to its founders, a matter of no small moment. To them it was an event that had been long anticipated and much discussed. Those most prominently interested, in the formation of the township, had spared no pains and inconven- ience to awaken an interest, in their long cherished project. The many visits they made, from house to house, the many arguments they had, in favor of a new township, with those re- luctant to come into the proposed arrangement, the many talks, among neighbors by the way, and in the huml)le dwellings of these early settlers, are more matters of conjecture, than of history. And when at last, the Great and General Court, had heard their prayer, and the edict had been sent forth, for the incorporation of the town, and the day, upon which they were to hold their first town meeting, had come, we can easily imag- ine with what elasticity of spirit, they assembled at the time and place appointed, which place was the house of Mr. John Glazier, — now owned and occupied by Mr. William Austin — for the transaction of all business, needful to set in legal opera- tion, the machiner}' of their newly made town. It is not diffi- cult to put ourselves back into their condition and, listen to the conjectures, which were made as to who should be moderator of the meeting, who the clerk, who the selectmen and the other officers of less importance, in the management of town affairs. We see them, upon the morning of the fifteenth day of Au- gust, 1785, converging from all parts of their sparsely peopled township, with a certain air and port of freedom about them, which none but real freemen can understand or appreciate. With jmutual congratulations and hearty good cheer, they en- couraged one another, in the discharge of their new, yet self- sought responsibilities. In the following pages of this history, will 1)6 seen how faithfully and intelligently they fulfilled their trust. HISTORY OF GABBWUB. 35 TOPOGRAPHY. " Scenes must be beautiful wbich daily view'd Please daily, and whose novelty survives Long knowledge and tbe scrutiny of years." The town of Gardner is somewhat unique in its situation, being upon the height of land, between the Merrimack and the Connecticut rivers, thus forming a water-shed, from which flow the waters of the town, into the above mentioned rivers. It is located in the north part of Worcester County, and bounded on tlie north, by Winchendon and Ashburnham, on the east, by Ashburnham and Westminster, on the south, by Westminster and Hubbardston and on the west, by Templeton and Winchen- don. It has a surface of about fourteen thousand acres, or twenty-one and seven-eighths .square miles. Its distance wester- ly from Boston, is about fifty-eight miles, and from Worcester, in a northwest direction, about twenty-five miles. Its average altitude is eleven hundred feet above the level of the sea. Its highest point, — Glazier hill, near the centre of the town — is twelve hundred and ninety-four feet above sea level, while its lowest point — where the Otter River ceases to be the town line, between Gardner and Templeton — is. eight hundred and ninety feet above sea level. The latitude of Gardner, at the centi-e of the town, is forty-two and one-half degrees north. Its longi- tude seventy-two degrees west. By consulting the map accompanying this work, it will be seen, that the outline of Gardner, is very irregular. This no- ticeable irregularity, is explained by the fact, that in organizing the town, as will be seen by reference to the Act of Incorpora- tion, the General Court granted liberty, to those whose farms were cut hy the town lines, to choose the town they preferred to belong to, that they might thus avoid paying taxes in both towns. Those desiring to take advantage of this provision, were required to return a certificate into the secretary's office, within six mouths from the passage of the Act of Incorporation, expressing their desire to belong to the adjoining town. Some, 36 HISTORY OF GARDNUR. after the territory originally comprising the town was surveyed, took advantage of the privilege accorded them, and went upon the other side of the line. This, together with some natural boundaries, is sufficient, to explain in part, the irregular appearance of the town's boun- dary lines, above alluded to. But these are not the only rea- sons for this irregularity. After the town had been in existence a few years, there were those upon its borders, who, for rea- sons which they presented and which were lustily contested by the inhabitants of Gardner, desired to be returned to their old township. Among those petitioning to be set back to Win- ehendon, for iustance, was William Whitney, whose petition was granted by the General Court, March 2d, 1787. Others in the same neighborhood, also petitioned for like privileges, but a remonstralice, full of weighty reasons, was presented to the General Court by the inhabitants of Gardner, praying that the prayer of these petitioners be not granted. For the purpose of showing the sturdy persistency, with which the fathers contended for the original integrity of the town, the sly hiuts they gave, as to the reasons why these peti- tioners Avished to leave them, as also showing further reasons for the irregularity of boundaries, the following remonstrance is here introduced and allowed to speak for itself : — Commonwealth of ^ Massachusetts. To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, at Boston, February, 1786 : The remonstrance and petition of the town of Gardner, humbly showeth, that whereas, the town of Gardner, has lately received an order from the General Court, passed by them last session, to show cause, if any they have, on the second Wednes- day of their next session, why the prayers of the petition of James Coolidge, the petition of Joseph Priest and Samuel Priest and the petition of Abel Wilder, should not be granted. And first, in answer to James Coolidge, who sets forth in his peti- tion his desire to belong to the town of Winchendon ; again, HISTORY OF GARDNER. 37 he sets forth, how disagreeable it is to him, to leave his original town and a good minister, &c., and that he would have objected against being set off, in the time of it, had he known when the committee were going down to get set off; and certifies, that he inquired of one of the committee, when they were going down for that purpose, which the said committee-man denies, that he inquired of him, about it. However strange it is, that he did not know last spring, that he was going to leave his original town, and a good minister, &c., when he petitioned, with a number of others, to the town of Winchendon, thut he might be set off in the incorporation, and he saw the petition, that was sent to the General Court, in their May session, before it was sent down. Therefore, the town of Gardner thinks it would be very hard, on their part, for the said Coolidge, to be set back to the town of Winchendon again. Secondly, in answer to Joseph and Samuel Priest, who set forth in their petition, that it is verj' contrary to their interest and inclination, to be in the town of Gardner, as their lands lay within about forty rods of the dividing line, and they view it a great hardship, in this land of liberty, to be forced from their original town, where there is a meeting-house and an agreeable minister, to a town where there is neither ; but, we think, they are not forced away, in such a manner as they set forth, for they both petitioned to the town of Winchendon, last spring, that they might be set off, and be incorporated with us, and also signed an instrument, last spring, before we petitioned to the General Court, of their willingness for the meeting-house to stand upon the spot, that we have since purchased, for that purpose, and their willingness to help build the same. We therefore hope, that the said Joseph and the said Samuel, will not have liberty to return to the town of Winchendon again. In answer to Abel Wilder's request, in behalf of the town of Winchendon, praying that those persons who have their farms cut, by the dividing line, between the towns of Winchendon and Gardner, may have liberty to return their names, with whole farms or lots, to belong to the town of Winchendon, or 38 HISTORY OF GARDNER. to the town of Gardner, as they shall choose, we hope this liberty for returning names, for whole farms or lots, will not he granted; for the selectmen of Winchendon, have informed us, since we received the citation, that neither the town of Win- chendon, nor the selectmen, have directed the said Wilder, to request the same. And the town of Winchendon, was not wil- ling last spring, to divide by lots. Therefore, we hope there will be no alteration, in the lines at present. For we look upon it, as not an equal chance, as we have no meeting-house, nor a minister settled. Those persons having their wild lots cut, would be more inclined to take their lands to Winchendon, than to Gardner, for fear of a little cost. And if the said Wilder, said Priests, and said Coolidge should have their re- quests granted, it would take about a thousand acres of land from the little town of Gardner, all near together, upon one side of the town, and comes within about a mile and a quarter from where we have purchased a piece of land, for a meeting- house, common, and burying-yard, and laid out the biggest part of our roads, to convene that spot, and the town have agreed, with a number of persons, for timber, boards and shingles, &c., to be delivered at that spot, in order to build a meeting-house. And it would be a means, we fear, of putting the town to great cost and difficulty, if not ruin them, to find another spot, to set a meeting-house upon, as we are well agreed in the spot that we have now purchased for that purpose. We therefore pray your honors, to take our case into your wise consideration, and secure to us our peace, which will be our happiness, by dis- missing the petitions of the said Wilder, Priests and Coolidge, as your petitioners in duty bound, shall ever pray. The com- mittee appointed to make answer to the several petitions, beg leave to report, that the above, be presented to the General Court by their agent. Samuel Kelton, Ohairman. Voted, That the above be presented to the General Court by Capt. Elisha Jackson, who was chosen for that purpose. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 39 It should be remarked here, however, that this urgent re- monstrance had its desired effect upon the minds of the Gen- eral Court, who decreed that these petitioners should remain in Gardner. Others, once belonging to Ashburnham, were, after a few years residence in Gardner, set back to Ashburnham, at their own request. Scenic Attractions. — Gardner may be regarded as peculiarly fortunate, in the variety and picturesqueness of its scenery. Mountains and hills are God's architectural monuments to His artistic skill and wonderful power. They stand forth against the horizon, like sculptured busts of grim old giants, or lofty cenotaphs, or strange, rare pictures set in frames, bathed in liq- uid blue or gilded with gold which far outshines " the wealth of Ormus and of Ind." It has truly been said that ' ' Nature never did betray The heart that loved her." Sometimes gentle, oft capricious and even stern, she is always kind. Coming to the scenic attractions of Gardner, and giving our- selves to their consideration, we feel that it is a theme, upon which, all who know them best, will delight to linger. With a landscape varied and rich beyond that of most New England towns, upon the highest range between Monadnock and Wa- chusett, turn whichever way you will, upon these neighboring hills, new beauties unfold to your enraptured view. From the summit of Glazier hill you see, twenty miles away in the northei-n background, three thousand one hundred and eighty feet in height, Monadnock, leaning his blue and treeless form hard against the sky, from whose top, may be seen, the sranite shaft of Bunker Hill in the far east, the White moun- tains as they grow whiter and smaller, until they lose them- selves in a thin white line in the northern sky, while the Green mountains on the west, fresh and vernal, reach far down to the south and unite with the Housatonic range in Massachu- setts. 40 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Turning the glass slowly from Monaclnock, you see the hills of Troy and Fitzwilliam with the village of Jaffrey on its east- ern slope, warm and cosy, sheltered by this strong bulwark of ledge and mountain. Watatic range continues this hilly con- figuration, Avith here and there a natural indentation. The Cheshire Raili'oad winds its narrow bed this side those hills, while its smoke floats lazily back, as the engine passes behind the rugged ledges of the Granite state. In the nearer perspective, in the Watatic range, you see Meeting-House Hill in Ashburnham, toward which some of our earlier townsmen used to turn their willing feet for Sabbath worship. Sharp and sword-like, the spire of Gushing Academy rises up from among the green woods and brown pastures, a noble monument to one of the loyal sons of Ashburnham's early ministers, who dying, bequeathed a sum sufficient to erect this most costly edifice, unrivaled for its architectural beauty, in all this region, for the education of the youth of this vicinity. Fitchburg, with headlands aud sharp promontories, fills up the distant gap in the east, and joins the landscape on the south- east to its grand old watch-tower, Wachusett. This mountain, rising somewhat abruptly on the east, begirt with pines and many deciduous trees, is two thousand and six- teen feet high, and is crowned with a rustic observatory, from which you can see the shipping in Boston navy yard, with many intervening towns and cities in the east, the spires and smoke of the city of Worcester, at the south, splendid farms and thrifty villages in Worcester County, and the long comet tails of the numerous trains as they run, on the many railroads, from east to west, through our ancient commonwealth. This mountain gradually recedes in graceful wavy lines into Princeton village, whose picturesqueness and beauty have been described by Helen Hunt, under the quaint name of " Hide and Seek Town." Nearer, Hubbardston, "graceful with hills, and dales, and leafy wood," with lakes and ponds reflecting like a mirror, up whose woody slopes the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad HI8T0BY OF GARDNER. 41 slowly toils, with its puflBng engine, whose glowing head-light, returning at night, breaking forth abruptly, from the darkness, like " A star when only one Is shining in the sky," leaves upon the mind of every enraptured, observing boy, a memory as wild and weird, as the phantasm of a delirious dream. Still turning to the far southwest, a spur shoots up beyond the nearer outline, as blue and graceful as an harebell, unlike the rest, yet not disdaining to lend its charms to grace a scene so beautiful. Templeton, a nearer and more accessible neighbor, supported on the west by rising hills, spreads out in terraced beauty, with lakes and ponds, whose waters, descending toward Otter River, are fretted and worried with the laboring wheel, as it turns the machinery of busy industry, with its villages and glittering spires, the pride of New England, the birthplace of Goodale, an early and houored missionary to Turkey, who, courted and consulted by earthly kings and potentates; ever kept clear and bright, in the eye of faith, the pearly gates and golden walls of the New Jerusalem, coming home at last to find an honored grave, in the land he so much loved. ■ Phillipston contributes her easterly hills to continue this charming landscape, erecting her church and rearing the spire, that her j'ounger sister might be cheered by her example, with white farm-houses and well cultured farms, and stone walls, marking the bounds the fathers set. The sharp and projecting form of Tully, in North Orange, so famous for its contest with the '.' great tornado," which swept through those western towns, in the early part of this century, stands forth in the distant outline. Beyond, to the northwest, are the hills of Royalston, and Richmond in southern New Hampshire, reaching up to North Winchendon, which seems to rest back upon that mountain spur just west of Monadnock. 6 42 HISTORY OF GARDJSTEE. With a hasty swing of the glass, we have taken the distant objects and enumerated them, as they have passed before our eye. For beauty of mingled strength and delicacy, this scene is seldom equalled ; varied with lines, sometimes bold and strik- ing, sometimes calm and restful, you will find nature here re- sponding to all the aesthetic demands of your soul. These mountains and hills seem to be the favorite battle field for many an hostile array of wind and cloud and storm. Oft-times these scenic lines of beauty seem caught up and reformed among the clouds, while peaks and precipices and " wavy lines of far receding hills," begirt the distant sky. The early mists, as they lie oflF, quiet and white, in the gray dawn of the morning, seem like the canvas of a becalmed ship, waiting to be filled and borne aloft, by some favoring bi'eeze, then to rise up and scatter, as the i"osy light comes on, and be- come " White, fleecy clouds Wandering in thick flocks along the mountains Shepherded by the slow, unwilling wind." The sunset, from this eminence, is worth your trouble to wit- ness ; such beauty, the masters have dreamed of, and sometimes caught, and transferring it to canvas, have made their names immortal. The lengthening shadows come on apace within the valleys, the setting sun " firing the tops of those mountain pines," with- draws from the forests, till they cast their grim shadows on all the landscape near, now gilds the window of some distant farm-house, until it sparkles in its reflected light, like a rich diamond, then transforms those far off peaks into glittering towers and minarets, till these last seem to us fit symbols of the glory of the Celestial city. Turn now to Peabody Hill, less sightly in the distant prospect, sitting like a queen enthroned, in her central position, graceful in contour, whose feet are encircled by the three villages of the town, as if in reverent homage to her beauty. Here Crys- tal Lake, at the north, with an evergreen girdle, reflects upon HISTORY OF GARDNER. 43 her smooth surface, hills and trees, and the quiet gravestones of the dead, in strange contrast to the long chimneys of the busy shops, as well as the cars as they pass over her feet ; the little steamer, puffing and whistling, as she buzzes up and down her waters, the sail boat and row boat and the birch canoe, bringing the past and present in strange conjunction, the living and the dead, in strange comparison. From this point, we see the cemetery, close by the lake, the home of the dead, whose monuments look out, from their ever- green bower, calm and still. Toward the west, two miles away, the white cross, rising from a field this side the pines, tells us of many, who coming from the Green Isle of the sea and mak- ing a home among us, weary with the' toils of life, have been laid away, in their last resting place. Beyond the church, upon the hill, concealed from view, shel- tered by a pleasant grove, lie the earlier dead of our town. The old cemetery ! What memories cluster around that spot ! With little expense and less ceremony, those early settlers, brought one after another of their friends, from their scattered homes, and reverently laid them iiway to rest. How lonely the homes and how few the sources of companionship and society in those days, and how doublj' keen must have been the solitude they felt ! The pleasant homes, as they rise up before you, speak of thrift and comfort and prosperity, beyond the common lot of New England villages. Residences of taste, and homes of cul- ture, you see upon every side, shade trees pleasantly covering cottages, or adorning houses of greater proportions, churches, assuring you, that the sons are following hard after their fathers, in their determination to provide for the religious culture of our citizens, school houses, solidly intrenched in the hearts and soil of Gardner, that our children may be fitted to fill the places their fathers vacate, stores and markets, with neat and attractive surroundings, to supply the demands of the wardrobe and the larder, a bank set snugly in against Glazier Hill, secure in size and management. 4 HISTORY OF GARDNER. From this hill, West Village spreads out, a pleasant sight, he busy shops alive with the hum of industry, the heavy teams, he cottage homes, " the castle of the working man," all these how that there has not been lacking enterprise and capital and trong integrity, which wisely employed, have from a small be- ginning, developed an industry which in its length and breadth, las not only included, but seated the world ! Turning to the south, your eye and ear are caught at once, )y the long, heavy trains of the Fitchburg Kailroad, as they vind about your feet. From whence come these numerous cars md laboring locomotives? This road, bidding defiance to nouutain and rock and deep ravine, goes west, and plunging nto the bowels of the earth, thus shortening the distance, iomes quickly into the Empire state, and thence on, to return )earing, as the reward of enterprise, the cereals of our abund- mt western fields, to be shipped to the teeming millions of Europe. And so, where once the lazy smoke, of some camp-fire, curled ip among those woods and hills, to show where the Indian was oasting his venison or broiling his fish, you see the long, low- ying trail of the locomotive, quivering with life, as it comes rom the smoke-stuck, but slowly rising and passing into thin dr. From Wright's Hill, the highest land in South Gardner, there leems to be the accumulated beauties to be seen from the other lills, with the additional attraction of distance. Here you see ihildren playing around you, snug homes of comfort, sur- •ounded by fruit and flowers, a village, coming up to your very eet with a lively, social air, in all its ways, with a church, lores and market and hives of industry, elegant residences and sottages, in one pleasant group, meadows and brown pastures, vith the cattle reposing in the shade, forming a mosaic, rich ind fair, for nature is a finished workman. You see here dense brests, brooks, overhung with thickets, disappearing beneath )auks of moss, white houses standing beyond pines, which look ike fixed shadows, making everything seem brighter by their HISTOBY OF GARDJSTER. 45 contrasting presence, dells, lined with ferns, moss painted rocks, roads, bordered thickly with thistle, goldenrod, and the blue- eyed aster, stone walls, which grow so smooth, as they recede, that they seem, like one dark thread of yarn, whose end, some ancient spinster must have caught upon a scraggy bush, as she hurried, in "ye olden time,"' from house to house, in search of some bit of news. Hillsides, now bright with sunshine, mountains, nearer or more remote, with form and drapery reflected in the water at their feet, a score or two of workshops, with their long chim- neys. Green Bower Cemetery, where rest the departed dead, all these, and how many more, come thronging on our vision, " rocks and hills and towers and wandering streams," "illumed with fluid gold," or somber with passing cloud, fill out a pic- ture, worthy the pen of Kuskin, or the pencil of our honored townsman, Thomas Hill, whose name has become an household word in homes of culture and art, as the painter of the ' ' Great Yosemite." Such are some of the scenic attractions of Gardner. Soil. — Compared with the rich meadow lands of the Connec- ticut valley, or with many other towns, in our own common- wealth, Gardner cannot be regarded as especially adapted to the purposes of agriculture. Much of its surface is unusually rocky and better adapted to grazing, than to the cultivation of crops. Scattered over the town, are numerous cold, marshy, swamp lands, saturated with sour waters and producing a sort of Aviry, unpalatable grass, which no self-respecting quadruped cares to make a part of the "body corporate." There are, however, here and there, dotting the entire surface, numerous mound-like elevations, of varied exposures, whose soil is deep and strong and capable, under the cultivation it receives, of producing generous crops of all kinds of cereals, raised in our New England states. These hills are susceptible of cultivation to their very summits, and are, to a considerable extent, free from small stones, while, however, an occasional bowlder claims his right of maintaining his position upon their sides. Much of the land is naturally, cold, rocky and unfit for cultivation ; 6 HIS TOBY OF GARDNEB. n addition to this, its elevation, situated as it is, upon the crest if land between Wachusett and Monadnock, thus exposing it cold bleak winds, renders it still more unfit for the uses of he husbandman. While, in someother portions of the state, people are mak- ng their gardens and planting their fields, here, the farmer is ibliged to wait, at least, a fortnight longer, till as Thompson, pith some variation, says, "Through the lucid chambers of the south Looks out the joyous Spring, looks out and smiles." t is also true, that much earlier, than in many other places, not ar remote from Gardner, with " congenial horrors," " Winter comes to rule the varied year Sullen and sad, with all his rising train — Vapors, and Clouds, and Storms." Let it not be supposed, however, that Gardner is so Alpine n its situation, as to make it altogether hazardous, for those oving to cultivate the soil, to attempt to draw forth, from its •osom, those products which it is able to yield. Though the eason is somewhat more brief here, than in towns of less ele- ■ation, it is yet true that, from the middle of June to the mid- lie of September, there is a rapid development of the fruits if gardens, fields and orchards, which mature, in their season, iito an ample reward to those who engage in their culture. It 3 no uncommon thing to see garden plots yielding all kinds of ege tables, which, for variety, size and richness, are not sur- lassed by any raised in the state. Upon the southern exposure f these mound-like elevations, are matured large crops of in- ian corn, oats, rye and barley. Casting the seeds of such ereals, into the soil of these slopes, the farmer may ofier the rayer of the poet, with confident expectation of being heard nd answered. " Be gracious Heaven ! for now laborious man Has done his part. Ye fostering breezes blow ; Ye softening dews, ye tender showers descend. And temper all, thou world reviving sun — Into a perfect year." HISTORY OF GARDNER. 47 However, since Gardner does not boast of its agricultural advantages, should we know of a young man, desiring to be- come a farmer, at all inclined to purchase land, for agricultural purposes, in this town, we should regard it as our bounden duty, lo make all reasouable endeavor to dissuade him from carrying his desire into effect, and with the distinguished Hor- ace Greeley, who possessed the eminent ability to tell what he knew about farming, say to him, as a friend, " Go West young man." Climate. — The climate of Gardner, as has already been in- timated, is subject to great variations. The town is so situated, that, in the summer months, it enjo3's, almost constantly, the fresh cooling breezes that visit it from all quarters, while in the winter, the fierce winds, driving snowstorms and severe cold, render the town, by no means attractive, to those accustomed to warmer latitudes. Occasionally, a spire is blown from a church, or portions of roofs are removed from the houses, by stormy winds, still, the inhabitants, somewhat accustomed to these frolics, are not themselves carried away, nor greatly alarmed. Indeed it has, for some years past, been the custom, in this town, to build most of the houses in winter, rather than in summer. For the most part, the inhabitants enjoy vigorous health and few die of pulmonary diseases. Such is the climate, here, in summer, that those who are suflfering from the dust and heat and blistering walls of our great cities, could not find, in any of our country towns, a more delightful place than this, in which, to restore their wasted energies, and replenish them- selves with renewed life and increased vigor. We commend the town as an attractive summer resort. Hills. — The hills of Gardner, with their varied locations and altitudes, deserve special mention in this chapter. The au- thor is indebted to Mr. Aaron Greenwood, for many years, a successful surveyor of lands, in this, his native town, for the accuracy with which, he is enabled to present the elevations of these hills, above the railroad track, at the depot, Otter River and the Atlantic Ocean. The figures here given, are from actual 48 HI8T0BY OF GARDJSFR. surveys by Mr. Greenwood. It will be seen, that thei'e is quite an asceut to be made by the cars, in reaching Gardner, from Boston Bay. The highest point of land, over which the Hoosae Tunnel line passes, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Con- necticut Eiver, is in the eastern part of this town, where it reaches an elevation of eleven hundred and six feet, above the ocean, running on a level, one mile, one hundred and twenty- six feet. HILLS AND ELEVATIONS. £55 Otter River, where the Eitchburg Kailroad crosses it, in west part of Gardner, Fitchburg Railroad tracli, 80 feet west of railroad bridge, near depots, B. F. Kendall Hill, Jackson Hill, 1 Tr-.^hnrrl Kcnrinii S ^^^^ Summit, Jackson Hill, ) Hubbard Kendall, ( East summit, . , Wright Hill, (Prospect Hill,) in South Gardner, Greenwood Hill Lynde Hill, originally called Fork Hill, now Peabody, . . Gates Hill, in East Gardner, .' Asa Ray Hill, in East Gardner, Temple Hill Barber Hill, iu South Gardner Sills of Joel Matthews' house, Howe Hill, south of David Kel ton's Bickford Hill, (Dr. Parker's,) Glazier Hill, highest land in Gardner, 80 82 92 91 132 138 177 179 186 201 214 218 239 256 126 206 208 218 217 258 264 303 305 312 327 340 344 365 912 1038 1118 1120 1130 1129 1170 1176 1215 1217 1224 1239 1252 1256 1277 1294 Besides these hills, there are others, whose altitudes are not given. They are Martin and Brooks' hills in the west part of the town, Coolidge and Beaman's hills, near Crystal Lake, and Bancroft's Hill on the west of the lake. Forests. — Originally this town was covered with a dense growth of timber, of great variety, consisting of rock and white maple, white and red ash, beech, birch, spruce and hemlock. In the west and southwest portions of the town, there were large, white pines, some of the trunks of which, have been seen by some of the present inhabitants of the town, in their pros- trate condition, giving evidence of the action of the beaver, R= 1 HISTORY OF GARDNER. 49 which here constructed his dam. At the present time, however, under the strokes of the greedy axe of the chair and pail maker, our ancient forests have all disappeared. There is how- ever, considerable growth of timber, of various kinds, upon- our hillsides and low lands. Flora. — There is a great variety of wild flowers to be found, in our fields and forests and by the roadside. Berries, black, rasp and huckle, are abundant. The laurel, with its waxy leaf and flower, the elderberry, with its creamy petal and purple fruit, the sumach, with its flaming pompon, the goldenrod, the forerunner of autumn, the aster and the blue-fringed gentian, the red lily and purple orchis, spireas and thistles and ox-eyed daisies, too common and too selfish, with woodbine and clematis and wild grape, wreathing stone walls and entwining them- selves about old, ungainly apple trees, some father planted by the roadside, making it lovely and fragrant with their spicy fes- toons, embrace, in part, the flora of this town, while the trail- ing arbutus is welcomed as the early harbinger ot spring. Added to these wild wood flowei's, we have garden plots sur- rounding many homes, bright with gay flowers, and .some suc- cessful horticulturists, who cultivate rarer exotic plants in con- servatories. Fauna. — Gardner, in its earlier days, was the abode of sev- eral wild animals which have long since disappeared with the exception of an occasional fox. Tradition informs us that, upon the northern side of Crystal Lake, one Wilder, a mighty hunter, entrapped a bear that had for sometime amused himself and appeased his hunger by devastating cornfields. His cap- ture was regarded, as a great event, in those days. Deer were also seen here, in considerable numbers, occasioning the ap- pointment of deer reeves. Considerable attention has been paid, within the last few years, to the culture of fish. In ac- cordance with a provision of the general statutes, the town authorized Mr. Levi Heywood, in 1874, to stock Crystal Lake with fish. He introduced between four and five hundred black bass and lake trout. Trout, pickerel, suckers and hornpout are 7 50 HISTORY OF QARDNEB. found, though not in great abundance, in some of our streams. Lakes. — Gardner has several artificial lakes or ponds, but few natural ones. Among the latter, is Crystal Lake, a name given it by vote of the town. This is a sheet of water, near the centre of the town, about one mile in length and one-half mile in width. It covers one hundred and fifty-one acres of land and was originally called Wells Pond. It is beautifully bordered, in many places, with sturdy oaks and evergreens coming quite down to the surface. It is chiefly fed by springs, from the surrounding hills. Its waters, as its name indicates, are generally clear as crystal. It is unrivaled for beauty, in all the surrounding country. When, as Wordsworth sings in his " Evening Walk," " The whole wide lake in deep repose Is hushed and like a burnished mirror glows," or when, " 'Cross the calm lake's blue shade the cliffs aspire With towers and woods, a prospect all on fire," Crystal Lake sits and sparkles, upon the bosom of Gardner, like a precious gem, upon the breast of a princess. Upon its western border, is located Crystal Lake Cemetery. Farther towards the north, upon the same border, is Crystal Lake Grove, beautiful for situation, in a growth of pines, free from all underbrush, and admirably adapted, furnished as it is, with a pavilion, numerous swings, seats, tables, cooking and ice houses and many boats, to gratify the wants of the most fastid- ious pleasure seeker. This grove is under the control of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad corporation, who have spared no pains, in furnishing a special railroad track, leading directly into the grove, to make it easily accessible to visitors. For the last few j'ears, this grove has been a favorite resort for Sabbath school picnic parties and others, from numerous towns and cities, both in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and is fully deserving all the patronage it has received, or is likely to receive in the future. This lake is also a much frequented re- sort for the lovers of aquatic sports, among our own citizens. Upon its clear, placid waters, may be seen, in the summer after- HISTORY OF GARDNER. 51 noons and evenings, many row bouts, shooting in all directions, while here and there, a small white sail appears, wafting on- ,ward the listless sailors, while, " Soft bosoms breathe around contagious sighs And amorous music on the water dies." In winter, when, " The cherished fields Put on their winter robe of purest white," the lake is vocal, with the laughter and frolic of our youth of both sexes, as they " sweep on sounding skates, a thousand different ways, in circling poise," upon "a crystal pavement, by the breath of heaven cemented firm." In summer and win- ter. Crystal Lake, the pride of Gardner, is a thing of beauty, a joy forever. We are always, while viewing this lake, ready to say, with Mrs. E. Oakes Smith, " How beautiful the water is ! To me 'tis wondrous fair — No spot can ever lonely be If water sparkle there ; It hath a thousand tongues of mirth, Of grandeur, or delight, And every heart is gladder made When water greets the sight." In the southwesterly part of Gardner, is Kendall Pond, while near it is a smaller one lying partly in Templetou. Also in the south part of the town, is the reservoir of Marcus Wright, forming, to one standing on Prospect Hill, skirted as it is, with trees, a beautiful foreground to Wachusett, at whose feet it sparkles, and upon whose surface, there are seen gliding, the boats of the pleasure seekers, from the pleasant grove upon its northern border. There is also, in the northeast part of the town, the Nashua reservoir, whose dam is in Ashburnhani. Streams. — Forming a portion of the western boundary, be- tween Gardner and Templeton, is Otter Eiver. This is the only stream, in Gardner, worthy of being called a river. It runs through the southwest portion of the town and having a general direction towards the north, it empties itself into Miller's River, beyond the limits of the town. We will now proceed to men- 52 HISTORY OF GARDNER. tion the several brooks, which winding sluggishlj' through the town, empty themselves into this river. Bailey Brook. — This stream takes its rise on Raymond Hill in Winchendou, and running through the westerly part of Gard- ner, unites with Otter River, near what is now known as the shoddy mill. Kneeland Brook. — This brook having its rise on the same range of highlands and nearly parallel to Bailey Brook, empties itself into Otter River just below the saw-mill now owned by Dr. David Parker. Wilder Brook. — This brook rises between the two already mentioned, and after running in a southerly direction, unites with the Kneeland Brook, at the upper end of Dr. Parker's mill- pond. Foster Brook. — One branch of this brook takes its rise in the swamp near the house of Joel Matthews, and the other branch on or near the farm of Andrew J. Willis, and running in a southerly direction, enters Gardner Brook just above the mill of Horace F. Parker in South Gardner. There is another brook, which has its rise, on the height of land, near the house of Seth H. Temple. It runs in a north- easterly direction, into the reservoir of the Nashua Reservoir Company, near the house of Ebenezer Baliou, and forms a part of the head waters of the Nashua River. Pond Brook. — The outlet of Crystal Lake forms this small stream, which, proceeding in a southerly direction, empties into Otter River. Pew Brook. — This brook takes its rise some two miles to the northeast of Gates Swamp, in the southeast part of the town, and runs in a southwesterly direction, crossing East Street, and through a long strip of meadow, passing by tbe chair fac- tory of Thomas Greenwood, and crossing Partridge Street, to its junction with the main stream, in Spectacle Meadow. Pew Brook has several branches, one of which takes its rise in "Westminster and enters this brook some rods below East Street ; HISTORY OF GARDNER. 53 a second branch, coming from Quag Pond, enters it just above Temple Street ; Pierce Brooli rises about half a mile away, in a small swamp on the east side of Livermore Hill in West- minster, and runs westerly, and enters Pew Brook about one- eighth of a mile below Temple Street. Gardner Broolc. — This brook rises in Westminster and runs in a northwesterly direction, supplying the reservoir of Marcus Wright, from whence, proceeding in a northerly direction, it receives the waters of Pew Brook, in Spectacle Meadow, thence running northerly, till it comes to the Boston, Barre and Gard- ner Railroad at South Main Street, where it receives the waters of Foster Brook, whence, curving to the south, it flows in a southwesterly direction, till it empties itself into Otter River, a short distance, from the pail factory of A. Bancroft & Co. These are all the streams, in town, worthy of mention. The following poem, by Mr. John C. Bryant of this town, was written some years since. It was originally recited in Phi- lokalia, a lodge of Good Templars. Sensible of some imper- fections in it, Mr. Bryant, at the request of the author, reluc- tantly yields it for publication, in this particular portion of this work : — TWILIGHT MUSINGS. Day was recliaing in the lap of night, Clad in her robes of dim twilight. When I wandered to the crest of yonder hill, Which o'erlooks our village, there, when all was still. To feast on nature's works, before me spread. The land of the living, the home of the dead. Below me was the din and the strife. The care, the turmoil, of busy life. While to my ears, on passing breezes borne. Came the sound of laughter, the burst of song, Beside me, the robin poured his lay, Singing requiems to departing day. Before me, in the distant west. The golden sun, just gone to rest. Was sending back his latest ray. 54 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Tinging hilltop and vale, with beauty's play. Crimsoning the whole, with glory yet untold. Gilding yonder church spire, with its touch of gold, While the fleecy clouds, skirting the western sky, AVere clothed in a fesplendent canopy, Half parted, by wilder breezes driven, Unveiled to me, the golden gateway to heaven. Just over there, all quiet and still. Rocked to sleep in the cradle of the hill, Was the Lake, whose sparkling, pearly wave Plashes on the beach, beside the quiet grave. Where the eglantine and ivy twine, The votive offering, at Friendship's shrine. The blush roses bloom and the forget-me-not — Memory's gifts — adorn the cherished spot Where you and I, sometimes go to weep O'er the graves of loved ones, now asleep. Then my ravished sight, wandering o'er the scene, Was fixed, where, meandering, in paths of living green, The brook, with its silvery thread, ran splashing along. Singing in the solitude, old nature's cheery song. And then, from beauty's bower, peeping, blushingly forth. Half hid in sylvan shade, to veil its modest worth. The violet looked out ; beside it, the daisy with its petals white. With buttercups and pansies, reflecting the golden light. The bursting bud and blossom, in their fullest bloom. Harbingers of the harvest yet to come. All sparkling, with heavenly dewdrops wet. Decked earth, with gems fit for a coronet. In the north, old Monadnock rears his head on high. As if to scan the secrets of the upper sky. Then sunny Wachusett, our southern pride. With waving forests dotting its either side, Its uplifted peak, where tempests oft have frowned, Seems, just now, with golden glory crowned. Nestling at jts foot, and halfway up its side, Embowered in sylvan shades, by nature beautified. The cottage stands, while here and there between. Like mirrors, set, all placid and serene. •sijiq s,pnBpng[ a\8^ p|o no png j }'BqM }ng 's^ljaqi ejnsi^aid ^saand q^iM ^j^aq j(ui 'eseq; 'jou j on ; o^ •saaMoq SjiajquitiqiY pjo ni nre^unoj Sut[5[ji3ds jlq 'saaMoqs auidjy jo 'anapmuS s^puBiJaz^iMg jq 'mojS eou'BTanxtn asnjojd ui 'sjinaj ^saqou pay 'aiqq ajuz'B aqj pararaip aaa pnop jja'ap on aaaq^^;^ 'araqo s,13I|B}j jrej jo 'sapn^S nuunj^g jq 'auiiqj otssisio anoX nt '^on aoi jpjQ •poQ Sjajinuu q;iM uoinmuuioo vCpq nj 'pos jmspjaA aq^ no 'aaaqi aoi ■)«»' j ■jqSiu aq} o^ni j'bj ajiqAV 'jnos Am o^nj auiuQ iqSjj jQAvau 'B pni3 'pras j ; pjpmjaq j injiinDag^ •naajS Suiaji jo aranjj b ut saanpid ajjiq^ 'anaos Sni^n^qona aqi aonnqna oj 'sa5[ei ajy 'sraapBip s,qoji3noui jo uuoj s^X^nuaq 5[oap luqx sniaS ^saJTBj a^iq 'niosoq s^q^j^a no Snijsag; 55 -HSMaUVB ilO AUOJLSIH 56 HISTORY OF GARDNER. CHAPTER III. CHARACTEE OF THE INHABITANTS. " 111 fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, When wealth accumulates and men decay. Princes and lords may flourish, or may fade, A breath can make them as a breath has made ; But a bold peasantry their country's prifle. When once destroyed can never be supplied." — Goldsmith. (^ A ) CCORDING to the information which we are able to glean, -L\. froQi such sources as are accessible, Gardner had, at its incorporation, a population of only about three hundred and seventy-five, embraced in about sixty families. At the present time, the inhabitants number about four thousand, among whom are many Irish and Freilch, who are a very industrious and frugal people. These ancient families, were not clustered then, as most of our families are at the present time, in villages, but scattered far and wide over the entire surface of the town and accessible by rough and inconvenient roads. The geographical centre of the town, then, as now, was where stands the First Congregational Church. In speaking of the first settlers of this town, we are aware that there is some danger of indulging in an undue and fulsome veneration of those who have preceded us. Still we do not think that we, of the present day, are justlj- chargeable with this infirmity, regarding our fathers. It is not possible, for any candid mind, to trace the deeds of these men, as they stand, recorded upon the yellow and dingy pages of our town records, HISTORY OF QARDIfER. 57 written, often in almost illegible chirography, and bj' no means faultless orthography, and not feel like thanking God, from the depths of a heart overflowing with gratitude, that such men preceded us in laying the foundations of these institutions, whose benefits we to-daj"^ enjoy. They were no strangers to a variety of hardships and privations. They wooed and wedded^ their wives and reared their children, amid the environments of poverty. In reflecting upon their toils and hardships, their wants and privations, their industry and frugality, the words of Gray, come forcibly to our minds, as admirably descriptive of their condition. " Oft did the harvest to their sickle yield Their furrow oft the stubborn glebe has broke ; How jocund did they drive their teams afield, How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy stroke. " Let not ambition mock their useful toil, Their homely joys and destiny obscure ; Nor grandeur hear, with a disdainful smile. The short and simple annals of the poor. " Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife, Their sober wishes never learned to stray ; Along the cool sequestered vale of life, They kept the noiseless tenor of their way." It is true that, compared with the demands of the imperious goddess. Fashion, at whose shrine, we all so devoutly worship, the wants of our fathers and mothers were few and simple. From the soil, we tread to-day, they wrung with unremitting labor, the products upon which themselves and their children subsisted. Then in almost all the dwellings of this town, might have been heard the whir of the old spinning wheel, which, under the skillful hand of the matron and her daughters, spun the wai-p and woof which afterwards, the swiftly flying shuttle, in the same dexterous hands, amid the rattle and thuds of the domestic loom, standing in the chamber above, con- structed into long webs of thick woolen cloth, in which, dressed at the neighboring mill and manufactured into suitable gar- ments, by the newsy, itinerant tailoress, the members of the household , defied the winter's cold. 8 58 HISTORY OF GARDNER. In those days, our fathers raised and thrashed, retted and broke, swiuged and hatcheled, their own flax, which our moth- ers, with the distaff and spindle, of the busy foot-wheel, drew out into that fine linen thread which, combining with woolen yarn, they wrought into that once famous fabric, known as linsey-woolsey, in which they and their children clothed them- selves, as their every-day attire. With what an air of pomp and fresh importance, did the boys and girls of those days, carry themselves in their newly made garments. Those were days devoid of sham. The modern king, shoddy, had not then begun to display his art of making things not what they seem, days, when as Solomon says of the " virtuous woman," the housewife " did her husband good and not evil, all the days of her life, when she sought wool and flax and worked willingly with her hands, when she rose while it was yet night and gave meat to her household and a portion to her maidens, when she laid her hands to the spindle and her hands held the distafi", when she was not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household were clothed with double gar- ments, when she made herself coverlets, and fine linen and sold it, and looked well to the "ways of her own household and ate not the bread of idleness, when her children rose up and called her blessed, her husband also, and he praised her." Then it was, that instead of ready-made boots and shoes, now so abundantly supplied by our wholesale and retail stores, made to fit any and all feet, sewed with cable wire, or pegged by a machine, our fathers, taking the hide from their own fatted oxen, or calves, whose juicy meat they consumed in part, im- mediately, or stored in barrels for future use, carried it to the tanner and the leather dresser, and after it had been, for a long time, subjected to the process of tanning and dressing, brought home, and then summoning to the ancient kitchen, the shoe- maker, whose coming had long been anticipated, and whose bench and lap stone, clamps and " waxed ends" had come to be familiar objects in the farmer's dwelling, they bid him pro- ceed to the manufacture of the yearly supply of shoes, for the various members of the household. HISTOBY OF GARDNER. 59 What a scene of joy was that in these country homes. How ghidly did Ebenezer, Theophilus and David, Elizabeth, Eebecca and Rhoda, these last more modestlj^ step forward, at the in- vitation of this wonderful conjurer of leather, to be measured for their next pair of new shoes. Standing firmly against the side of the house, how heavily they pressed their feet, upon the measure of this domestic artist, that they might be sure of having their shoes of ample length and breadth. How eagerly they watched his motions from day to day, till out of a chaos of leather, sole and upper, he formed, the long wished for articles, for the protection of their feet. In these early homes, instead of the modern furnace, range and stove, plumbed for a convenient supply of hot water, in all the I'ooms of the house, with sink and pump, making house- work so convenient, was seen only the old open fireplace, on whose side, " The crane and pendent trammels showed," where was piled the " Nightly stack Of wood against the chimney-back, — The oaken log, green, huge and thick, And on its top, the stout back-stick," sending out its light and heat, cheerily over the room, "On whitewashed wall and sagging beam, Until the old, rude-furnished room Burst, flower-like, into rosy bloom." Before this great consumer of fuel, where roared the winter's blast, the busy housewife placed her covered tin baker, or erected her pewter or wooden plate, supported by brick or flat-iron, in which she cooked the yellow johnny-cake, or where, suspended by a line from the overhanging hook, vibrated and revolved the sparerib, or when grander occasions demanded, the Thanksgiving turkey, which coming well cooked, brown and smoking upon the clothless table, was food fit for the Olympian gods. Then too, there was the good old brick oven, now obsolete, in modern houses, standing grim and firm, upon the side of the fireplace, with its big mouth and capacious in- terior, from which, having been well heated and carefully 60 HISTORY OF GARDNER. fcleared with the long, iron handled shovel, the good woman, every Sabbath morning, drew forth her brown bread, not then called " Boston brown bread," Indian pudduig, tremulous like a mass of jelly, with its own golden richness, and baked beans, which, having stood all night, imprisoned within these brick walls, came out properly cooked, and fragrant with the im- parted juice of well fattened pork, culinary products, surpassing the power of more recent arrangements to produce, fitted in all respects, to satiate the appetite, which their sight and perfume awakened. In striking contrast, M-ith the luxurious appliances of our modern homes, with their richly carpeted floors, their costly, upholstered chairs, their velvety lounges and sofas, their many conveniences of closets and pantries, their bay windows and conservatories, where all winter long, bloom flowers of rare beauty and fragrance, all warm and comfortable, from cellar to attic, by the agency of the ever busy furnace, or steam boiler, or coal stove, stood the old farm house, with its ample kitchen, by whose fireside, stood the old settle, with its high back, while, in some angle of the room, was seen the dresser, with its nu- merous shelves, burdened with dishes and cooking utensils, where, as Longfellow says, "The pewter plates on the dresser. Caught and reflected the flame, as the shields of armies, the sunshine." Instead of the modern lucifer-match which, like some men, is always ready to blaze with the slightest friction, they had only the old tinder-box, with its flint, which, as Brutus says, " Much enforced, shows a hasty spark And straight is cold again." • Or sometimes failing in this, they were compelled to resort to the neighbors, with the " slice," to borrow fire, ere they could cook their morning meal. Instead of the beautiful gas jet, or the brilliant kerosene lamp, they were obliged to grope their way through the darkness, with the dimly burning lamp, odor- ous with the oil of the whale, or the tallow candle, set in tin candlesticks or blocks of wood, which the patient housewife HISTORY OF GARDINER. 61 had " dipped" or run in moulds, or sometimes with the blazing pine knot. Instead of the copper pump, with its poisonous lead pipe, standing so conveniently by the sink, within the house, our fathers were satisfied to draw water with the well-sweep, to whose pole was attached " The iron bound bucket, the moss covered bucket, which hung in the well." They had not then learned the refined art of introducing into their bodies, the slow poisons, of our modern conveniences, by which, through impure air and water, the health, vigor and life of our citizens, are secretly stolen away. When they drank water, they took it directly, cool and sparkling, from the deep well; when they drank cider, or New England rum, as indeed they often did, these liquors were free from all adulterations so familiar to those, now indulging in such death dealing bever- ages. In this respect, they were more fortunate than those who have followed them. Then instead of having the advan- tage of railroads, bringing their ponderous trains of merchan- dise to the town, in less than a day, from the sea board, the men of those times, were compelled to "ship" their goods upon the backs of horses, or, in later times, upon large teams which, with their four or six horses, or an equal number of oxen, made their long, laborious journeys, from country to city and from city to country again, carrying their agricultural products to Boston and returning with " West India Goods." How tardily, in those days, did the news creep up over these hills. No diiily paper found its way, as with us, to the hand of the fathers. They were not pestered with yesterday's doings, in Washington, California, Europe or India. Yet, were they not long ignorant of important events, at home and abroad. " The flying rumors gather'd as they roU'd, Scarce any tale was sooner heard than told ; And all who told it added something new, And all who heard it made enlargement too, In every ear it spread, on every tongue it grew." Not favored, like their descendants, with advantages for gen- eral education and mental culture, they were accustomed to look to the parish minister for needed information. Hence, 62 HISTORY OF GARDNER. they were anxious to attend church, on the Sabbath, that they might keep themselves iuformed, upon subjects of interest to them, as well as to hear the truth, given them from the word of God. And when in the sanctuary, on the Sabbath, they in- dulged in none of those enervating practices so common to worshippers of the present time. They sat on no cushioned seats, in a church whose atmosphere was warmed by stoves or furnaces. The foot stove only, within whose perforated walls, they placed the dish of glowing coals, supplied the women with warmth for their feet. In winter they found their way to church, often on ox sleds, through deep sncws. In other sea- sons of the year, they rode to church, on horseback, the father upon the saddle, in front of whom, sometimes, rode one of the children, while upon the pillion behind him, sat the wife, with another and younger child in her lap, around whom she held one arm, while with the other, she steadied herself in her ex- alted position. In those days, the now almost forgotten "horse-block," was an essential part of church furnishing, upon which the people dismounted and mounted their steeds, as they came and went on the Sabbath. In this mode of conveyance, in which they had before their eyes, no fear of a Bergh nor any of the agents of the " Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals^" they were entirely unlike their children, who, if they attend church at all, are rolled thither in elegant carriages or Avalk along well graded streets or upon sidewalks, that are yet to be greatly ex- tended and improved. But, while the circumstances of our fathers, obliged them to practice the now almost forgotten arts of prudence and economy, they yet were not open to the charge of niggardliness and pai'simoniousness. They had little ready money and this not easily obtained. They felt keenly the effects of a greatly depreciated currency. Their taxes were necessarily burdensome and the means, with which, to pay them were small. Yet they did not fail honorably to meet the de- mands, which public worship, public education and municipal authority made upon them, as will be seen farther on. Al- HISTORY OF GARDNER. G3 though they were destitute of public libraries, they were not unacquainted with many religious, literary, historical and bio- graphical works. They were familiar with the Bible, the great educator. Pilgrims' Progress and many of the standard English poets. They read the sermons of the eminent pastors, of some of our early New England pulpits, from whom, they derived the inspiration of a more exalted patriotism. Furnished thus, they were not wanting in the possession of general intelligence. We are not to think of them, surrounded as they were, by privations, as altogether devoid of the sources of domestic and social enjoyments. They had their seasons of festivity and hilarity. If they toiled hard, in the open field, in the season of seed time and harvest, they yet found time, in winter, for those social gatherings, either in their own homes, or at the village tavern, " Where gray-beard mirth and smiling toil retir'd Where village statesmen talk'd with looks profound, And news much older than their ale went round." In their social assemblies, from house to house, in the au- tumn and winter months, the young men and maidens solaced themselves in the dance, not in the objectionable modes of more recent, limes, but in the use of those well approved " fig- ures," with the dancing of which, the most orthodox dame could find no cause for censure. Those were days of husking bees, when all the neighborhood, both men and .women, came together for a jovial time, when, having finished the corn heap, they repaired to the house, where, upon long rows of tables, busy hands had placed an abundance of pum.pkin pies, and other viands, equally inviting to the hilarious assembly. Among the women, there were numerous carding, quilting and paring bees, where many hands made quick work ; while among the men, there were not wanting, occasions of local excitement, such as chopping bees, wrestling matches, raisings. May train- ings and annual musters. Those were times, the like of which, we shall never see again. Then, a raising, was a public event, fitted to interest U HISTORY OF GARDNER. everybody, even those in adjoining towns, because there was something: to be raised. Tlien, such was the abundance of timber, there was gathered upon the spot, where the building was to be erected, no undistinguishable, chaotic mass of Uimber, of despicable dimensions, such as one sees now-a-days, and, which the carpenter, single-handed, proceeds, with nails and hammer, to set up, as the " frame'' of a house, but the strong oaken timber was there, well hewed, jointed, and seasoned, ready, like the different parts of Solomon's Temple, to be set, each piece, in its proper place, by the exertions of strong, brave men. That was a scene of unusual interest and excitement. From all i)arts, men assembled, with the resolution of triumph in their mien, with iron bars, mallets and hammers. They lifted and tugged, in unity of action, until the raising had been effected. Nor were they, in all this, unmindful of the better things yet to be revealed, when their task had been accom- plished. They knew that custom demanded of him, who had invited them to assist him, a bountiful supply of good rum, with plenty of sugar to make it palatable, and a generous offering of food. They knew also, that there were to be trials of muscular skill and strength, in the wrestling of strong men, for the championship of the town, or vicinage. Then, too, we should not forget the good old days of our fathers, when every able bodied man, from eighteen to forty- five, was a soldier, subject to military duty, when the spirit of 76 still fired the hearts of the people, when every town had its May training, its quota of old, flint-lock muskets, powder house and other military furnishings, required by the state ; when regimental musters, in the Autumn, were grand occasions, to all the vicinity, when, as John Milto'u says, there were, " our trained bands, which are the trustiest and most proper strength of a free nation ;" when the boys, too young to train, went to the " battle field," not like David, to carry cheeses and parched corn, to their brethren, but to eat baker's gingerbread and candy, and to stare, with open mouths, at voluble hucksters, as they hawked their wares ; or to look, with wondering eyes. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 65 like Pickwick, upou the rhythmical movements of the battalions, as, with musket, knapsack, powder horn and canteen, they marched and countermarched, and performed their mysterious evolutions, upon the field where " From the glittering staff unfurled The imperial ensign, which, full high advanced, Shone like a meteor, streaming to the wind. With gems and golden lustre emblazed." How marvelloush' did the officers appear, as they marched at the head of their companies, or flitted across the campus on mettled steeds, with distended nostrils and foaming mouths, or prancing in side-long motions, excited by the music of '• Sonorous metal, blowing martial sounds," from all the assembled and tumultuous regimental bands. How these wondering boys watched the motions of "the general commanding," or other superior officer, who, with all "the pomp and circumstance of glorious war," galloped down upon some careless or straggling company, to utter, in guttural tones, the command, that brought them into military line again. How they gazed upon the cavalry, as they advanced, " on sounding hoofs," splendid in their burnished accoutrements fitted to " witch the world with noble horsemanship," and finally, how their nerves thrilled, with excitement, as they witnessed the " sham fight," between companies, selected for the high endeavor, of firing blank cartridges at each other, in imitation of battles more serious. We may talk humorously of these days of May trainings, and annual musters, but let us not forget their wonderfully beneficial effect in keeping aglow, in the minds of our country- men, the military spirit, out of which, sprung the achievements connected with our national independence. With "The drum And the vile squeaking of the wry-neck'd fife," our fathers kept alive, in themselves and their children, the determination to maintain their country's rights, in the face of all opposition, at home and abroad, and we honor them for so doing, for, 9 66 HISTORY OF GARDNER. " War is honorable In those who do their native rights maintain ; In those whose swords an iron barrier are Between the lawless spoiler and the weak." They were living in times of gi-eat and general excitement throughout the whole nation, when, on all these hillsides and up and down these valleys, questions of state and nation were largely and intelligently discussed. Their town meetings were no tame affairs. The citizens had before them, for settlement, matters of vital concern to them, and grandly and heroically did ihej meet them. Hence, considering the times in which they lived, and the topics which they had to discuss and settle, in their town meetings, the exertions they were compelled to make for a livelihood, and for independent existence, as a town- ship, we may conclude that, in the veins of our fathers, there was no stagnant blood. We may say of our ancestors, consid- ering their necessities, that they were men and women of pro- digious industry, who ate not the bread of idleness. In heat and cold, seed time and harvest, they were busy and frugal, seeking, by all honest endeavors, to wrench, from a hard, unkindly soil, an honorable livelihood. Their children were taught how to work, within doors and without. They tolerated no idle drones. Their sons \yere brought up in habits of industry and economy, and early made to feel the necessity of bearing some part in their own maintenance. They either worked on the farm, or were indentured, as apprentices, to some one, who should give them a good trade and, at their majority, a suit of clothes and whatever else might be specified in the indenture. Their daugh- ters were taught to spin and weave, and do all kinds of domes- tic work, and sometimes to help in the fields, in planting and harvesting. They were taught the rudiments of common learn- ing. They could read, write and spell, in a fashion, not excelled, nor even equaled, by their successors. They were not wanting, in a good knowledge of arithmetic, as far as the " Rule of Three." Thus furnished, these sons and daughters went forth, into the work of life, not to feed on already accumulated patri- HISTORY OF GARDNER. 67 monies, but to make their own way ia tlie world, by tlie sweat of their own faces. If they were deprived of many things, now enjoyed by their children, they yet might say, with Gold- smith, that, " Their best companions were innocence and Ileal th, And their best riches ignorance of wealth." Oiir fathers were men who feared God and honored their rulers, over whom they dared to exercise a watchful care, and to whom, they sometimes hesitixted not, to administer sound advice. They were accustomed " to look quite through the deeds of men," to know their civil and religious rights, and were determined to secure and maintain them, in a spirit of independence, scoi'nfnl of all undue interference ; " Contentment shares their desolate domain, With Independence, child of high disdain." It is no mKtter ot surprise then, that, endowed as the early in- habitants of this town were, with independence, fortitude, industry, frugality and a high sense of honor, in the discharge of their obligations to God and man, they should have achieved the end they had in view, in establishing this town and making it an honored constituent of the state and nation. In their praiseworthy conduct, they have left, a heritage of blessing, to their children and have taught them a lesson of self-reliance, which they are not in immediate danger of forgetting ; while, they reverently cherish their memories, as worthy to be en- shrined in their own. Ever since its incorporation, Gardner has been constantly increasing, in growth of population and in all the elements of municipal prosperity. As has been said, in the beginning of this chapter, the population, at the time of incorporation, was about three hundred and seventy-five ; in seventeen hundred and ninety, when the first United States census of the town was taken, there were five hundred and thirty-one ; in eighteen hundred, there were six hundred and sixty-seven ; in eighteen hundred and ten, there were eight hundred and fifteen ; in eighteen hundred and twenty, there were nine hundred and 68 HISTORY OF GARDNER. eleven ; in eighteen hundred and thirty, there were ten hundred and twenty-three ; in eighteen hundred and forty, there were twelve hundred and sixty ; in eighteen hundred and fifty, there were fifteen hundred and thirty-three ; in eighteen hundred and sixty, there were two thousand, six hundred and forty ; in eighteen hundred and seventy, there were three thousand, three hundred and thirty-three ; in eighteen hundred and seventy- five, there were three thousand, seven hundred and thirty-four. At the present time, this number is, probably, increased to about four thousand. Thus it will be seen, that Gardner has been constantly on the increase, in the number of its inhabitants, from the commencement of its history. The early settlers were mostly English in descent, but within the past thirty years, there has been a gradual increase of Irish and French, till now the foreign born population and their descendants, constitute quite a per cent, of the whole number of inhabitants. Within the last twenty years the town has taken a fresh start, in its growth, having nearly doubled the number of its inhabitants. This increase has created a neces- sity for more houses and stores, as well as for new streets. Going back fifty years, we should find only a few houses stand- ing upon the ground now occupied by the three villages of Gardner. Beginning at Gardner Centre, we should find, east of the common, the house of Mr. Francis Richardson ; where now stands the Town Hall, stood the house of Mr. Ben- jamin Heywood, since moved to a site south of the hall. Pur- suing our way westward, we should come to the house of Mr. William S. Lynde, on Lynde Street. Still advancing west, we should come upon the small, brown house, located just west of the Chapel, recently vacated by the Methodist Episcopal Church. Upon the side hill, west of Crystal Lake, we should find the house of Dea. Smyrna W. Bancroft. Going south, on Pleasant Street, we should find the little, old, unpainted house, upon the hill, near the residence of Mrs. Eliza Wright. Upon the side of the Fitchburg Railroad, the house of Mr. Edward Greenwood. Coming back to the Centre, HISTORY OF GARBJVUB. 69 and going down Elm Street, we should find the house uow owned by Francis P. Learned ; still farther south, that now owned by Dea. Henry Lawrence, erected by Rev. Mr. Osgood, the first pastor, for his own residence ; while on the left of Elm Street, south of the house of Simeon Howe, we should find the small, brown house near the railroad bridge ; crossing the railroad bridge, we should find, upon the east side of Kendall Hill, the house, which still retains its position, upon that slope. Going east from the Town Hall, we should find the house now owned by Mr. John Allen, and that of Mr. Webster Gates, in. which the first chair was made, in this town. On Cherry Street, we should find the house now owned by Mr. William Austin. Most of these houses are in good repair and still occupied. Comparing the town, then, with its present condition, we shall see a vivid and striking contrast. Where there were only a few, scattered houses, we have the three villages, into which, most of our population is crowded, whoso locations seem to have been determined by the direction of the streams, upon which they are placed. At the commencement of the town's history, there were probablj^ not far from sixty houses in town, most of which could not have been, in any modern sense, very elegant. At the present time, the number of residences, in Gardner, is seven hundred, thirteen and oue-half, the other half of one of the houses being in Westminster. Several resi- dences, in the town, at the present time, are both elegant and costly, having all modern appliances of hot and cold water, with all their rooms arranged, for lighting by gas. Among those deserving of special mention, in this class, are the houses of Messrs. Levi Heywood, Seth Heywood, Henry Heywood and Philander Derby at the Centre, while the beautiful and costly house of S. K. Pierce adorns the South Village. Some of the residences are beautiful for situation, as those of C. W. Conant and Jonathan L. Alger at the Centre and that of Milton M. Favor, upon the summit of Peabody Hill, while the dwellers upon Wright's Hill, in South Gardner, are no less fortunate in their location. 70 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Most of the neatly painted and blinded homes, now adorning our three villages, have been erected or purchased by their present occupants, whose industry and economy have enabled them to possess them. This is especialty true of the Irish portion of our population, who, as a ride through the parts of the town occupied by them, will show, have not only builded themselves neat little cottages, but have subdued and made fertile the many tracts of land upon which their houses stand, whose beauty and verdure, remind one of the Green Isle, from whence they came. Aside from residences of comfort and beauty, the town boasts of a Town Hall at the Centre, erected in 1860, with an audience room capable of seating about nine hundred, beneath which, are several stoi-es, and the Post Office. In all parts of the town, churches, of modern construction, school houses, well adapted to their uses, stores of all sorts and markets well supj)lied, together with many chair, pail, cane, toy and tin shops and photographic galleries, besides a foundry, machine shops and printing office, all in their vsiried ways, bear witness to the spirit of enterprise and thrift, which are characteristics of the sons, as they wei'e of the fathers. The people of this town are, and ever have been, remarkable for their industry. Consequently there is but little idleness or loafing. The men, who are not engaged in farming, work in our many shops, while many of the women are employed in seating, or weaving cane into webs, with which chairs are seated. Wisdom, enterprise and skill are every where manifest, in all the business men of the place. Prudent and cautious, they have generally been able to bear themselves safely through all financial exigencies. There have of course been pecuniary reverses among the business portions of our population, in past times, as there have been in all communities, but resiliency of spirit, real pluck, and a determination not to be long baffled, in their plans for future success and final triumph, have gener- ally carried our citizens through all their troubles and failures, and brought them safely to a secure financial footing. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 71 The town is remarkable for the fact, that all its wealth has been developed nut of its own brain and brawn. The wealthy- men of Gardner to-day, have not become so by inheritance. They have, by hard labor, good management and careful hus- bandry of their resources, risen from almost absolute penury, to their present position of pecuniary strength. It is not easy to ascertain the amount of the valuation of the town, at its in- corpoi'ation, no record being accessible to the writer, but it must have been small. Upon the first day of May, 1877, the total valuation of the town was two millions, sixty-six thousand, five hundred and thirty-three dollars. This shows that our citizens have neither been idle nor prodigal. But while all the wealth of the town has been developed within its own borders, none having been brought from other towns or cities, it is also true, that much of the money made here, in former times, has been taken away to enrich other places, as, for instance, our neighboring city Fitchburg. It may, without boasting, be truthfully said, that the citizens of Gardner are an intelligent, contented, hardworking, undemonstrative and hospitable people. While they quietly rejoice in all signs of gradual, yet perma- nent growth, in all the elements of municipal strength, they are not given to sounding their own greatness, in the public ear. They are, nevertheless, willing to have all visitors, like Antipholus, " view the manners of the town, peruse the traders, gaze upon the buildings," and render their verdict concerning it. 72 HISTORY OF GARDNER. CHAPTEE IV. THE TOWN AS CONNECTED WITH STATE AND NATIONAL AF- FAIRS-SHAYS' REBELLION. " Pride in their port, defiance in their eye, I see the lords of human kind pass by ; Intent on high designs, a thoughtful band, By forms unfashion'd, fresh from nature's hand. Fierce in their native hardiness of soul. True to imagin'd right, above control ; While e'en the peasant boasts these rights to scan. And learns to venerate himself as man." — Qoldsmith's Traveller. "And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them." — 1 Samuel 22 :2. NO sooner had the town been established, than it began to be disturbed by those commotions, which grew out of state and national affairs. The Revolutionary war had but recently closed, leaving many of those baneful etfects, which are the inevitable results of war. Among these results, was a depreciated, and constantly depreciating currency. "Upon July 22d, 1775, the Continental Congress ordered two millions of dollars to be issued, on bills of credit, for carry- ing on the war, for the defence of the country. The same expedient was resorted to, by many of the particular states, so that the country was immediately flooded, with paper bills of every denomination, and specie was banished from circulation. The sudden issue of large sums and the financial distress of HI8T0BY OF GARDNER. 73 the government of the confederation, us well as the several state governments, soon destroyed the credit of the bills, so that thej' gradually ceased to circulate, after the 21st of August, 1781. This currency continued to be used until its bulk, for the common purposes of trade, became cumbersome to the person. A year before it ceased circulating, it required sixty dollars to purchase a bushel of corn and fifteen dollars to pur- chase a pound of butter, and much larger sums were afterwards necessary, to procure the same articles."* These were times, in which, as Dr. Witherspoon once said, " debtors were pursuing their creditors," with their abundance of paper money, anxious to obtain their discharge before the value, of what was called money, should become less, or entirely worthless. A little earlier than the times, of which we write, prices were thus I'eported, by John Adams, in one of his letters to his wife, in the following words : " Prices current, four pounds a week for board, besides finding your own washing, shaving, candles, liquors, pipes, tobacco, wood, etc. Thirty shillings a week for a servant. It ought to be thirty shillings for a gentleman and four pounds for the servant, because he generally eats twice as much and makes twice as much trouble. Shoes, five dollars a pair. Salt, twenty-seven dollars a bushel. Butter, ten shillings a pound. Punch, twenty shillings a bowl." How enormous was the depreciation of the Continental Cur- rency, may be seen also, from the following waggish notice in the New York Gazette for Oct. 28, 1775: "Wanted by a gentleman fond of curiosities, who is shortly going to England, a parcel of Congress Notes, with which lie intends to paper some rooms. Those who .wish to make ' something of their stock in that commodity, shall, if they are clean and fit for the purpose, receive at the rate of one guinea per thousand for all they can bring before the expiration of the present month. Inquire of the printer. N. B. — It is expected they will be much lower. *Eobert Eantoul, Jr., on Banks. 10 74 HISTORY OF GARDNER. It is a fiict, within the memory of those still living, that sharp, unfeeling men, in those days, came out into the country, from the cities, and purchased farms, paying for them in Con- tinental money, M'hich soon became worthless to the receiver, so that, in reality, he lost his farm. But, if some men, who were in debt to others, were anxious to pay, because they had the money, there were, on the other hand, those in debt, who were not able to pay. Hence they were greatly distressed, by suits, brought against them. Creditors fell, without mercy, upon their debtors, and for want of better laws, regarding these matters, he who first laid suit, had his full claim allowed. If anything was left, the next who came, was, in like manner, served, till all were paid, or the man's possessions had been all taken away. Suits, at this time, were surprisingly numerous; no less than two thousand actions were entered, during the year 1784, in the Court of Common Pleas at Worcester. This was, considering the population at that time, a great number, and serves to give us some clearer idea, of the troubles and incon- veniences, which the people of this countrj^ were then called to endure. Whoever shall take the pains to review the journals of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, for the period of which we are now speaking, will_ be struck with the frequency, with which petitions, from many of the towns of the state, are thei'e found, praying for abatement of taxes, on account of ina- bility to pay. These petitions are an indication of the universal distress, that was then felt, on account of depreciated currency, combined with other causes. The result was great and general distress and impending financial ruin. The people, thus disturbed, would naturally look to the state government for relief. It was with our fathers, as it is with us ; if there are hard times, growing out of the unsettled condition of the currency, or from an overstocking of the rnarkets of the world, or from whatever cause, there is alwaj'S a feeling, resting in the public mind, that the government is responsible, and if one administration cannot remove the HISTORY OF GARBNER. 75 troubles, another must be substituted for it. In America, from the beginning, every man regards himself, as a political econo- mist, equal to Smith, Mill, Bowen, or Wayland, and fully com- petent to point out the causes -of all financial difficulties, and the wisest manner, in which they may be remedied. At all events, the average citizen is confident that the state, or general government is responsible for the results of those laws of political economy, which are as inexorable, in their action, as the law of gravitation, and to the discharge of this responsibility, he holds public officials with an unyielding grip. This disposition, manifests itself, in the early history of this town. Though a new and very obscure town, there was a de- termination, to make themselves heard, on the part of the early inhabitants. They were poor and but little known, yet they were not afraid to make such demands, upon the state or national officials, as they felt their circumstances demanded. They shared with other towns and counties, in the state, the feeling, that something should be done to redress their wrongs. The spirit of discontent, so rife in all parts ot the state, took palpable form, in County Conventions, which were held in 1786, at Concord, Leicester, Paxton and Hartfield. In these conventions, questions like these, had grave discussion, as is evident from the records of this and other towns : Sitting of the General Court in Boston ; the want of a circulating sys- tem ; the abuses, in the practice of the law, and the exorbi- tance of the fee table ; the existence of the Court of Common Pleas, in their present mode of administration ; the appro- priating the revenue, arising from the impost and excise, to the payment of the state securities ; the unreasonable and unneces- sary grants made by the General Court, to the Attorney Gen- eral and others ; the servants of the government being too numerous, and having too great salaries ; the existence of the Senate.* These were heavy grievances, upon the hearts of our early townsmen, which they sought, in what they considered, the best *See Marvin's History of Winchendon, p. 107. 76 HISTORY OF GARDNER. way, to remove. If, from a misunderstanding of the real functions and powers of tlie government, or if from a too great jealousy of other, more densely populated, portion of the state, they, in the clearer light of our present knowledge, and expe- rience, conducted themselves impatiently and unwisely, we nevertheless, cannot fail to admire the manly spirit, with which they bore themselves, in those times. We must remember that they were, some of them, fresh from the achievements of their national independence, whose import, they perhaps did not fully comprehend. They were men of clear heads and intelli- gent minds. They had a broad sense, through which they were able to discern their troubles, if they were not able always to give a clear diagnosis of them. They were men, little learned, in the lore of a wise statesmanship. They could not produce a written document, whose grammatical merits, would leave nothing to be desired by Richard Grant White. And yet, they were not wanting in just that ability which enabled them to secure their ends. Indeed, what is generally called "book learning," is not always essential to the greatest efficiency, or highest success in life, so that a man has brains, and a suffi- cient amount of vital force to work them vigorously. It is said that, "as late as the fourteenth century, Du Guesclin, Consta- ble of France, the greatest man in the state, and one of the greatest men of his age, could neither read nor write." With all their disadvantages, in matters of general culture, there is something of real manhood and lofty spirit, which our fathers have left recorded upon these murk}- records, that chal- lenges our admiration. They were freemen, and as such, they felt it to be a solemn duty to see that the republic should re- ceive no detriment. For them, there was no need of the prayer of Cicero, for the Conscript Fathers, " that it might indeed be written, upon the forehead of every one of the citizens, what he thought concerning the republic," for every man was so full of interest, in public matters, that he found it easy to make known his feelings, upon matters of highest concernment in the state and nation. HISTOBY OF GARDNER. 77 Hence, though few in number, our fathers, in the very infancy of their corporate 'existence, did not hesitate to utter their sen- timents in the hearing of the governor and his council, as we ■ shall find, in what now follows. In those events, of public interest, which agitated the state, at this time, to which refer- ence has been made in this chapter, our fathers boi-e an impor- tant part. At this precise period, we shall find this spirit of discontent and jealousy, crystallizing itself iuto armed force, preparing to resist oppression and maintain personal and mu- nicipal rights. In order to carry out this purpose, parties, called Regulators, were formed all over the state, whose object was to take the redress of public grievances into their own hands. As Regulators, their intention, if circumstances favored, was to regulate the aifairs of the state and to see that they, at least, secured their own rights. In a somewhat milder sense, than the term is usually employed, they were an armed mob, willing to be orderly and well behaved, if their wishes should be consulted and gratified, but ready to shed blood if they were not. Among the leaders in this moboci-acy, was a man known by the name of Capt. Shattuck. He had been arrested and was, at this time, confined in jail. His confinement gave great uneasiness, especially to those who were in sympathy with the Regulators, and even to some who were not, and yet, who desired the peace and happiness of the state, through the enjoy- ment of equal rights. As a consequence of this general feeling, a County Convention, was called, to meet at Paxton, the 26th day of November, 1786, whose object may be indicated in the following vote of the town, and in the instructions given the delegate chosen to sit in that convention. The town meeting was called, especially, as the warrant reads, " To see if the town will choose a person to sit in con- vention, at Paxton, on Tuesday, the twenty-sixth day of this instant, agreeable to a letter sent to this town, for that purpose, or act anything relating thereunto as the town shall think best when met. Met agreeable to warrant. Voted, To send a man 78 HIST OB Y OF GARDNER. to the convention at Paxton. Made choice of Capt. Samuel Keltou,to sit in convention, at Paxton, on Tuesday, the twenty- sixth day of September, 1786. Voted, To choose a committee of three to give directions to the delegate, namely : William Bickford, David Foster, Elijah Wilder, committee." The com- mittee made their report as follows : Whereas, The difficulties and tumults that are rising, by reason of the scarcity of money and large salaries to support government, and high tax of officers at large, we desire that you will use your influence, that these salaries may be -taken down, and salaries given, that may be handsome for their sup- port, and not too burdensome to the people at large, and that the lawyers and inferior courts, may be entirely annihilated, and also that the General Court, might not make any grants of state lands, to any person, except it is to pay state charges. Also that the General Court may be removed, out of Boston, into some country town. William Bickford, ^ David Fosteu, > Qommittee. Elijah Wilder, ) Gardner, Sept. 25th, 1786. Voted, To accept the report of this committee. To Capt. Samuel Kelton, chose to sit in convention. It is not certain that anj" of the citizens of Gardner, actively participated in the opposition then raised against state govern- ment. It will, however, be seen, by the instructions given to the delegate chosen to sit in convention, at Paxton, that they possessed emphatic ideas, upon the scarcity of money, high salaries, which, while they were willing to have "handsome," they desired to have " taken down," and that the " lawyers and inferior courts should be entirely annihilated." They also had so little regard for what has since been called the Athens of America, as to desire that the General Court should be removed out of it, " to some country town." Since nothing further is recorded, upon the town records, concerning the action of this convention, nor of the town in it, HI8T0BY OF GARDNER. 79 we may conclude that the inhabitants had ceased to vent their feelings in this direction. They did not, however, cease to manifest a deep interest in state affliirs. Leaving inferior things, their minds were brought to boar upon the Governor himself, whose ears they feared not to assault, in the followino- well expressed petition, which Capt. Elisha Jackson was chosen to bear directly to the hands of Governor Bowdoin. Let the reader pictui-e to himself the personal appearance of this same Capt. Elisha Jackson, as, " intent on high designs," and " true to imagined right," he laid the petition of his town, before the Governor, with the spirit of the " Arvernian aristo- crat," Vercingetorix, as he cast his arms at the feet of Csesar, in his Gallic camp. Though " little among the thousands " of the state, Gardner was intent on being heard by the Governor and his Council. What effect the petition had upon these august personages, or what was its influence upon the future destinies of the state, does not appear. To his Excellency, James Bowdoin, Esq., Oovernor of the Commonwealtli of Massachusetts, and to the Honorable Council of said Gommonwealth : The petition of the town of Gardner, humbly showeth, that, whereas, the state disturbances, and rising of the people in this state, in stopping the courts, etc., threatens the ruin of this state, if not all the states in the union, if matters are not settled soon, and in peace ; we therefore pray, your Excellency, with the Council, to do everything in your power, for the settlement of the same, even to the liberating of Capt. Shattuck and others, who are confined in any of the gaols of this commonwealth, who are of the party that is called Regulators, and are confined on that account, if it could be, without a trial, if not, that thej' may have it as quick as may be, and if even found guilt}', they may have a pardon, and that no more of that party may be taken, if there is any likelihood of there being any means of settling the matter. And we have been informed, that the body, called Regulators, have petitioned that the Court of the General Ses- 80 HISTORY OF GABDISTFR. sions of the Peace, etc., should be put by, in several of the counties, until a new house should be chosen. We had better suffer a little, than a civil war should take place. Therefore, if the suspension of the courts, a little while, in a few counties, would be a means of accommodating the matter, we could wish for that, and until the people in the out counties, could even be informed of what the General Court have already done, con- cerning matters that are called grievances, though we have not a right of representation, by the Constitution, yet we have a right to pray for peace, which must be the strength and happi- ness of a people. Therefore, we. pray, that everything you can do, to bring about peace, might be done, and that your Excel- lency laj' the above before the General Court at their session. And we pray for their acceptance in completing the same, and that the God of Peace, may grant you all that wisdom, that the times call for ; that peace and happiness be restored again to the people of this state. Voted, That the town clerk date this petition and sign it. Joseph Bacon, Town Clerk. Gardner, January 15th, 1787. Voted, To choose some person to convey this petition to the Governor. Voted, That Elisha Jackson be the person. For the sake of our children, who might otherwise remain in ignorance of the events which threatened the existence and perpetuity of our republican institutions, at this particular period of our history, we cannot resist the temptation to insert here, an account of " The Shays' Eebellion," which occurred at this time. We are indebted to William L. Smith, Esq., a lawyer in Springfield, for the following comprehensive and reliable accoimt of this rebellion, which he read before the Con- necticut Valley Historical Society, at Springfield, Oct. 1st, 1877. SHAYS' EEBELLION. The history of the insurrection in Massachusetts — commonly called the " Shays' Rebellion" — is interesting as the record of HISTORY OF GARDNER. 81 the only serious attempt ever made against tlie authority of the state government. The insurrection having first taken an organized form in the Connecticut valley and having here met its final overthrow, the preservation of local facts concerning it is expressly within the province of this society. This paper will relate mainly to such incidents of the rebellion as occurred in Springfield and the immediate vicinity. The insurrection was the result of a condition of things now popularly described as "hard times." It did not originate so much in disaffection toward the state government as in an uncontrollable impulse of a distressed people to seek relief in some way, or any way. The long and burdensome war of the Revolution had just been brought to a close. The country was impoverished. The continental paper money had become worthless, and no substitute for it had been provided. There was no trade, no demand for labor, no way in which the value of property of any kind could be measured. Under the bar- barous laws then in force, the jails were becoming filled with prisoners whose only offense was their inability to pay their debts. Men who had nothing to do but to talk about their grievances and distresses were easily excited to turbulence, and local disturbances were frequent and serious. The authorities were too often in sympathy with the off'enders against the law, and guilty parties went unpunished. The state constitution, adopted in 1780, was viewed with disfavor by a large minority of the people and was not regarded as securely established. The constitution of the United States had not then been framed, and all existing government was merely experimental. There was at that time no law for the equitable distribution of a debtor's property among his creditors. The executions of the creditors were levied in the order in which their attach- ments were made, and each creditor was satisfied in his tui-n until all were paid, or the debtor's estate was exhausted. A man whose credit was suspected found his property covered by attachments at once, and in the condition of things then exist- ing a very slight circumstance excited suspicion. Litigation 11 82 HISTORY OF GARDNER. became general. The state was showered with executions, and large amounts of property were sold for almost nothing to satisfy them. In the unreasoning excitement of the time, the courts, lawyers and sheriffs were denounced in the wildest terms as the promoters of the suffering that men Avere inflicting upon each other. A cry arose that the courts ought to be abolished. Threats were made that the courts should not be allowed to sit, that no more suits should be entered and no more executions issued. It was such wild clamor as this that led to the first overt act in resistance to the lawful authority. There was no general insurrection until the summer of 178(5, but as early as 1783 a bold attempt was made at Springfield to break up the session of the court of common pleas. The "Massachusetts Gazette or the General Advertiser"' (then printed at Springfield) of May 27, gives this account of it : — On Tuesday last, boiug the day on which the general sessions of the , peace and the court of common pleas opened in this town, a banditti, collected from the obscure corners of the county, composed of men of the most infamous character, to the amount of about sixty in number, met in this town to prevent the sitting of the court. » # * They showed no disposition to attack the courts in the forenoon ; at two o'clock they met at a public house in the town and resolved themselves to be a convention of the county, met together for the purpose of re- dressing grievances ; after having passed several important resolves they adjourned their convention to the elm tree near the court-house ; when the bell rang for the court, they, in hostile parade, armed with white bludgeons, cut for that purpose, marched before the door of the court- house, and when the court, headed by the sheriff, came to the door, with insolence opposed their entrance ; the sheriff, in the mild terms of per- suasion, addressing them as gentlemen, desired them to make way. His civility was repaid with outrage, and an action soon commenced ; happily there was a collection of people friendly to the government pres- ent, and the mob was repulsed with broken heads. A number of them were instantly taken and committed to prison ; after which, by a regular procedure, they were brought before the court of sessions for examina- tion, and were bound to appear before the supreme court. HISTOBY OF GARDNER. 83 The Legisliiture of 1786 was elected at a time of great ex- citement. Demagogism was in its gloiy, and the distresses of the people were used for the accomplishment of personal and political ends. Many of the men who had hitherto been in- trusted with the responsibilities of legislation, and were prom- inent in the service of the state, were superseded by inexpe- rienced and in many cases by utterly unfit persons. Patriots of the revolution, whose eloquent appeals had aroused the spirit that carried the country triumphantly through the war of independence, were defeated as candidates, merely because they happened to be lawyers. When the Legislature assembled various visionary schemes were brought forward, among them a proposition that the state should go into the business of man- utacturiug paper mone}'. The "greenback" party of the day was active and nois^'. The very men who had lived through a period of great inflation and consequent depreciation wanted to travel over the same wretched rdad again. We should wonder at this if we had not recently seen history repeating itself in this particular. After reading the discussions of that time one is brought to the conclusion that the advocates of rag money have not materially strengthened their arguments during the last ninety years. The Legislature proceeded deliberately, influenced, no doubt, by the conservative sentiment of Boston, and finally rejected the proposition ; and the Senate stood firmly in the way of other dangerous schemes. Thereupon there arose a new clamor. It was declared that the senate should be abolished and that the Legislature should not continue to hold its sessions at Boston ; and the agitators proceeded to supple- ment their boisterous declamations by a formal organization. The Legislature adjourned on the 8th of July. On the 28th of August delegates from fifty towns in Hampshire county (Hampden and Franklin counties were part of Hampshire at that time) met in convention at Hatfield and held a session of three days. All the issues of the day were represented in that convention. The paper money party was in strong force. The men who " had fought for liberty and meant to have it," were 84 HISTORY OF GARDNER. there, and liberty as they understood it was defined by one of their leaders in a speech at West Springfield. Liberty, he said, " is for every man to do as he pleases and to make other folks do as you please to Ijave them." Of course there was a mixture of local politics. There was some in the convention who hon- estly thought they could see their way out of their troubles through mere legislation, but with all of them the idea of re- dressing grievances by revolution was familiar and popular. The convention solemnly voted "that this meeting is con- stitutional," and issued a declaration of its purposes. The declaration was a marked specimen of energetic fault-finding, but failed to present practical recommendations for the removal of the evils complained of. They wanted, among various other things, a revisal of the state constitution, the abolition of the Senate and of the court of common pleas, and more paper money. The convention called upon other counties to organize and took care to go through the form of advising the people to abstain from all mobs and unlawful assemblies. The events of the next few days gave an unexpected con- struction to the convention's declaration against mobs and unlawful assemblies. The last Tuesday of August was the day fixed by law for the term of the court of common pleas at Northampton. Some fifteen hundred men took possession of the court-house, and prevented the sitting of the court. The term was not held, and the men who did not intend to pay their debts celebrated a victory over the law. After accomplishing its object the mob dispersed, but the insurrection was then under full headway. It took the clerk of the court but very little time to record the proceedings of that term. Here is the full record : — Early on the morning of this day there was collected a considerable number of persons under arms, who paraded near the court-house, with a proposed design to prevent tliis court from sitting ; a committee from whom presented a petition, requesting the court would not proceed to do any business. The court having considered thereof thought proper to open the same af the house of Capt. Samuel Clark, innholder, in North- HISTORY OF GARDINER. 85 amptou ; and having continued all matters now pending in said court to the term of this court next to be holden in Springfield, in and for the county of Hampshire, on the second Tuesday of November next, ad- journed without day. The November terra, to which the matters pending Avere con- tinued, was never held, nor was any term of the court held in the county luitil May of the following year. The docket was kept alive by legislative action. Gov. Bowdoiu issued a proclamation calling upon the civil officers and the good citizens of the state to sustain the laws, but the officers were powerless and the good citizens were over- awed by the aggressive violence of the insurgents. In some localities the militia were ordered out, but the order was soon countermanded, for it was found that the militia, as then organ- ized, was composed in a very large degree of the insurgents themselves, and could not be trusted. Meantime the rioters were profiting by the enforced inaction of the state authorities. The judges whose duty it was to hold the September term of the court of common pleas at Worcester found the door of the court-house bristling with bayonets, and they were not admitted. Like outrages were committed in Middlesex, Bristol and Berk- shire counties. In the other counties there was less open insur- rection, but, with the exception of the town of Boston and its immediate vicinity, the rebels had substantially the control of the state. The extent of the disaffection at this time was not known to the state authorities, and j)robably not to the insur- gents themselves, until after the troubles were over, and after- the Legislature had made a law disqualifying persons engaged in the rebellion from holding civil office. It was then found that in some 'towns there were not enough men untainted with rebellion to fill the necessary town offices, and further legisla- tion was necessary to bridge over the difficulty. It is probable that about one-third of the population of the state were more or less actively in sympathy with the insurrection. The governor issued a proclamation calling the Legislature to meet in special session on the 27th of September. The 86 HISTORY OF GARDNER. proclamation was au incentive to still greater activity on the part of the insurgents. On the other hand, the supporters of the government felt the increased necessity of making a stand agaiust insurrection. The law required the supreme judicial court to sit at Springfield on the fourth Tuesday of September. The insurgents, who had not hitherto interfered with the court, declared that the term should not be held. At that time the grand juries reported to the supreme court, and the insurgent leaders knew that if the grand jury assembled and did its dutj' they would be indicted for treason. The friends of law and order declared that the court should be protected in any event, and at whatever cost. The issue was thus squarely made up, and each party meant what it said. Gen. William Shepard of Westfield, -who had served with distinction through the war of the Revolution, and had been a member of the continental congress and a trusted oiBcer of Gen. Washington, was appointed to command such forces as could be raised for the protection of the court. Shays, the leader of the insui-gents, had held a commission in the conti- nental army, and was conspicuous for his personal bravery at Bunker Hill and Stony Point, and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne. Revolutionary experiences were still fresh, and almost every man in the community was accustomed in some degree to the use of arms and military drill. It was well understood that neither party would give way to the other, and there was hardly ground for hope that a blo<;dy collision would be averted. Gen. Shepard succeeded in collecting about 600 militia and volunteers, and anticipated the plans of the insurgents by taking possession of the court-house. On the Sppointed day the court was opened. Chief Justice Gushing and Justices Sar- geant, Sewall and Sumner being present, and Shays appeared at the head of a force largely superior in numbers to Gen. Shepard's, but his men were not as well armed as were the militia. The insurgent leaders were disconcerted at finding the militia in possession of the court-house ; their followers were HISTORY OF GARDNER. 87 enraged, and insisted upon making an immediate attack. But the leaders were more prudent. They knew that the govern- ment troops were well armed, they had no artillery and they were especially disgusted' with the bark of a small cannon, which they styled the "government's puppy." They offered to withdraw if the judges would agree that no other than the ordinary' criminal business of the term should be taken up. The judges replied in substance that^ they had a public duty to discharge, and would attend to such business as should properly come before them. But by the time this answer was received the insurgent leaders were indifferent as to the action of the court, for they were satisfied the grand jury could not be got together and that there would be no trials. They saw their main purpose would be accomplished without fighting. Shays had his headquarters on or near Ferry lane (now Cypress street,) and a tavern that stood on the southerly corner of the present Main and Sargent streets was a favorite rendezvous of the insurgents. The inhabitants of Springfield were beginning to feel some relief from their anxiety when a new commotion was seen in the camp of the insurgents. It was rumored among them that the militia had determined that they should not be permitted to march past the court-house. It is not likely that any person in authority on the government side threw down the gauntlet in that waj'. It is more probable that the rumor originated with some of the Shays men who wanted a pretext for a fight and consequent pillage. But the rumor, however it originated, aroused the fighting qualities of the insurgents. Old soldiers were not to be told that they must not march over the highway. They notified Gen. Shcpard that they would march past the court-house forthwith, and they did so in military order and with loaded muskets, and they countermarched and again passed under the windows of the court-house. But no one come for- ward to knock the chip from their leader's shoulder. The experiment of the insurgents proved a failure. The militia could not be tempted to accept a mere challenge or invite a 88 HISTORY OF GARDNER. battle. A taunt or a careless word would have occasioned a collision, but the word was not spoken. But some of the militia were so impressed by the numbers and bearing of the insurgents that they deserted their colors and enlisted imder Shays. The court was kept open three days, but the proceedings amounted to a mere ceremony. The grand jury did not assem- ble. Parties to causes, jurors and witnesses were under arms, either on one side or the other. One defendant, who was out on bail, was defaulted, and that was the only business trans- acted at the term. The adjournment of the court, under such circumstances, was a victory for the insurgents, and their tri- umph was made complete when they learned that the judges had determined not to hold the October term at Great Barring- ton. The judges had been informed of the preparations made for their reception at that place, and knew it would be useless to attempt to hold the term. The rebels had accomplished all they intended, and more, but success had crazed them. The rank and file were clamor- ous for a fight, and Shays sent a message to General Shepard demanding a surrender of the court-house. Gen. Shepard did not deem the possession of the court-house worth figliting for, the court having adjourned, and moved his forces to the federal arsenal, where there was valuable property that required pro- tection. The insurgents, finding no satisfaction in standing guard over an empty building, and not yet being ready to make war against the federal authority, soon dispersed. Minot's History of the insurrections, etc., published within two years after these occurrences, says, " The condition of the town of Springfield was truly melancholy during this civil con- tention. Neighbors were opposed to each other under arms, the houses were rendered the scenes of female distress, and it was in the power of accident only to have brought an action which might have destroyed the lives of thousands, and sub- jected all property to the immediate vengeance of the party that might have become victorious. After remaining in this HISTORY OF GARDNER. 89 situation for four clays the inhabitants were relieved by the dis- persing of both parties." The conservative sentiment of Springfield as a town is shown by the record of a town meeting held on the 25th of September. At a previous meeting a committee, consisting of William Pynchoo, Capt. Thomas Stebbius, Reuben Bliss and Thomas Willistou, had been appointed " to take into consider- ation the present aspect of our public affairs and what meas- ures are j^rudent to be adopted by the town to extricate us out of our present difficulties." The report of this committee, which was made by Mr. Pynchon, was in the form of a letter of instructions to Samuel Lyman, the representative of the town in the General Court, which was about to meet in special session. I quote from the report : — If a motion should be made for a paper medium to be substituted in the place of solid coin, as a tender in discharge of private debts, you will oppose it with all your intiuence. Such a medium is iniquitous in itself, pregnant of innumerable evils, both political and moral, con- trary to the spirit of our constitution, and inconsistent with the rights of mankind ; whatever order government may see fit to make with respect to future contracts, no government can possibly have a right to alter private contracts, already made under her patronage, and the protection and security of laws then existing. A usurpation in such an instance might soon become a precedent for usurpation still more dangerous, till the liberties of the people were annihilated, not to add that the increase of our paper debt at a time when it is already a burthen, appears a pre- posterous and ridiculous remedy. You are not to favor any motion for a present revisal of our constitu- tion. We ai'e far from thinking it too perfect to be amended, but as within a few years it is to be revised of course if then found necessary, we cannot suppose it would be prudent to incur the extraordinary expense and peculiar danger of attempting an alteration in so burthen- some and so critical a time as this. There are matters of greater and more immediate consequence which require your attention and on which present relief more especially depends. The general perturbation of people's spirits at this instant will scarcely admit that calm, dispassion- ate deliberation which is necessary in laying the groundwork in govern- ment in so large and so economical a state, and a state which has so 12 90 HI8T0RY OF GARDJSFUB. many foreign as well as domestic connections, and probably would pre- vent a tolerable agreement in any amendments that would be proposed. "We imagine that part of our discontents may arise from misapprehen- sion, and therefore it is our wish that when the Legislature have done all in their power to relieve our real burthens, they would in a public address state our case to us in its various circumstances with as much perspi- cacity as possible that our mistakes, if we have unhappily fivllen into any, may be rectified, and our imaginary as well as real grievances may be removed. When the Legislature assembled it was found that the Senate was in favor of vigorous measures in support of the govern- ment. In the House there was a party in sympathy with the insurgents, and another party opposed to disorder, but not in favor of coercive measures. There were others who thought they saw in the successful defiance of the courts a failure of republican institutions, and who looked to a revolution as a necessary or convenient step toward the establishment of an aristocratic government. Extremes were thus meeting and co- operating. Toward the close of the session, however, acts were reluctantly passed authorizing the governor and council to imprison without bail such persons as they deemed danger- ous to the public safety, and providing that persons indicted for treason might be tried in any county. But these wholesome measures were qualified by an ofier of a free pardon to such of the insurgents as should take the oath of allegiance before the 1st of January. An address to the people was voted, as had been suggested by the Springfield town meeting, but the most important thing of all was neglected. They did not provide money to meet the expenses of dealing successfully with the insurrection. The failure of the legislature to adopt energetic measures gave new courage to the insurgents. They derided what they called the weakness and timidity of the government, and laughed at the offer of pardon. The war upon the courts was persistently maintained. In December Shays made another raid upon Springfield, and forcibly prevented the session of the HI8T0BY OF GARDWER. 91 court of common pleas. A letter from Springfield to the Bos- ton Chronicle, under date of December 27, gives this account of his proceeding : — There is a stagnation of almost every kind of business among us by reason of the tumults which are so prevalent here. Yesterday we had another visit from the mobility ; about 350 men marched in hostile array, with drums beating, and took possession of the court-house, com- manded by Shays, Pay and Grover, in order to prevent the sitting of the court of common pleas, which by law was to have been held here at that time. This they effected, as there was no opposition on the part of the government. It was not possible for the court (as they were sur- rounded by an armed force and a guard placed at the door of the room in which the judges were met) to proceed to do business. They there- fore informed a committee who were chosen by the insurgents to wait on them that they would not attempt to open the court. After which, about dark, the insurgents left the town. It is evident that this was a surprise to the people of Spring- field. For some reason or other they had believed that the court would not be interfered with. The indignation among the friends of the government was intense, and within a few hours a permanent military force was organized for local pur- poses. But the outrage upon the court was productive of good, results. It proved to be a material element in arousing the party of order to vigorous and decisive action, and was the last armed attack made upon the courts of Massachusetts. This form of mob rule had its beginning and end in Springfield. News traveled slowly in 1786. Information of this last exploit of Shays was not received by the governor until the first of January. The news was received at Boston with sur- prise and alarm. Springfield had been regarded as the govern- ment stronghold in the western part of the state, and an uncon- tested insurgent success had not been expected at that point. At the same time an attack upon Boston was threatened by the insurgents, and there were indications that a part of the popula- tion of that town were ready for revolt. Disturbances, too, were occurring in other states. In New Hampshire an armed 92 HISTORY OF GARDINER. mob surrouuded the Legislature, demanding tiie enactment of a paper money law. There were well-founded apprehensions that general anarchy would be the barren sequence of all the magnificent achievements of the continental armies. The governor and the members of the executive council were capable and resolute men, and were ftiithful to their great trusts, but they were powerless. They did not have at their command the means of sustaining even a single regiment in the field. The emergency was finally met by some of the capitalists and business men of Boston, who realized the danger to which their interests would be exposed by a revolution, and came forward with an offer of a loan to the state, trusting to future legisla- tion for their reimbursement. Their oflTer was accepted, and there was at once a change in the condition of affairs. There was a new and wholesome activity in the executive departments. Orders were issued for the raising and equipment of forty-five hundred men, a considerable army in that day. Public senti- ment at once exhibited a more healthy tone. The wavering and doubting began to get off the fence and range themselves on the side that had troops and monej', and the lukewarm and more thoughtful among the insurgents began to think of their allegiance. Shays and his council had been in deliberation over two distinct plans of operation. The more reckless of the leaders advised an attack upon Boston for the purpose of releasing two of their number who had been arrested and were held in jail. Others advised that the attack on Boston be de- layed until after the seizure of the continental arsenal at Spring- field, with its store of war material, and this last plan was the one adopted. The Hampshire county quota of twelve hundred men were ordered to assemble at Springfield, and Gen. Shepard was placed in command. The eastern militia were to meet at Eox- bury, whence they were to march to Worcester and there be joined with the force raised in Worcester county. The chief command was given to Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, an accomplished officer of the Revolutionary war. Gov. Bowdoin's orders to HISTORY OF GARDNER. 93 Gen. Lincoln required him to protect the court of common pleas at the January term at Worcester, and left his further movements against the insurgents to his own discretion. Gen. Shepard again anticipated the movements of Shaj's. Acting under the authority of the secretary of war, he took possession of the arsenal. Gen. Lincoln reached Worcester on the 22d of January after a three days' march from Roxbury through the deep snow of midwinter. The court was opened and proceeded with the business of the term. Order was re- stored at Worcester and substantially at all points in the state east of that place. The insurgents were concentrating their strength in the western counties, and it was understood on all hands that the issue was to be tried and determined at Spring- field. The positions of the several armed forces on the evening of January 24 were as follows : Gen. Shepard was posted at the arsenal with about one thousand men. Shays had just reached Wilbraham on his march from Eutland. A part of Lincoln's command was less than two days' march in the rear of Shays. Luke Da}', an insurgent leader, was at West Springfield with about four hundred men and boys, well armed and well drilled. There was a good ice bridge at the time, so that he was within easy reach of the arsenal. Eli Parsons, a Berkshire leader, was in the north parish cf Springfield (now Chicopee) with about four hundred men. The total insurgent force was about double that of Gen. Shepard. The inhabitants of Springfield, except such as were within the immediate protection of Gen. Shepard, were kept in con- stant alarm. Respectable citizens were seized in their own houses and taken to Day's camp in West Springfield, where they were kept under guard as hostages and for purposes of retaliation. Men were not sure whether their near neighbors were friends or foes, and unprotected homes were exposed to outrage and plunder. Upon the receipt of the news that Shays had reached Wilbraham, most of the women and children who had means of conveyance fled from the town, the greater part of them going to Lougmeadow. 94 HISTORY OF GABDNER. On his arrival at Wilbraham Shays sent a message to Day informing him that he intended to attack the arsenal on the 25th. Day replied by letter that he could not move on that day, but would join in the attack on the 26th. Day's messenger was arrested, and his letter, instead of going to Shays, went to General Shepard. On the 25th Shays moved upon Springfield, expecting, of course, the co-operation of Day and Parsons. Even if he had received Day's letter he could not have delayed his attack. His only chance of success was hi seizing the arsenal before Gen. Lincoln could come up. At that time none of the buildings now standing on the arsenal grounds had been erected. There were two wooden buildings, built for barracks and for storage on the brow of the hill looking to the north, on or near, the site of the present store-house. There was a private dwelling-house on the site of the present middle arsenal (opposite the Olivet church.) It was to this house that the dead and wounded insurgents were carrie'd. East of that point there were no buildings except the powder magazine that stood in a then remote spot in the woods. Magazine street has since been located over its site. The pres- ent main Armory square was the public training field. There were not then anj' gun shops on the arsenal grounds. If there was one in the town at that time it was in Ferry lane, where government gun work was originally done in Springfield. When Shays left Wilbraham on the morning of the 25th, Asaph King, a deputy sheriff, started on horseback to give in- formation to Gen. Shepard. He was obliged to avoid the high- ways and made his way across the fields, through snowdrifts and over fences, and is said to have accomplished the distance in forty-five minutes. This was the first exact information received by Gen. Shepard of the approach of Shays, and he proceeded to make ready for his fitting reception. His men were stationed near the barracks, and his cannon were planted on the brow of the hill commanding the approach by the Boston road. A part of his force was posted in Main street, at the point now crossed by the Boston and Albany railroad, for the HISTORY OF GARDNER. 95 purpose of holding Day in check, in case he should attempt to come to the aid of Shays. A considerable mob collected at that point, but did not attempt an attack upon the militia. It was towards the close of the short winter day that the insurgents were seen from the arsenal making their toilsome march through the snow on the Boston road. They were in the best of spirits. Every attempt they had hitherto made had succeeded, but it was not an unprotected court-house they were now intending to occupy. Some of them were to be dead within the next few minutes. Shays was entirely confident. Some of his old army comrades went out to meet him, and advised him to keep out of the range of Gen. Shepard's guns, and abandon his treason. He received them pleasantly, told them he was sure of success, and was inclined to be jocose. He did not know his own men. There is a good deal of loose tradition about the affair of the 25th of January, which is entirely omitted here, for the reason that it does not seem to be supported by any trustworthy con- temporary evidence. There was not any battle. The only firiuff was on the government side and there was but little of that. Only one shot seems to have been fired in genuine earnest, and that was followed by a panic among the insurgents and a flight. The official report of the firm but kind-hearted Gen Shepard to the government gives us reliable history. It is as follows : — Springfield, January 26, 1787. Sir : — The unhappy time has come in which we have been obliged to shed blood. Shays, who was at the head of about twelve hundred men, marched yesterday afternoon about four o'clock toward the public buildings, in battle array. He marched his men in an open column by platoons. I sent several times, by one of my aids, and two other gen- tlemen, Capts. Buffington and Woodbridge, to him to know what he was after, or what he wanted. His reply was, he wanted barracks, barracks he would have, and stores. The answer was, he must purchase them dear, if he had them. He .still proceeded on his march, until he approached within two hundred and fifty yards of the arsenal. He then made a halt. I immediately sent Maj. Lyman, one of my aids, and 9G HISTORY OF GARDNER. Capt. Buffington, to inform him not to march his troops any nearer the arsenal on his peril, as I was stationed here by order of your excellency and the secretary at war, for the defense of the publick property ; in case he did, I should surely fire on him and his men. A Mr. Wheeler, who appeared to be one of Shays' aids met Mr. Lyman after he had deliv- ered my orders in the most peremptory manner, and made answer, that that was all he wanted. Shays immediately put his troops in motion and marched on rapidly near one hundred yards. I then ordered Maj. Stephens, who commanded the artillery to fire upon them ; he accord- ingly did. The two first shot he endeavored to overshoot them, in hope they would have taken warning, without firing among them, but it had no effect on them. Maj. Stephens then directed his shot through the centre of his column. The fourth or fifth shot put the whole column into the utmost confusion. Sha3'S made an attempt to display his col- umn, but in vain. We had one howit. Which was loaded with grape shot, which, when fired, gave them great uneasiness. Had I been dis- posed to destroy them, I might have charged upon their rear and flanks with my infantry and the two field-pieces, and could have killed the greater part of his whole army within twenty-five minutes. There was not a single musket fired on either side. I found three men dead on the spot, and one wounded, who is since dead. One of our artillerymen, by inattention, was badly wounded. Three muskets were taken up with the dead, which were all deeply loaded. I enclose to your excellency a copy of a paper sent to me last evening. I have received no reinforcements yet, and expect to be at- tacked this day by their whole force combined. I am sir, with great respect. Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant, William Shepaed. His Excellency James Bowdoin, Esq. The following is a copy of the paper enclosed in the above letter : — Headquakters, West Springeield, I January 25, 1787. ] The body of the people assembled in arms, adhering to the first prin- ciples in nature, self-preservation, do, in the most peremptory manner, demand 1. That the troops in Springfield lay down their arms. 2. That their arms be deposited in the publick stores, under the care HISTORY OF GARDJSTER. 97 of the proper officers, to be returned to tlie owners at the termination of tlie present contest. 3. That the troops return to their homes upon parole. Luke Day, Captain Commandant of this division. To the commanding officer at Springfield, Jan. 25, 1787. On the back,—" By Col. Eli Parsons." The " captain commandant" who made this high-sounding de- mand ran away, two days hiter, without firing a shot. The lives so foolishly thrown away before the arsenal were those of Ezekiel Koot and Ariel Webster of Gill, Jabes Spicer of Ley den and John Hunter of Shelburne. In the evening Shays sent a messenger to Gen. Shepard with a flag of truce requesting that the bodies of five of his men killed before the arsenal should be returned to him. Gen. Shepard's rather grim reply was that he could not furnish him at that time with five insurgents, as he had but four, and one of them was not quite dead, but that if Shays would attack the arsenal again, Gen. Shepard would furnish him as many rebels as he should desire. The attack anticipated by Gen. Shepard was not made. Shays retreated on the night of the 25th to " Chapin's tavern," five miles east of the town. The next day he joined Parson's force at Chicopee, two himdred of his men deserting by the way. A bold dash on the morning of the 27th might possibly have helped him, but he lost the only opportunity there was remaining to him. At noon on that day a part of Gen. Lin- coln's army consisting of three regiments of infantry, three companies of artillery and a body of cavalry reached Spring- field. After a rest of one hour the Lincoln infantry and artil- lery crossed the river for the purpose of seizing Day and his party. At the same time Gen. Shepard moved up the river on the east bank, and the cavalry went up. the river on the ice to prevent a junction of Day and Shays. There was no inclina- tion to fight among the insurgents, who retired as the militia advanced, their numbers lessening by desertions as they went. The pursuit was vigorously maintained until the insurgent 13 98 HISTORY OF GARDNER. leaders were captured or driven from the state, but several months elapsed before quiet was entirely restored. The peace of Springfield was not again disturbed by the rebellion. The insurrection Avas practically subdued before Shays ap- peared before the arsenal. Most of the men of influence who had taken part in the earlier proceedings of the insurgents had" withdrawn from active participation with them. Some of them were aifrighted at the confusion they had aided in creating. Others had become convinced of the power of the state to inforoe its laws and punish offenders. There were others who could not be induced to lift their hands against the federal authority or property, and there was an evident distrust of the capacity of the insurgent leaders to successfully conduct a rebellious enterprise. Shays, though his personal courage is admitted, did not possess the qualities of leadership. He was a soldier of fortune, with a dull idea of personal honor, though at this late day we can, perhaps, aff'ord to adopt the suggestion of a newspaper correspondent of the time, who spoke of him as " one Shays a deranged officer of the late wai-." He was not the man to retain the respect of his subordinates and followers. The men who cried " murder" and ran away at the first sight of blood, were not the old soldiers who had challenged the militia to a fight in the main street of Springfield in September. Daniel Shays who gave his name to the rebellion was born at Hopkinton in 1747. He removed to Great Barrington and afterward resided in Pelham. After the suppression of the insurrection he removed to Sparta, N. Y., where he lived in utter poverty, until 1825. Luke Day was born in West Spring- field and died there in poverty, in 1801. Johu Hancock, who was the first governor under the state constitution was again elected in 1787. It is no unfavorable criticism of the administration that immediately preceded him to say, that his election was generally received as a promise of the removal of the prevailing discontent. The armed insurrec- tion had been suppressed, but the work of bringing the people of the state to a cordial and unanimous support of the consti- HISTORY OF GARDNER. 99 tution and laws remtiined to be performed. The new governor assumed this diiEcult undertaking and accomplished it. John Hancock did not believe in the religion of hate. Nine of the leading insurgents who were convicted of treason and sentenced to death were pardoned, some of them at the foot of the gal- lows, the only condition being that they should never hold any office, civil or military, within the commonwealth. A large number of persons convicted of seditious offences were par- doned unconditionally. A member of the Legislature who was convicted of treasonable practices was sentenced to stand for an hour on the gallows, with a rope around his neck and to pay a fine of fifty pounds. This seems to have been the only sen- tence carried into execution. It would be a good plan perhaps to revive this mode of dealing with recreant legislators. Con- ciliatory measures were adopted by the Legislature. The sul- len mutteriugs of the defeated insurgents gradually subsided. Commerce soon settled commercial difficulties in its own way, as it always does if unfettered by meddlesome legislation, and a season of prosperity ensued. The rebellion was ended at last in accordance with the grand precepts of the gospel of for- giveness and of peace. And all history tells us that rebellion is never completely conquered in any other way. As giving a more minute account of the closing scenes of the rebellion, we also insert the following extract from Lincoln's History of Worcester, together with a notice of Shays, by the same author : — " The career of Shays, was fast drawing to its close. Driven from post to post, he suddenly retired from Pelham to Peters- ham, where he expected to concentrate the forces of expiring rebellion and make his final stand. Litelligence of this change of position reached Gen. Lincoln at Hadley, February 3d, aud he determined, by prompt and decisive action, to terminate the warfare. When the troops took up the line of march, at eight o'clock, the evening was bright and mild. Before morning the cold became intense ; the dry and light suow, whirled before a 100 HISTORY OF GARDIfUR. violent north wind, filled the paths and rendered them almost impassable. The severity of the cold prevented any halt for rest or refreshment. At a distance from shelter, without de- fence against the inclemency of the weather, it became neces- sary to press on without pausing, to the camp occupied by men possessing all martial advantages, except courage and a good cause. The heavy sufferings of the night were terminated, by the arrival of the troops in the very centre of Petersham. The followers of Shays, trusting to the violence of the storm and the obstruction of the highways, rested in careless security. The first warning of danger, was from the appearance of the advanced guard of the forces of government, after a journey of thirty miles, in the midst of their cantonment. Had an army dropped from the clouds, upon the hill, the consternation could not have been greater. Panic struck, the insurgents fled, with- out firing a gun, or offering resistance to soldiers exhausted by fatigue, with ft'ozen limbs and almost sinking under the priva- tions and hardships of the severe service." NOTICE OF DANIEL SHAYS. This individual acquired an unenviable notoriety, which im- parts some degree of interest to the incidents of his life. He was born in Hopkinton, in 1747; the son of parents not in affluent circumstances, he worked with Mr. Brinley, a respect- able farmer of Framingham. The activity and energy of his youth promised at maturity more desirable elevation than he attained. That his education was neglected, is apparent from his ofBcial letters, bidding defiance alike to government, gram- mar and good spelling. Just before the revolution, he removed to one of the towns beyond Connecticut river, and afterwards resided in Pelham. When the war commenced, he entered the army, at the age of twenty-eight, M'ith rank of ensign, in Capt. Dickinson's company, in Col. Benjamin Euggles Woodbridge's regiment. His ambition, activity, and plausible manners covei-- ing the want of acquirements, joined with personal intrepidity, obtained promotion, and in 1776, he was appointed Lieutenant HISTORY OF GARDNER. 101 in Col. Varnum's regiment. At the time when the line pecu- liarly needed reinforcement, he was detached on the recruiting service, with the promise of some suitable reward for the en- listment of twenty men. For this purpose he visited his native state, and his unwearied exertions were crowned with ample success. "When the complement assigned to him was filled, a plan suggested itself for grasping honor and pay at once. Finding the pulse of patriotism beat high, and the men of New England were ready to devote themselves for their country, he continued his enlistments. Insinuating address and bold rep- resentations, produced impressions of his ability and influence, easily turned to his own advantage, and by holding out expec- tations of indulgence to those who should serve under his com- mand, a company was raised, on the condition that he should be their captain. With these men he returned to the camp, where they were mustered. When the inspector was about to distribute them to different corps. Shays produced the enlist- ment papers ; pointed to the condition which held them to serve under himself alone ; and requested the appointment of Cap- tain. The necessity of the times prevented the sacrifice of so many recruits, and after indignant remonstrances, it was deemed expedient to yield to his demands. The commission was prom- ised, and issued after long delay, in September, 1770, to relate back to Jan. 1st, 1777. Such is the account tradition gives of his military rank. The honors, ill won, were not long worn. He was discharged October 14, 1780, at Newark, in New Jer- sey, from Col. Eufus Putnam's regiment. The deficiency of honorable sentiment in his mental constitu- tion, may be inferred from a characteristic incident. Lafayette had presented in 1780, to each of the American ofiicers under his immediate command, an elegant sword. Such pledge of regard from the patriot chief, a soldier with a spark of gener- ous feeling, would have cherished as his dearest possession, and transmitted' to his posterity as an heirloom of inestimable value. Shays sold the gift of his commander for a few dollars. 102 HISTORY OF GARDNER. After being disbaiicled, he retired to Pelliam, aud lived in ob- scurity. Bankrupt in fortune and in fame, Shays was ready to embark on the flood of any desperate adventure. Without the energetic decision or enlarged conceptions, the strong spirit or the bold daring, which befit a leader, by some accident, he was elevated to the command of the insurgents. Of capacity too humble to direct the movements of an army in those moments when the force of talent makes itself felt by triumphant results, and turns eveu obstructions into encouragements, he was weak, vacillating and irresolute. It was providential that the physi- cal power of the arm of rebellion had so feeble a head to direct its blow. With the first shade of adversity, he made indirect overtures to the agents of government, to abandon his comrades to their fate, on assurance of personal safety ; and when his base propo- sitions were rejected, and promises of indemnity and pardon were offered to his followers, his persuasions induced them to reject the proffered mere}' and retain the arms of hopeless con- troversy, to purchase by their sacrifice, security for himself. When the insurrection was crushed, he retired to Vermont. After the lapse of a few years, the General of the rebellion passed through the streets of Worcester, which he once entered at the head of an army, and received assistance from those whose homes he had threatened with desolation. At length he removed to Sparta, in New York. As a pen- sioner of the United States, he derived his daily bread from the government whose forces he had encountered in arms. Decla- rations filed in the department of Avar, by himself, show that his family consisted of an aged wife, and that he lived in ex- treme poverty. He died September 29th, 1825, aged 78. However much the honor and integrity of Daniel Shays were questioned, his courage was never disputed. He was in the battle of Bunker's Hill, at the capture of Burgoyne, and at the storining of Stouy Point; was under Lafayette, and did good service in many bloody encounters. A severe wound, received during the revolution, was honorary testimonial of intrepidity. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 103 For a few years, after the events already recited, the country enjoyed a good degree of peace and prosperity. There is noth- ing of a public nature recorded, upon the town records, until we come to the year 1808, when the country becnme greatly agitated, in consequence of an embargo, laid, December 22, 1807, on recommendation of President Jefferson, upon the shipping in the ports of the United States. For many years, American ships had profited, very much, by a general' destruc- tion of commerce, in consequence of the wars then transpiring in Europe. As neutrals, our ships had been allowed to enter all ports, in consequence of which privilege, a brisk and profit- able business M'as done by our shipping. In 1806, England issued her orders to blockade the ports of France and her allies. This order was soon followed, by Napoleon's Berlin decree, closing the harbors of England. In addition to this, England claimed the "right of search," under color of which, American vessels were boarded, on the high seas, and their seamen, im- pressed into the English service. This outrageous conduct, on the part of England, had been strenuously opposed by our countrymen, but had never been disavowed by England. In 1807, an event occurred, which brought on a crisis with Great Britain. In June of that year, the American frigate Chesapeake, which had just set sail for the Mediterranean, was stopped by the British ship of war Leopard. Her commander refusing to permit a search, she was fired upon and forced to surrender four of her crew. She returned immediately to Hampton Roads. The intelligence of this outrage spread, like a prairie fire, over the whole country, wrapping it in a flame of intensest indignation. But while this outrage was disowned by the English government, and two of the men sent back to , America, the order against neutrals entering the ports of France, still remained unrevoked, while a new decree of the French Empei'or followed. In order to countervail Napoleon's Berlin and Milan decrees, and the British orders regarding the block- ade of Fi-ench ports, congress laid its embargo upon American shipping, prohibiting the departure, from the ports of the 104 HI8T0BY OF OABDNER. United States, of all but foreign armed vessels, M'itli public commissions, or foreign merchants' ships, in ballast, or with such cargo only, as thej' might have on board, when notified of the act. All American vessels, engaged in the coasting trade, were required to give heav}' bonds to land their cargoes in the United States. In consequence of such an act of congress, all our commerce was speedily paralyzed, and consequent suflfering ensued throughout the country. The people of Gardner shared in the general inconvenience and sufiiering. Consequentl}' acting, in the same high toned spirit, which had distinguished them in former years, a spirit which caused them to feel that they were the peers- of all Amer- icans, not excepting those highest in authority, they boldly ad- dressed a petition to his excellency, Thomas Jefferson, then on the last year of his second term, as President of the United States, setting forth in becoming phraseology, their difficulties and burdens and calling on him for " a redress of grievances." It aiDpears, from the records, that a town meeting was called, September 16, 1808, for the special purpose of seeing if the town would take any action, in regard to the difficulties then pending. The second article in the warrant was as follows : " To hear a letter, from the town of Boston, directed to the selectmen of the town of Gardner, to be laid before the inhabi- tants of said town, and act or transact anything relating thereto." Upon this article the following vote was passed: " Voted, That the toM'n of Gardner draw a petition to send to the Pres- ident of the United States, agreeable to the article in the war- rant for that purpose. Voted, That there be a committee, of three men, chosen to draw this petition. Chose Jonathan Os- good, Aaron Wood and Asa Hill for this committee. Voted, That this meeting be adjourned for one hour and then meet at this place. Met according to adjournment. Voted, That a copy, of this petition, .be taken and kept. Voted, That the selectmen sign the petition, and that the said committee that drawed it, forward it on, to the President of the United States." HISTOBY OF GARDNER. 105 That the reader, looking back upon the events of that period and reviewing them in the light of present experiences, may see the " unsuppressive metal" of which the inhabitants of our town were then possessed, we introduce here, as the closing part of this chapter, the exact petition which they voted, in town meeting, to present to Mr. Jefferson. We have no means of ascertaining the effect which this document had upon that solid democrat, except that which we find in the significancy of dates. As will be observed, the petition is dated September 16th, 1808 ; the embargo Avas repealed February 27th, 1809, making only five months between the date of the petition and the repeal of the act. The petition was undoubtedly prepared by Mr. Osgood, the first pastor, and ready to be acted upon, when the town should come together. Mr. Osgood was a staunch Federalist. To the President of the United States : The inhabitants of the town of Gardner, in the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, in legal town meeting, called for the express purpose of petitioning j'our Excellency, respectfully represent : That we feel the importance of submitting to, and supporting the laws of o)ir country, in common with the citizens of the United States, and we think we ever have been, and ever shall be willing to make any sacrifice that shall be neces- sary for the true interest and honor of our nation ; but, in time of great distress and trouble, we think it no less our duty, than our privilege, to assemble in a peaceable manner, and petition the government for a redress of grievances. Being impressed with these sentiments, we feel impelled to confess, to your Ex- cellency, that we, in common with our fellow citizens, of New England, suffer great and increasing difficulties from the oper- ation of the laws laying an embargo on the shipping and vessels, in the ports and harbors of the United States of America. Could we perceive an end of our troubles, we would patiently acqui- esce, but, with ■ astonishment, we perceive that the embargo is not a temporary measure, but injoiued by perpetual laws. We 14 106 HISTORY OF GARDNER. grant that Congress has power to regulate commerce, but to make laws to abolish it, or to prevent all foreign intercourse, we doubt whether this was ever contemplated being granted to that body, by the framers of the coDstitution of the United States. Your petitioners, living in a district where agriculture is the principal employment of the inhabitants, and therefore cannot, from their own industry, supply themselves with all the conveniences of life and while an interdiction of commerce re- mains, much of the produce of their farms must remain, as a dead weight, upon their hands, or be disposed of to little or no advantage. It is very evident from the experience of our ancestors, who came into this country with a design, solely to cultivate the soil, that we cannot comfortably live by that, without the aid of for- eign intercourse. And commerce appears to be designed, by God, for the comfort and convenience of mankind, that the different productions of the earth, might be transported from one place to another, for the mutual benefit of man. Being heretofore accustomed to the advantage of commerce, and from the surplusage of our produce, we were enabled to supply our- selves with the conveniences of life. This now being inter- dicted, our encouragement to industry is small, and the embar- rassments we, with all ranks of society, labor under, are great, and manjs who, by industry, had arrived to a degree of inde- pendence, in point of property, find it so fallen in value, that it might be nearly or quite all sacrificed , to the disadvantage of their debts. To extricate themselves from this situation, all their exer- tions avail nothing, and they can only lament the wretched situation into which they are brought, and the pi'ospect of their families being left to depend upon the cold hand of charity for support. Our troubles and distress are rendered more severe by a conviction that the British Provinces, in North America, are, by the embargo laws, acquiring advantage over us, which their natural situation and circumstances, could never have given them. Besides this, the embargo laws, which subject us HISTORY OF GARDNER. 107 to such great sufferings, the prospect or policy of which is, to say the least, very doubtful, and the temptation to violate those laws, from the very nature of mankind, is almost irresistible. These laws, we think, will have a great tendency to destroy the morals of society, and to introduce loose principles and a con- tempt for the laws, which are more to be dreaded, than the great waste of property. From these and various other considerations, which might be mentioned, and particularly from the alteration in the affairs of Europe, your petitioners pray your Excellency, wholly, or partially, to suspend the embargo laws, if in your power; if not, to convene congress, as soon as may be, or if in your wisdom, it should be thought not advisable to call them together, until the time to which they are adjourned, to lay before them when met, the importance of a repeal of those laws, which so severely afflict the inhabitants of the United States. A true copy, attest, Eeuben Haynes, Town Clerk. Dated at Gardner, Sept. 16th, 1808. There is a pretty well founded conviction, in the minds of our citizens, that Mr. Jefferson made reply to this petition, but, such was its nature and import, that those who received it, never cared to make it public. 108 HISTORY OF GARDNER. fi CHAPTER V. ROADS. " These higti wild hills and rough uneven ways Draw out cm- miles and make them wearisome." — Michard II, Act. II, Scene III. AVING observed, somewhat, the conduct of the early inhabitants, of the town, in their relation to state and national matters, we now return to the more prosaic labor, of considering them, in the ordinary transactions of life. We shall now direct atteution to the roads of the town, having first had something to say about roads, as not only a necessity, but also a sign and natural concomitant of human progress. Start- ing from the serpentine trail of the wild man , after which many modern roads seem to have been modeled, and following along through paths denoted by " blazed trees," till we come to the most complete achievements of recent times, we are con- vinced that roads, like other objects in nature, are subject to the scientists' law of evolution and development, with, in many instances, "a survival of the fittest." Gibbon tells us, in his "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," in speaking of the principal cities of that empire, that "from A. D. 98 to 180, they were connected with each other, and Math the capital, by the public highways, which, issuing from the forum of Rome, traversed Italy, pervaded the provinces, and were terminated only by the frontiers of the empire. If we carefully trace the distance from the wall of Antoninus to Rome, and from thence to Jerusalem, it will be HISTORY OF OARDl^^UR. 109 found that the great chaiu of communication, from the north- west to the southeast point of the empire, was drawn out to the length of four thousand and eighty Roman miles, or three thousand, seven hundred and forty English miles. " The public roads were actually divided by mile-stones, and ran in a direct line, from one city to another, with very little respect for the obstacles either of nature or private property. Mountains were perforated, and bold arches thrown over the broadest and most rapid streams. The middle part of the road was raised into a terrace, which commanded the adjacent coun- try, and consisted of several strata of sand, gravel and cement, and was paved with large stones, or, in some places near the capital, with granite. Such was the solid construction of the Eoman highways, whose firmness has not entirely yielded to the effort of fifteen centuries. They united the subjects of the most distant provinces by an easy and familiar intercourse ; but their primary object had been to facilitate the marches of the legions ; nor was any country considered as completely sub- dued, till it had been rendered, in all its parts, pervious to the arms and authority of the conqueror. The advantage of re- ceiving the earliest intelligence, and of conveying their orders with celerity, induced the emperors to establish, throughout their extensive dominions, the regular institution of posts. Houses were everywhere erected, at a distance of only five or six miles, each of them was constantly supplied with forty horses, and by the help of these relays, it was easy to travel a huudred miles a day, along the Roman roads."* It will be seen, from this statement, that public roads, among the Romans, were a " military necessity," and that they far excelled, in solid firmness and smoothness, anything of the sort seen in our own country. But, while Rome was thus favored with good roads, it is evident that she was an exception to most other countries of importance, both before and since the jjeriod of which Gibbon writes. Gibbou's Rome, vol. 1st, p. 63-64. no HISTORY OF GARDNEll. According to writers upou Palestine, there never have heen, in that country, anytiiing like roads fitted for the passage of wheeled vehicles. Chariots were sometimes used on the plains, and in the lowlands. Only miserable bridle paths exist for the accommodation of travelers. Even in England, according to Macaula}', as late as sixteen eighty-five, the public highways were very poor, and, at certain seasons of the year, well nigh impassable. In speaking of the roads at that time, he says, " it was by the highways that both traveler's and goods gener- ally passed from place to place. And those highways appear to have been far worse than might have been expected from the degree of wealth and civilization which the nation had even then attained. On the best lines of communication the rnts were deep, the descents precipitous, and the way often such as it was hardly possible to distinguish, in the dusk, from the unclosed heath and fen which lay on both sides. "It was only in fine weather that the whole breadth of the road was available for wheeled vehicles. Often the mud lay deep on the right and left, and only a narrow track of firm ground rose above the quagmire. At such times obstructions and quari-els were frequent, and the pathM'as sometimes blocked up during a long time by carriages, neither of which would break the way. It happened almost every day that coaches stuck fast, until a team of cattle could be procured, from some neighboring farm, to tug them out of the slough. But in bad seasons the traveler had to encounter inconveniences sCdl more serious. Thoresby, who was in the habit of traveling between Leeds and the capital, has recorded in his diary, such a series of perils and disasters as might suffice for a journey to the Frozen Ocean or to the Desert of Sahara. On one occasion he learned that floods were out between Ware and London, that passengers had to swim for their lives, and that a higgler had perished in an attempt to cross. In consequence of these tid- ings he turned out of the high road, and was conducted across some meadows, where it was necessary for him to ride to the saddle-skirts in water. In the course of another journey he HiaTOEY OF GARDNER. Ill narrowly escaped being swept away by an inundation of the Trent. He was afterwards detained at Stamfoi'd four days, on account of tiie state of the roads, and then ventured to proceed only because fourteen members of the House of Commons, who were going up in a body to parliament with guides and numer- ous attendants took him into their company. On the roads of Derbyshire travelers were in constant fear for their necks, and were frequently compelled to alight and lead their beasts. " The great route through Wales to Holyhead was in such state that, in sixteen eight3'-five, a viceroy, going to Ireland, was five hours in traveling fourteen miles, from St. Asaph to Con- way. Between Conway and Beaumaris, he was forced to walk a great part of the way ; and his lady was carried in a litter. His coach was, with great difficulty, and by the help of many hands, brought after him entire. In general, carriages were taken to pieces at Conway, and borne, on the shoulders of stoiat Welsh peasants, to the Menai Straits. In some parts of Kent and Sussex none but the strongest horses could, in winter, get through the bog, in which, at every step, they sank deep. " The markets were often inaccessible during several months. It is said that the fruits of the earth were sometimes suffered to rot in one place, while in another place, distant only a few miles, the supply fell far short of the demand. The wheeled carriages were, in this district, generally pulled by oxen. When Prince George of Denmark visited the stately mansion of Pet- worth, in wet weather, he was six hours in going nine miles ; and it was necessary that a body of sturdy hinds should be on each side of the coach, in order to prop it. Of the carriages which conveyed his retinue scvei'al were upset or injured. A letter, from one of his gentlemen in waiting, has been preserved in which the unfortunate courtier, complains that, during four- teen hours, he never alighted, except when his coach was over- turned or stuck fast in the mud. People, in the time of Charles the Second, traveled with six horses, because, with a smaller number, there was great danger of sticking fast in the mire."* *See Macaulay's History of England, vol. 1st, p. 280-284. 112 HISTORY OF GARDINER. These extracts, from Macaulay, are sufficient to give the reader, not already fomiliar with the facts, some idea of the condition of roads in England less than two hundred years ago, and show him how patiently and often with what great risk to comfort and life, even the highest noblemen in the king's realm, made their wearisome journeys over the kingdom. Of course, when the Pilgrim Fathers began the settlement of this country, theyhad to furnish themselves with whatever roads they needed. It must, however, be borne in mind, that, for several years, they had but little occasion for the use of what we now call highways. Only Indian trails, through the forest, or blazed trees, guided them from place to place. But, with increasing and more widelj' spreading populations, there soon arose the necessity for public highways. This necessity demanded the attention of the General Court in both the Plymouth and Mas- sachusetts colonies, so that we find in the colonial records, fre- quent legislation upon this subject. A few extracts we will here introduce, to show the reader how the people of the colo- nies began that system of highways, which has since spread itself out like net work, over the entire land. October 1st, 1634, at a court holden before the governor and assistants the following named persons were appointed for lay- ing out the highways : For Duxbury side, Capt. Miles Stand- ish, Mr. William Collier, Jonathan Brewster, William Palmer, Stephen Tracy — men familiarly associated in the minds of all, with every event of importance in the early colonies, from the landing of the Pilgrims in the Mayflower, to their establish- ment upon a firm basis in town and state. " At a court of Assistants held the second day of May, in the 12th year of his Majesty's reign, of England, etc. May 2d, 1637, Bradford, governor. It was ordered by this court, that a jury should be empaneled to set forth, the highways about Plymouth, Ducksborrow, and the Eele Eiver, which was ac- cordingly summoned, and upon the ninth day of May next after they appeared before the governor, and took their oath to lay forth such highways about the towns of Plymouth, Ducks- HISTORY OF GARDNER. 113 borrow, and the Eele River equally and justly, without respect of persons, and according as they shall he directed by the in- formation of others, and as God should direct them in their discretion, for the general good of the colony, and with as little prejudice to any man's particular as may be, and to mark the trees upon the said way, and so it to remain a way forever." We omit the names of jurymen given. "July 7. The ver- dict or order of the aforesaid jury, performed by them the tenth day of May, 1637, and delivered by them into the Greneral Court held the 6th of July next after, and by the same con- firmed in these words following, viz : — "'It is agreed, that the highways, both for horse, cart and foot, shall be as followeth : From the town of Plymouth to Joanes River, as it was cleared, provided it 'be holpen at Mr. Allerton's, by going through the old cow-yard, at the river, the place being commonly called the Old Wading Place, and so through a valley Up the hill, and then to turn straight to Abra- ham Pierce's ground, and through his ground as it is marked, and so the old path to Massachusetts, leaving Mr. Bradford's upon the west, and from Mr. Bradford's to Stephen Tracy's ground, as the way now lyeth, being already trenched, a foot way from the lower stepping stones to Stephen Tracy's, the highway lying through Stephen Tracy's tield now enclosed. Also, we allow a way from Francis Billington's ground through the nook, as it now lyeth, to the ferry, and from the ferry to Stephen Tracy's house, and so through the meadow to the bridge. The highway from Stephen Tracy's ground through the other grounds, as far as the trees were marked, to the bridge at John Rodgers and from John Rodgers along as the wa}' now lyeth to the corner of Jonathan Brewster's cow-yard, and so by a valley down his ground, near to the house of Mr. Prince, and from thence the old way to Christopher Wadsworth, whose palisade is to be removed and a sufficient way allowed to enter into Francis Sprage's ground, and there to fall into a way, that leads from Morton's Hole, to Ducksborrow town, and from thence a way to fall to the . Captain Standish's and Mr. Brews- 15 114 HISTOBY OF GABDNER. ter's, as it is now marked, the ancient foot way to be continued from Mr. Brewster's to Francis Sprage's, and so through Wil- liam Bassett's ground to the highway. The highway leading from Christopher Wadsworth to be continued through Francis Sprage's and William Bassett's, being his garden or orchard to the east side. Also, we allow a highway from the cut between William Bassett's and Francis Sprage's, to go to Ducksborrow town; the highway to be continued from William Bassett's garden or orchard, through John Washburne's ground, to Wil- liam Palmer's gate, as it now is, and so along through Peter Brown's ground, by the outside of which we allow a way to the marsh, and up to the woods ; the way still to pass by Henry Rowland's house, leaving it on the east side, so keeping the old way through the marsh to Mr. John Alden's house, and from thence through a valley which leadeth to the corner of Phillip Delanoy's field, so to pass to Edward Bumpas' house, and forty foot to be allowed above his house straight to Kowland Ley- horne's house to Green's harbor path. The upper part also to be allowed as marked from Mr. Howland's.'"* " Whereas, The highways in this jurisdiction, have not been laid out, with such conveniency for travelers as were fit, nor as was intended by this court, but that in some places, they are felt too straight, and in other places travelers are forced to go far about, it is therefore ordered that all highways shall be laid out before the next General Court, so as may be with most ease and safety for travelers ; and for this end every town shall choose two or three men, who shall join with two or three others, of the next town, and these shall have power to lay out the high- ways, in each town where they may be most convenient; and those which are so deputed shall have power to lay out the highways where they may be most convenient, notwithstanding any man's property, or any corn ground, so as it occasion not the pulling down any man's house, or laying open any garden or orchard, and in common grounds or where the soil is wet or *From Plymouth Colony Records, vol. 1st, p. 58-59. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 115 miry they shall lay the ways the wider, as six or eight or ten rods, or more, in common grounds; provided, that if any man shall suffer any extraordinary damage in his improved grounds, by execution of this order, the town shall make him some reasonable satisfaction, provided also that if any case shall fall out wherein those that are deputed, cannot agree, it shall be referred to the determination of this court ; and if any person shall find himself unjustly grieved with anything which the said persons deputed shall do, he may appeal to this court, or to the Court of Assistants, who shall have power to determine the cause ; but if the party shall be found to have complained with- out just cause, he shall pay all charges, and be fined by the discretion of the court. And all towns are enjoined to have this order performed before the next General Court, upon pain of five pounds, for every town making default. And it is not intended that any person shall be charged with repairing the highways in his own land."* We come now to consider the roads of this town, from their earliest history. It will be remembered that the first town meeting was held August 15th, 1785. The second meeting was called the folloAving month, September 6th, 1785. The second article in the warrant, for this meeting, was this : "To know their minds relating to a county road, going through said town, and act anything relating thereto, as they shall think proper." At this meeting it was " Voted, That it is the opinion of the town, that the county road ought to go through the centre of said town. Voted, To petition the court, for a committee to lay said road through the centre of the town of Gardner." The following is the petition which gives us the first action of the town regarding public highways : — To the Court of Quarter Sessions, now sitting at Worcester, in and for the County of Worcester. A request of the Town of Gardner : Whereas, A committee from the Honorable Court have lately laid out a county road from Koyalston down through part of *From Massachusetts Colony Records, vol. 1st, p^. 280. 116 HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. this towLi, and as it is now laid, it will not convene this town, nor the public, so well as if it was laid through the centre of the town ; therefore Me pray the Honorable Court would not accept of the road no further down than the line of Jonathan Bancroft's and Ebenozej- Keyes', which is about three-quarters of a mile above our centre ; and it is our request, that a committee may be sent and view and lay out a road from the above men- tioned place, through our centre and come into the county road that leads from Winchendon to Westminster meeting-house ; to come into that road near Josiah "Wheeler's, or between there and Westminster meeting-house, where it will best serve the public. This way has been measured since the committee were here, and found to be the nearest, and supposed to make the best way. This day the town voted the above request to be sent to court, being assembled together for that purpose. Then the meeting was dissolved. Seth HErwooD, Glerk. At the uext town meeting, held November 7th, 1785, the following article in the warrant was up for consideration : "To know the minds of the town concernino; the roads that are to be laid out, what width they would have them laid out, or what direction they will give concerning the same." Upon this article the town " Voted, To lay out the roads two rods and a half wide." At au adjourned meeting, held November 14th, 1785, the town voted to reconsider the foregoing vote, and " Voted, To lay out the roads two rods wide." In the subsequent year, 1786, at the annual town meeting, the following article concerning roads was inserted in the warrant : " To see if the town will accept of a number of roads, viz. : A road laid out for William Goss. Beginnino; on the line of lot number fifteen about four rods from the southwest corner of the same, beginning at a stake and stones, from thence straight to a hemlock about ten rods from the stake standing about a rod north of the line, between lot number fifteen and thirty-six, from thence to a ledge of rocks about twenty rods in said line. HI8T0MY OF GARDNER. 117 from thence to the northeast corner of lot number thirty-six, laid out upon the south side of said boundaries. "Also a road laid out from Reuben Haynes' house, as the road is now trod, until you come within two rods of Moses Hill's land, thence to the southwest corner of said Hill's lot, from thence straight, two rods, to the west of the southeast corner of lot number thirty-six, from thence straight to a marked stump in the old town line, about twenty-live rods, south of Gideon Fisher's house, from thence straight to Wil- liam Fisher's land, that he bought of Gideon Fisher, two rods to the west of the old town line. Keeping two rods west of the old town line on William Fisher and Ebenezer Howe's land, nntil you come to the county road that leads from Winchendon to Westminster ; laid out on the east side of said boundaries and beginning at a heap of stones in Edward Keltou's fence at the above said county road, about twenty-one rods from Ebenezer Howe's land, from thence straight through said Kel- ton's land and through the Dana lot, to a rock with some stones upon it in Peter Goodale's land, near the swamp at the old road, lain out upon the west side of said boundary. "And also a road laid out beginning at the old road, by Capt. Kelton's, that leads to Ashburnham, from thence to a slake and stone in the fence about two rods to the southeast of Capt. Kelton's house, from thence to a rock in said Kelton's land, from thence to a beech in the line between said Kelton's and Josiah Wilder's land, from thence to a stake and stones in said Wilder's land, two rods east of the line between said Wilder and Wheeler, from thence straight to the line between said Wilder and said Wheeler at twenty rods from the stake and stone, from thence to the southeast corner of said Wheeler lot at the other road laid out on the west side of said boundary. ; "And a road laid out beginning at a hemlock stump a little beyond the Widow Hill's, in the fence on the east side of the old road, from thence to a heap of stones in the old road, to the southeast of the Widow Hill's, from thence to a hemlock in the low- laud, from thence to a heap of stones at the county 118 HISTORY OF GARDNER. road leading from Winchendon to Westminster, about forty rods east of the above said Hill's laud, laid out on the uorth- westerlj' side of said boundaries. " And a road laid out beginning at a stake and stones in the line between Jonathan P. Whitcomb and John White, from thence to a stake and stones at said White's orchard, thence to a heap of stones, four rods, to the southwest corner of said White's house, thence through Wallace's land, and David Comee's land to the end of the wall about a rod west of said Comee's house, at the county road, laid out on the west side of said boundaries. " And a road laid out for Levi Fairbanks, beginning at the northwest corner of lot number ninety-five, formerly in West- minster, running southwesterly on the old town line upon the south side of said line until it come to the southeast corner of John Putnam's lot, from thence one rod on each side of the old town line until you come within about twelve rods of David Comee's land, at a hemlock, from thence to a hemlock in Mr. Wallace's land, thence to a great hemlock marked, near the causeway, continuing the same course until it strikes White's road, on the north side of said hemlock. " And a road laid out from the county road at the line be- tween David Comee's and Joseph Payson, running southwest- erly one rod, on each side of the line until we come to the lot number one hundred and four, and through said lot, by marked trees, to a great rock in the new county road that leads from Lieut. Wheeler's to John Glaziei-'s, laid out on the north side of said boundaries. "And a road laid out from the east corner of Joshua Whit- ney's land, straight to the northwest corner of Elijah Symond's lot, from thence to a stake and stones about three rods to the southeast of Stephen Miles' house, thence east to a pine stump, about eight rods, thence through fourth division, to the south corner of Elisha Jackson's and Joseph Wright's lot, thence to a rock with some stones upon it, a little east of the line between said Jackson and Wright's, thence to a rock about a rod east HISTORY OF GABDNER. 119 of said line, thence to a white pine, about four rods upon said Wright's land, thence to a maple in said "Wright's land, thence to a maple in William Bickford's land, thence to a stake and stone near the meadow line, thence to a marked stump in said Bickford's land, about ten feet from the meadow line, thence to a pine stump, about two rods to the south of the bank below the mill, thence to the west corner of said Bickford's house and on the back side of said house, out to the county road, laid out on the west side of said boundaries. "And a road laid beginning at Simon Gates', lot number twenty-six, at the Westminster road, thence on the line between Gates and the Widow Margaret Miles and Josiah Kendall and Edward, and said Gates, one rod on each side of the line, until it comes to a stake and stone in said Gates' land, thence to a hemlock, thence through fourth division to a stake and stones, two rods to the south of John Matthews' north corner, thence to a beech, thence through the Beaman lot, to a hemlock, out to the county road, leading to Winchendon, laid out upon the north of said boundaries. "And a road laid out through Samuel Sanderson's, Samuel Edgell's, John and Stephen Hoar's, Samuel Miller's and Cut- tins Hoar's land, beffinning at the said Sanderson's barns at a heap of stones, thence to a hemlock, thence to a stake and stones at the line of said Sanderson's and said Edgell's, thence to a hemlock, thence to a hemlock, thence to a hemlock, thence to a black birch, thence to a hemlock, thence to a hemlock, thence to a maple, thence to a maple, thence to a beech, thence to a birch, thence to a beech, thence to a hemlock, thence to an oak, thence to a bunch of maples at the new county road, on the south of said boundary. "A road laid out for Elijah Wilder and others, beginning at a hemlock in Jesse Hill's land, at the old road near his last line, thence to a hemlock in Samuel Clark's land, thence southerly to a hemlock on Joseph Clark's land, thence easterly to a white pine on Benjamin Clark's land, thence easterly to a hem- lock on said Clark's land, and comes into the old road by Ben- jamin Clark's house, on the southwest of said boundaries. 120 HISTORY OF GARDINER. "And a road laid out for Jonathan Eaton, beginning at the southeasterly corner of lot number one hundred and sevent}'- nine and one hundred and eighty, running northerly upou the line of said lots, to the new county road, one rod on each lot. "And a road laid out besjinnins: at Jonathan Bancroft's fence, about four rods, southeast of said Bancroft's house, on the westerly side of the road that is now trod, thence to a maple near the line between said Bancroft and Ebenezer Keyes, thence to a white pine, thence to a poplar standing about two rods from the south corner of the pond, thence to a white ash in said Keyes' land, near the line between said Keyes and Seth Hey- wood, from thence through said Heywood's land, to a heap of stones, which was the corner of Wiuchendon and Ashburnham, laid out on northeast side of said boundaries. " In all the above said roads, laid out by the selectmen two rods wide,, except from the west corner of William Bickford's house, out to the county road, which is but one rod and a half, and it is laid across William Fisher's meadow about twelve rods, but twenty feet wide. " To see if the town will discontinue any of the old roads, or any part of roads or road, as they shall think best, and also to see if the town will allow any person that has more of their lands taken for roads, than the allowance for the same that they shall be credited for the same in their other lots, or act anything relating thereunto, as they shall think best." The minuteness of the above description may seem some- what trivial to the reader, but he must remember that this town was then little else than a wilderness, through which these roads were laid, by the selectmen, whose direction, they indicated by blazing the trees along the line of the proposed highway. Upon the above routes, as laid out by the selectmen, the town at an adjourned meeting, March 14th, 1786, voted as follows : — " Accepted of Mr. William Goss's road; accepted the road from Mr. Reuben Hayues to the county road ; accepted the road from the county road to Peter Goodale's land as the said roads HWTORY OF GARDNER. 121 are now laid; accepted the road from Capt. Samuel Kelton to Josiah Wilder's. Voted, To accept the road, iieginning at Mr. Jonathan P. Whitcomb's to John Whites. Voted, To accept of a road, beginning at Levi Fairbanks, leading to David Comee's. Voted, To accept of the road laid out for David Comee and others, beginning at the county road and ending at the new county road. Voted, Not to make allowance to any for the old roads laid out before. Voted, To accept of the road from Mr. Joshua Whitney's, coming out at Mr. Bickford's. Voted, To accept of the road from Mr. Simon Gates' to Lieut. Josiah Wheeler's. Voted, To accept the road from Mr. San- derson's, by Mr. Edgell's to the county road. Voted, To ac- cept of the road from Jesse Hill's to Benjamin Clark's. Voted, To accept of a road from Mr. Jonathan Bancroft's to Mr. Seth Heywood's. Voted, To accept of a road for Mr. Jonathan Eaton as laid out. The above said roads accepted as laid out by the selectmen of Gardner. Voted, To mend the highways by a rate this year. Voted, Sixty pounds to be laid out on the highways, to mend and make them this present year." This is the first appropriation for making and mending of highway's in the town of Gardner. It appears from the records that some were not satisfied with the action of the town, as above indicated, and began to make their feelings known to such an extent that the town felt obliged to take formal notice of their uneasiness. Among those dissatisfied with the damages awai-ded them, were Lieut. Seth Hey wood and Capt. William Bickford, the former de- manding sixty dollars and the latter eighteen dollars as damages for roads laid through their lauds. Upon the fifth day of June following their first annual March meeting, 1786, the town "Voted, To choose a committee for to agree with those men that are uneasy with their roads that were accepted last March." This committee gave their report at an adjourned meeting, June 12th, which was not accepted by the town. However, " It was put to see if the town would give Lieut. Seth Heywood sixty dollars for the damages of a road laid through his land, that 16 122 HISTORY OF OARDI^HR. being what he requested for the damages." It passed in the negative. Upon the request of Mr. William Bickford for damages of a road laid through his land " It was put to see if the town would give him eighteen dollars." It passed in the negative. At the annual town meeting, March 3d, 1788, the town " Voted, To choose a committee to see if they can settle with Seth Hevwood concerning a road laid through his land and I/O O make report at the adjournment of this meeting." This com- mittee made their report as follows and it was accepted by the town: " We have considered the matter with Mr. Hey wood concerning a road through his land. He asked three shillings a rod for one hundred and thirty-two rods of wall ; we have offered nine pounds ; then he offers to make one quarter of the wall ; we thought we could not offer anything more." In the warrant for the annual town meeting for March 2d, 1789, was the following article: "To hear the petition of Seth Hey wood with the order of court thereon, concerning a road through said Heywood's land, and take such action thereon and concerning said road, as the town shall think proper when met." Upon this article the town " Voted, To choose a com- mittee to try and settle with Seth Heywood and if they cant, to make answer to the court." At an adjourned meeting March 9th, the town "Voted, That the selectmen be a committee to try to settle with Lieut. Seth Heywood, and if they cannot to make answer to his petition at the court concerning his road, which is as follows : — To the Honorable the Justices of the Court of General Ses- sions of the Peace to he holden, at Worcester, within and for the County of Worcester, on the first Tuesday of September, A. D. 1789: The petition of Seth Heywood humbly showeth, that the town of Gardner, in March, 1786, laid out, and accepted a road, through a part of your petitioner's land, of between sixty and seventy rods in length, thereby separating about four acres of HISTORY OF GARDINER. 123 mostly improved land, ia a triangular form, from the rest of his farm, and which will oblige him, to build upward of one hundred and thirty rods of stone wall, as there is not timber near the same that he can make use of for that purpose. That as your petitioner can receive no kind of benefit from the afore- said road ; and as there has been a county road, laid out and opened, across his farm, and another extensive town road, with- out any expense to the county or town, he must think that an unequal burden is laid upon him, and cannot therefore consent that the aforesaid road, should be continued, unless he has rea- sonable damages allowed him therefor ; that such damages your petitioner applied for, at the time of laying out and accepting the road ; that the matter has been under discussion, at various town meetings, from that time, down to the commencement of the present year, but no adequate damages have, or probably will be granted him, without the interposition of this Honorable Court. Your petitioner, therefore, prays your Honors to take his case into your wise consideration, and grant him such relief, either by a discontinuance of said road, or causing him to be paid equal damages therefor as you shall think him justly en- titled to ; and as in duty bound shall ever pray. Seth Heywood. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss. At a Court of General Sessions of the Peace, begun and held at Worcester, within and for the county of Worcester, on the first Tuesday of September, being the second day of said mouth, Anno Domini, one thousand seven hundred and eighty- eight, on the foregoing petition, ordered that the petitioner therein named, notify the said inhabitants of the town of Gard- ner, by serving them with an attested copy of said peti- tion of the order thereon, thirty days, at the least, before the next Court of General Sessions of the Peace, to be holden at Worcester, within and for said county, on the last Tuesday of 124 HISTORY OF GARDNER. March next, that said inhabitants may then and there show cause, if sxwy they have, why the prayer of said ftetitioner slaould not be granted. Attest, Jos. All?:n, Clerh. Copy entered and attested. Jos. Allen, Olerh. No further trace of the controversjs between Lieut. Seth Heywood and the town, can be found upon the town records. The presumption, however, is that some arrangement was made, satisfactory to the parties concerned, of which no record was preserved. The struggle was long, running through several years, and ended in the continuance of the road, as originally laid through Mr. Heywood's land. This road is now a part of Central Street, beginning at the junction of Lynde and Central street's " at a heap of stones which was the corner of Winchen- dou and Ashburnham" and running down to Crystal Lake. The triangular piece of land, spoken of in the petition, is the piece now bounded by Central and Lynde streets. It will be noticed that Winchendon and Ashburnham cornered near the junction of these two streets, under Capt. Gardner's house. The following is a petition which the town voted, March 25th, 1794, to present to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, concerning proposed alterations in the county road, then run- ning over Kendall Hill and on through South Gardner. It is here introduced, in part, to afford a glimpse of the town's con- dition then financially, as also to show tlie motives actuating a people, influenced by a tavern keeper, who is in great fear of los- ing a portion of his customers by diverting trade from his own " public house, that has been occupied for that service upwards of twenty years" : — To the Honorable Court of the General Sessions of the Peace for the County of Worcester, to be holden at Worcester in and for said County, on Tuesday, the twenty-ffih day of March, A. B., 1794: A petition of the town of Gardner, humblj' showeth, whereas, there have been several alterations made, in the county road HISTORY OF GABDNER. 125 through this town, one in particular, south of Landlord Jack- son's and across a meadow below Capt. Bickford's mill, to the great damage of the town and individuals in said town, and we cannot see that the traveler can receive any real advantage by the same, and a great number of them seem to choose the old road, rather than the new one, as it is a good road and has been traveled upwards of forty years and goes upon a neck of land between two meadows, where it will be always kept good as it must be kept for a town way, and the new one is a very bad one to make, and if not discontinued it seems, we must have to apply to the Honorable Court for some help, before it can be made passable. It also will be a great damage on account of having mills be- ing put up at the lower end of the meadow, which we shall stand in great need of, for the mill, at the upper end of the meadow, in some seasons, cannot grind for one-half of the town now it is small, and when we come to have three times our [present] number, and lands cleared up, which will much shorten the water, it will make a wide odds, and we shall have to travel five, six, seven and eight miles for grinding, which will be a very great grievance ; it also takes it from a public house that has been occupied for that service, upwards of twenty years, and of late has been at great expense for buildings to serve the public ; and as we have three county roads through this little town, and a most all our roads are new and very bad to make, and but a little while since our incorporation, and have had a meeting-house to build aud of late a minister to settle, and have school houses to build, before we can reap any great advantage by schooling. We, therefore, j^i'ay your honors to take our case into your wise consideration aud discontinue the new laid road, about eighty rods Avest of the Sawyer road, so called, to where it comes out again at the old road, up the hill, east of Capt. Bickford's new barn, and to keep the old road as it is now traveled, which is but two tallies further than the new one, which, had there been a full bench, we cannot think, would have been accepted. But, if your Honors should not see meet 126 HISTORY OF GARDNER. to discontinue the said piece of road, we then pray your Honors would appoint a new committee to view from Otter Eiver bridge, so called, in Gardner to Westminster meeting-house, in order, if there must be an alteration, to hit upon the best place for the travel aud cost, as we cauuot think the last one, the meadow, is the best one, which, if a committee so granted, aud should not report in [our] favor, aud alteration from what the last committee did, they shall come at the expense of your petition- ers. All [of] which is humbly submitted and your petitioners in duty bound shall ever pray. "Voted, To choose a committee to present this petition to the court. Capt. Elisha Jackson was chosen committee." Without attempting to describe or even meution all the roads which have been laid out in this town, whose name is legion, we will briefly notice those of most importance. It will be re- membered, that those who drew the remonstrance, against the petition of Wilder, Coolidge and the Priests to be restored to Wincheudon, therein state that they have " laid out the biggest part of our roads, to convene that spot," that is, the centre of the town, where has since stood the first church ever built iu town. These could not have been, what we are accustomed to call roads uow-a-days, but, simply bridle paths, over which the early inhabitants rode on horseback to church. Thefii'st record we find, respecting the highway from the centre, toward the north part of the town, bears date November 22d, 1803, when the town, " Voted, To accept a road from the northwest corner of the pound near the meeting-house." This road was then laid out, uo farther, in a northerly direction, than the Green place, now owned by Mr. Charles Heywood. Turning there, it ran towards Joel Matthews'. Beyond the Green place, in a north- erly direction, there is no town record of the road's having been laid, notwithstanding such must have been the fact. The road, running east and west, through the centre, was the old county road from Eoyalston to Westminster. What is now called Lynde Street, is a part of the old road from Gardner to Tem- HISTORY OF GARDI^EB. 127 pleton, running westerly by Dr. Parker's mill, and coming into the old turnpike, about a mile this side of East Templeton, over which, in part, a new road has recently been laid. The following is the history of Elm Street : Soon after the first minister. Rev. Jonathan Osgood, was settled here, he built for himself, the house now owned by Dea. Henry Lawi'ence. The road from the church, to his house, was very crooked ; run- ning around somewhere near the garden of Mr. Levi Heywood, behind Mr. John Edgell's old house, then veering to the right, then again to the left, where are still traces of its bed in the pasture of Mr. Edgell, it reached the spot near which Mr. Osgood erected his house, whei'e it terminated. In the warrant for the annual town meeting for March 5th, 1792, was the following article: "To see if the town will make any alteration in the roads laid through the Eev. Mr. Osgood's land, and part of Mr. Seth Heywood's land, as fol- lows, viz. : Beginning at a beech tree, in said Heywood's land, thence running southerly to a marked stump north of the cause- way, near the old house in said Osgood's land ; also beginning at a stake in the fence south of said causeway and running east- erly to a hemlock marked, then keeping the same course till it strikes the road laid out for Ephraim Temple and others, laid two rods wide, northeasterly of said boundaries." At this town meeting it was " Voted, To accept of the alteration as made by the selectmen." Thus Elm Street was opened to the house of Mr. Osgood in March 1792. Beyond this point south, there was no road till March 2d, 1795. In the warrant, for the March meeting for the above named year, was this article: " To see if the town will accept of the alterations in the road between Capt. Wil- liam Bickford's and Rev. Jonathan Osgood's through Benjamin Sawin's land and the Rev. Jonathan Osgood's land, agreeable to the selectmen's minutes." At this meeting the town "Voted, To accept the alteration made in the road between Capt. Wil- liam Bickford's (now the house of Aaron Greenwood in South Gardner,) and the Rev. Jonathan Osgood's through Benjamin 128 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Sawin's land and the Rev. Jonathan Osgood's land." Thus by two separate efforts of the town, was obtained the road from the Centre to South Gardner. The road from the junction, near the house of H. C. Hill, to the corner in the West Village, has a somewhat interesting history. In October, 1832, the selectmen laid out this road, and brought their action before the town, for their acceptance or rejection. Strange as it may seem to us now, the town "Voted, To dismiss the article;" but, in less than one j'ear after, September 14th, 183B, when the matter was again urged, they " Voted, To choose a committee to oppose or advocate the road," and on June 2d, 1834, the town " Voted, To choose a committee to let out the road." From the corner in West Village, to the depot, on what is now called North Main Street, the road was laid, at two sepa- rate times. The first part, from Mr. Frank Conant's store to Mr. Philander Derby's chair shop, was laid out March 6th, 1843. From the Fitchburg depot to Mr. Derby's shop the road was laid Feb. 3d, 1849. Spring Street was laid, March 28th, 1851. The road from the Centre, through Pleasant Street to the old turnpike, was relocated by the county commissioners October 19, 1857 ; also that from the Centre to South Gardner; also the old turnpike from the Westminster to the Templeton line. In 1842 the county commissioners relaid and ordered the immediate rebuilding of the old turnpike from Westminster to Templeton. The reconstruction of this road, cost the town about $7000, a part of which, was paid out of the surplusage of the United States revenue. School Street was laid out, to the slaughter-house of C. W. Morse, September 28th, 1856; Cross Street from Mr. Thomas E. Glazier's, tOc slaughter-house, July 27, 1858 ; Cherry Street was extended, from the house of Miss Martha Barker to Elm Street, July 27th, 1858 ; the first part of Chestnut Street, from Central to Cross Street, was laid May 17th, 1867 ; second part, from Cross Street, to Atherton house, May 17, 1869; the last part, from Atherton house, to Fitch- burg depot, August 29th, 1870 ; Maple Street, October 25th, HI8T0BY OF GARDNER. 129 1869 ; Cross Street was extended to Pine Street, Miiy 12th, 1871 ; Nichols Street was laid May 12th, 1871 ; Walnut Street was also laid May 12th, 1871 ; jfirst part of Pine Street, from Lynde to Cross Street, August 19th, 1867; last part of, Pine Street, from Cross to North Main Street, May 17th, 1869 ; Ver- non Street, May 26th, 1868 ; Washington Street, June 2d, 1875 ; Mechanics Street, May 15, 1873 ; extended August 9th, 1877 ; Lincoln Street, October 28th, 1873 ; Union Street, No- vember 1st, 1851 ; Summer Street, May 26th, 1868 ; extended May 12th, 1871; Mill Street ordered by the county commis- sioners May 24th, 1869 ; Prospect Street, August 29th, 1870; High Street extended, August 29th 1870; Conant Street was laid out October 28th, 1871. April 4th, 1870, there was an article in the warrant " to see if the town will take any measures to designate by name the different roads and streets in said town and act anything in re- lation thereto." Upon this article the town " Voted, To choose a committee of five to report to the town at some future meet- ing, names for the several roads and streets." This committee, consisting of Charles Heywood, Francis Eichardson, S. W. A. Stevens, John W. Hill and Asaph Wood, made their report September 6th, 1870, which was accepted, — see. Town Kecords, vol. 5, p. 523 and following. At the same meeting the town " Voted, That the selectmen cause sign boards to be put up at the termini of each street in town." We have endeavored to give above, a pretty full summary of the roads in this town, while at the same time we are aware, that not all the roads, highways and byways have been men- tioned, a thing impossible and needless to do. As the years have gone by, there has been evident progress made, in the manner of constructing and caring for our highways. In its infancy and poverty, in 1786, the town expended the sum of three hundred dollars ; in the year 1877, the sum of three thou- sand dollars was appropriated for highways. While our roads are necessarily hilly, they are, as a general thing, kept in good repair, much vigilauce being constantly exercised over them by 17 130 HISTORY OF GABDJSTER. our selectmen and road masters. It is to be hoped that before the lapse of many years, there will be a greater and more gen- eral interest manifested by the town, in the construction of sidewalks and planting of shade and ornamental trees along our streets. Within the last few years individuals have laid con- venient and permanent sidewalks in front of their own dwel- lings, and have erected lamp posts for the benefit of the public ;. but much yet remains to be done iu this direction, before the town is made to possess the attractiveness it is capable of. Having said thus much concerning the highways and streets of Gardner, from the earliest time to the present, it is thought best to introduce here some account of the Turnpike, which was once a marked feature' of this town. By so doing we hope to preserve a record, for the benefit of future generations, of facts and scenes, of which they might otherwise remain forever ignorant. FIFTH MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE CORPORATION. This turnpike was incorporated March 1st, 1799. The rea- sons, for establishing it, are given iu the preamble to the act of incorporation, in the following words : — Whereas, The highway leading from Northfield in the county of Hampshire, through Warwick and Orange to Athol, and also from Greenfield through Montague and unimproved lands up Miller's River to Athol aforesaid, thence through Gerry, (now Phillipston,) Templeton, Gardner, Westminster and Fitchburg to Leominster, in the county of Worcester, is rocky and moun- tainous ; and the expense of straightening, making and repair- ing the same, through the said towns, so that the same may be conveniently traveled with horses and carriages, is much greater than reasonably ought to be required of said towns : Be it therefore enacted by the Senate and House of Represen- tatives in General Court assembled, etc. This turnpike had its commencement at Capt. Elisha Hunt's in Northfield, passed through Warwick, Orange, Athol, Phillipston, Templeton and Gardner to Westminster meeting-house, from thence to Jonas HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. 131 Kendall's tavern in Leominster; also from Calvin Munn's tavern in Greenfield, through Montague to Athol. The road was to be four rods wide, and the path to be traveled not less than eighteen feet wide, in any place. The corporation was authorized to erect five turnpike gates, convenient for collect- ing tlie toll. One of these gates was near David Mayo's tavern, in Warwick ; another near the tavern of Samuel Sweetser, in Athol ; another near the line between Gardner and West- minster; another near the tavern of Jonas Kendall, in Leom- inster; there was another at such convenient place between Greenfield and Athol as the corporation should determine. The following were the rates of toll ; — For every coach, phseton, chariot, or other four-wheel car- riage drawn by two horses, tioenty-five cents, and if drawn by more than two horses, an additional sum oi four cents for each horse ; for every cart or wagon, drawn by two oxen or horses, twelve and an half cents, and if drawn by more than two horses or oxen, an additional sum of three cents for each ox or horse ; for every curricle, sixteen cents ; for every chaise, cshair or other carriage, drawn by one horse, twelve and an half cents ; for every man and horse, _^i'e cents ; for every sled or sleigh, drawn by two oxen or horses, nine cents, if drawn by more than two oxen or horses, an additional sum of three cents for each ox or horse ; for each sled or sleigh, drawn by one horse, eight cents ; for ali horses, mules, oxen or neat cattle, led or driven, besides those in teams or carriages, one cent each ; for all sheep or swine, at the rate of three cents for one dozen. If the corporation, or their toll-gatherers, or others in their employ, should unreasonably delay or hinder any traveler, at any of the gates, or should receive more toll than was estab- lished by the act of incorporation, the corporation should for- feit a sum not exceeding ten dollars nor less than two dollars, to be recovered before any justice of the peace of the county where the offence should be committed, by any person thus in- jured, delayed oi- defrauded. The corporation was liable for any damage which should arise from defective bridges, or want 132 HISTORY OF GARDNER. of repairs, in said way. They were also indictable for not keeping the road in good repair. If any person should cut, break down, or otherwise destroy any turnpike gates, or dig up or caiTy away any earth, or in any manner damage the road, or should forcibly pass or attempt to pass the toll-gates, with- out having first paid the legal toll, he should pay a fine not exceeding_7?/?y dollars nor less than ten dollars. If any person, with his team, cattle, or horse, should turn out of the road to pass by any of the turnpike gates, and again enter the road, with intent to evade the toll, he should pay three times as much as the legal toll would have been. Persons passing to or from public worship, also persons passing on military duty, were exempt from toll. The corporation were o))ligcd to erect, and keep coiistantly exposed to view, at all places where toll was to be collected, a sign or board with rates of toll, of all the toll- able articles, fairly and legibl}^ written thereon in large or capital characters. This turnpike ran straight from Templeton through South Gardner, to Westminster, irrespective of hills or swamps. There was a toll-gate near the house of Elijah Foster, in Gard- ner, which was subsequently removed to a position near the store of S. W. A. Stevens, in South Gardner. This turnpike formed the most direct route from Brattleborough, Vt., to Bos- ton, and was the old stage road between these points. In the history of these turnpikes, we begin to trace those improve- ments, in public travel, which have since grown into rapid rail- road, and steamship conveyance. Let it not, however, be for- gotten, that turnpikes were matters of great public interest, in those days. There was, among the projectors of these roads, laying them in a direct course, from point to point, as they did, something of that determination to annihilate time and space, of which so much is heard at the present time. Then too, those stages, with their four and six horses, dash- ing along the highways, with their heavy freight of passengers and luggage, were objects fitted to awaken admiration in all the dwellers along the route. "With what a sense of self-importance HISTORY OF GARDINER. 133 did the driver sound his horn and crack his whip, as he ap- proached tlie tavern where men and boys were the self-con- stituted committee of reception of the incoming stage. How they gazed ujjon the passengers and watched their movements, especially if they were from " down below." What jovial times those must have been at the taverns, when it was not thought immoral for everybody to assemble and talk over national affairs and drink the ever present draft of toddy, and crack the jokes that called forth the uproarious laughter. It is true, we are better accommodated, by the oft-coming and departing railroad trains, but these, creeping along through valleys and around upon hillsides and through dismal swamps, awaken no such admiration, as the old New England stage did, with its pompous driver and spirited six-in-hand, as they passed along the public highway or brought up, flecked with foam, at one of our old county taverns. But with all our improvements, in consequence of steam, it is a noticeable fact, that roads are coming to be more and more a matter of public attention, and more lavish expenditure. There is a more intelligent convic- tion in the public mind, that good roads have much to do with the economy of living, since it must always cost more to draw a load over a bad road, than over a good one. In England, at the period already referred to, in this chapter, Macaulay tells us that such was the execrable condition of the roads, that the expense of transmitting heavy goods, in wagons was enormous, costing about fifteen pence a ton, for every mile, or fifteen times more than is demanded by railroads. Such, indeed, was the expense of transportation, upon these high- ways that, coal for instance, was never seen in England, except in the districts where it was produced, or in districts where it could be carried by water. On by-roads, goods were carried on long trains of pack horses. But in this respect, England has very greatly improved since the time of which Macaulay writes, having now several thousand miles of the finest roads in the world, being made firm and hard by the gravel and broken stone with which they are ballasted. The same is true 134 HI8T0RY OF QABDNER. of the roads in Switzerland. These people have alread}' learned, that which we are coming gradually, better to understand, that the best and most substantially built road, at whatever cost, is cheaper and more satisfactory in the long run, than that of poorer construction. Says Hon. Charles G. Davis of Plym- outh, who has traveled extensively in England and on the Con- tinent, " Go to the poorest canton in Switzerland, much poorer than any district in Massachusetts, and you will find I'oads, made always with even grades, never with a pitch or hollow to suit the natural surface of the country, but always upon even pitches up and down, sometimes bridging across dry valleys, the engineering and masonry of the most excellent character. These roads are constantly watched, as a mother watches her child, as the trackmen upon our railroads, tend the track that the engines pass over, watched day by day, and swept week by week."* It is to be hoped that our roads will be yet made after models of this high character. ♦Agricultural Report 1870-1871. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 135 CHAPTER VI. RAILROADS. " Carriages without liorses shall go, And accidents fill the world with woe. Around the world thoughts shall fly- In the twinkling of an eye. Water shall yet more wonders do ; Now strange, yet shall be true. The world upside down shall be, ' And gold be found at root of tree. Through hills man shall ride, And no horse or ass be at his side. Under water men shall walk ; Shall ride, shall sleep, shall talk. In the air men shall be seen. In white, in black, in green. Iron in the water shall float, As easy as a wooden boat. Gold shall be found, and found In a land that's not now known. Pire and water shall wonders do, England shall at last admit a Jew." — Mother Shipton's Prophecy, A. D. 1488. Before entering upon a minute history of the railroads passing through this town, it is thought not inappropriate, to present, in the opening of this chapter, a brief sketch of public communications, a hundred years ago, and even at a much later day, that the reader maybe able, to put events then, in contrast, with events now. The difficulties and perils of travel in the United States one hundred years ago, are graphi- cally sketched, by Mr. Edward Abbott, in a little work, entitled 136 HISTORY OF GARDNER. " Eevolutionaiy Times," from which, we take a [)ortion of the information here presented. He refers us to a brief narrative, of the journey, which a young man, by the name of Elkanah Watson, of Rhode Island, made, in 1777, from Providence to Charleston, South Carolina, on an errand of great pecuniary importance. The young man, then only nineteen years of age, started in September on horseback, and with a " hanger" at his side, and a pair of pistols at his holster, journeyed through eastern Connecticut to Hartford, "a wealthy and respectable place of almost three hundred houses," thence " to New Haven which he found to be somewhat larger." Crossing the Hudson at Peekskill, he came to Morristowu, N. J., where he fell in with two other travelers going the same way, and here ex- changed his seat, on the saddle, for one in a " sulky." The British having just taken possession of Philadelphia, the party were obliged to make, a considerable detour, by way of Read- ing, Lancaster and York, but were even then detained for a night, under arrest on suspicion of being British spies. They spent two days at Bethlehem, where was "a spacious tavern affording them welcome comforts ;" at Reading they found " a town of four hundred houses ;" and at Reamstown, young Wat- son had his first experience of sleeping in a German house, " between two feather beds." At Euphrates he heard the sound of Washington cannonading Germantown. Through Lancaster, he went to York, where Congress, driven out of Philadelphia, were in session, and where passports, had to be obtained, for the continuation of the journey, which so far, had occupied just a month. Crossing Maryland, Mr. Watson came to Fredericks- burg, Virginia, which he found "to be a place of a thousand inhabitants." Williamsburg contained more than three hundred dwellings, " built chief!}' of wood, on one street nearly a mile in length." Entering North Carolina, the first place of impor- tance was Edenton, with " thirty-five houses, and a brick court house." Thence, his route lay partly by laud and partly by wa- ter, to Bath ; this region was uninhabited and desolate ; crossing the Neuse River by night, with considerable danger, he finally HISTORY OF GARDNER. 137 reached Newbern, the capital of the colonj'. The journey from Newbern to Wilmington, lay through an almost unbroken wilderness ; at one point he lost his way, at another encount- ered a large bear. Bej'ond Wilmington, the route lay along the beach, for sixteen miles ; he here met a party going north, who had with thom tidings of Bnrgoyne's surrender. On the 18th of November, Mr. Watson entered Charleston, having been seventy days, in traveling one thousand two hundred and forty-three miles. Mr. Watson was the bearer of funds, not in checks and drafts of modern times, but iu gold, securely quilted into the lining of his coat. From this narr-ative, it will be easy to see, what it was to travel an hundred years ago. It was a time, when forests gave protection to many wild beasts, and the highways were infested like Gads Hill, with highway robbers, who have since given their attention to wrecking, and plundering railroad trains, and bank safes. Then, when night came and found the traveler, far from any settlement or habitation, he was compelled to bivouac, in the forest with his horse for a companion and the sky alone above his head. Such was uie condition of the country, one hundred years ago, that a traveler must provide himself, with permits to pass military lines, if he intended to go any distance from home. Then there were no canals; the first one, from Waltham to Richmond, Virginia, not being then completed. There was then one trunk road, from Boston, closely following the coast to the mouth of the Kennebec ; another into New Hampshire, and so into Canada; another to Providence ; one to New York, connecting the towns of Spring- field, Hartford and New Haven, and joined at this latter place, by one skirting the Sound, and going east, as far as the Narra- gansett Bay. Fi'om New York, there were two roads northward on each side the Hudson Eiver, as far as Albany, one going on thence to Lake George, the other diverging to the Mohawk Valley. Southward a road crossed New Jersey to the Delaware Eiver, then down to Philadelphia, and the region beyond. These were of course, all stage roads. Between New York and 18 138 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Philadelphia there run the fast stage, " The Flying Machine," making the journey in two days ; from Philadelphia to Balti- more the stage took five days to go ; from Boston to Philadel- phia was a wonderful journey. There was a weekly stage from Boston to Portsmouth and another also to Newbnryport. The following is an advertisement in the "Boston Gazette," May 10th, 1773, which is a sign of the times. EZRA LUNT Begs Leave to inform the Public, That he has lately pur- chased an Interest, in the Newbury-Port Stage, which has been lately fixed on a new Construction, in which he intends to im- prove four horses, which he will drive himself. Therefore he flatters himself that those Gentlemen and Ladies, that will oblige him with their Custom, will find more Ease and Pleasure, in their Passages to and from Boston, than they did heretofore. As said Lunt intends to observe Punctuality in his Business, therefore he l)egs that those Gentlemen and Ladies that intend to be his Customers, would take Notice, that he will wait on them, for their Commands at his House in Newbury-Port, oppo- site the Eev. Mr. Parsons' Meeting-house ; from whence he will set out, on Monday every Week, at 7 o'clock, and puts up at Mrs. Bean's, at the Sign of the Ship, in Kings Street, Boston, where all Baggage, Bundles, etc., will be received, and deliv- ered, as directed, and Passages engaged. All Favors will be gratefully acknowledged. After the Eevolution, a semi-weekly stage, was established between New York and Boston, Avhich made the trip in six days. Sometimes travelers would go by their own conveyance, occa- sionally advertising for a companion. Sometimes they would go by water. Mr. Josiah Quiucy, Jr., went from Boston to Charleston, S. C, in 1773, by water, a voyage which took him twenty days to make. There was communication every ten days, by packet, between Massachusetts and Maine. " The Publick's Humble Servant, William Holland, proprietor, adver- tising that the master of the packet, in order to prevent the & HISTORY OF GARDNER. 139 usual Trouble of Gentlemen and Ladies, procuring their Stores, will furnish good Liquors of all Sorts, and proper attendance at the common prices in Taverns." Occasionally there was a packet between Boston, and various parts of the South, and between Boston and the settlements on the St. Lawrence. There were regular packets between Bos- ton and New York, and English ports, six Aveeks being the common length of the voyage across the Atlantic. At that time the transportation of troops for the war, was exceedingly laborious and difficult, entirely unlike what our eyes have wit- nessed in recent years. The postal system was in a very imperfect condition. In certain parts of the country, there were no mails whatever, and to a large extent letters were sent by private hands, making correspondence exceedingly uncertain and dilatory. During the Revolutionary War, it was entirely interrupted. The Lon- don papers of September 28th, 1776, contained this notice from the general post office : "A mail will be dispatched from hence on Wednesday next, for New York, and also one for Charles- town ; after which there will be no regular Conveyance for Letters from the Office to North America ; but whenever a Packet may be dispatched to any part of that continent, proper notice will be given." As a further evidence of the infrequency of postal facilities, we give the following : — GENERAL POST OFFICE. Philadelphia, Feb. 14th, 1775. It having been found very inconvenient, to persons concerned in trade, that the mail from Philadelphia to New England sets out, but once in a fortnight, during the winter season, this is to give notice that the New England mail will go henceforth, once a week the year round ; when a correspondence may be carried on, and answers obtained to letters, between Philadelphia and Boston in three weeks, which used, iu the winter, to require six weeks. By the command of the postmaster-genera.1, William Franklin, Oomjptroller. 140 HISTOBY OF GARDJSrUR. The arraugemeuts for the conveyance of the mails, as often practiced, will be shown by the following advertisement from the " Continental Journal" of December 25th, 1777. WILLIAM SHUETLIFF, POST RIDER. Letters directed to the army, now at the southward, lodged at the public houses or places, hereafter named, on Thursday, the 8th day of Januar}'-, 1778, viz. at Col. Sprout's, Middle- borough ; Capt. Nathaniel Little's, Kingston ; Mr. Thomas Witherel's, Plymouth ; Mr. Jonathan Parker's, Plympton ; Messrs. Porter's & White's, Taunton ; Mr. Samuel Lane's, Nor- ton ; Gill's Printing Office and Lamb Tavern, Boston ; Mr. Partridge's, Eoxbury ; Mr. Daniel Vose's and Mrs. Bent's, Mil- ton ; Mrs. May's, Stoughton ; Mr. Eandell's, Stoughtonham ; Mr. Man's, Wrentham, and at his house in Mansfield, Avill be carefully convoyed, and a speedy return made, by the Publick's most humble Servant. William Shurtliit. P. S. It will be expected that the postages be left with the Icttei's ; and am very sorry to acquaint my customers, and others, that I cannot afford to carry under three sldllings per single letter; and if it be duly considered, that the season of the Year is bad, the journey long, and the expenses on the road so amazing great, I flatter myself I shall not be thought unrea- sonable. Gradually these great inconveniences of travel, and the trans- mission of intelligence, were in some degree overcome, wilhin the first fifty years subsequent to the close of the Eevolutionary War, by the sti'aightening of roads and building of turn- pikes, together with the attendant increase of postal facilities, so that fifty years ago one could come from Boston to this place, in a little less than a day. It is difficult for us, with our many and rapid railroad trains, our frequent mails, and telegraphic conveniences, to appreciate the privations and discomforts of two generation ago ; and yet all these facilities of travel and communication are of recent date. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 141 The first railroticl in the United States, the Quincy, Avas built in 1826. Gridley Bryant, the inventor of the eight-wheeled car, the turn-table and the switch, was according to good au- thority, the projector, builder and engineer, of this new rail- road, Avhich was only four miles, in length, and made, for the pur- pose of transporting granite for the Bunker Hill Monument. It Avas not till the period embraced, between 1828 and 1833, that our great system of railroads may be said to have begun. In 1830 there were but twenty-three miles of railroads in the United States. In 1845, there were four thousand, six hundred and thirty-three miles of railroads. This brings us to a consideration of the Vermont and Mas- sachusetts Eailroad Company', in its relations to the grosvthand prosperity of this town. The original act of incorporation, bears date March 15th, 1844. According to section first, of this act, the road was located " through the north part of the town of Gardner, to Otter Eiver, thence down Otter River to the village of Baldwinsville, in the north part of Templeton." At this point, it may be well to consider the character of a struggle, which raged for two years, in this community and which involved in its decisions the destiny of this town. It was a war, in which Greek met Greek, and bitter was the conflict, sometimes, and at this distant day, we would like to make our townsmen ftimiliar with the facts, that they may know, from what they have been delivered, and to whose exertions they are indebted for the facilities of trade and travel they now enjoy. About 1842, Hon. Alvah Crocker, the projector and first pres- ident, of the Yermont and Massachusetts Railroad, one of Fitch- burg's honored citizens, and subsequently our representative in congress, came to this and other towns, upon the proposed route, lectui-ing upon the feasibility of the road, and awakening an in- terest in the minds of the people. Stock was subscribed in this town and in Templeton, and the leading men of the day, saw the desirability of the road ; but when the subject came to the con- sideration of the legislature, in the winter of '43 and '44, it had a new and very different face from that which had been pre- 142 HISTORY OF GAIWJ^-EB. sentecl to the citizens of tliese towns at tlie outset. Evidently Gardner, to the prophetic vision of some of the projectors, was seen to be a near and accessible point, from which to extend an arm to the Boston and Albanj' Eailroad at Worcester, and so divertino; trade and travel from the east, and from the Fitch- burg Railroad ; hence to their minds, came the necessity of locating the route, to the north, and over the summit, making all converge toward Boston, by the way of Fitchburg solely ; so that in the original bill, as it appeared before the house, Bald- winsville did not appear, but was inserted, through the agency of Col. Artemas Lee, Messrs. Boynton, Day and Davis of Temple- ton, and Mr. Levi Hey wood of Gardner. Previous to the pas- sage of this act of incorporation, Mr. Crocker had proceeded to locate and build the eleventh section, which ran from Ashburn- ham toward Winchendon Village, not having been authorized by law, but trusting to the coming legislature, to legalize and give permission for such a course ; in this he was disappointed by the action of the above-named gentlemen, who, by their timely exertions, had secured the insertion of the nameof Bald- winsville, in the proposed route, before the bill had passed the house. Mr. Crocker petitioned to leave Baldwinsviile out, and appealed to the county commissioners to change the direction of the road. To oppose this petition, Gardner called a town meeting, July 22d, 1845, and Messrs. Levi Heywood, Thomas E. Glazier and S. S. Howe, were chosen to meet the county commissioners, at Templeton, July 23d, 1845, and also were authorized to employ counsel to assist them in opposing the alteration of said charter. The Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad claimed, at this meeting, that it would be impracticable to construct the road, through the north part of this town, upon the chartered line, because there was, as they expressed it, " so much rock, the worst Tcind of rock, viz., trap rock." Mr. Ed- wai'ds, the engineer of the road, was present and standing at the desk with the pi'ofile before him, was requested to point out the stations where such rock would be found. Now this gen- tleman had no personal knowledge of this section, his subor- HISTORY OF GARBJ^EB. 143 dinate, Johnson, having made the survey, but trusthig to his judgment, he immediately complied witli the request, and des- ignated the stations where this formation would be found. Mr. Heywood then secured, through Judge Allen, his counsel, an adjournment of the case, for one week ; meanwhile parties went upon the line, and were enabled to sink shafts to grade line, but found no rock as indicated by Mr. Edwards. This fact be- ing presented at the adjourned meeting of the commissioners, virtually killed the ease, and they refused to grant the prayer of petitioners. The Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad, thwarted in this attempt to secure a change in its route, brought its case before the legislature, petitioning for the proposed alteration in its chartered line. The chief reasons alleged, by Mr. Crocker and others, were peculiar, and the subterfuges resorted to, were certainly very curious, as will be seen, in the light of subse- quent events. It was claimed by the petitioners that the dam, at the reservoir in Ashburnham, was too high to admit of the construction of the road by the side of it. But it was ascer- tained, that this dam had been raised two feet, with this object, of defeating the chartered line, in view. Again it was claimed that the grade of the Fitchburg road was too low to admit of a connection of the line through Gard- ner with it. But the fact, was afterwards disclosed, that the petitioners had lowered the grade of the Fitchburg road through Ashburnham, fifteen feet, so that the chartered line should not be able to connect. To meet this newly made objection, the friends of the proposed route, through the north part of this town, lowered the grade of this road fifteen feet from its original plan. These devices, however, did not avail, and new measures were resorted to, to secure the object of the petitioners. When all hope of defeating the road as originally chartered, was lost, other and more indirect means were used to secure the location of the Vermont and Massachusetts Eailroad through Wincheu- don. On the 28th day of February, 1845, the Vermont and 144 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Massachusetts Railroad secured the passage of a bill extending the time for building their road to three years, provided any section of it between Fitchburg and Athol should be con- structed within that time. Within thirteen days, after the pas- sage of this bill, viz., on the 13th day of March, following, an act passed the legislature chartering the Winchendon Railroad. This road was to begin at the " southern boundary of the state of New Hampshire, in the town of Fitzwilliam or the town of Rindge, and passing thence to some convenient point at or near Winchendon Village, or Watervilie Village, in said town of Win- chendon, or in either of the towns of Royalstou, or Templeton, or Gardner, upon the railroad, which may be constructed by the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad." We find in the charter of the Winchendon Railroad this proviso, in M'hich appears the influence of Mr. Crocker, with his face steadfastly set like a flint toward Winchendon, viz. : " That if said Vermont and Mas- sachusetts Railroad shall not, within two years from April 1st next, locate and construct their railroad through Winchendon Village, to their chartered line in Royalstou, then said Win- chendon corporation are hereby authorized and empowei'cd, to locate, construct and extend their road through said Winchen- don to some convenient point upon the said Vermont and Mas- sachusetts Railroad, in the town of Ashburnham." After long and excited discussions before the committee, the leading and prevailing question of equity was presented by Mr. Hcywood and others, viz. : " That stock had beeu largely sub- scribed in Gardner, while in Winchendon not one dollar had been subscribed." The petitioners, not feeling quite at ease with this question of equity before the committee, desired to separate Gardner from Templeton. After the hearing had been closed before the committee, and before they had made their report, the question was asked, if Gardner would not be satis- fied with a branch, allowing the main line to go through Win- chendon, which question was pertinently answered by their own assertion, " that there was no practicable line to Gardner," to which the reply came, " not one for a main line, but one for o o >- HISTORY OF GARDNER. 145 a branch." ' Then came the proposition to our ngent to accom- pany the engineer, Mr. Edwards, over some line that he, Mr. Heywood, might select from Ashbuniham Junction to Gardner. Starting from the Junction they followed a route, now used as the road bed between this town and the Junction, until they connected it with a line that had already been surveyed by Mr. Higginson for a road running from Fitchburg through West- rninster to Gardner. Mr. Edwards, having surveyed this route, brought his chart to Mr. Heywood at Boston and requested him to take that before the committee and say that Gardner would be satisfied with a branch as indicated on the chart. "But it would be exparte," Mr. Heywood replied, "as the case has been virtually closed." The survey which Mr. Edwards had made was taken and united to the one which Mr. Higginson had made, and Col. Day of Templeton, being acquainted with one member of the committee of the house, laid the case with the charts before him, and convinced him that there did exist a good route from Fitch- burg through Gardner, by their own actual survey. As the result of all this conflict the legislature relocated the line from Ashburnham to Baldwinsville, April I6th, 1846, in the following words: "Said company, in locating and con- structing that portion of their railroad, which shall be between the point of junction aforesaid, and South Royalston, are hereby empowered to adopt a route, diverging from their present chartered line, in manner following, viz. : Commencing at some convenient point in Westminster, westward of Whitman's Vil- lage, or in Gardner, or in Ashburnham, and thence through the town of Gardner, to the valley of Otter River ; and thence by such a line as shall be found most feasible, through Templeton to a point in their chartered line between Gibson's mill and the village of South Royalston." Thus the struggle, lasting for more than two years, ended at last, through the adroitness, skill and persistent determination, and unfaltering eflTorts of these agents, in a victory for this town ; a victory without which, Gardner must have been to-day, but 19 146 HI8T0BY OF GARDNEE. little in advance of what it was, thirty years ago. Such an unwearied pursuit, of a good object, is wortliy of the lasting gratitude, of all who are profited by the great advantages thereby secured to the town, and illustrates the truth of the Virgilian saying, " Possunt quia posse videntur;" they are able because they seem to be able. Yet the determination to carry the Vermont and Massachu- setts Kailroad nbrth of this town, did not even then, become extinct in the minds of those who petitioned for an alteration in the original charter. Hence, instead of coming to Gardner, as the road now does, on a curve at Ashburnham Junction, there was constructed, that bewildering anomaly, in railroad traveling, to the confusion of all passengers, the turning of the engine and the seats of the cars, in order to run upon the new line. This was a declaration daily made, for thirty years, that the road to this [)]ace should yet be only a branch, of the main line. But if the road has been of great advantage to Gardner, it may with equal truth be said, that Gardner has been of great yearly advantage to it. During the year ending January 1st, 1878, the amount of income derived from the sale of tickets at the office in Gardner was, $10,521. Adding to this sum an equal amount sold at other stations to those returning hither, we have the sum of $21,042. For freight 23,817.85 ; making total income to the road from Gardner, for the year 1877, $44,- 859.85, exclusive of the freight shipped from this to other places, and of express business done upon the road. There are ten regu- lar passenger trains leaving the depot of the Fitchburg Railroad daily, five each way. There are also ten freight trains daily, consisting of a hundred cars each way. The Boston, Barre and Gardner Eailroad next claims our at- tention. The original charter for this railroad, was granted, by the legislature, April 26th, 1847. The company were "em- powered to locate, construct, and maintain a railroad with one, or more tracks, from some convenient point, on the Nashua and Worcester Railroad, in the town of Worcester, through the Hli^TORT OF GARDNER. Ul towns of Holden, Rutland, Princeton, Hubbardston, and Oak- ham, to some convenient point, near the centre of Barre ; and also from some convenient point, on said route, in the town of Princeton, through the town of Hubbardston, to some conven- ient, point, on the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad in the town of Gardner." By an act of the legislature, extending the time, for the con- struction of this road, passed March 24th, 1849, permission was granted, to change the name from that of "The Barre and Worcester Railroad Corporation," to "The Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad Corporation." An additional act was passed, April 24th, 1851, extending the time for building the road, and at the same time, releasing the corporation "from all obliga- tion to construct that part of their said railroad as described in their charter, from a point at the junction of the two branches of said railroad, in the town of Princeton, through the towns of Rutland, Hubbardston, and Oakham, to some convenient point near the centre of Barre ; and they may construct, or omit to construct any part thereof, as they may elect ; and they may also construct, and maintain, the other parts of the said railroad, from some convenient point, on the Worcester and Nashua Railroad, in the city of Worcester, through the towns of Holden, Rutland, Princeton and Hubbardston, to some con- venient point on the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad, in the town of Gardner." Permission was also given, in this act, granting a relocation of the road, to open a new subscription for the capital stock of this corporation, releasing also, fi-om all assessments, all per- sons holding stock before subscribed, and from all expenses afterwards incurred by said corporation. On March 12th, 1853, another act passed the legislature, extending the time for con- structing this road, to Jidy 1st, 1856, and authorizing the com- pany, to build their road by sections. The first section was to begin, in Worcester, at some convenient point on the Worces- ter and Nashua Railroad, aud extend through the towns of West Boylston and Holden, to some convenient point in the 148 HISTORY OF GARDNER. town of Princeton. The second section, was to extend from the northerly end of the first section, in Princeton, through Hubbardston to Gardner. The third section, was to extend from some convenient point on the first section, through the towns of Kutland, Hubbardston and Oaliham, to some conven- ient point in Barre. The last act of the legislature renewing the charter, was passed February 21st, 1868, extending the time of construction to the 1st day of July, 1871. An act approved July 8th, 1869, authorized the city of Woi'cester to subscribe to the capital stock of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Eailroad Company, one per centum of its valuation for 1868. The towns of Holden, Princeton, Eutland, Bai-re, Hubbardston and Gardner, were also, by the same act, authorized " to subscribe, to the said capital stock, an amount not exceeding in all, five per centum of their valuation, as given by their assessors for 1868, and to pay for the same, out of the treasury of the town that shall so subscribe, and to hold the same, as town property ; and said stock, when so subscribed and paid for, shall be subject to the disposal of the said city, and each of the said towns, that shall become subscribers, to the said stock, under this act, for public purposes, in the same manner, as any other property it may possess ; provided, that if the citizens aforesaid, shall become su])scribers to the stock of any other railroad company, under authority, that has been heretofore conferred upon them, or may hereafter be conferred upon them, by any act of the legislature, the whole amount of their subscriptions to all railroad companies, shall not exceed five per centum, of the aforesaid valuation." The total amount subscribed must be determined, at city or town meetings legally warned and called. This money, the city of Worcester, and the towns above named were empowered to raise, by the issuing of bonds, or by loan or tax. They were authorized " to appoint a committee, to subscribe, in behalf of the city or town for such number of such shares, in the capital stock of this corporation, as should be voted by city or town ; and this committee were authorized, to cast the vote of said city or HI3T0BY OF GARDINER. 149 towns, in the choice of directors of said railroad, at the first meeting of the stockholders thereof, after said city or town should subscribe, called for that purpose : and thereafter the vote of said city or towns, in the choice of directors of said railroad, shall be cast, by the person or persons, whom said city or towns may appoint." The final act of relocation of this road, was approved March 11th, 1870. It pertained to the relocation of the first, second, and third sections. This act permitted the corporation to extend its line, " from some convenient point in the city of Worcester, thence through Holden, and through, or near the centre village thereof; and thence through Princeton and Hub- bardstoii, and the southerly part of Gardner, to some conven- ient point, on the road of the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad Company in said Gardner." The corporation was also authorized, to locate the third section of its road, so that it might extend from some convenient point, in the first or second section of its road, to some convenient point in the town of Barre. With the final location of this road, and the act of the legislature authorizing the city of Worcester, and the towns along the line to subscribe to the capital stock, there began to be manifested an increased interest, in its immediate construction. In Gardner, a town meeting was called August 18th, 1869, to consider the subject of subscribing to the- stock, of the Bos- ton, Barre and Gardner Eailroad. This meeting was largely attended, and much interest manifested, in the project. Upon motion of Mr. Levi Heywood, it was "Voted, That the town subscribe for stock in the Boston, Barre and Gardner Eailroad Corporation, to the amount of three per centum of the valuation of the town in 1868." This subscription amounted to $38,500, and was increased to $100,000 by private subscription. Much public interest was evinced in the speedy accomplish-' ment of this enterprise, which had lain dormant for twenty-two years. The towns along the line of this new road, were quite enthusiastic, in their determination to build it. Hubbardston went to the utmost limit granted by the legislature, and sub- 150 HISTORY OF OARDNHR. scribed five per cent, of its valuatiou for 1868, making the amount of its subscription $37,600, wliich was subsequently increased to $50,000 ; Princeton subscribed $6,000 and Holden $30,000, wliicli was largely increased by private subscription ; while the city of Worcester, by a large majority, subscribed one per cent, of its valuation for 1868, amounting to about $280,000. At a meeting of the directors, held at Worcester, September 15th, 1869, a vote was passed to put that portion of the road between Worcester and Gardner under contract immediately. This contract was made with Messrs. Cook & Co. of Canada, in November, 1869. The company organized at Worcester September 28th, 1869, with the following oificers : President, Col. Ivers Phillips, Worcester; Secretary' and Treasurer, Wil- liam E. Starr, Worcester ; Directors, Ivers Phillips, Stephen Salisbury, W. W. Rice, Calvin Foster, D. Waldo Lincoln, Horatio N. Tower, Lewis Ballard of Worcester, Joab S. Holt, David Parmenter of Holden, John Brooks of Princeton, Henry Prentiss of Hubbardston and Levi Hej^wood of Gardner. From the time of the contract, the construction of the road, was rapidly and faithfully pursued, till the 26th day of April, 1871, when Col. Phillips drove the first spike, in Gardner, promising at the same time to have the rails laid to Worcester by the 4th of July following. True to his word, the road was so far advanced towards completion, that upon the 4th of July, 1871, an excursion train passed over it, from Worcester to this town, although it was not formally opened, to the public till later. Such is the history of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad. At this point we must go back a little, and take up the con- temporaneous history relating to the extension of this road to Winchendon, as it now exists. It will be remembered that the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad, was chartered in 1847, but no action was taken, looking to its construction till twenty-two years after. During these years, especially the latter part of them, the chair manufacturers of this town, were HISTORY OF GABDNER. 151 g]-eatly enlarging their business, and making constantly in- creasing demands for lumber, for its successful prosecution. Much of this lumber came from Vermont and New Hamp- shire. But such were the railroad inconveniences, that they were obliged to have their stock, or lumber, come over the Cheshire Railroad, and be drawn by teams from Ashburnhara Junction, or be brought, upon the Vermont and Massachusetts, from the Junction to Gardner, at great cost, the two railroads charging high tariffs. This inconvenience affected not only the chair manufacturers, but our grain merchants, and other busi- ness men, as well. Hence there began to be a conviction in the minds of our citizens, that there ought to be a railroad, from Gardner to Winchendon, to connect with the Cheshire and Monadnock. If this road could be built, it would open up direct and less costly communication, with the lumber regions of Vermont and New Hampshire, and be a matter of great con- venience and profit to Gardner. Prompted by these motives, a petition was presented, by our representative, in the General Court, for 1869, Mr. Calvin S. Greenwood, signed by Mr. Charles Heywood and others, for a road from here to Winchen- don, to be called the Gardner and Winchendon Railroad. This petition was presented February 4th, 1869, and was referred to the Committee on Railroads. February 24th there was a peti- tion presented by B. D. Whitney and others, in aid of the peti- tion of Chai'les Heywood and others. This also was referred to the above committee. In the senate. May 26th, 1869, there was a report upon the petition of Charles Heywood and others, which was considered, and on motion of Mr. Buttrick, a bill to incorporate the Gardner and Winchendon Railroad Company, was substituted therefor ; whereupon, the whole subject was referred to the next General Court. Thus the Gardner and Winchendon enterprise was, for this year prevented, which, to one looking at events, in an honest and unselfish light, seems strange, inasmuch as the enterprising citizens of Gardner and Winchendon proposed to build the road with money from their own pockets and did not propose to ask the state for a dollar, in aid of their much desired project. 152 HISTORY OF GARDNER. This agitation, concerning a road from here to Wincheudou, in the legislature of 1869, was not, however, without its favor- able results, as will now be seen. The petition of Mr. Charles Heywood and others, had the beneficial effect to arouse a new interest in the minds of enterprising men, in Worcester, in the desirability of building the long chartered line from Worcester to Gardner, and of extending the same, to Winchendon, thus obviating any necessity for the incorporation of the Gardner and Winchendon Railroad, as prayed for by the petitioners. In the legislature of 1870, in which Mr. John M. Moore was rep- resentative of the district of which Gardner forms a part, according to the journal of the house, for January 18th, 1870, " a bill to incorporate the Gardner and Winchendon Eailway Company, referred by the senate, in 1869, to this General Court, came down, having been taken from the files of the Senate, and referred to the Committee on Eailways, and the house con- curred in the reference." "January 14th, 1870, a petition of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad Company, for a change of location and exten- sion of road, was referred, in concurrence, to the Committee on Railways. January 17th, 1870, Mr. Moore of Gardner, presented the petition of Mr. Thomas E. Glazier and others, of Gardner, that the Boston, Barre and. Gardner Railroad may be extended to Winchendon. February 2»th, 1870, Mr. Earle of ' Worcester, from a Committee on Railways, to whom was re- ferred the petition of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad Company, reported on the part of said petition, a bill author- izing the company to relocate its road. This was read and ordered to a second reading, March 1st, 1870." "The bill was ordered to a third reading March 2d, 1870. Mr. Marble of Worcester, moved a reconsideration of the vote by which the report, on the petition of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad Company was accepted, and the motion was placed on the orders of the day following. March 3d, 1870, motion was withdrawn. March 10th, 1870, bill was engrossed. March 1st, 1870, Mr. Parker of Lancaster, from Committee on HISTORY OF GARDNER. 153 Railwiiys, to whom was referred the petition, of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad Company, for extension of its road, reported reference to the next General Court. March 2d, 1870, Mr. Marble of Worcester, moved a reconsideration of the above, and the motion was placed on the orders of the day following. March 3d, 1870, a motion was made to reconsider the vote, by which the report, on the petition of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad Company, was yesterday accepted, was agreed to, and Mr. Earle of Worcester moved to amend the report, by substituting a bill, to authorize the said road to extend to Winchendon, and for other purposes, pending, the consideration of which, the subject was postponed till the next day." March 4th, 1870, a report, on the petition of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad Company, was accepted, Mr. Earle withdrawing his motion to amend the same. This action of Mr. Earle was taken because of an agreement entered into be- tween the friends of the extension and their opponents, that, if referred to the next legislature, they would not oppose it. The managers of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad, were induced to make this agreement, in order to insure the passage of the bill then pending, for the relocation of their road, which was of vital importance to them at that time, and which would have been seriously endangered, had they pressed the extension. In 1871, the matter came again before the legislature, Mr. Levi Heywood being the representative, for that year, in the General Court. In all fairness of agreement, between the parties interested for and against the extension, it was hoped and expected that no more opposition would be made to the extension to Win- chendon. But, in this hope, the friends of the road were des- tined to disappointment. Petitions, were presented to this legislature from the city council of Worcester, Charles Hey- wood and five hundred and seven other citizens of Gardner, Nelson D. White and others, William B. Goodnow and others, Ethan Davis and others, Monadnock Railroad Company, N. P. 20 154 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Parkhurst aad others, iu favor of the extension to Winchendon, while Mr. George C. Winchester and others of Ashburnham, presented petitions against the extension. From this time onward, through the whole session, the oppo- sition, to the petitioners for an extension, was exceedingly intense. Contrary to an agreement made at the last session, the old opponents were again in the field, or rather the lobby, ready to do all, within their power, to have the petition denied. Supreme selfishness was the inspiring force, in all their conduct. The Vermont and Massachusetts Eailroad Company was there, with its agents, though they had, as they claimed, been sum- moned. The Nashua and Worcester, the Boston, Clinton and Fitchburg and the Providence and Worcester railroad com- panies, were all represented in force, to defeat the enterprise, and in addition to these, Mr. Geo. C. Winchester of Ashburn- ham, was also no indifierent spectator, if not an abettor, of the opposition. But, in the face of all this opposition, Senator Bird reported a bill in favor of the extension, while some of the members, as Towne of Fitchburg, dissented. Meanwhile, the friends of the proposed extension, at home, were not dormant. Convinced that they had a righteous cause, and one that must and ought to prevail, the citizens of the city of Worcester and of all the towns along the line, to Win- chendon, assembled "for the purpose of considering the pro- posed extension of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad Company, to Winchendon, and the dark and disgraceful means, which have been used by the opponents of the project, in and out of the legislature, for its defeat." In Gardner, an enthusi- astic meeting was held, April 29th, 1871, at which, Mr. Thom- as E. Glazier presided, who reviewed the history of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad, and the efibrts made to secure a charter to Winchendon, at the same time, referring to the faith- lessness of the opponents, who agreed not again to resist the petitioners. Mr. Charles Hey wood also spoke of the nature of the opposition and the foolishness of those who desired the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad to form a connection, east HISTORY OF GARDNER. 155 of the village, and so go to Winchendon by way of Ashburn- ham, for the benefit of the opponents of the extension. After a thorough discussion of the motives actuating the opposition, a committee, on resolutions, consisting of Messrs. Charles Hey- wood, E. J. Sawyer and John M. Moore was chosen, who re- ported the following resolutions : — Whereas, An attempt of the most unscrupulous character, is being made, to defeat the proposed extension of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Eailroad, from Gardner to Winchendon, aud, whereas such extension is of vital importance to our com- munity, therefore ; Resolved, That as a matter of justice to towns and individ- uals, who have taken the stock of the Boston, Barre and Gard- ner Eailroad, it should be extended to Winchendon, in order that they may have a direct communication with the north, by their own line, rather than by a circuitous route over two hostile aud competing railroads. Resolved, That we most earnestly protest against the pro- posed diversion of the road from its present location in this town, towards Ashburnham, thereby depriving us, iu a great measure, of the advantages to which we are entitled, and in- flicting incalculable injury upon our business community, as an act of gross injustice to us, who, as a town and as individuals, have invested so largely of our means, in the road, while it would only benefit a few, who have never given either pecuniarj' or moral support to the enterprise. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to our senator and representative in the state legislature, and that they be requested to use every honorable means to accomplish the prayer of the petitioners. Upon the same day meetings were held in Hubbardston and Winchendon, at which, resolutions of similar import were passed. Two of the resolutions passed by the people of Hub- bardston, were to this effect : — Resolved, That inasmuch as the stockholders and the towns along the line propose to construct the extension, with their 156 HISTORY OF GARDNER. own fiiuds, with which neither individuals nor towns, aside from the line of the road, have any equitable or moral right to inter- fere, and in the present opposition to the project, in the state legislature, we recognize only the unwarranted and unjustifiable interference of parties, who have no interest in its success, by any financial or local connections with it, and in the peculiar and unusual tactics adopted, by the opposition, we recognize only the factious, unscrupulous and reprehensible efforts of men, who will lose nothing by the extension, and only fear that others may be prospered more than they are themselves. Resolved, That we denounce these efforts as unjust and inde- fensible, and we appeal to the legislature to grant us the privi- lege of building our own route, with our own means, and at our own risk, without the selfish and outrageous interference of those who seek only to embarrass and injure the prospects and prosperity of the road. These resolutions, when presented to the legislature, were declared, by the opponents of the extension, to be " disrespect- ful," while they continued, unremittingljs their efforts to defeat the project, till success crowned their unworthy endeavors. The senate of 1871, decided by a vote of twenty to fifteen, against granting the prayer of the petitioners. This action of the legislature seems exceedingly strange and unfair, in view of the fact that no money was sought from the state to aid in build- ing the road, and that the convenience to this community, from the extension, would be so great. But the citizens of these towns, were not discouraged. Such was the justice of their cause, that they felt confident, that the next legislature would grant their prayer. In this confidence they were not disap- pointed. The bill for the extension to Winchendon passed the senate, February 14th, and the house February 17th, 1872, and was subsequently approved by the governor, thus securing to Gardner the railroad connection with the north, it had labored so long and so persistently to obtain. However, the location of the road was not immediately determined. By some, it was suggested, that the route to Winchendon be upon the Vermont & HISTORY OF GARDNER. 157 and Massachusetts Railroad to Baldwiusville ; thence over the Ware Eiver Railroad. Pending the location of this road to Wincheudon, a special town meeting was called June 3d, 1872, to see if the town would take more stock in the Boston, Barre and Gardner Rail- road Company. After a short discussion, it was " Voted, That Levi Heywood, Sylvester K. Pierce and Henry C. Hill, be a committee to subscribe in behalf of the town, for two hundred and fifty shares of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad Company, whenever in the opinion of said committee, or a majority of them, sufficient stock shall be subscribed, to insure the building of the extension of said company's road, from Gardner to Winchendou, and the treasurer of the town is hereby authorized to borrow such sums of money as may be needed to pay for such stock." In due time, the contract for building the extension from Gardner to Wiuchendon, was given to Mr. B. N. Farren, of Greenfield, who began work upon it in December, 1872. The last rail connecting the road with the Cheshire, was laid at Wiuchendon Thanksgiving day, Nov. 27, 1873, the same day on which the final blast, opening the Hoosac Tunnel, was ex- ploded. In the afternoon of the same day a train, conveying the Mayor of Worcester, Superintendent Ross and many prom- inent citizens, passed over the road to Wiuchendon, where a Thanksgiving dinner was eaten at the American house, with heartj'^ rejoicings and congratulations, that an enterprise of such importance, to the growth and general welfare, of this section of country, had at length, with great toil, and in the face of most unfair and unscrupulous opposition, been successfully consummated. Regular trains began I'unning from Worcester to Wiuchen- don, and Peterboro', New Hampshire, Feb. 2, 1874. Since the time of construction of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad, its business has been such as not to disappoint those most in- terested in its prosperity. It is certainly a great and much needed auxiliary, to the railroad facilities, of the whole region, 158 HISTORY OF QARDHTHR. and when the Ihie is extended, as it soon will be to Concord, New Hampshire, it will afford a most direct route from the capital of New Hampshire to New Yoi'k. We have been thus minute and circumstantial, in our recital of the history of the two railroads passing through this town, that those interested, in studying the causes of our municipal growth, now and hereafter, may be furnished, with a clear idea of their cost, in time, money, labor, inextinguishable patience, and uncompromising determination, on the part of our most enterprising business men, and citizens, among whom, without justly exposing ourselves to the charge of invidiousness, we may place, as most prominent, the name of Mr. Levi Heywood, as in an eminent sense, the father of our present railroad facilities. With no such natui-al advantages as most other towns enjoy, but on the contrary, with many natural disadvantages, Gardner has, through its railroad accommodations, come into possession of great and substantial elements of future growth and pros- perity, which under judicious management, must inevitably, tend to make the town one of the largest and most important in the commonwealth. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 159 CHAPTER VII. INDUSTRIES. " Productive industry is the only capital ■which enriches a people, and spreads national prosperity and well-being." — Samuel Laing. " God provides the good things of the world, to serve the needs of nature, by the labors of the plowman, and the skill and pains of the artisan, and the dangers and traffic of the merchant." — Jeremy Taylor. " Self-reliance and self-denial, will teach a man to drink out of his own cistern, and eat his own sweet bread, and to learn and labor truly to get his own living and carefully to save, and expend the good things committed to his trust." — Lord Bacon. " Care preserves what industry gains. He who attends to his business diligently, but not carefully, throws away with one hand, what he gathers with the other." — Cotton. "The roughest road, often leads to the smoothest tortune."— Franklin. " The parent, who does not teach his chUd a trade, teaches him to be a thieV—Brahminical Scriptures. " Seest thou a man diligent, in his business? he shall stand before kings ; he shall not stand before mean men." — Prov. 22 : 29. IT is a fact clearly apprehended, by the student of political economy, that the great distinctions, existing among men, in regard to wealth and poverty, competence and want, are due, not so much, to a disparity in mental endowments, as to the determination, persistency, and unflinching courage, with which, they apply themselves, to some wisely selected vocation in life. Experience teaches, that the really industrious man, the man who is daily employed, in some honest labor of muscle or brain, is the one who achieves permanent success, in life, while the man who is unsteady of habit, to-day doing one thing and to-morrow another, never really setting himself to any particular task, with an invincible determination to adhere to it 160 HISTORY OF GARDNER. till he has made it a success, will come, at length, to verify the proverb, " a rolling stone gathers no moss." The lives of too many persons, illustrate the distinction in meaning, between avocation and vocation ; they have too many of the former, while they are destitute of the latter. It is also an obvious truth, that habits of industry, or the want of them, have a very powerful influence, in shaping the character, of an individual, or a community. An idle man, if he has the ability to labor, and will not use it, is a pest in society. Robert Burton, in his wonderful work, "Anatomy of Mel- ancholy," says that " idleness is the bane of body and mind, the nurse of naughtiness, stepmother of discipline, the chief au- thor of all mischief, one of the seven deadly sins, a sole cause of this, i. e., melancholy, and many other maladies, the devil's cushion and chief reposal. As ferns grow in untilled grounds, and all manner of weeds, so do gross humors in an idle body. A horse in a stable that never travels, a hawk in a mew that seldom flies, are both subject to diseases. An idle dog will be mangy, and how shall an idle person expect to escape? Idle- ness of mind is worse than idleness of body. Wit without employment, is a disease, the rust of the soul. When you shall hear, and see so many discontented persons, in all places where you come, so many several grievances, unnecessary complaints, fear, suspicions, the best way to redress it is, to set them awork, so to busy their minds ; for the truth is, they are idle. Well may they build castles in the air, for a time, and soothe up themselves with fantastical and pleasant humors, but in the end, they will prove as bitter as gall, they shall be still, I say discontented, suspicious, fearful, jealous, sad, fretting and vex- ing of themselves ; so long as they be idle, it is impossible to please them. An idle person knows not, when he is well what* he would have, or whither he would go. He is tired out with everything, displeased with all, weary of his life."* But we need not be told, by such high authority, that laziness and idleness, have a detrimental influence, upon the lazy and ♦Burton's Anatomy, vol. 1, p. 321-325. HISTORY OF GARDIifER. 161 idle themselves ; our own observation confirms us, in the opin- ion, that not only does the idle man suffer, but he has a corrupt- ing influence upon others, by putting a slight upon hard, indus- trious, honest labor, in which it is all men's duty to engage. Hence the wisdom of the world has concentrated itself, into those pi'overbs which have been spoken in favor of industry. No pains, no gains. No sweat, no sweet. No mill, no meal. Says the Scotch proverb, " He that wad eat the kernel, maun crack the nut." " He that gapes till he be fed, will gape till he be dead." " An idle brain's the devil's sraiddy." The Latin proverb is, " By doing nothing, we learn to do mis- chief." " Idle dogs worry the sheep." Say the Chinese, " The dog in the kennel barks at his fleas ; the dog that hunts does not feel them." Work has been called, by one of our living writers, "a man's life preserver," a truth which no one observant of its bene- ficial effects will care to dispute. Sidney Smith embodies, re- ligion, philosophy, and good common sense in the following sentence : " Let eveiy man be occupied, in the highest employ- ment of which his nature is capable, and die with the con- sciousness that he has done his best." It is also true, that habits of industry, in the founders of a town or community, have very much to do in producing industrious habits, in those who succeed them. Men of industry, integrity, of high prin- ciple, of real honesty of purpose, who toil hard for a series of years, at any one employment, and who are willing to live frugally, in the presence of their children, whom by example and precept they teach to be rightly and profitably employed, cannot fail to make a lasting impression for good, which will reveal itself, in the character of the community, of which these children form a part. Let it never be forgotten, that the man who possesses industry, frugality and integrity, lives in his in- fluence upon those who succeed him, and his memory will not 21 102 HISTORY OF GARDNER. fail of beins: honored. But the man who has no other ambition, than to be, as Pope says, " Fixed like a plant, on his peculiar spot, To draw nutrition, propagate and rot," will have little to comfort himself or others, while he lives, and dying will not be regretted. Gardner is very fortunate, in the industrious habits of its earliest inhabitants. Whether from necessity or choice, they were a busy people, whose children were taught the value of industry and economy, and who, not content to follow the sim- ple routine, of the fathers, have, in the progress of years, built up industries, and inaugurated enterprises, which have made the town famous, not only in our own, but in foreign lands. The design of this chapter, is to trace the development and growth of the business of the town, from its very small begin- ning, to the present time, taking each industrial department in ^^^^^^' AGRICULTURE. " He tliat by the plow would thrive, Must either hold himself or drive." During the first twenty years, subsequent to the incorporation of the town, the principal occupation of the inhabitants was farming. Difficult of cultivation, as the soil of the town has ever been, it furnished for these years, almost the entire means of subsistence which the people then enjoyed, few in numbers, and scattered over the surface of the township, as they were. At the present time even, although the town is characterized by its chair manufacturing, it should not be understood, that there is no successful farming done among us. According to the State Census for 1875, there were one hundred and seven farms in town, consisting of ten thousand two hundred and fifty and one-half acres, of which one thousand seven hundred and thirty- four acres are under cultivation, with a total value of farm property of four hundred and fifty-four thousand, six hundred and fifty-four dollars. The hay crop was fourteen hundred and twenty-nine tons ; there were four hundred and twenty-nine bush els of corn raised : seven thousand and one hundred and HI8T0BY OF GARDNER. 163 fifty-four bushels of potatoes ; two thousand six hundred and five bushels of apples; eighteen thousand pounds of beef; twenty-three thousand five hundred and sixty-seven pounds of pork ; twelve thousand four hundred and five pounds of butter ; four thousand one hundred and twenty-one gallons of milk ; eight hundred and sixty-six pounds of cheese ; besides many other agricultural products, not worthy of mention, in detail, making the total valuation of farm products for 1875, $72,066, while that of Barre, which is a distinctively agricultural town, was $266,167. From these figures it will be seen that Gai-dner, is not devoid of farming interests, which employ the muscle and brain, of a considerable portion of its population, who are able to supply their own wants, with the labor of their hands, while they car- ry something to the column of accumulation, from year to year. Quite a number of these farms have for the last few years been subjects of great improvements, in the laying of stone fences, and in a high degree of fertilization, and cultivation. Such, however, is the number of the population, not engaged in agri- cultural pursuits, that the products of the farms of Gardner, are by no means sufficient to supply the demand for them. Hence, the town furnishes a good mai'ket for other towns, to which, it is easy of access. COOPERAGE. While farming was the chief employment of the people, for the first twenty years, there were a few persons who gave some attention, to the making of tubs and barrels, which they did without the aid of anything, like modern machinery, using only the axe and shave. This, however, never assumed the dignity of a distinct business, but served to fill out the time not needed upon small farms, and furnished employment through the winter season. CHAIR MANUFACTURING. Missionaries, among the Zulus, inform us that the first evi- dence of the humanizing and elevating influence of religion and 161 HISTOBY OF GARDNER. civilization, upon the natives, is seen in their demand for a cotton shirt. In like manner, it may be said that the demand, which a progressive, civil and religious culture, makes for the use of chairs, is indicative of the fact that men have risen from a lower to a higher condition of intelligence as well as of men- tal and moral growth. In the opinion of the savants and lovers of antiquarian knowledge, the tirst man sat, or lay, on the ground, whenever he rested. He was of the earth, earthy. But as time advanced, there came gradually to be invented seats of different sorts, as the supply of a natural want, so that house- hold furniture of a rude description dates its origin to remote antiquity, when men first began to build houses to dwell in. It is evident from the monuments of ancient Egypt and Assyria, that the art of constructing elaborate furniture, for dwellings, was carried to a very high degree. The throne of the king, was noted for its costliness and beauty of ornamenta- tion ; while the chair of the subject was not wanting in con- venience and strength. It is said that the chairs in the houses of these ancient kings, were made of most rare and costly woods, beautifully carved, and inlaid with gold and ivory. The backs and seats, of these chairs and settees, were covered with elaborately wrought tapestries. The " camp chair," of modern days, was used in these ancient times, covered with the skins of animals. Instead of our cane seat chairs, now so common and so convenient, the ancients had a chair of similar construc- tion, made from leather, cut into strips and woven into net work, which made a seat strong, easy and durable. From the Assyrians, the Asiatic lonians and the Greeks de- rived the art of furniture making, with all the convenience, ornamentation and elegance of their household furniture. From the Athenians, this art was transferred to the Eomans, who still further advanced it in beauty of carving and ornamentation. It is said that, " the couches, upon which the old Romans re- posed at table, were often inlaid with silver, gold, ivorj', tor- toise-shell and precious woods, with carved ivory and metal feet ; and the furniture of a rich man's house represented, in it- HISTORY OF GARDNER. 165 self, an enormous fortune." This fact is evident from the dis- coveries made at Pompeii. Till the fifteenth century, in Eng- land the household furniture was by no means elegant, but rather of the roughest type. The chairs and " settles " were very strong and generally fixed to the floor or against the Avail. Subsequent to this time, furniture was made of much more elegant finish, though not very abundant even in the houses of the most wealthy. These articles of furniture, including chairs, were constructed from the native woods, oak and chestnut, and were devoid of taste. Not until the reign of William III, 1697-1702, did these woods give place to mahogany, out of which were made those sombre, inelegant designs, then so com- mon in England, and which came to this country with the ear- liest settlers. Soon after this time, instead of the solid mahoe- any chairs and other articles of furniture, there came to be used a mahogany veneer, which still prevails in England and America. It is said that, since the establishment of the royal manufactory of furniture, in Paris, by Louis XIV, France stands at the head of all nations, in the costliness, beauty and elegance of its furniture, and that it furnishes models for the rest of the world. For the first few years after the settlement of this country, the furniture used by the colonists was imported. It is hardly possible to ascertain very precisely when the manufacturing of household furniture first began in this country. A writer in a work entitled the " Great Industries of the United States," tells us that " among the first pieces of furniture made in this coun- try, were such economical devices as seats that could be turned into tables, and tables hinged against the wall so that, when not in use, they could be turned down, thus giving more room in the apartment."* After a time there was made the straight, high-backed, uncomfortable, solid mahogany or veneered chairs, some of which remain, as curious relics, unto this day. After this, rare woods, from the West Indies and South America, be- gan to be used and were very popular. *Great Industries of the United States, p. 1099-1103. 166 HI8T0RY OF GARDNJER. The common kinds of furniture were made of oak, pine, maple and chestnut. These woods still continue to be largely used. Within a few years, black walnut has come into use for more costly furniture, and is ut the present date, quite popular, not only for chairs, but for chamber sets. There is iu this country, at the present time, an enormous manufacture of cane seated chairs, whose frames are made from oak, maple and walnut, whose market is in almost all parts of the globe. The seats and backs of these chairs are made from a palmaceous plant, called Calamus Rotang and Calamus Viminalis. From Borneo to Bengal, this cane is gathered in great quantities, for the Chinese, European and American markets. The process by which it is prepared for the seats and backs of chairs, will come under review farther on in this chapter. Coming, as we do now, to speak of the manufacture of chairs in this town, which is its chief business, and by which it has obtained its fame and wealth, we shall find, that like the great streams flowing through a country, this great industry is trace- able to a very small beginning. Sometime, about the year 1805, Mr. James M. Comee began the making of wood and flag seated chairs, in the house, on Pearl Street, now owned by Mr. Webster Gates. These chairs he made entirely by hand, with the aid of a foot lathe. He employed several young men, as apprenti- ces, among whom were Isaac Jaquith, Enoch Brick, Elijah Brick, Elijah Putnam, Luke Fairbank, Joseph Jackson and Artemas Brown. Some of these gentlemen afterwards entered into the chair business for themselves. The chairs manufactured by Mr. Comee were transported to Worcester, Boston and other places, by teams of horses, and sold in small lots as opportunity ofi'ered. This proved to be a profitable business for those times, so that Mr. Comee was enabled to accumulate quite a handsome estate from his industry and frugality. The machinery used in mak- ing chairs, at that time, was so simple, and the tools so few, that there was an inducement for others to enter the business for themselves. Consequently one shop after another was es- tablished, until they have reached the number of twelve iu the town, of which a detailed account will now be presented. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 167 During the latter part of Mr. Comee's life, Mr. Ezra Baker, then living npon the west side of Crystal Lake, constrncted a small dam, near the house of Mr. G. W. Bickford, on Knee- land Brook, for the purpose of securing sufficient water power to carry a turning lathe. Mr. Baker bought timber of his ueighbors, partly prepared, by being sawed into suitable leugth and rounded somewhat upon the corners, for turning in this lathe driven by water power, it being then thought impossible to turn a perfectly square stick. Subsequently, Mr. Baker, thinking he might as well prepare his own lumber, for turn- ing, introduced a small circular saw, which was also driven by water power. The stock thus turned, by Mr. Baker, was sold to Mr. Comee, and in this way greatly facilitated the manufac- ture of the chairs made and sold by him. Sometime, about 1827, Deacon Asa Perley constructed the shop now standing near the house of Deacon Samuel Clark, where he manufactured chair stock upon a scale so much more extensive than did Mr. Baker, as to make it unprofitable for the latter to continue the business as formerly. During these years, Mr. Elijah Brick built, for himself, a shop about three- fourths of a mile north of the common, where, for several years, he emplo^-ed a number of men in chair making. There was also a shop built and conducted by Mr. Walter Hey wood, now of Fitchburg, upon the site where stands the house of Asher W. Shattuck. Mr. Heywood employed, in his chair business, from fifteen to twenty hands. This shop was burned in 1834, and was never rebuilt. Sometime, previous to the erection of these two shops, first named, Mr. Merrick Wallace began the turning of chair stock, upon a somewhat extensive scale, upon the site now occupied by the shops of Heywood Bros. cS; Co., having purchased a water privilege of Deacon Nnah Fairbanks, who had already deepened the channel leading from Crystal Lake, for the pur- pose of obtaining a better supply of water, for his grist mill, then standing upon the site now occupied by the chair shop of L. H. Sawin & Co. The shop erected by Mr. Wallace, for this 168 HISTORY OF GARDNER. puypose, was about forty feet in length by twenty -five feet in width. With the increased facilities, thus obtained, Mr.' Wal- lace was able to furnish a partial supply' of turned stock, for the several shops then in the business of chair making, in this town. There was also, .about the same time, a shop erected by Mr. Elijah Putnam, upon the site now occupied by the house of Mr. Charles Scollaj-. Here Mr. Putnam employed horse power for a while, in preparing stock for his chairs, till subsequently he purchased the water privilege now owned by J. A. & I. J. Dunn, to which place he moved his shop, which now forms a part of the chair shop of the above-named firm. About the year 1830, a company composed of Messrs. Levi Hey wood; Benjamin F. Hej'wood, Walter Heywood and William Hey7 wood, under the firm name of B. F. Heywood & Co., bought out Mr. Merrick Wallace and erected a larger shop, where they carried on the manufacture of chairs till 1837, when Mr. Levi Heywood bought out his brothers, and continued the business alone till 1842, when he formed a partnership with Mr. Moses Wood. The two continued the business together till 1847. Mr. Wood then retired and a new company was formed, called Levi Heywood & Co., which continued from 1847 to 1851, when the Heywood Chair Manufacturing Company, was formed, which was a joint stock company, in which, some of those employed in the shop, held shares. This arrangement continued till 1861, when the shops, owned by the company, were burned. In 1862 a new company was formed consisting of Messrs. Levi Heywood, Seth Heywood, Charles Heywood and Henry C. Hill, called Heywood Brothers & Co. This company continued till January 1st, 1868, at which time, Messrs. Charles Heywood and Henry C. Hill retired, and Messrs. Henry Heywood, George Heywood— sons of Seth Hey- wood — and Alvin M. Greenwood — son-in-law of Levi Hey- wood — and subsequently Amos Morrill, entered the firm, con- tinuing the old firm name, which is still known as Heywood Brothers & Co. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 169 In 1876 Mr. Charles Heywood, re-entered this firm of which he is now a member. Mr. Jonas Brick, brother of Elijah Brick, began the manu- facture of chairs upon the site, now occupied by the lumber mill of Mr. Marcus Wright, in South Gardner. The date at which the chair business was commenced, in this place, cannot be definitely recalled. About the same time, Messrs. Stephen Taylor, George Whitney, Ephraim Weight and Gen. Moses Wood, were engaged, individually, in the manufacture of chairs, at the South Village. The chair shop, now owned and conducted by Mr. Sylvester K. Pierce, stands upon the site formerly occupied by Mr. Stephen Taylor, who purchased an old potash shop, standing upon the premises, which he enlarged and supplied with a wheel. He afterward sold his business to Mr. Pierce, who had been employed, for several years previously, by Mr. Taylor, as one of the workmen, in his shop. Mr. Pierce, since purchas- ing the above named premises, has erected new and commodi- ous shops, as his constantly increasing business, has from time to time, demanded, using both water and steam power. The shop where now Messrs. Wright & Read are employed, in the manufacture of chairs, stands upon the site where for- merly stood a wool carding mill, which was used for that pur- pose until sometime, between 1830 and 1840, when a company was formed for the manufacture of pine furniture, particularly washstands, known by the firm name of Goodspeed & Baker. This furniture was extensively sold in California. Afterwards Messrs. Greenwood & Wright bought out this company, and built a large shop, where they carried on the chair business for several years. Afterwards a new company was formed, called the South Gardner Manufacturing Company, of which Messrs. Greenwood & Wright were members. This company was sub- sequently dissolved, Messrs. Greenwood & Wright purchasing the property. They afterwards dissolved partnership, Mr. Wright retaining the business, having admitted as partners, Messrs. John M. Moore and Charles F. Read. These gentle- 22 170 HISTORY OF GARDNER. men continued the business under the firm name of Wright, Moore & Co., till the fall of 1877, when Mr. Moore retired. The firm name was then changed to Wright & Kead, by whom the business is now conducted. The shops of Wright, Moore & Co., were burned and rebuilt in May, 1866. The site now occupied by C. S. Greenwood's Sons, was originally owned by Mr. Alfred Bickford, who, having learned the trade of turning chair stock, built a shop upon these grounds for that purpose, introducing a circular saw and other appliances, for facilitating his business, which he continued for several years, until he sold out to Messrs. C. S. Greenwood and David Wright, who, for a number of years, continued the manufac- ture of chairs, having also purchased, as will be seen above, the shops then standing upon the site now owned by Messrs. Wright & Eead. When Messrs. Greenwood & Wright dis- solved partnership, Mr. C. S. Greenwood retained this shop, where he continued to manufacture chairs till his death in 1873, under the firm name of C. S. Greenwood. He was immediate- ly succeeded by his sons, Charles H. Greenwood and Frederick M. Greenwood, who have since continued the business, under the title of C. S. Greenwood's Sons. During the time Mr. C. S. Greenwood occupied these premises, he enlarged the shops, by adding to them, the first meeting-house built by the Evan- gelical Societj', which was discarded, when this society entered their new church, built in 1856. Besides this, other enlarge- ments and improvements were, from time to time made, as his increasing business demanded. The shop now owned and occupied by S. Bent & Brothers, stands upon the premises originally used by John Merriam, for a clothing mill. There was afterwards a shop for turning chair stock, upon the same site. Mr. Merriam subsequently sold out to Mr. Sullivan Sawin, who used the shop for the same purpose, and was afterwards succeeded by his son, John Sawin, who sold the property to S. Bent & Brothers, who have since con- ducted the business of chair making. The partners in this firm are Messrs. Samuel, Charles O. and Roderic L. Bent. HI8T0BY OF GARDINER. 171. Mr.. Thomas Greenwood carries on the chair business, estab- lished by his father, Mr. Walter Greenwood. He is engaged chiefly in the manufacture of high backed rocking chairs, and makes use of water power only. The Travers mill was originally a grist and saw mill, built by Capt. William Bickford. It was afterwards sold to Mr. Elijah Travers, who used it for the same purpose, for a number of years. He was a carpenter, and house builder by trade. His two sons, Messrs. E. C. and O. A. Travers coming in posses- sion of the property, here established the business of chair making. Messrs. Conant, Ball & Co., own the shop, which was built by Messrs. Aaron R. Jackson and Aaron L. Greenwood, who originally began the business of chair making, which subse- quently passed to their successors, A. White & Co. This firm was succeeded b}' Messrs. Conant Brothers & Co., who con- ducted the business successfully for several years, when the present firm name of Conant, Ball & Co., was taken. The gen- tlemen now comprising this firm are Messrs. John R. Conant, Carlos E. Ball and Charles W. Conant. This shop is on the road from South Gardner to Templeton, and is run by both water and steam power. A. cS; H. C. Knowlton. The shop of these brothers, was erected, upon its present site, by Mr. Abner White, who having bought the old Coolidge house, which formerly stood in the northwest part of the town, moved it down to its present loca- tion, where it has since been enlarged. It was for sometime, . occupied by Messrs. White & Derby, then Ijy Knowlton & Derby, when Mr. Derby retiring, it passed into the hands of the above named gentlemen, who have since carried on the busi- ness of chair making, employing steam and water power. E. Wright & Co. Mr. Abner White built the shop now oc- cupied by this firm. He afterward sold it to Mr. Ephraim Wright, who' continued the business of chair making till his death, about twelve years since. He was immediately suc- ceeded by his sons, William W. and Edwin L. Wright, who 172 11I8T0RY OF GARDNER. continue the business under the firm name of E. Wright & Co. A portion of the shop of this firm, was originally a two- story house, which stood upon the Green place, and was moved to its present position, by Mr. Abner White. Philander Derby's shop. About the year 1834 Mr. Benjamin F. Heywood built the dam, where now Mr. Derby's shop stands. Here he erected a saw mill, connecting with it other machinery for the manufacture of lumber and chairs. After a time, he sold his interest to Mr. Martin Dunster, who occupied the shop for the manufacture of barrel covers, boxes and other articles of wooden ware. In 1844 the shop was burned. The privilege was then bought by some parties who organized under the firm name of Edgell, Bush & Co. This firm built a new shop which they used, for the manufacture of lumber, boxes and chairs. Subsequently it was sold to Messrs. Nichols & Baker, who used it for a grist mill, flour and grain store. In 1863 Messrs. Derby, Knowlton & Co., bought the building making large additions, and occupied it as a chair shop till 1868, when Mr. Derby bought out the others, and has conducted the business alone, till the present date. The shop now owned by Messrs. J. A. & I. J. Dunn, was originally built by Mr. Elijah Putnam, who having bought the water privilege of Mr. William Lynde, built a dam, and moved upon the site his old shop which, as already noticed, stood near the house of Mr. Charles Scollay. He afterward sold the prop- erty to Collester, Kugg & Co. This company consisted of Messrs. Thorley Collester, Benjamin Eugg, Ruel Comee, Maro Collester and Edward Stevens. Some of the latter gentlemen retiring, Messrs. Franklin and George Eaton, became members of the company. Mr. Thorley Collester died in 1862, when Messrs. John A. Dunn and Nathaniel Holmes succeeded him, under the firm name of Eaton, Holmes & Dunn. Mr. Holmes retired in 1865, leaving Messrs. Eaton and Dunn partners in the business. This partnership continued till 1875, when Mr. Eaton sold his interest to Mr. Isaac J. Dunn, since which time the firm name has been J. A. & I. J. Dunn. This shop has HISTORY OF GARDNER. 173 been greatly enlarged from its original dimensions, and a pow- erful engine added to the facilities for driving the machinery. The site where now stands the shop of L. H. Sawin & Co., was originally occupied by Deacon Noah Fairbanks, for a grist mill. Mr. Fairbanks began business at this place about the year 1)500, and remained here for thirty years, using the mill for the above purpose ; he afterward sold to Mr. Ezra Baker, who enlarged the building, and added the business of manufac- turing chair stock. Mr. Baker sold to Mr. Elijah Putnam, who began the work of chair making, but in 1839 the shop was burned. Subsequently a new building was erected, which was purchased in 1851 by Mr. L. H. .Sawin, who having enlarged the same, carried on the chair business alone till 1861, when he admitted as partner Mr. Mason Osgood, who continued in the business under the firm name of Sawin & Osgood till 1869, when Mr. Osgood retired. After Mr. Osgood's retirement, Mr. Edward H. Sawiu, son, and Mr. Eeuben H. Twichell, son-in-law of Mr. L. H. Sawin, entered the firm, which has since been known, as the firm of L. H. Sawin & Co. This com- pany use both water and steam power. Having given as accurately as we are able to obtain it, a brief history of all the chair firms in town, from their inception, we present in the following tabular form, a statistical statement of the average amount of business done, by each firm, for the last ten years, the unmber of hands employed, number of chairs made annually, average value per chair at the shop, amount of capital invested and amount of horse power used. 174 HISTORY OF QARBNER. Names or Firms. = = ! <;5 o E = 2.0 Oa. o u O V 'A 12 o H Steam. Water. *Heywoocl Brotliers & Co., Philander Derby, S. K. Pierce, J. A. &1. J. Dunn A. & H. C. Knowlton Conant, Ball & Co., C. S. Greenwood's Sons,... E. Wright & Co S. Bent & Bros., L. H. Sawin & Co. , Wright & Read, Thos. Greenwood $700,000 150,000 135,000 103,760 59,438 58,280 50,000 50,400 50,250 50,000 45.000 19,906 450.000 150,000 135,000 100,738 49,532 31,000 50,000 70,000 75,000 40,000 52,325 13,271 •1111.25 1.00 1.00 1.03 1.20 1.88 1.00 72 67 1.25 86 1.50 $500,000 50,000 41,000 30,000 12,000 40,000 35,000 25,000 30,000 19,400 25,000 8,000 467 65 75 60 20 35 30 20 20 35 35 7 125 70 50 100 15 25 15 35 12 10 15 40 10 15 25 25 20 25 10 35 35 *Inclnding Cane. It will be seen from the above .statistics, that the chair busi- ness in this town, has grown to very lai'ge dimensions; its average annual amount for the last ten years being one million four hundred and seventy-two thousand and thirty-four dollars ; the capital required about a million of dollars, while the chairs manufactured annually, number nearly two millions. In justice to the enterprise of the above named gentlemen, it should be stated th.it, in addition to their business interests here in Gardner, several of them have opened houses in Boston, Providence, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago and San Francisco, where is carried on an extensive business, in- volving a large amount .of capital not named in the above schedule. For the information of those who have little, or no knowl- edge of the manufacture of chairs, from actual observation, it may be regarded as not amiss to give, in this place, some ac- count of the different processes and machines employed in their manufacture. For this purpose we select the shops of Hey- wood Bros. & Co., who make a variety of chairs peculiar to themselves. Entering the chair shops of these gentlemen and giving ourselves up, with that docility of mind, needful to secure HI8T0BY OF GABBWFB. 175 the requisite iuformatiou, let us follow our friendly guide for a few hours, as he leads us from step to step, in the process of constructing a chair, which is of a pattern common, to all these shops, called Grecian. We shall find that the woods, of different sorts, enter these shops, in two conditions. They are sometimes brought in the log. If so, they are first taken into the saw mill, where, with a large, rapidlj' revolving saw, they are cut into planks of required dimensions. These planks are immediately sawed by a cutting off saw, into pieces of desired length. These pieces are then taken, and marked out, with a pencil, according to different patterns, laid upon them, and are sawed into strips, for the different parts of a. chair, after which, they are carried to the dry-house, or " stuck up" in the yards, to be seasoned for future use. A large portion, however, of the materials for a chair, are now partially prepared at a saw mill, near the place where the timber grows, in the several states from which it is obtained. Prepared in this way, it comes to the shops, of these manufacturers, in a rough state, where it is subjected to various processes of preparation, need- ful for a finished chair. For instance, in the Grecian chair, already named, we have, first, the posts, which come to the shop sawed out, but left in a rough condition. These posts are first planed, rounded and finished on the sides and edges, by what is called a scraper. The backs and centers also come to the shops sawed in convex shape ou the back and concave on the front sides. These are marked, by pencil, according to the desired pattern, for the edges, then" jigged, "and rounded on the top edge ; after this, the back and front sides are smoothed with a scraper. The last process, is that of sanding. The seats, also, come sawed in four pieces. These pieces are all exactly fitted to each other, in a machine for that pur- pose, so that all similar pieces are of precisely the same dimen- sions. They arc then glued and driven together with dowels, after which, they are planed and rounded, then scraped, sanded and bored, ready for receiving the cane, at the hands of the seaters. The posts are mortised, preparatory to receiving ITfi HISTORY OF GARDNER. the backs aucl centres, which are themselves prepared with tenons for insertion, in the mortises, into which they are driven with glue, after which process, they are held in clamps till dry. The front posts and rounds of the chair, we are now describing, are sawed from the log into square pieces, of the required length and size. These are then put into a gauge lathe of the Whit- ney pattern, capable, with its variety of knives, of producing any desired shape. The stretchers are then inserted in the posts, bored for that purpose, their ends having been fitted in a tenoning machine. The chair is then said to be " finished in the wood." Having now observed the various processes, through which the different parts of this chair have passed, let us recall the variety of machines which have been used, having in mind, at the same time, the foot lathe and tools of a primitive chair shop. We have first, the large circular saw, passing through a log with a rapidity fitted to astonish the minds of our fathers, with their grunting, spasmodic, upright saw. Then follows the Whitney lathe, the belt saw, the boring, tenoning, planing, rounding, scraping, mortising machines, the planing machine, adapted to the back of the chair, small jig saw, sandpaper wheel, jointing saw and boring machine, for fitting frames, rounding machine, for rounding and surface planer, for smooth- ing frames, and a machine for rounding inside edge of frames, to prevent them from cutting the strands of cane, after the chair has been seated. We shall find that seventeen different ma- chines have been employed, in fitting the wood, of which the chair is composed, aside from the process of caning. We have been hitherto, speaking of the different sorts of machines used in making a Grecian chair, manufactured by all the chair makers, in order to show the great advance made in chair making, since the business first began. Leaving now this chair, let us walk about one of these shops and examine other machines used for the manufacture of differ- ent patterns of chairs. Our attention will be arrested by the HIS TOBY OF GARDNER. 177 various kinds of bending machines, and the variety of the princi- ple employed in the bending process. We have, for instance, a machine of immense power, capable of bending, by one oper- ation, three pieces of timber, each two and one-fourth by one and seven-eighths inches, and fifty-seven inches in length. These sticks, having first been dried, are placed in a steam box, where they are allowed to remain, from one to three hours, after which, they are taken out and placed in a strap, with cast iron ends, formed in a box like shape, for receiving the ends of the pieces and holding them secure. They are then placed in position, in the bending machine, in front of which, is a block of wood, whose convex side is of the shape required to form the bow of the chair, of which it is to be a part. Thus placed, the machine is put in motion, carrying the block rapidly back against the middle of these pieces, by a tremendous pressure, while at the same time, their ends are brought around against the front part of the block, where they are confined by clasps. These pieces are then carried to the dry house, from which, after a few days, they are ready to be removed. They are then sawed lengthwise, into two pieces each, after which, they are again bent, in two other directions, before being made into a chair. It requires three men to work the machine. Aside from this machine, marvellous for its power, we shall find a machine for bending the rails of a chair, one piece, when bent, forming the whole rail ; another for bending the backs of chairs ; another for bending the arms of rocking chairs, in the form of a scroll, till the difierent sorts of bent work, amount in all to about one hundred. The wood when bent, is subjected to the process of drying, in a room whose temperature ranges from one hundred and fifty to one hundred and eighty degrees, where it remains from one to three weeks, after which, it is placed upon cars, in the build- ing, and run to the elevator, in the main shop, upon which it is, like all other prepared stock, carried to the upper story where, in an assorted condition, it is packed away, in difierent 23 178 HISTORY OF GARDNER. stalls, ready for the future use of the workmen, when called upon " to till an order." Continuing our observations upon different machines, we shall find those, which are still more curious and complicated. Here in a certain room, is a dovetailing machine, of strange de- vice, fitted to do its work rapidly and well; again a cutting and a molding machine, making five thousand revolutions in a minute, with its several knives revolving so rapidly as not to be seen, making its beautiful beads, bevels, and grooves, upon the wood that comes in contact with it ; also a machine for rounding the bottoms of wood seat chairs, revolviug with such rapidity and power, that its strong knives hurl their chips with tremendous force and noise against the planks, with which it is surrounded, for the safety of the workmen ; besides many other kinds of machinery, which we cannot now mention in detail. There is one machine, however, deserving of special mention, as showing at present, the highest advancement, in the rapid construction of cane seated chairs. The name of this machine is the Automatic Channeling Machine, and is the invention of Mr. G. A. Watkius, whose genius, as an inventor, will engage our attention, in a succeeding chapter of this work. The object of this machine, is to channel the seat frame of a chair, for the reception of the woven seat. It will be seen, that, while a machine might be invented for channeling one pai'- ticular kind of frame, provided that frame were a complete circle, the difficulty must be greatly enhanced, when the inven- tor should seek to adapt his machine, to the work of channeling frames of different sizes and of irregular patterns. After long and patient study, this obstacle, was finally overcome, by Mr. Watkins, so that now, we have a machine that is automatic, and capable of doing its work, with entire success, upon any kind of seat, that may be desired. In the first place the frame, to be channeled, is placed upon a metallic form, of the exact shape of the wood seat frame, and secured by a thumb screw. The periphery, of this metallic form is grooved transversely, for gearing to a cog-wheel, revolv- HISTORY OF GARjDNjER. ' 179 iiig horizontally upon a perpendicular spindle of the machine. The under side of this form has a beveled groove, for the pur- pose of adapting it, to the centre pin upon the table. The crown of this pin is about One-fourth of anMuch in thickness, and has a greater diameter than the pin itself. By the head of this pin so adjustedr,''that it revolves within the beveled groove of the metallic xform, for the prevention of friction, the form, IS held firml^y in its place, while performing its revolutions, with the chaiir fj-ame fastened upon it. In additilon to this invention, for holding and revolving the seat franifc, there is a revolving bit, of such peculiar construc- tion, thaft it not only channels the frame, but at the same time throws /the chips almost entirely out of the channel which it makes I thus preventing clogging. There is, moreover, a com- pound lever by which, with the motion of a cam, the bit is sunk sti],.\ deeper, in the wood, at the precise moment, the rapidly re- volving frame completes one revolution, and begins another, until four revolutions are completed, three of which are for making the channel, while the fourth is for clearing it of any remaining chips or dust. When these four revolutions are ac- complished, the machine throws itself out of gear automatically, its work being done. It requires only about one minute and a third with this machine, to channel a frame for the reception of the woven seat, and so perfect and reliable is it in the accom- plishment of its work, that boys are able to operate it. The distinguishing peculiarity of this machine is found, in that arrangement, whereby the pin, that holds the revolving form firmly in its position, is placed exactly under the bit, thus, securing the identical sort of a channel, in each frame, since, if this could not be done, the die, that pre,sses the woven seat into the channel, would crush the wood, and spoil the seat frame. In other words the channel and the die, must be in every in- stance of perfect identity in pattern. This essential feature is secured by fixing the pin, holding the form, exactly under the bit that makes the channel. 180 HISTORY OF GARDNER. The frame, thus prepaied, is passed on for the reception of its woven seat. This seat ia^^ut, by dies, into the shape required by different *kinds of frames /ftwrn a web woven in another part of this shop, in thd short space oNUyo minutes. When this is cut, it is dipped into a tank of water, made hot, by passing steam through it. The object of wetting the cane, is to secure its greater tension when dried, after being inserted, in the frame. To insert a woven seat in a frame, requires thi;ee different processes. In the first place, one man fills the chaVinel of the frames, in part, with glue, which he does, by means ot\a metallic nozzle, with a valve so contrived, that when this nozzlfl? touches the bottom of the channel, it causes this valve to open,\and the hot glue to pour out, through a hose connected with alcopper glue tank, suspended over the tank for hot water. WheSP this nozzle has been thus rapidly passed around in the channel%^he required amount of glue has been supplied. This process, of gluing the channel, completed, the seat fram^ is passed along to another workman, to receive its woven seat, under the pressure of the Crimping Press. This is a simple press, with a sliding table, guide pins and web guide. Upon the follower or movable part of the press, is fastened a thin piece of brass, shaped so as to correspond to and enter the channel of the seat frame, when forced downward by the action of a treadle. The woven seat is placed upon the seat frame, in such a manner, as to allow it to extend three-quarters of an inch over and beyond the groove, on all sides. The seat frame is then placed upon pins, which spring from the surface of the table, the web guide being swung down upon the frame, the web of cane is placed within the guide, over the channel, and the whole is slid under the press, the crimping ring forced on to the web and into the bottom of the channel, the table slid out, the seat guide swung back and the seat is then ready to be passed to the next workman, for the reception of the spline, which is pressed into the channel by a machine called the Spline and Embossing Press. HISTORY OF GARDNEli. 181 This is a double geared machine, of great strength, weighing five thousand four hundred pounds, and capable of exerting great power. The die, which it operates, does a five fold duty. It is made of the best gun metal, of proper size and form, to correspond to the seat frame, to be caned. It consists of a sliding table, guide pins, type, hinge and main part, or spline driver, and an outer and inner ring. The object of the table is to receive the patent stamp, type and guide pins. All the other parts are also attached to this, and slid under the jaws of the press, when ready for operating. The inner ring rests on four coiled springs, and when coming in contact with the web and frame, yields back, into the main part of the die, doing the double duty of holding the inner side of the spline, in its posi- tion, and of preventing the die from shearing the cane, while being forced home. The outer ring, rests on springs, the same as the other, doing the double duty of supporting the outer side of the spline, while being forced in, and at the same time embossing the face of the seat, all around the outer edge of the spline, thus mak- ing a perfect joint and forming a beautiful -bead. The main part, to which all the other parts are attached, sends the spline to the bottom of the channel, stretches the web, giving uniform tension to each strand of cane, by causing it to turn three right angles, one over the edge of the channel and two at the bottom of the spline, sunk to the lower surface of the channel. To pre- pare the machine to do its work, the spline is first placed within the rings of the die, the seat frame is placed on guide pins, as before, and the die folded down on the frame, then all are slid under the jaws of the great press, whose power is now instantly brought to bear, driving in the spline, stretching the web, em- bossing the seat, stamping the dates of the different patents, in the wood on the under side of the seat frame, thus bringing cane, glue, spline and frame into one solid mass, and com- pleting the operation. The three processes now described, occupy only about forty seconds of time. Allowing two minutes to weave a seat, one 182 HISTORY OF GARDNER. minute and one-third to channel the seat frame and forty seconds to insert the woven seat, as above described, wo have about four minutes for completing a chair seat, after the seat frame has been made. Having completed our observations of the different kinds of machinery used in the construction of chairs, we are not only greatly impressed, with the fact of the wonderful advance, that has been made, in complicated and intricate mechanical inven- tions, but also with the rapidity with which the work upon the different parts of a chair is done. For instance, here is a ma- chine for fitting the front part of the seat frame of a Grecian chair, which is so constructed that, when this particular part of the frame is placed upon a carriage, it is carried by the work- man along past a circular saw, by which both ends of the piece are cut off, at precisely the same angle ; this done, four revolving bits, are by means of a treadle, brought up against the parts of the piece thus sawed, by which four holes, are made for dowels. This whole process of sawing and boring, occupies less than four seconds of time. How different, from the old process by which Mr. Comee did his work with auger, saw and bit. Yet this is only one instance in many, of the rapidity with which machinery is doing the work of making chairs in all these shops. Aside from constructing a chair in the shop, there is another part of the work, that of seating or caning the bottoms and backs, which is done by women and children, in the homes of the citizens of this and other towns, while the firm of Hey wood Brothers & Co., as some others, employ the labor of reform schools in this and other states. The seats, backs and cane, with which to fill these, are car- ried out to different places, by an agent of the company, whose duty it is to deliver the materials and keep an accurate account of what each one receives. When seated, these frames and backs are gathered up and returned to the shop, where they are packed away ready for future use. Thus employment is fur- nished to a large number of our population, which is quite re- munerative. When the required work has been done to the H18T0BY OF GARDNER. 183 chairs in tlae shop devoted to their construction, they are then loaded upon a hand-car, which is drawn up by the elevator to the different rooms. This car, having received its freight, is lowered and run out of the shop, and across the street to the extensive paint shop, where the chairs are painted and var- nished ; after which they are " knocked down" and placed in boxes, ready for shipping to their destination. If the chairs are to be shipped " in the wood," as it is called, they are knocked down without being painted, and packed in such an orderly manner in boxes, that when they have reached the customer, they may, without difficulty, be " set up" again, ready for painting and varnishing at the paint shop of the dis- tant purchaser. Since the construction of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Eailroad, the cars, of this company, can be placed for lading at the platform of this paint shop and loaded with the utmost con- venience, furnishing a most striking contrast, to the old method of transporting chairs to Boston and other places, by horse teams, with enormous wagons. An important branch of the business of this firm, is its cane department, introduced within a few years. The cane is im- ported by an agent of the company residing in New York, directly from Singapore. Having been brought, upon the cars, directly to the shops of the company, it passes through several different processes of preparation, before it is fitted for the use of seating chairs. Coming in bundles, it is first unbound, sorted and then straightened upon a wheel attached to an up- right piece of wood, over which, it is passed. The joints of the cane are then scraped, by passing it, through a ma- chine, designed expressly for that purpose. When this has been done, the cane is placed in long, square, revolving boxes, filled with water in which it is allowed to remain for half an hour or more. It is then ready for splitting. This process is accomplished by passing the cane rod through a machine, its knives so constructed, that they split the stock into from five to nine strands. When thus split, the pith of 184 HISTORY OF GARDNER. the caue passes on through a central aperture, surrounded by the knives, while the strands are thrown off, and removed by a boy in attendance. After this the strands are gauged and shaved in another machine. They are then counted out into bunches of a thousan4 each, while these bunches are tied up in bundles of ten, and placed in the bleaching room, where by the action of burning brimstone they are whitened for their proper place in the cane seat or cane back chair. Much of this cane, is used by the Hej'wood Brothers & Co., while almost- all the chair shops, in this region receive their sup- ply of cane from this source. The Heywood Brothers & Co. are also engaged in the manufacture of a great variety of rattan chairs of tasteful and beautiful construction. The frames of these chairs are made at the wood shop, of light and delicate patterns. They are then taken, to the upper room of the large paint shop, where men, women and boys are engaged in clothing them, in the beautiful garb, with which they are adorned. Grass work of delicate finish, is also made in this room, and many fancy articles of household furnishing. This branch of iudustry is a necessary out-growth of the cane busi- ness already described, the object of it, being, in part to work up and utilize some portions of the cane not required in cane seated chairs. There is also another shop of this company, where the weav- ing of the web for the woven seat chair is done. Also a machine shop in which most of the machinery used in the other shops is made. There is also a varnish shop for the manufac- ture of the varnish used in painting the chairs of the company. There are in all, connected with the business of this company, twenty-two buildings scattered over about nine acres of land and actually covering an aggregate area of four and one-half acres. Contrasted with its small beginning, in the shop of Mr. James M. Comee, the chair business, in thistown, has confess- edly made an enormous advance, out-weighing ithe aggregate of all other kinds of business done among us, and is the result o o HISTORY OF GARDNER. 185 of the industry, enterprise and frugality of men, who, begin- ning with little or no pecuniarj'^ means, have gone on steadily from year to year, till they have reached their present position of competence and affluence, and in some instances, cosmopoli- tan reputation. FOUNDEY. Closely allied to the chair business, of the town, and almost a necessity to its convenience, is the foundry of the Hey wood Foundry Company. This firm began business December 1st, 1876. Their build- ing, is of brick, the main part being two stories in height, with a molding room extending from the main part, whose dimen- sions are eighty by fifty feet, the main building being fifty by fifty feet. The business done here, is making castings for all machines, including railroad castings. The company are also engaged in the manufacture of cooking stoves, of a popular pat- tern. The furnace has a capacity for melting two tons of iron per day, and consumes about eight hundred pounds of coal daily, while four hundred pounds are consumed in ruuning the engine of thirty-five horse power, and in the core works. This foundry is remackable for the convenience of its location, being situated near the track of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Rail- road, from which there are extended two tracks, one running upon the upper side of the foundry, for the purpose of unload- ing the stock used in the works easily, into the building, on a level with the cars, and the other track, about twelve feet lower, upon the opposite side of the building, for the cars upon which are shipped the manufactured goods. In the upper story of the main building, is the machine shop of Messrs. McKnight & Carter, whose room has a capacity of fifty by twenty feet. Upon the opposite side, is a carpenter's shop and the oflSce of the company. Capital required in this business is $15,000, The amount of business done annually is $30,000. 24 186 HISTORY OF GARDNER. TUBS AND PAILS. There is but one manufactory of this sort in the town, that of A. Bancroft & Co., situated in the southwesterly part of the town. This business was commenced in 1836, by Mr. Amasa Bancroft. The present firm consists of Messrs. Amasa Ban- croft and his son-in-law John C. Bryant, whose partnership was formed in 1865. This firm manufactures annually, ten thousand nests of tubs, of, from two to eight tubs, tb the nest, valued at |20,000. The number of pails manufactured, an- nually, is thirty thousand, valued at $5,000, making the total amount of business per annum $25,000. The number of oper- atives employed by this firm, is eighteen. There is also con- nected with the business of this firm, a saw mill, in which is prepared a portion of the stock, used in the manufacture of tubs and pails. This company deal in lumber prepared by themselves, aside from sawing for others. MANUFACTUKE OF LUMBEK. There are two mills, doing business of this sort, in town, that of Mr. Marcus Wright, in South Gardner, who employs fifteen operatives and whose business is $18,000, annually, with a required capital of $12,000, and a water power of seventy-five horses ; and that of Dr. David Parker, in the westerly part of the town, who employs eight operatives. The capital required is $8000. The amount of business done being $12,000 annually. A water power of fifty horses alone, is used. MANUFACTORY OF DOLL TOY CARRIAGES, CHAMBER SETS, ETC. The only firm of this kind, in town, is that of Messrs. Eams- dell & Goodale, who do a business, annually, amounting to $18,000, employing twenty operatives. The capital required is $12,000. Water power, only, is used by this firm. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 187 MANUFACTURE OF EAVE TROUGHS, GUTTERS AND CONDUCTORS. This business is conducted by Messrs. C. O. & E. A. Stone Brothers, their business amounts to about |3,600 a year. Cap- ital invested, $4000. SPRING BED MANUFACTURER. Mr. George L. Rawson is the only manufacturer of this article in the town, at the present time. FURNITURE DEALERS AND UNDERTAKERS. There are two furniture rooms in this town, that of Mr. S. K. Pierce in South Gardner and that of Mr. E. Alexander at the Centre. Each of these gentlemen is also an undertaker. MANUFACTURERS OF TIN WARE. Messrs. Jaquith & Richardson are largely engaged iu this business, in this town. This business was formerly con- ducted in Templeton. In 1877, Mr. Richardson, forming a partnership with Mr. Jaquith, of the above named town, they removed the large shop, formerly owned by Messrs. Smith and Jaquith, of Templeton, to its present site, beside the track of the Fitchburg Railroad Company, near their depot in Gardner, where they are now engaged, in an extensive business, consisting of paper stock, metals, manufacture of tin ware, and are also jobbers of wooden, glass and plated ware. The capital invested is $16,000. The amount of business annually, $35,000. HARDWARE DEALERS. There are two hardware stores in this town, one of these, is that owned by Mr. George F. Ellsworth, in South Gardner. Mr. Ellsworth commenced business in this place, in 1851, in a shop known as the old Newbury shop, then standing near the house now occupied by Mr. Abram Sawin. At the commence- ment of his business career, Mr. Ellsworth devoted himself exclusively, to the manufacture of chair tools, bits, etc., making 188 HISTORY OF GARDNElt. the manufacture of bits, n specialty, for which, at that time and ever since, there has been a steady and increasing demand all over the couutry. After working at this business about three years, Mr. Ellsworth began to add, to the goods of his own manufacture, certain other classes, in the same line. His capi- tal being somewhat limited, at that time, he was obliged to govern himself accordingly, in his purchases. In the year 1854, he brought from Boston, in a good sized leather valise, the first invoice of goods, with which he commenced business, the value of which amounted to sixty dollars, consisting of files, gouges, bits, &c. This valise, on account of its unusual weight, served as a matter of astonishment to the baggage smashers who, per- haps, apprehensive that it might contain something of a dan- gerous or explosive nature, lifted it very carefully, depositing it in the baggage car. The goods contained in this valise were immediately exposed, bj' Mr. Ellsworth, for sale, and were all sold within a week, when more were immediately ordered. Mr. Ellsworth continued increasing his stock, as fast as his limited accommodations would permit. In 1857 he erected a portion of the store which he now occupies for stoves and tin ware, the size of which was eighteen by twenty-four feet, supposing that this would be suf- ficiently large, for both store and workshop. However, after occupying these quarters for three years, he began to feel that the place was again too straight for him, thereupon he deter- mined to enlarge his building by an addition of eighteen by twenty-four feet, making it double its original size. While in the process of constructing this addition, one of the leading men, of an adjoining town, wondering at the temerity of Mr. Ellsworth, and ignorant of the business capacity of Gardner, inquired of him, if he thought there would be demand enough, for his line of goods, in this town, to warrant his filling such a store. It was, however, only three or four years before his business had again out-grown its accommodations, which were once thought to be enough and to spare, so that, in 1868, Mr, Ellsworth built the store he now occupies, the size of which HISTORY OF GARDNER. 189 is sixty by forty feet, two stories high, with barn attached, which is also forty by sixty feet, nearly one-half of which is used for store room. Thus commencing business, with a stock of goods, all of which could be contained in a medium sized leather valise, Mr. Ellsworth has steadily increased the same till, at the present time, his business equals, if not exceeds, in variety and value, that of any similar store in Worcester County. One department of this business, is hardware ; another crockery, china, plated ware, chandeliers, brackets and table lamps ; the third department contains a well manufactured stock of stoves and tin ware. The other store is that owned by Mr. Aniasa Bancroft, 2d, upon Chestnut Street, who keeps the usual variety of goods found, in similar stores, and employs a number of workmen. Mr. Bancroft has, for several years, been engaged in this busi- ness, very successfully. MANUFACTURE OF BRICK. There are two brick manufactories at the present time, in this town. One is that owned and operated by Messrs. H. N. Dyer & Son. . The number of bricks made annually by this firm, is six hundred thousand. The other party engaged in this busi- ness, is Mr. Abijah Hinds, whose annual production of bricks, is four hundred thousand, making the number of bricks manu- factured yearly, one million. GRIST MILL. The parties engaged in this business are Messrs. Howe Broth- ers. Their mill is situated in the southwesterly part of the town and is the only one in town. They also have a flour and grain store near the depots. Capital invested in their business, is $11,500. Amount of business done annually is $35,000. a MARBLE WORKER. Mr. Thomas J. Stafford is the only gentleman engaged in the manufacture of monuments, head-stones and tablets in this town, at the present time. 190 HISTORY OF GARDNER. WHEELWRIGHTS. The fol lowing gentlemen are engaged in the wheelwright business : Messrs. Henry M. Banister and E. Saunders. BLACKSMITHS. ■ The town is well supplied with blacksmiths. The following named gentlemen are engaged in this business : Messrs. Fran- cis P. Learned, L. Sawin & Son, J. S. Cox, William W. Cas- well and John Tighe. HOUSE AND CARRIAGE PAINTERS. The following gentlemen are engaged in house and carriage painting : William H. Wilder, house painter ; E. H. Totting- ham, carriage and sign painter; C. S. Knights, house painter; William Barratt, house painter ; J. G. Cashin, chair painter. HARNESS MAKERS. There are two harness shops in town, that of George E. Godfrey, who is also a dealer in robes, trunks, etc., and that of Eoderic L. Bent, whose business is chiefly making and repairing harnesses. CARPENTERS. The first carpenter, of any prominence, in this town, was Joseph Bacon, whose skill evinces itself in the bill of lumber which he prepared for the construction of the first meeting-; house, as will be seen by reference to the chapter on ecclesias- tical history, in this work. At present there are two contractors engaged in this business in this town, Mr. B. F. Mason and Mr. M. M. Favor. MASONS. Messrs. Harris & Coleman are the only masons in this town. Mr. Harris carried on this business for a long time alone, until within a few years, he has been associated- with Mr. Coleman. The faithfulness of Mr. Harris' work, is everywhere apparent throughout the town. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 191 JEWELERS. There are three jewelers iia this town, Messrs. Henry L. Graham, Henry E. Woodberry and J. F. Cook. CIVIL ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS OF LAND. Mr. Aaron Greenwood has, for many years, been engaged as a surveyor of kind in this, and other towns. Mr. Charles J. Day is employed as engineer, by the Boston, Barre and Gard- ner Railroad Company. This gentleman has an office in this town, and is the maker of the maps, which accompany this work. PHOTOGRAPHERS. There are two photographic rooms in this town, that of Mr. Warren P. Allen, established in 1865, and that of Mr. William A. Cowee, established December 1st, 1874. Both of these gentlemen have pleasant and attractive rooms and an encourag- ing patronage. Mr. Allen does a large business in photograph- ing chairs, for the diflferent firms in town, while Mr. Cowee makes a specialty of stereoscopic views. The negatives of the views accompanying this work, were taken by Mr. Cowee. ENGRAVER OF WOOD AND METALS. Mr. Henry L. Murdock is a skillful engraver of wood and metals. His art is well appreciated by his patrons, who are numerous. FLORICULTURE. This branch of industry, was established, in 1874, by Mr. Henry L. Murdock. His plant house now covers eleven hun- dred and twenty feet, aside from a space of five hundred square feet, used for germinating plants, in the spring. The arrange- ments for conducting this business are very convenient, and show much taste on the part of the proprietor. Mr. Murdock cultivates a great variety of plants, for both the wholesale and retail market. It is complimentary to the citizens of the town, that such an industry is so well encouraged. 192 HI8T0RY OF GAliDJSrJiR. DEALERS IN COAL AND LUMBER. The first car load of coal, for consumption iii this town, was introduced in 1800, by Mr. Ezra Osgood and was retailed by him at $12.50 per ton. There has been a gradual increase from year to year in the consumption of coal, till at the present time, the amount sold by Mr. Osgood alone, is four thousand tons annually, at a valuation of between $30,000 and $35,000. Mr. Osgood is also engaged in the sale of lumber, his business in this department amounting to $5,000, annually. Mr. Chester B. Kendall is also engaged in the same business. He sells annually, fifteen hundred tons of coal and five hundred cords of wood. Amount of business annually, $12,000. DRY GOODS AND GROCERIES. The first store, at the Centre of the town, was that kept by Mr. Jonathan Prescott, as far back as 1793. This store stood upon the site now occupied by the hay scales, in front of the Central House. Subsequently, Mr. Prescott built the house now owned by Mr. Francis Richardson, connected with which, was a store and barn. This store was, afterwards, owned by Messrs. B. F. Heywood, Walter Heywood and Gen. Moses Wood. These gentlemen then built a store, on what is now the corner of Elm and Pearl streets, near the cyrve in the stone fence of Mr. Levi Heywood, just north of his house. This store was afterwards moved to Spring Street, where it now , forms the Crystal Lake Hotel. Originally, there was a store, at South Gardner, where stands the hotel, owned by Mr. Adams Noyes. The following parties are engaged in the business of dry goods and groceries. Their names are here given, with the amounts of capital invested, and business done annually : S. W. A. Stevens & Son, dry goods and groceries, capital, $6,500 ; amount of business, $30,000; William Whittemore.& Son, dry goods and groceries, capital $6,000, amount of business $25,000 ; Milo Hartwell, flour, grain and groceries, capital H18T0EY OF GARDNER. 193 $1,500, amount of business, $15,000; Gardner Sovereigns Co- operative Association, groceries, capital, $1,800, business, $24,- 000 ; S. S. Lane, groceries, capital, $3,000 ; E. A. Lusk, gro- ceries, capital, $600 ; William L. Shattuck, groceries, capital, $1,200 ; Frank Conant, dry goods and groceries, capital, $5,000 ; Thomas Glasheen, groceries, capital, $1,100; John Byron, -gro- ceries, capital, $1,000. MEAT MARKETS. The town is supplied at the present time, with three meat markets. One kept by Mr. C. W. Morse, who has been in the business, in this town, twenty-nine years; another kept by Mr. Alvin Matthews, and a third at South Gardner, kept by Eoder- ic P. Adams. DRY GOODS. Stratton Brothers, dry goods, millinery, dressmaking and carpets, capital invested, $15,000, business, $50,000 ; William J. Drenning, dry goods, capital invested, $a,500. MILLINERY. The following are the millinery establishments in this town : Mrs. M. E. Priest, Mrs. H. J. Hunt, Mrs. A. E. Jaquith, Mrs. P. A. Adams. TOYS AND FANCY GOODS. Edwin H. Cady and Albert E. Robbins are dealers in toys and fancy goods. The former also conducts a sewing ma- chine agency, and the latter has established a circulating library in the West Village. CLOTHING STORES. H. L. Ballard, capital invested, $6,500; J. L. Alger, Jr., capital invested, $4,000; H. A. Farnsworth & Co., capital in- vested, $4,000. MERCHANT TAILORS. There are but two gentlemen engaged in this business in town, Mr. Jonathan L. Alger and Mr. G. W. Black. 25 194 HISTORY OF GARDNER. DEALEES IN BOOTS AND SHOES. Josiah J. Dunn, capital invested, $.H,OOU ; F. Blodgett; Eli Hunting, capital invested, $3,500; J. K. Axtell, capital in- vested, $3,000. DRUGS AND MEDICINES. G. W. Garland, M. D., capital invested, $3,500 ; J. Emerson, M. D., capital invested, $2,500; L. W. Brown & Son, capital invested, $3,500. FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF GARDNER. The First National Bank of Gardner was established in 1864, with a capital of $100,000, chieflj' subscribed by the citizens of Gardner. The first meeting was held on the 25th of February, 1865, at the Lower Town Hall. Mr. Charles Heywood was chosen chairman, and Mr. Francis Richardson clerk, of the meeting. The following named gentlemen constituted the first board of directors : Levi H. Sawin, Seth Heywood, C. S. Greenwood, Levi Heywood, John Edgell, S. W. A Stevens, Francis Richardson, Amasa Bancroft, of Gardner, John F. Woodward of Hubbardston, Joel Merriam of Westminster, Edwin Sawyer of Templeton. Mr. Amasa Bancroft was chosen first president of the bank, and Mr. John D. Edgell the fii'st and to the present time, the only cashier. March 27th, 1876, Mr. Volney W. Howe was chosen assistant cashier. In 1875, the capital stock was increased to $150,000. The dividends of this bank, from its commencement to July, 1876, were ten per cent, per annum, when they dropped to eight per cent., payable semi-annually. The amount of bills now in circulation is $102,600. The average amount of deposits, about $100,000 for the six mouths, ending January 1st, 1878. In 1868 the stockholders erected the building, which the bank now occupies. In 1872, Mr. Charles Heywood was chosen pres- ident, in place of Mr. Amasa Bancroft, which position he now holds. The following named gentlemen are the present board of directors : Francis Richardson, Levi Heywood, Henry C. HISTORY OF GARDJSfER. 195 Hill, Seth Heywood, John Edgell, Phihmde]- Derby, Charles Hey wood, Augustus Kuowltou, Roderic L. Bent, Thos. Green- wood and Charles W. Conant. Under the wise and judicious management of its presidents and board of directors, this bank has, from the beginning, enjoyed more than the average amount of prosperity, there having been but few losses, so that to-day it stands strong, in the confidence of the community. GARDNEE SAVINGS BANK. The Gardner Savings Bank was organized June 22d, 1868. Mr. Francis Richardson was chosen first secretary, Mr. Charles Heywood was elected first president and Mr. John D. Edgell treasurer. Upon the first week, after the opening of the bank, the deposits amounted to $4,328.50. The first of January, 1878, the deposits, in the bank, amounted to $613,613.78. The amount of money deposited, since the organization of the bank is $1,291,413.58. Number of deposits since organization, 25,- 330. Mr. Henry C. Hill was chosen president of this bank, in place of Mr. Charles Heywood, June 26th, 1876. Mr. Hill died February' 13th, 1878, having served the bank, as its pres- ident, for nearly two years, with great faithfulness and financial al)iiity. The presidency is now vacant. June 23d, 1877, Mr. Volney W. Howe was chosen secretary. The loans of this hank upoif real estate, arc mostly in Gardner. The bank has been fortunate, not having met with any losses. It stands strong and secure, in the confidence of the community, and is of great as- sistance to the growth of the town. POST OFFICES. For quite a number of years after the incorporation of the town, there was no regularly established post office within its limits. The citizens in various parts of the town, received their mail and posted their letters in the adjoining towns, nearest to their places of residence. After some years, a post office was established at South Gardner, the mail being brought to that place, by the stage, that ran between Brattleboro' and Boston. In the Centre of the town, there was no post office 196 HI8T0BY OF OAliDNJ^JR. until about the year 1827, at which time, a small office was established in a private residence, the few letters, which came to this part of the town, being brought from the office at South Gardner. So few were these letters, they could be placed in a small frame, with a glass door, where they were retained, by strips of tape, for the inspection of all visitors. As indicative of the steady growth of the town, in popula- tion and business, we give the following statistics regarding the post offices, in Gardner and South Gardner : The post office, in Gardner, has, since January 8th, 1873, been under the charge of Miss Sarah E. Richardson, who has efficiently con- ducted its affairs, to the general satisfaction of the public. During the year 1877, there were sold, at this office, eighty-five thousand postage stamps, sixteen thousand postal cards and eighteen thousand stamped envelopes and newspaper wrappers. The gross receipts, at this office, in 1867, were $1,628.94, the salary and expenses, $770, and the net revenue to the post office department, $558.94, while for the , year 1877, the gross receipts were $2,817.59, salary and expenses, $1,250 and the net revenue $1,567.59, showing that the gross receipts, in ten years, at this office, have more than doubled, and that the net income, to the government, has nearly trebled. The South Gardner post office has, for several years, been in charge of S. W. A. Stevens, Esq., who has, for many years, conducted a successful grocery and dry goods business, in this place, and is eminently satisfactory to the public, in the capacity of postmaster. The gross receipts at this office for 1807, were $677.68, salary and expenses, $400, and the net revenue, $277.- 68. In 1877, the gross receipts were $1,183.79, the salary and expenses $711.89 and net revenue to the government, $471.90. These figures, so far as the nature of the case permits, are one of the indications of growth in the town. PRINTING. About the middle of October, 1868, Mr. A. G. Bushnell, formerly of Templeton, opened the first printing office in this HIST OB Y OF GARDNEB. 197 town. His office, occupied one room only, in the third story of the new Bank building. Here he worked, unaided by any one, till the following spring, when, his business having suffi- ciently increased to warrant it, he employed one assistant. During the spring of 1869, the project, of establishing a weekly newspaper, was agitated. For the purpose of encouraging and organizing this important enterprise, Mr. Charles Heywood became associated with Mr. Bushnell, in business, at that time, under the firm name of A. G. Bushnell & Co., each member furnishing one-half of the capital. It was, however, under- stood, that Mr. Heywood would not be actively engaged in the business. This relation still continues. The prospectus for a weekly paper, to be called the Gardner News, was issued, immediately, without a single subscriber being previously secured, or a dollar of patronage solicited, in advance. The first number of this paper, made its appearance on the morning of July 3d, 1869. It was a sheet of four pages, whose dimensions were twenty-two by thirty-two inches, and contained twenty-four columns. The subscription was two dol- lars per annum. The News had, upon its first issue, three hundred and fifty subscribers. The following is the first edito- rial, which we insert here to show that the editor began his enterprise, with hopefulness and courage, also that the reader may see how well he has eiJdeavored to redeem his pledges : — " In presenting to our patrons this, the first number of our paper, it may be expected that something should be said in reo-ard to the course we mean to pursue. We cannot make great promises for the future, yet it will be our aim to furnish our readers from week to week, with fresh and reliable local news and items of interest, and also the general news of the day. In our selections of miscellaneous articles, we shall en- deavor to give those not readily accessible to the majority of our subscribers, and which shall not have reached them through the columns of the daily press. Since the issue of our pro- spectus, the question, ' What will be the politics of your paper?' has been asked us very many times. In reply we have only to. 198 HISTORY OF GARDNER. say that we shall not advocate the ideas and principles of any particular party. Whatever we publish will be entirely inde- pendent, and, we hope, from time to time, to furnish our read- ers with well written articles on the various interesting topics of the day. "The project of a weekly local paper in this vicinity, is a new one; it has not been very long in contemplation. We are starting at a time of the year when there is a scarcity of inter- esting local news. Our arrangements for collecting local infor- mation, are, as yet, but partially perfected. But we wish our patrons to feel that we are in earnest, and shall labor for the success of this enterprise. We ask their co-operation and en- couragement, and with them, we feel that we can issue a sheet which will be readable and acceptable to this community." The increasing patronage, soon warranted a reduction, of the subscription price, to one dollar and fifty cents, which was made at the expiration of six months from the date of the first issue. October 1st, 1870, the News was enlarged, to a sheet of twenty- four by thirty-six inches, by the addition of one column to each page. But, such were the increasing demands, upon its col- umns, that this enlargement was found to be insufficient, so that, on January 4th, 1873, another enlargement was made, making a slieet of twenty-seven by forty-one inciies, contain- ing thirty-two columns, wiiichare its present dimensions. From the day of its first publication, the News has been constantly increasing in its subscription list, till, at the present date, it has a weekly issue of about seventeen hundred copies. As a local, weekly paper, the Gardner News is a sheet of which the citizens of this town may well be proud. Its edito- rials are generally far above the average of similar papei's, being broadly intelligent of events of great importance, through- out the accessible parts of the world, not hesitating to express honest convictions, upon matters of morals and religion, inde- pendently criticising our public servants, in the state and national legislature, laboring for the promotion of the highest interest of the town, in advocating and advancing all projects for local HISTORY OF GARDNER. 199 improvements, and are often quoted with evident satisfaction, by papers of no less importance tlian the Springfield Republi- can. The editor is a hard working, self-made man, who, with- out an hour's apprenticeship, has acquired a thorough knowl- edge of his business, whose highest ambition is to make his work satisfactory to his patrons, l)y giving them faithful and acceptable services, in return for the patronage bestowed. The work of Mr. Bushnell, in printing this History, furnishes good evidence of his ability, as a printer. The business of the job department of this office, has been constantly increasing, necessi- tating the frequent addition of new machinery and materials, so that, with the exception of a single room, it now requires the use of the entire floor of the third story of the Bank building and employs five operatives, aside from the editor. Considering the size of the town, the office of the Gardner News, is worthy of mention, for its magnitude, its variety of work, the excellence of its mechanical execution, its orderly arrangement, and general appearance of neatness. We have sought, in this chapter, to give, as accurately as we could obtain it, a true statement of the industries of this town. We are aware that we have undertaken a difficult and laborious task, in the performance of which, it is quite easy to make many mistakes, in view of which possibilities, we invoke the considerate judgment of those most interested in what has now been stated. 200 HISTORY OF GARDNER. CHAPTER VIII. GOVERNORS, REPRESENTATIVES, TOWN OFFICERS, JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, ETC. And Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause, might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so that when any man came nigh to him, to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand and took him and liissed him. And, on this manner, did Absalom to all Israel, that came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. —2 Samuel, 15 : 4, 5, 6. He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds, as the tender grass, springing out of the earth, by clear shin- ing after rain. — 2 Samuel, 23 : 3, 4. Wherefore also the legislator ought often to impress upon himself the ques- tion — What do I want? Do I attain my aim, or do I miss the mark? — Plato. For just experience tells in every soil. That those .that think must govern those that toil. — Goldsmith. Of the law, there can be no less acknowledged, than that her seat is the bosom of God, her voice the harmony of the world. — Hishop Bichard JHooIcer. Curse on all laws, but those which love has made. — Pope. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them — Twelfth Night, Act. II., Scene. V. I awoke one morning and found myself famous. — Buron. I have touched the highest point of all my greatness; And from the full meridian of my glory I haste now to my setting; I shall fall Like a bright exhalation, in the evening. And no man see me more. Corruption wins not more than honesty. — Cardinal Wolsey, Henry VIII, , Act III., Scene II. IN this chapter will be found, the names of the different candidates for governor of the state for their respective years, the number of votes each man had, and the name of the successful candidate, plainly indicated ; also the names of the representatives of the town or district to the General Court, from the year 1785 to the present date ; also names of town officers, justices of the peace, member of constitutional con- vention and state senator. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 201 VOTES FOR GOV'ERNOR. The following are the votes for Governor, from the organiza- tion of the town, to the pi-esent time. Those marked with an * were the successfnl candidates : 1786. * James Bowdoiu ... . 15 1787. *John Hancock 29 1788. Elbridge Geny 16 1789. *John Hancock 29 1790. *John Hancock 19 1791. *John Hancock 24 1792. *John Hancock 26 1793. *John Hancock 27 1794. *Samuel Adams 18 1795. *Samuel Adams 32 1796. Increase Sumuer.... 30 1797. James Sullivan 19 1798. *Inci'ease Sumner ... 42 179y. *Increase Sumner .. . 37 1800. Elbridge Gerry 30 1801. *Caleb Strong 54 1802. *Caleb Strong 71 1803. *Caleb Strong 56 1804. *Caleb Strong 59 1805. *Caleb Strong 75 1806. *Caleb Strong 104 1807. Caleb Strong 105 1808. Christopher Gore 99 1809. *Christopher Gore. . . 104 1810. Christopher Gore 106 1811. Christopher Gore 99 1812. *Caleb Strong Ill 1813. *Caleb Strong 119 26 James Bowdoin 1 Benj. Lincohi 1 *John Hancock 11 James Bowdoin 2 James Bowdoin 1 Samuel Phillips 14 Elbridge Gerry 7 William Gushing 2 Samuel Phillips 2 Moses Gill 1 *Samuel Adams 5 *Increase Sumner 16 William Heath 4 *Caleb Strong 12 Moses Gill : 2 Elbridge Gerry 15 Elbridge Gerry 19 Elbridge Gerry 2 James Sullivan 10 James Sullivan 22 James Sullivan 18 *James Sullivan 23 * James Sullivan 22 Levi Lincoln 29 *Elbridge Gerry 34 *Elbridge Gerry 37 Elbridge Gerry 35 Joseph B. Varnum 28 202 HISTORY OF GARDNER. 1814. *Caleb Strong 119 1815. *Caleb Strong 117 1816. *John Brooks Ill 1817. *Joliu Brooks Ill 1818. *John Brooks 96 1819. *John Brooks 103 1820. *John Brooks 98 1821. *John Brooks 95 1822. *John Brooks 101 1823. Harrison G. Otis 100 1824. Samuel Lathrop 104 1825. *Levi Lincoln 68 1826. James Lloyd 87 1827. *Levi Lincoln 65 1828. *Levi Lincoln 76 1829. Samuel Allen 34 1830. No record. 1831. *Levi Lincoln 70 1832. *Levi Lincoln 55 1833. *Levi Lincoln 98 1834. *John Davis 105 1835. *Jolin Davis 112 1836. *Ed ward Everett 106 1837. No record. 1838. *Edward Everett l41 1839. *Edward Everett 150 1840. Edward Everett 125 1841. *Jolin Davis 191 1842. *Jolin Davis 165 1843. John Davis 124 1844. *George N. Briggs . .129 1845. *George N. Briggs . . 135 Samuel Dexter 31 Samuel Dexter 29 Samuel Dexter 32 Henry Dearborn 32 Benj. W. Crowninshield 35 Benj. W. Crowninshield 29 William Eustis 26 William Eustis 22 William Eustis 25 *William Eustis 31 *William Eustis 29 *Levi Lincoln 23 William C. Jarvis 5 Thomas L. Winthrop 1 *Levi Lincoln 11 Marcus Morton 7 Marcus Morton 12 Marcus Morton . 20 Samuel Lathrop 1 Samuel Lathrop 35 Marcus Morton 12 John Q. Adams 36 Marcus Morton 18 John Bailey 27 Marcus Morton 24 Marcus Morton 56 Marcus Morton 85 Marcus Morton 74 *Marcus Morton 87 Marcus Morton 68 Marcus Morton 60 *Marcus Morton 73 Samuel Sewell 28 Marcus Morton 69 Samuel E. Sewell 15 George Bancroft 70 Samuel E. Sewell 22 HISTOBY OF 1846. *George N. Briggs . .107 1847. *George N. Briggs.. 95 1848. *George N. Briggs. .110 1849. Stephen C. Phillips. .162 1850. Stephen C. Phillips. .130 1851. Stephen C. Phillips. .131 1852. John G. Palfrey 118 1853. Horace Mann 172 1854. Henry Wilson 179 1855. *Henry J. Gardner..242 1856. *Henry J. Gardner. . 191 1857. *Henry J. Gardner.. 229 1858. 1859. 1860. 1861. 1862. 1863. 1864. 1865. 1866. 1867. 1868. 1869. 1870. 1871. *Nathaniel P. Banks. 177 *Nathaniel P. Banks. 157 *NathanielP. Banks. 198 *John A. Andrew... 338 *John A. Andrew. *John A. Andrew. *John A. Andrew. *John A. Andrew . ■ *Alex. H. Bullock. . *Alex. H. Bullock. . *Alex. H. Bullock.. •William Claflin . . . *William Claflin . . . *William Claflin , . . .163 .175 .180 .280 -.147 .229 .297 .366 .290 .265 GARDNER. 203 Isaac Davis 61 Samuel E. Sewell 12 Isaac Davis 35 Samuel E. Sewell 26 Caleb Cushing 31 Samuel E. Sewell 31 *George N. Briggs 83 Caleb Cushing 16 *George N. Briggs 95 George S. Boutwell 44 George N. Briggs 78 *George S. Boutwell 29 Robert C. Winthrop 110 ♦George S. Boutwell 44 *JohnH. Clifi-ord 86 Henry W. Bishop 41 *Emory Washburn 81 Henry W. Bishop 30 Henry Wilson 49 Emory Washburn 28 Henry W. Bishop 23 Julius Rockwell 92 Erasmus D. Beach 56 Erasmus D. Beach 56 Luther Bell 14 Henry J. Gardner 81 Erasmus D. Beach 110 Benj. F. Butler 164 Erasmus D. Beach 146 Isaac Davis 107 Charles Devens, Jr 160 Henry W. Paine 156 Henry W. Paine 157 Darius N. Couch 15 Theodore H. Sweetser 54 John Q. Adams 260 John Q. Adams 141 John Q. Adams 170 John Q. Adams 234 204 HISTORY OF GARDNER. 1872. *Wm. B. Washburn. 237 John Q. Adams 109 Eobert C. Pitman 19 18-73. *Wm. B. Washburn. 407 F. W. Bird 104 1874. t*'W"m. B. Washburn237 William Smith 175 1875. *William Gaston 337 Thomas Talbot 231 1876. William Gaston 230 ^Alexander H. Rice 192 John I. Baker 58 C.F.Adams 6 1877. *Alexander H. Rice .416 Charles F. Adams 306 John I. Baker 52 1878. *AlexanderH. Rice .219 William Gaston 160 Robert C. Pitman 76 Wendell Phillips 28 Delegate to the convention in 1853, to revise the constitution of Mas- sachusetts, Levi Heywood. State senator from Gardner in 1861, Thomas E. Glazier. In giving the votes for governor, we have put the name having the highest number first, irrespective of party, or the success of the candidate. Previous to 1797 there was no distinct party organization. Various parties had sprung up, but they were founded on tem- porary questions, which soon passed away. About 1798 the Republican and Federal parties gradually came into being. The main question at issue was the power of the national govern- ment ; the Republican party taking the ground that the national government was only a compact, or confederacy of states, and carrying to the furthest extreme the doctrine of state sov- ereignty ; while the Federals contended for what was then termed, a " Strong Government." After the war of 1812 the Federal party gradually faded away, and under the administra- tion of James Munroe thei'e was a political union, from which a new partj'^ arose, first called the National Republican, and afterwards Whig. This party, in the state and nation, were fGovernor Washburn resigned his office April 29th, in consequence of hav- ing been elected Senator to Congress, and Lieutenant-Governor Talbot offici- ated the remainder of the term. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 205 opposed to the Democratic party. About the year 1820 the question of "American Shivery," began to be discussed in the North, and especially in Massachusetts, and although at first, it was a purely moral question, it finally took a political form, and a third party was formed, called the "Anti-Slaver^' party," which continued till 1848, when a new party was formed called the " Free-Soil part}'^," which embraced most of the Anti-Slavery party, and the anti-slavery element of the Whig and Democratic parties. In 1857 the Republican party was formed in Massa- chusetts and most of the Northern states. The Whig party, gradually fading, finally became extinct in 1857 or 1858, since when the political parties of the state and nation, are the Re- publican and Democratic. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. The following is a list of Justices of the Peace in this town since its organization : Aaron Wood, Lewis H. Bradford, John M. Moore, Simeon Leland, S. W. A. Stevens, C. W. Carter, Smyrna Glazier, Edward J. Sawyer, Charles Heywood, Asaph "Wood, JL. W. Brown, *Ephraim D. Howe, *Franci& Richardson, Thorley Collester, ThatcW B. Dunn, John Edgell, Rufus Newton, Leander C. Lynde, fThos. E. Glazier, John D. Edgell. TOWN OFFICERS AND REPRESENTATIVES. 1785.— Moderator, Capt. Elisha Jackson ; Town Clerk, Seth Heywood ; Selectmen, Elisha Jackson, Samuel Stone, Simon Gates, John Glazier, John White ; Assessors, Elisha Jackson, Samuel Stone, Simeon Gates, John Glazier, John White ; Treasurer, Seth Hey- wood. 1786.— Moderator, Capt. Elisha Jackson ; Town Clerk, Capt. Joseph Bacon ; Selectmen, Elisha Jackson, Samuel Stone, Simon Gates, John Glazier, Joseph Bacon ; Assessors, Elisha Jackson, Joseph Bacon, Elijah Wilder ; Treasurer, Peter Goodale. ♦Notary Public. fTrial Justice. |Deputy Sheriff. 206 HISTORY OF GAllDITJSR. 1787. — Moderator, John White; Town Clerk, Capt. Joseph Bacon; Selectmen, Seth Heywood, Elisha Jackson, David Nichols, David Comee, Nathan Green ; Assessors, Elisha Jackson, Seth Heywood, John White ; Treasurer, Seth Heywood. 1788. — Moderator, Capt. Samuel Keltou ; Town Clerk, Capt Joseph Bacon ; Selectmen, Elisha Jackson, Samuel Stone, David Nichols, William Biokford, Peter Goodale ; Assessors, Joseph Bacon, Seth Heywood, Ebenezer Howe ; Treasurer, Seth Heywood. 1789. — Moderator, Ebenezer Howe ; Town Clerk, Capt. Joseph Bacon ; Selectmen, Elisha Jackson, Samuel Stone, David Nichols, William Bickford, Ebenezer Howe ; Assessors, Elisha Jackson, Joseph Bacon, Ebenezer Howe ; Treasurer, Ebenezer Howe. 1790. — Moderator, Capt. Samuel Kelton ; Town Clerk, Capt. Joseph Bacon ; Selectmen, Elisha Jackson, Ebenezer Howe, Samuel Stone, David Nichols, Simon Gates ; Assessors, Joseph Bacon, Ebenezer Howe, Simon Gates ; Treasurer, Ebenezer Howe. 1791. — Moderator, John White; Town Clerk, Capt. Joseph Bacon; Selectmen, Elisha Jackson, Ebenezer Howe, Samuel Stone, Aaron Greenwood, Josiah Wheeler ; Assessors, Joseph Bacon, Ebenezer Howe, Elisha Jackson ; Treasurer, Ebenezer Howe. 1792. — Moderator, Ebenezer Howe ; Town Clerk, Capt. Joseph Bacon ; Selectmen, Elisha Jackson, Ebenezer Howe, Aaron Greenwood, David Foster, Joseph Payson ; Assessors, Reuben Haynes, Jona- than Wood, Jonathan Greenwood ; Treasurer, Ebenezer Howe. 1793. — Moderator, Capt. Samuel Kelton, Town Clerk, Capt. Joseph Bacon ; Selectmen, Elisha Jackson, Ebenezer ^owe, Aaron Green- wood, David Foster, Joseph Payson ; Assessors, Reuben Haynes, Jonathan Wood, Jonathan Greenwood ; Treasurer, Ebenezer Howe. 1794. — Moderator, Ebenezer Howe; Town Clerk, Jonathan Prescott ; Selectmen, Ebenezer Howe, Aaron Greenwood, Reuben Haynes; Assessors, Ebenezer Howe, Aaron Greenwood, Reuben Haynes ; Treasurer, Ebenezer Howe. 1795. — Moderator, Capt. Elisha Jackson ; Town Clerk, Jonathan Pres- cott ; Selectmen, Elisha Jackson, Ebenezer Howe, Reuben Haynes ; Assessors, Ebenezer Howe, Elisha Jackson, Reuben Haynes ; Treasurer, Ebenezer Howe. HISTORY OF GARDJSrJER. 207 1796. — Modemtor, John White; Town Clerk, Jonathan Prescott ; Se- lectmen, Reuben Haynes, James Coolidge, Aaron Wood, Joshua Whitney, Joel Wilder; Assessors, Simeon Leland, Samuel Edgell, William Whitney ; Treasurer, Ebenezer Howe. 1797.— Moderator, Capt. Samuel Kelton ; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, Elisha Jackson, James Coolidge, Reuben Haynes, Aaron Wood, Joshua Whitney ; Assessors, Simeon Le- land, Samuel Edgell, William Whitney ; Treasurer, Ebenezer Howe. 1798. — Moderator, Capt. Samuel Kelton; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, Elisha Jackson, Reuben Haynes, Aaron Wood, Ebenezer Howe, Joshua Whitney ; Assessors, Jonathan Wood, Reuben Haynes, Ebenezer Howe ; Treasurer, Ebenezer Howe. 1799. — ^Moderator, Col. Abel Kendall; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, James Coolidge, Simeon Leland, Abel Ken- dall ; Assessors, William Whitney, Samuel Edgell, Lewis Glazier ; Treasurer, Smyrna Glazier, Esq. 1800. — Moderator, Col. Abel Kendall; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, Jonathan Greenwood, Thomas Baker, Allen Perley ; Assessors, Reuben Haynes, William Whitney, Joseph Edgell ; Treasurer, Aaron Wood, Esq. 1801. — Moderator, Joseph Edgell ; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, Jonathan Greenwood, Thomas Baker, Allen Perley ; Assessors, Reuben Haynes, Jonathan Wood, William Whitney; Treasurer, Aaron Wood, Esq. 1802. — Moderator, Col. Abel Kendall ; Town Clerk. Capt. Reuben Haynes; Selectmen, Samuel Stone, William AVhitney, James Coolidge, Aaron Wood, Simeon Leland; Assessors, Reuben Haynes, William Whitney, Abel Kendall ; Treasurer, Aaron Wood, Esq. 1803.— Moderator, Col. Abel Kendall ; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, Samuel Stone, James Coolidge, Simeon Le- land, Levi Fairbanks, Aaron Wood ; Assessors, William Whitney, Reuben Haynes, Josiah Conant ; Treasurer, Aaron Wood, Esq. 1804.— Moderator, Lewis Glazier ; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, Samuel Stone, James Coolidge, Simeon Leland, Aaron Wood, Joshua Whitney ; Assessors, Reuben Haynes, William Whitney, William Bickford, Jr..; Treasurer, Lewis Glazier. 208 HI8T0BY OF GABDJSTUR. 1805.- — Moderator, Lewis Glazier ; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, Aaron Wood, William Whitney, William Bickford, Jr. ; Assessors, Reuben Haynes, Simeon Leland, Arna Bacon ; Treasurer, Lewis Glazier. 1806. — Moderator, Col. Abel Kendall; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, Aaron Wood, William Whitney, William Bickford, Jr. ; Assessors, Aaron Wood, William Whitney, Wil- liam Bickford, Jr. ; Treasurer, Lewis Glazier ; Representative, Rev. Jonathan Osgood. 1807; — Moderator, Lewis Glazier ; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynts ; Selectmen, William Whitney, William Bickford, Jr., Smyrna Gla- zier ; Assessors, William Whitney, William Bickford, Smyrna Gla- zier ; Treasurer, Lewis Glazier ; Representative, Rev. Jonathan Osgood. 1808.- — Moderator, Lewis Glazier ; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, William Whitney, Smyrna Glazier, Reuben Haynes ; Assessors, Lewis Glazier, William Bickford, Jr., Reuben Haynes; Treasurer, Lewis Glazier. 1809. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier ; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, William Whitney, Smyrna Glazier, Reuben Haynes ; Assessors, William Whitney, William Bickford, Jr., Aaron Wood ; Treasurer, Lewis Glazier ; Representative, Aaron Wood, Esq. 1810. — ^Moderator, Lewis Glazier; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes; Selectmen, William Whitney, Reuben Haynes, William Bickford, Jr. ; Assessors, Aaron Wood, William Whitney, William Bick- ford, Jr. ; Treasurer, Lewis Glazier ; Representative, Aaron AVood, Esq. 1811 —Moderator. -Col. A. Kendall; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, William Bickford, Jr., Reuben Haynes, Noah Fairbanks; Assessors, William Whitney, William Bickford, Jr., Simeon Leland ; Treasurer, Smyrna Glazier, Esq. ; Representa- tive, Aaron Wood, Esq. 1812.— Moderator, Asa Hill ; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Se- lectmen, William Bickford, Jr., Reuben Haynes, Noah Fairbanks; Assessors, William Bickford, Jr., Reuben Haynes, Smyrna Ban- croft ; Treasurer, Smyrna Glazier ; Representative, Aaron Wood, Esq. HI8T0RY OF GARBJSfllB. 209 1813. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier ; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, William Bickford, Jr., Smyrna Bancroft, James M. Comee; Assessors, William Bickford, Jr., James Scollay, Smyrna Bancroft ; Treasurer. Smyrna Glazier, Esq. ; Representative, Aaron Wood, Esq. 1814. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, William Bickford, Jr., Smyrna Bancroft, James M. Comee; Assessors, William Bickford, Jr., Smyrna Glazier, Smyr- na Bancroft ; Treasurer, Smyrna Glazier, Esq. ; Representative, William Bickford, Jr. 1816. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier ; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Selectmen, William Whitney, Smyrna Glazier, Aaron Wood ; As- sessors, William Whitney, James Scollay, Smyrna Glazier; Treas- urer, Asa Richardson ; Representative, William Bickford, Jr. 1816. — Moderator, Asa Hill ; Town Clerk, Capt. Reuben Haynes ; Se- lectmen, William Whitney, William Bickford, Jr., James Scollay ; Assessors, William Whitney, William Bickford, Jr., James Scol- lay ; Treasurer, Asa Richardson ; Representative, William Whit- ney, Esq. 1817. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier; Town Clerk, Asa Richardson; Se- lectmen, William Bickford, Jr., Adam Partridge, Levi Priest; As- sessors, William Whitney, James Scollay, William Bickford, Jr. ; Treasurer, Asa Richardson. 1818. — Moderator, William Whitney, Esq. ; Town Clerk, Asa Richard- son ; Selectmen, William Bickford, Jr., William Whitney, James Scollay; Assessors, William Bickford, Jr., William Whitney, James Scollay ; Treasurer, Asa Richardson. 1819. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier ; Town Clerk, Smyrna Glazier; Se- lectmen, Smyrna Glazier, Noah Fairbanks, Abel Jackson ; Asses- sors, William Bickford, Jr., Walter Greenwood, Ezra Baker; Treasurer, Asa Richardson ; Representative, William Whitney, Esq. 1820. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier ; Town Clerk, Asa Richardson ; Se- lectmen, William Whitney, William Bickford, Jr., Benjamin Stone ; Assessors, William Whitney, William Bickford, Jr., Benjamin Heywood; Treasurer, Asa Richardson; Representative, William Whitney, Esq. 27 210 HISTORY OF GARDNER. 1S21. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier; Town Clerk, Asa Richardson; Se- lectmen, William Bickford, Jr., James M. Comee, Lewis Glazier; Assessors, William Bickford, Jr., WilUam Whitney, Benjamin Heywood ; Treasurer, Asa Richardson. 1822. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier; Town Clerk, Asa Richardson; Se- lectmen, James M. Comee, James Scollay, Lewis Glazier; Asses- sors, William Whitney, Abel Jackson, James Scollay; Treasurer, Asa Richardson. 1823. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier; Town Clerk, Daniel Spaulding; Selectmen, Lewis Glazier, James M. Comee, Joel Cowee ; Asses- sors, William Whitney, Willia,m Bickford, Jr., James Scollay; Treasurer, Benjamin Heywood. 1824. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier ; Town Clerk, Daniel Spauldiug ; Se- lectmen, Lewis Glazier, James M. Comee, Joel Cowee; Assessors, A^^illiam Whitney, Benjamin Heywood, James Scollay ; Treasiirer, Benjamin Heywood. 1825. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier; Town Clerk, Daniel Spaulding; Se- lectmen, Lewis Glazier, James M. Comee, Joel Cowee ; Assessors, James Scollay, Walter Greenwood, Asa Richardson ; Treasurer, Benjamin Heywood ; Representative, William Whitney, Esq. 1826. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier ; Town Clerk, Asa Richardson ; Se- lectmen, William Whitney, Smyrna Glazier, Noah Fairbanks; Assessors, Benjamin Heywood, William Whitney, Martin Dunster ; Treasurer, Benjamin Heywood. 1827. — Moderator, Lewis Glazier ; Town Clerk, Asa Richardson; Se- lectmen, Noah Fairbanks, Smyrna Glazier, Joseph Wright; As- sessors, James Scollay, Nathaniel Wright, George W. Davis ; Treasurer, Benj. Heywood; Representative, Smyrna Glazier, Esq. 1828. — Moderator, Martin Dunster ; Town Clerk, Levi Heywood ; Se- lectmen, Lewis Glazier, Walter Greenwood, Joseph Wright ; As- sessors, George W. Davis, Nathaniel Wright, Martin Dunster; Treasurer, Benj. Heywood; Representative, Smyrna Glazier, Esq. 1829. — Moderator, Martin Dunster ; Town Clerk, Levi Heywood; Se- lectmen, Walter Greenwood,, Joseph Wright, Joel Cowee; Asses- sors, William Whitney, James " Scollay, Benjamin Heywood ; Treasurer, Benj. Heywood; Representative, Smyrna Glazier, Esq. HI ;S TORT OF GARDNER, 211 1830. — Moderator, Martin Dunster ; Town Clerk, Levi Heywood Selectmen, Walter Greenwood, Joseph Wright, Nathan Green Assessors, William Whitney, Nathaniel Wright, James Scollay Treasurer, Benj. Heywood. 1831. — Moderator, Martin Dunster; Town Clerk, Benj. F. Heywood; Selectmen, Walter Greenwood, Nathan Green. Nathaniel Wright ; Assessors, William Whitney, James Scollay, Timothy Heywood ; Treasurer, Benjamin Heywood ; Representative, Timothy Hey- wood. 1832. — Moderator, Martin Dunster; Town Clerk, Benj. F, Heywood; Selectmen, Nathan Green, Ahio Temple, Adam Partridge, George W. Davis, Asaph Wood; Assessors, James Scollay, Timothy Heywood, Amasa Whitney; Treasurer, Benj. Heywood. 1833. — Moderator, Martin Dunster; Town Clerk, Benj. F. Heywood; Selectmen, Nathan Green, Adam Partridge, George W. Davis ; Assessors, Timothy Heywood, Amasa Whitney, Amasa Leland ; Treasurer, Asa Richardson ; Representative, Timothy Heywood. 1834.^ — ^Moderator, Martin Dunster; Town Clerk, Benj. F. Heywood; Selectmen, Adam Partridge, George W. Davis, Isaac Jackson ; Assessors, Timothy Heywood, Amasa Leland, Amasa Whitney; Treasurer, Walter Heywood ; Representative, Timothy Heywood. 1835. — Moderator, Martin Dunster; Town Clerk, Benj. F. Heywood; Selectmen, George W. Davis, Isaac Jackson, Nathan Green ; As- sessors, Timothy Heywood, Amasa Leland, Amasa Whitney; Treasurer, Walter Heywood ; Representative, Timothy Heywood. 1836. — Moderator, Martin Dunster; Town Clerk, Benj. F. Heywood; Selectmen, George W. Davis, Isaac Jackson, Nathan Green; As- sessors, Amasa Leland, Smyrna W. Bancroft, Asaph Wood ; Treasurer, Walter Heywood ; Representative, James Scollay. 1837.^Moderator, Asaph Wood.; Town Clerk, Benj. F. Heywood; Se- lectmen, George W. Davis, Nathan Green, Asaph Wood; Asses- sors, Amasa Leland, Smyrna W. Bancroft, Benj. F. Heywood ; Treasurer, Walter Heywood. 212 HISTORY OF GARDNER. 1838. — Moderator, Martin Dunster ; Town Clerk, Benj. F. Hey wood ; Selectmen, George W. Davis, Nathan Green, Nathaniel Wright ; Assessors, Benj. F. Heywood, Amasa Leland, Smyrna W. Ban- croft ; Treasurer, Walter Heywood ; Representative, Timothy Hey- wood. 1839.— Moderator, Asaph Wood; Town Clerk, Theophilus P. Wood; Selectmen, George W. Davis, Nathan Green, Joseph Wright ; As- sessors, Asaph Wood, James Scollay, Smyrna W. Bancroft ; Treas- urer, Walter Heywood. 1840. — Moderator, Martin Dunster ; Town Clerk, Theophilus P. Wood ; Selectmen, George W. Davis, Joseph Wright, Smyrna Bancroft; Assessors, Asaph Wood, Amasa Leland, John Edgell ; Treasurer, Walter Heywood. 1841. — Moderator, Asaph Wood; Town Clerk, Theophilus P. Wood; Selectmen, George W. Davis, Joseph Wright, Smyrna W. Ban- croft ; Assessors, Asaph Wood, Charles W.' Bush, Walter Hey- . wood ; Treasurer, Walter Heywood ; Representative, Timothy Heywood. 1842. — Moderator, Martin Dunster ; Town Clerk, *Theophilus P. Wood, Francis Richardson ; Selectmen, Joseph Wright, Amasa Leland, Mirick Stimpson ; Assessors, Thomas E. Glazier, John Edgell, Amasa Leland; Treasurer, Benj. F. Heywood; Representative, Joseph Wright. 1843. — Moderator, Martin Dunster; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson; Selectmen, Thomas E. Glazier, Walter Greenwood, John Edgell ; Assessors, Thomas E. Glazier, Walter Greenwood, John Edgell ; Treasurer, Seth Heywood ; Representative, Joseph Wright. 1844 — Moderator, Martin Dunster ; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson ; Selectmen, Thomas E. Glazier, George W. Davis, John Edgell; Assessors, Thomas E. Glazier, John Edgell, Hubbard Kendall ; Treasurer, Seth Heywood ; Representative, Joseph Wright. 1845. — Moderator, Asaph Wood; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson; Selectmen, John Edgell, Smyrna W. Bancroft, Nathaniel Wright ; Assessors, Thomas E. Glazier, Smyrna W. Bancroft, Hubbard Kendall ; Treasurer, Seth Heywood ; Representative, Joseph Wright. ♦Resigned. ^M mSTORY OF GARDNER. 213 1846.— Moderator, Asaph Wood; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson; Selectmen, Asaph Wood, George W. Davis, John Edgell ; Asses- sors, Thomas E. Glazier, Francis Richardson, Nathaniel Wright ; Treasurer, Seth Heywood ; Representative, S. W. Bancroft. 1847.— Moderator, Asaph Wood ; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson ; Selectmen, Joseph Wright, Thorley CoUester, Stephen Taylor ; As- sessors, Thomas E. Glazier, Aaron B. Jackson, C. S. Greenwood: Treasurer, Seth Heywood; Representative, S. W. Bancroft. 1848.— Moderator, L. H. Bradford; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson Selectmen, Thorley Collester, L. H. Bradford, Aloiizo Sawtell Assessors, Aaron B. Jackson, C. S. Greenwood, John Edgell Treasurer, Seth Heywood ; Representative, Asaph Wood. 1849. — Moderator, L. H. Bradford ; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson ; Selectmen, Thomas E. Glazier, Alonzo Sawtell, Jonas tierce; Assessors, Nathaniel Wright, S. W. Bancroft, Aaron B. Jackson ; Treasurer, E. S. Jackson; Representative, Thomas E. Glazier. 1850. — Moderator, Asaph Wood ; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson ; Selectmen, Thomas E. Glazier, Thorley Collester, Elisha S. Jack- son ; Assessors, Austin Whitney, Rufus Newton, J. A. Whitney; Treasurer, E. S. Jackson ; Representative, John Edgell. 1851. — Moderator, Asaph Wood; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson; Selectmen, Thomas E. Glazier, Thorley Collester, Elisha S. Jack- son ; Assessors, Austin Whitney, Rufus Newton, Alonzo Sawtell ; Treasurer, E. S. Jackson ; Representative, John Edgell. 1852. — Moderator, Asaph Wood ; Town Clerk, Abel S. Wood ; Select- men, Aaron B. Jackson, Asa Merriam, Rufus Newton ; Assessors, Aaron B. Jackson, Asa Merriam, Rufus Newton ; Treasurer, E. S. Jackson ; Representative, Amasa Whitney. 1853. — ^Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, Francis Richard- son ; Selectflieu, Alonzo Sawtell, Thomas E. Glazier, Smyrna W. Bancroft ; Assessors, Alonzo Sawtell, Thomas E. Glazier, Smyr- na W. Bancroft ; Treasurer, E. S. Jackson ; Representative, David Wright. 1854. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, Francis Richard- son ; Selectmen, Thomas E. Glazier, Alonzo Sawtell, Smyrna W. Bancroft ; Assessors, Thorley Collester, Hubbard Kendall, S. W. A. Stevens ; Treasurer, E. S. Jackson ; Representative, David Wright. 214 HISTORY OF GARDN'ER. 1855. — Moderator, John M. Moore ; Town Clerk, James H. Greenwood ; Selectmen, Asa Merriam, A. L. Greenwood, M. A. Gates ; Asses- sors, Abel Stevens, Edward Greenwood, Asa F. Smith ; Treasurer, E. S. Jackson ; Representatives, John M. Moore. 1856. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, James H. Green- wood ; Selectmen, Thomas E. Glazier, S. W. A. Stevens, Charles Thompson ; Assessors, Simeon K. Leland, Thorley Collester, Ivers Whitney ; Treasurer, E. S. Jackson ; Representative, Asa Mer- riam. 1857. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, James H. Green- wood ; Selectmen, A. L. Greenwood, Asa Merriam, M. A. Gates ; Assessors, Asa F. Smith, Rufus Newton, Edward Greenwood; Treasurer, E. S. Jackson. 1858. — Moderator, Asaph Wood ; Town Clerk, James H. Greenwood ; Selectmen, Asa Merriam, M.-A. Gates, Amasa Bancroft; Asses- sors, Rufus Newton, Francis Richardson, Ivers Whitney ; Treas- urer, E. S. Jackson ; Representative, Thomas E. Glazier. 1859. ^Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, Francis Richard- son ; Selectmen, Asa Merriam, Amasa Bancroft, M. A. Gates ; Assessors, Francis Richardson, Ivers Whitney, Aaron Greenwood; Treasurer, E. S. Jackson; Representative, William Mayo, West- minster. I860.. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, Francis Richard- son ; Selectmen, Amasa Bancroft, Thorley Collester, Aaron Green- wood ; Assessors, Aaron Greenwood, Ivers Whitney, Francis Richardson ; Treasurer, Elisha S. Jackson ; Representative, Seth Heywood. .1861. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier; Town Clerk. Francis Rich- ardson; Selectmen, Aaron Greenwood, Thorley Collester, Amasa Bancroft ; Assessors, Aaron Greenwood, Asa F. Smith, Ivers Whitney ; Treasurer, Elisha S. Jackson ; Representative, Joseph W. Forbush of Westminster. 1862. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier; Town Clerk, Francis Rich- ardson ; Selectmen, Amasa Bancrpft, Thorley Collester, Jotias Pierce ; Assessors, Ivers Whitney, Thomas E. Glazier, Aaron Greenwood; Treasurer, Elisha S. Jackson; Representative, Thor- ley Collester. HI8TQRY OF GARDNER. 215 1863. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, Francis Richard- son ; Seleclmen, Smyrna W. Bancroft, Thorley Collester, Marcius A. Gates ; Assessors, Aaron Greenwood, Thomas E. Glazier, Ivers Whitney ; Treasurer, C. Webster Bush.; Representative, Franklin Wyman of Westminster. 1864. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, Francis Richard- son ; Selectmen, Amasa Bancroft, M. A. Gates, John Edgell ; As- sessors, Marcus Wright, Ivers Whitney, Aaron Greenwood ; Treas- urer, C. Webster Bush ; Representative, Allen Folger. 1865. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, Francis Richard- son ; Selectmen, Marcius A. Gates, Ezra Osgood, Asa Temple ; Assessors. Ivers. Whitney, Benj. F. Kendall, Hiram Wood ; Treas- urer, C. Webster Bu.sh ; Representative, Augustine Whitney of AVestminster. 1866. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, Francis Richard- son ; Selectmen, Marcius A. Gates, Ezra Osgood, Asa Temple ; Assessors, Ivers Whitney, Aaron Greenwood, Hiram Wood ; Treasurer, C. Webster Bush; Representative, A. A. Bent. 1867. — Moderator, A. Allen Bent; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson; Selectmen, As^, Temple, Ezra, Osgood, Amos B. Minott ; Asses- sors, Ivers Whitney, Aaron Greenwood, Hiram Wood ; Treasurer, C. Webster Bush ; Representative, George P. Hawkes of Tem- pleton. 1868. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, Francis Rich- ardson ; Selectmen, Ezra Osgood, Asa Temple, A. B. Minott; Assessors, Ivers Whitney, Aaron Greenwood, Hiram Wood; Treasurei;, C. Webster Bush ; Representative, Charles Heywood. 1869.— Moderator, A. A. Bent; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson; Se- lectmen, Charles, Heywood, Allen Folger, S. W. A. Stevens; Assessors, Ivers Whitney, Aaron Greenwood, Francis Richard- son ; Treasurer, C. Webster Bush ; Representative, Calvin S. Greenwood. •1870.— Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, Francis Richard^ son ; Selectmen, Charles Heyw.ood, S. W. A. Stevens, Thomas E. Glazier; Assessors, Aaron Greenwood, Ivers Whitney, Francis \ Richardson; Treasurer, C. Webster . Bush ; Representative, John M. Moore. 216 HISTORY OF GAliDlSfER. 1871. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier; Town Clerk, Francis Richard- son ; Selectmen, Thomas E. Glazier, Henry C. Hill, Marcus Wright; Assessors, Aaron Greenwood, Ivers Whitney, Thomas E. Glazier ; Treasurer, C. Webster Bush ; Representative, Levi Hey- wood. 1872. — Moderator, Thomas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, Francis Richard- son ; Selectmen, C Webster Bush, H. C. Hill, Marcus Wright ; Assessors, Aaron Greenwood, Ivers Whitney, Asa F. Smith ; Treasurer, C. Webster Bush ; Representative, William Stone of Templeton. 1873. — Moderator, ThSmas E. Glazier ; Town Clerk, Francis Richard- son ; Selectmen, Levi H. Sawin, Augustus Knowlton, Samuel Bent ; Assessors, Aaron Greenwood, Ivers Whitney, Asa F. Smith ; Treasurer, C. Webster Bush ; Representative, William N. Wal- ker of Templeton. 1874. — Moderator, M. R. Hsnting ; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson; Selectmen, Levi H. Sawin, Augustus Knowlton, Samuel Bent; Assessors, Aaron Greenwood, Ivers Whitney, Asa F. Smith ; Treasurer, C. Webster Bush ; Representative, Levi H. Sawin. 1875. — Moderator, Asa Merriam ; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson; Selectmen, Ezra Osgood, A. L. Greenwood, A. B. Jackson ; As- sessors, Aaron Greenwood, Ivers Whitney, A. F. Smith ; Treas- urer, C. Webster Bush ; Representative, Edward Sanderson of Templeton. 1876. — Moderator, John M. Moore; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson J Selectmen, Ezra Osgood, A. L. Greenwood, Thomas Greenwood ; Assessors, Ivers Whitney, Aaron Greenwood, Henry Hadley ; Treasurer, C. Webster Bush ; Representative, H. C. Knowlton. 1877. — Moderator, Asaph Wood; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson; Selectmen, Ezra Osgood, A. L. Greenwood, Thomas Greenwood; Assessors, Aaron Greenwood, Ivers Whitney, C. Webster Bush; Treasurer, C. Webster Bush ; Representatives, Simeon Merritt of Ashburnham, Wilder P. Clark of Winchendou. 1878. — Moderator, John M. Moore; Town Clerk, Francis Richardson ; Selectmen, Ezra Osgood, A. L. Greenwood, Thomas Greenwood; Assessors, Aaron Greenwood, Ivers Whitney, C. Webster Bush ; Treasurer, C. Webster Bush ; Representatives, C. Webster Bush, Artemas Merriam of Westminster. HISTORY OF GARDj^ER. 217 In 1857, the State Constitution was so amended that the House of Representatives should consist of two hundred and forty members and no more, and for this purpose the state was divided into districts of one or more towns ; Westminster and Gard- ner forming one district, and entitled to one Representative each year. In 1867, the state was districted anew, Templeton and Gardner forming a district, and entitled to one Representative yearly. In 1877, the state was again redistricted and Gardner, Winchendon, Ashburnham, "Westminster and Princeton were made a double district, and entitled to two Representatives, each year. It seems necessary to make the above statement, in order to show why this town has been represented some years by men not belonging here. 28 218 HISTORY OF GARDNER. CHAPTEE IX. CARE OF THE POOR. " For the poor shall never cease out of the land : therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land." — Deut. 15 : 11. "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will, ye may do them gooA."— Mark 14 : 7. " True is it that we have seen better days. And have with holy bell been knoll'd to church ; And sat at good men's feasts ; and wiped our eyes Of drops that sacred pity hath engender'd." — As You Like It, Act It, Scene VII. " Oppress'd with two weak evils, age and hunger." — As l"o« Like It, Act II. , Scene VII. " Give him a little earth for charity !" —Henry VIIL, Act IV., Scene IL " Children of wealth or want, to each is given One spot of green and all the blue of heaven." — O. W. Holmes. " My equal he will be again, Down in that cold oblivious gloom. Where all the prostrate ranks of men Crowd, without fellowship, the tomb." — J. Montgomory. " Want is the only woe God gives you power to heal !" — Mrs. Caroline E. Norton. /\AEE for the poor and needy is a plain dictate of humanity, \m/ We learn, from the oldest records extant, that this was regarded as a prominent and commendable practice among nations of the greatest antiquity. For instance, in the hook of Job, so much admired by Daniel Webster, for the beauty and sublimity of its language, we have frequent mention of this sort of charity, for the poor, the widow and the orphan, as evidence of a righteousness meriting the approval of all good men, while he, who neglected this duty, was denounced as wortliy of se- verest reprobation, upon whom, was invoked the punishment HISTORY OF GARDNER. 319 of the Almighty and the deserved disapproval of all mankind. The man, destitute of this virtue, whose conduct is actuated by supreme selfishness, is described, as manifesting this selfishness in his treatment of the poor and the oppressed ; " they violently take awa}' flocks and feed thereof. They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge. They turn the needy out of the way ; the poor of the earth hide themselves together. They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor. They cause him to go naked without clothing, and they take away the sheaf from the hungry. The murderer, rising with the light, killeth the poor and needy. Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor ; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not; surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired. In the fullness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits ; every hand of the wicked shall come upon him." While on the other hand. Job appeals to a directly opposite course of conduct in himself, as affording the clearest evidence of his integrity and righteousness, in the sight of God and men. " When the ear heard me, then it blessed me ; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me : becaxise I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me : and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor : and the cause of which I knew not I searched out. I break the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth. Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor ? If I have withheld the poor from their desire or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail ; or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; if I have seen any perish for want of cloth- ing, or any poor without covering ; if his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep ; if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my 220 HISTORY OF GARDNEB. help in the gate : then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade and mine arm be broken from the bone. The stranger did not lodge in the street ; but I opened my doors to the traveler." In the Hebrew nation, under the Mosaic law, there were special divine enactments in favor of the poor and needy ; the following are some of these enactments : — "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shall not wholly reap, the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vine- yard ; thou shalt leave them for the poor and the stranger."* " When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch •it ; it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow : that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the bows again : it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vinej'ard, thou shalt not glean it afterward : it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. And if a man be poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge : in any case, thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment and bless thee. Thou shalt not oppress a hired servant, that is poor and needy. At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it ; for he is poor and setteth his heart upon it ; lest he cry against thee unto the Lord and it be sin unto thee. Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger; nor of the fatherless ; nor take the widow's raiment to pledge. "-f The poor and the stranger were to have their portion, from the produce of the land, in the seventh or sabbatical year. "And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof; but the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still ; that the poor of the people may eat : in like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard and thy oliveyard."J *Levt. 19 : 9, 10. jDeut, 24. JEx. 23 : 10, 11. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 221 The lands of the poor, were not allowed to be permanently alienated, but the original owners had the right of re-entry npon these lands, at the expiration of fifty years, or in the year of jubilee, with certain limitations. There was also the prohibition of usury, and of the retention of loans, without interest. "And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee ; then thou shalt relieve him : yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Take thou no usury of him or increase. Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase."* Permanent bondage was forbidden, and the emancipation, of Hebrew bondsmen and bondswomen, was enjoined in the sab- batical and jubilee years, even when bound to a foreigner. "If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates, in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thy heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother ; but thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand ; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him naught ; and he cry unto the Lord against thee and it be a sin unto thee. Thou shall surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved, when thou givest unto him : because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land : thei'efore I command thee saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. And if thy brother, an Hebrew man or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years, then in the seventh year, thou shalt let him go free from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty : thou shalt furnish him *Levt. 25 : 35, 36, 37. 222 HISTORY OF GABDNUB. liberally out of tb}' flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress : and tbat wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee."* Under this theocratic government, the severest woes were pronounced upon the oppressors of the poor, in the ordinary transactions of life, or in judicial proceedings unfavorable to them. " Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed ; to turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless !"t " For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the right- eous for silver and the poor for a pair of shoes ; that pant after the dust of the earth, on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek."| "Execute true judgment, and show mercy and .compassions, every man to his brother : and oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor ; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart. "§ Under this government, mendicants were divided into two classes, the settled poor, and the vagrants. In the light of the enactments of the Jewish theocracy, above adduced, and the various instances of assisting the poor referred to, it is made suflSciently clear, that poor and needy humanity has been, from the earliest ages, an object of divine and human sympathy and charity. That this evil, of mendicancy, continued to be prevalent, in the Eastern nations, is evident from the repeated instances re- corded in the New Testament, in the times of Christ and of his apostles, who, out of their common and scanty purse, made frequent provision for the poor. The observance of this duty of caring for the poor, was regarded as an essential qualification in any one who would go forth as a representative of the Chris- *Deut. 15 : 7-15. fls. 10 : 1, 2. JAmos 2 : 6, 7. §Zech. 7 : 9, 10. HmTOBY OF GABDNER. 223 tian religion. " Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do."* Notwithstanding, the care of the poor and necessitous, is a natural outcome of humanity and religion, nevertheless, the best methods to be adopted for the management of this class, es- pecially the vagrant poor, must ever be a question of gravest importance, surpassing, sometimes, the ability of our wisest legislators to solve. Hume, refei'ring to this, as a matter of great importance, in the reign of Henry the VHI., 1509-1547, says, "Some laws were made with regard to beggars and vagrants ; one of the circumstances in government, which hu- manity would most powerfully recommend to a benevolent leg- islator ; which seems, at first sight, the most easily adjusted, and which is yet the most difficult to settle, in such a manner as to attain the end, without destroying industry. "f For many centuries, previous to the reign of Henry the VHI., the care of the poor was chiefly committed to the monasteries, which, for a long time, continued to fulfil honestly the inten- tions for which they were established ; but, according to Froude, as early as the reign of Eichard H., 1377-1399, " it was found necessary to provide some other means for the support of the aged and impotent; the monasteries not only having then begun to neglect their duty, but by the appropriation of bene- fices having actually deijrived the parishes, of their local and independent means of charity. Licenses to beg, were, at that time, granted to deserving jDersons ; and it is noticeable that this measure was, in a few years, followed by the petition to Henry the IV., 1399-1413, for the secularization of ecclesias- tical property. Thus early, in our history, had the regular clergy forgotten the nature of their mission, and the object for which the administration of the nation's charities had been submitted to them. Thus early, while their houses were the nurseries of dishonest mendicancy, they had surrendered to lay compassion, those who ought to have been their especial care. At the open- *Gal. 2 : 10. fHume's Histoi-y of England, vol. 3, p. 317. 224 HISTORY OF GARDNER. iug of the sixteenth century, before the suspension of the mon- asteries had suggested itself in a practical form, pauperism was a state question of great difficulty. ' ' For the able bodied vagrant, it is well known that the old English laws had no mercy. When wages are low, and popu- lation has out-grown the work which can be provided for it, idleness may be involuntary and innocent ; at a time when all industrious men could maintain themselves in comfort and prosperity, ' when a fair day's wages for a fair day's work ' was really and truly the law of the land, it was presumed that if strong, capable men preferred to wander about the country, and live upon the labor of others, mendicancy was not the only crime of which they were likely to be guilty : while idleness itself was justly looked upon as a high offense and misdemeanor. The penalty of God's laws against idleness, as expressed in the system of nature, was starvation ; and it was held intolerable that any man should be allowed to escape a divine judgment by begging under false pretences, and robbing others of their honest earnings." The following is an act of parliament, concerning the increase of vagrancy, passed in the year 1531 : — " Whereas, in all places throughout this realm of England, vagabonds and beggars have of long time increased, and daily do increase in great and excessive numbers, by the occasion of idleness, mother and root of all vices ; whereby hath insurged and sprung, and daily insurgeth and springeth, continual thefts, murders, and other heinous offenses and great enormities, to the high displeasure of God, the inquietation and damage of the King's people, and to the marvellous disturbance of the common weal of this realm ; and whereas, strait statutes and ordinances have been before this time devised and made, as well by the king our sovereign lord, as also by divers, his most noble progenitors, kings of England, for the most necessary and due reformation of the premises ; yet that notwithstanding, the said number of vagabonds and beggars be not seen in any part to be diminished, but rather daily augmented and increased HISTORY OF GARDNER. 225 into great routs or companies, as evidently and manifestly it doth and may appear : Be it therefore enacted by the king our sovereign lord, and by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and the Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, that the justices of the peace of all and singular the shires of England within the limits of their commission, and all other justices of the peace, mayors, sheriffs, bailiffs, and other officers of every city, borough, or franchise, shall from time to time, as often as need shall require, make diligent search and inquiry of all aged, poor, and impotent persons, which live, or of necessity be com- pelled to live hj alms of the charity of the people ; and such search made, the said officers, every of them within the limits of their authorities, shall have power, at their discretions, to enable to beg within such limits as they shall appoint, such of the said impotent persons as they shall think convenient ; and to give in commandment to every such impotent beggar (by them enabled) that none of them shall beg without the limits so appointed to them. And further, they shall deliver to every such person so enabled, a letter containing the name of that person, witnessing that he is authorized to beg, and the limits within which he is appointed to beg, the same letter to be sealed with the seal of the hundred, rape, wapentake, city or borough, and subscribed with the name of one of the said justices or officers aforesaid. And if any such impotent persons do beg in any other place than within such limits, than the jus- tices of the peace, and all other the king's officers and ministers, shall by their discretions punish all such persons by imprison- ment in the stocks, by the space of two days and two nights, giving them only bread and water. " If any such impotent person be found begging without a license, at the discretion of the justices of the peace, he shall be stripped naked from the middle upwards, and whipped, within the town in which he be found, or within some other town, as it shall seem good. Or if it be not convenient so to punish him, he shall be set in the stocks by the space of three days and three nights. 29 226 HISTORY OF GARDNER. "And be it further enacted, that if any person or persons, being whole and mighty in body and able to labor, be taken in begging in a.ny part of this realm ; and if any man or woman, being whole and mighty in body, having no land, nor master, nor using any lawful merchandry, craft or mystery whereby he might get his living, be vagrant, and can give none account how he doth lawfully get his living, then it shall be lawful to the constables and all other king's officers, ministers, and sub- jects of every town, parish and hamlet, to arrest the said vaga- bonds and idle persons, and bring them to any justice of the peace of the same shire or liberty, or else to the high constable of the hundred : and the justice of the peace, high constable, or other officer, shall cause such idle person so to him brought, to be had to the next market town or other place, and there to be tied to the end of a cart, naked, and be beaten with whips throughout the same town till his body be bloody by reason of such whipping ; and after such punishment or whipping had, the person so punished shall be enjoined upon his oath to return forthwith without delay, in the next and straight way, to the place where he was born, or where he last dwelled befoi-e the same punishment, by the space of three years ; and then put himself to labor like a true man ought to do ; and after that clone, every such person so punished and ordered, shall have a letter, sealed with the seal of the hundred, rape or wapentake, witnessing that he hath been punished according to this statute, and containing the day and place of his punishment, and the place whereunto he is limited to go, and by what time he is limited to come thither; for that within that time, showing the said letter, he may lawfully beg by the way, and otherwise not : and if he do not accomplish the order to him appointed by the said letter, then to be eftsoons taken and whipped ; and so often as there be fault found in him, to be whipped till he has his body put to labor for his living, or otherwise truly get his living so long as he is able to do so. "Be it further enacted, that scholars of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, that go about begging, not being au- HISTORY OF GARDIfER. 227 thorized under the seal of the said uuiversities, by the commis- sary, chancellor, or vice chancellor of the same; and that all and singular shipmen pretending losses of their ships and goods, going about the country begging without sufficient authority, shall be punished and ordered in manner and form as is above rehearsed of strong beggars ; and that all proctors and pardon- ers, and all other idle persons going about in counties or abiding in any town, city or borough, some of them using divers subtle, crafty and unlawful games and plays, and some of them feigning themselves to have knowledge in physic, physuamye, and palmistry, or other crafty science, whereby they bear the people in hand that they can tell their destinies, dreams and fortunes, and such other like fantastical imagina- tions, to the great deceit of the king's subjects, shall, upon an examination had before two justices of the peace, if by provable witnesses they be found guilty of such deceits, be punished by whipping at two days together, after the manner before re- hearsed. And if they eftsoons offend in the same or any like offence, to be scourged two days, and the third day to bo put upon the pillory, from nine o'clock till eleven, the forenoon of the same day, and to have the right ear cut off; and if they offend the third time, to have like punishment, with whipping and the pillory, and to have the other ear cut off." As if this act was not sufficiently severe to cure the evils of " sturdy mendicancy," and to rid the land of " sturdy and valiant beggars," the provisions of it were expanded, five years later, enhancing the penalties, and, at the same time, providing vag- rants with labor upon public works, as roads, harbors, embank- ments and fortifications. Another important alteration was a restriction upon private charity. According to Froude, "pri- vate persons were forbidden, under heavy penalties, to give money to beggars, whether deserving or undeserving. The poor, of each parish, might call at houses, within the boundaries for broken meats ; but this was the limit of personal alms giving; and the money, which men might be disposed to offer, was to be colkcted by the church wardens, on Sundays and 228 HISTORY OF GARDNER. holidays, in the churches. The parish priest was to keep an account of the receipts and expenditure. " The sturdy vagabond, who, by the earlier statute, was con- demned on his second offence to lose the whole or part of his right ear, was condemned, by the amended act, if found a third time offending, with the mark upon him of his mutilation, ' to suffer pains and execution of death as a felon, and as an enemy of the commonwealth.' For an able bodied man to be caught a third time begging, was held a crime deserving death, and the sentence was intended, on fit occasions, to be executed. If out of employment, preferring to be idle, he might be demanded for work, by any master of the ' craft' to which he belonged, and compelled to work whether he would or not. If caught begging once, being neither aged nor infirm, he was whipped at the cart's tail. If caught a second time, his ear was slit or bored through with a hot iron. If caught a third time, being thereby proved to be of no use upon this earth, but to live upon it only to his own hurt and to that of others, he suffered death as a felon. So the law of England remained in force for sixt}'^ yeai's. It was therefore the expressed conviction of the English nation, that it was better for a man not to live at all, than to live a profitless and worthless life. The vagabond was a soi'e spot upon the commonwealth, to be healed by wholesome discipline if the gangrene was not incurable ; but to be cut away with the knife, if the milder treatment of the cart-whip failed to be of profit."* This se-verity, in the treatment of vagrants, did not, however, have the effect to rid the land of this deeply rooted evil. It is said to have failed from over severity, so that through " foolish pity of them that should have seen the laws executed," there had been no hanging and very little whipping. This may be said to be the result of all unduly severe legislative acts. After the death of Henry VIII., in 1547, an act was passed, called the vagrancy act, by which an attempt was made to *Frude's History of England, vol. 1, p. 78-90. HISTORY OF GARDINER. 229 reduce the vagrant to the condition of a slave. " A servant determmately idle, leaving his work, or an able bodied vagrant, roaming the country without means of honest self-support and without seeking employment, was to be brought before the two nearest magistrates. On proof of the idle living of the said person, he was to be branded on the breast, where the mark would be concealed by his clothes, with the letter V, and adjudged to some honest neighbor as a slave, ' to have and to hold the said slave for the space of two years then next follow- ing ;' ' and to order the said slave as follows :' that is to say, ' to take such person adjudged as slave with him, and only giving the said slave bread and water, or small drink, and such refuse of meat as he should think meet, to cause the said slave to work.' If mild measures failed, if the slave was still idle or ran away, he was to be marked on the cheek or forehead with an S and to be adjudged as slave for life. This measure failed and, in two years, was withdrawn."* From these instances, now adduced from English history, relating to vagrancy, and the failure of parliamentary enact- ments to suppress it, legislators and town officers of modern times will discover, that they are engaged in no new conflict with this useless and dangerous class, who to-day, throng the streets of our cities, and the highways of our entire land, plun- dering houses and stores, and consuming the hard earnings of our honest and industrious citizens, parasites of society. It appears from the Colonial Records that the early colonists encountered this same evil, which they sought to control by legislation. September 3d, 1639, the following act was passed by the Plymouth Colony, " for the preventing of idleness and other evils, occasioned thereby. It is enacted, by the Court, that the grand jurymen of every town shall have power within their several townships, to take a special view and notice of all manner of persons, married or single, dwelling within their several towns, that have small means to maintain them, and are *rmcle's History of England, vol. 5, p. 75-7G. 230 HISTORY OF GARDNER. suspected to live idly and loosely, aud to require an account of them, how they live, and such as they find delinquent, and can- not give a good account unto them, that they cause the consta- ble to bring them before the Governor and Assistants, at Plym- outh, the first Court of Assistants, after such delinquents shall be found out. That such course may be taken with them as in the wisdom of the government, shall be judged just and equal."* " It is enacted, by the court and the authority thereof, that if any person or persons shall come into this government, that according to the law of England, may justly be accounted vaga- bond ; the marshal or the constable of the town whereunto they come ; shall apprehend him or them ; and upon examination so appearing, he shall whip them or cause them to be whipped with rods, so as it exceed not fifteen stripes ; and to give him or them a pass to depart the government, and if any such per- son or persons shall be found without their pass, or not acting according thereunto, they shall be punished again as formerly ; and in case any constable of this jurisdiction shall be unwilling, or cannot procure any to inflict the punishment aforesaid, that then they shall bring such persons to Plymouth, to the under marshal aud he shall inflict it."f In the Massachusetts Colony, in 1639, we have the following record : " It is ordered, that the court, or any two magistrates out of court, shall have power to determine all difierences about a lawful settling and providing for poor persons, and shall have power to dispose of all unsettled persons into such towns as they shall judge to be most fit for the maintenance of such persons and families and the most ease of the country. "| In 1659, we have the following record, which throws light upon the custom formerly adopted, in all our towns, of legally warning all new comers, rich or poor, to depart the limits of the town within a certain specified time, that the town might avoid their support, in case they should afterwards become ♦Plymouth Colony Records, vol. 11, p. 32. tPlymouth Colony Kecords, vol. 11, p. 206. JEecords of Massachusetts, vol. 1, p. 264. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 231 paupers : " For the avoiding of all future inconveniences refer- ring to the settling of poor people that may need relief from the place where they dwell, it is ordered by this Court and the authority thereof, that where any person, with his family, or in case he hath no family, shall be resident in any town or pecu- liar of this jurisdiction for more than three months, without notice given to such person or persons, by the constable, or one of the selectmen of the said place, or their orders, that the town is not willing that they should remain as an inhabitant amongst them, and in case after such notice given, such person or per- sons shall, notwithstanding, remain in the said place, if the selectmen of the said place shall not, by way of complaint, petition the next County Court of that shire for relief in the said case, and the same prosecuted to effect, every such person or persons, as the case may require, shall be provided for and re- lieved, in case of necessity, by the inhabitants of the said place where he or she is so found. "And it is further ordered, that each County Court shall, from time to time, hear and determine all complaints of this nature, and settle all poor persons, according to directions of this law, in any town or peculiar within this colony, and every such per- son or persons shall accordingly be entertained and provided for by the selectmen or constable of the said place, at a town charge ; and in case any town or peculiar shall find themselves aggrieved at such dispose of the County Court, they may appeal to the next Court of Assistants ; and where any person or per- sons cannot according to this law be settled in any town or peculiar, they shall then be placed in any town of that county wherein they are found, according as the County Court shall appoint, and their charges satisfied unto them by the county treasurer.''* In 1682, still farther legislation, upon this subject, seemed to be demanded, as is apparent from the following enactment of the Great and General Court of Massachusetts :— ♦Records of Massachusetts, vol. 4, Part First, p. 365. 232 HISTOBY OF GAliDNUR. "Whereas, there are in sundry of our towns, and especially in Boston, many idle persons in families, as well as other single persons, who are greatly, if not altogether, negligent in their particular callings, and some that do not follow any lawful em- ployment for a livelihood, but misspend their time and that little which they earn, to the impoverishing, if not utter undoing, of themselves and families, for prevention whereof, it is or- dered, by this Court and the authority thereof, that the tything- men in each town shall inspect all such families and persons, and speedily return their names to the selectmen of the town where they dwell, who shall forthwith return to the next mag- istrate, and (if in Boston) to any of the magistrates or com- missioners there, who are hereby empowered to issue out warrants to the constable of the respective towns to require such person or family to work in or about any employment they are capable of, in the towu or place where they reside, and if they refuse to be regulated, as aforesaid, then to be sent by said authority to the house of c6rrection, and there receive, ac- cording to the orders of that house, and kept to work ; and that such persons and families may be provided for, it is ordered, that all their clear earnings shall (by said selectmen or their order) be laid out in necessaries suitable for them or their families' use and relief, and that their wages shall from time to time, be stated by said selectmen ; and if any person or persons shall think themselves wronged thereby, they may complain to the County Court for relief."* " No idle drone may live amongst us," was the motto upon which they conducted their legislation towards vagrants. In imitation of the ancient custom, of the Massachusetts Colony, in its enactment concerning vagrants, in 1659, we have frequent occurrences recorded upon our town records, of legally warning all recent settlers to leave the town forthwith, of which the following is one of many : — *Records of Massachusetts, vol. 5, p. 373. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 233 Worcester, ss. Gardner, June 7th, 1791. To Elijah Wilder, constable for the town of Gardner in said county : Greeting. You are, in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, directed to warn and give notice unto Isaac Jackson, yeoman, and Jonathan Brown, yeoman, and Beulah his wife and their child, and Samuel Edgell, gentleman, and Sarah his wife, and Betsey and Sarah their childi'en, and Joseph Edgell, yeoman, and Dorcas his wife, and Sarah Laws, spinster, all of West- minster, and Rufus Dresser, yeoman, and Elizabeth his wife, of Lancaster, and William Whitney, Jr., yeoman, and Anna his wife, of Winchendon, and Anna Knights, spinster, of Sterling, all of the county of Worcester ; and Daniel Fisher, yeoman, of Walpole and county of SuflFolk, and Lewis Dunn, yeoman, and Hannah his wife, and Lucy their daughter, spinster, all of Marlborough, and county of Middlesex and state of Massachu- setts, and Joseph Simond, yeoman, and Miriam his wife, from Putney, and Grace Palmer, spinster, of Shrewsbury, all of Vermont state, who have lately come into this town, for the purpose of abiding therein, not having obtained the town's con- sent; therefore, that they depart the limits thereof, within fifteen days. And of this precept, with your doings thereon, you are to make return into the office of the town clerk, within twenty days next coming, that such further proceedings may be had in the premises as the law directs. Elisha Jackson, Ebenezer Howe, Samuel Stone, JosiAH Wheeler, It is not to be inferred, from the above precept, that the citi- zens of this town had any wish or intention to exclude from their limits.these recent comers, but that they were only acting in accordance with the law of self-defense. It may be said, that usually these precepts, of warning were, as Macbeth says, like, 30 Selectmen. 234 HISTORY OF GARDNER. "A tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing," unless it was, the performance of a solemn farce. That there have been great improvements made in the con- dition of the working man, within the last two centuries, under the ameliorating influences of Christianity, with its consequent advanced civilization, as also a manifest decrease of vilgrancy and pauperism, cannot be denied, by the intelligent student of history. Macaulay informs us that, in England, the wages of the laborer, estimated in money, were, in 1685, not more than half of what they were in 1848 ; that, although meat was so cheap, in 1685, it was still so dear, that hundreds of thousands of families, scarcely knew the taste of it ; bread, such as is now given to the inmates of a work-house, was then seldom seen even on the trencher of a yeoman, or a shopkeeper. The great majority of the people lived on rye, barley and oats. Among the commodities, for which the laborer would have had to pay higher, in 1685, than his posterity paid in 1848, were sugar, salt, coals, candles, soap, shoes, stockings, and generally all articles of clothing and bedding. In confirmation of these facts, as stated by Macaulay, he introduces a statement from King's Natural and Political Con- clusions, who roughly estimated the common jjeople of Eng- land, in 1685, at 880,000 families, of which 440,000 ate animal food twice a week, the remaining 440,000 ate meat not at all, or at most, not oftener than once a week. Beneath this labor- ing class, were a large portion of the population, who were unable to subsist, without more or less aid, from the parish. They constituted about one-fifth of the whole population, making the poor rate, the heaviest tax, then borne by the people. In the reign of Charles II., this tax was computed at near seven hundred thousand pounds a year, a little less than the. entire revenue of the crown. In a short time, it rose to between eight and nine hundred thousand pounds. Paupers and beggars, in 1696, were estimated at 1,330,000, out of a population of HISTORY OF GARDNER. 235 5,500,000. In 1846, the number of persons who received relief, as appeared from official returns, was 1,332,089, out of a popu- lation of about 17,000,000, showing that, in Enghmd, the pau- per rate has been constantly decreasing.* Speaking of the condition of the poor, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth and previous, Hume, refers in a note, to his third volume, to a statement made by Holinshead, author of Chroni- cles of England, Scotland, and Ireland, concerning the condi- tion of the poorer classes, " that there are old men dwelliuo- in the village, where I remain, which have noted three things to be marvellously altered in England, within their sound remem- brance. One is the multitude of chimneys lately erected ; whereas, in their young days, there were not above two or three, if so many, in most upland towns of the realm, the religious houses and manor places of their lords, always excepted, and peradventure some great personage, but each made his fire against a reredosse, in the hall where he dined, and dressed his meat. The second is, the great amendment of lodgings ; for, said they, our fathers and we ourselves have lain full oft on straw pallets, covered only with a sheet, under coverlets made of dag-swain and a good round log under their head, instead of a bolster. If it was so that the father, or the good man of the house, had a mattress, or flock-bed, and thereto a sack of chaff, to rest his head upon, he thought himself to be as well lodged as the lord of the town, so well were they contented. Pillows, said they, were thought meet only for women in childbed. As for servants, if they had any sheet above them, it was well ; for seldom had they any under their bodies to keep them from the prickling straws, that ran oft through the canvas, and rased their hardened hides. The third thing they tell of, is the ex- change of treeu platers, so called, I suppose, from tree or wood, into pewter, and wooden spoons into silver or tin. For so common were all sorts of treen vessels, in old time, that a man should hardly find four pieces of pewter of which, one was peradventure a salt, in a good farmer's house"f Erasmus attrib- *Macaulay's History of England, vol. 1, p. 317-318. fHume's History of England, vol. 3, p. 465. 236 HISTORY OF OARDNER. utes the frequent plagues, in England, to the filthiness, dirt and slovenly habits of the common people ; at the time above refer- red to, he says, " the floors are commonly of clay, strewed with rushes, under which lies, unmolested, an ancient collection of beer, grease, fragments, bones, spittle, excrements of dogs and cats, and ever}' thing that is nasty." Comparing the condition of the working men and the poorer classes, in the sixteenth century, with their poor fare and un- comfortable dwellings, so poorly furnished, with the condition of the same classes, with their comfortable homes, and im- proved means of subsistence and education, at the present time, we are brought to the inevitable conclusion that great advances have been made. It is true that, since the close of the war, and especially since the decreased .demand for labor, the country has been greatly infested with a class of vagrants, popularly called "tramps," yet the number of these will hardly bear comparison with those which existed in the reign of Henry VIII. and his immediate successors. This class of persons is defined, by the Massachusetts Statute in the following terms : — "Rogues and vagabonds, idle and dissolute persons, who go about begging, persons who use SiWj juggling or unlawful games, or plays, common pipers and fiddlers, stubborn children, runaways, common drunkards, common night walkers, pilferers, lewd, wanton, and lascivious persons, in speech or behavior, common railers and brawlers, persons who neglect their calling, or employment, misspend what they earn and do not provide for themselves, or for the support of their families, and all other idle and disorderly persons, including therein those persons who neglect all lawful business and habitually misspend their time by frequenting houses of ill-fame, gaming-houses or tip- pling shops, may, upon conviction, be committed, for a term not exceeding six months, to the house of correction, or the house of industry or work-house within the city or town where the conviction is had, or to the work-house, if any there is, in the city or town in which the offender has a legal settlement, if such town is within the county."* ♦Massachusetts General Statutes, chap. 165, sect. 28. HIST OB Y OF GARDJSTER. 237 The question of how to abate this evil, is engaging tlie atten- tion of our Massachusetts legislature at the time of this writiu"-, March 26th, 1878. Various opinions exist as to the best methods to be pursued, no new legislation being thought nec- essary, unless it be to provide for a better enforcement of the above statute, under the vigilance of the state detective force. The general opinion is, that vagrancy, in all countries, is fos- tered by indiscriminate almsgiving, which is not charity. In confirmation of such an opinion, Mr. Lambert, late poor-law inspector of England, says, " I cannot too emphatically enforce my conviction, that, as long as the public persists in bestowing alms upon valiant beggars and sturdy vagabonds, every attempt, on the part of those who make or administer the laws for the suppression of vagrancy and mendicancy, will, most assuredly, prove unavailing." That there is a decreasing necessity for the fostering or con- tinuauce of this evil, is evident from the statistics of the Labor Bureau, of Massachusetts, for 1877. According to the careful investigation of Col. Wright, of this bureau, with the exception of the building trades and unskilled laborers, no large bodies of men have been found, out of employment. Since 1875, there has been an average deduction iu wages of nine per cent., which corresponds, very nearly, to the decline in gold. Wherever the municipal administration did its duty, there was much less spent for pauperism in 1877, than in 1875, showing the expenditure for paupers to be on the decrease. The con- clusion then, is, if men are vagabonds, they are such from preference, and as a general rule, should be treated according to the provisions of the statute relating to vagrancy. It may be thought, by the reader, that a disproportionate space is given, iu this chapter, to the discussion of vagrancy. Our only apology is the greatness of the evil, as it now exists, throughout all our towns and states. In directing the attention of the reader to that part of the history of Gardner, which relates to the care of its paupers, we shall be interested in and perhaps somewhat surprised, at the 238 HI8T0BY OF QAliDIillR. manner in which they were annually disposed of, by vendue or auction, previous to the purchasing of the present town farm. We are not, however, to associate this method of disposing of paupers, with the auction block of the southern slave dealer. It was a method of public charity, which the necessity of the times demanded. That this unfortunate portion of our inhabi- tants have always been well provided for is, unquestionably, true. We jrive the following as an illustration of the manner in which the town annually made provision for its poor. In the town warant for January 5th, 1789, vol, 1, page 100, Town Eecords, we have the following : — " To see what method the town will come into, to take care and provide for Oliver Upton and his family ; to vendue them out to the lowest bidder, or take some other method, as the town shall think best when met. Voted, To vendue them to the lowest bidder. Voted, To choose a committee to draw the conditions of sale. Joseph Bacon, Committee. ' ' The conditions of the sale of Oliver Upton and wife arc such, that the lowest bidder have them until March meeting, with their household stuff, and to provide victuals and drink, convenient for them ; and to take care- of them. The selectmen to take a minute of his household stuff. Also the children to be let out to the lowest bidder until the selectmen can provide better for them ; and to provide victuals and drink for them. Joseph Bacon, Committee. " Voted to accept of the report of conditions of sale. Chose Ebenezer Eaton vendue master. Oliver Upton and wife bid off by Simon Gates, at ten shillings per week. Oldest child bid off by Simon Gates, at one shilling per week. Second child, bid off by John Hey wood at ten pence per week. Third child, bid off by Andrew Beard, at one shilling, two pence per week. Fourth child, bid off by Ebenezer Bolton, at one shilling, nine pence per week." HISTORY OF GARDNER. 239 This method, of disposing of the poor, was pursued by the town until the year 1849, when the present town farm was purchased. For a few years, previous to 1849, the care of the poor was left discretionary with the selectmen. In June, 1789, there was an article in the town warrant, to see " if the town will build a work-house, in order for the poor to be set at work, if the town shall think proper, or act anything relating thereunto, as they shall think best when met. Voted, That the selectmen put this article into the next warrant for a town meeting." This article appeared in the warrant for a town meeting Sep- tember 14th, 1789. " Voted, To dismiss it." Thus began and ended all action, of the town, respecting a work-house for the poor, until the year 1849, when the following article appeared in a warrant for a town meeting, January 1st, of that year : ' ' To see if the town will choose a committee to purchase a farm or house for the more convenient support of their paupers, act or transact anything relating thereto. Voted, To choose a committee of five to purchase a farm for the support of the poor, at their discretion, and report at a future meeting." This committee consisted of Messrs. Francis Eichardson, Chas. Green, Asaph Wood, Smyrna W. Bancroft, Joseph "Whitney. March 5th, 1849, the town " Voted, To accept of the report of the committee chosen to purchase a pauper farm. Voted, That the treasurer be authorized to give a note to Abraham Stone, for three thousand, five hundred dollars, in consideration of pur- chasing his farm. Voted, That the overseers of the poor, stock and furnish the pauper farm, and that the treasurer be author- ized to borrow one thousand dollars for the same." At a town meeting held April 2d, 1849, the town "Voted, To accept of the following rules and regulations for the gov- ernment of the work-house : — " 240 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Rules and Regulations for the government of the Worh-house in the town of Gardner, and duty of the Overseers of the Poor, the Master, the Physician and the Inmates of said house. POWER AND DUTY OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. It shall be the duty of the Overseers of the Poor, to provide for all poor and indigent persons, who are, or may be unable to take care of and support themselves, and at all times when circum- stances will admit, they shall be supported on the farm, which the town has purchased for that purpose, which shall be hereafter known by the name of Gardner Work-house. And to provide suitable stock, farming utensils and household furniture, and to make such additions and repairs as are necessary for said estab- lishment, and to manage the concerns in the best possible manner, and to provide suitable places for all poor children, as soon as they can earn their living ; and see that they are brought up to some trade or calling, and suitably schooled, and they shall constantly keep suitable persons for a master and mistress, and such other help as they shall deem necessary, and they shall employ a physician to attend to the sick, when requested by the overseer or master. Said physician shall keep a record of all his visits, the price and for whom said visits were made, for which he shall receive such compensation as may be agreed upon by him and the overseers, and may be removed at the pleasure of the overseers. It shall be the duty of the overseers to meet at the work-house on the last Saturday in February, May, Au- gust and November,, annually, for the purpose of inspecting the concerns of the establishment and giving directions to the mas- ter. It shall be the duty also, of one of the overseers to visit said work-house, as often as once a month, for the purpose of inspecting the management of the concerns, the usage of the inmates, and giving directions to the master, etc. ; and at their meeting in February, they shall take an inventory of all the personal property and the betterments, if any, which shall be recorded in a book, kept by them for that and other purposes, and they shall also keep a record of all persons who are sup- HISTORY OF OARDjSTEE. 241 ported in said work-house, the time when they come and the time when they go away ; and to record all other matters which they shall deem necessary, all of which shall be reported by them at the annual March meeting:. POWER AND DUTY OF THE MASTER. The master shall have the immediate care and control of the inmates, and all the property belonging to the institution, and shall give an account of the same to the overseers, when called upon by them ; he shall see that the inmates are suitably pro- vided with lodging, clothes, victuals and drink, and shall call on the overseers for such things as are necessary for that pur- pose. It shall also be the duty of the master to see that all who are able to labor are employed in such a manner as shall be most advantageous to the town, and to instruct in regard to the moral character of all persons in his care, and see that the Sabbath is duly observed, and to take care of all the fires, see that the lights are struck, and that the inmates retire to bed in proper season, and that the children in his care are suitably schooled ; and it shall be his duty to punish any of the inmates, who are refractory or disobedient, and perform all other duties which may devolve on him by the direction of the overseers. DUTY OF THE INMATES. All persons, who are maintained in the work-house, shall be under the immediate care and control of the master and mistress of the house, and shall not absent themselves from the premises without their consent, and such as are able to labor shall labor accordincr to the directions of the master. There shall be no ardent spirits used on the premises except by special direction of the physician. The above rules and regulations shall be laid before the town at a regular meeting, and when accepted by them, shall be the Rules and By-laws of the Gardner Work-house, and shall be read at the work-house, in the presence of the master and in- mates, at the commencement of each year, by one of the over- 31 242 HISTORY OF GARDNER. seers. These rules and regulations may be altered or amended at any legal meeting of the town. The town farm consists of two hundred thirty-three and twenty-one thirty-seconds acres, including the road. The house is large, commodious and in good condition of repair. March 7th, 1870, the town voted, that the overseers of the poor, with four other persons, chosen by the town, at that meeting, be a committee to superintend the construction of a new barn on the town farm. The barn is 40 by 72 feet and cost the town about $3,000. We give, below, the cost of supporting the poor, at the town farm, each year since 1860, previous records being inaccessible. Also cost of supporting the poor away from the town farm since 1860, with the exception of those years of which the record is not obtainable. Cost of supporting poor, annually, at Almshouse since 1860 : 1860 $917 33 1861 1,300 14 1862 1,073 22 1863 882 48 1864 .- 1,060 44 1865 1,004 91 1866 692 95 1867 756 19 1868 708 22 1869 997 71 1870 1,250 02 1871 967 87 1872 1,.304 27 1873 1,258 29 1874 1,459 67 1875 1,756 14 1876 2,544 67 1877 1,223 45 Cost of supporting poor, annually, away from Almshouse since 1860 : I860...'.... $176 62 1861 232 24 1862 294 55 1863 299 04 1864 1865 421 50 1866 562 25 1867 461 54 1868 690 22 1869 411 53 1870 372 61 1871 528 43 1872 738 97 1873 ' 1874 1875 1876 1877 1,194 88 HI8T0BY OF GABDNER. 243 Names of masters of the Work or Almshouse from its estab- lishment in 1849, to the present time : — Abram Stone 1849-1851 Isaac B. Hathaway. . .1869-1870 John V. Platts 1852-1857 Levi P. Wood 1871-1872 Daniels. Elkins 1858-1861 Albert Sanderson 1873-1876 Washburn Whitney 1862 T. D. Marstin 1877 Artemas S. Plubbard .1863-1868 Albert Sanderson 1878 According to the secretary's report for the Board of State Charities, the returns show that two hundred and twenty-two, of the three hundred and forty -two cities and towns in the state, provided for their paupers during the pauper year ending March 31st, 1877, in almshouses. The whole number of persons sup- ported at these establishments, within the year above named, was six thousand one hundred and sixty-six. The number of persons supported out of almshouses, was two thousand five hundred and five. The average cost, per week, for each pauper, in the almshouse, is two dollars and forty-four cents ; the average cost per week, for each pauper outside the almshouse, is three dollars and forty-eight cents. 244 HISTORY OF GARDNER. CHAPTER X. VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. " A place for everything, and everything in its place." — Benjamin Franklin. " Variety's the source of joy below, From which, still fresh revolving pleasures Aow."— Gray. " Variety's the very spice of life. That gives it all its flavor." — Cowper. IN this chapter, we shall speak of the various organizations that have been in existence, in this town, since its incorpor- ation, some of which still exist, and some, having had their day and done their work, have ceased to be. MILITAEY. " Sound all the lofty instruments of war, And by that music, let us all embrace." — First Part King Henry IV., Act. V., Scene If. The year 1794, is distinguished in American history, for the celebrated defeat, by General Wayne, of the Indians of the Northwest, as well as for the famous Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania, when, as General Washington expressed it, " the contest' was " whether a small proportion of the United States shall dictate to the whole Union." It was a year of feverish excitement, throughout the nation, requiring unusual vigilance, on the part of those in authority, lest the liberty, secured by the war of the Revolution, should be sacrificed by the spirit of anarchy, so rife in many quarters. Acting upon the principle, that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, the au- thority of the commonwealth, issued its order to all towns for HISTORY OF GARDNER. 245 theii' quotas of men, who should be ready at a minute's warning for any military service that might be required of them. Accordingly a town meeting was called, August 4th, 1794, " To see what method the town will come into, to raise the men that are now sent for, to stand at a minute's warning, agreeable to order now sent to town, or act anything relating thereto, as they shall think best when met." Upon this article, the town " Voted, To make some consideration to the soldiers' pay, more than what the continent has made, in case they are called for." " Voted, To make up the wages to the soldiers, in case they are called and have to march, forty shillings per month, with what the continent and state shall give, as wages, and twenty shillings bounty, per man, the bounty to be paid when the men march. It is to be understood always, the soldiers that are raised, in this town, should march and the continent or the state should give them forty shillings per month, and twenty shillings boun- ty, then the town is not to give them any bounty or wages." Who these men were, or how many, is not given in the record. October 9th, 1797, the town " Voted, To make up to those men, that turn out to stand at a minute's warning, if they march, ten dollars a month, including what the continent and state give them." According to the laws of the commonwealth, a military com- pany M-as formed, with William Bickford, captain.* This company continued to perform military duty, as required by law, till the time when the statute under which it was created, was repealed. The following are the names of the different commanders : William Bickford, Reuben Haynes, Samuel Edgell, Aaron Greenwood, Abel Kendall, Benjamin Edgell, David Nichols, Arna Bacon, Ezra Moore, William Bickford, Jr., Ahio Temple, Levi Priest, Ezekiel Howe, Abel Jackson, Bart- lett Stoddard, Henry Whitney, William Learned, George W. Cowee and Ephraim Wright. Auf^ust 10th, 1812, there was an article in the town warrant to this effect : " To see if the town will choose a delegate to meet *Eevised Statutes, 1836, chap. 12, sec. 5-12. 246 HISTOBY OF GAllDI^FR. in county convention at Worcester, on Wednesday, the 12th day of August, instant ; to consult upon the alarming situation of our country, on the declaration of war, between the United States and Great Britain and her Dependencies, and to petition the president of the United States, if they see fit, to bring about a speedy and honorable peace with Great Britain." " Chose Eev. Jonathan Osgood, delegate." GARDNER LIGHT INFANTRY. Acting in accordance with the spirit indicated in the above vote, in 1813, a volunteer company was formed, called the Gardner Light Infantry. It was ordered, soon after its organi- zation, to South Boston, where it remained, on duty, until the close of the war. The following are the names of the commis- sioned and non-commissioned officers, belonging to this com- pany, at the time thej' were ordered into service : Ephraim Williams, Captain ; Samuel Sawin, Lieut. ; Joel Cowee, Ensign ; Ebenezer Bolton, 1st Serg. ; Charles Hoar, 2d Serg. ; Benj. Stone, 3rd Serg. ; Heuben Wheeler, 4th Serg. Privates : Luke Whitney, Josiah Eaton, Joel Wheeler, James Coolidge, Jr., Josiah Wilder, Isaac Wilder, David Wilder, Phineas Moore, Aaron Conant, Abram F. Glazier, George W. Davis, Seth Whitney, Joseph Whitney, 2d, Joseph P. Whitney, Thomas Bennett, Jr., Hubbard Kendall, Joseph L. Newell, Pliny Bil- lings, David Perley, David Reed, Jr., Isaac Jackson, John Woodbury, Nathaniel Wright, Jonas Brick, Amasa Leland, Farwell Conant and Benjamin Edgell. William Fenno, drum- mer ; Levi Divol, bass drummer; Edward Loud, fifer. The following were the officers of this company : Ephraim Williams, Joel Cowee, Reuben W^heeler, Benjamin Stone, Thomas Bennett, Jr., Isaac Jackson, Martin Dunster, Luther Alden and Isaac P. Kendall. This company continued its existence for about twenty years, under the command of the above named officers, and enjoyed the reputation of being spirited and well disciplined. HISTORY OF GAJRDNEB. 247 GARDNER GREYS. In 1844, a military company was formed, called the Gardner Greys. The following is a list of the officers and privates in this company : — James Coqlidge,, 2d, Capt. ; David Kendall, Joseph Wood and Hiram Wood, Lieuts. ; Charles Leland, Quarter-master ; John W. Hill, Henrj' C. Hill, Aaron B. Jackson, Edwin A. Stevens and AlonzoB. Clark, Sergs. ; Josiah A. Japkson, Hosea Adams, John H. Peabody and James W. Woodbury, Corporals ; Aaron B. Jackson, Treasurer. Privates : Edwin Hill, Asher W. Shattuck, James B. Lord, Ebenezer Ballou, Alonzo Davis, Addison A. Walker, Joseph L. Wheeler, William B. Hill, George A. Glazier, Nathan A. Gates, John M. Seaver, Edwin Howe, Charles E. Bickford, Abijah Hinds, Jr., Merrick Adams, William H. Learned, Still- man D. Colburn, Harrison E. Kawson, Lysander B. Jaquith, William T. Peabody, Chas. Noyes, Hiram Williams, Elijah W. Foster, John H. Walker, Albert Bickford, J. H. Sperling, Geo. T. Lowell, Ai Stone, J. P. Lynde, Kansom Bolton, Belarmin Bolton, Luke Whitney, E. G. Eeed, Daniel Adams, Ephraim S. Bowker, Luther B. Walker, Samuel Hodgmau, B. G. Coch- ran, Asa F. Smith and Benjamin H. Eugg. D. G. FARRAGUT POST NO. 116, G. A. R. This Post was organized January 6th, 1870. There were, at the commencement, seventeen charter members, with the fol- lowing officers : G. W. Wilson, P. C. ; D. E. Symonds, S. V. C. ; G. H. Pond, J. V. C. : E. P. Brown, Adjt. ; N. W. Cramm Q. M. : C. F. Tenney, Surg. ; E. F. Wiley, O. D. ; C. H. Newton, O. G. ; E. B. Baker, S. M. ; H. G. Pollard, Q. M. S. The Post has now fifty-one members. Since its organ- ization, it has expended, for charities, $629.90, besides the amount which comrades have bestowed from their private purses, which is probably an equal amount. Assisted by an annual appropriation of the town, this Post, upon Decoration 248 HISTORY OF OARDNJER. Day, strews the graves of their fallen conirades, in the various cemeteries of the town, M'ith flowers furnished by the friends of the soldiers, after which, assembling in the Town Hall, they listen to an oration, pronounced by some gentleman of their own selection. The present officers are : O. F. Smith, P. C. ; C. Beckwith. S. V. C. ; J. B. Thompson, J. V. C. ; H. Clark, Adjt. ; E. J. Gushing, Q. M. ; J. W. Clapp, Surg. ; J. W. Walcott, O. D. ; D. O. Remington, O. G. ; M. V. Coburn, S. M. ; J. F. Ashley, Chap. HOPE LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. " The world is in pain, Our secrets to gain ; But still let them wonder and gaze on, For they ne'er can divine The word nor the sign Of a Free and Accepted Mason." The first regular communication, of Hope Lodge, was held in Free Mason Hall, Gardner, Tuesday evening, March 22d, 1864. Charles Heywood, M. ; Henry C. Hill, S. W. ; Edward J. Saw- yer, J. W. ; Alonzo B Clark, Treas. ; George Heywood, Sec. ; George E. Woodman, S. D. ; George Nichols, J. D. ; L. S. Stowe, S. S. ; Andrew J. Moore, J. S. Charter members : Levi Heywood, Horace Whitney, Charles Heywood, Henry C. Hill, Edward J. Sawyer, Alonzo B. Clark, George Heywood, George E. Woodman, George Nichols, Alvin- M. Greenwood, Nathaniel Holmes, James H. Greenwood, F. C. Whitcomb. The hall now occupied by Hope Lodge, is in the attic story of the Town Hall, which, in accordance with a vote of the town, February 18th, 1865, was leased for a term of years. This room was prepared and elegantly furnished, for the use of the Lodge, in the spring of 1865, and was dedicated, by members of the Grand Lodge, in April of the same year, since which time it has continued in a flourishing condition, care being taken, to preserve the high tone of its membership, in which it was instituted. The regular meetings of this lodge are held monthly, on or before the full moon. The officers of HISTORY OF GARDNER. 249 the present year are : Marcus H. Howe, W. M. ; Frank W. Cnmmings, S. W. ; Charles F. Read, J. W. ; John W. Hill, Treas. ; John C. Stone, Sec. ; Rev. E. A. Read, Chap. ; Chas. N. Edgell, M: ; Henry H. Adams, S. D. ; Albert Lovejoy, J. D. ; Andrew C. Upham, S. S. ; Arthur W. Brown, J. S. ; George W. Lusk, I. S. ; Lucian N. Hadley, Organist; John Dustin, Tyler. Past Masters : Charles Heywood, Henry C. Hill, Edward J. Sawyer, John D. Edgell, Frank W. Cummings, Charles F. Read, William Stone. Committee on Charity : Henry C. Hill, Ezra Osgood, Chas. F. Read. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. " Friendship, Love and Truth." The William Ellison Lodge, No. 185, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted March 19, 1878, with a membership of thirty-two. The professed objects of American Odd Fellowship are " to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan, to improve and elevate the character of man, imbue him with proper conceptions of his capabilities for good, enlighten his mind, enlarge the sphere of his aflfections, and lead him to the cultivation of the true fraternal relation, designed by the great Author of his being." The hall of this lodge is located near the depots, over Messrs. Howe Brothers' grain store. The following is a list of officers chosen at the institution of the lodge : J. Warren Spring, N. G. ; H. O. Tubbs, V. G. ; W. H. Cowee, Sec. ; J. J. Dunn, Treas. ; A. W. Wilson, W. ; C. O. Plantier, C. ; J. S. Garner, O. G. ; A. M. Richards, I. G. ; E. N. Goddard, R. S. N. G. ; F. A. Laws, L. S. N. G. ; E. L. Gates, R. S. V. G. ; W. B. Heathfield, L. S. V. G. ; C. F. Woodbury, R. S. S. ; H. D. Lusk, L. S. S. ; C. H. Spring, Organist ; W. W. Tandy, Chaplain. 32 250 HI8T0BY OF GARDNER. ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS. " Erin, my country! though sad and forsaken, In dreams I revisit thy sea-beaten shore ; But, alas ! in a far foreign land I awaken, And sigh for the friends who can meet me no more !" — Thomas Campbell. The Ancient Order of Hibernians was organized February 3d, 18.73, with the following officers : Thomas F. Carney, President; Daniel Eeagan, Vice President; Daniel McKeough, Eecording and Financial Secretary ; John F. Barnes, Treasurer. The motto of this order is " Friendship, Unity and True Chris- tian Charity." The present officers are as follows : Henry F. Carney, President; Timothy Mclnerney, Eecording Secretary; John J. Maloney, Financial Secretary ; John F. Barnes, Treas- urer. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Hear the loud alarum bells — Brazen bells ! What a tale of terror, now, their turbulency tells ! In the startled ear of night How they scream out their affright ! Too much horrified to speak, They can only shriek, shriek, Out of tune. In the clamorous appealing to the mercy of the Are, In a mad expostulation with the deaf and frantic fire Leaping higher, higher, higher, With a desperate desire, And a resolute endeavor, Now — now to sit or never. By the side of the pale-faced moon. Oh, the bells, bells, bells. What a tale their terror tells Of despair! How they clang, and clash, and roar ! What a horror they outpour On the bosom of the palpitating air!" — Poe. It was not until the year 1833, that the town took any action looking to protection from fire, by furnishing itself with fire engines. In the warrant for the annual town meeting of that HISTORY OF GAEDNEE. 251 year, there was an article to see "if the town will raise two hundred dollars, to be appropriated towards two engines, for the purpose of guarding against loss by fire, act or transact anything relating thereto." " Voted, To raise two hundred dollars, to be laid out to purchase two engines. Voted, To choose a committee of three at the Centre of the town and three at the South Village, to see to the purchasing of two engines. Chose Moses Wood, Smyrna Glazier, Walter Hey wood, com- mittee for the Centre of the town. Chose Abijah M. Severy, Walter Greenwood, Adams Partridge, committee for the South Village. Voted, That one engine be located in the Centre of the town, and the other at the South Village. Voted, To have the committee draw on the town treasurer for the money, as soon as they procure the engines and get their engine houses ready." These engines cost two hundred dollars each ; individ- uals subscribing what the town did not appropriate. The eufine house, at the Centre, was located where now stands the National Bank Building: that at the South Village, near the corner of what are now call6d Broadway and Prospect Streets, opposite the store of Messrs. S. W. A. Stevens & Son. The engine at the South Village was familiarly known by the name of the " Pine Tub," and is now owned by Messrs. A. Bancroft & Co. These engines, of course, were small and incapable of very great service. Feeling the need of greater facilities for protection against fire, the town voted, March 13, 1852,*' to choose a committee of five, to procure two fire engines, one situated at South Gard- ner, so called, and the other situated near the Centre Village, in Gardner, and the expense not to exceed one thousand dollars each. Chose Levi Hey wood, Calvin S. Greenwood, Thorley Collester, Levi H. Sawin, Amasa Bancroft, that committee." It appears from the records, that there was an attempt made to reduce the amount appropriated at the annual meeting, for fire engines. At the April meeting, 1852, there was an article in the town warrant, " to see if the town will so annul the vote passed at a i^eeting of said town, on the 13th day of March, 252 HISTORY OF GARDNER. 1852, choosing a committee to purchase two fire engines at a sum not exceeding one thousand dollars each, so as to make it read, not exceeding five hundred dollars each, instead of one thousand dollars, act or transact anything relating to said vote." " Voted, To pass over this article." September 6th, 1852, the town voted, "that the committee locate the engine house on either side of Messrs. Levi Heywood & Go's counting house, as the said committee, chosen for that purpose, may deem it best." The engine house at the Centre is located on Central Street, near the shop of Messrs. Heywood Bros. & Co. That at South Gardner, is located on Broadway, near the chair shop of Messrs. Wright & Read. Both of these buildings are two stories in height. The upper story, in each of these buildings, contains a hall, for the accommodation of the engine companies, whose walls are decorated with pictures, appropriate for such places. The names of the two fire companies are, at the South Village, " Cataract No. 1," and at the Centre, " Torrent No. 2." CATARACT NO. 1. This company was organized, November 15th, 1852, taking the name of " Cataract Engine Company No. 1.' The follow- ing is the Constitution and By-Laws of this company : — PREAMBLE. We, the subscribers, hereby associate ourselves together as members of a company to be attached to Cataract Engine No. 1, in South Gardner "\allage, and do hereby pledge ourselves to perform the duties of enginemen in said company, and to conform to the by-laws which may be established by a majority of the members, of the said company, agreeable to the laws of the commonwealth ; and do adopt the following constitution for our government : — CONSTITUTION. Art. 1. This company shall be designated and known as Cataract Engine Company No. 1. Art. 2. The officers of this compaiiy shall be a Foreman, a First and Second Assistant Foreman, Clerk, Treasurer and two HI8T0BY OF GARDNER. 253 Stewards, to be chosen annually, on the first Saturday in May. Art. 3. Stated meetings of this company shall be held at the engine house on the first Saturday of every month, at a quarter to seven o'clock, p. m. , unless otherwise ordered by vote of the company. Art. 4. Ten members, exclusive of the presiding officer and clerk, shall form a quorum ; and in all cases, not otherwise ordered, a majority of those present shall govern. Art. 5. The officers of this company may be removed from office, by a vote of three-fourths of the companj'. Art. 6. For all expenditures, except the ordinary current expenses of the company, the money shall be appropriated by a vote of three-fourths of the members present at a regular meet- ing of the company. Art. 7. This constitution shall not be altered or amended, except by a vote of three-fourths of the members present, at a regular meeting. Art. 8. All propositions, to alter or amend this constitution, must be made in writing, and laid before the company, at least, one month before being acted upon. BY-LA VrS. Art. 1. The foreman shall have command of the com- pany, when on duty, and shall be respected and obeyed. He shall have power to cull special meetings, of the company, shall preside at all meetings of the company and have the general supervision of engine apparatus and engine house, shall annually, before the first day of May, transmit, to the assessors, a list of all persons who have done duty, in the company, during the year preceding, and with the two assistants, shall constitute a standing committee Art. 2. In the absence of the Foreman, at any meeting of the company, the officer next in rank, who maybe present, shall have command, and in the absence of all the officers, the oldest member of the company present, shall preside until one of the officers arrive, or a foreman ^ro tern, be chosen. 254 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Art. 3. The First Assistant shall be Foreman of the suc- tion hose and shall select four members, who, under his direction, shall have charge of the same. The Second Assistant shall be Foreman of the leading hose and shall select eight members, who, under his direction, shall have charge of the same. The hosemen, when not engaged on the hose, shall assist on the engine. Art. 4. The clerk shall have charge of all the books and papers of the company, keep a record of all the proceedings and shall hand a list of all delinquents, at each meeting, to the Treasurer, one week after such meeting ; shall keep constantly posted up, at the engine house, a list of names of all the mem- bers of the company, and shall post a notice of each stated meeting of the company, at some place, at least four days pre- vious to holding such meeting, and shall receive such compen- sation for his services, as the company may direct. Art. 5. The Treasurer shall have charge of all the funds of the company. He shall collect all fines ; receive from town treasurer all sums that maybe allowed by the town, to the com- pany, or that may be received from any other source. He shall pay such orders as the standing committee may draw upon him, and shall render an account of all money received and paid out by him, at the annual meeting, and at such other times as the company may direct. Art. 6. The duty of the Stewards shall be to keep the en- gine and all the appurtenances thereof, in good and effective order, and ready for use, at any moment, and report any repairs that are needed, to the Foreman. They shall provide all nec- essary refreshments for the company, when on duty, under the direction of the standing committee, and for their services, shall receive such compensation as the company, may direct. Art. 7. All vacancies in the government of the company, shall be promptly filled, and the commander shall have power to appoint a Clerk ^ro tem., in the absence of the Clerk. Art. 8. To all special meetings, called by the Foreman, the company shall be warned by the Clerk, or such other member. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 255 of the compiiny, as the foreman may appoint, mdividually or by having a written notice left at the usual place of business or abode of such member, at least twelve hours before the time of holding such meeting. Art. 9. On an alarm of fire, in town, each member shall repair forthwith to the engine, assist in forwarding it to the place of action, do all reasonable service that may be required of him, and shall not depart without leave of the commander. Art. 10. The distinguishing badge of this company shall be a belt or band, with Cataract No. 1, printed upon the same, and shall be worn at such times as the Foreman may direct. Art. 11. The following fines shall be imposed upon and collected of the respective members,. for violation of the follow- ing rules : For absence at any stated or regular meeting, at first roll call , twelve and one-half cents ; for absence at last roll call, twelve and one-half cents ; for absence at an alarm of fire, one dollar ; for leaving any stated or special meeting, before the company is dismissed, without leave of the commander, fifty cents; for leaving at a fire, without permission, two dollars; for disobedience of orders, one dollar. Art. 12. The standing committee shall have power to remit fines, in the following cases : For non-attendance, in the case of sickness, of the member himself; for non-attendance at special meetings, when not warned of the same ; for absence at an alarm of fire when the alarm was not known. All excuses must be tendered at or before the next meeting. Art. 13. Any person who shall receive a two-thirds vote of the members present, at a regular meeting, may become a mem- ber of this company, by signing the constitution, and any member may be discharged therefrom by vote of the company. Art. 14. All money in the hands of, or due the Treasurer, at the annual meeting, shall remain in the treasury unless other- wise ordered by vote of the company, but no member shall be entitled to a dividend unless he shall have attended, at least, four regular meetings, unless by special vote of the company. 256 BISTORT OF GARDNER. The following is a list of the first officers of this company : Samuel Bent, Foreman; O. C. Jillson, First Assistant; Porter Monroe, Second Assistant; J. M. Moore, Clerk; A. Sawtelle, Treasurer ; William Greenwood, A. C. Bennett, Stewards. The Cataract is a well drilled and efficient company ; it has, several times, successfully competed for prizes ofiiered at firemen's musters. The following is its record : October 28th, 1868, at Orange, 158 feet, prize, $25, which sum was one-half of the third prize; September 20th, 1873, at Brattleboro', Vt., 182 feet, 6 inches, second prize, $200; October 6th, 1876, at Win- chendon, 174 feet, 4 1-2 inches, third prize, $50 ; September 14th, 1877, at Athol, 200 feet, 1 1-2 inches, second prize, $75 ; also a prize for running, $25. The following are the present officers of this company : C. O. Bent, Foreman; Amos Coleman, First Assistant; R. L. Bent, Second Assistant ; W. F. Learned, Clerk and Treasurer; G. E. Pratt and Edwin Rice, Stewards. TOERENT ENGINE COMPANY. This company belongs to the Centre of the town. It was organized October 30th, 1852. We give the following, as the constitution and by-laws of this company, at the present time : — CONSTITUTION. Art. 1. This company shall be designated and known as Torrent Engine Company, No. 2. Art. 2. The officers of this company shall be a Foreman, First and Second Assistant Foreman, Clerk, Treasurer and two Stewards, to be chosen annually, by ballot, on the first Monday in May. Art. 3. Stated meetings shall be held on the first Saturday in every month. Art. 4. Ten members, exclusive of the presiding officer and clerk, shall form a quorum ; and in all cases not otherwise directed, a majority of those present shall govern. Art. 5. The officers of the company shall be liable to be removed from office by a vote of three-fourths of the members of the company. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 257 Aet. 6. For all expenditures, except the ordinary current expenses of the company, the money shall be appropriated by a vote of three-fourths of the members present at a reo-ular meeting of the company. Art. 7. Every active member who shall perform engine duty for one year, shall receive , minus his fines; and every active member who shall perform engine duty for less than a year shall receive a month, minus his fines. Art. 8. AH by-laws or resolves shall be equally binding with the constitution, provided always that no by-laws or re- solves shall be passed by the company repugnant with the tenor of this instrument. Art. 9. All propositions to alter or amend this constitution must be made in writing, and handed to the clerk, whose duty it shall be to lay it before the company at least one month be- fore it is acted upon. Art. 10. This constitution shall not be altered or amended except by a vote of three-fourths of the members present at a regular meeting. Art. 1 1 . This company may keep a roll of honorary mem- bers, whose duty shall be to keep a general lookout for the in- terests of the company; and who shall annually, in the month of May, pay into the treasury the sum of three dollars and twenty-five cents. Honorary members may take part in the fes- tivities and entertainments of the company the same as other members. Honorary members shall be admitted and discharged in same manner as other members. Art. 12. These articles of the constitution we, the under- signed, do hereby bind ourselves to support. BY-LAWS. Art. 1. The Foreman shall have command of the company when on duty, and shall be respected and obeyed accordingly. He shall preside at all stated and special meetings, and shall have a general supervision of the engine apparatus and engine house. 33 258 HISTORY OF GAEDNER. Art. 2. The Assistants shall aid the Foreman in the perform- ance of his duties ; and in case of the absence of the Foreman, or vacancy of the office, the First Assistant shall have command ; and in case of his absence the Second Assistant shall have com- mand ; and in case of the absence of the Foreman and both Assistants, the Clerk shall preside and have command of the company. Art. 3. The Clerk shall have charge of all books and papers of the company, keep a record of all proceedings, and shall annually, in the month of April, transmit to the selectmen a list of members, for their approbation. He shall post or publish notices of regular meetings, as the company may direct, on or before the morning of the day of the meeting ; and,- upon ap- plication in writing of five members of the company, special meetings may be called by the Clerk, leaving individually, or causing to be left, at the usual residence of each member, a notice of such meeting, or by publishing the same in the Gard- ner News. Art. 4. The First Assistaiit shall be Foreman of the suction hose, and shall select four members, who under his direction shall have charge of the same. The Second Assistant shall be Foreman of the leading hose. He shall select eight members, who under his direction shall have charge of the same. The hosemen, when not engaged on the hose, shall assist on the engine. Art. 5. The Treasurer shall have charge of all funds of the company, collect all fines, and receive from the town treasurer all sums that may be allowed by the town to the company and which may be received from any other source. He shall pay such orders as the Foreman may draw on him, and render an account of all money received and paid by him at the annual meeting of the company. . Art. 6. The duty of the Stewards shall be to keep the engine house and all the appurtenances thereto in good and eflTective order and ready for use, report any repairs that are wanted, to the Foreman, and keep a general lookout for the iu- HISTORY OF GARDjSfER. 259 terests of the company. They shall provide all necessary re- freshments for the company when on duty, under the direction of the commanding oflScer ; and for such service shall receive a reasonable compensation. Art. 7. All vacancies in the government of the company shall be promptly filled, and the Foreman shall have power to appoint a Clerk ^ro tern, in case of absence of the Clerk. Art. 8. The stated meetings of the company shall be held at the engine house, at 7 o'clock, p. m., unless otherwise ordered by a vote of the company at any regular meeting. Art. 9. On an alarm of fire in town, each member shall repair forthwith to the engine, assist in forwarding it to the place of action, do all reasonable service which maybe required of him, and not depart without leave from the commanding officer. Art. 10. The following fines shall be imposed and collected of the respective members for violation of the following rules : — For being absent at the first roll call, and present at the last, twelve and one-half cents. For l)eing present at the first roll call, and absent at the last, twelve and one-half cents. For absence at an alarm of fire in town, fifty cents. For leaving any regular or special meeting before the com- pany is dismissed without leave from the Foreman, twenty-five cents. For leaving at a fire without permission, $1. For disobedience of orders, $2. Art. 11. The roll shall be called at the opening of the meeting, and again at the adjournment. Art. 12. All excuses for non-attendance at meetings of the company, and at fires, shall be made to the Foreman ; and when he shall not see fit to determine on the sufficiency of the ex- cuse, he may submit the subject to the company. All excuses must be made at or before the next meeting. Art. 13. No person shall be admitted a member of this company except by a vote of two-thirds of the members pres- 260 HISTORY OF GARDNER. ent and voting by ballot, " Yes " or " No," at a regular meeting. Art. 14. There may be an addition or amendment to these by-laws, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any regular meeting, — provided this proposed amendment be handed to the clerk, in writing, and it be laid before the company at least one month previous to its being acted upon Art. 15. Any active member who does not attend four regu- lar meetings during the year, shall receive no pay for services as fireman, and his name may be dropped from the roll by a vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting at a regular meeting. The following are the names of the first officers of this com- pany : Joel Co wee. Foreman ; George L. Peckham, First Assistant ; Merrick Adams, Second Assistant ; C. Thompson, Jr., Clerk and Treasurer ; John Burdick, First Steward ; G. F. Conant, Second Steward. This is also a well trained and efficient company, possessing much of the esprit de corps, which ought to characterize such organizations, to whom is intrusted, to so large a degree, the preservation of so much property. The following is the record of this company, in its successful competition for prizes, at firemen's musters : October 20th, 1870, at Greenfield, 192 feet, third prize, $100; October 6th, 1876, at Winchendon, 174 feet, 4 1-2 inches, first prize, $175; July 4, 1877, at Peterboro', N. H., 200 feet, 2 inches, first prize, $25. There was a local contest in September, 1870, between Cataract No. 1 and Torrent No. 2. There were two prizes offered, one of $50 for the best horizontal playing, and one of $25 for the quickest time in running ten rods, setting machine and playing through three hundred feet of hose, a dis- tance of fifty feet. The first prize was won by Torrent No. 2, the second by Cataract No. 1. The following is a list of the present officers of this com- pany : C. N. Edgell, Foreman ; Harvey Clark, First Assistant ; H. C. Wood, Second Assistant ; S. W. Howe, Clerk and Treas- urer ; F. P. Cowan, J. W. Thompson, Stewards. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 261 The following are the engineers of the Fire Department for the year 1877 : Ezra Osgood, Chief Engineer ; S. W. A. Stevens, First Assistant 4 Walter Bancroft, Second Assistant and Tub Engineer; L. L. Sawin, Third Assistant and Clerk; F. P. Learned, Fourth Assistant ; J. M. Moore, Fifth Assistant and Tub Engineer ; Edmund Coleman, Sixth Assistant. The following are the expenses of the Fire Department for the year above mentioned : Cataract Engine Company No. 1, ser- vices of sixty men, for one year, at $7.50 per man, $450; expenses of company, $56.27. Torrent Engine Company No. 2, services of sixty men for one year, at $7.50 per man, $450 ; expenses of company, $113.76; Services of engineers, $52.50. Total, $1122.53. SPECIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE FIRE DE- PARTMENT. Art. 6. If any member of either of the several companies belonging to the Fire Department shall wilfully neglect or refuse to perform his duty, or shall be guilty of disorderly conduct, disobedience to the officers or to any engineer, he may for such offence be discharged from the Fire Department, and shall be liable to a fine of not less than two nor more than ten dollars. Art. 8. All members of the Fire Department, while on duty or drill, shall wear such badges as are provided for them ; and any member refusing or neglecting to wear the same, until the several companies shall be dismissed .at roll call, shall forfeit all pay for his services for three months previous to such refusal or neglect, unless he can furnish an excuse that shall be satis- factory to a majority of engineers. Art. 11. It shall be the duty of the Foreman of the com- pany to make, or cause to be made, on the last Monday of April, annually, to the Chief Engineer, a statement of the con- dition of the engine or other apparatus, with an inventory of all the other property intrusted to his care and belonging to the town, tosether with a correct list of the names of the. members. It shall be his duty to see that said property is properly taken 262 HISTORY OF GARDNEE. care of, and to report any deficiency, defect or want of repair therein as soon as known to him, to the Chief Engineer if practicable, if not, to any Assistant Engineer. He shall also see that the engine, house and other apparatus are kept neat, clean and ready for immediate use, and the passage to said house clear of snow or other obstructions. He shall have (subject to the board of engineers, or any member thereof) the entire com- mand of the company at all times. Aet. 12. It shall be the duty of the Foreman to make, or cause to be made, a monthly report to the board of engineers of all ofiicers chosen and all resignations, discharge of members and all cases of neglect of duty or disobedience of orders. It shall also be his duty to cause the engine to be taken out and worked once at least in each of the following months, viz. : May, June, July, August, September, October and November. Art. 13. Any member of the company expecting to be absent from town thirty days or more shall be required to pro- cure a substitute to be approved by the Foreman, whose name he shall hand to the Clerk of the company. But no member shall be allowed a substitute except in sickness or absence from town, and in no instance for a longer period than two months, except in case of sickness. Art. 15. Every member of the Fire Department shall be held responsible for an}' property of the department entrusted to his care ; and in case of loss or damage, through neglect, its value shall be deducted from his compensation. The town has provided large reservoirs in difierent localities, within its limits, for the convenience of the Fire Department, whose ability and readiness afi"ord our citizens a sense of security against the destruction of property by fire. RULES FOR ALARMS OF FIRE. After an alarm of fire has been sounded in either village, if assistance is needed from the other, a second alarm must be sounded. HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. 263 If, after a second alarm has been sounded, it is found that no assistance is required, a third alarm signal of four short whistles to be followed by four more in about half a minute, should be given. September 5th, 1877, there was a Firemen's Muster, in this town, at which were assembled nineteen machines, from various parts of this state and New Hampshire. The companies, in thejr march about town, made a fine appearance. Mr. Ezra Osgood acted as chief marshal with Messrs. S. W. A. Stevens and L. L. Sawin as aids. The playing took place on Pine Street. Four hundred and twenty-five dollars were offered as prizes. The following is a list of the successful companies, with the sum of money taken by each, as a prize : First prize, $200, Volunteer No. 4 of Peabody ; second, $100, Excelsior No. 1 of Wilton, N. H. ; third, $75, Phoenix No 6, of Brattleboro', Vt. ; fourth, $50, Bay State No. 1 of East Templeton. GARDNER DRIVING PARK ASSOCIATION. " There's something in a flying horse, There's something in a huge balloon." " A horse ! a horse ! my kingdom for a horse !" " I wish your horses swift, and sure of fopt." This Park is situated in the northern part of the town, about two miles from the Centre, and is enclosed on all sides by a hio-h fence. It is said, by experts, to be the best half-mile track in all the region. This association was organized June 2d, 1875, with a paid up capital of $1,250; authorized capital, $3,000. The first ofiicers of this association were as follows : R. F. Andrews, M. D., President; Charles Heywood, Vice President; John D. Edgell, Secretary and Treasurer; W. P. Allen, R. F. Andrews, M. D., L. L. Sawin, Charles Heywood, John D. Edgell, Directors. The best time ever made, in any race, on this track was one mile, in two minutes and forty-three seconds. Present officers : Charles Heywood, President ; E. F. Andrews, M. D., Vice President; V. W. Howe, Secretary and Treasurer. 264 HISTORY OF OARDJSTEB. GARDNER RIFLE CLUB. "A straight line is the shortest distance between two points." This club was organized September 1st, 1875. The object of it is expressed in the following terms: "We, the un- dersigned, agree to form a Eifle Club, for the purpose of practicing oif-hand shooting and for our mutual benefit and pleasure." The range of the club, is upon the farm of Mr. Seneca Partridge, in the southeast part of the town, where the members of this club practice, every Saturday, during the summer. The membership is limited to twenty-five. Fee for admission, two dollars. Annual tax, one dollar. The following are the present officers : H. C. Knowlton, Presi- dent; C. O. Bent, Vice President; Frank E. Nichols, Secre- tary and Treasurer. CRYSTAL LAKE STEAMBOAT COMPANY. " Multum in parvo." This company was organized, in the summer of 1875, with the following officers: G. W. Garland, M. D., President; J. J. Dunn, Secretary and Treasurer; G. W. Garland, M. D., H. C. Knowlton, J. W. Hill, Directors. July 1st, 1875, this company purchased a small screw steamer, called the " Little Favorite," capable of seating thirty persons and costing $650. This steamer is in great demand, by the numerous excursion parties, which gather at Crystal Lake Grove, during the sum- mer months, as well as by private parties, on Saturday after- noons and pleasant evenings of the week, the trip around the lake costing only ten cents. SOVEREIGNS OF INDUSTRY. "Providence has so contrived that our daily food is not to be procured without much pains and Xabov.— Addison." The Gardner Council, No. 33, of the order of Sovereigns of Industry, was organized by Deputy J. H. Sampson, of the National Council, at the Grand Army Hall, on Thursday even- HISTORY OF GARDNER. 265 ing, Feb. 26th, 1874, with twenty-two charter members, viz. : A. L. Greenwood, A. B. Minott, Frank E. Nichols, L. C. Lynde, H. P. Coleman, J. N. Adams, E. P. Noyes, J. W. Clapp, G. C. Cor- nish, C. H. Eaton, A. C. Kendall, H. S. Coleman, G. R. Pratt, Edmund Coleman, Joel Nichols, Jonas Joslin, A. H. Howard, B. Barrett, George S. Talcolt, Asa P. Whitney, D. O. Rem- ington and O. C. Jillson. The organization was completed by the choice of the following officers : A. B. Minott, H. M. ; E. P. Noyes, Secretary ; O. C. Jillson, Overseer ; J. W. Spring, Treasurer; J. W. Clapp, Lecturer; G. R. Pratt, Steward; Asa P. Whitney, Inside Guard ; L. C. Lynde, Outside Guard ; Aaron L. Greenwood, George S. Talcott and J. W. Spring, Investigating Committee. This council has had a membership of four hundred, since its organization, and is, at the present time, in a prosperous condition. The store belonging to this council, is situated near the depots. Its meetings are held at the G. A. R. Hall every Saturday evening. The following are its officers for 1878 : J. H. Minott, Presi- dent; B. T. Joslin, Vice President; A. K. Learned, Secre- tary ; L. A. Wheeler, Assistant Secretary ; J. W. Clapp, Treasurer ; G. R. Pratt, Ellen Holt, Stewards ; M. C. Gould, Inside Guard. MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS. " The man that hath no music in himself, Nor Is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils ; The motions of his spirit are dull -as night, And his affections dark as Erebus ; Let no such man be trusted." — Merchant of Venice, Act V., Scene I. There is In souls a sympathy with sounds : And as the mind is pitch'd the ear is pleased With melting airs, or martial, brisk, or grave ; Some chord in unison with what we hear Is touch'd within us, and the heart replies."— Gowper. Almost from the date of incorporation, to the present time, the people of Gardner have ever shown a commendable 34 266 HI8T0BY OF QAMBNER. degree of interest in musical culture. At the annual town meeting, March 7th, 1791, the town "Voted, To grant some money to hire a singing master." "Voted, To raise twelve dollars." " Voted, That Samuel Edgell and Jonathan Green- wood be a committee to provide a singing master and lay out this money." Again in 1792, at the annual town meeting, it was " Voted, To raise three pounds, twelve shillings, to hire a singing master, for the present year." " Voted, To choose a committee to lay out this money, to the best advantage for the schools." BANDS. In 1855, there were two bands formed in this town ; the one in the Centre was called the Gardner Cornet Band, and was composed of eighteen members. The other, was at South Gardner, and Avas called the Mechanics' Cornet Band, consisting of nineteen members. After a time, the Mechanics' Cornet Band ceased to exist. At the breaking out of the Rebellion, several members, of the Gardner Cornet Band, went into the armj' as musicians, and were with General Sherman in his march to the sea. After the war, this band was reorganized, September 29th, 1865, with seventeen members. The following are their names : 0. C. Jillson, Charles Bancroft, A. T. Greenwood, William Putnam, C. A. Manley, Alvin M. Greenwood, Webster Cowee, Alexan- der Priest, J. S. Garner, L. W. Brown, Wilder Merriam, T. P. Connery, E. L. Wright, L. L. Sawin, F. P. Learned, J. W. Spring and F. M. Stanley. O. C. Jillson, Leader and Director. The present members are, Webster Cowee, Alexander Priest, L. W. Brown, J. W. Spring, J. S. Garner, G. A. Stone, H. C. Boyles, R. A. Twichell, E. H. Spring, H. C. Priest, John Felch, William H. Hey wood and O. F. Smith. Since 1874, this band, while it still continues its organization, has had only a nominal existence. The leaders were : Messrs. Laws, Merriam, Grovner, Rich, Goodale, Richardson, and Russell. This band consisted of eighteen members, and in the days of its greatest efficiency, was regarded as a very HISTORY OF GARDNER. 267 superior organization, and was in frequent demand upon im- portant public occasions. With numerous other bands, it played, in June, 1867, at the great Masonic celebration, in Boston, at which time Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, was present. This band, with a few others, elicited special mention in the Boston papers, for the superior manner in which it discoursed music, on that occasion. A few of the members, organized January 1st, 1874, under the name of " The Gardner Serenade Band," with William H. Heywood, Conductor; C. A. Clark, William Putnam, K. A. Twichell, Augustus Warren, Charles J. Day, Wilder Merriam, members. These gentlemen furnish music on various festive occasions, and are highly appreciajied for their ability. WORCESTER COUNTY NORTH MUSICAL ASSOCIATION. This association was formed September 5th, 1851. The fol- lowing is its preamble and constitution : — PREAMBLE. Whereas, It is obvious that the singing of church music, as now practiced, has not risen to that degree of excellence which it ought to obtain in this community, and whereas, it is evident from the experience of the past, that without combination, in- dividual effort can never succeed, in elevating the present stand- ard, and in giving to the execution of this science, the beauty and perfection which its claims demand : Therefore, for the purpose of meeting this exigency, and of acquiring a more ele- vated style, as well as improving ourselves in an abstract knowl- edge of the science, we hereby subscribe to the following consti- tution : — CONSTITUTION. Akt. 1. This society shall be called the Worcester County North Association for Improvement in Sacred Music. Art. 2. The officers of said association shall consist of a President, two Yice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Executive Committee of seven. 2G8 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Art. 3. The President shall preside over all the business sessions of the association. Art. 4. The Vice President may sustain the President, and in his absence shall preside over the meeting. Art. 5. The Secretary shall record all the acts of the Asso- ciation. Art. 6. The Treasurer shall hold the funds, and disburse them at the order of the Executive Committee. Art. 7. The Executive Committee shall determine the time of holding meetings, make all necessary notices, be the super- visors of the pecuniary concerns of the association, give orders to the Treasurer for disbursements and have a general supervi- sion of the interests of the association. Art. 8. The annual meeting shall be holden during the month of September, at Gardner. Art. 9. The officers shall be chosen annually, by ballot, on the evening preceding the last day's session of the convention, unless otherwise ordered. Art. 10. Individuals ma}'' become members of the associa- tion by subscribing to this constitution. Art. 11. This constitution may be altered or amended, at any session of the annual meeting, designated for the purpose, by a vote of a majority of the members present. These conventions were gathered from year to year, in differ- ent towns, in the county, receiving the hospitality of, and form- ing pleasant associations with the people of each town. In 1865, it was, however, voted that the constitution be so altered that Gardner should be the place at which the convention should assemble. In 1871, a further change was made, so that the convention should be held alternately at Athol and Gard- ner. The success of this association has been such as to war- rant its continuance. The meetings have been pleasant occa- sions to all lovers of good music, and, as the years go by, we find the places of those made vacant by death, filled with others who enjoy the ministry of song. HISTORY OF QARDJSTEB. YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 269 " I have written unto you young men, because ye are strong and the word of God abideth in you."— 1 John, 2 : H. The Young Men's Christian Association, at the Centre, was formed May 27th, 1868. For several years its membership continually increased, and much efficient service was done, not only in the village, but in the out districts of the town. About 1874, the association began to decline in interest and numbers, the members ceasing to evince anything like an earnest desire and determination to continue their accustomed meetings, till, at the present time, they have altogether ceased to be held, excepting the annual meeting, which occurs upon the first Wednesday in May. Mr. Charles W. Bush, who died in 1872, left to this association a legacy of two thousand dollars, which constitutes its sole fund. This association had a small library and formerly held their meetings in the Bank Building. There was also a South Gardner Young Men's Christian As- sociation, which continued, for a time, to be flourishing and useful, but for the last few years has been entirely inoperative. TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. " Drunk? and speak parrot? and squabble? swagger? swear? and discourse fustian with one's own shadow?— thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou hast no name to be known by, let us call thee— devil." — Othello, Act II. , Scene III. It is a matter of universal acknowledgment, that the control of the sale of intoxicating drinks, is one of the most difficult questions which is constantly demanding the most candid and vigilant attention of our legislators and reformers. Nor is this a new question, in this country ; it is as old as the Plymouth and Massachusetts Colonies, some of whose legislation upon this subject, we here introduce, to show how the evils, connected with the sale of intoxicating liquors, troubled the Pilgrim Fath- ers and demanded their highest legislative wisdom to provide 270 HISTORY OF OABDNJER. against. As early as 1629, nine j^ears after the landing of the Pilgrims upon Plymouth Eock, in the " secoYid general letter, of the Governor and Deputy of the New England Company, for a Plantation in Massachusetts Bay, to the Governor and Council for London's Plantation, in the Massachusetts Bay, in New England," we have the following petition : — " We pray you would endeavor, though there be much strong waters sent for sale, yet so to order it, as that the savages may not for our lucre sake, be induced to the excessive use, or rather abuse of it and at any hand take care our people give no ill example ; and if any shall exceed in that inordinate kind of drinking as to become drunk, we hope you will take care his punishment be made exemplary for all others. Let the laws be first published to forbid these disorders, and all others you fear may grow up, whereby they may not pretend ignorance of the one nor privilege to offend, and then fear not to put good laws, made upon good ground and warrant, in due execution. And so recommending you and all your affairs to the protection of the Almighty, we conclude and rest."* That the founders of these colonies, had a vigorous faith in the practical utility of sumptuary la^vs, is clearly evinced by their legislation, of which, the following are specimens. At a General Court, holden at Newtown, "it is ordered, that no person that keeps an ordinary, shall take above five pence a meal for a person, and not above one penny for an ale quart of beer, out of meal time, under the penalty of ten shillings per every offence, either of diet or beer. Likewise, that victualers, or'keepers of an ordinary, shall not suffer any tobacco to be taken in their houses, under the penalty of five shillings for every offence, to be paid oy the victualer and eleven pence by the party that takes it. " Further, it is ordered, that no person shall take tobacco publicly under the penalty of two shillings six pence, nor pri- vately, in his own house, or in the house of another, before ♦Records of Massachusetts, vol. 1, p. 406. HISTORY OF GARDINER. 271 strangers, and that two or more shall not take it together any- where, under the aforesaid penalty for everyoffeuce."* If severity of legislative enactment is all that is required, to secure the prevention of the evil of intemperance, the Pilgrim Fathers certainly gave such legislation a fair test. It did'iiot, however, secure the end they so devoutly sought. Further legislation seemed to be required. In 1645, we have the fol- lowing : — " It is ordered, that no man shall be allowed to keep a public house of entertainment, for strangers or travelers, nor shall any one be a common victualer, innkeeper, or keeper of a cook- shop, vintner, taverner, or public seller of wines, ale, beer, strong water, without allowance in some Quarter Court, in the shire where such do dwell, upon pain of forfeiture of twenty shillings per week, while they continue without the said license ; nor shall any such persons as have public houses of entertain- ment, and have licenses, sell beer for above two shillings an ale quart ; neither shall any such person or persons formerly named suffer any to be drunk, or drink excessively, or continue tip- pling above the space of half an hour, in any of their said houses, under penalty of five shillings for every such offence suffered ; and every person found drunk in the said houses or elsewhere, shall forfeit ten shillings, and for every excessive drinking, he shall forfeit three shillings four pence ; for sitting idle, and continuing drinking above half an hour, two shillings six pence ; and it is declared to be excessive drinking of wine, when above half a pint of wine is allowed at one time, to one person to drink ; provided that it shall be lawful for any stran- gers, or lodgers, or any person or persons, in an orderly way, to continue in such houses of common entertainment during meal times, or upon lawful business, what time their occasions shall require. And if any person offend in drunkenness, excessive or long drinking, the second time, they shall lay double fines, and if ♦Records of Massachusetts, vol 1, p. 126. 272 HISTORY OF GAliDIfJSB. they fall into the same offence the third time, they shall pay treble fines ; and if the parties be not able to pay the fines, then he that is found drunk shall be punished with ten stripes, and he that offends in excessive or long drinking, he shall be put in the stocks for three hours, when the weather is seasonable, and if they offend the fourth time, they shall be put into prison, and there remain till they put in two sufficient sureties for their good behavior."* Although frequent legislation, of this sort occurs, in the Records of the Massachusetts Colony, it does not seem to have availed for the extinguishment of the evil. In 1670, with a tone approaching that of despair, the Great and General Court, held at Boston, passed the following additional act, for prevent- ing drunkenness : — Whereas, This Court hath made several laws and orders for the prevention of the sin of drunkenness and misspending prec- ious time and estate, and yet, notwithstanding, great complaint is made of several persons spending their time and estate by drinking and tippling in taverns and ale houses, to the great dishonor of God and prejudice of their families, for the preven- tion whereof, it is ordered, by this Court and the authority thereof, that the selectmen of each town shall be and are hereby required and empowered to take special care and notice of all and every person and persons transgressing as above said, and thereupon to require of him or them to forbear the frequenting of such houses or taverns ; and if any person shall, after such warning given him, be found in any such house of entertain- ment, and be legally convicted thereof, before any one magis- trate or commissioner, he shall forfeit five shillings, to be paid to the treasurer of that town, for every such offence, or sit in the stocks, as the judges shall see meet ; and it is further ordered that the selectmen shall give notice to the keepers of such houses that they suffer no such noted person in any of their houses, upon the penalty of twenty shillings for every such defect to be paid to the treasurer, as aforesaid. ''f *Kecords of Massachusetts, vol. 2, p. 100. tRecords of Massachusetts, vol. i, p. 463. HISTORY OF GABBJSrUH. 273 It is evident, to the attentive student of our colonial and state enactments, that a profuse amount of legislation, concerning the liquor traffic, has not been wanting for the last two hundred years, the general aim of which has been either to control, or entirely to suppress the general sale of intoxicating drinks. But has it ever been effective, in accomplishing the desired end? And if not, why not? We have seen that, in the earlier days of the colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts, there were frequent enactments of what was called a stringent license law, with its various modi- fications, as experience, from year to year, might suggest. We are also familiar with the fact, that for nearly thirty years, pre- vious to the year 1875, there was upon our statute books, an enactment concerning the sale of intoxicating drinks, with its various phases, known as the Prohibitory Law. Since April 5th, 1875, an act to regulate the sale of intoxicating liquors, more familiarly known as the License Law, has been in opera- tion. Whether license, or prohibition, has been of greater utility, in promoting the cause of temperance, is still a question upon which the sentiment of real, honest lovers of sobriety, industry, good order and temperance, is yet divided. The legislation of either sort, that of license or prohibition, has seemed to be restrained, heretofore, through a want of hearty co-operation and moral support of those of opposing views ; so that, it is evident, that neither law can accomplish the end for which it was enacted, until the lovers of temperance, irrespective of party lines, or political ends, shall combine for the execution of the law in accordance with the spirit in which it was framed. That there must be legal enactment, as well as moral suasion, in reaching the highest and best results, in all effective temperance work, is abundantly evident from the expe- rience of the past. When these two forces shall be happily wedded, in our state, we may expect those fruits for which all lovers of temperance are now working. Towards the close of the last century, when intoxicating drinks, as a beverage, had become hardly less than universal, 35 274 HISTORY OF GARDIIEB. and drunkenness was everywhere common, there began to be awakened in the minds of some who saw, in this evil, a fruitful cause of moral and pecuniary ruin, a desire to inaugurate some movement looking to its suppression. Among these philan- thropists was the celebrated Dr. Eush, of Philadelphia, who wrote forcibly, against the free use of intoxicating beverages. There seems, however, to have been no temperance organization established in the country, until the year 1808, when Dr. J. B. Clark of Milton, New York, instituted "The Temperance Society of Milton and Northumberland." The constitution of this society stipulated that " no member shall drink rum, gin, whiskey, wine, or any distilled spirits, or compositions of the same, or any of them, except by the advice of a physician, or in case of actual disease, (also excepting wine at public dinners,) under penalty of twenty-five cents. Provided, that this article shall not infringe on any religious ordinance. No member shall be intoxicated under penalty of fifty cents. No member shall offer any of said liquors to any other member, or urge any other person to drink thereof, under penalty of twenty-five cents." In 1813, was formed, the^ " Massachusetts Society for the suppression of intemperance." This movement did not attain any considerable momentum, until 1824. In 1826, this reform movement had become so potent in its influence, throughout New England, as to warrant the formation of an " American Tempei-ance Union," which was instituted by Rev. Justin Ed- wards, D. D., who was the author of the " Temperance Manual," of which, nearly two hundred thousand copies were printed. Although total abstinence from distilled spirits, except when prescribed as a medicine, was the general requirement, the use of wines, cider, or malt liquors was not interdicted. GARDNER TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. About the year 1829, the first temperance organization, of which we have any record, was formed in this town, evidently originated by Eev. Sumner Lincoln, who was ordained over the First Congregational Church, in 1824. This organization was HISTORY OF GARDNER. 275 called the " Gardner Temperance Society." We give below, its constitution and the names of its first sisners • CONSTITUTION. We, the subscribers, under a deep sense of the great evil and vice of intemperance, as it exists in our country, and for the purpose of contributing our influence, to its removal, as friends of humanity, virtue and religion, mutually agree to the follow- ing articles : — Aet. 1. This society shall be called the Gardner Temperance Society, auxiliary to the American Temperance Society. Art. 2. Any person, subscribing this constitution, shall be a member of this society. Art. 3. With a sacred regard to truth and honor, we pledge ourselves to give, at the annual meeting of this society, a strict and impartial account of what quantity of ardent spirits and wine we ourselves have personally drank, the preceding year, and what it cost. Likewise, to give a true account of what we use in our families and what we give those in our employ, and our families, and the cost of the same. Art. 4. We obligate ourselves to use as small a quantity of ardent spirits and wine, as we seriously believe to be necessary to health ; and also to use all consistent means to discourage the free use of it, in all those within the sphere of our influence. Art. 5. The officers of this society shall be a President, Secretary and Treasurer, to be chosen at each annual meeting of the society ; and who shall perform the duties customarily as- signed to such officers. Art. 6. The society shall meet annually, on the 4th day of July, and at such other times as shall be judged necessary, by the officers of the society. Art. 7. This constitution may be altered at any regular meeting, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present. Names of the first signers : Sumner Lincoln, Lewis Glazier, Asa Eichardson, Ezra Baker, George Scott, Avery Turner, Joel Cowee, Elijah Travers, Joseph Wright, Samuel H. Clark, 27(; HISTORY OF GARDNER. Charles Childs, Luke Whitney, Farwell Conant, Joseph Whit- ney, 2d, Lyman Conant, John Merriam, Jonathan Bancrott. It was not till 1833, at a meeting held in Philadelphia, that the principle of " Total Abstinence from all that may intoxi- cate," was first propounded in this country, in a national gath- ering of the friends of temperance. The proposition was rejected by the convention. However, at its annual meeting, held at Saratoga Springs, in August, 1836, the principle of total abstinence was adopted by the union, and has ever since been the war cry of the champions of temperance. Prominent among the pioneer workers in the temperance cause at this time, were Dr. Lyman Beecher, author of " Six Sermons on Temper- ance," which had a great influence in arousing a public sentiment in behalf of temperance, throughout the country, and Dr. Eliphalet Nott, President of Union College, who was early and honorably known as a sturdy friend of temperance. As one of the results of this increasing sentiment, concerning the evils of intemperance, we have the Washingtonian move- ment, which was originated in Baltimore, Md., by six hard drinking men, who occasionally met at a tavern, in that city, where, in 1840, they resolved, then and there, to drink no more. These men formed a society for the propagation of total abstinence among those who, like themselves, had been addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors. All but one of these men stood firm to this principle, till their death. The influence of this movement soon reached Gardner and resulted in the for- mation of a society, for the promotion of temperance, called the WASHESTGTON TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY OF GAKD- NER. This society was organized February 8th, 1842, with the choice of Dr. David Parker as Chairman and Mr. Thomas E. Glazier as Secretary. The following is the constitution of this society : — Art. 1. This society shall be called the Washington Total Abstinence Society of Gardner. HISTORY OF GABDNElt. 277 Art. '2,. The members of this society agree that they will never again drink any intoxicating liquors, except when pre- scribed by a medical attendant, and that they will not provide them for their friends, or persons in their employ, and that they will, in all suitable ways, discountenance the use of them in the community ; and above all, that they will use their utmost endeavors to reclaim and restore to temperance, those who are unfortunately addicted to drunkenness. Art. 3 The officers of this society shall be a President, four Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, to be chosen annually. Art. 4. The annual meeting of this society shall be holden in the last week in May ; officers then to be elected and any business transacted that may come before the meeting. Art. 5. The officers of this society, shall deliver to their successors in office, within one week after they cease to be officers, all property belonging to the society. Art. 6. Any person may become a member of this society by signing the constitution. Art. 7. This constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any meeting, such alterations or amendments being proposed in writing at least two weeks previous to action thereupon. BY-LAWS. Art. 1. It shall be the duty of each member to bring for- ward and reclaim all inebriates, wherever they may be found, and in no case to abandon a drunkard as irreclaimable. Art. 2. It shall be the duty of any member of this society, to make known any case of habitual drunkenness that may come within the limits of this society, in order that the subject may be conversed with, and persuaded to abandon the deathly drink, and sign the total abstinence pledge. Art. 3. If it should so happen that in an unguarded moment, any one who has signed the pledge, should partake of any alcoholic drink as a beverage, or in any other way violate the 278 HISTORY OF GAliDNHR. constitution, such committee shall be chosen as is thought proper to wait upon the delinquent, and remonstrate with him in a kind, affectionate manner, and in no case shall we consider any per- sons be^'ond reform, who, though they have broken their pledge, are willing to acknowledge the wrong and show a fixed deter- mination to try again. Art. 4. Each member shall hold himself or herself ready to relieve the wants of anj' who may need, that none from dis- couragement, may be tempted to go back to partake of the intoxicating cup. Apt. 6'. No speaker, whether a member of this society, or a stranger, shall introduce in any of his remarks, either politics or sectarianism, or personal allusions of any kind, in debate, but shall confine himself to the abolition of drunkenness and the building up of total abstinent principles. A violation of this article will subject the speaker to be called to order by the chair. The total number of signers, to this constitution, was three hundred and ninety-six, at the outset. Isaac Jaquith was the first President ; Henry Whitney, James M. Comee, John Kemp, Jr., John Comee, Vice Presidents; Thomas E. Glazier, Secre- tary ; Theophilus P. Wood, Treasurer. As an evidence of the earnestness, with which this society began its work, January 25th, 1843, it " Voted, To choose two in each school district, to obtain members to the abstinence pledge and to serve as a committee to reclaim those who have broken it." August 14th, 1843, the society voted to have a picnic, as soon as the necessary arrangements could be made. This was the day of cold water armies, when the principle of total abstinence was inculcated among the children. With this end in view, celebrations and picnics were in order, for the benefit of the young, as well as those older. Upon the occasion now under consideration, the society voted to choose a marshal of the day and his assistants. They made choice of Mr. Levi Heywood for Chief Marshal. It was also voted that the "ladies write letters to the gentlemen, anonymous, if they please, on any HISTORY OF GARDNER. 279 ' subject they wish. The gentlemen to pay ten cents postage on all letters, to the number of five or less. The proceeds of the postage, to be appropriated towards the expenses of the picnic." The society voted, June 24th, 1844, to unite with the various sabbath schools, in the town, in the celebration of the coming Fourth of July. It appears, from the records of this society, that the interest in the temperance movement had so far abated, that September 9th, 1846, a suggestion was made, " upon the necessity of having lectures before the society, in order to arouse the slumbering energies of the total abstinence men," showing how quickly the enthusiasm, at first manifested, in this movement, had abated. In 1846, the old Washingtonian con- stitution and by-laws were annulled. The same year, a new society was formed, with a new, yet similar constitution, called the GARDNER TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. Mr. Thorley CoUester was its first president. In 1848, Dr. David Parker was chosen president. December 21st, 1851, a new constitution was adopted. January 11th, 1852, the follow- ing board of oflicers was chosen : Eev. John C. Paine, Pres- ident ; Messrs. Thomas E. Glazier, Thorley Collester, Ephraim Wright, Amasa Bancroft, Vice Presidents ; Alonzo Gould, Sec- retary; Seth Heywood, Treasurer. At this meeting, the society " Voted, To choose a committee of two, in each school district, to obtain signatures of the legal voters, to petition to the legislature for a law similar to the ' Maine Liquor Law,' so called." Under this new constitution, the society evidently flourished for a number of years, enjoying, from time to time, lectures from various individuals, by which the interest in the temperance cause was kept revived. At a meeting of this society, held in August, 1852, the following individuals were chosen a prosecuting committee, "for the purpose of taking some action in relation to enforcing the new liquor law, so called : Messrs. Henry Lawrence, Benjamin H. Rugg, Joseph Whitney, Hubbard Kendall, Ivers Whitney, John Sawin, Nel- son P. Wood, Amasa Bancroft, C. W. Bush, Thorley Collester, 280 HI8T0BY OF OARBNEB. C. S. Greenwood, Farwell Edgell." That this committee per- formed the duty assigned it, with discretion, boldness and entire thoroughness, is evident from the records of the secretary of this organization, who evinces a facetiousness worthy of notice. The following is, in part, his record of January 3d, 1853 : " In the Boston Times of to-day, appears the following paragraph : — " ' There were five seizures of liquor in Gardner, last Thurs- day; three of which were decided adverse to the defendants, and the trial of the others was postponed for one week. In the evening a bonfire was made, amidst great rejoicing of the people.' " Says the secretary, "the circumstances in relation to the above paragraph appear to be something like the following : Our faithful, patient and persevering committee, that was chosen last August, to prosecute all known violations of the new anti- liquor law, it. seems, have not been asleep nor idle. They were chosen to annihilate the traffic and pursue the seller to judgment, and the above paragraph shows how faithfull}'^ they have per- formed the duties of their office. They have held secret meet- ings occasionally, at which thej' have reported what information they have been able to obtain, in regard to cex'tain shanties, stables, sand-banks and other localities, which had a good deal of suspicious manoeuvring about them, and have laid and per- fected their plans for their destruction, with so much prudence and secrecy, and so simultaneous was the grab made by the officers, that nobody, but the officers and the committee, had the least idea of what was in the wind, till they saw the ' old king himself,' on his way to judgment. Some of those con- victed, were fined twenty dollars and costs, while others con- cluded they would go to Worcester. In the evening, while the liquor was being emptied out, some of the boys tried to set it afire, and when they found it was such contemptible, poor stufF, it would not burn alone, they got some dry straw and poured some of the liquor on that and set fire to it, and in that way, made out to get up considerable of a bonfire. The scene was witnessed by quite a crowd of spectators, some of whom were mad and some were glad." HISTORY OF GARDNER. 281 This seems to have been the first real temperance blaze, if not the last, which the town has enjoyed. Gradually the Gard- ner Temperance Society continued to decrease, in interest and numbers, till January 5th, 1870, when its last recorded action, by its last secretary, Mr. Charles P. Wood, was made. The pres- idents of these societies, besides those already mentioned, were Messrs. Benjamin H. Rugg, C. K. Wood, Charles P. Wood, Rev. Samuel J. Austin, Allen Folger, JohnM. Moore and Dea. Henry Lawrence. That this society was founded upon the right basis and was so conducted as to result in great benefit to the town, in promoting the interests of temperance, no one, familiar with the facts, will care to dispute. SONS OF TEMPERANCE. There was an organization, called the Sons of Temperance, in this town. The precise date of its rise and disappearance we are not able to state, the records of the society not being within our reach. PHILOKALIA LODGE NO. 82, I. 0. OF G. T. A lodge, of the "Independent Order of Good Templars," was formed in this town, in January, 1866, and was called Philokalia Lodge, which name signifies "love of moral and personal beauty." This was a secret organization. It con- tinued to thrive for several years, its sessions being held every week. Its exercises were of a literary nature, embracing plays, original essays and declamations, all in the interests of temper- ance. In 1873, this lodge became extinct, by the surrender of its charter. REFOKM CLUB. This movement was inauguiated by Dr. H. A. Reynolds, in March, 1876. Dr. Reynolds had the reputation of being a very successful apostle of temperance, in Maine and the eastern part of this state, previous to his coming to Gardner. Thousands 36 282 HISTORY OF GARDNER. had been induced to take the pledge, through his instrumentality. Having experienced the degradation and sorrow that befalls the man who surrenders himself to the power of strong drink, and having himself been mercifully lifted up, he was enabled, out of his own experience, to make simple, strong, earnest and pathetic appeals to drinking men, " to be good to themselves," by taking and keeping the pledge. His motto was " With malice toward none, with charity for all." During the few days he remained in town, he made an apparently strong impression upon the class of men he sought to reach. Many were induced to take the pledge and become members of the " Eeform Club of Gardner,' which was immediately organized, with constitu- tion and by-laws. The first president of this club, was Joseph Whipple, who was afterwards succeeded by Messrs. George W. Mason, Levi W. Wood, J. L. Alger, Jr., and M. A. Powers. The club held frequent meetings, in the Town Hall, and else- where, and great enthusiasm was awakened throughout the town, in behalf of the movement, which seemed to give promise of highest success. The old friends of temperance, waiving all private preferences in regard to means and methods, united cordially in support of the movement. All, without denominational distinction, united in holding a fair in the Town Hall, the object of which was to procure funds for the benefit of the Reform Club. As a result of this fair, together with a temperance ball, which succeeded it, about five hundred dollars were secured. Messrs. Philander Derby and John A. Dunn, generously offered the club a lot, on Vernon Street, upon which was to be erected a suitable house for the accommodation of the club, providing two hundred names should be secured to the pledge. Stimulated by this offer, frequent meetings were held and urgent efforts made to obtain the requisite number. At length the efforts of the club were crowned with success, in procuring the required number of signers. Still the fond antici- pations, of the more earnest and steadfast members of the club, were destined not to be realized. As the summer advanced, many, who had taken the pledge, began to violate it, and having HI8T0RY OF GABDNEB. 283 been several times restored, at length abandoned the organiza- tion and returned to their old habits. Gradually the club diminished in numbers, until in the spring of 1877, a division occurred between the members residing in the Centre and South part of the town, and a separate club was formed, in each village, with an amicable division of the funds, remaining in the hands of the treasurer. For the accommodation of the club, while it remained undivided, as well as afterwards for the club at the Centre, Mr. Philander Derby furnished a room, free of rent, while members of the " Woman's Christian Temperance Union " provided the same with suitable furnishings. Still, in spite of all the efforts made, on the part of its friends, to sus- tain it, the Reform Club, at the Centre, continued to diminish in numbers and interest, till the day it committed a/eZo de se. A better destiny however, was in store for the Reform Club of South Gardner, which was organized as a separate institution April 2d, 1877, with Mr. J. R. Foster, as its first President. At its organization, this club numbered about twenty-five members, and rapidly increased to a membership of seventy-five, which has since decreased, till it has about thirty at the present time. This club holds its meetings in a building owned by Mr. S. K. Pierce, by whom the rent is gratuitously afforded. The room is supplied with daily and weekly papers and periodicals, and pictures adorn the walls, furnished by the friends. of the club. The following gentlemen have acted as presidents of this club : Messrs J. R. Foster, M. A. Powers and W. O. Sawin. The badge, of the Reform Clubs, formed by Dr. Reynolds, is the red .ribbon. WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPEEANCE UNIONS. These Unions, one at the Centre, and one at the South Vil- lage, are organizations designed to be auxiliary to the Reform Clubs, and have proved themselves efficient aids in the promo- tion of temperance work. Mrs. W. D. Herrick has been presi- dent of the union at the Centre, since its organization. The following ladies have officiated as presidents of the South Gard- 284 HISTORY OF GARDNER. ner Union : Mrs. Abel Jackson, Mrs. S. T. Frost and Mrs. Allen Newton. TEMPEEANCE LEAGUE. This organization was formed November 16th, 1877, through the instrumentality of Mrs. L. C. Partington, of Providence, R. I. This organization is now in operation, holding its meet- ings weekly, its exercises being chiefly literary. THE MURPHY MOVEMENT. This peculiar kind of temperance work has been begun and is in progress, at this time, April 20th, 1878, in this town. The originator and inspirer of the movement, Mr. Francis Murphy, was born in Wexford County, Ireland, in 1834. He came to this country, when he was but seventeen years of age, led a varied life, till the bi-eaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted and went through the war as a soldier, and at its close, went to Portland, Maine, as a hotel keeper, where, with the many temptations, incident to such a life, as he had led, he found himself addicted to the use of strong drink. With troubles and sorrows, he plunged deeper into intoxication, and, at last, was placed, by friendly hands, in the jail in Portland, where, with time for reflection and an escape from temptation, it was hoped he might be led to reform. In the midst of his disgrace and discouragement, Capt. Silas Sturdevant visited the jail, and by his kindly christian influence, inspired him with a desire for reform, and encouraged him to begin a better life. In time he was liberated, and as he went forth a free man, he went so in a new sense, for he was free from the old habits which had been the cause of all his woe. He went out address- ing temperance meetings and laboring for intemperate men, and quietly grew in favor until he was invited West ; hitherto he had simply a local name, and had met with but little more than ordinary success. However, in January, 1877, he was invited by some tem- perance men to go to Pittsburg, Pa., where his labors were HISTORY OF GARDNER. 285 crowned with great success, over forty thousand signers beino- pledged to the work of temperance. This was the beginning of a series of meetings, held all over the country, which have resulted in good to millions of men. The work is denominated "The Gospel Temperance Work," having for a motto, "with malice toward none and charity for all," and the prayer for God's help upon the pledge. Mr. Murphy has a corps of workers, who, filled with the spirit of their leader, go out all over the country with the Bible in one hand and the pledge in the other. Dr. H. B. Rankin, a descendant of one of the early families in Gardner, (Kendall), and Col. E. I. Moore of Ithaca, both reformed men, came to Gardner as lieutenants of Mr. Murphy and labored for three weeks, holding meetings every evening, and by aifectionate and earnest endeavor, won many men addicted to intemperance, to the pledge, so that at the time of this writing, the town is thoroughly alive, and a thousand names have been recorded as signers of the pledge and workers in the Murphy movement. The blue ribbon, the Murphy badge, is seen every where, upon the breast. This is regarded as the most efficient and popular temperance movement yet known in this town, a movement which commends itself most heartily to the judgment and candid consideration of a great majority of our citizens, encouraging the lovers of temperance to struggle on, till the final triumph is obtained over that which leads men to say, with Cassio, "O that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains ! that we should, with joy, revel, pleasure and applause transform our- selves into beasts !" it will be seen, by a careful review of the account of the various temperance organizations, now given, that while they promote the interests of temperance, during the periods of their existence, they yet are of brief duration, suggesting to the friends of temperance whether this cause, so dear to their hearts, should not be vitally connected with those organizations, which have in them the elements of perpetuity, namely, the Sabbath 286 HISTORY OF GARDNER. School and the Church, which must keep themselves constantly- identified with the work, if its highest and most permanent success is to be secured. Although there have, for years, been many staunch, strong, intrepid and unswerving temperance workers, in this town, who have never failed to identify themselves with the temperance cause, in its various methods of labor, some of whom have suffered in their persons and property, because of their undis- guised adherence to their principles, as temperance men, yet it cannot be conscientiously said, that, acting in its corporate capacity, the town has ever taken anything like advanced ground upon the subject of temperance. In 1834, there was an article in the warrant for the annual town meeting, " to see if the town will instruct the selectmen not to recommend any person to be licensed to retail or mix any spirituous liquors, within the limits of the town, during the year ensuing, or trans- act anything relating thereto." Of this article the town made short work. The record is, "Voted, To dismiss this article." This action may serve to indicate the sentiment of a majority of the voters, regarding the subject of temperance, from that day, to the present. However, in justice to the friends of temperance, it should be stated that the town, September 6th, 1870, upon the question, " shall any person be allowed to sell ale, porter, strong beer, or lager beer, within the limits of the town, previous to the first Tuesday of May, next?" voted in the negative, there being seventy-eight votes in favor, and ninety-six against allowing the sale of the above named articles. Also, April 5th, 1871, upon the question, " shall the sale of ale, porter, strong beer and lager beer, be allowed in this town for one year from this date? — May 2d, 1871 — ," the vote was, "yeas, twenty-eight, nays, thirty-nine." These votes, although they do not represent a very large proportion of the voters of the town, yet are indicative of the ability of the citizens to expel the traffic in these beverages, from their midst, when they are so disposed. HI8T0BY OF GABDNHB. 287 Under the present license law, our selectmen have not failed, annually, to respond to the wishes of those, by whom they have been elected to office, in furnishing such number of licenses as, in their opinion, the highest need and welfare of the community have seemed to require. It should be recorded, however, that there are many among us, who would be better pleased with less licenses, or even none at all. 288 HISTORY OF GARDNER. ¥■ CHAPTER XI. CEMETERIES. " Beneath those rugged elms, that yew tree's shade, Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap, Each in his narrow cell forever laid. The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." " The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power. And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave. Await alike the inevitable hour ; The paths of glory lead but to the grave." — Oray. "E'er sin could blight or sorrow fade, Death came with friendly care, The opening bud to heaven conveyed And bade it blossom there." — Coleridge. " To live in hearts we leave behind. Is not to die." — Campbell. " Above the gloomy grave our hope ascends, E'en as the moon above the silent mountains. These partings are reunions in the skies. To that great company of holy ones They go ; - and we that stay how soon shall follow ! Through all our stubborn fears and craggy doubts Are Christ-worn paths that lead into the future, Well-beaten by the stress of pious feet. Let not our hearts be troubled ; Christ has gone Before ; whither we know, the way we know." " I am the resurrection and the life." — John 11 : 25. kHE word cemetery derived, as it is, from the Greek word koimaomai, meaning to sleep, or to repose, is beautifully expressive of the final resting place, of all that is mortal, of our dearly cherished friends. When "Abraham stood up, from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth saying, I am HISTORY OF GARDINER. 289 a strano:er and a sojourner with you ; give me a possession of a burying place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight,"* and when the patriarch Jacob said to his son Joseph, "Bury me not I pray thee in Egypt, but I will lie with my fathers ; and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place,"t they both expressed the universal senti- ment of mankind, concerning the final disposition of the dead. Says Mr. John Jay Smith, superintendent of Laurel Hill Cemetery, referring to the acts of these patriarchs, "such are the natural expressions of human feeling; it is a matter of instinct, a spiritual impulse, which supersedes belief and dis- dains question. Even the American Indians have been known to burden themselves with the bones of their ancestors when removing to new reservations. These feelings are common to all ages — to the barbarian and the civilized, to the bond and free, to the heathen, to the christian. They are manifested by the barrows, cairns and mounds of olden times ; and every where spots seem to have been so selected that the magnificence of nature might administer comfort to human sorrow and incite to human sympathy. The aboriginal Germans interred their dead in graves consecrated by their priests. The Egyptians soothed their grief by embalming the dead and interring them in vast catacombs or enclosing them in stupendous pyramids. The Hebrews watched with religious care over their places of burial. They usually selected for this purpose ornamental gardens, deep forests, fertile valleys, or rocky mountains ; and they still designate them, with a sad emphasis, as the ' house of the living.' The ancient Asiatics lined the approaches to their cities with sculptured sarcophagi and mausoleums em- bosomed in shrubbery. The Greeks exhausted the resources of their exquisite art in adorning the habitations of the dead. They discouraged interments within the limits of their cities, and consigned their relics to shaded groves in the neighborhood of streams and fountains, and called them 'places of repose.' *Gen. 23 : 3, i. tGen. 47 : 39, 30. 37 290 HIST OB Y OF GARDNER. The Eomans erected the monuments of the dead in the suburbs of the city, on the sides of their spacious roads, in the midst of trees and ornamental walks. The Appian Way was crowded with columns and obelisks in memory of their heroes, and at every turn the short and touching inscription met the eye — Siste, viator, (pause, traveler), inviting at once to sympathy and thoughtfulness. These suggestions must have given for- merly, as they may do still, to the language of the senseless stone a voice enforced by the benignity of that nature with which it is in unison. The Moslems placed their burial grounds in rural retreats and embellished them as a religious duty." THE TOWN BURYING YAED. In obedience to a time honored custom, the early settlers, of this town, proceeded, immediately after its incorporation, to select an appropriate place, in the Centre of the town, for a meeting-house, common, and burying yard. At a meeting held November 7th, 1785, the town " Voted, To purchase land of Seth Heywoodfor a meeting-house, common, and burying yard, for the sum of thirty-six pounds, bounded as follows, viz. : Be- ginning at a stake and stones at the road between John Glazier and said Hey wood, running west twenty rods, to a stake and stone ; thence south, to the county road ; thence east on said county road to the first mentioned road ; thence on said road, to where it first began. Voted, To appropriate one acre and a half for a burying yard, at the north end of said land. Voted, That the selectmen be a committee to take a deed." November I4th, 1785, " Voted, That the selectmen take a deed of the four acres of land of Mr. Seth Hey wood, that Mr. Samuel Cook surveyed off last spring, with the encumbrance of a road on the same, and give him, the said Heywood, security for the same, in behalf of the town. Thirty pounds is the price, and the said Heywood to improve the same one year, he relinquish- ing the interest, so long as he improves the same, excepting so much of [the] burying yard, as the town shall have an occasion HISTORY OF GARDINER. 291 for to bury their dead in."* April 7tli, 1800, there was an article in the town warrant " to see if the town will purchase a piece of land, of Lieut. Seth Hey wood on the west side of the common and burying ground, to enlarge said common and burying ground." Upon this article, the town "Voted, To choose a committee of three, to talk with Lieut. Hey wood, aud see how they can buy a piece of laud of him, and make report at May meeting next." "Chose Aaron Wood, Esq., Mr. Smyrna Glazier and Mr. Simeon Leland for this committee." At the May meeting the town " Voted, To purchase a piece of land of Lieut. Seth Heywood. Voted, To give said Heywood one hundred and thirty-four dollars, for one acre of land west of the meeting-house, and for him to move the wall. Voted, The selectmen take the deed of said land."t The following is a true cop3' of the deed : — Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Seth. Heywood of Gardner in the county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, gentleman, in consideration of one hundred and thirty-four dollars, paid me by the inhabitants of the town of Gardner, in the county and Commonwealth aforesaid, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said inhabitants of Gardner, their succes- sors, a certain tract of land lying and being on the west side of the common, near the meeting-house in Gardner, aforesaid, containing one acre, and is bounded as follows, viz. : Beginning at a stake and stones on the northerly line of the county road, about three rods northerly of the northeasterly corner of said Seth Heywood's barn, at a stake and stones ; thence running north, thirty-eight rods, to the southwesterly corner of the burying ground ; thence west, four rods and five links to a stake and stones ; thence south, thirty-eight rods, to a stake aud stones at said county road ; thence easterly, to the first men- tioned bound, four rods and five links. Said Seth Heywood agrees to build all the division fence, between said acre of land *Town Records, vol. 1, p. 6. fTown Records, vol. 1, p. 446. 292 HISTORY OF GARDNER. and his land, upon his own expense, and the inhabitants of Gardner, on their part, agree never to erect any building south of a line drawn parallel with the south side of the meeting- house on said land. To Have, and to Hold the same, to the said inhabitants of Gardner, their successors, to their use and behoof forever. And 1 do covenant with the said inhabitants of Gardner, their suc- sessors, that I am lawfully seized in fee of the premises, that they are free from all incumbrances, and that I will warrant, defend the same to the said inhabitants of Gardner, their suc- cessors, forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons. In witness whereof I, the said Seth Hey wood, have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and six. Seth Heywood. [seal.] Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us, Aaron Wood, William Whitney. Worcester, ss. July 11th, 1807. Then Seth Heywood above named, acknowledged this instrument to be his free act and deed ; before me, Abel Wood, Justice of the Peace. This burying yard is situated directly in the rear of the First Congregational Church, and, at the present time, is noticeable for the antique forms of its grave stones. Here is to be found the grave of Rev. Jonathan Osgood, the first minister of the town. By means of recent appropriations, this yard is made very commendable in appearance, showing no disposition on the part of the living to neglect the final resting place of the dead. In connection with this burying yard, is the town's tomb ; also a hearse house. The tii'st hearse owned by the town, was pur- chased in 1821 and was without a seat for the driver, the horse being led. The hearses, now used, were purchased in 1870. Recently a heavy, substantial wall, capped with large flat stones, has been erected upon the easterly side of these grounds. HISTOBY OF GARDNER. 293 SOUTH GARDNER GREEN BOWER CEMETERY. The company, owning and controlling the grounds of this cemetery, was organized as a corporation, under the statutes of 1841, November 26th, 1849. The following are the by-laws : — Art. 1. This company shall be called the South Gardner Green Bower Cemetery Company. Art. 2. The annual meeting of the proprietors, shall be holden on the last Monday of November, at six o'clock, p. m. Art. 3. There shall be chosen, by ballot, at each annual meeting, five or more of the proprietors, who shall constitute a Board of Trustees ; one of whom shall be chosen, by the trustees. President of the company ; and also by the Board of Trustees, a Clerk, who shall also be Clerk of the company and of the board ; also a Treasurer ; all of whom, shall hold their office, one year, and until others are chosen and qualified in their stead. Art. 4. The President shall preside at all meetings of the proprietors, and of the Trustees, and shall perform such other duties as shall be devolved upon him by the company, or by the board. He shall call special meetings of the company, at any time, on the application, in writing, of five or more of the proprietors, and special meetings of the board, on the written application of any one of its members. Art. 5. The Trustees shall be authorized to purchase a site or plot of ground for a burying ground, said ground or lot to be called the South Gardner Green Bower Cemetery. Said site or plot to be purchased of John Sawin, by a deed running to the Trustees of the company. The Trustees shall manage the afi'airs of the company and for this purpose may erect and repair such suitable fences as they may judge necessary to enclose the South Gardner Green Bower Cemetery, may lay out the said cemetery into plots, suitable for burying spots, may divide the said cemetery into paths and make all other improve- ments, for utility or ornament. Art. 6. The Clerk shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of his duty and shall keep, in separate books, a true record of 294 HISTORY OF GARDNER. the doings of the proprietors and Trustees ; he shall notify all meetings as hereinafter provided, and perform such other duties as may be devolved upon him by the company or board. Art. 7. The Treasurer shall give bonds in the sum of five hundred dollars, with two sureties to the acceptance of the Trustees. He shall collect all assessments, issue certificates of burying lots, and execute all instruments for the purchase, sale, or transfer of lots, or other property, under the directions of the board ; and shall perform such other duties as the propri- etors or Trustees may prescribe. Art. 8. The President and Trustees shall receive no com- pensation for their ordinary services, but when performing any special service as agent, or performing labor for the company shall be reimbursed their expenses and shall receive such further sums as the Trustees may think reasonable. The Clerk and Treasurer of the company shall receive a reasonable com- pensation for their services, to be agreed upon by the Trustees. Art. 9. Ten of the proprietors shall constitute a quorum for doing business, and all votes passed and all business trans- acted, at any legal meeting of the proprietors, shall be as truly and absolutely bindin* as though they were present. Absent proprietors may vote by proxy authorized in writing, but no proxy shall extend beyond one meeting including adjournments of the same. Art. 10. All meetings of the proprietors shall be notified by the Clerk, by posting up notices in two or more public places in said Gardner, at least five days before the time of holding such meeting. The Clerk shall also notify the meet- ings of the Trustees, in such manner as they may designate. Art. 11. In the absence of the President or Clerk, at any meeting of the company or the board, they shall respectively have the power of filling the vacancy, for the time being. Any permanent vacancy in the offices of Clerk or Treasurer may be filled by the company at any meeting duly notified for that purpose, but any permanent vacancy in the Board of Trustees, or President, may be filled by the other members of the board ; HISTORY OF GARDNER. 295 but all such officers shall hold their office only till the next annual meeting, or till others are chosen or qualified in their stead. Art. 12. The by-laws may be altered or amended at any meeting of the company, such alterations having been presented in writing at a previous meeting. Art. 13. All persons, becoming proprietors, shall be required to sign and be bound by the by-laws of the company. This cemetery originally contained one acre and eighty-three rods of land. It is pleasantly situated, upon the southwest side of the South Village, about a quarter of a mile from Broadway. The main portion of the land, comprising this cemetery, is sufficiently elevated in position, to affiard a pleasant outlook, in all directions. Its avenues are pleasantly laid out, making the lots easy of access, many of which are arranged very tastefully and are bordered with costly curbing. There are, in this cem- etery, several beautiful and expensive monuments. There is also, within the enclosure, a tomb. In 1864, this cemetery was enlarged by the addition of one and nine-tenths acres upon the north side, making, in all, about four acres. These grounds, bordered as they are, upon one side, by a grove of pines, affijrd an appropriate and pleasant resting place for the dead. CEYSTAL LAKE CEMETERY. Previous to the laying out of the South Gardner Green Bower Cemetery, in 1849, all interments, for the whole town, were made in the old burying yard at the Centre. This yard, con- sequently, became very fully occupied, creating a necessity on the part of the town, for providing a suitable place for the burial of the dead. August 7th, 1858, there was an article in the town warrant " to see if the town will take measures to procure a piece of land for a cemetery, for the use of the town, or act anything relating to the same." Acting upon this article the town voted to choose a committee of three ' ' to see on what terms land could be purchased for a cemetery, and report to 296 HI8T0BY OF GARDNFB. ail adjourned meeting." This committee reported tiae expedi- encj' of procuring a tract of land, upon the west side of Crystal Lake, comprising in all, about ten acres, which the town au- thorized them to purchase " for a cemetery, for the use of the town." This cemetery is remarkable for the beauty of its location, occupying as it does, an elevated tract of land, which gradually slopes down to Crystal Lake, whose clear waters form a delightful foreground to this resting place of the dead. This cemetery, with its background of pines, viewed in connection with Crystal Lake, reposing so peacefully at its foot, furnishes a scene of natural beauty and picturesqueness, whose tranquil- iziug effect, serves to deprive the grave of its terror, and to take away from the minds of the living, all desire for *' couch more magnificent," while " Sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust," they feel assured that here they may approach their graves, " Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." These grounds are divided into suitable burying lots, several of which are enclosed, by costly and substantial curbing, and are interspersed with avenues, walks and ornamental plots, beauti- fied with cultivated flowers and green sward, which present a scene of beauty and attractiveness, under the careful and tasteful management of the present committee, Messrs. Lyman F, Wood, Ambrose P. Chase and Thomas B. Warren, the latter of whom, is an Englishman, by birth, and though aged more than three score years and ten, yet continues to combine unusual vigor, with excellent taste in the care and attention which he bestows upon these grounds. There are, in this cemetery, several monuments of superior costliness and beauty. The town makes an annual appropriation for the benefit of these grounds, varying in amount, from year to year, as the neces- sities of the case may require, which, together with the pro- ceeds from the sale of burying lots affords a fund which is sufficient to give to this ' ' sleeping chamber " of the dead, the HISTORY OF GARDNEli. 297 care and labor needful for its continued attractive appearance and beauty. The following are the rules and regulations of Crystal Lake Cemetery : — Any person who shall become the owner of a lot in said Cemetery shall hold the same subject to the following condi- tions and limitations, as set forth in the deed, executed by the Treasurer, by order of the Cemetery Committee : — Art. 1. Upon the selection of a lot, the committee shall issue to the person proposing to purchase, a certificate stating the amount agreed upon ; and said person shall present it to the Treasurer, and pay to him said amount within thirty days from date thereof. If not presented within the time aforesaid, all riffht to the selected lot shall cease. Art. 2. Said lot shall not be used for any other purpose than as a place of burial for the dead, otherwise than to erect thereon some funeral monument or structure, and cultivate trees, shrubs or plants. Art. 3. When a burial lot has been sold, it shall be graded within one year from the date of the deed, under the direction of the Cemetery Committee ; or the committee may at any time thereafter cause the same to be done at the expense of the proprietor. Art. 4. If any tree, shrub or bush in any lot shall, by means of its roots, branches or otherwise, become, in the opinion of the committee, detrimental to the adjoining lots or avenues or dangerous or inconvenient to passengers, the com- mittee shall enter said lot and remove the same or any part thereof. Art. 5. If any structure or inscription be placed in or around said lot which a majority of the committee shall decide to be offensive or improper, said committee may enter upon said lot and remove the same. Art. 6. Proprietors of neglected lots shall be notified by the committee of their condition; and in case of continued neglect, so as, in the opinion of the committee, to impair the 38 298 HI8T0BY OF GARDNER. general appearance of the cemeterjs such lot. may be put in order by said committee at the expense of the proprietor. Art. 7. No tomb shall be constructed within said cemetery except by the wi'itten consent of the Cemetery Committee. Art. 8. The deed of the lot shall be executed by the Treas- urer, in behalf of the town, by order of the Cemetery Com- mittee. Art. 9. All burials in the public burial ground shall be made in the location directed by the Cemetery Committee. Art. 10. The receiving tomb shall be used as a temporary place of interment ; and no body placed therein between the first day of May and the first day of November shall be kept therein more than ten days. No body shall be placed in or removed from the tomb or any lot in the cemetery, except by the Sexton or by his direction, he keeping a true record of the same and reporting the same to the town each year at the annua] town meeting in March. Art. 11. No unseemly noise, discharge of fire-arms or dis- orderly conduct will be permitted within the cemetery. Art. 12. No horse shall be driven faster than a walk within the cemetery or left unfastened without a keeper, nor fastened except at such places provided for that purpose. Art. 13. No person on horseback or in a carriage shall cross any lot or ride or drive on any walk or path ; but all riding or driving shall be confined exclusively to the avenues. Art. 14. No dog shall be allowed to run at large in the cemetery. Art. 15. All persons are strictly forbidden bathing in Crys- tal Lake from or near the banks of the cemetery. Art. 16. All persons are forbidden to write upon or other- wise deface or injure any fence or other structure in the ceme- tery ; or to gather any flowers, either wild or cultivated, except on their own lot; or break any tree, shrub or plant therein; under the penalty in such case made and provided. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 299 CHAPTER XII. INVENTORS AND INVENTIONS. " Deduct all that men- of the humbler classes have done for England in the way of inventions only, and see where she would have been but for them." — Arthur Helps. " Neither the naked hand, nor the understanding, left to itself, can do much ; the work is accomplished by instruments and helps." — Lord Bacon. " Patience is the finest and worthiest part of fortitude, and the rarest too. Patience lies at the root of all pleasures, as well as of all powers." — John Euslcin. "The sire of gods and men, with hard decrees, Forbids our plenty to be bought with ease ; Himself invented first the shining share, And whetted human industry by ca,Te."—l)ryden. " For sure by wit Is chiefly meant Applying well what we invent." — Swift. " See, I have called by name Bezaleel, and I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of work- manship." — Ex. 31 : 2-5 " And King Solomon sent; and fetched Hiram out of Tyre : he was filled with wisdom and understanding and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to King Solomon and wrought all his work." — 1 Kings, 7 : 13, 14. / i \HE truthfulness of the proverb, " Necessity is the mother -L of invention," finds frequent verification, in connection witli the chair manufacturing enterprises of this town. Atten- tion has already been directed, in chapter VII., page 166, of this work, to the simplicity of the tools, originally employed in the construction of chairs. With a growing market, for this product of industry, there has ever been a growing demand for increased facilities for this sort of manufacture. Stimulated by this demand, the inventive brain and cunning hand of some 300 HISTORY OF OARDNUR. of the more thoughtful aud studious of our citizens, have not been inactive, nor slow to respond. As a result, of this demand, Gardner claims the honor of having, within its limits, several individuals whose inventive genius, and whose invaluable in- ventions have given them a cosmopolitan reputation, among all manufacturers of chairs. The names of some of these inven- tors, together with their inventions, we shall now proceed to mention. PEARSON COWEE, This gentleman was born in Gardner, in 1797, where he died in July, 1876. Being engaged, early in life, in the manufac- ture of chair stock, he conceived the idea of constructing a dish saw, which could be used in sawing chair backs into the con- cave shape required, in chairs, instead of being obliged to work them out by hand. He accordingly emploj'ed the mechanical skill of a neighboring blacksmith to forge, for him, a disk of iron, of a dishing form, and having eight points, upon which were adjusted saw teeth. This done, Mr. Cowee, fastening his invention to a revolving shaft, found that it did the required work admirably, which had before been done so laboriously, by hand, and in much less time. Mr. Cowee, however, never secured a patent upon this, his invention, though he must, in justice be the acknowledged inventor. LEVI HEYWOOD. Prominent among the business men and inventors, of this, his native town, stands the name of Mr. Levi Hey wood, a sketch of whose ancestors, life and inventive genius, we here give, by courteous permission of the authors, as extracts from a large and valuable work, now in press and soon to be issued by Messrs. Van Slyck & Co., No. 7 Pemberton Squai-e, Boston, entitled " The Manufacturers of New England." " In connection with each of the varied industries which have made New England the work-shop of the country, there is, in almost every case, some single name, that of a pioneer or especially successful manufacturer, which is at once suggested HISTORY OF GARDNER. 301 when the industry is named. In this relation, to the chair naanufacture, stands the name of Hetwood. The various families of this name, widely disseminated through Middlesex and Worcester Counties in Massachusetts, are, all of them it is believed, descended from John Hey wood, who, prior to 1650, came from England and settled in Concord, Mass. His son, well and widely known as Dea. John Heywood, was a man of large influence both in civil and in ecclesiastical affairs. One of his sons, Phineas, born in Concord in 1707, removed, in 1739, to Shrewsbury, Mass. He was a selectman, a representative in the. Provincial Congress, a member of the Committee of Cor- respondence, in 1774-1775, and a man of large influence in public affairs and an ardent patriot. His son, Benjamin, born in 1746, was commissioned in 1770, a captain and paymaster in the Army, and served through the war. He was present at the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne. From 1802 to 1811, he was one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, and for many years was one of the most eminent citizens of Worcester County. "His older brother, Seth, born in Concord in 1738, was carried with his father's family to Shrewsbury and in 1762 was married to Martha Temple of that town. He soon after re- moved to Sterling and served as lieutenant in the army of the Revolution. Purchasing a farm within the limits of what is now the town of Gardner, he was lining there at the time of the incorporation of that town in 1785, and, in connection with John Glazier, was one of the petitioners and chief promoters of that act, and was the first Town Clerk. He was a black- smith and carried on the large farm which he owned in the centre of the town, his house being on the site of the present Town Hall, and the farm embracing within its limits, the com- mon, the burial ground, and the lands occupied by the church, the hotel and most of the residences in the vicinity of the Town Hall. He died in 1827, aged 89 years. His son Benjamin, born in Gardner in 1773, was married to Mary Whitney, sister of Phineas and Amasa Whitney, prominent citizens of Winchen- don, Mass. He inherited his father's farm. He was, for many 302 HISTORY OF GARDNER. years, the Town Treasurer aud was highly respected and influ- ential in town affairs. "His children were Levi, Benjamin F., Walter, William, Seth and Charles. He died iu 1849, in his 77th year. Of his children, Charles died at the age of six years ; Benjamin F. died, in 1844, having been engaged successfully since his ma- jority as a trader, and a part of the time, as a manufacturer of chairs ; William died, in 1873, in Boston, where he had resided since 1830, and had been engaged in business there and iu Charlestown, with success, till 1855, iu which year he retired from business ; Levi, Walter, and Seth survive and are each of them engaged successfully in the manufacture of chairs. " Levi Heywood was born in Gardner, December 10th, 1800. His early advantages, for education, were only those usually enjojed by the children and youth, at that time, in rural towns, with the addition of two terms at the academy in New Salem, Mass. The diligent improvement of these opportunities fitted him for the vocation of a school teacher, in which he was en- gaged, in his native town and in the adjoining town of Win- cheudou during the winters 1820-21 and 22. Lr the spring of the latter year he went to Eochester, N. Y., and was employed there about a year in stoue-work by contract. Returning in 1823 to Gardner, he entered into partnership with his brother Benjamin, in the very miscellaneous business of a country store. This relation he continued till the year 1829. "In 1826, he commenced, in Gardner, the manufacture of wood-seated chairs. In 1831, he went to Boston and opened a store for the sale of chairs, in which business he continued till 1836. He also, in connection with William R. Carnes and his brother William, under the firm style of Heywood & Carnes, started a mill for sawiiig veneers from mahogany, etc., in Charlestown. This mill was burned in 1835. He then returned to Gardner and entered into partnership with his brother -Wal- ter, who, with others, had been for some years engaged in the manufacture of chairs, on part of the premises now occupied by Heywood Bros. & Co. The veneer mill in Charlestown was HISTORY OF GARDNER. 303 rebuilt and Mr. Levi Hey wood retained his interest in it, until 1849. " The business, of the new firm in Gardner, was conducted with success, the manufacture being mainly by hand, the only machinery being the ordinary turning lathe, and circular saws, which were operated by water power, obtained from the pond now known as Crystal Lake. In 1841, it occurred to Levi Hey wood, that machinery specially adapted to the various processes of manufacture, might be introduced to advantage. His brother, of a more conservative disposition, hesitated to leave the well-worn paths in which they were achieving reason- able success. This difference of opinion led to a dissolution of the partnership, Levi purchasing his brother's interest. He at once gave his thoughts and labor, to the devising and construct- ing of special machinery, as well as to the introduction of dif- ferent kinds of wood-working machinery, which were already in use for other purposes, and were also adapted to his purpose. In the successful carrying out of this idea, he inaugurated anew era in the chair manufacture, and herein manifested much enter- prise, together with the fertility of resource, mechanical skill and inventiveness, and the purpose to introduce constantly new and valuable features, both in methods of manufacture and in style of product, which have always characterized him, and have been large elements of his success. " As an instance of his originality, in the matter of mechani- cal devices, it may be said that as early as 1835, he conceived the idea of the band saw, now universally adopted as one of the most valuable tools in wood-work. The idea was original with him, though not really novel, for as early as 1808, Wm. New- berry of London, Eng., had conceived the same idea and made a crude model of a band sawing machine, but did nothing more with it. So thoroughly were its advantages anticipated by Mr. Heywood, that he consulted with B. D. Whitney of Winchen- don and with Charles Griffiths, of Welch & Griffiths of Boston, as to the feasibility of constructing a machine of the kind. Both of these gentlemen, experts in such matters, agreed that with 304 HI8T0BY OF GAliBJSrjEB. the quality of saw-blades then made, or any known methods of uniting them so as to make an endless band, the idea could not be successfully carried out. As is well known, M. Perin of Paris, France, has, since that time, accomplished what Mr. Heywood, so many years before, conceived to be both desirable and feasible. " In 1844, on the iirst day of July, he received into partner- ship Gen. Moses Wood, then of Providence and afterwards President of the Eollstone Bank of Fitchburg, and his brother Seth, the style of the firm being Heywood & Wood. This partnership continued till July 1st, 1849. At that date Gen. Wood retired from the firm, and Messrs. Calvin Heywood and Henry C. Hill were admitted, the style of the firm being changed to L. Heywood & Co. " Mr. Heywood, in addition to his business relations, as the head of the firm of Heywood Bros. & Co., has since 1847, been a partner with Hon. W. B. Washburn of Greenfield, Mass., in the manufacture of chairs and wooden ware, at Erving, Mass., the style of the firm being Washburn & Heywood. They are also largely engaged in the manufacture and sale of lumber, owning about 3,000 acres of woodland in Erving, Northfield and New Salem. " At this point, it is proper to refer to the inventions of Mr. Heywood, which have been mostly to meet the demands of his own business, and have largely contributed to its success. Among them may be named one for a wood chair-seat, one for tilting-chair, three for machines for splitting, shaving and otherwise manipulating rattan, and four for machinery for bending wood. He has also invented a very valuable process (not immediately connected with his own business but of value to it, as utilizing in a new direction, the pith of the rattan after stripping the enamel from it,) for injecting rattan with india- rubber or other suitable material, thus making an excellent sub- stitute for whalebone. " Of the merits of his wood-bending process, it may be proper to introduce the testimony of M. Fr. Thonet of Vienna, Austria, Aj3iiy_,_ij:iuicTiio HISTORY OF OARDJSTER. 305 the head of the largest chair manufacturing firm in the world, employing some five thousand operatives. After visiting the factories of the Messrs. Heywood, he wrote, ' I must tell you candidly that you have got the best machinery for bending wood that I ever saw, and I will say that I have seen and experi- mented a great deal in the bending of wood.' The Heywood patents have been combined with those of John C. Morris of Cincinnati, on which the patents of Blanchard have, after pro- tracted litigation, been decided to be infringements. The com- bined patents, owned by the Morris & Heywood Wood-bending Co., it is believed, cover the really effective methods for bend- ing wood. " Mr. Heywood, in addition to his large personal business, he having retained to the present time — though now in his seventy-eighth 3^ear, — the supervision in all its details, of the mechanical department of the business, including the adapta- tion and construction of new machinery and devices for greater .economy and perfection of manufacture, has been very active in public enterprises. He represented the town in the Convention for revising the Constitution of the State in the year 1853, and in the lower branch of the Legislature in 1871. He has been a Director in the Gardner National Bank and a Trustee of the Gardner Savings Bank from the organization of those institu- tions. " Mr. Heywood is not personally identified, by membership, with any church. A regular attendant, however, of the Con- gregational Church in Gardner, he is a liberal contributor to its current expenses, and responds cheerfully and liberally to the calls of benevolence. He is also largely interested in educa- tional matters, and personally in the schools and has made liberal donations of land and otherwise, to the town in this direction. Eespected in the highest degree for personal in- tegrity and excellence of his character in all the relations of life, his example is for good to the large number of his em- ployes and to the community by which he has been long looked up to as its wealthiest and most influential citizen." 39 306 HISTORY OF GARDNER. GARDNER A. WATKINS. This gentleman was born in Peru, Berksliire County, Mas- sachusetts, September 13th, 1833. Being, from childhood, of a mechanical turn of mind, when not engaged in school, or at work on the farm, he was occupied as a carpenter, and in kin- dred employment, until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to Lakeville, Conn., where he was engaged, for five years, in the office and factory of the celebrated surgeon, Dr. Benja- min Welsh, manufacturer of surgical instruments. At the ex- piration of this time, he removed to Springfield, Vt., where he was engaged in the same business, until the breaking out of the war of the Eebellion, in the spring of 1861, when he turned his attention to the construction of complex machinery, for the manufacture of shoe lasts, hooks and eyes, etc. In the year 1863, he went to Proctor sville, Vt., where he became interested in the manufacture of clothes pins, mop-handles, flour-sifters and chair stock. In 1866, he began the manufacture of wood seat chairs and also made an attempt at splint and cane bottom chairs. The following are some of the reasons, resting in Mr. Wat- kins' mind, for making a new departure from the old Chinese pattern, used for more than four centuries, in the construction of cane chairs : The demand for a smooth, better and more durable chair seat for common use ; some method by which to avoid waste of cane, time and trouble, in distributing the frames of chairs over the country, to be seated, as well as the annoy- ance of teaching a new generation, the art of caning chairs ; some way bj' which this work could be done, sj^stematicaliy, in the factory, under the supervision of the manufacturer, with the use of suitable machinery, and, lastly, a better chair, for less money. After thorough and patient experimenting, he found that cane could not be superseded by any other then known sub- stance, for seats and backs, for common chairs, the grain of HISTORY OF GARDNER. 307 swamp ash l)eing the nearest to cane, but so scarce and expen- sive, as to limit its use. Obstacles, which at times, seemed in- surmountable, were finally overcome. After months of patient and incessant toil, in inventing tools and machinery for this special purpose, Mr. Watkins succeeded in weaving an all wood or cane fabric, of various figures and patterns, of any desired width and length. This was acknowledged, at the United States Patent Office, to be the first production of this sort and an entirely new article of manufacture. The question then arose as to the most practical method of securing this fabric to the frames of chair seats and backs, of all forms. This problem, at first, seemed to be one easy of solution, but, after vai'ious attempts which proved either to be worthless or too expensive, Mr. Watkins became almost satisfied that the Chinese was the only possible method, namely, that of making holes through the frame of a seat or back, as near together as possi- ble, then drawing in the cane, from side to side, to the greatest possible amount. This would produce just that figure of net work, so common in the old Chinese pattern. However, per- severance, with a commendable degree of Yankee ingenuity, was destined to be more than a match for the " heathen Chinee." In the spring of 1867-8-9, Mr. Watkins succeeded in reaching satisfactory results, which were recognized, from time to time, at the United States Patent Office, in various grants, some of which bear the following dates : Patent chair seat. May 14th, 1867 ; patent chair seat, April 6th, 1868 ; patent chair seat, April 7th, 1868 ; shuttle for weaving chair seats, March 10th, 1868 ; improved shuttle for weaving chair seats, reissue, Novem- ber 2d, 1869 ; seating machine, July 13th, 1869 ; scroll saw- table, August 2, 1869 ; channeling or grooving machine, Sep- tember 6th, 1870 ; embossing chair seats, September 6th, 1870 ; spliced bottom, September 6th, 1870; continuous spline, Au- gust 15, 1871 ; improved rattan for chair seats, September 19th, 1871 ; process for splicing cane, December 12th, 1871. 308 HISTORY OF GARDNER. SPLICING CANE. This process is worthy of special mention. In the specifica- tion, forming part of Letters Patent, the inventor uses the fol- lowing language : " The object of this invention is to prepare strands of rattan, for weaving ; and the invention consists in removing the enamel surface, from the ends of the strands, by ' scarfing' them down preparatory to splicing, and connecting the ends together in the manner hereinafter referred to. As is well known, the outer surface of rattan is covered by a silicious enamel, which is extremely hard, and, to a great extent, im- pervious to moisture, so that any attempt to join one or more strands together by means of cement, is sure to prove in- eflFectual ; hence, the great value to be derived from splicing such strands together, for the purpose of weaving them in a cloth of any desired length and width, has, to some extent, been lost. My invention fully obviates this difficulty. * * * * * * Since the length of these strands is limited, to a great extent, it is essential, in order to successfully weave them, in a loom, that the strands be spliced one to the other, to any desired length. In order to accomplish this, I scarf the ends off. This scarfing * * * * is for the double pur- pose of removing the enamel from the surface of the strand, so that cement will adhere thereon, and also to enable one scarfed end to be cemented to another, without increasing the thickness of the strand at the splice. The scarfing may be done in many ways, not necessary here to mention, since I do not limit my- self to any particular means of accomplishing this object. The ends of the strands being scarfed, as above described, are next charged with cement, and when a sufficient quantity of strands is so prepared, the cemented ends are exposed to a jet of dry steam, or other artificial heat, until the cement liquifies, and then pressing the scarfed and cemented ends together, they will at once adhere, and the strands thus prepared or spliced may be reeled up, in any desired length, ready for weaving." HISTORY OF GARDNEIi. 309 The machinery, by which this scarfing process is accom- plished, is worthy of mention, as a product also of Mr. Wat- kins' inventive genius. The instrument, by which the ends of the cane are shaved down to the thinnest edge, is a small cylin- der, about two inches in diameter, upon whose surface are formed numerous horizontal knives or cutters. This cylinder is fixed upon a revolving shaft, upon which it is capable of per- forming six thousand revolutions in a minute. Directly in front of this cylinder, is a brass plate, whose surface is so contrived, that, when the end of the strand is placed upon it, and, by means of a treadle, is moved back under this revolving cylinder, it so adjusts itself to the revolving knives, as to produce, in the most exact manner, the required "scarf." This process, is almost instantaneous. The pressure, being removed from the treadle, the beveled brass table, by means of a weight, is immediately thrown back, ready for the renewal of the process. Near by the person doing this work, is stationed a pot containing hot cement, into which is plunged a small brush, so connected with this machinery for scarfing the ends of the cane, that while the end of the strand is passing under the re- volving cylinder, the brush is dipped in the cement, from which it immediately arises, on the removal of the pressure from the treadle. The strand, thus scarfed, is drawn under this brush, by which it is immediately cemented. It requires from two to three hours to harden this cement, on the scarfed ends of the strand. These strands are then taken, by another operative, whose duty it is to join them together and wind them upon bobbins. Near this person is a jet of dry steam, which is made to pass through wood, in order to secure freedom from moisture. Into this steam jet are passed two cemented ends of the strands, the cement, upon which, is instantly liquified, after which, the .two ends joined together are passed between two heated iron wheels whose surfaces are pressed together by means of a treadle. This process firmly unites the scarfed and cemented ends of the strands. By means of another treadle motion, the united strands are wound upon a bobbin capable of containing 310 HI8T0BY OF GABDNFR. three thousand five hundred feet. This bobbm is so arranged, that it revolves at the option of the operator. By the motion of a spiral shaft, upon which is cut a right and left hand groove, the strand, while being wound, is carried automatically, from side to side, of the inner surfaces of the bobbin, thus produc- ing uniformity in filling it. POWER LOOM FOR VSTEAVING CHAIR SEATS. This loom involves the general principle of all looms. One distinguishing characteristic, however, in the loom now to be described, is the shuttle, by which, strands of cane are drawn through the warp, formed of the spliced strands, from the bobbins already mentioned. It is well known, that, in the weaving of cloth, the shuttle is driven through the warp strands, delivering the woof thread, as it passes. Considering the in- flexibility and bulkiness of the cane strands, to be used as filling, even should it be possible to wind them upon spools, it will be readily seen, that the ordinary process of weaving, could not prevail in the construction of rattan fabric. To obviate this difficulty, Mr. Watkins invented the shuttle now used in his loom. This shuttle is a flat bar of steel, about twenty-two inches in length, consisting of two equal plates, which are so united, that the difierent parts form two jaws, at the end which enters the warp. This end, of the shuttle, is shaped like a pair of pliers, thus making it susceptible of passing, without inter- ference, through the warp strands. Within the jaws, of this shuttle, are little spurs or nippers, for holding the end of the woof strand, which it is to draw through the warp. Between the two halves of the shuttle, there is a wedge shaped device, called the tongue, which is attached to a rod, also within the shuttle, and which is so contrived, that, when the mouth of the shuttle has reached the woof strand, which it is to carry back, this tongue, passing over a swell, within the jaws of the shuttle, causes its mouth to open, when it drops instantly into a con- cavity, by which operation, the jaws are allowed to close im- mediately upon the end of the strand, thus holding it firmly in HISTORY OF GARDNER. 311 their teeth. The shuttle is then drawn back, through the warp, holding the strand in its mouth, till it reaches the edge of the web, when the tongue passing forward, over the swell, again opens the mouth of the shuttle, leaving the end of the strand in the precise position required. The shuttle is then ready to re- turn, repeating the operation at the rate of seventy-five " picks" per minute. Upon the feed side of the reed, of this loom, by which the woof is beaten firmly together, is fixed a knife, which is so adjusted, in its relation to another knife edge, that, the instant the shuttle reaches the opposite side of the web, it cuts off the strand, at the exact length required. This shuttle is fixed upon a carriage, which is made to pass back and forth, upon its ways, by crank motion. Attached to the rod within the shuttle, to which is fastened the tongue, which opens and closes its jaws, is a projecting horizontal bar, the end of which, striking adjustible hunters, upon one side of the ways, throws the tongue, by which the jaws of the shuttle are opened and shut, backwards and forwards as convenience requires. As a matter of course, it would be impossible to describe accurately this ingenious device, for weaving cane web, without the assistance of the necessary diagrams. Although this shut- tle is capable of making seventy-five "picks" a minute, Mr. Watkins, whose motto is " excelsior," is confident that he can construct a loom, whose shuttle shall be capable of one hundred and twenty-five " picks" a minute, and even more. Another feature of this loom, is the saving of time, by so arranging the reed, that it returns to its position, after having beaten up the web, before the shuttle has receded from the warp, by passing under it, while the shuttle is still in motion. Another charac- teristic, of this loom, is the ingenious device for feeding ; ten strands being used in such a manner as to cause a desirable variety, in the. texture of the web. Still another feature of the loom is the simplicity of the method, by which tension is applied directly to the outer rim of the bobbins, this being secured by the fi-iction of steel springs pressing against the wood. This loom is capable of weaving fifty-four thousand 312 HISTORY OF GARDNER. feet of caue, per day, which is equal to three hundred and thirty Grecian seats. That Mr. Watlsius has achieved a wonderful success, in this invention, is universally confessed. By it, he has revolution- ized the manufacture of chairs, and created a new era in this important branch of our industries. To Mr. Watkins is also due the honor of having first applied power to the process of bending wood for chair frames and backs. Previous to this time the rails and backs of chairs were bent by levers worked by men, making the labor very ex- hausting to those engaged in it. With the application of power, to this particular branch of the chair business, only half as many men are now required to do the same amount of labor, as were required previous to this invention. Mr. Watkins is also the inventor of machines for making spi- ral springs, used in tilting chairs, and for cutting the thread upon the ends of these springs. Mr. Watkins is a gentleman who has spared no pains in nourishing his genius, as an inventor. Whatever of scientific works, or expensive tools, have been regarded, by hirn, as essential to the attainment of the one great aim of his life, he has not hesitated to procui'e. He has, since 1870, been employed by Heywood Bros. & Co., upon a salary. The Automatic Channeling Machine, the Crimping Press, the Spline and Embossing Press, also inventions of Mr. Watkins, have aliready passed under review, in chapter VII., of this work. This gentleman has perfected several improvements in machinery, for the manufacture of chairs, for which he has not yet secured Letters Patent. At the present time, he is engaged in the construction of a Double Press for inserting woven seats in frames, weighing five thousand five hundred pounds, eight feet long, four feet wide and ten feet high. The following, among others, are the inventions and improvements of Mr.' Watkins previous to his engaging in the chair business, for which he has received Letters Patent, namely : Hook Fasten- ings for army tents. Improved Physician's Pocket Prescription HISTORY OP GARDNER, 313 Scale and Measure, Improved Letter Weight and Eraser, Arti- ficial Arm and Hand, Invalids' Drink Tube, Swinging Splint, for fracture of the leg, scapula, patella and elbow joint, Sur- geons' Bullet Extractor, Spring and Tooth Holding Stethescope, Ball and Socket Truss, etc. SAMUEL L. FITTS. This gentleman was born in Mason Village, N. H., in 1830. His father was a niill-wright, in which business he himself was engaged, till the age of twenty^, when he went to Fitchburg, where he was employed by the Putnam Machine Company. He went to Ashburnham in 1858, where he was employed by the Winchester Brothers until 1877, when he came to Gardner in the employ of Heywood Brothers & Co. The following are his inventions : An Automatic Boring Machine, for boring frames to chair seats, patented June, 1861 ; a Machine for Dressing Chair Backs, patented in 1864. These patents are now owned by Mr. George Winchester, of Ashburnham. Also a Power Loom for weaving chair seats. The novelty of this invention consists in the construction of the shuttle and filling holder, which holds a number of pieces, at the same time making the changes automatically, and is regarded as a very eflScient machine, for the purpose for which it is designed. FRANK F. PAEKER. This gentleman was born in Keene, N. H., in 1851. The following are his patents for Folding Chairs : One patent issued Ausust 15th, 1876, and another issued October 3d, 1876. These patents are both owned by Mr. Philander Derby. GEORGE W. PARKER. This gentleman was born August 14th, 1824, in Concord, N. H., and came to Gardner in November, 1870. Letters Patent, of the United States, were issued to him March 18th, 1856, for an improved Machine for Making Clothes Pins ; May 6th, 1873, patent for Improvement in Speed Regulators ; April 6th, 1875, 40 314 HISTORY OF GARDNER. patent for an Improvement in Machines for Tenoning Chair Eounds ; July 18th, 1876, patent for Improvement in Folding Chairs; June 26th, 1877, patent for Improvement in Machines for Making Pail Bottoms and Barrel Heads. The above list does not embrace all our inventors or inven- tions. There are others of which we have not been able to obtain suflBciently accurate information, to enable us to make a true record in this work. Those now given are enough to in- dicate the ability of the town, in this direction. As a fitting close to this chapter we give the following from Lord Bacon : — "The introduction of noble inventions, seems to hold, .by far, the most excellent place among all human actions. And this was the judgment of antiquity, which attributed divine honors to inventors, but conferred only heroical honors upon those who deserved well in civil affairs, such as the founders of empires, legislators, and deliverers of their country. And whoever rightly considers it, will find this a judicious custom in foi'mer ages, since the benefits of inventors may extend to all mankind, but civil benefits only to particular countries or seats of men ; and these civil benefits seldom descend to more than a few ages, whereas inventions are perpetuated through the course of time. Besides, a state is seldom amended in its civil affairs, without force and perturbation, whilst inventions spread their advantage, without doing injury or causing disturbance." HISTORY OF QABDNEH. 315 CHAPTER XIII. PUBLIC LIBRARIES. "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested."' "Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man." " Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtile; natural philosophy deep ; moral, grave ; logic and rhetoric, able to contend." — Lord Bacon. " And books we know Are a substantial world, both pure and good." — Wordsworth. " The past but lives in words ; a thousand ages Were blank, if books had not evok'd their ghosts, And kept the pale, unbodied shades to warn us, From fleshless lips." — Bulwer. " Turn back the tide of ages to its head. And hoard the wisdom of the honor'd dead." — Sprague. " Books should to one of these four ends conduce For wisdom, piety, delight, or use." — Denham. IN his work, eftititled " Lectures on English Literature," Prof. Henry Reed, of Philadelphia, iutroduces, in his chapter on Literature of Wit and Humor, the following, as an instance of unconscious wit: "It is," says he, "in Horrebou's History of Iceland, an old folio volume, which is divided into chapters according to various subjects. One of these is headed ' Con- cerning Owls.' I can quote the whole chapter without fatiguing you, for it is in these words : ' There are, in Iceland, no owls of any kind whatever.' Yet the historian seems to have con- sidered himself under some obligation to that species of birds, so far, as to devote a chapter to their absence." Although we have headed this chapter Public Libraries, we ai-e, nevertheless, under a painful and serious obligation, like 316 HISTORY OF GARDNER. the author above ^lamed, of stating, that there are, hi Gardner at the present time, no public libraries whatever. A portion of this chapter, is devoted, therefore, to the absence of this desideratum in our midst. Several years ago, there was a small public library kept in the Centre of the town, containing many valuable works. This library was allowed, gradually, to fall into decay, till at length, it entirely disappeared. At the present time, there is afeqling, widely spread through- out the town, that with all its enterprise in other praiseworthy directions, Gardner should not longer continue without a public library. It is therefore hoped, and confidently expected, that some measures will soon be taken for the establishment, upon a firm and permanent basis, of a public library, as a fountain of light, in this community. There is certainly no better way, in which some of our wealthy and pi'ominent citizens can render their names immortal, than in the establishment of such an in- stitution, whose lasting benefits will continually give occasion to those who should hereafter enjoy them, to cherish with ven- eration and gratitude, the memories of their benefactors. Although there is, at the present time, no public library in this town, yet we are not entirely wanting in the possession of collections of books, whose ownership and circulation are of a somewhat private and limited nature. As an instance of this kind, we have the library connected with the' South Gardner Social Library Association, to whose support, Mr. Abijah M. Severy bequeathed the income of five hundred dollars, which is to enure annually to its benefit. We here introduce the will of Mr. Severy, in order to make intelligent the object of his legacy : — Be it Remembered, That I, Abijah M. Severy, of Gardner, in the county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Esq. do, on this eighth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-two, make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner following, viz : — HIST OB Y OF GARDNEB. 317 In the first place, 1 give and bequeath to my sister, Mary S. Howe, wife of Eli Howe, and Lucy Ann Cowee, wife of Buel G. Cowee, two hundred dollars each, payable in one year from my decease. Then, I give, bequeath and devise to my wife, Polly Severy, all my household furniture, and five hundred dollars, to be at her disposal, and then, the use, rents and profits of all my real estate, and the interest of the residue and remainder of all my personal estate, for and during her natural life. Provided, however, if at any time, during the life of my wife, the said Polly Severy, vay mother, Sally Merriam, wife of John Merriam, should become poor and in needy circumstances, the said Polly is hereby authorized to expend so much of the principal of my personal estate, as in her judgment is necessary for the purpose of assisting my said mother, to a comfortable support. The personal estate, which is to be kept on interest, for the benefit of my wife, the' said Polly, shall, at all times, as far as may be, [be] kept safely secured, by mortgage on real estate, and in case my Executor or Executrix (as the case may be,) shall decline being trustee, for the safe keeping and payment of the same, the Judge of Probate may appoint some other per- son or persons, to that trust. And then at the decease of my wife, the said Polly Severy, it is my will that the Judge of Probate, shall ajppoint one or more trustees, to takS charge of my estate, both real and personal, and the said trustee or trustees shall be authorized to sell at public vendue, all my real estate, and to the purchaser or purchasers thereof, to give good and sufficient title or titles to the same, and then the pro- ceeds arising from such sale, together with whatever may re- main of my personal estate, held in trust as aforesaid, shall be paid over, or dealt with as follow^, to wit : One hundred dollars to be paid over to the South Gardner Social Library Association, and by said Association to be expended in the purchase of books for their library, and then the income arising from the interest of five hundred dollars, shall be annually paid over to said Association, and by said Association be ex- 318 HISTORY OF GARDNER. pended for the same purpose, as the above mentioned one hundred dollars. Then the proceeds arising from the interest of one thousand dollars shall be annually paid over to any person or persons authorized to receive it, for the purpose of being expended for the support of a school, for the benefit of the inhabitants of South Gardner Village ; said school shall be taught, the first season, by a male teacher, and the second season, by a female teacher, and shall continue to change teachers alternately, in the same oi'der. Then the proceeds arising from the interest of one thousand dollars more, to be paid annually, if called for, to any person or persons authorized to receive the same, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of a school or schools, for teaching sacred music, for the benefit of the choir of singers, to the Baptist Church, in said Gardner. Then the proceeds, arising from the interest of three thou- sand dollars more, shall be paid over annually, to any person or persons authorized, by the above mentioned Baptist Church, to receive the same, for the purpose of being expended in paying the salary of such minister or ministers as the members of such church shall, from time to time employ. All of the above mentioned sums of money which, after the decease of her, the said Polly, are to be kept in the hands of a trustee or trustees, for the purpose of the interest, arising from said sums, being paid over and appropriated to the purpose as aforesaid, shall, at all times, as far as may be, [be] kept safely secured by mortgage or mortgages on real estate, and should there be a surplus over and above five thousand and five hundred dollars, which is the sum total of all the funds to be held in trust, after the decease of her the said Polly, said overplus shall be paid over to my heirs at law, or their legal representatives, and also if the proceeds arising from the interest on any of the sums included in said afore mentioned five thousand and five hundred dollars, which is to be held in trust, for the purposes as specified aforesaid, shall cease to be HISTORY OF GARDNER. 319 applied to the purposes, for which they were respectively be- queathed, for the term of three successive years, then the principal and interest, remaining in the hands of the trustee or trustees, of e^ery such sum or sums, non applied, to the pur- poses as aforesaid, shall revert to my heirs at law, or their legal representatives. Lastly, I hereby appoint Polly Severy, my wife, to be Ex- ecutrix of this my last will and testament ; hereby revoking all other and former wills, by me made, and declaring this and this only, to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written. His Abijah M. X Severy. [seal.] Mark. Signed, published, pronounced and declared, by the said Abijah M. Severy, to be his last will and testament, in pres- ence of the subscribers, who, in his presence and at his request, and in his presence and in presence of each other, hereunto set our hand as witnesses. Asaph Wood, James H. Clark, Samuel Gates. At the time this will was executed, Mr. Severy was very sick, and not being able to write his name, made his mark. According to article third, of the constitution of this associa- tion, " for the first establishment of said library, two dollars shall be the sum to be paid by all members on every share they respectively own, to be applied exclusively to the purchase of books ; all other expenses accruing for the establishment of the same, to be paid by equal assessment on the shares of said library. This association received the $100, bequeathed it, by Mr. Severy in 1852. It began, in 1853, to receive the income from the $500, named in the will, since which time, the annual income has been about $25. This library contains, at the present time, twelve hundred and fifty volumes; number of shares, one hundred. 320 HISTORY OF GARDNER. CHAPTER XIV. MEMORABLE EVENTS. " Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances, Of moving accidents, by flood and field ; Of hairbreadth 'scapes i' the imminent deadly breach." — Othello, Act I., Scene III. " For murder, though it have no tongue, Will speak with most miraculous organ." — Hamlet, Act II., Scene II. " Of no distemper, of no blast he died. But fell like autumn fruit that mellowed long. Even vpondered at because he dropt no sooner ; Eate seemed to wind him up for four score years, Yet freshly ran he on, ten winters more. Till like a clock worn out with eating time. The wheels of weary life at last stood still." — Dryden. WE present, iu this chapter, a brief record of some of the more noteworthy events that have transpired in this town since its incorporation. FIRES AND INJURIES BY LIGHTNING, ETC. 1798. — August 10th, a barn of Mr. Seth Heywood, was set on Are by lightning and consumed, with its crops of hay and grain. August 24th, a barn of Mr. Samuel Stone was struck by lightning and burnt ; this was also filled with hay and grain. 1808. — In May, a dwelling house of Mr. Joseph Wright, with all the furniture it contained, was consumed. The fire was occasioned by a defect in the oven. HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. 321 1809. — In November, a house of Mr. Allen Perley was burned, with the furniture. He was having it repaired at the time, and the work- men had left shavings so near the fireplace, that on opening the door to go out, the wind took them to the fire, thus communicating the flames to the building with such rapidity that there was no chance to save it. 1810. — In the spring of this year, a house of Capt. Ezekiel Howe, was struck by lightning. The house was not burned, but so shattered, that he built a new one. A loaded gun, standing in the house, was discharged by electricity. 1813. — The card shop of Josiah Wilder, Jr., was destroyed by fire. Also, the same year, a dwelling-house of Mr. Aaron Pratt. 1820. — A house owned by Mr. Nathan Green was struck by lightning. 1827. — In February, a chair shop of Mr. James M. Comee was burned. 1829. — A grist-mill, belonging to Capt. William Bickford, was burned. 1834. — In June, the dwelling-house of Mr. Seth Whitney, took fire upon the roof, and was destroyed. In October of the same year, a chair shop of Mr. Walter Heywood, was burned, on the site where Mr. Asher W. Shattuck's house now stands. Capt. Henry Whitney had a saw-mill burned, and built another on the same site, which he sold to Daniel J. Goodspeed, which was afterwards burnt. Capt. Martin Dunster had a box shop destroyed by fire, on the site where Philander Derby's chair factory now stands. 1839. — In March, a chair shop of Elijah Putnam, was burned, on the site where now stands the chair factory of L. H. Sawin & Co. 1841. — August 20th, the blacksmith's shop of Capt. William Learned, was destroyed by fire. 1846. — A mill, belonging to Ai Stone, in the north part of the town, was burned. A small house of Heman Ray was burned the same year. Also a shop of Daniel J. Goodspeed, was consumed by fire, where Wright & Bead's chair factory now stands. 1850. — June 20, a severe hail storm passed over the north part of the town, breaking the glass on the west and northwest sides of build- ings, where it went. The hail came with such force that it broke down the growing vegetables, in its course. 41 322 HISTORY OF GARDNJSR. 1852. — In November, Daniel J. Goodspeed had a shop burned, on the site where now stands the grist-mill of Howe Brothers. 1855. — In March, the bouse that had been occupied by Miss Kneeland and Mrs. Phinney, was burned. 1857. — In September, a large paint shop of the South Gardner Chair Manufacturing Company, near the depots, was burned. 1862. — January 5th, the chair factories of Heywood Brothers & Co., were burned. 1866 — May 16th, the chair factory of Wright & Moore was destroyed by fire. 1867. — The school-house at the Centre has been struck by lightning three times since 1867, the last time (1876) setting it on fire, which was extinguished before great damage was done. CASUALTIES. 1802. — Seth Heywood was found dead by the roadside, between Leom- inster and Westminster. He had been to assist a man in driving cattle, in returning home he stepped out of the road and died. He was a young man dearly beloved and greatly lamented. His age was 25. 1818. — David Wilder was killed by a tub of gravel falling on him while he was at work in a well. His age was 30. 1820. — Joseph Clark, Jr.. died in a fit. His age was thirty 33. 1822. — William Fenno died in consequence of falling from his wagon. The accident was caused by a lynchpin getting out and letting a wheel off. 1826. — July 4th, Jonathan Martin was found dead in a house, being left alone for a short time. The same year Jonathan Bancroft was found dead in a field. He was on a visit to his son, and as he was going from the field to the house, he died, (as was supposed) in a fit. His age was 76. 1831. — Asahel Brick died in a fit. His age was 47. Same year Har- riet, daughter of Abijah Hinds, was drowned in a clay pit. She was 7 years of age. 1834. — Capt. Ahio Temple died suddenly in his bed. His age was 70. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 323 1835. — Benjamin Howe fell from a ladder in his barn, injuring him so badly that he died the third day after. His age was 52. 1837.- — Daniel Gates was so injured by the upsetting of his wagon, (near the house of Amos Ray) that he lived but a few days. 1842. — Winslow Davis was wounded by falling from his wagon, caus- ing his death in a few days. Amasa Leland was killed by a rafter falling upon his head while taking down his barn. He was 49 years of age. Silas, son of George W". Davis, while sliding from a haymow, came forcibly upon a pitchfork, which entered his body causing his death. He was 10 years of age. 1844. — Mrs. Joel Cowee died suddenly in her bed. Her age was 54. 1846. — Horace P., son of David P. Bickford, was drowned. He was 5 years old. 1861. — Andrew Beard was found dead in his bed. His age was 79. 1852. — A child of George Howe died in a fit. He was 2 years of age. 1855. — Levi Richardson was found in a freezing condition in Mr. Bal- lou's mill ; he lived but a short time after being discovered. His age was 53. Hubbard Kendall was killed by the falling of a tree. His age was 65. Mrs. Merriam was found dead in her bed. Her age was 69. 1856. — Mrs. Lorenzo Cheney died in consequence of being burned. A fluid lamp was broken, setting fire to her clothing and burning her so badly that she lived but a few hours. Her age was 48. 1857. ^Hammond Hardy, aged 21, was frozen so that he died. George W. Davis, aged 68, was drowned. 1859. — A son of Lyman Fenno, four years of age, was drowned in a shiner box. A son of Mr. Flynn, two years of age, was drowned in a well ; also a son of John M. Hyde, four years of age was drowned. 1862. — Marcus F. Oxford, aged two years, died from accidental pois- oning. 1863.— In August, Ellen Reagan, aged 13 years, was drowned. The same month Cornelius Bresnehan was killed on the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad. 324 HI8T0BY OF GARDJSTUB. 1865. — In May, Frederick A. Wheeler son of Augustus A. Wheeler, was killed by being caught in an elevator. His age was 9 years. 1866. — In June, Cornelius Sullivan was drowned in Conant Brothers' mill pond. 1868. — In March, Noah Richards was killed by the falling of an eleva- tor. In November, Dennis Murphy was killed by the caving 'in of a gravel bank. A child of William Morrisey was scalded to death. 1870. — In July, George Franklin was found dead in his bed. 1873. — In July, Mede Millet was drowned in Crystal Lake. December 6th, Alvin Noyes, son of Charles Noyes, and Joseph Chagnon, son of Theodore Chagnon, were drowned in Crystal Lake, while skating. 1874. — In April, Paul Harrigan was drowned in L. H. Sawin & Go's pond. In July, John Dodwell was found dead in a well. In Sep- tember, Alfred Murray, a boy nine years old was killed on the rail- road, near Dr. Parker's saw mill. In October, Ellen Reagan was killed by a fragment of a stone thrown from a ledge, by a blast. 1875. — Thomas Lynch died in consequence of being thrown from a wagon. 1876. — In May, Daniel O'Connell and Frank Donahue were killed on the railroad a short distance west of Dr. Parker's mill. October 5th, Samuel G. Gates was struck by cars and killed, at Gates' crossing, on the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad. In October, James Allen was killed by falling from a tree. 1877. — March 25th, Patrick O'Connor was Stilled by a tree falling on him. Small Pox. — There were four deaths from small pox in 1854, two in 1855, one in 1870 and two in 1871. Suicide. — There have been nine deaths by suicide since the organization of the town. Murders. — It is not known that there have ever been more than two murders committed in Gardner. On the night of the 7th of March, 1855, a shocking murder was committed in this town. The house of Miss Miriam Kneeland and Mrs. Sarah K. HISTORY OF GABDNER. 325 Phinney, was entered, by breaking in a window, while the oc- cupants were in their beds, and the naurderer, with malice pre- pense, and without any provocation, maliciously murdered these two persons by striking them on their heads with a cudgel. The instrument used was a chair post. The murder was not disclosed until the next day evening. This affair so agitated the town, that there was but little business accom- plished for a week. There was great exertion made. to ascer- tain the perpetrator of the horrible deed. The selectmen offered a reward of $500 to any one who would detect and bring to justice the assassin. A young man by the name of George Stacy was arrested and examined before a Justice Court in this town. The evidence was so strong against him, that he was held to appear before the justices of the Superior Court, next to be holden at Worcester. The Grand Jury found a bill against him, and the case went to the Trial Jury, but their verdict was — not guilty. The funeral of these ladies was attended at the meeting- house the next Sabbath, by a large congregation. Kev. A. Stowell preached a sermon from these words: "They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their deaths they were not divided," 2 Samuel, 1 : 23. The congregation was so large that a part of them repaired to the Town Hall, where Eev. J. C. Paine preached from the text found in Proverbs, 4:27, " Turn not to the right hand or to the left, remove thy foot from evil." The victims of this murder were daughters of Timothy Knee- land, whose name is mentioned among the early settlers of Gardner. Miss Kneeland was 85 years of age, and Mrs. Phin- ney, 75. For a number of years they were the only occupants of the house. They were humble and exemplary christians. Longevity. — Only one resident in town has been known to arrive at the age of one hundred years. A man by the name of Chapel, of English birth, died in this town in 1820, supposed to be about 103 years old. 326 HISTORY OF QARDNEB. As near as can be ascertained there have been one hundred and forty-three deaths in this town of persons eighty years old and upwards, within the last sixty years, twenty-three of whom were ninety and upwards, viz. : Daniel Adams 85 Mrs. Lucy Allen 88 Mr. Axdaile 82 William Bickford 89 Mrs. William Bickford 87 Andrew Beard 86 Mrs. Andrew Beard 90 Ebenezer Bolton 87 Mrs. Ebenezer Bolton 87 Thomas Baker 81 Joel Brooks 84 William Bickford, Jr 89 Aaron Bolton 83 John Baker 87 Mr. Brooks 84 Ebenezer Bickford 82 Miss Hepzibah Beard 84 Mrs. Betsey Barber 89 Mrs. Edmoud Bickford 90 Mrs. Elijah Brick 84 Mrs. Sarah Bancroft 86 Mrs. Hannah Brown 80 Artemas Bush 85 James Coolidge 94 Mrs. James Coolidge 80 Mrs. Mary H. Cutler 83 John Crosby 83 David Comee 82 Mrs. David Comee, Jr 90 Mrs. James Comee 84 Joseph Clark 80 Mrs. Benjamin Clark 82 Uriah Clapp 83 Joel Cowee 80 Mrs. Coleman 89 Mrs. Rebecca Clark 81 Mrs. Betsey Dickenson 81 Mrs. Daniels 82 Mrs. Margaret Delay 85 John Eaton 81 Mrs. John Eaton, Jr 82 Levi Fairbank 90 Mrs. Levi Fairbank 92 Levi Fairbank, Jr 83 Mrs. Levi Fairbank 81 Noah Fairbank, 80 Mrs. Noah Fairbank 82 Jacob Fisher 88 Mrs. Jacob Fisher 88 Mrs. Peres French 81 Mrs. Martha Freeman 91 Mrs. Jonathan Greenwood.. . .82 John Glazier ■ 86 Mrs. Sarah Glazier 86 Lewis Glazier 86 Mrs. Lewis Glazier 94 Smyrna Glazier 94 Mrs. Symrna Glazier 81 Mrs. Simeon Gates 88 Mrs. Nathan Gates 84 Mrs. Simeon Gates, Jr 84 Mrs. Elizabeth Goodnow 91 Mrs. Charles Greenwood 82 Mrs. Susanna Gates 88 Seth Hey wood 89 Mrs. Abigail Hill 93 Reuben Haynes 86 Mrs. Ebenezer Howe 86 Mrs. Asa Hill 90 Loami Hartshorn 82 HISTORY OF OARDNER. 327 Abijah Hinds 80 Mrs. Mary A. Houghton 85 Mrs. Ellen Haley 80 Mrs. Elizabeth Henshaw 82 Joseph Hill 80 Ebenezer Jackson 83 Josiah Jackson 83 Mrs. Elisha Jackson 80 Benjamin Kendall 96 Mrs. Polly Kendall 90 Jonathan Kendall 87 Mrs. Jonathan Kendall 90 Timothy Kneeland 81 Mrs. Timothy Kneeland 87 John Kempi 82 Mrs. John Kemp 87 Miss Lydia Kneeland 87 Miss Miriam Kneeland 86 Mrs. Enos Kelton 80 Samuel Kelton 92 Stephen Knowlton 91 Mrs. Mary Lynde 80 James Lynch 80 John Matthews 82 Abel Mosman 87 Mrs. Abel Mosman 90 Mrs. Sarah Martin 85 John McNamara 81 Miss Polly Moore 84 Mrs. Lucy Metcalf 83 Mrs. Hasadiah Mead 82 Mrs. Nabby Merriam 85 John Miles 89 Mrs. John Miles 81 Henry Newton 83 Mrs. David Nichols 84 Joseph Payson 89 Mrs. Joseph Payson (Betsey) . .82 Mrs. Joseph Payson (Sarah) . .82 Mrs. Adam Partridge 87 Mrs. Jabez Partridge 83 Mrs. Anna Putnam 84 Mrs. Allen Perley 89 Moses Porter 84 Mrs. Robert Powers 88 Ephraim Pratt 84 Ebenezer iReed 83 Abel Richardson 82 Asa Richardson 86 Mrs. Mary Rugg 93 Miss Mary Rugg 82 Dr. Shumway 88 Samuel Stone 80 Mrs. Samuel Stone 90 Jude Sawyer 93 Mrs. Jude Sawyer 85 Mrs. Joseph Simonds 84 Moses Sanders 88 Mrs. Sally Stevens 88 Mr. Tucker 84 Mrs. Elijah Traverse 82 Mrs. Dorcas Wheeler 80 Miss Hasadiah Wilder 85 Mrs. Joanna Wilder 91 Wm. Whitney 81 Joseph Whitney 83 Joseph Whitney, 2d 82 Joel Whitney 92 Mrs. Jonas White 86 Mrs. Sarah Waite 88 Mrs. Polly Wood 85 Jonathan Wood 83 Isaiah Warren 83 328 HISTORY OF GARDNER. The following is the ratio of deaths to population in this town during the four decades between 1830 and 1870 : — The average ratio of deaths from 1830 to 1840, was one in 64.4 of the population or 15.5 per 1000 ; from 1840 to 1850 it was one in 50.2, or 19.9 per 1000; from 1850 to 1860 it was one in 59.6, or 16.6 per 1000 ; from 1860 to 1870 it was oqe in 65.3, or 15.1 per 1000; average for the forty years, one in 59.8, or 16.7 per 1000. From 1870 to 1875, one in 61.9 or 16.1 per 1000; average for 45 years, one in 60.3, or 16.5 per 1000. The ratio of deaths to population in the state in 1875 was one in 52.8, or 19.2 per 1000. The oldest person now living in town is Mrs. Joseph Cool- idge, whose age is 96. She is a daughter of Dea. Moses Hale of Winchendon. She has a brother now living whose age is 94, the Hon. Artemas Hale of Bridgewater, Mass. '^''y7\\/!y ^^0-l§\ HISTORY OF GARDNER. 329 CHAPTER XV. GENEALOGY OF THE EARLY FAMILIES OF GARDNER. " My derivation was from ancestors Who stood equivalent with mighty kings." — Pericles. Act V., Scene I. " My boast is not that I deduce my birth From loins enthroned, and rulers of the earth ; But higher far my proud pretensions rise — The son of parents pass'd into the skies." — Goxoper. "Look where we may, the wide earth o'er. Those lighted faces smile no more. We tread the paths their feet have worn. We sit beneath their orchard trees, We hear, like them, the hum of bees And rustle of the bladed corn ; We turn the pages that they read, Their written words we linger o'er. But in the sun they cast no shade. No voice is heard, no sign is made. No step is on the conscious floor !" — Whiltier's Snow Bound. IT was our purpose, originally, to bring the genealogies, presented in this chapter, down to the present time. We however, soon discovered this design to be impracticable, for want of space. Consequently we have selected the year 1840 as the date at which we would pause, excepting, only those families whose commencement was previous to that time, in which children have been born subsequent to that period. In such cases we have not felt at liberty to stop in the midst of a family. 42 330 HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. We are not sufficiently vain to suppose that we have made a perfect record of the families here named. Every one, who has had experience in this sort of labor, very well understands that errors, in such instances, are unavoidable. It is not too much to suppose, that it would be impossible to find a town, in which the family records have been kept with perfect accuracy and completeness. Previous to 1840, or about that time, the laws of this state, were not so strict, in the matter of recording births, deaths and marriages, as they are at the present time ; and the negligence of the most careful parents, in having the proper records made, in connection with other causes, renders it impossible to give an accurate genealogy of families, from the town records. We ha-\ e, however, sought with considerable labor and pains, to present the following records as completely and accurately as the means within our reach would permit, and as a last resort, must now cast ourselves upon the charitable judgment of those most interested, in the study of that which is here recorded. Abbreviations. — B. denotes born; d., died; m., married; s., son; dau., daughter; ch., child or children. Towns referred to, are understood as located in Massachusetts, unless otherwise designated. Adams, Daniel, m. Dinah Metcalf; their ch. were: 1. Ezekiel, b. Mar. 2, 1813. 2. Hosea, b. Apr. 4, 1814. 3. Sarah, b. Nov. 1, 1815, m. Job Clark. 4. Louisa, b. Feb. 27, 1817, m. Charles Hartwell. 5. Sophia, b. Oct. 16, 1818, m. George Kelton. 6. Ehoda, b. Aug. 9, 1820, m. Ivers "Whitney. 7. Merrick, b. June 14, 1823, m. Martha Brown. 8. Daniel, b. Sept. 6, 1826. m. Miss Eolfe. His second wife was Mary (Baker) Nichols. Adams, Ezekiel, s. of Daniel, m. Rhoda Bolton ; their ch. were: 1. Nelson, b. Oct. 24, 1841. 2. Horatio, b. July 26, 1845. 3. Eveline E., b. Oct. 13, 1847. 4. Eugene, b. Aug. 13, 1852. Adams, Hosea, s. of Daniel, m. Rebecca Conant ; their ch. were: 1. Flavila R., b. May 10, 1841. 2. Ellen M., b. Nov. 24, 1846. Bacon, Joseph, one of the first settlers, came from Sherborne about 1772, and located on the place now owned by David W. Miller, at HISTORY OF GARDMEM. 331 the upper or north side of Crystal Lake. He built the house now occupied by Mr. Miller. He was a carpenter and farmer. Uutil the organization of the town, he was an inhabitant of Winchendon, and, according to the records of that town, a somewhat prominent man. After its organization he was its Town Clerk eight consecu- tive years, besides filling other important town offices. He m. Abigail Cole; their ch. were: 1. Charlotte, b. Jan. 25, 1769. 2. Arna, b. Jan. 16, 1771. 3. Joseph, b. June 19, 1774, d. Aug. 31, 177.5. 4. Abigail, b. May 12, 1776. 5. Atarah, b. June 3, 1778, m.Mr. Burbank. 6. Eliel, b. Sept. 7, 1780. 7. Arathusa, b. Sept. 26, 1784. 8. Joseph, b. Mar. 2, 1787. 9. Francis, b. Mar. 15, 1794. Mr. Bacon died Nov. 27, 1808, aged 62. His wife died in Dec., 1806. Bacon, Arna, s. of Joseph, m. Betsey Sawin of Westminster ; their ch. were: 1. Betsey, b. Aug. 22, 1793. She is now living, and is eighty-four years of age. 2. Sophronia M., b. Sept. 4, 1809, m. John Lewis of Westminster. Mr. Bacon moved to Westmins- ter about 18.15. Bacon, Eliel, s. of Joseph, m. Christiana, dau. of David and Hannah (Maltman) Comee ; their ch. were: 1. Calvin C, b. Sept. 15, 1804. 2. Eliza C. 3. Francis. 4. Nancy. 6. Cynthia M. 6. James. 7. Matthias C. He left town in 1805 for the West. Bacon, Joseph, son of Joseph, m. Lucy, dau. of Aaron and Lucy (Jackson) Wood ; their ch. were : Sereno, Almira and Francis. Mr. Bacon moved to Pennsylvania soon after he married. Bacon, Francis, s. of Joseph 1st, m. Malinda, dau. of Abel Kendall ; their ch. were : Mary, Charles, Maria and Asa. He also left town for the West soon after marrying. Banister, Daniel, from Boylston, m. Anna ; their ch. were : 1. Sally, b. Dec. 27, 1800. 2. Angelina, b. May 11, 1805. He moved back to Boylston in 1812. Bancroft, Jonathan, from Ward, (now Auburn) came here about 1772, and settled where his grandson, Dea. S. W. Bancroft, now lives. He was a farmer and shoemaker. He very narrowly es- caped being drowned while attempting to cross the pond, one even- ing, on the ice. Coming to an open place he fell in, but recovered himself. He was a soldier in the Kevolutionary War, and was at 332 HISTORY OF GARDNER. the taking of Burgoyne and his army in 1777. He m. Sarah Case ; their children were: 1. Jonathan, b. Feb. 7, 1775. 2. Smyrna, b. May 15, 1776. 3. Sally, b. Jan. 21, 1778. 4. -Mary, b. Oct. 13, 1779. 5. Betsey, b. Jan. 7, 1782. 6. Lucy, b. Sept. 11, 1787. 7. Roxy, b. May 31, 1789. Mr. Bancroft's first wife, (mother of the above named children) died Feb. 17, 1816. He afterward m. Elizabeth , who died Dec 2, 1822. He died Sept. 26, 1826, aged 76. Bancroft, Jonathan, s. of Jonathan, m. Betsey Parker, from West- ford ; their ch. were: 1. Sophia, b. Jan. 19, 1800. 2. Mary, b. Oct. 23, 1801, d. Sept. 17, 1805. 3. Laura F., b. Aug. 24, 1803, d. Sept. 3, 1805. 4. Jonathan 0., b. Sept. 12, 1806. 5. Mary Amanda, b. Nov. 17, 1808. 6. Laura E., b. Dec. 12, 1812. 7. Jesse P., b. April 15, 1815. 8. Lucius L., b. Oct. 25, 1818. 9. Smyrna 0., b. Jan. 9, 1822. Mr. Bancroft died in 1840, aged 65. Bancroft, Smyrna, s. of Jonathan 1st, m. Sarah Whitney of Win- chendon ; their ch. were : 1. Harvey M., b. May 1, 1803, in 1828 he m. Betsey C, dau. of Lewis and Lucy (Keyes) Glazier, when they moved to Ashburnham where they are now living. 2. Smyr- na W.,b. Dec. 13, 1804. 3. Mary E., b. Nov. 5, 1807. 4. Sally W., b. April 13, 1810. 5. Amasa, b. Mar. 16, 1812. 6. Viola, b. Aug. 26, 1815. Mr. Bancroft d. May 5, 1818, aged 42. Bancroft, Smyrna W., s. of Smyrna, m. Lucy, dau. of Elisha and Relief (Beard) Jackson; their ch. were: 1. Sally W., b. Feb. 2. 1828, d. Mar. 30, 1832. 2. Walter, b. Mar. 7, 1830. 3. Mary, b. Feb. 21, 1832. 4. Charles, b. May 5, 1836. 5. Elmira, b. June 13, 1843. 6. Amasa, b. Aug. 21, 1846. 7. Eugene, b. June 16, 1849. Bancroft, Amasa, s. of Smyrna, m. Carolin'e A., dau. of. Nehemiah and Matilda (Bolton) Shumway ; their ch. were: 1. Caroline M., b. June 2, 1837. 2. Mary A., b. Aug. 1, 1844, d. Sept. 12, 1862. His second wife was Mrs. Jane Wyman. Baker, Jonas, fi'om Marlboro', was a farmer in the south part of the town. He m. Miss Adams. His second wife was Susan Simonds, whose ch. were: 1. Joseph S., b. Nov. 3, 1790. 2. Betsey, b. Oct. 21, 1793. 3. Jonas. Mr. Baker left town about 1794. Baker, .John, from Marlboro', was also a farmer living in the south part of the town and brother of Jonas. He m. Elizabeth Marshall ; HISTORY OF GAEDJV-UM. 333 their ch. were : 1. Milley, m. Nathan Eaton of Westminster. 2. Esther. 3. Lydia. He was a three years man in the Revolution- ary War. He died in 1835, aged 87. Bakek, Geokge, also from Marlboro', and brother of the two preced- ing. They all located in the same vicinity and were of like occu- pation. He married Dinah Parraenter ; their ch. were: 1. Ar- temas, b. Aug. 6, 1777, m. Sarah Nichols. 2. Persis, b. June 3, 1783. 3. George A., b. Oct. 5, 1787, m. Olive Holden. 4. Nancy, b. July 7, 1789, d. Aug. 12, 1791. .5. Dinah, b. Apr. 11, 1791, m. Eber Underwood. 6. Amos. Bakee, Thomas, from Westminster, settled on a farm now owned by Daniel Adams. He m. Mary Lewis ; their cli. were: 1. Ezra, b. Apr. 19, 1789. 2. Richard, b. Mar. 1, 1791. 3. Mary, b. May 26, 1793, m. David Nichols. 4. Joseph, b. July 15, 1795. 5. Roena, b. Sept. 28, 1803, m. Charles Childs. Mr. Baker died Mar. 24, 1842, aged 81. Baker, Ezra, s. of Thomas, m. Lucy, dau. of Joseph and Patience (Styles) Priest; their children were: 1. Fanny, b. Feb. 2,1813, m. Merrick Wallace. 2. Joel, b. April 5, 1815. 3. Levi, b. June 21, 1817, d. August 21, 1819. 4. Betsey, b. Sep. 27, 1819. 5. Joseph, b. July 15, 1826. 6. Charles, b. Dec. 14, 1828. Baker, Richard, s. of Thomas, m. Althina, dau. of William and Ann (Heywood) Whitney; their children were: 1. William, b. Jan. 22, 1817. 2. Lucy, b. Mar. 3, 1818, d. Dec. 26, 1834. 3. Mary, b. Apr. 22, 1819. 4. Walter, b. Nov. 5, 1821, d. Oct. 14, 1843. 6. Betsey, b. Oct. 14, 1823. 6. Francis L., b. Jan. 30, 1827. 7. Richard B., b. July 25, 1830 8. Calvin H., b. Apr. 10, 1832. 9. Lucy Ann, b. Nov. 12, 1834. 10. Angeline, b. Nov. 22, 1838. Baker, Joseph, s. of Thomas, m. Esther Holt ; they had one child named Alexander, b. Mar. 10, 1819. He soon after left town. Baker, George A., s. of George, m. Olive Holden; their ch. were: 1. George H., b. Feb. 20, 1817. 2. Willard, b. July 15, 1819. 3. Roxa, b. Oct. 9, 1821. 4. Sumner, b. Oct. 21, 1826. Baker, George H., s. of George A., m. Roena, dau. of David and Mary Nichols; their ch. were: 1. Mary Jane, b. July 1, 1838. His other children were born after he left town. 334 HI8T0RY OF OARDNER. Bakeb, Lxjther, m. Harriet Partridge ; their ch. were : 1. Jude Saw- yer, b. Mar. 12, 1821, d. Apr. 22, 1821. 2. Jonas, b. Feb. 9, 1822. 3. Mary Ann, b. Nov. 16, 1823. 4. Calvin, b. Apr. 12, 1827. 5. Lucas, b. Jan. 28. 1829. Barker, Joseph, m. Martha, dau. of Ahio and Betsey (Heyvi'ood) Tem- ple; their ch. were : 1. Martha, b. Mar. 9, 1810. 2. Mary, b. Aug. 31, 1811. 3. Joseph, b. Jan. 25, 1813. He died July 19, 1813. Barker, Joseph, s. of Joseph, m. Lucy, dau. of Noah and Hannah (Whitcomb) Fairbank ; their ch. were: 1. Mary E., b. June 4, 1839. 2. Eliza A., b. Oct. 27, 1841. 3. Martha M., b. April 26, 1845. Ballou, Oziel, m. Emily -; their ch. were: 1. Henry E., b. May 24, 1841. 2. Emily J., b. Feb. 13, 1843; moved to Rich- mond, N. H. Ballou, Ebenezer, m. Betsey, dau. of Ezekiel and Susanna (Payson) Howe; their ch. were: 1. Mary, b. Aug. 8, 1844. 2. Olive, b. May 2. 1848. 3. Joseph P., b. Oct. 24, 1851, d. July 16, 1856. 4. Fanny, b. June 25, 1P58. 5. Martha P., b. May 17, 1861. Baldwin, Josiah, one of the first inhabitants, lived in town a few years, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War three years. He m. Susanna, dau. of Israel Green ; they had one child whose name was Susanna, she m. James Cowee ; their ch. were : Persia, Joel, Rebecca, Susan, Betsey, Mehitable, Sarah, Lucinda, Pearson, George W., Aaron, James, William, John and Reuel G. Beard, Andrew, from Reading, settled in the south part of the town about 1772, and was, by trade, a carpenter. He m. Miss Burnap ; their ch. were: 1. Lizzie. 2. Tabitha, m. Abel Woodard. 3. Andrew, m. Lucy Dunn. 4. Artemas, m. Lydia Baker. 5. Aaron, m. Anna Dunster. 6. Mary. 7. Abel. 8. Bethia, m. Aaron Wood. 9. Dorcas, m. Mr. Jewett. 10. Hephzibah. 11. Lucinda. Mr. Beard died in 1831. Beard, Andrew, s. of Andrew, m. Lucy ; their children were ; 1. Andrew, b. Dec. 19, 1795. 2. Vinal C, b. Jan. 31, 1807, d. June 21, 1817. Mr. Beard died in 1851, aged 79. Bennett, Thomas, m. Mary ; their ch. were : 1. Thomas, b. Jan. 14, 1798, m. Emma Foster. 2. Hannah, m. Nahum Wallace. 3. Mary, m. Samuel H. Clark. HISTORY OF GARDNER. b35 Bennett, Thomas, s. of Thomas, m. Emma Foster of Ashburnham ; they had oue child named Mary Ann H., b. Oct. 24, 1823, and soon after they moved to Ashburnham, where they had other chil- dreu. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and is still living and about 80 years of age. BiGELOw, Marshall, m. Elizabeth Clark ; they had one child named Sylvia, b. Mar. 13, 1801. BiCKFORD, "William, came from Reading about 1771. He located in what is now the South Village. He built a saw and grist-mill, -the first in the town, where the chair shop of Horace F. Parker now is. He served a period in the French War at Nova Scotia and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He m. Tabitha Parker ; their ch. were- 1. Tabitha, m. Nathan Howard. 2. William, m. Betsey White. 3. Ebenezer, m. Sarah Hill. 4. Nathan, d. 5. David, d. 6. Edmond, m. Nancy Emory. 7. David, d. Mr. Bickford died in 1832, aged 89. BiCKFORD, William, s. of William, m. Betsey White ; their children were: 1. Cassandana, b. May 15, 1812, m. Abram Temple. 2. Amanda M. b. Dec. 9, 1814, d. Dec. 12, 1814. 3. Betsey, b. Dee. 4, 1817, d. Dec. 4, 1817. Mr. Bickford died in 1847, aged 79, his wife in 1841, aged 63. BiCKFOKD, Ebenezer, s. of William 1st, m. Sarah Hill; their ch. were: 1. Roena, b. July 8, 1801. 2. George W., b. June 25, 1803. 3. Francis A., b. Feb. 7, 1806. 4. AsaD., b. Mar. 17, 1808. 5. Sally, b. Nov. 5, 181Q. 6. Mary, b. Aug. 17, 1813. 7. Martha, b. Feb. 17, 1816. 8. David. 9. William. He died Nov. 10, 1855, aged, 82. She died June 19, 1857, aged 76. Bickford, Edmond, s. of William 1st, m. Nancy Emory; their ch. were: 1. Albert, b. Feb. 16, 1807. 2. Lucinda, b. July 10, 1808. 3. Tabitha, b. Dec. 16, 1811. 4. Oliver E., b. Mar. 12, 1812. 5. Nancy, b. Dec. 20, 1815. 6. Betsey, b. Apr. I, 1820, d. Apr. 20, 1820. 7. Charles, b. May 23, 1824. 8. Otis, b. Dec. 12, 1825, d. April 13, 1826. He died in 1826 and she died in 1876. aged 91. Bickford, George W., s. of Ebenezer, m. Amanda Cole; their ch. were : 1. Walter B., b .May 15, 1829. 2. Harriet B., b. Sept. 6, 1830. 3. Ann Maria, b. Mar. 30, 1832. 4. Otis H., b. Feb. 8, 1836. 336 HISTOBY OF GARDNER. BiCKFOED, Asa D., s. of Ebenezer, m. Sarah Allen ; their ch. were ; 1. Eliza, b June 10, 1837. 2. Amelia,'b. Jan. 4, 1840. 3. Chas., b. Feb. 23, 1842. 4. Ellen L., b. Nov. 15, 1843. 5. Lucy A., b. Oct. 4, 1850. BiCKFORD, David P., s. of Ebenezer, ni. Lydia, dau. of Elijah and Betsey (Martin) Travers ; their ch. were : 1. Horace P., b. May 23, 1840, d. 2. Clara J., b. Apr. 6, 1845. 3. Horace C, b. Jan. 5, 1848. 4. David, b. July 22, 1850. 5. Imogene, b. Sept. 15, 1851. Blodgett, Fletchek, m. Elmira ; their ch. were : 1. Eugene, b. July 12, 1840, d. 2. Koeua F., b. Aug. 15, 1842. 3. Mary L., b. Mar. 7, 1846, d. Feb. 17, 1847. 4. Eugene, b. Dec. 7, 1847. 5. Charles, b. Nov. 26, 1850. 6. Mary H., b. May 23, 1853. BoYDEN, Joseph, came into town about 1780, m. Mary, dau. of Seth and Mary (Temple) Heywood ; their ch. were: 1. Mary, b. Oct. 17,1792. 2. "WyatC.,b. Dec. 5, 1794. 3. Lucy. 4. Ebenezer, 5. Frederick. 6. Joseph. Mr. Boyden was a physician, and after practicing here a few years, he went to Tamworth, N. H., where he became eminent, but was suddenly cut off in the midst of life, by a fall from his horse. Bolton, Ebenezer, one of the first settlers, from Reading, located in the south part of the town as a farmer. He was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and was afterwards a pensioner. He m. Elizabeth Holt; their ch. were: 1. Betsey, m. Nathan Taft. 2. Jerusha, m. Silas Holt. 3. Esther, d. 4 and 5. Abram and Asa, (twins) d. 6. Ebenezer, m. LendayLeland. Mr. Bolton died in 1835, aged 87. Bolton, Ebenezer, s. of Ebenezer, m. Lindey, dau. of Simeou and Rhoda (Hill) Leland ; their ch. were: 1. Hollis, b. Dec. 1, 1799. 2. Horatio N., b. May 25, 1806. 3. Emily, b. Feb. 26, 1814. 4. Ransom, b. May, 2, 1817. 5. Rhoda, b. Dec. 24, 1821. 6. Be- larmin, b. Oct. 10, 1824. Bolton, Horatio N., m. Mary Waite ; their ch. were: 1. Harriet, b. Oct. 6. 1831. 2. Melinda, b. Dec. 22, 1832. 3. Christopher, b. Nov. 4, 1834. 4. Sidney, b. July 13, 1838. Mr. Bolton died Nov. 15, -1838. Brick, Jonas, one of the first settlers, came from Sherburne, and located in the south part of the town, near Westminster line. He HISTORY OF GARDNER. 337 m. Hannah Richardson ; their first four children, viz. : Silas Asahel, Charlotte and Sally were born in Sherburne. 5. Enoch, b. June 24, 1790. ' 6. Elijah, b. Apr. 26, 1792. 7. Jonas, b. July 31, 1794, d. Apr. 19, 1795. 8. Judith, b. July 31, 1794. 9. Jonas, b. Oct. 10, 1796. Mr. Brick died in 1822, aged 64. Brick, Asahel, s. of Jonas, m. Betsey Snow; their ch. were: 1. Asahel Augustus, b. July 14, 1812. 2. Ephraim Sumner, b. June 25, 1814. 3. Susan Sawyer, b. May 8, 1816, d. Oct. 1, 1826. 4. Jonas K., b. July 4, 1818, d. Aug. 11, 1821. 5. Jerome Snow, b. Nov. 3, 1820. His second wife was Betsey Carpenter ; they had: Betsey Jane, b. Mar. 10, 1822, m. Dr. Allen. Asahel A. and Ephraim S. went to Augusta, Me., where they have since died. Brick, Jerome, s. of Asahel, m. Lucy Ann Oliver ; their ch. were : 1. Sarah .E., b. May 23, 1843, m. George W. Marshall. 2. Geo. S., b. Feb. 25, 1846, d. Feb. 26, 1846. 3. Mary R.,b. Apr. 15, 1849, m. Daniel M. Eice. 4. Hattie M., b. Mar. 4, 1854, d. Oct. 12, 1854. 5. Frank M.,b. Apr. 23, 1856, d. May 26, 1856. Brick, Elijah, s. of Jonas, m. Sally, dau. of David and Christiana (Maltman) Comee ; their ch. were: 1. Alfred H., b. Jan. 26, 1815. 2. David C, b. Mar. 8, 1817. 3 and 4. Mary and Maria, (twins) b. May 18, 1821. Mary d. 5. Eliza, b. Feb. 25, 1823, d. Aug. 2, 1824. 6. Sarah, b. July 24, 1826. 7. Mary, b. June 26, 1829. 8. Walter, b. Jan. 17, 1834. Brick, Jonas, s. of Jonas, m. Esther Whitney ; their ch. were : Mary Ann and Esther. lie left town many years since. Brick, Alfred H., s. of Elijah, m. Lucy, dau. of James and Dolly (Corey) Scollay. For some reason he has no record on the town book; their ch. were: 1. Francis. 2. Eliza, d. 3. Harriets. His second wife was Martha C. Mahoney ; their ch. were : George A., Henry H., Charles E. and Helen M. His first wife died Nov. 19, 1846. Brick, David C, s. of Elijah, m. Sarah Priest; their ch. weie: 1. Charles Augustus, b. Jan. 19. 1839. 2. Squire AVesley, b. Mar. 30, 1842, d. same year. Mrs. Brick died June 6, 1»42, and Mr. Brick moved to Fitchburg soon afterwards. 43 338 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Brigham, Seth, m. Eunice ; their ch. were: 1. Emerald, b. May 1, 1790. 2. Tameson, b. Sept. 10, 1792. 3. limethist, b. Aug. 6, 1796. Mr. Brigham was in town but a few years and it is uncertain where he went. Brinkman, John, m. Nancy (Temple) Fairbauk ; they had one child, John, b. Nov. 3, 1838. Brooks, Joel, one of the first settlers, came from Stow. He located in the west part of the town, on what is known as the Brooks Hill, and was one of the best farmers in town. He m. Tameson, dau. of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Deland) Howe; their ch. were: 1. Lydia, b. Mar. 7, 1792, m. David Nichols. She died Nov. 30, 1812. 2. Lucy, b. Feb. 18, 1794, m. George Scott. 3. Betsey, b. June 22, 1796, m. Isaac Jackson. 4. Joel, b. Apr. 5, 1798. 0. Silas, b. July 8, 1800. 6. Luke, b. July 20, 1803, d. May 25, 1806. 7. Anna, b. Dec. 21, 1805. Mrs. Brooks died Jan. 13, 1806, aged 36. He married for his second wife, Azubah Pierce, who died Mar. 19, 1841. He died Feb. 4, 1841, aged 84. Brooks, Joel, s. of Joel, m. Cynthia, dau. of Isaac and Betsey (Whit- ney) Taylor; their ch. were: 1. Betsey, b. Apr. 15, 1825, m. Luman H. Hendrick. 2. Lucy Ann, b. May 23, 1829, m. Charles Eoper. Mr. Brooks died Feb. 13, 1877, aged 78. Brooks, Silas, s. of Joel 1st, m. Emily, dau. of Josiah and Annis (Derby) Conant ; their ch. were: 1. Luke, b. May 14, 1825. 2. Sylvanus, b. Feb 18, 1828. 3. Emily E., b. Feb. 28, 1830. 4. George, b. May 4, 1835. 5. Joel, b. June 4, 1837. 6. Web- ster, b. Dec. 8, 1841. He died in 1846, aged 46. Brown, .Jonathan, from Westminster, m. Beulah, dau. of Elisha and Beulah (Taylor) Jackson; their ch. were: 1. Jonathan, b. Jan. 21, 1791. 2. John, b. Mar. 12, 1793. 3. Charles, b. Oct. 23, 1795, d. 4. Elisha, b. Apr. 25, 1798. 5. Charles, b. Mar. 12, 1800. 6. Sally, b. July 22, 1803, d. 7. Sally, b, Sept. 16, 1805. 8. Benjamin Babbitt, b. Oct. 24, 1807. 9. Lucy,b. June 7, 1810. 10 Nancy, b. Mar. 12, 1813. Mr. Brown lived in the east part of the town where his grandson Charles Brown now lives. He died Jan. 24, 1840, aged 74. His wife died Nov. 24, 1839, aged 67. Brown, Jonathan, s. of Jonathan, m. Abigail, dau. of Josiah and Annie (Derby) Conant ; their ch. were : 1. Abigail. 2 and 3. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 339 Maria and Myranda (twins). 4. Emily. 5. Jonathan L. 6. Eli- shaj. 7. Martha. S.Charles. 9. Lucy, b. Apr. 30, 1833. 10. Mary, b. Mar. 15, 1836. 11. Edward R., b Mar. 1), 1838. The first eight of his children were born in Wendell, Mass., the other three in Gardner. His second wife was Miss Marriet Thompson. Childs, Daniel, one of the first settlers, located in the north part of the town, where the late Ai Stone lived. He m. Phebe ; their ch. were : 1. William, b. Nov. 22, 1778. 2. Daniel, b. Sept. 22, 1780. 3. Jonas, b. Dec. 23, 1782, d. Jan. 10, 1790. 4. Polly, b. Apr. 12, 1785. 5. Timothy, b. Nov. 7, 1787. 6. Nathaniel, b. Jan. 31, 1789. 7. Cynthia, b. Nov. 3, 1790, 8. Jonas, b. Aug. 17, 1792, m. Amelia L. F. Osgood. 9. Betsey, b. Oct. 16, 1794, m. Abel Kendall, 10. Harriet, b. Dec. 10, 1796. 11, Lucy, b. Nov. 15, 1798. 12. Charles, b. June 2, 1801, m. Koena Baker. 13. Abijah, b Apr. 11, 1805. 14. Francis, b. Sept. 29, 1807. Mr. Childs moved to N. Y., in 1815. Childs, Daniel, s. of Daniel, m, Sally ; they had one child named Mary, b. Feb. 17, 1809. Childs, Jon.w, s. of Daniel 1st, m. Amelia L. F., dau. of Eev. Jona- than Osgood; their ch. were: 1. Lucius, b. June 12, 1815. 2. Amelia A. 3. Amanda. Cheney, Lorenzo, m Loreua Lane ; their ch. were: 1. Lorenzo L., b, Aug. 10, 1839. 2. Charles A., b. May 17, 1847. Clapp, Stephen, m. Hannah ; their ch. were : 1. Betsey, b. Oct. 27, 1798. 2. Rachel, b. Apr. 3, 1801. Clapp, Uriah, m. Azubah Wilder ; their ch. were : 1. Asahel, b. Sept. 15, 1809. 2. Daniel, b. Feb. 12, 1811. 3. Mary, b. Jan. 6, 1813, d. Jan. 27, 1813. 4. Bellona, b. June 22, 1815.. 5. Lovell, b. June 17, 1818. Clapp, Asahel, s. of Uriah, m. Hannah Harris; their ch. were: 1. Waldo E., b. Feb. 9, 1838. 2 Florance F., b. Sept. 9, 1849. Clapp, Daniel, s. of Uriah, m. Catherine E. Grout ; their ch. were: 1. Susan G., b. Oct. 12, 1837, m. Artemas Coolidge. 2. Joseph W., b. Dec. 14, 1839, m. Agnes Hobby. 3. Samuel, b. June. 9, 1841, d. at Alexandria, Va.,'Dec. 14, 1861. 4. Sarah M., b. Nov. 15, 1843, m. Charles Eaton. 5. Daniel E., b. June 26, 1848. 6. Edward, b. Oct. 7, 1853. His second wife was Mrs. Izanna Wood. 340 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Clark, Joseph, came to this place from Sherborne and located in the west part of the town, and was one of the first settlors. He was a sol- dier in the Revolutionary War seven years. He m. Mary Maltman ; they had one child named Joseph, b. Mar. 3, 1787, who m. Sarah Sawyer ; their eh. were : 1. Leonora, b. Julj' 28, 1812. 2 Sylves- ter, b. Jan. 30, 1814. 3. Mary, b. June 4, 1816. 4. Joseph M., b. July 19, 1818. Joseph, Sen., died in 1837, aged 80, and Joseph, Jr., July 4, 1820, aged 33. Clark, Benjamin, brother of Joseph Sen., also came from Sherborne and was a farmer in the west part of the town, where his son Dea. Samuel H. Clark now lives. He m. Martha Minott ; their ch. were : 1. Esther M., b. Feb. 8, 1789. 2. Benjamin, b. Dec. 28, 1790. 3. Polly, b. July 23, 1793. 4. Betsey, b. May 17, 1795, m. Low- ell Leland. 5. Sally, b. June 16, 1797. 6. Joanna M., b. Dec. 23, 1799. 7. Samuel H., b. Mar. 17, 1805. Mr. Clark died in 1827, aged 65. Claek, Samuel H., s. of Benjamin, m. Mary, dau. of Thomas and Hannah Bennett; their ch. were: 1. George, b. Aug. 31, 1846. 2. William R., b. Aug, 31, 1848. Clark, Hiram, m. Louisa, dau. of Joseph and Rebecca (Nichols) Wright; their ch. were: 1. Harrison O., b. July 24, 1822. 2. Joseph W., b. June 23, 1825. 3. George D., b. May 22, 1827. 4. Cyrus P., b. Aug. 29, 1828. 5. Eliza M., b. Dec. 4, 1830. 6. Louisa A., b. Jan. 8, 1833. 7. James F., b. Mar, 28, 1835. They had Martha, Frederic and CJiarles after leaving town. Clark, Joel C, m. Mary Ann, dau. of Joel and Bridget (Glazier) Cowee ; they had one child named Sumner Lincoln, b. Aug. 30, 1836. She died Nov. 16, 1843. Mr. Clark married a second time and moved to Worcester, where he is now living. Clark, George W., m Mary ; they had one child named Mary Ann P., b. Oct. 28, 1841. CoMEE, David, one of the first settlers, can\e from Lexington about 1774, and located in the east part of the town. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He m. Christiana Maltman ; their ch. were: 1. David, b. Mar. 2, 1775. 2, James M., b. Apr. 18, 1777. 3. Benjamin, b. May 28, 1779, d. Jan. 26, 1785. 4. Christiana, b. Oct. 30, 1781. 5. Polly, b. Sept. 4, 1784. 6. Benj., HISTORY OF GABBJ^JSli. 341 b. Dec. 13, 1786, d. Apr. 4, 1790. 7. John, b. Jan. 24, 1789, d. Mar. 2,5, 1802. His second wife was Hannah Maltman ; their ch" were: 1. Hannah, b. Apr. 6, 1790, d. Mar. 10, 1810. 2, Sarah" b. Feb. 12, 1793. 3. Patty, b. Oct. 2, 1795, d. Mar. 19, l.SOs' 4. Ruhama, b. Feb 20, 1798. 5. Benjamin, b. Sept. 16, 1800. 6. .Joseph, b. Jan. 14, 1803. 7. Martha. 8. George W., b. Aug! 22, 1809. Mr. Cmiee died Mar. 14, 1826, aged 82. COMEE, David, s. of David, m. Esther Baker; their ch. were: 1. David, b, June 4, 1801, d. Apr. 17, 1803. 2. Betsey, b. Dec. 9,' 1802, m. Jesse Lovewell. 3. John, b. Dec. 21, 1804. 4. Louisa,' b. Oct. 4, 1808 m. Leonard Lovewell. CoMEE, James M., s. of David 1st, m. Sarah Putnam ; their ch. were : 1. Maria, b. Sept. 2, 1802. 2. Christiana, b. Apr. 1, 1805. 3. Sally, b. May 14, 1807. 4. James, M., b. May 31, 1809. 5. Mary, b. May 23, 1811. 6. William W., b. Aug. 19, 1813. 7. Abigail, b. Apr. 24, 1816. 8. John P., b. Sept. 3, 1818, d. Mar. 8, 1819. 9. Leander P., b. Dec. 26, 1819. 10. Eliza, b. Apr. 28, 1822, d. Mar. 10, 1.836. 11. Daniel W., b. Aug. 21, 1825. Mr. Comee was the first and only chair manufacturer in town for a number of years, though in a small way, to be sure, but from that beginning the business has developed to such a degree that, at the present time, the annual production in value, will reach the sum of nearly one and a half million dollars. He died Aug. 27, 1832. CoMEE, Benjamin, s. of David 1st, m. Lovina Mead ; their ch. were : 1. Charlotte E., b. Aug. 31, 1824. 2. Caroline A., b. June 26, 1826. They moved to New York many years since, where tlTey had Martha Ann, James M. and Sarah M. His second wife was Mrs. E. A. Seager ; their ch. were : Rosette, William, Esquire and Helen. CoMEE, Joseph, s. of David 1st, m. Miriam, dau. of Samuel Stone ; they had one child named Christopher Columbus, b. Jan. 28, 1827. They afterward moved to New York, where they had Samuel, Martha S. and George. Comee, George W., s. of David 1st, m. Fanny Vining. His second wife was Betsey Howard ; their ch. were : George M., b. May 1, 1842, Francis, Fanny and Frank. 342 JJISTOEY OF OARDNEli. CoMEE, James M., s. of James M., m. Emily Nichols; they had one child in this town named James^ b. July 2, 1836. He afterwards moved to Fitchburg. CoMEE, William W., s. of James M.. m. Maria "Wiuship ; their ch. were: 1. William, b. July 17, 1837. 2. Charles H., b. Aug. 17, 1840. He afterwards moved to Fitchburg. CONANT, JosiAH, from Westminster, one of the first seftlers, located on a place in the east part of the town, now known as the Shute place. He m. Annis Derby; their ch. were: 1. Aaron, b. Mar. 15, 1785. 2. Lucy, b. Feb. 19, 1787, m. Isaac Miller. 3. Nancy, b. Fel . 6, 1789, m. Alpheus Symonds. 4. Betsey, b. Apr. 8, 1791. 5. Farwell, b. Apr. 12, 1793. 6. Abigail, b June 11, 1795. 7. Mary, b. Aug. 30, 1797, m. Asahel Corey. 8. Josiah, b, July 30, 1799. 9. Emily, b. Aug. 19, 1801. 10. Susanna, b. July 18, 1803. 11. Lyman, b. Aug. 12, 1805, m. Emma Wells. 12. Maria, b. June 16, 1807. 13. Lanson, b. May 2, 1809, d.May 15, 1809. 14. Sylvester T., b. June 20, 1810. Mr. Conant died in 1835, aged 77. CoNANT, Aaron, ,s. of Josiah, m. Lucy, dau. of Jonathan and Sarah (Case) Bancroft; their ch. were: 1. Catherine, b. 1807. 2. Eoswell B., b. May 15, 1813, d. Dec. 7, 1813. 3. Roswell, b. Mar. 24, 1815, d. Apr. 14, 1815. 4. Smyrna B., b. Jan. 18, 1818. 5. Emily, b. Dec. 13, 1819, d. Jan. 2, 1820. 6. George P., b. May 28, 1821. 7. Aaron W.,b. Mar. 15, 1823. 8. Mary B., b. June 11, 1825. 9. Sarah C, b. Dec. 1, 1829. Conant, Farwell, s. of Josiah, m. Lucy, dau. of Joseph and Rebecca (Nichols) Wright ; their ch. were : 1. Rebecca, b. Dec. 11, 1820. 2. Mary Ann, b. Jan. 13, 1823. 3. Calvin, b. Apr. 3, 1825. 4. John R., b. Oct. 25, 1829. 5. Charles, b. Sept. 16, 1833. 6. Lucy M., b. May 3, 1837. CoNANT, Josiah, s. of Josiah, m. Harriet Graves ; their ch. were : 1. Harriet A., b. Apr. 9, 1825. 2. William, b. Mar. 6, 1827, d. Jan. 18, 1829. 3. Walter, b. May 16, 1829. 4. Joseph L., b. Oct. 18, 1831, d. Jan. 19, 1833. 5. Francis, b. Oct. 18, 1835. 6. Ellen M., b. Aug. 18, 1838, d. May 25, 1840. 7. George A., b. Dec. 18, 1841, d. 1861. 8. Eliza Jane, b. Sept. 25, 1843. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 343 COOLIDGE, James, one of the first settlers, came from Sherburne about the year 1770, and was a farmer, located in the north part of the town (then Winchendon;) . While he was a resident of Winchen- don, as appears from the records of that town, he was a somewhat prominent man, serving on the board of selectmen, parish com- mittee, and in 1778, was on the committee of correspondence relat- ing to war matters. It seems by the record that he was much attached to his old town, for we find that he was opposed to being taken from Winchendon, and petitioned the legislature to set him back to that town, but was refused the favor. After a few years he became reconciled, and took hold in earnest to assist others in building up the town. He m. Sarah Gould; their ch. were: Sarah, Joseph, Betsey and James. Mr. Coolidge died in 1847, aged 94. Coolidge, Joseph, s. of James, m. Achsah, dau. of Moses Hale ; their ch. were: 1. Catherine, b. Apr. 24, 1811. 2. Lucy, b. Nov. 4, 1814. 3. Joseph H., b. Feb. 28, 1818. 4. Sally, b. May 9, 1820. 5. Artemas, b. Nov. 2, 1823. 6. Charles M., b. Dec. 6, 1826. Coolidge, James, s. of James, m. Annis Sawin ; their ch. were: 1. Warren, b. Aug. 1, 1805. 2. Betsey, b. Feb. 2, 1807, m. Mr. Damon. 3. Charles, b. Aug. 23, 1809. 4. Samuel S., b. Aug. 24, 1813, m. Miss Townsend. 5. Sally, b. Sept. 26, 1815, d. Mar. 26, 1816. 6. Martha, b. Aug. 24, 1817. 7. James, b Nov. 20, 1819. 8, Abigail, b. Sept. 13, 1824. He died in 1841. Coolidge, Joseph H,, s. of Joseph, m. Betsey Davis ; their ch. were: Henry, Nettie L., George H. and Lucy A. Ceosbt, John, m. Lucetta ; their ch. were: 1. Webster, b. June 10, 1839, d. Apr. 18, 1840. 2. Lucia T., b. Sept. 25, 1841. CoBURN, Henry F., m. Maria M. ; they had one child named Charles Edwin, b. July 7, 1842. CuERiER, Jonathan, from Methuen, he m. Betsey, dau. of Jonas and Mary (Bailey) Richardson; their ch. were: 1. Mary, b. Dec. 14, 1799. 2. Hannah, b. Nov. 21, 1801. 3. Betsey, b. Oct. 14, 1803. They moved to Methuen where they had Nathan and Almira. 344 HISTORY OF GARDNER. CuRKiER, Nathaniel, m. Mary ; their cli. were : 1. Nathaniel, b. Apr. 22, 1800. 2. Amos, b. Dec. 18, 1801, d. Feb. 14, 1802. Corey, Stephen, m. Anna ; their ch. were: 1. Stephen, b. Nov. 27, 1795. 2. Nancy, b. Jan. 3, 1799. 3. Eimira, b. Feb. 27, 1801. He afterwards moved to Ashbiirnham. CowEE, James, from Westminster, m. Susanna, dau. of Josiah and Susanna (Green) Baldwin; their ch. were: 1. Persis. 2. Joel. 3. Rebecca. 4. Susanna, o. Betsey. 6. Mehitable. 7. Sally, b. Apr. 15, 1794. 8. Lucinda, b. Dec. 14, 1795. 9. Pearson, b. Oct. 6,1797. 10. George W.,b. Sept. 30, 1799. 11. Aaron, b. Aug. 4, 1801. 12. James, b. Dec. 28, 1802. 13. William, b. Feb. 12, 1805. 14. John, b. June 9, 1807. 15. Reuel G. The six first of Mr. Cowee's children were born in Westminster and the last one in Ashby. Mr. Cowee owned the place on which Hez- ekiah Corey afterwards lived and who petitioned the legislature to have it set back to Ashburnham, which was done in 1814. Cov?EE, Joel, s. of James, m. Bridget, dau. of Smyrna and Bridget (Foster) Glazier; their ch. were: 1. Mary Ann, b. Mar. 18, 1813. 2. Adeline, b. Dec. 18, 1815. 3. Lewis L., b. Apr. 30, 1820, d. Aug. 16, 1824 4. Jonathan 0., b. Sept. 10, 1822, d. Aug. 28, 1824. 5. Joel, b. Nov. 20, 1825. 6. Porter, b. Mar. 29, 1828. 7. Webster, b. June 23, 1832. Cowee, George W., s. of James, m. Leonora, dau. of Jonathan and Sybil (Holbrook) Greenwood; their ch. were: 1. Sybil C, b. Nov. 3, 1824. 2. George L., b. Juue 7, 1.827. 3. Alvin G., b. Apr. 28, 1829. 4. Aaron, b. Aug. 17, 1831. 5. Mary M , b. Aug. 4, 1833. 6. Adaline, b. Nov. 4, 1835. Mrs. Cowee died May 14. 1838. His second wife was Sarah Wilcox; their ch. were: 1 and 2. Frank and Fred, (twins) b. Feb. 4, 1852, Frank d. 3. Frank, b. Feb. 3, 1853. 4. Harriet, b. Jan. 11, 1855. 5. Ellen E. Cowee, Reuel G., s. of James, m. Lucy Ann S every ; their ch. were: 1. Aaron, b. June 10, 1835. 2. Mary, b. Nov. 18, 1889. Coleman, Lafayette, m. Eunice Kendall ; their ch. were : 1. Orison, b. Feb. 25, 1834. 2. Melvin, b. Apr. 17, 1839. Mr. Coleman had other .children previous to moving into this town. HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. 345 Cutler, Curtis, m. Clarissa ; their ch. were: 1. Sarah M., b. Aug. 23, 1836, d. Aug. 30, 1836. 2. Sarah M., b. April 14, 1838. Derby, Joel, m. Susanna ; their ch. were: 1. Joel, b. Mar. 14, 1805. 2. Loenza, b. July 9, 1809. Davis, Gk.oege W., m. Anua Parley ; their eh. were-: 1. Walter, b. Nov. 18, 1813. 2. George, b. Nov. 17, 181.5. 3. Alonzo, b. Nov. 15, 1817. 4. Betsey, b. Oct. 13, 1821. Mrs. Davis died Dec. 10, 1821. His second wife was Betsey Conant ; their ch. were: 1. Lyman, b. Nov. 23, 1824. 2. Leander, b. June 29, 1826. 3. Anna, b. Sept. 25, 1827. 4. Maria, b. Mar. 30, 1829. 5. Lucy Ann, b. June 5, 1830. 6. Silas, b. Jan. 1, 1832, d. Apr. 19, 1842. 7. Charles, b. July 13, 1834. Davis, Winslow, m. Lydia Learned ; their ch. were : 1. Mary L., b. May 21, 1824. 2. Martha L., b. June 29, 1827. 3. Silas, b. Sept. 10, 1829. 4. Porter, b. Jan. 2, 1832. 6. Charles, b. Sept. 27, 1834. 6. Sarah, b. Mar. 27, 1837. Dalrymple, Wm. H., m. Elizabeth ; they had one child in this town named Mary Elizabeth, b. Jan. 24, 1842. Dyer, John, m. ; their ch. were: 1. Ezra. b. Nov. 4, 1828. 2. Lucy Ann, b. Dec. 12, 1830. 3. John A., b. Oct. 5. 1832. 4. Ai 0., b. Oct. 27, 1834. 5. Thomas L., b. Jan. 27, 1837. 6. Ellen S., b. Nov. 12, 1840. DuNSTER, HuBBAKD, from Westminster, m. Eebecca, dau. of Benjamin - and Keziah (Twicholl) Kendall; their ch. were: 1. Martin, b. Jan. 3. 1798. 2. Pruda, b. Jan. 23, 1800, m. Isaac Fitts. 3. Rebecca, b. Feb. 11, 1802, m. Oilman Robbins. 4. Louisa, b. Feb. 18, 1805. 5. Asaph, b. July 6, 1807. 6. Mary Jane, b. Nov. 12, 1809, m. Stephen Tyler. 7. Lydia, b. Jan. 24, 1816. 8. Daphena, b. July 18, 1818. Eaton, Jonathan, one of the first settlers, came from Needham, and was a farmer in the west part of the town. He married Beulah Ward; their ch. were: 1. Beulah, b. Dec. 29, 1791, d. Dec. 14, 1801. 2. Jonathan, b. Sept. 13, 1794, d. Apr. 15, 1795. 3. Joseph, b. Jan. 7, 1796, d. Jan. 25, 1796. 4. Benjamin, b. Jan. 7, 1796, d. Jan 28, 1796. 5. Jonathan, b. June 3, 1798. 6. Rebecca, b. Oct. 1, 1801. Mr. Eaton died in August, 1819. 44 346 HI8T0RY OF OARDNHR. Eaton, John, came from Needham. He was one of the early settlers and located in the north part of the town. He was a soldier at the taking of Burgoyne's army. He m. Mary Larkin ; their ch. were ; 1. Lucy, b. May 31, 1783, m. Mr. Boyden. 2. Josiah, b. Jan. 13, 1787. 3. Mary, b. Jan. 1, 1790, m. Isaac Williams. 4. John, b. Ang. 3, 1792. 5. Nancy, b. July 6, 1795. 6. Peter, b. Dec. 27, 1799. Mr. Eaton died Nov. 24, 1827, aged 81. His wife died Sept. 22, 1817. Eaton, Ebenezer, (brother of the two preceding) was also from Need- ham and an early settler. He located in the south part of the town. He m. Joanna Hutchinson ; their ch. were : 1. Betsey H., b. May 26, 1786, d. April 4, 1795. 2. George, b. Feb. 14, 1788. 3. Clarissa, b. July 6, 1790, d. Apr. 5, 1795. His second wife was Mrs. Eichardson ; their ch. were : Betsey, George and Clarissa. Eaton, Josiah, s. of John, m. Mary Weston; their ch. were: 1. Merrick, b. Oct. 2, 1811. 2. Mary Ann, b. Dec. 4, 1812. 3. Josiah, b. May 5, 1814. Afterwards they moved to Ashburnham where they had Otis, Danford, George, Nancy and Charles. Eaton, John, s. of John, m. Betsey Esty ; their ch. were : 1. George, b. Jan. 21, 1822. 2. Warren, b. Feb. 15, 1823, d. Oct. 8, 1838. 3. Franklin, b. Jan. 13, 1825. 4. Eliza, b. May 31, 1826. 5. John, b. Nov. 13, 1827. 6. Amasa, b. Apr. 9, 1829. 7. Mary, b. Oct. 8, 1830. 8. Maria, b. Feb. 8, 1833. 9. Oliver, b. Aug. 19, 1834. Eaton, Petek, s. of John 1st, m. Catherine Coolidge ; their ch. were : 1. Mary Ann, (born in Winchendon) m. Henry C. Knowlton. 2. Charles, b. Aug. 15, 1839, m. Sarah Clapp. Eaton, John, 2d, m. Emma, dau. of John and Sarah (Shattuck) Kemp; their ch. were: 1. Thomas S., b. Aug. 29, 1823. 2. Franklin, b. Jan. 13, 1825. 3. Eliza, b. May 31, 1826. ' They afterwards moved to Westminster, where they had Milley, Sarah, Nathapiel, James, Wendall, Simeon, Jefferson, Francis and Chas. Edgell, Samuel, from Westminster, one of the first settlers, located in the east part of the town. He m. Sarivh, dau. of Seth and Mary (Temple) Hey wood; their ch. were: 1. Betsey, b. Mar. 7, 1786. 2. Sarah, b. Aug. 5, 1791. 3. Polly, b. July 5, 1793. 4. William, b. June 20, 1795. 5. Mary. 6. Lucinda. 7. Samuel. HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. 347 Edgell, Joseph, from Westminster, m. Dorcas ; their ch. were: 1. Charles, b. Dec. 14,1791. 2. Naucy, b. May 8, 1793. 3. Joseph, b. Feb. 6, 1795, d. June 21, 1795. 4. Eebecca, b. Feb. 21, 1797. 5. Joseph, b. Aug.' 21, 1801. 6. Kendall F.,b. Oct. 30, 1804. He moved back to Westminster in 1805, where they had their seventh child^ whose name was Mary. Edgell, Benjamin, (brother of the two preceding) was one of the first settlers, and located in the south part of the town. He m. Priscilla Graves ; their ch. were : 1. Susanna, b. May 26, 1794. 2. Benjamin, b. Oct. 16, 1795, m. Mary Ann Dollonson. 3. Catherine, b. Sept. 3. 1797. 4. Priscilla, b. Sept. 18, 1799, m. Newell Brown. 5. Mary, b. April 1, 1802, m. Lnther Alden. 6. Farwell, b. Feb. 28, 1805. 7. Louisa, b. Apr., 1807. 8. Lucy, b. June 16, 1808. 9. Abigail, b. Nov. 16, 1810, m. Ed- ward Turner. 10. Martha, m. Jonas Pierce. Edgell, John, m. Elvira, dau. of David and Eachel (Howard) Nich- ols ; their ch. were : 1. Elvira E., b. July 19, 1831, d. Nov. 19, 1839. 2. Emily, b. Aug. 8, 1834, m. Christopher C. Temple. 3. John D., b. Sept. 16, 1836. m. Sarah Greenwood. 4. Charles H., b. Aug. 27, 1840, d. Sept. 3, 1840. 5. Charles N., b. Jan. 29, 1843, m. Helen Bryant. 6. Theodore F., b. June 15, 1845, d. July 1845. 7. Walter E., b. Sept. 9, 1850, d. Mar. 8, 1861. Edgell, Fakwell, s. of Benjamin, m. Mary Ann Sawin ; their ch. were: 1. Emily, b. May 27, 1837, d. May 27, 1840. 2. Elvira C, b. Nov. 29, 1840. 3. Emily J., b. Sept. 25, 1842, d. Nov. 3, 1843. His second wife was Mary Ann Minott. She had one child whose name was George B., b. Oct. 21, 1845. Fairbank, Levi, from Harvard, was one of the first settlers and located in the east part of the town. He m. Eunice Randall ; their ch. were: 1. Levi, b. July 2, 1781. 2. Jabez, b. May 19, 1784. 3. Ephraim, b. April 29, 1786. 4. Joseph, b. June 4, 1788. 5. Eunice, b. June 16, 1792, m. Stephen Weston. 6. Lydia. b. Mar. 31, 1796, m. Arba Brooks. 7. Stephen, b. Jan. 29, 1800, d. May 11, 1800. 8. Luke, b. Feb. 12, 1803. Mr. Fairbank died in 1845, aged 90. His wife died in 1851, aged 92. Fairbank, Levi, s. of Levi, m. Miss Anderson; their ch. were: 1. Phebe, b. Dec. 1, 1809, m. Mr. Wilker. 2. Walter, b. Jan. 2, 348 HISTORY OF GARDNER. 1811. 3. Mary A., b. Oct. 9, 1812, d. Apr. 14, 1837. 4. Stephen, b. Nov. 1, 1814. Fairbank, Jabez, s. of Levi 1st, m. Abigail Seaver ; their ch. were : 1. Abigail, b. Dec. 31, 1812, m. Simeon Howe. 2. Louisa, b. May 7, 1816, m. Aaron Seaver. His second wife was Nancy Temple. She had one child named Sardis, b. Nov. 3, 1820. Fairbank, Joseph, s. of Levi 1st, m. Ruth Jaquith ; their ch. were : 1. Harriet N., b. July 13, 1817. 2. Ruth J., b. Oct. 12, 1819. 3. Joseph, b. June 17, 1823. 4. Alonzo, b. June 22, 1828. Fairbank, Walter, s. of Levi 2d, m. Lucy Wallace ; their ch. were : 1. George W., b. July 20, 1841, d. Sept. 6. 1841. 2. Mary A., b. Aug. 10, 1849, m. L. L. Atherton. » Fairbank, Noah, from Harvard, m. Hannah Whitcomb, their eh. were : 1. Emory, m. Eunice Heywood. 2. Noah, d. Dec. 14, 1825. 3. Sewell, b. Mar. 3, 1804, m. Susan Heywood. 4. Asaph, b Jan. 7, 1806, m. Haniiah Whitcomb. 5. Sophrona, b. Feb. 12, 1808, m. Lewis H. Graham. 6. Hannah, b. Apr. 9, 1810, d. Oct. 29, 1828. 7. Lucy, b. Apr. 24, 1812, m. Joseph Baker. 8. Joel, b. July 14, 1814, m. Esther Leland Mr. Fairbanks died in 1852, aged 80. Fisher, Gideon, was one of the first settlers and located in the north part of the town. He was a great help to the place in clearing it from wild aniijials, for he was a " mighty hunter." He m. Mrs. Rebecca Hutchins ; they had one child whose name was William. Mr. Fisher sold after a few years and left town. Fenno, William, from Boston, m. Rachael Ray • they had one child whose name was Mary, who m. Abel Wood. His second wife was Lydia Ray; their ch. were: 1. William, m. Mary Corey. 2. Asa, m. Gratia Wheeler. 3. Joel, m, Sarah Corey. 4. Elmira, m. Joseph Carter. 5. Lucinda, m. Washington Nichols. 6. Ly- man, m. Mary Miller, whose ch. were : Jane M., Ellen I., Geo. H. and Hattie I. Mr. Fenno died in 1822. Foster, Samuel, from Reading, one of the first settlers, and located in the west part of the town. He m. Elizabeth Boyden ; their ch. were : 1. Jesse, b. Sept. 16, 1781. 2. Asenath, b. Jan. 15, 1783. 3. Samuel, m. Mary Payson. 4. Jonah, b. Sept 12, 1786. 5. Rufus, b. Oct. 6. 1789. 6. Dolly, m. Mr. French. 7. Peter. 8. Elizabeth. HISTORY OF GARDINER. 349 Foster, David, brother of Samuel, was also from Eeading and an early settler of the town. He located on the north side of Crystal Lake on what is now known as the Stevens' place. He was in the Revolutionary War nine months, and was one of the last men who fled from the enemy at the battle of Bunker Hill, and assisted in carrying Gen. Joseph Warren from the battle field on that day. He m. Betsey Minott ; their ch. were : 1. Betsey, b. Mar. 2, 1781, d. Dec, 1783. 2. Susanna, b. Jan. 11, 1783. 3. David, b. Feb. 17, 1787, d. Apr. 2, 1787. 4. David, b. Feb. 26, 1789. 5. Betsey, b. Nov. 17, 1791. Mr. Foster died in 1815, aged 70. Foster, Samcel, s. of Samuel, m. Mary Payson ; they had one child named JosepI) Payson, b. Sept. 22, 1800. His second wife was Mary Pearsons. Foster, Elijah W.,m.Tryphena ; their ch. were : 1. Abigail, b. June 17, 1835, d. Dec. 12, 1840. 2. Alvara, b. Feb. 15, 1838. 3. Addison, b. Feb. 22, 1840. 4. Willard, b. Oct. 1, 1842. 6. Henry, b. Aug. 7, 1845. 6. Mary L., b. Apr. 15, 1848. Ford, Orville, m. Sally Jackson, dau. of Sullivan and Sally (Ban- croft) Jackson; their ch. were: 1. Sarah M., b. Apr. 14, 1839, d. Sept. 19, 1839. 2. John S., b. Oct. 10, 1840. Gates, Simon, from Westminster, owned a good farm on what is com- monly called Beech Hill, where his grandson, Horace Gates, now lives. He m. Susan Reed; their ch. were: 1. Nathan, m. Abi- gail Knowlton. 2. Simon, m. Sarah Taylor. 3. Daniel, m. Phebe Mosman. 4. Reuben, b. Apr. 21, 1786, m. ~ Mos- man. 5. Ezekiel, b. Oct. 31, 1789, d. Aug. 2, 1809. 6. Eliza- beth, d. Jan. 21, 1791. 7. Elizabeth. Gates, Nathan, s. of Simon, m. Abigail Knowlton ; their ch. were : 1. Nathan, b. Apr. 13, 1791. 2. Jeremiah, b. Mar. 21, 1792. 3. Abel, b. July 10, 1793. 4. Asaph, b. Dec. 7, 1794. 5. Luke, b. Feb. 14, 1796, d. May 21, 1796. 6. Abigail, b. Feb. 24, 1797, 7. Luther, b. Apr. 6, 1798. 8. Amos, b. Nov. 6, 1799. 9. Su- sanna, b. Feb. 17, 1801. 10. A girl, b. Feb. 8, 1803, d. Feb. 12, 1803. 11. Lucinda, b. Mar. 9, 1805. 12. Clarissa, b. May 25, 1806. 13. Jeremiah K., b. Sept. 28, 1808. 14. James E., b. June 11, 1810. 15. Benjamin A., b. Feb. 26, 1813. 350 HISTOBY OF GARDNJER. Gates, Daniel, s. of Simon, m. Phebe Mosman ; their ch. were : 1. Daniel M. b. Apr. 22, 1806. 2. Sophrona, b. Apr. 18, 1808. 3. Leonard M., b. July 28, 1810. 4. Lucy, b. Feb. 8, 1813. 5. Phebe, b. Aug. 26, 1815. 6. Charlotte, b. Aug. 11, 1818. 7. Solomon K., b. May 16, 1821. Gates, Reuben, s. of Simon, m. Mosman ; their ch. were : 1. Samanfha K , b. July 23, 1806, d. Nov. 23, 1820. 2. Anna M., b. Oct. 16, 1807. 3. Ezekiel, b. Sept. 21,1809. 4. Darwin. 5. Bial. 6. Pliny. Gates, Simon, s. of Simon, m. Sarah Taylor; their ch. were: 1. Louisa, b. May, 9, 1806. 2. Simon H., b. Nov. 4, 1807, m. Elvira Bancroft. 3. Horace, b. Oct. 27, 1809. 4. Dennis, b. Feb. 20, 1812. 5. Mary, b. Sept. 14, 1815, m. Samuel Hale. 6. Dolly, b. June 28, 1818, m. Amos P. Spaulding. Gates, Amos, s. of Nathan, m. Betsey Kemp; their ch. were: 1. Walter, b. Feb. 17, 1824. 2. George, b. June 8, 1826. 3. Mary, b. Nov. 19, 1828, d. July 3, 1833. 4. Maria, b. Nov. 3, 1831, d. July 3, 1833. 5. Webster, b. Dec. 18, 1834, m. Mary Jaqnith. 6. Adeline, b. Oct. 13, 1840, m. Walter Perley. Gates, Ben.tamin A., s. of Nathan, m Nancy Kemp ; their ch. were : 1. Viola, b. Nov. 3, 1833. 2. Francis, b. Dec. 28, 1834. 3. Lucy, b. Sept. 26, 1836. 4. Mary, b. Oct. 30, 1837. 5. Isaac, b. Apr. 24, 1839. 6. Newell, b. Aug. 14, 1840 7. Hiram, b. June 3, 1842. 8. Edwin. Gates, Ezekiel, s. of Reuben, m. Abigail ; their ch. were : 1. Calvin, b Feb. 25, 1838. 2. Samantha, b. July 25, 1839. 3. Sawyer, b. Sept. 4, 1841. Gage, Moses, m. Nancy Beard; their ch. were: 1. Moses M. 2. Louisa. 3. Sophia, b. Sept. 10, 1811. 4. Orrison, b. Sept. 3^ 1814. 5. Maria, b. Apr. 3, 1816. 6. Betsey, b. Oct. 15, 1818. 7. Daniel J., b. May 9, 1823. Moses M. and Louisa were born in Hubbardston. Gage. Orrison, m. Elvira ; they had one child named Nelson M., b. Jan. 22, 1839. Gay, Ira, m. Mary ; their ch. were: 1. Jane, b. Jan. 1, 1833. 2. Elizabeth, b. July 14, 1834. 3. Lyman, b. Sept. 23, 1835. 4. Lucy, b. June 16, 1838. 5. Martha, b. May 11, 1840. 6. Ada- line, b. Oct. 11, 1841. HISTORY OF GARDNER. ;5,5i Glazier, John, one of the first settlers, came from Shrewsbury in 1773, and located in what is now the Centre. He built the house now owned and occupied by "William Austin, and kept a public house for several years. He m. Sarah, dau. of Isaac and Mary Temple of Shrewsbury ; their ch. were. 1. Smyrna, b. Mar. 5, 1767. 2. Lewis, b. June 16, 1771. 3. Euth, b. July 4, 1776. 4. Eliza- beth, b. Oct. 30, 1780. 5. Sarah, b. Apr. 30, 1785, d. Oct. 7, 1786. This was the first death in town after its organization. Mr. Glazier died in December, 1826, aged 86 years and 6 months. Mrs, Glazier died in Feb., 1835, aged 86 years and 7 months. Glaziee, Smyrna, s. of John,m. Bridget Foster of Reading; their ch. were: 1. Bridget, b. May 15, 1790, m. Joel Cowee. 2. Abram F., b. May 8, 1796. He died in 1861, aged 94. He was one of the leading men in town for nearly half a century. Glazier, Lewis, s. of John, m. Betsey, dau. of James and Sarah (Gould) Coolidge; their ch. were: 1. John C, b. Sept. 7, 1798. 2. Sarah T., b. Sept. 2, 1801, m. Pearson Cowee. His second wife was Lucy, dau. of Thomas and Mary (Temple) Keyes ; their ch. were: 1. Betsey C, b. Nov. 17, 1805, m. Harvey Bancroft. 2. Thomas E., b. Mar. 5, 1807. 3. Mary Ann, b. May 1, 1812, d. Jan. 8, 1813. 4 and 5. Smyrna S. and Lewis L., (twins) b. Dec. 2, 1814, d. Dec. 19, 1814. 6. Lucy Ann, b. Oct. 18, 1816, d. Feb. 15, 1838. 7. Mary K., b. June 3, 1818, d. Jan. 14, 1871. He was a deacon in the Congregational Church from 1815 to 1839. He died Dec. 15, 1857, aged 86 years and 6 months. His second wife died in 1873, aged 94 years, 5 months and 24 days. Glazier, Abeam F., s. of Smiyrna, m. Lucinda Cowee ; their ch. were : 1. Smyrna, b Jan. 8, 1818. . 2. George A., b. June 14, 1820. 3. Lewis L., b. Apr. 20, 1822. 4. Susan, b. in 1825, d. in 1846, 5. Orange, b. 1828, d 1852. 6. Mary J., m. Johnson. 7. Curtis C. Glazier, John C, s. of Lewis, m. Sophia Bancroft; their ch. were : 1. Jonathan B., b. Nov. 9, 1823. d. Dec. 16, 1823. 2. Betsey, m. Edward S. Flint. 3. Harvey, d. 4. Lucy Ann, m. Alva S. Howe. 5. Lewis. He moved to Ashburnham in 1824, where he died in 1860. Glazier, Thomas E., s. of Lewis, m. Lucy Brown ; their ch. were : 1 Thomas K., b. May 10, 1832, d. Aug. 15, 1832. 2. William 352 HISTORY OF GARDNEll. W., b. June 7, 1S34, m. Anna Pierce. 3. Mary Ann, b. April 19, 183ti, d. July 2, 1847. 4. Charles E., b. June 6, 1839, m. Lucy M. Scollay. 5. Francis B., b. May 3, 1843, d. Oct. 30, 1865. 6. Lucy E., b. July 23, 1840, m. Charles H. Green. GooDALE, Peter, one of the first settlers, came from Boylston, (now West Boylston) in 1773, and bought the farm now owned by Charles Heywood, one-fourth of a mile north of the Centre of the town. He m. Abigail, dau. of Benjamin Hinds; their ch. were: 1. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 23, 1775. 2. Benjamin, b. Sept. 5, 1778. 3. Jason, b. Sept. 7, 1780. 4. Peter, b. May 4, 1783. 5. Asaph, b. May 13, 1787. 6. Junia, b. Apr. 17, 1789. He moved back to Boylston in 1791. GooDspEED, Daniel J., m. Mary Baker ; their ch. were : 1. Thomas B., b. Sept. 23, 1840. 2. Warner W., b. Oct. 3, 1845. 3. James F., b Aug. 24, 1848. 4. Mary A., b. Aug. 23, 18.')4. Gheen, Nathan, from Lancaster, one of the first settlers, lived in the north part of the town. He m. Margaret, dau. of John De Jersey, from the Island of Journsey ; they had no children. He died in 1822, aged 71. Green, Nathan 2d., nephew and adopted son of Nathan, m. Fanny Bicknell. They had one son whose name was Charles, b. Oct. 9, 1808. Mr. Green died Oct 2, 1840. Green, Charles, s of Nathan 2d, m. Mary Learned ; their ch. were : 1. Fanny, b. Dec. 19, 1831, m. Charles Heywood. 2. Mary, b. July 30, 1836. 3. Nathan, b. Mar. 28, 1838, m. Carrie -Barney. 4. Charles H., b. Jan. 11, 1842, m. Lucy E. Glazier. 5. Emma A., b. Jan. 16, 1851, m. Charles H. Vanduzer. Green, Israel, the fourth inhabitant of the town, lived one and a half miles north from its centre. He had four sons who were " mighty hunters," and were noted for killing bears. They all enlisted in the Revolutionary War ; only one of them ever returned. He had one dau. who m. Josiah Baldwin. Mr. Green removed to Westminster before his death Greenwood, Aaron, from Sherburne, one of the first settlers, located in the southwest part of the town, where his grandson, Edward Greenwood now lives. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War HISTORY OF GARDI{ER. 353 three years. Hem. Anna Learned ; their ch. were: 1. Charles, b. July 5, 1789. 2. Anna, b. June 7, 1791, m. Allen Perley., Mr. Greenwood di^d in 1824, aged 68. Gkeenwood, Charles, s. of Aaron, m. Betsey, dau. of Ahio and Bet- sey (Heywood) Temple; their children were: 1. Aaron L., b. May 5, 181K. 2. Francis F., b. Oct. 14, 1820, d. Jan. 2, 1840. 3. Betsey, b. Dec. 29, 1823, m. James Eaymond. 4. Edward, b. May 20, 1826. 5. AsaT., b. July 29, 1828, m. Sarah Ray. Greenwood, Jonathan, from Sherburne, was a farmer and kept a pub- lic house in the south part of the town, where his grandsou, Thomas Greenwood, now lives. He m. Sybil Holbrook ; their ch. were: 1. Alvin, m. Mary Childs. 2. Sybil, d. 3. Jonathan, m. Phebe Temple. 4. Walter, m. Rebecca Wright. 5. Sybil, m. William Whitney. 6. Leouora, m. George Cowee. Mr. Greenwood died in 1821, aged 66. Greenwood, Alvin, s. of Jonathan, m. Mary Childs ; their ch. were: 1. Sophia, b. Feb, 28, 1806, d. Jan. 9, 1806. 2. Sophia, b. Aug. 31, 1807, m. George Whitney. 3. Maria, b. June 7, 1808, d. May 10, 1880. 4. Calvin S., b. May 18, 1810. 5. Alvin M., b. Oct. 22, 1812, d. Mar. 4, 1840. 6. James H., b. July 26, 1814. 7. Charles, b. June 14, 1816. 8. William, b. June 4, 1818. 9. Mary b. Mar. 13, 1821, m. Frederick Parker. Mr. Greenwood died in 1821. Greenwood, Walter, s. of Jonathan, m. Rebecca Wright ; their ch. were': 1. Aaron, b. May 29, 1813. 2. Emily, b. May 19, 1818, m. William Hogan. 3. Martha, b. Mar. 18, 1821, m. Simeon W. A. Stevens. 4. Rebecca, b. May 13, 1823. 5. Edward W. b. Mar. 14, 1828. 6. George, b. May 5, 1830. 7. Judson, b. June 2, 1832. 8. Thomas, b. Apr. 24, 1834, m. Miss Nichols. Greenwood, Calvin S., s. of Alvin, m. Ruth Howe ; their ch. were : 1. Marcus, b. Apr. 24, 1833. 2. Maria E., b. Aug. 31, 1835, m. Rev. John F. Ashley. 3. Harriet S., b. Apr. 30, 1838. 4. Sarah A., b. Mar. 14, 1840, m. John D. Edgell. 5. Charles H., b. Apr. 13, 1845. 6. Frederic M., b. Aug. 9, 1847. Greenwood, James H., s. of Alvin, m. Adeline Cowee ; their ch. were: 1. Alvin M., b. Dec. 5, 1832, m. Helen Heywood. 2. Otis, b. Nov. 19, 1836. 45 354 HISTORY OF GAliDNFB. Greenwood, Charles H., s. of Alvin, m. Elizabeth Jackson ; their ch. were: 1. Gilbert H., b. Nov. 25, 1838. 2. Marston D., b. Aug. 13, 1841. Mr. Greenwood died Jan. 16, 1844. Greenwood, Alvin M., s. of Alvin, m. Sally Gay ; they had one son, b. June 15, 1838, named Theodore, d. June 15, 1842. Mr. Green- wood died March 3, 1840. Greenwood, William, s. of Alvin, m. Harriet Jackson ; they had one e child named Alcy Beaty, b. Oct. 5, 1841. They moved to New York where they had several other children. Greenwood, Aaron, s. of Walter, m. Rebecca Prentiss of Hubbardston ; they had one child named Charlotte A , b. May 22, 1842, m. Geo. H. Rice. Grimes, Henrt. m. Susan ; they had Harrison, b. Aug. 13, 1840. Hadlet, Joseph, one of the early settlers, was a farmer in the north part of the town. He jii. Naomi ; their ch. were: 1. Mehitable, b. Mar. 31, 1784. 2. Stephen, b. Nov. 14, 1785. 3. Nathan, b. Feb. 19, 1788. Haynes, Reuben, came from Sudbury about the year 1776, and was a farmer in the north part of the town. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War three years ; was a capital penman and from 1797 he was town clerk twenty consecutive years. He m. Susan- na Willis; their ch. were: 1. Susanna, b. Nov. 16, 1778. 2. Ezra W., b. Dec. 22, 1780. 3. Sarah, b. July 25, 1783, m. Jon- athan Temple. 4. Israel, b. Jan. 6, 1786, d. Jan. 28, 1786. 5. Eunice, b. Apr. 6, 1787. 6. Reuben, b. Nov. 17, 1789, d. Aug. 25, 1790. 7. Ruth, b. Apr. 1, 1792. 8. Rebecca, b. July 20, 1794. 9. Jerusha, b. May 29, 1798. 10. Asenath, b. Jan 2, 1802. Capt. Haynes died in 1841, aged 86. HAYNes, Ezra W., s. of Reuben, m. Martha, dau. of Samuel and Mar- tha (Wilder') Stone; their ch. were : 1. Reuben, b. Mar. 3, 1813, m. Charlotte Gates. 2. Mary, b. Feb. 23, 1815. 3. Martha W., b. May 12, 1817. Mr. Haynes died Jan. 2, 1817. Hayward, Barzilla, m. Hannah ; their ch. were : 1. Wight- man, b. Feb. 22, 1821. 2. Eliza Jane, b. Sept. 21, 1823. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 355 Hexwood, Seth, (son of Phineas and grandson of Dea. John Iley- wood) came from Sterling to Gardner about 1773, was one of the first settlers, located in the Centre. He built a house where the Town Hall now stands. He was a lieutenant in the Eevolutionary War nine months. He m. Martha, dau. of Isaac and Mary Temple of Shrewsbury; their ch. were: 1. Betsey, b. Nov. 27, 1762. 2. John, b. Dec. 8, 1764, m. Mary Hutchins. 3. Sarah, b. Mar. 24, 1766. 4. Anna, b. Jan. 28, 1770. 5. Mary, b. Oct. 24, 1771. 6. Benjamin, b. July 10, 1773. 7. Martha, b. Sept. . 2, 1775. 8. Seth, b. Aug. 9, 1777, d. Sept. 24, 1802. 9. Lucy, b. July 17, 1779, m. Gardner Pollard of Lancaster. 10. Levi, b. June 25, 1783, m. Nancy Healy. Mr. Hey wood died in 1826, aged 89. Heywood, Benjamin, s. of Seth, m. Mary Whitney; their ch. were: 1. Levi, b. Dec. 10, 1800. 2. Benjamin F., b. Jan. 10, 1802. 3. Walter, b. Feb. 13, 1804. 4. William, b. Nov. 9, 1808. 5. Seth, b. Nov. 12, 1812. 6. Charles, b. Mar. 10, 1818, d. Sept. 10, 1824. Mr. Heywood died in 1849, aged 75 years and 6 months. Heywood, Levi, s. of Benjamin, m. Martha Wright; their eh. were : 1. Calvin, b. Sept. 11, 1826. 2. Mary W., b. Aug. 27, 1827, m. Samuel M. Washburn. 3. Charles, b. Nov. 12, 1831, m. Fannie Green. 4. Solon, b. Nov. 10, 1834. 5. Helen, b. Mar. 7, 1837, m. Alvin M. Greenwood. Heywood, Benjamin F., s. of Benjamin, m. Sarah Comee ; their ch. were: 1. Charles. 2. Sarah Jane, b. Oct. 21, 1730, m. Sylves- ter Bowker. 3. Lucy A., b. Feb. 17, 1832, m. Dr. Harriraan, 4. Melissa M., b. June 6, 1R34, m. Amos Morrill. 5. Abby C, b. Oct, 2, 1837, d. July 12, 1842. 6. Eliza M , b. Aug. 27, 1840, m. Henry E. Thurstin. 7. Mary F., b. April 3, 1843. Mr. Hey- wood died Apr. 2, 1843 Heywood, Walter, s. of Benjamin, m. Nancy Booster ; their ch. were : 1. Rosette, b. Dec. 13, 1834. 2. Ellen, b. Jan 31, 1841. Mr. Hey- wood moved to Fitchburg some years ago, where he still resides, and is a very prominent business man. Heywood, Seth, s. of Benjamin, m. Emily Wright ; their ch. were : 1. Henry, b. June 25, 1836, m. Martha Temple. 2. George, b. Jan. 3, 1839. 3. Frances, b. Mar. 12, 1847. 4. Mary, b. Apr. 3, 1852, d. Apr. 5, 1852. 5. Mary E., b. Dec. 2fi, 1853, m. Howard L. Ballard. 356 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Hetwood, Carlisle, m. Eoena (Bickfoid) Whitney ; their ch. were : 1. William 0., b. Nov. 2, 1835. 2. Joseph F., b Oct. 19, 1837. 3. George C, b. Jan. 3, 1840. 4. Theodore A., b. June 28, 1842. Hill, Makykick, from Medway, was a farmer in the north part of the town, and was one of the first settlers. He m. Abigail Moulton ; their ch. were: 1. Moses. 2. Jesse. 3. Bezaleel. 4. Nathaniel. 6. Mary. 6. Mercy. 7. Sylvenus. Mrs. Hill died in 1817, aged 93 years and 9 months. Spinning linen was her employment the last years of her life. She spun the warp for a web of thirty yards after she was ninety-three years old. Hill, Moses, s. of Marvrick, m. Lucy Adams; their ch. were: 1, Elizabeth C, b. Mar. 23, 1778. 2. James M., b. Nov. 4, 1780. 3. Thomas A , b. July 3, 1783. 4. Lucy, b June 10, 178.5. 5. Cyrus, b. May 29, 1787. 6. Clement, b. Sept. 2, 1789. 7. Han- nah A., b. Oct. 5, 1791, d. Feb. 11, 1793. 8. Moses, b. July 19, 1793. 9. Isaac Watts, b. Apr. 6, 1795. 10. Hannah Adams, b. Aug. 21, 1797. She was named after Hannah 'Adams, the author- ess, who was sister to her mother. 11 and 12. Millie and Harriet (twins) b. June 12, 1800. Mr. Hill's large family left^town with- out making any settlements here. Hill, Jesse, s. of Marvrick, m. Keziah Brick; their ch. were: 1. Keziah. m. Benjamin Howe. 2 Abigail. 3. Gilbert. 4. Sarah, b. April 1, 1785. 5. Julia, b. June 12, 1787, m. Mr. Goodwin. 6. Heman, b. Sept. 25, 1790. 7. Jesse, b. Feb. 14, 1793. 8. Mercy, b. June 12, 1797. Mr. Hill died Dec. 25, 1826. Hill, Bezaleel, s. of Marvrick, m. Hannah Baker; their ch. were: 1. Nancy, b. June 22, 1786. 2. Caleb, b. Dec. 19, 1788. 3. Hannah, b. Mar. 24, 1791. 4. Lucy, b. Feb. 7, 1793, m. David Smith. 5. Orinda, b. Dec. 11, 1794. 6. Bezaleel, b. Apr. 2, 1797. 7. Amza, b". Feb. 24. 1799. 8. Moses, b. Apr. 14, 1801. 9. Abigail, b. Dec. 26, 1803. 10. Silas B., b. July 1, 1806. 11. Lydia, b. 180S. Mr. Hill and all his family left town about 1815. Hill, Nathaniel, s. of Marvrick, m. Annis Whitcomb ; their ch. were: 1. Tamer, b. Feb. 16, 1790, d. Sept. 28, 1805. 2. Lu- cinda, b. July 5, 1793. 3. Polly, b. Aug. 22, 1795. 4. Eliza- beth, b. June 14, 1797, d. Dec. 18, 1805. 5. Annis, b. Dec. 7, 1799. 6. Ebenezer, b. Nov. 30, 1800, d. Oct. 1, 1805. 7. Na- HISTORY OF GARDINER. 357 thaniel, b. May 20, 1803, d. Sept. 26, 1805. 8. Mercy, b. July 12, 1804, d. Aug. 3, 1804. 9. Tamer, b. Oct. 30, 1805. There are none of his descendants living in town at the present time. Hill, Sylvanus, s. of Marvrick, m. Charlotte, dan. of Joseph Bacon ; they had one son named Sylvanus, b. May 18, 1796. Mr. Hill moved to New York many years ago. Hill, Jesse, s. of Jesse, m. Sally Penniman ; their ch. were: 1. Jo- seph M., b. Mar. 12, 1814. 2. Sarah, b. Nov. 6, 1815. 3. Ed- win, b. Apr. 13, 1818. 4. Calvin, b. Dec. 26, 1819, d. Sept. 23, 1822. 5. Eliza, b. Jan. 27, 1823. Mr. Hill died Feb. 15, 1823. Hill, Asa, one of the first settlers, located in the south part of the town, m. ; their ch. were: 1. Francis. 2. Sarah, in. Ebenezer Bickford. Mr. Hill died in 1828. Hill, Francis, s. of Asa, m. Mary — ; their ch. were : 1. Har- rison G. O., b. May 26, 1808. 2. Francis L., b. May 12, 1809. Hill, H. G. O., s. of Francis, m. Anna ; their ch. were : 1. Sarah, b. Mar. 14, 1838. 2. Mary, b. Feb. 16, 1840. 3. Fran- cis L.. b. Mar. 26, 1842. Hinds, Daniel, from West Boylston, one of the first settlers, located in the south part of the town. He m. Sarah Holbrook ; their ch. were: 1. Sarah, d. Mar. 26, 1819. 2. James. 3. Benjamin. 4. Daniel, b. Mar. 31, 1790. 5. Milton, b. June 2, 1791. He moved'back to "West Boylston. Hinds, Abijah, m. Susanna ; their ch. were: 1. Martha H., b. June 7, 1817. 2, Charlotte A., b. Aug. 11, 1818. 3. Nancy, b. Apr. 3, 1820. 4. Sophrona, b. Oct. 22, 1822. 5. Harriet, b. July 3, 1824, d. June 30, 1831. 6. Eliza I., b. Oct. 6, 1827. 7. Allison, d. June 3, 1844. 8. Abijah, Jr. Holland, Joseph, one of the first settlers, came from Boylston, located on the summit of Glazier Hill, near the centre of the town. He m. Elizabeth Gleason ; their ch. were : Joseph, James, Euth and Ephraim. He sold his place in 1772 to John Glazier and went North. Howe, Ebenezer, whose ancestors lived in Marlboro,' came to this town from Ttmpleton. He located about one mile north of the Centre. The place is now owned by Charles Eaton. He m. Elizabeth De- 358 HISTORY OF GARDNER. land; their ch. were: 1. Tameson, b. Aug. 31, 1770, nj- Joel Brooks. 2. Perley, b. Nov. 7, 1772. -3. Ezekiel, b. Mar. 20, 1775. 4. Sarah, b. Dec. 11, 1777, m. Silas Wood. 5. Betsey, b. Apr. 12, 1781, m. John Miller. 6. Benjamin, b. Feb. 16, 1783. 7. Amos, b. June 17, 1785. This was the first birth in town after its incorporation; he died in 1805, aged 20. Mr. Howe's second wife was Mary Hill. He died iu 1808, aged 62. Howe, Peelet, s. of Ebenezer, m. Jane T. Belcher; their ch. were: 1. Betsey D., b. June 2, 1799, d. June 5, 1822. 2. Sally, b. Sept. 18, 1801, m. Jonathan Harris. 3. Eli. b. Apr. 2, 1804, m. Mary Severy. 4. Francis M., b. Nov. 24, 1806, m. Joel Derby. 5. Ebenezer, b. Apr. 7, 1809. 6. Perley, b. Sept. 17^ 1811. 7. Lydia, b. Sept. 22, 1813, d. July 1, 1835. 8. Jane R., b. Sept; 23, 1816, d. Aug. 1, 1835. 9. Emily, b. Oct. 2, 1819, m. Jona- than Burges. Mr. Howe died Mar. 4, 1839, aged 67. Howe, Ezekiel, s. of Ebenezer, m. Susanna Payson ; their ch, were : 1. Ezekiel, b. Dec. 7, 1802, d. July 16, 1829. 2. Franklin, b. Oct. 19, 1804, m. Mary Gill. 3. Joseph P., b. Mar. 23, 1807. 4. Samuel S., b. Oct. 11, 1808. 5. Stowel, b. Dec. 27, 1810. 6. Mary P., b. Apr. 12, 1813, d. Nov. 10, 1882. 7* Susanna, b. Sept. 5. 1815, d. Jan. 15, 1836. 8. George, b. Nov. 6, 1817. m. Jerusha Howe. 9. David M., b. Mar. 30, 1820, m. Sarah B. Stratton. 10. Betsey, b. Mar. 22. Mr. Howe d. Jan. 13, 1842. Howe, Benjamin, s. of Ebenezer, m. Keziah Hill ; their ch. were : 1. Benjamin, b. July 9, 1804. 2. Amos, b. Sept. 1, 1805, d. in 1836. 3. Sarah, b. May 5, 1808, m. Luke Bowker. 4. Ebenezer D., b. Mar. 14, 1811, d. Feb. 19, 1837. 5. Simeon, b. May 14, 1813. 6. Mary Ann, b. Nov. 2, 1814, d. Jan. 29, 1848. 7. Lucy, b. Jan, 23, 1816, d. Mar. 6, 1837. 8. Harrison, b. Oct. 5, 1818, m. Fanny Kendall. Howe, Ebenezer, s. of Perley, m. Amy Ann Bly ; their ch. were: 1. Henry M.,b. Aug. 1, 1834. 2. Maria, b. Sept. 23, 1838. 3. Nancy S. b. Apr. 8, 1840. 4. Jasou J., b. June 23, 1843. Howe, Pbkley, s. of Perley, m. Mary Whitney ; their ch. were: 1. Orange E., b. Dec, 23, 1835. 2. Alva S., b. Aug. 30, 1837. Howe, Joseph P., s. of Ezekiel, m. Maria Conant ; their ch. were: 1. Maria, b. Mar. 26, 1839, d. Oct. 31, 1858. 2. Abby, b. Aug. 23, 1844, d. Dec. 12, 1862. 3. Edward P., b. Jan. 11, 1847. 4. Emogene, b. Nov. 13, 1848, m. Hiram Ray. HISTOBY OF GARDJSTER. 359 Howe, Samuel S., s. of Ezekiel, m. Emeline Wood; their ch. were: 1. Moses W., b. Dec. 7, 1836. 2. Harriet E., b. Apr. 24, 1841. 3. Ella F., b. Aug. 25, 1848. Howe, Simeon, s. of Benjamin, m. Abigail Fairbank ; their ch. were : 1. Simeon A., b. July 2, 1839. 2. Marcus H., b. Dec. 6, 1841. 3. Adeline F., b. Aug. 30, 1843, d. May 3, 1861. 4. Marshall, b. Aug. 21, 1845. 5. Charles H.,b. Aug. 26, 1851. 6. Willie F., b. Mar. 24, 1856. HowE,IsAiAH,m. Abigail Penniman ; their ch. were : 1. Sylvester, b. Mar. 21, 1819. 2. Amina, b. July 12. 1821. 3. Franklin, b. July 13, 1823. HoLDEN, JosiAH H., m. Eoxanua Pierce; they had one child named Harriet, b. Nov. 5, 1831. HoLDEN, Leti, m. Phebe Temple; their ch. were: 1. Leander, b. Apr. 29, 1839, d. Sept. 11, 1839. 2. Mary, b. Sept. 15, 1842, d. Sept. 29, 1842. Holden, Elbridge, m. Louisa ; they had one child named Hol- lis, b. Mar. 18, 1840. His second wife was Triphosa Rolfe ; their ch. were: 1. Jason C, b. Aug. 31, 1843. 2. Harriet L., b. Oct. 23, 1849. 3. Charley F., b. Jan. 23, 1854. HoGAN, William, m. Emily Greenwood; their ch. were: 1. Walter W., b. July 17, 1838. 2. Emma R., b. May 2, 1854. Holt, Liberty, m. Lucy ; they had Charles H., b. Aug. 29, 1843. They moved to Royalston. Huntington, L. W. C, m. Betsey Nichols; they had Caroline E., b. Oct. 3, 1835. They moved to Ohio previous to 1840. Jackson, Elisha, was the first man who settled in what is now Gard- ner. He was born in Westminster in 1737. About the year 1764 he bought four hundred acres of land in the northwest part of Westminster, (now south part of Gardner) a part of which is known as the Hubbard Kendall place, and the house now standing there was built by him and used for several years as a public house. His children, which were numerous, were, with the exception of the youngest, born before the incorporation- of Gardner. While he was a citizen of Westminster, he was a prominent man, and repre- sented it twice in the legislature. He m. Beulah Taylor ; their ch. 360 HISTORY OF GARDNER. were : 1. Jemima, m. Ebenezer Keyes. 2. Lucy, m. Aaron Wood. 3. Beulah, m. Jonathan Brown. 4. Ruth, m. Nahum Wood. 6. Sullivan. 6. Elisha. 7. Josiah. 8. Ebenezer, m. Susanna Foster. 9. Abigail, m. Timothy Taft; 10. Abel. Mr. Jackson died in 1814, aged 77. Jackson, Sullivan, s. of Elisha, m. Sally Bancroft ; their ch. were: 1. Roena, b. May 24, 1804, d. May 4, 1818. 2. Laura, b. Aug. 7, 1806, m. Asaph Foskett. 3. Edwin, b. July 30, 1809, m. Lucy Gill. 4. Sally, b. Jan 9, 1818, m Orville Ford. Jackson, Elisha, s. of Elisha, m. Relief Beard; their ch. were: 1. Phebe, b. Sept. 28, 1803. 2. Lucy, b. Mar. 7, 1806. 3. Elisha S., b. Apr. 7, 1808. 4 and 5. Sopliroua and Samantha, (twins) b. Jan. 18, 1810, Sophrona m. Oscar Parker. Samantha m. Wil- liam Yo'ung. 6. Joseph L., b. Mar. 19, 1813. 7. Charles W., b. Dec. 1, 1814. 8. Elvira, b. June 22, 1817. 9. Leonard F., b. Oct. 27, 1820, d. Nov. 18, 1842. Jackson, Josiah, s. of Elisha 1st, m. Arathusa Bacon ; their ch. were : 1. Christiana B., b. Mar, 3, 1803. 2. Arathusa C, b. Nov. 21, 1810. 3. Josiah A., b. Oct. 27, 1H16. 4. Abigail S., b. Jan. 6, 1820, m. Mr. Lord. 5. Eliza A., b. Mar. 4, 1823, d. Feb 30, 1824. Mr. Jackson died Feb. 1, 1842. Jackson, Abel, s. of Elisha 1st, m Betsey Foster ; their ch. were : 1. David F., b. Feb. 14, 1815 2. Elizabeth, b. Mar. 14, 1817, m. Charles Greenwood. 3. Susanna, b. Apr. 22, 1819. 4. Harriet, b. May 2, 1821, m. William Greenwood. 5. Abel, b. Nov. 12, 1823. Jackson, Elisha S., s. of Elisha 2d, m. Phebe Williams ; their ch. were : 1. Otis, b. Sept. 14, 1838. 2. Rosella, b. May 18, 1841, m. Elias E. Horton. Jackson, Josiah A., s. of Josiah, m. Sally Coolidge ; their ch. were: I. Francis, b. May 27, 1840, d. Sept. 9, 1840. 2. George F., b. April 7, 1842. 3. Eliza A., b. Sept. 2, 1844, m. Alvin Matthews. ' Ella A., b. June 11, 1848, m David Porterfield. Jackson, Caleb, m. Betsey ; their ch. were: 1. Isaac, b. May 19, 1782. 2. Caleb, b. June 17, 1786. 3. Joseph, b. Jan. II, 1791. -4. Charles, b. Jan. 8, 1793. 5. Betsey, b. Jan. 22, 1796. HISTOBY OF GARDNER. 361 Jackson, Isaac, m. Betsey Brooks; their ch. were: 1. Susan E., b. Aug. 7, 1820, m. Sylvester K. Pierce. 2. Betsey T., b. Aug. 22, 1822. His second wife was Hattie Minott ; their ch. were: 1. Rockwell, b. Nov. 22, 1827. 2. Maria, b. Aug. 12, 1830. 3. Melaucia, b. July 24, 1832, d. May 5. 1833. 4. Ellen, b. Nov. 26, 1836. 5. Daniel W.,b. Sept. 17, 1839. 6. Edward, b. June 21, 1844. Jaquith, Isaac, m. Maria Comee ; their ch. were: 1. Abbie I., b. Sept. 4, 1826, m. Lysander B. Jaquith. 2. Sarah M., b. July 29, 1830, d. Mar. 31, 1833. 3. Maria L., b. Mar. 5, 1832, m. Hollis Thompson. 4. Mary F., b. Apr. 17, 1835, m. Webster Gates. Jaquith, Abkam, m. Abigail Mead ; they had one ehild named Isaac P., b. Apr. 30, 1825. His second wife was Ruhama Comee. JiLLSON, Sylvester W., m. Mary ; their ch. were : 1. Justin K., b. Nov. 17, 1839. 2. Henry H., b. Nov. 6, 1841. 3. Le- ander S., b. Mar. 17, 1844. Johnson, Nathaniel, m. Lucy ; they had Nathaniel, b. Mar. 29, 1789. They left town soon after. Kelton, Samuel, one of the first settlers, from Needham, located in the north part of the town. He was a captain in the Revolutionary War. He m. Mary Leeds ; their ch. were : 1. Lemuel. 2. Esther. 3. Enos. 4. William. 5. Eliam, b. Oct. 26, 1785. 6. Mary, b. Oct. 18, 1791, m. Stillman Holden. He died at the age of 79 years. Kelton, Lemuel, s. of Samuel, m. Patty Angier ; their ch. were : 1. Patty, b. Sept. 12, 1796, m. Joel Wheeler. 2. Nabby, b. Sept. 13, 1802, d. Oct. 12, 1841. 3. Samuel, b. May 28, 1810, m. Mary Ann Eaton. Kelton, Enos, s. of Samuel, m. Dorothy Winchester ; their ch. were : 1. Louisa, b. July 18, 1815, m. Augustus Houghton. 2. George, b. Apr. 19, 1817. 3. Salina, b. Sept. 25, 1820, m. Warren Cramm. 4. Charles, b. Dec. 27, 1821. 5. Lucinda, b. Oct. 6, 1825, d. Kelton, Eliam, s. of Samuel, m. Sophia Horsley ; their ch. were : 1. David, b. June 25, 1827. 2. Nancy, b. Jan. 22, 1831, m. Lean- der Knowlton. 46 362 HISTORY OF OARBNER. Kelton, George, s. of Enos, m. Sophia Adams ; tlieir cli. were: 1. Charles F., b. Oct. 25, 1843. 2. Ella E., b. June 25, 1849, d. July 26, 1851. Kelton, Charles, s. of Enos, m. Susan Eeed ; their ch. were: 1. Laura M., b. July 16, 1843. 2. Charles O., b. Aug. 26, 1845. 3. Amasa W., b. June 18, 1848. 4. Eliza, b. Oct. 2, 1851. 5. Luella A., b. June 12, 1855. 6. George H. 7. Etta L. Kendall, Benjamin, from Sherburne, one of the first settlers, located in the south part of the town. He m. Keziah Twichell ; their ch. were: 1. Asaph, m. Eunice Case. 2. Rebecca, d. 3. Jonathan, m. Mary Nichols. 4. Rebecca. 5. Martin, m. Prudence Ken- dall. 6. Anna, m. Marshall Stoddard. 7. Miriam, m. Bartlett Stoddard. 8. Keziah. Mr. Kendall was born in 1745 and died in 1841, aged 96 years. Kendall, Jonathan, s. of Benjamin, m. Mary Nichols ; their ch. were : 1, Asaph, b. Sept. 3, 1794. 2. Hubbard, b. Apr. 18, 1796. 3. Moses, b. May 16, 1798. 4. Eunice. 5. Orrison. 6. Edmond. 7. Crusoe. 8. Rebecca. 9. Mary. 10. Fanny, m. Harrison Howe. 11. Harrison. Kendall Martin, s. of Benjamin, m. Prudence Kendall ; their ch. were: 1. Isaac, b. Sept. 6, 1801, m. Caroline Partridge. 2. Mary, b. Sept. 8, 1803, m. Asa Perley. 3. Alvin, b. Dec. 13, 1805, m. Mary Bemis. 4. Annis, b. Dec. 18, 1807, m. Robert Powers, Jr. 5. David, b. Feb. 27, 1810. 6. Adeline, b May 23, 1812 7. Bartlett S., b. Mar. 25, 1814, m. Martha Hinds. 8. Benjamin, b. June 30, 1816. 9. Martin, b. July 23, 1818, d. Nov. 19, 1821. Kendall, Hubbard, s. of Jonathan, m. Rhoda Sawin ; their ch. were : 1. Nancy. 2. Albert A., b. Mar. 3, 1828. He was a surgeon in the 12th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers, and shot at the battle of Antietam, while in discharge of his duty. 3 and 4. Ed- ward A. and Edwin L., (twins) b. Oct. 4, 1832. 5. Abigail S., b. Nov. 12, 1834. 6. Rhoda M., b. Dec. 7, 1836. 7. Harriet E., b. Feb. 22, 1839. Kendall, Edmond, s. of Jonathan m. ; they had Chester, b. Sept. 11, 1840, d. Oct. 24, 1842. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 363 Kendall, Dayid, s. of Martin, m. Lucy Kemp; their ch. were: 1. Eliza Ann, b. May 9, 1837. 2. George, b. Mar. 1, 1839. 3. Webster A., b. Mar. 5, 1841. 4. Francena M., b. Jan. 9, 1848. 5. Mary J., b. Mar. 14, 1850. 6. Alice I., b. Mar. 18.52. Ketes, Eben'bzee, one of the early inhabitants, settled in the west part of the town. He m. Jemima, dau. of Elisha and Beulah (Taylor) Jackson ; their ch. were: 1. Solomon, b. Mar. 30, 1788, d. Sept. 2.5, 1793. 2. Ebenezer, b. Mar. 9, 1790, d. Aug. 27, 1794. 3. Elisha, b. Feb. 18, 1792. 4. Jemima, b. Apr. 19, 1794. 5. Eb- enezer, b. Apr. 25, 1796. G. Solomon, b. June 2, 1798. 7. Naomi, b. Oct. 12, 1800. 8. Lucy J., b, Oct. 26, 1802. Mr. Keyes moved to the state of Maine about 1812. Kendall, Abel, from Sterling, one of the first settlers, located in the east part of the town. He staid in town but a few years. The name of his wife is not on record; their ch. were: 1. Abel, b. Feb. 7, 1792, m. Betsey Childs. 2. Betsey, b. Aug. 16, 1793. 3. Polly, b. Dec. 25, 1794. 4. Silas, b. June 11, 1797, d. July 29, 1797. 5. Lucinda, b. Aug. 29, 1798. 6. Silas, b. Jan. 5, 1800. 7. Heman, b. Feb. 6, 1802, d. Feb. 14, 1802. 8. Wilder, b. June 21, 1803, d. July 8, 1803. 9. Ezra, b Mar. 13, 1805. 10. He- man W., b. Apr. 1, 1808. 11. Lima S., b. Oct. 17, 1812. Mr. Kendall moved West about 1813. Kemp, John, from Groton, an early settler, was a miller in the south part of the town. He m, Sarah Shattuck ; their ch. were: 1. Jonathan, m, Fidelia Johnson. 2. Sarah, m. Amos Ray. 3. Bet- sey, m. Amos Gates. 4. Amy, m. John Eaton. 5. John, m. Sylvia Sawin. 6. Olive, m. Almond Ray. 7. Lucinda, b. June 22, 1812. 8. Nancy, b. Aug. 26, 1814, m. Benjamin A. Gates. 9. Lucy, b. Jan. 26, 1816, m. David Kendall. 10. Abijah, b. Oct. 13, 1817, d. Dec. 17, 1817. Mr. Kemp died in 1853, aged 82. Knapp, Horace, m. Martha ; their ch. were : 1. Rebecca, b. Apr. 22, 1842. 2 and 3. Clement and Clara, (twins) b. July 4, 1844. 4. Eliza Jane, b. June 20, 1846. Knowlton, Emery, m. Polly Fisher ; their ch. were : 1. Leander, b. Nov. 21, 1828, m. Nancy Kelton. 2. Augustus, b. Oct. 14, 1831, m. Martha Putnam. 3. Heury C.,'b. Dec. 24, 1833, m. Mary Ann Eaton. 4. Mary, b. May 19, 1836, m. Charles Whitney. 5. Maria, b. June 23, 1838, m. Edwin F. Baker. 6. Lyman, b. Apr. 26, 1842. 364 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Kneeland, Timothy, from Harvard, was the third inhabitant of the town. He came here in 1771, (Samuel Cook was the second, and lived where Edward Greenwood now lives ; nothing more can be ascertained concerning him, as he left the place before the organiza- tion of the town) and located one and a half miles west of the Centre, (which was then Winchendon) . He was a soldier in the Eevolutionary War three years and three months. Although he had a large family of children there are none of his descendants living in town at the present time. The exact spot where he located was near the junction of the Wilder and Kneeland brooks, at the upper end of what is now Dr. Parker's mill pond ; the old cellar may be seen at the present day. At the time of his settle- ment it was an unbroken wilderness for miles about him, with the exception of the meadow, (now flowed by Dr. Parker's pond) which it is supposed was cleared by beavers, and was at that time produc- ing large crops of grass. It is probable that this was the principal inducement which led him to settle in that place. He was a carpenter as well as farmer, and was of great service to those who afterwards settled around him. He had ten children, all of whom, with one exception, lived to be old, and most of them had large families. Inasmuch as there are some things somewhat remarkable concerning the family, it may be interesting to the reader to have a more detailed account of it, then we have generally adopted in this record of families. He m. Maria Stone ; their ch. were : I.Maria, m. Joseph Nichols, whose ch. were : Andrew, Sarah, David, Levi, Sabria and Fanny. 2. Oliver, m. Betsey Baldwin, whose ch. were : Lucy, Israel, Silas, Esther, Betsey, Levi, Abner and Ed- ward. 3. John, m.- Mary Johnson, whose ch. were : Mary Cynthia, Electa, Lucy, Bial, Arza, Eliza and John W. 4. Miriam, b. in 1769. These four children of Mr. Kneeland were born before he came to this town, probably in Harvai'd, the remaining six were born in Gardner, as follows : 5. Asa, m. Hannah Cheney, whose ch. were: John, Philand, Hannah G., Dulcena, Asa, Maria, Abner, Leonard, Sarah, Gardner and Averill. 6. Abner, m. Waity Ormsby, whose ch. were : Waitstill, Sophronia and John S. His second wife was Lucinda Mason ; their ch. were: Lucin- da and Abner 0. His third wife was Mrs. Osburn. His fourth wife was a lady from Boston. Abner Kneeland, whose fame reached almost every country, was brought up in the good old-fashioned HISTORY OF GARDNER. 365 ways of our ancestors. Being naturally of a strong mind, he, with but little assistance, gained a fair education, and was employed as a school teacher for some time. In 1802 he published a spelling book of 200 pages, entitled the "American Definition Spelling Book." In 1805 he was ordained as a Baptist minister in Langdon, N. H., and for several years was a member of that denomination. Afterward he was a preacher of universal salvation for several years. Subsequently he became a deist, and was for many years editor of the Boston Investigator. He died in 1844, aged 70. 7. Lucy, m. Paul Stearns, whose ch. were: Timothy K., Lucy, Thomas, John M., (who is a counsellor and attorney at law in Williamsburg, N. Y.) Sarah, Benjamin Franklin, (a merchant in Felchville, Vt.) and George Washington, (twins) (a physician in New Bedford, Mass.) Paul W. and Honestus. 8. Sarah, m. Mr. Phinney 9. Edward, d. 10. Silas, m. Martha Laws, whose ch. were : Lucy, Maria, Martha, Ira, Joel, Nancy, Abel L. M., George W. S. and Mary. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Kneeland had ten children and fifty-five grandchildren. Mr. Kneeland died in March, 1818, aged 81. Mrs. Kneeland died Aug. 6, 1831, aged 87. Leland, Simeon, s. of Simeon and grandson of William Leland from Sherborne. He bought a farm of Peter Goodale, about the year 1794 ; (it is the one now owned by Charles Heywood) their ch. were: 1. Lynda. 2. Hollis, m. Betsey Graves. 3. Belar- mine, m. Hattie Hill. 4. Simon,- m. in the western country. 5. Amasa. 6. Elbridge, m. Betsey Priest. 7. Ehoda, m. Silas Seaver. Leland, Amasa, s. of Simeon, m. Martha Seaver ; their ch. were : 1. Martha J., b. Mar. 21, 1818. 2. Elbridge G., b. Aug. 8, 1820. 3. Simeon A. K., b. Jan. 12, 1824. 4. Amasa H., b. June 9, 1826, d. Nov. 30, 1842. 5. Rosella S., b. Mar. 30, 1828. 6. Hollis J., b. Aug. 22, 1830. 7. Leonard L., b. Feb. 18, 1833. 8. Mary S., b. May 28, 1835. His second wife had AValter W., b. May 1, 1840, and Lucy C, b. Aug. 8, 1841. Learned, Samuel, from Cambridge, a farmer and blacksmith in the east part of the town. He m. Lydia Knapp ; their ch. were : 1. William, b. Aug. 19, 1794. 2. Samuel, b. July 2, 1796. 3. Lydia, b. Sept. 11, 1798, m. Winslow Davis. 4. Anna, b. Oct. 31, 1802. 5. John, b. Dec. 20, 1806. 6 and 7. Mary and Mar- 366 HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. tha, (twins) b. Apr. 12, 1810. Mary m. Charles Green. Martha m. George M. Travers. 8. Ebenezer T., b. July 19, 1812, m. Mary White. Learned, William, s. of Samuel, m. Rebecca Nichols ; their ch. were : 1. William H.,b. May 30, 1820, m. Marietta Whitney. 2. LydiaK., b.'July2, 1822,m. AsherW. Shattuck. 3. Walter N., b. Mar. 17, 1825. 4. Eebecca L., b. June 17, 1827, m. Charles Gates. 5. Francis, b. Mar. 11, 1830, m. Sarah Newton. 6. Elmily A., b. May 27, 1833, d. 7. Emily A., b. Sept. 5, 1835, m. Webster Cowee. 8. Lucy P., b. June 17, 1838, m. Albert Lovejoy. His second wife was Lois W. Davis, who had one child named Myron, b. Feb. 18, 1847. Learned, Samuel, s. of Samuel, m. Abigail Jaquith ; whose ch. were : Samuel and John. His second wife was Jerusha Haynes ; their ch. were : Turel and Jerusha. His third wife was Sarah Joslin ; their ch. were : William and Frank. His fourth wife was Mrs. Eaton. Lord, James B., m. Abigail Jackson ; they had one child named Charles Henry, b. May 22, 1841. They afterwards left town. LovEWELL, Isaac, m. Eliza ; came to this town about 1839; they had one child b. Oct 17, 184L, named Lyman F. They had other children born in Hubbardston of which we have no record. LoTEWELL, Leonard, m. Louisa Comee ; their ch. were: 1. John H., b. Aug. 7, 1831. 2. Charles L., b. May 2, 1834, m. Lucy Stone. 3. Mary J., b. July 5, 1836. 4. Martha M., b. Oct. 3, 1838. Ltnde, William, from Maiden, became a resident of Gardner about 1795, and bought the valuable farm recently owned by his son, Wm. S. Lynde, and now by George F. Peabody. He m. Mary Waite of Maiden ; they had one child whose name was William S., b. Aug. 1, 1800. Lynde, William, S., s. of William, m. Christiana Comee; their ch. were: 1. Mary M., b. Mar. 12, 1826, m. John Peabody. 2. James P., b. Mar., 1828. 3. Charles, b. May 20, 1830. 4. Celia, b. Jan. 13, 1832, m. David Lovewell. 5. Sarah P., b. Oct. 5, 1834, m. Ephriam H. Wetherbee. 6. Leander C, b. Aug. 27, 1839, m. Elizabeth E. Reed. His second wife was Addie A. Lin- HISTORY OF GARDNER. 367 nell. 7. An infant, b. May 1, 1842, d. May 3, 1842. His second wife was Mrs. Mary Bolton ; their ch. were : 1. Octavia, b. Sept. 24, 1840, m. George F. Peabody. 2. Harriet M., b. Sept. "24, 1849, d. Jnly 30, 1850. Matthews, John, from Holden, located as a farmer, where his grand- son, Joel Matthews, now resides. He was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary War six months. He m. Patience Graves ; their ch. were : 1. John, m. Mary Turner. 2. Abel, m. Lucretia Wilder. 3. Patience. 4. Joel, m. Sarah Coolidge. 5. Priscilla, m. Luke Baker. 6. Lydia, m. Joel Fisher. 7. Phebe. 8. Hezekiah. Mr. Matthews died in 1817, aged 82. Matthews, Joel, s. of John, m. Sally, dau. of James and Sally (Gould) Coolidge; their ch. were: 1. Phebe, b July 25, 1805, m. Mr. Flint. 2. Joel, b. Feb. 5, 1807. 3. .James C, b. Feb. 6, 1809. 4. Betsey G., b. May 16, 1811, m. Joseph Guild. 5. Sarah, b. June 28, 1813, m. William Pratt. 6. Lydia, b. Dec. 27, 1814, m. Mr. Flint. 7. Lewis G , b. May 13, 1817. 8, Heze- kiah, b. Oct. 24, 1818, m. Sally Gates. 9. Lucy, b. Feb. 27, 1821. Mr. Matthews died July 7, 1863, aged 87. Matthews, Johk, s.. of John, m. Mary Turner ; their ch. were: 1. Abel, b. Jan. 13, 1806, d. Mar. 8, 1815. 2. Edward T., b. Sept. 2, 1807. 3. Betsey T., b. Mar. 21, 1809. 4. Lucy, b. July 4, 1811, d. May 26, 1813. Matthews, James C, s. of Joel, b. Feb. 6, 1809. m. Elvira Bush ; their ch. were : 1. Ephraim, b. July 28, 1837, m. Nellie A. Fiske. 2. Eliza M., b. Nov. 1, 1838, m. Charles Averell. 3. James, b. Sept. 12,1840, d. Oct. 11, 1840 4. Lucina, b. Oct. 20, 1841. 5. Alvin, b. Sept. 1, 1843, m. Eliza A. Jackson. 6. James L., b. Dec. 24, 1844. 7. Sarah E., b. Dec. 11, 1846, m. Jacob Holden. Martin, Jonathan, from Lunenburg, was a farmer in the west part of the town, where Horatio Stoddard now lives. He m. Susanna Taylor; their ch. were: 1. John. 2. David. 3. George, m. Fanny Brikley. 4, Jonathan, m. Lydia Dukley. 5. James, m. Lucy Travers, who had eleven children. His second wife was ]tary Wadsworth who had three children. His third wife was Mary Upton, who had three children— seventeen in all. 6. Su- 368 HI8T0RY OF GABDIfFR. sanna, m. Austin Parker. 7. Betsey, d. 8. Betsey, m. Elijah Travers. 9. Lucy, b. Sept. 30, 1792. Mr. Martin died July 4, •1826. Mereitt, Noah, m. Eunice ; their ch. were: 1. Noadiah, b. Dec. 2,1782. 2. Achsah, b. Mar. 30, 1784. 3. Abigail, b. Sept. 23, 1785. Merriam, Jonathan, from Westminster, was a farmer in the north part of the town, where Asa W. Kaymond now lives. He m. Betsey Harris; their ch. were: 1. Jacob H., b. Jan. 22, 1799. 2. Nathan, b. Aug. 7, 1800, d. Sept. 19, 1805. 8. Betsey W., b. Aug. 7, 1802, d. Sept. 16, 1805. 4. Sally, b. in Oct., 1804. 5. Samuel H., b. May 16, 1808. 6. Milton, b. June 20, 1810. 7. Betsey, b. Nov. 17, 1813. Mr. Merriam, Samuel and Milton died in Dec, 1826, of typhoid fever. Meekiam, John, m. Sally Severy ; their ch. were: 1. Caleb S., b. July 18, 1817. 2. Anna C, b. Nov. 22, 1819, m. Mr. Flagg. 3. Jonas, b. Mar. 19, 1823. 4. Oliver M., b. Sept. 2, 1825. 5. Sally R., b. July 2, 1828. Merriam, Nathan, m. Abigail, dau. of Abner and Elizabeth (Derby) Holden ; their ch. were : 1. Joel, b. Feb. 3, 1786, m. Polly Farns- worth. 2. Nathan, b. Nov. 27, 1787, m. Ruth Keyes. 3. Reu- ben, b. May 15, 1790. 4. Asaph, b. Mar. 20, 1792, m. Miss Gibson. 5. Abigail, b. Jan. 29, 1795, m. Farwell Cowee. Maynaed, Joseph, m. Mary Crosby ; their ch. were : 1. Mary A., b. Mar. 14, 1829, m. Calvin Conant. 2. Ellen, b. Dec. 22, 1830, m. Mr. Gushing. 3. Henry, b. July 26, 1833. 4. Eliza, b. June 17, 1837. Millee, Amos, m. Martha Williams; their ch. were: 1. George W., b. May 23, 1835. 2. James, b. Dfic. 1, 1836. Meeritt, Increase S., m. Susan Penniman ; their ch. were : 1. Sim- eon, b. Mar. 21, 1823. 2. Ezra M , b. Mar. 2, 1825. Miles, Oliver, from Concord, was a cabinet maker. He m. Sarah Joslyn ; their ch. were: 1. Orinda, b. Jan. 14, 1798, m. Andrew Mentser. 2. John J., b. Nov. 2, 1799, m. Sarah Mosman. 3. Charles, b. Sept. 28, 1801, m. Sophia Brown. 4. Walter, m. Miss Ingalls. 5. Luke, m. Mary Ann Conant. 6. Cyrus, m. Ann Whitney. 7. Harriet, m. Charles Crane. HI8T0BY OF GARDNER. 369 Miles, John, from Concord, brother of Oliver, was a farmer in the east part of the town, m. Mary Mosman ; their ch. were : 1. Mary. 2. Louisa, m. John Dalrymple. MiNOTT, Amos B.. m. Maria, dau. of Elijah and Sarah (Comee) Brick ; their ch. were: 1. Edwin M., b. Aug. 19, 1843. 2. - b. Apr. 24, 1845. 3. William H., b. July 11, 1848. 4. Sarah, b. Apr. 4, 1850. 6. Frank, b. Sept. 21, 1854. Moore, Phineas, m. Hannah ; their ch. were: 1. Thaddeus, b. July 25, 1812. 2. Ezra S., b; Nov. 29, 1814. MooEE, Ezra, a farmer in the west part of the town. He m. Sally ; they had one child named Polly. MuNEOE, Samuel, m. Abigail Seaver ; their ch. were: 1. Samuel W., b. Dec. 25, 1840. 2. Edward M., b. Nov. 4, 1846. Newton, Rufus, m. Rebecca Willard; their ch. were: 1. Lucy A., b. Jan. 27, 1839. 2. Charles H., b. Nov. 3, 1841. 3. , b. Apr. 21, 1844. 4. George, b. Jan. 11, 1848. Newton, Edmond, m. Mary N. ; their ch. were: 1. Mary E., b. Sept. 6, 1841. d. Sept. 11, 1841. 2. George W., b. Dec. 3. 1843. 3 Althea A., b. May 15, 1846. 4. Fraukliu D., b. Apr. 13, 1855. Newbury, Dayton, m. Elizabeth ; their ch were ; 1 . Albert, b. Oct. 25, 1831, at Springfield. 2. Harriet E., b. Oct. 9, 1833, at Uxbridge. 3. Gilbert B., b. Aug. 5, 1835. 4. Dwight, b. Mar. 11, 1838. 5. Franklin, b. June 2, 1840, d. Sept. 22, 1843. 6. Maria A., b. June 12, 1842. Nichols, David, from Reading, one of the first settlers, was a farmer and ■ blacksmith in the south part of the town. He. m. Rebecca Burknap ; their ch. were : 1. David, m. Rachel Howard. 2. Kendall, m. Deborah Partridge. 3. Rebecca. 4. Mary. 5. Isaac, m. Nancy Dodge. 6. Asa, m. Mary Derby. 7. Sarah. 8. Edmond, m'. Esther Jackson. His second wife was Rhoda Forbush. 9. John; m. Betsey Stevens. Mr. Nichols died at the age of fifty. Nichols, David, s. of David, m. Rachel Howard ; their ch. were : 1. Lydia B., b. Apr. 26, 1789. 2. David, b. Feb. 13, 1791. 3. Betsey, b. Feb. 10, 1793. 4. Isaac, b. July 29, 1795. 5. Nathan, b. Mar. 11, 1797. 6. Rebecca, b. July 7, 1799, m. William 47 370 HISTORY OF GARDJSfER. Learned. 7. Edmond, b. Aug. 29, 1801. 8. Amos, Id. Aug. 27, 1804. 9. Elvira, b. Dec. 3, 1806, m. John Edgell. 10. Emily A., b. July 21, 1809, m, James M. Comee. . 11. Charles, b. Sept. 5, 1811. Nichols, Kendall, s. of David 1st, m. Deborah Partridge ; their ch. were: , 1. Amos, b. Apr. 24, 1793. 2. Asaph, b. Feb..25, 1797. Nichols, Isaac, s. of David 1st, m. Nancy Dodge ; their ch. vi^ere : 1. Farwell, b. Jan. 11, 1799, m. Azubah Pierce. 2. Nancy, b. Nov. 27, 1800. 3. Lucy, b. 1803, d. Sept. 29, 1811. 4. Lyman, b. June 30, 1806. Nichols, Asa, s. of David 1st, m. Mary Derby; their ch. were: 1. Merrick,, b. Nov. 8, 1806, m. Amanda "W,ood. 2. Burknap, b. Apr. 28, 1810. 3. Washington, b. Apr. 8, 1814, m. Lucinda Fenno. 4, Lucy B., b. Jan. 20, 1817. 5. William, b. Aug. 12, 1820. Nichols, Edmond, s. of David 1st, m. Esther Jackson ; they had one child named Benjamin F., b. Aug. 24, 1806. His second wife was Rhoda Forbush,; their ch. were : Esther, Edmond, Martha and Amos. Nichols, John, s. of David 1st, m. Betsey Stevens ; their ch. were : 1. Eliza E. L., b. Mar. 17, 1811. 2. Betsey, b. July 9, 1812. 3. John L.; b. Mar, 19, 1813. 4. Charles C, b. Jan. 18, 1816. 5. Abel S.,.b. Oct. 24, 1817. 6 and 7. Mary and Martha (twins). 8. Franklin. Nichols, Zachariah, m. Rebecca ; their ch. were : 1. Zacha- riah,b. July 18, 1795. 2. Nahum,b. Apr. 26, 1797. 3. James, ■ b. May 1, 1799. 4. Rebecca, b. Oct. 24, 1801. Nichols, Farwell, s. of Isaac, m. Azubah Pierce ; their ch were: 1. Lucy, b. Apr. 6, 1825. 2. Louisa, b. 1831, m. first, Mr. Thomas, . second, Mr. Jones Mr. Nichols -was fatally shot, by accident, on a Fourth of July, at Fitchburg. . Nichols, Washington, s. of Asa, m. Lucinda Fenno; their ch.'were: 1. Harriet W., b. June 17, 1835, d. Sept. 20, 1835. 2. Eliza Jane, b. Dec. 4, 1837, m. Charles Baker. 3,. George B., b. Dec. 25, 1840, m. Anna Brewster. 4, Charles M., b. Nov., 1844, m. Josie Batson. . HI8T0RY OF GARDINER. 371 Nichols, Bukknap, s, of Asa, m. Sarah Fletcher ;, they had one child named George, b. May 20, 1835, d. May 13, 1837. Mr. Nichols died March 9, 1838. Notes, Adam, m. Mehitable ; their ch. were : 1. Henry W., b. Dec. 28, 1799. 2. Thomas ,R., b. Aug. 31, 1801. 3. Adam ' S., b. Dec, 1802. 4. Charles M. A., b. Nov. 12,' 1805, d. Dec, 30, 1805. 5. Maria M., b. Feb. 17, 1807. fi. Charles A., b' Mar. 31, 1809. Notes, Henry J., m. Jane Gates; their ch. were: 1 and 2. Jane and James H., (twins) b. July 20, 1835, James d., Jane m., John Simonds. 3. Samuel L., b. Jan. 0, 1837. 4. Susan E., b. Sept. 17, 1839:, m. Henry C. Boyles. 5. Charles L., b. Mar. 13, 1842. 6 and 7. Edward P. and Ellen D., (twins) b. Sept. 23, 1847, Ellen d. Sept. 25, 1847. Osgood, Jonathan, from Westford, was; the first minister settled in Gardner. He is spoken of more particularly in the ecclesiastical department. He m. Orange "Wadsworth ; their ch. were : 1. Amelia L. F., m. Jonas Childs. 2. Eliza O. W., m. Joshua M. Whitcomb. 3. Jonathan W. D. His first wife was Eliza Bar- nard ; they had one child whose name was Walter B. His second ' wife was Miss M. F. Stone, whose ch. were : James S., Eliza F. and Caroline P. More will be said of him in another chapter. 4. Amanda A., m. Clement Jewett. 5. Harrison M., m. Miss Leonard. Pakteidge, Jabez, from Sherburne, located as a farmer in the south part of the town, where his grandson, Seneca Partridge, now lives. He was one of the early inhabitants of the town. He m. Anna Twichell ; their ch, were: 1. Adam, d. 2. Deborah, m. Elisha Pierce. 3. Adam, m. Mary Jackson. 4. Hannah, m. Mr. Bigelow. 5. Cynthia, b. Dec. 1,. 178.5, m. Luke Whitney. 6. Miriam, b. Aug. 20, 1787. 7. Henry, b. June 5, 1791. Partridge, Adam, s. of Jabez, m. Mary Jackson ; their ch. were : 1. Asa, b. Aug. 1, 1800. 2. Seneca, b. July 26, 1802. 3. Oran, b. June 30, 1806, m. Polly Wood. 4. Caroline, b. Nov. 13, . 1808, m. Isaac P. Kendall. 5. Loenza, b. June 27, 1814. 6. Adam, b. June 14, 1817, m. Melissa Underwood. 7. Mary, b. Dec. 12, 1819, m. James Stearns. 8. Louisa, b. May 3, 1822, m. Mr. Benton. Mr. Partridge died May 22, 1855, aged 77. 372 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Partridge.. Seneca, s. of Adam, m. Sally Brown ; their ch. were: 1. Silas, b. May 26, 1829, m. Mary Sanders. 2. Harriet W., b. Jan. 16, 1832, m. Solon Kendall. 3 and 4. Francis and Frederic, (twins) b. Mar. 15, 1840. His second wife was Sarah Under- wood ; their ch. were : 1. George W., b. Apr. 17, 1847, d. Aug. 11, 1848. 2. George A., b. Dec, 18, 1849. 3. Orlando, b. Dec. 12, 1854. Partridge, Reuben, from Sherburne, an early inhabitant, located in the south part of the town. He m. Mary Perry ; their ch. were : 1. Deborah. 2. Mary, m. Samuel Hill, whose ch. were : Amos, Moses, John, Nathaniel and William. Parker, John, m. Mary White; their ch. were: 1. Lucy, b. May 25, 1806, d. May 26, 1806. 2. Adeline, b. Sept. 6, 1807, d. Dec. 23, 1827. 3. Oscar A., b. Nov. 14, 1808. 4. Frederick, b. Apr. 26, 1811, m. Mary Greenwood. 5. Mary, b. Jan. 19, 1814. 6 Lucy W., b. Aug. 20, 1817. 7. Abner W., b. July 17, 1820. Mr. Parker died Mar. 1, 1829. Parker, Oscar A., s. of John m. Sophrona Jackson ; their ch. were : 1. Emily A., b. at Concord, N. H., Sept. 17, 1835. 2. Elvira J., b. Nov. 26, 1837. 3. Harriet A., b. Nov. 26, 1839. Parker, Abram G., m. Lydia Nichols; their ch. were: 1. Hannah G., b. Jan. 30, 1811. 2. Alexander G., b. Jan. 14, 1814. Parker, David, from Westford, came to this town more than fifty years ago, and settled here as a physician. He m. Eliza Sawin ; their ch. were: 1. Lucy, b. April 14, 1835, m. Mr. Perkins. 2. Eliza, b. Aug. 19, 1837, d. Sept. 13, 1841. 3. Horace F., b. Aug. 13, 1839, m. Mary Travers. His second wife was Sarah ScoUay, who had one child named Eliza, b. Nov. 29, 1845, m. Frank Smith. Page, Jonathan, m. Tamar ; their ch. were: 1. Jonathan. 2. Hannah. 3. Tamar. 4. Gilman, b. June 4, 1812. 5. Eliza- beth G., b. Dec. 7, 1814. 6. Zimri, b. Aug. 27, 1817. Patson, Joseph, from Framingham, one of the first inhabitants, was a farmer in the east part of the town, where his grandson, Joseph P. Howe, now lives. He m. Mary Hill; their ch. were: 1. Mary, b. Apr. 6, 1774, m. Samuel Foster. 2. Susanna, b. July 7, 1779, m. Ezekiel Howe. 3. Eleanor, b. July 29, 1782, m. Uriah Clapp. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 373 Mr. Payson was one of the company that held a tea party in Bos- ton Harbor, just before the commencement of the Revolutionary War. Penniman, Ezra, from Braintree, was a farmer in the west part of the town, where Asa T. Greenwood now lives. He m. Lovisa Eao-er • their ch. were: 1. Lovisa, m. Uriah Merritt. 2. Abigail, m. Isaiah Howe. 'S. Benjamin. 4. Sarah, m. Jesse Hill. 5. Mary, m. Bartholomew Cheevers. 6. Betsey, d. 7. Susan, m. Increase 5. Merritt. 8. Tabitha, m. Granville Williams. Perlet, Allen, from Ward, now Auburn, was a farmer, living where John Stacy now lives. He was one of the first settlers. He m. Juda Chase; their ch. were: 1. Susanna, b. Apr. 9, 1780, m. Mr. Marsh. 2. Allen, b. Aug. 24, 1782. 3. Sally, b. Dec. 14, 1784. 4. David, b. Apr. 10, 1786. 5. Anna, b. Aug. 19, 1795. 6. Asa, b. Oct. 4, 1797. Perlet, Allen, Jr., s. of Allen, m. Anna Greenwood ; their ch. were : 1. Martha, b. Jan. 16, 1809. 2. Sylvia, b. June 19, 1810. 3. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 30, 1814, m. Cephas Phinney. Mr. Perley died Mar. 25, 1844. Mrs. Perley died Mar. 6, 1844. Perlet, David, s. of Allen, m. Miriam Partridge; their ch. were: 1. Elmina, b. June 23, 1809. 2. Anna, b. Aug. 20, 1811, m. Mr. Howard. 3. Thuseba, 1). Nov. 21, 1813, m. John S. Crosby. Her second husband was Augustus Bigelow. 4. Hannah B., b. Nov. 1, 1816, m. F. D. Nichols. 5. David, b. Mar. 6, 1819, m. Susan E. Mann. 6. Mary Ann, b. Apr. 12, 1821. 7. Asa, b. Aug. 27, 1825, m. Harriet E. Smith. 8 and 9. Adam and Hiram, (twins) b. Apr. 11, 1827, d. 10. Henry P., b. Feb. 23, 1828, m. Cynthia Hunting. 11. Caroline, b. June 25, 1830, m. Edwin Rice. Perlet, Asa, s. of Allen, m. Mary Kendall ; their ch. were : 1. Mary E , b. May 5, 1822, m. John Nichols. 2. Asa P., b. June 4, 1824, m. Miss Austin. 3. Charles A., b. Sept. 15, 1826, m. Whitney. 4. William P., b. Apr. 2, 1829. 5. George A., b. July 8, 1831. 6. James M., b. Feb. 26, 1834. 7. Francis W., b. May 4, 1836. 8. Theophilus P., b. Nov. 12, 1838. 9. Lean- der.A., b. June 19, 1841. 10. Lewis F., b. June 17, 1844. 11. Ellen M., b. Sept. 10, 1846. 374 HI8T0BY OF GAliDNJSR. Peabodt, William, m. Mary Stevens; their ch. were: 1. William T., b. Feb. 21, 1820, m. Hannah Howe, d. Sept. 2, 1864. 2. John H., b. Mar. 22, 1822, m. Mary M. Lynde. 3. Mary A., b. 1824, m. Edwin 0. Gibson, d. in Pittsburg, Pa. 4. George C.,b. 1826, d. 1829, 5. George F., b. Jan. 11, 1832, m. Octavia A. Lynde. 6. Charles F., b. 1834, m. Elizabeth .Delany.' d. 1855. 7. Eliza J., b 1836, m. Sumner P. Whitney. . Phillips, John, m. Roxa Bancroft; their ch. were: 1. Warren, b. Nov. 18, 1806, d. Sept. 3, 1808. 2. Eliza, b. Jan. 4, 1809. 3. Caroline, b. Sept. 19, 1810, m. Dea. Foskett. 4. Warren, b. Aug. 17, 1813, m. Mary Parker. 6. Polly B., b. July 19, 1815, d. July 4, 1816. PfliNNET, Cephas M., m. Elizabeth Perlfey ; their ch. were: 1. Mar- cellus P., b. July 1, 1838. 2. Martha E., b. Aug. 23, 1840. 3. Sylvianna, b. Aug. 13, 1842. 4. , b. Dec. 25, 1844. 5. Mary J., b. Dec. 28, 1846, - Pierce, John, m. Lucy ; their ch. were : 1. Nathan, b. Aug. 19, 1788. 2. Lucy, b. Dec. 8; 1790. 3. Peter, b. Sept. 9, 1792. 4. Abigail, b. July 28, 1795. 5. John, b. June 21. 1799. 6. Susanna, b. Feb.' 17, 1802. Pierce, Jonas, m. Martha Edgell ; their ch. were: 1. Calvin, b. July 7, 1833. 2. Catherine, b. Aug. 12, 1836, d. Dec. 9, 1837. His second wife was Sarah M. (Fletcher) Nichols ; they had one child named Erastus N., b. June 11, 1840. His third "wife was Betsey F. Styles. Pierce, Josiah, m. Polly ; their ch. were: 1. Harvey L., b. Oct. 22, 1837. 2. Oliver N., b. July '29, 1839. Powers, Robert, m. ; their ch. were: 1. Joseph, b. Sept. 27, 1812. 2. Emeh'ne, b. Apr, 23, 1816. 4. John, b. May 12, 1818. Mr. Powers had several children previous to his moving into this town, but we have no record of them. Powers, Robert, Jr., s. of Robert, m. Annis Kendall ; their ch. were : 1. Frederic W., b. Dec 3, 1830. 2. Mary S., b. July 30, 1832, d. Oct. 21, 1843. 3. Adeline K., b. Apr. 17, 1834. 4. Martin K., b. Feb, 1, 1837. 5. Prudence E., b. May 16, 1840. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 375 Peatt, Ephraim, came into town about 1775, and located in the south- east part ; his ch. were : 1. Aaron. 2. Miriam, m. Joseph Simonds. His age, when he died, was 84 years. Pratt, Aaron, s. of Ephraim, m. Betsey — ^ ■; their ch. were: I. Aaron, b. Apr. 22, 1798. 2. Betsey, b. Nov. 16, 1799. 3. Mercy, b. Aug. 23, 1802. 4. John, b. Aug. 2, 1804. 5. Lovisa, b. Jan. 6, 1807. 6. Susanna, b. Feb. 6, 1809. 7. William, b. Jan. 2, 1811. 8. Russel, b. Nov. 18,1812. Mr. Pratt died in 1812. PbAtt, William, s. of Aaron 2d, m. Sarah Matthews ; their ch. were : 1. Aaron, b. Nov. 9, 1832. 2. Otis, b. Dec. 18, 1833. S.Sally, b. Nov. 13, 1835, 4. Joel, b. Jan. 12, 1840. 5. William, b. Apr. 9, 1842. 6. Walter. 7. Eliza. Priest, Joseph, one of the first settlers, located in the west part of the town, where Nahum Wallace now lives. He m. Patience Stiles ; their ch. were : 1. Levi, m. Hannah Woodbury, 2. Joseph, 3. Lucy, b. Aug. 2, 1789. 4. Jacob, b. July 28, 1791. 5. Betsey, b. Sept. 17, 1800, m. Elbridge Leland. 6. Caleb, b. June 30, 1804. Priest, Levi, s. of Joseph, m. Hannah Woodbury; their ch. were: 1. LeviW., b. May 22, 1813. 2. Francis D., b. June 19, 1815. 3. Nancy, b. Jan. 26, 1817. 4. Joseph. 5. Milo. His second wife was Prudence Hyde. Priest, Jacob, s. of Joseph, m. Patty Clark ; their ch, were : Joseph, Jacob W., Mary, Martha, _Betsy, Lucy, .Eliza and Harriet. Priest, Caleb, s. of Joseph, m. Louisa Gage; their ch. were: 1. Lorenzo S., b. Apr. 20, 1827. 2. Caleb A., b. Dec. 4, 1829. 3. Julius W., b. Sept. 9, 1832. 4. George B., b. Har. 27, 1834.' ■ 5. Calvin M., b. Jan. 9, 1838. 6. Francis O., b. June 4, 1841. 7. Nancy L., b. Mar. 12, 1847, d. Dec. 15, 1861. Putnam, John, from Danveis, was an early settler in the east part of the town. He m. Anna Penniman ; their ch. were: 1. John, b. July 21, 1794, d. Feb. 25, 1813. 2. Amasa, b. May 6, 1796, m. Mary Temple. 3. Nancy, b. June 3, 1798, m. Joseph • Whitney. 4. Elijah, b. Mar. 11, 1801, m. Elmira Bancroft. 5. William, b. ,.: .Oct.. 5,-1804, m. Mary Ann Flood. Mr. Putnam died at the age of 77. 376 HISTORY OF GARBNEB. Putnam, Amasa, s. of John, m. Mary Temple ; their ch. were : 1. Amasa, b. June 26, 1818, d.Sept. 6, 1836. 2. Mary T., b. Feb. 18, 1821, m. Sumner J. Simonds. 3. Lucy, b.'Dec. 3, 1822, m. Levi H. Sawin. 4. Martha B., b. Nov. 13, 1824, m. Augustus Knowlton. 5. Nancy, b. June 12, 1827, m. William E. Marsh. 6. Sarah W., b. July 16, 1831, m. Amasa Merritt. 7. Betsey H., b. Aug. 7, 1834, m. Lewis Bebee. Putnam, Elijah, s. of John, m. Elmira Bancroft ; their ch. were : 1. Mary, b. Dec. 26, 1826, d. Mar. 23, 1844. 2. Viola, b. Aug. 17, 1833, d. July 18, 1849. 3. William, b. June 23, 1836, m. Olive Wetherbee. Prescott, Jonathan, from Lancaster, m. Ruth, dau. of John Glazier ; their ch. were: Jouathan, Bushrod W., Elizabeth, William, George and Ruth Ann. Mr. Prescott was the first merchant in Gardner. He built the house and lived, where Francis Richardson now resides, and was Town Clerk in 1 794-5 and 6. In 1799 he moved to Boston, where he was appointed constable, which office he held during life. He died in 1852, aged 92. For the last few years of his life he was unable to attend regularly at court, yet he annually received the appointment and drew the pay, out of respect for his long service. Pkescott, Bushrod W., s. of Jouathan, m. Melinda Wiswal ; their ch. were: 1. Mary W., b. Aug. 8, 1825, d. June 22, 1842. 2. SarahG., b.Feb. 28, 1827. 3. Ruth, b. May 18, 1829, d. Mar. 15, 1845. 4. Jonathan H., b. Mar. 1, 1831, d. June 9, 1844. 6. Elizabeth, b. Apr. 10, 1833. 6. Nancy, b. Feb. 17, 1837. Rat, Heman, m. Lydia Richardson ; their ch. were : 1. Elizabeth, b. June 1, 1829, m. Cephas B. Stevens. 2. Sarah G., b. July 9, 1831, m. Asa T. Greenwood. 3. Seth, b. May 24, 1835, m. Sarah Ostrum. 4. Martha O., b. Sept. 11, 1840, m. Theophilus Wood. 5. Henry E., b. June 10, 1845. Eat, Asa, m. Susanna Gates ; their ch. were : 1. Newell, b. Aug. 21, 1818. ■ 2. Asaph, b. Oct. 5, 1825. 3. Susan, b. Mar. 10, 1832. 4. Adaline, b. Jan. 18, 1834. 5. Lyman, b. June 11, 1837. 6. Eliza, b. Dec. 3, 1838, d. July 27, 1840. 7. Mary E., b. Oct. 19, 1841. HI8T0RY OF GABDNER. 377 Eay, Amos, m. Sally Kemp; their ch. were: 1. Eliza Ann, m. Samuel G. Gates. 2. Sarah M., m. David Howe. 3. Elvira, b. July 3, 1828, m. James Priest. 4. Charles H., b. July 21, 1830. His second wife was Hephzibah Garfield, who had one child named Lucy G., b. July 4, 1837. Ray, Almond, m. Olive Kemp ; their ch. were : 1. Malvina 2. Lu- cy Ann, b. June, 22, 1832. 3. Harriet. 4. Elmira, b. June 26, 1837. 5. Jane, b. Mar. 7, 1852. Rax, Newell, s. of Asa, m. Elvira W« ; their ch. were : 1. New- ell E., b. Mar. 5, 1843. 2. Maria A., b. Jan. 16, 1845. 3. De- wit Clinton, b. Apr. 2, 1846. 4. Dolly, b. July 6, 1848. Beed, David, from Stowe, one of the first settlers, was a farmer in the east part of the town. He m. Naomi Wright ; their ch. were : 1. Abram. 2. Asa, 'b. June 18, 1789, d. 3. David, b. Feb. 13, 1793. 4. Asa, b. Aug. 12, 1795. Reed, David, s. of David, m. Polly Smith ; their ch. were: 1. David A., b. Oct. 25, 1819, d. Nov. 4. 1819. 2. David J., b. Aug. 26, 1821. 3. Mary N., b. Sept. 16, 1824. Reed, Asa, s. of David 1st, m. Rhoda Brooks; their ch. were: 1. Mary Aun, b. June 4, 1821. 2. Rhoda E., b. Mar. 31, 1824. 3. David W., b. Nov. 6, 1826. Richardson, Jonas, one of the first settlers, located in the east part of the town; their ch. were: 1. Azubah, m. Benjamin Pierce. 2. Abel, m. Sarah Lincoln. His second wife was Mrs. Whitcomb. 3. Mary, m. Benjamin Hill. 4.. Betsey, m. Jonathan Currier. 5. Persis. 6. Hattie, m. Daniel Currier. 7. Jonas, m. Abigail Cur- rier. 8. Asa, b. Feb. 6, 1784, m. Elizabeth Glazier. 9. Nathan, b. July 26, 1785. His second wife was Lydia Woodbury; they had one child named Levi, b. April 4, 1801, m. Lovisa Pratt. Mr. Richardson d. in 1815, aged 72. Richardson, Asa, s. of Jonas, m. Elizabeth Glazier ; their ch. were : 1. Lydia, b. Dec. 16, 1809, m. Heman Ray. 2. Elizabeth, b. Feb. 23, 1812, d. Jan 31, 1814. 3. Francis, b. Feb. 17, 1814. 4. Lucy, b. April 13, 1816, m. William Austin. 5. Jonas, b. Dec. 30, 1817, d. in 1839. 6. Persis. b. Nov. 5, 1819, d. Nov. 16, 1819. 7. Isaac, b. Dec. 26, 1820, d. July 30, 1841. 48 378 HI8T0BY OF GARDNER. EiCHAEDSON, Jonas, s. of Jonas 1st, m. Abigail Currier ; their ch. were: 1. Mary Jane, b. May 27, 1808. 2. Betsey, b. Jan. 23, 1811, d. Apr. 8, 1811. 3. Charles, b. Oct. 21, 1812. 4. Abel, b. Mar. 31, 1815. EiCHARDSON, Nathan, s. of Jonas 1st, m. Sophia Boutelle ; their ch. were: 1. Thomas B., b. Oct. 28, 1818, d. Mar. 14, 1819. 2. Louisa B. 3. Charles. 4. Loenza B. 5. Henry H. 6. Jonas. 7. Sarah S. EiCHARDSON, Francis, s. of Asa, m. Belinda Fletcher ;- their ch. were: 1. Sarah E., b. Aug. 7, 1839. 2. Frederic, b. May 3, 1841. 3. Lucy A., b. Mar. 28, 1843, m. Frederic Turney. His second wife was Eliza (Cutler) Wood; their ch. were: 1. Francis C, b. June 29, 1846, d. Dec. 25, 1847. 2. Charles F., b. July 8, 1849, m. Emma Hill. RoBBiNS, Nathan, m. Nancy Bickford ; they had one child named George E., b. Feb.' 2, 1842. Eoss, Phineas, m. Betsey Marshall; their ch. were: 1. Esther, b. Aug. 13, 1816, d. Mar. 29, 1876. 2. Phineas M., b. Aug 1, 1818. 3. Almeda,b.Nov. 30, 1821. 4. Betsey, b. Dec. 6,1823, d. Aug. 14, 1825. 5. Eobinson, b. May 17, 1826, d. Aug. 20, 1877. 6. William, b. Sept. 16, 1828. 7. A. Hastings, b. Apr. 28, 1831. 8. George P., b. May 9, 1833. 9. Alvah W., b. May 21, 1834, d. July 7, 1837. Saunders, Samuel, from Ashby, one of the first settlers, located in the southeast part of the town, was a farmer. He m. Lydia Boynton ; their ch. were: 1 and 2. Lydia and Sarah, (twins) Lydia m. Philemon Stacy, whose ch. were : John, Philemon and Joseph. Her second husband was William Fortiner. Sarah, m. Whitman Austin. 3. Abigail, m. Jonas Shepard. 4. Patience, m. Oliver Clark. 5. Euth, m. Isaac Holbrook. 6. Lucy, m. Asa Fairbank. 7. Samuel, m. Eachel Turner, whose ch. were: Eachel, John, Joseph and Samuel. 8. Moses, m. Sarah Underwood. 9. Jonas, m. Hannah Trask. 10. Aaron, m. Sarah Gragg. 11. Abrara, m. Betsey Trask. Saunders, Moses, s. of Samuel, m. Sarah Underwood ; their ch. were: 1. Betsey, b. Feb. 1, 1798, d. Oct. 3, 1803. 2. Cynthia, b. Jan. 16, 1800, d. Oct. 3, 1803. 3. Amos U., b. Mar. 20, 1802, d. Dec. 12,1803. 4. Willard, b. Mar. 11, 1804. 5. Maria, b. Dec. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 379 26, 1805. 6. Franklin, b. Jan. 17, 1808. 7. Eunice, b. Dec. 9, 1809, m. William Barrett. 8.- Amos, b. Nov. 22, 1812. 9. Isaac, b. Mar. 30, 1815, m. Eleanor . 10. Jacob W., b. Aug 7, 1817. 11. Joseph L., b. Apr. 6, 1821. Saunders, Willard, s. of Moses, m. ; their ch. were : I. Mary, b. Oct. 20, 1838. 2. Henry A. C, b. Aug. 28, 1841. 3 Eliza J., b. May 17, 1844. 4. Ira L., b. Sept. 1, 1849, d. May 16, 1852. Sawin, Benjamin, from Westminster, an early settler, m. Lucy Laws ; their ch. were : 1. Lucy, b. Apr. 8, 1795. 2. Benjamin, b. Feb. 27, 1797. He left town after a few years. Sawin, Samuel, m. Martha Heywood, dau. of Seth and Mary (Tem- ple) Heywood ; their ch. were: 1. Samuel W., b. Feb. 19, 1801, d. Jan. 27, 1823. 2. Eliza A., b Feb. 25, 1807, m. Mr. Houghton. 3 John H., b. Oct. 13, 1812. 4. LeviH., b. Nov. II, 1816. Sawin, Levi H., s. of Samuel, m. Lucy Putnam; their ch. were: 1. Helen, b. Sept. 17, 1842, m. Eeuben A. Twichell. 2. Alice, b. Sept. 18, 1844, m. Charles H. Greenwood. 3. Mary, b. Nov. 20, 1847, m. Mr. Washburn. 4. Edward H., b. Feb. 25, 1849. 5. Lucy, b. July 15, 1853. 6. Clifford H., b. June 25, 1855. Sawin, Jonathan, m. Mary Ann ; they had one child whose name was Rozina Almina, b. Mar. 4, 1842. Sawin, Luke, m. Clarissa Lane; their ch, were: 1. Mary G-., b. June 8, 1827, d. Aug. 7, 1829. 2. Maria, b. Jan. 15, 1829. 3. Otis F., b. June 15, 1831, d. Dec. 25, 1833. 4. Mary G., b. May 14, 1833. Sawin, Joseph D., m. Marcia Scribner ; their ch. were : 1. Myra A., b. July 12, 1832, m. John M. Moore. 2. Otis D., b. Apr. 17, 1834, m. Miss Comee. 3. Sarah W., b. July 3, 1836. 4. Lin- coln L., b. June 18, 1838, m. Miss Fenno. 5. Mary Ann, b. Oct. 22, 1843, m. Mr. Allen. 6. Cora L., b; Jan. 17, 1850. Sawin, Eli G., m. Tabitha Bickford ; they had one child named Smyr- na, b. Apr. 21, 1836. Sawyer, Jude, from Lanca.ster, one of the first settlers, located in the south part of the town, where Ezekiel Gates now lives. He was a 380 HISTORY OF GARDNER. farmer and blacksmith, and was noted for making steel traps. He made one after he was ninety years of age. He m, Phebe Keyes ; they had no children. Mr. Sawyer died in 1843, aged 93. ScoLLAT, James, m. Dolly Corey ; their ch. were : 1. Dolly, b. Nov. 8, 1808, m. Amasa Whitney. 2. Sarah, b. Sept. 10, 1810, m. Dr. David Parker. 3. James, b. Mar. 26, 1812, m. Lucy M. Young. 4. Charles, b. Jan. 8, 1814, m. Elizabeth Garfield. 5. Lucy, b. Aug. 26, 1816, m. Alfred H. Brick. 6. Ezra, b. Apr. 9, 1821, d. Nov. 26, 1841. SiMOKDS, Elijah, came to this town about 1772, from Shirley, and located in the south part. He m. Abigail ; their ch. were : 1. Elizabeth, b. Apr. 7, 1774, d. June 29, 1776. 2. Elijah, b Jan. 28, 1777, d. Sept. 10, 1777. 3. Elijah, b. Nov. 14, 1778, m. Persis Richardson. 4. Jonathan, b Dec. 9, 1780. 5. Ezekiel, b. Feb. 25, 1783. 6. David, b. Mar. 4, 1786. 7. Abigail, b. July 11, 1788, d. Aug. 5, 1791. 8. Asa, b. Nov. 7, 1790. 9. Abigail, b. Aug. 5, 1793. 10. Lucy, b. Nov. 11, 1797. SiMONDS, Joseph, from Boston, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and noted for his bravery. He m. Miriam Pratt ; they had no children. SiMONDS, Elijah, s. of Pilijah, m. Persis Richardson ; their ch. were: 1. Mary. 2. Asa R., b. Feb. 6, 1812. 3. Sumner J., b. Feb. 13, 1817. SiMONDS, Sumner, J., s. of Elijah 2d, m. Mary Putuam ; their ch. were: 1 and 2. Amasa and Abel, (twins) b. Oct. 16, 1837. Amasa d. Nov. 23, 1838. 3. Lucy A., b. Oct. 19, 1839. 4. Georgianna, b. Feb. 23, 1841. 5. Mary G., b. June 26, 1848. Seavee, Ethan, from Westminster, was a farmer in the east part of the town. He m. Lydia ; their ch. were: 1, Luther, b. Mar. 4, 1794, m. Eunice Holden. 2. Lydia, b. May 7, 1798, m. Mr. Bancroft. 3. Aaron, b. Feb. 12, 1800, m. Louisa Fairbank. Seavee, Luthee, s. of Ethan, m. Eunice Holden ; their ch. were: 1. Sarah H., b. May 22, 1825. 2. Luther, b. Aug. 1,1829. 3. Mary B., b. Sept. 10, 1831. 4. John H., b. Aug. 1, 1835; Seavee, Aaron, s. of Ethan, m. Louisa Fairbank; their ch. were: 1. Abigail, b. Apr. 30, 1832. 2. Fanny, b. Apr. 24, 1834. 3. Joseph, b. Sept. 11, 1835. 4. Lucy, b. Jan. 11, 1842. HISTORY OF GARDINER. 381 Stearns, Otis, m. Lucy ; they had one child named George Otis, b. Aug. 3, 1819. Mr. Stearns was a merchant in the South Village a few years. Stearns, James C, m. Mary Partridge ; their ch. were: 1. Euphelia A., b. Feb. 2, 1842. 2. , b. Mar. 2, 1846. Stoddard, Bartlett, m. Miriam Kendall; their ch. were: 1. Bart- lett, b. June 22, 1817.. 2. Nancy K., b. Oct. 3, 1820, d. Nov. 25, 1820. Stone, Simon, from Templeton, was a farmer and had a saw mill, the one now owned by Dr. Parker. He m, Rhoda Stone ; their ch. were : 1. Rhoda, b. Feb. 29, 1796. 2. Simon, b. Feb. 19, 1800. His second wife was Miss Boynton, who had one child named Jo- seph W., b. Aug. 22, 1811. His third wife was Keziah Kendall. Stone, Samuel, from Groton, w^as one of the first settlers. He pur- chased a lot of wild land in the north part of the town, (then Win- chpndon) previous to 1770, the same that is now owned and used by the town fnr a town farm. He m. Martha Wilder; their ch. were : 1. Eunice, m. Israel Stone. 2. Samuel, m. Susan Haynes. 3. Joseph, m. Miss Stiles. 4. Josiah, m. Eunice Haynes. 5. Martha, b. Dec. 26, 1786. 6 and 7. Benjamin and Oliver, (twins) b. Jan. 20, 1789. 8. Mary, b. Feb. 28, 1791, m. Jonas Patch. 9. Abram, b. Dec. 29, 1792. 10. Diadamia, b. Mar. 17, 1795, m. Joel Walker. 11. Miriam, b. July 13, 1799, m. Joseph Comee. He died in 1831, aged 80. Stone, Josiah, m. Maria ; they had one child named Amelia Z. P., b. Jan. 26, 1819. Stone, Benjamin, s. of Samuel, m. Lucy Wheeler; their ch. were: 1. Leonard, b. Aug. 31, 1815, d. Sept. 12, 1818. 2. Ai, b. Aug. 25, 1817, m. Miss Hadley. 3. Calvin, b. Nov. 28, 1819, d. 4. Albert, b. June 31, 1822. 5. Leonard, b. Mar. 3, 1825. 6. Sam- son, b. May 18, 1827. 7. Lucy, b. Jan. 28, 1831, m. Charles H. Lovewell. " 8. Judson, b. July 26, 1834. . Stone, Abram, s. of Samuel, m. Abigail Barrel; their ch were: 1. Abigail, b. July 26, 1822. 2. Lydia, b. Oct. 24, 1824. 3. Mary, b. Aug. 19, 1832. 4. Abram, b. Sept. 15, 1834. 5. Fanny, b. July 2, 1837. 382 HISTORY OF GARBNER. Stone, William B., was a Congregational minister in this town eight years. He m. Phebe Robinson; their ch. were: 1. An infant son, b. Apr. 21, 1843, d. same day. 2. Francis B., b. June 14, 1844. 3. Phebe A., b. May 26, 1849. His second wife was Samantha Robinson. Smith, Asa, m. Rhoda Foster, who had one child named Asa F., b. Oct. 20, 1821, m. Fidelia Jackson. The mother died Oct. 30, 1821. Smith, Charles W., m. Sarah Wood; their ch. were: 1. Sarah A., b. Sept. 11, 1837. 2. Margaret M., b. Oct 15, 1839. 3. Charles W., b. Mar. 14, 1842. Spaulding, Daniel, m. Lucinda ; their ch. were: 1. Mary E., b. Oct. 11, 1822. 2.. Jared P.,b. July 29, 1825. Mr. Spauld- ing came from Fitzwilliam to this town about 1821. He was a merchant in the Centre of the town, and an active and influential citizen for the six or seven years he lived here. He returned to Fitzwilliam, where he is now liviag at an advanced age. Stimson, Mirick, from Ashburnham, was a merchant in the South Vil- lage. He m. Sarah ; they had one child while living in this town, named Charles, b. Sept. 4, 1837. Mr. Stimson moved back to Ashburnham where he now lives. Shumwat, Nehemiah, m. Matilda Bolton ; their ch. were: 1. Caro- line A., b. Feb. 5, 1817, m. Amasa Bancroft. She d. Sept. 12, 1858. 2. Charles A., b. Apr. 27, 1818, m. Adeline Davis. 3. AlmiraM., b. Apr. 17 1820, d. Sept. 23, 1828. 4. Albert A., b. Jan. 7, 1824, d. Oct. 30, 1848. 5. Edwin E., b. Aug. 14, 1826, d. Sept. 5, 1838. 6. Handel M., b. Mar. 27, 1828, m. Martha Underwood. Temple, Ephraim, came from Shrejvsbury about the year 1771. He located at first on the summit of Beaman Hill, on the north side of Crystal Lake, an old cellar still marking the spot. He subse- quently built a house where his grandson, Seth H. Temple, now lives. It may not be amiss to relate an incident, which the writer has heard from the lips of one of the parties interested, (Mr. Josiah Wilder), to show the trouble and inconvenience which the first settlers experienced in consequence of the depredations of bears, which were very common at that time. After Mr. Temple had cleared a few acres of land around his house, he discovered that HISTORY OF GARDNER. 383 the bears were making havoc iu his cornfield, by breaking off the ' ears and appropriating them to their own use. He immediately notified Mr. Wilder, who lived then, where Leander Knowlton now lives, whereupon Mr. W. took his steel trap and proceeded to the cornfield of Mr. Temple, and set it for the detention of Bruin, should he again attempt to forage in said cornfield. The next morn- ing Mr. Temple found not Bruin, but an offspring of Mrs. Bruin, caught in the trap. Word was sent to Mr. Wilder, who soon ar- rived, and, comprehending the situation, resolved he would have the old lady also. Accordingly he sent for Mr. Gideon Fisher, another neighbor, living about a mile to the north, a regular " Nim- rod," to come with his dogs and gun. Upon the arrival of Mr. Fisher, Mr. Wilder proceeded to cuff the ears of the cub with a switch, which made it cry lustily. In a very short time the mother bear made her appearance in the clearing, whereupon Mr. Fisher lodged a ball from his gun in her head, thus securing both bear and cub. He m. Elizabeth, dau. of Jacob Hinds of Shrewsbury. His second wife was Mary Farrar ; their ch. were: 1. Francis, who was drowned, -on his way home from Maine, in consequence of being cast away in a storm off the coast of Rye, N. H. 2. Isaac, m. Elizabeth Houghton. 3. Ephraim, m. Sybil Ray. 4 Ezra ; it is supposed that he died in the army. 5. Ahio, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Seth and Mary (Temple) Heywood. 6. Loammi. Mr. Temple died iu West Boylston in 1789, aged 62. Temple, Ephraim, s. of Ephraim, m.. Sybil Bay ; their ch. were : 1. Polly, b. Mar. 1, 1789, m. Isaiah Warren. 2. Asa. b. June 8, 1791, d. Nov. 9, 1794. 3. Nancy, b. Sept. 6, 1796, m. Jabez Fairbanks. 4. Phebe, b. Mar. 7, 1802, m. Levi Holden. Mr. Temple was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Temple, Ahio, s. of Ephraim 1st, m. Betsey, dau. of Seth and Mary Heywood; their ch. were: 1. Martha, b. Mar. 31, 1791, m. Joseph Barker. 2. Betsey, b. Jan. 25, 1793, m. Charles Green- wood. 3. Francis, b. Jan. 18, 1795, d. Jan. 3, 1801. 4. Mary, b. June 12, 1797, m. Amasa Putnam. 5. Ahio, b. Aug. 1, 1799, d. Mar. 19. 1800. 6. Asa, b. Feb. 13, 1801, m. Susan Conant. 7. Seth H., b. Feb. 10, 1803, m. Phebe Jackson. 8. Lucy, b. Oct. 23, 1805, d. Dec. 18, 1805. Temple, Asa, s. of Ahio, m. Susan Conant ; their ch. were : 1. Eliza- beth H., b. Sept. 3, 1823, m. Orin P. Stiles. 2. Christopher C, b. Jan. 15, 1826, m. Emily Edgell. 384 HISTORY OF GARDINER. Temple, Seth H., s. of Ahio, m. Phebe Jackson ; their ch. were : 1, Lucy, b. Apr. 15, 1827, m. Maro CoUester. 2. Asa, b. Feb. 23, 1829, m. Mary Church. 3. Eliza, b. June 6, 1831, m. Joel Cowee. 4. Charles, b. Apr. 27, 1834, d. Sept. 16, 1835. 5. Martha, b. Oct. 22, 1836, m. Henry Heywood. 6. Charles, b. Nov. 13, 1841, d. Oct. 8, 1847. Temple, Aaeon, m. ; their ch. were: 1. Betsey. 2. Jason. 3. Eebecca, b. Mar. 23, 1809. 4. Anna, b. May 25, 1813. Temple, Abram, m. Casendana Bickford ; their ch. were : 1. Francis H., b. Aug. 18, 1839, d. Dec. 12, 1839. 2. Ellen M., b. Aug. 15, 1841. Teavers, Elijah, m. Betsey Martin ; their ch. were: 1. George M., m. Martha Learned. 2. Lydia P., m. David P. Bickford. 3. Charles S., b. Feb. 26, 1814, m. Koxa Baker. 4. Fidelia W., b. Nov. 12, 1816, m. Ransom Bolton. 5. Betsey L. L., b. Jan. 11, 1819, m. Wardon B. Howe 6. Sarah S., b. Feb. 26, 1822. 7. Horace P., b. Dec. 1, 1824. 8. Elijah C, b.- Sept. 21, 1826, m. Diantha Williams 9. Otis A., b. Dec. 6, 1829. Travees, George M., s. of Elijah, m. Martha Learned; their ch. were: 1. Martha E., b. Jan. 15, 1833, m. William B. Durgan. 2. Mary, b. Feb. 26, 1842, m. Horace F. Parker. Travees, Charles S., s. of Elijah, m. Roxa Baker; they had oue child while living in this town named Charles S., b. Nov. 1, 1841. Trask, Nathaniel, m. Millie Eaton; their ch. were: 1. Betsey B., b. Dec. 5, 1819. 2. Nathaniel, b. Aug. 2, 1821, d. same day. 3. William, b. Aug. 6, 1822, d. Aug. 7, 1822. Turner, Aveet, m. ; their ch. were: 1. Edward, b. Oct. 25, 1822. 2. Samuel, b. Sept. 6, 1825. 3. Eliza Ann, b. Aug. 17, 1827. 4. Asa, b. Feb. 24, 1830. 5. Susan, b. Apr. 30, 1833. Mr. Turner moved to Quincy, 111., where he died \a 1877 at an advanced age. Wallsburt, Charles F., m. Mary , their ch. were: 1. Geo. W., b. Dec. 26, 1836, at St. Joseph, Mich. 2. Catherine S., b. Nov. 17, 1838. 3. Mary Ann, b. Dec. 5, 1840. 4. Frances, b. Apr. 30, 1844. HISTORY OF QABDI^mi. 385 Wallace, Merrick, m. Fanny Baker ; their ch. were : 1. Merrick W., b. Dec. 18, 1831. 2. Ellen R., b. May 20, 1843. Wallace, Nahum, m. Hannah Bennett ; their ch. were : 1. Ann M. b. Aug. 7, 1835. 2. John W., b. Mar. 19, 1837. 3. Mary, b! Dec. 3, 1838, m. Asaph B. Whitney. 4. Adelaide A., b. May 21, 1841, d. Mar. 16, 1842. 5. Albert A., b. Sept. 10, 1846. e! Martha, b. Apr. 1, 1848. White, John, from Lexington, was an early settler,. and located on the place now owned and occupied by John Brinkinan. He m. Euth Holden ; their ch. were: 1. Betsey, b. Sept. 21, 1776, m. Wil- liam Bickford, Jr. 2. Abigail, b. Apr. 30, 1780, d. 3. John, b. May 5, 1782, m. Persis Cowee. 4. Polly, b. Feb. 17, 1784, m. John Parker. 5. Augustine, b. Feb. 24, 1786. 6. Abner, b. Dec. 10, 1787. 7. Rebecca, b. May 9, 1790. 8. Lucy, b.Oct. 26, 1792. 9. Abigail, b. Apr. 20, 1796. Ho died in 1806, aged 59. White, John, s. of John, m. Persis Cowee ; their ch. were : 1. John, b. Aug. 1, 1804. 2. Louisa, b. Sept. 3, 1805. 3. Horatio N., b. Feb. 22, 1809. 4. Abner, b. Oct. 6, 1816, m. Mary Ann Conant. 5. Leander, m. Elizabeth (Jackson) Greenwood. White, Horatio N., s. of John 1st, m. ; their ch. were : 1. Horatio W., b. June 30, 1841. His other children were born in Templetou. White, Abner, s. of John 1st, m. Mary Ann Conant; their ch. were: 1. LoriUa A., b. July 13, 1842, d. Nov. 26, 1842. 2. Frederic L., b. Nov. 12, 1848. White, Daniel, m. ; there was no record of their children, except the last one, whose name was Mary E., b. May 28, 1841. Wheeler, Josiah, from Westminster, one of the first thirty of the early settlers, was a farmer in the east part of -the town, where Asa F. Smith now lives. He was in the French War a short time. He m. Lucy Graves ; their ch. were : 1. Priscilla, b. Apr. 2, 1769, d. 2. Lucy, b. May 31, 1771, m. Jonathan Whitney. 3. Abi- gail, b. Feb. 25, 1773. 4. Dolly, b. May 3, 1775. 5. Patience, b. Jan 22, 1778, d; Feb. 6, same year. 6. Richard, b. Aug. 21, 1779. 7. Josiah, b. Dec. 31, 1781. 8. Betsey, b. Aug, 27, 1784. 9. Levi, b. July 27, 1786, d. June 25, 1789. 10. Reuben, b. Sept. 6, 1788, m. Betsey Nichols. 49 386 HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. Wheeler, Reuben, s. of Josiah, m. Betsey Nichols ; their ch. were: 1. David, b. Jan. 8, 1812. 2. Calvin, b. May 4, 1814. 3. Jo- siah M., b. Nov. 20, 1816. 4. Reuben, b. Sept. 25, 1819. 5. Elvira, b. Feb. 13, 1823. 6. Charles A., b. Sept. 12, 1826. Wheeler, David, s. of Reuben, m. Rozilla ; they had one child in this town named William H., b. Mar. 6, 1842. Wheeler, Caltin, s. of Reuben, m. Cyrena ; they had one child in this town, named Henry Clay, b. July 9, 1839. Wheeler, Josiah M., s. of Reuben, m. Maria ; their ch. were : 1. Luther D., b. Nov. 20, 1844. 2. William W., b. Feb. 15, 1850. Wheeler, Joseph, m. Sarah J. ; their ch. were: 1. Charles S., b. Dec. 4, 1843. 2. Albert A., b. Jan. 29, 1845. Wheeler, Joel, from Concord, one of the first settlers, located in the north part of the town. The place is now owned by his grandson, Francis Wheeler. He was a farmer, but had a saw and grist mill. He m. Dorcas Stearns ; their ch. were : 1. Timothy, b. Dec. 24, 1781, m. Mary Stearns. 2. Mary, b. Sept. 19, 1786. 3. Lucy, b. July 27, 1789, m. Benjamin Stone. 4. Joel, b. Mar. 1, 1792, m. Martha Kelton. 5. Betsey, b. Dec. 25, 1794, m. Edward Loud. Wheeler, Timotht, s. of Joel, m. Mary Stearns ; their ch. were : 1. Stephen, b. Mar. 8, 1811. 2. Timothy, b. Aug. 15, 1813. Wheeler, Joel, s. of Joel, m. Martha Kelton ; their ch. were : 1. Horatio P., b. Oct. 16, 1825, m. Miss Frost. 2. Francis L., b. Apr. 24, 1827. 3. Edwin J., b. Mar. 24, 1829, m. Harriet N. Whitney. 4. Lucretia A., b. May 14, 1833, d. Nov. 6, 1845. His second wife was Lydia Emerson ; their ch. were: 1. Betsey E., b. Aug. 25, 1842. 2. Lucy L., d. 3. Mary L., d. Whitcomb, Jonathan P., was an early settler, and a farmer in the east part of the town. He m. Tamar ; their ch. were : 1. Jonathan, m. Eunice . 2. Annis. 3. Lucinda. 4. Sul- livan. 5. Abram. Mr. Whitcomb left town soon after its organ- ization and little is known to us in regard to his family. Whitcomb, Jonathan, s. of Jonathan P., m. Eunice ; their ch. were: 1. David, b. Aug. 18, 1784, d. Aug. 26,-1785. 2. Eunice, b. June 21 , 1786. 3. David, b. June 10, 1788. 4. Isaac, HI8T0BY OF GARDNER. 387 b. Mar. 15, 1791, d. June 6, 1796. 5. Mary, b. Oct. 1, 1793. 6. Thomas, b. Feb. 4, 1797. Whitcomb, Joshua, m. Eliza 0. W., dau. of Jonathan and Orange (Wardsworth) Osgood; their ch. were: 1. Jonathan O., b. May 21, 1817. 2. Harriet E. 3. Joshua M. 4. Charles W. Whitney, Joshua, one of the first settlers, came from Harvard about the year 1778, and located in the south part of the town, where his grandson, Joshua A. Whitney now lives. He was a soldier in (he Eevolutionary War three years. He m. Vashti Knight ; their ch. were: 1. Oliver, b. Apr. 28, 1784, m. Rebecca Nichols. 2. Joshua, b. Feb. 9, 1786, d. Feb. 16, 1792. 3. Dorcas, b. Jan. 14, 1798, m. Edmond Nichols, whose ch. were: Joel and Betsey. 4. Dolly, b. Mar. 28, 1790, d. May 9, 1791. 5. Joseph, b. Mar. 24, 1792, m. Nancy Sawin. 6. Dolly, b. Sept. 27, 1793, m. Asa Holden. 7. Joshua, b. Mar. 24, 1795, d. May 2, 1795. 8. John, b. Apr. 21, 1796, m Rachel Osgood. 9. Joel, b. Apr. 13, 1798, d. Mar. 15, 1801. 10. Ebenezer, b. Aug. 1,1800, d. 11. Silas, b. Nov. 11, 1804. 12. Mary, b. Dec. 20, 1807, m. John Sawyer. Mr. Whitney died in 1812, aged 58. Whitney, Joseph, s. of Joshua, m Nancy Sawin ; their ch. were : 1. Joshua A., b. Feb. 28, 1814. 2. Fidelia, b. Oct. 11, 1815, m. Samuel N. Laws. 3. Asaph B., b. Aug. 21, 1817, m. Mary Wal- lace. 4. Mary Jane, b. Sept. 27, 1819, d. Nov. 3, 1820. 5. Marietta, b. July 27, 1821, m. William Learned. 6. Nancy Jane, b. Aug. 12, 1823, m. Mr. Young. 7. Abigail M., b. Jan. 20, 1825, m. Thorley Collester. 8. Joseph L., b. Dec. 17, 1826. 9. Harriet N., b. Apr. 15, 1829, m. Edwin J. Wheeler. 10. Mary S., b. Feb. 20, 1831, m. John M. Hyde. 11. Frederic, b. Feb. 17, 1833, m. Miss Merriam. 12. Harvey, b. Sept. 29, 1836. Whitney, Levi, m. Rebecca ; their ch. were: 1. Ruth M., b. Sept. 3, 1801. 2. Levi W., b. Jan. 11, 1810. Whitney, William, m. Anna dau. of Seth and Martha (Temple) Heywood; their ch. were: 1. William, b. Sept. 17, 1791, m. Sybil C. Greenwood. 2. Seth, b. Dec. 8, 1792, m. Sally Wood. 3. Joseph, b. Feb. 28, 1794, m. Nancy Putnam. 4. Althina, b Apr 3, 1796, m. Richard Baker. 5. Anna, b. Oct. 23, 1797, m. Mr. Bruce. 6. Hollis, b. Aug. 11, 1801. 7 and 8. Amasa and Lucy, (twins) b. June 19, 1805. Lucy m. Oliver Esty. 388 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Whitket, William, s. of William, m. Sybil C. GreeDwood ; they had one child named Betsey, b. Apr. 16, 1815. Mr. Whitney moved to Templeton where he had other children. Whitney, Sbth, s. of William 1st, m. Sally Wood ; their ch. were : 1. Seth, b. May 25, 1817, d. Aug. 29, 1822. 2. Austin, b. Feb. 27, 1819, m. Miss Allen. 3. Lucy, b. June 22, 1821, m. Ivers Whitney. 4. Webster W., b. Nov. 29, 1824. 5. A twin mate who died in infancy. His second wife was Chloe Lincoln ; their ch. were: 1. William, b. Feb. 5, 1827. 2. Chloe, b. Oct. 4, ipS. 3. Sally, b. Nov. 6, 1830. 4. Seth, b. Jan. 30, 1833. 5. Mary, b. Jan. 28, 1838, d. Aug. 13, 1838. Whitney, Joseph, s. of William 1st, m. Nancy Putnam; their ch. were: 1. Ivei-s, m. Lucy Whitney. His second wife was Rhoda Adams. 2. Eliza, m. Mr. Peck. 3. Caroline. Whitney, Amasa, s. of William 1st, m. Dolly Scollay ; their ch. were : 1. Charles, b. Sept. 21, 1830, m. Mary Knowlton. 2. James, b. Oct. 4, 1835, d. Feb. 16, 1844. His second wife was Lucy Cool- idge. Whitney, Luke, brother of Wm. 1st, m. Cyntha Partridge ; their ch. were: 1. Orison, b. Jan. 12, 1806. 2. Thuseba, b. Mar. 19, 1808, d. Dec. 5, 1813. 3. Luke, b. Feb. 14, 1810, m. Miss Wood. 4. Cynthia, b. June 26, 1813, m. Mr. Watkins. 5. Thuseba, b. May 6; 1815, m. Elisha Pierce. 6. William, b. Aug. 30, 1817. 7. Anna, b. Apr. 1, 1819, d. Aug. 10, 1838. 8. Je- rome, b. May 6, 1821, d. Aug. 6, 1838. 9. Mary, d. Aug. 1, 1838. 10. Eliza. 11. Asa. AValker, Addison A., m. Su.ian J. ; they had one child named Susan J., b. Apr. 20, 1842. Mrs. Walker died Aug. 21, 1843. Mr. Walker moved to Ashburnham, where he is now living. Wheeler, John B., m. • ; their ch. were: 1. Nathan W., b. Oct. 14, 1792. 2. Otis, b. Aug. 11, 1794. 3. Cynthia B., b. Apr. 11, 1797. 4. John B., b. Jan. 25, 1799. 5. Asenath, b. Aug. 7, 1800. 6. MaryT.,b. Apr. 3, 1802. 7. Benjamin F., b. Feb. 15, 1804. Whitney, Joshua A., s. of Joseph, who was the son of Joshua, m. Mehitable ; their ch. were: 1. Julia Ann, b. Aug. 31, HI8T0JRY OF GARDJSfER. 389 1842. 2. Laura I., b. May 22, 1844. 3. Mary E., D. Apr, 16, 1851. 4. Joseph O., b. Feb. 23, 1853. 5. Myra A., b. Aug. 16, 1855. Whitney, Jonathan, m. Mehitable ; their ch. were: 1. Lucy P., b. Jan. 27, 1821. 2. Jonathan A., b. Feb. 10, 1822, d. Oct. 6, same year. 3. Caleb W., b. Nov. 29, 1824. 4. Jonathan D., b. Feb. 8, 1826. Whitney, Joseph 1st, m. Sally Parks; their ch. were: 1. Henry, b. 1793, m. Mary Ann Bassett. 2. Sally, b. 1795, m. Luther Alden. 3. Esther, b. 1797, m. Jonas Brick. 4. Joseph Parks, b. 1798, m, Hoena Bickford. 5. George, b. 1801, m. Sophia Greenwood. 6. Charles, b. 1804, d. 1824. 7. Samuel, b. 1806, d. 1826. 8. Anna P., b. 1809, m. Mr. Read. Whitney, Henry, s. of Joseph 1st, m. Mary Ann Bassett ; their ch. were : 1. Eliza Ann, b. Mar. 1, 1825. 2. Dulcina, b. Jan. 10, 1827, m. John Q. Clark. Her second husband was Benjamin T. Joslin. 3. Isaac H., b. Nov. 27, 1828. 4. Mary P., b. Aug. 25, 1830, m. E.P.Hardy. 5. Sarah P., b. June 12, 1832. -6. Caroline M., b. Oct. 24, 1834, m. A. M. Wilson. 7. John T., b. May 14, 1838. 8. Florence A., b. June 15, 1840, m. L. H. Brown. 9. Ellen, b. 1842, m. C. S. Warren. 10. Eveline, b. 1844. Whitney, Joseph P., s. of Joseph 1st, m. Eoena Bickford; they had one child named Roena H., b. July 25, 1823. Mr. Whitney d. Jan. 19, 1824. Mrs. Whitney afterwards m. Carlisle Heywood. Wilder, Elijah, one of the first settlers, a farmer, located in the west part of the town on the Wilder Brook. An old cellar, a few ancient apple trees and the remains of a mill-dam, are all that are left to indicate civilization. He m. Azubah Larkin ; their ch. were: 1. Persis, b. May 20, 1786. 2. Mary, b. May 22, 1788. 3. Asa W., b. May 23, 1790. 4. Phineas, b. May 5, 1792. 5. Eri, b. Apr. 17, 1795. Mr. Wilder moved to the Province of Maine about the year 1796. Wilder, Josiah, cousin of Elijah, one of the first settlers, came from Sterling about the year 1773, and located in the north part of the town, where Leander Knowlton now lives. He was a farmer and blacksmith. He m. Hezediah Larkin ; their ch. were : 1 . Azubah, b Mar 23, 1776. 2-. Katie, b. July 19, 1779. His second wife 390 HISTORY OF GABDJSTUR. was Joanna Baker ; their ch. were : 1. Hezediah, b. Nov. 2, 1784. 2. Josiah, b. Mar. 5, 1786, m. Polly Wheeler. 3. David, b. Nov. 10, 1787. He was killed while digging in a well in 1818. 4. Isaac, b. Nov. 23, 1789, m. Percia Jonps. 5. Joanna, b. Mar. 30, 179^. Mr. "Wilder died in 1826, aged 76. His last wife died in 1842, aged 91. Wilder, Josiah, s. of Josiah, m. Polly Wheeler ; their ch. were : 1. Betsey, b. Apr. 13, 1818. 2. Mary, b. Dec. 2, 1819. Mr. Wil- der moved to Fitzwilliam, N. H., where he had sons and daughters. Williams, Epheaim, m. Betsey Sawin ; their ch were: 1. Phebe, b. Apr. 7, 1810, m. Elisha S. Jackson. 2. Martha S., b. May 11, 1813, m. Mr. Woodward. 3. Betsey, b. Jan. 25, 1817, m. Amos Miller. 4. Isaac, b. Mar. 30, 1818, d. Nov. 10, 1844. -6. Ruth, b. Apr. 7, 1821. 6. Samuel, b. Jan. 1, 1832. Williams, Abel, m. Rebecca ; their ch. were : 1. Mary Ann, b. Sept. 11, 1837, m. Thomas Averill. 2. Edmond L., b. Sept. 22, 1840. 3. Hannah M., b. May 8, 1846. Williams, John, brother of Abel, m. Mary Foster ; they had one child named Mary Ann, b. Sept. 11, 1837. Williams, Hiram, brother of the preceding, m. Jane ; their ch. were: 1. Charles H., b. Feb. 1.5, 1842. 2. George 0., b. Nov. 17, 1843. Williams, Lovell. brother of the preceding, m. Betsey Young ; they had one Child named Eliza A., b. Aug. 7, 1841. Wilson, Joseph, m. ; their ch. were: 1. Hannah, b. Mar. 11, 1792. 2. Joseph, b. Feb. 26, 1794. 3. Timothy, b. Sept. 23, 1796. 4. Rebecca, b. Mar. 26, 1798. 5. Rachel, b. May 26, 1804, d. July 16, 1804. WooDBDET, John, m. Lucretia ; their ch. were: 1, Jonathan B. H., b. Mar. 4, 1811. 2. Sarah A., b. May 26, 1813. Wood, Jonathan, an early settler, located in the southwest part of the town. He m. Anna ; their ch. were. 1. Jonathan, m. Betsey Bancroft. 2. Catherine, b. June 9, 1790, d. July 28, same year. His second wife was Lois ; their ch. were : 1. Ben- jamin, b. Nov. 29, 1799. 2. Windsor D., b. July 26, 1801. 3, Oliver, b. Aug. 30, 1803. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 391 Wood, Jonathan, s. of Jonathan, m. Betsey Bancroft ; their ch. were: 1. Polly B., b. Nov. 4, 1809, m. Oran Partridge. 2. Betsey, b. Jan. 2, 1812. 3. Almond, b. July 22, 1814. 4. Smyrna, b. Oct. 21, 1815. His second wife was Sarah Perley ; their ch. were : 1. Sally C, b. June 27, 1818. 2. Nelson P., b. Jan. 26, 1821, m. Mary Nichols. "Wood, Benjamin, s. of Jonathan 1st, m. Sarah Hill ; their ch. were : 1. Betsey, b. Jan. 28, 1826. 2. Amanda, b. Oct. 6, 1827. 3. Lowell, b. Sept. 17, 1829. 4. Oliver, b. Oct. 31, 1831. 5. Geo. F., b. Feb. 25, 1834. 6. Mary A., b. July 17, 1836. Wood, Elijah, an early settler, located in the southwest part of the town, where Abijah Hinds now lives. He m. Isabella ; their ch. were: 1. Isabella, b. Dec. 5, 1772. 2. Elijah R., b. Sept. 18, 1774. 3. Susanna, b. Mar. 11, 1777. 4. Eunice, b. Apr. 9, 1779. 5. Abel, b. Apr. 18, 1781. 6. Dolly, b. Apr. 5, 1784. 7. Timothy, b. Dec. 24, 1786. Wood, Jeremiah, m. Rebecca ; their ch. were: 1. Mary, b. June 29, 1805. 2. Heret. b. Oct. 16. 1808. 3. Betsey, b. Feb. 3, 1811. 4. Silas, b. Oct. 25, 1813. Wood, Nahum, m. Ruth Jackson, dau. of Elisha Jackson ; they had one child named Louisa, b. Sept. 24, 1800. Soon after he moved to Maine where he had other children. Wood, Aakon, brother of Nahum, m. Lucy Jackson, dau. of Elisha Jackson; their ch. were: 1. Lucy, b. Sept. 30, 1792, m. Joseph Bacon. 2. Sally, b. Mar. 7, 1795, m. Seth Whitney. 3. Aaron, b. Dec. 11, 1797. His second wife was Bethia Beard; their ch. were: 1. Moses, b. Apr. 2, 1803, m. Mary Comee. 2. Cyrena, b. Jan. 20, 1805, m. Ephraim Wright. 3. Asaph, b. Dec. 30, 1806. 4. Amanda, b. Feb. 3, 1809, m. Merrick Nichols. 5. Emeline, b. May 23, 1811, m. Samuel S. Howe. 6. Theophilus P., b. Oct. 4, 1813. 7. Abel S., b. July 17, 1815, m. Sarah Rus- sell. His second wife was Caroline E. Allen. Wood, Moses, s. of Aaron, m. Mary Comee ; their ch. were : 1. Wil- liam B., b. July 21, 1830. 2. James C, b. Apr. 13, d. Apr. 17, 1835. 8. Mary T., b. Sept. 12, 1837. 4. Charles Henry, b. Sept. 25, 1843. 5. Edward L., b. Oct. 6, 1845. 392 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Wood, Asaph, s. of Aaron, m. Martha Edgell ; their ch. were: 1. Prucius M., b. Nov. 9, 1830, d. June 16, 1831. 2. Prucius M., b. July 17, 1832. 3. Amanda, b. Mar. 10, 1834, m. Moses Emery. 4. Theophilus, b. Nov. 30, 1836, d. Apr. 28, 1838. 5. Lucy A., b. Sept. 5, 1838. 6. Theophilus P., b. June 22, 1840. 7. Adelia, b. Oct. 9, 1841. His second wife was Abbie H. Pierce. She had one child named Eliza H., b. Jan. 8, 1846, m. Elijah Warren. Wood, Theophilus P., s. of Aaron, m. Eliza A. Cutler. They had one child named Charles, b. July 20, 1841, d. Feb. 19, 1842. Mr. Wood died June 15, 1843. " Wood, Silas, m. Sarah Howe, dau. of Ebenezer ; their ch. were : 1. Amos, b. Dec. 15, 1801. 2. Phebe, b. Jan. 23, 1804, d. Jan. 31, 1804. Wood, Lyman F., m. Elvira Eay ; their ch. were: 1. Mary F., b. Sept. 20, 1836, d. Oct. 7, 1836. 2. Francis L.,b. Jan. 11, 1838. 3. Converse, b. Nov. 27, 1840, d. Dec. 11, 1840. 4. Edwin L., b. July 16, 1843. Weight, Joseph, from Sterling, one of the early settlers, located in the south part of the town on Wright's Hill. He m. llebecca Nichols ; their ch. were: 1. Eebecca, b. June 25, 1791, m. Walter Green- wood. 2. Joseph, b. Apr. 3, 1794, m. Nancy Eaton. 3. Nathaniel, b. May 30, 1796, m. Susan Edgell. 4 Lucy, b. May 8, 1798, m. Farwell Couant. 5. Ephraim, b. June 22, 1800. 6. Martha, b. July 12, 1802, m. Levi Heywood. 7. Louisa, b. June 4, 1804, m. Hiram Clark. 8. Edward, b. June 20, 1806, m. Catherine Con- ant. 9. David, b. Oct. 25, 1808, m. Elizabeth Gay. 10. Polly, b. Oct. 24, 1810, m. Abijah M. Severy. 11. Emily, b. Dec. 24, 1814, m. Seth Heywood. Wright, Joseph, s. of Joseph, m. Nancy Eaton. They had one child named Charles A., b. Sept. 11, 1823. Wright, Nathaniel, s. of Joseph 1st, m. Susan Edgell ; their ch. were: 1. Susan, b. Oct. 29, 1823, m. W. W. Walton. 2. Mar- cus, b. Apr. 23, 1825, m. Maria S. Bent. 3. Thomas, b. Aug. 15, 1829, d. July 12, 1830. 4. Francis, b. Nov. 3, 1831, d. May 14, 1832. 5. Martha, b. Aug. 3, 1836, m. Elias E. Horton. HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. 393 Bright, Ephkaim, s. of Joseph 1st, m. Cyrena Wood ; they had one child named William W.,b. May 23, 1824, d. Feb. 24, 1825. His second wife was Sally W. Bancroft. His third wife was Eliza Brick; their ch. were: 1. William W., b. Feb. 5, 1830. 2. Ed- win, d. 3. Eliza, d. 4. Edwin, m. Almira Jackson. 5. Charles, m. Hattie M. Hill. 6. Henry. 7. Ann Eliza, m. Walter Pratt. Vkight, Datid, s. of Joseph 1st, m. Elizabeth Gay; their ch. were: 1. Catherine A., b. Apr. 9, 1839, m. Charles F. Read. 2. Ellen E., b. Dec. 25, 1843. 50 394 HISTORY OF GARDNER. CHAPTER XVI. BIOGRAPHIC. " Honour and shame from no condition rise ; Act well your part, there all the honour lies. Worth makes the man, and want of it the fellow ; The rest is all but leather or prunello." — Pope. WE shall include, in this chapter, the names of resident physicians, physicians -who have resided here, dentists, resident lawyers, graduates who were born here, but pursuing their professions elsewhei'e, graduates of various schools, acad- emies and colleges, and other men of note. The different cler- gymen who have served the town, will receive attention in the chapter on churches. EESIDENT PHYSICIANS. David Paeker, M. D., was born in Westford, Mass., March ISth, 1802, where his ancestors settled, before the incorporation of that town. There were three brothers who came from Europe, in the same ship. One settled at Lexington, from whom sprang Bishop Parker, and Captain John Parker, who was killed in the battle of Lexington, also Theodore Parker. Another settled in Reading, Mass., and the third in Westford, from whom have descended several lawyers and eminent judges, of our courts, besides many physicians. Dr. David Parker, a descendant of the latter, came to Gardner, October 23d, 1823, having spent three years, as a student, at Westford. He commenced HISTORY OF GARDNER. 395 le study of medicine with his brother Horace. He attended is first course of lectures at Pittsfield, the next year after oming to Gardner. He was afterwards a student in the office f Dr. Nathan Smith, of New Haven. In 1827, he attended a ourse of lectures at Castleton, Vt., at the close of which, he eceived the degree of M. D. He then returned to Gardner, diere he practiced, with his brother, about nine months. In ccordance with the advice of his brother, he then went to Bos- jn and was, for a time, in the office of Dr. George B. Doane, ?ho wa3 head surgeon of the American fleet, sent out against ilgiers. While in Boston, he attended the lectures of Drs. ohn C. Warren, James Jackson and Walter Channing. While 1 Dr. Doane's office, whose kindly assistance and friendship e enjoyed, he was a constant visitor at the Massachusetts Geu- ral Hospital, where he was thrown into a dissecting class with )rs. Charles G. Jackson and Willard Parker, now the most minent physician and surgeon in New York. At the time Dr. Parker commenced the practice of medicine, 1 this town, the Massachusetts Statute, concerning physic and urgery, required that, " Every person, who has been licensed 3 practice physic or surgery, since the year one thousand eight undred and eighteen, or who shall hereafter be so licensed, hall deposit a copy of his license with the clerk of the town, 1 which such licentiate may reside ; and the said clerk shall file 1 his office such copy, attested by him with his certificate there- n, of the time when the same was so deposited, for which he hall receive, from the licentiate, the sum of fifty cents." In ccordance with this provision of the statute. Dr. Parker depos- ;ed the following diploma, which we have transcribed from the 3WU records, as a matter of interest to practitioners of the resent dav : — 396 HISTOBT OF GARDNER. PBMSES ET PB0FESS0BE8, AOADEMIM MEDIC INM 0A8TLET0NM IN Republia Viridimontana Lectoribus, Salutem: Cum Dominus David Parker operam diligentem et assiduam studiis Medicinalibus atque Philosophicis ex prsescripto hujusce Academse dederit et a nobis petierit ut ipsum Titulo Mediciute Doctoris ornaremus : Nos Presses et Professores, antedicti po- testate, a summo Reipublicse Viridimontanse imperio c'oiicessa eundurn Dominnm David Parker post approbatum examine ac- ciirato, in universa Mediciua, eruditionem Medicinse Doctorem rite et legitime creavimus et renuntiavimus eique tanquam vera idoneo omnia Jura, Honores et Privilegia contulimus, quse Med- icinse Doctori, legibus aut consuetudine, concedi tribuique solent. Cujus rei quo major esset fides, Prtesidis et Professorum Chiro- graphum et Academise Sigillum his literis patentibus, opponenda curavimus. Datum Castletonte die dessimo nono Mensis Decembri, Anno Domini millessimo octingentesimo vicesimo septimo annoque Reipublica3 Americae Septentrionalis foederatse quinquagesimo secundo. William Tully, Prceses. Theodore Woodwakd, AcademioB Ohstitis. William Tully, Theorice et Prceses Medicines. Professor. Theodore Woodward, Ghiriigiee et Ohstetriciy Professor. Jonathan A. Allen, MatericeMedicce et Pharmaceuticis, Professor. Alden March, Anatomicis et Physiologioe, Professor. Lewis C. Beck, Ghymice et Eystorim Naturalis, Professor. Amos Eaton, Philosophice Naturalis, Professor. A true copy, attest, Levi Heywood, Town Cleric. HISTORY OF QABDJSTER. 397 Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We, the subscribers, Censors of the First District of the Massachusetts Medical Society, duly appointed and authorized, have examined the letters testimonial of David Parker, M. D., of Gardner, in the County of Worcester, and having found them satisfactory, do hereby admit him to all the privileges of those who have been examined and approbated, by the Censors. Dated at Boston this 29th day of July, A. D., 1827. John Diswell, M. D. Eurus Wtman, M. D. Walter Channing, M. D. George Heywood, M. D. Enoch Hale, M. D. By virtue of the power in me vested, I have here unto affixed the Seal of the Massachusetts Medical Society. J. Jackson, President. Attest, George Heywood, Recording Secretary. A true copy, attest, Levi Heywood, Town Clerk. It will be seen, by the above testimonials, that Dr. Parker commenced the practice of medicine, in this town, well qualified for his profession, and fully endorsed by the highest medical authority in the state. From that date to the present time, he has ever proved himself to be a wise, discreet, faithful and con- siderate family physician, not careful to consult his own ease or preference, by day or by night, when the welfare and comfort of his patients requires his presence, sympathy and medical skill, in their chambers of sickness and distress. Dr. Parker is still engaged in the practice of medicine, in this town, and although well advanced in years, evinces no disposition to remit the arduous duties .of a life time, in the faithful performance of which, he has ever found delight and satisfaction. As a citizen he has readily and cheerfully performed the duties allotted him 398 HISTORY OF GARDNER. in the various positions lie has filled. His aim seems ever to have been the promotion of the highest peace and welfare of the community in which he has resided for so many years, and from which he will be greatly missed and sincerely lamented when he has gone, especially by the poor, to whose call he has always cheerfully responded, even when " Thick darkness broodetli o'er the earth," and others are enjoying " Sleep, that knits up the ravell'd sleave of care, The death of each day's life, sore labors bath, Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course. Chief nourisher in life's feast." Edwaeu J. Sawyer, M. D., was born August 3d, 182*J,at West Haven, Rutland County, Vermont. He was educated at New London, New Hampshire, and Chester Academy, Vermont. He studied medicine with Dr. Lowell of Chester, Vt. He attended medical lectures at the Medical College in Castleton, Vermont, from which institution he received his medical degree, in June, 1853. He began the practice of medicine, in August, 1853, in Acworth,N. H., where he remained four years and a half. He then removed to Gardner, in January, 1858, where he has con- tinued in the practice of his profession, till the present time. Dr. Sawyer is a gentleman of culture and refinement, which, added to his medical skill, serve to render him a very affa- ble and much esteemed physician, whose courtesy, kindness and assiduous attention, are greatly appreciated by his patients. R. Foster Andrews, M. D., was born in New Salem, March 31st, 1836. He is the son of Dr. Robert Andrews, formerly of New Salem, where for many years he practiced medicine, pre- vious to his removal to Orange, where he died in 1869. Dr. Andrews received his academical education at New Salem Acad- emy. While quite young, he pursued the study of medicine with his father. In 1854, he took a full course of medical lec- tures, at Dartmouth Medical College, Hanover, N. FI. ; also, in 1855-6, a course of medical lectures at Harvard Medical Col- HISTORY OF GARDNER. 399 lege. In 1857, he took a third course of medical lectures, at Dartmouth, where he graduated November 11th, 1857. He practiced his profession a short time, at Erving and New Salem, Mass., Fletcher, Vt., and Woodstock, New Brunswick. Com- ing to Gardner in the spring of 1860, he established a drug store, m the West Village, in company with Mr. Joseph Hager. Sub- sequently he spent two winters in New York city, attending lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons and at the Medical College at Bellevue Hospital. He practiced medicine three years, in California, at Mendocino and Santa Cruz. He was also, a short time, in government employ, as surgeon, at Fort Bragg. Eeturning East, in 1869-70-71, he took three full courses of lectures, given to physicians only, by Prof. H. K. Storer, of Boston, on " The Surgical Diseases of Women." He also took a special course of instruction by Prof. H. E. Oliver on diseases of the throat. In 1866, he returned to Gardner, where, being unable to ride, he established the drug store now owned by Dr. James Emerson. He is a member of the Massa- chusetts Medical Society, of the American Medical Association, and corresponding member of the Gynecologycal Society of Bos- ton. It will be seen, from the above sketch, that Dr. Andrews has been thoroughly educated for his profession, having enjoyed the highest medical advantages, which 'have well fitted him for a very successful practice of his art. Guy W. Garland, M. D., was born in East Plainville, N. H., December 11th, 1844. He entered the oflSce of Dr. M. E. Thompson, as a student of medicine, in 1863, and graduated at the Medical University of Pennsylvania, April 30th, 1867. He began the practice of medicine, in Gardner in June, 1867. In connection with the practice of medicine. Dr. Garland conducts a drug store in the West Village. As an Eclectic physician. Dr. Garland possesses those qualifications, which make him very acceptable, to those who prefer this method of practice. James Emerson, M. D., was born at Barnstead, N. H., June 30th, 1827. He fitted for college at Mount Vernon, N. H., and 400 HISTORY OF GARDJSTER. entered Dartmouth College, where he continued till sonaetime iu the junior year, when he was compelled to relinquish his college course on account of impaired health. He then resumed the study of medicine, wAhioh he had begun previous to entering col- lesre. He graduated at Dartmouth Medical School in 1857. He practiced medicine in New Hampshire till November, 1 862 ; he then settled at Ashby, Mass., where he remained until Novem- ber, 1865, when he went to Minnesota for his health and remained in that state, for nearly two years. He came to Gardner, in March, 1868, where, for a time, he was engaged in the practice of his profession, but subsequently, and to the present time, has been engaged in the drug business, still practicing in his pro- fession as occasion offers. Dr. Emerson is a man of literary taste and culture, and of affable address. He has served, for several years with efficiency, upon the school board of this town, and has done very much to lift our public school system to higher levels. PHYSICIANS FORMERLY RESIDENT HERE. Joseph Boyden, M. D. This gentleman was probably the lirst physician in Gardner. Soon after the settlement of Eev, Jonathan Osgood, in 1791, Dr. Boyden left town. Mr. Os- good, as was not unfrequently the custom, in those days, united the medical with his clerical profession, thus making the longer continuance of Dr. Boyden, undesirable on his part. Mr. Osgood supplied the medical wants of the town for nearly thirty years. He was regularly qualified for the practice of medicine, having enjoyed the advantages of medical lectures and studies, and was an active, influential member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, in which he filled various offices. Dr. Howard succeeded Mr. Osgood in the practice of medicine, and remained here a few years. Horace Parker, M- C, began the practice of medicine here in 1822. He continued in the practice of his profession about seven years, when, his health failing, he returned to Westford, his native town where, he died June 13th, 1829, aged thirty- three years. ^ ^fcyv-t^ /^^^^/^^e^Ti HiarORY OF GARDNER., 401 Algernon Sidney Carpenter, M.D., was bora in Alstead, N. H., October 16th, 1814. He received his education in the com- mon sciiools and at Alstead Acaderay. He began the study of medicine with his father, in 1834, and attended three courses of medical lectures at the Vermont Medical College, "Woodstock, receiving the degree of M. D., from Middlebury College, in 1837. He commenced the practice of medicine, in 1838, in his native town. He removed to Gardner in the autumn of 1843, where he remained till the autumn of 1847, when he went to Keene, where he has since continued in the active practice of bis profession. George Jewett, M. D., was born in Rindge, N. H., April, 28th, 1825. He received his medical education, principally, at Woodstock, Vt. , and Berkshire Medical College, at Pittsfield, Mass., where he received his degree in 1846, and at Harvard Medical College, Boston. He commenced the practice of medicine at Baldvvinsville, in 1847, and removed to Gardner, in 1852, from which place he removed to Fitchburg in 1868, where he has since continued in the practice of medicine, with the exception of one year spent in travel, and a little less than two years spent in the army, as surgeon of the 51st Massachusetts Kegimeut, with which he remained till the discharge of the regiment. D. B. Whittier, M. D., commenced the practice of medicine in Gardner, in 1860, and removed to Fitchburg, in 1861, where he still resides. He received his education at the New York Homoeopathic Medical College. Besides these, there have been other physicians who have resided here for a time, among whom were Drs. Sanborn, Har- riman, Warner, Macomber and Walcott. DENTISTS. William H. H. Hinds, D. D. S., was the first settled dentist in Gardner. He was born in Milan, N. H., January 20th, 1821. When he was about six years of age, his father and 51 402 HISTORY OF GARDNER. oldest brother were murdered, while on a hunting excursion. At the age of seven, he went to Dublin, N. H., to live with a former. From early childhood. Dr. Hinds was taught the virtue of self-reliance. Having drifted about, from place to place, at the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, in which business he served six years, receiving, in addi- tion to his board and clothes, only two months' schooling each winter. Having, b}' his trade, acquired suiEcient means to enable him to enjoy higher educational advantages, he entered the academy at New Ipswich, N. H. Subsequently he taught district schools, during the winter, working at his trade, as a carpenter, the rest of the year. He afterwards studied archi- tecture and architectural drawing, at Lowell, and was employed as an architect and teacher of drawing, till 1848, when he be- gan the study of dentistry, in Fitchburg, and continued it in Boston. He began the practice of dentistrj' in Gardner, where he had previously taught school. Here he continued several years, till he removed to Groton Junction, now Ayer. In 1872 he returned to Gardner, where he now resides. Dr. Hinds enjoys the reputation of being a patriotic citizen. At the breaking out of the Eebellion, he was instrumental in forming a military company, of which he was first lieutenant. This company was attached to the 16tli Eegiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, as Company C. Eesigning his position, in the fall of 1861, he returned home, and raised another company, of which he was commissioned captain. This company was at- tached to the 33d Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, as Company E. Dr. Hinds continued in this company, in active service, till after the battle of Chancellorsville, when, on ac- count of ill health, he resigned. He was appointed an agent of the United States Treasury, and directed by Secretary Chase to organize a body to collect abandoned property, which served as a supply to the rebels. This movement was originally sug- gested to Secretary Chase, by Captain Hinds, and proved of very great advantage to the government. Captain Hinds was the recipient of very flattering testimonials from Gov. Andrew HI8T0RY OF GAIWNER. 403 and the officers under whom he served, for his fidelity and de- votion to duty, while in the army. Hartwell a. Daleymple, D. D. S., was born in Heath, Mass., August 26th, 1848. He worked on a fiu-m in Rowe, till he was twenty-one years of age, after which, he removed to Greenfield, Mass., where he was a student in the High School. He afterwards removed to Wilmington, Vt., where he entered the dental office of Dr. Pike, as an apprentice. In 1870 he attended a course of lectures in the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgeons, at Philadelphia. The same year he opened a dental office in Gardner. In 1873, he returned to Philadelphia, where, having continued his studies, in the above named college, he received his diploma, in the spring of 1874. He then re- turned to Gardner, where he has since continued in his profes- sion, in which, his aim is constant growth. Dr. Foskett practiced dentistrj' here for several years, and afterwards removed to Winchendon, where he died in 1876. ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELLORS AT LAW. Till within a few years Gardner has never furnished an invit- ing field for lawyers. The first resident lawyer was the Hon. C. H. B. Snow, who came to Gardner in 1847, and continued here about one year. Following him, was C. W. Carter, Esq., who commenced the practice of his profession here, in 1852 and continued until 1861. Ephraim D. Howe was born in Marlboro', Mass., April 4th, 1842. His father was a farmer, and his early life was spent in working on the farm and in attending school. He fitted for college at the Marlboro' High School, under the instruction of Hon. O. W. Albee, a famous teacher, and at that time princi- pal of this school. He was admitted to Tufts College in July, 1862, but did not enter upon his collegiate course at that time, as, in a few days, he enlisted, as a private with the nine months men, in Company I, 5th Eegiment, Massachusetts Volunteers. 404 HISTORY OF GARDNER. His regiment saw active service and participated in several en- gagements. July 2d, 1863, he was discharged by reason of the expiration of his term of service. Upon his return from the army, he entered Tufts College, from which institution he graduated in July, 1867. He taught school during the winter vacations, and in this way earned the money, in part, to defray his college expenses. After his graduation from college, he com- menced the study of law, in the office of J. M. Baker, Esq., in Marlboro', Mass. Having been appointed principal of an ' evening school in Boston, he moved to that city and continued the study of law in the office of Hon. Charles Eobinson, Jr. Mr. Howe was admitted to the bar, at East Cambridge, Mass., June 22d, 1870, and opened an office in this town, August 23d, same year. He has continued in the successful practice of the law in this town, to the present time. September 8th, 1870, he was appointed a Justice of the Peace by Gov. Claflin, and was reappointed in September, 1877, by Gov. Rice. July 7th, 1874, he was appointed a Notary Public by Lieut. Governor Talbot. September 3d, 1873, he married Miss Clara E. Allen, daughter of John Allen of this town. Mr. Howe enjoys the reputation of being thoroughly versed in his profession, and is a successful practitioner. Thatcher B. Dunn, was born in Ludlow, Vt., December 5th, 1844. He was educated at Black River Academy, in his native town. He commenced the study of law, at the age of twenty- one, with Sewall Fullam, Esq., of Ludlow, and continued with him and with Messrs. Barrett and Atherton of Nashua, N. H., for over three years, when he entered the law school at Albany, N. Y. Mr. Dunn was admitted to the bar, July 27th, 1869, and commenced the practice of his profession at Lathrop, Clin- ton County, Missouri, whei-e he remained over four years. In October, 1873, he removed to Gardner, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. Dunn is well versed in the law and is a man whose honor, and integrity, inspire confidence, in his clients. He is a good citizen, to whom, his HISTORY OF OARDJSrUR. 405 fellow townsmen have accorded the honor of making him a mem- ber of the school board, and in whom the elements are so mixed, "That Nature might stand up, And say to all the world, this is a man." GRADUATES. Abner Kneeland was born within the limits of what is now Gardner, in 1774. The place of his birth is about a mile and ,.a half west of the Centre, in what was then the town of Win- chendon. Being a young man of strong mind and great resolu- tion, in the face of great disadvantages, he obtained a good edu- cation, and was employed, for some time, as a school teacher. In 1802, he published a spelling book, of two hundred pages, entitled the " American Definition Spelling Book." In 1805, he was ordained as a Baptist minister, in Langdou, N. H., and for several years, was a member of that denomination. Subse- quently, he became a preacher in the Universalist denomination. Finally, he became a deist. From 1821 to 1823 he was editor of a Universalist periodical, in Philadelphia. In 1828, he was edi- tor of the Olive Branch, New York. In 1832, he founded the Investigator, at Boston and in 1836, was tried before the supreme court at Boston, on a charge of blasphemy. He died at Salu- bria, Ind., August 27th, 1844. He was the author of the follow- ino- works : " The Deist," " Lectures on Universal Salvation," "A Translation of the New Testament," "A Eeview of the Evidences of Christianity," and other works. Asaph Mekeiam, son of Nathan Merriam, born March 20th, 1792 ; studied for the ministry, and without receiving a colle- giate education, became a preacher in the Baptist denomination. Jacob H. Mereiam, son of Jonathan Merriam, was born Jan- uary 22d, 1799. He received a collegiate education, at Bruns- wick, Maine, and studied theology at Bangor, and became a preacher of the gospel. Henky H. Wyman was born in Westminster. In early boy- hood, he came to reside in Gardner, with his step-father, Mr. 406 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Amasa Bancroft. He early clisco\ered a great fondness for books. Having prepared for college, in the High School of this town, he entered Amherst College in the fall of 1868, where he continued till sometime in the first term of his sophomore j'ear, when he left Amherst and entered the junior class of Brown University, where he graduated in 1871. In Sep- tember, of the same year, he was employed as teacher of Eng- lish, in St. Louis Catholic College, New York City. January 8th, 1872, he entered the novitiate of the Congregation of Mis-* sionary Priests, of St. Paul the Apostle, New York City. He became a professed member of this religious community, Sep- tember 7th, 1875. He was ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, March 8th, 1876. Since that time he has been occupied in giving Catholic missions, in different parts of the United States. Father Wyman is a fine scholar, a diligent stu- dent and enthusiastically devoted to the propagation of the Catholic faith. W. C. BoYDEN, M. D., was born in Gardner, December 5th, 1794, and is the son of Dr. Joseph Boyden, who moved from Gardner to Tamworth, N. H., in 1796, where he died in 1832, at the age of sixty-three. Dr. Boyden's mother, was Mary Heywood, daughter of Seth Heywood. He pursued his pre- paratory studies under Rev. Samuel Hidden, of Tamworth, N. H., and at Fryeburg, Me. He entered Dartmouth College in 1815, where he graduated in 1819. He pursued his medical studies with his father, and at the Medical School, at Hanover, N. H., where he graduated in 1825. The same year he settled in Beverly, where he continued, in the regular practice of his profession until 1876. Jonathan W. D. Osgood, M. D., is a son of Rev. Jonathan Osgood, the first minister of this town. He was born in Gard- ner, July 29th, 1802. He entered the New Salem Academy in the Autumn of 1817, where he prepared for college. He en- tered Williams College in 1819. Here he continued until De- cember, 1821, when he went to Dartmouth, where he graduated HISTORY OF GARDNER. 407 ill 1823. He entered the Medical department of Dartmoutli, where he took his degree, in 1826. The same year he went to Philadelphia, where he spent several months in attending lec- tures, at the Pennsylvania University, and in hospital practice, in that city. He commenced the practice of medicine in Tem- pleton in 1827, continuing in that town till 1858, when he removed to Greenfield, where he now resides and continues the practice of his profession. Dr. Osgood is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, in which he has held various offices, and of which he was once Vice President. Dr. Osgood has always enjoyed the reputation of being a sound and skillful physician. As a medical practitioner, he is widely and favor- ably known, and in the success which ho has achieved, reflects honor upon this, his native town. Charles Coolidge, M. D., son of James Coolidge, was born in Gardner, August 23d, 1809. Without further education, than what he received in the schools of this town, he commenced, while quite young, the teaching of common schools, during the winter seasons, while in the summer he worked at farming. After attaining his majority, he attended school in Greenwich, N. Y., two years, when he commenced the study of medicine, and attended lectures in New York City. After completing his medical studies he went to Waterloo, Missouri, where he com- menced the practice of medicine. In 1841 he moved to War- saw, 111. , where he followed his profession until the breaking out of the Kebellion, in 1861. He entered the service of the government as a surgeon and remained until the close of the war, the last two years of which, he was stationed at Quincy, 111., as examining surgeon. While in the service, he contracted a disease of the heart, which finally resulted in his death, No- vember 25th, 1870. EbenezerL. Learned, M. D., was born in Gardner, July 19th, 1812. His father was a blacksmith and farmer. ^ Having enjoyed the advantages of the common schools of his native town. Dr. Learned, at the age of sixteen, made choice of the 408 HISTORY OF GARDNER. medical profession as his vocation for life. With this end in view, he pursued his preparatory studies, for two years, with Rev. Josiah D. Crosby, Congregational clergyman of Ashburn- ham, Mass. At the end of this period, during which he worked more or less in the chair factory, in that town, he entered the Harvard Medical School, where he spent a year in the study of medicine, attending lectures and witnessing practical surgery. Afterwards he attended a course of medical lectures, under Dr. Muzzey of Dartmouth Medical College, where, having made diligent improvement ot his time and opportunities, during one course, he was able to pass the necessary exiiminations, and to receive a diploma. Ho afterwards returned to Boston, where he completed the course of medical instruction, and was regu- larly graduated from the Harvard Medical School, in 1837. In 1838, he commenced the practice of medicine in North Wey- mouth, where ho remained about eight years. His health then failing, he removed to Philadelphia, and connected himself with the Jefferson Medical School, attending lectures and securing the advantages of hospital visitation. At the expiration of six months, he returned to Massachusetts, and settled in Fall River, where he has since resided, and has always enjoyed the high esteem of the citizens. His practice has continually increased, from year to year, till at the present time, it has reached an almost burdensome extent, while his genial qualities have won for him, a warm place in the affections of his patrons, both old and young. Aside from the immediate duties of his profession, he has served upon the school board, both in Weymouth and Fall River. He was, for two years, president of the Bristol South District Medical Society, and in 1877, was chosen coun- cillor of the Massachusetts State Medical Society, for three years, from that district. Jesse P. Bancroft, M. D., was born April 17, 1815. He prepared for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, and Leices- ter, Mass. He entered Dartmouth College in 1837, and gradu- ated in 1841. He immediately entered Dartmouth Medical HISTORY OF GARDNER. 409 College, where he enjoyed the instructions of Profs. Peaslee, Crosby and Phelps, and graduated in 1844. He afterwards pursued his medical studies in the schools and hospitals of Philadelphia. He began the general practice of medicine in St. Johusbury, Vt., where he continued until July, 1857, when he removed to Concord, N. H., having been appointed Superin- tendant and Treasurer of the New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane. This position he has held to the present time, with the exception of eighteen months, spent in travel and observation, in Europe. Nathan S. Lincoln, M. D., was born in this town. He graduated, at Dartmouth College, in 1850. He studied medicine in Baltimore, Md. After graduating, he commenced the prac- tice of medicine at Washington, D. C, where, at the present time, he enjoys the reputation of great eminence, as a physician. James P. Lynue, M. D., is the son of William S. and Chris- tiana Comee Lynde, and was born in Gardner, March 19th, 1828. He was educated in the common and private schools of this town and at Lawrence Academy, in Groton, Mass. He be- gan the study of medicine in Gardner, with Dr. Harriman, and continued with Dr. Ira Russell of Winchendon. He attended medical lectures at Hanover, N. H., and at the medical depart- ment of Harvard University, at Boston, where he graduated March 3d, 1852. He commenced the practice of medicine, at Hardwick, Mass., in 1852, where he remained until 1856, when he removed to Athol, Mass., where he now resides, in the active practice of his profession. As a physician. Dr. Lynde cherishes an exalted opinion of his profession, which is, to him, a con- stant incentive to the attainment of still greater excellence therein. As a citizen, he is interested in the affairs of the town in which he resides, and has, for several years, been honored, by a position, on its school board. He is a faithful and pro- gressive physician, and is an honor to the town that gave him birth. 52 410 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Albekt a. Kendall, M. D., was the son of Hubbard Ken-' dall, of this town. He was born in Middlebury, Vt., March 3d, 1828. He came to Gardner in his early boyhood. He at- tended school at the academy in Shelburne Falls, Mass. In 1852, he graduated at the New York Medical College, and soon after commenced the practice of medicine, in New Braintree, where he remained three years. In 1855, he settled in Newton Lower Falls, where he remained seven years, gi'eatly beloved and respected, as physician, friend, citizen and neighbor. May 1st, 1862, he entered the United States service, as assistant surgeon to the 12th Massachusetts Eegiment of Volunteers, then serving in Virginia. While connected with this regiment, he did bold, faithful and kindly service, to the soldiers under his care. He was killed at Antietam, while engaged in the active discharge of his professional duties. He died, at the age of thirty-four years and six months. He was a Free Mason and had a very high appreciation of that Order. James H. Notes, M. D., was born in this town, July 20th, 1835. At the age of fourteen, he entered Burr Seminary, Vt., where he remained three years and a half; also a season at Ap- pleton Academy, New Ipswich, N. H. He then commenced the study of medicine and surgery, with Dr. I. G. Graves of Nashua, N. H., graduating four years later, in 1860, at Colum- bia College, New York. At the breaking out of the Rebel- lion, he entered the United States service, as assistant surgeon, and was soon after promoted to the position of surgeon. Since the close of the war, he has been actively engaged in the prac- tice of his profession, in Ogden, Boone County, la. Francis Beick, M. D., was born in Gardner. He received his preliminary education, in the common schools of the town. He also spent one year at Castleton Seminary, Vt. He commenced the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. E. J. Sawyer, of Gardner, and continued, with Dr. J. C. Freeland, of Fitchburg, Mass. He attended two courses of medical lectures at the Homoeopathic Medical College, at Cleve- HISTORY OF GARDNER. 411 land, Ohio, where he graduated in 1861. He located at "Win- chester, N. H., in 1862, where he remained till the summer of 1864, when he removed to Keene, N. H., where he continued the practice of medicine until January, 1875. He spent one winter, in Philadelphia, in attendance upon lectures and clinical study, in hospitals. In January, 1875, he established himself in Worcester, where he now resides. He is a member of the American Institute of Homoeopathy and Secretary of the Wor- cester County Homoeopathic Medical Society. Levi Heywood, son of Seth and Mary (Temple) Heywood, was born June 25th, 1783. He graduated at Dartmouth Col- lege, in 1808. Commenced the study of law with Hou. Nathan- iel Paine of Worcester, and finished with the Hon. Elijah Mills of Northampton. He was admitted to the bar in 1811, and commenced practice, in Worcester, the same year. In October, 1818, he removed to Pickneyville, Louisiana, where he engaged in teaching school. Subsequently, for a time, he was principal of the Academy in Hackensack, New Jersey. He resumed the practice of law, in New York, where he died in 1832. Orlando Partridge, son of Seneca Partridge, was born De- cember 12th, 1854. He attended the High School in Gardner, and afterwards entered the Academy, at Franklin, Mass., from which he graduated in September, 1875. At the present time, he is engaged in the study of law, with Milo Wilson, Esq., at Scrauton, Pa., and is expecting soon to be admitted to the bar. Eugene B. Collester, son of Thorley Collester, was born in Gardner, Dec. 20th, 1847. He prepared for college at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass. He entered Amherst College, in 1869, and graduated, with honor, in 1873. Mr. Col- lester has, since his graduation, followed the profession of a teacher, and is, at the present time, successfully pursuing his vocation, as principal of Bulkley High School, New London, Connecticut. 412 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Frank M. Collester, son of Thorley Collester, was born in Gardner, September 21st, 1855. He prepared for college, at the Amherst High School, at which he graduated in 1873. En- tering Amherst College, the same year, he graduated in 1877. Mr. Collester is now teaching the High School in Gardner, with very general acceptance. Horace G. Howe, oldest son of George Howe, was born in Gardner, April 2d, 1845. He obtained such education, as the schools of his native town, at that time, afforded. He was dis- tinguished, among his schoolmates, as a good scholar, and had a strong desire for a higher education. The death of his father compelled him to work, in the chair shops of Gardner, from the age of fifteen until he was twenty-two. In 1867, he went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., to attend a commercial school, after which he taught school for a time, and then entered the New York State Normal School, at Albany, where he graduated, with honor, in 18G9. After leaving Albany, he was one year principal of the Union School, at Cooperstowu, N. Y. He was six years the principal of a graded school at Orange, New Jersey, where he labored with marked success. In 1876, he was invit- ed to become the principal of one of the largest ward schools, in the city of Troy, N. Y. In this position, he is at present engaged. Mr. Howe ranks among teachers, as a man of ability, and has worked earnestly, to elevate the condition of the schools, and to give dignity and character, to the teacher's profession. Jonathan Prescott, son of Jonathan Prescott, was born in Gardner, in January, 1798. He received his education, at West Point, where he graduated in 1822, with the diplomas of Pro- fessor of Enginery and Chemistry, and Lieutenant in the United States Army. After graduation, he remained three years, as a professor of chemistry. After leaving West Point, most of his time was spent, in the service of the government, superin- tending its works in the various harbors of the United States. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 413 Myron W. Howe was born in Gardner, November 5th, 1851. He attended the public schools of his native town, till the age of fifteen, where he showed much aptness, as a scholar. He afterwards worked three years, in the chair shops of Gardner. In ,1869, the Hon. William B. Washburn, then representing the Ninth Congressional District of Massachusetts, in Congress, offered a cadetship, at West Point, to the young man, who should pass a successful competitive examination, for this position. Young Howe, receiving intelligence of this examination, while at work in the shop, on the afternoon previous to its occurrence, too late to allow him to reach Greenfield that night, by cars, secured a horse and carriage and rode nearly all night, in order to be present at the examination the next morning. In the examination, in which many competed, he proved to be the suc- cessful competitor. He entered at West Point, June, 1870, and graduated June, 1875. He was immediatfely commissioned 2d Lieutenant, in the 4th United States Artillery. He was stationed, with his company, at San Francisco, Cal., a little less than a year, when he was ordered to Sitka, Alaska. After remaining there about a year, he was ordered to Oregon, in the summer of 1877, to join Gen. O. O. Howard, in his campaign, against the Nez Perces Indians. In this campaign, he distinguished him- self by his gallantry and bravery. Daniel D. Parkek was born in Fitzwilliam, N. H., June 29th, 1851. He came to Gardner, March 20, 1871, where he attended the High School, then in charge of Joseph Jackson. He graduated, from the Agricultural department, of Dartmouth College, receiving the degree of B. S. George A. Parker, brother of the above, was born in Fitz- william, N. H., April 28th, 1853. He came to Gardner, in 1871, where for a time he attended the Gardner High School. In September, 1872, he entered the Massachusetts Agricultural College, at Amherst, where he graduated June 21st, 1876. He ranked the sixth, in a class of twenty-four members, and re- ceived the first prize of fifty dollars, in agriculture. 414 HI8T0BT OF GABDNEB. Calvin Hetwood Hill, son of Henry C. Hill, was born in Gardner, Mass., August 8th, 1857. He entered the High School, in Gardner, in the fall of 1869, and attended regularly until January, 1874. He then entered the Technical Institute, at Worcester, where he graduated, July 11th, 1877, receiving the diploma of a Mechanical Engineer. MEN OF NOTE. Gen. Moses Wood was born in Gardner, April 2d, 1803, and died in Fitchburg, May 8th, 1869. He commenced business, in Gardner, as a merchant, in 1827, which he successfully prose- cuted until 1834, when he removed to Providence, R. I., and was there connected, with the mercantile firm of Child, Vial & Wood, which was engaged extensively, in the sale of wooden ware and chairs. While connected with this firm, he was a lead- ing director and financier, in the Arcade Bank. In 1838, the General Assembly of Rhode Island, elected him Brigadier Gen- eral of Militia of Providence County. In 1849, he was elected first president of the Rollstone Bank, Fitchburg, Mass. He was also a director, in the old Fitchburg Bank. He moved to Fitchburg in 1850. He was once chosen delegate to the National Democratic Convention, for the nomination of President and Vice President of the United States. In 1851-2, he represented this Senatorial District, in the Senate of Massachusetts, with marked ability. He was president, of the Worcester North Agricultural Society, for several years. His character was marked by un- flinching honesty and uncommon courtesy. He was a man of great commanding personal presence. He died greatly honored and esteemed, by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Sumner Lincoln, brother of Nathan S., was born in Gard- ner, in 1841. Although not receiving a liberal education, he has a record, which is very honorable. At the commencement of the late war, he volunteered, in the service of the United States, as a private, remaining until the Rebellion was subdued. HISTORY OF GABBNER. 415 when he came home, a Colonel. He has been in the United States Army since 1866, still retaining the position of Colonel. He is now stationed in Texa^. The following young men are, at the present time, pursuing a course of education, in different colleges and schools : Charles Noyes, having been connected with Brown University, for three years, is now a student of medicine at Harvard Medical Col- lege ; Edward A. Sawyer, at Amherst College, George A. Black and Eugene C. Upton, at Harvard College, and Solon B. Stone, at a medical college, at Washington, D. C. 416 HISTORY OF QAIWNEB. CHAPTEK XVII. MILITARY AFFAIES. " Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide, In the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the good or evil side." — Lowed. " Here once the embattled farmers stood. And flred the shot heard round the world." — E. W. Emerson. " We wait beneath the furnace-blast The pangs of transformation ; Not painlessly doth God recast And mould anew the nation. Hot burns the fire Where wrongs expire ; Nor spares the hand That from the land Uproots the ancient evil." — Whittier. "Let them not live to taste this laud's increase. That would, with treason, wound this fair land's peace! Now civil wounds are stopped, peace lives again ; That she may long live here, God say — Amen." — Richard III., Act V., Scene II. IT has been deemed advisable, before giving a detailed ac- count of the men who went from this town, into the war for the Union, to present a brief statement of the causes of this war, and the public action of the citizens of Gardner, in fur- nishing its required number of men. Before doing this, how- ever, we shall first give the names of those, among the early settlers, who served in the Revolutionary War. The names of those who served in the war of 1812, are given in Chapter X., page 246, of this history. ^.^&-^^' HI8T0RY OF GAUBI^UB. 417 GARDNER IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. NAMES OF SOLDIERS. *Bickford, William Eaton, John Kneeland, Timothy Bolton, Ebenezer Fester, David Kelton, Samuel Baldwin, Josiah Greenwood, Aaron Matthews, John Bancroft, Jonathan Hey wood, Seth Symonds, Joseph Comee, David Haynes, Reuben »Wheeler, Josiah Clark, Joseph Whitney, Joshua GARDNER IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION. CAUSES OF OUR CIVIL WAR. Previous to the Eevolutionary War, slavery existed, to some extent, in all the British Colonies, in North America. After the Declaration of Independence, on the 4th of July, 1776, and before the adoption of the federal constitution in 1788, Massa- chusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut had either abolished slavery or taken measures to effect the emancipation of all their slaves. Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia still retained the system, in their respective states. The question of slavery was generally understood to be settled in the states by the Constitution. But as the territory after- wards acquired was admitted into the union as states, the ques- tion of slavery was a troublesome one, until what was called the Missouri Compromise, was made by congress, in 1820, to the effect that slavery, or involuntary servitude, shall forever be prohibited, in all the territory north of latitude 36° 30'. Although the territory south of the line above named, was as well adapted to slave labor as any in the world, yet it seemed to be a fact, that in order to have the system self-supporting, its area must be constantly extending. Consequently, after all the territory south of the line above named, including Texas, was formed into slave-holding states, and admitted into the union, the slave-holders were not satisfied, and persistent efforts *Also served during the old French War. 53 418 HISTORY OF GARDNER. were made to extend the system north of 36° 30'. The terri- tories of Kansas and Nebraska were opened for settlement, and desperate efforts were made for the introduction of slavery therein. Notwithstanding it would be a direct violation of the compromise of 1820, there were northern men, in Congress, who, for the sake of peace, were willing to submit to the demands of the South ; while others were in favor of leaving the question of slavery or no slavery to the people of the territories, after having been admitted, as states into the union ; while others still were for forever prohibiting slavery north of the line men- tioned, in the compromise of 1820. Hence in the presidential campaign of 1860, we find three distinct political parties with their respective candidates, in the field, having deliberately planted themselves, respectively, on the following positions : — FIRST, THAT OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN : Slavery can only exist, by virtue of municipal law ; and there is no law for it in the territories and no power to enact one. Congress can establish or legalize slavery nowhere, but is bound to prohibit it in, or exclude it from, any and every Federal Territory, whenever and wherever there shall be necessity for such exclusion or prohibition. SECOND, THAT OF STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS : Slavery or no slavery, in any territory, is entirely the affair of the white inhabitants of such territory. If they choose to have it, it is their right ; if they choose not to have it, they have a right to exclude or prohibit it. Neither congress nor the people of the union, or of anj' part of it, outside of said territory, have any right to meddle with or trouble themselves about the matter. THIRD, THAT OF JOHN C. BRECKENRIDGE ; The citizen of any state has a right to migrate to any terri- tory, taking with him anything which is property, by the law of his own state, and hold, enjoy, and be protected in, the use HISTORY OF GARDNER. 419 of such property, in said territory. And Congress is bound to render such protection, whenever necessary, whether with or without the co-operation of the teii-itorial legislature. The election of 1860, resulted in the choice of Abraham Lin- coln as president, and this fact seemed to be a decision, by the people, that the compromise of 1820, should be strictly adhered to. The South, finding they were defeated, immediately seceded and formed a Confederate government, for the permanent estab- lishment and independence of which, they inaugurated the war of the Eebellion, by firing upon Fort Sumpter, April 12th, 1861. This event caused great excitement all over the countr}^ and resulted in an immediate proclamation, by Mr. Lincoln, declaring the South in rebellion, and calling for seventy-five thousand volunteers, for ninety days, to engage in the suppres- sion of the insurgents. Gardner, like all other towns, shared in this excitement, and beo-an at once to take measures to respond to the call of the president. Accordingly the first town meeting, held after the war of the Eebellion broke out, was on the 30th day of April, 1861. It was called for the special purpose of taking measures for raising volunteers and for providing relief for their families. The following votes were passed, at the meeting : — " Voted, unanimously. That the selectmen be and are hereby authorized to purchase, at the expense of the town, clothing or uniforms, (suitable for wear in actual service), sufficient for the members of a volunteer militia company, which may be raised, by enlistment of the citizens or inhabitants of the town, and be organized, agreeable to the laws of the commonwealth, as a volunteer company of militia, on or before the first day of June next. Provided, that said company shall pledge themselves to enter the service of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or of the government of the United States, to defend and sustain said government against the traitors and rebels which now, or may threaten its destruction, if called for, by the proper author- 420 HISTORY OF QARDNHR. ity, or authorities for that purpose, at any time within one year from the date of the organization of said company. Also pro- vided, that if an entire company cannot be raised in the town of Gardner, the selectmen are hereby authorized to furnish uni- forms or clothing as aforesaid, to such citizens or inhabitants of said town, as shall enter the service of their country, for the purpose aforesaid." " Voted, That the selectmen pay, to the order of the several members of a militia company, which may be raised from the citizens of the town, or to the order of their families, in their absence, the sum of one dollar per day, payable monthly, for three months, from the commencement of actual service.'' At a meeting of the town held on the 29th day of June, 1861, it was " Voted, That the town appropriate the sum of one dol- lar per week, for each of the members of the families of per- sons, (inhabitants of the town), who are, or may be, mustered into the service of the United States, in accordance with the statutes of this commonwealth." These were the only legal meetings held, in the town dur- ing the year 1861, for the purpose of raising volunteers; yet, meetings of the citizens were often held, for consultation, and to aid in the efforts being put forth by the town. But all these efforts proved unavailing, so far as raising a companj'' was concerned ; nevertheless, fifty-seven young men volunteered and went into different regiments, then being raised in the state, in 1861. At a town meeting, April 16th, 1862, it was " Voted, That aid be paid to the families of soldiers the same as last year." At a meeting' of the town on the 23d day of July, 1862, it was " Voted, That the selectmen be and are hereby authorized to offer a bounty of one hundred dollars, (in addition to the bounty now offered by government) , for each and every volini- teer, who may enlist into the service of the United States, on or before the 15th day of August next, as a part of the quota of forty men to be furnished, by the town of Gardner, under the late requisition of the governor of Massachusetts, HISTORY OF GARDJ^FR. 421 and that the sum of $4,200 be and hereby is appropriated by said town, for the purpose of carrying the same into effect. Also that the selectmen be, and are hereby authorized to draw their order on the treasurer of said town, in the sum of $100, for each and every volunteer, (not exceeding the number of forty), when they shall produce to them satisfactory evidence that they are mustered into United States service, as a part of said quota of volunteers, to be furnished by said town ; and that said selectmen constitute a committee to procure necessary enlist- ment papers, and immediately open a recruiting office under their own superintendence." At a meeting of the town on the 23d of August, 1862, it was "Voted, That the town pay oue hundred dollars to each and every volunteer, who has enlisted or may enlist under the last call of the president of the United States, to fill our quota of nine mouths men, before the third day of September next, the bounty to be paid when mustered into service." " Voted, That John F. Ashley, S. K. Pierce, John M. Moore, L. W. Brown and James H. Greenwood, be a committee to raise the volunteers for nine months service, to fill the quota of this town under the last call of the president of the United States." "Voted, To appropriate $6000 for the purpose of carrying into effect the votes passed under this article." "Voted, That the selectmen be authorized and instructed to draw their orders on the treasurer of the town, to pay the vol- unteers, in accordance with the votes passed at this meeting." " Voted, To instruct the selectmen to call a town meeting, as soon as may be, and insert an article in the warrant, to see if the town will borrow money to defray th6 appropriations made at this meeting." At a meeting held September 1st, 1862, it was " Voted, That the treasurer be authorized to borrow such sums of money, under the direction of the selectmen, as shall be necessary to defray town expenses, not exceeding $8,000." 422 HISTORY OF GAEDNUB. On the 11th day of October, 1862, at a legal meeting of the town, it was " Voted, That the town pay to each of the volun- teers, who have enlisted, or who may enlist, into the service of the United States, from this town, for nine months, over and above the town quota, not exceeding twenty-three, $100, to be paid when mustered into service." It seems that, after the vote passed, on the 23d of August, eivinjr a sufficient number of volunteers to fill the quota of the town, $100 each, there was a surplus of twenty-three ; hence the necessity of the above vote. There were, from this town, fifty volunteers, in the year 1862, who, with about the same number from Templeton, formed Company G. , 53d Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers. These were enlisted for nine months. Aside from these, there were forty-five men, who volunteered for the service, thirty-five of whom, were in the 36th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers ; three in the naval service, the remainder being in difierent regi- ments, making ninety-five men, who voluntarily entered the United States service in 1862. At a meeting of the town, June 27th, 1863", it was "Voted, That the selectmen of the town are hereby authorized to draw, from time to time, upon the treasurer, at their discretion, in ac- cordance with the laws of the commonwealth, for the purpose of rendering the necessary aid, to the families of those, who have been or may be engaged in the military service of the United States." After the year 1862, business having revived to such an ex- tent, that young men were unwilling to enlist, in sufficient num- bers to fill the quotas, which were required of the town, it be- came necessary to hire' recruits, wherever they might be obtained ; consequently, recruiting was mostly done through brokers, in Boston and elsewhere, the expense of' which was paid, by the town. The sum of $2,375 was raised by individual subscrip- tion, which was afterwards refunded by the town. On the 4th day of April, 1864, it was, " Voted, That the sum of $125 be paid to each recruit, for the purpose of filling the HISTORY OF GARDNER. 423 quota of this town, under the last call of the president of the United States, in accordance with the act of the legislature, in relation thereto. Provided, that no money be paid to any re- cruit until he shall have been credited to the town, as a part of its quota." April 20th, 18()4, it was "Voted, That the town reliind to the subscribers the amount of $125, for each recruit furnished, under the call of the president of October 17th, 1863." It was voted at the same meeting " That the town appropri- ate the sum of one dollar per week, for each of the members of the families of persons who are, or who may be mustered into the service of the United States, as a part of the quota of this town, to be applied under the direction of the selectmen, in ac- cordance with the statutes of this commonwealth." It was also " Voted, That the sum of $2,375 be raised and applied, under the direction of the selectmen, for the purpose of refunding the money paid by individuals, in procuring men to fill the quota of this town, under the call of the president, of October 17th, 1863. On the 1st day of June, 1864, it was "Voted, That the selectmen be and are hereby authorized, to pay $125 for each and every recruit M'ho has enlisted, since May 1st, 1864, and been duly mustered into the United States service, to the credit of the town of Gardner, and for whom no town bounty has been paid." It was also voted at the same time "That the selectmen be authorized to pay $125 for each and every recruit who may enlist under their sanction, or under the sanction of any responsible committee of the citizens of Gardner, and be duly mustered into the service of the United States, to the credit of the town of Gardner, under any or all calls or orders of the president of the United States, issued between March 1st, 1864 and March 1st, 1865." It was also " Voted, That the town treasurer be authorized to borrow such sum or sums of money, from time to time, as may be necessary to meet the orders of the selectmen, in accordance with previous votes passed at this meeting." 424 HISTORY OF GARDNER. During the years 1863-4, there were twenty-seven enlist- ments, from this town. The following tables show the name, age at the time of en- listment, date of mnstering in, regiment and company, date and reason of discharge, of every man who entered any depart- ment of the United States service, during the war. Those marked with a * were non-residents ; all others were from Gardner. « K o la O ^; o ca ■< « M Q o O HISTORY OF GARDNER. 425 IS !> 0,-r; 13 ■ 9) r; o ^ to to m aif^tfj .• in 03 • O O 1. 0?- ^ o "3 _!-! !- !- C ffi a » 3 »-< M "-H t- ^' ''^ tj-l a. '-2 £ a g X c3 X o '> o; w en !*- til c o ^ .2 .^.2 -n ^ ^ tH OJ X • S >< o o .2 .2 .2 .2 »^ ." " " '^. OOOO'OOO Qaaazc00a .2 .2 *-* ^ ^ '^ ^ '^ .U .- .S .^ iM .^ .-3 ^^ -^ p. 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Q-ffa^-g a c 3 3 a-g-^^a g- o ^« cj u'a^ oja I ■< 121 bO C/3 o O O ® 0-1 =s 03 a ;a -a a ./ "^ p w CO ::s s ts •" t- ^ A r^ oo bo § S '^H s a ■ft S 3 -S OJ ? ,-S — fa a ® 3 h ^3 L^ frN tH ^ is -S P^33^(l>t^ » P^PhPhP^PhPhP-i o <1 o ^p -j:3 03 ^ !-i C3 Oh Ph * 3 3 M a ^co a o a ^ .li Oh Ph fLi Ph * * * » o ^ u ^ -irf 3 ra O 3 3 - 3 .b OS - ■ - bO bO a -3 bo's p:^ p:3 P4 P^ C4 « W HISTORY OF GARDNER. 433 03 CM > ■* S '"' CO S - 00 cj !^^ e > SCO B * 1-1 a o TO CO ba- te ^ 3 CO « bb » CO 00 o CO ,«3 bo 3 -^ CO 2 ^ 'O OS .ra CO = to;j;tDtoMtoto '^ao(-loooo'= ^ oo' 1,5 ■a'-' . !>' <1) O OJ .o n a fc a % ^< £P fe K i-s W Q P w — ' 1— I CO 00 CS ci T-H 1— ( io 'M in ca OCDOCOCO'X'C£3COC£J':OCOCD^CCiCDOCC'COCOOtDCO'^'^ tQ"X>^0*i- :OCOCOCOCOCX)OOCOOOCOX)GOCX)CCcX)CiOOOOOQOOOXQOXCX)GOoocX)Oc6o >^ CO "^^ icT o" t-T t-T t-i -< CM •-' 5^ CO t^ as o o i-^ -^ CO f- t^t^ b-COO to ■^'[MfMt^OOorJ^'^cJ ^i-Hi— ICMCM'— ' T-Hr-lT-11— II— 1^,— I,— ( ^ ^"^^^^^ ^ ^f^ ^D bo -00 >^ >;. z:, _^ ^ ^ _^ ^ a- a- a ^"^ ^'^ *^' ^0 bC bCr; ^ bc -'OOQC'— iCOTt'»QCOXOOt^^h^hoO-^OCO.— lOO^iO >>1rHT-((MCMGi-l N»/ .p^ OJ .rH 0^ 3 ^ 3 -3 -a" -^'^'"-c' fl" O [^ i © » . 5 .^ K^ bD-g 'd'ns '3 SB'S -? M § 55 :« oSCZJCB cSCCtZ!tZ)-3 B cS 434 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Reason of Discharge. Disability. Disability. Regular Army. Regular Army. Regular Army. Regular Army. Time out. Rejected Jan. 27, 1864. Deserted Aug. 28, 1865. Regular Army. Regular Army. 22, 1863, Braghear City, La. Time out. Regular Army. Time out. Time out. Time out. Date of Dis- charge. June 1, 1863 Feb. 5, 1865 June 13, 1865 Sept. 2, 1863 Died May Aug. 30, 1864 Sept. 2, 1862 Sept. 2, 1862 Sept. 2, 1862 6 o ^ cis o ^ cS ci) ciJ ►^ CO —1 "* CO CO 03 ►^ lo (N ira »o "O M pi CDCD^COCOCOCOCOCOCDCOCOCO^^CCOCOCDCDCDCOCDCOCO O0O02COOCO0OCOOOQOOO0OO0OOO00O0OCOO00OO0O00000Q0 c<»ocoOa5050cocOT-it^c^'oo5C£)i— cDcDi>-o:ic(r^'^'-"* T-ti— 1 T-H COG<)C^C>J ^-H(M(M CM t-tr-l rH»-irH i:^ot^c(:)^i>o-<^t-iGO»oco 1 Oi— I00CO1OG000I---1-IC0C0 CO-^COCO(MCOCOCO(M»-l(M M . ^ -^ ^ - C j^ 03 OJ o ^6 ci cs £ 00 • • -2 t:, ?o t: -2 • ■ ■ ° 2 S . i^ . . P^ ^ fe og?.-2aQ.-S«Sg 1-1 i-" ^ ,-1 " " '■ *^ •- .r ^ - -^ - ^ ^ ^ r- - » r. CO (?^ CO CD CO CO 00 00 CO (N^— ^co — rt g(M (N(N l^i; -"■ ^ 3 -^ ^" " i^.^ -^ £ ^ 3. bP >^> a a -^ -K -S =«3 kH^3= l-oH««5 3|5=53 » mS?^ O^^^^^ SP>-oi-5 a3 7:<) i-5^>S>^ 0) CJ 02 CO C CQ OJ OJ ^ (P ouOii::)tct>-5^j — 1— ii— -ri^coooxcq cdcdcd |K-k-.'^tCcoco __, ■* 1— I -* »— 1 I— * 1-H ci-i CO CO CO CO ■rf (M T-H CO >o T-H (M (M (^^ -* ■cfi 't (M (N T-H rM CO CO CO CO CO CO CD CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CC CO CO CO CO CD CO CO CO CO CD CO 00 00 00 00 T-H 1— < 00 T-H 00 00 00 1— I rH ,-H 00 00 00 X I— t 00 CX) T-H 00 T-H CO 00 T-H 00 T-H 00 00 T-H 00 00 T-H oc 00 CC T-H 00 t> Oi »C C5 CO LQ 10 T-T 'tT '>r ^ T-T ~ l^' T-H(M_(M!M(McO^-HT-i T-n'^T-H^tM t-hIM t— ^ « § » § o£ L2®=5!='33|c;.o5a3u333j^'33 JJ- * o o O ^? CK ^^ CO S ^ Q cooooococOlO'^^(^^^Hcocoo5co-^t*'Ti^T-H«^cot^t^5,:|^ fcrSSS Cd^SseSfa '-3fe3C5S'"?^i^_aS3Cr''i,3 J S .S I -g .^ as o-gog^^gSsyoS^^^a-^-S M-c -g cS-O cSs o-cl,J3J3.';5'3rHia. ci:;5-Cta.L>..S,a '^."^terterfe^'Hfe,.'-' 436 HISTORY OF GARDNEB. COST OF THE WAR TO THE TOWN IN MONEY. The whole number of men furnished by the town, for the war was two hundred and ninety-eight, which was a surplus of nine- teen, over and above all demands. Six were commissioned officers. The total amount of money raised and expended, by the town for war purposes, exclusive of state aid, was $23,062.- 27. In addition to this, $13,343.70 were raised by voluntary subscription. The amount of money paid, during the war, by the town for state aid to soldiers' families, and repaid by the commonwealth, was as follows: In 1861, $1,053.54; in 1862, $4,068.10; in 1863, $6,050.25 ; in 1864, $3,791.23 ; in 1865, $2,400.00. To- tal amount, $17,363.12. As this last named sum was refunded by the state, it might be supposed by some, that it did not really come out of the town, but as the state was taxed to pay it, and this town being about on an average with other towns, it is fair to infer that the tax paid by this town, is about equivalent to the sum received. In 1862, there was a " Soldiers' Aid Society" formed by the the ladies of the town, who met once a week, at first, and after- wards once in two weeks, to work for the soldiers. These meet- ings were well attended, sometimes as many as one hundred being present at one time. They received contributions of any- thing that could be converted into articles suitable for hospital use, or for clothing for soldiers in the field. It is not known exactly what the value in money, of what was sent by them, would be, as the articles were not all inventoried, but it appears from their record that at one time they sent a box valued at $190, and at another time a box and barrel of articles valued at $60. It would be safe to put the amount expended by the ladies in their organized capacity, and of private individuals, who sent articles of clothing and other necessaries, to their friends, at $1000, making the cost in money to the town during the war as follows : — HISTORY OF GABDNER. 437 Raised and expended by the town $23,062.27 Raised by voluntary subscriptions 13,343.70 Paid state aid to soldiers or their families 17,363.12 Sent by the Soldiers Aid Society, to the soldiers, through the Christian and Sanitary Commission and by individuals, direct to the soldiers 1,000.00 Making a total of 154,769 09 Nor is this all. State aid is still paid to disabled soldiers and their families, and since the close of the war the town has paid as follows: For the year 1866, $2,312.36; 1867, $1,567.44; 1868, $1,458.00; 1869, $1,225.00; 1870, $1,430.00; 1871, $1,662.00; 1872, $1,098.66; 1873, $1052.00, making, since the close of the war, $11,905.46, which added to the above, makes a total of $67,674.55. There is another item of cost, which is of no small importance, and which ought to be included in the aggregate of war expenses. In 1863, the government having need of more troops, and volun- teers coming in slowly, resort was had to conscription. The number drafted from this town was about seventy. Of this number, twenty-five were accepted. No one of them entered the service personally, but all procured substitutes at an expense of $300 each, making for the whole $7,500, which added to the foregoing, makes a total of $75,174.55. The preceding statements relate only to the pecuniary costs of the war, which are as nothing, in comparison with the suffer- ings and death of our soldiers, in the camp and on the field, and the sadness and grief of their friends at home. Silver and gold are worthless, when compared with the lives and happiness of those we love. Seven of our citizens were killed, in battle, three died of wounds, and seventeen died of various diseases, incident to camp life, and the hardships of long marches, and several came home, only to die of diseases contracted m the service of their country. The following are the names of those who were killed, or died of 'disease while in service :— 438 HISTORY OF GARDNER. Walter Bickford, killed at Cedar Mount, Va., Aug. 9, 1862. Joel J. Brooks, died at Libby Prison, Va., Samuel B. Clapp, died at Alexandria, Va., Dec. 14, 1861. George Clark, died at Baton Eouge, La., Apr. 13, 1863. George F. Conant, died at Washington, N. C, Sept. 7, 1863. Asahel Clapp, died at Clinton, Miss., July 20, 1863. Augustus Coval, died of wounds at Annapolis, Md., September 7, 1864. Ai O. Dyer, died of wounds at Knoxville, Tenn., Dec. 26, 1863. Addison Foster, died at Falmouth, Va., Dec. 25, 1862. Charles Gilbert, died July 10, 1864. Hiram Gates, killed at Petersburg, Va., May 9, 1864. Gilbert H. Greenwood, died of wounds at Wash., D. C. May 10, 1863, William B. Hill, killed at Chantilly, Va., Sept. 21, 1862. James B. Hogan, died at Brashear City, La., May 20, 1863. James B. Lathrop, died at Baton Rouge, Aug. 14, 1863. Martin Manning, died at sea, Aug. 14, 1863. Michael Murray, killed at Gaines Mills, Va., June 27, 1862. Patrick McNamara, died at Hampton, Va.. May 1, 1864. Alonzo Perley, died at Mound City, 111., Aug. 19, 1863. William H. Pratt, died at Crab Orchard, Ky., Oct. 6, 1863. Daniel B. Rugg, died at Baton Ronge, La., Mar. 29, 1863. George F. Robbins, killed at Chantilly, Va., Sept. 1, 1862. Dewitt C. Ray, died near Petersburg, Va., July 20, 1864. Michael Reagan, died in Beverly, N. J., Oct. 2, 1864. Luther P. Reed, killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. Ai B. Stone, died at New Orleans, June 1, 1863. Edward Van Benthusen, died at Brashear City, La., May 20, 1863. Besides those of our citizens who enlisted to fill the quota of Gardner, there were several who volunteered and were accred- ited to other towns. Of the whole number of soldiers credited to this town, 9.61 per cent, were killed, or died before reaching home. The whole number of men called into the national service, during the war, was 2,688,523. Ten per cent, of the whites and about 15 per cent, of the blacks were killed or died while in service. The war of the Rebellion was virtually ended by the surren- der of Lee and his army on the 9th of April, 1865, and in less HISTORY OF OARBNER. 439 than four months, six hundred and forty thousand, eight hundred and six soldiers of the Union army were mustered out of service and returned to their homes, most of them entering immediately into their former industrial pursuits.* We close this chapter with a quotation from the very able report, (House Doc. No. 7), made by Mr. Wentworth to the legislature in 1867 : "No better evidence of the determination of the people of the Commonwealth to support the General Government in the war, can perhaps be found than the individ- ual contributions given in aid of its prosecution, which, in many of the towns, were astonishingly large. In Bradford, Water- town, Gardner, Mendon and Templeton, they exceeded five dollars to each inhabitant ; in Somerville, seven ; in West Cam- bridge, eight; in Leyden, nine; in Longmeadow, ten, and in Belmont ten." ♦Greeley's Great Conflict, vol. 2, p. 759. 440 HISTOBY OF GARDNER. CHAPTER XVIII. SCHOOLS. " The room displays Long rows of desk and bench ; the former stain'd And streak'd with blots and trickles of dried ink, Lumber'd with maps and slates, and well-thumb'd books, And carv'd with rude initials." — Street's Poems. " 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." — Whittier. "And then, the whining school boy, with his satchel, And shining morning face, creeping like a snail, Unwillingly to school." — As You Like It, Act II., Scene VII. " There, in his noisy mansion skilled to rule, The village master taught his little school. A man severe he was, and stern to view ; I knew him well, and every truant knew. Yet he was kind, or if severe in aught, The love he bore to learning was in fault. The village all declar'd how much he knew ; 'Twas certain he could write, and cipher too. Land he could measure, terms and tides presage, And even the story ran that be could gauge." — Goldsmith. vt^EFORE passing, immediately, to a review of the schools -L' of this town, since their inception, it may be profitable to glance briefly, at the origin, of our common school system. As is well known, to every student of history, children of such parents as were able to provide them with the rudiments of learning, either placed them in parochial schools, or furnished them with private teachers. This was the custom in England H.I8T0BY OF OABDNEE. Ail previous to the settlement of the colonies. Indeed, the Plym- outh and Massachusetts Colonies had been in existence for nearly twenty years, before any organized effort had been made, for the general education of the young. Whatever instruction the youth received, they obtained in private families. As early as 1623, three years after the landing of the Pil- grims at Plymouth, these colonists were informed that it was asserted in London, as something derogatory to them, that their " children were not catechised, nor taught to read." To which the reply was made, " this is not true, in neither part thereof; for divers take pains with their own, as they can. Indeed, we have no common schools for want of a fit person, or, hitherto, means to maintain one, though we desire to begin." In 1635, Benjamin Eaton, " was, by the Governor and Assistants, with his mother's consent, put to Bridget Fuller, widow, for fourteen years, she being to keep him to school two years."* It was not, however, until 1670, that the government of Plymouth Colony took any action regarding the establishment of public schools, at which time, the General Court, " upon divers serious considerations, them thereunto moving, did freely give and grant all such profits as might or should annually accrue, or grow due to this colony, from time to time, for fish- ing with nets or seines, at Cape Cod, for mackerel, bass or her- rings, as by the said grant doth fully appear, to be employed and improved for and. towards a free school, in some town of this jurisdiction, for the training up of youth, in literature, for the good and benefit of posterity."! It will be seen, by the above, that the early colonists were not ignorant of the intimate relation existing between fish, and intellectual vigor. In 1641, the first step, taken by the central government of Massachusetts, in respect to education, was a request " that tiie elders would make a catechism for the instruction of youth in the grounds of religion." Shortly after, in consideration of " the ♦Plymouth Colony Records, vol. 1, p. 37. fPlymouth Colony Records vol. 5, p. 107. 56 442 HISTORY OF GARDNER. great neglect of many parents and masters, in training up their children in learning and labor and other employments which might be profitable to the commonwealth," power was given to the selectmen of towns, to "take account, from time to time, of all parents and masters, and of their children, concerning their calling and employment of their children, especially of their ability to read and understand the principles of religion and the capital laws of the country." Selectmen were also au- thorized with " consent of any court or the magistrate, to put forth apprentices, the children of such as they should find not to be able and fit to employ and bring them up,"* and were indicted by the grand jurors, if they neglected their duty. Ac- cording to Palfrey, "Boston had a school, with some sort of public encouragement, in its fifth year," the inhabitants voting " that our brother, Philemon Pormont be entreated to become school-master for the teaching and nurturing the youth among us.'t In 1641, the income from Deer Island, in Boston Harbor, was appropriated for the support of a school. In New Haven, Conn., as early as 1642, it was "ordered that a free school should be set up," and that Mr. Davenport and the magistrates should " consider what yearly allowance was meet to be given to it, out of the common stock of the town, and also what rules and orders were meet to be observed in and about the same." The first school-master of New Haven, waiS the renowned Ezekiel Cheever, afterwards of Boston, to whom, with Corlet, of Cam- bridge, Cotton Mather accords the praise of saving New Eng- land from barbarism. He thus commemorates Cheever's long life and labors : — "He lived, and to vast age no illness knew; Till Time's scythe waiting for him rusty grew. He lived and wrought ; his labors were immense, But ne'er declined to preterperfect tense." It was not, however, until 1647, that Massachusetts, during the administration of Governor Winthrop, of whom "to love ♦Massachusetts Eecords, vol. 2, p. 6-7. fSnow's History of Boston, p. 348. HISTORY OF GARDINER. 443 and be beloved was his soul's paradise," took action upon the question of public schools, in these remarkable words :— " It being one chief project of that old deluder, Satan, to keep men from the knowledge of the Scriptures, as in former times by keeping them in an unknown tongue, so, in these latter times, by persuading from the use of tongues, that so at least the true sense and meaning of the original might be clouded by false glosses of saint-seeming deceivers, — that learn- ing may not be buried in the grave of our fathers, in the church and commonwealth, the Lord assisting our endeavors ; "It is therefore ordered, that every township in this juris- diction, after the Lord hath increased them to the number of fifty householders, shall then forthwith appoint one withiu their town to teach all such children as shall resort to him, to write and read, whose wages shall be paid either by the parents or masters of such children, or by the inhabitants in general, by way of supply, as the major part of those that order the pru- dentials of the town shall appoint ; provided, those that send their children be not oppressed bj' paying much more than they can have them taught for in other towns. And it is further ordered, that when any town shall increase to the number of one hundred families or householders, they shall set up a gram- mar school, the master thereof being able to instruct youth so far as they may be fitted, for the tJniversity ; provided, that if any town neglect the performance hereof above one year, that every such town shall pay five pounds to the next school, till they shall perform this order."* It will now be seen, from what has been stated, that the subject of public instruction, out of which has come the com- mon school system of our land, the pride and glory of the nation, was early taken into consideration, by our Pilgrim Fathers and their immediate descendants. It will also be seen, that the great object which these worthy men had in view, pri- marily, was the religious instruction of their children. As ♦Massachusetts Records, vol. 2, p. 203. 444 HISTOBY OF GAEDNJSR. Palfrey says, " learning, after religion and social order, was the object neai-est to the hearts of the New England Fathers. Rather, it should be said, they were persuaded that social order and a religious character could not subsist in the absence of mental culture." Hence it was, that they founded public schools, and provided for their maintenance, by enforced taxa- tion, and compulsory attendance. Nor should it be forgotten that we are to-day indebted, for our common school system, to men of liberal education, who had passed through the curric- ulum of Oxford and Cambridge, men of broad and tine culture, who like Harvard, Brewster, Hooker, Davenport and Stone, having, some of them, founded the college, proceeded after- ward to establish the high, the grammar and the common school. For as President J. H. Seelye, of Amherst College says, " the historical fact has always been, that the higher has first descended upon and breathed its inspiration into the lower, before the latter has shown any impulse to improvement. In our processes of education, the higher schools have not grown out of the lower and do not rest upon them, but the higher school is historically first, and the lower one is not its precursor, but its product; there is no law, of evolution by which the common school grows up into the college, for as an historical fact, the college is actually first, and gives birth to the common school. It is not by the lower education of the many, that we come to have the higher education of the few, but the exact converse of this, is the universal rule." • What Carlyle says of Protestantism in Europe, is true of the outcome of it, in America : ' ' Protestantism is the grand root from which our whole subsequent European history branches out." Permeated and inspired by this conviction of the para- mount value and necessity of the universal diffusion of general knowledge, so early developed in the colonies of New England, the fathers, of this town, as we shall now see, began at once to make provision, according to their ability, for the instruction of their children. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 445 FIRST DIVISION OF THE TOWN INTO DISTRICTS. In the waiTant for the first annual town meeting, for March 7th, 1786, there was the following article : — " To see if the town will grant money for schooling, and act anything relating to schools, as they shall think best when met." Upon this article, the town " Voted, To choose a committee of three to divide the town into four squadrons and make report at the adjournment of the meeting." At the adjourned meet- ing, March 14th, the town " Voted, To accept of the report of the school committee, which was to divide the town into four squadrons or districts, namely. South, West, North and East, giving the names of the families residing within the limits named by the committee." At a town meeting held April 3d, 1786, there was a vote '• to divide one-half of the school money into four equal divisions ; and the rest of the money to be divided into the said divisions according to the number of scholars from twenty-one years of age, down to four years old. Each squadron to provide their own school-master, or mistress, and have liberty for to say how much shall be kept in a woman's school, they not exceeding more than one-half of the money, in a woman's school. Voted, To choose four persons, one in each squadron, to provide a school and to take the number of children in the several squadrons, namely : William Bickford, David Foster, Ebenezer Howe, Josiah Wheeler." At the annual meeting in the following year, 1787, the town " Voted, To lay the school money out in the same form and manner that it was laid out last year. Voted, To choose four committee-men to notify their squadrons and see how they will lay out the school money and provide masters and mistresses for the same." That this committee attended to their duty is evident, from the following record, of 1788, when the town, at its annual meet- ing, "Voted, To allow David Tainter's account, for keeping school two months, of six pounds. Voted, To allow Joshua Frost, for keeping school six weeks and three days, three pounds, eleven shillings and nine pence." 446 HISTORY OF GARDNER. In 1789, the town "Voted, To allow Betsey Heywood's ac- count, for keeping school and for board." The record does not state the amount. Also, "Voted, To allow Elijah Wilder's account, for boarding the school-dame two weeks, six shillings. Voted, To allow Joel Wheeler's account, for boarding the school-master four weeks, sixteen shillings." Several facts ap- pear from these records, viz : That, in these early days, both male and female teachers were employed in the public schools ; that the school terms were very brief; the wages of teachers, compared with those of the present, were very low ; and that board was correspondingly cheap. In 1790, there was an article in the warrant, " To see if the town will have a school kept in the middle of the town." " Voted, To dismiss this article." In 1791, the town " Voted, To choose a committee-man in each squadron, to say how the money should be laid out." Up to this date, according to the Town Records, vol. 1st, page 252, there was but one school- house within the limits of the town, and this " so old and shat- tered, that it is not fit to keep school in, and schools kept in private houses, and very small too, are not convenient for the scholars." Hence it appears, that in the absence of school- houses, the schools were kept in private dwellings, as conven- ience offered. In 1794, March 3d, there was an article in the warrant, " To see if the town would make any alterations in the school squad- rons and build school-houses as they see fit." "Voted, To make alterations, in the school squadrons. Voted, To have seven squadrons. Voted, To choose a committee to squadron the town out. Voted, To have seven men in the committee. Voted, That the committee appoint the places where the school- houses shall stand, and report at the adjournment of this meet- ing." This action indicates that there were no school-houses in town, lip to this date. At the adjourned meeting the town voted thii'ty-six to twenty-three, to reconsider all this action. It appears, from the above record, that the attempt made to redistrict the town, making seven school districts or squadrons, HISTORY OF GARDNER. 447 instead of four, and to furnish the town with school-houses, proved a failure, up to 1794". In the following year, there was an article in the warrant, for the annual meeting, "To see if the town will make any alteration in the school squadrons, and build school-houses." Upon this article, the town " Voted, To build four school-houses. Voted, To have a committee to say where the school-houses shall stand. Voted, To have twelve men in the committee. Voted, That the committee be chosen by written votes. Voted, That the committee be divided into four parts, that is, three of the committee in each squadron." This committee made their report at the April meeting, upon which the town " Voted, Not to accept of the report of the committee, for placing school-houses, which is as follows, viz : — " The committee chosen to pitch upon the spots to build school-houses, report as follows : That one be built at the crotch of the road, by Joel Wheeler's ; and one at the crotch of the road by Daniel Parline's ; and one, five and twenty rods from the corner, by Capt. Bickford's barn, towards Capt. Jackson's ; and one near to Joseph Payson's. Motion was made and sec- onded, to have five school-houses. Then voted to have five school-houses, and voted to set the fifth school-house at the crotch of the road by Jonathan Eager's." At an adjourned meeting. May 6th, 1795, the town " Voted, To set one school-house at the crotch of the road, near Daniel Parline's. Voted, To set one school-house half way between Joseph Wright's lane, and Andrew Beard's house. Voted, To set one school-house at the corner of the road that comes from John Eaton's to the road from Daniel Child's to the Meeting- house. Voted, To set one school-house at the corner of the road between David Comee's and Joseph Payson's. Voted, To choose a committee to say how big the school-houses shall be, and make immediate report. Voted, To have three men in the committee." Having adjourned this meeting, for half an hour, the town again met, and " Voted, To divide the town into four equal parts, and place a school-house in the centre of each quarter. Voted, To reconsider the vote for the fifth school-house, that is. 448 HISTORY OF GARDNER. that school-house placed by Jonathan Eager's. Voted, To choose a committee to divide the town into four equal parts. Voted, To have a committee of five, to divide the town into four equal parts. Voted, To reconsider all former votes, re- specting school-houses, all up to the last vote, to divide the town into four equal parts, and for placing the school-houses in the centre of each quarter. Voted, That the committee for divid- ing the town into four equal parts, shall say where the centre of each quarter is, and say how big the school-houses shall be." The town meeting was then adjourned, until four o'clock in the afternoon. Having then met, it was " Voted, To accept of the report of the committee for dividing the town into four parts and placing and saying how big the school-houses shall be." The committee reported as follows : — " The committee chosen to squadron out the town, into four squadrons, beg leave to report as follows : The West school- house, to stand at the crotch of the road, by Daniel Parline's ; the North school-house, to stand in the centre, between Capt. Haynes' and Lieut. Edgell's, on the road ; the East school-house to stand in the centre, between Jonathan Whitcomb's and David Reed's and David Cohee's, on the county road, where it will best convene ; the South school-house, to stand in the centre, be- tween Westminster line and Templeton line, on the county road ; the said school-houses to be built twenty-eight by twenty- two, and ten feet post." " Voted, To choose a committee to build school-houses and measure from the extreme parts, as reported by the committee chosen to divide the town into four squadrons. Voted, To have three committee-men in each squadron. Voted, That the com- mittee in each squadron shall notify the inhabitants in each squadron, after they have found the spots where the school- houses shall stand, to meet, in order for letting out all the ma- terials, by lots, for building the houses, to the lowest bidder; also that all the committee shall notify all the inhabitants of the town, to meet at the Meeting-house, to vendue said stuff, they giving ten days' notice, at least, and said materials shall all be HISTORY OF GARDNER. 449 delivered, at the several spots, where the school-houses are to be built, by the first day of April next." This legislation, however, did not prove entirely satisfactory, for, on November 30th, the same year, the town " Voted, To make alterations in the school-houses. Voted, To set the South school-house at. the corner of the wall, at Capt. Bickford's old barn, the west side of the road, as near the corner as is conven- ient. Voted, To move the North school-house to the north, over the causeway." That this question of school-houses was not yet settled, is evident, for, in the warrant for a town meet- ing to be held February 2d, 1796, there were the following articles : — ' ' To see if the town will make any alterations in any of the school-houses, to stand different from where they are now placed. To see if the town will build a school-house, on the common, near the Meeting-house." " Voted, To move the South school- house to the east end of the county road, at the crotch of the road, by Capt. Bickford's. Voted, To reconsider the last vote. Voted, To take in Ephraim Pratt's, from him to the Meeting- house, thence from the Meeting-house, to Simon Stone's, and take him into the south squadron, and place the school-house in the centre of the body of land, or the nearest convenient place to the centre. Voted, To reconsider the last vote. Voted, to set the South school-house at the east end of the county road." At an adjourned meeting, March 9th, the town ''Voted, To set the South school-house in the centre, between the Widow Wood's house and Jonas Brick's, on the county road. Voted, To set the South school-house where the new county road crosses the road from Elijah Simonds' to the Meeting-house." April 4th, 1796, "Voted, To raise two hundred and fifty pounds, to build school-houses." March 6th, 1797, the town " Voted, To provide a chair and table, for each school-house, in said town." Although there is no record made regarding the execution of the town's vote for building school-houses, yet it may be inferred, from the last vote, relating to furnishing these 57 450 HI8T0RY OF GARDNER. school-houses, that they were built, in the places, aud according to the plan above designated. Subsequently, efforts were made to change these school- houses, but without success. That these school-houses were plain structures, and entirely innocent of paint, is evident from an article in the warrant for the March meeting of 1802 : — " To see if the town will choose a committee, to see what repairs, if any, the school-houses n6ed, and paint them with Spanish brown and lye." Whatever the school-houses needed, the town "Voted, To pass over this article." In 1807, there was an article in the town warrant " To see if the town will build a school-house in the middle of the town, or otherwise give the petitioners and others the privilege of building, on the common." The town " Voted, To dismiss the article." As showing an increased interest, in the prosperity of their schools, the town, in 1809, "Voted, To choose a committee of four men to inspect the schools in said town, at the opening and close of said schools, for the year ensuing." Here was the be- ginning of that system of school visiting, which has been prac- ticed ever since. Although the town repeatedly refused to erect a school-house at the Centre, yet it may be inferred, from the records, that one was built by private funds, upon the com- mon, somcM'here about the year 1814. SECOND DISTRICTING OF THE TOWN. In 1818, the town, at its April meeting, " Voted, To choose a committee to divide the town into school districts." The re- port of this committee was, " That the town be divided into six school districts, viz. : — " That the East district include Joel Matthews, Samuel Fos- ter, John Miles, Jabez Fairbank,and all eastwardly of said line, including thirty families. One South district, including Reuben Gates, David Eeed, Moses Saunders, Widow Thiah Wood, Amasa Leland, David Perley, Thomas Baker, and all south and east of said line, including twenty-seven families. The South- erly district, to include Joseph Whitney, 2d, Asa Hill, William HISTORY OF GARDNER. 451 Bickford, John Kemp, Sullivan Jackson, and on the Turnpike Eoad, to Templeton line, and all south and west of said line, including twenty-seven families. That the Northwesterly dis- trict include Simon Stone, Jonathan Eaton, Ezra Penniman, Allen Perley, Ezra Baker, Jacob Priest, James Coolidge, and all northerly and westwardly of said line, including twenty- three families. That the North district include Samnel Stone, James Coolidge, Jr., William Whitney, Benjamin Howe, Eli- jah Travis, Nathan Green, Jonathan Merriam, and all north- M'ardly and eastwardly of said line, including twenty-three families. All within said bounds, to make a middle district, including twenty-three families." It will be seen by this report, that Gardner, in 1818, con- tained one hundred and fifty-three families. At the same meet- ing, the town " Voted, That each district shall build and sup- port their own school-houses. Voted, That each district shall have the privilege of placing their own school-houses, if they can agree, otherwise, the town shall place them." At the March meeting, in 1820, the town "Voted, That the school money be divided according to the number of families that shall be in each district, on the first Monday of May next. Voted, that the school committee divide the school money, if they can agree, if not, the selectmen shall divide it." This method of dividing the school money, was pursued till 1837, when the town " Voted, That six hundred dollars be laid out for school- ing ; that one-third of the money be divided according to the number of scholars in their respective districts, the scholars to be counted between the ages of four and twenty-one, the re- mainder to be divided into six equal parts; that the school agents ascertain the number of scholars in their respective dis- tricts." The first mention we have, in the records, of money received from the state, for the benefit of schools, was in 1838, when the town " Voted, That the money, we received from the state, be divided according to the number of scholars." In March, 1839, the town first " Voted, That the school agents be author- 452 HISTORY OF GARDNER. ized to hire teachers for their respective districts." In 1840, the town "Voted, To divide two-thirds of the money ($700) raised for schooling, equally among the several school districts. The remaining one-third, to be divided among the districts, according to the number of scholars which they contain, from four to sixteen years of age." In 1844, the town " Voted, To divide one-half of the school money ($700) equally' among the districts, and the other half according to the number of scholars, reckoning them as the state does." In 1850, the town " Voted, To raise nine hundred dollars for the support of schools, the ensuing year, and that one-fourth of the sum be divided equally among the districts, and the remaining three-fourths in proportion to the number of scholars." March 23d, 1850, the question was before the town "To see if the town will assist the West school district, in repairing their school-house." Upon this question, the town " Voted, That if the tax in the West school district for repair- ing their school-house, at their estimate, of four hundred and seventy-five dollars, exceed the average of the Centre, South- west and Southeast school district tax, for building their school- houses, that the town pay the balance above that average, provided it does not exceed the sum of one hundred dollars." In May, 1851, the town "Voted, That George and Sumner Baker have the privilege of drawing their share of the school money, per scholar, ^ro rata, from the Southeast school district in this town, and paying the same in Westminster." March 6th, 1854, the town " Voted, That the school committee procure six hundred copies of their school report, to be distributed among the families of the town, at the expense of the town." This is the first instance on record, of printed school reports. At the same meeting, the town "Voted, To raise twelve hundred dollars for the support of schools, the ensuing year, and to divide the same, one-third equally among the districts in town and the remainder in proportion to the number of scholars. Voted, To raise one hundred dollars in addition to the above, to be put in the hands of the school committee, to be divided as they think proper, among the districts." HISTORY OF OARDNER. 453 In 1857, a committee, of one from each district, was chosen, "To establish the lines between the several school districts, according to the records, and report at an adjourned meetino-." This committee attended to their duty, and their report may be found recorded in Town Records, vol. 5, page 70-79, which is too extended for insertion in this chapter. At the March meeting, 1861, the town " Voted, To raise eighteen hundred dollars for the support of schools, the ensuing year, to be placed in the hands of the school committee, to be divided at their discretion." However, at the April meeeting, the town reconsidered the above vote, and " Voted, To raise nine hundred dollars, for the same purpose, instead of eighteen hun- dred dollars." In explanation of this great reduction in the school appropriation, it should be stated, that this was a year of great financial prostration in this town, occasioned by the burning of the Hey woods' Chair Factories, which occurred January 5th, of this year. ABOLISHMENT OF THE DISTRICT SYSTEM AND THE IN- AUGURATION OF GRADED SCHOOLS. Acting in accordance with the provisions of the General Statutes of 1869 there was an article in the town warrant for this year, " To see what measures the town will take for the appraisal of the school-houses, and other property belonging to the several School Districts, in the town, act or transact any- thing relating thereto." "Voted, That the selectmen be instructed to appoint three appraisers, from some other town, to appraise the property belonging to the several School Districts, and re- port said appraisals to an adjourned March meeting." The following is the report of the committee to appraise the School District property : — The undersigned, a committee chosen to appraise the several school-houses, in the town of Gardner, would respect- fully submit the following as their appraisal of said land, furni- ture, etc., exclusive of wood: — 454 HISTORY OF OARDI^EE. In District No. 1, the sum of $10,666 In District No. 2, the sum of 2,650 In District No. 3, the sum of 5,150 In District No. 4, the sum of 500 In District No. 5, the sum of 475 In District No. G, the sum of 417 Making a total of $19,758 Sidney Fairbanks, ^ Gommittee Bethuel Ellis, > of Geoege B. Eaymond, ) Appraisal. Gardner, April 20th, 1869. The sum of this appraisal, the town voted to raise, in addi- tion to the regular appropriation, for this year. Thus the graded system, now in successful operation, in this town, was inaugurated. HIGH SCHOOL. In the town warrant for February 9th, 1856, there was an article "To see what action the town will take, in relation to supporting a High School, as required by the 5th section, 23d chapter, of the Eevised Statutes." This article was referred to a committee, who reported " that in the opinion of the majority of your committee, it is inexpedient that the town take meas- ures to support a High School. Asaph Wood, Levi Hey wood, John Edgell, S. W. A. Stevens, S. H. Clark, Alonzo Sawtell, Jonathan Brown." April 2d, 1866, " Voted, On motion of Allen Folger, that a High School be established in town, ac- cording to law, and that the selectmen and superintending school committee, be a committee to carry, into effect this vote, and provide a suitable place for holding said school." Accordingly, in the fall of 1866, a High School was opened, in the old school-house, formerly occupied by the Centre dis- trict, as the best accommodations, at that time, to be procured. Here the High School continued to be taught, until its removal to the new High School-house, which it now occupies. This building has since been removed to a site near the depots, and is occupied by the Messrs. Howe Brothers, as a grain store, with a hall for the Odd Fellows, in the second story. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 455 April 1st, 1872, the town "Voted, To choose a committee of three, to secure a location for a High School-house, and pro- ■ cure a plan and estimates for a building, and report at the next annual March meeting. S. K. Pierce, Henry C. Knowlton, Francis Richardson, committee." There was an article in the warrant for March 4th, 1872, " To see if the town will take any measures for the further accom- modation ot the High School." Upon this article, the town " Voted, To choose a committee of three to investigate the subject of additional accommodations for the High School, and report the best plan in their judgment, at the adjournment of this meeting. Chose S. K. Pierce, Henry C. Knowlton, Cyrus K. Wood, committee." This committee made the following report, which the town voted to accept : — " Your committee are of the unanimous opinion, after exam- ining the building now occupied, by our High School, that the accommodations and conveniences, which it affords, are not what the best interests of such a school demand. Its location is also unsatisfactory to a large proportion now sending schol- ars to the school, and to others who would send if its location was more central. " Your committee are therefore of the opinion, that the grow- ing interests and demands of the town, require a new building, furnishing better accommodations, in a more central part of the town. Taking this view of the subject, we have endeavored to ascertain where the most available location, accommodating the whole town, could be found, and we are of the opinion that the most desirable place, is on the high ground, below the so called ' Atherton House' in the Heywood pasture, on Chestnut Street. After the committee had decided on the location, they consulted Mr. Levi Heywood in regard to the lot, and he gen- erously proposed to donate a good and liberal spot to the town, foi- that purpose, in that locality, if they should deem it best to accept it. Your committee would therefore reccommend that the town accept the liberal offer made by Mr. Heywood, and that a committee of three be chosen to locate a spot, at once. 456 HISTORY OF GARDNER. and report at the next town meeting ; also that the same com- mittee procure plans and estimates for a building, and report at the next annual town meeting, to be held in March, 1873." At the same meeting, the town " Voted, To choose a com- mittee of three, to secure a location for a High School-house, and procure a plan and estimates for a building, and report at the next annual March meeting. S. K. Pierce, H. C. Knowl- ton, Francis Richardson, committee." At the March meeting, 1873, this committee made a report, part of which, is here given. " We have taken a deed of a lot of land donated, by Mr. Levi Heywood, lying on the west side of Chestnut Street, containing one and one-fourth acres, which we think is the most eligible site to accommodate all parts of the town. The land is given on condition that it shall be used for a High School, and other school purposes ; and that there shall be erected a building, on said land for a High School- house, in three years. We have also procured a plan and esti- mated costs of a High School-building, made by Earle and Ful- ler, architects of Worcester, which we think suitable for the purpose. We consulted the school committee in getting the plan, and it is approved by them. We believe the estimated cost of the building, above the foundation, not including the furniture, is thirteen thousand three hundred dollars, which the architects are confident can be built within that estimate." This report was accepted and the town " Voted, That the same committee be authorized and instructed, to cause a build- ing to be built, after the plan presented, and grade the land within the three years limited in the deed of the land." The High School-building was erected under the immediate superintendence of Mr. Francis Eichardson, and was ready for occupancy December 21st, 1874, and is, in all respects, a very substantial structure. The main building is forty-six by seventy feet, with a front projection and porch, seventeen by twenty- two feet. It is two stories high, having a tower ninety feet in height. It is constructed of brick, and has brown sand-stone trimmings, the under-pinning being of Fitchburg granite. It ^^z^ / Y i>o S ^ !h ja Cm o Ph53 « o o A' C5 1 § a o o M H o o a a X 3 a o tn a o i !5 1 a; ^ o; ^ « i CO CO S 5 6 1 > i i w i B 1 a a g o i a .2 § a 00 1 < i o a o U «3 C <1 a o 1 a a =8 .2 a c5 1 i O HI 1 OP a 1 1 i t H O 15 Ed 3 03 B E o at O "3 >> 1 O 1 1 1 1 C5 "3 o 1 o o i o O 1 o OS O 1 1 6 t I o 1 1 o a 2 o i cs 03 c5 s .2 a; 1 < o < 8, o3 1 1 a o o o a o 13 5 6 t o a) 1 u -smui - oq CO ^ (M CO .— 1 tN H- IN CO f-i « CO ■^c J»^» (fWcf •JIO 31 J ".W •*<»9 Z_pu 009S yMj U V ■^rnx J,D Committee. Ebenezer Eichardson, } Attest, Eeuben Hatnes, Town Clerk. In 1826, Gardner was included in the Ashburnham circuit, then embracing Ashburnham, Winchendon, Northfield, Orange, *Town Kecords, vol. 1, p. 332. HISTORY OF GARDNER. 533 Montague, Wendell, Eoyalston, Warwick, Athol', Templeton and Gardner. The preacher, then- upon this circuit, was Rev. John E. Risley and the Presiding Elder, Rev. John Lind- say. In 1827, quite an extensive revival occurred, in this town, originating in the southeast district, which, had its good effects! upon all parts of the town. The Baptist Society, which was formed this year, with Mr. Sullivan Jackson at its head, was greatly quickened, while it is said that the impulse of this re- ligious interest was perceptible, in the preaching of the pastor of the First Church and, in those to whom he ministered, causing the lines between Unitarianism and Orthodoxy, to be more closely drawn, and resulting probably, in the secession of the more Evangelical portion of that church in 1830. The meetings, from which this interest spread, were held at the house of Mr. George Scott, whose name appears as one of the founders of the Baptist Society. It is said, a young Methodist girl, who had come from a neighboring town, to sojourn for a while, attracted considerable attention, by her singing of Methodist hymns, in these meetings, which served to draw the curious, to listen to her, who were thus interested in Spiritual matters. Although the few Methodist people residing in Gardner, held services infrequently, and occasionally enjoyed preaching by ministers of their own denomination, they took no measures looking to the formation of a church, till the year 1869. In February and March, 1869, Rev. William P. Blackmer, then pastor of the Methodist Church, in East Templeton, preached a few sermons, in the Lower Town Hall. A committee was ap- pointed, and a paper circulated, upon which, money enough was soon subscribed, to make it reasonably certain, that preach- ino- could be sustained, and a pastor was asked for. March 24th, 1869, the New England Conference appointed Mr. Black- mer to Gardner, which thus became again an appointment, in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Blackmer was born at Norwich, Conn., January 29th, 1830,' and was licensed to 534 HI8T0EY OF GARDNER. preach at North Brookfield , Mass., December 8th, 1854. He was Captain of the 13th Regiment, Massachusetts Vohmteers. The church was formall^'^ organized July 3d, 1869, by Rev. Loranus Crowell, the Presiding Elder of Worcester District, with a membership of eighteen and a Sunday School ot fifty. In April, 1870, Rev. W. M. Hubbard was appointed to this church, to which he ministered successfully for three years. Mr. Hubbard was born in Unadilla, N. Y., in 1816. He was licensed to preach at Hatfield, Mass., in 1849. Up to the date of Mr. Hubbard's pastorate, the church was without a place of worship of their own. Such was their growth, however, that a church edifice was demanded, for the procuring of which, the members of the church and their friends, devoted their utmost energies. Mr. Lewis H. Graham donated a site, for a church, on West Street. In the early summer, of the same year, there was erected, upon this spot, a Chapel, which was eighty by fifty feet, which was dedicated September 14th. In April, 1873, Rev. Daniel Atkins became the pastor of this church, where he continued for three years. Mr. Atkins was born at" Truro, Mass., August 16th, 1824, and was licensed to preach at Gloucester, Mass., January 18th, 1851. In April, 1875, Rev. Seth C. Carey received the appointment to this church, to which he ministered for three years. Mr. Carey was born in Hebron, N. Y., June 1st, 1838; and was licensed to preach at Hebron, N. Y., in 1865. He graduated at the School of Theology of Boston University, in 1869. He was, for three years, in the union army, from 1862 to 1865, with the rank of 2d Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant. He was in ten battles, besides skirmishes. During the ministry of Mr. Carey the need of enlarged accommodations, began to force itself upon the attention of the people, and the building of a new church, became a question of duty. In the summer of 1876, a member of the church presented the society one of the most eligible lots on Chestnut Street. This was accepted, and September 20th, ground was broken for a new church edifice fifty by eighty feet, with a spire one hundred and thirty HISTORY OF GARDNER. 535 feet in height. The church has a seating capacity of six hundred. It is of wood and is a model of neatness, convenience and sim- plicity. It was dedicated August 9th, 1877, Bishop Randolph S. Foster, of Boston, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The t)rgan, bell and tower-clock, were presented by members of the church and friends of the society. The entire cost of the church, including land and furnishings, was a little less than thirteen thousand dollars. The present pastor, of this church, is Rev. William D. Bridge, who was born in Duxbury, Mass., February 23d, 1840. He grauated at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., July 20, 1861. He was licensed to preach at Middletown, Conn., February 15th, 1861. Since its commencement, in 1869, this church has enjoyed a steady growth. Its membership, is actively' devoted to the legitimate objects of church work. Its pastors have ever been diligent and faithful, in their calling, and have all had the satisfaction of seeing their work prospering under their hand. With their present church accommodations, the Methodists in this place, have a reasonable prospect of success, in view of which, they have great reason to rejoice and take courage. We have sought to give, in this chapter, a faithful chrono- logical delineation of each religious church and society, accord- ino- to the facts which we have been able to obtain. We take pleasure in recording our gratification, that Gardner is so abun- dantly supplied with church accommodations at the present time. May the zeal and devotion of the fathers, continue to live in their children; " that our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth ; that our daughters may be as corner stones, pol- ished after the similitude of a palace."