F n ht3 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DATE DUE "JIFRl IP Pi'^iP'^ L liASU ^»* ^ ^ ^ttss^^ s^ l-^rm^ f^OVV^ ^r^ ' '-' a/ j:< — tr ^ CAYLOnO PniNTCDINU.SA. Cornell University Library F 74A8 S79 3 1924 028 819 105 olin Wj% Cornell University wB Library The original of tiiis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028819105 -^ -""^m^ ^i ^^* ,A^^^^ \ Jl 1 1^ ^^o ^Sijjj^^^^ m '"^ jA-' ;,;/ ■■-■■ (il^^rZi^ c/. c.-^Zu^^/lyl^ HISTORY ASHBURNHAM MASSACHUSETTS FROM THE GRANT OF DORCHESTER CANADA TO THE PRESENT TIME, 1734-1886 WITH A GENEALOGICAL REGISTER OP . ASHBURNHAM FAMILIES By EZRA S. STEARNS, Author of the History of Mrulge, 2f, H. " Whateyer strengthens our local attachments is favorable both to individual and national character. Show me a man who cares no more for one place than another, and I will show you in that same person one who loves nothing but himself." ASHBURNHAM, MASS.: PUBLISHED BY THE TOWN. 1887. n 5?f PRESS OF FARWELL & CO. BOSTON. PREFATORY NOTE BY THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION. This volume is presented in response to a popular demand. The enterprise was instituted and sustained by a generous desire of the citizens of Ashburnham to secure the publication of the history of the town. The initial action to this end is found in a vote of the town in 1880, making choice of "Wilbur F. Whitney, Rev. Josiah D. Crosby, Simeon Merritt and AVilliam P. Ellis to make preliminary arrangements for the compilation and publi- cation of a volume. By subsequent votes of the town the committee has been directed to consummate the work. In 1882 Mr. Merritt died, and George F. Stevens was elected by the town to complete the original number of the committee. Subsequently, on account of age and feeble health, Mr. Crosby resigned, and Charles Winchester was designated to fill the vacancy. Mi-. Ellis was appointed by the committee to gather material and famUy registers, and from this point the work has been prosecuted without interruption. Early in the spring of 1884 the committee contracted with Hon. Ezra S. Stearns, of Rindge, New Hampshire, to write a History of Ashburnham, following a general plan which he sub- mitted for our consideration, and which met our approbation. Mr. Stearns has faithfully and ably fulfilled the obligation he assumed, and has produced a work which meets our warmest approval and unqualified endorsement. Yielding to the express desire of the author, we reluctantly refrain from a more particular expression of our estimate of the sterling character of the volume and of our ready appreciation of the vigor of thought and felicity of expression which will not escape the attention of the reader. Wilbur F. Whitney, William P. Ellis, George F. Stevens, Charles Winchester. PREFACE A New Engl ax u town can allege no antiquity. Only in a comparative sense can one assume the dignity of age. The municipal history of Ashburnham is compressed within the brief span of one hundred and fifty years, and of this period the first two decades are isolated from the connected narrative of the remainder. The drama is limited in duration, j^et the scenes are crowded with events. At the threshold stands the surveyor with his compass and chain, the emblems of approaching civilization, ready to sever from the wilderness a defined area and limit the stage ou which will appear the shifting scenes of succeeding years. The early settler, struggling with the subjugation of the forest, and, in the dying flame and fading smoke of the clearing, rearing a cabin and garnering the product of a virgin soil, the mechanic in daily toil dreaming not that he is founding industries that will become swelling tributaries to the com- merce of the world, the Revolutionary soldier breathing into life his aspirations of liberty, and in the fruits of war revealing the possibility of a republican form of government, the meeting-house on the hill, the settlement and labor of ^'the learned orthodox iTiinister," the early schools, the primitive roads broadening by use into thoroughfares, the rude mills exhibiting onl^^ the elements of mechanical skill, (] PREFACE. are a part of the history of every New Knghmd town, and each occupies a place in the following chapters. And yet throughout the work, in early and in later affairs, it has been my constant aim to present, in a proper light, the forms of procedure and the phases of character peculiar to this town. The stereotyped features, which in the force and sequence of events are common to the history of all New England towns, have been mainly employed as connecting links in the succession of events or as mirrors to the individuality of Ashburnham. The glory of any town is reflected in the lives of sterling men whose deeds are the soul of its annals. In the following chapters, generation has succeeded genera- tion, and each has left to posterity the strengthening influence of an inspiring example. In local history is found the most potent incentive to activity of life and an honorable conduct. ,The nearness and familiarity of the exemplars animate the example. During a review of these many years I have found enter- tainment, which can be renewed by the reader, in silently noting the types of mind and character developed by the several families which have constituted the population of the town, — each genei'ation exhibiting the balances between extremes of character and ability that incite comparisons and suggest conclusions. The summary record of achievement and conduct demonstrates that the genius of Ashburnham has been persevering, that the average ability of the citizen has been conspicuous, and the general character of the masses has been well sustained. Without an interruption of the narrative in an exhibition of the fact, it has been my purpose to supplement the deeds of men with an eff'ort to also portray the habit and thouoht, the manners and customs, the aspirations and passions of PREFACE. 7 each generation, and to state facts in such a manner that the reader be left at full liberty to draw suggested conclusions. Leaving the discussion of philosophies to more pretentious volumes, it has remained our pleasurable labor to revive fading memories, to give form and substance to the shadows of the past, to clothe in the habiliments of truth the fugitive forms of tradition, to assign to deeds of men the inspiration of a good or an unworthy motive, to present a picture of the past in which can be seen in clearer light the outlines of the present, and to combine the past \vith the present in a connected narrative of sequence and fact. Not to the manner born nor at any time a resident of Ashburnham, I have often gleaned in the field at a disad- vantage, but I have been free from the prejudices of familiarity, and in this effort have not been misguided by the vivid impressions and false estimates of childhood and youth. The fields, from which the material of the following chapters has been garnered, are the town and church records, the manuscript volumes in the State archives, manuscripts and printed volumes wherever found, and registry and probate records of several counties. Ceme- teries with their rigid inscriptions and family records,- preserved by pious care, have supplied many dates that could not be secured from other sources. To the custodians of the numerous records that have been laid under tribute, and to a multitude of friends who have rendered cheerful and valued assistance, my weighty obligations are revived in the memory of polite attention and spontaneous kindness. A generous measure of genealogical information has been obtained at the library of the New England Historic- Genealogical Society, and to John Ward Dean, A. M., and 8 PREFACE. his obliging assistants, I am indebted beyond the conven- tional forms of acknowledgment. And duty joins with pleasure in an unreserved expression of my gratitude to Harriet Proctor Poore, whose familiarity with the reposi- tories of historic and genealogical lore has aided successful research for many dates and facts not easily accessible. To Wilbur F. Whitney, William P. Ellis, George F. Stevens and Charles Winchester, who have faithfully represented the town in the preparation and publication of this volume, I am pleased to express pei'sonal obligations for courteous treatment and polite attention. Their zeal and interest* in the prosecution of the work have been a constant incentive, and their prompt attention in the proffer of facilities has anticipated every reasonable requirement. The committee has relieved me from the embarrassment of censorship and the restraint of dictation, and, in a proper recognition of the ftict, I assume responsibility for errors, for failure of judgment and for all imperfections which appear in the following pages. It should be borne in mind that many of the following chapters were written two years ago, and that mention of present time has reference to the beginning of the year 1886. The mention of a subsequent event and the employ- ment of a later date are gratuitous, amendments to the plan originally adopted. EZUA S. S'JKAr.NS. Rind(;k, N. H., May 1, 18S7. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. Location. — Boundaries — Area. — Surface. — Soil. — Course of the Streams. — Connecticut and Merrimack Drainage. — Ponds. — ^Arboral Products. — Wild Animals. — Native Birds. — Fish. — Elevations. — Scenery. ir-26 CHAPTER I. THE EAKLT GRANTS. Seven Grants of Land. — The Policj' of the General Court. — An Era of Grants. — The Starr Grant. — Owned by Green, Wilder and Joslin. — The Cambridge Grant. — The First Survey. — The Lexington Grant. — Sale of same to the Germans. — The Bluefield Grant. — The Early Road to Northfield— The Grant Sold to William Jones and Ephraim Wetherbee. — -The Converse Grant. — Sale to Joseph Wilder. — The Rolfe Grant. —Sale to John Greenwood. — The Dorchester Canada or Township Grant. — The Canada Soldiers.— Four Towns Chartered in One Enactment. — The Township Surveyed^ — Area. — Personal Notices. 27-51 CHAPTER II. PROPRIETAKY HISTORY. The Township Awarded to Sixty Persons. — Their Influence over the Settle- ment. — Proceedings of the First Meeting. — Changes in Membership of the Proprietors. — House Lots Surveyed. — Site for Meeting-house Selected. — Saw-mill Proposed —Second Distribution of Land. — A Fulling-mill Suggested. — The First Meeting-house. — War with Heze- kiah Gates. — The Province Line. — Mossman's Inn. — Fear of Indians. — Block House Built. — The Settlement Temporarily Abandoned. — The Situation. — Changes in Membership of the Proprietors. — Personal Notices. — Mossman's Petition 52-79 CHAPTER III. A RECORD OF SETTLEMENTS. Renewed Activity of the Proprietors. — Moses Foster. — The Second Saw- mill. — Grain-mill. — Settlement. — Disagreement between Resident and Non-resident Proprietors. — Names of Early Settlers. — The German Settlement. — The Province Line.— Manufacture of Potash. — Distri- bution of Undivided Lands. — Farewell to the Proprietors. — Personal Notices 80-107 10 CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV. FROM THE INCORPORATION TO THE REVOLUTION. Incorporation.— The Petitions of the Inhabitants and of the Proprietors.— The name of Ashfield Proposed.— The Charter.- Early Town Meetings. — Ashby Incorporated.- Contribution to Ashby.— New Arrivals.— Salary of the Minister.— Schools.— Abatement of .the Province Tax — Revolutionary Flashes.— Death of First Minister.— The Common.— Tax List, 1770.— Price of Commodities.— A Pound and Field Drivers. —Gardner First Suggested.— Warning Out 108-130 CHAPTER V. REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. Situation of the Town. — The Covenant. — Worcester Convention..— The .Turor List. — Represented in Provincial Congress. — Powder and Lead. — The Militia Organized. —Prominent Citizens Interviewed.— The Salt Problem. — Alarm at Lexington. — Captain Gates' Company. — Captain Davis' Company. — The Siege of Boston and Battle of Bunker Hill.— Captain Wilder's Company. — The Declaration of Independence. —Enlistments in 1776.— An Hour of Gloom.— Town Proceedings.- Soldiers in 1777.— Alarm and Call for Troops. — The Response of Ashburnham. — Continental and Other Soldiers. — Public Aid. — Assent to the Articles of Confederation. — Depreciation of the Currency. — The Soldiers in the Field.— New Recruits. — Clothing for the Army. — Alas! One Deserter Soldiers in 1779. — Representative to General Court.— Price of Commodities. — Constitution Proposed. — Thanksgiv- ing. — Soldiers in 1780. — Town Meetings. — Observance of the Sabbath. — Soldiers in 1781. — Bounty Proposed.— A Fine Remitted. — Requisi- tions for Beef.— Home Trials 131-176 CHAPTER VL REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. CONTINUED. Personal Notices. — Ebenezer Munroe. — Abraham Lowe. — Joseph Jewett. — Samuel Kelton. — Reuben Townsend. — Isaac Stearns. — William Stearns. — Isaac Whitmore. — Charles Hastings. ^David Wallis. — Cyrus Fairbanks. — Ebenezer Wallis. — Thomas Gibson.. — Jonas Rice. Reuben Rice. — Eliakim Rice. — Jabez Marble. — Lemuel Stimson. — Abraham Townsend. — John Bowman. — Joshua Fletcher. — Joseph Merriam. — Asa Brocklebank. — Jonathan Gates. — Jonathan Samson. — Ezekiel S. Metcalf.— David Clark.- David Ghafan.— Ebenezer B. Davis. — Isaac Merriam. — -David Merriam. — .John Winter. — William Ward. — Edward Whitmore. — Reuben Rice. — Abraham Lowe. — Joseph Jewett. — Reuben Townsend. — Lemuel Stimson.— Jonas Rice. — Jabez and Oliver Marble. — Thomas Gibson. — Charles Hastings. — Joseph Gibbs. —David Wallis. — Cyrus Fairbanks.— Joshua Fletcher — Joseph Merriam. — Names of Pensioners Residing in Ashburnham in 1840. 177-210 CONTENTS. 11 CHAPTER VII. STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. A Season of Disquietude. — Sliay's Revolt. — The Loyal Sentiment of Ash- burnham. — Volunteers to Suppress the Revolt.— Isaac Stearns' Diary. — A Bloodless Campaign. — Constitutional Conventions. — Representa- tion in the Legislature. — Vote of the Town for Governor. — Proposed Divisions of the County.— A List of Town Officers. . . . 211-242 CHAPTER VIII. ECCLEASISTICAL HISTORY. Early Measures to Secure Preaching. — Rev. Blisha Harding. — Call and Ordination of Rev. Jonathan Winchester. — A Church Embodied. — The Covenant. — Original Membership. — Additions. — The First Dea- cons. — Death of Mr. Winchester. — His Character.— Call and Ordina- tion of Rev. John Cushing.^A Long and Successful Ministry. — An Era of Concord. — Discipline without Asperity. — Half Way Covenant. — Death of Mr. Cushing. — His Character. — Call and Ordination of Kev. George Perkins. — Installation of Rev. George Goodyear. — Rev. Edwin Jennison. — Kev. Elnathan Davis. — Rev. Frederick A. Fiske. — Rev. Elbridge G. Little.— Rev. Thomas Boutelle.— Rev George E. Fisher. — Rev. Moody A. Stevens. — Rev. Leonard S. Parker. — Rev. Daniel E. Adams. — Rev. Josiah D. Crosby.— A Vacancy. — The Deacons 243-283 CHAPTER IX. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. CONTINUED. The First Meeting-house. — Votes Concerning the Edifice. — Pews Con- structed. — The Town as a Parish. — The Salary of Mr. Cushing. — The Hurricane. — The Site of the First Meeting-house. — The Second Meeting-house. — Proceedings 1791. — Painting of the Meeting-house. — • Toleration. — Dissolution of the Relations between the Town and the Church. — First Parish Organized. — Contention over the Ministerial Fund. — The Third Meeting-house. — Location.— Continued History. — —The Edifice Remodelled.— The Parsonage 284-308 CHAPTER X. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. CONTINCED. The Methodists. — The Field and the Situation. — The Early Preachers. — The First Meeting-house. — Second Meeting-house.— The Ministers. The Union Church. — The Elements Collected. — The Meeting-house. — A Church Embodied. — The Early Preachers. — Elder Edward A. Rollins. — Rev. A. A. Whitmore. — Temporary Supplies. — Rev. Daniel Wight. — The Parish. — Personal Notices. — The Deacons. The Baptists. — Preachers without Pay. — Stephen Gibson. — Disintegration. Adventists.— Their Belief. — No Church Organization. The Catholics. — First Services in this Town. — Purchase a Meeting-house. —Rev. John Conway 309-323 12 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XI. SACKED MrSIC. A Truthful Remark of No Great Account.— Early Action in Relation to Sacred Music— Ye Pitch-pipe.— Early Hymn-books.— New Tunes.— First Choristers.- Deaconing the Hymn.— Bass Viol.— Musical Families.— Later Members of the Congregational Choir.— The Meth- odist Choir 3LM-330 CHAPTER XII. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Home Education.— First Appropriation for Schools.— First School-houses. —Districts.— Eight Districts Defined. — A New District.— The Tenth District.— New Boundaries. — The Eleventh District.— The District System Abolished.— School-houses.— Text-books.— Teachers.— Ap- propriations— School Legislation.— High Schools.— Prudential Affairs. — Supervision :!31-o4;) CHAPTER XIII. THE GUSHING ACADEJIY. Incidental Features of the Endowment.- The Will of Thomas Parkman Gushing. — ^The Trustees. — Progress of Events. — Winchester Square. — The Edifice.— Dedication.— The School Fund.— Jewett Hall.— The Crosby Scholarship. — Library and Apparatus. — Professor Pierce. — Professor Vose. — Board of Trustees, Past and Present. . 350-359 CHAPTER XIV. BOUNDARIES. Donations of Land to Other Towns. — Original Area. — Province Line. — Incorporation of Ashby. — Gardner. — Area Severed from Ashburnham. — The Families. — Land Annexed to Ashby. —Tlie Petitioners. — Ash- burnham Resists. — New Boundaries. — The Families. — A New Town Proposed. — Meeting-house Built. — Renewed Effort and Opposition. — John Ward and William Barrell Annexed. — Petition of George Wilker and others :i60-371 CHAPTER XV. ROADS AND R.MLKOADS. The Primitive Roads. — The Northfield Road.— Early Roads in Ashburnham. — The Great Road to Ipswich Canada. — A County Road. — Road to Ashby Line. — New Roads. — The Town Indicted. — Other County Roads. — South Turnpike. — The Winchendon Road Amended. — Turnpikes.— Teaming.— Expenditure. — Road Commissioners. — Railroads. :J72-388 CONTENTS. 13 CHAPTER XVI. HOTELS AND STOKES. The First Inn. — Several Early Innholders. — Uncle Tim's. — The Cockerel Tavern. — Two Hotels on Main Street. — Children of the Woods. — A New Tavern. — The Central House. — The Frye Tavern — The Tavern at Factory Village. The Stores. — The First Store. — The Jewetts and their Successors, — Madame Cushing a Merchant. — Several Small Stores. — The Winches- ters. — Adams and Greenwood. — Ellis and Lane. — Newton Hayden. — Parker Brothers. — Marble and Gilson. — George Rockwood. — Elliot Moore. — Miriok Stimson. — Store in South A shburnham. . . 389-400 CHAPTER XVII. MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. Prominent Position of Ashburnham. — Three Early Mills.— A Multitude of Grain-mills and Saw-mills. — The Manufacture of Chairs. — The Great Number Engaged. ^ — John Eaton. — The Pioneers.— Philip R. Merriam. — Charles and George C. Winchester. — The Boston Chair Manufact- uring Company. — W. F. Whitney. — The Manufacture of Chairs in South Ashburnham. — Burrageville. — Tubs and Pails. — Thread Spools. — Friction Matches. — Baskets. — Miscellaneous Wood-ware. — Wool Carding and Cloth Dressing. — Cotton Factories. — Tanning. — Morocco Business. — John and S. W. Putnam 401-423 CHAPTER XVIII. the ashburnham light infantry. Zeal in Military Pursuits. — Early Officers. — The Light Infantry Organized. — First Commanders. — A Few Veterans. — Service in War of 1812. — The Roll.— Years of Prosperity.— List of Officers 1791 to 1847.— Promotions. — The Militia Company. — Militia Officers. — The Draft 1814.— History from 1855 to 1862.— Brief Record from 1866 to Present Time.— List of Officers 424-439 CHAPTER XIX. war op the REBELLION. Prepared For War. — Mission of the Ashburnham Light Infantry. — Early Enlistments. — Second Regiment. — The Home Company. — The Uni- form. — Liberality of George C. Winchester. — State Aid. — Twenty- first Regiment. — Its Record. — Names of Men in this Service. — Colonel Joseph P. Rice. — Captain Walker and the Slavery Problem. — Other Enlistments in 1861.— Record of 1862.— Fifty-third Regiment. —Resolutions.— Record of 1863.— The Draft.— Enlistments.— The Second Draft.— Conclusion 440-463 14 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XX. PHYSICIANS. — LAWYERS. — PERSONAL NOTICES. — COLLEUE «nAUUATES. — OTHER SONS OF ASHBURNIIAM. Doctors Brooks, Senter, Abraham Lowe, Abraham T. Lowe, Nathaniel Peirce, Abercrombie, Cutler, Stone, Miller, Wallace, Whitmore, Mattoon, Temple, Jillson, Charles L. Pierce, Stickney, Amory Jewett, Nathaniel Jewett. — Lawyers Cunningham, Adams, Parker and Andrews. — Samuel Wilder. — Joseph Jewett. — Ivers Jewett. — Jacob Willard. — Silas Willard. — John Adams. — Enoch Whitmore. — Jerome W. Foster. — Ohio Whitney. — Isaac Hill. — Thomas Parkman Gushing. — Milton Whitney. — A List of College Graduates. — Other Sons of Ashburnham 464-517. CHAPTER XXI. MISCELLANEOUS. Pauperism.— Tithingmen.— Town House.— Union Hall.- Post Offices.— Libraries. — First National Bank. — Savings Bank. — Farmers' Club. — Pounds. — Bounties on Wild Animals. — Thief Detecting Society.— Brass Band. — Powder House. — Population 518-540 CHAPTER XXII. MORTUARY RECORDS. The Early Burials.— Death of Mr. Haskell— Germans Buried Elsewhere. — The Old and the New Cemeteries. — Suicides.— Accidental Deaths. — Record of Deaths of Aged Persons. — List of Aged Persons now Living in Ashburnham 541-555 CHAPTER XXIII. GLEANINGS. A Present to Rev. John Gushing. — Seating the Meeting-house. — Minor Topics. — A New Town Proposed. — A New Name Suggested for Ashburnham.- A War Cloud.— Sickness.-A Severe Winter. A Variety.— The Great Gale.— The First Fire Engine.— Temperance.— Millerites.- The Great Freshet.— Miscellaneous Topics . . 556-573 Genealogical Register 575-1007 Index or Names 1009-1022 ILLUSTRATIONS. PORTRAITS. PAGE EZRA S. STEARNS Frontis. JOSIAH D. CROSBY 281 A. T. LOWE 466 WILLIAM H. CUTLER 469 t JEROME W. FOSTER 485 OHIO WHITNEY, JB 486 H. C. HOBART • 502 IVERS W. ADAMS 592 JOSEPH GUSHING 666 RODNEY HUNT 762 SIMEON MERRITT 826 LORING MUNROE 839 IVERS PHILLIPS 848 OHIO WHITNEY 962 WILBUR F. WHITNEY . 968 ENGRAVINGS. SECOND MEETING HOUSE 295 CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 306 GUSHING ACADEMY 356 THE BRICK STORE 396 FACTORIES: BOSTON CHAIR MANUFACTURING CO 413 WILBUR F. WHITNEY 414 POWDER HOUSE 539 ADAMS HOMESTEAD 586 PETER HUNT HOMESTEAD 761 RESIDENCE : Dr. N. JEWETT 766 THE WILDER HOMESTEAD 849 RESIDENCE: Dr. A. L. STICKNEY 909 THE OHIO WHITNEY HOMESTEAD 962 RESIDENCE: CHARLES WINCHESTER 996 INTRODUCTION. LOCATION. — BOUNDARIES. — AKEA. SURFACE. — SOIL. COURSE OF THE STREAMS. — CONNECTICnT AND MERRIMACK DRAINAGE. PONDS. ARBORAL PRODUCTS. WILD ANIMALS. NATIVE BIRDS. FISH. ELEVATIONS. SCENERY. AsHBURNHAM is the most eastern of the three towns in Worcester county in Massachusetts bordering upon New Hampshire and is bounded on the north by Rindge and New Ipswich ; on the east by Ashby and Fitchburg ; on the south by Westminster and Gardner and on the west by Winchen- don. The old common on Meeting-house hill is fifty-five miles in right line northwest from Boston, and thirty-one miles north from Worcester, and is in latitude 42° 38' north, and longitude 4° 10', very nearly, east from Washington. The area of the town is about twenty-four thousand five hundred acres including about one thousand five hundred acres of water. The surface is hilly and diversified. Without ranges or sys- tems of hills the outlines of the landscape are bold and majes- tic, and promontories are frequent, yet isolated. Many of the elevations are bold and rugged, while others are rounded and elevated swells of land fertile to the summit. There is very little plain and intervale. The streams are gathered in broken and narrow valleys. 2 17 18 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. The soil of Ashburnham is that common to the hill towns in this vicinity. When placed in comparison it is even stub- born and rocky, yet in most parts arable and productive. The surface is well watered. The subsoil is clay retaining moisture and sprins:s of the purest water are al^undant. The altitude of this town is greater than that of the sur- rounding country on the east, south and west. The courses of the streams are outward except in the north. The line of water-shed between the Connecticut and Merrimack valleys extends diagonally through the town. The line of division is irregular but is easily traced from Great Watatic to Little Watatic, thence southerly and over the low ridges between Upper Naukeag and Eice pond to the old common. Diverg- ing to the north and west the line extends near the ancient Winchendon road past the residence of Edwin Hayward to near the John Woods farm, thence southerly into the forest about one mile and thence westerly and southwesterly about two miles to the southeast corner of Winchendon. The northwestern or Connecticut slope is drained into Mil- ler's river. The Upper Naukeag lake which flows into Lower Naukeag is the source of the south branch of that river. At the Lower Naukeag it receives a copious atiiuent from the north- east. This stream rises in Binney pond in New Ipswich and receives the drainage of a considerable portion of the eastern slope of New Ipswich mountains. It enters this town through the farm of Edwin J. Stearns and flows thence through the village of North Ashburnham into the Lower Naukeaff. In its onward course from this lake the next considerable tribu- tary to the south branch of Miller's river is the modest con- tribution of Rindge which flows past the mills of Eobert W. Mclntire and joins the stream north of Burrageville. The river thus reinforced abruptly leaves the town but repenting before a mile is traversed, it returns and patiently drives the INTRODUCTION. 19 mills at Burrageville. In compensation for exhausted energy it soon receives a tributary from the south and rushes on to its many tasks below until it falls into the Connecticut near Greenfield. By this river a half of the town is drained. The source of the brook rising in New Ipswich and flowing through this town is the extreme eastern point of the Connecticut valle}'. The southeastern or Merrimack slope is divided into four sections and is drained by as many streams flowing outward. The first drainage is in the northeast part of the town and embraces the basin defined by Great Watatic, Little Watatic and Blood hill. Here the overflow of Stoger meadow and a few smaller streams falling into Ward pond and thence into "Watatic pond give rise to a branch of the Souhegan river. Its course is through the north part of Ashby and New Ips- wich and onward to the Merrimack river at the town of Mer- rimack, New Hampshire. The second drainage is of small area lying between Blood and Russell hills and embraces portions of the Dutch and Cambridge farms. The streams leave this town near the residence of Joseph W. Wilker and fall into the Ashby res- ervoir. Here the collected water assumes the name of Willard's brook and is tributary to the Squanicook river in Townsend. The third drainage is bounded on the north and east by the Connecticut slope and the first and second sections of the Merrimack slope . The western boundary is the height of land from Meeting-house hill, thence south across the farm of Joseph Harris to the line of Westminster. The crater collected at Rice or Reservoir pond is drained by Phillips' brook flowing- through the centre village and onward through the northeast part of ^Westminster into Fitchburg. The fourth drainage of the Mei'rimack slope embraces the 20 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. southwest and remainino; area of the town. Here are several artificial ponds but no natural body of water. The drainage is collected in the stream rising in the Nashua reservoir and flowing through the village of South Ashburnham and thence through Westminster in a course nearly parallel with Phillips' brook to the line of Fitchburg. At this point it abruptly turns to the north and unites with Phillips' brook at West Fitchburg. Dashing on in a first embrace through the rocky valley of Fitchburg it more leisurely pursues its way through Leominster and Lancaster to a point between Groton and Shirley where it receives the Squanicook, bearing the waters of the second drainage. Together the triune river engulfed in stronger currents falls into the Merrimack river at Nashua. Perhaps somewhere in the river-bed they recognize and mingle with the clear waters from Watatic pond which in its onward course to the ocean has wandered through the valley of the Souhegan. Fallulah or Baker's brook flowing into Fitchburg and a small stream flowing into Westminster are tributary in a short distance to the larger streams and are not considered separately. There are eight natural ponds in this town ; four are trib- utary to the Connecticut and four to the Merrimack river. The Upper Naukeag or Meeting-house pond, beneath the towering summits of the surrounding hills and dotted with rugged islands, is a lake of peculiar beauty and attrac- tion. The water is clear and cool and the basin unusually free from sediment. The shores are mainly rocky, some- times bold and rugged, in other places pure sand of spark- ling whiteness forms the encircling barrier and extends lieneath the surface of the crystal water, but nowhere is the lake approached by low and marshy ground. This lake and the AVatatic mountains were known to the explorers before the settlement of the town. The names undoubtedly are INTRODUCTIOX. 21 of Indian origin, but the original sound has been so imper- fectly preserved and the names have experienced so many changes in English orthography that students of the Indian dialects fail to discover the original signification of the terms. Professor Trumbull, a recognized authority, has examined these names in every form of orthography and fails to find in them any element that designates either pond or mountain. The Lower Naukeag Lake is less rugged in outline. At the eastern extremity the accumulating deposit of cen- turies has appeared above the surface of the water and many acres of low land are included within the original basin of the lake. The drainage is controlled by artificial obstruction. A Nameless Poxd of small area is found in the forest and surrounded by marsh. It is situated a short distance west of Little Watatic and is tributary to the stream which flows through North Ashburnham. Another Nameless Pond, a lonely sheet of water, is found in the marsh in the southwest part of the town. It is near the line of the Cheshire railroad and midway between the depots at North and South Ashburnham. It is tributary to the south branch of Miller's river at Burrageville. The course of the stream is northwest and near the line of the Cheshire railroad. RiOE Pond is the most important body of water in the Merrimack drainage. The dam at the outlet controls the natural current and overflows the original boundaries. The declivity of the shores is general^ uniform and the natural features and contour of the pond are generally preserved. At the present time it is frequently called Reservoir pond, and in 1735 it was known as Wenecheag pond. Mud Pond of small area is tributary to Eice pond and is situated about one-half mile northwest of it. 22 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Ward Py these names and bestowed the gi'ant on sixty other persons, the drama would have proceeded with the scene unchanged, but the actors and all the incidents of the play would have been changed. A town witli a parallel history would have suc- ceeded, but the name, the men, the order and color of the events would not be those which fill the pages of our annals. While these proceedings were in progress, the General Court had passed an order empowering Timothy Tilestone to call the first meeting of the proprietors. This warrant is dated September 8, 1736, and the meeting was assembled in Dorchester fourteen days later. The proceedings of the first meeting outline plans and projects for the benefit of the proposed settlement which are not consummated for many years. The record of the meeting is as follows : Att a Meeting of the Proprietors of a Township Granted to the Officers and Soldiers in the Expedition to Canada anno 1690 in the Company under the Command of Capt John Withington late Deceased on the 22 Day of Sept 1736 att the Turkshead in Dor- chester, Legally warned. Voted That Thomas Tilestone Esqr be moderator. Voted To Lay out the Land as Soon as may be. Voted the first Division Lots to be fifty acres and the Com- mittee to ad thereto for badness of Land. Voted That the Committee shall Consist of Six men and four of them to be a quorum. Voted That Edward Hartwell Esq. Benjamin Bird Mr Samuel Sumner Mr Benjamin Sumner Mr Isaac Howe & Joseph Wilder Esqr be a Committee to Lay out the first Division Lots. Voted That the Committee do agree with the Surveyors and Chain men. 58 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. Voted That tbe Surveyors each Shall have fifteen shillings per Day, they to support them Selves. Voted That the Chainmen each Shall have ten Shillings' per Day they to support them Selves. Voted That the Committee Shall have Twelve Shillings per Day they to Support them Selves. Voted That when an so often as any five or more of the Pro- prietors shall judge a Proprietor's Meeting to be necessary they may make Application to the Proprietors Clerk for the Calling of a meeting Expressing the time and the place and the Occasion thereof and the said Clerk is hereby Impowered to Grant the same for such Meeting accordingly and to Notify the Proprietoi's of the Said Meeting and the time and place for the same, which Notification Shall be given in Writing Posted up in Some Public Place or Places in Dorchester, Milton, & Stoughton Fourteen Days before the Day appointed for the Meeting and the Notifica- tion to be put to the Public Prints. Voted to have a Clerks Book. Voted that evry Proprietor to have a Plan of his first Division Lot he Paying for the same. Voted That evry Proprietor Come att the Next Meeting to Draw his first Division Lot, he to pay for the Laying of said Lot out before he Draws said Lot. Voted That the Committee Vew a Convenant Spot for the Meeting House and that the said Committee leve Convenant High ways. Voted to leve Convenant Places for a Mill or Mills Common for the use of the Proprietors. Voted that the Committee leve out thouse peices of Medow they think Proper to be left out for the use of the Proprietors. Voted that Benjamin Bird be the Proprietor's Clerk and the said Bird tuck the following oath : Whereas you Benjamin Bird are Chosen by a Majority of the Voters to be Clerk to the Proprietors of the Township Granted by PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 59 the General Court to the Company under Capt. Withington in the Expedition to Canada You do Swear by the true and ever- living God that you will Duly and faithfully Discharge that Trust according to your best Skill and Knowledge. So Help you God. Province of the Massachusetts Bat S S. Sept. the 22'" 1736. Then the above Named Benjamin Bird Parsonally appearing made Oath as above. Before me JOSEPH WILDER Justice of the Peace through the Province. Thus ends the record of the first meeting of the propri- etors. An organization had been effected and the clerk had been sworn in solemn form. It is worthy of note that after taking the oath Mr. Bird seldom again spelled at with two ts while he held the office. His best skill and judgment had been invoked. At this meeting appears for the first time Edward Hartwell of Lunenburg. He was not an orig-- inal proprietor but had purchased a right of Joseph Leads and became an active and leading member of the organiza- tion. Thomas Tilestone, to whom in the admission of pro- prietors was assigned two rights, now owns the former rights of John Chandler and Samuel Burch ; the four rights were probably acquired by purchase. Although the figure head of the petition to the General Court it does not appear that Mr. Tilestone was entitled by inheritance to any interest in the grant which had been secured mainly through his influ- ence. William White now owns the right of David Jones and the right of Waitstill Lyon is held by Thomas Stearns. Jonathan Dwight of Boston takes the place of Joseph Chap- lin, and Andrew AVilder, Jr., of Lancaster, is the owner of one of the rights of Hezekiah Barber, while James Mears and Timothy Green represent the rights formerly of Ben- jamin Cheney and Elizabeth Triscott. 60 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. A spirit of activity pervades the record of the first meet- ing. Hardly had a moderator been chosen before a vote was passed to lay out a house lot for each proprietor "as soon as may be." Five days after the meeting, the six members of the committee, in full sympathy with the zeal- ous enthusiasm of their associates, attended by two surveyors and nine chainmen and assistants, are upon the ground. For fifteen days the stillness of the woods is broken I:)}' the sound of the axe and the strong voices of sturdy men. In their dying echoes is heard the doom of the primeval forest. The sleep of centuries is ended. The entire expanse of foliage warmed in an autumn sun will iiever again present its varied hues in an unbroken picture of grandeur and beauty. The despoiling agency of man has been invoked and soon the flame and smoke from the clearing of the settler will announce the preparation for his habitation. Under the direction of the committee sixty-three house lots are laid out by Andrew Wilder, Jr., and Joseph Wilder, Jr. The chainmen and assistants were nearly all proprietors who had come hither to view their new possessions. These lots were located on the west, south and east shores of Upper Naukeag lake, then extending south through the Centre Village and east to Cam- bridge farm, then westerly on the north lines of the Rolfe, Starr and Converse farms and on the west line of the latter farm to the line of Westminster, covering the site of the South Village, but not so far west as the line of the Cheshire and Vermont and Massachusetts railroads. Two lots were detached and located in the pi'esent limits of Ashby. The remaining lots were in one continuous tract of irregular form. In these lots were included three thousand one hundred and fifty acres, exclusive of any allowance that might have been made for inequality of land. The remainder of the grant, or above three hundred acres for each right, was still owned PROPRIETARY HISTORY 61 in common by the proprietors. These surveys were com- pleted October 11. Meanwhile the committee had selected a site for the meeting-house and had laid out roads leading to it. For this service the committee and those employed by them were paid £152-16-6. The sum of £2 was "Paid Sundry People at Sundry times for Bringing the Horses out of the woods," while £2-19 was paid for pasturing horses, which possibly indicates that some of the horses were past- ured at expense on improved lands in Lunenburg, being more highly favored than those let loose in the woods. The second meeting of the proprietors was held November 10, of the same year. "While it was assembled under a new warrant, or notification, as our worthies styled it, it was practically a continuation of the former meeting. The account of the committee already mentioned was allowed and to pay the same an assessment was ordered. This action called for a new class of officials. Samuel Sumner and Edward Hartwell were chosen assessors, Thomas Lyon, Jr., collector, and Benjamin Bird, treasu;rer. The following extract from the records outlines the most important of the proceedings : Voted the Conflrmation of the place Marked out by the Com- mittee for Building the Meeting House on, and the Highways they have Laid out thereunto in Said Town. The Meeting House Lot Contains 10 acres lying squar and" it Lieth on a Hill 180 Rods South of a Greate Pond and has a very faire Prospeck. The North East Corner is a young Pitch Pine and thence it Runs west 40 Rods to a stake and Pillar of Stons and thence South 40 Rods to a stake and Heep of Stones and thence it Runs East 40 Rods to a stake and Heepe of Stons and thence it Runs North 40 Rods to whare it began. Voted to Clear the Highway, and Edward Hartwell Esq', Capt. Oliver "Wilder and M'' Joseph Wheelock were Chosen a 62 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Committee for that Sarvice and also to Fire the Woods the first Convenant time. Voted that Edward Hartwell EsqS Capt Oliver Wilder and M' Joseph Wheeloek be a Committee to a Gree with a Sutable Person or Persons to Build a Sawmill in said Town in the most Convenant Place that they Can find therefor, and That in Giving encurragement to any Person to undertake therein they do not exceed one Hundred acres of Land and that they oblige the Person so undertaking (by Bond or other ways) to have the Mill Going within the space of five months and to Keep the same in Repair for the space of Ten years and that he saw Boards for the Proprietors for forty shillings a Thousand and Saw timber Brought to said Mill for Twenty shillings a Thousand and other Timber Proportionable. The same month the committee charge the proprietors for four days each, three hired laborers four days each and one man one day in clearing the roads leading to the place set apart for the meeting-house and a common, which we ai'e here informed and fully realize "has a very faire Prospeck." At this meeting the house or first division lots are distrib- uted among the proprietors. The eighth lot is reserved for the ministry, the ninth for schools and the fifty-seventh for the first settled minister. Here ends the record of the first year. A New England winter regains control of the wilder- ness and for a time closes the door against the progress of the settlement. 1737. With the anival of spring, the committee chosen for that purpose enter into negotiations with Hezeldah Gates of Lancaster to build a saw-mill within the township for the accommodation of the settlement. The committee grant him ninety acres of land, lying on the stream between the Upper and Lower Naukeag lakes and receive from him a bond of five hundred pounds, obliging him to build and conduct the PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 63 mill on the terms outlined in the vote of the proprietors. The charges of the committee for their services establish the date of these proceedings : 1737 May 17 the Committee four days each with the man that is to Build the saw mill la) 10" £6 — — — J da}' each to signe the Righting — 15 — — the writings with M' Gates — 3 — — In eifecting an agreement with Mr. Gates the committee consume ample time in its consideration and apparently con- duct the business to the present satisfaction of the proprietors, but in the years immediately following both Mr. Gates and his mill were an endless source of perplexity and litigation. The proprietors continually complain of the construction and management, while he successfully resists their directions to raise the dam and make repairs, until the fact gradually develops that there is a better head on Gates than at his mill, and more revolving power in his mind than in his wheel. Two formal meetings of the proprietors are held this year at the " Turks Head Tavern in Dorchester," and Henry Wood- man, James Bishop, Joseph Bent and Joseph Herbert make their first appearance as proprietors in place of Matthias Evans, John Andrews, Joseph Weeks and Thomas Lyon, Jr. At the first meeting, August 25, it was voted " to lay out in a second Division, Sixty three Lots in the up land, each lot containing eighty Acres at the least and in case so many Lotts cant be laid out in the very l>est of said land, that it be in the Power of the Committee to add to every eighty Acre lot so much as to make them equal to the very best Lot, not exceeding Forty Acres to any one Lot." Andrew Wilder was chosen to lay out the lots and a com- mittee of ten was chosen to conduct the business. At the 64 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. second meeting, December 14, the survey of the second division lots was approved, and a lot was assigned to each owner of a right. The tenth lot was reserved for the first settled minister, the eleventh for the ministry and the sixty- third for schools. The price of labor on the highways was rated at seven shillings per day, and Henry Woodman was added to the committee on highways who were instructed that " but one of said Committee work on that Business at won and the same time." During the year the roads receive the benefit of twenty-three days' labor at a cost of £9-2-0. The charges for laying out the second division lots were £224-9-6, the clerk and treasurer receives £5-7-0, for his services to the close of the year and a few small charges are allowed. To meet these demands an assessment of £258 or £4-6-0 on each right is made. Only one proceeding of interest during this year remains unnoticed : Voted That M"^ Joseph Harbort have five acres of Land and the Stream by it for to Set a fulling Mill he mataining said mill ten years for the Sarves of the Proprietors, the said Proprietors paying him for what work they have don at said Mill. And the Committee that was appointed to a gree with a man for to Bulding a Saw Mill he the Committee to give a Deed and take Bond of said Harbort He Paying the Committee for their troble. This solitary mention of a fulling-mill is all that is heard of it for many years. The committee, to whom the project was referred, found ample employment in the management of Mr. Gates and his saw-mill. This addition to their per- plexity was an act of great unkindness on the part of the proprietors. It is reasonably certain that the grant of land was never consummated, perhaps, admonished by the perilous adventure of Don Quixote and the fulling-mills, the subject is not revived. PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 66 1738. Samuel Hayward has become a proprietor repre- senting the right formerly of Robert Redman, and Hezekiah Gates also appears at the meetings of the board, but whose right he has purchased is not certain. Other changes in the membership of the proprietors occur from time to time, but the general management of affairs continues to be referred to those whose names have become familiar. Only one meeting is held this year, which is convened August 22, "at the house of Jonathan Dwight of Boston, Innholder." Timothy Green is elected clerk and treasurer in the place of Benjamin Bird. The saw-mill has been built but the contention con- cerning its efficiency and management has not as yet suffi- ciently developed to prevent the proprietors from considering II request fi'om its owner, in a generous and good-natured manner : Voted That Mr. Hezekiah Gates of Lancaster have liberty to lay out Thirty Acres of Land adjoining to the land he has already laid out at the Mill between the Pond and the lower end of his Land already laid out in part of his Ninetj' Acres. Voted that M' Hezekiah Gates have liberty to build his House on his Land near the Mill and clear as much Land there as any one Proprietor is obliged to do by his Grant. Also at this meeting Captain Oliver Wilder and Mr. Gates are chosen "to clear a good cart way from the saw mill to the place where the meeting house is to stand as strait as the land will allow of." For this purpose an appropriation not exceeding eight pounds is made. The sentiment of the pro- prietors was taken in regard to building a meeting-house and "it passed in the negative." 1739. A note of preparation for some weighty under- taking is heard in the early call for a meeting of the proprietors. Earlier by several months than in former years are assembled the controlling spirits of the township. This 66 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. memorable meeting was held in Boston April 11, at the house of Mr. Dwight. Xotices had been published in the Boston papers and posted at Dorchester and probably at Milton and Stoughton, announcing to the proprietors that they will be invited at this meeting "to consider what is proper to be done about building a meeting house for the worship of God." Of the time for building a meeting-house stipulated in the charter two full years yet remained, and in consideration of the small progress made in the settlement, and that so far the plantation had been a continual source of expense to the proprietors, an excuse for delay is easily found. The record, however, presents no shadow of hesita- tion but rather the cheei'ful voice of a united purpose. Voted That a Meeting House for the Publick Worship of God be Built as soon as convenicutly may be, on the Meeting House place ui the said Township to be Forty Five Feet Long, Thii-ty Five Feet wide, the Corner post to be Twenty one Feet high. Voted That Thomas Tilestone & Edward Hartwcll Esq" Major Oliver Wilder, Mr. Andrew Wilder and Mr. Hezekiah Barber be the Committee for Building said Meeting House. Voted That a Tax of Three Hundred Pounds be laid, on the Proprietors, to pay Charges past and towards Building said Meeting House. An omission to give this record in full would be an act of injustice. The will of the meeting expressed in other terms would conceal, in a great measure, the resolute purpose and firm determination of the act. On the strength of this action alone the meeting-house was built. No postponement, no amendment nor qualification of this action was ever tolerated. In marked contrast with the early history of other towns in this vicinity the first meeting-house was located with rare unanimity and built without contention. The picture of the PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 67 " faire Prospeck " was not marred with an exhibition of the passions of contending men. Under the direction of the committee, the meeting-house was built by Benjamin Ballard, who received in six payments £251-17-0. In his Half Century Sermon, 1818, Eev. Dr. Gushing says : "In 1739, the proprietors erected a meeting house 50 by 40. It was the first frame that was set up in the town and it has been considered, and was at the time, as an extraordinary enter- prise that it was raised by only sixteen men." This refer- ence to the year in which it was built is of interest, since the records do not make it appear whether it was built in 1739 or the year following. November 19, 1740, it was voted to pay Mr. Ballard one hundred and fifty pounds in part for building the meeting-house, and at the same time the committee was requested to make a report. While the records admit the conjecture that it might have been built in 1740, there is found no cause to qualify the assertion of Mr. Gushing that it was erected in 1739. In regard to the size of the edifice, it is fair to presume, that referring to it twenty- seven years after it was removed, it would have been easier for Mr. Gushing to overlook the exact dimensions than for the committee to exceed their instructions so far as to erect a meeting-house longer and wider by five feet than directed by the vote of their associates. On one point all the authorities are in harmony. At this time the roof and sides were covered with boards and open spaces were left for windows and doors. It was several years before the roof was im- proved and doors and windows procured. Two other meetings were held at Boston this year, at which considerable business was transacted. It was pro- posed to clear a road leading from Lunenburg to Winchester, New Hampshire, but the ambition of the proprietors was satisfied in the choice of a committee to view and estimate €8 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. the expense of a road from the common to the west line of the township. A gratuity of four pounds each was voted to the first fifteen settlers who, previous to May, 1740, should build a house and comply with the other conditions of the grant; and a grant of sixty acres of land was made to " Thomas Gamble who lately met with some loss by fire in said township." An account of this fire, probably the first in the settlement, would be of interest, but no additional information has been found. At a former meeting there had been a decree to prosecute all persons who cut any white pine trees on the undivided lands, and now a committee is chosen to number and mark all the white pine trees fit for clapboards and shingles on the ten-acre common that they may be reserved for future use. 1740. The chronicles now declare the war of 1740. The growing discontent over the continued mismanagement of the saw-mill culminated in acts of open hostility at a meeting, assembled at the inn of Jonathan Dwight, on the tenth of April. The declaration of war is inscribed in a bold, firm hand upon the records : Voted that Edward Hartwell Esq. of Lunenburg, Col. Oliver Wilder and Joseph Wheelock of Lancaster be a committee to put in suit and pursue to final judgment and execution the bond of Mr. Hezekiah Gates of Lancaster. Forgetting that their treasury was empty and that Mr. Ballard was waiting for his pay for building the meeting- house, the proprietors do not fail to vote the sinews of war : Voted that the committee, chosen to put in suit and pursue to final judgment and execution the bond of Hezekiah Gates, have liberty to draw upon the proprietor's treasurer what money may be thought proper and necessary to carry on the suit. PKOPRIETARY HISTORY. 69 Mr. Gates was sued ; probably Daniel Grookin, the first sherifi^ in Worcester county, served the writ. The discon- tent of the proprietors had become chronic and relief could not be found in treatment less heroic. It was a valorous attack, but the enemy was not wholly routed, as appears in a call for a meeting to be assembled at the inn of Captain Josiah Shelden in Boston, November 19, "to hear what Mr. Hezekiah Gates hath to offer for an agreement concerning the saw mill and damn." The records of Timothy Green are spelled with great accuracy. He fails now in the orthog- raphy of one word. Probably he did not use that word often, but we are sony to find him using it in this form when he is talking about Gates and the saw-mill. Mr. Hart well is allowed and some time later was paid £33-3-0 " for sueing Hezekiah Gates ; for charges attending Court at Worcester May 1740 and for ofiicers fees and witness fees and for laying out ten acres of pine land and laying out Hezekiah Gates' land." In 1743, after many votes and references to the aflair, the proprietors, in a more conciliatory spirit, pro- pose to adjust the difiiculty on receipt of £40 or £10 new tenor. The proposition was accepted and payment made by Mr. Gates soon after. Complaint however was renewed in a future year, 1744, in a call for a meeting "to see what the proprietors will do concerning Hezekiah Gates ; the saw mill being out of repair and no boards." When the meeting was convened nothing was done about it for the saw-mill and all minor troubles were forgotten in the sorrows and discour- agements of the French and Indian War. 1741. Several of the proprietors of Dorchester Canada, compared with the standard of their time, were men of wealth. It is apparent that others were less fortunate. A considerable portion of the taxes which had been assessed from time to time on the rights in the township remained 70 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. unpaid, and many demands against the propriety were unad- justed. The embarrassment occasioned hy this state of afiairs finds fre(|uent expression in the records. Early this year it was voted to sell at auction the land of the delinquent owners, but before the day appointed for the sale arrived, the majority took a more conciliatory course in referring the subject to a committee. It is probable that no sale of land for the payment of taxes was made until 1754. In the annals of this year should be recorded an important event over which the proprietors had no control. The boundary line, having been adjusted previously by the con- tending provinces, was run l)y Eichard Hazen in February of this year. A belt of land along the northern boundary of Dorchester Canada, containing nearly one thousand acres, was ruthlessly given to New Hampshire. Overcome by a grief which refused utterance, or sustained by a stoic resig- nation which commanded silence, the proprietors make no reference to this event for many years. 1742. The annals of this year are somewhat brief and uneventful, and the careless reader might fail to discover the feature of greatest interest. Here is found the first trace of faction among the jDroprietors. In a call for a meeting to be held at the meeting-house in Dorchester Canada, the first attempt to hold a meeting outside of Dorchester or Boston, appear the names of Caleb Wilder, Josejoh Wheelock, Heze- kiah Gates, Benjamin Harris, Gardner Wilder, Edward Phelps and Nathaniel Carter. These were the petitioners who caused the meeting to be called and designated the place. Former meetings had generally been called by Thomas Tilestone, Jonathan D wight, Hezekiah Barber, Samuel Kneeland and others living in Boston or immediate vicinity. The record of the proceedings of the meeting convened in Dorchester Canada is brief : "A number of the PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 71 proprietors met at the meeting house in Dorchester Canada and there was objection arose about the calling the meeting and so nothing was done." Evidently, without consulting the Tilestone party, the same gentleman joined b}' a few others get a meeting called soon after to be convened at Leominster. Again " there was objection arose " on account of the absence of the clerk " and so nothing was done." It becomes apparent that in the fictitious play of Mohammed and the mountain, the Boston l)ai-ty preferred to be the mountain. A meeting was then called to assemble early the following year at the inn of Mr. Jonathan Dwight in Boston where matters of grave import were considered. 1743. At a meeting convened March 31 at the house of Jonathan Dwight, an entertaining proposition was considered and decided as follows : Voted That the proprietors give encouragement to one person that will settle a Family and Keep a public House with Suitable Entertainment. Voted That the sum of £100. O. T. be paid to one person that shall build a good and sufficient House — three Rooms on a floor with Chimneys iu each Room of it for a House of Entertainment and Barn and provision suitable for to entertain men and Horses. In order that the bounty proposed might be paid to any person complying with the conditions a tax was assessed at this time, but the money was not promptly collected. Timothy Mossman of Sudbury built a house of entertainment this year, and received eighty pounds of the one hundred pounds which was attemjited to be raised. The record will establish this point beyond dispute. Under an article "To do what shall be thought necessary in order that Mr. Timothy 72 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Mossnian may have the money paid him which is justly due and owing to him from said proprietors " it M'as ordered " That the sum of eighty pounds old tenor be allowed and paid to Mr. Timothy Mossman for his service in building a house of entertainment and if there should ■ be peace with France within twelve months that the aforesaid Mossman to have the sum of forty pounds old tenor." In recognition of faithful service, the sum of tweh'e shillings per day for seven and one-half days was voted to Edward Hartwell, Joseph AVheelock and Andrew Wilder, a committee " to view out and mark out a road from the meet- ing house to the west line and that lifty shillings be allowed to each of them for their extraordinary hardship." 1744. At the threshold of a new year stand the waiting heralds of impending war: their messages, borne on the wings of alarm along the unprotected frontier, are answered in hasty preparations for defence. The settlers from the unprotected borders through fear of attack from the Indians are hastening to the older and fortified towns. The proprie- tors of Dorchester Canada, perceiving that the existence of the settlement was involved, adopted eaxdy measures to create a feeling of security. First, they place themselves squarely on the record : " Voted that the proprietors will fortify," and at the same meeting one hundred and sixty pounds was voted to Asher Cutler if he would "build a fortification around his house and receive the soldiers that is ordered for that place and have the province pay for billeting and keep a tavern with good stabling hay &c to the accept- ance of the proprietors." Mr. Andrew AVilder was chosen "to view the fortification Mr. Cutler is to build in said town-* ship." It is reasonably certain that this contract was annulled. In August following an agreement is made with Jonathan Dwight and Ephraim Wheeler " to build a block PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 73 house in said Dorchester Canada and keep a good and suffi- cient house of entertainment fit both for man & horse and to entertain all soldiers that have or may be ordered to said township & to receive the province pay for their billeting." The consideration for this undertaking was two hundred pounds which was paid them the following year, but no record of any payment to Mr. Cutler is found. Only two months preceding this agreement with Dwight and Wheeler, Timothy Mossman was chosen " to take care of the meeting house by nailing boards against the windows and doors and prevent the burning of brush near it." It is probable that between these dates Mr. Mossman had left the house of entertainment built the year preceding. Certainly in the following year he was residing in Sudbury. It appears, also, that Asher Cutler was the owner of the Moss- man inn when he made the agreement with the proprietors to fortify his house in Dorchester Canada. In confirmation of this statement there is the record of a deed dated Augnist 10, 1744, of Timothy Mossman of Dor- chester Canada conveying the fourteenth and fifteenth first division lots to Asher Cutler of Sudbury. These lots are west of the highway and between the house of Seth P. Fair- banks and the old common. There is also a distinct tradi- tion that this ancient inn was fortified and stood near the site of the Powder House. At the time Dwight and Wheeler built the block-house Mr. Wheeler was the owner of one-half of the Bluefield or Bellows grant, and it is not improbable that the house built on this grant in 1734 was a part of the block -house built in the autumn of 1744 or the following spring. Enos Jones, who settled on the Bluefield grant about 1762, was accus- tomed to say that there was a block-house and an inn situ- ated a short distance south from the house occupied by the late Deacon Daniel Jones. 74 HISTORY OF ASHBURNIIAM. 1745-1749. If any meeting of the proprietors was con- vened, during these five years, no record of it has been preserved. It would be a source of satisfaction to make it appear, upon proof, that during these years of gloom and discouragement to all the frontier settlements our little colony had maintained a continuous habitation in Dorchester Canada. But a knowledge of the fortunes of other settle- ments similarly situated, the absence of any sustaining evidence and the voices of tradition combine to destroy any such picture and to lead to the conclusion that during a con- siderable portion of the time the settlement was entirely deserted. If it is true that the fires are suffered to burn low on these primitive hearths, they are not wholly extinguished. In a little while the pioneers return in augmented force and the infant colony grows apace. It was the rest and inac- tivity of sleep, but not the eternal silence of death ; and the little clearings in the forest, the meeting-house and the mill will await them on their return. Previous to this date, in addition to grants of land to the saw-mill and for other purposes, the proprietors had expended above one thousand five hundred pounds, old tenor, in forwarding the settlement. Substantial progress had been made. Primitive roads had been constructed from Lunenburg to the meeting-house and from thence to the Winchendon line. There was a road of more pretension from the saw-mill to the meeting-house, and the Northfield road extended through the township. A saw- miill and later a meeting-house had been built and the fruit of civilization had been enjoyed in a lawsuit of very fair proportions. Through several clearings in the forest the summer sun warms the earth and paints in livery ot green the tender blade. A few houses have been built in the centre of the clearings. The house on Bluefield farm is PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 75 established by the records. The owner of the saw-mill was permitted to build his house near by. The house of Mr. Mossman, and the fortified house of Dwight and Wheeler, were completed to the acceptance of the proprietors. But the number and location of the earliest dwellings have escaped record and have faded from the traditions of men. The original grant of several towns in this vicinity was at very nearly the same time. At the outset it was an even race. The proprietors of Dorchester Canada, manifesting a livelier interest in their plantation by more frequent meet- ings and more comprehensive action, secured better results and made more progress in a preparation for the future than was made by their rivals. It is probably true that if the building of the meeting-house had been delayed a very short time, it would not have been built until the return of peace after the French and Indian War. Admitting the conjecture, the fact remains — one was built, and it was more than twenty years before a similar edifice was reared in Eindge or in Winchendon. The fear of attack from the Indians which led to the desertion of the settlement was not without good and suffi- cient reason. Any other course would have been I'ash and venturesome. A view of the surroundings as they were in 1745 leads directly to this conclusion. Townsend, includ- ing the greater part of Ashby, and Lunenburg were incor- porated towns containing several block-houses on which the inhabitants relied for protection. The settlement in West- minster had made substantial progress, containing about twenty families. In that town was a line of ten block- houses or fortified dwellings which, joining with the fortifi- cations in Lunenburg and Townsend, made a continuous line of defences on the south and east, with Ashburnham on the outside doing picket duty for the older and fortified towns. 76 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. There was no protection from the north and west. In this direction, between the lines of settlement along the margins of the Connecticut and Merrimack rivers, was an expanse of unbroken wilderness through which an insidious foe could approach unchallenged. The only settlements on the dan- ger side of Ashburnham were at New Ij^swich, Peter- borough, Eindge and Wiuchendon. All these were deserted. It would have been foolhardy for any of them or all of them in alliance to have attempted to maintain an existence during these years of danger. History commends the wis- dom of the course pursued by these unprotected and feeble settlements. It is a well-established fact that the Indians were discovered many times lurking along the line of the garrisons and ready to attack any unguarded j^oint. They were held at bay only by the active measures taken for defence. They even entered Westminster and Lunenburg and in a part of Lunenburg now in Ashb3^ they burned one of the fortified houses, killing two of the three soldiers who had been stationed there and carried into captivity an entire family, consisting of John Fitch, his wife and five children. The Indians made their retreat and doul)tless came through Ashburnham. Electing between retreat and mas- sacre, these settlements were abandoned. Even within the fortified line there were expressions of fear and repeated calls for assistance. July 8, 1748, three days after the cap- ture of John Fitch, fifty-eight citizens of Lunenburg and Leominster join in a petition for more soldiers "for the pro- tection of their lives," giving as a reason for their request "that we are soried to look upon ourselves in a very hazard- ous as well as distressed case to such a degree that we can- not many of us labor on our farms or abide in our houses with tolerable safety." Four days later the commissioned officers and the selectmen of Lunenburg renew the request PEOPRIETARY HISTORY. 77 for help declaring that for the past week " almost daily the enemy are heard shooting in the Avoods above us." In the accumulated e^ddence of these and other documents which care has preserved and research brought to light is found the danger which led to the abandonment of our little settle- ment and which raised alarm in the older and stronger towns. During this period of suspension in the affairs of Dorches- ter Canada, material changes occurred in the membership of the propriety. Thomas Tilestone died October 21, 1745. No other name has become so familiar. He was the leading petitioner for the grant and was appointed by the General Court on the committee to admit the grantees and also to conduct their organization. Subsequently he was elected moderator of every meeting of the proprietors, was named on the most important committees and until his death, at the age of seventy years, he was the leading spirit among his associates. He was a son of Timothy Tilestone and was born in Dorchester October 19, 1675. Through a long and useful life he was called to many positions of trust, both in civil and military affairs. His name is honorably connected with the annals of his time. In the concerns of Dorchester Canada, he was succeeded by his son Elisha Tilestone, who from inclination or otherwise made no attempt to exercise an equal influence in the management of its affairs. Joseph Wilder of Lancaster was a member of the Council in 1735 and was one of the committee to admit the grantees. At first he was prominent in the councils of the proprietors, but occupied with affairs of greater moment his name now fades almost entirely from these annals. He was Judge of Probate many years and one of the Justices of the County Court from the organijzation of the county in 1731 until his death in 1757. It was his son Joseph who was one of the 78 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. surveyors of the first division lots in 1736. Another son Caleb and a cousin Oliver continue active members of the propriety for many years, and among the residents who appear at a later period the name of Wilder will receive honorable mention. Edward Hartwell was one of the first settlers of Lunen- burg where he continued to reside until his death February 17, 1785, aged ninety-six years. lie continues a projn'ietor of Dorchester Canada, but after this date he gives very little time or attention to its afl'airs. His sound judgment and vigorous intellect made him a leader among men. He was a major in the militia and was frequently in service in the protection of the frontier. For many years he was a mem- ber of the Legislature and served in that capacity after he was eighty years of age. He was also one of the Justices of the County Court from 1762 to 1774. In the midst of these accumulating honors and with weighty responsibilities resting upon him, he is found clearing the roads in the new township scA^en and one-half days and is rewarded with a gratuity of fifty shillings on account of his extraordinary hardship. On the muster-roll of Captain Withington's company which served in the expedition to Canada in 1690 appears the name of Samuel Hicks. The son Samuel, Jr., being dead a right in the township of Dorchester Canada was awarded to Timothy Mossman of Sudbury who married Sarah Hicks a daughter of Samuel, Senior. Mr. Mossman was the only one of the sixty original proprietors who settled in the township. Driven awaj^ by fear of the Indians and being advanced in years, he did not return when the settle- ment was renewed but the name will ever be associated with the earliest annals of the place. While he resided here, as stated elsewhere, he owned and occupied a house and lands PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 79 a short distance south of the common. From a petition found in the forty-sixth vohime of State archives it appears that Mr. Mossman had a lease of other land and that potash was manufactured there at a very early date. The petition of Timoth}' Mossman which humbly craves leave to show that your petitioner lived in Dorchester Canada and was drove off by the Indians from that town, and thereby I lossed my House Moveables and Improvements and being impoverished sold my land there. I was put in possession of the pottash farm by virtue of a Lease from Capt Plaisteed, where I did much labour in fencing improveing and li-akeing roads to the value of Two Hundred pounds where a so I met with Great sickness in my person & familly and was further reduced by the loss of the possession of the province land as it became profitable. Therefore I praj' your Excellency and Honours from your own goodness and Humanity to Compassionate my distress'd Circum- stances and forgive me the debt I owe to the Province and give me a small Tract or Tracts of Province Land that may be found to Lye betwixt Westminster and Leominster that is useless to the Govern'' or the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds or Equivolence in land, and as in dutj' bound shall ever pray. TIMOTHY MOSSMAN. In answer to this petition of Mr. Mossman, the General Court ordered June 12, 1764, "that the sum of twelve pounds, being a debt due from the iDetitioner to the prov- ince, be remitted to him in full answer to his petition." The second allegation in the petition concerning the pot- ash works under the lease of Captain Plaisted relates to events which occurred after his removal from this town. To Thomas Plaisted had been granted iifteen hundred acres of land, now a part of Princeton, and while Mr. Mossman was occupying this grant in 1760 the title was forfeited on account of non-fulfilment of the conditions. It is this mis- fortune that is recited in the petition. Timothy Mossman was born in Wrentham, 1679, and died in Sudbury, 1773. He did not reside in this town subsequent to 1744. CHAPTER III. A EECORD OF SETTLEMENTS. RENEWED ACTIVITY OF THE PEOPKIETOKS. MOSES FOSTEK. — THE SECOND SAW-MILL. — GKAIN-MILL. SETTLEMENTS. — DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN KESIDENT AND NON-RESIDENT PROPRIETORS. — NAMES OF EARLY SETTLERS. THE GERMAN SETTLEMENT. — THE PROVINCE LINE. — MANUEACTDRE OF POTASH. DISTRIBUTION OF UNDIVIDED LANDS. FAREWELL TO THE PRO- PRIETORS. ■ — PERSONAL NOTICES. The Congress of nations convened at Aix la Chapelle, in 1748, eiFected a suspension of hostilities between England and France, but during the summer of the following year, detached bodies of Indians, sometimes accompanied by a few French soldiers, continued to menace the exposed line of settlements. JSTot until 1750, did a feeling of security invite a return of the settlers to the frontiers, nor at this time in any considerable number. One by one the hardy pioneers break an opening in the wilderness or enlarge a clearing already begun. The rude cabins are separated by wide wastes of unbroken forest. The cheering presence of a new arrival, or the return of a former companion is only hailed at long intervals of time. It was several years before there were many settlers in the township'. The renewal of the war in 1754, and the news of sudden incursions by the Indians into Salisbury, Charlestown, Walpole, Keene, Hinsdale and other towns in New Hampshire, continued to cast clouds of discouragement over a second attempt to pos- sess the township. While this state of affairs from 1750 to 80 A RECORD OF SETTLEMENTS. 81 1760 greatly retarded, it did not prevent material progress in the settlement of Dorchester Canada. Early in the year, 1750, the proprietors, aroused by the bustle of preparation heard on every hand, are convened at the inn of their old associate, Jonathan Dwight. For five years they have beheld their possessions in Dorchester Canada, through the dim vision of gloomy fear and fading hope, but now assembling with cheerful countenances, they forget the misgivings of the past as they read on every hand the accumulating promises of amended fortunes. They can- not fail to note the vacant chair of Timothy Tilestone. Joseph "Wilder, engrossed by aifairs of greater moment, has withdrawn from any participation in their affairs, and Edward Hartwell, after this date, is seldom present. In their room come Elisha Tilestone, Richard and Caleb Dana, Henry Coolidge, Eleazer Williams and John Moffatt, while the Sumners, Colonel Oliver and Captain Caleb Wilder, Jona- than Dwight, Hezekiah Barber, Joseph Wheelock, Nathan Hey wood and others, whose names are familiar, will con- tinue active members of the board. And last, but not least, from year to year there will be added to their councils new members, residents of the settlement, increasing in numbers and influence until they gain control of the corporation. These, in whom we have much the greater interest, will be introduced with honorable mention as they make their appearance at the meetings of the board. The date of the first meeting after the long interval, was February 20, 1749-50; It was proposed to procure windows and finish the meeting-house, and the expediency of calling a minister was suggested for the first time, but nothing was decided in regard to a minister or the meeting-house. A committee was named to report at the next meeting concern- ing the probable expense and the location of a grist-mill, and 82 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. then, with their accustomed alacrity, they admonished Mr. Gates instructing him in specific terms, to keep the saw-mill in good repair and to "raise the dam one foot and a half higher than it used to be or ever has been." After some attention to the roads, which doubtless needed mending, the proprietors directed attention to one subject of no little interest. Present at this meeting, and mingling with them, was Moses Foster, then almost sixty years of age. For several years he had resided a portion of the time, at least, in Dorchester Canada. He brought them tidings from the wilderness, and gave them an account of what had happened there. By him they were assured the meeting-house had been unharmed and he gave them the names of those who had been to the wilderness or were proposing to settle there. Mr. Foster had purchased one first and one second division lot lying adjacent in the northeast part of the town, now in Ashby. The title to one of the lots was in dispute and the proprietors at this meeting made him a grant of fifty acres. Not content with this measure of kindness to their agred guest, the proprietors vote him five pounds " for being one of the first settlers." There is no record of the payment of this gratuity, but a few years later a tract of about fifty acres was granted to "Mr. Moses Foster one of the first settlers" on condition he " shall come personally and settle and inhabit there and continue there for several years provided his life be spared him." This grant was located adjacent to and east of the common, and for many years was known as the Deacon Foster grant. It is now owned and occupied by Benjamin Gushing. Permission was also given Mr. Foster to throw up his house lot No. 51, and lay out another which he did, selecting a tract extending north from the land granted to him, but not extending so far westward. A EECORD OF SETTLEMENTS. 83 At this time occurred a radical change in New England in the terms employed expressing money. In 1736, the paper money, styled old tenor, compared with silver was worth about one-third of its nominal value. It gradually depreci- ated, until in 1750 the bills issued by Massachusetts were rated at about fourteen per cent. In 1749, England sent to the New England colonies in compensation for the cost of the recent war a large amount of specie. The proportion of Massachusetts, amounting to $612,330.41, was employed in redeeming the issue of paper money at current rates. After this date when a sum of money is stated, a pound will represent an equivalent to $3.33J in silver. Referring to payments of money previously made, the vote in 1737 to give the laborers upon the roads, seven shillings per day was equivalent to thirty-one cents, and the cost of building the meeting-house was about two hundred and twenty-five dollars. The gratuity tendered Mr. Foster on account of his early settlement, was equivalent to two dollars and twenty- five cents. In 1751, measures were adopted which led to the building of a new saw-mill. In order to accomplish this desired result, the proprietors first declare their independence of Mr. Gates and his mill, and then, in the light of a dis- covery, come to the conclusion that the former grant of land to him is revoked and can be given by them to any other person or persons who will undertake to build another and a better miU. With the summary retirement of Mr. Gates, the old mill falls into decay, and the temper of the proprie- tors is reflected with more serenity in the pages of the records. Let it not be presumed that this continued trouble over the saw-mill has been unduly colored in these annals. Only a few of the many complaints of the proprietors have been mentioned, and always with a conscientious efi"ort to temper their acerbity. 84. • HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. The final vote was passed, November 5, 1751. Voted that the proprietors do hereby grant to Caleb Dana, Timothy Green and Jonathan Dwight and their heirs, the stream of water whereon the old saw-mill was built by Hezekiah Gates, and the ninety acres of land, sixty acres of which are laid out near or adjoining to said stream, which was supposed to be granted to the said Gates. They viz : Caleb Dana, Timothy Green and Jonathan Dwight build a saw-mill and keep the same in good repair three years after said mill and a good dam is well finished at or before the 20"' day of May next or sooner. At the same meeting a bounty of forty-eight pounds was ofiered to any one who would build a grist-mill on the same stream "as near the saw mill as conveniently can be." There were stipulations that, at the saw-mill, work should be done at a stated price and that the grist-mill should be kept in good repair and with good attendance for the term- of fifteen years. It was proposed in April, 1752, to make a further grant to encourage the building of the grist-mill and the subject was referred to the next meeting with the encouraging remark "by which time the grist-mill will be finished." Stimulated by these proceedings a new saw-miU and a grist-mill were soon built. Caleb Dana of Cam- bridge, the. owner of many lots of land but never a resident in this township, and Elisha Coolidge, also of Cambridge, who settled at this time in Lane Village, bought of Jonathan Dwight fifty acres of land situated southeast and adjoining the old saw-mill grant. On their new purchase they buUt a saw-mill and a grist-mill in the year 1752. These mills were near each other and possibly under one roof, and were located nearer the Upper Naukeag than was the old saw- mill. In January, 1753, Dana and Coolidge sold the two mills and the Dwight land to Nathan Dennis of Dudley. A EECOKD OF SETTLEMENTS. 85 Mr. Dennis removed at once and took possession of tHe mills and for a number of years Mr. Coolidge remained here. Dana and Coolidge for many years retained posses- sion of the saw-mill grant. For, some reason the grant was not confirmed to them by the proprietors until 1760, nor was the gratuity of forty-eight pounds to encourage the building of the grist-mill promptly paid. This delay led to the second lawsuit which attended the fortunes of the settlement. In this instance the proprietors were the defendants and in 1756 paid the successful litigants on an execution the sum of £77-15-2, and about the same time Mr. Dennis, the proprietor of the mills, secured an execu-' tion for the sum of £14-15-3. The proprietors, having secured the building of a better saw-mill and a grist-mill for the accommodation of the settlement and satiated with' vexatious experiences and the lawsuits attending every enterprise in this direction, now leave their management and the building of other mills to the enterprise of business men. The continued history of mills and manufactures will be found in another chapter. In regard to the location of the first mills in this town there is little doubt. The mill which was built by Mr. Gates in 1737 was on the saw-mill grant, located on the stream between the Upper and Lower JSTaukeag lakes. Between the grant and the Upper Naukeag was a lot of fifty acres on which the two mills were built by Dana and Cool- idge in 1752. The bounds of these tracts of land are defi- nitely defined and the location of the mills approximately shown by deeds recorded in the Worcester Registry. The first mill was near the lower mill of Packard Brothers, for- merly of Elias Lane, and not many years since traces of the old log dam could be seen about twenty yards south of the present dam. The other mills were about sixty yards east, 86 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. of the mill in Lane Village, now of Packard Brothers, for- merly of C. & G. C. Winchester. Traces of the dam, in the present mill-pond, still remain. Referring the action of the proprietors in regard to roads and to ecclesiastical affairs to chapters devoted to those sub- jects, there are found remaining many items of interest and information which relate to the progress of the settlement. In the proceedings of a meeting convened in March, 1751, and between the record of two other votes on disconnected subjects is found the following assertion : " Voted that thirty men or upwards residing in the township." This is startling information. Turning to the warrant for an article intro- ducing this vote there is found , " To agree upon a speedy and full compliance with the conditions of the General Courts Grant." The conditions of the charter requiring the settlement of a certain number of families within a limited time had been unfulfilled several years. On account of the troublous times which had retarded the progress of all the younger settlements, the General Court, by tacit consent and sometimes by enactment, had extended in an indefinite man- ner the time stipulated for the fulfilment of the conditions of the grants. Yet the policy of reminding the settlements of their delinquency was being pursued. The solemn declara- tion of the proprietors that there were thirty men residing in the township at this time should be qualified. It was not recorded for their own information but was rather addressed to the General Court. If the vote had a desired effect in the quarter to which it was directed, it did not increase the number of settlers. The population of their plantation could not be inflated at will by resolving that the men were there. Only a few families were residing in the township when this startling vote was passed, and any mention of thirty men, if correct, must have included any who were A KECOED OF SETTLEMENTS. 87 repairing roads for the proprietors or clearing lots prepara- tory to a removal of their families ; but their existing legal residence and the home of their families were not as yet in Dorchester Canada. About the time the town was incorporated, and perhaps an incident of that event, there are found renewed evidences of discord between the resident and non-resident propri- etors. For several years the meetings of the propriety had been held in Dorchester Canada and in them all there had been opportunity for differences of opinion in the policy which should be pursued in the general management of affairs. The non-resident proprietors in forwarding the set- tlement were increasing the value of their lands, while the resident proprietors, having a twofold interest in appropri- ations for roads and other public concerns, would favor larger appropriations and the pursuit of a more liberal policy in the general management of the corporation. By conciliation and sometimes by the postponement of con- tested measures an open issue was avoided, leaving the pro- prietors at greater liberty for a contest over the place of holding their meetings. The resident proprietors constantly increasing in number had now maintained the meetings in Dorchester Canada without much interruption for several years. There was no injustice in their claim that the minor- ity and wealthier part of the propriety could come to the plantation to attend meetings with less sacrifice than would attend them in a journey to Boston. At a meeting con- vened in Dorchester Canada in April, 17()5, an unusual amount of business was transacted, including a vote that nothing be done about holding future meetings in some other place. The defeated party on the pretence, real or imagi- nary, that "they were hindered from giving their attend- ance by reason of the extraordinary freshets at that time 88 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. which rendered travelling thither impracticable," immedi- ately called another meeting. In the waiTant for this meet- ing there was an article providing for the reconsideration of all that was done at the April meeting. They assembled at the meeting-house May 8. On account of a former vote a meeting could not be called elsewhere. In the organization of the meeting Seth Sumner, a non-resident proprietor, was chosen moderator in place of either Elisha Coolidge, Dea- con Moses Foster or Samuel Fellows, who had frequently been selected at former meetings. Without a vote on any other question the meeting was adjourned to meet in Rox- bury, and having met at that place was adjourned to meet in Boston. The Boston party continued the meeting over a year, holding by adjournment eleven sessions. They elected Richard Dana clerk in place of Samuel Wilder of Ashburn- ham who was elected in 1763 to succeed Nathan Heywoodof Lunenburg ; they repealed all the measures adopted at the April meeting and voted that future meetings should be held in Boston until otherwise ordered. Not until 1771 was another meeting of the proprietors convened at Ashburnham, when Samuel Wilder was again elected clerk and was con- tinued in office until the organization was practically extinct. Benjamin Church of Boston remained the treasurer until 1763 and was succeeded by Caleb Wilder of Lancaster and by Jonathan Samson of Ashburnham. It is certain that both parties were united in a vote passed a short time before the troubles began. It was proposed, in 1761, to "grant Mr. Taylor any certain sum of money to enable him to build a grist mill in the northeasterly part of said township and it passed in the negative unanimously." On the question of mills and the general policy of having any further connection with them there was the fullest meas- A RECORD OF SETTLEMENTS. 89 ure of sympathy and concord. At the previous meeting it was voted to "grant James Colman about one acre and one hundred rods lying between the house where he now dwells and the saw mill yard which belongs to Moses Foster Jr. and Zimri Hey wood." The records also declare that such favor to Mr. Coleman was on account of "his good service in said township in promoting the settlement there." This land was in the northeast part of the town and is now in Ashby. In 1761 the General Court so far recognized the settle- ment as to impose a province tax upon the lands and inhab- itants of the township. The proprietors instructed a committee to apply to the Court for relief. The petition, containing imfonnation of interest, is preserved in the Court Records : A Petition of Joshua Henshaw Esqr. and others, proprietors of the plantation called Dorchester Canada, Setting forth : That in the year 1761 the General Court laid a Tax upon them of £44-7-1. and three j'early Taxes since. That the Lands in such a new Plantation do not yield the produce as in those that are more cultivated, and are subject to early and late frosts, inso- much that the Inhabitants have not been able to raise one half of their bread corn, but are obliged to travel to other places to purchase it. That thej- are, besides, subject to the ravages of wild beasts, whereby they lose more young Cattle, Sheep and Swine than the value of any Province Tax that could equitably be laid upon them and praying Relief. The Early Settlers. — A complete register of the early settlers of this town cannot now be made. The records in the incidental employment of names present no accurate list and there is no account of an enumeration of persons or of families at any time during. the infancy of the settlement. The infoimation which establishes the residence in this town 90 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. of the persons hereafter named has been gleaned from many- sources. In 1751, when the proprietors informed the Gen- eral Court there were thirty men or more residing in the township, Timothy Mossman and Asher Cutler had removed to Sudbury, from whence they came, and did not subse- quently return. Thomas Gamble, who was here in 1739, had disappeared and in some other settlement was recount- ing his loss by fire. The man employed by Benjamin Bellows and his associates on Bluefield grant, and to whom tradition assigns the name of Johnson, is not mentioned after the desertion of the settlement in 1744. Ephraim Wheeler of Lancaster who was the managing proprietor of the block- house was frequently here until 1760, but probably never resided in the township. Moses Foster is found residing hei'e in 1750, but the date of his arrival is not definitely known. About 1750 he removed from the northeast part of the township to land granted him near the old common where, he was a licensed innholder in 1751 and in later years. His name will fre- quently occur in the continued record of the settlement. James Coleman with a numerous family left Ipswich, Mas- sachusetts, 1743, and the same year united with the church in Lunenburg. He is claimed as a resident of Lunenburg until 1760, but it is certain that he early settled on his land in the northeast part of the township, now in Ashby, and very near if not adjacent to the first clearing of Moses Fos- ter. Possibly when apprehensive of danger he retired within the line of the fortifications and being found a member of the church in Lunenburg, it was erroneously presumed that he was a resident of that place. He was a prominent man in the settlement and was later a valued citizen of Ashby. Elisha Coolidge came from Cambridge, 1752. He prob- ably assisted in building the mills and for a time owned an A RECORD OF SETTLEMENTS. 91 interest in them which he conveyed to Nathan Dennis, December 13, 1752. He was a licensed innholder 1759, 1760 and 1761. He was one of the original members of the church and will be frequently named in the following pages. Nathan Dennis was from Dudley. He owned the mills and was an innholder 1753 and 1754. He returned to Dudley about 1756. Jeremiah Foster removed from Harvard and settled on the Gamaliel Hadley farm in 1753. In 1757 he was chosen a committee to repair the roads and subsequently his name is frequently repeated in the records. John Bates, Benjamin Spaulding and Zimri Hey wood were residents of the northeast part previous to 1760. In 1767 they were included within the new town of Ashby. Thomas Wheeler was here and an innholder in 1756. He was one of the original members of the church, moderator of the second town meeting, 1765, and probably moved away that year. Moses Foster, Jr., was in Dorchester Canada in 1758 and perhaps came with his father several years earlier. His eldest child died here in 1760. The family removed to Shel- burne in 1771. He lived in the northeast part of the town and in 1760 he and Zimri Hey wood had a mill there. Unity Brown was a resident here in 1759, but the date of his arrival is not known. The marriage of Unity Brown of Dorchester Canada and Eebecca Arnold of Shrewsbury August 16, 1759, is entered on the records of Shrewsbury and Lunenburg. He united with the church at its organiza- tion but his name is not anywhere found after 1762. Enos Jones from Lunenburg settled on the Bluefield grant in 1761. He was then nineteen years of age and was not married until several ys'ars later. A part of the land owned by him has remained in the possession ■ of his descendants until within the memory of many now living. 92 HISTOUY OP ASHBURNHAM. Samuel Fellows removed from Harvard, 1762. He set- tled in the centre of the town and built the first mill on Phillips' brook. It was located just north of the blacksmith shop and very near the site of the shop of Eockwood & Walker that was burned in 1883. With the father came Sam- uel Fellows, Jr. They removed ten years later to Shelburne. Samuel Nichols from Harvard bought the mills at the out- let of Naukeag lake which had been owned by Dana, Cool- idge and Dennis. In 1777 he removed to Walpole, New Hampshire. William Whitcomb, also from Harvard, settled on land which was later known as the George Howard farm. For several years he was one of the most active and influential men in the place, but later his name is seldom found in the records. He died here at an advanced age. Jonathan Samson, like many of the other settlers, was one of the proprietors and had owned a right in the township sometime previous to his settlement on the Merrick Whit- ney farm in 1762. It is possible he was here before the date given. The birth of his eldest child May 7, 1759, is recorded here, but there is no assertion that the child was born in Dorchester Canada. Stephen Ames settled east of Eice pond, as early as 1762. He removed from town in 1777. Tristram Cheney was from Sudbury. He was an active citizen. While he remained no one exercised a more con- trolling influence in the direction of public affairs. He settled where Horace W. Houston now lives, and in 1774 removed to Antrim, New Hampshire. William Joyner was probably from Sudbury. He was here in 1763, town clerk 1766, 1767 and 1768, united with the church, 1769, but there is no record of his death or of his dismissal from the church. In 1770 he was not taxed and it is probable he removed late in 1769 or early in 1770. A KECORD OF SETTLEMENTS. 93 Ebenezer Conant, from Concord, settled probably near and west of Kice pond. He was residing here in 1763. He was sixty-four years of age at that time. With him came his son, Ebenezer Conant, Jr. John Martin, Ebenezer Hemenway, Abraham Smith, Deliverance DaAQS, who settled on the David Eussell place, now owned by INIrs. Russell, George Dickerson, Jeremiah Bridge and a few others, arrived here so near the close of the annals of Dorchester Canada that they should be counted among the early arrivals in the new town of Ashburnham. There is evidence that a few families were residing on the Rolfe, the Starr and the Converse grants at an early date, but there is found no mention of the names. During the arrivals of the settlers who have been named, the Germans were making substantial progress in the settle- ment of Lexington grant. They were independent of the proprietors, and except in the sympathies of a new settle- ment, they were a community by themselves. Ye Dutchmen. — The German settlement in the eastern part of the town was a substantial contribution to the intelli- gence and population of the settlement. These emigrants were educated people, equal in character and ability to their contemporaries in the township. They were in full sympa- thy with the other settlers in religion, in hatred of tyranny and in zealous defence of their political rights. In the Revolution no portion manifested a livelier interest or con- tributed more in treasure, sacrifice or service. They had fled from tyranny in their native land and were quick to recognize and resist oppression in any form. The sturdy, frugal, industrious characteristics of the fathers have been renewed in their children. From the first they have been received into full fellowship and admitted on equal terms to . all social and public privileges. By assimilation and inter- 94 HISTORY OF ASHBURXHAM. mamage, they are no longer a distinct people, yet the im- press of this element of the population of the town has been healthful and salutary. There remains an impulse not to mention the German settlers in a separate paragraph and in no manner distinguish them from other members of a cemented common community. The impulse would prevail save from a fear that the omission of particular reference would falsely be ascribed to an indifferent recognition of their character and worth. The events which influenced their settlement in this town are not concealed. They were in Lexington in 1757 and not destitute of money. Their imperfect knowledge of the English language and other reasons, at once apparent, urged them to settle in one com- munity if sufficient land could be found at a convenient point. The town of Lexington ofiered to sell them one thousand acres of land in a continuous tract. They bought it and came here. If Lexington grant in 1735 had been located in any other place they would have gone there. The deed bears date of December, 1757, and is recorded in March, 1758. The original grantees were Henry Hole, Christian William Whiteman, Jacob Schoff'e, Simon Roda- mell, Peter Perry, John Eich and John Kiberling. All of these, except Peter Perry, whose name does not appear again, immediately settled on the Lexington grant. At the same time or the following year, Jacob Selham, Andrew "Windrow, Henry Stack, widow Constantine and Jacob Barkardst settled near them. John Oberlock and Philip Vorback bought land and resided south of the old common and near the site of Gushing Academy. In 1774, Jacob Wilker removed from Boston to the farm still owned and occupied by his descendants. These were born in Germany, and Lexington grant, where most of them resided, soon became known as the Dutch farms. A RECORD OF SETTLEMENTS. 95 John Kiblinger — the name is now written Kibling — first settled in Maine but soon removed to Boston. In 1758, with his wife and three children, he came to Dorchester Canada. He was prominent in public affairs until his death, April 4, 1777, aged about fifty-five years. This family first located north of the Wilker farm, but subsequently they exchanged farms with the Constantines and removed to the farm now of George A. Willard. Constantine. — This family consisted of a widow and her children, the husband and father having died in Boston a short time previous to their removal to this town. She died April 25, 1782, aged nearly eighty years. Jacob Constan- tine, a son, married July 5, 1773, a daughter of Christian William Whiteman. He died from injuries received by being thrown from a bridge in Ashby, March 8, 1814, aged sixty-one years. As previously stated, this family finally settled on a farm still associated with the name and situated north of the farm of Joseph W. Wilker. Christian William Whiteman, or Whitman, settled on the farm now of Warren E. Marble. He was an active, intelli- gent man. In this family there were six children, three of whom were born in this town. In 1796, the aged parents removed to Haverhill, New Hampshire, where one of their sons was then residing. Jacob Schoffc resided near the Whitemans until 1777 when he removed to Haverhill, New Hampshire. While he re- mained, his name receives honorable mention in the records. Henry Hole assumed the name of Hall. He was forty years of age at the time he settled on the Captain Lemuel Whitney farm now owned by Levi E. Flint of Ashby. He died in this town 1794, aged eighty-three years. His eldest son was born on the ocean. 96 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Simon Eodamell had a farm near the home of Jacob SchofFe. In 1777 he presented letters of recommendation from a Lutheran church in Germany and was admitted to the church in this town. In later years the name has been changed to Rodimon. He died 1813, aged ninety-three years. John Rich, one of the early German settlers, was an active citizen while he remained in the township. He was living in Ashburnham in 1774, but previous to 1778, he removed to Haverhill, New Hampshire. Andrew Windrow. — To end a season of discontent con- cerning his German "name, he found a glorious summer in the name of Winter. His farm was northeast from the centre of the town. He died November 22, 1792, aged seventy years. His widow died 1814. Andrew Winter, Jr., resided on a farm that was annexed to Ashby in 1792. Jacob Selham resided on the borders of the German settle- ment. When Ashby was incorporated, he was included in that town. The name was changed to Sellenham. He died 1769, aged sixty years. His son, Henry Sellenham, is fre- quently mentioned in the records of Ashby. Henry Stack, later known as Steele, is said to have been buried in this town. No record of his death has been dis- covered. The Lexington grant was originally purchased by Henry Hall, Christian William Whiteman, Jacob Schoffe, Simon Rodamell, Peter Perry, John Rich and John Kiblinger. Peter Perry immediately sold his interest to his associates and the land was divided among them. James Locke of Townsend, later of Ashby, was employed to survey and divide the land into lots. About one hundred and fifty acres of meadow were reserved as common lands and the remainder was divided into fourteen lots of unequal areas. A RECORD OF SETTLEMENTS. 97 In the distribution of land among the six remaining pro- prietors, to Henry Hall was assigned a lot in the northeast corner and a lot near the centre of the south line. Christian William Whiteman received a lot on the east line, south of the first lot of Mr. Hall, a lot near the centre of the north line, and a small lot near the centre of the west line. Jacob Schoife took a lot near the centre of the east line and south of Mr. Whiteman's first lot, and a lot of in-egular outline in the southwest corner. John Rich became the owner of a lot on the east line south of the first lot of Mr. SchoflFe and a gener- ous lot in the centre of the grant. To John Kiblinger was given a lot in the southeast and another in the northwest corners of the grant. To Simon E.odamell was awarded two lots near the centre of the grant, one north and one south of the lot of Mr. Rich and a small lot near the centre of the west line between lands of Mr. Whiteman and Mr. Schoflfe. The Province Line. — The boundaries of Dorchester Canada were established in January, 1736. Five years later the province line was run which severed a considerable tract of land from the township and gave it to New Hampshire. Allowing for a variation of the needle, the province line was run north 80° west, while the northern boundary of the township was located north 78° west. The difference be- tween the town course across the township would lead to a divergence of about one hundred rods. The province line entered Dorchester Canada about ten rods south of the northeast corner and passing westward, cutting wider and wider, it severed one hundred and ten rods at the north- west corner. The detached area was two thousand three hundred and forty rods in length with an average width of sixty rods, amounting to eight hundred and seventy-seven acres. In the northeast corner of the township there had been laid out twelve second division lots which were clipped 98 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. by the province line. On the northern side of the township no other lots had been laid out. Through the remainder of its course the pi'ovince line took tribute from the undivided lands. By subsequent grants, the proprietors make restitu- tion to the owners of the mutilated lots, but their loss from the common land was never compensated. Twice they chose a committee to petition the General Court for remu- neration, and as late as 1764, they voted to have the claim revived. It had been delayed too long. The era of grants was ended. In the prosecution of this claim the proprietors joined another which arose from the inadequate allowance for the ponds in the original survey of the township. The proprietors informed the General Court that the allowance of three hundred acres which was then made was an error at once apparent, as indeed it was. They submitted an esti- mate of the several ponds in the township made by Caleb Wilder and Nathan Heywood. This ancient reference to the ponds is of interest : The Great pond in Dorchester Canada that the mill stands on [Upper Nankeag] In the Lower Mauockceg the long poud by mount Hunger hill In one of the great ^Yatatock ponds In the other " " " In one of the little "Watatock ponds In the poud by the third Division School Lot The pond in the Southwest corner of the township 100 " That part of the Menomanack lying in Dor- chester Canada 100 " Taken off by the Province line frcm Dor- chester Canada 877 " In these statements it was claimed that the proprietors had lost one thousand three hundred and ninety acres on 680 acres 330 270 70 30 30 80 A RECORD OF SETTLEMENTS. 95 account of the ponds and eight hundred and seventy-seven acres by the establishment of the province line. The contributions of land to Ashby and to Gardner, when those towns were incorporated, will receive mention here- after. The northeast corner of the original township before it suffered any dismemberment was about two miles east of the present bound. The southwest corner was at Gardner Centre. The northwest corner was within Monomonock lake, in Eindge. In the estimate of losses exhibited to the General Court there is an error of one hundred acres. That part of Monomonock lake which fell within the limits of the old survey is reckoned a part of eight hundred and seventy- seven acres cut off by the province line and is also included in the losses on account of the ponds. The Manutactuee of Potash. — One hundred years ago potash was made in all the new towns, and for obvious reason the business was continued until the supply of ashes became limited. A sketch of Ashburnham found in "Whit- ney's History of Worcester County, 1793, contains the assertion, "here are potash works and have been from its infancy ; and the first complete ton of this article carried into market was from Ashburnham." It is probable that this sketch was contributed bv Eev. Dr. Gushing. The authorship is reflected both in the substance and in the man- ner of expression, and many of the details are repeated in nearly the same words in his Half Century Sermon, twenty- five years later. Dr. Cushing never wrote carelessly and the statement can be accepted without qualification. The earliest reference to this manufacture appears in a vote of the proprietors, 1753, offering to Benjamin Frobisher one right of land in the township, whenever he commenced the manu- facture there and gave four shillings, old tenor, for each bushel of ashes delivered at his place of business. The 100 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. price named was equivalent to nine cents in silver. At a later meeting, a committee was instructed to purchase a right of land for this purpose at an approaching sale of land for the payment of taxes. Subsequently, it was proposed that the proprietors agree to deliver 3000 bushels each year at 6j pence, or near 8 J cents per bushel. The grant of land to encourage this enterprise was never made, nor is there any evidence that Mr. Frobisher ever located in the township. It is more probable that this enterprise in its infancy was encouraged by Caleb "Wilder of Lancaster, a man of ability and enterprise. He was one of the proprietors of Dorchester Canada, and exercised a controlling influence in its affairs. He was engaged in the manufacture of potash in several places, and was the first to employ kettles in forwarding the process pf evaporation, and it was here he manufactured that historical ton of potash, at that time the largest shipment that had been made at one time. One of the early and longest continued works of this character was situated nearly opposite the No. 1 school-house. The water for the leaches was conveyed from a spring not far from the Powder House. At this place Joseph Jewett and Ivers Jewett manufactured large quantities of potash. The works were under the supervision of John Woods. Captain Lemuel Whitney and several others were engaged in this manufacture until a comparatively recent date. The Distribution of Lands. — Very early in the pro- ceedings of the proprietors, the first division lots of fifty acres and the second division lots of eighty acres were laid out and became the private property of the several proprie- tors. Exclusive of the six grants within the township, over which the proprietors had no control, the undivided land, comprising nearly two-thirds of the township, was the common property of the corporation. Passing over many A RECORD OF SETTLEMENTS. 101 votes and the selection of committees to lay out additional lands which produced no results, the first substantial accom- plishment was in 1762, when a third division lot of eighty acres was assigned to the owner of each right. A few of these lots were assigned previously but there was no general distribution until this date. A fourth and a fifth division soon followed. The last were called equivalent lots, for the reason that the more valuable ones were given to the persons who had drawn inferior fourth division lots. After these distributions of land, there remained about twenty small tracts of land in different parts of the township, in- cluding five islands in Upper Naukeag. These remained common property until an auction sale in 1781. At this sale a tract of fifty acres was purchased by Rev. John Gush- ing. This was the original number 51 in the first division which the proprietors allowed Deacon Moses Foster to relinquish and lay out another lot bearing the same number a short distance northeast of the common. The great island was sold to Edward Withington and the four smaller islands were purchased by Timothy Fisher. The common lands were the capital of the corporation of the proprietors, and when this was all disposed of the organization was dissolved. The owner of each right in the township had received five tracts of land and had been required to pay one-sixtieth of all the taxes assessed from time to time. When the remain- ing lands were sold and the debts liquidated, there was remaining in the treasury a sum of money which was divided among the proprietors, and on each right was paid £2-10-2. From a financial stand-point, if the value of the land and this insignificant dividend exceeded the amount of taxes assessed from time to time, the enterprise was successful. But in forwarding and solidifying the settlement, in extending the fruits of organization, and in their agency in the control of 102 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAiyt. public affairs the proprietors were inspired by loftier pur- poses and nobler aims. The following table presents a list of the owners of the several rights when the propriety was organized and the first division of lands was made. Compared with the list in Chapter II., it is found that sixteen persons who were admitted as grantees of the township had sold their interest in the grant previous to the early meetings of the proprie- tors. The right-hand column gives the name of some subsequent owner of the same right. Five rights were continued in the same name throughout the existence of the organization. In some instances a right was owned by several persons in succession. In filling the right-hand column in such cases, the name of the person in whose possession the right remained the longest time has been selected. This list of proprietors introduces many names which became intimately associated with the continued history of the town. Zimri Heywood, Ebenezer Conant, Jonathan Samson, Samuel Fellows, James Coleman, David Taylor, James Spaulding, Nathan Melvin, John Bates, Jonathan Gates, Nathan Dennis, Elisha Coolidge, Moses Foster, Josiah Wilder, Jonathan Winchester, Stephen Ames and David Clark were well-known resident proprietors. Many of the non-resident proprietors were succeeded by their sons who subsequently occupied the lands acquired by inheritance. Among this class the families of Wilder, Stearns, Kelton, Dana and Crehore are conspicuous. The families who settled on any of the six minor grants do not appear in these records of the proprietors, and not until the act of incorporation did they constitute a part of the body politic. A RECORD OF SEXTLEMUNTS. 103 SB j H O o > o ft f^ LATER OWNERS OF TUB ORIGINAL PEOPKIETORS. > fi ^ a li H o o a g 3 a o c SAME RIGHT. E VJ K h . W Timotliy Mossman, 1 35 ,31 7 32 Zimri Heywood. Elisha Tilestone, 2 45 18 39 12 William Babcock. AVilliam Cooper, 3 49 57 23 35 Jdsliua Henshaw. Andrew Wilder, ■4 24 36 12 56 William Scott. Edward Sumner, 6 29 51 CO 13 Sam\iel Sumner. Joseph Triscott, 6 47 2 18 45 John Moffatt. John Swift, 7 20 17 53 19 Eben'r Conant. Ministry, 8 11 16 62 62 School, 9 12 15 63 63 Hezekiah Barber, 10 58 6 55 21 Caleb Dana. Samuel Blake, 11 17 40 17 43 John Moffatt. Edward Hartwell, 12 14 5 14 60 Jonathiin Samsnn. Thomas' "Wilder, 13 41 7 54 20 Recompense Wards- worth Stimson. Joseph Weeks, U 56 48 56 22 do do do Josiali Bilker, 1,5 42 38 44 24 Samuel Fellows. Ebenezer Crane, 16 22 52 48 6 William Bowdoin. Hezekiah Barber, 17 18 62 47 7 James Coleman. Joseph Warren, 18 3 30 20 42 Samuel Fellows. Isaac Royal, 19 52 50 16 32 Samuel Fellows. Timothy Tilestone, 20 8 42 28 23 Gordon. Isaac Royal, 21 43 59 42 17 Caleb Dana. Matthias Evans, 22 4 12 50 10 Grigsjs. John Andrews, 23 30 63 21 36 David Taylor. Thomas Tilestone, 24 2 45 9 26 Caleb Wilder. Nathan Heywood, 25 37 14 15 31 Caleb Wilder. Joseph Wilder, Esq., 26 7 27 31 38 Caleb Wilder. Benjamin Bird, Jr., 27 26 43 49 9 James Spaulding. Ralph Pope, 28 57 21 11 46 Ebenezer Pope. Humphrey Atherton, 29 31 28 30 30 Nathan Heywood. Nathaniel Blake, 30 33 22 32 40 Isaac Steams. James Mears, 31 40 8 26 51 Samuel Dwight. John Crehore, 32 6 39 6 50 John Creliore. Isaac How, 33 23 19 61 61 Isaac Stearns. Robert Redman, 34 5 34 33 18 Isaac Stearns. Thomas Tilestone, 35 39 33 52 33 Nathan Melvin. Thomas Tilestone, 36 60 29 36 5 Caleb Dana. Oliver Wilder, 37 32 46 46 41 John Bates. Benjamin Sumner, 38 53 U 5 49 Benjamin Sumner. Joseph Wheeloek, 39 16 1 19 3 Jonathan Gates. Ebenezer Clapp, 40 59 13 10 67 Benjamin Hammett. John Shepard, 41 9 37 4 48 Oliver Wilder. William White, 42 55 9 41 56 Caleb Dana. Samuel Henshaw, 43 ) 25 40 28 Caleb Dana. William Cooper, 44 28 41 43 8 Alexander Hill. Nehemiah Clapp, 45 25 10 35 2 Neliemiah Clapp. Jonathan Dwight, 46 63 3 1 34 Nathan Dennis. Edward Kelton, 47 50 47 34 11 Heirs. Samuel Butt, 48 44 20 3 47 Elisha Coolidge. 104 HISTORY OF ASIIBURNHAM. o z o z GO 2 t^ aj > H Z 3 LATER OWNERS OF THE OEIGINAI. PROPRIETORS. > s c, R a Q R X SAME RIGHT. CO Z O 5 B a o s » H to •A Benjamin Jewett, 49 40 61 45 27 Jonathan Gates. Joshua George, 50 19 4 2 25 Elisha Coolidge. Robert Cook, 51 36 55 27 15 Moses Foster. Thomas Lyon, Jr., 52 48 56 13 53 Josiah Wilder. Richard Withington, 53 61 44 37 4 Henry Coolidge. James Atherton, 54 51 58 57 44 Caleb Dana. Seth Sumner, 55 62 24 51 14 Caleb Dana. James Swift, 56 21 23 29 54 James Swift. First Minister, 57 10 53 24 16 Jonathan Winchester. Bartholomew Gould, 58 13 35 22 37 Moses Burgess. Samuel Kneeland, 59 54 49 59 1 Samuel Kneeland. John Robinson, Jr., 60 27 60 '2-, 59 Stephen Ames. Thomas Tilestone, 61 15 54 8 58 Benjamin Church. Thomas Stearns, 62 38 26 58 39 David Clark. William Sumner, 63 34 32 38 29 Eben'r Hemenway. Many of the non-resident proprietors "were men of influ- ence and character and during their connection with the afiairs of this town were actively engaged in other pursuits. One of the most influential and useful members of the pro- priety was Caleb Wilder. He was a son of the elder Judge Joseph Wilder and a lifelong resident of Lancaster. Own- ing several rights in the plantation, from an early date until after the incorporation of the town, he continued to exercise a controlling influence in the general direction of its afiairs. He introduced the manufacture of potash here and was a leading spirit in all the concerns of the' settlement. In 1765 he was styled major and probably held other commissions in this line of service. He was a deacon of the church and honorably filled many positions of trust in his native town. He died June 19, 1776, aged sixty-six years. Two of his sons, Caleb, Jr., and Samuel, became useful citizens of this town. In an eminent degree they reflected the sterling character and marked ability of their honored father. A RECOED OF SETTLEMENTS. 10& Joseph Wilder, another son of Judge Joseph Wilder, was born in Lancaster, 1708. He was a surveyor, a magistrate, a colonel in the mihtia, and after the death of his father he was also one of the Justices of the County Court. He set- tled in the North Precinct or Lancaster New Grant which was incorporated under the name of Leominster in 1740. Forgetting that Leominster originally was a part of Lancas- ter, it is sometimes erroneously stated that he removed from Lancaster to Leominster in 1740. While a proprietor of Dorchester Canada, for many years he was also the owner of the Starr and the Converse grants. He died September 12, 1776. Oliver Wilder was a cousin of Judge Wilder, Sen. An early proprietor, he was frequently named on important committees and after the death of Thomas Tilestone he was often chosen to preside at the meetings of the cor- poration. Like nearly all the Wilders he was a military man and rose to the rank of colonel. He died March 8, 1765. Thomas Wilder remained a propi;ietor but a short time ; his right was subsequently owned by Caleb Dana. The Sumners were extensively engaged in buying and selling land in other townships. Seth Sumner was the only one of this name who attended any considerable number of the meetings or was in any way identiiied with the settle- ment beyond the purchase and sale of lands. Caleb Dana was of Cambridge, where he was born 1697, and died April 28, 1769. Becoming a proprietor about 1750, at one time he owned nearly four thousand acres or over one-eighth of the township. He was a magistrate, and at his home and in the councils of the proprietors an active, energetic man. His land in this town was subsequently owned by his son George Dana, who settled here about 1776 and died in this town April 11, 1787. 106 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Eichard Dana, a brother of Caleb Dana, resided in Cam- bridge ; born June 26, 1700, and died May 17, 1772. He was a graduate of Harvard University and an able lawyer. Several years he was clerk of the propriety, leaving a clear, ornate record. His son, Francis Dana, and grandson, Eichard H. Dana, were men of national reputation. Henry Coolidge, a brother of Elisha Coolidge, who set- tled here, owned a right several years. He married a daughter of Caleb Dana and resided in Cambridge. Joshua Henshaw, Esq., of Boston, as he was styled when named in the records, was probably the same who was elected to the Council in 1768. On account of his patri- otism he was not recognized by the royal Governor and was later one of the selectmen of Boston. Eev. John Swift of Framingham married a sister of Thomas Tilestone. An original proprietor he continued his interest in the township until his death in 1745. In his will he gave to his son, Eev. John Swift, Jr., of Acton, "his right of land in Dorchester Canada," who remained a proprietor until the common lands were distributed. He was admitted a grantee on account of the service of his brother William Swift of Dorchester who perished in the expedition under Sir William Phipps in 1690. Joseph Wheelock of Lancaster, and after 1740 of Leom- inster, served on important committees in the earlier pro- ceedings, but after 1760 his right was owned by Jonathan Gates who became a settler. Eev. William Cooper was pastor of the Brattle Street Church, Boston. He was the original owner of two rights which were -subsequently owned by Alexander HiU and Joshua Henshaw. . Isaac Stearns was not a proprietor until about 1760. He was a son of Hon. John Stearns of BUlerica where he was A EECORD OF SETTLEMENTS. 107 born June 16, 1722, and there resided until his death AprU 23, 1808. He was a. representative, a senator, a magistrate and a most useful citizen. By his associates in the propriety he was held in great esteem and was frequently named on important committees. Two of his sons, Isaac and William, subsequently settled in this town. With the close of this chapter we leave the non-resident proprietors in the retirement of their homes. Many of the later proprietors became residents and in the following chapters it will appear that the propriety introduced to the town a considerable number of its most valued and useful citizens. The proprietors left the town many legacies. An unwearied effort to forward the settlement had been a con- stant aim and purpose. The meeting-house, the mills, the division of the town into lots, and an initial system of roads must be placed to their credit. In the proceedings of their meetings the settlers became familiar with method and sys- tem which they subsequently called to their aid in the man-' agement of town aflfairs. They left an impress and imparted a character to the settlement that reflects in pleasing lines the worth of the men and the spirit of the organization. CHAPTEE IV. FROM THE INCOEPORATION TO THE REVOLUTION. INCORPOKATION. — THE PETITIONS OP THE INHABITANTS AND OF THE PKOPBIETOES. — THE NAME OF ASHFIELD PROPOSED. — THE CHAKTEK. — EARLY TOWN MEETINGS. — ASHBY INCORPORATED. CONTRIBUTION . TO ASHBY. NEW ARRIVALS. • — SALARY OF THE MINISTER. SCHOOLS. ABATEMENT OF THE PROVINCE TAX. REVOLUTIONARY FLASHES. DEATH OF FIRST MINISTER. THE COMMON. TAX LIST 1770. PRICE OP COMMODITIES. A POUND AND FIELD DRIVERS. — GARDNER FIRST SUGGESTED. WARNING OUT. AsHBUENHAM was incorporated Februaiy 22, 1765. In this decisive measure several interests were involved. The concern of the non-resident proprietors in an act of incor- poration was measured by its probable eflfect. upon the value of their lands in the township ; to the resident proprietors with an equal interest in the value of lands were tendered the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship in the proposed town ; there were also a few residents who were not pro- prietors and whose only interest was of a personal character, and last there were the settlers on the independent grants or farms, as they were commonly called. Nearly all of the last named class were the Grermans, who had settled on the Lex- ington grant. Until the town was incorporated they had constituted a little republic and were as independent of the proprietors as were the inhabitants of the neighboring towns. They built roads within their grant and managed their inter- nal aflfairs with no inteiTnediate authority between themselves 108 PROM THE INCORPORATION TO THE REVOLUTION. 109 and the laws of the province. It was the office of an act of incorporation to join and cement these several interests and give to every citizen an equal voice in the management of public affairs. The measure of deliberation and conference which led to a union of these interests in the solicitation for incorporation cannot be determined. There is no evidence of any discord in the progress of these proceedings, yet it is certain that the resident proprietors were the first to pro- pose the measure. Their petition was considered by the General Court as early as June 7, 1763, when it was resolved that the prayer of the petition of the inhabitants of Dorchester Canada to be incorporated be granted, and that they have leave to bring in a bill. At a meeting of the propri- etors in May, 1764, it was decided to apply to the General Court for an act of incorporation. Richard Dana, Joshua Henshaw and Caleb Dana were chosen to present their peti- tion. To this committee, Samuel Fellows, Elisha Coolidge, Jonathan Samson and Samuel Nichols were joined to rep- resent the inhabitants. In accordance with their instructions the committee of the proprietors joined by Samuel Nichols representing the residents of the township presented the fol- lowing petition : To his Excel°^ Francis Bernard Esq' Capt" general & govern"^ in chief in & over his Majesty's province of Massachusetts Bay, the Hon'ble his Majesty's Couucil and the Hon*"'" house of repre- sentatives in general court assembled at Concord on y"^ 5"^ day of June Anno Dom. 1764. Humbly Sheweth The proprietors & inhabitants of that planta- tion in the county of Worcester call'd Dorchester Canada That its inhabitants are now increased to such a number as in the petitioners humble opinion makes it flting & Expedient for them to be incorporated into a town. That y° s* proprietors long since 110 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. built a meeting house there for public worship & for y' space of four j-ears last past & more have had an able learned & orthodox minisf of y" gospel settled there whom y" petit" have supported hitherto. That y' incorporating y° s* plantation will greatly pro- mote the growth thereof by removing the great and unavoidable inconveniences which they have hitherto laboured under & will continue during their present situation. That for promoting their incorporation y" petit" have agreed & voted that a tax of three half pence an acre be laid by y"" Excel'^ & Hon' upon all y^ lands & farms within y^ limits & plan of y" s* plantation, (except y" Cambridge farm, parsonage or ministry lands & y° school lands) to continue for y" term of three years from y° 25* day of Jan^' last, sixty pounds thereof to be annually applied for y° paym' of their minister's salary & y'= residue for further finishing their meeting house afores"^, Keeping y" public county road there in due repair & for necessarj^ charges. Wherefore your petitioners praj' that the plantation afores" with all the lands & farms within y^ plantation and limits thereof may be incorporated into a town & that y= inhabitants thereof may be invested with y" like power & privileges that other towns in this province are invested withall. And that y° afores* tax as agreed upon may be ratified & confirmed. And y'^ petit" as in duty bound will ever pra^-. EICi> DANA. JOSHUA HENSHAW. CALEB DANA. SAMUEL NICHOLS. Com"'^^ It is prayed y' y" intended town may be called Ashfield . The request of the petitioners that the new town be called Ashfield was disregarded by the royal Governor. At that date the nobility of England were frequently compli- mented in the selection of names for the incorporated towns, and Governor Bernard was greatly inclined to this system FKOM THE INCORPORATION TO THE REVOLUTION, m of nomenclature. The town of Ashfield in this State received its name and its charter only four months after the incorporation of this town, In the employment of that name it is asserted that the Governor tendered a compliment to Lord Thurlow of Ashfield, a member of the king's coun- cil. It is possible that some of the proprietors of Dorches- ter Canada who were on intimate terms with Governor Bernard proposed the name with a knowledge that it was one he held in reserve for early use, or with equal proba- bility it may be presumed that with more immediate associa- tions the inhabitants found in Ashfield a fitting name for a town engaged in the manufacture of potash. In either event the suggestion was of no avail. The General Court, with an accommodating regard for an assumed prerogative of the Governor, in the act of incorporation, left the name a blank, which was subsequently supplied with the name of Ashburn- ham which is supposed to be in honor of John, the second Earl of Ashburnham. It is a good name and consequently better than precious ointment. It is probable that the settlers had selected their com- mittee in advance, and that they were joined with the other committee by the proprietors in courteous recognition of the fact. Further evidence of conference appears in a vote of the proprietors obligating themselves to pay into the treas- ury of the proposed town for a term of years an annual tax of three half pence on each acre of land owned by them, provided the other lands in the township were taxed at the same rate. This agreement between the resident and non- resident proprietors, was recognized by the general Court and was made a part of the act of incorporation. An exception, however, was made by the Legislature of Cam- bridge farm, then owned by the town of Cambridge, and for that reason it was exempted from the payment of the pro- 112 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. posed tax. An act of incorporation, with no name of the town inserted, passed both houses of the General Court February 15, 1765, and four days later the engrossed bill bearing the name of Ashbuknham was sent to the Governor for approral. The bill was signed February 22, 1765, the day that Washington entered upon his thirty-fourth year. The act creating a town and vesting it with civic powers and privileges, is in the following terms : An Act for incorporating a new Plantation in the county of Worcester called and known by the name of Dorchester Canada into a Town by the name of Ashburnham. Whereas the inhabitants of the Plantation called and known by the name of Dorchester Canada labour under manj' difficulties and inconveniences by reason of their not being incorporated : There- fore for the removal thereof — Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and House of Repre- sentatives, that the Plantation commonly known by the name of Dorchester Canada according to the bounds of the original grant thereof made by the General Court the first day of June 1736 being as follows, viz : A Tract of Land of six miles square bounding southerly on the Narraganset Township N° 2 Westerly on a Township laid out for Tilton and others. Northeily on a township laid out for Ipswich and Easterly part on Townsend and part on Lunenburg. It begins at a Hemlock, the northeasterly corner of the said Narraganset Town and runs West Eighteen degrees South seven miles wanting twenty rods ; from thence North twelve degrees East eight miles and two hundred rods ; and from thence East twelve degrees South seven miles and one hundred perch ; from thence Southerly by said Townsend line one thousand one hundred and twenty rods and by Lunenburg line six hundred and twenty rods to where it first began. And the Inhabitants of the same Plantation together with all the Lands and Farms included within the same boundaries be and hereby are incorporated into a town, PROM THE INCORPORATION TO THE REVOLUTION. 113 by the name of Ashburnham, and that the same town be and hereby is vested with all the powers privileges and immunities, that any other of the towns in this Province do or may by law exercise and enjoy. And whereas it is agreed between the Inhabitants of the Plan- tation aforesaid and the Proprietors of the common and undivided lands there, that a tax of three half pence an acre be laid upon all the land within the same (Excepting Cambridge Farm and the lands alloted and reserved for the ministry, the first settled minis- ter there and the school) for the space of three years from the fifth and twentieth day of January one thousand seven hundred and sixty-four ; Sixty pounds whereof to be annually applied to and for the payment of the minister's salary and the residue towards finishing the public meeting house there and for repairing the public roads through the said Plantation from and after the aforesaid twenty-fifth day of January. Be it therefore Enacted, that there be and hereby is granted a tax of three half pence an acre to be annually levied and assessed upon all the lands in the aforesaid Township (except the lands and farms before excepted) for the term aforesaid and for the uses and purposes aforesaid and that the proprietors aforesaid be thenceforward discharged and free from all further and other taxes and expenses on account of those articles and every of them, unless by order of this Court. And be it further enacted that Joseph Wilder Esq be and he hereby is impowered to issue his Warrant to some one of the principal Inhabitants of the aforesaid new Town, requiring him to warn the Inhabitants thereof to assemble at the aforesaid Meeting House sometime in the month of March next to choose all town officers by law required for carrying on and managing the affairs of the said town and to assess levy and collect the tax aforesaid. In compliance with the duty enjoined in the act, Joseph Wilder of Leominster, who was then one of the justices of the County Court, issued the following warrant : 114 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Worcester ss. To Dea Samuel Fellows, one of the principal inhabitants of the new town of Ashburnham Greeting :— In his Majesty's name you are required to warn all the Inhabitants of said Ashburnham to assemble at the Meeting House in said town on Monday the twenty-fifth day of this instant March at ten o'clock in the forenoon to choose a Moderator to govern said meeting and to choose all town officers as before recited and to agree how to call meetings for the future. Hereof fail not and make due return. Given under my hand and seal this eleventh day of March in the fifth year of his Majesty's reign Anno Domini 1765. JOSEPH WILDER, Justice of the Peace. By the terms of his instructions Judge Wilder was required to issue his warrant to one of the principal men of the place. The mantle of honor fell upon Deacon Fellows. The selection was approved by the town who made choice of the same principal inhabitant to preside over the first town meeting assembled in Ashburnham. William Whitcomb was chosen town clerk, and the principal inhabitants were so numerous that five were delegated to perform the duties of selectmen. They were Deacon Samuel Fellows, Tristram Cheney, James Coleman, John Rich and Jonathan Gates. Jonathan Gates was also chosen constal^le and Samuel Wilder collector of taxes. For assessors the town chose Samuel Wilder, William Joyner and John Bates. The town had no money, but anticipating future possibilities, Deacon Samuel Fellows was chosen treasurer. For wardens the town selected Deliverance Davis and Jacob Schofi"e. The highway surveyors were Stephen Ames, Tristram Cheney, Deliverance Davis, James Coleman and Jonathan Samson. To the ofiice of tithingmen with its solemn obli- gations the town called Tristram Cheney and John Kiblinger. FROM THE INCORPOEATION TO THE REVOLUTION. 115 Elisha Coolidge was made surveyor of boards and shingles and also of wheat. For deer reeves the town solicited the watchful attention of Nathan Melvin and Williana Benjamin. The custody of weights and measures, if they had any, was delegated to Elisha Coolidge. Christian William "Whiteman and John Samson were selected for "vewers," an office relating to the division of lands, and then with the choice of Henry Selham and Samuel Foster to officiate as hog reeves, the list of officers was completed. The next meeting was called in his Majesty's name to assemble on the twenty-ninth of April for the transaction of business which could not be considered under the former warrant. Thomas Wheeler, who was not named in the proceedings of the first meeting, was chosen moderator. It was voted to raise six pounds to defray town charges and " fifty pounds to make and mend private ways." For labor upon the roads it was voted to allow two shillings and six pence per day for each man and one shilling and four pence for a pair of oxen. The number of hours was not stipulated. Samuel Wilder, William Joyner and John Bates were chosen to sell the land of delinquent tax-payers, and after a vote to let swine run at large the ensuing year, in a motion to adjourn they secured an equal liberty for themselves. Two other town meetings were called before the close of the year. At the former the town declined to send a representative to the General Court, and at the second meeting Samuel Nichols was chosen collector of taxes in room of Samuel Wilder who was out of town about one year. In June of this year Tristram Cheney and William Joyner certify that they have " perambulated the line between Winghendon and Ashburnham." With their enlarged privileges under the act of incorpora- tion the settlers were met with heavy burdens in the form of taxes. The land tax for 1764 and 1765, amounting to £255, lie HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. a province tax of £30, a county tax £1-11-0, and a tax of £6 to defray town expenses, must have placed them on familiar terms and close relations with the collector of taxes. Scarcely had the town been organized and the inhabitants become familiar with their new duties and privileges when several families and fifteen hundred acres of land were joined to another township. Ashby was incorporated March 5, 1767, but the proceedings in which the inhabitants of Ash- burnham participated occurred at an earlier date. Until 1764 the territory included within the present towns of Townsend, Lunenburg, Ashburnham, Fitchburg and Ashby was embraced by the three towns first named. In 1764 Fitchburg was set ofl: from Lunenburg and at that time included the southern part of Ashby. The incorporation of Ashburnham in the following year did not change boundary lines. Very soon after, Ashby was formed from portions of Townsend, Fitchburg and Ashburnham. Thus John Fitch and others, living in 1763 in the vicinity of the present resi- dence of Paul Gates in the southern part of Ashby, were residents of Lunenburg; in 1764 they were in Fitchburg, and in 1767 they were in Ashby. With bewildering sud- denness and without a change of residence they were citizens of three towns and attended town meetings in as many places in this brief space of time. The original petition, for the creation of Ashby, was before the General Court several months before Ashburnham was incorporated. While a part of the petitioners for Ashby were pressing a solicitation to become inhabitants of one town they were included within another. They continued, however, to pursue their original project and joining with the other petitioners an organization was effected and a committee, consisting of John Fitch of Fitchburg, Jacob Schofie of Ashburnham and James Locke, Jr., of Townsend, was chosen to appear before the General FROM THE INCORPORATION TO THE REVOLUTION. 117 Court in support of their petition. At a meeting of the pro- prietors only a few days after the incorporation of Ashburn- ham a committee was chosen to remonstrate against the loss of the most thickly settled portion of the town. The follow- ing year the subject was laid before the town at a special meeting called for that purpose. The petitioners in the northeast part of the town joined by the Germans were a clear majority of the town. Conscious of their power, they proposed to carry with themselves a very considerable por- tion of the township, including the Cambridge and Lexing- ton farms and all that part of Ashburnham east of a line runnino; from the northwest corner of Lexington farm across the summit of Great Watatic to the province line . This liberal proposition included a majority of the inhabi- tants and about one-fourth of the area of the township. Immediately following the record of the meeting is recorded a protest against the measure, signed by Samuel Fellows, Tristram Cheney, Samuel jSTichols, Jonathan Gates, George Dickerson, Nathan Melvin, Elisha Coolidge, William Joyner, Samuel Foster and Enos Jones. No reason is found for the absence of the names of Benjamin Whitcomb, Moses Foster, Jeremiah Foster, Deliverance Davis and others who were then living west of the proposed line and who very naturally would be in sympathy with the remon- strants. This proposition, however, was very materially modified by the General Court. When Ashby was finally incorporated only about one-fourth of the proposed area was severed from Ashburnham. Many years later another tract was joined to Ashby, but the original division line between the towns in 1767 left the eastern boundary of Ashburnham almost a straight line, extending very nearly due north from the northeast corner of Westminster to the State line. The corner of the two towns at the State line was very nearly a 118 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. mile east of the present corner. In this form the town of Ashburnham remained until after the Revolution, when a second donation to Ashby and the incorporation of Gardner cut off two areas from the opposite corners of the town. Among the settlers included within the town of Ashby were several town officers who were chosen only three days before that town was incorporated. Captain John Jones, residing on the Amos Wellington farm then in Ashburnham, was a selectman here in 1766 and again elected in 1767. The same year he was chosen a selectman of Ashby. James Coleman had been elected one of the constables, an office then including the collection of taxes. Notwith- standing the change in town lines, the assessors of Ashburn- ham committed to him a tax list for collection and in November of the following year " y'' town voted to Defend y"^ Town Treasurer in a Trial with James Col man for to get y'= money that was assest in y" year 1767 which assessment was Delivered to s'' Colman to Colect." It is probable that both towns claimed the taxes assessed this year on the estates set off to Ashby and that Mr. Coleman found it diffi- cult to serve two masters. By this change in town lines, in addition to John Jones and James Coleman, Ashburnham lost Thomas Stearns, Zimri Hey wood, John Bates, David Taylor, Henry Selham, Benjamin Spaulding, Samuel Derby, Samuel Rice, Levi Houghton and perhaps a few others. Several of these became prominent in the affairs of Ashby. The only German was Mr. Selham whose name is generally written Sellenham in the Ashby records. Unless there were two persons of the same name, Ben- jamin Spaulding returned to Ashburnham in 1768 and in 1769 as will appear joined in a petition to be set off to Ashby a second time. Had he succeeded and continued the ' process he would have whittled away the entire township. FROM THE INCORPORATION TO THE REVOLUTION. 119 1766; The new names appearing in the proceedings of this year are Henry Hall, John Conn, Zimri Hey wood, Moses Foster, Jr., Samuel Salter, Simon Rodamell, Henry Selham and Joseph Perry. Some of these had been here several years but were not named in the records of the pre- ceding year. In addition to the land and province tax, the town raised twenty pounds for town charges and appropriated sixty pounds of the land tax for the support of roads. This year the town also voted not " to choose a man to Represent them at the great and general Coai-t or assembly to be held at Boston on Wensday the twenty eight Day of may Current at Nine of the Clock in the morning." But more mindful of internal improvement, the town voted to build a pound of stone or timber, two rods square inside, to be located near the barn of Christian William Whiteman, but this vote was reconsidered soon after and a pound was not built for several years. The records assert that this year "the town chose Mr. Timothy pane Esquier regeister for the County of Worcester." Mr. Paine was elected this year, leaving us to infer that either the remainder of the county magnanimously concurred in this action on the part of Ashburnham, or that the record is a simple assertion that Mr. Paine was the choice of the voters of this town. The custom of warning out all new arrivals is mentioned in another connection ; the names of the men summoned to remove during the first two years of the existence of the town, were Samuel Salter, Joseph Perry, Oliver Wetherbee, Daniel ^Merrill, Daniel Harper, Timothy Farley, Amasa Turner and George Hewitt. 1767. Early in the year 1767, a special meeting was called to make some arrangements concerning the salary of the minister. When the town assumed control of public affairs, Mr. Winchester had been settled several years. It only devolved upon the town to pay hihi the amount of 120 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. salary stipulated by the proprietors at the time of his settle- ment. By the terms of the act of incorporation this sum was to be paid out of the land tax. It only remained for the town to conduct the assessment and collection of this tax. The result of this meeting indicates that the only issue raised at this time related to the time when the salary of the minis- ter should be paid. A committee was chosen " to discourse with Eev. INIr. Winchester relating to his salary." At a subsequent meeting the town acted upon the report of their committee by a vote " to pay Mr. Winchester one half of his salary at eight months' end." The records of this year introduce the earliest refei-ence to schools in a vote to raise eight pounds for that purpose, and voted that "y' y' school should be a moveing school and to leave it y'^ Select men to make y^ Quarters where y'' school shall be Cept. Voted it to bee a free school." The increasing burden of taxation and the inability of many of the settlers to meet these increasing demands upon their limited resources find frequent expression in the records. In June the town chose John Moffat of Boston, Rev. Jonathan Winchester and Tristram Cheney, to apply to the General Court for an abatement of the province tax. In connection with this effort the following petition was made to the General Court : To His Excellency Francis Bernard Esq. Captain General and Governor in Chief of His Majest3''s Provence of the Massa- chusetts Bay, to the Honnorable his majestys Council & the Hon'''' House of Eepresentatives, In General Court assembled. December 30 1767 The Petition of the Inhabitants of Ashburnham humbly Sheweth : That whereas a Provence Tax for a number of years Past has been Laid on j-our Petitioners no Part thereof has been paid, that your Petitioners Labouring under great poverty' think them selves PROM THE INCORPORATION TO THE REVOLUTION. 121 utterly unable To make an}' such pa5'ment, that the soil we Possess is veiy Stubborn Requiring much hard Labour before any profit can be reaped from it. That the greatest part of your petitioners have been in said Town but a short time and are unable to raise provisions suflacient for the support of our families. And as there is far from being enough produced in the Town to maintain the Inhabitants we have not only nothing to Convert into money ; but are at much annual expense for the necessays of Life or be desti- tute of them ; or else contract debts unpaj-able without the for- feiture of our Lands. That y" growth of y= said Town has been much obstructed by y'' said tax as many persons have of Late gone over y° Provence Line to avoid a burden which seams so likely to be unsupportable and fatal. That j'our Poor petitioners are unable to keep our few cattle alive in y' winter season without driving a considerable proportion of them out of town for subsistence. That j-our Petitioners House of Public Worship has lately been struck by a Hurricane and y" cost to repare Cannot be less than £30. Lawful money. With all that can be done to said House it must be Re- built in a few j-ears. That the Death of our very worthj' Pastor y'= Reverend M' Winchester j'our Petitioners must needs be exerted to a very great additional expence. Therefore your Humble Petitioners verj^ earnestly beseech j-our Excellency & Honers to considerate our unhapy circumstances by Removing ye grievous Tax or to Releive us in such way as in your great wisdom you shall Think fitt. And j-our Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray &c. TRISTRAM CHENEY in behalf of sd Town. Dated at Ashburnham, December y" 23^ 1767. The petition was kindly received by the General Court and all the province taxes then dae from this town were forgiven. Qualifying the petition with the reflection that it is an argument for efi'ect, it is true, however, that it presents a view of the poverty and distress of a new settlement and 122 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. from it we learn much of the situation of the town at this date. November 30, 1767, the inhabitants were warned to assemljle on the tenth of the following month " to see if the town will comply with the town of Boston in not purchasing any of the articles mentioned in the paper sent to the select- men." The paper referred to was the historic letter of the selectmen of Boston, dated October 28, and sent to the selectmen of the several towns in the province, respecting the sale and use of certain foreign articles upon which Par- liament had laid a tax. At the meeting in Ashburnham it was voted " to comply with the request of the selectmen of Boston respecting the articles in a paper they sent to us." Here is found the first and a very early act relating to the Eevolution. It was one of a series of events which foretold the approaching storm, truthfully reflecting the progress of public sentiment while the smouldering fires of discontent were being fanned into the flame of open revolt. Other towns actuated by an equal patriotism passed similar votes, but very few of them at this early date were prepared to speak with equal emphasis and promptness. The death of the first minister occurred this year. A meet- ing was promptly called at which the town voted to defray the expenses of the funeral and to pay to Mrs. Winchester, a sum equal to the stated salary for the remainder of the year. No item of the expense of the burial of Mr. Winchester has- been preserved, but in accordance with the customs of the times, it is probable that gloves, weeds and other insignia of mourning, were procured for the bereaved family and for the bearers. All were mourners and all followed the remains of their beloved pastor to the grave. The measure of their sorrow at the death and their respect for the character of Mr. Winchester were continually reflected in the kind con- EEOM THE INCORPORATIOK TO THE REVOLUTION. 123 sideration in which they always regarded the widow and the children of their first minister. 1768. This year, Eev. John Gushing was settled. An account of the ordination and of a prolonged and successful ministry will be found in another chapter. Other proceed- ings of less magnitude complete the record of the year. In the warrant for the annual March meeting appears an article " To see if y° town will vote y' there shall be no ox sled Drawed in y'= Privet Eoads in Ashburnham less than four feet and a half wide on Penalty such as j" town shall think Proper." "Passed in y° negative." The highways in this connection were styled private roads to distinguish them from the county roads which had been constructed, and in some measure were under the supervision of the court. It was also ordered this year that " y" Dutch should draw their school money" upon condition it Avas used for its legitimate purpose. The increasing discontent of the colony in regard to the continued acts of oppression by the British government, and the promptness in which each infringement of their charter rights was resisted by the watchful spirit of democracy, again invite the citizens of Ashburnham to assemble in town meeting. Immediately following an unsuccessful attempt to persuade the Eoyal Governor of the province to convene the General Court, letters were sent to all the towns inviting them to send delegates to join in a conference over public afiairs. The citizens of this town unanimously instructed their selectmen to send in writing their desire to join with the assembled delegates " in all proper way to defend our rights and privileges which was granted to us in our charter." 1769. It will be remembered that while the inhabitants were thus assembling in town meeting from year to year and 124 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. adopting measures concerning the prudential affairs of the town, the proprietors were still an active organization. Under the laws of the province, the town assumed the control of the roads, the support of the ministry and the general management of all municipal concerns, while the propriety, owning the undivided lands, was still an organized corporation. The proprietors surrendered the meeting- house to the town without any formal vote, and in 1770 at a meeting convened in Boston, there was a proposition under consideration to surrender to the town " the meeting house square with the reservation that the whole of it remains a common forever." This subject was dismissed without action and it is possible the proprietors considered that the common already belonged to the town under the title of public domain. If any consideration less friendly prompted the failure to relinquish their claim to the common, the inhabitants of the town had very little concern about it, and were masters of the situation. They had already disposed of one-fourth of it and were holding the remainder with grim complacency. Under an article to see if the town would sell a part of the common to Rev. John Gushing, the town in May, 1769, voted to make him a present of two and one- half acres at the east end and instructed the selectmen to give him a deed. Benjamin Spaulding, and a few others residing in the northeast part of the town, petitioned the General Court to be annexed to Ashby. The town promptly expressed its dissent and submitted the matter to Samuel Wilder who successfully opposed the measure. The questions arising in town meeting and the methods of treatment, are continually suggesting the changes which have attended the progress of years. One hundred and twenty- five years ago, as a source of revenue, the town voted that FROM THE INCORPORATION TO THE REVOLUTION. 125 " every inhabitant that takes cattle to run in the woods shall pay to the town four shillings per head." The same year, not having paid their minister the sum due for settlement, the town borrowed the money of Colonel Caleb Wilder and agreed to pay it in clearing land for him. For several years the town accepted labor on this account in jaayment of taxes. 1770. The annals of this year introduce very few subjects not anticipated in a general view of a town in the transaction of the ordinary business. The year preceding the town voted not to choose a committee " to see where the town's money had gone." They probably concluded it had never been gathered in, since this year a number of parcels of land belonging to non-residents were sold at auction in payment of taxes. From this source the town realized nearly fifty pounds. One of the purchasers at this sale was Eev. Mr. Cushing, who bought six and one-half acres between the common and Upper Naukeag lake. This year the court had under consideration the location of a county road from Winchendon to Westminster, passing through a corner of this town, now in Gardner. The town of Ashburnham instructed Samuel Wilder to oppose the project and "if need be, to employ an attorney." This road was built soon after, but the part of it within this town was inconsiderable. In accordance with an act of the General Court, an inven- tory of the province tax for the year 1770 was returned by the assessors. Fortunately, the original is preserved in the State archives. This rate assessed on the polls had no con- nection with the land tax. The list preserves the names of the men residing in this town December 14, 1770. The names followed by the figures 2 or 3 paid the tax of as many persons, who might be either sons above sixteen years of age, or young men in their employ. Ebenezer Conant, Sen., was probably residing here at this time ; later 126 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. in life he was a town charge, but no reason appears for the omission of his name. It was probably accidental. The omission of the name of Eev. John Gushing was probably intentional. The number of names in the list is seventy- four, which would indicate a population of less than four hundred. John Adams Stephen Ames William Benjamin Moses Bennett John Bigelow Nathan Bigelow Jo shua Billings Abraham Blodgett Isaac Blodgett Jeremiah Bridge Peter Brooks Tristram Cheney (3) David Clark Job Coleman Ebenezer Conant, Jr. John Conn Elisha Coolidge DeliTerance Davis Amos Dickerson David Dickerson Salmon Dutton Thomas Dutton Elijah Edson Samuel Eellows (3) Jeremiah Foster Moses Foster (2) Samuel Foster Henry Gates -i Jonathan Gates (2) Henry Hall (2) Jacob Harris Ebenezer Hemenway Joseph Holden Moses Johnson Enos Jones Abijah Joslin James Joslin Peter Joslin John Kiblinger (2) Benjamin Kemp Nathan Melvin Daniel Merrill Joseph Metcalf Samuel Nichols Simeon Nutting John Oberlock Joseph Perry Daniel Priest John Eich Simon Eodamell Samuel Salter Aaron Samson John Samson Jonathan Samson Jacob SchoflFe Benjamin Spaulding Ephraim Stone (3) Oliver Stone Jonathan Taylor Philip Vorback Caleb Ward Jacob Wenneg Oliver Wetherbee Phmehas Wetherbee Benjamin Whitcomb Oliver Whitcomb Christian Wm. White- man Samuel Wilder (2) Hezekiah Willard John Willard Oliver Willard Andrew Winter Timothy Wood Abijah Worcester 1771. In addition to specific legislation regarding schools and the meeting-house, which will appear in other chapters, this year the town sold the right of land reserved for the benefit of schools. From the incorporation of the town to this date there had been little change in the price of labor and many articles of merchandise. The depreciation of the currency a few years later introduced fictitious values in all business transactions. The town at this time continued to allow the selectmen and other town pfiicers two shillings and eight pence per day. The rate of labor upon the highways for several years is FROM THE INCORPORATION TO THE REVOLUTION. 127 recorded in stated form : " three shilling per day from now to the last of September, one shilling and four pence for oxen and eight pence for a cart and after September two shillings per day." From an account of sales made in an adjoining town at this date it appears that upland hay sold at £1—5-0 per ton, rye at four shillings per bushel and butter from six to eight pence per pound. 1772. "Voted to buy some grave stones in memory of Revi Mr Jonathan Winchester and that M'' William Whit- comb be the man to get the above stones." This act com- memorating, at once, the virtues of the dead and the serious impulses of the town resulted in the erection of the plain slate stone which yet marks the grave of the first minister. Future generations may erect at this grave a monument of Jar greater pretension, but none can ever express a more fitting devotion to the memory of him whose virtues are inscribed upon this ancient stone in language of sincere respect and love. 1773. Having built a pound the preceding year the town chose Benjamin Bigelow and Jacob Willard to conduct the business at that station. Field drivers, or hog reeves as they were formerly called, have been chosen every year since the incorporation of the town. This year, with a new adjunct to the oflice, the selection was made with due deference to ability and regard to place of residence. The location of the first pound is not certain. The pound at the southwest corner of the common was not built until 1794, but time and the elements appear to have been unusually active in hastening its destruction. The manner in which our fathers regarded the obligation of contracts and the attention they paid to their proper fulfil- ment are reflected in a vote to " advance thirty pounds to the Eev* M"" Cushing's Sallary to be assessed this year to make 128 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. up the Damage in his not giting his Sallary according to agreament." 1774. In prophecy of the political revolution near at hand and reiiecting the sentiment of the people a town meeting is called for the first time without invoking the name of the king. In former years the people had been warned to assemble "in his Majesty's name." A meeting was called in September, 1774, in the simple terms, "You are requested to meet." Later the people were warned "in the name of the government and the people of the state of Massachusetts Bay," until the new constitution of the State introduced "the commonwealth of Massachusetts." These terms clearly indicate the progress of public sentiment during radical changes in the forms of government. The incorporation of Gardner was almost consummated this year. The project was suffered to sleep during the Revolution but it scarcely failed at this time. The petition was signed by residents of Westminster, Templeton, Win- chendon and Ashburnham who desired to be included in the proposed town. In answer to the petitioners, the town voted May 23, 1774, that the portion of Ashburnham south- west of a line extending from Samuel Kelton's lot to the lot of William Ames " be set otf with portions of other towns to form a new town or district." The line described in this vote is substantially the same as the one established eleven years later. The Revolution caused a delay and introduced a name for the town, but the boundaries first proposed were not materially changed when the town eventually was incorporated. Commencing with the date of incorporation and extend- ing a few years beyond the limits of this chapter, the town continued the custom of warning out a majority of the arri- vals in town. It was a precautionary proceeding suggested FROM THE INCORPORATION TO THE REVOLUTION. 129 and encouraged by the laws of the province. The statute provided that persons, who were legally warned out of the town, could not gain at once a full legal residence and that in case of extreme poverty the town would not be charge- able for their support. It was a cold reception but modified with a fair understanding that it was a formality of law in which there was often no sincerity. If it savors of inhu- manity it was a fault of the law and not of the people. Its practice in other towns led to its adoption here in self- defence. In this connection it should be remembered, that while the sentiment of charity and brotherly love has ever existed in the heart of man, the present system of public charities which embraces all classes of unfortunate men and women of the Commonwealth is the result of more recent legislation. If the early settlers of this town were warned out, they were at once admitted to all social privileges. In some instance men who were warned out were elected to office at the following town meeting and became useful, substantial citizens contributing largely to the intelligence and wealth of a town to which they were so formally received. Not a few of those who served in the Revolution were welcomed in this manner to Ashburnham. In their turn they joined, in a more serious manner, in warning out an army of invasion before it gained a residence on Ameri- can soil. A few extracts from the records will give a fair idea of the spirit of these proceedings. To Jonathan G-ates, constable of the Town of Ashburnham, Greeting : Whereas Joseph Perry and Mary Perry his wife, Joseph Perry, Juner, and Mary Perry and Abigail Perry and Annie Perr^-, children of Joseph and Mary Perry, Hath lately Come to the Town of Ashburnham and came last from Midway and Came to 130 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. the Town of Ashburnham November 1765, whom the Selectmen of Ashburnham Refuse to admit as Inhabitants of the said Town. THESE are therefore in his majesties name to Require you» the said Constable to warn the persons a Bove mentioned forth- with to Depart out of the town of Ashburnham. Hereof fail not and make Due return of this -warrant with your Doings therein to some one of us the subscribers. Given under our hands and seal at Ashburnham This Twelfth day of February A D .1766 in the Sixth year of his Majesties Rain. TRISTRAM CHENEY ) Selectmen JOHN RICH [ of SAMUEL FELLOWS ) Ashburnham. WoKCESTER ss. AsHBDENHAM, February 24 1766 In obedience and by virtue of the within written warrant I have warned the within named Joseph Perry and Mary Perry his wife Joseph Perry Juner Mary Perry Abigail Perry Annie Perry children of Joseph and Mary Perry, forthwith to Depart out of the town of Ashburnham. JONATHAN GATES, Constable of said Town. In some instances the selectmen made a memorandum of the arrival of a family into town and in such cases no warrant is found. Olive Davis and Mercy Davis Daughters of Jonas Davis of Harvard Deceased and Elizabeth his wife came into this town October y= 14, 1767, and came last from Harvard. Elijah Edsou left Bridgewater June 17 1769 and brought with him Martha Edson his wife and three children Sarah Edson, Oliver Edson and Ziba Edson, whom the selectmen refuse to admit as Inhabitants of Ashburnham. CHAPTEK V. REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. SITUATION OF THE TOWN. THE COVENANT. WORCESTER CONVENTION. THE JHKOK LIST. — REPRESENTED IN PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. — POWDER AND LEAD. THE MILITIA ORGANIZED. — PROMINENT CITIZENS INTER- VIEWED. — THE SALT PROBLEM. ALARM AT LEXINGTON. CAPTAIN gates' company. CAPTAIN DAVIs' COMPANY. — THE. SIEGE OP BOSTON AND BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. CAPTAIN WILDEK's COMPANY — THE DECLARATION OP INDEPENDENCE. ENLISTMENTS IN 1776. AN HOUR OF GLOOM. TOWN PROCEEDINGS. SOLDIERS IN 1777. ALARM AND CALL FOR TROOPS. THE RESPONSE OF ASHBURNHAM. — CONTI- NENTAL AND OTHER SOLDIERS. PUBLIC AID. — ASSENT TO THE ARTI- CLES OF CONFEDERATION. — DEPRECIATION OF THE CURRENCY. THE SOLDIERS IN THE FIELD. NEW RECRUITS. CLOTHING FOR THE ARMY. ALAS, ONE DESERTER. — SOLDIERS IN 1779. REPRESENTATIVE TO GEN- ERAL COURT. — PRICE OF COMMODITIES. CONSTITUTION PROPOSED. THANKSGIVING. SOLDIERS IN 1780. — TOWN MEETINGS. OBSERV- ANCE OF THE SABBATH. SOLDIERS IN 1781. BOUNTY PROPOSED. A FINE REMITTED. REQUISITIONS FOR BEEF HOME TRIALS. The story of Ashburnham in the Revolution compre- • hends neither the movements, of armies nor the decisive results of sanguinary engagements. The causes of the war, the prevailing sentiment of the colonies and the campaigns and fortunes of the army are subjects of general history. It falls within the province of this chapter to record the names of the men of Ashburnham who were in the service and to present some account of the hardships endured at home. It will appear that the inhabitants of this town were in full sympathy with the patriotic sentiment of the colonies, 131 132 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. and in the field and at the fireside cheerfully bore a full measure of the hardships and burdens of the period. Com- pared with the older settlements the frontier towns were young and feeble ; and, if remote from the earlier discussion of public grievances and from the theatre of war, it is cer- tain they felt every pulsation of the heart of the colonies and responded to every demand. The population of Ashburnham in 1776 was five hundred and fifty-one. Upon this little community, situated upon the border of the province, the provisional government and the patriotic impulse of the people, during the progress of the war, made heavy drafts for men and treasure. Inured to the privations and hardships of the frontier, the settle- ments bravely assumed burdens which would have been refused by people less familiar to lives of self-denial and hardships. During the Revolution the strength of the colo- nies rested in familiarity with poverty and toil. Patriotic impulse and a firm reliance in the righteousness of their cause were important factors, but it required hardihood as well as impulse and endurance as well as principle. A sol- diery more tenderly nurtured and less inured to privation might bravely meet the enemy in the field but would have failed in the sufferings of Valley Forge. Commencing with the beginning of open hostilities the older towns, situated near the theatre of the war, sent an increasing stream of immigration to the frontiers where a more comfortable feeling of security could be enjoyed. During the war all the towns in this vicinity increased rapidly in population. From 1776 to 1780 the population of Ashburnham was increased nearly twofold. The names of many families which are conspicuous in the annals of Ashburnham first appear at this time. All who removed hither were fraternally welcomed and the older resident and REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 133 the new arrival, actuated by a common purpose, are found side by side in the army or joined in procuring money and means to carry on the war. It will appear in the course of this narrative that nearly every man residing in this town and nearly every boy over sixteen years of age were in the service for a longer or a shorter period. The records of Ashburnham do not pre- serve the names of any revolutionary soldiers. The search for the material for this chapter was made elsewhere. The State archives and the files of the Pension Office at Wash- ington have been fruitful fields of research. It is believed that the following pages will contain the names of nearly all the residents of this town who served in the army during the Revolutionary War. No name has been admitted without unquestionable proof. Tradition and the records are fre- quently at variance, and in such cases the authority of the records has been accepted. The winter preceding the repulse of the enemy at Lex- ington and Concord was a season of gloom and uncertainty. The colonists, and especially those of Massachusetts, were anxiously waiting for the clouds to break or, if inevitable, for hostilities to commence. This era of doubt and uncer- tainty cast the deepest gloom over the land. The inhabi- tants of Ashburnham are early found in full sympathy with the prevailing sentiment and with remarkable unanimity are early prepared for the decisive issue. As early as 1773 mention of the situation of public affairs finds expression in an article in the warrant for the annual March meeting, " To see if the Town will consider the general grievances that are laid upon us by acts of Parliament & disposing of our monies without our consent." At this time no action was taken, but in July, 1774, "it was moved that the Covenant sent from Boston be read and accordingly it was read. 134 HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. Then a motion was made for an alteration and that Doctor Senter, George Dana, Elisha Coolidge, Samuel Nichols and Jonathan Samson be a committee to alter said covenant and adjourned said meeting for half an hour and then said Cove- nant was altered to the acceptance of the Town." "Voted that Elisha Coolidge Samuel Wilder and Samuel Nichols be a committee to keep the covenant after it is signed." The covenant adopted in the foregoing vote was a solemn engagement, signed by the inhabitants of the town, that the}' would refrain from the purchase and use of certain articles of British merchandise, and that risking their lives and fortunes in the defence of their charter rights and privileges, they would resist all officers holding commissions under the late acts of Parliament. On the third day of September, the town was assembled to hear the report of Jonathan Taylor who had been chosen to attend a convention at Worcester, which met in August at the house of Mary Stearns, widow of Captain Thomas Stearns. The records do not afford any information of the character of the report, yet from other sources it is known that this convention recommended the several towns to appoint military officers, to provide arms and ammunition, and to make ample provision for any emer- gency that may arise. At the same meeting the progress of public sentiment is revealed in a vote to indemnify the officers of the town for not returning a list of jurors as required by an act of Parliament. This was a bold measure and in open resistance of royal authority. The colonists were extremely sensitive in regard to the influences surrounding the halls of justice. The man of lowest degree justly demanded a hear- ing on equal terms with the favorites of royalty. The exist- ing discontent arose in the fact that the judges were appointed by the crown and provision was made in England for their support for the purpose of rendering them wholly independent KEVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 135 of colonial influence. This system of appointment and salary of the judges received early discussion and firm resistance. The vote of Ashburnham refusing to recognize the courts thus constituted in returning a list of jurors, was a part of the general action of the colony. Two other important votes were passed at this meeting. First, the town choose Jonathan Taylor, a representative to the famous provincial congress which assembled at Concord, October 11, and by adjournment to Cambridge continued their deliberations until December 10, 1774. Evidently, not yet content with these expressions of opinion, and with these provisions for the future, at the same meeting, nearly a year before Washington assumed command of the army, the town voted " to buy half a hundred of powder and one hundred of lead and ten dozen of flints as a town stock." At this meet- ing, as stated, the town heard from their delegate the recom- mendations of the Worcester convention, and ten days later were again assembled to carry them into eflfect. The action •of this meeting was brief yet decisive. A committee of safety and correspondence was chosen and the militia was organized. The record of the meeting preserves the roll of honor. Chose Samuel Nichols, Jonathan Samson, Deliverance Davis, Abijah Joslin and Jonathan Taylor a committee of correspond- ence. Voted that the following persons be the officers of the militia of said town : — Abijah Joslin, captain. Deliverance Davis, lieutenant. Ebenezer Conant, Jr., ensign. Amos Dickerson, first sergeant. Jacob Harris, second sergeant. Oliver Stone, third sergeant. 136 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Enos Jones, fourth sergeant. Phinehas Wetherbee, first corporal. Salmon Button, second corporal. George Dana, third corporal. Ezra Atherton, fourth corporal. John Conn, clerk. This meeting completes the official action of the town for the year and introduces the names of men who will be fre- quently and honorably mentioned in the following pages. Early in 1775, we find two companies of organized militia, of which Captains Jonathan Gates and Deliverance Davis were commanders, but no record is found of their election or of the resignation of Captain Joslin. 1775. At the annual March meeting this year, five select- men, consisting of John Kiblinger, Samuel Nichols, Captain Jonathan Gates, Ohver Stone and Amos Kendall, were chosen. Through the extended record of proceedings con- cerning the ordinary town affairs, the gleam of the Revolu- tion is revealed in a vote that Captain Jonathan Gates be instructed to procure thirty-six cartridge boxes for the use of the minute-men at the expense of the town. A former town meeting had been convened early in the month at which town officers were chosen and the usual routine busi- ness was transacted. At the second meeting all the proceed- ings of the first meeting were declared null and void and new officers were chosen who continued in office through the year. The first meeting chose Samuel Wilder town clerk, but at the second meeting Jacob Willard was chosen to transcribe the public records. There is tradition that for a short time in the early stages of the Revolution, Rev. John Cushing, Samuel Wilder, Deacon John Willard, and possibly one or two others, were regarded with some measure of suspicion by the more ardent patriots. It is certain that about this EEVOLUTIONAKY HISTORY. 137 time a company of men, mainly from other towns, waited upon these gentlemen for an expression of their views on public affairs. Whatever may have been the character or influence of this interview, there was no further question in regard to the political opinions of these men. Mr. Wilder was elected town clerk the following year, an office he held with no other interruption from 1769 to 1792, and all of these men gave a cheerful support to every measure for the prosecution of the war. The population of the town was increased during the year 1775 by the arrival of the follow- ing men, most of whom had families : John Putnam, Nathaniel Adams, Peter Willard, Captain Joseph Wilder, Simeon Nutting, Timothy, David and Levi Chaplin, Asa Brocklebank and Jacob Wilker, the first of the name in town. While this town voted throughout the year not to send a representative to the provincial congTcss, it is apparent that there was no want of interest in the progress of public affairs outside of the township, since a committee of inspection was promptly chosen " to see that the resolves of the Continental Congress respecting trade be strictly adhered to." To this duty William Whitcomb, Jonathan Taylor, Jonathan Sam- son, George Dana and Samuel Cutting were assigned. Similar to the action of other towns in this vicinity, Ashburn- ham adopted early measures to secure and distribute among^ the families of the town a supply of salt before the channels of trade were closed and many commodities beyond their grasp. A few votes on this subject are transcribed from the records : Voted to Purchis 300 Bushels of salt for a town stock and chose Messrs. Jonathan Tajlor, Amos Kindall and Samuel Foster to bee a committee to percure the same. Allso said committee is- to give security in behalf of said town for said salt. Said town 138 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. to alow Mr. Amos Kindall, 18 shillings for going down to percure said salt. Voted that the committee apply to the town Treasurer for money to Bair the charges of teems. At a subsequent meeting : Voted that the committee Imployed to git the Salt take the same under their Cair and sell to each man as they think his portion is for the space of six months from the first of July 1775, and no longer. N. B. After the time heir prefixed said com- mittee may sell the salt to any person or persons in town or out. Having given some account of the proceedings at home, the principal events in the history of Ashburnham for the year 1775 remain as yet untold. The town, if remote from the early scenes of hostilities, bore an honorable part in the alarm at Lexington, the battle of Bunker Hill and the sub- sequent siege of Boston. Thus far we have discovered some of the steps which mark the progress of public opinion. The evidence of a firmer, faith and a more resolute purpose, leading to the sterner scenes of the Revolutionary struggle is at ready command. And yet the alacrity with which the inhabitants of Ashburnham responded to the alarm of war at the first call of their country was the simple and natural outgrowth of the resolute preparation which had been made during the past two years. The spring of 1775 was unusually forward; the warm, sunny days of mid April had invited the husbandman to the labors of the field. But in the midst of a peaceful avocation, and attending this external appearance of security and com- posure, there was a strong undercurrent of suspense and anxiet}"-. Neither the vernal sun nor the balmy air of spring could dissolve the portentous clouds which overhung the REVOLUTIONAKY HISTORY. 139 political horizon. And now at a season of the year most suggestive of tranquillity and gladness, all remaining doubt was suddenly removed and all anticipations of an honorable peace were dispelled. The harsh notes of war and carnage resounded over the dying hope of a peaceful settlement of the public grievances. With unfinished furrows and fields half sown, the patriot farmer reversing the prophecy lay down the pruning-hooks for spears and quickly beat the plough- shares into swords. The ominous intelligence that the British were marching from Boston towards Lexington swiftly borne on the wings of alarm was proclaimed in Ash- burnham in the afternoon of that historic day. To the signal guns came answering echoes from the surrounding hills, and before the reverberations quivering with alarm had faded in the distance, there came responsive shots from many homes. The town was quickly aroused. The patriots, arms in hand, were hurrying forward from every quarter of the town. No intelligence of hostilities at this hour had been received. It was only known that the enemy were marching inward. The story of the slaughter of their brethren at Lexington and at Concord was then unknown, nor was it needed to call these men to arms. Under command of Captain Jonathan Gates, a company of thirty-eight men promptly responded to the call and marched that afternoon. Nor was this all. Through the following night the men from the remoter portions of the town responded to the alarm, and busy notes of preparation were constantly renewed. A second company of thirty-three men, under command of Captain Deliverance Davis, was organized. Early in the gray of the following morning they were on the march. The rolls preserve the names of those men, seventy-one in number, who responded thus to the alarm. Leaving homes and family with hasty 140 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. farewells, they hastened to the relief of their brethren, and some of them to the familiar scenes of their childhood and to the defence of the homes of their kindred. The rapidity with which the alarm was spread over the country on the nineteenth of April, has excited surprise. It was not accidental, nor one of those hazard enterprises that sometimes apparently happen in a fortuitous manner. For weeks the committees of safety and correspondence had been preparing for just such an emergency; in many instances it had been arranged who should ride, and to whom deliver the message. At twilight many a vigilant patriot had carefully stabled and fed his fleetest horse, half in expectation that a summons to ride might come before the rising of another sun. The public records of the town aiford no iixfonnation of the number or the names of these men who promptly responded to the alarm. If tradition was the only remain- ing source of information, the lists would remain uncertain and incomplete. The traditional statement that this town sent out one company which, on the receipt of intelligence that the aflray was ended, returned home the same or the following day, has been quite generally accepted. Ashburn- ham soldiers in the Revolution did not acquit themselves in that manner. For once tradition shot beneath the mark, but has made ample amends in other fields of information. For- tunately, the muster rolls of these two companies are preserved in the State archives. If additional evidence is required it is not withheld. Among the papers of the late Deacon John C. Davis, a grandson of one of the com- manders, is preserved a list of the men under the command of Captain Deliverance Davis. This list and the roll at the State House without exception are the same, and the per- sonal statements of a few of the men will appear in another REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 14,1 connection. Both of the companies marched to Cambridge and there remained with the gathering army several days. As previously stated, Captain Gates' company left Ash- burnham on the afternoon of the alarm. Upon the muster roll, under the head of " Time when marched," there appears ■opposite every name "April 19." This company continued an organization until May 1, when it was disbanded. A few had previously returned home ; a few came home when the company was disbanded and sixteen of them enlisted in Colonel Whitcomb's regiment and remained in the service until the close of the year. Captain Davis' company is credited with marching April 20. It was disbanded at Cambridge, April 30. Three from this company remained in the service. With the exception of three in Captain Davis' company and a few in Captain Gates' company, these men are credited with fifty-five miles' travel. ■Cap* Jonathan Gates' Muster Roll in Col John Whitcomb's Regi- ment of Militia Men who marched from Ashhurnham on y^ Alarm April 19^'^ 1775. Jonathan Gates, Captain Amos Dickerson, Lieutenant Ezra Atherton, Lieutenant -George Dana, Sergeant Henry Gates "William Wilder, do Samuel Joslin Joseph Metcalf , do Jonathan Warren Smith Ebenezer Burgess, do David Robinson Daniel Hobart, Corp''' Jacob Kiblinger Peter Joslin, do Henry Hall Francis Lane, do Amos Kindall Joseph Stone, Drummer Henry Winchester Amos Lawrence Samuel Willard Phinehas Weatherbee Philip Lock Moses Russell Aaron Samson H^athaniel Parker Samuel Salter 142 HISTORY OF ASPIBURNHAM. John Gates John Whitney Jonathan Winchester Joshua Holt Daniel Edson Ebenezer Wood Joseph Wilder Philip Winter Nathaniel Harris David Claik, Jr. Peter Osgood Qapt. Deliverance Davis' Muster Roll in Col Asa Whitcomb's Regiment of Mililia men wJio marched from Ashburnham on 2/« Alarm April 19"'' 1775. Deliverance Davis, Captain Ebenezer Conant, Jr., Lieutenant John Conn, 2<^ Lieutenant Oliver Stone, Sergeant Nathan Melvin John Adams, do Nathaniel Hastings Samuel Cutting, do Samuel Mason Shubuel Hobart, Corp''' Ephraim Wetherbee Timothy Wood, do David Clark Oliver Whitcomb, do Isaac Blodgett Elijah Edson, Drummer Joshua Hemenway Isaac Merriam John Hall Oliver Willard John Kiblinger Uriah Holt John Putnam William Whitcomb Jacob Willard William Benjamin Joshua Holden Jacob Constautine Jonathan Taylor Caleb Ward Jonathan Taylor, Jr. Enos Jones Joseph Perry Immediately following the afiair at Lexington the Massa- chusetts committee of safety called out the militia. In an address to the several towns dated April 20, the committee urged them "to hasten and encourage by all possible means the enlistment of men for an army." "Our all," says the address, "is at stake. Death and devastatibn are the certain consequences of delay. Every moment is infi- nitely precious. An hour lost may deluge your country in REVOLUTIONAEY HISTORY. 143 blood and entail perpetual slavery upon the few who may survive the carnage." An answering spirit animated the inhabitants of this town and as will appear a considerable number joined the army gathered around Boston. In response to this appeal and in full sympathy with the sentiment of the colony the enlistments from this town were neither tardy nor few in number. It is probable that some enlisted at this time of whom no record has been found. The rolls are imperfect and there is no reason to presume that the following lists contain the names of all from this town who were in the sei-vice either at this time or at subse- quent periods. The muster roll of the company of Captain David Wilder of Leominster in Colonel Whitcomb's regi- ment bears the names of sixty-eight men including officers. On one of the rolls of this company the residence of each man is stated. The following abstract contains only the Ashburnham men : DATE or ENLISTMENT. Jonathan Gates, First Lieutenant April 25 1775 Francis Lane, /Sergeant 11 26 Peter Joslin, u it 26 Joshua licit (( 26 Jacob Kiblinger a 26 , ' Philip Locke u 26 David Eobinson £( 26 Samuel Salter li 26 Aaron Samson a 26 Henry Hull u 26 Henry Winchester a 26 Samuel Willard a 26 John Whitney n 26 Ebenezer Wood a 26 Philip Winter a 26 144 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. David Clark, Jr. April 26 Joshua Hemmenway " 26 John Farmer " 26 Joseph Smith, Jr. " 27 Jonathan Gates, Jr. May 29 Isaac Blodget July 17 John Locke " 17 Jacob Winter " 17 Daniel Edson " 17 The men participating in the siege of Boston remained in the service until the close of the year and some of them remained a fevf weeks longer or until new recruits came for- ward to fill their place. In the same service were David Clark, Sen., in the company of Captain Longley in Colonel Whitcomb's regiment, Uriah Holt in Captain Burt's com- pany and Thomas Dutton in Captain Wyman's company of Colonel Prescott's regiment. Twentj^-three men from Ashburnham participated in the battle of Bunker Hill. Several others who subsequently removed to this town shared the danger and glory of that memorable engagement, but at the time were residents of other towns. Of these, twenty were in Captain Wilder's company and the remaining three were Clark, Holt and Dutton who were named in a former paragraph. It is prob- able that Colonel Whitcomb's regiment, as an organization, was not engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill but it is cer- tain, and the fact is undisputed, that the company of Cap- tain Wilder was warmly engaged on that occasion. It was this year that the first summer boarders arrived in Ashburnham. We do not know their names nor the families that entertained them. In accordance with stipulations between the committee of safety and General Gage at Bos- ton, many families of that environed town were sufiered to EEVOLUTIONAEY HISTORY. 145 leave unmolested and by the committee were distributed among the several towns of the colony for temporary sup- port. The number of these worthy poor assigned to Ash- burnham was twelve. At the close of the year, 1775, a simple foi-m of State government was in operation, controlled by a house of repre- sentatives and an executive council, and judicial courts were duly organized. This form of government was crude and untried. A healthy public sentiment and vigilance, tem- pered with prudence, were the main protection of the peo- ple. The summer of this year had been extremely hot and dry, and the slender hai-vests occasioned much anxiety and alarm for the future. This condition of aifairs, the absence of many of the heads of families in the army, and the extreme solicitude experienced by all concerning the issues of the war, cast a deepening gloom over the trials and anxieties of the closing year. 1776. The year 1776 was an eventful one. The for- tunes of the army were not decisive in any degree, yet the patriotism and bold faith of the colonists at no time shone forth more conspicuously. The record of the year will afford ample proof that the inhabitants of Ashburnham gave an unqualified adhesion to the more comprehensive plans and the deeper sentiment which animated the colonies. The war commencing on the plea of defence now changed to a war for independence. It was no longer a domestic strife. The patriots ceased to be rebels and a civil war was odious to many. They were now ready for revolution and by the Declaration of Independence, in which they asserted their right and title to all the attributes of a nation, their position among the nations and their attitude to Eng- land were suddenly changed. Heretofore, the proceedings of the conventions were recommendations and appeals to 10 146 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. the patriotism of the people ; now such enactments assumed the dignity and majesty of law, and, aided by a spirit of obedience which pervaded the colonies, there was no failure of orderly conduct nor any hiatus in the munici- pal government of the people. Through radical changes and for a season through the failure of any organic law, the town of Ashburnham held meetings, chose officers and lev- ied taxes with no authority except a loyal public sentiment. In May of this year the General Court passed an order calling upon the people to express an opinion concerning a formal and entire separation from Great Britain. It was not presumed that a- reconciliation was either probable or possible, but an explicit expression of opinion was suggested by this action. On the twenty-fourth day of June a war- rant for a town meeting was issued and four days later the inhabitants of Ashburnham were assembled to deliberate upon a grave and momentous question. The article and the vote are self-explanatory. Article 2. To see if the Inhabitants of said Town are willing to stand by the Honourable Congress in declaring the Colonies Independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain with their lives and fortunes to Support them in the measure. June 28, 1776. Pursuant to the above warrant the town being met made choice of Mr. Elisha Coolidge moderator. Voted. We the Inhabitants of the Town of Ashburnham, in Town meeting assembled being sensible of the disadvantage of having any further connections with the Kingdom of Great Britain and are willing to brake off all connections with them and it is our Eesolution that if the Honorable Congress shall declare the Colonies Independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain that we the said Inhabitants will stand by them with our lives and for- tunes to support them in the measure. The foregoing motion being put was voted unanimously. REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 147 Soon after this vote the Declaration of Independence was received in printed form. It was read from the pulpit and transcribed at length upon the records of the town. At the annual meeting the town chose Jonathan Taylor, John Willard, Jonathan Samson, Abijah Joslin and Eben- ezer Conant, Jr., a committee of correspondence. The only remaining action of this meeting relating to the war was a vote " to abate the soldiers highway rates for the last year." The selectmen, upon whom devolved many duties concerning the prosecution of the war, were William Whit- comb, John Kiblinger and Oliver .Willard. In connection with these proceedings the service in the field for the year was the natural sequence of the spirit per- vading the town. The company of Captain David Wilder, containing twenty-four men from Ashburnham which par- ticipated in the siege of Boston, was discharged on account of expiration of term of service near the close of the year 1775. Without returning home Jonathan Gates, Jr., and possibly others, reenlisted and served an additional term of three months. About this time the army became so depleted by expiration of terms of enlistment that a call was issued for additional troops, and to maintain the army while the new recruits were being enlisted there was also a call for men for a short term of service. For the service last named this town furnished three men who enlisted for six ■ weeks and were assigned to the right wing of the army at Roxbury. They were Jonathan Samson, Jr., Joseph Met- calf and his son, Ezekiel Shattuck Metcalf, in Captain Hill's company of Harvard. In an affidavit of the widow of Ezekiel Shattuck Metcalf, in support of her application for a pension in 1839, she alleges there were four men from this town in that company. Her recollection may be correct but no record of the remaining soldier has been dis- 148 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. covered. In the company of Captain Eand of Westminster and in the same service was David Merriam who enlisted for three months in January of this year. When Washington withdrew the army to New Yorlt he left at Boston only three regiments of militia. Massachusetts promptly raised three additional regiments for the defence of the harbor. In these regiments, serving under General Ward, Ashburnham was honorably represented. Jonathan Samson, Jr., after completing the enlistment mentioned in a former paragraph, joined the army again in July and served in the company of Captain Manasseh Sawyer of Sterling in Colonel Dyke's regiment. With his company he was engaged four and one-half months in constructing forts at Dorchester Heights. Again in December he enlisted into the same company and served three months at Dorches- ter. In the last service he was joined by David Merriam, Ebenezer Bennett Davis and Daniel Putnam. In Captain Warner's company of Colonel Josiah Whitney's regiment are found the familiar names of Uriah Holt and Thomas Ross and in Colonel Dyke's regiment was David Taylor. Jacob Kiblinger and John Hall served two months in the summer of this year in the company of Captain Woods in Colonel Converse's regiment, which for a time was stationed at Dobb's Ferry and at Tarrytown and constituted a part of the main army under Washington. In the same com- pany was Abraham Gibson who then resided in Fitchburg, but subsequently removed to this town where he resided many years. In the company of Captain Sargent of Princeton in Colonel Josiah Whitney's regiment from May to July were John Kiblinger, William Ward and Jacob Eodiman. They were stationed near Boston and for a short time were with the army in Ehode Island in an unsuccessful attack upon the REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 149 British. In the same company was Charles Hastings who enlisted from Princeton but soon after removed to this town. David Stedman served one enlistment in Captain Fiske's company in Colonel Brooks' regiment, and Nicholas White- man enlisted December 8 in Captain Alden's company, Colonel jNIitchell's regiment. Three soldiers sealed their devotion to the cause of their country with their lives. These were Peter Joslin, aged about twenty-five years, who died on his homeward journey from the army; Philip Winter, aged twenty-two years, who died in the service, and Daniel Hobart, aged twenty-seven years, who was killed at the battle of White Plains, October 28, 1776. Young Hobart enlisted in June and was assigned to Colonel Coleman's regiment which joined the army under Washington. In this engagement with the enemy he was wounded in the thigh with a musket ball and left upon the field. His retiring comrades beheld the enemy approach and beat him with clubbed muskets. Dr. Abraham Lowe and David Wallis then of Lunenburg, Isaac Whitmore of Leominster, Cyrus Fairbanks of Harvard, Reuben Townsend of Shrewsbury, Isaac and William Stearns of Billerica, Jonas Rice of Sterling, Reuben Rice of Lancaster, Joshua Fletcher of Westford, Oliver and Jabez Marble of Stow, all of whom subsequently removed to Ash- burnham, were in the service some portion of the year. 1777. The spring of this eventful year was a season of deepest gloom and depression. To this time the American army had been engaged in a defensive warfare and very fre- quently had been found unable to cope with the disciplined and well-equipped forces of the enemy. Very frequently had the American soldier been obliged to retreat from scenes of courage and heroism worthy of victory. The discourage- ments of the hour were cumulative. To test the endurance 150 HISTORY OF ASMBURNHAM. and faith of the colonics came the depressiiii; intelligence of the progress of the haughty army under Burgoync in its advance from Canada to join the main army at New York. Apparently, a further invasion of the country was inevitable and especially was New England menaced with instant danger. The inhabitants of this town evinced no evidence of terror or dismay but calmly proceeded to adopt defensive measures and to raise their full proportion of men. The activity of the State authorities and the generous response of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire militia at this critical moment are important events in the history of the American Revolution ; but it is only the part borne by Ash- burnham that appeals for expression in this narrative. The number of enlistments in this town during the year was about one hundred. .Some of these men were at Stillwater and Saratoga in the gallant army of General Gates which eventually crushed and annihilated the proud army of Burgoyne, so recently flushed with the hope of spoils and devastation. The latter they realized, but from a standpoint directly opposed to their lofty expectations. Preliminary to an account of the enlistments for the year some reference should be made to the action of the town and the home trials of the year. Recognizing efEcient service, and possibly as an encouragement to their successors in office to pursue a similar policy in the conduct of town aflairs, the town in March voted " to allow the selectmen additional compensation for extraordinary services the past year " in a special appropriation of " twenty-four shillings for going to Boston in their country's service." In INIay, William Whit- comb was chosen " to represent the town in the great and general court to be held in Boston the 28"' day of May cur- rent." This record presents an early employment of the high-sounding and ponderous title that has flattered a legisla- EEVOLUTIONARY HISTOKY. 151 ture with the weight of its own dignity. It was this session of the General Court which submitted a proposed constitu- tion for the acceptance of the people and which was rejected by a great majority early the following year. The selectmen this year were Samuel Wilder, Deacon John Willard, Jona- than Samson, Jonathan Taylor and Captain Abijah Joslin. The committee of correspondence and inspection were Samuel Foster, William Wilder, Enos Jones, Joseph Met- calf and Francis Lane. Expressive of the sentiment of the town on the subject a committee, consisting of Captain Thomas Adams, George Dana, John Conn, Captain Jonathan Gates and William Wilder,' was appointed to remonstrate the Legislature against the proposed measui'e of calling in the issue of paper money. Captain Adams named in this vote was the father of the centenarian, John Adams. The elder Adams removed to this town, 1775, and very soon after the alarm at Lexington, where he resided, until his death in 1802. If this statement is opposed by other records, it is nevertheless correct. The first reference to a depreciated currency upon the record of this town is found in a vote late in the year "to allow Rev. John Gushing £33^ on account of the fall of money." It is impossible at this late period to name all the men of Ashburnham who served in the army this year. As is well known, a portion of the muster rolls were never filed among the State papers and others have been destroyed by fire. The roll here given, although imperfect, is highly creditable to the town, while every one will join in a regret that any name has been lost from the record of patriotic service. Among the Massachusetts forces sent to the defence of Rhode Island in 1777, was the regiment commanded by Colonel Josiah Whitney, which- included at least five men from this town. They were John Kiblinger, Jacob Rodi- I,'i2 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. man, Samuel Metcalf, Jonathan Coolidge and William Ward. The service was rendered in the early part of the year and before this regiment was sent to New York, as the mileage "o for five of these men due from the State was allowed to the town in June. From other evidence it appears that these men were in service four months. In the summer of this year, intelligence of the fall of Crown Point and Ticonderoga and the steady and triumphant advance of General Burgoyne created a widespread sentiment of the most painful appre- hension. Early in July General Schuyler, while retreating before the enemy, issued a proclamation calling to his imme- diate assistance the militia of New England and New York, and aroused by the danger of the situation, multitudes obeyed the call. While men for this service were being recruited in Ashburnham, there came the startling intelligence that a detachment of the enemy had invaded the soil of Vermont and were pressing on toward the western counties of Massa- chusetts. The town immediately was in arms, and Captain Jonathan Gates, with twenty or thirty men from this town, immediately marched to the relief of their brethren. So prompt was the action of the authorities, and so responsive was the spirit manifested by the people, that all, or nearly every town in this vicinity, sent an independent company of men who did not delay for regimental organization, but each little company, independent of superior ofiicers, conducted a brief campaign on personal responsibility. These men were not mustered nor organized into regiments and never received pay nor rations for their service. This company, with others from this vicinity, was marched to Charlemont, and was there held to await information of the progress and probable course of the enemy. Learning that the American army under General St. Clair had retreated into New York, and that the probable theatre of war had been removed beyond RBVOLUTIONAEY HISTORY. 153 their vicinity, they were dismissed and after an absence of three weeks returned to their homes. There were no muster rolls of these men, and, with few exceptions, their names have faded beyond recall. It was an anonymous campaign. In the same expedition were forty-eight men from West- minster, under command of Captain Elisha Jackson ; Captain Thurlo led a company of twenty-two men from Fitchburg. Lunenburg was represented by Captain Carlisle and a num- ber of men under his command. In the latter company was Dr. Abraham Lowe, later, the well-known physician of this town. The few names of the Ashburnham company that can now be ascertained are Jonathan Samson, Jr., William Ward, John Adams, David Merriam and probably Jacob Constan- tine, John Kiblinger and Nicholas Whiteman. Scarcely had these men returned to their homes and the labor of their fields before they were again called into service. The annihilation of the army under Burgoyne was a preconcerted effort and this call upon the militia was a part of a well- matured plan. Catching the spirit of the undertaking, the men came promptly forward "to drive the Hessians into the woods." Captain Gates was commander also of this expedi- tion and in the rapid organization of the army, his company was assigned to serve in connection with a New Hampshire regiment commanded by Colonel Benjamin Bellows of Walpole. The company, quickly enlisted and hurriedly equipped, was marched through Charlemont, Williamstown and thence to Bennington, Vermont, arriving there two days after the victory of General Stark. Here they were per- mitted to behold the prisoners there confined and guarded in the meeting-house, and thus stimulated by a view of the fruits of valor, were hurried on to Fort Edward in New York, where a part of them remained until after the surren- 154 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. der of Burgoyne, which occurred October 17, and some of them were transferred to other companies and participated in the battles of Stillwater and Saratoga. The number of men from Ashburnham in the second expedition commanded by Captain Jonathan Gates was between twenty and thirty. Only a part of their names has been discovered. They are William Ward, Nicholas Whiteman, Jacob Constantine, John Adams, Jonathan Samson, David Merriam, Jonathan Gates, Jr., John Kiblinger, Ezekiel S. Metcalf, and Mr. Gates, a brother of Captain Jonathan Gates. To avoid the inconvenience experienced during the pre- ceding two years, on account of the short terms of enlist- ment, and to create a more stable and a better disciplined army, orders were given early in 1777 to establish the regi- ments on the continental plan and recruit their decimated ranks with men enlisted for three years, or during the war. For this purpose the quota of Ashburnham was sixteen, and an earnest effort was made to supply the required number. Thirteen men enlisted and were mustered into service May 26, 1777, for three years, and the town or individuals hired the three remaining men, Francis Lee of Pepperell, Andrew Foster of Andover, and Josiah Fessenden of Boston, to complete the quota. The men from Ashburnham whose names are deeply inscribed in the tablets of the history of the town, were Ebenezer Bennett Davis, David Clark, David Clark, Jr., John Winter, Thomas Pratt, Samuel Mason, John White, Paul Sawyer, Jacob Lock, Thomas Eoss, Joshua Holden, Timothy Johnson and Adam Rodiman. A considerable number of other men from this town was in the service this year. There are many incidental refer- ences which establish the fact, but do not reveal the names of the soldiers. In August this year there was a EE VOLUTION ARY HISTORY. 155 draft in this town for men to serve three months, but the number of men required has not been ascertained. It appears that David ChafEn was drafted at this time and was assigned to Captain Nathaniel Carter's company in Colonel Cushing's regiment and joined the army under General Gates. On account of sickness he was discharged and arrived home, November 1, 1777. 1778. The new year opened with a town meeting at which the town voted that they " were not willing to send any relief to the Continental soldiers now in the army." The natural construction of this language unfairly represents the prevailing sentiment and the real intent of the town. It was the intention of the town, as appears from other records, that the needs of the soldiers beyond their stipu- lated pay and bounty should be left with their friends and the generosity of individuals, which had proved adequate in the past and were confidently invoked in this instance. Present in this meeting, perhaps, was Samuel Metcalf, then a youth of sixteen years, who had but recently returned from a long and perilous journey to the army, bearing clothing to his brother Ezekiel to supply a loss caused by the burning of his tent which had left him destitute. With such evidence of the thoughtful care of the soldier in the field, with the hum of the wheel, the click of the loom and the busy needle in every home, there was present in this meeting every assurance that the individual and not the town could best respond to this call upon their charity. In May of this year, the town approved of the Articles of Confederation proposed by the Continental Congress. The vote was decisive. The records assert "there was but one against it," but the name and motive of this dissenting voice are not revealed. In the midst of the weighty responsibilities resting upon our worthy fathers, perplexed with the demands 156 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. of war and the problems of new forms of government, the town eloquently assert their attentive care of the family of the soldier in a vote "to help Timothy Johnson's wife who is in needy circumstances, so that she may be made comfort- able." Timothy Johnson is found in the list of men enlisting the previous year for three years and leaving, doubtless with confidence, his wife and their three babes to the considerate care of his townsmen. To the husbandman the summer of 1778 was one of great discouragements. The season was extremely dry and the product of the field was small and unremunerative. The partial failure of the crops was keenly felt at a season when the i^roduct of the farm was the only means to meet the heavy demands for money and provisions to carry on the war. To give poignancy to their despondency the currency depreciated so rapidly in value that financial ruin seemed instant and inevitable. During the year 1778, the equiva- lent of a unit of money decreased from one-third to less than one-sixth of its nominal value. One assessment of taxes fol- lowed another in rapid succession, until the constable, who was also collector of taxes, only left the door to soon return with renewed demands, and creditors, beholding every dol- lar of their dues fade in value from month to month, were importunate and peremptory in their demands for immediate payment. In the midst of these depressing surroundings at home came many assurances of amended fortunes. During the past few months a disheartened and retreating a,rmy, receiving timely reenforcement, had fought several suc- cessful battles which had completely annihilated a proud and invading army. The patriots had taught the disciplined and well-equipped soldiery of Europe that they were their equals, both in the open field and in the strategems of war. REVOLUTIONAKY HISTORY. 157 They had awakened a renewed confidence in themselves which imparted the strength of cohesion and of discipline to the patriot army. The seat of war was removed to the South, and the calls for troops were less frequent and imper- ative. The sudden and tantalizing alarms which had char- acterized the preceding year, giving the minute-men but little freedom from actual service or solitude when at home, for many months were not repeated. In addition to all these flattering omens, which encouraged hope to triumph over despondency, the most enlivening hopes were associ- ated with the alliance with France, and her proffers of assist- ance in the prosecution of the war. A firmer faith in the success of their cause was everywhere manifested, until many were persuaded to believe that the war was substan- tially at an end. And yet amid these cheering omens another vial was being opened whose bitterness soon drenched the land ; only an oasis had been reached, and not the fruitful soil beyond the desert sands ; the clouds were not breaking, but only shifting into new shapes, to again inundate the land with darker days and gi-eater trials. The record of the preceding year left the continental soldiers from this town with the army under the immediate command of "Washington. It will be remembered that these men enlisted for three years. Jacob Lock and Samuel Mason having died the remaining fourteen shared the suffering of a winter of unusual severity at Valley Forge. In the spring of this year with more than two years of rugged service before them they followed the fortunes of Washington in the extreme heat and dangers of Monmouth and in the summer campaign near the city of New York. In the late autumn they were marched to Middlebrook, New Jersey, and there erected huts for the winter. The new recruits this year are found in several regiments and in as many branches of the 158 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. service, and there is ample evidence that several were drafted or enlisted in the spring and summer whose names and ser- vice cannot now be stated. The men that were being enlisted to recruit the decimated ranks of the continental regiments were so few in number that the General Court called for two thousand men to serve in these regiments for the term of nine months. For this service three men from this town volunteered or were drafted. William Ward enlisted in the month of June and was assigned to Colonel Marshall's regiment, from which he was discharged March 7, 1778, and about the same time and under the same requisition, Jonathan Benjamin and Benjamin Clark entered the service and were mustered at Fishkill, New York. The muster rolls describe Benjamin as seven- teen years of age, five feet and six inches in stature and of light complexion. Clark, the roll alleges, was at this time sixteen years of age, only five feet and two inches in height and light complexion. Young Clark was not a tall soldier, and as he lived to enlist again, there is license for the pre- sumption that his head was carried below the line of greatest danger. Having filled this quota, the selectmen express their relief in a letter to the General Court. To THE HoN''^^ Council & House op Representatives of the State Massachusetts Bat. These m ay certify that the Town of Ashburnham have com- plied with the resolve of the Court of the 20*^ of April 1778 last in raising Continental men and the men marched when called for. Ashburnham Aug 24"" 1778. OLIVER WILLARD } ^ , , JOHN CONN I Selectmen. Wokcesteb ss Aug 20* 1778. personally appeared Capt Jonathan Gates of Ashburnham and made oath to the above certificate before me. SAMUEL WILDER Town Clerk. KEVOLUTIONAKY HISTORY. 159 Reference is made in the following letter to a subject of which the result cannot be stated. The fact that Benjamin Clark was eventually mustered into service at Fishkill for nine months, and at that time the father, David Clark, had two full years to sei-ve, would indicate that he was not accepted as a substitute for his father. ASHBORNHAM JunB 01 y° 1778. this is to sortify that Jonathan Benjeman has Ingaged in the con- tinental sarvis nine monts and Likewise Benjeman Clark in the Rom of his father David Clark, he being a man in years and I should be glad if you would except him in his romm. JONATHAN GATES, Captain. To Mr Worshbon the superentendent for the County of Worcester. In the summer of this year, a combined attack, by land and water, upon the British army at Newport, in Rhode Island, was projected. An army raised from the militia of New England was sent to reenforce General Sullivan, and to cooperate with the French fleet. Calls were also made this year for men to serve in defence of Boston and the military stores deposited there. In the former service there were at least four men fi'om this town. They were enlisted or drafted in June to serve the remainder of the year. They were assigned to the company of Captain Benjamin Edgell in Colonel John Jacob's regiment, which was a part of the army under General Sullivan. They arrived home the first week in January, 1779. The descriptive list of the men from Ashburnham is of interest. IfAME. TIME OF ENLISTMENT. Ezekiel Metcalf, June 25th, John Chamberlain, June 24th, David Chaffin, June 25th, Simon Kodiman, June 26th, TRAVEL. TIME OF SERVICE. WAGES. 100 miles, 6 raos 12 days, £29-15-3 100 " 6 " 13 {( 29-18-4 100 " 6 " 12 " 29-15-3 80 " 6 " 11 u 29- 5-8 160 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. To meet the requirements for service at Boston, a number of men was drafted or recruited to serve three months. Among them were Jonathan Samson, Jr., Nicholas White- man and John Hall, who were assigned to the company of Captain John White of Lancaster, and stationed at Castle island. In service at this time and near Boston, were David Steadman and William Ward. The latter served only one month and was employed at Prospect Hill in guarding prisoners, the remains of Burgoyne's army. From this service he returned in season to enlist in Colonel Marshall's regiment, as stated in a former paragraph. Ashburnham was now required to furnish its proportion of clothing for the army. A resolve was adopted by the General Court, March 13, 1778, requiring each town in the State to furnish as many shirts, pairs of shoes and stockings, as would be equal to one-seventh part of all its male inhabi- tants. These articles were ordered to be collected in each county and forwarded to the army by the county agent, whereupon each soldier was to receive one shirt, one pair of shoes and one pair of stockings " as a present from the people of the State." Under this resolve, the quota of Ashburnham was immediately filled. If the quota of this town was seven- teen, more shu'ts were forwarded than was required, but it is probable that the excess of shirts was intended as an equivalent for a deficiency of shoes and stockings. If this supposition is correct, the quota of Ashburnham was twenty, which represents that at this time there were one hundred and forty male inhabitants in this town. The following letter of the selectmen is a part of this proceeding : To Mk. John Wait Agent and Receiver of Clothing for the County of Worcester Sir these are to inform you that we have complied with the REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 161 resolve of Cort last sent in providing clothing for the solgers. we have provided Seventeen pr of Shoes cost £3 pr i" £51 and seventeen pr Stockings £1 :16-0 pr ""-^ £30=12=0 and twenty-seven Shirts at £1 :16 apiece £48=12=0 and as we have received no furder orders Since the Resolve of the general Cort concerning the Clothing we do send them by Dea° Samuel "Wilder to you to be Rec* as our part of the clothing for this time Sum total for Clothing Ashburnham Sept 16-1778 £130-4-0 So we remain your friends & Humble Serv. OLIVER WILLARD ) JOHN CONN [-Selectmen. WILL" BENJAMIN ) To the Hons"'' Corts Committee we leave the Treble of Colect- ing and Cost of Transporting 37 miles to the agent to your Honors Judgment. This account was audited June 5, 1779. The price of the shoes was reduced to forty-eight shillings a pair and £5-11-0 was allowed for transportation thirty-seven miles. Concerning the record of one of the continental soldiers of the town, an important fact remains as yet untold. Adam Rodiman deserted. If he had been a man of diminutive stature, like Benjamin Clark, it might reasonably be pre- sumed that he was temporarily overlooked and the record made before the oversight was noted, but he is described as twenty-three years of age, six feet high, dark eyes and hair and by occupation a blacksmith. Whether he repented and returned, whether he was returned by force without repent- ance, or whether he neither returned nor repented, does not appear in the records. It is known, however, that after the war he resided several years in this town. Ah ! Adam, 11 162 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. hadst thou known that one hundred and more years after thj' desertion of the post of duty, this act of thine would be recalled, that the faithful historian who records with impartial pen the deeds of the just and the unjust, giving at once to the principal inhal^itant and most lowly citizen his fair measure of censure or praise as his life and service are revealed in the records and traditions of the town ; hadst thou known and realized all this, thou wouldst have remained to share the trial and dangers bravely endured by thy heroic comrades, and wouldst have conquered a cowardice that gives an only stain to the ensign armorial of the good old town of Ash- bm-nham. But, alas ! like thy progenitor, whose name thou bore, thou too didst fall. 1779. The theatre of the war having been transferred to the Southern States, the call for men was less imperative than in the years preceding. At the same time the military spirit of the people waned with the removal of danger from the borders of New England. If the number of men w^s comparatively small, the labor in procuring them was no less onerous than in former years. In accordance with a resolve of the General Court, passed June 9, eight men were raised in July to recruit the continental army. Three of these men to serve nine months were mustered with the following description : ft. Ebenezer Conant, age 36, height 5 — 9 Jacob Constantine, " 27, " 5 — 9 John Kiblinger, " 24, " 6 — The roll also announced that all of them were of dark complexion. Many of the continental men who entered in 1777 were in Colonel Greaton's regiment at this time. Succeeding the repeated failures in the past, a successful attempt to dislodge the enemy from Ehode Island was made EEVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 163 this year. In this service Ashburnham was represented by at least five men who were drafted in July and served six months. They were marched under command of Sergeant Stone to Providence, and at the close of the campaign were discharged at Newport. A part or all of them were assigned to Captain Thomas Fiske's company in Colonel Tyler's or Colonel Jackson's regiment. The names which have been found from nearly as many sources are as follows : Sergeant Joseph Stone, Jonathan Gates, Isaac Merriam, William Winchester and Jonathan Winchester. In the autumn David Merriam took the place of his brother Isaac Merriam. In the early autumn, Ashburnham was required to send four men, styled fatigue-men, to serve three months under Cap- tains Henry and Wilson at Castle William and Governor's island. The men engaged in this service were David Chaflin, Edward Whitmore, Nathaniel Kendall and David Samson. Daniel Bond of this town was in the service as fatigue-man at this time, but probably did not enlist at the time the others were recruited, and William Ward served three months this year at West Point in a company com- manded by Captain Burt of Harvard. At the close of the season the Northern army, which included the continental soldiers from this town, retired into winter quarters, — one division at West Point, New York, and the other at Morris- town, New Jersey. At the annual meeting, Isaac Merriam, Nathaniel Harris and Daniel Putnam were chosen a committee of correspond- ence. The selectmen were John Conn, Oliver Willard and Amos Dickerson. William Whitcomb was again selected to represent the town in the General Court at this session, which did not adjourn until October. He was permitted to join with his associates in a fruitless attempt to regulate bj' law the price of articles of merchandise. If such legislation 164 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. at all times and under all circumstances has proved futile, in this instance the legislators recognized the exigencies of the hour and manifested more courage than wisdom in the advancement of remedial measures. The ineffectual meas- ures of the Legislature were supplemented by the recom- mendations of county conventions. The convention which assembled in Worcester August 11, proposed a schedule of prices for many articles of merchandise, and with great earnestness and solicitude, recommended the people to adopt them in the conduct of their business. In this proceeding the convention essayed to effect by appeal that which the Legislature failed to accomplish by the force of law. The town of Ashburnham promptly adopted the recommendations of the convention and chose Samuel Wilder, Captain Jonathan Gates, Jacob Harris, Moses Tottingham and Francis Lane a committee to encourage the people, and through the force of a firm, public sentiment compel them to adhere for a time to the stated prices. In these proceedings the necessities of the people were demanding relief. But the love of gain, the insatiable greed of speculation and the personal interest of the few who had the ability to profit by the necessities of the many rendered all these measures ineffectual. In February the General Court submitted to the people the proposition of calling a convention for the purpose of forming a State Constitution. The town of Ashburnham voted May 21, " That this State have a new form of Government as soon as may be, and also that our representative vote to have a State Convention called for that purpose." On an article in the warrant for the May meeting, "To see if the Town will allow Mr. Jonathan Samson and Mrs. Hem- menway for two small Deer sent in to the service," the decision was in the negative. The same fate attended a EEVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 165 proposition to pay Deliverance Davis " for going to Albany for to carry cloathing to the soldiers." If these decisions of the town fail to satisfy the sensitive nature of loyal descend- ants, they can be consoled with the fact that there could not have been a great sum of money in the treasury, and any action on these points was quite immaterial so long as the soldiers had and enjoyed both the deer and the clothing. Having previously chosen a committee, consisting of Jacob Harris, Captain Jonathan Gates, Lieutenant Amos Dicker- son, John Adams and Francis Lane, to estimate and equalize the service in the army of each man in Ashburnham, the town adopted the report of this committee August 30. That I'eport if it had been preserved would have afforded the out- line of a more accurate history of Ashburnham during the devolution than can now be written. Thursday, December 9, 1779, was a day of thanksgiving in all the States. The observance of this day is seldom noticed in history, but there are many evidences at hand to establish the fact that in many places there were religious exercises, and that our fathers, burdened with the weighty problems of the hour, and oppressed with the existing state of public affairs j did make a solemn effort to find occasion for thankfulness on this memorable day. The journal of Lsaac Stearns informs us that the day was observed in Ash- burnham, and that Mr. Gushing preached from the text : "The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein." 1780. The record of death continues. Again the open ranks of the continental regiments are the silent oracles of their valor. In prompt response to renewed acquisition for men, seven recruits from Ashburnham were mustered into the service for six months at Leicester. With other recruits they were marched from Springfield July 2, under command 166 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. of Captain Phinehas Parker. These men were styled new levies, and were assigned to the Massachusetts regiments already in the field and stationed at West Point. The names of these recruits are found upon the descriptive lists on file in the State archives. MAME. AGE. STATUBE. COMPLEXIOK Samuel Metoalf 19 6—2 •light David Chaffin 18 5—9 light Edward Whitmore IG 5—6 light Elijah Mason 19 5—5 light Simeon Kodiman 18 5—4 dark Isaac Merriam .18 5—2 light Jacob Rodiman 20 — — On another roll crediting this service to Ashburnham, is the name of Nathaniel Breed, but there is no other evidence that he was from this town. The service of these men and others in the continental araiy at this time covers an im- portant chapter of Kevolutionary history. They were with the Northern army at the time of the treason of Arnold and the execution of Andre. In an application for a pension, David Chaffin alleges he was one of the guards and was within ten feet of Andr6 when he was executed. Isaac Merriam says he was in New Jersey when Andre was hanged and when Arnold attempted to deliver up West Point, and afterwards marched back ' to West Point and was there discharged at the expiration of six months. Edward Whit- more was in a detached service for a time but joined his regiment a short time before he was discharged. He says he recollects Arnold's treason and saw Major Andrfe executed. In July there was another requisition for men to serve three months. Jonathan Samson, Jr., Andrew Winter, Jr., and Reuben Rice, who removed to Ashburn- ham this year, entered the service and also served at West Point. REVOLUTIONAEY HISTORY. 167 In the summer of this year, the men who enlisted for three years came home at different times in the order of their discharge from the companies in which they had served. On the arrival of each little band, the pastor read their names the following Sabbath and offered the prayer of grateful thanks to Almighty God for their preservation from the dangers of war and their safe return to the avocations of peace. John White was probably discharged on account of disability the previous year. He continued his residence here and became an inhabitant of Gardner when that town was incorporated. The selectmen for 1780 were Samuel Wilder, Isaac Merriam and Francis Lane. For a committee of corres- pondence. Captain Deliverance Davis, Stephen Eandall and Jonathan Samson were selected and the town also made choice of Captain Deliverance Davis, Levi Whitney and Amos Lawrence to hire the soldiers for the ensuing year. The vote of this town upon the adoption of a State Con- stitution was an emphatic expression of approval and is mentioned in another chapter. In September, the civilian and the soldier, reaping the early fruits of the war, cast the first vote of Ashburnham for State officers chosen by the people, and at the same time Samuel Wilder was chosen as the last representative under the temporary form of govern- ment. The winter of 1779-80 was one of unusual severity. The men in Ashburnham brought wood for their daily fire upon their backs, and the brooks and springs being congealed by frost, a scarcity of water aggravated the discomforts of an inclement winter. The extreme cold and deep snow of that season were the theme of frequent remark as long as that generation endured. 168 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 1781. The selectmen for this year were Jacob Harris, Hezekiah Corey and Enos Jones. For a committee of cor- respondence, the town selected Samuel Cutting, Timothj- Fisher and Henry Winchester. At the same meeting in which these officers were selected, while struggling with the burdens of the Kevolution and at an hour when their burdens were most onerous, the inhabitants of the town were pre- pared to direct their attention to other questions and to give a serious thought to a proper observance of the Sabbath. There was an article in the warrant for this meeting, " to see if the town will pass any vote to prevent travelling on the Sabbath." The succeeding article was the one of set form which appeared in the annual warrant for many years : " to see if the town will let swine run at large the ensuing year." As would rationally be expected of our devoted worthies, they voted to put every legal restraint upon men and proffered the freedom of the town to the swine. . If a smaller number of men was required for the army this year, they were procured with increased effort and under great financial embarrassment. While the three years' men were being raised, there was an intermediate call for men to recruit the army while the enlistments for a longer time were slowly progressing. These men were more easily procured. In June Corporal Phinehas Hemenway, Jona- than Merriam and William Ward enlisted. They were assigned to Captain Sibley's company in Colonel Drury's regiment and were discharged the last of November. This was the seventh enlistment of William Ward. With the close of the preceding year came a call for more men to serve three years in the continental army. The town, embarrassed by the depreciated currency which had nearly become worthless, and by their inability to offer anything more substantial than a promise, passed the following vote REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 169 as an encouragement to any who might be prevailed upon to enlist : " Voted that each man that will engage to serve in the army for three years shall have eighteen head of three years old cattle given him when his time is out, and if he be discharged in two years then said cattle are to be but two years old or if he serve but one year they are to be but one year old, all to be of middling size." In other words, the soldier was to receive a bounty of eighteen calves and the town was to keep them of middling size as long as the soldier remained in the service. The vote is an apt illustra- tion of the straits to which our worthy fathers were driven in the solution of the financial problems which attended their daily lives and official labors. The cattle bounty was not favorably received. The proposition savored. of veal. The town could not retract its step and again offer a bounty in currency, for that in the mean time had utterly failed. There could be no failure in the end. The originators of the calf project are again found equal to the emergency. They called to their aid in alluring their fellow-townsmen to enlist, the click and gleam of silver and gold. They offered each man who would enlist for three years, ninety pounds lawful money as it was rated in 1774. There was substance in this proposal. True, the tender was not necessarily in specie, but it was of a known and absolute value and equiva- lent to three hundred dollars. This vote was adopted in February and two months later five men were mustered into the service for the term of three years. All of them were described as of light complexion. David Clark 24 yrs of age 5 feet 9 inches in stature Jonas Benjamin 19 " " " 5 " 10 " John Coolidge 17 " " " 5 " 3 " James Ledget 27 " " " 5 " 5 " John Mar— (blurred) 29 " " " 5 " 7 " 170 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. In August following the committee was instructed "to hire the two three years men that were still wanted on the best terms they can." Near the close of the year the men were procured. Peter Eodiman, age 16, height 4 feet 11 inches, enlisted December 9. A boy of that age and stature enlisting for three years might be expected to look pale, but the muster rolls assert that at the time of engagement, he was of dark complexion. The other man was our old acquaintance, Benjamin Clark, who has added two inches to his stature since his former entrance into the service. One week after the enlistment of Eodiman , the other name was added to the muster rolls. Benjamin Clark, age 20 years, height 5 feet 6 inches, complexion light, and occupation, farmer. This was the last enlistment from Ashburnham. At the close of the war, young Clark returned to this town and in 1787 re- moved to Reading, Vermont. The three years' men were called for in resolve of the General Court adopted December 2, 1780. The call was for four thousand two hundred and forty men and the quota of this town was seven. It has appeared that more than a year elapsed before the town was able to secure all the men. Eventually the General Court took note of the delinquency and imposed a fine amounting to four hundred and twenty-eight pounds and five shillings. In the mean time the town had fulfilled the demand and petitioned the Legislature to remit the fine, which request was granted : To THE Honourable Senate and House of Representatives IN General Court assembled : The Petition of William Whitcomb in behalf of The Town of Ashburnham Humbly sheweth that the said Town of Ashburnham is Fined in the Last State tax for a Deficiency of two three years REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 171 men which were absolutely Raised & marched agreable to the Resolve of the 2°* of Dec'' A. D. 1780 & subsequent resolves as will appear by the Receipt of the Superintendent ; your Petitioner therefore Prays That your Honours would take the matter into your wise Consideration & Grant an abatement of the fines. As in Duty bound shall ever Pray WILLIAM WHITCOMB. . In support of their petition the town produced the receipts for the required number of men, signed by Colonel Seth Washburn of Leicester, superintendent of enlistments. Leicester June y"^ 26 1781. Received of the town of Ashburnham five men who have enlisted and past muster &c., &c. SETH WASHBURN Superintendent. These were David Clark and the four others named in a former paragraph. Leicester March y^ 27 1782. This day received from Ashburnham Benjamin Clark a solger for the term of three years. S. WASHBURN Supt. Leicester June 11 1782. This day received from the town of Ashburnham one man to serve three years. S. WASHBURN Supt. The last receipt probably refers to Peter Eodiman and it will be observed that all the receipts are dated some time subsequent to the entry of enlistment on the military rolls. It is possible that these receipts were of set form and were issued by Colonel Washburn, whenever the town had need of them, as vouchers in answer to the demands of the General Court. 172 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. The five soldiers who were recruited in the summer for three years according to tradition were hurried on to New York and from thence immediately proceeded with the army under Washington to Virginia, and there is ample evidence to sustain the assertion that some of the men enlisting this year remained in the service until near the close of the year 1783. The discharge of David Clark signed by General Knox is dated December 24, 1783. The name of Jacob Winter appears in Captain Wilder's company in 1775. His subsequent service is not known, but he died a prisoner at Halifax in the autumn of 1777. The death of Samuel Mason, mentioned in the annals of 1778, is recorded by Mr. Gushing in September, 1777, and Jacob Lock who was in the same service died a few weeks later. He was a son of John Oberlock whose children assumed the name of Lock. The same year Francis Ken- dall died, as stated by Mr. Cushing, "on his way from the army." And now after these years of carnage in the field and of denials and endurance at home, the curtain falls at York- town. The campaign of 1781 is ended. The nation's hope gleams in the bayonet and flashes in the sword of the return- ing soldier, while the , hardships of the campaign are witnessed in his weary progress and the results of an exhaustive war are felt on every hand. Li the pursuit of the narrative through the foregoing pages, the burdens of taxation and other incidents of the home life of our fathers during the Revolution have been suffered to remain for mention in separate paragraphs. At the beginning of the war the colonists were not without resources but were unskilled in the art of finance. The colonial wars in which the people had been engaged had been maintained by a paper currency which though depreciated in REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 173 some measure was eventually redeemed by allowances from the treasury of England in the payments for service rendered by the colonies. The paper money of the Ee volution had no such foundation. After a brief season of apparent solidity it gradually depreciated in value until in 1781 it utterly failed and suddenly went out of circulation by general consent. The experience of the people of Ashburn- ham from this source was probably no greater and certainly no less than that of other towns. Sums of money voted by the town for specific purposes so rapidly depreciated in value before the tax could be assessed and collected that the appro- priation became inadequate for the purposes proposed and frequent disputes concerning balances arose between the debtor and the creditor. Explanatory of the intrinsic value of sums of money mentioned in the preceding and subse- quent pages, the following table commencing with the year 1777 when the depreciation in earnest began will represent for each succeeding month the number of pounds that were equivalent to one hundred pounds of standard value : 1777 1778 1779 1780 1781 January February March . April . May June July . August . September October November December 100 325 742 2934 7500 104 350 868 3322 7500 106 375 1000 3736 7500 110 400 1104 4000 7500 114 400 1215 4800 7500 120 400 1342 5700 12000 125 425 1477 6000 150 450 1630 6300 175 475 1800 6500 275 500 2030 6700 300 545 2308 7000 310 634 2393 7300 The burden of taxation is seen in the following excerpts from the town records. Other sums were assessed for war purposes under command of the General Court, of which no entry was made in the current volume of records. 174 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 1778 December 16. 1779 February 18. 1779 August 30. 1779 September 13. 1780 January 27. 1780 June 14. 1780 1780 1781 June 27. July 3, March 5 1781 August 20 We have assessed the inhabitants and estates in said town in the sum of £401-19-6 and have committed the lists to the constables for collection. Town and county rate committed for col- lection £357-9-11. Voted and granted £6150 to defray the charges of the war. We have assessed the inhabitants and es- tates in Ashburnham in the sum of £26364-7-0 and have committed the same to the constables for collection. Committed for collection state and county rate amounting to the sum of £4328-9-0. Voted and granted £2500 to defray town charges. Committed State tax for collection amount- ing to £6966. Voted and granted £7000 to defray the charges of the war and that the committee give security for any money that may be hired. Voted that each man be allowed fifteen pounds per day for labor on the highway. Voted and granted £300 silver money for town charges. Voted that the constables take four shil- lings in lieu of one hundred dollars old emission from those persons who are be- hind in rates. By a resolve of the Genei'al Court adopted in September, 1780, Ashburnham was required to supply the army with three thousand one hundred and twenty pounds of beef. ,The new obligation was promptly met by the town. REVOLUTIONAKY HISTORY. 175 1780 October 5. Voted that Amos Lawrence buy 3120 lbs. of beef for the armj'. In December following the General Court made a second requisition for beef and again the inhabitants of Ashburnham are assembled in town meeting prepared to second the pro- visions of the Legislature for the support of the army. 1780 December 27. Voted and granted £7200 for buying beef for the army. Probably on account of the depreciation of the currency, this sum proved inadequate for the purpose. The proportion of Ashburnham was five thousand nine hundred and ninety- two pounds. 1781 January 15. Voted and granted £1800 to be added to £7200 granted at the last meeting and voted that Capt. Francis Lane purchase the beef. In June following came another demand from the Legisla- ture and another town meeting was the natural sequence. This meeting was convened July 11, and after listening to the requisition, the town chose Captain Lane "to buy the beef wanted," and at the same meeting instructed their agent to procure the beef for which the town was in arrears on the former requisitions. Either reminded of their delinquency, or prompted by a sense of duty, the town are assembled again in August and pass the final vote on the subject in choosing Benjamin Lane to buy all the beef that is wanted for the army. The last requisition was for twelve thousand four hundred and seventy-three pounds. Among the cumulative burdens of the Ee volution, and another item in the extended list of the demands upon the resources of a patriotic and uncomplaining people, was a second requisition for clothing which came simultaneously 176 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. ^ith the third and last requisition for beef. It was a renewed appeal to the patriotism of the times. Our worthies neither faltered nor complained but promptly paid every demand upon their slender means and every tithe upon their daily toil. In addition to the meeting for the choice of State officers, there were seven town meetings in the year 1781, and the burden of them all was to raise money and consequently to increase the lien upon their future crops and the future labor of themselves and their families. During the closing years of the war the experience of the patriot at home, oppressed by poverty and met by the vigilant demands of increasing taxation, is a sublime exhibition of patience and courage. Frequently compelled to surrender to the oft- returning tax-gatherer the choicest of his herds and the ripening product of his fields, making contributions of beef from the needs of his family and dividing his garments with the soldier in the field, he teaches posterity the saci'ifices made and the price paid for national existence. Ever prominent in the annals of Ashburnham and seen in the light of the lustre of the achievements in the field will be the home trials and the sacrifices which attended the daily life of the patriot citizen. CHAPTEE VI. REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. CONTINUED. PERSONAL NOTICES. EBENEZEK JIUNROE. — ABRAHAM LOWE. JOSEPH JEWETT. SAMUEL KELTON. — REUBEN TOWNSEND. ISAAC STEARNS. WILLIAM STEARNS. — ISAAC WHITMORE. — CHARLES HASTINGS. DAVID WALLIS. — CYRUS FAIRBANKS. EBENEZER WALLIS. THOMAS GIBSON. JONAS RICE. REUBEN RICE. ELIAKIM RICE. JABEZ MARBLE. LEMUEL STIMSON. ABRAHAM TOWNSEND. — JOHN BOWMAN.- — ^JOSHUA FLETCHER. — JOSEPH MBRRIAM. ASA BROCKLEBANK. — JONATHAN GATES. JONATHAN SAMSON. EZEKIEL S. METCALF. DAVID CLARK. — DAVID CHAEPIN. — EBENEZER B. DAVIS. ISAAC MERRIAM. DAVID MERRIAM. JOHN WINTER. — WILLIAM WARD. EDWARD WHIXMORE. REUBEN RICE. — ABRAHAM LOWE, JOSEPH JEWETT. — REUBEN TOWNSEND. LEMUEL STIMSON. JONAS RICE. — JABEZ AND OLIVER MARBLE. THOMAS GIBSON. — -CHARLES HASTINGS. JOSEPH GIBBS. DAVID WAL- LIS. — CYRUS FAIRBANKS. JOSHUA FLETCHER. JOSEPH MERRIAM. NAMES OP PENSIONERS RESIDING IN ASHBURNHAM 1840. A CONSIDERABLE number of the citizens of this town who renaoved hither during the last years, or soon after the close of the Revolution, had previously served in the army. While their service constitutes no part of the history of Ash- burnham in the Revolution, these men subsequently became so intimately connected with the affairs of this town that the events of their lives are a part of its general history and their service in the war, even if performed while they were residing elsewhere, claims admission in this record of the lives and services of the citizens of Ashburnham. Ebenezer Munroe, who removed to this town about 1782, where he lived highly respected until his death May 12 177 178 HISTORY OP ASHBURNHAM. 25, 1825, was a prominent actor in the engagement at Lexington, which is clearly established by the depositions of those who were engaged on that occasion. Eeplying to a remark made by a comrade as the British began firing that they only fired powder, Ebenezer Munroe exclaimed, "They have fired something besides powder now for I am wounded in the arm." He then discharged his gun receiving two balls from them in return, but neither did serious harm. His deposition was taken April 2, 1825, only a short time before his death in which he says, "After the first fire (of the regulars) , I received a wound in my arm ; as I turned to run I discharged my gun into the main body of the enemy. Another ball passed between my arm and my body and just marked my clothes, one ball cut oif a pai't of my ear-locks which were pinned up. The balls flew so thick I thought there was no chance of escape and that I might as well fire my gun as stand still and do nothing." He claimed that he fired the first gun on the American side. Being wounded he mounted a horse and rode from town to town alarmins the people and carrying with him the convincing proof that the war in earnest had begun. Abraham Lowe, while a resident of Lunenburg, was in the service two months at the siege of Boston, two months commencing December 1, 1775, and five months in New York in 1776. He was also a volunteer at the Bennington alarm in 1777. Joseph Jewett, then residing in Bolton, enlisted for eight months in the spring of 1778, and served in New York. Enlisted again in 1779 in Colonel Denney's regiment; also served at West Point three months in 1780 in Colonel Eand's regiment. Samuel Kelton, then of Needham, was a sergeant in Captain Aaron Smith's company, at Lexington alarm, and a KEVOLUTIONAKV HISTORY. 179 captain in Colonel Patterson's regiment in the siege of Boston. He was known in Ashburnliam as Captain Kelton from the date of his removal hither. Reuben Townsend, then a citizen of Shrewsbury in 1776, served in New York five months and nine months in 1777. His first enlistment was in Colonel Smith's regiment and the second in Colonel Bigelow's regiment. Isaac Stearns, previous to his removal from Billerica, was a soldier in the siege of Boston eight months and par- ticipated in the battle of Bunker Hill. "William Stearns, a brother of Isaac, was in the same company and for the same length of time. He removed to this town soon after this service. Isaac Whitmore, while a resident of Leominster, was in Captain Maxwell's company in Colonel William Prescott's regiment for one year commencing January 1, 1776, and was discharged at Peekskill, New York. No record of service after his removal to this town has been found. The war record of Edward "Whitmore, being performed after his removal to this town, is found in the preceding chapter. Charles Hastings, then living in Princeton, served two months in 1776 in Rhode Island, also six months in 1777 in Colonel Keyes' regiment, and this service was also in Rhode Island. Enlisted again in 1778, and was a guard over prisoners from Burgoyne's army at "Watertown and later at Rutland. This service was three or four months. Immedi- ately after he enlisted in Colonel "Wade's regiment and served six months again in Rhode Island and was in the engage- ment at Newport; also. was in the continental army six months commencing July, 1780, and serving a part of the enlistment in Colonel Greaton's regiment he was transferred to Captain Haskell's company of Light Infantry under General Lafayette. This service was at West Point. 180 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. David Wallis, then a resident of Lunenburg and a youth of seventeen years, was in the service one month in Captain Bellows' company and was at Fort Edward. In 1778 he was three months at Castle William, again in 1779 he served three months in Captain Martin's company stationed at Governor's island and Castle William. Cyiius Fairbanks, then residing in Harvard, was a volun- teer at the Lexington alarm and subsequently a drummer eight months in Captain Jonathan Davis' company ; was stationed at Cambridge and at Prospect Hill. In 1776 was a drum-major in the army near the Hudson, was also at Fort Edward one month in 1777. Ebenezer Wallis, at the age of fourteen years, was in the service three months at West Point in 1780. The fol- lowing year he enlisted again for three months and was at or near West Point. The first service was in Colonel Eand's regiment and the last service was in Colonel Webb's regi- ment. After the war he resided in Lunenburg and in Vermont, removing to Ashburnham about 1830. In 1835 he started for New York and died on the way. Thomas Gibson, then of Fitchburg, served five months in the siege of Boston and two months in 1776 in New York. In 1777 he served in Captain Thurlo's company and in 1780 he again enlisted for three months and joined the Northern army at and near West Point. He also served a few months at Boston harbor. Eemoved to Ashburnham very soon after his last term of service. Jonas Eice, then residing at Salem, was a volunteer at the alarm at Lexington and served ^ight months in the siege of Boston. He then removed to Sterling and from there enlisted in 1776 for five months and was assigned to the army in New York. In 1777 he served two months in Ehode Island. Eemoved to Ashburnham in 1779. REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 181 Keuben Eice was drafted at Lancaster December, 1776, for a term of three months and served the time in New Jersey. While temporarily residing in Winchendon in 1777 he served in Captain Boynton's company in New York. In the spring of 1780 he removed to this town and was subse- quently in the army at West Point. Eliakim Rice removed to this town in 1779 or 1780. He resided here several years and removed to Hartland, Vermont. While a resident of Salem he served two or more enlistments. He was at the siege of Boston in Colonel Bridge's regiment. His company, in which was his brother Jonas Rice, was Engaged at the battle of Bunker Hill. Jabez Marble, then of Stow, served from October, 1775, to March, 1776, at the siege of Boston in Captain Brooks' company. Colonel Dyke's regiment. This service was per- formed for his twin brother Oliver, who had previously served three months of an enlistment for eight months. Only the name of Oliver Marble is found, as Jabez Marble answered to that name while completing the term of his brother. He served terms of two months each in 1777 and 1779, both in Rhode Island, and in a later campaign in the same locality he served three months in 1780. The two brothers removed to Ashburnham from Stow, 1780. Lemuel Stimson, who removed to this town near the close of the war, had previously served two or more enlist- ments. He was in the siege of Boston and was engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill. His second seiwice was at Ticonderoga in 1776. He was a native of Weston and resided in that town until he removed to Ashburnham. Abraham Townsend removed to this town about 1778, where he resided many years. Later he removed to Berlin, Vermont. He was in the service eight months at Fishkill in 1778. No further record has been found and there is no 182 HISTORY OF ASBBURNHAM. reason to presume that he was not in the service at other times during the war. John Bowman, who resided in Lexington until after the Revolution, removed from Andover to this town about 1810, served four enlistments and is found on the rolls of service in New York and Rhode Island. Joshua Fletcher, then of Westford, served an enlist- ment of seven months in Boston harbor and again three months at Boston. He then in February, 1777, entered the continental army for three years and was in Captain Thomas' company, Colonel Marshall's regiment. He was at the battle of Stillwater, the surrender of Burgoyne, and passed the. winter at Valley Forge. Following the army in 1778 to New York on account of disability he was granted a leave of absence August 29, 1778, but was unable to rejoin the army. He removed to Ashbm-nham about 1810. Joseph Merriam, then of Lexington, served two months in Rhode Island in 1779. In the following year he was one of the six months' recruits in the continental army, being assigned to Colonel Marshall's regiment. This service was in New York. In 1781, he again enlisted by agreement with the town of Bedford, and counted on the quota of that town and was again assigned to the Northern army on the Hudson. He removed to Ashburnham at the close of the war and subsequently to Templeton. Asa Brocklebank, while residing in Rindge, served two enlistments. He removed to this town in 1777 and returned to Rindge after a residence here of several years. It is possible, and the conjecture is reasonable, that the names of some revolutionary soldiers, who resided in this town during the war or soon after removed hither, are not included in these pages. Indeed, it has been shown that there were demands for men and quotas were filled in REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 183 several instances where only a part of the names could be ascertained. The fact that there were more enlistments than are here recorded is additional credit to the town and augments its patriotic record. In the preceding chapter and in the fore- going record of service, nothing has been assumed. If service in the army was not sustained by the record it has been neither disputed nor asserted. It has now become a fact that the men of the Eevolution who did not win the laurels of war by personal service have had them thrust upon them by the generous and applauding lips of tradition. The missing rolls of many Massachusetts regi- ments give unusual license to conjectural statements, but affinnative testimony is the prime requisite of historical statement. In every instance an honest effort has been made to obtain all the availi^ble record on any subject, and while employing every established fact, the more fanciful narrative of tradition has always been heard with many grains of allowance ; and if for these substantial reasons the history of Ashburnham is not as extended as might be desired, it is mainly correct. The following statements made by the actors in the great drama of the Revolution were secured through the generous favors of Hon. Henry W. Blair, United States Senator from New Hampshire. These papers were received after the material for the preceding chapter collected from many sources had been arranged in the order of events. Of great interest in themselves they also sustain the outlines of the narrative to which they are subjoined. These papers, being the sworn statements of the revolutionary soldiers in support of their several applications for pension, are authentic accounts of their service. It is a matter of regret that the personal statement of all who bore arms in the war for 184 HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. independence are not preserved. It is suggested at once that only the younger soldiers were living at the time these appli- cations for pension were made. It also appears that some of the applicants gave only a partial account of the service performed. In such cases, doubtless, it was not deemed necessary to assert and prove more than one or two enlist- ments, and, seizing upon those terms of service which could be most easily proved, no mention was made of additional service. Others, it will be observed, present a full account of each enlistment. Jonathan Gates, whose affidavit introduces these interest- ing accounts of personal service, was a son of Captain Jona- than Gates. ■ When an infant, and previous to the date of incorporation, the family removed to this town. September 11, 1832, at the age of seventy years, he says : I. He enlisted at Cambridge in April, 1775, in Captain David Wilders company, of which Jonathaa Gates, Sen., was lieutenant, in Colonel Asa Whitcomb's regiment, and marched from Cambridge to Prospect Hill where he remained during the eight months of his enlistment, and after the expiration of his time he volunteered to stay until new recruits came, and stayed there three months longer, making eleven months in all. II. In September, 1777, a short time before the taking of Burgoyne, enlisted at Ashburnham under Captain Jonathan Gates, Sen., for one month. Colonel Bellows commanded the regiment and we marched for the place when Burgoyne was taken near Beaman's Heights. III. Enlisted at Ashburnham soon after the taking of Bur- goyne, thinks it was in 1777, under Captain Whitney ; marched to Castle William and was there three months on guard over prisoners from Burgoyne's army. IV. Enlisted at Ashburnham in 1778 or 1779 [it was in December, 1777] for three months under Captain Jonathan Gates, Sen., marched to Bound Brook, New Jersey, and remained there for the full term of his service. REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 185 V. In 1780, or 1781 [it was in 1779], enlisted for six months at Ashburnham in Captain Fiske's company, in Colonel Jackson's regiment and remained there for his term of service. In 1833 Mr. Gates gives additional particulars of liis last service and says, " That orders were received for a certain number of men to go to Ehode Island ; thought the number required of Ashburnham was seven, and he turned out as one of the seven. No officer but a sergeant went out with them. The sergeant was Joseph Stone. When they reached Providence, he was requested to go into Captain Fiske's company. He thinks that Captain Fiske's first name was Jared. He was not sure he had given the year correctly but it was when the British lay on Ehode Island. After about two months' service he was detailed with seventeen others, a lieutenant, one corporal and sixteen privates, to go on board a prison ship in which were thirty- two British prisoners ; the ship lay at Fox Point, below Providence. He was on this ship about six weeks and received a wound on his head by the breech of a musket. The prisoners rose upon them one night and got possession of some of the guns. He was struck on the head in coming up the hatchway and bore the marks then (1833) of the blow. They succeeded in getting the mastery over the prisoners without the loss of any lives on the part of the guard, but two of the prisoners were missing. Soon after this he was detailed with twenty others to go to Bristol after hay for the continental horses. The hay was brought upon three boats, seven men to a boat, the whole under command of Lieutenant Nestle." He further alleges, "that he was born at Harvard Septem- ber 27, 1762, and lived at Ashburnham during the war." He moved to Salisbury, New York, 1798, to Antwerp, New York, 1815, and to Champion, New York, 1818. 186 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Jonathan Samson, eldest son of Jonathan Samson, was born at Harvard, May 7, 1759. The family settled in this town previous to date of incorporation. His statement was made in this town September 6, 1832, in which he says : I. He enlisted in December, 1775, for six months and went to Roxbury, Massachusetts, and was put into the militia company of Captain Hill of Harvard. Thomas McBride of Boston was lieutenant and Samuel Sawin of Westminster was ensign. II. Again enlisted in early part of summer of 1776 for four and a half months and went to Dorchester, Massachusetts, and was put into militia company of Captain Manasseh Sawyer of Sterling. Samuel Sawin of "Westminster was lieutenant and the ensign was Carter. He was employed the whole time in building forts at Dorchester Heights. III. Again enlisted in December, 1776, for three months in the last named company, and was stationed during this service at Dorchester Point near Boston. IV. He also entered the service in July or August, 1777, was called out. A detachment of Burgoyne's army had made an in- cursion into Vermont and a call was made on Ashburnham for volunteers to go to oppose this force. Says he marched with about twenty others. They went as far as Charlemont, Massa- chusetts, where they were ordered to wait further orders and while there the company was dismissed. They volunteered for one month but were out only about three weeks. V. Again enlisted in April, 1778, for three months in a militia company commanded by Captain White of Lancaster, Massa- chusetts, and was stationed on Castle island in Boston harbor. VI. Again enlisted in July, 1780, for three mouths, and marched to West Point, New York, and on his arrival there was put in a company commanded by Captain Reed. The lieutenant was Brigham of Northborough, Massachusetts. Arnold had com- mand there during this time and his plot to surrender to the enemy was discovered during this time. REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 187 "William Ward, of Ashburnhatn, says "that he served with the claimant during the last enlistment." John Hall, of Ashburnham, says that "he served with the claimant during the fifth service." EzEKiEL Shattuok Mbtoalf, a son of Joseph Metcalf, was born in Groton October 13, 1759. The family removed to Ashburnham, 1770. He died May 31, 1831. In support of the widow's application for a pension, the following state- ments were made at Ashburnham, August 26, 1839 : Eunice (Brooks) Metcalf, widow of Ezekiel Shattuck Metcalf, alleged that her husband served as an orderly sergeant and private in the war of the Revolution. She thinks that he served thirteen or fourteen months in all ; and that one term was in Rhode Island and one at Roxbury, and that one of said services was rendered under Captain Gates and the other under Captain Jackson of Gardner. That later he rendered a service at Bennington at the time of the battle there in Captain Edgell's company, and says she was in the field with her father and while there Metcalf came to the field, being on the way to the north part of Ashburnham, to warn some of the soldiers to go to Bennington. Says she was an inhabitant of Groton at the time when Metcalf rendered his first services, but that he resided at Ashburnham from early childhood to his death. Margaret (Metcalf) Townsend, widow of the elder Reuben Townsend, September 10, 1839, saj's she was a sister of Ezekiel Shattuck Metcalf, and that he being only sixteen years old served six weeks at Roxbury. Only four went from Ashburnham and her brother and her father were two of them. She remembers of preparing clothing for her brother and that he again entered the army for six months and served in Rhode Island. He left home then in the spring and while gone his tent was burned and he lost a part of his clothing and sent home for a new supply which we prepared and sent by my brother Samuel. He was an orderly sergeant in this service. She saj-s her father and brother left for 188 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHA.M Roxbury on the six weeks' tour in the month of November or December, and that her father was a sergeant in the company at home, but not at Roxbury. Charles Hastings, of Ashburnham, March 10, 1840, alleges that he enlisted from Princeton, that he served six weeks in Rhode Island with Metcalf and was in another company of the same regi- ment, and that after the war he purchased a farm near Metcalf and they often talked over their service. He had heard Metcalf say he was an orderly sergeant in that service. On file with these afiidavits, there is an original order which was put in as evidence in the case. Ashburnham Jan'y 15 1782. To Mr. Capt. Benjamin Edgeal, Sir please to pay to the Barer the State pay for the sarvis I did in your company in the year 1778 and this Resept shall be your distorg for the same. EZEKIEL METCALF. Samuel Metcalf, a brother of Ezelciel, was born March 15, 1761, and died December 25, 1822. The widow alleges "that he served in Captain Gates' company of Asa Whit- comb's regiment at the alarm April 19, 1775." If so, he was only fourteen years of age and his name does not appear on the rolls of the company. She was his second wife and was born in 1776, and possibly could be in error in regard to the events of the war. In the case are filed minutes from muster rolls which prove service of Samuel Metcalf in Captain Joseph Sargeant's company in Ehode Island, 1777 ; in Captain Cowdin's company to re enforce the continental army in 1779 ; and his name appears on list of six months' recruits in 1780. In this case there was also filed an original order, as follows : Ashburnham July 3 1784. Sir : Please to pay to Sewill Moore the whole of my conti- nental wages that is due me for three months service done in the REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 189 year 1779 and this shall be your sufficient discharge for the same as will appear by the Captain's books. SAMUEL METCALF. Attest: Rebecca Metcalf Sarah Winchester. It was represented in the preceding chapter that David Clark and his sons, David and Benjamin, were in the service much of the time during the war. The family removed from Concord to Ashburnham previous to 1765. David Claek, Jr., under date of April 14, 1818, testifies to one term of service. It is known that he was in the army at other times. He alleges that he served in the continental establishment from March, 1781, to December 24, 1783; first, in the company of Captain Kilby Smith' in the Sixth Massachusetts Eegiment, and then in the same company in the Second Massachusetts Regiment after the reduction of the Sixth, under Major Burnham, commandant. Clark's original discharge, signed by General Henry Knox, is on file, with his application for pension. In July, 1820, Clark made an additional statement in which he asserts, " he is a farmer in Ashburnham, has a wife Sarah, aged fifty-three years, whose health is good; a daughter Grata, aged seventeen years, who is feeble ; a daughter Sally, sixteen years, who is in good health, and a son George Washington, aged eight years. These," he says, " are all the children who reside with me." David Chaffin, a son of Timothy Chaffin, was fourteen years of age in 1775 when the family removed from Harvard. Increasing in years and probably in stature, he became a soldier in 1777. He I. He was drafted in August, 1777, at Ashburnham for three months [his father was drafted and he went as a substitute], and marched to Bennington, thence to Stillwater and there joined the 190 HISTORY OF ASHBUR^JIIAM. maiu army and remained there until Burgoyne surrendered ; then went to Half Moon, thence to Albany, and was there taken sick and was discharged by Major Rand and arrived home at Ashburn- ham, November 1. II. In June, 1778, was drafted at Ashburnham for six months ; marched to Providence, and from there into the Island, thence to Tiverton where he was discharged by Captain Edgell and arrived home January 4 or 5, 1779. III. In September, 1779, at Ashburnham, enlisted for three months, as a fatigue-man, under Captain Henry, marched to Boston, thence to Castle island and Governor's island, where he served out the time. IV. In 1780, enlisted at Ashburnham for six months ; marched under Captain King to Springfield and there joined the regiment ■commanded by Colonel Bradford and went to West Point and was one of the guard and within ten feet of Major Andr6 when he was executed. Remained there until discharged and reached home the last of December, 1780. Daniel Bond, then of Claremont, New Hampshire, in July, 1833, testifies that "he served with Chaffin at Boston in 1779 and also says that at one time Chaffin went for his father who had been drafted." Chaffin removed to Claremont, New Hampshire, soon after the Revolution and was residing there when his application for pension was made. Ebenezee Bennett Davis, son of Captain Deliverance Davis, was born in Littleton February 4, 1761. In his infancy the family removed to this town. His statement is brief but it includes three years of time and the service modestly stated was severe in the extreme. April 14, 1818, he alleges that " he enlisted in the continental establishment May 26, 1777, and served until May 26, 1780, in the company of Captain Haffield White in the Fifth Massachu- REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 191 setts Regiment, commanded by Colonel Rufus Putnam in General Nixon's brigade." His original discharge is on file with his application. This certifies that Bennett Davis has served three years in the fifth Massachusetts Regiment Being the full term of his Inlist- ment. Has conducted Himself as a good and faithful soldier and is hereby Discharged the Service. Given under My hand at Quarters Soldiers fortune this 26 day of May 1780. HAFFIELD WHITE Capt. Com*' He states in explanation that he was discharged in the Highlands in the State of New York and that he enlisted under the name of Bennett Davis, but that his full name is Ebenezer Bennett Davis. Isaac Mberiam came to Ashburnham previous to 1774 and remained a resident of this town until after the Revolu- tion. In 1833, then a resident of Northumberland, New Hampshire, alleges that he enlisted at Ashburnham and served three months at Boston harbor, does not remember the date. II. Again in 1779 enlisted at Ashburnham for six months in Captain Fiske's company in Rhode Island, and thinks the service commenced in the spring. When he had served three months, his brother David came and took his place as his substitute. III. Again enlisted at Ashburnham, he thinks in 1780, for six months ; did not remember whether he was then in the Continental or State Service. He marched to Springfield and then to West Point where he remained about a month and then marched into the Jerseys and was there when Arnold attempted to deliver up West Point and when Major Andre was hanged ; was there about a, month or more and while there marched through a place called Topon or Tampacin and a place called English Neighborhood, also 192 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. a place called Haverstraw. Afterwards he marched back to West Point and was there discharged. In this service he belonged to General Patterson's brigade and Colonel Bradford's regiment. While he was at West Point two men were sentenced to be and were shot, he does not recollect for what, and two were condemned to run the gauntlet for forging discharges from General Poor and deserting. He saw the sentence executed. David Mbrriam, a brother of Isaac Merriam, presents in 1832 the evidence of several enlistments. He was then living in Brandon, Vermont. I. He alleges that in 1776, then living at Ashburnham, he enlisted January 27, and marched to Dorchester and labored on the forts. The enemj' killed four men while he was at Dorchester. The next day they picked up one thousand four hundred balls. It was in March, a few days before they evacuated the place. Was discharged at Dorchester. II. In 1777, when they heard of Burgoyne's approach, he enlisted for two [one] months in Captain Gates' company of Colonel Bellows' regiment. We marched to Bennington but did not arrive until a day or two after the battle, then marched to Fort Edward where he joined the Rangers and joined the main army at Stillwater. He was again at Fort Edward, where he was discharged, at the time Burgoyne surrendered. III. In 1779, he again enlisted for three months in Captain Fiske's company and marched to Providence, thence to Bristol, and when the enemy left Newport they marched in. Was sick part of the time and was discharged after three months' service. [The name of Isaac Merriam is borne on the rolls from July, 1779, to January, 1780, which includes the service of the two brothers in this campaign.] It also appears that the attention of the claimant was called to the fact that in the first service at Dorchester his name was not borne on the roll of Captain Manasseh Sawyer's REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 193 company after the last day of February, and that he made a subsequent statement in which he alleges : That he must have been in service at Dorchester in 1776, later than the last daj' of February and that he was there in service when the British left Boston ; he saw them when they sailed out of the harbor and saw our officers enter the other side of the town ; this was the seventeenth of March. He might have been assigned to some other company but recollected that he was certainly there then. He says that one week before the British left he was a party of three hundred to go at night and build a fort on Dor- chester Point, next to Boston, and that the British discovered their object and kept up a constant cannonade all night and four men were shot dead by his side. " His attorney," he says, "put two services in 1777, for one month each together and called it one service of two months. That at the time of the battle of Bennington he was out one month and immediately after he was out one month and joined the army under General Gates, and that his captain in this service was Jonathan Gates."- In support of the statement of the claimant in regard to his first enlistment, Jonathan Samson and Ebenezer Bennett Davis, "both of Ashburnham, alleged that they served with and were messmates of David Merriam at Dorchester in 1776 in the company of Captain Manasseh Sawyer of Colonel Dyke's regiment." John Winter, a son of Andrew Winter, a name written Windrow in the early records of the town, was born March 1, 1756, about two years before the family with other Ger- mans settled in Ashburnham. He died in this town June 19, 1811. The widow made application for pension, pro- ducing copies from muster rolls to prove that he was in the continental army three years, having served in Captain Haf- field White's company of Colonel Putnam's regiment from 13 194 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. May 26, 1777, to December 31, 1779, and continuously in the Light Infantry until May 26, 1780. The principal witness Margaret (Metcalf) Townsend alleges in 1846, " that she well recollects when John Winter went into the army as he was a near neighbor of her father and says that he with others who were going into the service attended ser- vice the Sabbath before they left for the army and asked prayers in their behalf as was the custom of the time, and that when the said John Winter with Timothy Johnson, Ebenezer Bennett Davis and Thomas Eoss returned from their three years' service, they again attended church and their names were read and thanks returned for their safe return which was customary at that time." William Ward was born in Waltham June 5, 1757, and came to this town when fifteen years of age with his older brother Caleb Ward. A few years later he purchased land in the northeast part of the town where he resided until his death. In the preceding chapter it appears that he com- pleted seven terms of service during the war. In his appli- cations for pension made in 1818, 1830 and 1833, he does not refer to his last enlistment and service under Captain Sibley in 1781, but his name appears on the muster roll. Mr. Ward and other soldiers in the company of Captain Gates in 1777 affirm that they were in the regiment of Colonel Benjamin Bellows, a New Hampshire regiment. It appears that this statement of Mr. Ward was questioned and he explains, at length, the circumstances of the case. This company from Ashburnham is not found in the rolls of Colonel Bellows' regiment. It is probable that Captain Gates' company, being suddenly called mto the field, was not included in any regimental organization but was more closely allied to Colonel Bellows' regiment than to any other. REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 195 I. Mr. Ward alleges that he enlisted May, 1776, for two months and served in a militia company commanded by Captain Sergeant of Princeton ; marched to Providence, thence to Boston Neck, thence back to Providence where he was discharged ; that while at Providence he labored on a fort at Beacon Hill. II. That in July, he thinks, 1777, he volunteered to oppose a detachment of the British army that was defeated at Bennington and at this time marched from Ashburnham to Charlemont, Massachusetts, where he remained about one month. He cannot recollect his officers for this tour of duty. [This service was under Captain Jonathan Gates.] III. That in September, he thinks, 1777, he again enlisted at Ashburnham for one month and served in a company of militia commanded by Captain Gates of Ashburnham in the regiment of Colonel Bellows of Walpole, New Hampshire ; marched through Charlemont, Williamstown, Massachusetts, and Bennington, Vermont, to Fort Edward, New York, where he remained until his discharge, and where he was at the time of Burgoyne's surrender. IV. That in the spring of 1778, April, he thinks, he enlisted for one month and served at Prospect Hill, near Boston, that he was engaged during this term in guarding prisoners, a part of Burgoyne's army, who were kept in the barracks at Prospect Hill. He did not remember his officers at this time. V. That he enlisted about the first of June, 1778, for a service of nine months in Captain William Warner's company of Colonel Marshall's regiment of General Patterson's brigade of Massachu- setts line and was discharged March 7, 1779. VI. That in the month of September, 1779, he thinks, he again entered the service for three months under the following circumstances : Francis Lane and Oliver Willard, two of the principal inhabitants of Ashburnham, requested him to enlist and as an inducement engaged to clear four acres of new land for him. He thinks that they were authorized by the town to offer such in- ducements. He served the three months at West Point in a com- pany commanded by Captain Burt of Harvard and Lieutenant 196 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Annanias Rand. Lieutenant Rand was cashiered, he thinks, for larceny. They marched from Ashburnham through Springfield and Hartford to West Point, New York. In the last statement explaining how he remembers about his service of thirty days at the time of the capture of Burgoyne in 1777 and how he remembers the name of Colonel Bellows of Walpole, New Hampshire, "I have good reason for remembering the name " which is as follows : " On the night previous to the surrender of Burgoyne, I was on guard with a j'oung man, about my own age, in the woods nearly half a mile from Fort Edward, at a quarter where it was feared the Indians might make an attack. In the course of the night I swapt guns with said young man. The next morning he came to see me wishing to ' swap back,' which I declined and he left me ; but fearing I might lose a good bargain I immediately exchanged the gun with one Gates, a brother of my captain. It was not long before this young man came with an officer who desired me to return the gun, and not being pleased with the replies I made, he left, and in a few minutes returned with a file of men and ordered me to the guard-house. This I remember was early in the after- noon and the news of Burgoj'ne's surrender was received while I was thus confined. Our company was immediately dismissed and I was relieved from confinement by order of Major Bridge. The oflflcer who came with the young man aforesaid, was Colonel Bel- lows, and he it was who ordered me to the guard-house. When we arrived at Fort Edward, Captain Gates told us we were to serve under New Hampshire officers and that the Colonel's name was Bellows. We were quartered in brush huts a short distance from Fort Edward, and were allowed to follow our inclinations with a few salutary restraints. I cannot remember that we were ever paraded or exercised with Colonel Bellows' regiment." Charles Hastings of Ashburnham, 1832, corroborates the statement of Ward in regard to the service in Captain Sar- KEYOLUTIOXAEY HISTORY. 197 geufs company in 1776 and says that he (Hasthigs) served in the same company. Jonathan Samson of Ashburnham, 183:?, corroborates as to the last service of "William "Ward and says that he served at the same tune and adds that about twenty men then volunteered from Ashburnham and sei-ved without pay or rations, volunteered for one month but served only about three weeks. Nicholas "Whiteman of Ashbm-nham, 1832, corroborates the statement as to service at Fori Edward in 1777 under Captain Jonathan Gates, and says he ("\Miiteman) was in the same service, and also corroborates "Ward's last state- ment and adds that he thinks about thirty volunteered fi'om Ashburnham ; also says that they were paraded before Colonel Bellows and ^Major Bridge who furnished them with refi"eshments. said to have been taken from Burgoyne's boats as they were attempting to pass down the river. Edward AVhitmoke. youngest son of Joseph "Whitmore, was born in Leominster, August 12, 1763. Soon after the removal of the family to this town he entered the army at the age of sixteen years. In the following statement he has given an intelligent account of his service. He says that in September or October, 1779, he enlisted at Ashburnham for three months with William Kendall, David Chaffln and Abraham Samson [it was probably Nathaniel Kendall and David Samson], being the number called for from Ashburn- ham. He marched directly to Boston with written instructions from his captain or from the selectmen (he could not say which), to go to the State House in Boston ; when they arrived there they were ordered to Castle island ; there remained a short time, then went to Governor's island in the harbor of Boston, there employed in repairing the fort on Castle "William and clearing the trenches 198 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. at Governor's island under the command of Captain Wilson. The engineer's name who had charge of the works was Burbanks. He next enlisted for six months with six others, David Chaflln, Samuel Metcalf, Isaac Merriam, Jacob Eodiman, Simon Rodiman and Elijah Mason, in the month of June, 1780, marched from Ashburn- ham to Leicester ; there mustered, from thence to Springfield ; again mustered and put under command of one Captain Parker ; from thence to West Point ; there stationed a few days and then divided and sent to the several companies in which they were to serve. He was put into Captain King's company, Colonel Bradford and Lieutenant-Colonel Bassett, Fourteenth Massachusetts Regiment, Major Smith, General Patterson's brigade. Soon after he was placed under Captain King, the troops were called for to march to White Plains, cross from White Plains to Robinson's Farm ; there received counter-orders, and from thence to Verplank's Point, there one or two days, and from there across King's Ferry to Orangetown, he thinks ; from there to Totoway, Tunic Plains, Peramus and other places, and in the month of October or November marched to a place called New Windsor, above West Point ; there employed in taking care of what was called the Park, military stores and arms ; there about one month and then joined his regiment at the Highlands ; remained there about one week and then received his discharge. He well recollects Arnold's leaving West Point. Saw Major Andre executed, which he thinks took place at Paramus. Isaac Whitmore of Ashburnham, a brother of Edward Whitmore, says that Edward left their father's family in June, 1780, to join the continental army, and that about the first of January, 1781, "I went from home for the purpose of assisting my brother on his return to my father's and met him at Simsbury, Connecticut, as near as I can recollect." Ebuben Eice was born in Lancaster, now Boylston, August 10, 1757. He served one term in the army after his removal to this town in 1780. EEVOLUTIONAEY HISTORi'. 199 I. He alleges he was drafted at Lancaster in November or December, 1776, for three months aud served in the company of Captain Eager of Sterling. They proceeded to Bound Brook, New Jersey, by way of Worcester, Danbury and Morristown, crossing the river at King's Ferry. That their duty was to protect the person and property of the inhabitants from plunder and insult by detachments from the British army which lay near bj'. They also had about a dozen prisoners of war under guard. II. In September, 1777, again enlisted in the militia company of Captain Boynton of Winchendon, where he then resided, for the term of one month. They marched to Saratoga by way of Northfield and Bennington, then went up the river to Fort Edward, then down the river a few miles. This last move was near the time of Burgoyne's surrender. He saw the arms of the enemy stacked on the field after they had marched off and saw a party of Canadians start for Canada after the surrender. III. In July, 1780, again enlisted in a militia company of Captain Boutelle of Leominster, of Colonel Rand's regiment. Marched to West Point where he remained during this term of three months' service. During this service, Arnold attempted to betray the American army. Eliakim Rice of Hartlaud, Vermont, a brother of Eeuben Rice, testifies that " both were in the service at about the same time but not in the same company." Thomas Gibson of Ashburnhani testifies to service with Reuben Rice at West Point in Captain Boutelle's company. Dk. Abraham Lowe gives an intelligent outline of his service under date of October 16, 1832. I. He alleges that about December 1, 1775, he entered service as a volunteer in the militia company of Captain William Pope, the lieutenant being Thomas Hartwell, he thinks. He enlisted from Lunenburg and marched to Dorchester and remained in that service for two months, although the enlistment was for six weeks only. 200 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. ir. He enlisted about July 1, 1776, for five months, from Lunenburg in militia company of Captain Jabez Keep of Harvard. He marched to New Haven, went thence by water to New York city ; was there when the city was taken by the British under com- mand of General Fellows. He was on guard near the Bowery on the morning when the British landed above there and took pos- session of the city. General Putnam came to their assistance and took them away. He was discharged about December 1, 1776. HI. In summer of 1777, it being reported that the Hessian troops were marching on Bennington, he volunteered under Daniel or David Caiiisle of Lunenburg. They marched to Charlemont, where they heard of the battle of Bennington and went no farther. After a service of about a month, he returned home. Joseph Jewett in his application for pension only asserts one enlistment and that in concise terms. He says that while residing in Bolton he enlisted in the month of May or June, 1778, in Captain John Drmy's company of Colonel Woods' regiment. He proceeded to White Plains with a small party and there joined his company ; was on duty at Fishkill and White Plains and employed during the winter in building barracks and drawing timber. He was dis- missed at Peekskill after he had completed his tour of eight months. After his death the widow made a renewed application for pension and said her husband did not state all of his service when he applied for pension. At that time she presented proof of other service which is stated in a former paragraph. Reuben Townsend was born in Shrewsbury August 23, 1758, where he continued to reside until he removed to this town about 1780. I. He alleges that la June or July, 1776, he enlisted in Cap- tain Newton's company of Colonel Smith's regiment, for five months, and was discharged at Philips Manor, New York, in December, 1776, or January, 1777. REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY; 201 II. In 1777, he enlisted in Captain "William Gates' company of Colonel Bigelow's regiment — the Fifteenth Massachusetts — for eight months, and was discharged at Valley Forge with an allowance for paj' for nine months. Lieutenant Joseph Pierce certifies that he enlisted Eeuben Townsend about the first of May, 1777, in the continental service for the term of eight months and that he was allowed one month's extra pay for helping build the barracks at Valley Forge and that after discharge the said Townsend had to march nearly four hundred miles before he reached his home. Lemuel Stimson was born in Weston, July 11, 1758, and removed to this town in 1780. In his application for pension dated October 16, 1832, — He alleges that he enlisted while residing in Weston, in May, 1775, for eight months, in the company of Nathan Fuller of New- ton, in Colonel Gardner's regiment ; that he was stationed at Cambridge during the entire service, and was engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill, and that Colonel Gardner was wounded in said battle and died the third day after, and Colonel Bond of Watertown succeeded Colonel Gardner. II. He enlisted again in -Tune or July, 1776, for five months, in the company of Captain Charles Miles of Concord, in Colonel Reed's regiment, and marched to Ticonderoga, by way of Fitch- burg, Winchendon, Keene, Charlestown (No. 4) and Rutland ; was stationed at Ticonderoga nearly all of the service, often em- ployed in transporting wood across the lake for the use of the army, and was discharged at Albany in November, was also residing at Weston at time of last service. Jonas Eice, a son of Zebulon Eice and a brother of Eeuben and Eliakim Eice, was born in Lancaster, now Boylston, February 16, 1754. At the time of his first ser- vice he was residing in Salem and the subsequent service 202 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. was performed while he was a resident of Sterling. He removed to this town, 1779. I. He alleges that he enlisted April 19, 1775, in a company of volunteers, at Salem, commanded by Captain Derby and marched to Cambridge. After a week of service he enlisted at Cambridge for eight months in the company of Captain John Bachelor of Colonel Bridge's regiment. [This company was engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill.] He was stationed during all of this ser- vice on Cambridge common at the house of one Hastings ; that he was employed under General Putnam in an attempt to construct a fort on Lechmere Point, from which they were driven by British ships. II. He again enlisted in the summer of 1776, for five months in militia company of Captain Samuel Sawyer. Marched from Sterling through Worcester, Hartford and New Haven to New York city ; remained a few days in New York and then moved up the Hudson about two miles ; was on duty at Fort Prescot when the city of New York was given up to the British. He then moved up to Harlem Heights where he remained through the rest of this service. III. He again enlisted about July 1, 1777, for six months in militia company of Captain Francis Willson of Holden, Colonel Keyes' regiment. He marched to Leicester, thence to Providence, thence to a place about two miles south of Greenwich, thence through Warren to Tiverton and thence back to Providence. During this term of service he went to Point Judith to assist in collecting boats to be used in an attack on Newport. In sailing around the point many of the boats were destroyed, eight men drowned and the contemplated attack was abandoned. Eliakim Eice, brother of Jonas, of Hartland, Vermont, but formerly of Salem, testifies that he served with his brother in the first service named commencing April 19, 1775. REVOLUTIONAKY HISTORY. 203 Jabez and Oliver Marble were twins and their service in the army partook of the close alliance of their lives. They were born in Stow September 15, 1755, and removed to Ashburnham 1789. I. Jabez Marble alleges that in the fall after the British left Boston he went to Eoxbury and took the place of his brother as a private soldier in Captain Caleb Brooks' company of Colonel Benjamin Dyke's regiment, and served a tour of three months at Boston and was verbally discharged on the seventh of March, 1777. II. In May, 1777, he enlisted for two months in Captain John Gleason's company. Marched from Stow to Providence where he was stationed until about seventeen days before his time was out, when his company and Captain Hodgman's marched to Greenwich for the defence of the coast ; remained there about two weeks and then returned to Providence where he was discharged. III. He again enlisted at Stow in August, 1780, in company of Captain Moses Brintnall of Sudbury, Colonel Howe's regiment. He went to Rhode Island and was stationed the entire three months at Butt's Hill and was emploj-ed on fatigue duty building a fort. In a subsequent statement explaining his service as sub- stitute for his brother he says that his brother's name was Oliver Marble ; they were twins and that about two months prior to the end of Oliver's term of service his brother became sick and he took his place for the balance of the term and always answered to his brother Oliver's name when it was called. Thomas Gibson was born in Lunenburg, now Fitchburg, 1753, and resided there until the close of the war. After a temporary residence in Ashby he removed to this town, pre- vious to 1787. I. He alleges that he enlisted in the spring of 1775, for five months in Captain Stearns' militia company in Colonel Doolittle's 20-t HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. regiment. He lived at Fitchbnrg and marched thence to Winter Hill near Charlestown where he remained during the term of service. There were also continental troops at Winter Hill. II. He again enlisted in September, 1776, at Fitchburg for two months in Captain Jonathan Woods' militia company of Colonel Converse's regiment. He marched to Dobb's Ferry, near West Point, passing through New Haven. Made several marches from Dobb's Ferry, one to Fairfield, Connecticut, towards New York city, etc. There were continental troops at Dobb's Ferry a part of the time while he was there. He remembers that on one occasion they brought a field-piece to bear upon a vessel at anchor off Dobb's Ferry and drove her down the river. III. Again in July, 1780, he enlisted at Fitchburg for three months in the militia company of Captain Boutelle of Leominster of Colonel Rand's regiment. Marched through Worcester, Hartford and Fairfield to West Point. Arnold's treachery was discovered during this term of service, which enables him to fix the year as 1780. He saw Washington at West Point shortly after Arnold's treason was made known, that he was on guard when Washington rode up. IV. In September, 1777, he thinks, he enlisted and served thirty days at the taking of Burgoyne in the militia company of Captain Thurlow of Fitchburg ; was posted first at Batterskill and after at Fort Edward to prevent the British crossing the Hudson. V. In April or May, the year he does not recollect, but thinks it was towards the close of the war, he enlisted for three months in the militia company of Captain Joshua Martin of Lunenburg and served at Castle William in Boston harbor, in the regiment of Colonel Jones. There were continental troops on the island who were quartered in the fort and militia were outside in barracks. Reuben Rice of Ashburnham testifies that he served with Thomas Gibson from Jiily, 1780, in Captain Boutelle's com- pany. Ebenezer Wallis of Ashburnham testifies tliat he served with Thomas Gibson in the tour from September, 1780, at West Point. EEYOLUTIOXAEY HISTORY. 205 Charles Hastixgs was born in Princeton, XoYember-26. 1760, and removed to this town, 1783. While a resident of Princeton, he entered the army five times. September 6, 1832, he gave the foUowing intelligent account of his service : I. He alleges that he enlisted in May, 1776, for two months in a militia company commanded by Captain Sargeant of Princeton in the regiment of Colonel Josiah Whitney. He marched to Leicester, thence to Providence, thence to Greenwich, Ehode Island, thence to Boston Neck, and thence back to Providence. II. He again enlisted at Leicester in June, 1777, for sis months in Captain WUlson's company of Colonel Keyes' regiment. He marched to Providence, thence to Greenwich, he thinks, thence to Bissell's miU, about two miles from Providence, and thence back to Providence. That during these two terms, there were only a few troops in Rhode Island and thej' were employed in guarding the coast. HI. He again enlisted about April 1, 1778, in militia company of Captain Nathan Harrington. Marched to Eoxbury and thence to Watertown where they were employed in guarding a part of the prisoners from Burgoyne's army. Marched from Watertown with prisoners to Eutland, where they remained guarding said prisoners to July, 1778, when he was discharged. The guard was com- manded by Major Reuben Reed. IV. He again immediately enlisted July, 1778, for six months, in the militia company of Captain Belknap of Colonel Wade's regiment. Marched to Providence, thence to Obdike Newtown, or a place of some similar name ; thence to Newport where they joined a continental brigade. Engaged in the battle of Newport in October, 1778, and retired from there to Tiverton, thence to Obdike Newtown and thence to Providence. V. He again enlisted about July 1, 1780, for six months for service in continental army. He was ordered to Springfield and then marched to West Point and joined a company in Colonel 206 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Greaton's regiment of General Nixon's brigade. Soon after was transferred to the Light Infantry under General Lafayette, Cap- tain Haskell's company and Colonel Gimmatt's regiment with which he continued to the fall of 1780, when he returned to his former company from which he was discharged. William Ward testifies to service with Charles Hastings from May, 1776, in Captain Sargent's company. Jonas Rice of Ashburnham testifies to service with Charles Hastings in Captain Willson's company from June, 1777. Says that while at Providence they were quartered in the college. Joseph Gibbs, son of Joseph and Hannah (Howe) Gibbs, was born October 12, 1756. During the Revolution, he resided in Princeton and removed to this town previous to 1786. Commencing in May, 1775, he served eight months in the siege of Boston in the company of Captain Adam Wheeler in Colonel Doolittle's regiment. Seven companies of Colonel Doolittle's regiment, including the company of Captain Wheeler, were engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill, and of the regiment nine were wounded. The name of Joseph Gibbs, of Princeton, is borne on the rolls of those who served eight months in the siege of Boston. Many in this service reenlisted and served under Washington at New York, but the date of his return to Princeton does not appear. In July, 1780, he enlisted for three months in the company of Captain Ephraim Stearns in Colonel John Rand's regiment. This service was at West Point and King's Ferry and a part of the time under the immediate command of Washington. In the same service was Jonathan Samson, Andrew Winter, Jr., Thomas Gibson, Ebenezer Wallis and Reuben Rice, who were subsequently his neighbors in Ashburnham. David Wallis was born in Lunenburg October 15, 1760. He removed to this town about 1795, where he resided until his death. REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 207 I. He alleges that in September, 1777, he enlisted in a com- pany of militia under Captain Bellows and he thinks Colonel Bellows of Walpole, New Hampshire, was in command of the regiment. He enlisted for one month, marched to Fort Edward via Northfield and Bennington and was there when Burgoyne surrendered. II. In April, 1778, he enlisted at Lunenburg in militia com- pany of Captain Merick of Princeton of Colonel Stearns' regi- ment for three months. Marched to Dorchester and then to Castle William in Boston harbor. There were two companies of militia and one of continental artillery on the island. III. In April, 1779, he enlisted at Lunenburg for three months in Captain Joshua Martin's company of Colonel Jones' regiment and served at Castle William. They were employed in building fortifications. During this service the artillery company was ordered to Ehode Island for a few days. He was ordered several times to Governor's island. Mcholas Whiteman of Ashburnham testifies that he served with David Wallis, on Castle island from April, 1778. Thomas Gibson of Ashburnham testifies to service with David Wallis in Captain Martin's company in 1779 at Castle William. Cyetjs Fairbanks was born in Harvard, May 29, 1752,. and removed to Ashburnham, 1788, where he died at the advanced age of one hundred years, June 18, 1852. He gives an account of three terms of service while residing in Harvard. I. He alleges that on April 19, 1775, then residing in Harvard, he volunteered to oppose the British then marching on Concord. He proceeded to Concord and thence to Cambridge. After remaining there about a week enlisted as a drummer for eight months in the Massachusetts militia company of Captain Jonathan Davis in Colonel Asa Whitcomb's regiment and served out full 208 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. terra. He was first quartered on Cambridge river about a mile from the college and afterward on Prospect Hill. n. In the month of September, 1776, he again enlisted at Harvard for two months as a drummer in the militia company of Captain Hill of Colonel Converse's regiment. Marched via Worces- ter, New Haven, Fairfield and White Plains to Dobb's Ferry, where he remained until his time was out. He says he served as ■drum-major during this term. The regiment was employed in transporting supplies up the river. III. In the month of September, 1777, when Burgoyne was advancing he enlisted at Harvard for one month. Marched to Petersham where his company was organized and he chosen corporal in militia company of Captain Hill, he thought. He marched to Fort Edward passing through Bennington ; remained in service entire term of his enlistment. Joshua Fletcher was born in Westford February 22, 1760, and removed to this town about 1810. He was a resident of "Westford during the following service : I. He alleges that he first entered service for seven months in Captain Abisha Brown's company of Colonel Whitney's regi- ment of Massachusetts forces and served at Nantasket island in the harbor of Boston to the end of his term. II. He next served at Boston three months under Captain John Minot. III. He next entered the army on the continental establish- ment, February, 1777, for three years and was mustered at Boston and proceeded in Captain Philip Thomas' company of Colonel Marshall's regiment of Massachusetts line to Ticonderoga and was at Fort Miller, Saratoga, Valley Forge and White Plains. He served one year and eight months when he was taken sick with a fever and a sore on his breast and was furloughed until he should recover. He did not recover until after the close of the war and was never able to rejoin the army. The following is a •copy of the leave granted. REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 209 Camp at White Plains, August 29, 1778. His excellency approves that Joshua Fletcher, soldier in Col. Thomas Marshall's regiment of Massachusetts Bay State shall have leave of absence until the recovery of his health and spirits and then to return to his duty. The Baeon de Kalb M. G\ Joseph Merriam was born in Woburn February 3, 1763, and lived in Lexington and Bedford during the war. It appears that he removed from Bedford to Ashburnham 1784, and remained several years when he removed to Templeton and subsequently returned to Ashburnham. I. He alleges that in the fall of 1779 he enlisted for two months in company of Captain Samuel Heald of Carlisle in Colonel John Jacob's regiment. He marched to Providence where they encamped about three weeks and then marched to Tiverton and when the British left Rhode Island they went over Rowland's Ferry to Butt's Hill where he remained until dis- charged in November, 1779. II. In 1780 he enlisted for six months in Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson's company as it was called, but it was commanded by Ensign Thayer, in Colonel Marshall's regiment — the Tenth Massa- chusetts. He joined the regiment at West Point where they were encamped for nearly three weeks, when he was detached with several others to King's Ferry and put under the orders of Colonel Brewer and employed in conveying troops and baggage over the river, after which he joined his regiment at Verplank's Point and proceeded with his regiment to New Jersey and after serving out his six months was discharged at West Point in January, 1781. III. In 1781 the town of Bedford hired him to go into the continental service for three months. He was mustered in, he thinks, by Colonel Brown of Tewksbury and then proceeded to New York State and joined the army at Gallows Hill. He was 14 210 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. immediately put under orders of Colonel Procter, a militia officer, and went about seven miles to one Captain Knapp's farm to guard cattle, where tie remained about three weeks when he returned to camp and was taken by Major Keyes, who was a deputy-quartermaster-general in care of forage, as his waiter. He was stationed at Peekskill and his quarters were near General Heath's. He remained on this duty during the remainder of his seryice. Some of the revolutionary soldiers to whom pensions were granted had died before the date of any complete list that has been discovered. In 1840 there were remaining in this town thirteen revolutionary soldiers and three widows of soldiers who were pensioned. Cyrus Fairbanks survived his venerable associates. Lemuel Stimson Charlotte Lowe, widow of Dr. Lowe, Thomas Gibson David Clark Joshua Fletcher Jabez Marble Joseph Jewett Zilpah Rice, widow of Jonas Rice, John Bowman William Ward Jonathan Samson Margaret Townsend, widow of Reuben Townsend, Isaac Whitmore Joseph Merriam Charles Hastings Cyrus Fairbanks died September 22, 1840' May 5, 1841 June 11, 1841 July 5, 1841 April 14, 184a December 23, 1843 May 3, 1847 July 22, 1847 October 22, 1847 December 3, 1847 December 9, 1847 March 20, 1848 May 2, 1848 April 4, 1849 November 28, 1850 June 18, 1852 CHAPTEE VII. STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TO-V\TSr OFFICERS. A SEASON OP DISQUIETUDE. SHATS' KEVOLT. THE LOYAL SENTIMENT OP ASHBUKNHAM. — VOLUNTEEKS TO SUPPRESS THE KEVOLT. ISAAC STEARNS' DIART. A BLOODLESS CAMPAIGN. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. REPRESENTATION IN THE LEGISLATURE. VOTE OP THE TOWN FOR GOV- ERNOR. PROPOSED DIVISIONS OP THE COUNTY. — A LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. At the close of the Revolution the situation of the country was perilous and critical. The difficulties of a public nature were changed in character by the close of the war but were not removed and peace brought no immediate relief to the financial difficulties which had attended the prosecution of the war. The resources of the State were exhausted while the towns were groaning under the burden of debt. In the extremity of the hour, the most oppressive systems of taxa- tion were adopted, and if strenuous measures were demanded by the necessities of the times they did not put money in the purse of the tax-payer. In continued efibrts to pay the taxes incident to the times, individuals had suffered their liabilities to accumulate and creditors, seizing upon the agency of new laws and reestablished courts, resorted to legal process in the collection of debts. The tax collector had scarcely drained the scanty income of the farm before the sheriff armed with executions demanded the remaining cow and frequently the homestead. For a season the wisdom of statesmen and a multitude of laws brought no relief. 211 212 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. During the contiDuance of the war, without matured forms of government or systems of laws, the people had been united and held together in a common purpose. With free- dom came new responsibilities and grave embarrassments. The government was new and unfamiliar to the people, and at first they came in contact with the harsher and more exacting features of the laws. To them the new laws were little more than a code for the collection of debts and the courts were an agency for the oppression of the poor. Feel- ing the weight of their burdens and not apprehending their cause, the people became dissatisfied with their government and the officers chosen to administer it. The murmur of discontent was heard on every hand, but the unsatisfactory state of public afiairs and the uncertainty of the future were only shadows in the deeper gloom of the poverty and debt in their homes. The people had bravely endured extreme hardships and now victorious in the field they were sadly disappointed with the early fruits of a freedom which had been secured by their service and sacrifice. For a season the destiny of the republic was evenly balanced between revolt inviting anarchy and liberty restrained by law. In common with the people at large the inhabitants of this town shared in the gloom and burdens of the hour, but through discour- agement they did not lose faith in the final success of the government or countenance any disorderly conduct. The revolt under the leadership of Shays, Day and Shattuck was encouraged by the active and open support of many in this vicinity, but there is no evidence that any citizen of this town was ever found within the ranks of open revolt. The theatre of Shays' rebellion was wholly outside of Ashburnham. A complete history of that ill-advised and irrational revolt would contain little, if any, reference to the people or the sentiment of this town. The compliment is STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 213 almost reciprocal, and these pages would contain no refer- ence to the riotous proceedings if it could be shown that the inhabitants of Ashburnham, surrounded by the same diffi- culties and suffering the same hardships, did not give any expression of sympathy to the movement, or utter any com- plaints against the heavy burdens which oppressed the Commonwealth. It is reasonably certain that none from this town joined the revolt. And while there is no proof that any considerable portion of the inhabitants were in sympathy with it, there is evidence that they seriously considered the state of existing affairs. Yet their voice was not raised until the rebellion was crushed and the govern- ment left at liberty to answer their complaint. On the fourteenth of March, 1787, a full month after, the only remaining remnant of the revolt was dispersed at Petersham, the town met in a legal meeting. To see if the town will take any method to become acquainted with the minds of our fellow citizens in this commonwealth con- cerning the choice of our officers to be employed in government the present year or pass any vote or votes that tlie town shall think proper under said article. To see if it is any mind of the town that there is any matter of grievance worthy of notice which we suffer by reason of the present administration of government, and if it is the minds of the town that there is matter of grievance to see what method the town will take for redress of said grievance. Voted to send a man to Worcester to meet other towns and chose M' Jacob Willard. It was moved to see if it was the mind of the town that there is matter of grievance that the people labor under and it passed in the affirmative. The town having chosen Jacob Willard to represent them at the approaching session of the General Court, met again •214 HISTORY OF ASHBURNIIAM. in May to give their representative instruction, whereupon it was ordered that he be instructed : 1'' To have the general court moved out of Boston. 2* To Endeavor that the Courts of Common Pleas be abolished. 3* To Endeavor that the salary men be lowered. 4"^ To prevent if possible a paper currency. 5"" To continue the Tender Act for another year. 6"^ To Endeavor that a free pardon be held out to all those persons that have taken up arms against the government. These instructions are simply a brief statement of the most prominent measures that were being advanced by many as a remedy for existing grievances. And while the Legislature was not removed from Boston, the salary of one officer, the governor, was reduced and a bill providing for a new emission of paper money was defeated. On the last of these instructions the town again took action at the next meeting. " Chose Jacob Willard, Joshua Holden and Captain Daniel Putnam to draft a petition requesting the governor and council to further reprieve or pardon Captain Job Shattuck and others now under sentence of death and that the petition be signed by the inhabitants individually." There were fourteen persons under sentence of death and among them Job Shattuck who was captured in the early progress of the revolt at his home in Groton. In all of these proceedings of the town there is no exhibit of temper nor any apparent failure of candid consideration. The instructions to their representative are moderate and from their standpoint not unreasonable, and their request for an amelioration of the sentence of Shattuck and others might have been attended with censure of their riotous conduct. At all events the persons under sentence were STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 215 pardoned by those who had less reason for the exercise of clemency. In the records for the year 1787 and again the following year is entered at length the formal oath of allegiance pre- scribed in the Constitution of the State and to it is sub- scribed the names of the selectmen, assessors, treasurer and constables of each year. The town that took this precaution to restrain insubordination and to secure a firmer loyalty to the State and the men who voluntarily subscribed their names to that form of an oath will never be suspected of being in sympathy with the revolt. If they petitioned for the pardon of the rebels it was more in the spirit of forgive- ness and charity than from any existing or former approval of their conduct. The vote of the town for governor for four years commencing 1783 was substantially unanimous for James Bowdoin who was the representative of the law and order party. During these disturbances it is evident that the controlling element and the voice and influence of the town did not fail in the maintenance of an orderly con- duct and of a firm loyalty to the State. While the revolt was sustained in other places our fathers assembled in the meeting-house Wednesday, January 17, 1787, and listened to a sermon by Mr. Gushing from the text, "That there be no breaking in nor going out, that there be no complaining in our streets. Happy is that people that is in such a case." This was a season of great excitement. The laws were openly violated and defied in many places. The inhabitants of Ashburnham, impatient of the delay of a legal meeting, lield informal meetings the following Friday and Monday. A company of thirteen men marched to .the assistance of the militia. The details of this voluntary service are recorded in a diary kept many years by Isaac Stearns from which the following extracts are transcribed. 216 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Thursday, January 18, 1787. I went to town to training or rather to try to get men to go to Worcester. Friday. I went up to town meeting. Monday. I went to town meeting. Tlmrsday. I went to town to see about getting men to go against the insurgents. Friday, January 26, 1787. I set out with thirteen men and lodged at Richardson's in Leominster. Saturday. Lodged at Patch's in Worcester. Sabbath night. Lodged in Spencer at one Jenks. Monday night. At Bugbee's in Brimfleld. Tuesday night. At Burt's in Springfield and Wednesday night, also at Burt's. Thursday, February 1. We marched through Chicopee, a parish of Springfield, to South Hadley and lodged at one Preston's. Friday night. I was on guard. Saturday night. About ten o'clock we marched from South Hadley to Amherst and made a little halt. Sabbath, Feby 4. Marched through South Barre and lodged in Petersham. Monday. Marched to Barre and lodged at Capt. Henry's. Tuesday. Marched to Oakham and back to Henry's in Barre. Wednesday. We exercised. Thursday. I went about four miles after insurgents. Friday. I chopped wood for Capt. Henry, at night I mounted guard. Saturday. Came off guard. Afterwards did some writing. Sabbath, February 11. I went to Barre meeting. Mr. Dana preached from Psalms 97:1. In the afternoon we marched from Capt. Henry's to Dr. Strickland's who lived in one Nurse's house in Barre. Monday. I walked down to Esqr Caldwell's. Tuesday. I went on guard. Wednesdai). I came from guard. At eight o'clock at night we marche'd from Barro to Hardwick in water up mid leg and in STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 217 the rain and came to one Haskell's in Hardwick and there remain- ing part of the night, tarried Thursday ; and Friday in the fore- noon I chopped wood for Mr. Haskell. In the afternoon we marched back to Barre. Saturday. I looked after Dr. Strickland's cattle. SabbatJi, February 18. I went on guard ; came off Monday. Tuesday. I went to Esqr Caldwell's and read in Worcester Magazine ; afterwards drinked some cider and returned to my quarters. Wednesday. "We marched to Eutland ; there we were dis- missed, about noon we set out and came through Princeton, a part of Hubbardston and through Westminster to Col. Rand's where the men lodged, but I came to Lieut. Munroe's in Ashburnham. Thursday. I came home. This was a bloodless yet an industrious campaign. From a military standpoint the results, so far as we know, were not particularly decisive, but as an exponent of the prevail- ing sentiment of the town at a season of discontent our little army of invasion made a most cheerful campaign, and as volunteers in the cause of law and order their service must be accredited to a patriotic impulse which commands oW willing esteem. In 1778 a Constitution for "the State of Massachusetts Bay " was submitted for the approval of the people and by them rejected. The necessity for a more stable and com- prehensive form of government remained. In 1779 the General Court passed a resolve calling upon the voters ta decide whether they would instruct their representatives to call a State convention to prepare and submit for their approval a form of Constitution. A convention was ordered and the Constitution then prepared was ratified by the people in 1780. In these proceedings the following votes will reflect the sentiment of this town. 218 HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. May 7, 1779. Voted to have a new form of government as soon as may be. Also that our representative vote to have a State convention called for that purpose. William Whitcomb was the representative at the time this vote was passed. There is no record of the choice of a dele- gate to the constitutional convention. May 31, 1780. Voted to accept of the form of government as it now stands all except three articles. Accepted unanimously. The articles accepted against are the following : The third in the bill of rights, forty-seven for it as it now stands, and twelve against ; — Chapter 2, Section first, article seventh, accepted with this amendment: — That the Grovernor by advice of his council have power to march the militia to any one of the neighboring or adjoining States in case of invasion in the recess of the General Court. Chapter first, section third, article fourth : — Two persons against it as it now stands. The persons dissatisfied with the third article of the bill of rights were the Baptists who contended that there was injustice in the conditions which required them to contribute to the support of the standing or Congregational order unless they were members of some other society. A convention of delegates was assembled in Boston in January, 1788, to cast the vote of Massachusetts on the question of the acceptance of the Constitution of tlie United States. The town of Ashburnham was represented in that distinguished body by Jacob Willard. While a majority of the convention finally cast the vote of Massachusetts in favor of the adoption of the Constitution, only seven of the fifty delegates from Worcester county voted in the affirmative. The name of Mr. Willard is found with the majority from this county. STATE EELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 219 In 1795, the town voted unanimously that it was inex- pedient to revise the Constitution of the State, but in 1820, the town by a vote of sixty-three to seventeen deemed it expedient to call a convention for revision. In both instances the town voted with a majority of the whole vote of the State. In the convention which was assembled at this time the town was represented by Silas Willard. Of the fourteen proposed amendments the people of the State ratified nine. They are the numbers I to IX of amendments to the Constitution. The town of Ashburnham voted in the affirma- tive on all the proposed amendments except the fifth. This was one of the five which was rejected. The amendments, numbered X, XI, XII and XIII, were proposed by the Legislature and ratified by the people without the interven- tion of a convention. The votes of the people of this town were as follows : X. 1831. Affirmative, 104 Negative, 2 XI. 1833. 115 1 XII. 1836. 49 5 XIII. 1840. 145 38 In 1851, a proposition to call a convention for revision was submitted to the people and defeated. The vote of this town was 183 in favor of a convention and 138 opposed. The third convention of delegates was assembled 1853. In the preliminary vote 220 desired to call the convention and 118 were willing to continue the constitution without change. The measure having received a sufficient number of votes, the town was called upon to make choice of a delegate. Simeon Menitt was elected, receiving 153 votes to 118 for Reuben Townsend. This convention submitted to the people eight propositions. None of them were ratified. The vote of Ashburnham was 203 in favor and 146 opposed. By a light 220 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. vote the town voted with the majority in the State in ratify- ing the six amendments that were added in 1855 and no subsequent amendment has elicited a full vote or a very decided expression of opinion. In later years, the sentiment of the town has been expressed by printed ballots. But on the pending amendments in 1820, the vote was taken in a more captious manner. The warrant calling upon the inhabi- tants of Ashburnham to assemble announced that the vote would be taken in the following manner : "All the voters to be seated and when called upon to vote then all that vote to rise and stand up with their heads uncovered until they are counted and then sit down in their seats again with their heads covered." It was a rare display of brains both in the record and in the vote. The relations of Ashburnham to the temporary forms of government, existing from 1774 to 1780, have been noticed in the Eevolutionary History of the town. The first election under the Constitution in the autumn of 1780 was for a short term. At this election the town voted not to send a repre- sentative and continued of the same mind at the annual election the next spring. In fact, until the close of the century, Ashburnham was represented in only eight sessions of the Legislature, having voted thirteen times "not to send a representative this year." It should be borne in mind that until 1831, the State officers and the Legislature were elected in the spring, and that the General Court was convened the last Wednesday in May. To Jacob Willard was reserved the honor of being the first representative from this town under the Constitution. He was elected in 1782 and again in 1787, 1791 and 1792 ; William Whitcomb 1783 and Samuel Wilder 1788, 1796 and 1798. Every other year the town was not represented in the popular branch of the Legislature, and in 1798 Mr. Wilder died before the Legislature con- vened. STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 221 Beginning with the present century, Jacob Willard was again elected in 1801, and following a familiar precedent the next seven years the town voted not to send a representative. In 1809, Joseph Jewett was first chosen and reelected in 1812, 1813, 1814, 1816, 1821, 1829. He was also elected in 1810, but immediately after the declaration of the vote the town from a chronic habit " voted not to send a repre- sentative this year." Notwithstanding the vote of the town, Mr. Jewett, having been elected, assumed the duties of the ojffice. Elisha White represented the town 1815 ; Stephen Corey 1819 ; Ivers Jewett 1824 ; Abraham T. Lowe 1825 ; Charles Barrett 1828 ; Nathaniel Pierce 1830. Simultaneous with the amendment of the Constitution in 1831, changing the time of election from the spring to November and continuing until the amendment of 1840, the town having 375 or more ratable polls was entitled to send two representatives. Commencing with the fall elections and winter sessions and continuing until the adoption of the district system in 1857, the town failed ten times to be represented. The earlier failures to elect a representative arose as much from a sentiment of indifference as from any other cause, but at this time there was a livelier interest in political affairs and party lines were sharply defined. The attempt was annually made and an election failed only when the combined vote of the Democrats and anti-slavery party defeated the Whigs in securing a majority which was then necessary to elect. In 1850 the Whigs were not only prevented from sending a representative but witnessed the election of a political opponent. During this period the following persons were elected for the session of the years ensuing : 1831. Nathaniel Pierce, Hosea Stone. 1832. Nathaniel Pierce, Hosea Stone. 1833. Hosea Stone, Asahel Corey. 222 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 1834. Asahel Corey, Kilburn Harwood. 1835. Asahel Corey, Kilburn Harwood. 1836. Asahel Corey, Reuben Townsend 1837. Eeuben Townsend, Stephen Cushing. 1838. 1840. Reuben Townsend, George G. Parker. No choice. 1841. George G. Parker. 1845. John C. Glazier. 1850. Ivers Adams. 1851. Joel Litch. 1854. Edward S. Flint. 1855. Ohio Whitney, Jr. 1856. Joseph P. Rice. In the district system of representation Ashburnham was classed with Winchendon until 1876. The representatives have been as follows : 1857. Jacob B. Harris 1858. Josiah D. Crosby 1 859 . "William Murdock 1860. Albert H. Andrews 1861. Nelson D. White 1862. Thomas Boutelle 1863. Giles H. Whitney 1864. George C. Winchester 1865. Giles H. Whitney 1866. George E. Fisher 1867. Windsor N. White 1868. George H. Barrett 1869. WiUiam L. Woodcock 1870. Orlando Mason 1871. Albert G. Sinclair 1872. Austin Whitney 1873. Charles A. Loud 1874. Wilbur F. Whitney 1875. Charles A, Loud of Winchendon. of Ashburnham. of Winchendon. of Ashburnham. of Winchendon. of Ashburnham. of Winchendon. of Ashburnham. of Winchendon. of Ashburnham. of Winchendon. of Ashburnham. of Winchendon. of Winchendon. of Winchendon. of Ashburnham. of Winchendon. of Ashburnham. of Winchendon. STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 223 Under a revision of the districts Ashburnham was classed with Gardner, Winchendon, Westminster and Princeton and privileged to send two representatives. 1876. Simeon Merritt of Ashburnham and Wilder P. Clark of Winchendon. 1877. C. Webster Bush of Gardner and Artemas Merriam of Westminster. 1878. Wilder P. Clark of Winchendon and William H. Brown of Princeton. 1879. Edwin J. Cashing of Gardner and George W. Eddy of Ashburnham. 1880. Giles H. Whitney of Winchendon and J. Henry Miller of Westminster. 1881. John D. Edgell of Gardner and John B. Fay of Princeton. 1882. Walter 0. Parker of Ashburnham and Wilder P. Clark of "Vyinchendon. 1883. Eoderick R. Bent of Gardner and Edwin L. Burnham of Westminster. 1884. Roderick R. Bent of Gardner and Charles J. Rice of Winchendon. 1885. Charles J. Rice of Winchendon and Herbert S. Stratton of Gardner. The vote for governor at one hundred and five elections presents many suggestions concerning the growth and senti- ment of the town. The vote for presidential electors being substantially a repetition of the vote for governor the same year afibrds no additional information. If, for a few years early in the present century, the town evinced an unsteadi- ness of purpose, the political sentiment of Ashburnham has been mainly in sympathy with the Federal, Whig and Ee- publican parties. • 224 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Year Name of OS Name of O So Name of ° J Name of » | Candidate it Candidate it Candidate Candidate o o 1780 Hancock 25 Bowdoin 10 1781 Hancock 22 Bowdoin 2 1782 No record of a vote. 1783 BoVdoin 14 Lincoln 2 Hancock 1784 Bowdoin 22 Hancock 1 1785 Bowdoin 24 1786 Bowdoin 31 1787 Hancock 84 Lincoln 4 1788 Hancock 29 Gerry 32 1789 Hancock 48 Lincoln 7 Bowdoin 1 1790 Hancock 37 1791 Hancock 45 1792 Hancock 25 Phillips 9 1793 Hancock 46 1794 Adams 57 Sumner 10 1795 Adams 46 Gushing Scattering 1 1796 Sumner 38 Adams 18 1797 Sumner 47 Sullivan 31 1798 Sumner 48 1799 Sullivan 49 1800 Gerry 86 Strong 25 1801 Strong 83 Gerry 60 1802 Strong 63 Gerry 44 Scattering 1 1803 Strong 64 Gerry 32 1804 Strong 61 Sullivan 31 1805 Strong 68 Sullivan 59 Scattering 1 1806 Strong 76 Sullivan 75 1807 Strong 84 Sullivan 59 Scattering 1 1808 Gore 86 Sullivan 51 Scattering 4 1809 Gore 92 Lincoln 47 1810 Gore 98 Gerry 50 Scattering 1 11811 Gore 89 Gerry 54 1812 Strong 122 Gerry 50 Scattering 1 1813 Strong 117 Varnum 49 1814 Strong 117 Dexter 47 1815 Strong 119 Dexter 54 1816 Brooks 131 Dexter 56 1817 Brooks 122 Dearborn 42 Scattering 1 1818 Brooks 107 Crownin- shield 29 1819 Brooks 111 Crownin- shield 33 Scattering 1 1820 Brooks 119 Eustis 48 1821 Brooks 110 Eustis 37 1822 Brooks 104 Eustis 42 1823 Otis 116 Eustis 75 1824 Lathrop 119 Eustis 95 1825 Lincoln 139 Scattering 6 1826 Lincoln 113 Lloyd 7 Scattering 4 1827 Lincoln 133 Scattering 1 1828 Lincoln 116 Morton 10 1829 Lincoln 90 Morton 41 1830 Lincoln 77 Morton 65 Scattering 4 STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFEICERS. 225 Tear Name of Candidate = 1 Name of Candidate S • Name of ° | Candidate = ^ Name of Candidate ^1 1831 Lincoln 101 Morton 53 Scattering 1 1831 Lincoln 103 Morton 62 Scattering 3 1832 Lincoln 152 Morton 74 1833 Davis 87 Morton 60 Scattering 16 1834 Lincoln 127 Fisher 59 1835 Everett 98 Morton 75 1836 Everett 139 Morton 95 183T Everett 141 Morton 74 1838 Everett 157 Morton 106 Scattering 15 1839 Everett 162 Morton 152 1840 Davis 204 Morton 139 Scattering 12 1841 Davis 160 Morton 111 Boltwood 28 1842 Davis 160 Morton 133 Sewall 31 1843 Briggs 159 Morton 138 Sewall 41 1844 Briggs 164 Bancroft 126 Sewall 46 1845 Briggs 130 Davis 83 Sewall 37 1846 Briggs 127 Davis 86 Sewall 35 1847 Briggs 123 Cushing 77 Sewall 37 1848 Briggs 102 Gushing 69 Phillips 88 1849 Briggs 124 Boutwell 79 Phillips 58 1850 Briggs 95 Boutwell 90 Phillips 91 1851 Wiiithrop 128 Boutwell 111 Palfrey 97 1852 Clifford 122 Bishop 120 Mann 112 1853 Washburn 136 Bishop 106 Wilson 101 1854 Gardner 134 Bishop 38 Wilson 59 Washburn 63 1855 Eockwell 164 Beach 96 Gardner 108 Walley 18 1856 Gardner 251 Beach 85 Scattering 10 1857 Banlcs 176 Gardner 91 Beach 73 Scattering 5 1858 Banks 182 Lawrence 56 Beach 64 1859 Banks 125 Butler 98 1860 Andrevr 282 Beach 99 1861 Andrew 184 Davis 59 1862 Andrew 210 Devens 109 1863 Andrew 160 Paine 39 1864 Andrew 278 Paine 83 1865 Bullock 185 Couch 32 1866 Bullock 234 Sweetser 40 1867 Bullock 253 Adams 130 1868 Claflin 295 Adams 89 1869 Claflin 169 Adams 81 1870 Claflin 233 Adams 111 1871 Washburn 144 Pitman 39 1872 Washburn 268 Bird 71 1873 Washburn 105 Gaston 97 1874 Talbot 215 Gaston 154 1875 Rice 157 Gaston 136 1876 Eice 186 Adams 107 Baker 61 1877 Rice 108 Gaston 77 1878 Talbot 185 Butler 96 1879 Long 181 Butler 80 1880 Long 227 Thompson 65 1881 Long 113 Thompson 24 1882 Bishop 178 Butler 97 1883 Robinson 210 Butler 133 1884 Robinson 219 Endicott 96 1885 Robinson 149 Prince 67 Lothrop 15 15 226 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. The county of Worcester was incorporated when the territory of Ashburnham was an unnamed wilderness. The relations of this town to the county was an inheritance in which the inhabitants had no voice, but they did not long remain silent after they became members of the corporation. Situated on the borders of the county and remote from the shire town, the voters of Ashburnham have debated many projects concerning a change of county lines or the creation of a new county. Some of these have been entertained with considerable favor. The discussion began one hundred years ago and has been renewed at frequent intervals. The old county remains unchanged and so do the advocates of a new one. One movement began in 1784 and extended through several years. To the first convention this town voted not to send a delegate, but in a convention held in Lunenburg in 1785, the town was represented by Samuel Wilder. At this time it was finally proposed to create a new county comprising towns in Worcester and Middlesex counties. To this proposal Ashburnham finally dissented and withdrew from the movement. In 1786, the town voted not to join with the petitioners of Petersham for a new county but were found ready to encourage the movement for a division of Worcester county which occurred soon after. To a convention held in Leom- inster in 1794 the town sent Samuel Wilder. The con- vention recommended the creation of a new county and this town chose Abraham Lowe, Samuel Wilder and Jacob WUlard to petition the General Court. As a result of the solicitation of this and other towns the General Court in 1798 submitted the question to the voters of the county. The vote of this town was sixty-four in favor of a division of the county and five opposed. Immediately after the vote was taken in the county a convention was held in Templeton in STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 227 which the town was represented by Joseph Jewett, but the measure in the mean time was defeated and the town took no action on the report of the delegate to the convention. Con- cerning the subsequent efforts that have been made to divide the county of Worcester the sentiment of the town of Ash- burnham was divided but the county remains with its generous domain and extensive boundaries. Magistrates. — In colonial times the Justices of the Peace were commissioned in the name of the king and the office was regarded as one of marked distinction. Upon the adoption of the State Constitution the appointment was vested in the governor, yet the duties and prerogatives of the office were not materially changed and a peculiar dignity continued to attend the office. In later years, appointments have been bestowed with greater freedom and the number of persons qualified for the position, both by education and a knowledge of legal forms and proceedings, is so numerous that the magistrates of the present time, surrounded by men of equal influence and eminence, do not enjoy the distinction that once attended the position. The only person appointed to this office in this town by royal favor, was Samuel Wilder. For many years he was the only magistrate in Ashburnham. Joshua Smith, who came to this town in 1785, was styled Esquire Smith and before he removed hither he had been a Justice of the Peace in Southborough, but no record of his appointment after his removal to this town has been found. In the following list of the Justices of the Peace the first column gives the date of the first appointment. At the close of seven years the commissions generally have been renewed. 1772. Samuel Wilder died May 9, 1798 1796. Jacob Willard died February 22, 1808 1798. Abraham Lowe died October 23, 1834 1811. George E. Gushing died February 2, 1851 228 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 1813. 1814. 1820. 1821. 1825. 1826. 1827. 1830. 1837. 1839. 1839. 1844. 1847. 1850. 1853. 1853. 1855. 1857. 1857. 1857. 1857. 1858. 1858. 1859. 1862. 1864. 1867. 1869. 1871. 1873. 1873. 1873. 1877. 1878. 1880. Joseph Jewett Elisha White Stephen Corey Iver8 Jewett Silas Willard Henry Adams Hosea Stone Nathaniel Pierce George G. Parker Kilburn Harwood Reuben Townsend Enoch Whitmore Charles Stearns John Petts — Trial Justice .Jerome W. Foster George Rockwood John L. Cummings Charles W. Burrage William P. Ellis Albert H. Andrews Daniels Ellis, Jr. Ohio Whitney, Jr. Ivers Adams William F. Burrage Alfred Miller Wilbur F. Whitney Alfred Whitmore Marshall Wetherbee George W. Eddy Austin Whitney Melvin O. Adams died May 3, 1846 died June 14, 1817 died October 7, 1823 removed from town 1827 commission expired October 1, 1852 removed from town 1830 commission expired February 1, 1841 " " June 12, 1851 died December 14, 1852 removed from town 1845 commission expired Feb. 3. 1860 died September 13, 1860 died July 11, 1874 commission expired 1857 died March 23, 1871 died December 20, 1864 removed from town 1859 entered army 1861 died February 6, 1879 commission expired May 16, 1872 removed from town 1867 removed from town 1863 died January 4, 1873 commission expired January 7, 1880 removed from town 1876 John H. Wilkin s, Notary Public S. Joseph Bradlee removed from town 1884 Samuel G. Newton died July 23, 1884 George C. Foster STATE KELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFPICEKS. 229 A list of Moderators of the Annual March meeting, Town Clerks, Selectmen and Assessors, from the incorporation of the town to the present time. 1765. Moderator, Samuel Fellows. Clerk, William Whitcomb. Selectmen, Samuel Fellows, Tristram Cheney, John Rich, James Coleman, Jonathan Gates. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, William Joyner, John Bates. 1766. Moderator, Samuel Fellows. Clerk, William Whitcomb. Selectmen, William Whitcomb, Tristram Cheney,, John Rich, Elisha Coolidge, John Jones. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1767. Moderg,tor, Tristram Cheney. Clerk, William Joyner. Selectmen, Tristram Cheney, Jona. Gates, John Kiblingert John Jones, Samuel Wilder. Assessors, William Whitcomb, Samuel Wilder, Tristram Cheney. 1768. Moderator, Samuel Fellows. Clerk, William Joyner. Selectmen, Tristram Cheney,- William Whitcomb, Samuel Fellows. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1769. Moderator, Samuel Fellows. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, John Kiblinger, Nathan Melvin, Samuel Fel- lows. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, William Joyner, William Whitcomb. 1770. Moderator, Samuel Fellows. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Samuel Fellows, John Kiblinger, Ephraim Stone. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, William Whitcomb, Nathan Melvin. 1771. Moderator, Samuel Fellows. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Ephraim Stone, Samuel Wilder, John Kib- linger. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, William Whitcomb, Nathan Melvin. 230 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 1772. Moderator, William Whitcomb. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Samuel Wilder, Ephraim Stone, John Kib- linger. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, William Whiteomb, John Willard. 1773. Moderator, William Whiteomb. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Samuel Wilder, Ephraim Stone, John Kib- linger. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, William Whitcomb, Jonathan Taylor. 1774. Moderator, William Whitcomb. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Samuel Wilder, John Willard, Jonathan Taylor. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1775. Moderator, Deliverance Davis. Clerk, Jacob Willard. Selectmen, John Kiblinger, Samuel Nichols, Jonathan Gates, Oliver Stone, Amos Kendell. Assessors, John Adams, John Conn, Ebenezer Hemen- way. 1776. Moderator, William Whitcomb. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, William Whitcomb, John Kiblinger, Oliver Willard. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, Jacob Willard, John Adams. 1777. Moderator, William Whitcomb. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Samuel Wilder, John Willard, Jonathan Sam- son, Jonathan Taylor, Abijah Joslin. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, William Wilder, Enos Jones, Joseph Metcalf, Francis Lane. 1778. Moderator, William Whitcomb. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, John Conn, Oliver Willard, William Benjamin. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, William Whitcomb, John Adams. 1779. Moderator, William Whitcomb. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, John Conn, Oliver Willard, Amos Dickerson. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, William Whitcomb, Jacob Harris. 1780. Moderator, Joseph Whitmore. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Samuel Wilder, Isaac Merriam, Francis Lane. STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 231 Assessors, Samuel Wilder, Jacob Harris, William Pollard. 1781. Moderator, George Dana. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Jacob Harris, Hezekiah Corey, Enos Jones. Assessors, David Stedman, Jacob Harris, William Pollard. 1782. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Samuel Wilder, Hezekiah Corey, Ebenezer Conant. Assessors, Jacob Harris, Samuel Wilder, David Stedman. 1783. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Samuel Wilder, Hezekiah Corey, Jacob Wil- lard. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, Jacob Harris, William Pollard. 1784. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Samuel Wilder, Hezekiah Corey, Francis Lane. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, Francis Lane, Jacob Harris. 1785. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Samuel Wilder, Samuel Foster, John Conn. Assessors, Jacob Harris, William Pollard, Jacob Willard. 1786. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Joshua Smith, Samuel Wilder, Samuel Foster. Assessors, Jacob Harris, William Pollard, Oliver Hough- ton. 1787. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, .John Adams, Amos Dickerson, Jacob Kiblinger. Assessors, Jacob Willard, Jacob Harris, John Adams. 1788. Moderator, Joshua Smith. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, John Adams, Jacob Kiblinger, Samuel Foster. Assessors, John Adams, John Abbott, Oliver Houghton. 1789. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, John Adams, Jacob Kiblinger, Samuel Foster. Assessors, John Adams, Jacob Harris, Jacob Willard. 1790. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Samuel Foster, Samuel Wilder, Jacob Willard. Assessors, the Selectmen. 232 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. 1791. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Samuel Wilder. Selectmen, Jacob Willard, John Gates, Jacob Kiblinger. Assessors, Jacob Willard, Jacob Harris, Jacob Kiblinger. 1792. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerli, Abraham Lowe. Selectmen, Samuel Foster, Francis Lane, Enos Jones. Assessors, Jacob Harris, Samuel Wilder, William Pollard. 1793. Moderator, Samuel Wilder. Clerk, Abraham Lowe. Selectmen, Samuel Wilder, Joseph Jewett, Jacob Kib- linger. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1794. Moderator, Samuel Wilder. Clerk, Abraham Lowe. Selectmen, Francis Lane, Enos Jones, Ebenezer Munroe. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, Jacob Harris, Jacob Willard. 1795. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Abraham Lowe. Selectmen, Jacob Kiblinger, Joseph Jewett, John Conn. Assessors, Matthias Mossman, Joseph Jewett, Caleb Ward. 1796. Moderator, Jacob Harris. Clerk, Abraham Lowe. Selectmen, Jacob Willard, Samuel Wilder, Caleb Ward. Assessors, Matthias Mossman, Jacob Harris, John Adams. 1797. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Abraham Lowe. Selectmen, Jacob Kiblinger, John Gates, William Stearns. Assessors, Matthias Mossman, Abraham Lowe, Elisha White. J.798. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Abraham Lowe. Selectmen, John Gates, William Stearns, Abraham Lowe. Assessors, Samuel Wilder, Joseph Jewett, Jacob Harris. 1799. Moderator, Joseph Jewett. Clerk, Elisha White. Selectmen, Elisha White, David Cushing, Jacob Kiblinger. Assessors, David Cushing, Joseph Jewett, Jacob Kib- linger. 1800. Moderator, Joseph Jewett. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Joseph Jewett, Jacob Kiblinger, John Adams, Hezekiah Corey, Caleb Ward. Assessors, Joseph Jewett, John Adams, Jacob Kiblinger. STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 233 1801. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Jacob Willard, Ebenezer Munroe, Jacob Con- stantine. Assessors, Jacob Willard, Jacob Constantine, Elisha M'hite. 1802. Moderator, Ebenezer Munroe. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Ebenezer Munroe, John Gates, David Gushing. Assessors, Joseph Jewett, David Gushing, Samuel Cotting. 1803. Moderator, Ebenezer Munroe. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, David Gushing, John Gates, Caleb Ward. Assessors, Joseph Jewett, David Gushing, John Adams. 1804. Moderator, Ebenezer Munroe. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Ebenezer Munroe, Amos Pierce, Hezekiah Corey, Jr. Assessors, Elisha White, Hezekiah Corey, Jr., Silas Willard. 1805. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Amos Pierce, Hezekiah Corey, Jr., Thomas Hobart. Assessors, Elisha White, David Gushing, Samuel Gates. 1806. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Thomas Hobart, Joseph Jewett, Lemuel Stimson. Assessors, Elisha White, Silas Willard, Samuel Gates. 1807. Moderator, Jacob Willard. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Thomas Hobart, Joseph Jewett, Lemuel Stimson. Assessors, Elisha White, Silas Willard, John Adams, Jr. 1808. Moderator, Caleb Wilder. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Joseph Jewett, Thomas Hobart, Lemuel Stimson. Assessors, Elisha White, Silas Willard, John Adams, Jr. 1809. Moderator, Elisha White. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Joseph Jewett, Thomas Hobart, Lemuel Stimson. Assessors, Elisha White, Silas Willard, John Adams, Jr. 234 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. 1810. Moderator, Caleb Wilder. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Elisha White, Silas Willard, Samuel Gates. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1811. Moderator, Elisha White. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Elisha White, Silas Willard, Stephen Corey. Assessors, Joseph Jewett, Silas Willard, Ebenezer Munroe. 1812. Moderator, Caleb Wilder. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Joseph Jewett, Silas Willard, Stephen Corey. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1813. Moderator, Caleb Wilder. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Silas Willard, John Willard, Asa Woods. • Assessors, the Selectmen. 1814. Moderator, Caleb Wilder. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Elisha White, John Willard, William J. Lawrence. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1815. Moderator, George R. Cushing. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Joseph Jewett, John Willard, John Adams, Jr. Assessors, Elisha White, Silas Willard, Stephen Corey. 1816. Moderator, Caleb Wilder. Clerk, Ivers Jewett. Selectmen, Joseph Jewett, John Willard, John Adams, Jr. Assessors, Elisha White, Stephen Corey, Jacob Harris, Jr. 1817. Moderator, Caleb Wilder. Clerk, Ivers Jewett. Selectmen, John Willard, John Adams, Jr., Stephen Corey. Assessors, Elisha White, Stephen Corey, Jacob Harris, Jr. 1818. Moderator, George R. Cushing. Clerk, Ivers Jewett. Selectmen, Joseph Jewett, Stephen Corey, John Adams, Jr. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1819. Moderator, Joseph Jewett. Clerk, Ivers Jewett. Selectmen, Stephen Corey, John Adams, Jr., Thomas Hobart. Assessors, Stephen Corey, Silas Willard, Joel Foster. 1820. Moderator, George R. Cushing. Clerk, Ivers Jewett. Selectmen, Joseph Jewett, Thomas Hobart, John Adams, Jr. STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 235 Assessors, Joseph Jewett, John Adams, Jr., Silas Willard. 1821. Moderator, Joseph Jewett. Clerk, Ivers Jewett. Selectmen, Joseph Jewett, Thomas Hobart, John Adams, Jr. Assessors, Joseph Jewett, Silas Willard, Hezekiah Corey. 1822. Moderator, Joseph Jewett. Clerk, Ivers Jewett. Selectmen, John Adams, Jr., Hosea Stone, Timothy Stearns. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1823. Moderator, George R. Cashing. Clerk, Ivers Jewett. Selectmen, Joseph Jewett, Silas Willard, Reuben Town- send, Jr. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1824. Moderator, Joseph Jewett. Clerk, Joseph Jewett. Selectmen, Silas Willard, Hezekiah Corey, John Adams, Jr. Assessors, Silas Willard, John Adams, Jr., Enoch Whitmore. 1825. Moderator, George R. Cashing. Clerk, Hosea Stone. Selectmen, Charles Barrett, Elias Lane, Oliver Marble. Assessors, Joseph Jewett, Hosea Stone, Benjamin Barrett. 1826. Moderator, George R. Cashing. Clerk, Hosea Stone. Selectmen, Charles Barrett, Elias Lane, Samuel Dunster. Assessors, Hosea Stone, Enoch Whitmore, John Wil- lard, Jr. 1827. Moderator, Joseph Jewett. Clerk, Hosea Stone. Selectmen, Charles Barrett, Reuben Townsend, Jr., Enoch Whitmore. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1828. Moderator, Joseph Jewett. Clerk, Hosea Stone. Selectmen, Charles Barrett, Reuben Townsend, Jr.^ Asahel Corey. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1829. Moderator, Joseph Jewett. Clerk, Hosea Stone. Selectmen, Asahel Corey, Thomas Bennett, Joseph Jewett. 236 HISTORY or ASHBUKNHAM. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1830. Moderator, George E. Gushing. Clerk, Hosea Stone. Selectmen, Asahel Corey, Amos Pierce, Jr., Charles Stearns. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1831. Moderator, Ebenezer Frost. Clerk, Hosea Stone. Selectmen, Asahel Corey, Amos Pierce, Jr., Charles Stearns. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1832. Moderator, Ebenezer Frost. Clerk, Hosea Stone. Selectmen, Asahel Corey, Amos Pierce, Jr., Charles Stearns, Assessors, the Selectmen. 1833. Moderator, Ebenezer Frost. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Amos Pierce, Jr., Jehiel "Watkins, Kilburn Harwood. Assessors, Asahel Corey, Amos Pierce, Jr., Charles Stearns. 1834. Moderator, Ebenezer Frost. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Kilburn Harwood, Reuben Townsend, Jr., Charles Davis. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1835. Moderator, George R. Cushing. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Asahel Corey, Charles Davis, Ebenezer Frost. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1836. Moderator, KOburn Harwood. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Asahel Corey, Ebenezer Frost, Jehiel Watkins. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1837. Moderator, Kilburn Harwood. Clerk, Charles Steams. Selectmen, Asahel Corey, Kilburn Harwood, Charles Barrett. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1838. Moderator, Kilburn Harwood. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Kilburn Harwood, Reuben Townsend, John C. Glazier. Assessors, Nathaniel Pierce, Ebenezer Frost, Stephen Corey. STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 237 1839. Moderator, Kilburn Harwood. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, John C. Glazier, Ebenezer Frost, Ohio Whit- ney. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1840. Moderator, Reuben Townsend. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, George G. Parker, Reuben Townsend, Elias Lane. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1841. Moderator, Reuben Townsend. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, George G. Parker, Reuben Townsend, Elias Lane. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1842. Moderator, Kilburn Harwood. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, George G. Parker, Elias Lane, Harvey Brooks. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1843. Moderator, Ebenezer Frost. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Harvey Brooks, John C. Davis, Charles Bar- rett. Assessors, Hosea Green, Walter Russell, Jerome W. Foster. 1844. Moderator, Ebenezer Frost. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Charles Barrett, Kilburn Harwood, Ohio Whit- ney. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1845. Moderator, Ebenezer Frost. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, George G. Parker, Ohio Whitney, Emery Fair- banks. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1846. Moderator, Gilman Jones. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Emery Fairbanks, Ohio Whitney, George G. Parker. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1847. Moderator, Ebenezer Frost. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, George G. Parker, Ohio Whitney, Jerome W. Foster. Assessors, the Selectmen. 238 HISTORY OP ASHBURNHAM. 1848. Moderator, Ohio "Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Jerome W. Foster, Charles Stearns, Antipas Maynard. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1849. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Jerome W. Foster, Antipas Maynard, John A. Conn. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1850. Moderator, Enoch Whitmore. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, George G. Parker, John A. Conn, Ivers Adams. Assessors, Ohio Whitney, Enoch Whitmore, Pyam Burr. 1851. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, George G. Parker, Ivers Adams, Jerome W. Foster. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1852. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Antipas Maynard, Joseph P. Rice, Walter Russell. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1853. Moderator, Enoch Whitmore. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Antipas Maynard, Joseph P. Rice, Jerome W. Foster. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1854. Moderator, Enoch Whitmore. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Jerome W. Foster, John A. Conn, Ohio Whit- ney, Jr. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1855. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, Jerome W. Foster, Ohio Whitney, Jr., Henry Lawrence. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1856. Moderator, Joel H. Litch. Clerk, Charles Stearns. Selectmen, John A. Conn, Elliot Moore, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Assessors, the Selectmen. STATE RELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 239 1857. Moderator, Enoch Whitmore. Clerk, William P. Ellis. Selectmen, Elliot Moore, George S. Barrage, George Eockwood. Assessors, John A. Conn, Daniels Ellis, Jr., Ezra Randall. 1858. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, William P. Ellis. Selectmen, George S. Barrage, Joel H. Litch, Addison A. Walker. Assessors, John A. Conn, Joel H. Litch, Perley Howe. 1859. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, William P. Ellis. Selectmen, Addison A. Walker, Elliot Moore, Leonard Foster. Assessors, John A. Conn, Perley Howe, John G. Wood- ward. 1860. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Jerome W. Foster. Selectmen, Addison A. Walker, Leonard Foster, Simeon Merritt. Assessors, Perley Howe, Jerome W. Foster, John G. Woodward. 1861. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Jerome W. Foster. Selectmen, Simeon Merritt, Jesse Parker, Isaac D. Ward. Assessors, Jerome W. Foster, Perley Howe, Charles Winchester. 1862. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Jerome W. Foster. Selectmen, Jesse Parker, Isaac D. Ward, William P. Ellis. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1863. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Jerome W. Foster,. Selectmen, Isaac D. Ward, Perley Howe, Elbridge Stim- son. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1864. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Jerome W, Foster. Selectmen, Ohio Whitney, Jr., Marshall Wetherbee, Nathaniel L. Eaton. Assessors, William P. Ellis, Joel H. Litch, Perley Howe. 1865. Moderator, Joel H. Litch. Clerk, Jerome W. Foster. 240 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Selectmen, Charles F. Rockwood, William F. Burrage, John G. Woodward. Assessors, Perley Howe, Joel H. Litch, Joel F. Metcalf. 1866. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Jerome W. Foster. Selectmen, Charles F. Rockwood, William F. Burrage, John G. Woodward. Assessors Joel H. Litch, Joel F. Metcalf, Marshall Wetherbee. 1867. Moderator, Harvey D. Jillson. Clerk, Jerome W. Foster. Selectmen, Charles F. Rockwood, Elbridge Stimson, Francis A. Whitney. Assessors, Joel H. Litch, William P. Ellis, Europe H. Fairbanks. 1868. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Jerome W. Foster. Selectmen, Elbridge Stimson, Jerome W. Foster, Addison A. Walker. Assessors, John L. Cummings, Austin Whitney, Luke Marble. 1869. Moderator, John B. Thompson. Clerk, Jerome W. Foster. Selectmen, Franklin Russell, Simeon Merritt, Nathaniel L. Eaton . Assessors, Newton Hayden, John L. Cummings, Theodore Greenwood . 1870. Moderator, Ohio Whitney, Jr. Clerk, Jerome W. Foster. Selectmen, Franklin Russell, Jesse Parker, Addison A. Walker, Assessors, Austin Whitney, John L. Cummings, Theodore Greenwood. 1871. Moderator, Ohio Whitney. Clerk, Jerome W. Foster. Selectmen, Franklin Russell, Jesse Parker, George E. Davis. Assessors, Austin Whitney, John L. Cummings, Theodore Greenwood. 1872. Moderator, Ohio Whitney. Clerk, Newton Hayden. Selectmen, Simeon Merritt, George E. Davis, Addison A. Walker. STATE KELATIONS, POLITICS, TOWN OFFICERS. 241 Assessors, John L. Cummings, Theodore Greenwood,^ George C. Foster. 1873. Moderator, Ohio "Whitney. Clerk, Newton Hayden. Selectmen, Simeon Merritt, John L. Cummings, George E. Davis. Assessors, John L. Cummings, Theodore Greenwood, Jesse Parker. 1874. Moderator, Melvin 0. Adams. Clerk, Newton Hayden. Selectmen, Simeon Merritt, Austin Whitney, Martin B. Lane. Assessors, Austin Whitney, Walter R. Adams, Marshall Wetherbee. 1875. Moderator, Melvin O. Adams. Clerk, Newton Hayden. Selectmen, Simeon Merritt, Austin Whitney, Martin B. Lane. Assessors, Walter R. Adams, Marshall Wetherbee, John L. Cummings. 1876. Moderator, Melvin 0. Adams. Clerk, Newton Hayden. Selectmen, Simeon Merritt, Nathaniel Pierce, Benjamin E. Wetherbee. Assessors, John L. Cummings, Marshall Wetherbee, Franklin Russell. 1877. Moderator, John H. Wilkins. Clerk, George F. Stevens. Selectmen, John L. Cummings, Nathaniel Pierce, Benja- min E. Wetherbee. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1878. Moderator, John H. Wilkins. Clerk, George F. Stevens. Selectmen, John L. Cummings, Nathaniel Pierce, Benja- min E. Wetherbee. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1879. Moderator, John H. Wilkins. Clerk, George F. Stevens. Selectmen, John L. Cummings, Nathaniel Pierce, Benja- min E. Wetherbee. Assessors, the Selectmen. 1880. Moderator, John H. Wilkins. Clerk, George F. Stevens. 16 242 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Selectmen, Simeon Merritt, Charles T. Litch, Orange Whitnej'. Assessors, Walter R. Adams, Francis A. Whitney, Charles W. Whitney, 2d. 1881. Moderator, John H. Wilkins. Clerk, George F. Stevens. Selectmen, Simeon Merritt, Charles T. Litch, John M. Pratt. Assessors, Walter R. Adams, Francis A. Whitney, Charles W. Whitney, 2d. 1882. Moderator, John H. Wilkins. Clerk, George F. Stevens. Selectmen, Simeon Merritt, Charles T. Litch, John M. Pratt. Assessors, Francis A. Whitney, Charles F. Rockwood. Charles E. Woodward. 1883. Moderator, John H. Wilkins. Clerk, George F. Stevens, Selectmen, Charles T. Litch, Edward S. Flint, Charles H. Pratt. Assessors, Benjamin E. Wetherbee, Daniels Ellis, Jr., Charles E. Woodward. 1884. Moderator, John H. Wilkins. Clerk, George F. Stevens. Selectmen, Charles T. Litch, Edward S. Flint, Charles H. Pratt. Assessors, John L. Cummings, Walter R. Adams, Henry C. Newell. 1885. Moderator, John H. Wilkins. Clerk, George F. Stevens. Selectmen, Charles T. Litch, Charles H. Pratt, Edward S. Flint. Assessors, John L. Cummings, Walter R. Adams, Henry C. Newell. CHAPTEE VIII. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. EAKLT MEASURES TO SECUKE PKEAOHING. — KEV. ELISHA HARDING. CALL AND ORDINATION OF REV. JONATHAN WINCHESTER. A CHURCH EM- BODIED. — THE COVENANT. — ORIGINAL MEMBERSHIP. ADDITIONS. — THE FIRST DEACONS. DEATH OF MR. -WINCHESTER. — HIS CHARACTER. CALL AND ORDINATION OF REV. JOHN CUSHING. A LONG AND SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY. — AN ERA OF CONCORD. — DISCIPLINE WITHOUT ASPERITT. HALF WAT COVENANT. — DEATH OF MR. GUSHING. — HIS CHARACTER. CALL AND ORDINATION OP REV. GEORGE PERKINS. INSTALLATION OF REV. GEORGE GOODYEAR. REV. EDWIN JENNISON. — REV. ELNATHAN DAVIS. REV. FREDERICK A. FISKE. . — REV. ELBKIDGE G. LITTLE. REV. THOMAS BOUTELLE. REV. GEORGE E. FISHER. REV. MOODY A. STEVENS. — KEV. LEONARD S. PARKER. — REV. DANIEL E. ADAMS. — REV. JOSIAH D. CROSBY. — A VACANCY. — THE DEACONS. TwENTT YEAKS the mecting-liouse in Dorchester Canada invited occupancy before there was a settled minister. During this period there were occasional supplies but more frequently the settlers attended church in Lunenburg, where Moses Foster, James Coleman, Unity Brown, John Bates, Thomas Wheeler and others were in full or covenant rela- tions. The church records of Lunenburg represent that many of the children born in Dorchester Canada previous to 1760 were baptized there. It is not known who preached or who assembled to hear the first sermon in the township and previous to the advent of Mr. "Winchester the name of only one minister is found in the records. It is probable that the settlers sought and on week days sometimes enjoyed the friendly services of the clergy of Lunenburg, Townsend 243 244 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. and Westminster. Any other supply that was secured by the settlers without the intervention of the proprietors would escape mention in the records. The humble plans of the settlement to secure preaching and the accumulating purpose reflected in the successive votes on the subject afford a renewed illustration of the fact that all our present privileges have sprung from unpreten- tious beginnings. Their first proposals were scarcely more than the suggestion of a prophecy of what has been accom- plished. In 1750 the propi'ietors decide "not to prosecute the affair of calling a minister," but the following year they are found ready to order " that an Orthodox minister be applied to, to agree to preach the Gospel every four weeks if suitable weather." No money or committee was provided to carry the vote into effect. It was a timid proposition. Possibly they viewed their proceedings in this light, since in 1753, an earnest purpose is reflected in the vote "that Mr. Joseph Wheelock, Mr. Caleb Wilder and Mr. Benja- min Bigelow be a committee to see that a Gospel minister preach in said township until further orders of the pro- priety." None of the committee resided in the township and it is quite probable that they failed to meet the desires of the proprietors and particularly of those who had removed to the settlement. At the succeeding meeting the language becomes more emphatic. It assumes the dignity of a com- mand. " Voted that eighteen pounds be put into the hands of Mr. Foster to be applied by him to secure preaching." Moses Foster had resided in the township several years. If he did not secure a minister it was not through a failure of personal interest or of his instructions ; but to provide against every emergency there was a supplementary vote that Nathan Melvin, also a resident, cooperate with Mr. Foster. In 1755 an 'appropriation was made for current ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 245 expenses including preaching but no specific sum was set apart for this purpose. Between this date and the settle- ment of Mr. Winchester several payments were made on this account, but the records only preserve the name of Rev. Elisha Harding, who received four pounds " for preach- ing in Dorchester Canada." Mr. Harding was settled in Brookfield, Massachusetts, September 13, 1749, and dis- missed May 8, 1755. In May, 1759, another appropriation of eighteen pounds was made and Captain Caleb Dana of Cambridge and John Bates and Elisha Coolidge of Dorches- ter Canada were selected "to provide preaching in said township." The early efforts of this committee introduced to the settlement Eev. Jonathan Winchester. The candi- date was favorably received. A call was extended Novem- ber 27, 1759, and he was ordained April 23, 1760. The story of the call and the ordination is briefly outlined in the records. 1759 Oct. 22. To appoint a committee to treat and agree with Mr. Jonathan Winchester, who has been preaching the Gospel there for some time past, concerning his settling in the work of the ministry there. 1759 Nov. 22. Voted that their should be twenty shillings lawful money Laid as a tax upon each Com- mon Right yearly as a salary for Mr. Jona- than Winchester provided he shall settle in said township as a Gospel minister. One moitie thereof to be paid at the end of six months from the time he shall be agreed with to settle there and the other moietie in twelve months, annually, for the term of seven years or till such time as said town- ship shall come into some other method of Raising said sum of money for his support. 246 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Voted that there be twenty shillings Lawfnil money Laid as a tax upon each Common Right as a Settlement for the above said Winchester if he shall settle as aforesaid, and to be paid to the treasurer by the time the said Win- chester shall be ordained in said township. "Voted that Cap'° Caleb Dana, Nathan Hey- wood, Cap'° Caleb Wilder, M' John Moflfat and Mr. Benj" Church be a Committee to treat and agree with Mr. Winchester con- cerning his settling in said township. 1760 Feb. 18. To hear the Report of the Committee appointed to treat and agree with M' Jonathan Win- chester concerning his settling in the work of the ministry there. To grant and raise money for the expense of his ordination in case of his acceptance of the invitation given him. 1760 March 25. Voted that the place for ordination of M' Win- chester shall be in the township of Dorches- ter Canada. Voted the time for ordaining M'' Winchester shall be on Wednesday the twenty-third day of April next. Voted that we apply to five churches to assist in ordaining M' Winchester, that we send to the first Church in Cambridge, to the Church in Lunenburg, to the Church in Acton, to the Church in Lancaster and to the Church in Brookline to assist in said ordination. Voted that each proprietor pay three shillings to defray the Cost and Charge of the ordi- nation to be paid forthwith into the hands of the treasurer or other person or persons as the proprietors shall appoint to receive the ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 247 Voted that M'' Moses Foster, Cap*^ Caleb Wilder and Cap'° Samuel Hunt be a Com- mittee to provide for said ordination in as convenient a place as may be and that they or any of them be impowered to receive the money granted for that purpose. Voted that M' Winchester may fence in and improve the meeting House Lot being forty rods square where the meeting House now stands, provided he doth not incommode the County road nor obstruct or hinder the Burrying of the dead, the burying place being in that lot. The ordination, as appears in these votes, was arranged by an exterior organization but the minister was settled over the people. If the proprietors directed the proceedings their duties ended with them. The future comprehended only the new relations between the pastor and his flock. An agreement was made with Mr. Winchester in January. Probably the ordination was intentionally deferred until the close of the winter season. Beyond the mention of the churches invited there is no record of the council. The records of the church in Brook- line contain the following entry under date of "April 13, 1760. — Lord's Day. The pastor communicated to the church a letter from the committee of Dorchester Canada desiring the assistance of this church in the ordination of Mr. Jonathan Winchester, whereupon the church voted to comply with this request and chose Messrs. White, Aspin- wall. Croft, Isaac and Joseph Winchester to represent them. "Upon the request of Mr. Winchester the church dis- missed and recommended him to the fellowship of the Church in Dorchester Canada." 248 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. The pastor of the Brookline church at thia time was Kev. Joseph Jackson. Joseph Winchester was a brother of the candidate and Mr. Croft, probably, was a relative of Mrs. Winchester. Rev. John Swift, pastor of the church in Acton, was one of the proprietors of the township. The invitations included the venerable Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Appleton of Cambridge and Rev. Timothy Harrington of Lancaster. Caleb Dana was a member of the church in Cambridge and the Wilders of the church in Lancaster. The records of the churches last named are incomplete, and while they contain no reference to the ordination of Mr. Winchester it is probable that all the churches invited were represented on the occasion. The invitation to the church in Lunenburg was significant. It was the voice of the settlement. Many of the settlers had been accustomed to worship there and Rev. David Stearns was the only minister they had known for many years. Without his presence the council would have been incomplete. The original letter of Mr. Winchester accepting the invitation of the proprietors, written in plain round characters, is preserved. To Messrs. Caleb Dana, Caleb Wilder, Nathan Haywood, John Mofpatt and Benjamin Church, a committee of the proprietors of the township called Dorchester Canada in the county of Worcester, to communicate to said proprietors : Gentlemen, Whereas you have given me, the subscriber, the most unworthy and undeserving, an invitation and call to settle in the important work of the Gospel Ministry at Dorchester Canada, I thank you for the respect and favour therein discovered to me. After due consideration, asking advice, and especially seeking to the great Head of the Church for direction in so momentous and weighty an affair, esteeming your offers for my settlement ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 249 and support reasonable and generous and relying upon this (which will be of very great consequence with respect to my temporal interests and the comfortable subsistance of my family) viz. : that the right of land, which the first settled Gospel minister in the place is entitled to by the grant of the great and general court, be good and convenient for my settlement and that if the lots already appropriated to that purpose are not so, they be changed for lands more commodious, I have determined to accept your call and hereby do manifest my acceptance thereof. Asking your prayers and depending on Divine Grace for assistance that I may be enabled faithfully to discharge so important a trust and that my settling as a Gospel minister maj' be a means by the blessing of heaven of furthering the growth and prosperity of the place and promoting pure and undefiled religion in the hearts and lives of the inhabitants is the desire and prayer of. Gentlemen Your devoted and most humble servant JONATHAN WINCHESTER. Brookline, January 23, 1760. The church was embodied the same day. Endorsing the prevailing creed of New England and desiring to enjoy the fellowship of the churches, it became necessary to adopt a covenant embracing the essential features of their faith. It would be expected that common forms of expression would be found in the covenants, but it further appears that the covenant approved by the church in Gardner in 1786 is substantially a copy of the declaration adopted at this time. The original covenant is still preserved and on the back are written the names of the thirteen male members, who were admitted at the embodiment of the church. The covenant and the names are as follows : COVENANT. We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, being as we appre- hend called of God to enter into the Church State of the Gospel 250 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. for the free and constant enjoyment of God's Worship and Ordi- nances, do in the first place acknowledge our unworthiness to be so highly favored of God at the same time admiring and adoring the rich and free Grace of God that triumphs over so great unworthiness, with a humble dependence upon the Grace of God to enable us to do our duty, we would thankfully lay hold on his Covenant and choose the things that please Him. We declare our serious and hearty belief of the Christian Religion as contained in the Sacred Scriptures and as usually embraced by the faithful in the Churches of New England, which is summarily exhibited (in the substance of it) in their confession of Faith ; heartily resolving to conform our lives by the rule of Christ's holy Religion as long as we live in the world. We give up ourselves to the Lord Jehovah who is the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, we vouch him this day to be our God, our Father and our Savior and Leader and receive him as our portion forever. We give up ourselves to the Blessed Jesus acknowledging His true Deity resolving to adhere to Him as the head of his people in the Covenant of Grace, and we do rely upon Him as our Prophet, Priest and King to bring us to eternal blessedness. We acknowledge our everlasting and indisputable obligation to glorify God in all the Duties of a sober godly life and very par- ticularly in the duties of a church state and a body of people associated for an Obedience to Him in all the ordinances of the Gospel and we hereupon depend on his Grace as sufficient for our faithful discharge of the Duties thus incumbent upon us. We desire and also promise and engage with assistance to walk together as a church of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Faith and Order of the Gospel, so far as we do know the same, faithfully and conscientiously attending the Public Worship of God and the Sacrements of the New Testament. And that we will be observ- ant of the rules and laws of Christ's Kingdom which regard the Discipline and Government of the Church as they have in general been administered among the churches before mentioned. And that we will attend all God's holy institutions in communion ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 251 with one another, watching over one another with a spirit of meekness, love and tenderness carefully avoiding all sinful stumbling blocks, strifes, contentions and that we will endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of Peace. "We do also present our Offspring with ourselves unto the Lord resolving with Divine Help to do our part in the Method of a Relig- ious Education, that they may be the Lords, and that we will particularly be careful in our endeavor duly to sanctifle the Sab- bath and to keep up Religion in our Families. And all this we do flying to the Blood of the everlasting Covenant for the pardon of all our sins, praying the glorious Head of the church who is the great Shepherd of the Sheep would prepare and strengthen us for every good work to do his will working in us that which will be pleasing in his sight, to whom be glory forever and ever. Jonathan Winchester, Pastor Philip Vorback . Christian Wm. Whiteman John Rich Jacob Schoffe John Kiblinger Elisha Coolidgb Unity Brown John Oberlock Moses Foster Thomas Wheeler James Coleman John Bates In the transcript of the covenant and signatures made by Mr. Gushing the name of Unity Brovra is written Unight Brown probably from the fact that his Christian name was sometimes written Unite and incorrectly pronounced in two syllables. The wives of the original members united with the church at this time or soon after, but their names do not appear in the records. Mr. Winchester and his wife brought letters from the church in Brookline. Moses Foster, James 252 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. Coleman, Unity Brown and their wives were received on letters from the church in Lunenburg where they had main- tained relations during their early residence in the settlement, and it is probable that some of the Germans presented letters from churches in their native land. The additions to the church during the ministry of Mr. "Winchester were Jeremiah Foster by profession, 1761 ; Samuel Fellows and wife, William Whitcomb and wife and Sarah Dickerson by letters from church in Harvard and Stephen Ames and wife by profession, 1762 ; Tristram Cheney and wife and Hannah Joyner by letter from church in Sudbury, Ebenezer Conant and wife from church in Con- cord, 1763; John Martin and wife, Samuel Fellows, Jr., and wife and Ebenezer Hemenway by profession, 1764 ; Jeremiah Foster, Jr., and Abraham Smith and wife by profession, 1765 ; Deliverance Davis and wife and Mary Whitman, wife of John Whitman, by profession, 1766; Daniel Merrill and wife, Sarah Foster, wife of Jeremiah Foster, Jr., and Job Coleman and wife, 1767. The whole number is forty-two, to which should be added the names of the females who were received at the organization of the church. The first deacons were Moses Foster and Samuel Fellows but a record of their election is not found. Beyond this outline of the results of his ministry, little is known of the labors and characteristics of Mr. Winchester. That he secured the love and respect of his people and was regarded as a most worthy and upright man is reflected in the measure of their sorrow at his death. The proprietors also manifested their esteem in a vote to make him a gratuity in addition to his stated salary. " Voted that the proprietors will grant Eev. Mr. Winchester £18 as a consideration of the extraor- dinary expense, he has been put to for two years past, on account of the high price of provisions." This action ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 253 occurred January 26, 1763, and is suggestive of the hard- ships and trials attending both the pastor and his people in a new settlement. The death of Mr. Winchester, which occurred on "Wednes- day, November 26, 1767, was a serious loss to the young parish. At once they were bereft of a faithful pastor, a judicious counsellor and a sincere friend. Their established relations, their mutual plans, their brightest hopes of the future were ended by the sad event. That the people realized their loss and gave unmistakable expression of the deepest sorrow is announced in the records and confirmed by many traditions. The widow continued to reside in this town where she died July 27, 1794, and the name has never faded from the registers of the town. Eev. Jonathan Winchester, son of Henry and Frances Winchester of Brookline, was born April 21, 1717. He was graduated at Harvard University 1737, and for several years was a school teacher in Brookline. He married May 5, 1748, Sarah Crofts, an educated and talented lady, of Brookline, where six of their ten children were born. If Mr. Winchester preached anywhere previous to his removal to this town the fact has not appeared. When he began preaching here he had not been ordained and consequently this was his first settlement in the ministry. If little has been found concerning the life and characteristics of Mr. Winchester, there is abundant evidence that he was a man of singular purity of character, a kind neighbor and an earnest and effective preacher. That he was respected and greatly beloved by his people is clearly reflected in the records, and that he was a man of earnest, steadfast pur- poses, of generous and friendly impulses, restrained by a firm adherence to the commands of duty, is supported by many traditions. 254 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. It is the testimony of Dr. Gushing that he lived in peace and was respected and beloved and when he died was much lamented. And his parish soon after his death engraved upon the tablet that marks his grave their appreciation of the minister whom they had loved. THE GENTLEMAN, THE SCHOLAR AND THE CHRISTIAN WERE IN HIM CONSPICUOUS. AS A PREACHER, HE WAS ACCEPTABLE ; AS A HUSBAND, TENDER ; AS A PARENT, AFFECTIONATE ; AS A NEIGHBOR, KIND ; AS A FRIEND, SINCERE ; FOR CANDOR, MEEKNESS, PATIENCE AND MODESTY REMARKABLE. Integer vitce, scelerisque xjurus. A newspaper of the time, The Boston Post Boy and Advertiser, in the issue of December 28, 1767, announces the death of Mr. Winchester in these terms : " The latter end of November died at Ashburnham, long known by the name of Dorchester Canada, the Kev. Mr. Jonathan Winchester, Minister of the church in that town. A sensible, worthy man." After the death of Mr. Winchester, the church " chose Deacon Moses Foster moderator while destitute of a pastor." "June 16, 1768, the church met and made choice of John Gushing for the minister with a full vote and chose Deacons Foster and Fellows and Brother Cheney as a committee to acquaint him of it." In this action of the church the town on the fourth of July unanimously concurred. " September 21, 1768, the church met and voted that the ordination of the pastor elect, John Gushing, should be on the second day of November following, and voted to send to seven churches." "Chose Deacon Fellows, Elisha Coolidge and Tristram Cheney to sign the letters missive." To this decision of the church the town promptly assented and made ample arrangements for the occasion. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 255 The council, if all the invitations were accepted, was com- posed of Rev. Joseph Sumner of Shrewsbury, the successor of the father of Mr. Gushing ; Rev. Ebenezer Morse, pastor of the North Parish, now Boylston ; Rev. Ebenezer Park- man of Westboro', the father of the future wife of Mr. Gushing ; Rev. Jacob Gushing of Waltham, a brother of the candidate ; Rev. Asaph Rice of Westminster ; Rev. Stephen Fan-ar of New Ipswich, at whose ordination Mr. Winchester had assisted and Rev. John Payson of Fitchburg-. In full sympathy with this sombre day in autumn and with hearts heavy with sorrow for their first minister, whom they had loved, the church and parish look to his successor with hope and courage. Many trivial afiairs have made more display on the pages of the records but in its pervading and salutary influences in directing and moulding the senti- ment of another generation, in the full measure of its results, the ordination of Mr. Gushing was a most memorable event in the annals of Ashburnham. The minister, in the robust strength and courage of early manhood, assumes the labors and burdens of a lifetime ; while the people, entering an era of concord, willingly comply with the mild yet unyield- ing influences of his faithful ministrations. The years of a successful ministry crowned with the rewards of peace and harmony are only the links in a con- tinuous chain of similar events. They are so alike in outline, so connected in record, they cannot be regarded separately. The labor of Mr. Gushing began with his ordination and ended with his death. It admits of no divisions. For fifty-five and one-half years the course of his labor, like the flow of a river, was uninterrupted and onward. To measure the flood emptied into the sea we must notice the duration as well as the volume of the 256 HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. current. Before his allotted work was scarce begun those aged at the time of his ordination had faded away ; the middle-aged and those in the strength of early manhood grew old and also died ; while yet with vigor unabated he ministered to their children and beneath his sight the youth he first beheld passed the stages of life and sunk beneath the weight of 3'ears. Without a change of scene his charge and congregation were many times renewed. The registers of the church during his ministry are a continued record of wisdom in administration and freedom from any serious contention. At the beginning the town was united in religious opinions and in harmony with the creed of the church. At a later period the pastor and the church found frequent employment in dealing with an increasing number of dissenters. First, a few announcing a change of opinion on the doctrine of baptism desired to with- draw and unite with those of kindred faith, and early within the present century a larger number withdrew and united with the Methodists. Compared with the prevailing usage and practice of the times a liberal policy was pursued and a commendable measure of forbearance and toleration was exercised. In a review of the position of the church in these proceedings Mr. Gushing says, — "There has generally been manifested a disposition that each should enjoy liberty of conscience. I have uniformly endeavored to exercise charity towards dissenters and to avoid asperity and cen- soriousness. And the reflection that I have thus endeavored alfords satisfaction. In exercising the discipline of Christ's kingdom I have aimed to avoid severity. I have ofter thought of an observation of the bishop of St. Asaph as worthy of regard : ' The art of government consists in not governing too much.' " The great embarrassment of the church rested in the fact that each measure of discipline on questions of faith was ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 257 answered by a request for a letter of dismissal and recom- mendation. This they could not grant without officially recognizing a church of another denomination and that, for many years, they would not do. The church also main- tained that a withdrawal without leave was amenable to discipline and that a dismissal could not be granted until the ojffending persons had given satisfaction to the church. A candid review of these proceedings must lead to the conclu- sion that the church in fact was laid under the sternest discipline and wisely profited by it. With a laudable degi-ee of justice and in advance of the practice of the churches in this vicinity the church in Ashburnham began to grant dismissals when requested and to give a general certificate of good moral character. This procedure at once freed the church from a perpetual season of discipline and left the dissenters, armed with a commendation "to whom it may concern," at full liberty to follow the leadings of duty or inclination. In 1778, the following persons were dismissed upon their declaration that they had changed their sentiments in respect to Infant Baptism, the manner of supporting the Gospel, and of admitting church members : Elisha Coolidge, Ebenezer Conant, Ebenezer Conant, Jr., and wife, Nathan Putnam and wife, Nathan Bigelow and wife, Jacob Willard and wife, Jacob Constantine and wife, John Martin and wife, and John Bigelow. Upon their dismissal they were favored with the following letter : . Whereas Elisha Coolidge and others, members of this church, have withdrawn themselves from this church and plead their changing their religious sentiments with respect to Infant Baptism, etc., as the reason, and that they can't in conscience hold com- munion with us as heretofore and desiring a dismission from their relations to this church. These are to signify that we would 17 258 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. not forcibly detain them or hold them against their consent, but do dismiss them from their relations to us and certify withal that before they withdrew from communion with us they were free from scandal and while they appeared before the church, to give their reasons for absenting, they conducted in a brotherly and christian manner. While the persons who withdrew at this time were styled Baptists on account of a feature of their creed they further contended that it was sinful and unscriptural to maintain a salaried clergy, or in their own words, "we are against those that preach for hire or those that ask pay for kindling a fire on God's altar." The case of Mary Cheney who joined the Baptists without requesting a dismissal was attended with more difficulty : The Church of Christ in Ashburnham to Mary Cheney : At a meeting of the church regularly held, your conduct in leaving this church without leave or notice given was taken in consideration and, after maturely weighing the matter, judged that it was a breach of covenant and that you ought to be admonished for your disorderly conduct. When you was admitted among us, you solemnly promised to walk in communion with us as far as you knew your duty, and we promised to watch over you and are now endeavoring to perform our engagement by sending you this letter of admonition. When you was dissatisfied with us and could not in conscience have communion with us, why could you not have manifested your mind? We do not want to debar any from enjoying liberty of conscience, but how can the purity and order of the church possibly be kept up, if members, contrary to solemn engagements, break away from one church to another with- out the least notice given ? Your change of opinions can't justify your conduct, for God is a God of order and not of confusion. We therefore admonish you for breach of covenant and earnestly entreat you to consider seriously of what j^ou have done and of the bad and dangerous consequences of such disorderly behavior and ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 259 to give the church you have justly offended christian satisfaction without which we cannot at any time admit you to any privilege among us if j'oa should desire it. And we judge also that the church to which you have joined are disorderlj- and ought to be admonished. We pray the great Shepherd would lead and guide you by his spirit, make you fully sensible of your evil conduct and dispose you to make that satisfaction which we must suppose your conscience upon mature deliberation will readily dictate. "We subscribe ourselves your offended brethren, yet ready to be reconciled upon reasonable and christian terms. The defection of a few from the church to the Methodists occurred at a later period and under the warmth of' a more charitable and tolerant spirit. The following letter truthfully reflects the pacific policy which pervades the records at this period. April 4, 1796. — Whereas our brother Stephen Randall, Jr., has requested that he may be dismissed from this to the Episcopal Methodist Church because he finds he is better edified than to continue with us and is not fully satisfied with the custom of dis- ciplining members, we would say, we wish not to deprive him of any good which he thinks he may gain for his soul, we are free and willing that every one should have liberty of conscience. Also a letter of dismission would introduce him into the Methodist Church, from the principle of christian charity and communion we should readily grant it, certifying that his moral character is good. We desire and pray that he may adorn the doctrine of Jesus Christ with those of his denomination, though we would not be understood as fully approving all their doctrines and discipline. In other cases of discipline, with limited knowledge of the facts and surroundings, it would be folly to inquire if the church had been severe or if the offenders had sinned. Only one case evincing the breadth and tenderness of brotherhood will be cited. This report of a committee delegated to visit 260 HISTORY or ASHBURNHAM. one of the most prominent citizens of .the town is in the language of Mr. Gushing who was one of the committee and is dated January 1, 1818. We waited upon him soon after our appointment and after say- ing everything we could on the one hand to dissuade him from the excessive use of spirit, and on the other to encourage him to a reformation, at length he told us that he had come to a resolution to refrain entirely for one month. At the end of which we might visit him again and if we found he had brolsen over the resolution we might do with him as we thought best. Accordingly at the end of the month we all visited him again and he declared he had not taken a drop of spirit, and upon being asked what bis purpose was for the future he told that it was his determination to per- severe, so that we were relieved from the disagreeable work of leaving the letter of admonition with him, and we rejoiced together at the pleasing and happy prospect of a reformation. He seemed to have uncomfortable apprehensions that he should not be able to remove the offence he had given the church. But we answered him that the offence would cease immediately upon his reformation, that the church would rejoice , that his family and connections would rejoice, yea and the angels in Heaven would rejoice. It is within the memory of many of the aged among us, that Mr. Gushing maintained an adyanced position on the question of temperance and that in the pulpit, more fre- quently than many of his contemporaries, he boldly preached the error and evils of intemperance. If his views on this subject were presented with a characteristic rigor of opinion, they were attended in his daily walk among his people with that spirit of forgiveness and brotherly love and tenderness which pervades the report we have cited. The church in Ashburnham was among the first to abandon the custom of administering the rites of baptism to the children of parents who were not members of the church. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 261 This custom of very early origin prevailed in many of the New England churches until a -comparatively recent period. The parents who thus desired to present their offspring for baptism were required to " own the covenant," or in other words, to publicly express a general belief in the creed of the church. They were not required to profess, and it is reasonably certain they did not always possess, the moral qualification of membership and they were only expected to express an intellectual assent to the general truths of the church covenant. The persons who had only owned the covenant were not admitted to communion nor were they amenable to church discipline, but being admitted to the privilege of presenting their children for baptism on an equality with those in full communion they were frequently styled "half way members." This practice continued throughout the ministry of Mr. Winchester, but it never fully met the approval of Mr. Gushing. With an habitual conservatism in regard to measures, and mindful of the vigi- lant tendency of his people to oppose any abridgment of their privileges or accepted customs, he presented the follow- ing proposition which was adopted without evidence of opposition : "We the church of Christ in Ashburnham, being desirous of pro- moting practical religion in this place, taking into consideration the general practice in the churches of persons owning the cove- nant, and having reason to fear that such are left to run too much at large without being watched over and not seeing the consistency of their solemnly owning the covenant and then not paying regard thereto as is the case too much with respect to some it appearing too evident that the main design of some is for the sake of enjoying the ordinance of baptism only : We have come into the following vote : That we will not for the future admit any to the privilege of baptism except members in full. And that we might not be 262 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. thought too severe — if there should be any (which we hope will not be the case), who are so full of doubt and fear, that they dare not approach to the table, but yet are desirous of enjoying the privilege of baptism and putting themselves under the care and watch of the church, we shall not insist upon their participation under such a situation of their mind, nor proceed to censure them if they do not immediately partake of the ordinance. ■ Inasmuch as there are several that are in covenant that are not members in full, this vote is not to be considered as cutting them off from a privilege granted to them heretofore. However we will consider them as under the inspection of the church, and we engage that we will watch over them as though they were mem- bers in full. This action occurred April 7, 1773. There were some precedents for it at this date, but it was twenty or more years in advance of very many churches situated nearer the schools of theology and the centres of influence. Notwithstanding the disintegrating influences which were felt at times not only in this town but throughout New England, the membership of the church slowly increased in numbers throughout the ministry of Mv. Gushing. The loss occasioned by death, by removals from the town and by a transfer of relations was more than compensated by an increase in population and the fruit of several seasons of unusual religious interest. The registex-s of the church in the handwriting of Mr. Gushing represent that, at the time of his death, there were about one hundred and thirty resident members. In one small volume the statistics of more than fifty years are carefully entered. The summary includes the names of three hundred and thirty-one persons admitted to the fellowship of the church ; the baptism of nine hundred and sixty-three children and twenty-four adults and the record of three hundred and twelve mamages. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 263 Eev. John Gushing, D. D., was born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, August 22, 1744. A descendant of the Gushing family of Hingham he inherited the strong and vigorous traits of character which have distinguished many generations. He was a son of Rev. Job and Mary (Pren- tice) Gushing. His father was the first minister of Shrews- bury where he died August 6, 1760. His mother was the daughter of Rev. John and Mary (Gardner) Prentice of Lancaster and an honored name in the annals of that town. She died at the age of ninety years May 24, 1798. Mr. Gushing entered Harvard University where he main- tained an honorable standing and was graduated 1764, exactly fifty years after his father had received a diploma from the same institution. At the age of twenty-four years he was ordained and settled over the church in this town, November 2, 1768, and died April 27, 1823. From his alma mater he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity 1822. The most fitting tribute to the memory of Mr. Gushing is found in his works. For many years he was the only minister in the town. He stood in the midst of an increas- ing parish scattered over a large township, yet his influence pervaded every portion of it. He was faithful in every service. Two sermons were regularly prepared for the Sabbath, frequent discourses were written for week-day lectures and his ministrations to the sick and the bereaved were prompt and unfailing. He was constant in his attend- ance upon the schools and in all social relations with his parish. At every fireside the serenity of his countenance, the wisdom of his speech and the purity of his life and example were continually deepening the impression and enforcing the influences of his public ministrations. He gladly welcomed all the moral and benevolent enterprises 264 HISTORY OF ASHBUBNHAM. of his time. The cause of temperance and the early mission- ary organizations received from him a warm and efficient support. In stature, Mr. Gushing was tall and portly ; in bearing dignified and erect. He moved with precision and with the incisive mark of strength and vigor. As the infirmity of age grew upon him, his step was slower but never faltering ; his form became slightly bowed but lost none of its original dignity and commanding presence. His mild blue eye and the serenity of his countenance were undimmed even when his whitened and flowing locks were counting the increasing furrows of age in his face. As a preacher he adhered to the fundamental doctrines of his creed and supported them with frequent quotation from the Scriptures. The plan of his discourse was lucid and his methods of reasoning- direct and logical. If he was tenacious in the use of set terms and forms of speech he invariably applied them with aptness and precision. He did not rely on the abundance of words or the exhibition of emotion, but upon the weight and sequence of the central truths which formed the theme of his discourse. His voice was clear, strong and pleasing. He read his sermons closely and without gesture. In delivery he was moderate, earnest and impressive. At home and abroad he was justly regarded as an able, instructive preacher. The ability of Mr. Gushing in an intellectual sense was conspicuous. Measured by men of acknowledged power and ability he was not deficient. He held a foremost rank among illustrious compeers in his profession and was an equal in mind and character of Rev- erends Pa;yson of Rindge, Farrar and Hall. of New Ipswich, Waters of Ashby, Rice of Westminster and Pillsbury of Winchendon. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 265 As a counsellor he was prudent and judicial. Possessing a thorough knowledge of ecclesiastical law and skilled in the usages of the church, his advice was frequently sought in the settlement of contention in other churches. In such service his counsels were invaluable. If his associates were exacting and harsh in their conclusions, his judgments were alwaj's tempered with mercy and his decisions fragrant with forgiveness and reconciliation. In the midst of every form of contention, his goal was peace and seldom was he moved from his accustomed paths by the passions of contending men. In ecclesiastical councils of a more pacific character his services were frequently solicited and cheerfully ren- dered and for many years a council was seldom convened in a circle of many miles to which he was not invited. In his daily life Mr. Gushing was laborious. His dis- courses were carefully written, his parochial visits were regularly made and the schools were familiar with his presence. With these uninterrupted ministrations and the care of his farm he found time in some way for reading and music. He was regarded by his associates in the ministry as a man of liberal knowledge and varied acquirements. He was preeminently a minister of the olden time. His parish was his field of labor and no one was neglected. His charge was his constant thought and duty, and while he watched for the fruit of his labor, he toiled on with unfail- ing hope and courage. Even in the decline of life and under the weight of nearly eighty years his service was acceptable and his parish united in their love and respect for their venerable teacher. It seems that their aifection for him increased as he paled and grew feeble in their service. And when death came and stilled the pulsations of his warm and generous heart, his people paid a fitting tribute in the lines of sorrow engraved on every countenance. From that 266 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. hour the voice of tradition began to assert that his genius was solid ; his understanding clear ; his judgment strong ; his memory faithful ; his emotions cool and restrained yet his sympathies tender and his affections warm ; that his resolution and perseverance were unusual, that he was faithful to every trust and that his heart was so honest, his friendship so sincere and his tongue under such conti'ol, that his smile was a benediction and his speech a sermon. Mr. Gushing married September 28, 1769, Sarah Park- man, daughter of Rev. Ebenezer and Hannah (Breck) Park- man of Westboro, who surviving her husband died in this town March 12, 1825. The record of the family is con- tinued in the genealogical registers. After these many years the church and the parish were without a minister. There were several families in town that had removed hither soon after the settlement of Mr. Gushing, but very few were living who witnessed his ordi- nation. The only grown persons living in this town in 1768 who remained here and survived Mr. Gushing were Enos Jones, Rebecca (Foster) Ward, widow of Galeb Ward, Judith (Foster) Brooks, widow of Dr. Peter Brooks. The following June the town chose William J. Lawrence, Thomas Hobart, Reuben Townsend, Jr. , Joseph Jewett and Benjamin Barrett to supply the pulpit. At a meeting early in October the committee reported that " they had hired Mr. George Perkins to preach four Sabbaths." Three weeks later the town voted to hear Mr. Perkins four addi- tional Sabbaths and on the first day of December instructed the committee to employ Mr. Perkins until further orders from the town. December 24, eight months after the death of Mr. Gushing, the church extended a unanimous call, in which the town concurred in a vote of sixty-eight to seven- teen. The town instructed the committee formerly chosen ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 267 to notify the candidate and the church joined Deacon Hunt, Dr. Lowe and Doddridge Gushing. The letter of accept- ance is subjoined : AsHBDRNHAM, Jany. 24, 1824. To the Congregational Church and Society in Ashburnham : Christian Brethren and Friends — Having been presented by your committee with the votes of this church and congregation giving me a call to settle with you as your Gospel minister and having, as I trust, attentively and prayerfully sought to know my dutj"^ in a case of such vast importance in its consequences, both to you and to myself, I have come to a determination to accept of the invitation contained in your votes, subject to the conditions specified therein. I am also ready to unite with the church and society in such measures as may be necessary to carry your votes and this answer into eflfect. As there may be occasions which will render it necessary for me to leave this place for a longer period than one week at a time, I think it reasonable to claim the privilege of being absent two Sabbaths in each year, without abatement of compensation, — this being the least number usually granted. The church and society will also expect me to make such exchanges as are customary ' among neighboring ministers. Feeling, as I do, my unworthiness of so important a trust and my utter insufficiency in my own strength, to lead a life of use- fulness amongst you, I cannot close without making the further request that I may at all times have your fervent prayers to God that He would make me a zealous, faithful and successful minister of the New Testament to the souls of this people. GEORGE PERKINS. Mr. Perkins was ordained February 25, 1824. The council comprised the Reverends Bascom and Putnam of Ashby, Putnam of Fitchburg, Mann of "Westminster, "Well- ington of Templeton, Estabrook of Athol, Sabin of Fitz- william and Deacon George Coffin of Winchendon. 268 HISTORY OF ASHBUBNHAM. The ministry of Mr. Perkins was successful and unusually acceptable to the church and congregation. Entering the ministry without pursuing a prescribed course of study he had not acquired the conventional manners of the schools, yet in him were combined dignity with affability and unusual plainness of speech with equal kindness. In the pulpit he was often colloquial, sometimes eloquent and always instructive. A few lines from a letter written by "Sarah Jewett in December, 1823, will be accepted as authority in regard to his characteristics. "Mr. Perkins is our candidate. I am cex'tain you will like him much, as you like unassuming manners. He is an uncommonly interesting man. His manner in the pulpit is easy and natural ; his composition chaste ; and his remarks original, and we seldom witness such urbanity of manner." It is the united testimony of all who remember him that he was a devoted minister and a kind, sympathizing friend. By his ready sympathy and his exemplary walk and conversation he secured the afiFections and respect of his people. In his public ministrations he was discreet and faithful. At a season of controversial discussion, which was rending many churches, his flock was united and by avoiding doctrinal preaching he persuaded his people to drown dissension in forgetfulness. The ministry of Mr. Perkins in this place was interrupted by the feebleness of the aged parents of his wife who sought his care and assistance. Obtaining a dismissal from his charge he returned to Connecticut. A mutual council was convened July 3, 1832, and after formally assenting to the desire of Mr. Perkins to be released from his charge the record proceeds : The council are happy to state that in the dissolution of the pastoral relations of the Eev. George Perkins to this church and people the most mutual good feeling has prevailed and we wish to ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 269 state explicitly that the reasons assigned for a dissolution of this relation are such as do not show any dissatisfaction of the church and people towards their pastor nor any dissatisfaction on his part towards them. • Rev. George Perkins, son of Dr. Elisha and Sarah (Douglas) Perkins, was born in Plainfield, Connecticut, October 19, 1783. He pursued a preparatory course of study at the Academy in his native town and was graduated at Yale College 1803. After reading law in the office of Hon. Charles Marsh of Woodstock, Vermont, he soon became a prominent lawyer in Norwich, Connecticut. In the continued practice of his profession he earned an excel- lent reputation as a safe and prudent counsellor and an able advocate. Such was his integrity and conscientious adher- ence to his idea of right, he was familiarly styled by his brethren in the profession and often by the public as "Honest George." In 1821, and soon after the death of his first wife, closing his office in Norwich and with little remark concerning his intentions, he sought the home of his brother, Eev. J. Douglas Perkins, in Coatesville, Pennsyl- vania, and under his tuition he pursued the study of theology a year or more. Entering the ministry at the age of forty years and after preaching a few Sabbaths in Ashby, his first continued pastoral labor was in this town. After his dis- missal from this church he was installed in 1832 over the church in Jewett City, Connecticut, where he remained six years. Of his ministry in that place, Eev. Thomas L. Shipman, his successor, has written, "He preached eloquently seven days in the week by the power of a holy life." Later he was occupied some time in the settlement of the estate of Dr. John Turner, the father of his wife, and residing in 270 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Norwich he supplied in the vicinity from time to time until death came to abide with him September 15, 1852. Mr. Perkins, after a brief interval, was succeeded by Eev. George Goodyear. He was the last minister who preached in the meeting-house on the hill and the first who ministered in the new house in the village. He was installed October 10, 1832, and dismissed at his request November 16, 1841. This was a pastorate of pleasant and enduring memories and a season of temporal .and spiritual prosperity. The new meeting-house was built soon after the labors of Mr. Good- year began. The congregation was large and many names were enrolled on the registers of the church ; one hundred and ten members being received in a single year, of whom seventy-seven were admitted the first Sabbath in July, 1834. During this memorable season the pastor was assisted by Horatio Foot, the evangelist. Many who read his name will recall his earnest words and impassioned manner as they wonder if his appeal to the emotions was as enduring as the address of abler men to the intellect. In the discharge of ministerial duty, Mr. Goodyear was faithful and in all his relations with his fellow-men he was kind and sympathizing. No one approached him as a friend without feeling an answering kindness or in sorrow without being comforted. His sermons were the expression of an earnest purpose and a sincere desire to improve his hearers, and when he came down from the pulpit mingling with his people his religion, his gentleness, his affability did not forsake him. In an eminent degree he secured the love of his people and the respect of the community. Eev. I. Sumner Lincoln, now living at an advanced age in Wilton, New Hampshire, has paid an appreciative tribute to his friend and neighbor. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 271 My acquaintance with Mr. Goodyear commenced in 1821 when he entered Yale College, of which I became a member in 1818. After completing his academical and theological studies at Yale, and while preaching in pursuit of a place of settlement, he visited my settled home in Gardner and preached for me on Sunda}- a good sermon. Ashburnham was then destitute of a pastor. On Monday morning I carried him there and introduced and recom- mended him to the parish committee. From that time he became their minister and my good neighbor for nine years. During that time he made full proof of his gospel ministry both as a good preacher and pastor. He sustained a good reputation as a man and a minister and made many most worthy friends. After he left that place and I left Gardner we were. widely separated for some years, but for the last fifteen years we have been happy neighbors again, he in Temple and myself in Wilton, where our friendly intercourse was renewed and continued to the time of his recent departure to his celestial home. Full of Christian faith, virtue and hope he has passed into the personal presence of his Lord and Savior. Rev. George Goodyear, son of Simeon and Hannah (Beadsly) Goodyear, was born in Hamden, Connecticut, December 9, 1801. The Goodyears of Connecticut have been distinguished in many vralks of life. Charles Good- year, the patentee and manufacturer of rubber wares, was a first cousin of the fourth minister of Ashburnham. Mr. Goodyear prepared for college under the tuition of Rev. Edward Hooker, D. D., and at Bacon Academy in Col- chester. He was graduated at Yale College 1824 and at the Theological Seminary in New Haven 1827. Ordained with- out charge July 22, 1828. Previous to his installation in this town he preached as stated supply at Gaines, New York, and at East Windsor, Connecticut. Upon his removal from this town after supplying nearly two years at Renerville, New York, he was installed over churches in Truro, 1846-9, 272 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. South Eoyalston, 1849-54 and Temple, New Hampshire, 1854-65. Mr. Goodyear was a member of the New Hampshire Legislature 1865 and 1866. His last dismissal was at his earnest desire and on account of his failing health. He died in Temple, where he had continued to reside, November 18, 1884. After hearing two or more candidates, the church and parish united in a decision to hire Eev. Edwin Jennison for two years. This action was soon modified. A call was accepted and Mr. Jennison was installed May 12, 1842, or within six months after the dismissal of Mr. Goodyear. In the first year of this pastorate the church in North Ashburn- ham was organized to which twenty-five members of the church transferred their relations. Mr. Jennison entered upon his labors under favorable auspices. He was an acceptable preacher and was justly regarded as an earnest, devoted minister. His health soon failed, but with fading strength he continued his labor until the close of the fourth year. The relation was dissolved May 12, 1846, and from the record of the proceedings it appears that "The council regard Mr. Jennison with high esteem and confidence as a worthy Christian brother, an able and faithful preacher of the gospel and an afiectionate pastor." Eev. Edwin Jennison, a son of Major William and Phoebe (Field) Jennison, was born in Walpole, New Hampshire, August 26, 1805. He was graduated at Dartmouth College 1827, and at Andover Theological Seminary 1830. Previous to his labors in this town Mr. Jennison had been settled over churches in Walpole, his native town, 1831-5, Mont Ver- non, New Hampshire, 1836-41. Subsequently he was in- stalled at Hopkinton, New Hampshire, January 6, 1847, and dismissed September 5, 1849. In each instance the relation was dissolved on account of his feeble health. For twenty- ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 273 five years he has been incapacitated from labor and has resided in Winchester, New Hampshire, and of late in Con- way, Massachusetts. The dismissal of Mr. Jennison had been anticipated. His failing health had prepared his charge for the event and a successor was soon chosen. To Eev. Elnathan Davis a call was extended by the church May 25, which was ratified by the parish June 27, 1846. For some reason, not now apparent, the installation was deferred and in the mean time Mr. Davis continued to preach with unqualified acceptance. A council being convened early in September exception was taken to the views of the candidate on the doctrinal question of infant baptism. The solemnities were postponed. The council was recalled September 16, 1846, and recognizing the merit and ability of the candidate, and finding the church and society tenacious in their increasing desire to have the pastor of their choice settled over them, the installation was consummated. The minutes of the council are evidence that all the proceedings were conducted in a friendly spirit and that the only embarrassment was found in a difference of opinion on a single question of doctrine. Mr. Davis was a man of positive ideas and enduring con- victions. He was an able preacher and an active pastor. His labor was incessant, knowing every member of his flock he kindly and faithfully ministered to them. The church and the parish were united, the social meetings were fully attended and the influences of this pastorate have been per- manent and salutary. In the dawn of many golden promises of a long and happy ministry, Mr. Davis was invited to attend the World's Peace Congress held in Paris in 1849. Knowing that this overture, if not refused, would invite a continued connection with the American Peace Society and consequently lead to a dissolution of his relations to the 18 274 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. church and people of Ashburnham, he accepted the proffered mission with great reluctance. Soon after his return from Europe Mr. Davis became the secretary of the Peace Society and tendered his resignation as pastor of this church. He was formally dismissed May 21, 1851. Eev. Elnathan Davis, son of Ethan and Sarah (Hubbard) Davis, was born in Holden, August 19, 1807. Graduating at Williams College 1834, East "Windsor (Connecticut) Theological Seminary 1836, he was ordained as an evangelist at Holden in November following. He labored in the cause of Home Missions several years in Indiana and Michigan. Returning to the East in 1845 he was settled in Ashburnham the following year. Later he was pastor of the Trinitarian church in Fitchburg fourteen years. In 1869 he was elected to the Legislature from the Fitchburg district and imme- diately after this service he removed to Auburn and preached there until 1879 and there resided until his death, April 9, 1881. The seventh pastor was Rev. Fredei'iok A. Fiske who was installed December 30, 1851. This was a brief pastorate. Mr. Fiske came at a season of inactivity in the church and indifference in the parish. If he did not mingle with the people with the brotherly and ready sympathy that attended the walk of Mr. Davis and Mr. Goodyear, he set before them the example of a well ordered life and conversation. In the pulpit he was unemotional but instructive ; earnest but never eloquent ; his sermons were carefully written but delivered with little animation. At the close of two years of labor he made a request for an increase of salary. It came at an inopportune moment. The failure to accede to the request was chargeable more to the temporary condition of the parish than to the general impulses of the people. "With fraternal sentiment on other points the relation was dissolved April 17, 1854. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 275 Rev. Frederick Augustus Fiske, the son of the Eev. Elisha and Margaret (Shepard) Fiske, was born in Wren- tham, Massachusetts, April 15, 1816, and was prepared for college at Day's Academy in his native town. After his graduation, he at once engaged in teaching; first as assistant in Washington Institute, New York city, then in Norwalk, Connecticut, next as principal of Monson Academy (1833-4) , later in Fall Eiver, and finally as principal of the High School in Clinton. After taking the full course of three years at Yale Theological Seminary (from 1847 to 1850) , he entered upon the work of the ministry, being ordained pastor of this church. For about three years from November 16, 1854, he was pastor of the Congregational church in East Marsh- field, ^Massachusetts ; for the next eight years, principal of a boarding school in Newton; from 1865 to 1868, Superin- tendent of Education for North Carolina, under the Freed- ■> men's Bureau ; and from January 26, 1869, to November 28 of the same year, pastor of the Congregational church in Raynham. The remaining years of his life were spent in the service of the Protestant Episcopal church, his ordination as a deacon occurring June 25, 1870, and as a priest, November 5, 1870. From July, 1870, to May, 1873, he was rector of Trinity church, Van ' Deusenville ; from May, 1873, to September, 1876, rector of St. Paul's church, Brookfield, Connecticut ; from September, 1876, till his death, rector of Grace church. North Attleborough. He died December 15, 1878. Mr. Fiske was succeeded by Rev. E. G. Little, who was installed August 22, 1855. This was a memorable pastorate. In the autumn of the first year Mr. Day, an evangelist, was joined with the pastor in a series of meetings which were fully attended. The visible fruit of their labor is found in the record of forty-two admissions to the church before the 276 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. close of the year. Mr. Little was a diligent pastor. His sermons were wrought with care, logical in arrangement, sometimes glowing with the warmth of an ardent nature and always teaching the fundamental doctrines of his faith. His brief ministry in this town was terminated at his request May 13, 1857. Elbridge Gerry Little was born in Hampstead, New Hampshire, November 11, 1817. He was a son of Joseph and Eebecca (Webster) Little. At an early age he com- menced teaching. Mainly meeting the expenses of a liberal education by his own efforts, he fitted for college under the instruction of Prof. Benjamin Greenleaf of Bradford and entered the college of Nassau Hall at Princeton, New Jersey, in sophomore year, graduating in the class of 1845. He pursued a full course of study at Princeton Theological Seminary and was licensed to preach in April, 1848. His first charge was at Manayunk, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Eeturning to New England in 1850, he was installed over the church in Merrimack, New Hampshire, in September of that year. After his dismissal from this church and after preaching a year or more in Middleborough he was installed over the church in that place April 13, 1859, and dismissed September 15, 1867. Mr. Little then removed to Wellesley where he was mainly engaged in secular and literary pursuits until his death which occurred December 29, 1869. Succeeding Mr. Little, Rev. Thomas Boutelle supplied the pulpit nearly six years, from the spring of 1857 to January, 1863. His health was not firm and afforded so little assurance of continued service that a call was not extended. The friend- ly offices of an ecclesiastical council were not invoked and the neighboring churches were permitted a brief respite from attendance upon the accustomed solemnities in this place. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 277 Mr. Boutelle was greatly beloved. His sympathies were warm and constant, his friendship was enduring and his interest in the highest welfare of his charge was unabated. The memories of this pastorate are savory and imperishable. With generous impulses was joined the constant force of superior mental endowment guided by wisdom and prudence. Always instructive, sometimes eloquent, he was at once an able and a popular preacher. In 1862 he was elected to the Legislature from the Winchendon and Ashburnham district. Rev. Thomas Boutelle, son of James and Abigail (Fair- banks) Boutelle, was born in Leominster, February 1, 1805. He completed his preparatory studies at New Ipswich and entering Amherst College at the age of twenty years he was graduated in the class of 1829 and at Andover Theological Seminary 1832. After a short engagement with the Ameri- can Educational Society, he was ordained and installed over the Congregational church in Plymouth, May 21, 1834; dismissed March 23, 1837. His next charge was at Wood- stock, Connecticut, where he remained twelve years. From 1850 to 1856 he labored at Bath, New Hampshire. At the close of his pastorate in this town he removed to Fitchburg and there conducted a bookstore, preaching occasionally as opportunity was offered. He died suddenly of heart disease November 28, 1866. The supply of Mr. Boutelle was succeeded by the settle- ment of Rev. George E. Fisher who was installed May 21, 1863. It was a successful ministry. The church was united and increased in membership and the parish strength- ened. His sermons were thoughtful and instructive and his social relations were firmly supported by enduring friend- ship. In 1867 he represented the district in the Legislature. His request for a dismissal reluctantly granted by the church and parish was approved by a council convened September 2, 1867. 278 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Rev. George E. Fisher, son of Rev. George and Mary (Fiske) Fisher, was born in Harvard January 22, 1823. Pursuing his preparatory study under the tuition of his father and at the Lawrence Academy in Groton, he was graduated at Amherst College 1846, and at Andover Theo- logical Seminary 1849. He was successively settled over the church in Rutland February 27, 1850 ; the North church in Amherst September 16, 1852 ; the church in Mason Village (now Greenville), New Hampshire, June 22, 1859. Following his removal from this town Mr. Fisher was installed over the church in South Hadley Falls September 2, 1867, and over the East church in Amherst December 10, 1879, where he remains an active and successful pastor. Leaving Mr. Fisher, the ninth and last minister who received installation, the church and parish entered an era of supply as yet unbroken. The ministry has been con- tinuous and not without a character of stability. Rev. Mood}^ A. Stevens was employed three j^ears com- mencing in 1867. During this period the meeting-house was thoroughly repaired and it is probable the progress of his labor was considerably interrupted by the activities of the parish. He was a devoted man and he earnestly and faithfully labored for the highest good of his people. He was singularly free from ostentation, prudent in his methods and manifested a friendly interest in the welfare of his parish. Being a cultured musician he took a lively interest in church music and enlivened the social meetings with the spirit of song. His ministry was successful. Rev. Moody A. Stevens, son of David and Elizabeth (Ryder) Stevens, was born in Bedford, New Hampshire, February 7, 1828. He fitted for college at Phillips Acad- emy, Andover, and at Exeter, New Hampshire, and at twenty years of age he entered Dartmouth College. His ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 279 health failed and he did not complete a course of study at that time. For seven years he made a thorough study of music and was a student and instructor in Boston and in St. Johns, New Brunswick. Subsequently he completed his academical studies at the University of New York and is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary. In 1861 he was chaplain four months of the Second New York City Volunteers. He was ordained and installed over the church in Plymouth December 9, 1862. Since his labors in this town he has supplied at Anoka, Michigan, and at Minne- apolis, Minnesota, and is now temporarily residing in Boston. The following six years and until 1876 the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Leonard S. Parker. He is a man of strong convictions but generous in all his relations to his fellow-men. A diligent pastor, a frequent visitor in the schools, a willing supporter of every laudable enterprise the pastorate is a record of labor and substantial results. The Gushing Academy was opened while Mr. Parker was preaching in this place. June 10, 1874, he was elected a trustee of that institution and is now in duration of service the fourth member of the board. Eev. Leonard S. Parker, son of William and Martha (Tenney) Parker, was born in Dunbarton, New Hampshire, December 6, 1812. He pursued his preparatory studies at the academies in Hampton and Hopkinton, New Hampshire, and at the Boston Latin School, and is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Oberlin Theological Seminary. In early life he enlisted in the anti-slavery movement, and his public efforts elicited the favorable notice of Giddings and other pioneers in the cause. He has been settled over churches in Mansfield, Ohio ; Providence, Rhode Island ; West Brookfield and Haverhill ; and Derry, New Hampshire. 280 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Following his ministry in this town he supplied at Miller's Falls and Turner's Falls, preaching each Sabbath af churches four miles distant and having a class in each Sunday-school. At the commencement of these labors both were mission churches, but during the ministry of Mr. Parker both became self-supporting and erected houses of worship. At present Mr. Parker is acting pastor of the Congregational church in Berkley. ]Mr. Parker ivas immediately succeeded by Eev. Daniel E. Adams, who was acting pastor from July 16, 1876, to July 5, 1885. In duration the ministry of Mr. Goodyear exceeds that of Mr. Adams by only a few Sabbaths ; and, except the prolonged ministry of Dr. Gushing, no other pastorate of this church has been continued an equal length of time. Assuming without hesitation the prerogatives of his sacred calling, Mr. Adams preached the whole truth but with a sincerity and kindness that provoked neither bitterness nor controversy. In his administration of the affairs of the church he pursued a pacific policy and his ministry was an era of concord and harmony. The memory of the fraternal relations continuously maintained in the church and parish is a living tribute to his judicious ministry in the pulpit and among the people. Of the one hundred and fifty funerals attended by Mr. Adams while in this town, the extreme a^e of two of the deceased is remarkable. The funeral of Mrs. Emma (Willard) Skelton, aged 103 years and 10 months, occurred November 7, 1881, and that of Colonel Charles Barrett, aged 97 years and 4 months, June 10, 1885. Eev. Daniel E. Adams, son of Eev. Darwin and Catherine (Smith) Adams, was born in Hollis, New Hampshire, June 22, 1832. His grandfather was Daniel Adams, the author of Adams' Arithmetic and other popular school-books, and his mother was the daughter of Eev. Eli Smith of Hollis, m i-^M '■■■■■ JT! „.'^-"='° ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 281 New Hampshire. Graduating at Bangor Theological Semi- nary 1860, Mr. Adams was ordained and installed over the Second Congregational church, Wilton, New Hampshire, December 5, 1860, and dismissed May 5, 1876. Since December 5, 1885, he has been acting pastor of the Pilgrim Congregational church of Southboro.' During several of the intervals between the pastorates and when called upon by the sickness or absence of the stated supply. Rev. Josiah D. Crosby of this town has been a present help in every time of need. He supplied contin- uously during the absence of Mr. Davis in Europe and in the aggregate he has preached more Sabbaths than some of the pastors who have been in charge. Any record of the ministry of this church would be incomplete without a generous recognition of his willing service. His interest in the prosperity of the church and parish has been unfailing, and in matters of moment his advice frequently has been solicited and cheerfully given, and to the sick and the aged he has been an attentive friend. Rev. Josiah Davis Crosby, eldest son of Fitch and Rebecca (Davis) Crosby, was bom in Ashburnham, March 1, 1807. He pursued his preparatory studies at New Ipswich Academy and under the tuition of Ephraim M. Cunningham, Esq., then a lawyer in Ashburnham. At the age of fifteen years, he entered Amherst College and not completing the course in that institution he entered senior year at Union College graduating in class of 1826. He studied theology at An- dover and was licensed to preach by the North Worcester Association in 1830. October 4, 1837, he was installed colleague to the venerable Rev. Laban Ainsworth over the church at Jafirey Centre, New Hampshire, and was dismissed May 18, 1845. He supplied at New Bufialo from October 1, 1857, to July 1, 1858, and from September 1, 1861, to September 1, 1862. 282 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Here at the close of one hundred and twenty-five years the record ends. Nine ministers have been installed over the church and five have supplied about twenty-five years. The ministry of Mr. Gushing was a continent of time and in compai'ison the shoi^ter pastorates were little islands in an adjacent sea. Yet each of them, influenced in some measure by its climate, has produced fruit in accordance with the tillage of the vineyard. The ministry has been continuous and in its character it has been able and substantial. If the pulpit has been graced by none who have electrified audiences and by the power of eloquence have swayed the passions of men, each in his sphere has been an acceptable preacher and, apparently, more concerned to secure the approval of his Master than the applause of men, has faithfully discharged his duty to the church and to the parish. The offices of the church in forming and moulding character and in its ministrations to the souls of men form a part of the unwritten history of another world. The visible results of the record aggregate the admission of one thousand and twenty-six to its membership, beside the few names that escaped record during the ministry of Mr. Winchester. Of these, four hundred and two have died in full relations and four hundred and forty have been dismissed, a few with censure but generally with recommendation to other churches. There have been convened sixteen ecclesiastical councils for the settlement and dismissal of ministers and only one in arbitration upon a proceeding of discipline, and this church has been invited to meet in nearly one hundred councils upon the afiairs of other churches. Through all these years the church in Ashburnham has remained steadfast to its early principles, yet ready to accept the enlargement of its creed which has attended the progress of the age. In the succession of worshippers they have ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 283 borne the prayer and the praise of four generations. In blameless lives, in self-denial, in devotion and in courage they have honored the fathers who planted the vine in the wilderness. As a thousand tender memories warm the heart, the influence of their faith and devotion, as reflected in the record, will become the enduring inheritance of their suc- cessors. Since the organization of the church the following persons have officiated as deacons : Moses Foster, 1760, resigned 1769, died Oct. 17, 1785. Samuel Eellows, 1760, remoTed to Shelburne 1772. Tristram Cheney, 1769, removed to Antrim, N. H., 1773. John Willard, 1772, died July 4, 1793. Samuel Wilder, 1773, died May 9, 1798. Peter Stone, 1788, removed to Townsend 1799. Jacob Harris, 1788, diedinWindham,N. H., Sept. 26, 1826. Elisha White, 1798, died June 14, 1817. Sherebiah Hunt, 1798, died March 6, 1826. Samuel Ward, 1817, resigned 1843. William J. Lawrence, 1819, died July 8, 1844. Daniel Jones, 1824, dismissed to Union Church 1843. John C. Glazier, 1836, dismissed to Methodist Church, 1857. Amos Taylor, 1843, removed to Aghby 1851. John A. Conn, 1849, removed to Pitohburg 1865. William P. Ellis, 1849, resigned 1862. Haryey Brooks, 1862, removed to Gardner. David Laws , 1865, removed to Worcester 1871. J. Newton Hastings, 1870, resigned 1877. Charles E. Woodward, 1870, resigned 1877. Since 1877 the deacons have been elected for a limited term but are eligible to reelection. The new system com- prises the election of two deacons every other year for the term of four years. Under this arrangement the following persons have been chosen and are continued in office : J. Newton Hastings, 1877. Charles E . Woodward , 1877. Mortimer M. Stowe, 1877. George W. Eddy, 1883. CHAPTEK IX. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. CONTINUED. THE FIRST MEETING-HOUSE. — • VOTES CONCEKNING THE EDIFICE. — I'KWS CONSTRUCTED. THE TOWN AS A PARISH. THE SALARY OF MR. GUSH- ING. THE HURRICANE. — THE SITE OF THE FIRST MEETING-HOUSE. — THE SECOND MEETING-HOUSE. — PROCEEDINGS 1791. PAINTING OF THE MEETING-HOUSE. TOLERATION. DISSOLUTION OP THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TOWN AND THE CHURCH. — FIRST PARISH ORGANIZED. — CONTENTION OVER THE MINISTERIAL FUND. THE THIRD MEETING- HOUSE. — LOCATION. CONTINUED HISTORY. — THE EDIFICE REMODELLED. THE PARSONAGE. Conspicuous in the annals of Ashburnham are the very early measures concerning the location and building of the first meeting-house. The worship of God in a stated form was a subject of earnest concern and solicitude. The "hill with a very fair prospect " was fitly chosen for the site of the temple in the forest. The work was not suffered to sleep. At a date which excites no small' measure of surprise and far in advance of other settlements a meeting-house was built in 1739 or possibly very early in 1740. At a later period, the abandonment of the settlement and, owing to disturbance excited by continued war, the tardy return of the settlers did not permit its use for many years ; but the edifice inviting occupancy remained as a monument to the enterprise and faith of its builders. True it was a long time before it was completed to the satisfaction of the proprietors, but through all the period of repairs and amendments it 284 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY, 285 could be used, and in the light of the, times with some degree of comfort. Eev. Dr. Gushing speaking midway between the event and the present has preserved the information that this was the first framed building erected in Ashburnham and that it was raised by only sixteen men. It may be inferred that an event like the raising of a meeting-house invited the whole settlement to the scene of action. It is more proba- ble that some came from Lunenburg than that any settler remained at home. At this time the proprietors would not be sustained in the declaration that there were thirty men residing here. The vote of the proprietors instructing Mr. Mossman to nail up the windows and doors, and their com- mittal of this meeting-house in the wilderness to the care of Him in whose service it had been reared and its wonderful preservation during the French and Indian "War, add new interest to its history. Eeversing the traditions of the temple of Janus, whose gates were thrown open in time of war and only closed under the mild commands of peace, our fathers closed their temple in this season of danger and opened it not until the land was quieted and messages of a sweeter peace were spoken beneath its roof. The records relate the progress of the improvements made upon the building in the early years of its occupancy and convey impressions which would be lost if stated in other language : 1752. Voted that all the windows saving the four lower windows in the south side of the meeting-house, which four win- dows are to he glazed, the others to be fully boarded up for the present. 1753. Voted that a tax of ten shillings on each right lawful money he paid by the third "Wednesday in May next towards finishing the meeting-house. 286 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 1755. Voted that a tax of three shillings lawful money be laid on each right for doing something for the meeting-house to secure it from the weather. 1759. Voted that Mr. Elisha Coolidge be appointed to bord up the window places in the meeting-house with rough bords to keep out the wet and to make window shuts for two of the windows that are most convenient to let in the light when there shall be preaching there. In 1760 a minister was settled and in commemoration of the event the sum of forty pounds, to vrhich eight pounds was added the following year, amounting to more than the original cost of construction, was expended, and now for the first time was the house referred to as finished. Moses Foster, Caleb "Wilder and Caleb Dana, one resi- dent and two non-resident proprietors, were chosen to conduct the repairs and assign the several pews to future owners. The work was substantially completed before July 31, 1760, for at that time the committee report the assign- ment of a part of the pews. The ponderous pulpit of the past century was built upon the north side of the room, stairs were erected to the unfinished galleries and there were doors in the centre of the three remaining sides. On the out- side of the room, nineteen rectangular pews or enclosures, constructed after the custom of the time, occupied the spaces between the pulpit and the doors. Possibly there were two additional' pews on the south side, making twenty-one in all. The central space surrounded by the pews was not occupied at this time. First west of the pulpit were the stairs, and next was the pew assigned to the ministry. The next was in the corner and was given to Caleb Wilder of Lancaster, and between that and the west door were the pews of Eichard Dana and Moses Foster, Jr. The first pew south of the west door was assigned to Jeremiah Foster. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 287 Passing by four, possibly five pews not assigned, the first one west of the south door is given to Caleb Dana of Cam- bridge who then owned eight rights in the township. No other pews were then disposed of except the five which filled the space between the west door and the pulpit and these were given to Jonathan Samson, Jonathan Gates, John Mofiatt of Boston, Elisha Coolidge and Deacon Moses Foster. The pew of Mr. Moifatt was in the northwest corner and that of Deacon Foster was nearest the pulpit. The report of the committee, each of them having secured a good pew for himself, concludes with the remark, " the remaining pew ground we have not disposed of no other pro- prietors appearing whom we thought had the best right to pews there." This information explains the omission in their report of the names of James Coleman, Thomas Wheeler, John Bates, "Wright Brown and other residents. The German settlers, a majority of whom were members of the church, and others living on the independent grants, not being proprietors, could only come into possession of pews by purchase from some proprietor to whom one had been assigned. Further proceedings of the proprietors were obstructed by the act of incorporation and in this condition the meeting-house was transferred to their legal successors. Assuming the powers and duties of a town, the inhabi- tants of Ashburnham in 1765 came into possession and control of the first meeting-house, and in accordance with the laws and usages of the times the town in its corporate capacity began to exercise the functions of a parish. In the settlement and dismissal of a minister the church had a con- current vote, but the control and repair of the meeting- house, the salary of the minister and all other parochial affairs were debated and determined in open town meeting. 288 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. The maintenance of the stated ministrations of the Gospel involved an outer and an inner organization ; the first em- braced all the citizens of the town, while the latter was limited to the membership of the church. If, in the present light, such relations appear inconsistent it should be remem- bered that the people generally were in full sympathy with the creed of the prevailing church and that few, if any, were unwilling to pay their proportion of the tax assessed upon all for the support of the ministry. Whatever opposition the system finally provoked in this town, no suggestion of discontent was heard for many years. The early records are a continued narrative of concord and harmony. With unusual unanimity the people mourned the loss of their first pastor and joined in the selection and settlement of his successor. During the many years the town continued to discharge the offices of a parish the settlement of Mr. Gushing was the only occasion it was called upon to assume the bustle and parade incident to an ordination of the olden time. That the town realized the solemnity of the occasion and was fully equal to the emergency is fully demonstrated. First, they chose one of the deacons to preside over the town meeting at which the important preliminaries were arranged, and then graciously admitted all the freeholders to the privilege of voting on the pending questions . The records portray the gravity of these proceedings . Y° town Chose Mr. John Gushing to settle in y° ministry by a unanimous vote, also voted y' all y'= freeholders Should vote in sum y' they Should Give to y° minister. Y= town voted to give Mr. John Gushing one Hundred thirty-three Pounds, six shillings and Eight Pence for settlement to be Payd in money and Labour. It was eventually paid with great labor. After voting that the annual salary of Mr. Gushing should be sixty pounds ECCLESIA.STICAL HISTORY. 289 and at the end of seven years it should be increased to sixty-six and two-thirds pounds, the town made choice of Samuel Wilder, Elisha Coolidge and Ephraim Stone to com- municate these propositions to Mr. Gushing. At a subse- quent meeting it was ordered "y* y" first Wednesday of november next Should be y"= ordination" (November 2, 1768). "Y' town voted to send to seven churches to j" ordi- nation." "Y* town voted to Give Capt. Wilder four Pounds to Provide for y'' Counsel with this Proviso y' y'= Cap*" Should Keep an exact acompt of y'= Cost and if y^ town shall think y' he bears too big a Proportion y' they will Consider him." The town further stipulated that the salary should be paid annually and that one-fourth of the settlement should be paid in labor and directed that " Mr. Keperlinger and Mr. Ephraim Stone and William Joyner should be y'' Committee to see y' y'^ work be done as Mr. Cushing wants it." The financial problems being solved, there was remaining an article "to Chuse men to Keep j" Doors and Seets of y'^ meeting-house till y'' Church and Counsel have taken their Seets," and a committee was chosen to carry into effect this respectful impulse of the town. It is not a duty, however, to conceal the fact that a majority of the voters on this occasion were members of the church and consequently in this polite attention to the church and council they were tendering an acceptable compliment to themselves. The gratuity granted Mr. Cushing as a settlement in addi- tion to his stated salary was in conformity with the customs of the time. It will be remembered that by the conditions of the original charter of this township, a right of land was bestowed on the first settled minister and another reserved for the use of the ministry. While Mr. Cushing continued to enjoy the use of one reservation the other had been given unconditionally to Mr. Winchester. The conditions were 19 290 HISTORY OF ASH BURN HAM. similar in other towns. The custom of granting settlements- was designed to bestow on the successors the same degree of favor they had granted to the first settled minister. To pay the gratuity granted Mr. Gushing the town borrowed the greater part of Colonel Caleb Wilder of Lancaster and sub- sequently cancelled the debt by clearing land with labor which was accepted in payment of taxes. It is impossible to determine what benefit Mr. Cushing received from the use of the ministerial lands. One lot was sold in 1794 and in consideration of his consent to the sale the town thereafter furnished him thirty cords of wood annually or paid an equivalent in money. It is worthy of note that during the long ministry of Mr. Cushing the annual salary proposed in 1768 was never changed. On one or more occasions an increase was ordered but the vote was reconsidered before another payment was made. At the close of the Revolution remuneration was made for the depreciated currency and later the payments were rendered in Federal money, but from the close of the first seven years to the end of his ministry the salary was neither lessened nor increased. The salary of Mr. "Winchester was sixty pounds which was paid by the proprietors until the date of ' incorporation. The town assumed the original contract and continued to pay the same amount. Scarcely had thc' town succeeded to the control of afiairs before a storm came and beat upon the meeting-house. Contrary to either scriptural precedent it neither stood nor fell. The gale in the summer of 1766 moved the building from its foundation but the injury was repaired. Referring to this event, Dr. Cushing states, "that in the summer of 1766 a hurricane passed over this hill and made a wreck of the meeting-house, and moved it to the north and to the east two or three feet. It was thought at first that it could not ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 291 be repaired but it was and stood until 1791;" or in the language of Tristram Cheney, "The house of public worship has lately been struck by a hurricane and the cost to repair cannot be less than £30." The following year and about three months before the death of Mr. Winchester, Samuel Fellows, Tristram Cheney and Elisha Coolidge were in- structed to brace up the galleries and to repair the roof. A corner of a leaf of the records i? gone and an account of these repairs is partially lost, but Jeremiah Foster, Jr., was paid four shillings and eight pence " for peeling the bark for the meeting-house," which probably was used in repairing the roof. The next repairs were under a vote to lay the floor in the front gallery, build a pair of stairs in the southwest corner and mend the glass. This was followed by an order in 1771, "to give Jacob Harris, Daniel Priest, Peter Joslin, Samuel Joslin, Oliver Wilder, Francis Dickerson and John Oberlock, Jr., the room in the front gallery, behind the seats that are now built, to build a long pew on." At the same meeting a committee was appointed "to seat the meeting- house according to age and pay." In 1772, the meeting-house was und.erpinned in a sub- stantial manner and to keep pace with the increase in popu- lation additional accommodations were arranged in the un- occupied portions of the galleries. At this time the glass was set in the remainder of the windows and the following year it was decreed that " eight persons that will be at the cost of finishing ofi" the room behind the seats on the west side of the gallery may have it," and " likewise eight other persons may have the east side at the same rate." Notwithstanding these repeated measures "to finish the meeting-house," it is probable that even in the estimation of our fathers it never was finished and that further work was delayed by the Eevolution and later by the contemplation of "292 HISTORY OF ASHBL'RNIIA.M. a new and more commodious house. In the condition set forth in the records and confirmed by tradition the town con- tinued to occupy it and to compensate in some measure the decay of years until near the close of the century. Beneath its unpretentious roof Mr. Winchester was accustomed to meet his flock and here Mr. Gushing expounded the doctrines of his faith during the first twenty-three years of his pro- longed ministry. Before its humble altar two hundred or more were admitted to the church and over six hundred children were presented for the ordinance of baptism. It is supposed that none are now living who ever entered within its primitive walls. It humbly served its day and generation and the first meeting-house in Ashburnham will ever remain a conspicuous figure in the annals of the settlement. Actu- ated by this sentiment, the town, in 1882, erected an appro- priate tablet on the ground where it stood, both as a memorial of the past and as an index directing future generations to a locality around which the earliest and most sacred memories of the town will linger with unfailing delight. The cez'e- monies occurred July 4, and an appropriate address was delivered by Melvin O. Adams, Esq. The inference is just and honorable to our fathers that a decision to remove the old house was not reached until the increasing wealth and population of the town demanded a more pretentious and commodious structure. How long or how earnestly the question of building a new meeting-house was debated, what arguments were presented on either side, with what reverence they regarded the old, or with what anticipations they contemplated a new house, cannot now be determined. The decision was not reached without serious conference and debate among individuals, but so far as the town is concerned, the decisive blow was struck without a note of warning or any bustle of preparation. A warrant ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 293 for a town meeting issued October 16, 1789, contains the first reference to the subject. It was then proposed "to see if the town are willing to build a new Meeting House and to pass such votes as shall be necessary for that purpose, viz. : to agree upon a spot of land to set said House and to choose Committees that may appear to be necessary to carry on the work." The meeting was assembled October 30 and the record proceeds : " The question being put whether the Town are willing to build a new meeting-house and it passed in the affirmative. Also voted to set the new house as near the other meeting-house as may be and not to place it on the same ground. Also voted to choose a committee of seven persons to make a draft of a meeting-house and chose Mr. Caleb Kendall, Mr. Samuel Foster, Lieut. Munroe, Samuel "Wilder, Col. Lane, Mv. Joseph Whitmore and Lieut. John Adams for said committee and then said meeting was adjourned to the 6th day of November next." This com- mittee is charged with grave responsibilities. To present a single plan that would be accepted by a majority of their townsmen is no ordinary undertaking. While they are studying the models found in the older towns, we are left at liberty to notice the measure of respect shown them in prefixing titles to their names. "With one exception all are honored with a title, and in the solitary omission Samuel Wilder modestly announces that he was the clerk who made the record. Formerly, the law of usage in regard to civic, military and ecclesiastical titles was inex- orable. Whenever an individual was advanced from the plane of mediocrity to the honors of a deacon, a justice or military command, his name was subsequently spoken and written in connection with the distinguishing title which announced the rank and new importance of the individual. Samuel Wilder was a captain and a deacon but he was never styled Captain Wilder after he had reached the honors of a 294 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. deacon ; but when he was commissioned a justice of the peace, Esquire Wilder rose in triumph over his former self. The following scholiums are apparent. In the former em- ployment of titles many nice discriminations were made. A deacon was next in honor and importance above a captain, while an esquire easily ranked both the deacon and the captain and even contested honors with the major and the colonel. The town being assembled according to adjournment a matured plan was presented for the consideration of the town : The Committee chosen the 30"" of October last have made the following draft of a meeting-house viz : that said House be sixt}' feet in length and forty-five feet in width, twenty-six feet between joints with two porches and a cover over the front door ; with an elder's seat for people who are hard of hearing between the deacons seat and the pulpit ; 70 Pewes : 46 below and twenty-four above. The Pewes to be sold at Vendue to the highest bidder. Boards and Shingles and Clapboards to be got in the same way. The Committee propose to begin to fraim the house on the 20* of May in the year of our Lord 1791. The question was then asked whether the report should be accepted and it passed in the affirmative. It was then voted to choose nine men to be a com- mittee to direct the building of the new meeting-house. Also voted to set the new meeting-house back so far as the burying yard wall and that the east end of the house be placed six feet east of the west end of the old house. The length of both meetino-houses extended from east to west. The new house was a short distance north of the old and extended westerly fifty-four feet beyond it. There is no record of the choice of the committee of nine ordered by the town, but incidental references to the progress of the work, under the direction of a building committee, render it certain that such a committee was chosen. And at a subse- quent meeting it was " voted to dismiss the old committee ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 295 for building the meeting-house and chose Samuel Wilder, Joshua Smith, Esq., and Samuel Foster a committee to compleat the work." The SecdxVd Mei;tin(j-House in Ashbuksiiaji, Erected 179L The new committee vigorously forwarded the work. The frame ^vas raised May 24 and the house Mas completed November 4, 1791. Three days later the town accepted the final report of the committee, and the new meeting-house was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on the tenth of the same month. In anticipation of the completion of the house the pews were sold and the proceeds of the sale was applied to the cost of construction. The records afford very little information concerning the cost of the house. The town appropriated in all one hundred and sixty pounds, and added to this sum the amount received from the sale of the old house which was torn down in October. It is therefore apparent that the greater part of the cost of the new meeting- house was paid with money received from the sale of the pews. 296 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. In 1808, the town paid Jacob Fairbanks for building four additional pews on the ground floor. These were sold at auction for the sum of three hundred and ninety-two dollars. The proceeds of this sale was the origin of the pew notes which became a bone of contention between the town and the parish. To paint the new meeting-house in becoming color next demanded the attention and united wisdom of the town. Every citizen was privileged to vote and it was the concur- rent taste of the town that "the color should be a pea green." The meeting was assembled at a season of the year when the vernal sun first begins to warm the brown and russet fields which gayly respond with the springing blade and bursting leaf, and in warm sympathy with nature as she paints the earth in the fresh liveries of green, the town produces its first poem. For some reason there was a delay in carrying the vote into efiect. At a meeting assembled March 2, 1798, having escaped an inspiration to copy the yellow of the harvest or the crimson and gold of the autumn, and behold- ing the earth covered with the snow and ice of winter, they consistently resolve to reconsider the former vote and to paint the meeting-house white. The town continued in the faithful performance of the auxiliary ofiices of a parish until 1824. The causes which led to the dissolution of the long established relations between the town and the church are apparent. The system was not in harmony with the spirit of our Grovernment. In the dual organization, the members of the church and those in full sympathy with them were a majority of the town, and by their controlling voice the minority were annually taxed under a continued protest. The spirit of tolerance some- times abated a resisted tax, but it presented no argument in support of the general principles involved. Indeed, the ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 297 majority, conscious of the injustice of the system, secured its continuance many years by the exercise of a commend- able degree of tolerance to those who stoutly resisted, yet excusing the act in a plea of the sacred use to which the money was devoted, they exacted tribute from all who only passively objected. Like every revolution of a system the beginning was remote from the end and early efforts produced no immediate effect. Manifestations of discontent and the responsive answers of a spirit of tolerance gradually led to the abatement of so considerable a part of the taxes assessed that the system was practically overthrown some years before the outward forms were abandoned. During the last year of this nominal connection, warrants for town meetings for the transaction of parochial business were addressed to all the inhabitants qualified to vote who are members of the Congregational society. The town clerk .attended these meetings and recorded the proceedings in the town records. Under this amended system, the town only assessed those for the support of the parish whose consent was first obtained. This procedure virtually created a voluntary parish for which the town was only an agent and in such capacity continued to call meetings and to assess and collect the annual taxes. In principle it was an amendment on the former system, con- taining the germ which speedily developed in the organization of a permanent religious society. Among the many votes of the town expressive of public sentiment on the subject of the preceding paragraph is an order adopted in 1781 that Jacob Willard, Jacob Kiblinger, John Kiblinger, Nathan Bigelow, Jacob Constantine, Joshua Holden, Elisha Coolidge, Ebenezer Conant, Jr., and Jonathan Taylor be excused from the payment of a minister tax for that year. In 1797 Colonel Francis Lane was excused from the payment of the same tax. Immediately after the com- 298 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. pletion of the second meeting-house, in response to the request of certain individuals, the town "Voted that the Baptist Society have leave to meet in the new meeting-house on week days for religious worship by applying to the door- keeper for the keys. Also when it shall so happen that the Church and Congregation usually meeting in said house are destitute of a preacher and do not want to use said house on the Sabbath that said Baptist Society shall have leave to meet in said house." Encouraged by this proceeding the town was requested " to abate the minister tax laid on the non-resident lands owned by the Baptists." Upon this proposition the town voted in the negative. The final paro- chial service of the town occurred in 182;-! and 1S24. The town assumed the expenses of the funeral of Rev. Dr. Cushing amounting to $65.45, and continued the salary until the following November. It also joined with the church in extending a call to Rev. George Perkins and directed the arrangements for his ordination. These offices at the eve of a dissolution of the relations between the town and the church were a fitting conclusion of a continued and honorable service. So far as the town was concerned, the only remaining topics of a kindred nature were the custody of the meeting-house and the control of the ministerial funds. The debate on these points between the town and the Congregational society can be presented more clearly after the other party to the controversy has been introduced. The causes which suggested the organization of an inde- pendent parish consecutively follow those which led to the termination of the former relations. In the early history ot the town nearly all the inhabitants were united in matters of religion and they adopted the readiest and most feasible method of sustaining public worship. The removal into town of families of other denominations and the alienation ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOKY. 299 of as many from the standing church and particularly the rapid growth of the Methodist society, and the bolder inde- pendence of those who adhered to neither the Orthodox, Methodist, Baptist nor any othei- creed, made it clearly apparent that ever}^ denomination should assume the control and management of its prudential affairs. The expediency of such an organization was seriously debated during the last years of the ministry of Dr. Gushing. Indeed, an association at that time was formed but " The Congregational Society or First Parish" did not have a legal existence until April 27, 1824, a short time after the settlement of Rev. George Perkins. At that date the society assumed the offices of a parish and has continued an efficient ally of the church with which it has been connected until the present time. The petition for a meeting of organization, dated April 8, 1824, was signed by Ivers Jewett, Oliver Marble, Charles Barrett, Elisha White, Fitch Crosby, Asa Woods, Grover ScoUay, Joshua Townsend, Abraham Lowe, Joseph Rice and Dod- dridge Cushing. That eighty-one or more members were present at the first meeting is shown by a statement in the records that " the whole number of votes for a clerk of the parish was 81 and all for Charles Barrett." At the same meeting over which Timothy Stearns was called to preside, Joseph Jewett, Esq., Elias Lane and Walter Russell were selected for assessors. The duties of this ofiice were more onerous than the term suggests. In addition to the assess- ment of taxes the assessors were expected to oversee all the prudential concerns of the society. At this meeting the sum of four hundred and fifty dollars was raised to pay the salary of the minister and by the following vote the unsettled questions with the town were introduced. "Voted that the assessors be a committee to look up the funds of the society laying in the hands of the selectmen." 300 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. This fund consisted of certain money and credits derived from the sale of the ministerial lands and the residue of the sale of the pews in the second meeting-house. This action of the society explains in a measure a vote of the town on the first day of November " to choose a committee of four to join with the selectmen to meet with the committee of the Con- gregational Society or First Parish to regulate the ministerial funds and the pew notes if they belong to said society and give them up to said society. Chose George R. Cushing, Dr. Abraham Lowe, Oliver Samson & Capt. John Willard. Voted to choose two more men to add to the committee and chose Joseph Jewett and I vers Jewett." The selectmen for the time being were Silas Willard, Hezekiah Corey and John Adams, Jr. This was an able committee and it represented both sides of the pending question. Mr. Cushing, Dr. Lowe, Joseph and Ivers Jewett were active members of the Congregational society, while Silas Willard, John Willard, Mr. Samson and Mr. Corey were equally prominent in the Methodist society. John Adams, Jr., held the balance of power in case the deliberations of the committee were influenced by selfish motives or denominational proclivities. It was undoubtedly at the suggestion of members of the Congregational society that the Jewetts'were added to the committee in order to secure a stronger representation in its councils. The result of their deliberations was laid before the town at a meeting assembled April 4, 1825, in the following report : The committee chosen at the town meeting on the first day of November last for the purpose of making a division of the minis- terial fund and property belonging to the first parish met at Jewett & Woods' store, and beg leave to report viz : chose I. Jewett clerk. 2'' On motion voted that all votes passed by said committee he laid before the town at their next annual March meeting. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 301 3'' Voted that the First Parish in said town of Ashburnham shall draw the interest of the Pew Notes. 4"' Voted that the said First Parish shall draw the interest of one half of the ministerial and school funds. 6"^ Voted that the clerk and chairman sign the above report. SILAS WILLARD, ] Chairman of ) the Committee. I. Jewett, Clerk. To the school fund the parish laid no claim and it is prob- able through careless methods in the conduct of town busi- ness it had been united so long with the ministerial fund that the identity of each was lost. Since the two funds were derived from the sale of equal parcels of land, neither would greatly exceed the other in value. It appears to have been the intention of the committee to reserve the interest of the school fund for the town and to bestow the interest of the ministerial fund on the parish. To these recommendations the town was not favorably inclined and refused to adopt any of the votes suggested by the committee. In the mean time the following petition had been presented to the select- men and a town meeting had been called to consider the same questions in another form. To the Gentlemen, Selectmen of the town of Ashburnham: We the undersigned inhabitants of the said town request you to insert an article in your next March meeting warrant " To see if the town will give up to the Congregational Society or First Parish in said town the ministerial fund belonging to said parish it being for what the ministerial land was sold for, Also the notes that are in the Treasury which were given for pews sold in the meeting- house belonging to said Society or Parish with the interest on the aforesaid notes for one year last past." 302 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. AsHBDRNHAM, Feb. 12, 1825. Joseph Jewett Abraham T. Lowe David Gushing D. Gushing Oliver Green Jonas Nutting Grant Houston John Galdvtell An article was duly inserted in the warrant and a decision was finally reached : Voted to give the ministerial fund and the pew notes to the First Parish in said town of Ashburnham agreeable to the request of Joseph Jewett and others and the selectmen are required to give orders accordinglj'. In pursuance of this liberal course on the part of the town the funds were transferred to the custody and possession of the Congregational society. For ten years the decision was accepted as final and so far as evidence is found it was generally regarded as just and proper. From what motive the question was opened and the controversj' renewed would be difficult to determine. In a warrant for the annual meet- ins in 1835 the heralds declare that the armistice is ended and the contestants who have rested on their arms for a decade are again summoned to renewed hostilities. To see if the town will reconsider the vote that was passed in 1825 ; the town then voting that the pew notes and other property in fund, originally belonging to the town, into the hands of the clerk or treasurer of the First Parish and also to choose a com- mittee to examine into all those funds and to see what part thereof rightfully belongs to the first parish and have the other put right. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 303 On the first clause, the town took no action but chose a committee of five to make the specified examination. This committee consisted of George E. Gushing, Charles Hast- ings, Jr., Dr. Nathaniel Pierce, Silas Willard and Ebenezer Frost. Mr. Gushing was the only earnest friend of the parish and he refused to join with the others in the follow- ing report : Your committee, chosen at the March meeting to investigate the state of the funds arising from the sale of school and ministry lands and other property &c, have attended to that duty and ask leave to report. Your committee find by the Proprietors Book of Records that the tract of land now called Ashburnham was granted to sixty soldiers or individuals or their heirs who served in the Canada Expedition as a bounty for their services by the General Court of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, and said Court in their grant reserved lots of land viz : one to the first settled Minister, one for the Ministry, one for the school ; and the sixty Proprietors of the Township six miles square then called Dor- chester Canada, gave one lot in each division (as it appears they made four divisions) it being four lots in all for the Minister, four for the Ministry and four for the school with Equivalents. Also the Proprietors granted one lot of ten acres where the meeting- house stands, provided the town build and keep a house thereon for Public Worship. The lots granted to the first settled minister seem to have been disposed of by the Rev. Mr. Winchester. Your committee find by the records that the town voted and chose agents to sell the public lands and we find by the records that some of the Ministry and School lots were sold and the interest applied in buying the Rev. Mr. Cushing's fire wood, and the said funds have ever since, except a small part, been retained in the hands of agents or persons then belonging to the first parish but have since alienated themselves from the old meeting-house Elsewhere for public worship and they have seized upon the school fund or a part thereof contrary to any vote of said town and carried it away with them. Therefore your committee, after due consideration, 304 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. resolves that the town pass a vote to return thtj funds that was given to said town for the use of the ministry to the hands of the town treasurer, there to remain a fund according to the appropria- tion. Eesolved as we find by records and a parchment plan of said town, that the common land that has been sold and deeded for ministry land the amount of such should be returned to the treasury for its proper use. Resolved that as the town sold Pews in the old meeting-house on conditions that the amount they sold for should be funded and the interest of said fund be appropriated to repair the meeting-house, that the principal with the interest be returned to the treasury to be kept for that purpose. Resolved that those members or agents that have alienated from the old meeting-house elsewhere for public worship deliver to the hands of the town treasurer the amount of monies that accrued from the sale of school lands with the interest that it may be applied agreeable to the appropriation. Resolved that the town pass a vote and agree with some pei'son residing near said meeting-house to take and keep the kej' of said house so that the Baptists may occupy the same for Religious Worship agreeable to a vote of said town. Should the agents or members, belonging formerly to the first parish or old meeting-house, but have since alienated themselves with monies or property belonging thereto, refuse to comply with these terms. Resolved that the town pass a vote authorizing the committee or agents to prosecute forthwith to final judgment. CHARLES HASTINGS, Jk., ") ^ SILAS WILLARD, ( Committee NATHANIEL PIERCE, ( . °^ EBENEZER FROST, J ^^^^ ^'''^'^• May 4, 1835. The report was accepted but none of the recommendations were adopted. The town clerk found employment in its entry upon the records but no other result ensued. How- ever, the general issue, which was crushed beneath the ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 305 weight of this ponderous report, was referred to Charles Stearns, Asahel Corey and Kilburn Harwood, with instruc- tions to meet a like committee of the Congregational society " with the view to ascertain more fully the rights of the town and parish in said funds." An early report from this committee was also accepted but no trace of its recommendations has been found. At the succeeding meeting the town "voted to accept of the ministerial fund," but through a failure of the society to pass a responsive vote to give it up, the vote at once ex- pressed the willingness and the inability of the town to secure it. Through the last stage of the controversy the society had the advantage of possession and during the pro- longed demonstrations of the town they continued to fortify their position with a dignified silence. At other times the subject was debated in town meeting, but the remaining votes of the town were only repetitions of those that hav.e been noticed. If any one desires to learn more of this dispute between the worthies of the town and the officers of the parish he may fan the embers of the controversy found in another chapter in connection with an account of the removal of the second meeting-house to its present location. In 1832 the Methodist society completed its first house of worship in the village. Actuated we trust more from a spirit of emulation than of rivalry, the First Parish began to consider the expediency of removing its house from the old common to the centre of the village, and to rebuild the interior after a more modern plan. No sooner was the project proposed than a decided opposition was developed. The owners of the pews in the old house demanded pay- ment for their property interest, and the town asserting an undefined control of the house frowned upon the society in the pretence of any right to remove it or to exercise 20 306 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. any control over it beyond its accustomed use where it stood. And the fact that the town had no clear idea of its own authority in the premises, left it free to assert any pre- tension and to oppose the society at every point. Foresee- ing the difficulties that would attend any other course of proceeding, the society early and wisely decided to build a new house and subsequently to surrepder the old house and the pending demands of the pew owners to the town. In September, 1832, the society postponed but did not abandon the enterprise, and while the intentions of the parish were beginning to ripen into an early execution a voluntary association of its members proposed to build the house on their own responsibility. It only remained for the society as an organization to grant the gentlemen leave to proceed and to select a location for the new meeting-house. In FebruajL-y, 1833, the following propositions were adopted: Voted that certain individuals who are disposed may build a new meeting-house agreeable to their proposition which is that the expense of building be divided into twenty shares and after the house is completed to sell or let the pews as they have oppor- tunity. Voted to choose a committee of five to select a suitable location for said meeting-house and chose , George G. Parker, V Samuel Ward, / John Caldwell, > Committee. Hosea Green, \ John C. Glazier, / Voted to adjourn for one week from this day at one o'clock in the afternoon. Feb. 11, met according to adjournment, the committee presented their report which was read. Voted that the meeting-house may be built on either of the two FIR^T CONQREQATIONAL CHURCH. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 307 lots — Sawyer's or the one George R. Gushing proposes. The Sawyer lot was selected. Other locations were considered by the committee but were not embraced in their report. One of these was on the opposite side of Main street ; another a short distance south of the Powder House ; another at the junction of the road from North Ashburnham and Main street ; and another where the barn of Nathaniel Pierce now stands. The amount paid Mr. Sawyer for the lot was two hundred and twenty-five dollars. The addition to the lot on the north was presented in 1869 by Colonel Charles Barrett. The names of the persons who assumed the responsibility and proceeded to build the meeting-house do not appear in the records. The twenty shares were taken as follows : Thomas Hobart, two shares ; Reuben Townsend, Charles Barrett, Ebenezer Flint, George G. Parker, Dr. William H. Cutler, Joseph Jewett, Haiwey M. Bancroft, Philip R. Merriam, Philip E. Merriam, Jr., Harvey Brooks, Elijah Brooks, Samuel Woods, Samuel S. Stevens, Joel Brooks, Horatio J. Holbrook, Hosea Green, Levi Rice, Edmund Sawyer, one share each. Under the direction of this efficient organization the present meeting-house was begun in the summer of 1833 and speedily completed. It was dedicated February 19, 1834. The cost of construction exceeded the amount received from the sale of the pews, but the loss was sustained by the organization that had volunteered to build the house. The heavy, clear-toned bell which still hangs in the belfry was purchased by subscription in January, 1834, at an expense of five hundred and seventeen dollars. The new meeting-house being completed, and the former entangling alliances with the town dissolved, the parish 308 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. entered upon an era of concord and quietude. Occasionally called upon to join with the church in the dismissal or settle- ment of a minister, its chief and successful employment has been to raise money for the payment of current expenses. At times the money has been secured with difficulty but the parish, by a conciliatory policy and by consulting its mem- bers in regard to methods of taxation and voluntary sub- scriptions, has met its obligations and has seldom suffered its fortunes to be dimmed by the cloud of debt. Through the indifference of many the burden has rested more heavily upon others, yet at all times a reliant purpose has met every obstacle and overcome every difficulty. During the past sixty years the salary paid the minister has been increased from time to time from four hundred and fifty to twelve hundred dollars. The meeting-house was thoroughly remodelled in 1869. After an ineffectual discussion of many plans and several inoperative votes of the parish a number of gentlemen gen- erously volunteered to become responsible for the expense of rebuilding the house. The repairs were immediately made under the direction of Ohio Whitney, Jr., William P. Ellis, Jerome W. Foster, George C. Winchester and Addi- son A. Walker. The amount expended was about thirteen thousand dollars. The deficit, after the sale of the pews, was assumed and soon paid by the parish. At this time a superior pipe organ was purchased by subscription. The parsonage was purchased in 1864, and in it 'are invested the ministerial fund received from the town and the legacy of Mrs. Lucy Davis. CHAPTER X. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. — CONTINUED. THE METHODISTS. — the field and the siinATiON. — the baelt PREACHERS. THE FIRST MEETING-HOUSE. — THE SECOND MEETING- HOUSE. THE MINISTERS. THE UNION CHURCH. — the elements collected. — the meeting- house. A CHURCH EMBODIED. — THE EARLY PREACHERS. — ELDER EDWARD A. ROLLINS. REV. A. A. WHITMORE. — TEMPORARY SUP- PLIES. — RET. DANIEL WIGHT. THE PARISH. — PERSONAL NOTICES. THE DEACONS. THE BAPTISTS. — preachers without pay. — Stephen gibson. — dis- integration. ADVENTISTS. — their belief. — no church organization. THE CATHOLICS. — first services in this town. — purchase a MEETING-HOUSE. — REV. JOHN CONWAY. Methodist Churches were oi'ganized in many of the towns in this vicinity in rapid succession. It was during the last decade of the past century. In its outline features the history of the introduction of Methodism and of the growth and progress of the churches planted by the early preachers is the same throughout New England. Until the arrival of the pioneer preachers of a new faith, in every town there was one church of the standing order which, founded soon after the settlement of the town, had remained the sole occupant of the field. Over each of these churches the " learned orthodox minister " was settled for life and laboi'ed without a rival. The orthodox minister of the olden time was an earnest and solemn laborer, austere in manner, 309 310 HISTORY OF ASHBURNIIAM. dignified in bearing; faithful and diligent as a pastor he labored for his people with singleness of purpose. With formal precision he visited the sick and comforted the mourner in learned phrases. His counsel was the voice of wisdom, while his sympathies were congealed in the solem- nity of his presence. Standing half way between God and man, there was a fixedness about him that invited the rever- ence and commanded the homage of the people. His sermons, logically arranged, were earnest and solemn appeals to the reason of his hearers. From the lofty pulpit of the olden time he maintained his accustomed eminence among his flock and throuajh the week he walked in even lines above them. They respected him, addressed him, thought of him with reverence, and if any loved him they loved him with an admixture of awe that suflfered no passage of the gulf that separated the minister from the hearts of the people. If neither the example of his life nor the spirit of his discourse invoked the emotions or aroused the sudden impulse, he moulded and solidified the chai-acter and per- suaded men to live under the guidance of principle and a rational sense of duty. The minister of that day is a character prominent and still honored in the annals and traditions of the past. In the midst of his supremacy came the pioneer preacher of Methodism. These heralds of a new creed announced their message with plainness of speech and simplicity of manner. Their early success sprang more from the manner of the man than from the matter of their discourse. They lived among the people and when not engaged in exhortation they conversed and mingled with them. They neither spoke from pulpits nor held themselves aloof from their fellow-men. They preached in dwellings, in barns and in the groves. While preaching they stood on a level with their hearers. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 311 Wisely assuming that the clergy of the standing order had faithfully instructed the masses and inculcated among them a general knowledge of the Christian religion they asserted the tenets peculiar to their sect. If they appealed to the emotions of men they satisfied a hunger of the soul that the teachings of the older school could not appease ; and if they became earnest and impassioned in manner they felt a responsive echo in the worship of the multitude. With such labor and under such conditions the early Methodist preachers found adherents in every community. They rapidly planted churches and confiding them to the self-sustaining influences of the class-meeting they passed on to new fields and to renewed conquests. Over these infant churches a preacher was not assigned for a stated time. Indeed the earlier preachers were not fixed in their fields of labor, but were transferred so rapidly from one station to another that we gain but glimpses of their approaching or retiring pi'esence. When assembled for worship, mysteri- ously there came a minister to preach to them ; from whence he came, or where he went, or the name of the roving preacher, is difficult to determine. The introduction of Methodism into Ashburnham in method and in the attending conditions was similar to the general work and success of the youthful church throughout the country. In a historical discourse delivered at Ashburnham July 9, 1882, Eev. Stephen Gushing has succinctly stated the prominent events connected with its growth and progress. To that discourse is credited many of the events in the following paragraphs. Within five years from the introduc- tion of Methodism into New England, Kev. John Hill preached the first Methodist sermon at the house of Lemuel Stimson in the north part of the town. This was in the autumn of 1793. Early in the following year a society of 312 HISTORY Oy ASHBURNHAM. eight members was constituted and soon meetings began to be held with considerable regularity at the house of Silas Willard, Esq. In the autumn of 1796 Lorenzo Dow preached to the infant society in this town. This famous preacher was then nineteen years of age. The following extract from his journal refers to this occasion : " October 23, 1796, 1 spoke in Hardwick to about four hundred people ; thence to Petersham and Winchendon, to Fitchburgh and likewise to Notown where God gave me one spiritual child. Thence to Ashburnham, where we had some powerful times." In 1800 a quarterly meeting attended by Eev. John Broad- head, a presiding elder, was held in the town. At this time the church embraced a membership of fifty or more. Three years later Bishops Asbury and Whatcoat preached at the house of Mr. Willard by whom they were entertained. Preaching was maintained in the north part of the town and a society with increasing numbers was in existence thirty- eight years. The preachers were frequently transferred to other fields in the intervals between the formal assignments by the Conference. From the records of such appointments and transfers it is found that during this time sixty-five preachers had been designated for Ashburnham and depend- ent societies. A society was organized in Westminster in 1814 and a few families in the south part of the town were included in its membership. In 1831 the Ashburnham and Westminster societies were made a station and a pastor assigned them. This arrange- ment was of short duration and only one appointment, that of Eev. Nathan B. Spaulding, was made. The following year the Ashburnham society, having proposed to build a meeting- house at the centre of the town, was made a station and has continued to the present time an independent organiza- tion. It was during the year of the union with the West- ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 313 minster society, and perhaps suggested by the inconvenience of that arrangement, that active measures for building a meeting-house were proposed and favoi-ably entertained. At that time the trustees were Joshua Burgess, Luther Barrell, John Kibling, Lemuel Whitney, John Willard, James Puffer, Silas Willard, Lemuel Stimson, Stephen Gushing, Oliver Samson and Hezekiah Corey. A considerable sum of money was raised by subscription and the work fairly begun in the autumn of 183 L The house was completed without suspension of the work and was dedicated July 4, 1832. The dimensions were fifty-six by forty-one feet. Again, thirty-eight years is an epoch in the history of the Methodist church of Ashburnham. The present commo- dious house of worship was erected in 1870. It was then seventy-six years since the organization of the church in this town. Dividing the time in two equal portions, was the building of the first meeting-house in 1832. The first span of time had witnessed the growth of the church from a class of eight persons to one hundred members. Through many discouragements they had existed and had increased. At all times their ardor had been unabated. Through all these years of their early history they found many occasions for devout gratitude for the past and buoyant hope for the future. During the second period, or while occupying the first meet- ing-house, they were attended with continued prosperity. The visible results are witnessed by many seasons of spiritual power and by frequent and considerable addition to the membership of the church. At the close of the second epoch, the erection of the present church edifice was undertaken. In 1869 the site for the proposed building was purchased and the foundations were laid. From the board of trustees Eeuben Puffer, Nathaniel Eaton and Andrew J. Smith were chosen a build- 314 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. ing committee, to which Charles "Winchester was joined. Under the management of these gentlemen the work upon the building was begun in the spring of 1870 and the house was substantially completed during that year. The interior decoration and furnishing were completed the following summer and the house was dedicated July 20, 1871. The cost of construction was about thirty thousand dollars which far exceeded the first estimates and the burden fell heavily upon the society. The organ, from the factory of Hook and Hastings, was presented by Charles Winchester. During the succeeding ten years the debt contracted in constructing an expensive edifice was gradually reduced, but was not fully paid until during the ministry and through the efforts of Rev. Nathaniel B. Fisk. Two members of the church con- tribtited at this time a sum exceeding the entire cost of the first meeting-house. From 1870 to the present time the outward history of the church has been uneventful. The stated ministrations have been maintained and commendable donations have been credited to the benevolence of the society. The spiritual history of all these years and the influences of the church over the souls of men are among the unwritten revelations of another world. The minutes of the Conference contain the names of sixty-five preachers who were assigned pre- vious to 1832 to the station to which Ashburnham belonged. It is evident that several of them after a brief labor here were transferred to other stations ; and, possibly, a few of them did not even arrive here before they received new appointments to other places. Nor were any of them assigned unreservedly to the Ashburnham church but to the circuit to which this church belonged. Very few of them were temporarily resident here. Their labors were divided among several societies of which this was the strongest and most prominent. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 315 Since Ashburnham became a station in 1832, a pastor has been assigned without reservation and has lived during the term of his appointment among his charge. The number of these appointments is thirty-four. Of these seventeen, including the present pastor, have remained one year, four- teen two years and under the modern revision of the rules, three have received a third appointment. After an interval of several years Eev. Pliny Wood and Eev. Austin F. Her- rick were returned to this town and are twice enumerated, but the brief pastorate of Eev. H. B. Skinner who filled an unexpired appointment is not included. All were worthy, exemplary pastors. With varied gifts and acquirements, none have failed in duty to their charge, and all have been fellow-laborers with men of their own and other denomina- tions in the reforms and benevolence of their time. The names of the pastors and the membership of the church since Ashburnham was made a station are as follows : MEMBERSHIP. 101 107 120 130 148 121 H. B. Skinner, 6 months 180 184 205 155 142 108 110 114 106 116 PASTORS. 1832. Nathan B. Spaukling 1833. Hebron Vincent 1834- -5. John W. Case 1836. Charles Noble 1837- -8. William R. Stone 1839. William P. White 1840- -1. Horace Moulton. H. 1842. John W. Merrill 1843. Newell S. Spaulding 1844- -5. Howard C. Dunham 1846. William B. Olds 1847. David Kilburn 1848- -9. Pliny AVood 1850. Jonathan L. Esty 1851- -2. Moses P. Webster 1853- -4. Cyrus L. Eastman 316 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 130 138 135 131 137 122 153 18a 170 149 140 171 165 159 149 149 153 147 The Union Church. — The causes which led to the building of a meeting-house and the embodiment of a church at North Ashburnham are mainly apparent at the present time. It is probable and it is reasonable to presume that the controlling motives were sustained and encouraged by many minor impulses which are neither reflected in the record nor preserved in the memory of the few now living who were active in the initial proceedings. A half century ago that portion of the town was more populous than at present and in that community were several men of influence and enter- prise. The families residing in that vicinity for a long time had been sensible of the burden of the distance that separated them from the church at Ashburnham Centre to which they belonged. These, for many years, had frequently yet timidly suggested some measures of relief. Among them were a few families who were not in full sympathy with the 1855-6. Austin F. Herrick 1857. Lorenzo White 1858-9. Pliny Wood 1860-1. Ichabod Marcy 1862-3. William Pentecost 1864. Jonas M. Clark 1865-6. John A. Lansing 1867-8. Walter Wilkie 1869. Nathan D. Greorge 1870. Joseph W. Lewis 1871. L. P. Causey 1872-4. Austin F. Herrick 1875-6. James W. Fenno 1877-9. William H. Cook 1880-2. Nathaniel B. Fisk 1883. John H. Mansfleld 1884. Emory A. Howard 1885. Austin H. Herrick ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 317 controlling influences of the parent church, and joined with these were others not allied to the church at the Centre nor were they Congregationalists. The latter class, actuated both by conscience and conven- ience, were ready to join in the organization of a union ■church with tenets inviting an evangelical alliance. There were many meetings and conferences of which no record was made, and concerning which very little accurate information can be secured. The work which met them at the outset was the building of a meeting-house and to this undertaking they directed their efforts with courage and enthusiasm. The edifice built for the proprietors by Ohio Whitney, Jr., and Samuel Howard was completed in 1842 and dedicated in December of that year. In the new house preaching was maintained by voluntary effort for several months. The ■church was embodied February 21, 1843. The creed was evangelical and while it omitted any declarations upon doc- trinal questions that were the distinguishing tenets of the Congregational, Methodist and Baptist faith, it was an un- equivocal expression on all points entertained in common by those churches. The original membership was fifty-five, of whom a majority was of Orthodox Congregational ante- cedents and the remainder were Methodists and Freewill Baptists. Of this membership twenty-five were received by dismissal and recommendation from the parent church ; a few from the Freewill Baptist church and several from the Methodists. During the early years of its existence the church and parish had no settled minister. The earlier preachers were Eev. William Hills, who remained several months, and Rev. Samuel Cole, who was acting pastor three years. Early in the year 1846 Elder Edward B. Rollins was hired to preach one year. This ministry introduced an era of discord. The season of har- 318 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. mony and fraternal relations, which crowned the early history of the church with continued blessings, was abruptly ended and for many years the bitterness of feeling then engendered was frequently the cause of renewed contention. Following Mr. EoUins, Eev. Josiah D. Crosby preached one year and he was succeeded by Eev. A. A. Whitmore, who remained four years and was the first minister installed over the church. Succeeding Mr. -Whitmore was a prolonged era of supplies and at times the records afford ample evidence that the salary of the minister was raised with great labor and efibrt. During this period the pastors were Eev. Josiah W. Brown, Eev. "Woodbury and Eev. Asa Barnes. In 1860 the original church, known as the Union Church, was disbanded. The few members remaining, who were found prepared for continued effort, at once proceeded to organize a new church, to be known as " The Second Con- gregational Church of Ashburnham." The creed was amended and the church was embodied June 19, 1860. The number of members received at the time of reorganiza- tion was eleven. The number was small and the burden comparatively heavy ; yet, aided by the Congregational Home Missions, they succeeded in overcoming many obsta- cles and for several years in maintaining the stated ministra- tions of the gospel. Eev. Samuel H. Peckham supplied the desk for a season and in 1863 Mr. George H. Blake was made pastor in charge and engaged for one year with an understanding that, unless for cause, the relation should be continued indefinitely. Soon after Mr. Blake began his labors he was ordained in the ministry but was not installed over the church and the existing relations were abruptly terminated before the close of the first year. Eev. Daniel "Wight, having supplied a few Sabbaths, accepted a call extended with great unanimity and was ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 319 installed June 22, 1864. The relation was profitably and fraternally continued until April 1, 1871. Immediately pre- ceding this ministry the creed and rules of procedure were amended, and during its continuance the affairs, both of the church and the parish, were promptly and prudently admin- istered. Succeeding Mr. Wight, Rev. Charles Peabody was made an acting pastor and continued his labors until May 16, 1875. He was succeeded by Rev. William T. Lewis who main- tained a dual relation with this church and the church in Winchendon Centre. The preliminary conferences in regard to the maintenance of stated preaching at North Ashburnham led to an early decision to build a meeting-house. A society was immedi- ately formed and under its direction the meeting-house was soon erected. In 1847 the society became a legal corpora- tion under the name of " The Proprietors of Union Meeting- House." Of this organization. Colonel Enoch Whitmore was clerk for many years and until the organization was lost through a failure to hold annual meetings and elect officers as required by law. In 1868, and during the ministry of Mr. Wight, the organization was revived and assumed the nome of the " North Parish of Ashburnham." It is apparent, however, that there was an active society during the years immediately preceding the new organization, but there is a hiatus in the records from 1857 till 1868. The new parish held annual meetings for a short tinle and then suffered the organization to lapse and at this time it has not been revived. The bell was purchased by subscriptions obtained in the autumn of 1867 and was placed in position January 23, 1868, by Ohio Whitney and Samuel Howard as a part of their original contract for building the meeting-house. The bell soon failed, but a new one was furnished by the makers, without charge, which was hung in the belfry January 28, 320 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 1869. It is a steel combination bell and weighs about eight hundred pounds. The expense attending its purchase and hanging was $265.51. During the existence of this church and parish only two ministers have been installed and no effort has been made to announce the names of all who have been acting pastors for short periods of time. The church and society are indebted to Isaac D. Ward for the careful preservation of the files and records from which the information in these paragraphs was mainly secured. Eev. Alfred Alonzo "Whitmore, son of Luke Hay den and Phoebe (Cowing) Whitmore, was born near Geneva, Ontario county, New York, July 7, 1817. The family removed in 1825 to the Territory of Michigan and settled near Ann Arbor. Attending the local schools in youth, Mr. Whit- more entered the school at Oberlin, Ohio, in 1838 and was a student in the several departments eight and one-half years, graduating from the academical department 1843 and the theological school in 1846. After a brief supply in several places he began his labor with this church in 1848 and was installed October 18 of that year. He was an earnest, faith- ful pastor and a plain and acceptable preacher. He was dismissed at his request August 25, 1852. After supplying a few months at Eichmond he removed to Ohio, in 1864 to Illinois, and since 1875 he has resided at Anita, Iowa, where he completed a successful ministry in 1880. Eev. Daniel Wight, a son of Daniel and Zillah (Gould- ing) Wight, was born in Natick, September 18, 1808. He is a graduate of Harvard University, class of 1837, and of Andover Theological Seminary 1840. His first charge was in Scituate where he was ordained and installed September 28, 1842. Here he labored successfully sixteen years. Commencing 1859 he was stated supply two years at Boyl- ston, and subsequently labored for the American Board ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 321 among the Seneca Indians. On account of the failing health of his wife he returned to Natick in 1863 and immediately after he was called to preside over this church. His prudent councils, his untiring interest for the welfare of his charge and his earnest labor in this town will be held in grateful remembrance. At the completion of his ministry here he returned to Natick where he continues to reside. During the history of the church five have been called to serve as deacons. Daniel Jones was chosen deacon at the organization of the church. Soon after, under the adoption of a rule to choose one deacon each year for a term of two years, Gilman Jones and Joseph Wetherbee were chosen. Except one year Deacon Jones was continued in office hy reelection until his removal from town, and in 1845 John C. Davis was elected and was continued in office until his death June 19, 1883. After 1849 the officers were elected for an indefinite period. Upon the reorganization of the church in 1860, Deacon Davis was continued in service and Horace Balcom was also elected to the office. The Baptists. — At an early date there were several fami- lies in this town who were styled Baptists. Others of the same faith were residing in Ashby and in Fitchburg. They maintained preaching with considerable regularity during the closing years of the past and the early j'^ears of the current century. Professing an unbelief in the maintenance of a salaried clergy they derived their religious instruction from voluntary labor, and in the absence of a minister, which was usual, they enjoyed the exhortations of their own number. Stephen Gribson of Ashby was gifted in this direction and for many years he preached to them with more acceptance than compensation. In 1795, when this sect was most numerous, there were twenty families in this town and as many in Fitchburg connected with this society. They held 21 322 HISTORY OF ASHBTJENHAM. their meeting's in dwelling-houses and in school-houses near the limits of the adjoining towns, but they never erected a church edifice. The meeting-house built in the north part of Fitchburg, about 1810, was erected and occupied by an organization of Freewill Baptists with whom the older society had little sympathy. The families who waited upon the ministrations of Stephen Gibson and other laymen belonged to a sect which, one hundred years ago, found a few adherents in many New England towns. Professedly they were Calvinistic Baptists and, doubtless, their adher- ence to the cardinal doctrines of that church fully sustained their right to the name. But the distinguishing feature of their faith, and one in which they were not in harmony with the Baptist church, was an unyielding hostility to the pre- vailing custom of providing a stated support of the ministry. Professing that it was " a sin to preach for hire " they relied upon itinerant and local preachers who labored with- out compensation. No doubt this feature of their creed was fostered and intensified by the intolerant laws of the State which compelled all to contribute to the support of the standing order. Those belonging to this society were excellent people. Some of them were influential and prom- inent citizens. As soon as the spirit of toleration repealed the compulsory statutes in relation to the support of the clergy, in a great measure the ground of their oflFence was removed and they gradually became absorbed in other religious societies. In later years there have been Baptists of the modern school in this town but there has been no other organization. Second Adventists. — For several years there have been a number of families in this town who are known as Second Adventists. They have occasional preaching at South Ashburnham but have no church organization. In religious ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 323 belief they are closely allied to the Evangelical churches and are not in full sympathy with the Seventh Day Adventists whose annual conference is held at Battle Creek, Michigan. The members of the denomination in this town observe the first day of the week and cordially unite with the other denominations in the Sabbath-school and in forwarding every good work. The Catholics began to maintain religious service in this town in 1851. At that time the number of families was small and they assembled at private houses. "With the progress of years the number has increased and for a number of years service was held in the Town Hall with consider- able regularity. In 1871 they bought the house they now occupy of the Methodist society. The interior has been remodelled and thoroughly repaired. The congregation is steadily increasing and the visible influence of the service is in the support of good morals. The church is under the spiritual direction of Eev. John Conway who is also in charge of the church in Winchendon. The Catholics, having no cemetery in this town, bury their dead in Fitch- burg and in Winchendon. CHAPTER XI. SACEED MUSIC. A TRUTHFUL REMARK OP NO GREAT ACCOUNT. EAKLT ACTION IN RELATION TO SACRED MUSIC. TK PITCH-PIPE. EARLY HYMN-BOOKS. NEW TUNES. riRST CHORISTERS. DEACONING THE HYMN. BASS YIOL. MUSICAL FAMILIES. LATER MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHOIR. THE METHODIST CHOIR. The men of Ashburnham have produced their most stir- ring music in their frequent town meetings, but being of a character unsuited to waft, on the wings of praise, the sen- timent of sacred song it cannot be considered under the head of church music. Holding an easy rein over their proclivi- ties in the arena of debate they have made ample amends in curbing opposition to the innovations which have marked the progress and elevation of sacred music in this place. The first reference in the records to this subject occurs at an early date : To see if the town are willing that the singers should sett together in the Public Worship in any part of the gallery that shall be thought proper. Voted that the singers shall have the front gallery to set in, in time of Public Worship viz : the men's side as far back as the long pew. Thus, as far back as 1773 and as far back as the long pew, the town provided for the accommodation and recog- nized the existence of a choir. That the singers increased 324 SACRED MUSIC. 325 in numbers is seen in a vote a few years later " to let the singers have the front part of the gallery to set in that they may not be so crowded." In 1774 the church by vote consented to the use of the pitch-pipe " if the chorister please to pitch the tune " and at the same time it was ordered, the records say by a consider- able majority, " that no new tunes should be introduced for twelve months and that they should be confined to the tunes that are already in use.'*^ There was opposition to the last vote and the records explain that to relieve the minds of many on this point the pastor was requested to name a proper tune for every psalm that was sung. The same year and in connection with these votes a proposal to introduce the verse of Dr. Watts was defeated. The version of Tate and Brady remained in use until near the close of the cen- tury. This version, a literal arrangement of the Psalms and some other portions of the Old Testament, with modest pretension to metrical composition, was employed in the Presbyterian and Reformed churches of Great Britain for a long time, and until eventually supplanted by the psalms and hymns of Dr. Watts it was in general use in the churches of New England. In that version our fathers found the familiar lines of the Scriptures and they regarded with grave suspicion the same sentiments expressed in new forms of speech. A copy of the ancient version is seldom found and many of the present generation have little idea of the poetry which the fathers were accustomed to sing. A part of the fifth and the sixty-fifth Psalms, in the version of Tate and Brady, will afford some idea of the general character. "Lord, in thy wrath, rebuke me not, Nor in thy liot wrath chasten me. Lord, pity me, for I am weak ; Lord, heal me, for my bones vex'd be, 326 HISTORY OP ASHBURNHAM. Also my soul is vexed sore ; How long, O Lord, wilt thou me forsake? " Return, O Lord, my soul release ; O, save me for thy mercy's sake. In death no mem'ry is of thee And who shall praise thee in the grave. I faint with groans ; all night my bed Swims : I with tears my couch wash'd have. Mine eyes with grief is dim and old. Because of all mine enemies. But now depart away from me All ye that work iniquities. " Silence to thee ; thy praise God, In Sion, paid shall be. The vow to thee, who hearest prayers. All flesh shall come to thee. Works of iniquity prevail Against rae sore do they. But as for our transgres-si-ons. Thou shalt them purge away. " The opposition to the introduction of new tunes is easily understood and was prompted by an impulse which com- mands respect. For many years our fathers had reverently sung their praises in the familiar strains of York, St. Mar- tin's, Mear and a few other substantial compositions. By constant use these tunes had become sacred to them and a sentiment of reverence triumphed over their musical taste and the allurements of new compositions. The earliest chorister, of whom there is any certain information, was William Benjamin. He was a resident here at the settle- ment of Mr. Winchester and remained until 1785 when he removed to Vermont. He led the choir several years and was succeeded by Joseph Jewett, Esq., and Lieutenant John Adams. Amos Dickerson, Ebenezer Wood, Levi Whitney, Mrs. Joseph Jewett, Betsey Dickerson, after- SACRED MUSIC. 327 wards the wife of Isaac Jackson, were prominent singers in the first meeting-house, and some of them are found in the choir at a later period. Jacob Kiblinger was a famous singer, but he generally worshipped with the Baptists and was not a constant member of the choir. Although led by a choir, for many years the singing was mainly congregational, and on account of the small number of books in the possession of the worshippers the practice of reading or lining the hymns was continued about thirty years. After the hymn had been read by the minister one of the deacons would read one or two lines. "When that passage had been sung in the animated manner of the time, and while the singers were regaiping breath, the deacon read another line or couplet and by this alternating process the longest hymns were fully rendered. In 1788 the church voted that no hymn should be sung without reading if any deacon was present to read it, except the last hymn in the service, but the following year at the request of the town the practice was discontinued altogether. At the time the congregation began to worship in the second meeting-house a bass viol was introduced, but there is no reference in the records to other instruments until several years later, but it is certain that from an early date the singers were accustomed to select a chorister and to accept the support of any musical instrument that was avail- able. For these reasons very little mention of the conduct of church music is found in the records. For one hundred years an interest in the subject and a commendable pride in home talent has been manifested by the town, and later by the parish, by frequent and liberal appropriations " for the encouragement of singing," and schools of instruction under eflScient teachers have been numerous. 328 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. More than any other, musical ability is a gift of inheri- tance. In every community can be found families of musicians. This faculty may present different phases in succeeding generations but the musical ability of the parents is ever renewed in their children. This town has counted among its residents many excellent musicians and many natives of the place have been famous, while others, more remotely associated, can trace their musical inheritance to an Ashburnham parentage. In the following paragraph it will be discovered that many of the prominent members of the choir through all these years were descendants ■ from some of the earliest singers in this town. Catherine, "wife of John Kiblinger the emigrant, is distinguished in tradition for qualities of voice and skill in music, and the choir has been indebted to her descendants through several genera- tions. The musical talent of the Adams, Rice, Barrett and the Charles Stearns families has been conspicuous through succeeding generations. As the voice of the parents grew feeble in age or was silent in death, the unbroken song has been sustained in the tuneful notes of their children. Many of these have been prominent in the choir where their services have been appreciated. Among the singers in the second meeting-house on the old common, whose voices are still heard in the traditions of the choir, were Colonel Charles Barrett, Benjamin Ban'ett, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stearns, Mr. and Mrs. Eeuben Townsend, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hastings, the brothers John, James and Walter R. Adams, George Law- rence, Josiah White, Harvey M. Bancroft, Mrs. Benjamin Gibbs, a daughter of Reuben Rice, Mrs. James Russell, assisted by the violins of Colonel Charles Barrett and Jonas Rice, the clarionets 'of Walter R. Adams and Samuel Foster, SACRED MUSIC. 329 the bugle of James Barrett and the bassoon of James Adams. Several of these continued with the choir in the new meeting-house in the village, and from time to time were reenforced by Amos Taylor, Joseph Kibling, Colonel Joseph P. Eice, Colonel Francis J. Barrett, Colonel George H. Barrett, who entered the choir at an early age, Harvey M. Bancroft, Stephen A. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. - Josiah E. White, Mrs. Sally (Thurston) Phillips, Mrs. Shepherd, David and Harvey Laws, Dr. and Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Josephine (Stearns) Tenny, Julia and Caroline Barrett, Mrs. Rebecca (Stearns) Walker, whose cultured voice led the choir several years, and the viols and violins of Deacon J. A. Conn, Harvey M. Bancroft, George H. Lowe, Stephen A. Miller, Horace Samson, the flute of J. E. White and the clarionet skilfully played by Captain A. A. Walker. In this choir Mrs. Julia Houston West began her public singing and C. C. Stearns, when a lad, accurately played the bass viol. The present choir, under the efficient direction of Colonel George H. Barrett, with Miss Augusta Ames organist, is well sustained by the leading voices of Miss Lizzie F. Barrett, Mrs. Georgie S. (Whitney) Greenwood, Mrs. Theresa (Rockwood) Litch and Homer T. Rice. In the early service of the Methodist church sacred song was the voluntary praise of the congregation, rather than the skilled performance of a choir. In this style of music any failure of culture was fully compensated by fervor and ani- mation. Since the occupancy of the meeting-house in the central village a good choir has been quite generally sus- tained and very many acceptable singers and several cultured voices have participated in this feature of public worship. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Steams, who had been teachers of music, were prominent in this choir many years and later 330 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. their daughter, Mrs. Walker, was leader of the choir and leading soprano thirteen years. The strong and not untune- ful voice of Antipas Maynard is well remembered and his daughters have rendered efficient service. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hastings, Sawyer Kice, Lewis Sabin, Nathaniel F. Cutter, Sarah A. Cutter and many others, are often named in the traditions of the Methodist choir. At the present time Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Eaton are leading singers and Miss Mabel W. Tenney is organist. CHAPTER XII. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. BOME EDDOATION. — FIRST APPROPRIATION FOB SCHOOLS. FIRST SCHOOL- HOUSES. DISTRICTS. — EIGHT DISTRICTS DEFINED. A NEW DISTRICT. THE TENTH DISTRICT. NEW BOUNDARIES. THE ELEVENTH DISTRICT. THE DISTRICT SYSTEM ABOLISHED. SCHOOL-HOUSES. TEXT-BOOKS. TEACHERS. — APPROPRIATIONS. — SCHOOL LEGISLATION. — HIGH SCHOOLS. PRUDENTIAL AFFAIRS. SUPERVISION. No sooner had a few families, at remote distances and connected by rude paths through the intervening wilderness, secured the stated ministrations of the gospel, than means were provided for the education of the young. During the early years of the settlement, in which there were no public schools, the young were not suffered to grow up in ignorance. The parents were generally people of intelligence and not a few of considerable culture. They personally attended to the education of their children and there were as many schools in the settlement as there were families. Whatever may have been the measure of instruction in the home circle the results are unmistakable. None grew up in ignorance, and the many evidences of a fair education, made known in the lives of those whose only schooling was at the fireside, are the substance of our knowledge of the instruction of that early period. A part of the children of the Winchester, Foster, Coolidge, Kibling, AVTiiteman and Coleman families were advanced youth when the first public school was estab- lished in this town ; yet, compared with the standard of their 331 332 HISTORY OP ASHBUENHAM. times, they were educated, intelligent men and women, and it is clearly evident that the education of the youth of that period was not neglected through a failure of public support. The date of the first entries found in the records on this subject is 1767. Compared with the schools of to-day it was a humble beginning : " Voted to Keep a School and voted Eight Pounds for y^ school." At a meeting assembled a few months later and before any of the appropriation had been expended under an article, "To see where y" Town will keep their School, whether in y^ middle of y'^ Town or Divide it into Quarters or Pass any votes on s* article," it was "Voted y' y° School Should be a moveing School, voted to leave it to y° Select men to make j" Quarters where ye school Shall be Cept, voted it to bee a free School." The term quarter was here employed in the sense of district or division and this use of the word per- mitted the selectmen to divide the town into an accommo- dating number of quarters, which was frequently done, with- out defiance of mathematical terms. During the early existence of the schools the town was divided into three districts, a school being maintained at the centre of the town, another at the Dutch farms and the third in the south part of the town. In 1774, in accordance with the existing arrange- ment of the districts, the town voted to build three school- houses. This action was promptly reconsidered, and an order was adopted that the town be divided into five quarters and that five school-houses be erected at the expense of the town. At this paint there is found no reference to any new districts, but in some way there were seven in the following year. For several years, commencing with 1780, there were ten districts ; in 1786, there were nine ; in 1794 the number of districts was reduced to eight; but in 1801 a new ninth district was established in the southeast part of the town, PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 333 including the estates of Joshua Billings, Reuben Billings, Eeuben Rice, Jonathan Winchester, Thomas Gibson, Joseph Gibbs, Caleb Wilder, Jr., and Samuel Dunster. Thus, at the close of the century, we find the town divided into nine districts, and in each, as will appear, there was a comfortable school-house. While the boundaries of these districts have been subject to frequent changes, and the tenth and eleventh districts have been created by a division of the seventh and first districts, the remaining numbers were bounded substantially as they exist at the present time. From the beginning changes in the boundaries of the dis- tricts and requests of individuals to be transferred to an a,djacent district have been a prolific source of legislation. In 1805, the subject of a general revision was referred to a comniittee of one from each district who reported the follow- ing year " that it is their unanimous opinion that a general rearrangement throughout the town cannot be advisable, but some alterations, in the southern part of the town, may be attended with good eflFect." This action did not pacify the town, and many petitions were renewed. In May, 1808, the whole subject was referred to a committee, consisting of Dr. Abraham Lowe, Captain Caleb Wilder, Captain George R. Cushing, Lieutenant John Adams, Mr. Timothy Crehore, Mr. Lemuel Stimson, Captain John Willard, Mr. Caleb Ward and Mr. William Merriam. On the twenty- ninth of November following the committee made a report dividing the town into eight districts, as follows : District Number One. — To consist of Eev. John Cushing, Moses Tottingham, Abraham Lowe, Horatio Hale, David Cushing, David Cushing, Jr., Joseph Jewett, Grover Scollay, Wm. J. Lawrence, Ephraim Cobleigh, Fitch Crosby, Hosea Stone, widow Nancy Stone, Joseph Miller, widow Brooks, Luther Brooks, Sewell Brooks, Phinehas Stimson, Cyrus Fairbanks, Jacob Fair- 334 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. banks, Oliver Samson, David Russell, Caleb Ward, Jr., Nathan Jones, Stephen Randall, Phinehas Randall, Jonas Randall, Joel Barrett, Oliver Marble, Oliver Marble, Jr., Thaddeus Brooks, Jonas Robbins, Shebuel Hobard, Deacon Jacob Harris, Ezekiel S. Metcalf (35). District Numbek Two. — Oliver Green, Jesse Ellis, Jonathan Brooks, John Winter, David Wallis, William Ward, Henry Hall, Lemuel Whitney, Nicholas Whiteman, John Hall, David Taylor, Nathan Taylor, George R. Gushing, Jacob Willard, Jacob Con- stantine. Wait Broughton (16). District Number Three. — Lieutenant John Adams, Walter R. Adams, James Adams, John Adams, Jr., Thomas Russell,- Isaac Hill, Ebenezer Adams, Isaac Reed, William Gates, John Hadley's place, widow Ruth Conn, James Cowee, Jabez Marble, Jonas Rice, Peter PoUey, Asa Woods, Asa Sawin, Joshua Bil- lings, George Wilker, Josiah Fletcher (20). District Number Four. — Reuben Rice, Jonathan Winchester, Joseph Gibbs, Thomas Gibson, William Merriam, Samuel Gates, Samuel Dunster, Nehemiah Maynard, Stephen Maynard, Thomas Hobart, Mrs. Sarah Earle, William Whitney, Samuel Whitney, Stephen Bemis, Deacon Sherebiah Hunt (15). District Number Five. — Reuben Townsend, widow Conn, Caleb Wilder, Jr., Captain Silas Whitney's place, Samuel Clark, Henry Gates, Ebenezer Munroe, Samuel Phillips, John Gates, Jona- than Samson, Stephen Corey, Deacon Elisha White, John Willard, Joshua Smith, Grover ScoUay, Joseph Burgess, Ebenezer Burgess, Simeon Brooks, John Corey, Joseph Stone, Ezra Stone, Elial Bacon, Jonas Reed, Daniel Knight, Jonathan Haven, John Haven, Nathaniel Adams, James Haynes, Phinehas Taylor, Hezekiah Corey (30). District Number Six. — Timothy Crehore, Benjamin Angler, Joseph Merriam, Moses Sanderson, Timothy Crehore, Jr., Frederick Crosby, Adam Stone, J. Hayden, William Holbrook, Jonah Rice, Nathaniel Foster, David Clark, William Harris (13). District Number Seven. — Samuel Cotting, Ithamer Fair- banks, James Weston, Colonel Francis Lane, Caleb Ward, Ezra PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 335 Lawrence, Enos Jones, Joseph Fenno, Barnabas Baldwin, Abra- ham Cummings, Grant Houston, Moses Lawrence, Isaac Whit- more, Edmund Jones, Ebenezer B. Davis, widow Kezia Hobart, Captain Silas Willard (17). District Number Eight. — Simon Willard, Amos Pierce, Daniel Benjamin, Daniel Benjamin, Jr., Nathan Jones' place, William Stearns, Jesse Stearns, Joshua Barton, James Stearns' place, Joseph Steele, Daniel Mclntire, Ezra Hastings, Lemuel Stimson, Benjamin Lane, Josiah Lane, Captain Charles Hastings, Henry Willard (17). At a previous meeting the same year, on the petition of several families residing in the vicinity of Rice pond, a new district had been created for their accommodation. Under the arrangement embraced in the report of the committee these families were restored to the first district and their new district was annulled as soon as organized. Immediately they renewed their solicitations for an independent district and were again successful. In May, 1810, after several hearings the town "Voted to grant the request of Jacob Harris and others, which is to set off the following persons as a school district by themselves, viz. : Jacob Harris, Shebuel Hobart, Oliver Marble, Ezekiel S. Metcalf, Charles Hastings, Joel Barrett, Thaddeus Brooks, John Winter, Jonas Randall, Josiah Lane, Oliver Marble, Jr., and Jonas Robbins." These radical changes in the district organizations did not restore tranquillity. The continued petitions of individuals to be annexed to a contiguous district were sometimes granted but more generally denied. After several refusals the inhabitants of Lane Village were permitted to organize the tenth district, but the boundaries were not defined by the town until 1829. The vote of the town was as follows: "That Samuel Foster, Ezekiel Metcalf, Francis Lane, Henry Kibling, Henry Kibling, Jr. , David Hadley, Caleb Ward, 336 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. John Kibling, Francis Kibling, Eichard W. Houghton, Elias Lane, Alvin "Ward, Henry Gipson, Moses Lawrence, Ebenezer B. Davis, Charles Davis, John C. Davis, Joseph Davis and Humphrey Harris, together with their estates and all the non-resident lands lying within the limits (together with Joel Foster and his estate if he wishes) , shall constitute school district Number Ten in the town of Ashburnham." Again, in 1832 the boundaries of all the districts were definitely established and several changes were made. Many now living were attending school when this order of the town was executed. Those whose former relations were ruthlessly severed, who were thus compelled to attend school in new places, who trod no more the old familiar paths to the school- house, nor met the familiar faces of their former playmates, will even now recall the proceeding with vivid i-ecoUection. A committee, consisting of George G. Parker, John Hall, Asa "Woods, Elijah Brooks, Elisha White, Timothy Crehore, Jr., Enoch "Whitmore, Jonas Willard, Charles Hastings, Elias Lane, — one from each district, — made the following recommendation which was adopted : Your committee, appointed at the last March meeting to deter- mine and define the limits of the several school districts, having attended to that duty, would respectfully recommend that the several territories as hereafter bounded and described, with the in- habitants at any time residing thereon, should constitute different districts in this town, to wit : District Number One. — Beginning at the southeasterly cor- ner of William "Whitney's farm and running northerly to the central point in the road between Reuben Townsend, Jr., and Mrs. Hunt ; thence northerly so as to cross the county road lead- ing through the village at the north end of Dr. Pierce's east wall near Thomas Hobart's land ; thence northerly to the junction of the Ashby road and the road leading to Emery Fairbanks' ; thence PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 337 northwesterly to a stake and stones on the west side of New Ipswich road north of Corey & Eoss' mill ; thence in the same direction to a stake and stones on the west side of the road between Jonas Eobbins' and the said bank ; thence westerly to the south end of Meeting-house pond ; thence to the centre of the road fifty rods south of Ezekiel Metcalf ; thence northerly in the [line] of said road five rods north of Joel Foster's ; thence westerly so as to meet the county road at the east side of the French farm ; thence southeasterly to the junction of the roads leading by Oliver Sam- son's and Josiah Eaton's ; thence to a stake and stones on the north side of the road between Samuel Whitney's and Stephen Corey's at the division line between their farms ; thence south- easterly so as to cross the road leading by Joseph Harris' at the east end of his south wall near Captain Willard's land ; thence north of Mr. Barrett's to the southwest corner of William Whit- ney's farm at the line of the town of Westminster ; thence on said town line to the bounds first mentioned. District Number Two. — Beginning at Wilker's new road at the line of the town of Ashby ; thence running northerly on said Ashby line to the northwest corner of Elnathan Lawrence's farm ; thence southerly to the north end of Brooks' pond ; thence to the junction of the roads leading by Salmon Eice's and Joseph Dud- ley's ; thence southerly to the east side of Mount Hunger ; thence on District Number Three to the bounds first mentioned. District Number Three. — Beginning at the junction of the Ashby road and the road leading by Emery Fairbanks' ; thence easterly to a pair of bars across a pathway leading to Nathaniel Cutter's ; thence easterly to the southeast corner of Joshua Bil- lings' farm ; thence north on the line of the town of Ashby to Wilker's new road ; thence westerly to the side of Mount Hunger ; thence westerly to the northwest corner of Stephen Lane's pasture ; thence southerly to the bounds first mentioned. District Number Four. — Beginning at the southeast corner of William Whitney's farm ; thence on District Number One to the central point in the road between Eeuben Townsend, Jr., and Mrs. Hunt's ; thence northerly crossing the county road at the 22 338 • HISTORY or ASHBURNHAM. north end of Dr. Pierce's east wall to the junction of the Ashby road and the road leading to Emery Fairbanks' ; thence easterlj' on District Number Three to a pair of bars across a passway leading to Nathaniel Cutter's ; thence easterly to the southeast corner of Joshua Billings' farm ; thence southerly and westerly on the line of the towns of Ashby, Fitchburg and Westminster to the bounds first mentioned. District Number Five. — Beginning at the southwesterly corner of William Whitney's farm ; thence northwesterly on the north side of William Barrell's and on District Number One to the junction of the roads leading by Oliver Samson's and Josiah Eaton's ; thence westerly so as to cross the turnpike leading to P. R. Merriam's at Sanderson's corner ; thence to the line of Gardner on the north side of Hezekiah Corey's farm ; thence southerly and easterly on the town line of said Gardner and Westminster to the bounds first mentioned. District Number Six. — Beginning at the line of the town of Gardner on the north side of Hezekiah Corey's farm ; thence easterly on District Number Five to Sanderson's corner ; thence on Districts Number Five and Number One to the county road leading from Ashburnham to Wiachendon at the east side of the French farm, so-called ; thence to the northeasterly corner of James Laws' land ; thence westerly to the line of the town of Winchendon at the northwesterly corner of William Harris' farm ; thence on the town line of said Winchendon and Gardner to the bounds first mentioned. District Number Seven. — Beginning at the line of the town of Winchendon at the northwest corner of William Harris' farm ; thence easterly on District Number Six to the northeast corner of James Laws' land ; thence easterly to the southwest corner of Asa Tottingham's land ; thence easterly to the southeast corner of William Houghton's land; thence northerly to the northeast corner of said Houghton's land ; thence westerly to the southeast corner of Silas Willard's land ; thence north on Silas Willard, George Wood, Daniel Jones and Rial Cummings to the line of the State of New Hampshire ; thence westerly on said State line to PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 339 the northwest corner of Ashburnham ; thence southerly on the line of the town of Winehendon to the bounds first mentioned. District Number Eight. — Beginning at the northwest corner of Captain T. Stearns' farm at the line of New Hampshire ; thence westerly on Rial Cummings, Daniel Jones, George Wood and Silas Willard to the southeast corner of Silas Willard's farm ; thence on District Number Seven to the southeast corner of William Houghton's land; thence southeasterly to the northwest corner of Lewis Willard's farm ; thence to the southeast corner of said Lewis Willard's farm ; thence easterly to land of Charles Hastings ; thence to the northwest corner of said Hastings' land ; thence southeasterly to land of Oliver Marble or Oliver Green ; thence easterly to land of Jesse Ellis ; thence north to the State line at land of Elnathan Lawrence ; thence on said State line to the bounds first mentioned. District Number Nine. — Beginning at the junction of the Ashby road and the road leading to Emery Fairbanks' ; thence westerly on District Number One to the south end of Meeting- house pond ; thence northerly on District Number Ten to John Lane's land ; thence easterly to Jesse Ellis' land ; thence southerly to the north end of Brooks' pond ; thence on District Number Two to the east side of Mount Hunger ; thence westerly to the northwest corner of Stephen Lane's pasture ; thence on District Number Three to the bounds first mentioned. District Number Ten. — Beginning in the centre of the road five rods north of Joel Foster's ; thence westerly to the south- westerly corner of Captain Francis Lane's farm ; thence to the • northwest corner of Caleb Ward's land ; thence easterly and northerly on the pond to the northwest corner of Jacob Ward's farm ; thence easterly to the northwest corner of Lewis Willard's farm ; from thence to the southeast corner of said Lewis Willard's farm ; thence south to the Meeting-house pond ; thence south on the west side of said pond to the south end ; thence westerly and northerly on District Number One to the bounds first mentioned. Few changes in the boundaries of these districts are noted until 1850, when, by the division of the first district, the 340 HISTORY or ASHBURNHAM. eleventh was organized. This measure was warmly debated and was carried by a small majority and at best it must be regarded as a measure of doubtful expediency. Under the provisions of the recent school laws of the State, with which all are presumed to be familiar, several attempts to vacate the district system were defeated by a majority of the town. In the mean time the measure was fully debated and was met with accumulating support. In 1878 the school district system was abolished and the appraisal of the houses and other school property was referred to the select- men. Since then the employment of the teachers and the prudential affairs of the schools have devolved upon the committee of supervision. For half a century, under the school code of 1827, the districts were organized corpora- tions, assuming and exercising the control of their prudential affairs. Previous to that date the town, in the choice of the prudential and superintending committees and in building school-houses, maintained a control over the schools which was renewed in 1878 when the district system was abolished. In the early history of the schools the town chose two com- mittees instead of one, yet in theory, and so far as the source of authority is concerned, the ancient and the modern sys- tems, separated by fifty years, are practically the same. Very little information of the first school-houses is found in the records, and in some instances the action of the town appears contradictory. In 1782 it was ordered "that each school quarter build school-houses by themselves if they are willing to have houses and that each quarter assess them- selves for that purpose." Within three months from the foregoing vote the town " granted one hundred and twenty pounds to be laid out in building school-houses and voted that each quarter draw their proportion of it," and at the same meeting permission was granted to build a school-house PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 341 on the common. In 1786 sixty pounds and in 1793 seventy- five pounds was " granted to finish the school-houses." In 179y the town appropriated seventy-five dollars "towards building a school-house in Lieut. John Adams' ward in room of the one lately burned." Three years later it was voted to give Joseph Gibbs' school district fifty dollars towards building a school-house. This vote is connected with the reorganization of a ninth district which subsequently became known as the fourth district. At this date the districts were not numbered and were distinguished by the name of some prominent citizen. In 1809, when many of the school-houses were found too small or in need of repair, the town asserted its independence of continued responsibility in the premises in a declaration that " each school district should build its own school-house." It is apparent from the records and confirmed by tradition that a school-house was built on the northwest part of the common at the close of the Revolution. In 1809 a new house was built on the common north of land of Moses Tottingham and east of the highway leading south from the old meeting- house. It was removed to the village in 1818. The site then selected has been occupied to the present time. At an early date there was a school-house at the foot of the Charles Lawrence hill, but changes in the boundaries of the districts joined the families in that vicinity to the second and the eighth districts. A school-house, Avhich was burned in 1810, stood many years on the ledges, east of the residence of Warren E. Marble and not far from the house of Nathan and Oliver Taylor, and a second building was erected on the same site. This was removed sixty or more years ago and stood several years across the road from its present location. The flowage of the meadow caused the last removal. It has been repaired frequently and is yet a comfortable school- 342 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. house. In the third district, after the first house was burned another was built near the residence of Newell Marble which was succeeded by a brick house which proved too heavy for the moist ground on which it stood, and was replaced by the present frame building about forty years ago. An early house in the fourth district, built above eighty years ago, stood in the mill-yard of Cyrus A. Jefts. The present house was built in 1838. A few years before the close of the past century, a school-house was erected about two hundred yards north of the residence of Benjamin E. Wetherbee. The next house in this vicinity was located about as far west of the residence of Mr. Wetherbee and was burned almost forty years ago. In 1848 a two-story brick house was built on the present site. This house was burned in 1865. The new house, commodious and substantial, was built in 1867. Another ancient school-house was erected on the old road to Winchendon and near the Frederick Crosby place. Many years ago it was removed or a new one built near the Astor House. Later the centre of population was in Btirrageville where rooms were rented for the accommo- dation of the school. In 1882 the present house was built. A portion of Number Seven has formed a part of several geographical districts. Tradition stoutly affirms that in very early times, for the accommodation of a large section of the town, there was a school-house west of the saw-mill of Isaac T>. Ward and on an old road leadino; from and north of the meeting-house in North Ashburnham . The tradition is prob- ably in accordance with the fact and it is also certain that one hundred years ago a house was built on a road long since discontinued, and about eighty yards north of the residence of Nathaniel R. Butler. The house was burned in 1812. Immediately another was built north of the village of North Ashburnham at the junction of the Eindge road PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 343 and a road now discontinued. In response to changes made in the boundaries of the district the house was removed to a point on the road leading from the Deacon Jones' place to the present site. The house near the residence of Henry Tuckerman was built in 1850, and is situated two miles from the centre of the original district. The first school-house in the eighth district, built at an early date, was located on the Stearns road, a short distance from the present house. It was burned in 1814 and its successor built the follow- ing year. The school-house in the ninth district was so thoroughly constructed at the organization of the district that attentive repairs have continued its preservation. The school- house provided in Lane Village at the organization of the district was continued until 1852 when the present substan- tial house was erected. The commencement of the present century was the begin- ning of a new era in the cause of popular education. The effoi'ts of the past had taken root for a more vigorous growth, and many happy changes occurred within a few years. In most cases, to learn to read, write and spell, with some knowledge of the rules of arithmetic, was all that had been attempted. The text-books in use previous to 1800 were not numerous, and of a most primitive character. Dil- worth's and Perry's Spelling-Book, and Pike's Arithmetic would cut a sorry figure in the school-room at the present time. Late in the past century, Webster's Eeader found its way into the school-room, as well as a small abridgment of Morse's Geography, which gave the briefest description of the earth's surface, and contained many startling facts. Alexander's Grrammar was in the hands of only the most advanced and ambitious pupils. In any mention of the books of the period, the New England Primer must not be omitted. This volume of diminutive size, filled with wholesome truths. 344 HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. was found at every fireside, and was received in the school- room as a readinoj-book and safe counsellor. Every Satur- day, and sometimes more frequently, the entire school was required to "say the catechism," as found in this little volume. These exercises, and the truths inculcated, are not forgotten by the aged among us, but are shining brightly in their waning years. To them education, in an intellectual sense, was simply the measure of mental force, furnishing facilities to action, while these moral instructions were seized upon to direct and be the guiding principle of their lives. From an early date the most successful teachers in the public schools have been natives and residents of this town. "Within the limits of this chapter it would be impossible to name even^those who secured an enduring reputation in the traditions of the town. As early as 1790, Hon. Samuel Appleton, then of New Ipswich, was an instructor one term at least in the first humble school-house on the old common. Captain Caleb Wilder, portly in form, genial in manner, yet firm in discipline, was a successful teacher many years. Master Jesse Stearns, the physical counterpart of Mr. Wilder, upright in bearing and incisive in manner, was em- ployed in several districts. His fame as a teacher is familiar to the traditions of several towns in this vicinity. These worthies were succeeded by Hosea Green, Eleazer Flint of Winchendon, Stephen Wyman of Ashby, Artemas Longley, Ebenezer Frost, Hon. William B. Washburn, Hon. Amasa JSTorcross and many natives of Ashburnham whose dis- tinguished labor will be noticed in the family registers. It has been stated that the first appropriation made for schools in 1767 was eight pounds. With the exception of the years 1768, 1769 and 1776, in which no appropriation was made for this purpose, the town raised twelve pounds annually until and including 1777. In 1778, £40; 1779, PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 345 £200; 1780, £1000; 1781, £4000 were respectively voted, but on account of the rapid depreciation of the currency during the Ee volution, the schools did not receive any sub- stantial benefit over the former years. For several years after the Revolution £50 was annually raised and then the amount was increased from year to year until in the year 1800, $300 was appropriated, and the gradual increase to the present time is briefly represented in the sums raised through the decades of the present century : 1810, $400 ; 1820, $500 ; 1830, $500 ; 1840, $900 ; 1850, $1400 ; 1860, $1700 ; 1870, $3000; 1880, $2800. From 1872 to 1875, $3500, and from 1880 to 1884, $3000 has been appropriated for the schools of the town. From the first the amount of school money was determined by the town, but the vote was only the united voice of the districts. The tax was assessed and collected by the ofiicers of the town because they could most readily and accurately proportion the amount each person should pay, but the school money was received and expended by the agents of the districts. Beyond the slender assistance of the towns, the public schools, in their infancy, were not the growth of public support nor the creation of State legislation, but were spontaneous in the several communities to meet the demands of each. Our common school system has clearly originated with the people. The perfection of our code of school laws rests in the fact that it is not creative but that it has rather seized and solidified the most advanced methods and the fullest measure of public sentiment. The law has seldom introduced new forms and unfamiliar methods, but has been content in the encouragement and support of those at once familiar and approved by the people. The schools have con- tinually been in advance of the statutes. 346 HISTORY OF ASHB0RNHAM. The settlers in the towns in this vicinitj- divided them- selves into communities of convenient proportions, which existed upon the slender authority of the town for sixty years before the law vested these school districts with cor- porate power. The towns, in behalf of the districts, con- tinued to raise money for the establishment and maintenance of schools a long time before there was any statute compel- ling an appropriation which had been uniformly and cheer- fully made. The town, and later the several districts, built school-houses and subsequently the law gave them permission to continue a laudable practice. The people in the capacity of a town chose " committees to visit and inspect the schools " many years before the statutes made mention of a superintending school committee. True, law has given uni- formity and perfection to our school system, but. the whole of it has sprung from and has first been tested and approved by the people. Various methods for the division of the school money among the districts have been employed. A few years each district has received an equal share of the annual appropria- tion without regard to the tax paid by the district or the number of scholars attending school. This system was succeeded by a division according to the number of scholars and also on the basis of the wealth or the tax paid by each district. After a trial of one and then another of these antagonistic systems for several years, a compromise was adopted which led to an absolute division of the greater part and a discretionary division of the remainder of the school appropriation. From 1868 to 1875 the town maintained a hio:h school one or more terms each year with a reasonable measure of success. The schools were assembled in the basement of the armory and in the school-houses in the first and eleventh PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 347 districts. The teachers were Samuel J. Bullock, Melvin O. Adams, Charles E. Woodward, Fred W. Eussell, Francis A. Whitney, Martin H. Fiske, F. T. Beede, Mary A. Sawyer and E. A. Hartwell. Commencing with the inauguration of Gushing Academy in 1875, the youth of this town have enjoyed the benefit of a permanent high school. For several years the town paid one thousand dollars and at present is paying seven hundred dollars annually to the academy for the maintenance of a high school department without tuition from resident pupils. The prudential affairs of the districts, including the employment of the teachers, were conducted by the select- men until 1778. At this date the town proceeded to choose a prudential committee, or agent, for each district and con- tinued to exercise this authority for fifty years. Not until 1828 were there any district organizations. The laws of 1827 introduced many substantial improvements. By it the districts were permitted to assume the control of their local affairs, and towns were required to choose annually a com- mittee of supervision. Previous to this date the choice of a superintending committee was optional with the towns. Commencing at an early date three or more persons, styled "a committee to visit the schools," were chosen nearly every year, but under the operation of the new law the committee of supervision was vested with increased authority and dignity. The first committee " to view " the schools was chosen in 1793. It included the minister, the selectmen and Joshua Smith, Stephen Eandall, John Adams, Jacob Willard and Enos Jones. In the years immediately following, to Joseph Jewett, William Pollard, John Whiteman, Ezra Dana, William Stearns, Elisha White, Dr. Abraham Lowe, Thomas Adams, Timothy Crehore, Isaac Whitmore, Francis 348 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Lane, Joshua Townsend, Amos Wetherbee and Samuel Wilder was committed the supervision of the schools. During the first decade of the present century there is no record of the election of a superintending committee. Com- mencing in 1811, with the exception of four years, from three to nipe persons have been annually elected ; introduc- ing new names each year the roll of the committee is the register of a legion. The names of those who have served two or more years, the date of their first election and the term of service are appended: Rev. John Gushing, 1811 (4) ; Caleb Wilder, 1811 (7) ; Jesse Stearns, 1811 (5) Ivers Jewett, 1811 (6) ; Dr. Abraham Lowe, 1811 (3) Jacob Harris, 1812 (2) ; George R. Cushing, 1813 (9) Caleb Ward, 1815 (3) ; Jacob Harris, Jr., 1816 (2) ; Dr Abraham T. Lowe, 1818 (2) ; Jonas Willard, 1818 (2) Charles .Stearns, 1820 (3) ; Rev. George Perkins, 1826 (4) ; Hosea Green, 1826 (2) ; Thomas Bennett, 1826 (2) ; Colonel Enoch Whitmore, 1826 (3) ; John C. Glazier, 1828 (3) ; Gilman Jones, 1829 (2) ; Ebenezer Frost, 1829 (12) ; Rev. George Goodyear, 1833 (4) ; George G. Parker, 1833 (2) ; Rev. John W. Case, 1835 (2) ; Dr. Nathaniel Pierce, 1835 (3) ; Dr. William P. Stone, 1838 (3) ; Jerome W. Foster, 1839 (8); John A. Conn, 1841 (10): Elliot Moore, 1841 (3) ; William P. Ellis, 1845 (3) ; Rev. Elna- than Davis, 1847 (3); Dr. Alfred Miller, 1848 (10); Rev. Josiah D. Crosby, 1850 (11); Francis A. Whitney, 1850 (16) ; Edward S. Flint, 1855 (3) ; Levi W. Russell, 1856 (2) ; Hosea F. Lane, 1857 (3) ; Charles W. Burrage, 1857 (3) ; Albert H. Andrews, 1858 (4) ; Dr. L. L. Whit- more, 1860 (4) ; Henry Tuckerman, 1860 (3) ; John W. Fay, 1860 (2); Asher Moore, 1860 (4); Ohio Whitney, Jr., 1861 (3) ; Samuel Howard, 1862 (3) ; Dr. Theron Temple, 1864 (3) ; Charles E. Woodward, 1865 (11) ; Dr. Harvey D. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 349 Jillson, 1867 (3 ) ; Rev. Daniel Wight, 1870 (3) ; Nathan Eaton, 1870 (8) ; Wilbur F. Whitney, 1870 (10) ; Eev. Leonard S. Parker, 1872 ( 5 ) ; Marshall Wetherbee, 1873 (3) ; Charles F. Rockwood, 1876 ( 6 ) ; Prof. James E. Vose, 1878 (3) ; Fred D. Lane, 1880 (5) ; Mrs. Mary S. Barrett, 1880 (3). CHAPTEE XIII. THE GUSHING ACADEMT. INCIDENTAL FEATURES OP THE ENDOWMENT. THE WILL OP THOMAS PABK- MAN CUSHING. THE TRUSTEES. PROGRESS OP EVENTS. WINCHES- TER SQDABE. — THE EDIPICE. DEDICATION. THE SCHOOL FUND. — JEWETT HALL. — THE CROSBY SCHOLARSHIP. LIBRARY AND APPARATUS. PROFESSOR PIERCE. PROFESSOR TOSE. BOARD OP TRUSTEES, PAST AND PRESENT. The causes, which led to the endowment of Gushing Academy and its establishment in Ashburnham, are not adventitious. In the mission of the school the ministry of the father is renewed in the munificence of the son. Illib- eral and ungenerous would be the thought that by a single act of beneficence on the part of Thomas Parkman Gushing the academy bearing his name was founded. An impulse of princely benevolence without the means to sustain it, or the wisdom to direct its course, is unavailing. The pre- requisites to the endowment of Gushing Academy were a life of toil, supported by habits of frugality, and the wisdom displayed, in the conditions of the bequest, was the fruitful thought of a sagacious mind. When the youth left the parental roof engaging at an early age in the activities of life, the seminary was deferred only by the measure of a lifetime, and as often as his thought returned to the place of his nativity and the familiar scenes of his childhood, its location in Ashburnham was assured. 350 THE GUSHING ACADEMY. 351 The events of the past, the utility of the present and the possibilities of the future can be most clearly presented in an unpretentious narrative of what has been done and what is contemplated by the trustees who have faithfully and suc- cessfully executed the express desire and have created in substantial form the image of the matured thought of Thomas Parkman Gushing. With meteoric splendor, the Gushing Academy did not spring into existence. Like the sturdy oak its growth has been slow and solidified. Its character and features, cemented and hardened by the lapse of years, are strong and enduring. The visible origin of the institution is the will and testament of Mr. Gushing, dated July 30, 1850. In its provisions it is a most happy alliance of wisdom and philanthropy, of liberality and prudence. There is no shadow of an impulse. It is the language and it carries the impress of a conclusion. It is apparent that every clause of this beneficent document was formulated and clear in the mind of its author before it was written. Nor need we invoke the license of imagination to presume that on some of the hills in Ashburnham he was accustomed to behold in the clear lines of reality the completed edifice on which the thought of his mind was so vividly inclined ; that he beheld the established seats of learnins: sheddine their beneficent rays of light and knowledge over a wide expanse of country, and that with his mind thus allied to the future, his appeal for the cooperation of others was the prayer of an earnest purpose that these influences should not fade with the lapse of years. The language of the testator in the eighteenth item of his will is evidence that his plans were fully matured and "that he was earnest upon the subject of education as the savino- grace of the republic." 352 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. And, whereas, it is my opinion that the stability of our Laws, and the safety of our Government, the right direction of our Republican Institutions, the preservation of virtue, and of good morals : and, in short, the well-being and happiness of society, depend in a great degree upon the general diffusion of practical and useful knowledge among the people, I am particularly desi- rous of using a portion of the estate with which God has blessed me, for the promotion of so important an object as that of improving the education, and thus of strengthening and enlarging the minds of the rising and of future generations. Hoping that others having similar views and opinions, will hereafter cooperate with me towards effecting the same great and desirable end : my "Will, therefore, further is, That two schools or seminaries of learning, shall be established and forever continued in my native town of Ashburnham, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ; entirely distinct, and separated from each other by a distance of at least a quarter of a mile — the one for males of over ten years of age, and the other for females of over ten years of age. And for the foundation and endowment of these schools, I give to the Executors hereinafter named, and to their successors forever, in trust only, as follows. Following with unfailing precision of statement and having appealed to the cooperative philanthropy of others, the donor enumerates several specific bequests " for improving the education and thus strengthening and enlarging the minds of the rising and of future generations." In regard to the magnitude of the bequest it is sufficient in this connection to state that in round numbers ninety-six thousand dollars was placed to the credit of the Gushing Academy immediately after its organization under the charter of 1865. The founder of our academy did not fail to provide for the future. With implicit confidence in "the judgment and discretion of the trustees " and in " the wisdom and foresight of the Legisla- ture" his advisory wishes are clearly set forth. THE GUSHING ACADEMY. 353 And, in order to render the seminaries of learning herein estab- lished more efficient and extensively useful by an enlarged founda- tion, it is my further Will that the Trustees hereinafter named, shall diligently and promptly invest the several sums herein given to them, in trust, as they may be realized, for the foundation of said seminaries in such funds and securities as they in their dis- cretion shall think best, and reinvest the income of the same during the period of ten years after my decease. When that period shall have elapsed, my further Will is, that the Trustees, hereinafter named, shall apply for, and obtain from the Legislature of this Commonwealth, a suitable Act of Incorporation or Charter, under which all the business and affairs of the schools herein founded may be conducted forever. The details of the Act, such as the number of Trustees under it, how they shall be appointed or elected, so as to insure as far as possible in perpetuity, a succession of honest, honorable, judicious and intelligent men ; the guards to be adopted to prevent the waste or loss of the property belong- ing to the institution, etc., etc., I leave to the good judgment and discretion of the Trustees hereinafter named, and to the wisdom and foresight of the Legislature. The trustees selected by the testator were Kev. Dr. Francis Way land, a brother of his wife ; Hon. Heman Lincoln, who married his sister ; William D. Sohier, Esq., for many years his legal adviser ; and Hon. Charles G. Loring. Mr. Sohier resigning, the appointment of the remaining gentlemen was approved and the will confirmed by the Probate Court December 26, 1854. The immediate control of the fund was committed by his associates to Mr. Loring. In accordance with the express desire of Mr. Cashing, ten years having elapsed, an act of incorporation was secured in 1865, and the trustees of the will were succeeded by a board of trust created by the charter. The trustees, thirteen in number, with power to fill vacancies were as follows : Rev. Dr. Francis Wayland of 23 354 HISTOEY OF ASHBUBNHAM. Providence, E. I. ; Hon. Alexander H. Bullock of Worcester ; Kev. Josiah D. Crosby ; Eev. Asa Rand ; Hon. Ohio Whit- ney, Jr.; Jerome W. Foster, Esq., and George C. Win- chester of Ashburnham; Dr. Abraham T. Lowe of Boston; Ebenezer Torrey, Esq., Hon. Alvah Crocker and Hon. Amasa Norcross of Fitchburg ; Eev. Abijah P. Marvin and Isaac M. Murdock of Winchendon. At the organization of the board, September 6, 1865, Eev. Dr. Wayland was chosen president, Mr. Torrey treasurer and Eev. Mr. Crosby secretary. Upon the death of Eev. Dr. Wayland, he was succeeded by Governor Bullock July 10, 1867. As none of the original fund could be used for building purposes, the board of trust early decided to build whenever the accumulations would be found sufficient. Under the sao-acious management of Mr. Loring and his able successor, Mr. Torrey, the fund accumulated beyond the most sanguine expectations. In the mean time the trustees clearly perceived that the school could be organized earlier, by several years, if only one edifice was erected. After mature deliberation, and mindfal of the provision of the testator that while there was to be only one institution but accommodated in two school buildings, separated from each other by a distance at least of a quarter of a mile, they obtained the unqualified consent of the heirs and of the executors of the will to a modification of the plan of the founder in a single provision. The separate education of the sexes in schools and seminaries was more warmly advocated at the time the bequest was made than in later years. The tendency of public sentiment which probably influenced Mr. Gushing with equal force appealed in another direction to the board of trust. In 1873 the accumulation of the fund was found sufficient to meet the expense of a suitable school edifice, and while THE GUSHING ACADEMY. 355 the location of the building was under consideration, the question was happily solved by the liberality of George C. Winchester who presented the corporation the site of the institution with ample grounds for the accommodation of the school which, in appreciative recognition of the donor, has received the name of "Winchester Square." The academy and the square having other names would be held in less esteem. The park and the building are a memo- rial of the first and the second ministers of Ashburnham. The analogy is complete. Eev. Jonathan Winchester laid the foundations of a church and defined a field of labor. Rev. John Gushing builded in fair proportions on a site selected and a structure begun. These venerable names, living in the memories and history of the town, are together perpetuated through the thoughtful tributes of their descendants. While under the general control of the board of trustees, the construction of the school edifice was referred to George C. Winchester, Ebenezer Torrey and Jerome W. Foster. In 1871 Ohio Whitney, who was the efficient superintendent of construction, was chosen to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Foster. The entire cost of the building and the furniture was $92,611.75. The material of the building, one hundred and thirty-two feet in length and fifty-two feet in width, is granite and brick. Above a light and commodious basement of granite are two spacious stories of brick with granite trimmings, surmounted by a Mansard roof which encloses a principal hall extending the length and breadth of the building. There are projecting turrets at the corners and a lofty central tower which contains a heavy bell and an expensive clock. In symmetry of outline, in elegance and thorough- ness of construction and in the convenience of all its appoint- 356 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. ments, the edifice of tiie Gushing Academy is equalled by none in this vicinity. Facing the rising sun, and overlook- ing the village and the spreading valley below, it occupies a commanding site and will long remain a conspicuous figure in the landscape and in the continued annals of the town. The building was mainly completed during the year 1874. It was substantially furnished the following season and dedicated September 7, 1875. Addresses were delivered by Governor Bullock, president, and by Rev. Mr. Crosby, Rev. Mr. Marvin, Hon. Amasa Norcross and Professors Hubbard and Thompson of the board of trust. A liberal course of study had been arranged and the school was opened the following day. The accumulating Gushing fund, after meeting the cost of construction of the school edifice, was found in November, 1876, to be $120,542.34, and since that date the fund remains unimpaired, the income only being used for the maintenance of the school. The spacious dwelling, appropriately named Jewett Hall, and now employed in the accommodation of instructors and pupils connected with the school, was presented to the cor- poration by Gharles Hastings, and the Grosby house on Cen- tral street was donated by Rev. Josiah D. Grosby to found, in memory of his wife, the Elvira W. Grosby scholarship. A library of nearly two thousand volumes, including generous donations from Dr. A. T. Lowe of Boston and from several residents of this town, has been collected and will become of inestimable service to the school. The apparatus for scientific illustration and experiment is annu- ally increasing. Prominent in this department is a valuable telescope, presented by J. H. Fairbanks of Fitchburg. The mission of Gushing Academy is scarce begun. Its brief history, if conspicuous and honorable, fades in the THE GUSHING ACADEMY. 357 light and warmth of its hopes and its aspirations. These pages are annals of the past. The face of this youthful, vig- orous institution is turned the other way. Situated in a broad field, with a rapidly increasing patronage, and bear- ing the confidence of the public, it enters upon its second decade with hope and courage. The first principal of Gushing Academy was Edwin Pierce, A. M., who continued in charge four years, and whose name is honorably associated with the initial history of the institution. The excellent reputation of Professor Pierce as a scholar and an able instructor led the board of trustees to solicit his services and to his care they confided the school with unlimited confidence. In character, in purity of motives and in faithful, earnest endeavors to carry the school through the exacting ordeal of its inauguration, the confidence of the trustees was not misplaced. In the prog- ress of his labors in this institution it gradually became apparent to Professor Pierce and to the board of trustees that they were not in full sympathy in regard to discipline and that there was a failure of cooperation on the part of all the friends of the academy. With the universal confi- dence and respect of the community, Mr. Pierce retired from labors auspiciously begun in June, 1879. From the first he was recosnized as a cultured gentleman and in all his relations with the school and with the people he was frank, sincere and honorable. Edwin Pierce, son of Dana and Diadema (Paul) Pierce, was born at Barnard, Vermont, June 25, 1826. He pur- sued a preparatory course of study at Woodstock, Vermont, and at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, New Hampshire, and was graduated at Dartmouth College 1852. The suc- ceeding four years he was instructor of Latin and Greek at Seneca Collegiate Institute, Ovid, New York. From 1856 358 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. to 1863 he was professor of Latin and Greek at Yellow Spring College, Iowa ; his connection with that institution was severed by its decline at the outbreak of the Eebellion. During the succeeding eight years he successfully taught a private school in Jersey City, New Jersey, and later he taught the classics in the High School of Cleveland, Ohio, until he became connected with Gushing Academy. He now resides at West Newton, Massachusetts. Professor Pierce was succeeded by Professor Vose who has been a member of the faculty since the opening of the academy. During the past six years he has continued the eiEcient principal of the school and his successful administra- tion has been a continued season of prosperity. His service to the school and to the cause of education cannot be esti- mated until the remaining chapters are added and his labor is completed. Prof. James E. Vose, son of Edward L. and Aurelia (Wilson) Vose of Antrim, New Hampshire, was born July 18, 1836. His life has been devoted to educational pursuits. He has had charge of several institutions of learning and was principal of Francestown (New Hampshire) Academy two years immediately preceding his removal to this town. He is the author of an English Grammar, and in 1877 he delivered the Centennial Address at Antrim which is pub- lished in the History of that town. Of the persons who constituted the original board of trust only four now remain. The term of service and the date of appointment of the trustees are briefly stated : Francis "Wayland, 1865, died 1867. Alexander H. Bullock, 1865, resigned 1876. Josiah D. Crosby, 1865. Asa Rand, 1865, died 1871. Ohio "Whitney, Jr., 1865, died 1879. THE GUSHING ACADEMY. 359 Jerome W. Foster, 1865, died 1871. George C. Winchester, 1865, resigned 1882. Abraham T. Lowe, 1865. Ebenezer Torrey, 1865. Alvah Crocker, 1865, died 1874. Amasa Norcross, 1865. Abijah P. Marvin, 1865, resigned 1880. Isaac M. Murdock, 1866, died 1875. George H. Barrett, 1873. Leonard S. Parker, 1874. Eli A. Hubbard, 1874, resigned 1879. Charles 0. Thompson, 1875, resigned 1882. B. K. Pierce, 1879. George F. Stevens, 1879. Francis A. Whitney, 1879. Orlando Mason, 1880. Charles Winchester, 1882. Henry M. Tyler, 1882. George P. Davis, 1882. Presidents ; Rev. Dr. Wayland, 1865-1867. Gov. Bullock, 1867-1876. Dr. Lowe, 1876. Vice-Presidents : Gov. Bullock, 1865-1867. Hon. Amasa Norcross, 1867. Treasurers : E. Torrey, Esq., 1865-1876. Hon. Ohio Whitney, 1876-1879. G. P. Stevens, Esq., 1879. Clerks : Eev. J. D. Crosby, 1865-1876. Col. Geo. H. Barrett, 1876. CHAPTER XIV. BOUNDARIES. DONATIONS OF LAND TO OTHER TOWNS. ORIGINAL AREA. — PROVINCE LINE. INCORPORATION OF ASHBT. GARDNER. AREA SEVERED FROM ASH- BURNHAM. THE FAMILIES. LAND ANNEXED TO ASHBT. THE PETI- TIONERS.— ASHBURNHAM RESISTS. NEW BOUNDARIES. THE FAMILIES. ANEW TOWN PROPOSED. MEETING-HO0SE BUILT. RENEWED EFFORT AND OPPOSITION. JOHN WARD AND WILLIAM BARRELL ANNEXED. — PETITION OF GEORGE WILKER AND OTHERS. Encroachment upon the borders of this town has been a favorite pursuit of our neighbors. Four considerable tracts of land have been severed from the original township, and other attempts' have been successfully resisted. Our fathers could spare the land such as it was, and no doubt both the donors and the recipients wished it had been better, but the loss of several worthy citizens was a more serious considera- tion. According to the surveys of the several grants the original township contained twenty-seven thousand one hundred and ninety acres. The early surveys were of liberal proportions. The wilderness from which the grants were severed was large and there was no one to protect the province from excessive measurements. The actual area of this township was very nearly thirty-one thousand acres. The first encroachment upon our domain of fair proportions was by the province of New Hampshire in 1741. By this act eight hundred and seventy-seven acres were severed from Dorchester Canada. The incorporation of Ashby severed 360 BOUNDARIES. 361 about fifteen hundred acres from the area of this town. The proceedings were so intimately connected with the in- corporation of Ashburnham that they were admitted in an earlier chapter of these annals. The erection of a new town out of parts of Ashburnham, "Westminster, Templeton and "Winchendon was earnestly debated and the preliminaries arranged as early as 1774. In the intent of the petitioners, in the generous impulse of the remaining portions of the several towns, in the general policy of the General Court to increase the number of the towns in the province, in the spirit of the event, Gardner is a decade older than the number of its years. The Eevolution delayed but did not defeat the project. In the dawn of returning peace it was successfully renewed. So far as the action of Ashburnham is concerned, the suggestion of a new town near the close of the Revolution was not presented as a new measure, but as a continuation of the proceedings begun several years earlier. In 1774, or eleven years before Gardner was incorporated, the town "voted that the petitioners from Westminster and other towns be so far answered in their petition 'as to take the lands, after named, from this town beginning at the northwest corner of Kelton's lot, number 46, second division, and running from thence on a straight line to the southeast corner of William Ames' lot, number 55, in the second division, and the said corner of land is voted off to join with the other towns to be incor- porated into a district." Referring to this vote it was proposed in 1781, "To see if the town would vote off two ranges of lots in addition to what was formerly voted off in the southwest corner." Whereupon the town, May 21, 1781, amended the former vote but added only a small part of the two ranges included in the proposition. 362 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Voted that the southwest corner of this town be set off to join with a partof "Westminster and Winchendon into a separate town as far as the following lots viz. : beginning at the northwest corner of lot number 45, second division ; from thence by the north line of said lot to the northeast corner of said lot ; from thence straight to the northeast corner of lot number 55, second division ; thence by the east line of said lot to Westminster town line. Including 2348 acres. The point of beginning, as defined by this vote, is about eighty rods north of the point established in 1774. The other terminus in Westminster line is the same in both votes. When Gardner was incorporated four years later the land severed from Ashburnham, and consequently the line then established between the two towns, coincided at all points with the line defined in the last vote of this town. In later years the line has been broken at two points, at least, for the accommodation of individuals. The records of Ashburnham in this connection define only one of the boundary lines of the territory severed from this town. If the existing lines between Ashburnham and Winchendon and between Ash- burnham and Westminster be extended, the former southerly and the latter southwesterly, they will meet at Gardner Centre, and with the former line will enclose the triangular area that, until 1785, was a part of Ashburnham. Con- cerning the number of acres included within these lines the doctors disagree. Eev. Dr. Gushing, in his historical dis- course, estimates it at four thousand acres. To the record of the vote the town clerk has appended, "including 2348 acres." This amount is too small but it is much nearer exactness than the more liberal conjecture of Mr. Gushing. Ashburnham, still rich in the extent of its territory, could easily aflbrd the lands donated to the new town, but the loss of several worthy citizens from the municipal community BOUNDARIES. 36S was a more important consideration. The families residing on the area severed from this town were in themselves and have continued in their descendants a material element of the character and population of Gardner. Captain Samuel Kelton came from Needham to this town 1778, and settled on land belonging to the heirs of Edward Kelton who was an early proprietor of right number 47, and afterwards of right number 49. The eminent services of Captain Kelton are noticed in another connection. He resided on the northern part of the land set off to Gardner and near the line of Winchendon. In 1785 his family com- prised a wife and three or four children. One child died in this town November 30, 1780. Marviick Hill, from Medway, and five sons, three of whom had families, resided in this town several years before their farms were annexed to Gardner. Moses Hill, the eldest son, had four children in 1785, and in the family of Jesse Hill, another son of Marvrick, were three or four children. Mr. Cushing has left the record of the baptism of James Marvrick and Thomas Adams, sons of Moses Hill, and Enos and Wniiam, sons of Samuel Kelton, baptized at the house of Mr. Hill, at a lecture. In another connection Mr. Cushing^ refers to " the lecture at Mr. Hill's in the southwest part." In these families there were probably twenty-two persons. Josiah Wilder removed to this town from Sterling about 1776. His wife and one child died in 1782, and he married, second, February 4, 1784, Joanna Baker. He was a distant relative of other families of sanie name in this town. Three children were living in 1785. Jonas Kichardson came from Shrewsbury in 1781, and was admitted to the church in Ashburnham October 21 of that year. In 1785 his family consisted of his wife and eight children, the eldest thirteen years of age. 364 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. John White was born in Lexington, June 1, 1748, and settled in the east part of the tract annexed to Gardner about six years before the incorporation of that town. There were three children in 1785. Peter Goodale was born in Shrewsbury, December 12, 1751. He was married in the north parish of Shrewsbury, now West Boylston, March 9, 1775, and their eldest child was born there December 23, 1775. Soon after the last date the familj^ removed to this town. They had four children when Gardner was incorporated. Scarcely had Ashburnham generously and good-humoredly contributed materially to the creation of Gardner before another draft was made upon its domain and inhabitants. This time, the attack was made upon the opposite corner of the town. In the end it was vigorously opposed. The original line of Ashby extended from an existing town bound on Blood or Prospect hill, nearly due north to the State line. For twenty-five years the northeast corner of Ashburnham was nearly two miles east of the present corner. A number of families in this part of the town for several years had not been in sympathy with a majority of the town in the support of the ministry. And as soon as a new meet- ing-house was proposed their slumbering discontent was fanned in open revolt. In the spring of 1791, under the leadership of John Abbott, they signified to Ashby a desire to be annexed to that town. Ashby promptly responded in a vote " to receive Isaac Whitney, Josiah Burgess, James Pollard, James Bennett, Joseph Damon, Jeremiah Abbott, John Hall, Daniel Brown, John Abbott, Amos Brooks, John Shattuck and others with their lands together with the non-resident land within the bounds of a plan that they shall exhibit to the town if they can be legally annexed to this town." The following month a meetino- was convened in BOUNDARIES. 365 this town " To hear the petition of Ensign John Abbott and others requesting to be voted off with fourteen hundred acres of land to be annexed to Ashby if the town see fit." The town did not see fit. The petitioners were answered with a cold and unqualified refusal. Undaunted, they renewed their solicitation and caused another meeting to be called in the autumn of the same year. At this stage of the proceedings the town attempted to crush the revolt by paci- fying the leader of it and proceeded to " vote off " about five hundred acres including the homestead and other lands of Mr. Abbott. The proposed compromise was a failure. The petitioners refusing to accept the proposition renewed their original demands and secured another town meeting early in the spring of 1792. Again the town refused to grant their petition. It is plain the petitioners were depre- ciating in the good opinion of the town. The gentleman, whom they styled at the outset as Ensign John Abbott, is now called Mr. John Abbott and soon after he was degraded to plain John Abbott. Another town meeting was called in May, 1792, at which the town "voted to oppose any families or land being taken from this town and annexed to Ashby more than was voted off at a former meeting and that the representative act in behalf of the town in that matter at the General Court, — the vote being unanimous except seven persons and those were petitioners for being set off." The issues were now sharply defined and the controversy was transferred to the Legislature. Samuel Wilder, Abra- ham Lowe and Jacob Willard were chosen to remonstrate with the Legislature against this encroachment upon the territory of the town. Jacob Willard, also, was the repre- sentative at this time. The earnest effort of the town and its agents in opposition to the measure was met with defeat. The act, severing the land of the petitioners from this town, 366 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. was passed November 16, 1792. By the terms of the act the northeast corner of Ashburnham on the State line was established five hundred and four rods west of the former bound and at land of James Spaulding. The dividing line from the new corner extended southerly by the east line of James Spaulding one hundred and forty-five rods, and thence southeasterly eight hundred and seventy rods to the line of Ashby. Henry Hall, Sen., who lived within these limits, did not join in the petition. His farm was divided by this proposed line and by a special clause in the act all his land remained in this town. If the purpose of the Legislature had been faithfully executed the dividing line between Ashburnham and Ashby would have been located between Ward and Watatic ponds and would have annexed to Ashby a larger area than was subsequently included within the established bounds. When the line was run southeasterly from the State line, local attraction at the base of Watatic mountain caused a variation of the needle, deflecting the course to the east. Griving a liberal construction to the act of the Legislature, the line was run straight to Blood or Prospect hill. The selectmen of Ashburnham and Ashby in a joint report informed their respective towns, "That when we came to the easterly corner of Potatuck hill a mine drawed the needle and ran between Henry Hall Jr.'s house and barn and came to the old line between Ashburnham and Ashby on a hill called Prospect hill and erected a stake and stones." The line here described, which was run according to the needle and not according to law, has been maintained to the present time ; the only exception being a slight change to restore to Ashburnham a part of the farm of Lemuel Whit- ney, formerly of Henry Hall, Jr., which had been divided by the new line. The hidden mine at the base of Watatic BOUNDARIES. 367 saved the town many acres of land. It is the only mine in Ashburnham that has been successfully operated. At the beginning it was worked for all it was worth and possibly its resources were early exhausted. The families transferred to Ashby included those of John Abbott, five children ; Jeremiah Abbott, two children ; Daniel Brown, three children ; James Bennett, two children ; John Hall, one child ; Amos Brooks, eight children ; Isaac Whitney, four children ; Judah Whitney, one child ; the widow of Ephraim Whitney, two children ; James Pollard, John Shattuck and Joseph Damon. The remorseless knife of the General Court, which three times had clipped a considerable tract from the corners of the township, was next brandished over the peaceful hamlets in the southeast part of the town. These depredations on the borders were becoming a most serious matter. The original pentagonal township, with its sharp, projecting corners, would soon be trimmed to a diminutive circle if the process was not stayed. The project of creating a new town out of adjoining portions of Ashburnham, Westmin- ster, Fitchburg and Ashby, now buried beneath the accu- mulating dust of ninety years, was bold and aggressive. The measure was forwarded with ability, but was crushed beneath the united opposition of the four adjoining towns. A list of the names of the persons engaged in the enterprise, and living within the limits of the proposed township, has been preserved. It bears the names of thirty citizens of Fitchburg, sixteen of Westminster, six of Ashburnham and two of Ashby. Eight, and possibly more, names were added previous to 1791 and one or more of these resided in Ashburnham. The movement originated in 1785. The petitioners continued their solicitations and the town a persistent opposition until the beginning of the present 368 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. century. In the mean time the petitioners adopted a limited organization and built a meeting-house and laid out a com- mon in anticipation of securing from the Legislature the desired act of incorporation. The meeting-house was built by voluntary contributions. The long list of pledges for the material presents a bewildering assortment of sills, beams, posts, girts, rafters, boards, shingles, nails, a little money, and other donations, to forward the undertaking. There was also a special subscription in labor and stimulat- ing material to assist in framing and raising the building, — containing pledges for one hundred and fifty-eight days labor at framing, seventy-five at raising, a few modest sums of money, twenty-four bushels of rye, one hundred and fifty- eight quarts of rum and forty-five gallons of cider. With Landlords Cooper and Upton living hard by in case of a failure of any of the supplies, these doughty church builders, surveying their situation with complacency, entered on their records, " enough has been subscribed to raise and cover the meeting-house except a part of the boards and shingles." In 1789, with spirit and understanding, as long as the last requisite remained, they raised a frame forty-five feet square. Two years were consumed in fitful eflforts in completing the outside. The interior was never fully completed. The building, profanely called the Lord's barn standing in plain view on Cooper hill in Westminster, was a familiar object for many years. At a late day, it has been suggested that the impulse which led to the building of this house was a failure of sympathy with the creed of the surrounding churches. The most reliable information leads to the con- clusion that they were adherents to the prevailing creed and could not fairly be considered as an association of dissenters. Their first eflbrt to obtain preaching was a vote extending an invitation to the Orthodox ministers in Ashburnham, Winch- BOUNDARIES. 369 endon, "Westminster, Fitchburg and Lunenburg to preach to them. Many of the leading men in this enterprise were members of the standing order in the several towns in which they lived. Not organizing a church as they anticipated at the outset, their original relations were continued until dis- solved by death. Joshua Billings, Joseph Gibbs and Reuben Rice were members of the church in Ashburnham, and so was John Ward who lived over the line in "Westminster. Even under the unyielding discipline of the time, their association with this movement did not provoke the censure of the church. The Lord's barn and its builders were orthodox. Of itself the old meeting-house in "Westminster has little connection with the history of this town ; but as a part of a more com- prehensive project, as the first step towards the incorporation of the proposed town of Belvoir, it caused our fathers gi-eat alarm. The erection of an unpretentious building was of little moment, but this persistent attempt to slice a corner from the town greatly irritated the. good citizens of Ash- burnham. Four town meetings were called at an early date to oppose the movement. Samuel "Wilder, Jacob Willard and John Adams were chosen to confer with the other towns and Joseph Jewett, Jacob Willard and John Adams were instructed to oppose the petitioners at the General Court. The residents of Ashburnham included in this movement were Joseph Gibbs, Joshua Billings, Reuben Rice, Jonathan Winchester, Thomas Gibson and Silas Whitney. The scheme was revived in 1815 when forty-two petitioned for a town to be called Vernon. The following year a new petition bearing ninety-eight names was considered by the General Court and a public hearing was ordered. This time the petitioners suggested the name of Belvoir for the proposed town. Town meetings were promptly called and 24 370 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. Elisha White, George E. Gushing and Joseph Jewett were selected to oppose the Vernon petition. The Belvoir petition was successfully resisted by Elisha White, Thomas Hobart and Abraham Lowe, and thus ended a contest which had been continued over thirty years. From beginning to end the arguments of the petitioners were the same and stated with little change of language. The last petition was as follows : The petition of the undersigned inhabitants of Fitchburg, West- minster, Ashburnham and Ashby humbly sheweth that whereas your petitioners are situated quite distant from the meeting-houses in the towns to which we respectively belong (especially in West- minster and Fitchburg, some in the former town living at the distance of seven miles from the meeting-house), and the land on which we live formed as if nature itself intended it for connection, and the interests of those living in the remaining parts of the towns, especially in Fitchburg and Westminster, being in many and most respects totally different from ours, it is therefore the prayer of your petitioners that the General Court would be pleased to incor- porate us into a distinct and separate town hj the name of Belvoir. But Vernon and Belvoir found little support on Beacon hill. The little town with euphonious titles, so clearly out- lined in the hopes and imagination of the petitioners, was destined to slumber in the gloom of defeat. Ashburnham was not only successful but recovered cost with the verdict. About this time the farms of John Ward and William Bar- rell and a considerable tract of non-resident land was severed from Westminster and annexed to this town. Only one attempt to secure a change of the boundaries of the town occurred after this date. In 1827 George Wilker and twelve others, residing in the eastern part of the town, petitioned the Legislature to annex to Ashby all the land in BOUNDARIES. 371 Ashburnham lying east of a straight line extending from the northwest to the southwest corner of Ashby. Henry Adams, Charles Barrett and Hosea Stone were chosen to remonstrate in the name of the town. The following year the petition was renewed and the Legislature sent a committee to view the premises. The town chose Joseph Jewett, Charles Barrett and Stephen Marble to confer with the committee. The measure was defeated, at an adjourned session of the Legislature, 1828. CHAPTEE XV. ROADS AND RAILROADS. THE PRIMITIVE ROADS. — -THE NORTHFIELD KOAD. — ^ EARLY ROADS IN A8H- BURNHAM. THE GREAT ROAD TO IPSWICH CANADA. A COUNTl' KOAD. — ROAD TO ASHBT LINE. NEW ROADS. THE TOWN INDICTED. OTHER COUNTY ROADS. SODTH TURNPIKE. — -THE WINCHENDON KOAD AMENDED. — ■ TURNPIKES. TEAMING. EXPENDITURE. ROAD COMMISSIONERS. RAILROADS. Like the veins in the human system centiing at the heart, the primitive roads of every town had a general tendency towards the meeting-house. It was not until the movement of surplus production gave additional employment to the roads that much attention was paid to any outward facilities. The early roads of Ashburnham were for the benefit of the settlers within the town. The only roads which offered any suggestions for the accommodation of the surrounding towns were built under the commands of the court and in opposition to the will of a majority of the inhabitants. These roads from the first were styled County roads, and to keep them in repair a separate tax was assessed and special surveyors were chosen . The family of Jeremiah Foster rode into town in a cart drawn by oxen. The chaise in which rode the wife of Rev. Mr. Gushing on her wedding journey from West- borough to her future home could proceed no farther than Fitchburg and the remainder of the way was performed on horseback. But a general knowledge of these early times will present a good idea of the first roads in this town. So 372 ROADS AND RAILROADS. 373 far as any have been better or poorer than the average road of the time the fact will appear. If the number of roads in the early history of the town excites surprise, it should be remembered that every settler demanded one leading from his clearing to some existing road. With a reasonable estimate of those built within the independent grants previous to 1765, of which there is no record, it appears that no less than forty-five roads were laid out in this town previous to the Ee volution. Many of these were only a continuation of an existing road or the substitution of a more feasible route, and in the mean time a considerable number were discon- tinued. While Ashburnham remained a part of the vast wilderness of unappropriated land, bounded on the south by Townsend, Lunenburg and Westminster, and on the east and west by the settlements in the valleys of the Merrimack and Connec- ticut rivers, the road from Lunenburg to Northfield was cut through the forest. The distance was forty-two miles and it was constructed about 1733. John Fitch, in a petition to the General Court, states that in 1739 he settled on the Northfield road seven miles above Lunenburg. Mr. Fitch settled where Paul Gates now resides, in the southern part of Ash by. The petition establishes the location of the road at that point, and the account of the Cambridge and the Bellows or Bluefield grants in Chapter I. afl"ords additional information in regard to its course through this town and the date of its construction. This ancient road entered Ash- burnham north of Eussell hill and near the point where the new road from Eindge to Fitchburg crosses the Ashby line. It continued through Lexington farm and north of Mount Hunger and northwesterly through the Bluefield grant into the north part of Winchendon. When the proprietors of Dorchester Canada established the boundary lines and came 374 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. into possession of the township, they found this road already opened and extending through their grant. In 1752 a road was proposed from a point now in Ashby " along to the southward of Watatuck hill to the Bluefield road so called." Other mention of the Bluefield road gives no additional information in regard to its location at any point in its course through this town. In its westward course through the northern part of Winchendon it was sometimes called the Earlington road, for the reason that the grant of land adjoining Northfield was frequently called Earlington, or more correctly Arlington, now Winchester, New Hampshire. The road was constructed by the Wil- lards. Bellows and Boyntons of Lunenburg to forward the settlement of that grant. The first road proposed by the proprietors of Ipswich Canada was " from Earlington to the meeting-house lot," meaning from some point in the Earling- ton or Northfield road to the meeting-house lot. At the next meeting they otfered six pounds " to such proprietor as shall cut a horse way from Earlington road to the meeting- house lot." These two votes are parcels of the same project. The magnificent suggestion in the History of Winchendon that the first vote contemplated a road from Northfield to Ipswich Canada is extravagant. In the first vote supply the omission of the word " road " after Earlington , then the two votes are consistent. In any other light the worthies of Winchendon are found buildino- a road from the meetins:- house lot to Earlington and supplementing it with a road from the same point to the Earlington road. The records do not define the location of some of the earliest roads in this town, but a considerable sum of money was expended for this purpose during the infimcy of the set- tlement. The first road, which can be definitely located, was between the saw-mUl and " the place where the meetino-- ROADS AND RAILROADS. 375 house is to stand as strait as the land will allow of." The first road of considerable length would naturally be some inlet from the lower towns. In 1742 a committee was chosen "to clear what is absolutely necessary in the eastern road already laid out and to see if a better road could be found out to Lunenburg." In 1743 "Edward Hartwell, Esq., and Mr. Andrew Wilder" were paid for marking out a road from the meeting-house to the west line. In 1753 increased sums of money were paid to committees and laborers on account of the roads, but without reference to their location. The same year appears an article " to see if it would be agreeable to the proprietors to have the great road leading to Ipswich Canada and Royalshire six rods wide, as it is likely to be the principal road to the upper western towns and Albany." However agreeable it might have been to secure a road of such ambitious proportions, the proprietors voted they would not do it, and it is possible Albany never heard of it. The truth is, the proprietors so long delayed the building of any suitable road to the line of Ipswich Canada, that soon after this date the aid of the court was invoked and a county road was built. In the midst of these proceedings, with a buoyancy of spirit that approaches audacity, the proprietors vote to perfect all the roads in the township. In 1758, and in succeeding years, with little change in the form of expression, an agent is chosen "to oversee those that shall be employed in working at the road, that they are faithful in their service and have no more allowed them than they deserve." In 1761 it was ordered "that the same com- mittee, that laid out the road from the meeting-house to Mr. Winter's, proceed to lay out said road till it comes to the road by Mr. James Colman's house, excepting where it goeth through Stoger's farm, so called." Stoger's farm is 376 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. another name for Lexington grant or the Dutch farms. The proprietors were miable to tax the settlers on this or the other grants and were justly excused from building any roads through them. Andrew Winter lived near the west line of Lexington grant and James Coleman's house was near the Stacy mill in Ashby. In 1761 there was a division of the highway tax ; six pounds was expended on the county road, nine pounds in the south part and four and one-half pounds in the north part of the township. No sooner had the settlement assumed the dignity of a town than the building and maintenance of the roads became familiar subjects of legislation. Within two years fourteen roads were laid out by the selectmen and accepted by the town. Others followed in rapid succession. While many of these original roads now constitute a part of the existing highways they have been so many times extended and amended that their identity is buried beneath the weight of continued record. The first road laid out by the selectmen was from a point now in Ashby to meet a road south of the Reservoir pond : •June 27, 1765. We then Laid out a Road from Fitchburg Line through Bridge Farm and then the marks are on the West and South side of the Road to Stephen Ames'es. N. B. The above said Road Runs through Lexington Farm, so Caled. The bounds are generally stated in very indefinite terms, but a majority of them were said to end at the meeting-house or in some road leading to it which assists in locating very many of them. Laid out a road from Samuel Fellows Juner to the meeting House Running North Through Wetherbees Land and Williams Land and Stones Land and Turning Northerly on Stones Land ROADS AND RAILROADS. 377 and Dickersons Land and Sampsons Land and Oaks Land and Wheelers Land and Common Land till it comes to the publick meeting House, is two Rods wide and marked on the easterly side of said Road. The general course of the above road recorded in 1765 is stated, but like many others its location at intermediate points cannot now be determined. In some instances, like the following, the care of a road was assumed by the town without the intervention of the selectmen : The town excepted Mr. Melvins Road, sd Road runs from Nathan Melvin's by Willi" Benjamins and through Creehor's Lot and' through Simeon Willards Lot & Oliver Willards Lot, and through Mr. Whitemoor's Lot through Elisha Coolidge's Lot to Bluefield Road sd. Road is two Rod wide and marked on y° Northerly side. The first county road was not a voluntary enterprise, and probably it was not maintained with any degree of enthu- siasm. In 1773 parties residing in adjoining towns secured its indictment. The town "chose Samuel "Wilder, Esq., to make answer to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace to be holden at Worcester the last Tuesday of March instant to an Indictment found against the said Town by the grand Inquest for the body of said county, for not mending or keeping in repair the County road or King's Highway from Winchendon Town line to the meeting-house in Ashburn- ham." The descriptive portion of the indictment affords some information of the condition of the road. The Court Eecords declare that it "was founderous, miry and rocky, encum- bered with great stones, deep mud, stumps and roots and destitute of necessary bridges whereby the travelling that is necessary in & through the same road is greatly impeded 378 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. and his Majesty's Liege Subjects who have occasion and right to pass and repass in and through the same road by themselves and with their horses, teams & carriages cannot conveniently and safely pass in & over the same road but in so doing are in great danger of losing their own lives & the lives of their cattle & of breaking and destroying their Carriages." Mr. Wilder, clothed with plenary power, went to Worces- ter to make answer to the court, but when he heard himself addressed in such terms it is impossible to imagine what he had to say. To face a court breathing anathema and making such assault upon himself and his town required great cour- age and fortitude. Whether fear gave strength and courage to the ambassador or his utter discomforture appeased the temper of the court is uncertain. In any event the case was continued, and then the court, possibly in sorrow for an assault upon innocence, calmly reviewed the field and came to the conclusion that inasmuch as the road, meanwhile, had been repaired the town should be forgiven on the payment of five shillings and costs. In 1776 the maintenance of a new county road was added to existing burdens. For several years after this date a special surveyor was chosen for the " south county road." It extended from the centre of the town past the school- house in the first district, and thence, nearly by the present road, past the Joseph Harris' place to the Westminster line. Soon after the Ee volution the project of a count}^ road from Winchendon to Westminster, passing through the south- west corner of the town, was revived. With its usual alacrity in such cases, the town instructed the selectmen to oppose the road. The following year the incorporation of Gardner intervened and with other legacies the town trans- ferred all responsibility in the premises to the young town. ROADS AND RAILROADS. 379 But Ashburnham was scarcely relieved from one vexation concerning county roads before others of a more weighty character demanded attention. In 1790 a county road in amendment of the old thorough- fare from Winchendon Centre was proposed. An agent was sent to Worcester, but his efforts were attended with limited success. Three years later the petition was renewed, and Samuel Wilder, Abraham Lowe and Colonel Francis Lane were selected to continue an active opposition to the project. The town instructed their committee to measure all the county roads in the town and to ask the court if any additional burdens would be reasonable and just. Again, a delay was effected, but the suspension of hostilities was onlj' for a brief season. The petition was renewed in 1798. Samuel Wilder, on whom the town relied for council and service in every emergency, was dead. The town sent David Cushing, Joseph Jewett and Hezekiah Corey to the rescue, but without avail. The road was laid out and a majority of the town was greatly discomforted. Before the fate of this road, of which mention will be made again, was decided another of greater proportions was proposed. The preliminary proceedings were brief. Before the town had fairly set its face against it, a county road was laid to com- plete a line of travel from Winchendon Centre to Leominster, passing through this town by the town farm and on sub- stantially the same route as the Fifth Turnpike was subse- quently built ; and, in fact, the county road influenced the location of the turnpike which was Anally accepted in I'oom of it. One of the advocates of this county road was Joseph Stone who lived on the farm later owned by the town. In this proceeding Mr. Stone was strongly opposed by a large majority of his townsmen and public sentiment upon this subject is reflected in the records. At first, the road was 380 HISTORY OF ASHBURXHAi\r. styled Captain Stone's road, but as the controversy grew warmer it was called Stone's road, and there is a tradition in this town that the popularity of Mr. Stone faded as rapidly as the fortunes of the road were advanced. After the road was laid the town selected Abraham Lowe, Joshua Smith and Joseph Jewett to draw up a remonstrance in support of an appeal to the General Court. The proposed construction of the turnpike offered the town some relief, and measures were introduced to influence the location of the turnpike in a manner that would lead the court to discontinue the original road. Ebenezer Munroe, Joseph Jewett and John Gates were chosen to confer with the directors of the turnpike, and upon hearing their report the town, 1802, " Voted to make the road from the foot of the hill below Abraham Foster's, so on to the county road by Oliver Sam- son's, at town expense on condition that Stone's road, so called, can be discontinued and the town be at no more cost or expense on or about said road. Also the town voted to put in one thousand dollars in the road on condition that it be made a turnpike road to run from Winchendon line by Nathaniel Foster's mill, so on to the foot of Abraham Foster's hill, so out by Oliver Samson's. Also voted to put in five hundred dollars on condition that they go with the road where they think best in the town. Stone's road, so called, to be discontinued and the town be at no further expense on account of Stone's road." The following year the town made a fourth proposition, offering the corporation $1500 if the turnpike was constructed over the old common. The corporation accepted the smallest sum offered and reserved the right to "go with the road where they think best in the town." The turnpike was built in 1805 and 1806 and the county road was discon- tinued. ROADS AND RAILROADS. 381 The town next directed attention to an amendment of the first county road which had been ordered by the court. To this date the travel from Winchendon was compelled to make the ascent of Meeting-house hill, and thence abruptly down into the valley as it proceeded to Fitchburg. A more feasible route had been debated for several years, but the town steadily refused to divert any travel from the old com- mon until the authority of the court had been invoked. A section of new road was now built, commencing at a point on the old road, one and one-half miles west of the old com- mon and meeting the road again in front of the present resi- dence of Seth P. Fairbanks. This road was built in 1817 at a cost of $1060. It was clearly a benefit to the public, but the dwellers around the old common, and many others, who shared with them a commendable regard for the centre of their town, its meeting-house, its cemetery, its pound and its aristocracy, were greatly discomforted. When this enterprise was completed it was the most thoroughly con- structed section of road in the town. The conditions required it "to be sixteen feet between the ditches, crowned eighteen inches in the centre and all stones to be removed that come within six inches of the surface." Before this road was completed measures were taken to secure the indictment of the road leading from the centre of the town to the guide-board near the house of Caleb Ward who then resided west of Lane Village and near Lower Naukeag lake. At a special town meeting some one proposed to repair the road by subscription and escape an indictment. Thirty days' labor were immediately pledged, and then the town com- placently directed that the labor be performed at once, and after that the complaint be defended by the town if prosecuted. 382 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. Commencing with the present century there was an era of turnpikes. After the extreme depression in business, which was the natural consequence of the drain of the Revolu- tionary War, the country made substantial progress in wealth and development. A moderate accumulation of cap- ital began to seek channels of investment and every enter- prise which promised a fair return for the capital employed failed not for want of money or the encouragement and support of business men. Stimulated by an increasing travel and traiEc to and from the centres of trade, turnpikes built and controlled by corporations were extended into every field of supply. Towns on the lines of these throroughfares were greatly benefited, and great efi'orts were made to influence their location. Taverns, stores and blacksmith shops were multiplied and many of them were mainly dependent on the patronage of these roads. An early line of travel from the north and west was from Keene through JaflFrey and New Ipswich and thence to Boston by way of Townsend. It was incorporated in 1799, and built without delay. Another turnpike incorporated 1802 , from Keene through Winchendon and Leominster, passed by on the other side. This Levite came nearer and indeed was located through the southwest part of the town, but it was of little local benefit. It is now included in the town roads, and the houses of John M. Pratt, John V. Platts and Stephen Wood are on the line of it. The next turnpike in this vicinity came no nearer. It was incorporated in 1807 and completed 1811. It was an important line of travel from Keene through Eindge, Ashby and Groton. This turnpike entered Ashburnham near the residence of Edwin J. Stearns, and the present road from that point, where there was a toll-gate, to the Ashby line at Watatic pond, marks its course through the corner of the town. While this turn- ROADS AND RAILROADS. 383 pike was patronized considerably by the inhabitants, it was of little benefit to the town. If Ashburnham was not highly favored by this era of turnpikes, the inhabitants generally escaped the losses which ultimately attended the deprecia- tion of stock. In other towns many men of comparative wealth were financially ruined, and the savings of the poor, which were allured by golden promises from the scanty accumulations of continued toil and many self-denials, were lost in the general ruin which ensued. If these early turnpikes were not successful from a financial standpoint they greatly encouraged the growth and development of the country, and by competition and example they did much to improve the general condition of the other roads. About the time of the decline of the turnpikes a large amount of money was expended in building and repairing roads. A new line of travel, in which this town had a lively interest, was opened through the valley of Miller's river and from Winchendon through the centime of Ashburnham to Fitchburg and the lower towns. For many years long lines of teams and a great amount of pleasure travel passed through the central village. Very many now living are fond of telling of the heavy wagons, drawn by four, six and «ight horses, laden with produce for the market and return- ing with merchandise for the country stores, or of the four and six horse stages that daily passed each way. The scenes of life and activity that attended their arrival and departure and other features of those days are well remem- bered. The active landlord answered the demands of many guests, while the busy hostlers in the spacious barns grew weary in attendance upon the overflowing stalls. The hammer of the smith awoke the stillness of night and the fire in the forge scarcely burned out before the beginning of a 384 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. new day. A much larger business to-day is done with one tithe of the noise and confusion of the olden time. Then, the newspapers, unaided by the telegraph and other modern facilities, gave little information of passing events. Items of intelligence were noisily communicated by word of mouth while bustling crowds around the taverns and the stores gathered the latest news from the passing traveller. Now, the current price of commodities and the records of the world are gleaned from the papers in the quiet retirement of home. Then, orders for goods and the general intercourse of trade were often verbal messages transmitted through many mouths. The message of to-day, silently committed to the mail, or to the swifter transmittal of the telegraph and the responding shipment of merchandise, left by the passing train, are in happy conti'ast with the noisy methods of the olden time. During the construction of the Fitchburg railroad from point to point, the teams and stages in that direction made shorter journeys, but the condition of affairs at this point was not materially changed ; but the building of the Vermont and Massachusetts and the Cheshire railroads which soon followed drove the stages and the teams from the road. The amount expended for the annual repair of the roads during the early history of the town conformed to the in- crease of population and secured highways that reasonably met the requirements of the times. The appropriation in 1770 was £35 ; in 1773, £80 ; in 1790, £120 ; in 1800 the sum was increased to $900. For many years the town chose one and sometimes two surveyors for the county roads and com- mitted the town roads to the care of from two to ten persons, the number being gi-adually increased as the roads were extended and more thoroughly repaired. In 1818 the town was divided into twenty-one highway districts. The county ROADS AND RAILROADS. 385 roads and turnpikes, gradually losing their individual charac- ter, were included among the several districts. In 1845 the number of highway districts was increased to twenty-five, which, with slight changes, were continued until a recent date. From the first, and until the present system was adopted, a surveyor was annually chosen for each district. In 1832 and 1837 the town voted to raise one-half the usual amount in money, but before the tax was assessed the action was reconsidered and the former system of a labor tax was continued until a comparatively recent period. The amount annually expended for the repair of the highways was gradu- ally, increased from $900 to $1500 ; the last sum was deemed suflScient until 1865, when $1800 was raised, and since that date the amount has ranged from $2500 to $4500. In 1870 the town committed the care of the highways to the select- men and the following year a board of commissioners was established. The members are elected for three years. On this board Simeon Merritt has served eleven years ; Samuel Howard, nine years ; Jesse Parker, two years ; Stephen Wood, three years ; Frederic E. Willard, three years ; Charles H. Whitney, one year; Robert W. Mclntire, six years ; Charles W. Whitney, 2d, five years ; Justin W. Bemis, one year. The three last named constitute the present board. Railroads. — The charter of the Vermont and Massachu- setts railroad, now operated by the Fitchburg railroad, is dated March 15, 1844, but the road was graded from Fitch- burg to South Ashburnham in the summer and autumn preceding and in anticipation of an act of incorporation. At this point there arose an animated contest over the continued location of the road. For two years it was an even question whether it would be extended through Gardner or through Winchendon. In this controversy the town of Ashburnham 25 386 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. was an indifferent spectator, as in either event it would not materially change its course through this town. The busi- ness men early perceived that the route through Gardner, which was finally adopted, would accommodate this town as well as the other, and it would also leave an invitation to the Cheshire railroad, then in contemplation, to build from Winohendon through Ashburnham Centre to Fitchburg. For a season the town was so deeply engrossed with this project that little attention was paid to the controversy over the location of the first railroad that was built within the town. The causes and influences which controlled the loca- tion of both of these roads were wholly outside of Ash- burnham, and while a considerable portion of the town were disappointed neither of them approached the central village. Both of the roads have been of material benefit to the town. The Ashburnham Eailroad lies wholly within this town and materially contributes to the general prosperity of the place. It is young in years and limited in length, yet it has more history to the linear mile and in certain years of its duration has developed more stratagem than has attended the fortunes of many older and longer roads. The difficulties which surrounded its construction and early management are fortunately settled and only the exterior history of the road demands attention. In May, 1871, a charter was obtained for a line of railroad from the junction of the existing roads to the central village, a distance of about two miles. A com- mittee, consisting of George C. Winchester, Austin Whitney, William P. Ellis, Ohio Whitney and George H. Barrett, was immediately chosen to solicit subscriptions to the capital stock which, at this stage of the proceedings, was limited to one hundred thousand dollars. To aid and encourage the enterprise the town of Ashburnham, on a vote to invest five per cent, of its valuation, purchased shares to the amount of ROADS AND KAILROADS. 387 forty -eight thousand dollars. Eleven thousand five hundred dollars was subscribed by three men residing in Fitchburg and in Boston and the remainder of the stock was taken by residents of this town. At the organization of the corpora- tion which promptly ensued, George C. Winchester, Ohio Whitney, Austin Whitney, Addison A. Walker of Ashburn- ham, Daniel Nevins, Jr., Hiram A. Blood and Otis T. Ruggles were chosen a board of directors. George C. Winchester was subsequently chosen president and Colonel George H. Barrett clerk and treasurer. The construction of the road was prosecuted with energy and without any unreasonable delay. About the first of January, 1874, the road was completed and a turn table and engine house were built at the northern terminus, but the depot was not erected until the following year. At the annual meeting in the summer of this year, the following board of directors was chosen : Austin Whitney, Addison A. Walker, Walter R. Adams, Simeon Merritt, Ohio Whitney, Daniel Nevins, Jr., and Thomas H. Clark. William P. Ellis was chosen clerk and treasurer and was continued in office until the corporation was dissolved. He was also station agent and to his care was confided the details of the operation of the road. In 1875 Mr. Nevins declined a reelection and the board was increased to nine members. The new members elected were George C. Winchester, Franklin Russell and George G. Rockwood. The only change in the board of directors in 1876 was the election of Wilbur F. Whitney, in room of Austin Whitney. From 1874 to 1877 the road was equipped and operated by the stockholders under the immediate management of the board of directors. In the adjustment of claims against the corpo- ration the debt was gradually increased and the earnings did not exceed the current expenses to an extent that afi'orded 388 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. any relief. The corporation issued mortgage bonds for twelve thousand dollars and at that time it was generally presumed that ultimately all the debts would be liquidated by the net earnings of the road. In 1877, and after the road had been in operation three years, George C. Winchester demanded payment of a claim of eleven thousand five hundred dollars for personal service. This demand was unanswered for a season with a spirit of resistance and a consciousness of inability to pay it. A final settlement was subsequently made, and in the summer of 1877, the franchise of the road and the rolling stock were conveyed to Mrs. Winchester and the corporation was dissolved. To this enterprise the town and the inhabitants of Ashburnham have contributed eighty-eight thousand five hundred dollars. The loss was serious to a few. Had the burden been more equally distributed, it is probable that in the general utility and convenience of the Ashburnham railroad, every one will find ample compensation for the loss sustained. Mrs. Winchester continued to own and operate the road in the interest of the public until 1885 when it was sold to the Fitchburg railroad corporation. CHAPTEE XVI. HOTELS AND STORES. THE PTRST INN. SEVERAL EARLY INNHOLDERS. — UNCLE TIm'S. — THE COCK- EREL TAVERN. TWO HOTELS ON MAIN STREET. CHILDREN OP THE WOODS. — A NEW TAVERN. — THE CENTRAL HOUSE. — THE ERYE TAVERN. THE TAVERN AT FACTORY VILLAGE. THE STORES. — the first store. — the jewetts and their sccces- SOKS. — MADAME CUSIIING A MERCHANT. — SEVERAL SMALL STORES. — THE WINCHESTERS. ADAMS AND GREENWOOD. ELLIS AND L.4NE. NEWTON HAYDEN. — PAEKEK BROTHERS. — MARBLE AND GILSON. — GEORGE ROOK- WOOD. ELLIOT MOORE. — MIRICK STIMSON. — STORES IN SOUTH ASH- BURNHAM. Inns or taverns were numerous in the olden times, and a fictitious prominence is frequently assigned them. Around these ancient hostelries tradition is wont to linger and prone to crown them with a dignity they did not enjoy and to regard them with a peculiar charity especially reserved for the dead. In fact, a large majority of them were simply farm-houses in which the traveller was entertained. The proprietor was more a farmer than a landlord and the busi- ness was only supplementary to his stated avocation. And often in the pursuit of gain the license of the innholder was secured more for the sale of spirituous liquors than for a rational entertainment of man and beast. The first inn of this town, of which there is any record or tradition, was built upon the old Bluefield road extending . from Lunenburg to Northfield. It was situated on the Bel- low's grant in the northwest part of this town, and was not 389 390 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. occupied after 1744, when the settlement was abandoned. The Court Eecords represent that Moses Foster was a licensed innholder in 1751 and through several succeeding years. He lived at first in the northeast part of the town and at an early date removed to a lot adjoining, south of the common. His house after he removed was an inn, but it is uncertain at which place he was residing when first licensed. The next landlord who appeared on the scene was Nathan Dennis who lived at Lane Village and owned the mill. He was here only two years, 1753 and 1754. In 1756 Thomas "Wheeler in the northeast part of the town was an innholder and was succeeded by James Coleman who was included within Ashby in 1765. For several 3^ears, commencing with 1759, Elisha Coolidge was licensed. He probably resided in the house previously occupied by Nathan Dennis. In 1767 Nathan Melvin who lived near the Amos Pierce place, in the eighth school district, received permission from the court to entertain the solitary traveller who might acciden- tally pass that way. Captain Deliverance Davis was a licensed innholder in 1767 but he did not continue in the business many years. Among the ancient hostelries in this town none were so popular as " Uncle Tim's." Tradition assigns no other name to the public house kept by Timothy Willard. He was probably the first landlord in this town who ever gave his undivided attention to the business and his house was known "from Canada to Boston." On his tables often were fresh pickerel which an hoiu- before were sporting in the clear waters of Upper Naukeag. At this inn Dr. Lowe was entertained the first years of his residence in this town. The house was on the old road from Ashburn- ham to Winchendon, on the site of the residence of Mrs. David W. Eussell. In 1798 David Eussell, Sen., pur- chased the hotel and farm and continued the business. He HOTELS AND STORES. 391 procured a new sign on which was painted a profile of a chanticleer in the constant occupation of crowing over the fame of the place. In a few years, so fickle is fame, the name of "Uncle Tim" was heard no more. The inn was known as the " Cockerel Tavern." About the close of the century two hotels were opened on Main street, — one by Captain David Cushing, where Nahum Wood now lives, and one on the opposite side of the street, over which Joseph Jewett presided when not engaged in other pursuits. Commencing with about 1815, and con- tinuing with a waning patronage until about thirty years ago, there was a hotel on the north turnpike, and either the hotel or the locality was familiarly known as Children of the Woods. The travel on that once busy thoroughfare has been diverted into other channels and the old hotel has fallen with the weight of years. There was a hotel several years where the brick store now stands. It was built by John Adams, son of the centenarian, about 1826. Hobart F. Kibling and Merrick Whitney were the landlords. In the same building there was a store which is mentioned in another connection. This hotel was built soon after the road from Winchendon to Fitchburg had been thoroughly repaired and many teams from Vermont and the valley of Miller's river passed through this town. The new hotel was successful and its prosperity led to the building of another on the opposite side of the street, now known as the Central House. The hotel last mentioned was built by Captain Silas Whitney in 1829, but it was not finished until 1832. It was called the Washington House and in front, leaving space for the passage of teams, there was a huge sign suspended between two posts. The sign bore a supposed likeness of George Washington who proclaimed that he, at least, was a cold water man by having- beneath him a huge watering- 392 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. trough which occupied all the space between the posts. In this house, also, Hobart F. Kibling was the first landlord. He was succeeded by Samuel Whitney and his sons who had acquired possession of the property. Later, the house was conducted by Stimson and Howe and by Knight and Forris- tall who were succeeded by Israel W. Knight, a sou of one of the preceding landlords. Mr. Knight conducted the business many years and until his death, September 5, 1858. His son, James M. Knight, succeeded him, remaining in the business two or three years. Ferdinand Petts was the next landlord. The property was purchased by Walter R. Adams, 1866, who assumed the management of the business until 1879 when he was succeeded by John C. Stone. Mr. Stone has thoroughly repaired the buildings and built a block of stores on the site of the driveway. The appearance and convenience of the buildings are much improved and the house is well conducted. The Frye Tavern, more recently known as the Astor House, was a prosperous hotel fifty years ago. The land- lords were James Frye, Merrick Whitney, James Barrett, Orin Morton and Otis Metcalf. It has been owned many years by the Cheshire railroad and occupied by tenants. About the time the Frye Tavern was opened, Norman Stone had a hotel at Factory Village for several years. Public houses on the main lines of travel were numerous in those days and many at intermediate points between the villages Avere successful. Stores. — Until the close of the Revolution there were no stores in Ashburnham. If any one returned from the centres of trade with goods, which were offered for sale, the business was not of sufficient magnitude or duration to secure the appellation of merchant or surround his abode with the dignity of a store. In the mean time the store in Lunen- HOTELS AND STORES. 393 burg was frequently visited, and upon an old ledger of Moses Whitney, who had a store in Eindge in 1772, are extended accounts with several residents of this town. It is probable, however, that, for many years, the greater part of the home supplies were procured in the lower towns in exchange for the product of the farm, or for shingles, split and shaved from the stately pines which were abundant at that time. Joseph Jewett, Esq., removed to this town in 1783, and immediately opened a store in his dwelling-house which stood at the corner of Main and Gushing streets. In a few years he built a store near by which remains to this time and is a part of the building owned and occupied by Charles Hastings. Associated in trade with Mr. Jewett for one year, about 1790, was Samuel Appleton, the generous bene- factor of several educational and charitable institutions, and in later years General Ivers Jewett was admitted to a part- nership with his father. The Jewetts were men of enter- prise, and succeeded in building up a prosperous business which was extended into the surrounding towns. They exchanged goods for every product of the farm, sending annually many tons of pork, butter, cheese, grain and wool to the seaboard. Ashes, too, with them, were an acceptable tender for goods from the store. These they converted into potash and forwarded it to the market. In later years they received yarns from the Slaters of Rhode Island and other manufactures of the time. At that time the power loom was a sleeping dream in the soul of invention. This yarn was distributed among the families who wove it in hand- looms, returning the cloth to the store and receiving their pay in goods. In this and many other ways these enter- prising merchants invited trade. They offered every facility for the payment of goods. They entered into close relations 394 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. with the people of Ashburnham and many others in the adjoining towns. In accordance with a custom of the times they sold wines and liquors in quantitj^ and by the glass. They supplemented their business with an inn, and mixed and vended grog from the ramparts of the store and the skirmish line of the hotel. They clothed the naked, fed the hungry, relieved the thirsty, and in their more substantial trade provided all against future want. The " Jewett Store " was an institution which suffered no rival and has witnessed no successor. Joseph Jewett retiring from an active interest in the busi- ness it was continued by General Ivers Jewett. For a short time Colonel Hosea Stone was associated with General Jewett, and in 1824 Samuel Woods, who had been a clerk in the store nine years, bought a half interest and the firm became known as Jewett and Woods. Soon after, the new firm bought a store and a cotton-mill in Fitchburg and sold the store in this town to Samuel Barrett. The Fitchburg enterprise was not successful. General Jewett, in this and other speculative transactions, met with less success than had attended his career as a merchant. In 1828 Samuel Woods bought the store of Mr. Barrett and returned to Ashburnham and in company with George H. Lowe he continued in trade until 1831. Samuel S. Stevens suc- ceeded Mr. Lowe, and soon after Jonathan O. Bancroft and Elbridge Stimson were admitted to the firm then known as Woods, Stevens & Co. In 1833 they sold to George H. Lowe who continued in trade until 1842. Mr. Lowe sold to Jacob Osgood of Weston, whose son, Charles, had an interest in the business. The Osgoods were succeeded in 1851 by James Learned who was in business sixteen years when he sold the store and goods to Henry Vanness, who, with unrufiied placidity, fostered a waning trade until 1877, HOTELS AND STORES. 395 when the curtain fell. The fastened door and the boarded windows shut out the light of day but not the memory of many years. The second store in order of date, and the first in the elevation and dignity of its surroundings, was on the old common. Here Mrs. Gushing, assisted by her sons, con- ducted a small trade several years. The modest store was at the east of the common and was established about 1795. A few years later Deacon Heman Lincoln, on this site, erected a dwelling-house and enlarged the store. For a short time he conducted the business and was succeeded by Doddridge Gushing, who continued in trade several years, when the Jewetts purchased the goods and removed them to the foot of the hill. Subsequently, Leonard Stearns, from New Ipswich, was in trade a year or more, and later Gharles Hastings purchased the real estate, enlarged and repaired the buildings, bought new goods and continued in trade until 1829. He sold to Lemuel Stimson, and in the spring of 1830 the business was assumed by his sons, Elbridge and Mirick, who closed out in 1833, and since then no one has engaged in trade at this place. About the time the Jewetts withdrew from an active interest in trade three small stores were opened in this town. William Brooks in the house of his father, Thaddeus Brooks, in the ninth school district conducted a limited business several years ; and Eeuben Rice, who lived in the fourth school district where Alfred D. Kinsman now resides, had a store in his house an equal length of time. Neither of these securing a monopoly of the trade, Asahel Gorey and Salmon Rice opened a store on Water street. Later Mr. Rice sold his interest to Levi Gorey. The Coreys were succeeded in 1839 by Charles Winchester, and it was in this store of modest pretension that Mr. Winchester outlined the first 396 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. chapter of an active, successful career. Asahel and Levi Corey, having sold their business in Water street, opened a new store in the hotel building on the site of the brick store. After a few years they were succeeded by Philip E. Merriam who removed from a small store on the south turnpike. Mr. Merriam and his son were followed by Horace C. Crehore who continued in trade several years. In 1842 Charles Winchester sold the store he had out- grown on Water street and bought this store. Six years later he admitted his brother, Greorge C. Winchester, to an equal partnership. They were eminently successful. For the accommodation of an increasing trade, and to provide accounting rooms for their other business they erected, in 1855, the substantial building now occupied by Adams and The Brick Store, now of Adams & Greenwood. Erected by C. & G. C. Winchester, 1855. Greenwood. The firm was dissolved in 1870, and George C. Winchester continued the business until 1879. This HOTELS AND STOEES. 397 store was reopened in 1881 by Adams and Greenwood, the partners being Walter R. Adams and Moses P. GreenM'ood. With a full line of miscellaneous goods, they at once secured an extensive trade and are reaping the fruit of merited success. The store now occupied by Parker Brothers was built by Ivers White in 1855, and leased to William P. Ellis for eight years. Mr. Ellis formed a partnership with Martin B. Lane, and under the name of Ellis and Lane they conducted a trade in stores, tinware and groceries for several years. The firm was then dissolved by the retirement of Mr. Lane, who removed the stove and tinware department to the store in the Town Hall. Newton Hayden being admitted to a partnership with Mr. Ellis, the business was enlarged and included the wares usually displayed in a country store. In 1866 Mr. Hayden became sole proprietor, and he was succeeded by several firms which included Hon. Ohio Whitney, Walter R. Adams, Moses P. Greenwood and Captain Walter O. Parker. In 1876 Captain Parker and his brother, Frank H. Parker, under the firm name of Parker Brothers, assumed the business. Under their judicious management, the demands of the community have been fully answered and a good trade has been firmly established. After the removal of Mr. Lane to the Town Hall, he was associated with Joel P. Marble, and in 1876 he was succeeded by Frank B. Gilson. The business was continued under the firm name of Marble and Gilson. In 1880 they built a new store on Central street and added a line of groceries to their former trade. They continue in the management of a pros- perous business. There were earlier dealers in stoves and tinware than any named in the preceding paragraphs. Ben- jamin Merriam was an early dealer in this line of ware in the old store on Water street, and Elliot Moore, for a few 398 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. years, was in this line of trade in the George Rockwood store. George Rockwood opened a store about 1833, where Marshall Wetherbee now resides. He continued in trade several years and a part of the time Dr. William H. Cutler had an interest in the business. He was succeeded by the Union Store, which was continued four years, and later Elliot Moore continued the business a few years. After Asahel Corey had been in trade on Water street and in the hotel building on the south side of the street, he built in 1846 a store on the site of the residence of George C. Winchester. In this building his son, Jonas Corey, opened a store and was succeeded immediately by George Rock- wood and Austin Whitney. Then the firm of Corey, Barrett and Kibling, comprising Jonas Corey, Colonel Francis J. Barrett and Joseph W. Kibling, was actively engaged in trade at this place for a few years. They were succeeded by Austin Whitney, and while his brother, Samuel V. Whitney, was postmaster, the post-oflBce was located here. The building was purchased by George C. Winchester in 1856 and remodelled soon after. George W. Kibling, who lived in Lane Village, where Merrick Hadley now resides, had a store in his house a few years, commencing about 1835. There was no other store in this village until Mirick Stimson began trade in 1868. Mr. Stimson has continued without interruption to the present time. In North Ashburnham, Asa R. Lovell was in trade about three years, commencing in the autumn of 1845. The goods were owned by several gentlemen who lived in that vicinity, and who sustained the store as a local enter- prise. The goods were subsequently sold at auction. Except the trade in groceries conducted by Daniels Ellis, there have been no other stores in this village. HOTELS AND STORES. 399 Stores in the village of South Ashburnham have been numerous. In 1822 Jonas Munroe opened a store and con- tinued in trade several years. The building occupied by- Mr. Munroe was later the ell of the Deacon Glazier shop. Mr. Benjamin E. Wetherbee, the present owner of the premises, tore it down a year ago and completed its history. Hosea Hosley, in 1836, began trade in a building still known as the red store, opposite the residence of Hezekiah Matthews. After a vacancy of several years, the next trader in this store was Lewis G. Matthews, who, with a line of groceries and patent medicines, began business in 1852, and continued until 1874. Oliver A. Raymond, in the autumn of 1846, began business under favorable auspices in the May store. He died the following year and the goods were sold out by his brother. The Protective Union Store was opened in the May building in 1848. Stores established on this plan were found at this date in almost every village. Generally conducted by men un- skilled in the arts of trade, very few of them were successful. This proved no exception, and was closed before the expira- tion of a year. The May store, which, like the temple of Janus, has been sometimes open and sometimes closed, was occupied a year and a half, commencing August, 1863, by John B. Day, who displayed a line of dry goods and groceries. In 1868 Mr. Day resumed business in the same building. The following year he was succeeded by Stephen V. Ware, who remained two years and again the doors were closed. The next occupant was Luther Osborn, who con-- tinned about three years, and from that time until 1876, the store was unoccupied. In the autumn of that year Stephen V. Ware resumed trade with a line of dry goods and gro- ceries. In March, 1884, he sold to John Davis, who moved the following summer into the store under Union Hall where 400 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. he was recently succeeded by Alfred E. Garlick and James H. Long, who have built up a prosperous trade. More to accommodate his employes than to solicit a general trade, Edward S. Flint dealt in staple groceries about nineteen years, commencing 1857. In 1866 Mrs. Mary Blodget fitted a room in her dwelling for the accom- modation of a limited stock of ladies' furnishing goods. The business was successfully continued eight years. Near the depots, Sumner H. Upham, Francis Eaton, Sewell S. Lane and Stephen V. Ware have each been in trade a short time. CHAPTEE XVII. MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. PROMINENT POSITION OF ASHBURNHAM. — THREE EARLY MILLS. A MULTI- TUDE OP GRAIN-MILLS AND SAW-MILLS. — THE MANnPACTURE OF CHAIRS. THE GREAT NUMBER ENGAGED. — JOHN EATON. THE PIONEERS. — PHILIP R. MERRIAM. — CHARLES AND GEORGE C. WINCHESTER. THE BOSTON CHAIR MANUFACTURING COMPANT. — W. P. WHITNET. THE MANUFACTURE OP CHAIRS IN SOUTH ASHBURNHAM. — BURRAGEVILLE. — TUBS AND PAILS. THREAD SPOOLS. — FRICTION MATCHES. — BASKETS. MISCELLANEOUS WOOD-WARE. — WOOL CARDING AND CLOTH DRESSING. COTTON FACTORIES. — TANNING. — MOROCCO BUSINESS. — JOHN AND S. W. PUTNAM. The genius of Ashburnham shines forth most conspicu- ously in a variety of manufactures. In the employment of capital and in the daily toil of a large number of artisans and mechanics, the town maintains a commanding position. The frequent seats of power along the courses of the brooks and rivers have invited the people from the cultivation of a rugged soil to mechanical pursuits. The number of mills, past and present, in this town is unusually large. There are fifty mill sites in this town where at some time the water power has been utilized. These enterprises have offered employ- ment to the mechanic and have augmented the wealth of the town. If the first mills were rude affairs they were neces- sary to the progress of the settlement, and in their weakness was found a living suggestion of improvement. If brought into comparison with modern mills and modern machinery, the primitive saw-mill, with rheumatic movements laboring 26 401 402 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. slowly through a log, grunting, meanwhile, as if in pain, presents a vivid picture of the progress and triumph of mechanical skill. No effort is made to name every mill that has been erected in this town. Many of them in the whole extent of an uneven existence have not materially increased the product of the town nor stimulated its energies. Among this class are included several saw-mills upon the smaller streams that, at best, were employed but a small portion of each year and were early suffered to present a picture of dilapidated old age. The modern industries have been more fortunate and are the life and activity of the town. The first mill in this town was built at Lane Village in 1737. This mill, erected by Hezekiah Gates, during the municipal administration of the proprietors of Dorchester Canada, and in itself a conspicuous figure in the record of the settlement of the town, was men- tioned in a previous chapter. In the same connection was given an account of the second mill which was built in 1752 and near the site of the first mill. The third mill, within the limits of the original township, was also built at an early date. The proprietors located the first and second mills, over which they assumed a nominal control, as near the centre of the town as the conditions would permit. The numerous settlers within and north ot the Dutch Farms were far removed from the only mills in the township and caused one to be built in their vicinity previous to 1758. It was owned at that time by Moses Foster, Jr., and Zimri Hey wood, and was situated near the outlet of Watatic pond. The site of this mill is now in Ashby and was a part of the substantial conti-ibutions of Ashburnham when that town was incorporated. Previous to the Eevolution, a saw and grist mill was built at the out- let of Rice pond near the site of the reservoir dam. In the MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 403 first division of lots, the eighth lot was one of the ministerial lots and subsequently was under the control of the town. It included the mill privilege and extended southerly. In 1772, for eighteen dollars, the town sold the north part of the lot to Ebenezer Conant, Jr., for a mill site, and for some reason subsequently refunded the money. Mr. Couant, however, built the mill and in 1778 a road was laid from near the village "passing over the mill-dam of Ebenezer Conant, Jr., and between said Conant's house and barn and through lots seven and eight, until it strikes the old road." At the age of forty years, Mr. Conant died August 3, 1783. The mill was afterwards owned by Jonas Randall, Jonathan Brooks and others. About seventy years ago it was removed to Water street. Philip Oberlock, who assumed the name of Locke, owned a saw-mill at an early date in the south part of the town. It was situated near the shop of Reuben Puffer. In 1778 Mr. Locke sold the mill to Daniel Gibbs who owned it several years. The early proprietors of the mill property, now owned by Elijah Gross and Son, were Simeon Brooks, Caleb Wilder and Jason Mead. In 1816 it was purchased by Peeks Gross. The mill was burned in 1844 and rebuilt the following year. For many years there has been a saw and grain mill at this site. The present proprietors have ground and sold a large quantity of western corn. At times a portion of this -mill has been occupied by tenants. Chairs have been made here by Liberty Holt, Charles But- trick, James Blodget, Ira Brooks and Irving E. Platts. Samuel J. Tenney, William Tenney and Henry Lawrence have manufactured tubs and pails, and John Davis has pre- pared excelsior at this mill. Ezra Dana removed to this town about 1790. He did not remain here many years, but he found employment in build- 404 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. ing the first mill on the river at Burrageville. The ancient dam and also the evidence of the sudden flood which occurred under his administration still remain. To irrigate a field of corn suffering from a drought, he cut a small channel through the banks enclosing his mill-pond. The treachery of a sandy- soil suddenly drained the pond and ruined the corn. No subsequent trace of Dana is found, yet it is more probable that he removed from town than that he was washed away in the sudden current. The second mill in Lane Village, which was built by Caleb Dana and Elisha Coolidge, was removed by Colonel Francis Lane. In 1786 he built a new mill where the upper mill of Packard Brothers now stands. In 1805 he enlarged the building and continued to maintain a saw-mill and a grist-mill until 1822, when he sold the property to John Kibling, and four years later it was pur- chased by Samuel Foster, who sold it to Enos Emory in 1833. In 1846 Francis Lane, Jr., and his sons became the proprietors, and in 1854 the buildings were renewed. Mil- ton Lane, who had acquired possession, sold it to C. and G. C. Winchester about twenty years ago. Charles F. and Albert D. Packard, the present owners, bought it in 1881. About forty rods below Packard Brothers' upper mill is an unoccupied mill site. Here Francis Kibling built a mill in 1832. Dr. Stillman Gibson of New Ipswich subsequently owned it until it was removed about thirty years ago. It was occupied as a saw-mill and shingle-mill. On the same stream near Packard Brothers' lower mill is the ancient Gates dam, and near by are found traces of the dam where Francis Lane, Jr., built a saw-mill and turning shop in 1833. In 1846 it was purchased by Enos Emory, and was burned about twenty years ago. The lower mill of Packard Brothers was built by Elias Lane for a turning shop in 1822. It was sold to Eaton and Harris in 1855, who occupied it MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 405 about seven years. Passing through several owners it was bought by Packard Brothers in 1874. If the power of the stream in North Ashburnham was not occupied as early as at Lane Village, forty years ago it was quite thoroughly utilized. There are four mill sites within a short distance and all of them at times have been quite fully employed. The lower one was built and occupied many years by Alvin Ward. It was burned in 1860. The second mill in order of location was owned, and is said to have been built by Moses and Ezra Lawrence. The next owner was Daniels Ellis who held it several years. It was subsequently owned by W. L. Gr. Ward, and later by Isaac D. Ward. The present owner is Joseph H. Small. The unoccupied mill was built by Deacon John C. and Joseph Davis in the autumn of 1826. It is owned by Isaac D. Ward. The first mill on the fourth privilege was built by Alonzo L. Willard about 1842, and has been occupied in the manufacture of a variety of wares. The successive owners were John Bald- win and Daniels Ellis, Jr. Mr. Ellis removed the original and built the present mill about 1863. He sold it when completed to LaRoy A. Butler. Isaac D. Ward now owns it. The first mill on the stream flowing from Rindge, in the order of location, was built by Eliphalet Eddy about fifty years ago. About 1845 he was succeeded by Corey, Barrett and Kibling, and later by Jonas Corey. It is now owned and occupied by Robert W. Mclntire. Daniels Ellis, Jr., built the next mill on this stream nearly forty years ago. Edwin Hay ward has owned it about ten years. The next mill was built by Daniels Ellis, Jr., and was owned several years by Mr. Ellis and Horace W. Houston and later by Mr. Houston. The dam was destroyed by the freshet in the autumn of 1869. Three mills have been erected on the 406 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Whitmore and Jones privilege, and are mentioned in another paragraph. The first mill on the privilege of Leonard Foster was built about the commencement of the present century. It was owned many years by Nathaniel Foster who died in 1826. After a few years it came into the pos- session of Thomas Bennett, and for many years has been owned by Leonard Foster, who built the present mill about 1850. A large quantity of lumber has been sawed at this mill. Two mills have been burned on this site. The saw-mill at Burrageville was built and owned many years by George L. Beals and later it was a part of the property of the Burrage Brothers. Later, J. H. and E. L. Hodge owned it several years, and manufactured chairs as well as coarse lumber. For seventeen years it has been owned by C. L. Beals and occupied by George L. Beals, Jr. There have been several saw-mills in the central village, but generally they have been connected with manufacturing establishments and are incidentally mentioned in such con- nection. A saw-mill was built in 1835, on the site of the chair factory of Wilbur F. Whitney, by Joshua B. Bui'gess. A few years later Mr. Burgess sold it to Europe H. Fair- banks and Colonel Ivers Phillips, who annually sawed a large quantity of lumber. The subsequent owners were Bailey, Spaulding and Sherwin, who sold it about 1862 to Charles and George C. Winchester. The dam was destroyed by the freshet in 1869 and was not rebuilt until 1882, when Mr. Whitney purchased the premises. On the North Turnpike there have been two saw-mills and one is still standing. They possessed all the requirements for business except water. Failing in this essential requisite they were in operation only a small portion of the time. Samuel Dunster removed from Mason, New Hampshire, to this town, in 1801, and here found employment for many MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 407 years in building, selling and exchanging mills. First, he built a saw-mill and grain-mill at Factory Village, which he sold to Benjamin Gibbs about 1816 and then removed to the centra] village, where in 1817 he built a grain-mill on the site of the mill of Colonel George H. Barrett and soon after he became interested in other manufacturing enterprises which are mentioned in another connection. Mr. Dunster removed to Factory Village in 1830 and bought the mill of Mr. Gibbs which he continued to own until his death. For many years it was under the care of Elijah and Joel Brooks and at last it was washed away by the freshet. The grain- mill on Mill street has been owned by many individuals and firms. Among -them are included Josiah Lane, the Cald- wells, Piam Burr, Colonel Charles Barrett, Mirick Stimson, Charles and George C. Winchester, John Hadley, Moses P. and Theodore Greenwood. The present owner. Colonel George H. Barrett, has conducted an extensive business in grinding western corn and in the sale of grain . The present saw-mill and grain-mill at Factory Village was built by Ebenezer Frost in 1855. Mr. Frost sold it in 1866 to Cyrus A. Jefts, Theodore Greenwood and Frank W. Wal- lace, but the firm was soon succeeded by Mr. Jefts, who is in possession at the present time. The lower mill of Warren E. Marble was built by Jacob Whiteman about 1825. The saw-mill was built by his father, Luke Marble, in 1863. On this stream and at an early date there were two other mills. The first one was built by Henry Hall, a son of the emigrant, immediately after the Eevolution. It stood between the two mills of Mr. Marble. After several years, Mr. Hall removed his mill to the outlet of Watatic pond and near his residence. It was not kept in repair many years and no other mill has been erected on the same site. The other mill on the stream falling into Ward pond was built by 408 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. Nicholas Whiteman and was subsequently owned by his son Jacob Whiteman. It was burned about 1820. During the past twenty years, Luke Marble and his sons have manufact- ured a considerable quantity of lumber and chair stock. Chairs. — The monkey for ages has sat upon the ground. In this way he enjoys his rest and consumes his leisure hours in the contemplation of the simplest philosophies. Assuming that the Darwinian theory is correct, there is ample evidence for the conclusion that the progressive development of man and the stages of his civilization and enlightenment have been marked by his use of seats, and by the genius displayed in their design and construction. The chairs of the present, in grace of outline, and in a practical adaptability to the use for which they are designed, are a sure exponent of the prog- ress of the times in the art of mechanism. In this manu- facture, both in the number and the value of the annual product, Ashburnham yields the palm to Gardner and surveys the remaining field without a peer. In the early manufacture of chair stock in this town the conditions re- quired only a small room in some part of the dwelling-house, a saw, a frow and a shave, while a foot-lathe introduced the owner to the front rank among the chair makers of that period. The terms of admission to the business were sa simple and the outlay of money so small that the number who supplemented their other employment with the manu- facture of chairs or chair stock, was only exceeded by the tax list. To make an entire chair was an early ambition of Ashburnham, while to turn a good chair leg was only the simplest inspiration of intuition. Ask the aged man of Ash- burnham who were Revolutionary soldiers, and beginning with his father and his uncles he slowly names a few. Ask him who were early Federalists or Orthodox or Methodists and his memory fails. But ask him who were chair makers MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 409 when he was young and instantly his eye brightens with the light of returning memories. He becomes loquacious. He counts the names of all he knew, traversing his finger-tips over and over again, and if in the pauses of enumeration the reckless instigator of the proceedings essays to retire, he calls him back and names every son of these chair-making sires. If not the first to engage in this business, certainly among those who early made the manufacture of chairs an occupa- tion, was John Eaton, a native of Lancaster, who removed to this town in 1805 from Ashby, where he had learned his trade. Here he remained four years when he removed to Royalston. It is said that Enos Jones persuaded Mr. Eaton to locate in Ashburnham, and that he agreed to purchase a stipulated number of chairs. Some of the daughters of Mr. Jones were recently married and others were seriously c6n- templating a similar event, and in order that he might add a certain number of chairs to the marriage outfit of his daugh- ters, he engaged the services of Mr. Eaton who not only answered the demands of his employer but supplied the wants of other families in the neighborhood. While thus engaged, and possibly to stimulate his business by creating a new demand for his wares, Mr. Eaton married the youngest daughter of his patron. For several years, commencing about 1820, Charles and Deacon John C. Davis, at North Ashburnham, and Charles Munroe at South Ashburnham, were actively engaged in this business. In the course of a few years water power was employed in turning stock and Joshua Burgess, Deacon John C. Glazier, Alvin Ward and, probably, others were engaged in some branches of the business. These pioneers were soon joined by John Conn, Harvey M. Bancroft, Lyman Conant, Thomas E. Glazier, Moses Eoss, James Blodget, Joseph Eice, Josiah Eaton, 410 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Jesse Ellis, Sumner May, Hezekiah Matthews, Samuel S. Stevens, and many others. A feature of the business at this time was the sale of turned stock in the lower towns and, in fact, many persons named conducted no other business, and few of them were ensaged in the manufacture of finished chairs. In 1833 Philip E. Merriain began the manufacture of chairs where the extensive factories of the Boston Chair Manufacturing Company now stand. He was also engaged in teaming chairs to Boston and other places and hauling freight of all description. From the little mill and small beginning of Mr. Merriam has been developed an industry which has added fame and wealth to this town. To this date the development of the business had been slow and un- productive of substantial results. Even in sanguine dreams the possibilities of the future had never been suggested. Upon the clumsy methods and tedious processes of the early days the genius which has attended the later years had shed no light. Yet, if slow, the early growth was solid. The foundations were laid in patient toil and upon them the modern structure has been safely reared and supported. At this date, and in a field inviting conquest, Charles and George C. Winchester began an intelligent study of the business. Charles Winchester bought the shop of Philip R. Merriam and, subsequently, joined in the enterprise by the younger brother, an important business was soon established. In the ardor of sanguine temperaments, and the hope and courage of young men, they quickly comprehended a measure, at least, of its future possibilities. At once, rebels against antiquated methods and patrons of every approved innova- tion, they increased the capacity of their works as rapidly as the profits of the business would permit. With unwearied application they directed their energies to the accomplish- MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 411 ment of a defined purpose until the images of their early dreams became material forms. With them in their active days every success was an incentive to renewed conquest. They held every point for which they had contended and fought their way to the foremost rank. To these men the town of Ashburnham is indebted. If the Winchesters have retired from an active participation in the business the fact remains, that it was fostered by them and that it was the force of their genius and energy which ably assisted in assigning to Ashburnham an important position among the manufacturing towns of the Commonwealth. The facts are not at hand nor is it possible to state the details of the growth and magnitude of the business, while under the direction of the Winchesters. They were building and enlarging continually. The record of advancement enlivens the transactions of every year. A few of the dates and a summary of the results are briefly stated. In 1842 the small shop and the business of Mr. Merriam was purchased by Charles Winchester ; in 1848 George C. Winchester was admitted to an equal interest in the business. The mills, from time to time, were enlarged to nearly their present capacity and chairs of their manufacture of every style and design were found in every domestic and foreign market. They purchased and erected many tenement houses, and many mills in the surrounding towns were under their control. At the dissolution of the firm in 1870, the number of men employed in the manufacture of chairs was ^bout two hundred and at times this number was considerably exceeded. From 1870 to 1878 the business was continued by George C. Winchester. At the first he assumed the burdens and conducted the enterprise with his accustomed •energy, and the volume of the business for several years was fully sustained, but it gradually became apparent that his 412 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. brain was overworked and his native forces were failing him. After a few years of partial, and finally of entire, suspension of business, the property was purchased in 1880 by several individuals who organized a stock company. The value of the plant, exclusive of stock and personal property, is $75,000. The capital stock is $150,000. In the manufacture of chairs the corporation owns and occupies thirty-four buildings, having a total flooring of 300,000 feet or about seven acres. The main factory is of wood, four stories, and ground dimensions of 160 by 48 feet; the saw- mill is brick, two stories, 100 by 50 feet ; the main paint shop of wood, four stories, is 160 by 40 feet. The works are driven by an engine of 200-horse power and the river rated at 35-horse power is fully utilized. The accompanying illustration faithfully represents the number and the relative location of the buildings. The number of men. now em- ployed is 200, beside 100 inmates of the Hampden County House of Correction and as many women and children in this vicinity who are engaged in filling cane chairs. The present annual product is 360,000 chairs, which yield an income from sales of $200,000. The facilities will accommodate an annual business of $400,000 and arrangements are maturing to employ every resource at command. With one, and possibly two exceptions, this is the most extensive chair manufactory in New England. In addition to the manufact- ure of t^^e standard lines, and following a series of success- ful experiments, this company is now making chairs com- posed in part, and in some patterns wholly, of bent material. With ingenious appliances the wood is shaped into graceful forms and swiftly directed into circles and all manner of curves. These chairs of many patterns, presenting no right lines or angles, are graceful and attractive in outline, and are admitted to be superior in strength and general appearance 2 < s o o cr z 5 H o < a: < X o o H CO, O 03 MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 413 to the foreign chair from which they have been copied. The process of this manufacture originated in Austria, and skilled mechanics from that country were here employed in perfect- ing the required machinery and patterns. The present facili- ties will produce 30,000 chairs of this kind annually and in the markets there is an increasing demand. W. G. Wheil- don, whose office is in Boston, has been treasurer of the company from the date of its incorporation. Luther B. Adams was the manager until 1885 when he was succeeded by F. S. Coolidge. Prominent among the chair manufactories of this town and in this vicinity are the extensive factories of Wilbur F. Whitney at Ashburnham Junction. Mr. Whitney has been schooled in the business from boyhood. He is in the prime and strength of life, yet within his experience all the modern machinery in general use has been tested and approved. In mechanical skill, in a prompt and clear comprehension of the growing demands of the trade and in the adoption of new methods to meet the changing requirements of the business, he has advanced to a prominent position among the manufacturers of -the present time. The business was originally established by his father, John Whitney, in West- minster nearly sixty years ago. In 1865 Mr. Whitney purchased an interest in the Glazier mill in South Ashburn- ham where he was engaged in active business three years. In 1868 he sold his interest in the Glazier mill and bought a mill of Merriam and Allen, situated one-fourth mile east from the depot. Here he remained fourteen years and was suc- cessful. A part of the time he was in partnership with Irving E. Platts. Sustaining and constantly enlarging his operations with the profits of the business and with the erection of a new building, he increased the capacity of his works untU he gave employment to eighty men and manu- 414 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. factured chairs to the amount of $150,000 annually. In March, 1882, the factory was burned. The loss above in- surance was heavy. To build again was an early and for the town a fortunate resolve. Mr. Whitney purchased a site near the depot and immediately erected a factory of three and one-half stories, 136 by 40 feet, and a paint shop 100 by 30 feet. The chairs made in these works are the modern styles of cane-seat chairs. The wood material includes all varieties of native hard wood and black walnut, which is procured in the West. Having built a new mill for its accommodation, 60 by 40 feet, and three stories above the basement, he supplemented his business in 1884 with the manufacture of rattan chairs. In 1886 this factory was enlarged by the addition of fifty feet, and it is now 110 by 40 feet, with a flooring of 17,600 feet. At the present time Mr. Whitney employs 140 men. His manufacture yields an annual product of $175,000. The full capacity of his factories at prevailing prices is about $250,000. The rattan, from which the cane for chairs is taken, is a product of Sumatra and the adjacent islatids. The improved machinery employed by Mr. Whitney in splitting and shaving the material was made under the patents and is operated under the immediate supervision of George W. Lombard. [ Orange Whitney, who occupies the Burgess mills, ^ives employment to thirty men and manufactures chairs to the amount of $50,000 annually. Since 1881 he has resided in Winchendon. The first mill on this site in which there was a saw-mill and a grist-mill was built by Joshua B. Burgess in 1844. The building was burned in 1850 and immediately rebuilt. Mr. Burgess was also engaged in the manufacture of chairs. In 1856 he was succeeded by Edward S. Flint, Jonathan H. Piper and James Blodget under the firm of Flint, Piper and Blodget. In 1861 Mr. Flint became o > > o H o 2 o w c X H Z ■< MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 415 proprietor of the business which he continued alone and with partners until 1873. Abner White succeeded Mr. Flint and continued the manufacture until 1878. At this time Benja- min E. Wetherbee purchased the property and leased it to Mr. Whitney. Irving E. Platts has been actively engaged in this manu- facture several years. He occupies the Glazier mill and usually employs about fifteen men. There has been a mill upon this site many years. In 1824 Deacon John C. Glazier bought the premises of Charles Munroe and after his death in 1861, the property had 'several owners and was purchased by Benjamin E. Wetherbee in 1868. The new mill, on the opposite side of the highway, was built in 1872. It is occupied by Mr. Wetherbee in the manufacture of bent chair stock. He gives employment to several men. Another chair shop in South Ashburnham was built in 1856 by Sumner and Charles S. May. They were engaged in the business until recently when the premises were leased to B. Duane & Co., the partners being Bernard Duane and Orange Whitney who manufacture towel racks and cradles. From about 1837 to 1848 chairs were manufactured on the site of the Naukeag Cotton Factory by several individuals and firms, including James Osgood, Samuel S. Stevens and Alvin Kendall. From thirty to forty years ago, for some reason, nearly every merchant in the central village was also a manufacturer of chairs, and while Corey, Barrett and Kibling were selling staple goods at their store they were making chairs in a mill which stood oa the site of the morocco shop. Burrageville, once the scene of a promising and active enterprise, was founded by chair makers. George S. Bur- rage, then of Leominster, about 1848, bought of George L. Beals a saw-mill, dwelling-house and a large tract of timber 416 HISTORY OP ASHBURNHAM. land. The price paid was thirteen thousand dollars. The saw-mill was burned about that time and rebuilt in its present form and chairs were made in the upper story. The company, including George S., William F. and Charles W. Burrage, was formed, and under the firm name of Burrage Brothers they built in 1853 the paint shop, 40 by 80 feet, which still remains, and the following year a chair factory, 40 by 100 feet, was erected on the stream above the saw- mill. For a number of years the firm was actively engaged in the manufacture of chairs and gave employment to a large number of men. In the mean time they built several tenement houses and were conducting a store in another building which they erected. In the midst of these scenes of activity and promise, in 1858 the chair factory was burned and the enterprise was crippled beyond recovery. William F. Burrage retired from the firm in 1857 and returned to Leominster where he died November 11, 1873. Charles W. Burrage sold his interest to his brother, George S. Burrage, who again became sole owner of the premises in 1859. The younger brother, Charles, completed his studies, which had been interrupted by the allurements of business, and gradu- ated at Yale College 1861, and since that date he has resided in Portland, Oregon. George S. Burrage removed to California where he died May 16, 1876. While residents of this town they were useful and prominent citizens and occupied many positions of trust. From about 1864 to 1868 a limited business was con- ducted in the saw-mill by J. H. and E. L. Hodge who came from Templeton. The property was purchased by Charles L. Beals of Winchendon in 1869, and is occupied by George L. Beals, Jr. Tubs and Pails were made in this town a few years, beginning about 1825, by Joshua Townsend. His shop was MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 417 on Mill street. The quantity made at this early date did not materially exceed the demands of a limited market. In 1839 Oliver G. Caldwell and Elbridge Stimson began the manufacture on a more extensive scale, which, under succes- sive firms, has been continued to the present time. In 1848 Mr. Stimson sold his interest to William P. Ellis and the firm of O. G. Caldwell & Co. was continued until 1853 when the mill and machinery were purchased by George Rockwood and Addison A. Walker. Mr. Eockwood sold his 'interest to his son, George G. Eockwood, in 1866, but the name of the firm was not changed. The firm was dissolved by the retirement of Mr. Walker in 1876, and the mill was burned in 1883. Mr. Eockwood purchased the Winchester mill and has continued the manufacture to the present time. The business has been successfully conducted through these many years and is an important feature of the manufactures of this town. From about 1843 to 1851 this manufacture was conducted by two or three firms which included William Tenney, Samuel J. Tenney and Henry Lawrence. They occupied a part of the mill of E. Gross and Son and were successful. In 1856 Colonel Enoch Whitmore began the manufacture of tubs and continued the business several years. Thread Spools were formerlj'^ made in this town, and the manufacture was a prominent industry for many years. About 1830 Colonel Enoch Whitmore and Deacon Gilman Jones, under the firm of Whitmore and Jones, built a mill in the northwest part of the town on the western border of the Bellows grant, and established an extensive business in the manufacture of this ware. Their mill was burned in 1840 and another in 1850. The large mill, now unoccupied, was erected in the autumn of 1850 and the business was continued by Colonel Whitmore until his death. The water 27 418 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. power was supplemented by steam and in the last mill there was an engine of forty-horse power and for several years the full capacity of the mill was employed. This manufacture has been controlled of late by the proprietors of the thread mills and has been conducted near the centres of the trade. Nathaniel L. Eaton and Lysander Harris also manufactured spools in the lower mill, now of Packard Brothers, from 1855 to 1862. In 1859 Leonard Foster purchased new machinery and prosecuted this industry with success several years. Friction Matches have been made in this town quite extensively. In 1837 William Brooks beganthe manufact- ure in North Ashburnham in a small shop built for the purpose and from time to time enlarged the business until a new shop was built for its accommodation. In itself the business of Mr. Brooks was successful, but he became involved in litigations concerning infringements of patents which offset the legitimate income of the enterprise. Mr. Brooks was succeeded by Eliakim T. Eussell who continued the manufacture until 1865. Byam, Carlton & Co. of Boston, for a few years, made a part of their matches in this town. They occupied a shop now owned by Daniels Ellis. Francis Kibling and Daniels Ellis were also engaged in the business. Another industry has been the manufacture of match stock or cards prepared for dipping. Those engaged in this business were Alvin Ward, Leonard Foster, Alonzo L. Willard, Eaton and Harris, Milton Lane and others. Baskets have been made by John M. Pratt in South Ashburnham during the past thirty years. His shop, formerly a Methodist parsonage, was moved from West- minster, He has steam power, a trip-hammer and machinery adapted to the business. Formerly, the baskets MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 419 for farm and household use were made entirely of ash. Of late, rattan has been used for filling and new patterns of baskets for a variety of uses have been manufactured. Doors, Sash and Blinds have been manufactured by Reuben Pufier in South Ashburnham. Like all other mills in this town, some parts of it have been used in the manufact- ure of chairs. In this mill there has been a number of tenants but none of them have conducted a very extensive business. Miscellaneous wood-ware, not included in the foregoing paragraphs, has been manufactured in this town by Colonel Whitmore, Warren F. Sawtell, Isaac D. Ward, LeEoy Butler, F. H. Eideout, William P. Ellis, Fletcher Brothers, and in 1884 Samuel N. Noyes began the manufacture of toys on Water street, giving employment to ten or twelve men and producing a variety of miscellaneous wares. Wool Carding and Cloth Dressing. — Thomas Park removed to this town in 1779 and about 1790 he built a small mill on the east side of the river and nearly opposite the present site of the blacksmith shop. In this mill he was the first to engage in fulling and dressing the cloth which had been woven in hand looms. He sold in 1800 to Fitch Crosby who conducted a prosperous business until about 1840. This mill was subsequently owned by Horace Black, who was engaged in the manufacture of furniture. It was finally destroyed by the freshet in 1850. Commencing about 1815 Mr. Crosby and Joshua Townsend began wool carding by power. Their cards were in a shop that stood on the site of the morocco shop. Samuel Dunster, about 1820, built a shop for wool carding where the tub shop of Rock wood and Walker was burned. In this business he was succeeded by Dr. Nathaniel Pierce. Mr. Dunster built another shop for this business, below his 420 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. grist-mill, at Factory Village. This building was washed away by the freshet but the cards had not been run for several years previously. In 1825, or about the time card- ing machines were introduced on Mill street, Joshua, Moses, and Jeremiah Stowell, from Temple, New Hampshire, built a shop on the North Turnpike and began wool carding and spinning. With the aid of hand looms they manufactured broadcloth of a firm texture and substantial character. In this business they were succeeded about 1830 by Charles Stimson. Cotton Factories. — Cotton spinning by power and the manufacture supplemented by hand looms was begun in this town as early as 1811 or 1812. Samuel Dunster of this town owning three-fourths and Eoger Chandler of Mason, New Hampshire, owning one-fourth, were the first to engage in this business. Their mill was at Factory Village. It was subsequently owned by Samuel Barrett, Jewett and Woods and George Blackburn & Co., who purchased it in 1843. The mill was burned in 1846 and a larger mill was built immediately after. The last mill was burned in 1877. The factory on Water street was built by an incorporated com- pany in 1849. The stock was held by residents of this town who, without previous experience in the business, run the mill a few years and until the debt of the corporation was equal to the value of the plant. The mill was sold in 1856 to George Blackburn and Ohio Whitney, Jr. The amount received from this sale paid the indebtedness of the corporation and thirteen cents on one hundred dollars of the capital stock. It will be observed that the corporation could have run the mill about eight hours longer without an assess- ment. Mr. Whitney continued his interest in the mill and the business about ten years when he sold to George Black- burn & Co., who have continued to the present time. MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 421 Tanneries. — Following a custom of the time, the hides of domestic animals were tanned on shares or for stipulated compensation and the leather returned to the owner. The operation of tanning hides and dressing leather consumed time and often the leather fell into the hands of an adminis- trator or the heirs of the original owner of the hides. In all the old New England towns there were numerous little tanneries located near a convenient brook where without machinery of any kind the process was slowly conducted. Mention will be made of some of the old locations where this business was formerly conducted, and if, by any chance, one or more of them have not been discovered in this review of the past no immediate prejudice against the industry of a former generation will be encouraged thereby. Near the close of the Revolution, Willard Lane commenced this business where now is the residence of Walter O. Parker. He sold in 1797 to Deacon William J. Lawrence who en- larged the facilities and for the time conducted an extensive business. Captain David Gushing divided his time between tanning and other employments. He lived where Nahum Wood now resides. His vats were north of the house and part of them are now covered by the highway. Levi Adams succeeded Mr. Gushing but soon closed out the business. Stephen Corey had a yard where George F. Corey now resides and was engaged in tanning a number of years early in the present century. In one of the vats his daughter was drowned. The business was later conducted by Stephen Corey, Jr. On his farm on Russell hill James Adams had several vats and conducted the business a number of years. This farm was subsequently owned and occupied by Joseph Adams. 422 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. John Caldwell was also a tanner as well as a farmer. He lived on the farm now of Alden B. Marble and was succeeded by his son, Oliver G. Caldwell. The father and son con- ducted a limited business about thirty years, commencing early in the present century. The Caldwells were the first in this town to employ water power in grinding bark. Formerly it had been ground in a crude mill turned by a horse which described the same circle many times in the labor of the day. The horse was spoiled for other work and literally died in the harness. So slowly did he move even under the lash, and so gradually did his energies waste away, that it required nice discrimination and keen exercise of a sound judgment to determine with accuracy the precise time to transfer the half-tanned hide from the dying animal to one of the vats. Fletcher and Warren of Stow once had a yard where the pail shop of George G. Eockwood now stands. The yard was formerly conducted by Deacon William J. Lawrence who was owner of the yard at the foot of Lawrence street. The yard was badly injured and the buildings destroyed by the freshet in 1850 and the business was never resumed on this site. From 1855 to 1866 Elbridge Stimson conducted the business in the old morocco shop which was recently burned. At the time he was the only tanner in the town and no one has succeeded him. The Morocco Business. — Thomas Eussell began the morocco business in this town about sixty years ago. BQs shop was on Eussell hill in the third school district and opposite the farm of Ward Eussell. After about five years, he sold the business to Walter Eussell, who was succeeded by Frank Eussell and Samuel V. Whitney. In 1852 they removed the business to Water street, occupying the old tan- MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES. 423 Tiery buildings where the factory of George G. Rockwood now stands. About thirty years ago they erected the build- ing familiarly known as the morocco shop. At this time the business was enlarged, becoming an important factor among the industries of the town. In the new shop they were succeeded by Austin Whitney who with several partners continued the business until the shop was burned in 1882. Ivers and Thomas Adams were successfully engaged in finishing morocco on Russell hill from 1838 to 1860. In 1833 James Adams built a shop on the site of the mill now of Cyrus A. Jefts. In connection with pulling wool and tanning he finished morocco until he removed in 1849 to Pennsylvania. He was succeeded by Luther B. and Andrew J. Adams. The following year the property was destroyed hy the freshet and Luther B. Adams, Elbridge Stimson and Austin Whitney built the shop on Brown brook where they conducted the same business a few years. Among the possibilities of this town should be mentioned the business and residence here of John and Salmon W. Putnam, who removed from Mason, New Hampshire, in 1837 and commenced business as machinists in the old cotton factory at Factory Village. Here they remained three years when they removed to Fitchburg where they established an important industry which still bears their name and continues to contribute to the fame and wealth of that city. CHAPTEE XVIII. THE ASHBUENHAM LIGHT INFANTRY. ZEAL IN MILITAKT PURSUITS. — BARLY OFriCEKS. THE LIGHT INFANTRY ORGANIZED. — FIRST COMMANDERS. A FEW VETERANS. SERVICE IN WAR OP 1812. THE ROLL. YEARS OF PROSPERITY. LIST OP OFFICERS 1791 TO 1847.- — PROMOTIONS. the MILITIA COMPANY. — ^MILITIA OF- FICERS. — THE DRAFT 1814. — HISTORY FROM 1855 TO 1862. — BRIEF RECORD FROM 1866 TO PRESENT TIME. LIST OP OFFICERS. Enthusiasm in military affairs for many years succeeding the Revolution was spontaneous. The man of middle age, familiar with the manual of arms and the school of the soldier, was fond of the pomp and display of military pageants. The youth, listening from childhood to the stories of battles and campaigns in which the eloquent narrators had been engaged, were early imbued with a kindred zeal in these pursuits. The old soldier, debarred by the infirmities of age from active participation in the exercises of the field, was ever present with words of encouragement and support. In those days, either in deed or in spirit, all were soldiers. Encouraged by public sentiment and fostered by the laws of the Commonwealth, a military establishment was easily maintained, and in addition to other incentives there was associated with rank and with military titles an acknowledged dignity and honor which firmly appealed to the ambition of men. With such surroundings every military parade was conducted with enthusiasm and was witnessed by a crowd of 424 THE ASHBURNHAM LIGHT INFANTRY. 425 applauding people. On these occasions the drum, the fife and the attending juvenile suffered no restraint. The stated trainings and the musters were scenes of bustle and activity in which a Quaker would have been regarded with contempt and supremely pitied in his loneliness. The town of Ashbumham, eagerly participating in the prevailing sentiment of the times, manifested a lively interest in the local military organizations which for many years were sustained with a steadfast enthusiasm. In addition to all the requirements of the State, an independent military organiza- tion has been maintained in this town, almost without inter- ruption, since the Revolution. In a former chapter it appears that the minute-men of this town were under the command of Captain Jonathan Gates from 1775 to 1781. Upon a reorganization of the militia, the company in this town became known as the seventh company of the Eighth Regiment. July 1, 1781, Francis Lane was commissioned captain, Ebenezer Conant, Jr., first lieutenant, and Daniel Putnam, second lieutenant. Lieuten- ant Conant died in 1783 and Captain Rand was promoted to major, and to lieutenant-colonel, 1787. In connection with these events, other ofiicers of the 4-shburnham company probably were appointed, of which no record has been found. May 2, 1787, Daniel Putnam was commissioned captain, Ebenezer Munroe, lieutenant, and John Abbott, ensign. Lieutenant Munroe and Ensign Abbott were not promoted. These titles became permanently affixed to their names. The next commander of the company probably was Joseph Jewett. No record of his first commission has been dis- covered, but he was in command of the company in 1789, and about this time John Adams was an ensign and a lieutenant. 426 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. Until a later date there was only one company of militia in this town, and, until 1791, it does not appear that the company organization was privileged or distinguished from any other militia company organized under the general laws of the State. But in June, 1791, the General Court granted the petition of the military men of this town, presented by General Timothy Newell, and under the rights and privileges thus secured the Ashburnham Light Infantry was promptly organized. Its legal existence properly dates from the issue of the first commissions to its oflScers, July 13, 1791. The petition and the proceedings of the General Court were as follows : To THE Honourable, the Senate and the House of Eepre- SENTATIVES IN GENERAL CoURT ASSEMBLED : The petition of Timothy Newell Major General of the seventh division of Militia in said Commonwealth humbly sheweth : — That a number of persons, in the town of Ashburnham in the 4* Regiment in the 2* Brigade of said Division, did (when under the command of the Hon.'''' Maj."" Gen.' "Warner) agree to form themselves into a Company of Light Infantry and as doubts have arisen whether said persons can be formed into any other than an independent company and as it is not the wish of said persons to be thus established, your petitioner therefore prays that liberty be granted to raise a Company of Light Infantrj' within the aforesaid Regiment to be considered as a Company of Regimental Light Infantry under the command of the Colonel or Commanding officer of said Regiment. The foregoing petition was presented June 18, 1791, and in response the Legislature passed the following resolve : Resolved, That His Excellency the Governor be and he is hereby empowered and requested to issue orders for forming a Company of Light Infantry in the town of Ashburnham, provided they do not reduce the standing company of militia in said town THE ASHBUENHAM LIGHT INFANTRY. 427 to a less number than sixty privates of the train band ; the oflScers of said Light Infantry company to be appointed and commissioned in the same way and manner as is provided by law for the appoint- ing and commissioning other military oflBcers. Said company when so formed to be under the command of the Colonel or com- manding officer of the fourth regiment of the second brigade in said division. Under the privileges extended by this proceeding the Ashburnham Light Infantry was promptly organized. The first officers, commissioned July 13, 1791, were Joseph Jewett, captain, Caleb Kendall, lieutenant," and Charles Hastings, ensign. The following year Captain Jewett was promoted to major, and Charles Hastings was commissioned captain, August 27, 1792, and consequently was the second commander of the company. Concerning the names or the number of men who belonged to the company during the first twenty years of its legal existence there is no complete record. Beginning with the command of Ivors Jewett in 1813 the Ashburnham Light Infantry entered upon an era of prosperity. A book of enlistments, containing the names of all who were members of the company in 1813, with dates of original enlistment and the names of all who enlisted from that date to 1845, is carefully preserved in the archives of the company. At the close of the year 1813, the number of rank and lile, including non-commissioned officers and musicians, was fifty men. The only original member of the company was James Laws, Jr., of Westminster, who enlisted first in the militia in April, 1789, two years before the company was organized under permission of the Legislature. The next in duration of service was Joseph F. Burgess who joined in 1796, and following with a record of seven years or more of service are the names of Joseph Miller, Jonas Holden, John Gates, Jr., 428 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Jacob Ward, James Adams, Ebenezer Munroe, Jr., Charlef^ Munroe, John Hastings, Ebenezer Adams, Ivers Jewett, Walter E. Adams, Timothy Crehore, Jr., Dickerson Brooks and Jonathan Samson, Jr. Including the existing company in 1813 and the subsequent enlistments to 1845, the record contains three hundred and ninety-eight names. The obligation to which each recruit subscribed, copied on the first page of the book of enlistment by the hand of Ivers Jewett, is probably a copy of the obligation adopted in 1791. It is here transcribed and will be familiar to many now living : To facilitate the performance of the duty, which we owe to our country, of adding to our character as citizens some portion of the skill of the soldier, to increase our usefulness as militia men by adding to the zeal which is excited by patriotism, the ardor which is inspired by emulation and to give to each one of us who exert- ing himself for his own and his State's defence that confidence in the zealous and skilful cooperation of each other which can result only in military discipline ; We do hereby, agreeable to a resolve from the G-eneral Court of this Commonwealth, passed June the eighteenth, A. D. seventeen hundred and ninety-one for the raising of a Light Infantry company in the town of Ashburnham, voluntarily enlist as members of the Ashburnham Light Infantry company and to govern us in the pursuit of these objects we agree to equip ourselves according to the laws of this Commonwealth, to uniform according to the uniform of said company, which is per according to the clerk's book, and to submit to the rules and regulations of said company. All of which we pledge our honors to perform. In the war of 1812, the Ashburnham Light Infantry was held in a state of suspense through the summer of 1813 and a part of the following year. The indifference of Massa- chusetts to the prosecution of the war is a part of the general THE ASHBURNHAM LIGHT INFANTRY". 429 history of the times. So far as individual opinion was con- cerned the general sentiment of the town was in support of the position of Governor Strong. But the spirit of the soldier arose in triumph over the prevailing sentiment of the town. During the progress of the war, the company was frequently disciplined in the exercise of arms and expectantly awaited the summons to march. During the summer of 1814 the presence of an unusual number of the armed vessels of the enemy caused frequent and grave alarm on the sea-coast. At this time several regiments of State militia were called out and were stationed in Boston and vicinity. The Ashburnham Light Infantry was ordered into the service early in the month of Septem- ber. There are several now living who remember the hurried preparation and departure from this town. It was on the Sabbath. The company assembled at the Jewett store and after brief words of counsel and fervent prayer for their safe return by Rev. Dr. Gushing, the arms, ammunition and equipage were on a long line of wagons hastily engaged for the occasion. The soldiers were in uniform but in the general features of the day there was only a faint suggestion of a military demonstration. The highway was filled with vehicles of all descriptions which were employed to transport the army on its way. The wagons were unloaded at Lan- caster. The men were ordered under arms and they pro- ceeded on their way in a more warlike demonstration. They arrived in due time at Boston and were mustered into the service September 9. The company was stationed at South Boston and Dorchester fifty-one days and was discharged October 30, 1814. Soon after their safe return to their homes. Rev. Dr. Gushing preached a sermon addressed particularly to the soldiers, congratulating them and the public on the prospect of peace. The sermon contains some 430 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. wholesome advice. "Let me caution you to take heed that you rejoice without infringing upon the rules of temperance. The pleasure of this day is marred if anything takes place inconsistent with your characters as men and Christians." The following is the roll of the company at this time. The three last names were enrolled a few days before the company was ordered into service. The remaining names are transcribed from the official roll at the annual inspection in May preceding. Four of the company — James Laws, Jr., Jonas Holden, Joseph PoUey and Adam Butler — were residents of "Westminster. Ivers Jewett, Captain Timothy Crehore, Lieutenant Walter R. Adams, Ensign Ebenezer Adams, Sergeant John Gates, Jr., " Reuben Townsend, Jr., " Elijah Brooks, " James Adams, Fifer Benjamin Barrett, " Oliver Barrett, Drummer Amos Stone, " Laban Gushing, " Jonathan Samson, Jr. Josiah "White Reuben Rice, Jr. Luther Bigelow Joseph F. Burgess James Billings Ebenezer Flint James Laws, Jr. Charles Munroe Ebenezer Munroe, Jr. Joseph Miller Stephen Marble Joseph Rice Joseph Townsend Ephraim Taylor Jonas Holden Humphrey Harris Henry Gipson Joel Marble George Wilker, Jr. Adam Butler Thomas Howard Charles Stimson Asahel Corey Caleb "Willard Elisha Garfield Elias Blodgett Enoch Whitmore Charles Barrett Asia Phillips Dickerson Brooks THE ASHBURNHAM LIGHT INFANTEY. 431 Edward Maynard John Hastings Joseph PoUey Reuben Stimson Jacob Ward Heman Harris Stephen Adams Jabez Marble For many years succeeding the war of 1812 the independ- ent company was maintained with full ranks. In proficiency of drill and standard of discipline it was among the first companies of the regiment. The officers were frequently promoted to command of the regiment and the citizens of the town evinced a reasonable pride in the organization. In the progress of years the military spirit was suffered to decline, the laws of the State were frequently amended and proffered a diminishing support and encouragement in the maintenance of a military organization. In an hour of despondency the company appealed to the town for assist- ance, but in this direction they were met with a cold refusal. In 1838 a proposition to make a small appropriation for the benefit of the company and another to loan them a small amount of money, were promptly denied. The sentiment of indifference which pervaded the community as a natural consequence was disseminated among the ranks of the com- pany. From about 1845, the record is gloomy and often overcast with inactivity, but the company maintained a legal existence and occasionally manifested a spasmodic effort at resustication until December 1, 1851, when the remaining officers were officially discharged. From that date until 1855, the company remained beneath the surface. The last captain was Nathaniel F. Cutter who resigned November 14, 1846, and no successor was commissioned. Lieutenant Clarence M. Proctor remained lieutenant commanding until, as stated, December 1, 1851. In the mean time orders for the choice of officers were issued, and in 1847 Colonel 432 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Francis J. Barrett was chosen captain, but he declined to qualify and assume command of the company. From 1791 to 1851 the following officers of the Ashburn- ham Light Infantry have been commissioned. The absence of a date in connection with a very few of the names indi- cates that no official record of the commission has been found, yet no name has been admitted without ample proof of service in the capacity indicated. CAPTAINS. Joseph Jewett, 1791 Charles Hastings, 1792 Willard Lane, 1795 John ScoUay, 1797 Phinehas Randall, Silas Willard, 1799 Caleb Wilder, 1805 Grorener ScoUay, Henry Willard, Moses Lawrence, 1810 Ivers Jewett, 1813 Timothy Crehore , Jr. 1 8 15 Ebenezer Adams, 1817 Hosea Stone, 1818 Charles Barrett, 1820 John Willard, Jr., 1823 Joseph Rice, 1824 Reuben Rice, 1827 Samuel Foster, 1828 Emery Rice, 1831 Asa Merriam, " 1832 Kilburn Harwood, 1833 Alvin Kendall, Henry Kibling, Jr., 1838 JohnW. Mossman, 1841 Asahel Wheeler, 1844 Jonas Corey, 1845 Nathaniel F. Cutter, 1846 LIEUTENANTS. Caleb Kendall, Willard Lane, John ScoUay, Phinehas Randall, Silas WiUard, Grovener ScoUay, Henry Willard, Ivers Jewett, 1791 1792 1795 1797 1798 1805 1807 1811 ENSIGNS. Timothy Crehore, Jr. 1813 Ebenezer Adams, 1815 Charles Barrett, 1817 John Willard, Jr., 1820 .Joseph Rice, 1822 Enoch Whitmore, 1824 Reuben Rice, 1826 Samuel Foster, 1827 Gilman Jones, 1828 Emery Rice, 1830 Asa Merriam, 1831 Lewis G. Houghton, 1832 Asahel Corey, 1833 John W. Mossman, 1838 Asahel Wheeler, 1841 Jonas Corey, 1844 Nathaniel F. Cutter, 1845 Clarence M. Proctor, 1846 Charles Hastings, 1791 John ScoUay, 1792 Phinehas Randall, 1795 Silas WUlard, Grovener ScoUay, 1802 Henry Willard, 1805 Moses Lawrence, 1807 Samuel Gates, 1810 Walter R. Adams, 1813 John Gates, Jr., 1815 John Willard, Jr., 1817 Joseph Rice, 1820 Reuben Rice, 1822 Samuel Foster, 1826 Gilman Jones, 1827 Emery Rice, 1828 Asa Merriam, 1830 Lewis G. Houghton, 1831 George Woods, 1832 Alvin Kendall, 1834 Henry Kibling, Jr., 1837 Asahel Wheeler, 1838 Francis J. Barrett, 1841 Jonas Corey, 1841 Nathaniel F. Cutter, 1844 Clarence M. Proctor,1845 Alonzo P. Davis, 1846 During the last five years of this period there were more than two lieutenants. After 1841 there was a third lieu- tenant and the officers who held this commission were Nathaniel F. Cutter, 1841-44; Clarence M. Proctor, 1844-45; Alonzo P. Davis, 1845-46; Joseph P. Rice, 1846-51. The only fourth lieutenant was Samuel V. Whit- THE ASHBURNHAM LIGHT INFANTRY. 433 ney who was in commission from 1846 to 1851. From the officers of the Ashburnham Light Infantry, there were many promotions in the service. Colonel Joseph Jewett was commissioned major, June 28, 1792, and lieutenant-colonel, April 13, 1795. General Ivers Jewett, major, April 24, 1815 ; lieutenant-colonel, June 20, 1816 ; colonel, August 12, 1817 ; brigadier-general. May 11, 1819 ; major-general, June 10, 1822 ; resigned. May 30, 1826. Colonel Timothy Crehore, Jr., major, August 12, 1817; lieutenant-colonel. May 7, 1818; colonel, June 28, 1819. Colonel Hosea Stone, major, March 23, 1820; lieu- tenant-colonel, March 19, 1822. Colonel Charles Barrett, major, March 19, 1822; lieutenant-colonel, April 15, 1822; colonel, March 2, 1824. Colonel Enoch Whitmore promoted from lieutenant to major, July 1, 1826; lieutenant-colonel, July 23, 1827 ; colonel, August 31, 1829. Colonel Kilburn Harwood, major. May 13, 1837, and colonel, July 24, 1841. Colonel Francis J. Barrett promoted from ensign and adjutant to major, August 20, 1842 ; lieutenant-colonel, September 2, 1843; colonel, August 6, 1844; resigned, February 26, 1846. It will be remembered that in the resolve of the General Court creating the Ashburnham Light Infantry, there was a provision that from the men in this town liable to perform military duty, sixty or more should be reserved for a militia company under the general laws of the State. This service, upon those not legally exempt, was compulsory, yet for many years it was rendered with apparent alacrity. The company of militia was continued and it maintained a visible organiza- tion until the annual trainings and musters were abolished. The officers of the militia company from 1792 to 1834 were as follows : 28 434 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. CAPTAINS. Jonatlian Merriam, 1792 Silas Whitney, 1795 EbenezerT. Adams, 1799 Henry Kiblinger, 1801 John WlUard, 1802 Samuel Cotting, 1803 George R. Gushing, 1807 Philander J.Willard, 1811 Lemuel Whitney, 1813 Jacob Fairbanks, 1814 Elias Lane, 1816 Timothy Stearns, 1818 Francis Lane, Jr., 1821 Benjamin Gibbs, 1822 Jonas Munroe, 1824 John C. Dayis, 1826 Jehiel Watkins, 1827 Henry Kibling, Jr., 1828 Jonas Nutting, Jr., 1830 Asa Merriam, 1832 Josiah L. Wetherbee, 1834 LIEUTENANTS. IsRac Wliitmore, 1792 EbenezerT. Adams, 1795 Henry Kiblinger, 1797 Nathaniel Foster, 1799 Caleb Wilder, 1802 Silas Whitney, 1803 Itharaer Fairbanks, 1805 Philander J. Willard, 1809 Lemuel Whitney, 1811 Elias Lane, 1814 Timothy Stearns, 1816 Francis Lane, Jr., 1818 Benjamin Gibbs, 1821 Jonas Munroe, 1822 John C. Davis, 1824 Jehiel Watkins, 1826 Henry Kibling, Jr., 1827 Jonas Nutting, Jr., 1828 Charles Davis, 1830 Josiah L.Wetherbee,1833 ENSIGNS. Henry Whiteman, 1792 John Adams, Jr., 1795 John Willard, Jr., 1797 Nathaniel Foster, 1798 Samuel Cotting, 1799 Ithamer Fairbanks, 1803 Lemuel Whitney, 1808 Elias Lane, 1813 Timothy Stearns, 1814 Francis Lane, Jr., 1816 Charles Stearns, 1818 Jonas Munroe, 1821 John C. Davis, 1822 Jehiel Watkins, 1824 Henry Kibling, Jr., 1826 John Leathers, 1827 Charles Davis, 1828 JosiahL. Wetherbee, 1830 In 1814 this company, then under the command of Cap- tain Jacob Fairbanks, contained seventy men, including officers. In the summer of this year a draft of two men was made. Tradition asserts that the lot fell on Deacon William J. Lawrence and Thomas Hobart. Both of these men were Federalists and opposed to the prosecution of the war and the administration party greatly rejoiced over the result. In regard to Deacon Lawrence the tradition is correct. He was drafted at this time and furnished a substitute, but the name of Thomas Hobart does not appear on the roll of the company. Jesse Ellis was the other man drafted and Henry Whiteman was his substitute. From this company Colonel Benjamin Gibbs was promoted to major, March 2, 1824, and to lieutenant-colonel, March 2, 1825. Colonel Jehiel Watkins was promoted to major, August 7, 1841 ; to lieu- tenant-colonel, September 6, 1841, and to colonel, Septem- ber 2, 1843. Among the regimental officers several were adjutants. Dr. Abraham Lowe was appointed regimental THE ASHBURNHAM LIGHT INFANTRY. 435 surgeon, October 3, 1805 ; Dr. Abraham T. Lowe, surgeon's mate, March 24, 1821, and Melzer Hudson was appointed quartermaster, July 5, 1797. The Ashburnham Light Infantry did not long remain beneath the surface. The second epoch of its history extends from 1855 to 1862. If it faded from existence through the tardy processes of disintegration it sprang into life with spontaneous and vigorous animation. The slum- bering military spirit was swiftly kindled into flame. The occasion was found in a Fourth of July celebration at Fitch- burg in 1855. The reviving sentiment of the town invited Captain Henry Kibling to call together the remaining mem- bers of the company and to fill the ranks with new recruits. The men were drilled and participated in the celebration with credit to themselves and to the town. The spirit of former years was fully aroused. The company was reorganized and continued in a flourishing condition until the war of the Rebellion. A conspicuous record of service in the field is continued in another chapter. Under authority of the following general order the old company was revived : Commonwealth op Massachusetts. Head Quarters, Boston, July 13, 1855. Special Order No. 30. Whereas, Alonzo P. Davis and fifty-eight others of Ashburnham have petitioned His Excellency the Governor and Commander-in- Chief for liberty to organize a company of Infantry in the town of Ashburnham and vicinity, The Commander-in-Chief grants the prayer thereof and directs that orders be issued for the choice of officers immediately ; the notification thereof be addressed to Alonzo P. Davis of Ashburn- ham. The Commander-in-Chief further orders that when said Com- pany is organized it be known as Company G, Ninth Regiment of 436 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Infantry. Upon the application of the Captain when duly quali- fied, and a certificate from the Selectmen of Ashburnham that they have provided a suitable armory, the arms and equipments will be furnished by the Adjutant-General. By command of His Excellency, HENRY J. GARDNER, Governor and Commander-in-Chief. Ebenezer W. Stone, Adjutant-General. The company promptly organized with Joseph P. Eice, captain, and four lieutenants. This number of officers was continued until 1861. The number of men on the company roll at the close of the year was sixty-five, nearly all of whom enlisted immediately after the order and before the choice of officers. The petitioners met in the Town Hall July 26, 1855, and completed an organization. At this time the regulations prescribed four lieutenants for the company. The officers chosen at this time were commissioned under same date as follows : Captain, Joseph P. Eice ; First Lieutenant, Addi- son A. Walker ; Second Lieutenant, Jonas Morse ; Third Lieutenant, Alonzo P. Davis ; Fourth Lieutenant, George H. Barrett. Fifty-five men were included in the original enlistment and eleven were added immediately after the organization. With full ranks and ably commanded, the company attended the division muster at West Brookfield in September. At this date Colonel Edwin Upton of Fitch- burg was in command of the regiment. From 1855 to 1861, it was known as Company G of the Tenth Eegiment, and until all companies of militia were depleted by individual enlistments in the service, the Ashburnham Light Infantry was in a prosperous condition and was maintained with full THE ASHBUENHAM LIGHT INPANTRY. 437 ranks. The whole number of enlistments from the date of reorganization to April, 18(51, was one hundred and forty- three. After this date many members of the company entered the service and a large number joined the company, but they were enlisted for service in the army, rather than as members of a local company of militia. During this period there were few changes in the officers. Late in December of the same year Jonas Morse resigned. Lieutenants Davis and Barrett were promoted and Silas Nims was commissioned fourth lieutenant, February 28, 1857. At the promotion of Captain Rice Lieutenant Walker was commissioned captain, August 11, 1860. Lieutenants Davis and Barrett were promoted May 7, 1860. Lieutenant Nims resigned and Samuel A. Taylor was commissioned third lieutenant, and James "W. Gardner, fourth lieutenant, June 15, 1860. On the occasion of the resignation of First Lieutenant Walker in March, the company was under command of Lieutenant Davis from June to August, 1860. Colonel Joseph P. Eice was promoted to colonel, June 19, 1860; On his staff Dr. Alfred Miller was surgeon and Marshall Wetherbee was quartermaster. At the close of the war the independent organization in this town was revived. Many of those who were members before the war desired the establishment of the old company and a greater number who had served in the war eagerly seized a favorable opportunity to continue in this manner the companionship and association of arms. Early in the year 1866, the contemplated movement was earnestly forwarded and in response to a petition numerously signed the decisive order was issued August 11, 1866. Special Order, No. 99. Asahel Wheeler and fifty-nine others of Ashburnham, having forwarded to the Adjutant-General a roll of enlistment for the 438 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Volunteer Militia of the Commonwealth, agreeably to the laws of this Commonwealth governing and regulating the militia, It is ordered that a company be organized of the men thus en- listed and that a captain and one first lieutenant and one second lieutenant be immediately chosen. The order to assemble the men for the election will be directed to Asahel Wheeler of Ash- burnham who will furnish the presiding officer with an attested copy of the enlistment roll previous to the meeting. The chairman of the board of Selectmen of Ashburnham will preside at the election. The company when organized will be designated and known as Company E, First Battalion Infantry, M. V. M. By order of the Commander-in-Chief. WILLIAM SCHOULER, Adjutant-General. The company was promptly organized and the commis- sions of the first ofBcers bear date of September 3, 1866. The past twenty years have been an era of prosperity. The organization owns the armory which was purchased 1883, and have camp property valued at about three hundred dollars. The present number of men, including officers, is fifty-eight, and sustained by public sentiment the future of the company is secure. Soon after the reorganization of the company in 1866, with unqualified unanimity of sentiment and in memory of the gallant Colonel Joseph P. Rice, the organization assumed the name of The Eice Guaiids. The official designation is Company E. From 1866 to 1869, the company composed a part of the first battalion, first brigade, and first division ; from 1869 to 1878, the company was in the Tentli Eegiment, third brigade ; and since the reorganization of the militia, December 3, 1878, tlie company has formed a part of the Sixth Eegiment of infantry in the first Ijrigade. The officers THE ASHBURNHAM LIGHT INFANTRY. 439 of Company E, and the date of commission, from 1866 to the present time, are given as follows : CAPTAINS. Asahel Wheeler, 1866 George E. Davis, 1868 William H. Lindley, 1871 Walter O. Parker, 1872 Josiah W. Bride, . 1879 Walter H. Laws, 1882 Charles H. Pratt, 1885 FIRST LIEUTENANTS. George E. Davis, 186B Samuel C. Lesure, 1867 George E. Davis, 1868 William H. Lindley, 1868 Walter O. Parker, 1871 Eueene A. Puffer, 1872 C. Edgar Willard, 1874 Josiah W. Bride, 1875 Walter H. Laws, 1880 Cliarles H. Pratt, 1882 Alvah S. FuUford, 1885 SECOND LIEUTENANTS. Harrison C. Cheney, 1866 Samuel C. Lesure, 1867 James M. Garnet, 1867 George E. Davis, 1868 Leander W. Libby, 1868 Harrison C. Cheney, 1869- Michael FitzGibbon,1870 John H. Stoddard, 1872 C. Edgar Willard, 1874 Daniel F. Ryan, 1874 Lucius R. Hodgman,1876 Cliarles H. Pratt, 1880 Alvah S. Fullford, 1882 Charles H. White, 1885 Major Josiah W. Bride was commissioned major, Feb- ruary 7, 1882 ; resigned March 25, 1884. CHAPTER XIX. AVAR OF THE REBELLION. PKEPARED FOK WAR. — MISSION OP THE ASIIBURNHAM LIGHT INFANTRY. EARLY ENLISTMENTS. — SECOND REGIMENT. THE HOME COMPANY. THE UNIFORM.— LIBERALITY OF GEORGE C. WINCHESTER. STATE AID. . — TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. — ITS RECORD. NAMES OF MEN IN THIS SERVICE. — COLONEL JOSEPH P. RICE. CAPTAIN WALKER AND THE SLAVERY PROBLEM. — OTHER ENLISTMENTS IN 1861. RECORD OP 1862. FIFTY-THIRD REG«MENT. — RESOLUTIONS. — RECORD OF 1863. THE DRAFT. — ENLISTMENTS. — THE SECOND DRAFT. — CONCLUSION. Massachusetts, for many years preceding the "War of the Rebellion, had occupied an advanced position among the Northern States in the maintenance of an organized and dis- ciplined militia. At the first call for men to suppress the Rebellion, no State responded with less delay. The regi- ments from this State were not only early in the field, but they entered the service in a better state of discipline than was a majority of the army hastily gathered at Washington. In these measures of military preparation the town of Ash- burnham maintained a foremost rank, and during the early progress of the war the influence and the mission of the Ashburnham Light Infantry was clearly revealed. The military spirit fostered by the organization, joined by a stronger force in the patriotic impulse of the people, was represented by over eighty men from this town in the army during the first eight months of the war. To present the names of the volunteers from this town, with the date of no WAR OF THE REBELLION. 441 enlistment, the regiment and duration of service and a record of casualties and disability, will be the province of this chap- ter. A faithful account of the service of each soldier would fill a volume. In the spring of 1861, the Ashburnham Light Infantry, under the command of Captain Addison A. Walker, was in a good state of discipline and promptly tendered service to the governor as an organization. The disciplined companies were held in reserve by the State authorities to be dis- tributed among the regiments that were soon to be recruited. For this reason the company from this town was not called into the service until the Twenty-first Regiment was organized. This delay, complimentary in itself to the company, was the prolific source of embarrassment, and several men impatient of delay enlisted in other organizations. Joseph H. Whitney, George P. Nutting and Martin V. B. Grimes enlisted May 22, 1861, in Company A, Fourtk Regiment, and were discharged at expiration of term of service in July of the same year. The Second Regiment was mustered, for three years, May 25, 1861, and by reenlistment was continued in the service until July 14, 1865. In this regiment, which rendered gallant service in Virginia, participating in the historic battles of that State, and later formed a part of General Sherman's army in the grand march to the sea, Ashburnham was represented by six men : Charles H. Heald was promoted to second lieutenant, July 3, 1865 ; Sergeant Allen A. Nutting was killed June 9, 1863, at Beverly Ford, Virginia ; Harvey A. Cheney was discharged September 13, 1861 ; Benjamin F. Fay was killed at Cedar Mountain, Virginia, August 9, 1862; Charles W. Kendall was trans- ferred August 6, 1863, to the Veteran Reserve Corps, and Augustus Mcintosh was discharged with the regiment after four years of service in July, 1865. 442 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. In the Fifteenth Eegiment there were two original enlist- ments from this town. They were mustered July 12, 1861. Their record is as follows : John K. Walker. was killed at Ball's Bluff, Virginia, October 21, 1861, and Robert J. Elliot was transferred to the regular army, September 24, 1862. In the Sixteenth Eegiment was Patrick McCoolif who enlisted July 2, 1861, and completed three years of service. In the Twentieth Eegiment was Francis Sacket who was ■discharged on account of disability, a month after his enlist- ment. John Finan enlisted in First Eegiment of Cavalry in September, and was discharged on account of wounds in February, 1863. During the early months of the war, and while the soldiers already named were enlisting into the service, the thought of the people and the action of the town related more par- ticularly to the home company which was momentarilj'' expecting a summons to march. In a town meeting held at this time it was voted to raise the sum of eiglit hundred dollars to procure a uniform for the company, and a short time after an additional sum of six hundred dollars was appropriated for this purpose. The material was purchased, a tailor was employed and a hundred women of Ashburnham promptly volunteered to assist in making tlie military suits. This action of the town, prompted by a generous impulse, was of little benefit to the company. When the men were called into service they were required to uniform in accord- ance with the regulations of the armj^ The generosity of the town was unappeased with this act for the comfort and appearance of the soldier. The enthu- siastic liberality of George C. Winchester furnished each member of the company with a knife of offensive and WAR OF THE REBELLION. 443 defensive proportions and several of them are still preserved among the treasured relics of the war. There was con- siderable talk of procuring a revolver for each man of the company, and indeed, suggested by emphatic votes passed at an informal meeting of the citizens, a large number was purchased before it became apparent that a military company could not enter the field of active service in the capacity of a movable arsenal. One revolver was finally presented to each ofiicer and the remainder was sold. In this proceed- ing the town in its corporate capacit}^ took no part except to express an emphatic dissent ; but with greater wisdom and a more attentive regard for the future necessities of all con- cerned, the selectmen were instructed to provide for the needy families of the men in the service. During the con- tinued progress of the war, this proposal was faithfully executed and large sums of money from the treasury of the town and of the State were expended in the relief of the families of the soldiers. The Twenty-first Regiment was recruited in July and August, 1861. Company Gr of this regiment, composed largely of men from this town, entered Camp Lincoln in Worcester, July 19, and with the regiment left for the seat of war August 23. The record of this gallant regiment is a prominent feature of the reports of the Adjutant-General and its history has been published in an interesting and authentic narrative by Captain Charles F. Walcott. The regiment was assigned to the Burnside expedition to North Carolina and there participated in the battles of Roanoke, Newberu and Camden. In the summer and autumn of 1862 they ' participated in the campaign in Virginia and there inscribed on their colors the sanguinary lines of Manassas, Chantilly, South jMountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. The casualties in these engagements will be noted with the 444 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. several individual records. In the spring of 1863 the regi- ment rendered efficient service in Tennessee and in this- campaign the battles of Blue Springs and Campbell's Station and the siege of Knoxville were inscribed on their banners. About the time General Grant assumed command of the armies of the United States, the regiment joined the army of Virginia and shared the arduous sei-vice and honors of that decisive campaign. In August, 1864, at the expiration of the term of service, those who had not reenlisted were honorably discharged and the veterans who had engaged to serve during the war were transferred to the Thirty-sixth and subsequently to the Fifty-sixth Eegiment. They re- mained with the army in Virginia and shared the glory of the capitulation of the rebel army. The following • list contains the names of the men from Ashburnham who served in the Twenty-first Eegiment. Nearly all of them were members of the Ashburnham Light Infantry, were mustered into the service in July, 1861, and were members of Company G. Captain Addison A. Walker, the senior captain of the regiment, was the commander of the Light Infantry at the beginning of the war. To the governor he promptly tendered the service of a disciplined and efficient company. In Janu- ary, 1862, the regiment sailed for North Carolina. Captain Walker, on account of sickness, was left at Annapolis. Sub- sequently he was detailed on recruiting service for several months. He then joined the regiment at Newbern, North Carolina, but being detailed on special service he could not be assigned to the command of his company. At this time General Burnside tendered him a position on his staff, but impatient at the restraints and embarrassments of the situa- tion he resigned May 13, 1862. From the first he enjoyed the respect of his men and the confidence of his superior officers. WAR OF THE REBELLION. 445 First Lieutenant Alonzo P. Davis was a veteran in the Light Infantry, of which lie had been an officer several years. He resigned in January, 1862. Second Lieutenant Samuel A. Taylor was promoted first lieutenant, January 24, 1862: captain. May 28, 1862; resigned, January 13, 1863. He was subsequently a second lieutenant in the Fourth Heavy Artillery. Sergeant Asahel Wheeler was promoted second lieutenant, January 24, 1862 ; first lieutenant. May 28, 1862 ; captain, January 14, 1863 ; resigned, April 25, 1863. He was sub- sequently a captain in the Sixty-first Kegiment. . Sergeant Charles H. Parker promoted first lieutenant. May 28, 1862 ; resigned, March 2, 1863. Wounded T^everely while in command of the company at the battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862. Corporal George E. Davis was an adjutant and sergeant- major ; promoted first lieutenant, April 26, 1863; he reen- listed and was honorably discharged, August 30, 1864, at the reduction of the regiment. Sergeant Joseph H. Whitney promoted to sergeant-major, July 21, 1862, and second lieutenant, October 30, 1862; I'esigned, February 23, 1863. Sergeant Samuel C. Lesure reenlisted, and in a reorgani- zation of the regiment was discharged as a supernumerary, September 24, 1864. Sergeant M. Thomas Eussell was discharged on account of disability, May 8, 1862. Corporal Lorenzo H. Gilbert promoted first sergeant, January 2, 1864; reenlisted and was honorably discharged, September 24, 1864. He was wounded in the service. Corporal Harrison C. Cheney promoted sergeant and acting sergeant-major and discharged at expiration of term of service, August 30, 1864. 446 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Corporal Charles G. Lawrence reenlisted ; was wounded at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. Corporal Charles Henry Puffer reenlisted ; was promoted to sergeant and killed at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. Corporal Henry H. Martindale reenlisted. George F. Puffer promoted corporal and sergeant ; reen- listed and was honorably discharged, September 24, 1864. Jonas "W. Dwinnell promoted to corporal and discharged on' account of wounds, January'' 22, 1863. He was wounded and suffered the loss of an arm at the battle of Fredericks- burg. Erastus Mcintosh promoted corporal ; reenlisted. Alfred Piper promoted corporal ; discharged on account of disability, October 16, 1862. Frank J. Litch, wagoner, discharged at expiration of term of service, August 30, 1864. Peter Archambeau discharged on account of disability. May 25, 1863. Joseph B. Brown discharged on account of wounds, May 7, 1863. Merrill Farwell discharged on account of disability, August 4, 1862. James M. Garnet was transferred to Company H, Octo- ber 20, 1861 ; promoted to sergeant ; reenlisted and honor- ably discharged, September 24, 1864. George G. Hadley was wounded at Camden, North Caro- lina, and discharged on account of wounds, December 4, 1862. James P. Hare was wounded at Chantilly ; discharged on account of wounds, January 16, 1863. George W. Lawrence reenlisted. Washburn Lewis discharged on account of disability, March 18, 1864. WAR OF THE REBELLION. 447 James Mclntire died at Newbern, North Carolina, April 21, 1862. Ezra M. Merritt discharged on account of disability, August 9, 1862. George E. Page killed at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. Calvin Pindar reenlisted. "William Pratt wounded at Antietam and discharged on account of wounds, November 25, 1862. Eugene A. Puffer wounded at Antietam ; discharged on account of wounds, March 27, 1863. Robert N. Shaw discharged on account of disability, November 29, 1862. Ransom G. Stowell discharged on account of disability. May 8, 1862. He subsequently served in the Fifty-third Regiment. George M. Wetherbee discharged at expiration of term of service, August 30, 1864. James E. Whipple reenlisted. Charles H. White, musician, reenlisted. Frank B. Whitmore discharged at expiration of term of service, August 30, 1864. Merrick Whitney, Jr., discharged on account of disability, January 26, 1863. George W. Wilson discharged on account of disability, September 20, 1862. Waldo Dwinnell enlisted January 5, 1864, and was assigned to this company ; he was taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, and died in Ander- sonville Prison in September. Frank G. Kibling enlisted January 4, 1864, and died in hospital at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, February 22, 1864. Sylvester F. Oliver enlisted January 5, 1864, and was 448 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. transferred to Thirty-sixth Regiment. He died January 29, 1865. Henry E. Thomas enlisted December 31, 1863, and was killed in battle of Cold Harbor, June 2, 1864. Hosea Wallace enlisted July 23, 1862, and was discharged with the regiment, August 30, 1864. Lemuel Whitney enlisted in Company A of the same regi- ment, August 14, 1862, and was discharged with the regi- ment, August 30, 1864. James H. Willard was an original member of company H, and was discharged, August 30, 1864. Fernando C. L. W. Thaj^er enlisted in January, 1864, and was assigned- to Company A. He was transferred with the veterans to the Thirty-sixth Eegiment. While the regiment was in Tennessee in December, 1863, a large part of the men reenlisted for the war. The vet- erans were granted a furlough of thirty days and were per- mitted to visit their homes. When the regiment was dis- missed at the expiration of term of service , the veterans were transferred to the Thirty-sixth Regiment. In this connection their continued service is stated. They remained with the army in Virginia until the regiment was disbanded at the expiration of term of service. They were then transferred to the Fifty-sixth Regiment and were honorably discharged with that regiment, July 12, 1865. The service was long and the record honorable. The veterans who counted twice on the quota of Ashburnham were, George E. Davis, Samuel C. Lesure, Lorenzo H. Gilbert, Charles. Henry Puifer, George F. Puffer, Charles G. Lawrence, Erastus Mcintosh, Charles H. White, George W. Lawrence, Henry H. Martin- dale, James M. Garnet and James E. Whipple. Calvin Pindar enlisted on the quota of Ashburnham and reenlisted on quota of Clinton. Lyman F. Thurston of WAR OF THE REBELLION. 449 Holden, Luther E. Stewart of Clinton, Henry C. Perkins of Fitz William, New Hampshire, Frank Lumerzette of Holden and Timothy Donovan of Worcester, on reenlist- ment, were assigned on the quota of Ashburnham. The veterans who were credited to the quota of this town antici- pated a bounty which they did not receive. After the transfer to the Thirty-sixth Kegiment in 1864 there were several casualties which have not been stated. Sylvester F. Oliver died January 29, 1865; Waldo Dwin- nell was taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, and died within the rebel lines in September fol- lowing ; Frank Lumerzette died of wounds, August 12, 1864; Henry C. Perkins was transferred February 11, 1865, to the Veteran Eeserve Corps, and James E. Whipple wag discharged on account of disability, January 19, 1865. In the Twenty-first Regiment, associated with and one of the men of Ashburnham, was Colonel Joseph P. Rice. He early manifested a military spirit and ability to command. He had been an able and popular commander of the Ash- burnham Light Infantry, and at the outbreak of the war he was colonel of the Ninth Regiment of militia to which the Light Infantry belonged. In this service he had enjoyed the respect and confidence of his associates. In the begin- ning of the war he early tendered the service of his command to the governor and was greatly disappointed that his regi- ment was not accepted. Ready to enter the sei-vice in any capacity he was commissioned a captain in the Twenty-first Regiment and assigned to the command of Company H. In February following he was promoted to major and to lieu- tenant-colonel. May 16. He was a soldier in the best use of the term, and to bravery and courage he united manliness of character and genuine kindness of heart. At the battle of Chantilly, September 1, 1862, while advancing beyond 29 450 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. his command, to determine whether a force in his front were friends or enemies, he was shot through the body by a musket-ball and died instantly. The intelligence of his death was received with sudden grief and unfeigned expres- sions of personal sorrow. At a meeting of the town, November 4, 1862, the following resolutions were unani- mously adopted : Resolved, That as citizens of Ashburnham we desire to express our deep sense of the loss we have sustained in the recent death of Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph P. Rice at the battle of Chantilly, and our appreciation of the lasting obligations under which we rest for the great service he has rendered us and his country in the time of need, and to show, as far as in us lies, a becoming respect for his memory. Resolved, That in the death of Colonel Eice we mourn the loss of one who has been to us a friend and a townsman faithful to every delegated trust, discharging all the duties imposed upon him with a generous disregard of self and in such a manner as to entitle him to our warmest admiration and respect. The best and wisest laws that have governed and fostered civilization often have been the crystallization of some rule of action which the people practised by choice a long time before they were required to yield a willing obedience to statute. In the same manner an humble and subordinate officer in the discharge of duty in a limited field has often employed methods of procedure which subsequently have been grasped and dignified with the authority of a policy in the conduct of national affairs. The officers of the army, who were the first to come into immediate contact with the institu- tion of slavery and the attending embarrassments, originated and early put in practice the liberal policy which was finally adopted by the Government. WAR OF THE REBELLION. 451 In the autumn of 1861, while the Twenty-first Eegiment was in Maryland, in accordance with a practice then prevail- ing and encouraged in the army, the officers were expected to return to the owner any slave who might be found in their vicinity. Captain Walker, faithfully representing the senti- ment of the men from Ashburnham under his command, was the first officer who refused to perform this service. On an occasion when Captain Walker was officer of the day, the dignified personage of Grovernor Hicks applied to him for the recovery of a slave then within the lines of the regiment. The governor was met with a decided refusal, from which he appealed with efi'ect to the colonel of the regiment. The colonel ordered Captain Walker to find and deliver the fugitive to the expectant owner. To this Captain Walker replied that he did not enter the service for an opportunity of hunting slaves and politely requested his superior officer to detail some other captain to perform this servile duty. Then every captain in the regiment was in turn detailed for this work and every one followed the example of Captain Walker. The negro finally escaped. Had the fortunes of this slave been less fortuitous, the events of the daj'^ were the harbinger of the freedom of his race. The large number already named, who entered the service in 1861, did not exhaust the patriotic impulse of the town. Immediately after the departure of Company G, Twenty- first Eegiment, twenty men enlisted in Company F, Twenty- fifth Eegiment. They were mustered into the service at Worcester in September and left for the seat of war, October 31, 1861. This organization has an excellent record. It was a part of the Burnside expedition and was retained in North Carolina until the decisive campaign in Virginia. It then participated in the battle of Cold Harbor and other engagements near Eichmond. In October, 1864, 452 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. the reenlisted veterans and the later recruits formed a bat- talion of four companies and remained in the service until July 13, 1865. Three recruits, credited on the quota of Ashburnham, subsequently were assigned to this regiment and will be named in later paragraphs. Frank A. Davis, Michael FitzGibbon, Francis H. Morton and Carlos P. Ward were veterans in this regiment. Davis and FitzGibbon were discharged at the close of the war in July, 1865. Morton was transferred to the Veteran Eeserve Corps, and Ward, whose original enlistment was not credited to the quota of this town, died at Newbern, North Carolina, November 14, 1864. Corporal Augustus S. Rockwood, Corporal John -A. Spaulding, Octavius W. Brown, Harvey Clark, Lincoln Wallace and Martin Burgess were discharged at expiration of term of service in October, 1864. Burgess was a member of Company I, and Rockwood was wounded. Stephen C. Hastings, musician, was honorably discharged August 30, 1862, at the reduction of the band, and Francis J. Barrett was killed at Cold Harbor, Virginia, June 3, 1864. The remaining eight were discharged on account of dis- ability as follows : Sergeant Oliver D. Wilder, March 12, 1863 ; James L. Walker, April 6, 1863 ; Luther Clark, March 12, 1863 ; Parley Mclntire, May 20, 1863 ; Orin Morton, January 31, 1863; Charles E. Smith, May 26, 1862; Joshua T. Stowell, August 7, 1862, and Michael Thompson, April 27, 1863. In this regiment and in Company I, was Henry K. Samp- son who was originally credited on the quota of Royalston. He reenlisted on the quota of this town in January, 1864, and was discharged in July, 1865. WAK OF THE REBELLION. 453 The remaining enlistments, during the year 1861, included Samuel D. Holt who enlisted on the quota of Eeadville in the Twenty-fourth Regiment, December 4, 1861, and reenlisted on the quota of Ashburnham and was promoted corporal in January, 1864; he continued in the service until January, 1866 ; Bartholomew Coughlin, who enlisted December 6, in the Twenty-ninth Regiment and died 1862 ; Pascal Brooks enlisted November 1 , in Thirty-second Regi- ment and died October 1, 1862, at Sharpsburg, Maryland; Francis S. "Willard enlisted November 1, in Thirty-second Regiment and died in Virginia, February 5, 1863; Leroy A. Howe enlisted November 6, in Thirty-second Regiment and was discharged on account of disability, November 29,- 1862 ; Charles F. Leathers, a veteran, enlisted November 4, in Thirty-second Regiment, promoted to corporal, reenlisted January 5, 1864, and was dismissed with his regiment, June 2!), 1865; Marcus L. Ward enlisted October 30, 1861, in Thirty-second Regiment and was discharged on account of disability, February 26, 1863 ; John Hare enlisted Novem- ber 7, 1861, Thirtieth Regiment, died at Ship Island, Mississippi, March 8, 1862; George G. Farwell enlisted November 2, 1861, on the quota of Fitchburg, in Thirty- second Regiment ; he reenlisted January 4, 1864, on quota of this town and was killed June 18, 1864. In 1862 there was a call for three hundred thousand men. The quota of Ashburnham was twenty-seven. In the Thirty-fourth Regiment, which left the State August 15, there were five men from this town. They enlisted in July. Sergeant Charles Wood was promoted to second lieutenant. May 15, 1865, and discharged with his regiment; Walter O. Parker, musician, was discharged with his regiment, June 16, 1865 ; Sumner W. Black died at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, November 10, 1868 ; Alfred Castle was discharged 454 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. on account of disability, February 11, 1865, and Martin V. B. Grimes was discharged on account of wounds, February 16, 1865. The Thirty-sixth Eegiment was recruited in July and August and left the State September 2. This organization contained, at this time, twenty-three men from this town. It will be noted that a few of them were temporary residents at the date of enlistment. Of the twenty- three in this service, nine were honorably discharged with their regiment, June 8, 1865, as follows: Sergeant Charles W. Whitney promoted to second lieu- tenant, November 13, 1864, Sergeant George N. Duncan, Sergeant Charles I. Fish, Chester B. Gale, Francis H. Perkins, Frank S. Learned, John C. Lawrence, Cyi'us W. Mckerson and Joseph Oaks. On account of disability the following six were discharged : Thomas H. Ryan, March 11, 1863; Sergeant Waldo A. Foster, May 30, 1863 ; Corporal John B. Harty, date unknown; John L. Finney, January 13, 1865; Mitchell Larby, no record; Edward Sibley, April 12, 1865. The individual record of the remaining men is as follows : Sergeant Joseph Hames died of wounds, June 4, 1864 ; Corporal Frederick Biron died of wounds at Knoxville, Kentucky, January 11, 1864; Corporal Max Hoffman was killed at Petersburg, Virginia, June 17, 1864 ; Otis Metcalf and Edward B. Merriam were transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps ; Dennis Murphy reenlisted and was trans- ferred on the quota of Hardwick to the regular army ; ■ Charles W. Allard was left in the hospital at Worcester and there died, September 15, a few days after the regiment left the State. The record of the remaining man, from Ash- burnham is exceptional. Charles Sherbert deserted April 27, 1863. WAR OF THE REBELLION. 455 The Thirty-sixth Regiment was an organization of good repute. In the army in Virginia, in Mississippi and the siege of Vicksburg and later in Virginia, in the closing yet sanguinary service of the war, it has left an honoi'able and gallant record. . In the autumn of this year the Fifty-third Regiment was recruited under the call of the President for men to serve nine months. In this organization Ashburnham was repre- sented by twenty-seven officers and men. Of this regiment, George H. Barrett, who had been an officer of the Light Infantry, was lieutenant-colonel. The regiment was ordered to the South and rendered efficient service in Louisiana under General Banks. The organization was mustered out September 3, 1863. In this service four died of disease, one was killed in action and two were discharged on account of disability. Henry A. Marble died at New Orleans, May 19 ; Rinaldo Shattuck died May 8, at Brashear; Stephen C. Whitney died February 20, at New Orleans ; James M. Woodell died June 7, at New Orleans; Russell Whipple was killed at Port Hudson, June 14 ; Corporal Orange E. Howe was dis- charged February 2.") and William M. Young was discharged March 12, 1863. The remaining twenty-one completed the term of enlistment and were returned to their homes in September, 1863 : Lieutenant-Colonel George H. Barrett, Sergeant William D. Capron, Corporal Spencer Frost, Cor- poral William Wallace, Corporal Ransom G. Stowell, Francis S. Balcom, Marshall H. Bourne, Aaron G. Buttrick, David M. Cushing, Edwin J. Cushing, Lewis Glazier, Thomas M. Howard, Charles B. Jones, James F. Lincoln, Horace O. ^lansfield, Augustine May, Francis H. Merriam, Francis A. Munroe, Hobart W. Piper, Harvey J. Rice, Frederick R. Whipple. 456 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Colonel Barrett was commissioned captain of Company I, and promoted to lieutenant-colonel, November 10. He was in command of the regiment at its departure from the State and remained in the service until the regiment was dis- charged. These numerous enlistments filled the quota of 1862. At this time the town met and passed the following resolution : Resolved, That we recognize the devotion and disinterested services of all our fellow-townsmen who have gone out from among us to engage in the service of the country, and that the town clerk be requested to collect and enter upon the town records the names of all our townsmen who have been or may hereafter be killed or otherwise lose tbeir lives in the service of their country in putting down the present unholy rebellion. The generous impulse of the several towns which tendered temporary relief to the families of the soldiers was sustained and continued by the State and through the war the generous measures adopted by the Commonwealth were faithfully executed by the towns. The continued action of the citizens and of the town officers of Ashburnham was in full accord with a generous and comprehensive system of benevolence. The enlistments of 1861 and 1862 called a large propor- tion of the men of suitable age into the service. The quota of 1863 was filled with less alacrity and a draft was ordered. This peremptory demand for troops was general throughout the North, and Ashburnham shared with other towns a new experience of the war. Sixty-four men from this town were drafted. Of these a considerable number were discharged on account of disability and of those held for service, several furnished substitutes or paid commutation. The names of those who entered the service in response to this imperative command will appear in the subsequent paragraphs in the WAR OF THE REBELLION. 457 list of those who entered the service, drafted men are as follows : The names of the- John D. Hapgood Charles F. Rockwood George A. Stone Austin Brooks Granville B. Gilchrist Samuel E. Stone Albert F. Johnson Willard P. Drury William Dalrji-mple Hiland Hall Orrin N. Bennett William Briggs Alexander Morse William W. Lane George L. Beals, Jr. Asahel Wheeler Earl Eichel Merrick Hadley Nazzar Dane Charles W. Lane Stephen Sawin Edwin J. Russell Henry Pelky Jonas P. Sawin William Franklin Thomas Doolan William L. G. Ward Alexander Grout Jesse W. Goodwin Hosea S. Whitney Charles H. Wallace Rodnej' King Franklin S. Oliver Osmore A. Brigham Timothy O'Keif Walter Lawrence Irving Brooks Jona. E. Goodwin David S. Brown Wendell P. Clark Frederick Wilder Benton Adams Robert N. Shaw Ed. W. Weston George F. Potter Joseph L. Brigham George G. Hadley Charles C. Eaton Orange S. May Martin B. Lane Patrick Mulchy John M. Baldwin Augustus G. Nutting Edward G. Newell Henry W. Ward Charles S. Keyes Fred M. Stanley Edwin A. Whitney Osman Casvant William C. Marea Mark Dunlap Theodore Barron Peter Sherbert Cyrus D. Horton 458 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. The immediate eflfect of the draft was depressing. The gloomy days of the war and the season of discontent were dm-ing the spring and early summer of 1863. The spontaneous enthusiasm among the masses which attended the early progress of the war, reflecting the warm colors of hope and courage, began to wane and a general sentiment of depression was instant and pervading. Presently the victory at Gettysburg and the success of the army in the West in- vited the people to rally for the closing struggle. The firm command of General Grant and a unity of movement and purpose, which controlled the separate armies, restored the confidence and elicited an enthusiasm scarcely less exultant than that which thrilled the loyal North at the fall of Sumter. During these fluctuations in the general sentiment of the North, the people of Ashburnham, unmoved by the influences of the hour, maintained a record unstained by the shadow of disloyalty. The men who entered the service in 1863 were generally assigned to regiments already in the field and very few of them were in any one oi'ganization . In July Rodney King was assigned to the Nineteenth and transferred to the Twen- tieth Regiment ; John M. Baldwin was assigned to the Thirty- ninth and transferred to the Thirty-second Regiment ; John E. Valentine, a corporal, to the Fifteenth Regiment; and John Fitzgerald to the Nineteenth and transferred to the Twentieth Regiment. These men remained in the service to ' the close of the war and were honorably discharged. In July and August the quota of the town was credited with the names of Charles Lepond, John Shaffer, James Burke, Charles Wilson and Thomas Andrews. These were hired recruits and all of them deserted soon after, and to secure additional bounty, undoubtedly, they enlisted and deserted again before the close of the war. WAR or THE REBELLION. 459 George F. Potter enlisted July 14 and was assigned to the Sixteenth Regiment. He was subsequently transferred to the Eleventh Eegiment and was discharged in May, 1865. In the Second Regiment Heavy Artillery was Harvey P. Brooks and Edwin A. Pollard ; the former enlisted in July and served to the end of the war ; the latter enlisted in Octo- ber and died at Newbern, North Carolina, November 16, 1864. Francis Sacket, who enlisted in November, was assigned to the Twenty-seventh Regiment and in January, 1865, was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. Pat- rick Doolan enlisted in December and served to the close of the war in the First Battery Light Artillery. John Cassidy enlisted in August in the Sixteenth and was trans- ferred to the Eleventh Regiment. He was discharged after a service of eighteen months on account of disability. Archibald McMahon enlisted December 25 and deserted from the Twenty-fifth Regiment after a service of eight weeks, and Theodore A. Dodge enlisted in the Veteran Reserve Corps in November. From January 1, 1864, to April 1, 1865, eighty-three enlistments were credited to the quota of Ashburnham. This number includes four entries into the Twenty-first Regiment, twenty-six reenlisted men and fifty-three new enlistments. A few of the men who entered the service during this period were hired recruits who received the bounty offered by the town without reluctance or conscien- tious scruple, and with equal alacrity deserted at the first opportunity. Others were residents of this town and all of these earned an honorable record. In the following list will appear the names of several who had previously been honor- ably discharged from a former service. Unless otherwise stated all of the following were honorably discharged on account of expiration of term of service or at the close of the war. 460 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. William S. White Joh-n Fiegean Louis C. E. Coderre Morris Smeddy Dennis O'Neill Josiah Thomas Job Foster William Doolan James Kelley Frank B. Sawtelle Henry T. Lane Charles T. Chamberlain Charles L. Starkey Albert H. Tuckerman Hobart W. Piper Frank W. Bemis Irving Brooks Harlem E. Ward Alexander O'Brien Samuel A. Taylor Asahel Wheeler Joseph H. Whitney Oliver D. Wilder Theodore Greenwood Ebenezer Hart Frederick Hammond James Fargo William H. Smith George O. Whitney Joseph Hanwart Etiene Lechuga Sereno Newton Richard C. Chase David O. Williams Charles H. Whipple Walter C. Clark Harlem E. Ward Michael Horrigan George G. Hadley Isaac Call Michael MuUoy DATE OF ENLISTMENT. Jan. 4, 1864 it (( Jan. 18, 1864 Jan. 5, 1864 Jan. 29, 1864 May 13,1864 June 2, 1864 June 14, 1864 June 14, 1864 July 20, 1864 July 20, 1864 July 23, 1864 Aug. 6, 1864 Aug. 6, 1864 Aug. 11, 1864 Aug. 16, 1864 Aug. 20, 1864 Aug. 20, 1864 Aug. 20, 1864 Sept. 21, 1864 Feb. 6, 1865 Feb. 21, 1865 Feb. 2, 1866 Feb. 23, 1865 Feb. 6, 1865 Jan. 3, 1865 Feb. 18, 1865 June 28, 1864 Aug. 29, 1864 Aug. 27, 1864 MILITARY ORGANIZATION 57th Regiment tt 7th Regiment 25th Regiment 5th Cavalry 19th Regiment it tt 2d H. A. 2d H. A. 60th Regiment 5th Regiment Unattached Unattached 29th Regiment 4th H. A. 4th H. A. 4th H. A. 4th H. A. 30th Regiment (( 2d Cavalry (( 1st H. A. 14th Artillery 19th Regiment 4tb Cavalry 19th Regiment V. R. C. REMARKS. Discharged July 30, 1865 Died May 30, 1864 Deserted April 1,1864 Transferred to 37th and to- 20th Regt. ; discharged June 16, 1865 Died in Rebel Prison Aug. 6, 1864 Discharged Oct. . 1, 1865 Discharged Mar. 25, 1865 Discharged July 20, 1865 Discharged June 30, 1865 Discharged May 6, 1865. He had previously been in Regimental Band 20th. Regt. Died Oct. 29, 1864 100 days service ; dischar'd Nov. 30, 1864 100 days service ; dischar'i Nov. 30, 1864 100 days service ; dischar'd Nov. 16, 1864 Promoted corporal ; dis- charged Nov. 14, 1864. H& formerly served in 53d Regt. Discharged Nov. 14, 1864 This name is repeated in- a later service Discharged July 29, 1865 Formerly a captain in 21st Regt. In this service he was a lieutenant ; resig'd March 8, 1805 Formerly a captain in 21st Regt. He was commis- sioned a captain in this service and assigned to the 61st Regt. Mustered, out at expiration of term of service This was his third enlist- ment. He was formerly a lieutenant in 21st Regt. Promoted in this service to sergeant-major, Dec. 1,. 1864 ; discharged June 17> 1865 Discharged June 17, 1865 Discharged July 5, 1866 Discharged May 18, 1865 Discharged July 20, 1865 Deserted Oct. 4, 1865 Discharged June 15, 1865 Discharged Feb. 20, 1865, on. account of disability Discharged Aug. 12, 1865 Discharged June 30, 1866 Discharged Aug. 31, 1866 Discharged Nov. 16, 1865 Deserted Sept. 29, 1864 WAR OF THE REBELLION. 461 NAMES. DATE OF ENLISTMEKT. MILITARY OEGAMIZATION REMARKS. James Walker Sept. 1,1864 V. E. C. Discjiarged Nov, 14, 1864 Newton B. Whitman Sept. 2,1864 Feb. 20,1865 " No record William Pfaffle <' it Charles W. Kendall Dec. 20, 1864 Hancock Corps tc Michael Murphy Jan. 18,1865 (( a John E. Waliant (( it it John Kebel Feb. 6, 1865 N. C. Regiment (( William G. Davenport Sept. 14, 1864 U. S. A. K George H. Litch Charles W. Brigham Francis E. Brigham Nov. 11, 1864 *» *i Mar. 2, 1865 it (( Mar. 3, 1865 « '* WiUiam Butler Feb. 4, 1866 (( " In the midst of the later enlistments and accounting for a few of them the following persons were drafted May 16, 1864 : Patrick O'Brien, Martin N. Ward, Thomas Ham- mond, Thomas Mahan, Amos F. Willard, Patrick J. Hare, Timothy A. Tenney, Merrick Hadley, George A. Stone, Job Foster, Orange S. Whitmore, Hezekiah Matthews, Joseph L. Brigham, Frederick Pelky, George G. Rockwood, Aaron Rice, William Doolan and Hartwell Tenney. No official statement of the several quotas of this town has been found and the records of the town aflbrd no information. The number of enlistments in 1861 was eighty-five; in 1862 fifty-seven ; in 1863 eighteen and in 1864 and the early months of 1865, including the veterans, there were eighty- three enlistments, making an aggregate of two hundred and forty-three entries in the service from this town during the war. The whole number of individuals who entered the service from Ashburnham, so far as found in this record, is two hundred and thirteen. Joseph H. Whitney is credited with three enlistments and the following persons were counted twice upon the quota of the town : Charles H. Heald, Martin V. B. Grimes, Charles W. Kendall, Francis Sacket, Augustus Mcintosh, Samuel A. Taylor, Asahel Wheeler, George E. Davis, Samuel C. Lesure, Lorenzo H. Gilbert, Charles G. Lawrence, George W. Lawrence, 462 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Charles H. Puffer, George F. Puffer, Henry H. Martindale, Charles H. White, Erastus Mcintosh, James M. Garnet, George G. Hadley, Kansom G. Stowell, James E. Whipple, Frank A. Davis, Michael FitzGibbon, Francis H. Morton, Oliver D. Wilder, Charles F. Leathers, Hobart W. Piper, Harlem E. Ward. Several, who were residents of Ashburnham at the time they entered the service, enlisted on the quota and their names appear in the records of other towns. It is not pre- sumed that the following list is complete . Noyes B. Herrick, Clarence D. Proctor and Alden W. Parker, on the quota of Fitchburg, served in the Fourth Eegiment Heavy Artillery from August 20, 1864, to June 17, 1865. Lieutenant George M. Munroe, on the quota of Boston, was an original member of Company G, Twenty-first Eegi- ment. He was promoted from first sergeant to second lieu- tenant, September 26, 1862, and to first lieutenant, March 3, 1863. At the battle of Antietam, after Lieutenant Charles H. Parker was removed from the field on account of wounds, he assumed command of the company and was wounded in the knee and the arm. Charles L. Stimson was in Company E, Twenty-fourth Eegiment, on the quota of Boston. He was detailed as military secretary to General Burnside and subsequently was commissioned a lieutenant in the First Ohio Cavalry. George Henry Stearns, credited to Bridgewater, was a member of the Brigade Band, Twentieth Army Corps. William H. Eichardson, Otis Pratt and Aaron Pratt served in Ehode Island regiments. Aaron B. Bixby enlisted from Fitchburg in Company A, Thirty-sixth Eegiment, and was transferred in September, 1863, to the Veteran Eeserve Corps. WAR OF THE REBELLION. 463 Coiporal Charles M. Whitney, assigned to quota of Fitch- burg, was a member of Company D, Twenty-first Eegiment. He was killed September 1, 1862, at the battle of Chantilly. Ephraim W. Moore enlisted from Boston in Company F, Second Eegiment. He died August 20, 18fi2, from wounds received in the engagement of Cedar Mountain. Newton Brooks, on the quota of Gardner, was a member of Company G, Fifty-third Regiment. Patrick Fitzgerald, there known as James Fitz,- was a member of Company K, Sixth New Hampshire Eegiment. He served from November, 1861, to July 17, 1865. Webster W. Wallace, on the quota of Lawrence, enlisted in First Eegiment Heavy Artillery, August 1, 1861. He was promoted a sergeant and died of wounds, July 26, 1864. In other regiments are found the names of Henry Merriam, George Willard, Charles Stone, John L. Cook, Eeuben A. Buzzell, George O. Metcalf and George P. Ward. A large number of the sons of Ashburnham who removed from their native town previous to the war were in the service and several were officers of rank and distinction. So far as the facts are ascertained, a record of service will be given in the family registers. CHAPTEE XX. PHTSICIANS. LAWYERS. PERSONAL NOTICES. COLLEGE GRADUATES. OTHER SONS OF ASHBTJKNHAM. DOCTORS BROOKS, SENTER, ABRAHAM LOWE, ABRAHAM T. LOWE, NATHANIEL PEIRCE, ABERCROMBIE, CUTLER, STONE, MILLER, WALLACE, WHITMORE, MATTOON, TEMPLE, JILLSON, CHARLES L. PIERCE, STICKNEY, AMORT JEWETT, NATHANIEL JEWETT. LAWTERS CUNNINGHAM, ADAMS, PARKER AND ANDREWS. SAMUEL WILDER. — JOSEPH JEWETT. — • IVERS JEWETT. JACOB WILLARD. SILAS WILLARD. — JOHN ADAMS. — ENOCH WHIT- MORE. — JEROME W. FOSTER. OHIO WHITNEY. ISAAC HILL. THOMAS PARKMAN CUSHING. MILTON WHITNEY. A LIST OP COLLEGE GRADU- ATES. OTHER SONS OF A8HEURNHAM. Physicians. — Ashburnham has been fortunate in the character and ability of the resident physicians. The follow- ing list includes several men of superior skill and professional reputation. Dr. Peter Brooks was the first physician of Ashburn- ham, and during the greater part of his practice here he had no competitor. Dr. Senter was here a short time, but his practice was not of sufficient duration to disturb him in the full possession of the field which he held until the arrival of Dr. Lowe. Dr. Brooks lived on the old Winchendon road, between the common and the David Russell farm. About 1792 he left town and nothing is known of his subsequent history. His family remained permanently and his descend- ants in this town have been numerous. Of the native ability and professional skill of Dr. Brooks little is known. From the fact that he remained here twenty years it is reasonable 464 PERSONAL NOTICES. 465 to presume that he enjoyed some measure of public confi- dence. De. Sentee was here a short time immediately preceding the Revolution. In 1774 he was chosen one of a committee to amend the Boston Covenant before it was signed, but his name does not appear again in the records. Tradition pre- serves his name and compliments him with good ability and a liberal education. His stay was brief and his connection with this town unimportant. De. Abeaham Lowe, son of Jonathan and Sarah (Per- kins) Lowe, was bom in Ipswich, February 11, 1755. The homestead of his father was in the parish of Chebacco, and is now a part of the town of Essex. In his infancy the family removed to Lunenburg. If Dr. Lowe did not pursue a liberal course of academical study at the schools he was a close and attentive reader and an accurate scholar. His professional studies were pursued under the tuition of Dr. Abraham Haskell, a justly famed physician of Lunenburg. At this time Dr. Lowe became acquainted with Dr. Peter Snow, who was a fellow-student, and subsequently a dis- tinguished physician and esteemed citizen of Fitchburg. The acquaintance ripened into a mutual friendship which was sustained through life. In 1786, or the year preceding. Dr. Lowe removed to Ashburnham and here began the labor of a long and useful life. In an eminent degree he was trusted as a physician and esteemed as a citizen. He was frequently chosen to positions of trust and in professional employment he had no rival for many years. Among his minor employ- ments Dr. Lowe was town clerk seven years, ti-anscribing the records in a clear hand and in well-chosen language. But for municipal service he found little leisure. His active j-ears were devoted to his profession and few physicians have practised with less criticism and greater success. Among 30 466 HISTORY or ASHBURNHAM. his fellow-men he was accorded a supremacy which is only surrendered to superior abilities and unchallenged character. The aged who remember him are familiar with the courtesy of his manner, the kindness of his heart and the impress of truth and wisdom which attended his speech. He died October 23, 1834. Dr. Abraham T. Lowe, a son of Dr. Abraham Lowe and Charlotte (Hale) Lowe, was born in this town, August 15, 1796. The influences of his home invited study, and at an early age he attended the academy in New Ipswich, and at twenty years of age he was graduated a Doctor of Medicine at Dartmouth Medical College. At the solicita- tion of his father he commenced practice in this town where he was successfully employed nine years. His circuit ex- tended into Westminster and other adjoining towns. Of his professional labors at this time Dr. Lowe has said, "My duties called me, I believe, almost without exception, into every house and family in town. I knew the direction and condition of every road, bridle path and passable ci"oss-cut way. I never, while in health, declined a professional visit. I rode on horseback, in a light- wheel carriage, or sleigh, to meet the requirements of the season or state of the travelled ways ; but there were times when travelling in either of these modes was impracticable ; then I took to my rackets, or Indian snow-shoes ; and I have frequently in this manner made visits, both in and out of town." In the midst of this arduous, professional employment Dr. Lowe took an active interest in the schools of this town and was a member of the committee of supervision. He was popular with all classes and is held in grateful remem- brance by the aged who were his associates. In 1825 or 1826 he removed to Boston and engaged in the business of a wholesale and prescription druggist. In this business he was successful and retired with a competency in 1839. PERSONAL NOTICES. 467 Dr. Lowe has been a director in several monetary institu- tions and in this direction his service has been conspicuous. In 1859 he was chosen president of the Safety Fund Bank which subsequently became the First National Bank of Boston, and under his sagacious management this institution has maintained a prominent position among its energetic rivals. Dr. Lowe was an able advocate, and was promi- nently identified with the construction of the Boston and Lowell railroad. At that date many regarded the project as experimental, but the substantial results are a tribute to the foresight and judgment of Dr. Lowe and his associates. He was one of the early directors of the road from Worcester to Albany and for several years a director of the Boston and Worcester railroad and also the Fall River railroad. He early and clearly comprehended the importance of these gigantic enterprises and with energy and courage he labored for the future interests of his city and Commonwealth. In addition to efficient service for the public schools of Boston, he has repeatedly served in the Board of Aldermen, and beginning in 1824, he has been a member of the Massa- chusetts Legislature several years. In this sei-vice he disclosed the rare traits of mind and of character which distinguish his successful career in business. In early life Dr. Lowe compiled the Columbian Orator, a school-book which was favorably received, and subsequently he published the Second Class Book, for younger pupils ; but he is better known as the author of several papers upon scientific and medical subjects. He is one of the original trustees of Cushing Academy and during the past ten years he has been president of the board. Dr. Lowe at the age of almost ninety years has earned a respite from active employment. Without ambition or ostentation he has conscientiously met every responsibility 468 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. and faithfully directed every interest confided to his care. His industry, his integrity and his purity of character, which attended him through life, now crown his age with blessings and honor. Dr. Nathaniel Peiece, a son of Oliver and Mary (Smith) Peirce, was born in Lunenburg, October 8, 1778. He pursued his preparatory studies at New Ipswich Academy and was a teacher in the public schools several years. He entered Harvard University, but on account of failing health did not graduate. Later he pursued a course of professional study and received his diploma at the Medical School, then in Weathersfield, Vermont, and in that town he practised a short time. Leaving Weathersfield he removed to his native town where he was engaged in the manufacture of wool or felt hats, at that time one of the home industries of New England. He removed to this town in 1825 and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession. From the first he secured and maintained the confidence of the people and for many years his practice was large and remunerative. In the mean time he purchased many acres of land and became a prosperous farmer, and as the infirmities of age invited him to less active pursuits he gradually retired from practice and gave his attention to the supervision of his farm. A tall, commanding man, his head towering above the multitude, he was dignified in manner and deliberate in the use of words. In method he was direct and agsressive, and if he was sometimes blunt in his speech he was generally just. His opinions were well matured and when required they were expressed without evasion or concealment. If he honestly differed with others in opinion and expressed his own views plainly, he tolerated no contention and conducted no quarrels. He was a kind neighbor, an honest man and a faithful citizen. He was frequently chosen by his townsmen 9^^^ w«:i^. '/W"'"'w imr T fWhm r.T.StaartBost"'" //, ^^ /^. PERSONAL NOTICES. 469 to local office and was a member of ttie Legislature 1831 and 1832. He died September 3, 1862. Dr. Otis Aberoeombie, a native of Deerfield and a grad- uate of the Yale Medical School, came to Ashburnham in 1827. He was favorably received and was chosen a member of the school committee soon after his arrival. At this time the field was occupied by members of the profession who had become established in the confidence of the people. In 1829 he removed to Fitchburg. After a successful practice of nine years, on account of failing health, he retired from business and removed to Lunenburg where he died January 24, 1851, aged forty-nine years. Dr. William H. Cutler, son of Jonathan and Keziah (Hutchins) Cutler, was born in Plainfield, Connecticut, July 2, 1787. After attending school at the academy in Plain- field he pursued his professional studies with Dr. Darius Hutchins of Abington, Connecticut. His first professional labors were in Winchendon where he practised about seven years. In 1820 he removed to New Salem and was there successfully employed until he removed to this town in 1829. In Winchendon he was a member of the school committee in 1819 and in New Salem he was frequently chosen to positions of trust, among which he was for many years one of the trustees of the New Salem Academy. - In this town Dr. Cutler rode a wide circuit many years and was justly re- o-arded as a conscientious, skilful physician. As a man, he was upright, sincere and honest, and was held in high esteem. As the infirmities of age grew upon him he retired from active practice and removed in 1864 to Andover where he died July 16, 1867. Dr. William P. Stone, son of David and Lydia (Per- kins) Stone and a brother of Rev. Benjamin P. Stone, D. D., late of Concord, New Hampshire, was born in Reading, 470 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Vermont, July 23,' 1809. A few years after this date the family removed from Eeading to Enosburg, Vermont. Dr. Stone graduated at Dartmouth Medical School in 1835 and came to this town in 1837, where he was successfully employed eight years. From the first he was well received. Beneath a modest and unassuming manner, there was no failure in the discovery of an intelligent mind and a faithful and competent physician. He had many friends and no enemies. In the spring of 1845 he removed to Boston and previous to 1850 he removed to Danbury, New Hampshire, where he remained several years. In October, 1862, he was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Second New Hampshire Volunteers, and was promoted to surgeon of this regiment, July 6, 1864. He remained in the service until the regiment was mustered out, December 19, 1865. Soon after the war he removed from Danbury to Westminster, Vermont, where he continued the practice of his profession a few years. He died in Burke, New York, 1872. Dr. Alfred Miller, son of John and Betsey (Eobinson) Miller, was born in Westminster, Vermont, March 15, 1815. He pursued his preparatory studies in the schools of West- minster and Bernardston and graduated at Middlebury College 1840. While reading for his profession he taught school several years and completed his study with Dr. Alfred Hitchcock and at the Medical School in Woodstock, Vermont, where he graduated in 1844. In the following year he entered upon the practice of his profession in this town where he was successfully employed until he removed to Fitchburg in 1863. He was a skilful physician and was highly respected by all who knew him. Affable and kind in his manner, atten- tive to the calls of his profession, he was a popular physician and a valued citizen. Dr. Miller was repeatedly elected a PERSONAL NOTICES. 471 member of the school committee and to other positions of trust. In Fitchburg he was eminently successful. He con- tinued in active practice in that city until his death, Novem- ber 15, 1877, aged sixty-two years. He was a member of the Legislature 1866 and 1876. Dr. Merrick Wallace, a son of Nahum Wallace of Oxfoi-d, was born April 12, 1808. In 1847 he completed a course of study at the Botanical Medical College then in Worcester, and to this school of medicine he closely adhered in his practice. His remedial methods were then compara- tively new and he early secured a liberal patronage. His practice extended into the adjoining towns and frequently he made long journeys in response to demands for his profes- sional attendance. Dr. Wallace was also a successful farmer and in this pursuit he manifested a constant interest. He died May 22, 1875. Dr. Lorenzo Locke Whitmore, a son of Colonel Enoch and Clarissa (Willard) Whitmore, was born in this town, July 2, 1823. With the exception of Dr. Abraham T. Lowe, he is the only physician in this town who was born within the field of his professional labor. He pursued a liberal course of academical and professional study, gradu- ating at the Harvard Medical School in the class of 1852. After a brief practice in Warwick, he returned to this town and assumed the management of a large farm which for more than one hundred years has been the homestead of his ancestors. For several years he rode an extended circuit in this town and in Eindge, and fully maintained the confidence of his patrons. More recently he has found full employ- ment in the management of his farm. Dr. John Orlando Mattoon (eclectic) was a native of Vershire, Vermont, born October 10, 1837. He was educated at the academy in Chelsea, Vermont, and the 472 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. well-known institution in New London, New Hampshire. He read for his profession with Dr. George K. Bagley of Chelsea, Vermont, and graduated at a medical school in Cincinnati in 1858. The same year he located in this town and practised with a fair measure of success until his early death which occurred January 13, 1862. Dr. Theeon Temple, son of John and Sally (Taylor) Temple, was born in Heath, April 20, 1833. He is a gradu- ate of Berkshire Medical College in class of 185(3. In 1857 he entered upon the practice of his profession in Belchertown and was there successfully employed until 1861, when he was commissioned assistant-surgeon in the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers. This regiment was assigned to the Burnside expedition. In this service Dr. Temple con- tracted malarial fever and resigned in the spring of 1862. The same year he removed to this town where he commanded the respect of the community and secured a lucrative prac- tice. While residing in this town he was examining surgeon by appointment from Governor Andrew. In the autumn of 1864, he removed to Amherst and continued in active prac- tice until 1875. During the past ten years he has been employed in the customs service at Boston with a residence in Waltham. De. Haevey D. JiLLSON (eclcctic) pursued his pro- fessional studies at Harvard Medical School and at Worces- ter. Adopting the theories of the eclectic school, he entered upon the practice of his profession in Leominster in 1860. He removed to this town in 1864. He was elected a member of the school committee for three years but removed to Fitchburg in 1868 before the completion of the term. For two years he was president of the Worcester North Eclectic Society, and eleven years its secretary, and was a vice-president of the National Eclectic Medical Society. PERSONAL NOTICES. 47a He died September 25, 1877, aged forty-three years. Dr. Charles L. Pierce, son of John F. and Abigail Fiske Pierce, was born in Derby, Vermont, May 17, 1840. He attended school at Newbury, Vermont, and at Meriden,. New Hampshire, and graduated at the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons. He practised his profession a short time at Charlestown, New Hampshire, and removed to this town in 1865. Dr. Pierce was generally regarded as a skilful physician and was employed by a considerable part of the community. He removed to Natick in 1871, and from thence to San Francisco, California, where he died May 11, 1885. Dr. Alonzo Lawrence Stioknet, son of Alvah and Eebecca (Wright) Stickney, was born in Townsend, May 26, 1835. He attended the academies at Milford and New Ipswich, New Hampshire, and graduated at Harvard Medical School in the class of 1862. His first professional labors were at Sutton. In the spring of 1864 he was appointed assistant-surgeon in the regular army and served to the close of the war. Returning to Sutton he was there successfully employed in the practice of his profession until ' his removal to this town in 1871. In an unusual degree, he early secured and has merited the confidence of his patrons. His success as a physician and his usefulness as a citizen will elicit prompt recognition in future reviews of completed labor. Dr. Amory Jewett, son of Amory and Lucy E. (Die- waide) Jewett, was born in Boston, January 17, 1833. He attended the public schools of Boston and graduated at the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio. After a brief practice in Boston, he removed to this town in 1868 and remained in successful practice until 1873. Since he re- moved from this town he has practised in Clinton, Fitchburg 474 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. and Hubbardston. On account of failing health he has retired from active practice and now resides in Somerville. Dr. Jewett, while residing in this town, was successively secre- tary, councillor and president of the Worcester North Eclectic Medical Society. De. Nathaniel Jewett, a brother of Dr. Amory Jewett, was born in Boston, March 10, 1841. He graduated at the Boston High School in 1858 and pursued a course of pro- fessional study under private tuition. He graduated at the Boston Dental College 1869, and at the New York Eclectic College 1871. In the mean time Dr. Jewett attended lectures at Harvard Medical School and at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. He removed to this town in 1871 and has maintained a lucrative practice to the present time. He has been president of the Worcester North Eclectic Medical Society, and for many years the secretary and treasurer. He has been councillor and presi- dent of the Massachusetts Eclectic Medical Society and is a member of the National Eclectic Medical Association. Dr. Jewett is tKe eighteenth resident physician who has practised in this town and among this number none has been more constantly employed. ' Dr. Charles Knowlton was here a few months in the autumn and winter of 1830-31. De. Miles Spaulding, now of Groton, practised in this town from April to September, 1845, supplying the time between the practice of Dr. Stone and Dr. Miller. De. John Petts, who resided in this town for many years, was a physician, but he did not engage in practice after he removed to Ashburnham. Lawtees. — Of the four resident lawyers of this town only one remained any considerable length of time. If the good people of Ashburnham have not been wholly free from PERSONAL NOTICES. 475 strife and contention, they have seldom appealed to the courts for arbitration. And in some instances it is possible the contestants have found more entertainment in a continued prosecution of some domestic quarrel than could be realized in any possible terms of legal adjustment. Ephraim May Cunningham, Esq., practised law in this town from about 1818 to 1824. He removed to South Reading, now Wakefield. While in this town he boarded with the Jewetts, and by tradition he is furnished with the credentials of a good character and respectable abilities. Henry Adams, Esq., came to this town in 1825, or early in 1826, and remained four or five years. He was a man of fair abilities and met with a reasonable measure of success. George G. Parker, Esq., was born in Coventry, Connecticut, May 10, 1800, and was graduated at Yale in the class of 1828. He pursued his professional studies in the office of Myron Lawrence, Esq., of Belchertown, and began the practice of law in this town in 1831. He was quite deaf and labored under great embarrassment, yet he was successful and was highly esteemed by the profession and by his townsmen. He served two years in the supervi- sion of the public schools and for many years he was a mem- ber of the board of selectmen. In 1840 and 1841 he ably represented the town in the Legislature. He died Decem- ber 14, 1852. Albert Haynes Andrews, Esq., son of Jeremiah and Abigail Anna (Haynes) Andrews, was born in Waltham, December 29, 1829. He attended the schools in Ashby and Fitchburg and the Academy at Westminster, and pursued his professional studies in the office of Judge Thornton K. Ware of Fitchburg. He was admitted to the Worcester county bar in 1856. With a view of entering upon the practice of law in the West, Mr. Andrews went to Chicago 476 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. and there becoming interested in the controversy attending the political situation of Kansas he raised a company of sixty men and hastened to the relief of the Free State party in this memorable conflict. Returning to the East he entered upon the practice of law in this town in the autumn of 1857. He was the fourth and last resident lawyer in Ashburnham. While a resident of this town he was a member of the school committee and in 1860 and 1861 he represented this district in the Legislature, and was adjutant of the Ninth Eegiment of Militia, then under command of Colonel Joseph P. Eice. In May, 1861, Mr. Andrews was commissioned a first lieutenant in the regular army and assigned to the Nineteenth Infantry. He continued in the service about nine years and during this time he was in fact a citizen of Ashburnham. For gallant and meritorious service at the battle of Shiloh he was breveted captain and at Stone River he won the brevet rank of major. In the autumn of 1863 Major Andrews was ordered North on recruiting service. After enlisting two hundred and sixty-five men he remained with his regiment in Tennessee and Georgia until the sur- render of the Confederate army. Subsequently, Major Andrews was with his regiment in Arkansas and Louisiana until he resigned January 1, 1870. During this time he was commandant of military posts much of the time and was frequently assigned to important trusts. During the past seventeen years Major Andrews has resided in Fitchburg, in Kansas and in San Francisco, Cali- fornia, and since November, 1879, he has been Inspector of Customs at Boston. In a life of diversified employment, Major Andrews has been faithful and efficient in the dis- charge of duty and has commanded the respect and confi- dence of his associates. PERSONAL NOTICES. 477 Deacon Samtjel Wilder was born in Lancaster, May 7, 1739. He was a son of Colonel Caleb "Wilder and a grand- son of Judge Joseph Wilder. Colonel Caleb Wilder owned many acres of land in Dorchester Canada and was much employed in forwarding the settlement. His name frequently appears in the records of the proprietors, but he never re- sided in this town. Samuel Wilder settled here previous to 1765. At the first town meeting under the act of incorpora- tion, March 25, 1765, he was chosen collector of the land tax. Before the close of the year he temporarily removed from the town and in November following Samuel Nichols was chosen in place of Mr. Wilder who was, as the record asserts, " out of the province." He soon returned and in 1767 he was a selectman and received other mention in the proceedings of the meetings. From this date he resided in Ashburnham continuously until his death. In early life he was a captain in the colonial militia, but he was never honored with the title after he was chosen a deacon. The records assert his popularity and the unlimited confidence of his townsmen. He was several years a member of the General Court; was the town clerk twenty-two years, a selectman fifteen years and an assessor twenty years. In addition to this extended service he was frequently chosen on important committees and in every emergency his service was invoked. For many years he was justice of the peace and in his time few legal papers were executed in this town which did not bear his familiar signature. The advancement of Mr. Wilder was attended by no for- tuitous circumstances. His honors were merited and his position among his townsmen was the voice of mature senti- ment. If not brilliant, his qualities were solid, and if he did not win the applause of his fellow-men, he enjoyed in an unusual degree their trust and confidence. At fifty-nine years of age he died suddenly May 9, 1798, but he lived 478 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. until Joseph Jewett had been advanced to his assistance in town affairs. Leaving his mantle, like the prophet of old, upon the shoulders of his successor, he closed a record full of honor and unstained with an ignoble deed. Joseph Jewett, son of Edward and Sarah Jewett, was born in Stow, May 10, 1761. The family had previously resided in Concord, where some of the older children were born and subsequently removed to Bolton. Deacon Edward Jewett, a man of superior ability and a prominent citizen of Eindge, was an older brother. After serving in the Eevolu- tion, of which mention is made in another chapter, Joseph Jewett removed to this town in 1783. He was a merchant and a farmer and for many years the leading business man in the place ; but in other employments he was even more in- timately identified with the town's history. In this con- nection his record as a citizen, and the sterling qualities of his character demand more than a passing notice. At the age of twenty-two years he entered upon the scene of his future activity and immediately the town recognized the qualities of the man. The proof of his popularity and the measure of the confidence reposed in him are witnessed by the records. He was a member of the board of selectmen fifteen years, an assessor fifteen years, town clerk eighteen years and was ten times chosen to preside over the annual March meeting. In the midst of these accumulating honors and responsi- bilities he was a member of the Legislature seven years and was frequently chosen to serve on committees and render other service to the town. But no numerical statement of his official service will fairly express the measure of confi- dence reposed in him, or the unanimity in which he was called to these posts of duty. In military afi'airs he evinced a lively interest. Tradition asserts he was the first captain of the Ashburnham Light Infantry. It is certain that he PERSONAL NOTICES. 47& commanded a company in this town as early as 1789 and was commissioned a captain of the independent company in this town, July 12, 1791, and the following year was promoted to major. He was lieutenant-colonel in 1795 and colonel of the regiment, to which the Ashburnham companies belonged, in 1796. For many years he was a justice of the peace and was frequently called upon to act in this capacity. A rear room in the store building was styled the court-room and there many official papers were executed and many minor suits were adjudicated. In these outlines of a life work, if other evidence failed, there would remain the inference of capacity, honesty and a measure of urbanity through which his fellow-men clearly recognized these sterling qualities. In civil aflfairs Joseph Jewett is the most conspicuous per- sonage in the town's history. He was the oracle of his time and an autocrat among his townsmen, yet his ambition was limited and he wisely exercised authority when thrust upon him. The aged who remember Mr. Jewett are united in the testimony that he was a man of rigid integrity, — that the distinguishing qualities of his mind were an intuitive per- ception and a sound judgment, and that he was kind and considerate to his fellow-men. He died May 3, 1846. General Ivees Jewett, a son of Colonel Joseph Jewett, was born in this town, May 7, 1788. His record as a mer- chant in his native town has been stated in another chapter. In 1827 he removed to Fitchburg and was interested in several manufacturing and other enterprises. Many of the business ventures which he forwarded with enthusiasm and supported with his money and credit were unfortunate for him and his friends. General Jewett was of buoyant, ardent temperament, of attractive, personal appearance and com- manding presence. He was aifable, kind-hearted and gener- ous. Popularity was his birthright and the record of his 480 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. -early life is attractive and inspiriting. At thirty-four years of age he had risen from the ranks of the Ashburnhana Light Infantry to the rank of a general of the State Militia. At every step in this rapid transition he had been an efficient and popular officer. He had been a successful merchant and had enlarged the business established by his father. He had been employed in town affairs and had exercised unusual sway and command among his fellow-men. Few men at this age and in a rural community of limited population have made a more brilliant record. In mental capacity, in fitness to lead and ability to command among men and aptitude in the routine transaction of business, he resembled his father in an eminent degree. In boldness of conception, in power to persuade and in originality of project he was his superior ; but in ripeness of judgment, in pru- dence and caution, he failed at the threshold of his father's success. Of his later life little is known. He removed to the South and there accumulated a handsome property which was swept away by the fortunes of war during the Rebellion. He died at Mobile, Alabama, April 26, 1871. The Willaeds. — The brothers Deacon John and Jacob Willard removed from Harvard 1768. They were men of ability and occupied prominent positions in public affairs. Deacon Willard died July 4, 1793, having been in feeble health for several years. He was a man of most estimable character and was highly respected. Had he been sustained by health it is probable that very few in the history of the town would have been more conspicuous. Jacob Willard was a strong, aggressive character. His services in behalf of good government during the disturb- ances succeeding the Revolution, and especially during the excitement attending the revolt of Daniel Shays, were instant and effective. He was a delegate to the Law and Order PERSONAL NOTICES. 481 Conventions held at that time, and was a firm supporter of the Government. He was a representative to the first Legislature convened under the Constitution of the State, and was four times elected subsequently. His name fre- quently appears in the list of town officers in another chap- ter, and few men have exercised a stronger or more salutary influence in town afiairs. He died February 22, 1808. Silas Willaed, Esq., son of Deacon John Willard, was another prominent citizen of this town. In 1820 he was a member of the Constitutional Convention and was frequently chosen to positions of trust. For twenty-eight years he was a justice of the peace and through a long life he commanded the esteem and respect of all who knew him. He died June 14, 1855. John Adams, son of Captain Thomas and Lj^dia (Chad- wick), Adams, was born, January 22, 1745. In 1766 he began a clearing on Cambridge farm, on land purchased of his father, and here he was engaged each summer in clearing land and in building a house and a barn until 1770, when he became a permanent resident of .this town. That John Adams was a man of unusual vigor of body is an easy infer- ence from the fact that he lived to the advanced age of one hundred and four years, one month and four days, and that he was a man of superior mental endowment is swiftly wit- nessed by the record of a prolonged and useful life. He was frequently elected assessor and selectman, and in other municipal affairs he was much employed. In an unusual degree he commanded the respect and good will of his towns- men. The fruit of a life of industry and frugality he dis- tributed, while living, among his children, and when over ninety years of age, with a horse and light wagon, he journeyed to Harford, Susquehannah county, Pennsylvania, and back to Ashburnham. His son, James, had previously 31 482 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. removed to Harford and soon after his visit there he re- turned to that place and there resided until his death. In the closing years of a remarkable life he passed through no twilight of mental decay and feebleness. When over one hundred years of age, in a letter to Mrs. Samuel Gibson, who during many years was a near neighbor, he writes of himself in these clear, intelligent sentences, — " My eyesight remains much as it has been for many years. I can see with classes to read an hour or two at a time which answers in the room of hearing." Not until he had closely approached one hundred years did his hearing fail, and to the end he was able to converse with his friends, although his hearing was considerably impaired. Under date of February 7, 1846, he writes to his grandson, John Adams, as follows : Beloved Grandson : — This morning I received the kindness of your letter, and among other things it brought the sorrowful and melancholy tidings of the death of your venerable grandmother Gibson. The news has struck me with uncommon feelings of sorrow. I presume you are not unacquainted with the friendship that has for many long years subsisted between the old lady, your grandmother, and myself, and hope you will not wonder at my being overpowered. My mind is too much disturbed to be able to write. O, what a vale of tears is this pilgrimage, — this worldly state in which we are placed ! And how are we excited to sym- pathize with each other under the bereavements which we have sustained since I saw you last, when we look around and see what slaughter the King of Terrors has been permitted to make in our family. O, how many of our nearest relations and even bosom companions are no more ; — and last of all your beloved grand- mother, my friend and sister. And where now shall we look for consolation? To God and to the Gospel of his Son. There, and there alone, shall we find relief. Love to your children and all enquiring friends, your uncle Samuel's [Gibson] family in particular. With the affections of a parent, I remain JOHN ADAMS. PERSONAL NOTICES. 483 In a letter to Joel Foster, son of Samuel and grandson of Jeremiah Foster, an early settler in this town, vivid evidences of an unimpaired memory are apparent. The letter was written at Harford, February 3, 1846. Respected Friend : — I am now with a weak and faltering hand attempting to comply with your request by writing a few lines to you, hoping this will find you and your family in health and prospering. I would inform you that my health is as good as may be expected by a person like myself under the infirmities of old age and the decay of mental faculties. Dear sir, I received your friendly letter by my son James and took much pleasure in read- ing the contents of it ; it always gives me much pleasure to receive a letter from my Massachusetts friends, but especially from a family where I have been so agreeably acquainted as I was with your honored father and his family. It reminds me of by-gone days when we were doing town business together. If ever I took satisfaction in that business it was when I was connected with your father. True, he was not a ready writer ; but his candor, his judicious and sound judgment and unprejudiced mind and ex- tensive knowledge of the town and its affairs, qualified him for the business in which he was often engaged. I presume you remember me often at your house, and I knew something of its affairs ; and truly I thought your father and his family was a worthy example, and on his farm a pattern of . industry, dilligence and economy ; in the town, a pUlar to the community a blessing to all, an honest man, which is the noblest work of God. But his God whom he served saw fit in the midst of his days to call him hence, and shall not the Lord of heaven and earth do right ? And who shall say to the Almighty, what doest thou, or why doest thou so? I understand by your letters that in years past you have been visited by sickness and the loss of friends, even your bosom friend. In this I can feelingly sympathize with you, having been tried in the same furnace of affliction, losing the wife of my youth with whom I lived fifty-three years, every year adding strength to the tie of affection. But under these trials it becomes us to cultivate 484 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. a spirit of resignation whereby we may be enabled to say from the heart, — " Not my will, heavenly Father, but thine be done." Dear friend, I now take the liberty to congratulate you on the happy connexion which you have formed with the once Mrs. Cobleigh, a lady with whom I have in time past had some acquaint- ance, and view her to be a lady of virtue, intelligence and benefi- cence, and with whom I wish you to enjoy a long, peaceful, joyful, prosperous and happy life. I must write one sad piece of news, if you have not heard of it. Our coal mine, about eighteen miles from here, about a fortnight ago broke in and covered seventeen men which have not yet been found. Give my respects to all your surviving family and enquiring friends. When I think of Ashburnham, it seems as though I was at home, being the place where I spent the prime and vigor of my days, and where there are now many of my near relations and dear friends sleeping in the dust. Peace to their ashes ; and peace to the town ; long may it continue to prosper ; and may truth and righteousness grow and flourish. Divine Providence, it seems, has so ordered that my body must return to dust in a strange land, that is, in a land far distant from where rest most of the ashes of my beloved relatives. Truly such would not have been my choice ; but why should we be anxious about the clay when the spirit has taken its flight to God who gave it? And blessed be God for the hope which is the anchor of the soul sure and steadfast, that we in his own time shall meet and worship him and his son Jesus Christ our Eedeemer, joining in a new and never-ending anthem and song of redeeming love. And here, dear sir, I must conclude my broken epistle ; and bidding you goodby, I remain your sincere friend, JOHN ADAMS, aged one hundred and one years. Mr. Joel Foster. Other letters and vfritings, treasured by his descendants, assert the vigor of an active mind, and those written vrhen this aged man had lived an hundred years are without a '6 7-€^~r- PERSONAL NOTICES. 485 parallel. He died February 26, 1849. His descendants in this town have been and still are numerous and have ever been useful and prominent citizens. Colonel Enoch Whitmoee, son of Isaac and Eebecca (Foster) Whitmore, was born in this town, September 8, 1796. He was a farmer and a manufacturer, and resided in the northwest part of the town. In early life he was an efficient officer in the militia and rapidly rose to the command of the regiment. Having held the commissions of lower rank he was commissioned colonel of the Fourth Eegiment in 1829. In town affairs he was frequently called to positions of trust and was chosen to nearly all the offices within the gift of the town. The anti-slavery cause early enlisted his sympathies and found in him an intelligent and steadfast support. "With him the sentiment was not the offspring of emotional sympathy, but a living principle of human right and justice. In this and in all questions of moment, Colonel Whitmore was a radical but not a fanatic. In his view the institution of slavery was wrong, and to oppose it with the force of a persistent nature was a natural sequence. For many years he was in the minority and during an age of strong political prejudices, his political views were a bar to promotion in public service ; yet his frequent election to office was a spon- taneous recognition of his worth and ability. In his daily life he was above reproach, and in his social relations he was generous and affectionate. He died September 13, 1860. Jerome W. Foster, Esq., son of Joel and Dolly (Wetherbee) Foster, was born in this town, December 15, 1810. He was a great-grandson of Jeremiah Foster, one of the early settlers of this town, and inherited in an eminent degree a firmness of character and soundness of judgment which had distinguished his ancestors. Mr. Foster was a PERSONAL NOTICES. 487 enterprises, and especially those in which the prosperity of the town was more immediately involved. But he was best known and is more conspicuous in the annals of this town as a public-spirited, loyal citizen. With him the fame and growth of Ashburnham was not merely a series of sudden impulses, enlisting his energies for a day, but rather a con- trolling and ever renewed inspiration which neither failed under discouragement nor suffered abatement under oppos- ing obstacles. Every commendable enterprise has found in Mr. Whitney unfailing encouragement and to the aid of very many his willing service has been summoned. For many years he was a trustee of the Fitchburg Savings Bank and a vice- president of the Ashburnham Savings Bank, and an original director of the Ashburnham National Bank. He was presi- dent of the Worcester North Agricultural Society in 1864 and 1865, and an active member -of the Fitchburg Board of Trade. His efficient service in behalf of Gushing Academy, is mentioned in another chapter. In the affairs of the town he was much employed. His service in this direction was efficient and cheerfully rendered. Eighteen years he presided over the annual March meetings and was frequently elected to the board of selectmen and assessors and upon important committees. In 1856 he represented the town in the House of Representatives, and the following year he was a member of the Senate. But such enumeration of public services fails to suggest the characteristics of the man. In this direction others have earned equal honors, but few have served the public with equal acceptance and efficiency. In his intercourse with his fellow-men he was affable and charitable. He bore malice to none. In the inner walks of his daily life his affections were constant and his friendships enduring. He died February 6, 1879. 488 HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. Personal Notices. — To the following notices are appended brief sketches of Governor Isaac Hill, Thomas Parkman Gushing and Hon. Milton Whitney. While they removed from this town in early life they were members of Ashburnham families ; Mr. Gushing and Mr. Whitney were natives of this town. Hon. Isaac Hill, eldest son of Isaac and Hannah (Eus- sell) Hill, was born in Gambridge, now Arlington, April 6, 1788. The family removed to Ashburnham in 1798 and here found many ties of kindred. The mother of this dis- tinguished man was a grand-daughter of Gaptain Thomas Adams who removed to this town in 1775 and a sister of Thomas Eussell who removed here about 1790. The parents continued to live and died in this town, and three of the daughters became the wives of Ashburnham men. Assist- ing in the management of a farm and attending the primitive schools of this town a few weeks in each year, Mr. Hill remained here until December, 1802, when he was appren- ticed to Joseph Gushing, the publisher of the Farmers' Cabinet at Amherst, New Hampshire. Mr. Gushing was a son of Captain David Gushing of this town. Having improved every opportunity for the acquisition of knowledge, he left the employ of Mr. Gushing and went to Goncord, New Hampshire, April 5, 1809, the day before he was twenty-one years of age. In the autumn preceding the American Patriot, a small weekly paper, had been established in Goncord and at this time Mr. Hill purchased the establishment. On the eighteenth of April he became a citizen of Goncord and entered upon a career enlivened by many weighty and brilliant achievements. He was an able controversial writer and for many years the vigorous editor of the New Hampshire Patriot. Through the columns of this paper he won a national reputation and became the PERSONAL NOTICES. 489 acknowledged leader of the Democratic party of the State. He was a rigid partisan, ready at all times to give and to receive vigorous blows ; and if he was strong and some- times scathing in attack he was generous and noble in all his ^.t)ersonal relations with his fellow-men. His friendship was unfailing, he was frank, sincere and honest and his character was above reproach. It is easily within the limits of con- servative estimate to assert that Isaac Hill had a more numerous personal following and firmer adherents than has fallen to the lot of any man in New Hampshire. In the course of an active life he was called to numerous positions of trust and responsibility and in this varied service his integrity and ability were conspicuous. He was a di- rector of several local monetary organizations ; twice the clerk of the State Senate, a member of both branches of the Legislature and in 1829 he was appointed by President Jack- son second comptroller of the Treasury Department. He was chosen United States senator for a full term commencing March, 1831. Having been elected governor of New Hamp- shire in the spring of 1836 he resigned his seat in the Senate a few months before the completion of the term. In 1837 and 1838 he was reelected governor, and in 1840 he was appointed sub-treasurer of the United States at Boston. Thomas Paekman Gushing was born in this town, Octo- ber 7, 1787. He was the youngest of the eight children of Rev. Dr. John and Sarah (Parkman) Gushing. In lineal cfes.?*!!!; lathis family is not represented in this town at the present tirneTDut the name is crystallized in the annals of Ashbumham. It will live for ages and will be read in fair characters, both in the prolonged and useful pastorate of the father and in the life and benevolence of the son. At the age of thirteen years he entered the store of an elder brother in Boston. This engagement was interrupted by the death 490 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. of his brother. In 1809 he became one of the firm of Tuck- erman and Rogers, subsequently known as Tuckerman and Gushing and as Gushing and Wilkinson. In this firm he was actively engaged until he retired from business a few years previous to his death. In an address delivered by Eev. Josiah D. Grosby at the dedication of Gushing Academy, 1875, appears the following outline of the business life of Mr. Gushing. "The knowledge, varied, extensive and valuable, necessary to conduct such establishments successfully, is almost an education of itself. Besides, the habits of the man of busi- ness in respect to order, punctuality, observation, large generalization of facts, of close and consecutive thinking, of decisive and instant action, conjoined with honorable dealing, are of high value. "Not unfrequently men, so trained, have stepped into the highest offices of the country, and have tilled them with great profit to the people, as well as honor to themselves. Mr. Gushing seems to have applied himself with a character- istic enthusiasm to a thorough mastery of all the knowledge connected with his business, and much more than this, as will appear farther on. He went abroad for business pur- poses early in life, and made good use of his opportunities for general improvement. But all this was incidental to his main purpose, that is. success in business. About 1812, he formed the purpose of going to Europe to purchase goods to be put upon a bare market after the war. He was defeated in his first attempt, but finally reached England through Halifax. He remained in Europe to the close of the war. He bought his goods, and they came upon the market at a favorable time, with much advantage to himself from his venture. PERSONAL NOTICES. 491 " Mr. Gushing was an upright and honorable merchant of the old school. He guided his conduct b}' principles, and not impulses. His gains were not from speculation, dash or reckless movements, but were the results of fair trade. His morals were pure and his habits good. Though a man of great energy and persistency, yet he was a quiet, noiseless man, especially pleased with home and domestic scenes. His relief from toils of business was not in the gatherings of men, but in reading, many times till late at night. It may suffice to say, that by good conduct, untiring industry and excellent judgment, he gained for himself an ample fortune in the sense of his time, and achieved a place among the solid men of Boston." In his youth the exterior educational advantages of Mr. Gushing were limited, but the influences of his home in childhood gave direction to his habits of thought and hia manner of life. He was a student always and with an ex- acting employment of his leisure hours he became a master of English literature and acquired a fair knowledge of French and Spanish. By attentive reading, by observation and through the asso- ciation with persons of similar tastes, Mr. Gushing fully comprehended the enlargement of education and the progress of art and the sciences that have attended the age in which he lived. In these habits of thought and in such employ- ments, stimulated by a thirst for knowledge which his early advantages could not satisfy, the foundations^ of Gushing Academy were wisely and firmly laid. Goncerning his manner in his daily life the affectionate hand of a daughter has written : "My father had a remarkably even temper, and rarely gave way to anything like excitement in tone or look. He had a quick sense of humor and enjoyed telling and hearing 492 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. a good story. His manners were ever those of a highly bred gentleman, his voice naturally low, and uniform urban- ity and courtesy distinguished him in his family as abroad. He had a fine musical ear ; in younger days was a good singer and played the flute well. Even to the last year of his life, it was a delight to him to accompany the piano with his favorite instrument, and our evenings were often spent in music and singing. " He was also fond of art, and though never in Italy, was familiar with her treasures of sculpture, architecture and painting, and possessed many fine engravings of the same." Thomas Parkman Gushing died November 23, 1854. His will which had been written a few years, making ample pro- vision for an institution of learning in his native town, was then announced. The wisdom and the liberality of the bequest have received willing tributes of commendation, but no one can present a clearer picture of the man or give a better interpretation of his thought than are revealed in the pages of his will. Milton Whitney, Esq., son of Captain Silas and Hannah (Gushing) Whitney, was born in this town, October 9, 1823. In an exact use of an ambiguous term, Mr. Whitney was a self-educated man. His only educa- tional privileges were found in the public schools in this town and at a time before high schools and academies presented an opportunity for an advanced course of study. At an early age he entered the law office of Torrey and Woods, Esqs., of Fitchburg. He was an attentive student and was admitted to the Worcester county bar about 1845. After a brief practice in Fitchburg, he removed to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1850. There, as if awaiting his arrival, the laurels of conquest abundantly crowned his industry and earnest efibrts. His ability as a lawyer and his power as an PERSONAL NOTICES. 493 advocate were promptly recognized, and he early secured a large and lucrative practice. In 1854 he was chosen county attorney for the county of Baltimore, and at the completion of his term in 1858, he was reelected. In the conduct of this office, he manifested both ability and courage. He in- stituted a fearless and vigorous prosecution of a disorderly element of the population, and liberated the city from a reign of terror which had prevailed for many years. With unrelenting energy he brought men of high and low degree to feel the power of offended law, and gave to human life and property a security unknown in former years. In this direction his success was brilliant and substantial. Often he labored in the midst of an adverse public sentiment and wrested a verdict against crime from a sympathizing jury. In 1860 he resigned an office in which for six years he had won unusual distinction and had secured the merited regard of his fellow-men . During the remaining years of his life he conducted many trials that are historic in that State. The national government recognizing his ability, confided to his care several important cases. In one of these he secured a verdict of three million dollars on a claim of the Post Office Department against a delinquent contractor. This successful issue attracted considerable attention from the fact that the defendants had successfully resisted all former proceedings against them. But he was best known and won the highest distinction as a criminal lawyer. With the training he had received as a prosecuting attorney, with an intimate knowledge of criminal law and the ability to summon every energy for instant use he was as successful in defence as he had formerly been in the prosecution of persons accused of crime. He was frequently brought into com- petition with men of the highest legal attainments and ability as advocates, but on all occasions he sustained 494 HISTORY OP ASHBURNHAM. himself with credit and honor. His intellect brightened in the contest and each encounter added to his fame. In the midst of his greatest achievements his strength failed him and he sought his native town for rest and in the hope of amended health. Surrounded by friends and visited by the acquaintances of his youth, his courage triumphed over his weakness, yet he found no relief and lived only a few weeks. Mr. Whitney was of medium height and of slender form. Sudden and nervous in his movements, he was yet aflable and inviting in his manner. In his clear blue eye beamed the light of restless force and the tone of his voice gave accurate expression to the ardor of his emotions. Modest and unassuming, he seldom referred to his achievements or appeared conscious of the magnitude of his labor. He died in Ashburnham, September 3, 1875, and was buried in Baltimore, Maryland. College Graduates. — The followino- list of college graduates both in number and ability is highly creditable to the town. All of them are either natives of Ashburnham Oj. removed hither in early childhood. A few are included who did not graduate, although they substantially completed a collegiate course of study. Asa Stearns, son of William and Lydia (Davis) Stearns, was born in Ashburnham, October 14, 1784. Graduated at Harvard University, 1807. He was a young man of promise. His early death is recorded by Eev. John Gushing : — Asa Stearns, A. B., a candidate for the gospel ministry, died December 19, 1809, M. 25." Eev. Oliver Green, son of Oliver and Dorothy Hildreth Green, was born in Pepperell, July 4, 1781. Oliver Green, Sen., was a native of Pepperell and resided there until about 1782 when he removed to Ashby. The year 1799 he PERSONAL NOTICES. 495 resided in Westford, and in 1800 he removed to this town where he died May 15, 1834. Oliver, the son, was nineteen years of age when the family removed to Ashburnham. He graduated at Dartmouth College, 1807, and studied divinity with Eev. Dr. Samuel Austin, of Worcester. He taught at New Salem from June, 1807, to October 1808, and at Saratoga Springs, New York, from October, 1808, to September, 1809. In the autumn of the last year he removed to Sparta, New Jersey, where he was pastor of the Presbyterian church and a teacher. He died at Sparta, October 24, 1810. De. Samuel Scollay, son of Grover and Kebecca (Harris) Scollay, was born in Harvard, January 21, 1781. The family removed to Ashburnham when he was a child of three or four years of age. He fully improved the public schools of this town and labored upon the farm of his father until he became of age and was at full liberty to direct his future course. He then pursued a liberal course of study and was graduated at Harvard University, 1808. After teaching a short time, he studied medicine with Dr. Samuel J. Cramer, of Charlestown, Virginia, and in the spring of 1816, he received his degree from the University of Pennsyl- vania in Philadelphia. He entered upon the practice of his profession in Smithfield, Jefferson county, Virginia, now West Virginia, and there remained in active labor until his death. He was a man of superior ability, and in his pro- fession he merited and enjoyed an excellent reputation. He acquired a substantial estate, but the memory of his spotless character and excellent qualities of mind and heart was the richer inheritance of his children. He died January 11, 1857. Rev. Jonathan David Winchester, son of Henry and Lois (Phelps) Winchester, and a grandson of Eev. Jonathan 496 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Winchester, was born in Ashburnham, April 28, 1781. Graduated at Middlebury College, 1809. He read theology with Eev. Holland Weeks, of Abington. After preaching a few years at Madrid, New York, he was pastor of the First Presbyterian church in Madison, Ohio, from 1826 to 1828, and of the Second Presbyterian church in that place 1830-31. He was a noted biblical student and devoted considerable time to a critical study, but a literal interpretation of the prophecies concerning the restoration of the Jews. He believed in their early return to Jerusalem with their Mosaic rights and ceremonies and that their conversion to Christianity would immediately follow. Until his death he labored assiduously to direct the attention of the Christian public to this subject, and also to convince the Jews of the general truths of Christianity. Imbued with these senti- ments and improving every opportunity to give them ex- pression, he travelled extensively in this country and also visited England where he was engaged several months in active labor. With a lofty faith and courage unabated, he was contemplating a joui'ney to the shores of the Medi- terranean, in a hope that he might render more signal service in preparing a way for the return of Israel to their ancient Jerusalem, when death overtook him. He died at Madison, Ohio, August 17, 1835. Heney Crosby, son of Frederick and Martha (Maynard) Crosby, was born in Shrewsbury, July 18, 1785. The family removed to this town 1795. He graduated at Dart- mouth College, 1810, and read for the profession of law in the State of New York, where he practiced several years. Subsequently, he removed to Middlebrook Mills, Mont- gomery county, Maryland, where he was engaged in teach- ing many years. About 1838, it is supposed, he removed to Missouri and his subsequent career is unknown. PERSONAL NOTICES. 497 Asa Green, M. D., son of Oliver and Dorothy (Hil- dreth) Green, was born in Ashby, February 11, 1789. He entered sophomore class of Williams College and graduated 1813. In college he held a good reputation as a scholar and was distinguished for wit and vigor of thought. He practised medicine in Lunenburg, Townsend and North Adams, and while residing in the last named place he con- ducted a paper for a short time. Later, he removed to New York city and published a readable work of fiction which was intended to ridicule quackery in medicine. He received his degree of Doctor of Medicine from Brown University. He died in New York, 1839. Hon. Phinehas Randall, son of Phinehas and Sarah (Crosby) Randall, was born in Ashburnham, June 5, 1787. About 1810 the family removed to Williston, Vermont, and while a resident of that place he entered the University of Vermont where he graduated in the class of 1813. He was principal of the academy in Cherry Valley, New York, for a short time and was early admitted to the bar. He was successfully engaged in the practice of his profession at Bowman's Creek, later known as Ames, in Montgomery county, New York, until 1851, when he removed to Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he died 1853. In 1828-9, he was a member of the New York Legislature and was appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for • the county of Montgomery 1839. Among his children are included Hon. Alexander W. Randall, governor of Wiscon- sin, and Hon. Edwin M. Randall, Chief Justice of Florida. The family record is continued in the Genealogical Register. Rev. John Stearns, son of Isaac and Mary (Crosby) Stearns, was born in this town. May 11, 1791. Graduated at Union College, 1821. He studied divinity and was ordained in the ministry without charge. He was a teacher 32 498 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. in Washington, D. C, where he died September 10, 1824. Eev. Merrick Augustus Jewett, D. D., youngest son of Colonel Joseph and Sarah (Woods) Jewett, was born in this town, August 26, 1798. He is remembered as a youth of excellent qualities of mind and heart, and was held in high esteem as a pupil and subsequently as a teacher in the public schools of his native town. He pursued his preparatory studies at Phillips Academy, Andover, and graduated at Dartmouth College in class of 1823. During the ensuing two or three years he , assisted in the store of an elder brother who was established in Baltimore, Maryland, and while there he studied theology under the direction of Rev. Dr. John McKim Duncan. After preaching nearly eight years in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in the sum- mer of 1834, while journeying to St. Louis where a field of labor was inviting him, he tarried for a day at Terre Haute, Indiana. The labor of a lifetime now met him on his way. He was cordially invited to remain and preach the ensuing Sabbath. The first sermon determined the future relations between the preacher and the settlement. Terre Haute, now a city of thirty-five thousand inhabitants, was then a village of twelve hundred. At their earnest solicitation Mr. Jewett remained and preached to them through the week, and early in December, 1834, a Congregational church was organized with eleven members. With an ardent, eloquent preacher and a respected and beloved pastor, the church grew with the town. In 1841, during a series of revival meetings, Mr. Jewett was assisted by Rev. Henry Ward Beecher and over one hundred names were added to the roll of the church. An incident connected with his early labors in Terre Haute was never forgotten by the pastor or his sympathizing flock. After he had preached a few weeks he returned to PERSONAL NOTICES. 499 Baltimore to attend his family on the journey to their future home. Returning they arrived at Terra Haute Christmas eve. The following morning his little son was instantly killed by the accidental discharge of a gun in the hands of a servant. If his labors were begun with tears, the sorrowful event awoke the tender sympathy of his people. In 1860, and after a successful and able pastorate of nearly twenty-six years, Mr. Jewett resigned his charge. "Without charge, though frequently engaged in religious labor, he continued a residence in that place until a few months pre- ceding his death. While journeying in the South for the benefit of impaired health he died at Paris, Texas, April 3, 1874, aged nearly seventy-six. In regard to the ministry of Rev. Dr. Jewett, one who knew him through all the years of his devoted labor in Terre Haute, pays him a cheerful tribute : "He was a man of great ability, bearing a high reputation as a pulpit orator and as a faithful, sympathetic pastor." "Added to his social qualities and to his strong sympathy and to his broad catholicity were his superior talents. He was an earnest preacher of the truth. He was a man of thought, a man of culture." Rev. Josiah Davis Crosby, Union College, 1826. Vide Chapter YHI. Rev. Jesse George Davis Stearns, son of Jesse and Lucinda (Davis) Stearns, was born in this town, February 24, 1812. The family removed to New Ipswich in 1829 where he pursued his preparatory studies and graduated at Amherst College, 1836. He was principal of Hopkins Academy in Hadley 1836-8, and tutor in Amherst College 1839-41. Mr. Stearns pursued a full course of theological study at Andover, 1838-9 and '41-2. He was ordained at Billerica, the home of his ancestors. May 29, 1843, and was 500 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. dismissed May 8, 1867. He was subsequently acting pastor at Zumbrota, Minnesota, from 1876 until his death which occurred November 1, 1882. Of his pastorate in Billerica, Kev. Henry A. Hazen accords the following merited tribute : " The long and faith- ful pastorate of Mr. Stearns deserves especial recognition. A scholar of exceptional diligence and culture, modest and devout and active in every good word and work, he com- mended himself to the citizens of the town as well as to his own charge. As a teacher of a useful private school and superintendent of the schools of the town, he exerted no little influence and represented the town in the Legislature." Mr. Stearns is the author of "Meaning and Power of Baptism," and of several printed discourses and pamphlets. Rev. William Eaymond, son of Daniel and Sally (Green) Eaymond, was born in Ashby, October 27, 1815. The family removed to this town in 1822. He entered Amherst College in 1834 and remained two years. Subse- quently he was an academical and theological student at Oberlin College but did not graduate. Having been appointed to the Mendi Mission, Africa, under the auspices of the American Missionary Association he arrived with his wife at Freetown, Sierra Leone, January 15, 1842, after a passage of fifty days. During the voyage they experienced considerable sickness and buried their only child. They immediately returned to their native land, but again sailed for Africa, November 21, 1843. In this service he died in Africa, November 26, 1847. Rev. William Saffoed Spaxilding, son of Isaac and Lydia (Brown) Spaulding, was born in this town, March 4, 1809. He was a student at New Ipswich Academy and graduated at Marietta College 1839. He was principal of an academy in East Brooklyn, New York, 1841-2 ; of Brooklyn PERSONAL NOTICES. 501 Female Collegiate Institute 1843-4; of Salisbury, New Hampshire, Academy, 1845-6 ; of Boscawen, New Hamp- shire Academy, 1847-8. While residing in Salisbury he studied divinity with Rev. C. B. Tracey and was ordained in the ministry September 18, 1848. During the succeed- ing ten years he was engaged in teaching and in the ministry in Ohio. Commencing in 1859 he was two years acting pastor of the Congregational church in Bristol, New Hamp- shire, and agent of the American Tract Society from 1867 to 1870. He died in Lynn, June 10, 1884. General Harrison C. Hobart, a distinguished lawyer and politician of Wisconsin, was born in this town, January 81, 1815. He was a son of Peter and Keziah (Hobart) Hunt and at the solicitation of his maternal relatives he assumed the name of Hobart. In his youth he served an apprenticeship of three years in a printing-office at Haverhill, New Hampshire. Through his own efforts at his trade and in teaching school he pursued a liberal course of study grad- uating at Dartmouth College 1842. He studied law in the office of Hon. Robert Rantoul of Boston and emigrated to the Territory of Wisconsin in 1846. Mr. Hobart entered upon the practice of his profession in Sheboygan. His talents and sterling qualities commanded immediate recog- nition and on the year of his arrival he was chosen to the territorial legislature from Sheboygan and Washington counties. On the organization of the State government he was the first senator from his district. In this service he was appointed chaii-man of the Committee on Judiciary, a most important position, and many of the early statutes of the State were drafted by him. The following year he was returned to the Assembly and was elected Speaker of the House. In the years immediately following he was twice nominated for Congress and commanded the full support of his political party which was in the minority in his district. 502 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. In 1855 he removed to Chilton in Camulet county and from that district he was elected to the Assembly in 1859. The following year he was the standard bearer of the Democratic party in the gubernatorial contest. In this canvass the town of Ashburnham was exclusively and honorably represented, the Republican and successful candidate being Hon. Alex- ander W. Eandall whose father was a native of this town. During these years, crowned with many and substantial honors, Mr. Hobart has been a successful lawyer and has been thoroughly identified with the prosperity of a vigorous State and the welfare of its public institutions. At the first call for troops in the Spring of 1861 he closed his oflice and enlisted as a private. In the organization of the Fourth Wisconsin Regiment he was commissioned captain. Having been stationed several months near Washington, in March, 1862, the regiment was ordered to New Orleans under com- mand of General Butler. In this campaign the regiment rendered gallant service. Captain Hobart, then at Baton Rouge, was promoted August 21, 1862, to lieutenant-colonel of the Twenty-first Wisconsin Regiment. Colonel Hobart joined his regiment in Kentucky in October. The colonel being absent on account of wounds. Colonel Hobart was in command of the regiment from the time of his arrival in Kentucky. At the battle of Stone River which ensued soon after. Colonel Hobart and his command received honorable mention in the report of General Rosseau. On the evening of the memorable battle at Chickamauga, General Thomas ordered a retreat; in this movement. Colonel Hobart who had been holding a forward position was taken prisoner. With many other Union prisoners he was incarcerated in Libby prison. At the end of four months he with many others escaped through a tunnel which they had excavated under the street and a distance of sixty feet. He returned to \^ <:: \^A-v.A.^^^ PERSONAL NOTICES. 503 his regiment and participated in the siege of Atlanta, Georgia, and in the "March to the Sea." In the closing scenes of the war he was in command of a brigade. At the request of General Sherman and dating from the capture of Atlanta, he was brevetted brigadier-general for meritorious service. On his return to civil life in 1865 General Hobart removed to Milwaukee and there renewed the practice of his profes- sion. In 1865 he was again a candidate for governor and was defeated by Hon. Lucius Fairchild on party issues. Two years later finds him again in the Assembly where his service was conspicuous. Through several succeeding years he was a member of the city council and in 1878 its president. His career has been brilliant and honorable. As ^ lawyer, an orator, a legislator and a soldier, he has won many laurels and has secured the confidence and respect of his fellow-men. Rev. Josiah Milton Stearns, son of Jesse and Lucinda (Davis) Stearns, was born m this town, June 17, 1818. He fitted for college at New Ipswich Academy and entered Amherst College in class of 1843 but graduated at Marshall College, Pennsylvania, in class of 1844. He studied theol- ogy at Cincinnati, Ohio, and was ordained over the Congre- gational chm-ch at Lunenburg, Vermont, June 6, 1849. From his first charge he was dismissed February 3, 1852. After a brief pastorate at Brentwood, New Hampshire, he died in that town June 12, 1853. Eev. Danforth Leander Eaton, son of Josiah and Mary (Reed) Eaton, was born, July 4, 1822. Entering Oberlin College he graduated in regular course 1843 and remained in the theological department of that institution the ensuing two years. During a prolonged and active career he has been a successful preacher in Michigan. (All the places named in the following paragraphs are in that 504 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. State.) He was ordained in the ministry at Farmers Creek, March 1, 1848, and the same year he was installed over the Congregational church in Oakland, where he remained until 1856. Subsequently he labored four years at Howell and at Brighton. In 1860 he was installed over the Congrega- tional church in Lowell. From 1862 to 1866 he was engaged in business but returned to the ministry and preached in several places in the vicinity and again in Lowell from 1874 to 1878. During the past eight years, with a home in Lowell, he has supplied in Ovid, Cannon and Cannonsburg. Mr. Eaton has been a faithful pastor and an acceptable preacher. He has ever maintained friendly and intimate relations with his charge, and with rare executive ability he has been eminently successful in building up the churches over which he has presided. Peter Thatcher Hunt, son of Peter and Hezekiah (Hobart) Hunt, was born in Ashburnham, September 9, 1819. He graduated at Dartmouth College, 1847. He taught at Lexington and at Louisville, Kentucky, and was principal of the Glasgow Academy in the place last named. In the mean time he studied law and was admitted to prac- tice in Louisville. Removing to Iowa he entered upon a successful practice of his profession, but failing health led him to modify the matured plans of a life work. In quest of health he visited the Pacific coast where for several years he was familiar with a life among the mines and with Indian warfare. Later he removed to Washington Territory and was there engaged in teaching and in stock-raising. During the war he was active and influential in the Union cause and a leading member of the Legislature. In 1872 he removed to Denver, Colorado, where he continues to reside and is a useful and influential citizen. PERSONAL NOTICES. 505 Dr. Charles Edson Davis, son of Charles and Elvira (Buss) Davis, was born in this town, May 11, 1822. He entered Dartmouth College 1846, and remained through Freshman and Sophomore years. With impaired health he pursued his professional study with Dr. Harriman of Gard- ner and graduated at Dartmouth Medical School, 1852. He practised successfully in Greenwich, Hard wick and Ashby. He died in this town, June 8, 1863. Oliver Davis, son of Charles and Elvira (Buss) Davis, was born in this town, August 7, 1823. He entered Dart- mouth College with his brother and graduated in class of 1850. He studied medicine with Dr. Alfred Hitchcock of Fitchburg, and later he was a student at Harvard Medical School. On account of failing health he returned to his home a few weeks before the completion of the prescribed course of study. With ample preparation and ability for a life of usefulness, he died March 1, 1853. Eev. Walter Rice, son of Silas and Almira (Corey) Eice, was born i"n this town, December 25, 1836. He attended the public schools of his native town and of Ashby and in early life removed to Illinois. With a view to enter the ministry, he entered Beloit College, Wisconsin, where he graduated with honor in the class of 1862. He pursued the prescribed course of study at Newton Theological Institution and graduated 1865. In July of the same year he was ordained and installed over the church in West Acton. In 1868, he became acting pastor of the church in South Eoyals- ton. Commencing in April, 1874, he was a student, in special course, at Andover Theological Seminary, and sub- sequently was pastor of the church in Lunenburg. Since May, 1880, Mr. Eice has been pastor of the church in Brandon, Vermont. He is in the midst of a successful 506 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. career and every year is presenting the fruit which will attend the labor of a lifetime. Eev. Francis Joel Fairbanks, son of Emory and Eunice (Hay ward) Fairbanks, was born in this town, Sep- tember 8, 1835. During his preparatory studies he was a popular teacher in the public schools of this town, Lunen- burg and Gardner and one term in the High school at Ashby. He entered Amherst College the last term of Freshman year and graduated in class of 1862. He pursued a course of theological study at the Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey, and Union Theological Seminary, New York city. Licensed to preach May, 1863, by the Worcester North Association. Having supplied at Westminster, Vermont, during vacations while at the seminary, he was installed over the church in that place August 31, 1864, and dismissed in May, 1871. From January 1, 1872, he was acting pastor two years of the church in Ayer and acting pastor of the church in Paxton from April 1, 1874, to Sep- tember 1, 1877. Since the last date he has been acting pastor of the Congregational church in West Boylston. Mr. Fairbanks is an earnest laborer in his profession. With the force of a vigorous mind and a fixed purpose he has commanded the attention and respect of his charge. His warm sympathies have sought their confidence and love, and in his daily life his public instruction is continually renewed. He has delivered a number of discourses on miscellaneous subjects and is the author of the History of Westminster, Vermont. Joseph Whitcomb Fairbanks, Ph. D., son of Emory and Eunice (Hayward) Fairbanks, was born in this town, March 26, 1841. He fitted for college at Williston Semi- nary, Easthampton, and graduated at Amherst College 1866. He was principal of the High School, South Hadley Falls, PERSONAL NOTICES. 507 1866-8 ; of Centre School, ISTorwalk, Connecticut, 1868-74 ; of Dix Street Grrammar School, Worcester, 1874-5 ; of Worcester High School, 1875-8 and of Williston Seminary, Easthampton, 1878-84. During the past two years he has been private tutor at St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Fairbanks is a person of strong and massive frame, genial in manner and of commanding presence. Endowed with rare executive ability, combined with liberal culture and ripe scholarship, he is a popular and efficient instructor. The labor of his life has been attended with an unusual measure of success. Melvin O. Adams, Esq., son of Joseph and Dolly Win- ship (Whitney) Adams, was born in Ashburnham, November 7, 1847. He pursued his preparatory studies in this town and at New Ipswich Appleton Academy and graduated with honors at Dartmouth College in the able class of 1871. He was sub-master of the Fitchburg High School 1871-2, and read law with Hon. Edward Avery of Boston, and Hon. Amasa Norcross of Fitchburg. He received the degree of Bachelor of Laws from Boston University 1874, and the same year he was admitted to the Suffolk county bar. Until the year 1876 he continued a legal residence in this town and was moderator of the annual March meeting 1874, '75 and '76. Mindful of the partiality and appreciative regard of his townsmen, he has responded to many invitations for ad- dresses on miscellaneous subjects. In his professional labors in Boston since 1874, he has been successful and has won a merited reputation for character and ability. Since 1876 he has been assistant district attor- ney for the district of Suffolk, and has probably been engaged in the trial of a greater number of cases than has fallen to the lot of any lawyer of his age in the State. In habit of thought he is quick and vigorous. In attack or -defence his resources are at instant command, and all his 508 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. work is sustained by the weight of integrity and character. Mr. Adams is yet a young man, possessing ability and opportunity to complete a career which has been ably and firmly outlined. De. Ernest P. Millee, son of Dr. Alfred and Elsie L. (Kibling) Miller, was born in Ashburnham, January 4, 1851. He attended the public schools of this town and of Fitchburg, and graduated at Harvard University 1872, and at Harvard Medical School 1877. He immediately entered upon the practice of his profession in Fitchburg, and has been successfully employed. Since 1877, he has been Medical Examiner ; in 1878 and 1883 he was elected City Physician and since 1884 he has been a member of the Board of Examining Surgeons for Pensions. Frederic D. Lane, son of Samuel and Nancy H. (Eaton) Lane, was born in this town, July 4, 1849. He attended the public schools of Ashburnham and Appleton Academy at New Ipswich and graduated at Dartmouth Col- lege in class of 1878. He taught one year in the public schools of Ashby and this town and since December, 1879, he has been an instructor of mathematics and German in Gushing Academy. Francis W. Lane, son of Allen F. and Laura (Tyler) Lane, was born in this town, October 24, 1858. He pur- sued his studies in the public schools of his native town and at Gushing Academy, and graduated at Dartmouth College 1881. He has taught in Yonkers, New York, and in Wash- ington, D. G. At the present time he is examiner of pen- sions in the Department of the Interior. Dr. Henrt E. Gushing, son of Benjamin and Lois (Holbrook) Gushing, was born in this town, November 30, 1853. Pursued his preparatory studies at Westfield High School and graduated at Dartmouth College 1882. He PERSONAL NOTICES. 509 received his degree from the Chicago Medical College in March, 1884, where he had pursued a prescribed course of study. In April following he removed to Champion, Illi- nois, and is junior member of the firm of Howard & Cush- ing, physicians and surgeons. Walter Herbert Marble, son of Warren and Mary L. (Wilker) Marble, was born in this town, September 13, 1858. He was a student in the public schools of this town and at Gushing Academy. He graduated at Dartmouth College in class of 1883. ■ At present he is a student at the Chicago Medical College, where he will graduate in March, 1886. In addition to the college graduates a considerable number from this town have been admitted to the learned professions. Some of them have been distinguished in their calling and none have failed to honor the town from whence they came and in which the early habits of life were formed. Eev. Stephen Randall, son of Stephen and Sarah (Fairbanks) Randall, was born in Stow, January 20, 1763. He was the eldest of ten children, seven of whom were born before the family removed to this town in 1780. He was married and resided in this town until about 1808. In 1795 he was dismissed at his request from the Congregational church in order that he might unite with the Methodists. He was a preacher in that denomination several years. He died in Sweden, New York, April 16, 1828. Rev. Samuel Harris, son of Deacon Jacob and Eliza- beth (Winchester) Harris, and a grandson of Rev. Jonathan Winchester, was born in this town, August 18, 1774. He read theology with Rev. Dr. Seth Payson of Rindge, and with Rev. Samuel Worcester of Fitchburg, and was licensed to preach 1803. After preaching a short time at Alstead and New Boston, New Hampshire, he was ordained and 510 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. installed over the Congregational church in Windham, New Hampshire, October 9, 1805. In consequence of loss of voice, he was dismissed at his request in December, 1826. In 1830 and 1831 he preached in Dublin, New Hampshire, but his voice again failed and he returned to Windham, where he died September 5, 1848. He was a faithful pastor and a useful man, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Eev. Elijah Willard, son of Deacon John and Sarah (Willard) Willard, was born in this town, April 19, 1782. At nineteen years of age he entered the Methodist ministry and was then received into the New England Conference. For several years he was assigned to stations in New Hamp- shire, Vermont and Canada. Subsequently, he filled several pastorates in this State, but for many years he was retained in the Conference in superannuated relation. He was an attentive student of the Scriptures and eminently biblical in the matter and the language of his public instruction. It is the unanimous testimony of all who knew him, that he was a sincere, earnest preacher and a most worthy and exemplary man. He died at Saugus, September 5, 1852. De. Abel Wilder, son of Samuel and Dorothy (Carter) Wilder, was born in this town, June 24, 1786. He was a man of marked ability, and for many years a distinguished citizen and eminent physician of Blackstone, where he was engaged in active practice from 1823 to 1864. A few weeks before his death he removed to New York where he died 1864. Simeon Sanderson, Esq., son of Moses and Mary Proctor Sanderson, was born, September 24, 1790. After attending the public schools of this town and several terms at the academies in this vicinity, he read law with Mr. Dustan of Westminster, and entered upon the practice of PERSONAL NOTICES. oil his profession in that place. He was laborious in his habits, attentive to the interests of his clients, and many important cases were entrusted to his care. He died December 3, 1841. De. Charles "Woodward Wilder, son of Caleb and Elizabeth (Woodward) Wilder, and a grandson of Colonel Caleb Wilder of Lancaster, was born in this town, December 30, 1790. He graduated at Dartmouth Medical School in class of 1817, and successfully practised his profession many years in Templeton. About 1845 he removed to Fitchburg. He ably forwarded the construction of the Fitchburg and Worcester railroad and became the first president of the cor- poration. In this position he was succeeded by Colonel Ivers Phillips, also a native of Ashburnham. Dr. Wilder subsequently removed to Leominster where he died February 12, 1851. He was a skilful physician and an influefttial citizen. He was frequently elected to positions of trust and represented the town of Leominster in the Legislature. Eev. Calvin Cummings, son of Abraham and Mary (Bourne) Cummings, was born in this town, October 10, 1792. The family removed to Ashburnham from Attle- borough a year or two previous to this date. Without doubt he enjoyed the limited school privileges of the community in which he lived and no information of an advanced course of study has been secured. His home was in the north part of the town and near the families of the early Methodists. He became ideritified with them at an early age. About 1820, he was licensed to preach, and since that date he did not permanently reside in this town. It is currently stated that he became a presiding elder and continued in the ministry many years, but a record of his labors has not been found. He died near Boston about 1855. 512 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. Eev. Humphrey Harris, son of William and Betsey Harris, was born in Concord, March 28, 1795. The family removed to this town before the close of the past centmy. With few educational advantages he began to preach Methodism about 1828, and the following year he was admitted to the New England Conference and stationed one year at Gill. At the close of this appointment he joined the Wesleyan Conference and preached a few years in Vermont and one year in Ehod6 Island. About 1835 he returned to this town where he was a farmer and occasion- ally a preacher until his death. Subsequently he removed to Winchendon and soon after was killed by a falling tree in 1847. Eev. William Whitney, son of William and Lucy (Brooks) Whitney, was born in Ashburnham, July 22, 1809. He attended the public schools of this town and the academy in South Eeading. At the age of twenty-one years he travelled by stage, canal and steamboat to the West. At that time it required six weeks to reach the western part of Illinois. He continued his studies at Eock- spring Seminary, now the Shurtleff College, of Alton, Illinois ; and at Granville Seminary, now Denison University, and at Oberlin, Ohio. He was licensed to preach in 1833, but soon entered upon a continued and useful career as a teacher. He was an instructor four years in Granville, six in Lancaster and eleven in other places in Ohio. In 1865, Mr. Whitney was appointed financial agent of Denisou University and in 1870 treasurer of the Baptist Educational Society. He has been an officer in several other religious and educational organizations, and in each position, to which he has been summoned, he has been efficient and faithful in the discharge of duty. He resides at Granville, Ohio. PERSONAL NOTICES. 513 Rev. Stephen Cusping, son of Stephen and Eliza (Good- ale) Gushing, was born in Boston, March 13, 1813. In the spring of 1830 he removed with the family to this town and resided here until active labor in the ministry influenced a residence in other places. He was a student at the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham nearly three years and subsequently he pursued a partial course of study at the Wesleyan Uni- versity at Middletown, Connecticut. He was received in the New England Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in June, 1833, and for the ensuing twenty-four years he completed with ability and faithfulness various pastoral charges. Answering the demands of impaired health he rested a year, and from 1858 to 1880 he supplied the pulpit in many churches. His pastorates include Marlboro', Winchendon, Princeton, Hubbardston, Southbridge, East Cambridge, Newburyport, Ipswich, Lynn, Wilbraham, Dorchester, Holliston, Nahant, Stoneham, Maplewood, Eeading and Needham in this State, and Eastford and Staf- ford in Connecticut. Mr. Gushing has made several valuable contributions to the general and local history of Methodism in this country. He preached the semi-centennial discourse in this town which is mentioned in another chapter, and in 1883 at the annual session of the Conference in Boston he delivered an address reviewing the progress of the church during the half century since his admission to the ministry. For uia,ny years he has efficiently served the Conference as secretary and trustee and since 1881 he has been its treasurer. In these varied and responsible employments he has enjoyed the merited approbation of his associates. Eev. Andrew Jaquith, son of Benjamin and Eebecca (Spaulding) Jaquith, was born in Ashby, March 7, 1816. He resided several years in the north part of this town. He 33 514 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. attended the Oneida Institute three years beginning in 1832, and several years subsequently he pursued a course of theo- logical study and was ordained and installed over the Congre- gational church in Langdon, New Hampshire, in 1860. He was devoted to the duties and labors of his profession and was held in high esteem by his parish. He died August 27, 1864. De. George Washington Scollay, son of Grover and Sally (Stowell) Scollay, was born in this town, April 13, 1819. In the spring of 1839 he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and in the autumn of that year he entered an institution of learning in Hillsboro', Illinois, where he remained two years and subsequently he pursued the prescribed course of study in the Medical Department of Kemper College, St. Louis, and graduated 1843. The succeeding ten years he was engaged in the practice of his profession in Shelby ville, Illinois, and for the past twenty-five years he has resided in Washington, D. C, and the city of New York. Ebv. Aei EAY3IOND, SOU of Daniel and Sally (Green) Eaymond, was born in Ashby, May 7, 1820, but removed to this town in infancy. He prepared for the ministry and has preached and resided at Oro, Bell Ewart and other places in Canada. De. Ariel Ivees Cummings, son of Ariel and Malison (Currier) Cummings, was born in this town, June 11, 1823. He pursued the study of medicine at Dartmouth Medical College and graduated at the University of the city of New York, 1851 . After a brief practice in Ac worth. New Hamp- shire, Dr. Cummings removed to Roxbury where he con- tinued in active and successful practice until 1862. In the mean time he was a member of the school committee and occupied other positions of trust. Having made a study of law in the office of Hon. William Gaston, he received the PERSONAL NOTICES. 515 degree of Doctor of Laws from Harvard University 1858, but he adhered to the practice of his chosen profession. The same year Dartmouth College conferred the honorary degree of Master of Arts. In the summer of 1862 Dr. Cummings was among the volunteer surgeons who went to the relief of the army under General McClellan. Later he was sent from Fortress Monroe to Portsmouth Grove, Rhode Island, with two ship loads of sick and wounded soldiers. From this service he was sum- moned to Boston to fill the appointment of surgeon of the Forty-second Eegiment. This regiment left Camp Meigs November 21, 1862, and oji the second of December three companies with Colonel Isaac S. Burrill, Surgeon Cummings and other officers embarked on a transport for New Orleans, where they arrived on the sixteenth. Before the arrival of the remaining companies of the regiment. Colonel Burrill and his small command was ordered to the support of Galveston and there after a gallant defence, which forms a thrilling incident of the war, the command became prisoners of war. Dr. Cummings was confined within the rebel lines but was allowed to attend his fellow prisoners and to visit the sick among the residents of the surrounding country. He died at Hempstead, Texas, September 9, 1863. Peofessok Levi "W. Eussell, son of Ward and Mary A. (Eussell) Eussell, was born in this town, February 15, 1831. His early education was obtained in the public schools of his native town, of which he was subsequently a popular teacher in several districts. He continued his ad- vanced studies at the Appleton Academy in New Ipswich, and was later under the able tuition of Prof. William Eus- sell, in his excellent schools at Eeed's Ferry, New Hamp- shire, and at Lancaster. For more than twenty-five years Mr. Eussell has been an efficient instructor. His first 516 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. continuous field in the calling of his choice was in the High Street Grammar School of Fitchburg, where he labored seven years. After a successful management of the Central Grammar School of Watertown, early in 1869 he became principal of the Bridgman School of Providence, Rhode Island. During his able management, this school has graduated over one thousand pupils and every year has con- tributed to the popularity and reputation of his administra- tion. In addition to his uninterrupted employment as an instructor, Mr. Russell has delivered many addresses at teachers' institutes and at other educational assemblies. Dr. Leonard Woods, son of Samuel and Mary (Cald- well) Woods, was born in Ashburnham, July 5, 1840. Graduated at Harvard Medical School 1868, and practised at Maiden until 1873, when he removed to Pittsford, Ver- mont, where he died December 11, 1885. A man of unblemished character and fair abilities, he won the merited confidence and esteem of the community in which he lived and labored. Dr. Emily jMetcalf, a daughter of Joel F. and Martha (Davis) Metcalf, was born in Ashburnham, May 25, 1841. Miss Metcalf pursued a full course of professional study and graduated at the Boston University School of Medicine in 1877. In the same year she removed to Waltham where she early secured a large and lucrative practice. For several years, in addition to professional labor in Waltham, Dr. Metcalf was a member of the Faculty of Lasell Seminary at Auburndale. While holding this position, which was interrupted by an increasing business at home, she visited the school almost daily and delivered frequent lectures upon subjects allied to her profession.. In practice Dr. Metcalf has adhered to the theories of the Eclectic School of Medi- cine. She has been eminently successful and has commanded the respect and confidence of her patrons. PEESONAL NOTICES. 517 Dr. Charles H. Eice, son of Silas and Almira (Corey) Rice, was born iu Ashburnham, February 19, 1843. In his childhood the family removed to Ashby. He attended the public schools of that town and subsequently graduated at Appleton Academy, New Ipswich, 1863. Dr. Rice studied medicine with Dr. Emerson of Ashby and graduated at Dartmouth Medical College 1865, and at Harvard Medical School 1866. He immediately located in Fitchburg where he continues in an active and successful practice of his pro- fession. Dr. Charles A. Bemis, son of Albert T. and Sarah (Hastings) Bemis, was born in this town, September 22, 1843. He was educated in the public schools of Ashburnham and pursued the prescribed course of professional study, gradu- ating at Jefferson Medical College 1872. He practised in Spencer two years and removed to Medway in 1874, where he remains in active and successful practice. Dr. Bemis is vice-president of the Thurbur Medical Association composed of the resident allopathic physicians in that vicinity and is examining surgeon for pensions. For several years he has been a member of the school committee of Medway and an efficient member of the Board of Health. CHAPTER XXI. MISCELLANEOUS . PAUPERISM. — ■ TITHINGMEN. TOWN HOUSE. — UNION HALL. — POST OFFICES. LIBRARIES. — ^ FIRST NATIONAL BANK. SAVINGS BANK. FARMERS' CLUB. — POUNDS. — BOUNTIES ON -yVILD ANIMALS. — THIEF DETECTING SOCIETY. — BRASS BAND. POWDER HOUSE. — POPULATION. Pauperism. — Very meagre, and in some instances no reference to the public support of the poor can be found in the early history of the towns in this vicinity. Aged and infirm people were not invited to the settlements and seldom removed from the older towns unless attended by children who were able to provide for them a comfortable support. Only the industrious husbandman, the mechanic or the man of business was welcomed among the sturdy toilers of a new settlement. If any came presenting doubtful credentials in regard to self-support, he was summarily warned out and sometimes attended by the constable to the place from whence he came, or to the town in which he had previously gained a legal settlement. The feeble-minded were often suffered to wander from door to door, obtaining food from the open hand of charity, savored with words of kindness and sympathy. The attentive care of the poor by the neighborhood prevented not a few from becoming a public charge, which accounts, in a measure, for the meagre refer- ences to this subject in the early records. 518 MISCELLANEOUS. 519 If there is manliness in a measure of selfishness which leads one to cherish and protect his own, there is something higher and nobler in a thoughtful charity that lends a helping- hand to want and suffering. In all their relations to one another our fathers have left a living example of neighborly kindness and liberal charity. The misfortunes of accident, damage by fire or the loss of domestic animals, were followed by substantial expressions of sympathy. Not infrequently these friendly offerings were made by those who were more impoverished by a single act of charity than had been the recipient by the loss which had suggested the generous measure of reparation. If a farmer was sick at seed-time, his fields were planted and the labor of the season was performed by the cheerful hand of attentive neighbors. If he recovered from sickness at the close of harvest, he found his crop secured and his granaries rejoicing in the gathered product of his farm. In every misfortune, in every bereave- ment, in everj"- time of need, with eyes suffused with the dews of thankfulness, he could behold the thoughtful deeds of a charitable neighborhood. In extreme cases of poverty, the officers of the town for many years met each application for public support in a temporary and individual manner. The methods adopted were as numerous as the needy individuals. Sometimes the selectmen provided a cow for the family, sometimes firewood and a stipulated amount of provision. Sometimes the abate- ment of taxes or the payment of house rent was deemed sufficient, but always there was extended an iiivitation to the needy to do something for themselves. These customs and methods lead to the conclusion, which is verified by the facts, that the first permanent paupers were those who had grown old or infirm in the town upon which they had become dependent. 520 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. If the early inhabitants of this town frowned on laziness and prodigal husbandry, if to charity they added a sermon on industry and self-reliance, there is no evidence or tradition that they closed " their hand to their brother, to their poor and to their needy in the land." The present system of public charities, fostered by the Commonwealth, has sprung from their humble yet faithful attention to the wants of the poor. Many times, unrestrained l)y law, thej^ exhibited more wisdom and humanity than can now be done under a complicated code of laws that restrains in rigid lines and clothes in the uniform of a system every form of procedure. The first record of any public charity in the town of Ashburnham occurred in 1778 : "To see if the town will do any thing for Timothy Johnson's wife, who is in needy curcumstances." "Voted to help Timothy Johnson's wife so that she may be comfortable." The husband was in the army and the wife with three children, the eldest not five j'ears of ^ge, was entitled to receive aid with a mutual feel- ing that the town remained the debtor. About the same date the selectmen were instructed " to supply Josiah Dodge with fire wood as they think proper," and in 1786 the town granted " 8 cords of wood and 4 bushels of Corn and Eie to be given to the widow Euth Conant annually." She was the aged widow of Ebenezer Conant, who died October 24, 1784. In 1792 the town "voted to pay for the cow that was bought for Daniel Clark's use," and in the same kine spirit the town refused to reconsider this generous action when it was proposed at a subsequent meeting. In one final and comprehensive manner the town disposed of the next case that arose : " Voted to vendue the negro boy, brought to the selectmen for the town to main- tain, to some suitable man, the lowest bidder, and to give him for maintaining said boy one seventh part of the sum MISCELLANEOUS. 521 yearly untill the whole is paid ; said boy was struck off to Mr. Jno. Trask at twenty-four pounds: — Voted also that the selectmen should bind said boy to said Trask to serve him untill he arrives to the age of 21 years." The widow of Andrew Windrow, or Winter, as the name was written in later years, was occasionally assisted at her home for several years. Later the town provided support for her in the family of a neighbor where she died March 14, 1814, aged ninety-one years. The town also provided board for the eldest daughter of Dr. Peter Brooks in the family of her brother for many years, and assumed the con- trol and support of the younger children of Daniel Clark during their childhood. In the considerate care of others, whose names we need not mention, the town gradually adopted a system of either providing a home for the unfortunate with their kindred and friends or in cases where this course was impossible, of con- tracting their support to the lowest bidder. Upon the vendue list for many years appears the name of Ann Hill, a colored woman, who died November 5, 1821, aged seventy- six years. This person was generally called Black Ann. It is tradition that she was once a slave and that she came to this town with the family of Rev. Jonathan Winchester. If a slave at that time, she was soon manumitted. For many years a man Franklin and wife Susan resided here and in their old age were supported by the town. It is also asserted that they were brought to this town as slaves. On this point tradition needs support. It is easier to infer that the negroes in the early settlements were slaves than it is to establish the fact. The traditions of this town are not agreed either upon the condition of these people or, if slaves, to whom they belonged. In fact, the most careful inquiry generally has 522 HISTOEY OF ASHBUENHAM. been met by the honest answer, "I do not know." The opinion of the majority has been respected. It is not cer- tain that there ever was a slave within the town of Ash- burnham. Commencing with 1821 and 'continuing until the town purchased a farm and established an almshouse, the support of all the poor was awarded to the lowest bidder. In these contracts, sometimes for one year and sometimes for a longer period, it was stipulated that the contractor "should board, lodge, clothe, doctor and nurse them in a comfortable manner and that the children should attend school in the district where they were suppoi'ted." In the records, the person who contracted or undertook to support the poor was invariably styled the "undertaker." Such employment of an under- taker for the poor was innocent and proper, but some other term would have been less suggestive. The purchase of a farm was under consideration several years. Committees were frequently appointed and conflict- ing recommendations followed in rapid succession. A report made in 1832 is the most noticeable of any on the subject : The Committee, appointed to take into consideration the best method of supporting the Poor, have attended to that subject and beg leave to report : As we shall always have the poor with us it is our duty in the cause of supporting that ill-fated class to adopt that method which will at the same time conduce to their comfort and make our burden lighter. In accordance with these views we have inquired of towns which have in former years let them out separately or the wliole to one individual ; in this mode of supporting their poor they found their bill of expense to increase yearly ; in consequence of which they purchased a farm and their expenses are now one-third less and the poor better supported and much happier. We therefore recommend that after the expiration of the time for which Mr. Woods took them, to MISCELLANEOUS. 523 purchase a farm and hire a suitable man with a wife to take the oversight of the poor and carry on the farm, which we beg leave respectfully to submit. NATHANIEL PIERCE, SILAS WILLARD, EBENEZER FROST, JOSEPH JEWETT, ASAHEL COREY. The subject continued to be debated with various degrees of interest until March, 1839. At this time Ohio Whitney, Joseph F. Burges and Elias Lane were chosen "to buy a farm for the use of the Poor." Without delay in 1839 they purchased the farm which is still owned and occupied by the town. Here many have found a temporary home in an hour of adversity and others, less fortunate, have here passed the remnant of their earthly career. Under the direction of a board of Overseers of the Poor the management of the insti- tution has tendered a comfortable support to the homeless and the general system for the maintenance of the poor during these years has afforded temporary assistance to others who were not removed to the almshouse. The annual expense attending the farm with an average of ten inmates for the past ten years has been $1067.71 and the average annual expense incurred in temporary relief to families and individuals, not at the almshouse, has been $713.65. TiTHiNGMEN Were annually chosen from the organization of the town until within the memory of many now living. The manners and customs of the times are reflected in these proceedings. The qualification of a tithingman was a solemn presence and great acerbity of countenance. Only the most sedate and dignified were considered eligible to the office. It was a position of honor and this officer, armed with the tithing pole, commanded the respect even if he failed to win 524 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. the admiration of his townsmen. In character and ability Tristram Cheney and John Kiblinger, the first tithingmen of Ashburnham, had no superiors in the town. If in the light of the law these officers were slightly inferior to a constable, both in the care exercised in their selection and in the con- • sideration shown them, they were among the dignitaries of the town. They were a sort of ecclesiastical police who were enjoined by law and by custom to secure a proper observance of the Sabbath' and to restrain the youth from frivolous conduct during the services and the intermission. With the refining infiuences and a higher standard of personal deportment that attended the progress of years the duties of the tithingmen were less exacting and they were accredited with a depreciated measure of importance and respect. Early in the present century the standard of quali- fication was not always maintained. The increasing amount of travel and teaming through this town was prompt to take advantage of a waning sentiment on the subject, until open violation of the Sabbath laws was of frequent occurrence. In 1814, for the purpose of creating a more exacting public sentiment, several conventions, numerously attended by the clergy and laity, were held in Rindge, Phillipston and other towns in this vicinity. The efi'ect of this discussion was immediate and quite extended. In the autumn of the same year and immediately following the convention at Phillips- ton the town of Ashburnham "chose Joshua Smith, Esq., William J. Lawrence, Captain Silas Willard, Captain John Willard, Captain Moses Lawrence, Thomas Hobart and John Caldwell a committee to ade and assist the tythingmen and other officers in putting the Laws respecting the Lords Day in force." Thus reenforced and encouraged by an awakened public sentiment the officers arrested many persons who were MISCELLANEOUS. 525 violating the law, and detained them until Monday morning. The following year the town chose nine tithingmen and several towns in this vicinity made choice of an equal or even a greater number. Previous to this date only two had been elected in any one year. In public sentiment a reaction soon followed. The next year the town was satisfied with the election of the conventional number. In 1827 only one was chosen, while in 1829 there was a complacent vote "not to choose tythiugmen" and the following year, with a cumu- lative purpose, it was voted "not to have any tythiugmen this year." Again in 1831 and each year until 1836 these officers were chosen in accordance with the laws of the State, but there is no record during the later years that the office was generally accepted or the oath administered. Stocks, for the temporary confinement of any who defied at once the commands of the constable and the solemn pro- prieties of the Sabbath, were built in this town at an early date. As the records contain no reference to them, it is prol)able they were constructed by voluntary eifort. Sixty years ago, with their rusty lock and aged visage, these relics of a former generation were to be seen in the hearse house on the old common. The To'wsr House is a substantial building of modest pretensions. It continues to meet the requirements of the town in a reasonable manner and probably it will answer the demands of another generation without any unusual expense or the provocation of any serious expression of discontent. In its history it vividly reflects both the religion and the passions of a former generation. Originally built and occu- pied as a house of worship it is an agreeable duty to surround its existence on the old common with the memories of the pastorate of Mr. Gushing and an era of peaceful and profit- able occupancy. "With the organization of the first parish 526 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. and the loss of the counsels of an able and faithful minister, the trouble between the new parish and the town, concerning their respective property rights in the old meeting-house, immediate^ began. Strife is never so contagious nor con- tention so speedily fanned into flame, as when war is waged between an ecclesiastical and a secular organization. The conditions suggested a conflict and the invitation was openly accepted. True, the members of the parish were also citizens of the town and in this dual character were contend- ing with themselves, but this brought the parties into closer contact and provoked a more animated conflict. Having completed their new house of worship, the first parish in 1836 abandoned the old meeting-house on the hill. The town, alleging control of the building, at once began to debate the expediency of removing it to the village and con- verting it into a town house. The parish, continuing to assert a property right in it, stoutly resisted and holding the key to the building, and practically the key to the situation, rallied at each town meeting and successfully opposed any encroachment upon their real' or assumed rights in the premises. The town called many meetings to determine what was expedient to be done, and as many times the mem- bers of the parish, reenforced by a few in full sympathy with them, secured a vote that it was decidedly expedient not to do anything. In the mean time the parish turned a cold shoulder to the town by the removal of the stove from the old to the new meeting-house and, consequently, in cold weather town meetings were assembled in the school-house in the first district and in the churches in the village. After a pro- longed contention, the issues involved were happily com- promised in December, 1837, by the adoption on the same day by the town and by the parish of concurrent votes, " that MISCELLANEOUS. 527 the parish would relinquish their right in the old meeting- house, provided the town will indemnify the parish from all claims from the pew-holders." The town, having secured the full possession of the build- ing, immediately took home the bone of contention and, having declared a peace with the parish, was free to institute an internal strife among themselves over its location. At an early day a committee of five, to whom the subject had been referred, presented a written report offering the town a choice of five locations ; two being near the school- house in the first district, two near the armory and one west of the Catholic church. Consistent with its former record, the town finally decided that it was not satisfied with any of the sites proposed. Another meeting was immediately called, at which ten other persons were joined to the exist- ing committee of five. The united wisdom of the revised committee was reflected in three reports ; eight in favor of a lot on land of Charles Hastings, Jr., and substantially the site finally selected ; four recommended a site on land of Samuel Barrett, near and probably west of the Armory, and the remaining three desired the town to select a lot on land of William J. Lawrence, near the store of Parker Brothers. The situation was critical. Through many straits the town gained possession of the old meeting-house and the question of its removal and location was not easily decided. The accumulating recommendations of the committee now presented a choice of seven lots on which a ballot was taken, " and the spot ofiered by Mr. Barrett having the highest number of votes was decided to be the spot on which to build." Consistent with its previous record on this subject, and without an adjournment, the town immediately pro- ceeded to reconsider this vote and then decided to locate the building on land of Charles Hastings, Jr. The records briefly narrate these decisive proceedings : 628 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. Sixty-two voted in favor of said spot and it was declared to be a vote. Mr. Hastings proposes to sell his spot for $200 ; the town house to stand 30 feet west of the west end of his house, the front to range with the front of the Methodist Meeting House and the front window in the west end of his house, to be suflScient land to set the house upon with ten feet of land all round the house to lie as commons land. Voted that the building committee be authorized to take a deed of Mrs. Charles Hastings and make payment of the same. Voted that the building committee be instructed to let out the town house in two separate lots ; one of the wood and one of the stone work. Voted that the committee be instructed to build the town house of the present size of the old meeting house. At a meeting held the following month, January, 1838, with the customary honors of war, the town fired a parting salute at the receding question in an additional vote : " that the committee for building a town house be authorized to build the same on either part of the lot purchased of Charles Hastings, Jr." These contested preliminaries being ended, the voice of discord is succeeded by the less strident noise of the saw and the more conclusive arguments of the hammer. The old meeting-house is dismembered, the odor of sanctity is brushed from its timbers and in a new place it again assumes its old form but not its original character. The ancient edifice with its porches, its square, pen-like pews, its lofty pulpit and sounding-board was no more. The town house was a new structure erected from the material of the old but retaining none of its sacred memories and hallowed associations. Degraded from the sacred uses to which it had been solemnly dedicated, a spirit of discord and contending passions continued to hover around it. Con- tention arose with John Hastings who built the basement. MISCELLANEOUS. 529' and again with Artemas Maynard who erected the fence on a contract with the town. Legal proceedings were insti- tuted and the disputes were transferred from their familiar locality to the courts. In due course of time the law-suits were adjusted and every one concerned was invited to the reflection that the general affairs of the town house had been quite thoroughly debated and permanently settled. Only one item of business remained and to that outstanding question the attention of the town was promptly directed, whereupon it was "voted that the selectmen take charge of the key to the town house." Union Hall. — This building in the South Village was built in 1860 and the cost was met by voluntary subscrip- tions and the proceeds of several public entertainments. Commencing with January, 1860, several meetings were held which made known a strong public sentiment in favor of the erection of such a building for the convenience of that portion of the town. Under the favorable auspices of unanimity, the preliminary arrangements were quickly matured. John M. Pratt, Jonathan H. Piper and James L. Worcester were chosen trustees, and, subsequently, Reuben Puffer was chosen to succeed Mr. Worcester. With this exception, the board of trust remains unchanged to the present time. The store recently finished is rented, but the remainder of the building is reserved for the use of the community and affords convenient accommodation for social and religious meetings. Post Offices. — In the early administration of the postal system of the United States, post offices were located at accessible points and on the lines of established mail-routes without much regard to the centre of population. Fre- quently, small villages were granted postal facilities at the 34 530 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. expense of more populous communities less fortunately situated. In 1811 the first post office was established in this town. At that date there were 2403 post offices in the whole country and mails were transported in coaches, in sulkies and on horseback about one hundred thousand miles. These figures are exceedingly small when brought into com- parison with the statistics of the present time, but they con- stitute a part of the record of the expansion and develop- ment of the United States and the multiplied operations of all the departments of Government. A post office had been established several years previously in Westminster, and from that office were received the weekly papers and the few letters which were sent through the mails. Joseph Jewett was the first postmaster in this town, his appointment being dated January 23, 1811. The office was accommodated in the store, long known as the Jewett store, a building now owned and occupied by Charles Hastings. The next postmaster was Samuel Woods who was appointed May 22, 1826, and he was succeeded by Dr. Otis Abercrombie, November 5, 1827. Mr. Woods was also a merchant in the same store and Dr. Abercrombie lived near by, and the office during their service was not removed. Dr. Abercrombie was not long a resident of this town and his official career was still more limited. Within a few weeks, December 19, 1827, Samuel Barrett was appointed and the office for the first time was removed. This appoint- ment was made for political reasons, but he made an excel- lent officer and was continued in the position many years. Mr. Barrett for a time had the office in the Deacon Lawrence house, more recently occupied by the late Ivers White and, subsequently, removed it to a building which stood many years at the head of Central street, a few yards west of the residence of Mrs. J. W. Foster. MISCELLANEOUS. 531 The next postmaster was Ivers White who was appointed June 19, 1851 ; he was succeeded on political considerations, June 1, 1853, by Israel W. Knight, who removed the office into the hotel. In these quarters it did not long remain. December 15, following, Samuel V. Whitney was ap- pointed his successor, who removed the office to a store on the site of the residence of George C. Winchester. Soon after the present post office was built and Mr. Whitney was the first postmaster in the building where the office, through several appointments, has remained to the present time. The next postmaster was Charles Winchester whose com- mission was dated July 7, 1856. He was succeeded, March 21, 1861, as an inspiration of political sagacity, by George C. Winchester, who held the position over fifteen years. Mrs. Ermina L. Evans was appointed August 7, 1876, and Elliot A. Maynard, the present incumbent, was commissioned January 2, 1886. For many years, commencing in 1856, the office was ably conducted by Jerome W. Foster, Esq. A portion of the early records of the Post Office Depart- ment at Washington were burned many years ago, and as a continuous record is inaccessible, no effiirt has been made to procure the statistics of this office. The revenue for the year ending July 30, 1883, was $1750.71. The mail was brought to Ashburnham Centre many years on the Worcester stage, owned by Charles Stearns and later by Ivers White and others. Upon the carriage of the mails by the railroads, the ■Cheshire Eailroad contracted with the department to carry the mail between the depot and Ashburnham Centre, from July, 1849, to July, 1853, at ninety-four dollars per annum. For the ensuing ten years the service was performed by C. Marshall at one hundred dollars per annum. He was succeeded after a few months as contractor by George J. 532 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Metcalf. From December 15, 1863, to April 30, 1867, the contractor was John L. Cook, at one hundred and ten dollars per annum, who was succeeded by Clarence M. Proctor, who continued in contract until the carriage of the mail was assumed by the Ashburnham Eailroad, receiving for the last part of the time two hundred dollars per annum. The Ashburnham Depot Post Office, with John M. Frost, postmaster, was established May 11, 1850, and was accom- modated in the depot for several years. The second post- master was Lewis Howard who was appointed April 13, 1857, and he was succeeded October 25, 1860, by John B. Day. The next postmaster was David E. Poland, appointed August 22, 1864. Upon the appointment of Wilbur F. Whitney, Esq., April 1, 1872, he removed the office to the building in which it still remains. Miss Amelia J. Cushing was appointed March 5, 1875, and Miss Susan C. Rice, the present incumbent, May 16, 1881. The revenue for the fiscal year ending June 80, 1883, was $395.67. The Burrageville Post Office was established December 12, 1854. This office was kept in the Burrage store until about the time William F. Burrage removed from this town. Later, it has been kept in the depot. The succession of post- masters and date of appointment is as follows : Charles W. Burrage, December 12, 1854; John W. Fay, October 3, 1859; William F. Burrage, June 24, 1861; Jonas W. Dwinnell, October 29, 1867; George L. Beals, Jr., December 15, 1882. At the time of the appointment of Mr. Beals, the name of the office was changed to North Ashburnham. The revenue for the fiscal year, ending June 30, 1883, was $69.18. The Ashburnham Library was organized in 1793. It received no aid from the town and was dependent upon voluntary efibrt. A well preserved book of records afi'ords MISCELLANKOUS. 533 an intelligent account of its proceedings. The rights or shares were sold at two dollars. The whole number issued was fifty-five, but by the sale and transfer of shares the whole number of members during the existence of the organization was ninety-eight. In addition to the sums received from the sale of shares and from fines, a tax was frequently assessed on the membership for the purchase of books. A small sum was also received from an occasional sale of books which had become familiar to all or were considered undesirable. Among the books sold are found, " Robinson Crusoe," " Child's Friend," "Devout Exercises," "Seraphic Shepherd," "Jockey Club," "Herlian ]Miscellany," "Pilgrim's Progress," "Fool of Quality," and others familiar to the times. At an auction sale in 1806, Rev. Mr. Cushing purchased " Cardephoria " in two volumes for $1.10 ; for the sum of twenty-one cents Caleb Ward transferred "Saunders' Travels" to North Ash- burnham ; the " Duke of Marlborough " was sold for twenty- one cents, while the "Vicar of Wakefield" was struck off at sixty-eight cents ; both were safely lodged in the house of Captain J. Willard ; Cyrus Fairbanks invested thirty-nine cents in " Religious Courtship," and on the payment of forty- three cents " Family Instructor " was carried to the home of Elisha White. After an existence of forty years, in 1833 the organization was dissolved by mutual consent. The books were divided into fifty-five parcels and distributed iDy lot among the owners of the shares. The sale of the empty book-case to pay any outstanding debt and a vote to donate the balance if any to the library of the Sabbath-school are the closing entries in the records. The several librarians were Rev. John Cushing, Joseph Jewett, Abraham Lowe, David Cushing, William J. Lawrence, Ivers Jewett, Doddridge Cushing and Samuel Woods. The constitution, which with slight changes re- 534 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. mained in force during the existence of the organization, was probably drafted by Mr. Gushing. It is a plain, comprehen- sive instrument, and in a provision that the penalty for "every drop from a candle shall be one penny for every shilling in the value of the book," it suggests the changes which have marked the progress of years. About 1850 the Ladies' Library Association was organized and a limited collection of books of approved character was continued by renewals mitil 1884. The volumes then re- maining in possession of the organization were donated to the town and became the nucleus of the present Public Library. Upon the acceptance of the donation the town appropriated three hundred and fifty dollars for new books, and an increasing interest in the library has been manifested. The present number of volumes is 1700. In 1885 and again in 1886 the town has donated three hundred dollars to sustain and enlarge the library. The Executive Committee are George W. Eddy, George M. Munroe, Nathan Eaton, Mary S. Barrett and Mortimer M. Stowe. The First National Bank of Ashburnham was organized April 3, 1873, and commenced business in August following. The capital stock is fifty thousand dollars. From the first an able and prudent management has secured, the merited confidence of the community. Giving preference to local business the bank has been of essential service to the business interests of the town. The original board of directors were Dr. A. T. Lowe of Boston, George W. Eddy, George H. Barrett, Walter E. Adams, George C. Winchester, Addison A. Walker, John L. Cummings, Ohio Whitney, Ivers Adams and Elbridge Stimson. The four first named are members of the present board with whom has been joined at several annual elections George F. Stevens, Moses P. Greenwood, Marshall Wetherbee, Wilbur F. Whitney and MISCELLANEOUS. 535 Walter O. Parker. For several years George C. Winchester was president, George W. Eddy cashier and George F. Stevens teller. Since 1879 Mr. Eddy has been president and Mr. Stevens cashier. The Ashbuenham Savings Bank was organized 1871 and closed business 1879. The institution was conducted prudently and for the accommodation of home deposits. During the depression in business which cast a gloom over this town in 1878 and 1879 the deposits were withdrawn to such an extent and the future was attended with so much uncertainty that the loans were collected and every depositor paid in full. The bank was continued eight years and reasonable dividends were paid on all deposits. The presi- dents of the institution were George C. Winchester and Captain Addison A. Walker ; George W. Eddy was the only treasurer ; the secretaries were Colonel George H. Barrett and George F. Stevens. The Farmers' and Mechanics' Club was organized in January, 1878. During the winter season the club has held frequent meetings for conference and a discussion of subjects connected with their calling. These meetings are well sus- tained and have been of mutual interest and benefit to the members. Under the auspices and direction of this organi- zation, the town has held eight agricultural fairs and all of them have been successful. The presidents of the club in- clude Francis A. Whitney, two years ; Walter R. Adams, two years ; Charles E. Woodward, three years, and George C. Foster. The secretaries have been Walter H. Laws, Charles T. Litoh, George F. Corey, Charles E. Woodward, Walter B. Whitney and Francis A. Whitney. Walter O. Parker has been treasurer from the beginning. The organi- zation holds property and money to the amount of about five hundred dollars. 536 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Pounds. — The restraint of domestic animals and an equitable adjustment of the rights of the public and of individuals were fruitful topics of legislation in every new settlement. The annals of Ashburnham inform us that, for fifty-four years, or until 1818, the town annually "voted to let swine run at large this year," and in faithful recogni- tion of the rights of the public, a goodly number of hog reeves were chosen each year to see that vagrant swine were ringed and yoked according to law. Pounds for the confine- ment of domestic animals are a precautionary measure. Like some of our criminal laws, their chief use is in the prevention of offences. The prudent citizens of Ash- burnham favored the erection of a pound more as a threat or warning against trespass than in the expectancy of its frequent use. The first pound was built in 1772. Twenty- one years later a new one was erected in the southwest corner of the common, which was thoroughly repaired in 1819. At this date an unsightly heap of ruins remains as a witness to the truth of this narrative, and vividly reminding the present generation of an ancient prophecy, " For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it." Bounty on Wild Animals. — Proximity to the moun- tains, the great number of ponds and streams and the broad expanse of the original forest continued to attract wild animals to this vicinity after their disappearance from less inviting haunts. The ravages of wolves upon the sheepfold and the frequent depredation of other tenants of the forest are the theme of the early traditions of the town. In the petition of Joshua Henshaw, recited in another chapter, is the declaration that the value of young cattle, sheep and swine amaually destroyed was greater than the province tax. A few of the many measures adopted for the extermi- nation of wild animals are transcribed. MISCELLANEOUS. 537 1779. "Voted to give as a bounty thirty pounds for every wolf tiiat shall be Isilled in this town before the last day of May next." Thirty pounds at that time in depreciated paper money would be a fair compensation for ten days' labor and the bounty was subsequently increased to compensate for the continued depreciation of the currency. 1818. " Voted to give a bounty on Wild Cats, viz : one dollar for Old Cats and fiftj^ cents for Kittens. " Voted that the selectmen be the committee for examining the Cats, when brought in for bounty." The selectmen are not complimented in this use of capital letters, yet they could view the record and consider its im- port with greater complacency than could the cats. This bounty was continued several years and either because a scarcity of the wild cats made their capture more diflSpult or their increasing numbers made them more troublesome, the bounty was increased to twice the amount first proposed. Letters of marque and reprisal were issued for one year on foxes, and at intei'vals of time extending to a comparatively recent date, the town has offered a bounty on crows. This bounty was first proposed in 1789 : Voted to give each person one shilling and six pence for each old crow killed in this town and nine pence for a young one. The birds heads to be brought to the selectmen and their bills cut off. • All the foregoing were town bounties. Fifty years ago the Commonwealth authorized the selectmen of towns to pay a bounty on foxes. During the early existence of the law, about one fox a week was the death rate in the persecuted family of Reynard. Within two years the accomplished hunters of Ashburnham laid at the feet of the selectmen ninety-six foxes and with their trophies carried away as many half dollars. 538 HISTORY OF ASHBUBNHAM. The Thief Detecting Society is a mutual organization for home protection. It is a lock upon the stable door and its chief office is the prevention of crime. It is a liring presence armed with law, and a perpetual terror to every class of thieves and kleptomaniacs. The organization is voluntary and the enthusiasm in which it has been main- tained is spontaneous and perennial. Except the annual meetings for the choice of officers and an occasional supper at the public inn the only history connected with the organi- zation is found in its origin. More than fifty years ago, in a single night, a horse was stolen from Colonel Charles Bar- rett, a chaise from Rev. George Goodyear, and when the returns were all in, it was found that a harness had been purloined from Samuel "Woods. It is probable that the thieves had previously obtained possession of a whip, and if human slavery had been perpetuated in Ashburnham, it is easy to presume that they would have stolen a coachman. The stolen horse was valuable, the chaise was the accustomed vehicle of communication between the pastor and his flock, and the harness had aided the successful issue of the robbery. This compound felony and trespass upon the rights and property of the inhabitants occurred in 1834, and imme- diately the Thief Detecting Society was organized. The by-laws exact a modest admission fee and in this wise pro- vision the organization renews its youth and continues a vigorous existence. The society lost its first case, for those early thieves escaped detection ; but as a preventive measure, the history of the town asserts its success. The illustrated hand-bills issued by the society is a significant proclamation to thieves and a special terror to those on horseback. The South Ashburnham Military Band was organized in 1885. There are twenty members including a few who reside in Ashburnham Centre. Thomas Edwards is leader. MISCELLANEOUS. 539 and the band, containing several experienced musicians, has become an efficient organization. At different times for nearly iifty years, there have been several good bands and orchestras at the Centre, but death, removal from town and the retired list have usurped the names of the skilful players of a former and a more musical period. The Powder House, with a serene yet solemn counte- nance, overlooks the village of Ashburnham. Through three generations it has been a trustworthy custodian of the inflammable material committed for safe keeping to its o-loomy recesses. It was erected and has been maintained by the unanimous voice of the town. Concerning its erec- tion, only a single reference is found in the records : " Yoted to build a powder house of brick, and set it so as to convene Col. Jewett for the safe keeping of his powder, he giving ten dollars extraordinary towards building the house." " Chose Esq. Wilder, Col. Jewett and Capt. Cushing a committee to build said house." It was built in 1798. Mr. Jewett died before the building was erected and Lieutenant John Gates, was chosen to supply the vacancy . As a work of art the 540 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. powder house suggests no enthusiasm, and as an object of utility its loss could be easily supplied. But the village has become accustomed to its presence, and to all it remains a familiar object in the landscape. If removed the local asso- ciations of many years would be broken and the vision would rest upon the hillside unsatisfied. Like many objects and landmarks familiar to our daily lives or to the recollections of youth, the powder house is not so fully prized in its con- tinued presence as it would be deplored in its loss. The accompanying illustration will lend assurance to the absent sons and daughters of Ashburnham that the old powder house still remains on the hillside and in the presence of the soldiers they will read the prophecy that it will not be left without defence. The soldiei'S seen in the accom- panying engraving are Lieutenant Charles H. White, Sergeants Freeman and Willard, Corporals Howe and Young and Private Whipple of Company E. Population. — The population of this town reached the highest point in 1855. The loss shown by the census of 1880 was only temporary, and was occasioned by the absence of many mechanics during the suspension of business at the chair factory in the central village. The following record of the population of Ashburnham includes the colonial census of 1776, the United States census for every tenth year since 1790, and State census for every tenth year since 1855. 1776 551 1855 2211 1790 951 1860 2108 1800 994 1865 2153 1810 1036 1870 2172 1820 1230 1875 2141 1830 1402 1880 1666 1840 1652 1885 2058 1850 1875 CHAPTER XXII. MOETUAKY EECOEDS. THE EAEI-T BURIALS. — DEATH OF MK. HASKELL. — GERMANS BUKIED ELSE- WHEKE. THE OLD AXD THE NEW CEMETERIES. — SUICIDES. ACCIDENTAI, DEATHS. EECOKD OP DEATHS OF AGED PERSONS. — LIST OF AGED PER- SONS NOW LIVING IN ASHBURNHAM. The Churchyaeb. — The proprietors of Dorchester Canada reserved ten acres on "the hill with a very fair prospect " for a common and a cemetery. In this measure they found many precedents in the proceedings of the older towns. Yet seldom was a site selected with equal unanimity of sentiment or at an earlier date in the progress of a settle- ment. It was presumed that the common set apart in 1736 was to include a burying-ground, and the dead were buried in the northwest portion of it without the intervention or permission of the authorities. In 1760 the proprietors gave Mr. Winchester permission to occupy and improve the whole square, "provided he doth not obstruct nor hinder the bury- ing of the dead ; the burying-place being in that lot." With the exception of this incidental reference, it was many years before the proprietors, or the town by any official act, recognized the existence of a cemetery within the township. It was unnecessary. It was an edict of the age more potent than any formal proceeding, that the dead should repose beneath the shadow of the meeting-house. It is safe to consider the cemetery coeval with the common and that both were established by a single proceeding. The 541 542 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. name of the occupant of the first grave and the date of the burial are not recorded, but we have the statement of Mr. Gushing that a Mr. Haskell from Lancaster was accidentally shot in this town, and that an aged woman was drowned and both buried in the old cemetery at an early date. Mr. Winchester was buried 1767, and Mr. Gushing was of the opinion that no other grown persons had been buried here at the time of his settlement. The family registers record the death of several children previous to that date, but do not present any evidence of the death of any additional adults. A few of the Germans who died in the early history of the town were buried near the school-house in the second district and there are two family burial-grounds, but the vast congregation of the dead are sleeping in the old church- yard or in the new cemetery. From the first the original burying-ground has remained under the control of the town and frequent votes for the repair of the fences and the removal of stone and brush attest ,a reasonable stewardship of a sacred trust. As in other ancient cemeteries, which were not allotted at the beginning, the ties of kindred and family associations are the only suggestion of an orderly arrangement, while the varied sculpture and inscription assert the age of the several memorials. The crowded condition and irregular arrange- ment of the graves admit of little future adornment, but the yard will not be neglected. Here repose the remains of the early settlers and of many of the fathers and mothers who have succeeded them. The ground is hallowed. Pious care will renew the fading inscriptions and repair the waste of time as long as good works and well-ordered lives command the dutiful reverence of mankind. The new cemetery, controlled by an association, was opened 1858. Eight years later an additional tract of land MORTUARY RECORDS. 543 was joined to the original purchase. The present area is six and five-eighths acres. The association has made liberal expenditure in opening avenues and in improving the natural surface of the ground. Lots have been sold at a reasonable price and in number sufficient to leave the association free of debt. The remains of many have been removed from the old cemetery and nearly all who have died in this town for the past twenty-five years have been buried here. The cemetery is conveniently located and pleasantlj^ situated, and it contains many chaste and substantial works of monumental art. MoETUAEY Record. — The altitude and excellent drain- age of the town have been conducive to health and longevity. Malarial disease and seasons of prevailing sickness have been of rare occurrence. Previous to 1768 no complete record of deaths has been found, but the number was small. The hardy settlers were in the prime and strength of manhood. The feeble and the aged did not come hither in the early progress of the settlement. From his ordination until his death, Mr. Gushing made an accurate record of deaths in this town, and from 1839 until the present time, the town record of deaths is complete. A record kept a few years by Doddridge Gushing and one by Eev. George Perkins are continuous from 1823 until 1835. The remaining time from 1835 to 1839 is supplied from partial entries by the town clerk and from records of the sexton. It is believed that the following aggregate is approximately correct. NUMBER OF DEATHS IN THE TOWN OF ASHBUENHAM FROM 3736 TO JANUARY 1, 1886. Previous to January 1, 1770 8 From January, 1770, to January, 1780 74 " " 1780, " 1790 92 " " 1790, " 1800 105 544 HISTORY OF ASHBURNIIAM. From January, 1800, to January, 1810 " " 1810, " " 1820, " " 1830, " " 1840, " " 1850, " " 1860, " " 1870, " " 1880, 1810 101 1820 118 1830 156 1840 228 1850 342 1860 298 1870 438- 1880 398 1886 218 Total 2576 It is probable there were more than eight deaths in the first period of time, but the number was certainly small and greater accuracy would not materially affect the aggregate. In 1769 and 1772 there were only two deaths each year, and only six in either of the years 1811 and 1812. The canker rash prevailed in 1794 and the number of deaths was twenty, a number not exceeded until 1823. In 1848 consumption and dysentery swell the register to sixty-three. The greatest number of deaths in any year was sixty-six in 1863 when diphtheria made desolate many homes. The smallest number within the past forty years was twenty-three in 1851, and the average for the past ten years has been thirty- seven. Since 1800 the average annual death rate has been 15^ for each 1000 of population. The aggregate number of deaths since the settlement of the town equalled the popu- lation of the town for the first time in 1874, and since that date the congregation of the dead has exceeded the number of the living. Suicides. — There was a time when the suicide was denied the rites of Christian burial and his memory was a reproach to his kindred. Perhaps in every instance, certainly in nearly all, the taint of insanity has been manifested in the families in which self-destruction has occurred. With the MORTUARY RECORDS. 545 gift of life, Infinite Wisdom bestows an instinct of self- preservation. Intuitively life shrinks from danger and is swift in the defence of its existence. While reason hold its sway over the minds of men, it is attended by a living im- pulse of self-protection. The number who have fallen by the cruelty of their own hands is fourteen. 1812. May 2i. Alice Stearns, daughter of Isaac Stearns, aged 15 years. 1815. Feb. 14. Ezra Hastings, aged 43 years. 1816. Aug. 22. Mary (Winship) Brooks, wife of Jonathan Brooks, aged about 45 years. 1817. June 11. Samuel Wilder, son of Caleb Wilder, aged 15 years. 1820. June 14. Sarah (Whitney) Wilder, wife of Caleb Wilder, aged 39 years. 1825. June 24. Elias Blodget, aged 42 years. 1854. May 3. Levi Corey, aged 47 years. 1854. Nov. 26. Jonas Rice, aged 62 years. 1856. Nov. 4. Catherine Brown, wife of George Brown, aged 43 years. 1862. April 19. John W. Wallace, aged 53 years. 1862. June 29. Miss Jerusha Dunham, aged 43 years. 1869. June 3. John Cain, aged 43 years. 1873. Nov. 25. Francis Sackett, aged 55 years. 1876. May 27. August Jagodynsky, aged 41 years. Deaths by Accident. — While there is no statement in this paragraph not sustained by some authentic record, it is believed that the following list of casualties is substantially complete. The death of Mr. Haskell, who was accidentally shot, and of the aged woman who was drowned, have been mentioned in another connection. 1775. Jan. 3. Samuel Stone, aged 24 years. Left Ms home December 30, was bewildered in a violent storm and was not found and brought home until January 2. 1776. Feb. 8. Sarah Phelps Russell, infant daughter of Moses Russell, "burned to death;" aged 7 months. 35 546 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 1795. Aug. 9. Azubah Gibbs, infant daughter of Joseph Gibbs, scalded; aged 18 months. 1804. March 8. John Shaw, aged about 55. Found dead on the snow; "having lost his way and no doubt greatly fatigued, he laid down and died." 1814. March 8. Jacob Constantine, aged 61. "In conse- quence of his horse going off a high bridge in Ashby." The accident occurred March 4; he lived four days. "He fell eleven feet and eight inches. His wife was with him in the sleigh but not seriously injured." 1815. Aug. 12. Betsey Corey, daughter of Stephen Corey, drowned in a tan vat ; aged 4 years. 1816. March 25. Caleb Wilder drowned while temporarily absent in Douglas ; aged 75 years. He was a brother of Samuel Wilder, Esq. He had been insane several years. Nancy Rice, daughter of Levi Eice, aged 3 years, ' ' scalded by a swallow of hot tea ; she lived about seven hours." Edwin Eaton, aged about 18 years. "His death was occasioned by a part of a head of herds-grass being taken into the wind- pipe." Beulah Mossman, daughter of Matthias Moss- man, aged 44 years. Thrown from a carriage in Fitchburg. Oliver Marble, aged 69 years ; drowned in Lyndeboro, N. H. 1825. Sept. 1. Ebenezer Jones, aged 36 years. 1825. Sept. 1. Jonathan Wood, aged 52 years. These men were suffocated in a well. The house of Mr. Jones was burned. After the fire he descended the well to recover a bucket. The only persons 1819. March 28. 1823. March 11. 1824. July 21. 1825. MOKTUARY RECORDS. 547 near by at the time were a boy and Mr. Wood, a neighbor. Mr. Wood heard Mr. Jones fall into the water, and in going to his relief he also fell. An alarm was given by the boy and after several hours the bodies were recovered. 1828. Aug. 8. A son of Rev. Thomas Skelton, aged 7 years. He fell upon the ground and received a fatal wound from a small stub which entered his side. 1829. March 20. Joseph Gibbs, aged 73, was killed by a fall- ing tree. 1835. Sept. 5. William Locke, aged 37 years, fell from a pear tree, near the house now of Nahum Wood. 1837. April 10. Levi Warren Wetherbee, son of Josiah Wetherbee, of Rindge, aged 17 years. Killed in the mill of Eliphalet Eddy, now of Robert W. Mclntire. 1839. July 18. William Gipson, aged about 50 years, was killed instantly by a falling tree. 1847. June 10. Austin Whitney, aged 15 years, son of Mer- rick Whitney, drowned in a small pond near the Poor Farm. 1850. May 30. George Eaton, aged 25 years, killed on rail- road. 22. WiUiam Whitney, aged 67 ; kicked by a colt. 8. Elliot Ward, aged 17 years, son of Benjamin Ward, drowned in Ward pond. 29. Patrick CoUecten, aged 35, killed by acci- dental discharge of a gun. 8. John Wilson, aged 80, by a fall from a build- ing. 13. Col. Enoch Whitmore died from injuries received from a block of wood thrown from a saw in his mill. Aged 64 years. 1852. July 1857. Aug. 1858. Aug. 1859. May 1860. Sept. 548 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 1861. Oct. 8. Amos K. Avery, aged 30, died from injuries received from a block thrown from a saw in Winchester's chair shop. 1861. Nov. 17. WiUiam D. Stearns, aged 33 years, from wounds received by accidental discharge of a gun. 1863. June 4. Frank A. Day, aged 7 years, son of John B. Day, kicked by a horse. 1867. Feb. 25. Bradford Britton, aged 48 years, killed in the mill of Horace W. Houstan. 1868. Sept. 12. Mary E. Wood, aged 13 years, killed by an accidental discharge of a gun. She was a visitor in the family of George Howard. 1871. Sept. 1. Paul Sibley, aged 35 years, killed by an earth slide while repairing the dam or bridge above the chair factory in the Central village. 1873. May 16. Mrs. Sarah (Mower) Jewell, widow of Dexter JeweU, aged 65 years. Fracture of skull by being thrown from a carriage. 1876. May 19. Mary and Sarah Riley were drowned while visiting at Fall River. 1877. Sept. 2. Oscar M. Lane, aged 26 years, killed on rail- road. 1877. Dec. 9. Reuben H. Lawrence, aged 33 years. Brake- man on Fitchburg R. R., was thrown from a train and instantly killed. 1879. March 31. Josiah Thomas, colored, aged 57 years, perished while riding to his home in North Ashburnham over a winter road across " Stearns' Meadow." His horse also perished in the cold and storm. 1883. Sept. 2. Hosea D. Wallace, aged 47 years, was killed by a passing train at a railroad crossing in Nashua. In the carriage was another man who was also killed. MORTUAEY RECORDS. 549 1884. May 13. Willie H. Raymond, aged 18 years, son of Henry M. Raymond, and Frank R. Hoar, aged 17 years, son of John Hoar, were drowned in Lake Naukeag. The bodies were recovered the following day. Longevity. — In proportion to the population, a large number of the inhabitants of Ashburnham have lived to an advanced age. The following record of the deaths of per- sons, eighty or more years of age, includes none who were not residents of this town, although a few died in other places while temporarily residing with their kindred. DATE 3r DEATH. Jan. 15, 1778 Jan. 19, 1779 Jan. 2, 1783 Oct. 24, 1784 July 9, 1785 Oct. 17, 1785 March 8, 1788 March 20, 1789 Nov. 9, 1789 May 3, 1790 Oct. u, 1794 Not. 28, 1794 Nov. 19, 1797 Feb. 20, 1798 March 26, 1802 Nov. 9, 1802 March 16, 1803 April 20, 1805 July 10, 1805 Aug. 29 1807 Sept. 11 1807 May 7 1809 Dec. 21 1811 March 21 1812 Mr. Tyler 83 Widow Davis 84 John Oberlock 80 Ebenezer Conant 86 Mrs. Coddington 85 Dea. Moses Foster 94 Abigail Willard, widow of Henry Willard .... 80 Widow Rebecca Davis 83 Bphraim Stone 85 Mrs. Bush 90 Henry Hall . 83 Widow Gates about 82 Ruth (Pierce) Conant, widow of Ebenezer Conant . . 85 Lydia Brooks, widow of Amos Brooks 80 Elizabeth (Sanders) Adams, wife of Thomas Adams . — Thomas Adams 89 Sarah (Prentice) Brigham, widow of Colonel Timothy Brigham, formerly of Southboro' 88 Joseph Whitmore 86 Mary (Marion) Whitmore, widow of Joseph Whitmore 87 Elisha Coolidge 87 Sarah Salter, widow of Samuel Salter 83 Elizabeth Haven, widow of Jonathan Haven . ... 80 Mary (Jones) Taylor, wife of Jonathan Taylor ... 80 Hannah (Barron) Spaulding, widow of James Spaulding 85 550 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. DATE OP DEATH. Oct. 21 1813 Oct. 23 1813 March 14 1814 Jan. 13 1886 June 2 1816 Nov. 3 1816 Feb. 20 1817 Oct. 28 1818 Oct. 22 1821 Dec. 31 1822 Dec. 17 1823 Nov. 29 1824 Dec. 29 1824 March 12, 1825 March 2, 1826 Sept. 13, 1827 Nov. 9, 1827 Feb. 37, 1828 Jan. 1, 1829 Sept. 11, 1830 Sept. 16, 1830 Feb. 7, 1831 Feb. 11, 1831 March 22, 1831 Dec. — 1832 Aug. 12, 1833 May 15, 1834 May 18, 1834 July 15, 1834 Oct. 23, 1834 Nov. 20, 1834 April 10, 1836 April 26, 1836 Oct. 17, 1836 — 1837 March 22, 1837 Oct. 31, 1839 22, 1840 30, 1840 11, 1841 23, 1841 Sept. Aug. June June Jonathan Taylor 84 Simon Rodamel 93 Mary Winter, widow of Andrew Winter 91 Peter Hunt 86 Miss Merriam 86 Jacob Wilker 85 Widow Hannah Shaw about 83 Hezekiah Corey 82 Joseph Steele 85 Jesse Ellis 80 Susannah (Allen) Rice, widow of Zebulon Rice . . 91 Sarah (Leighton) Hunt, widow of Peter Hunt ... 93 Enos Jones 83 Sarah (Parkman) Gushing, widow of Rev. John Gushing 82 Joshua Smith, Esq 81 Susan Franklin (colored) 90 Isaac Brooks Hannah ( Whitcomb) Pollard, widow of William Pollard 90 Joseph Burgess 84 Widow Burgess ,88 Amos Davis 80 Moses Tottingham 84 Miriam (Hill) Ellis, widow of Jesse Ellis 80 Rebecca (Foster) Ward, widow of Galeb Ward . . 81 Rhoda (Randall) Willard, widow of Jacob Willard . — Solomon Manning 80 Oliver Green 81 Persis Blodgett 80 John Hall gi Dr. Abraham Lowe 80 Sarah (Willard) Willard, widow of Dea. John Willard 88 Mr. Reed _ Jonas Rice g2 Hannah (Adams) Jones, widow of Enos Jones . . . fl3 Persis (Whitmore) Winchester, widow of Jonathan Winchester . . 82 Reuben Rice 8q Susanna (Woods) Foster, widow of Samuel Foster . 89 Lemuel Stimson . . ; g2 Rebecca (Foster) Whitmore, wife of Isaac Whitmore 80 Thomas Gibson gg Eunice (Brooks) Metcalf , widow of Ezekiel S. Metcalf 82 MORTUARY RECORDS. 551 DATE OF DEATH. June 27, 1841 July 0, 1841 Jan. 12, 1842 May 1, 1842 Sept. 21, 1842 Nov. 3, 1842 March 20, 1843 April 14, 1843 May 29, 1843 July 29, 1843 Nov. 1, 1843 Dec. 23, 1843 Jan. 14, 1844 March 25, 1844 Feb. 20, 1845 Dec. 22, 1845 March 26, 1846 May 3, 1846 July 22, 1846 Oct. 22, 1846 Nov. 2, 1846 Dec. 3, 1846 Dee. 9, 1846 March 20, 1847 May 2, 1847 Dec. 27, 1847 April 4, 1849 Oct. 20, 1849 July 30, 1850 Nov. 28, 1850 Feb. 2, 1851 April 29, 1851 Oct. 25, 1851 Feb. 23, 1852 March 25, 1852 June 18, 1852 Jan. 17, 1853 July 20, 1854 Aug. 12, 1854 June 14, 1855 Olive Manning, widow of Solomon Manning ... 83 David Clark §3 David Wallis gj^ Susannah (Todd) Stowell, widow of John Stowell . 81 Miss Rachel Gates 84 Mary (Proctor) Sanderson, widow of Moses Sanderson 83 Tamezin (Felton) Benjamin, widow of Daniel Ben- jamin 84^ Joshua Fletcher 83 Susannah Hobart, widow of Shebuel Hobart ... 84 Widow Taylor 83 Timothy Crehore 89 Jabez Marble 87 Keziah (Wesson) Hobart, widow of Daniel Hobart . 94 Copia (Rice) Ward, widow of John Ward .... 98 Dorothy (Hildreth) Green, widow of Oliver Green . 88 Mary (Salter) Marble, widow of Jabez Marble ... 83 Deborah (Hunt) White, widow of Elisha White . . 83 Joseph Jewett, Esq 85 Zilpah (Townsend) Rice, widow of Jonas Rice . . . 89 John Bowman 88 Dorothy (Garfield) Hunt, widow of Sherebiah Hunt . 83 William Ward 90 Jonathan Samson 87 Margaret (Metcalf) Townsend, widow of Reuben Townsend 84 Isaac Whitmore 93 Phebe (Wright) Hawkes, widow of Benjamin Hawkes 84 Joseph Merriam 86 Relief Gibson, widow of Thomas Gibson 85 Susannah (Rice) Samson, widow of Jonathan Samson 91 Charles Hastings 90 George R. Cushing, Esq 82 Martha (Maynard) Crosby, widow of Frederick Crosby 82 Nathan Taylor 80 Sarah (Woods) Jewett, widow of Joseph Jewett, Esq. 89 Deborah (Chittenden) Barrell, wife of William Barrell 82 Cyrus Fairbanks 100 Edmund Jones 83 Simon Willard 84 Margaret (Adams) Russell, widow of Thomas Russell 84 Silas Willard, Esq 86 552 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. DATE OF DEATH Jan. 13, 1856 Jan. 27, 1856 June 6, 1856 Not. 9, 1857 May 8, 1859 Nov. 4, 1859 Jan. 29, 1860 Feb. 23, 1860 Aug. 14, 1860 April 5, 1861 Nov. 3, 1861 Feb. 18, 1862 Sept. 3, 1862 June 21, 1863 April 14, 1863 Sept. 13, 1863 Sept. 5, 1864 Aug. 2, 1864 April 15, 1865 June 10, 1865 Jan. 12, 1866 Jan. 12, 1866 Dec. 11, 1867 Deo. 15, 1867 May 16, 1868 Aug. 4, 1868 Sept. 22, 1868 Not. 18, 1868 Feb. 15, 1869 Dec. 2, 1869 March 30, 1870 May 14, 1870 June 20, 1870 July 17, 1870 Oct. 24, 1870 Not. 14, 1870 Oct. 24, 1871 June 12, 1871 Aug. 18, 1871 Aug. 24, 1871 Oct. 21, 1871 Hepsebeth (Smith) Pierce, widow of Amos Pierce . . 94 William Gates 80 Achsah (Pollard) Bemis, widow of Stephen Bemis . 85 Sally Angler 89 John Wilson 80 Eliakim Russell 89 Nancy (Cotting) Willard, widow of Simon Willard . 90 Jonas Corey 84 William Barrell 84 Elizabeth (Cotting) Brooks, widow of Jacob Brooks . 84 Thomas Howard 82 Elizabeth (Griffin) Lawrence, widow of Dea. Wm. J. Lawrence 87 Dr. Nathaniel Pierce 83 Sarah (Converse) Russell, widow of Eliakim Russell . 87 Lois (Billings) Burgess, widow of Joseph F. Burgess 85 Polly Brood 84 Sarah Gilbert 82 Jonas Davis 83 Anna Howard 80 Daniel Benjamin 82 Doddridge Gushing 86 Sally (Lane) Kibling, widow of John Kibling ... 82 Lucy (Townsend) Corey, widow of Hezekiah Corey . 99 Esther Aldrich 84 Samuel Keyes 83 Jesse Holbrook 83 Walter Russell Adams 85 Joanna (Adams) Corey, widow of Stephen Corey . . 93 Lucy (Cotting) Davis, widow of Josiah DaTis ... 84 Jonathan Samson 82 Ohio Whitney 81 Ellen Corcoran 80 Moses Stowell 80 Jesse Ellis 81 Jonathan Winchester 83 Hannah (Wilder) Howard, widow of Thomas Howard 87 Josiah White 89 Mary (Gushing) Rand, wife of Rev. Asa Rand ... 89 Sarah (Billings) Mclntire, widow of Daniel Mclntire 85 Rev. Asa Rand §8 John Caldwell 89 MORTUARY RECORDS. 553 DATE IF DEATH. March 29, 1872 April 1, 1872 July 22, 1872 Aug. 12 1872 Aug. 22 1872 Dec. 2 1872 Jan. 3 1873 Feb. 24 1873 March 24 1873 Oct. H 1873 Oct. 11 1873 March 8 1874 April 9 1874 Aug. 14 1875 Aug. 14 1875 March 21 1876 Feb. 5 1877 March 5 1877 March 12 1877 April 27 1877 July 9 1877 Aug. 18 1877 Sept. 22 1877 April 2 1878 May 11 1878 May 27 , 1878 Feb. 23 1879 Aug. 25 1879 Oct. 29 1879 April 29 1880 July 8 1880 Oct. 18 1880 Nov. 26 1880 April 1 1881 May 12 1881 May 29 1881 Nov. 3 1881 June 13 1882 Aug. 2 1882 Oct. 20 1882 Nov. 18 1882 John Thompson 86 Samuel Brooks 80 Stephen Cushing 88 Mary (Reed) Eaton, widow of Josiah Eaton .... 82 Betsey Hosley 80 William Richardson 81 Rhoda (Marble) Taylor, widow of Nathan Taylor . . 89 Persis (Winchester) Hemenway 82 Lucy (Lane) Jones, widow of John Jones . . - . 89 Eliab Knapp 84 Dolly (Samson) Gipson, widow of Henry Gipson . . 88 Elijah Brooks 87 Nancy Clark 85 Hannah (Marble) Miller, widow of Joseph Miller . . 80 Lydia (Stineker) Davis, wife of Adam Davis . . . 100 Samuel Randall 91 Eliza Thompson 89 Pitt Moore 89 Charlotte (Lowe) Goodwin, widow of David Goodwin 84 Mary (Brigham) Herrick, widow of Zimri Herrick . 82 Sally (Chesmore) Stowell, widow of Moses Stowell . 84 Lucretia (Wilkins) Caldwell, widow of John Caldwell 91 Betsey (Haven) Ward, widow of Nathaniel D. Ward . 84 Elisha Crosby 88 Widow Ruth (Bowen) Paine 80 EUzabeth Atwell 84 John Murray 85 John Hastings 92 Anna (Hastings) Sawtell, widow of Asa Sawtell . . 89 Philip Russell Merriam 96 Joshua Stowell . 91 Benjamin Lane 85 Asa Tottingham 87 Elvira (Willard) Crosby, wife of Rev. Josiah D. Crosby 80 Adam Davis 81 Silas Ward 89 Emma (Willard) Skelton, widow of Rev. Thomas Skelton, died in Boston 103 Priscilla (Earle) Watkins, widow of Jchiel Watkins . 83 Lydia A. (Cowdin) Howard, widow of Wm. H. Howard 83 Gamaliel Hadley 85 Antipas Maynard 80 654 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. DATE OF DEATH. Nov. 22, 1882 Feb. 9, 1883 Feb. 13, 1883 April 9, 1883 June 19, 1883 July 18, 1883 Aug. 29, 1883 Oct. 17, 1883 Jan. 19, 1884 March 7, 1884 June 18, 1884 June 26, 1884 Aug. 12, 1884 Dec. 23, 1884 Feb. 22, 1885 Feb. 22, 1885 June 8, 1885 Sept. 2, 1885 Oct. 26, 1885 Miss Dorothy Hunt 85 Nancy W. Bruce 86 Visa (Clarlc) Pierce, widow of Dr. Nathaniel Pierce . 92 Abel Sawyer 84 Dea. John Gushing Davis 82 Eliza (Adams) Stearns, widow of Timothy Stearns . 86 Anna (Sawyer) Rice, widow of Levi Rice .... 92 Phebe Peterson 80 Angeline Lashua (Canadian) 90 Edward Sawyer 80 Hannah "Wetherbee 91 Ivors White 80 Sarah H. Warren 92 Sally (Bell) Newton, widow of Giles Newton ... 87 Daniels Ellis 85 Joshua B. Burgess 84 Col. Charles Barrett 97 Edward Smith 82 Martha T. (Bjiight) Hadley, widow of Gamaliel Hadley 84 The following persons, eighty or more years of age, were residing in Ashburnham January 1, 1886 : Miss Charlotte Davis, daughter of Ebenezer Bennett Davis, born June 11, 1797 ; Hosea Green born September 22, 1797 ; jMiss Euth Hunt, daughter of Deacon Sherebiah Hunt, born June 3, 1799 ; Lucy (Stimson) Davis, widow of Deacon John C. Davis, born August 20, 1799 ; Melinda (BoUes) Hastings, widow of John Hastings, born Februarj' 16, 1800; Charles Hastings born June 16, 1800; Clarissa (Willard) Whitmore, widow of Colonel Enoch Whitmore, born June 30, 1800 ; Eebecca (Green) Green, wife of Hosea Green, born March 5, 1801 ; Rebecca (Bobbins) Stearns, widow of Charles Stearns, Esq., born February 9, 1802 ; Fhebe (Danforth) Taylor, widow of Elijah Taylor, born February 9, 1802 ; George A. Willard born February 28, 1803; Harvey M. Bancroft born May 1, 1803; Louisa MORTUARY RECORDS. 555 (Kinsman) Sheldon, widow of Flint Sheldon, born May 20, 1803 ; Betsey (Bly) White, widow of Josiah White, born August 27, 1803 ; William Bartlett born January 31, 1804 ; Zoa A. (Lawrence) White, widow of Ivers White, born April 21, 1804; Nathan Taylor born May 11, 1804 ; Lucy (Kinsman) Wilder, wife of Jonathan P. Wilder, born September 4, 1804 ; Silas Willard born December 8, 1804 ; Jonathan P. Wilder born February 19, 1805 ; Betsey ,M. (Glazier) Bancroft, wife of Harvey M. Bancroft, born November 17, 1805 ; Margaret Nash, widow of John Nash, l3orn December 28, 1805. CHAPTER XXIII. GLEANINGS. A PRESENT TO KEV. JOHN CUSHING. SEATING THE MEETING-HOUSE. — MINOK TOPICS. A NEW TOWN PROPOSED. A NEW NAME SUGGESTED FOR ASHBURNHAM. — A WAR CLOUD. — SICKNESS. — A SEVERE WINTER. — A VARIETY. — THE GREAT GALE. THE FIRST EIRE ENGINE. — TEMPER- ANCE. MILLERITES. THE GREAT FRESHET. MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS. Conspicuous in the life of an individual or in the history of a community will appear many incidents which form no part of a connected narrative, and in such isolated events, frequently, are discerned vivid pictures of the manners and customs of the times. In this chapter will be found many threads and fragments that refused to weave into the fabric of the preceding chapters, yet some of the facts here col- lected are of interest. The modest gleanings of the Moabitish maiden contained as good wheat as was garnered in the fatter sheaves of the reapers, and in these unpreten- tious gleanings are found suggestions of the habits and surroundings of our fathers. A few of the incidents here recited, from 1780 to 1800, are copied from the journal of Isaac Stearns. They are given in his own language and his name is appended to each extract. The numerous votes of the town on a variety of subjects are copied from the records. 1769. The town presented Eev. John Cushing two and a half acres from the east side of the common. This was one- fourth of the area reserved for public purposes. This record 556 GLEANINGS. 557 accounts for the fact that the common is longer from north to south than from east to west. 1771. This year the town chose Deacon Fellows, Ephraim Stone and Samuel Wilder " to seat the meeting- house according to age and pay ; the fore seats by age and the rest by pay." The following year Samuel Wilder, William Whitcomb and John Willard were selected to perform this delicate duty. The custom of assigning a seat in the meeting-house to each family was universal at this time. In many towns the committees were instructed to take into account the character and standing of the man as well as his age and amount of taxes paid. 1776. The town " voted to buy a burying cloth and chose Samuel Wilder to get the same and offer it to the selectmen for acceptance." None of that board of selectmen were elected the following year, yet the vote might have been an honest expression to accomplish a desired and commendable purpose. 1778. The summer of this year was exceedingly dry and the labor of the husbandman was poorly repaid. 1780. The winter was one of unusual severity. The deep snow and cold weather continued late in the spring. May 19 was the memorable dark day. Here for the first time shines the light of Isaac Stearns' diary : " Friday it was extraordinary dark from nine o'clock to one and the night was as surprising." A few days later Mr. Stearns says, "I went to father's pasture and skinned some sheep killed by the wolves." July 20. This day was observed as a public fast. For the first time a sexton was included in the list of town officers and one was annually chosen for many years. Thursday, December 7. This day was observed through- out the colonies as a day of thanksgiving. Mr. Gushing 558 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. preached from the text, " Salvation belongeth unto the Lord. Thy blessing is upon thy people." 1781, April 18. "I went to chase after a bear," says Isaac Stearns. Tradition often asserts that the early settlers sometimes met a bear. In his choice of words, Mr. Stearns more clearly defines the habits of the animal. The town for the first time legislates concerning the ob- servance of the Sabbath in these explicit terms : " Voted that it is the town's mind to put a stop to unnecessary travelling on the Sabbath and that the town will support the officers in the execution of their office." 1782, May 2. Under this date Isaac Stearns says, "I went to help fetch in to Mr. Taylor's, Capt. Solomon Woods who was wounded by the fall of a pine and he died the follow- ing morning." May 3. "I went to carry the corpse to Groton." It is probable that this fatal accident occurred in New Ipswich. Thaddeus Taylor lived in the southwest corner of that town and the home of Isaac Stearns was where Edwin J. Stearns now resides. It was the custom of Mr. Gushing to record all the deaths that occurred in this town, but he makes no mention of the death of Captain Woods. 1785, April 22. "A severe snow storm — two feet of snow." — Isaac Stearns. 1786, May 24. " I went to the raising of Captain Francis Lane's mill." — Isaac Stearns. 1787, January 22. "I went to town meeting," says Isaac Stearns, and the following entry three days later announces the subject of the meeting. "I went to town to see about ' getting men to go against the insurgents." This refers to Shays' rebellion. There was no legal town meeting on the day named and the one referred to by Mr. Stearns was probably an informal conference of the loyal citizens. GLEANINGS. 559 1790. The town "voted to sell their old paper money." No record concerning the amount nor the proceeds of the sale has been found. 1791, April 15. "I went to town meeting which was called to see if the town would reconsider a former vote and set the meeting-house in the centre of the town." — Isaac Steaens. This refers to an effort made by a portion of the town to secure the location of the meeting-house at some point north of the old common, and as the advocates claimed, nearer the geographical centre of the town. The town heard the peti- tion and by a vote of 77 to 33 decided to build the new house on the old common. June 9. "I went to a meeting at my brother's to see if we could agree for a new town taking a part of Ashburnham, Eindge and New Ipswich." — Isaac Stearns. This proposition was mentioned in the other towns named but early failed for want of support. Nov. 10, Thursday. "I went to the dedication of the new meeting-house. Mr. Gushing preached from the text : 'But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee : how much less this house that I have builded.'" — Isaac Steaens. 1794, March 3. The town, probably influenced by some prominent citizen who desired to honor Hon. Moses Gill of Princeton, "Voted to petition the General Court to have the town's name altered to the name of Gill." The town of Gill in Franklin county was incorporated a few months previous to this vote, and no petition was ever presented to the Legislature. It is probable that the am- bition of Mr. Gill was satisfied with one namesake, and that when the town heard of his contentment the matter was 560 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. suffered to rest. Happily the good substantial name of Ashburnham was preserved. This year the town "Voted that if the government does not give the soldiers forty shil- lings per month the town will make it up to them, provided they are called into actual service in defence of the United States." Nearly every town in this vicinity about this date passed a vote to the same effect. The purport of these votes frequently has been misunderstood and many false inferences have been drawn from them. The vote was a sequence of the action of Congress in calling upon the several States to hold in readiness a certain proportion of the militia in the event of a war with England. Following the peace of 1783, the United States and Great Britain each incessantly com- plained that the other was violating the stipulations of the treaty. These complaints and the excitement produced in the public mind were rife at this time. They were quieted for a season by the ratification of the Jay treaty but were not removed until after the war of 1812. 1795. The records of Mr. Gushing note the prevalence of an unusual amount of sickness in 1794 and the early months of 1795. Of this season Isaac Stearns, under date of March 16, 1795, says, — "Now it is a day of trouble wish us in our neighborhood and in our town. The Lord in his righteous judgment has sent or permitted a grievous dis- temper to prevail. It is the rash and canker. I suppose it is the old throat distemper. It has swept off a great number in this town." Wednesday, March 18. "I attended the funeral of Mr. Lemuel Stimson's son and Mr. Stephen Eandall's child and likewise of Col. Lane's wife where I was called to be one of the bearers. These three and a child of Thomas Laws', Jun., which was his only child, and the third he had been GLEANINGS. 561 called to part with in six months — these four were all carried into the meeting-house at one time. A sermon was preached by Eev. Mr. Gushing from Isaiah, xxv. 8 : ' He will swallow up death in victory : and the Lord God will wipe away the tears from off all faces.' " December 6. The town "Voted that Dr. Abraham Lowe be a committee to return the thanks of the town to Messrs. Willard for their generous present of a time-piece to the town." The clock presented to the town was in the old meeting-house many years, and is remembered by many now living. 1796. The town " chose Dr. Abraham Lowe, Samuel Wilder, Esq., and Col. Joseph Jewett a committee to invite a certain number of families belonging to Westminster, to join this town." These proceedings eventually resulted in the annexation to this town of the farms of John Ward and William Barrell. 1797. The selectmen, to whom the subject had been referred, "reported a recommendation that the town straighten the walls of the grave yard; make and hang two gates, each ten feet long, one at each end of the meet- ing-house, and cut and clear off the brush, and wall in both places where there are now bars." 1798. "Voted that Samuel Wilder, Esq., Dr. Abraham Lowe and Capt. David Gushing be a committee to remon- strate the general court against the erection of a new court house in Worcester." Friday, May 10. "I attended the funeral of Esqr. Samuel Wilder. He died very suddenly in his bed Fast day morning May 9. Mr. Gushing preached a sermon in the meeting-house ft'om the text, — ' Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing.' A great number both in the town and from a number of towns 36 562 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. attended the funeral. This is a great loss to the church and town for he was a serviceable man." — Isaac Stearns. 1799. Another winter of unusual severity lingered into the months of spring. In the annals of other towns there are many references to this season and the prevailing scarcity of forage for cattle and horses. Under date of May 15, when he had substantial reason to presume that the worst was over, Isaac Stearns says, — "Here it may be worth while to take notice of the extraordinary season through the winter and spring. The winter set in about the middle of Novem- ber — we did not have any very large snow at a time, but there fell a great deal in the course of the winter. And it was remarkable for cold, here the sledding held out about five months and it is said they went into Boston by sledding eighteen weeks. The spring has been very cold and back- ward and snowed repeatedly and one considerable snow May 12. People then almost despaired of seed time. It has been a winter much to be remembered. A great number of cattle died in this town and elsewhere by reason of the severity of the winter and the sickness that was on them. There died out of the stock of the widow of Silas Whitney eighteen head of horned cattle." A few days later Mr. Stearns chronicles the loss of three of his cows and soliloquizes as follows : " This is a frown in Providence. I desire to submit calmly without a murmuring thought, though it is distressing in such a family as mine to lose three good cows at this time of the year. May I be brought to set my affections less on the creatures and more on the Creator. Blessed be God who is teaching me the fading nature of earthly enjoyments." 1800, Saturday, February 22. "I went to the meeting- house to hear a eulogy on account of the death of General Washington." — Isaac Stearns. GLEANINGS. 563- Of these services Dr. Abraham T. Lowe recently gave the following account: "Washington died in December, 1799. There was a general observance of his funeral rites through- ' out the country. In many parts of the United States, these services were held in the subsequent February. This com- memoration service of our first President, iia Ashburnham, was reserved for the twenty-second of February, the anni- versary of his birth. The Eev. Dr. Gushing addressed a crowded congregation, and concluded the service by reading an acrostic, presenting the name in capitals, — George Washington, — written by my father; a copy of which, having been found among papers left by my sister, I here subjoin.'' "Gone? Yes, forever! Washington has fled ! Entered death's gate, and mingled with the dead ; On pinions as a dove, has winged his way, Rising from earth to everlasting day : Glad angels stand with harps attuned to sing, Enter, great Chief, the glories of thy King ! " While God, benignant, from his throne above, A welcome tenders, fraught with life and love. Since such the inandate is, our tears we dry : He lives again ! to dwell with God on high. Illustrious Chief! whose virtues were our guide; Nor shall the tomb his goodness, greatness, hide, — Great in defence of rights vouchsafed to map ; Truth, kindness, justice, through his being ran. O tyrant Death ! thou layest the highest low ; Nor fearest to startle millions at a blow." 1801. " Voted to git a good new carriage and harness for to carry corpses on and build a house for to keep the same in." 1803. " Voted not to get a cushion and trimmings for the pulpit." 564 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 1804. " Voted to get a new burying cloth and that the selectmen l)e a committee to get the same." 1805. "Voted to cut the trees and bushes in the grave yard." 1806. " Voted to build two horse blocks at the meeting- house, one at each end." 1807. Monday, January 26. '' This was supposed to be about as cold as ever was known." — Isaac Stearns. 1808. "Voted to get a cushion and other trimmings for the pulpit in the meeting-house." " Voted to petition the general court to have the taking of fish in the ponds in Ashburnham regulated." 1812. This was a cold, wet summer. A snow-storm began May 24 and continued twenty-four hours. 1814. " Voted to get a new hearse and harness and that it be a four-wheeled one and that the selectmen do procure one accordingly." 1815. In September there was a remarkable gale that caused great damage in this town. A wind from the south- east of unprecedented velocity continued with slight abate- ment from nine to eleven o'clock in the forenoon. Fences, trees and in some localities whole forests were prostrated. Its greatest force was from Maine to New York and inland from sixty to eighty miles. The great blow of 1815 for many years was a subject of frequent remark. 1816. The summer was exceedingly wet and cold. Frost occurred every month, and from June 6 to June 11 the frosts were severe. The public well on the common was dug this year. 1817. The town voted not to purchase a stove for the meeting-house. At several subsequent meetings a similar vote was passed. A stove was finally procured through individual effort about 1825. GLEANINGS. 565 This year the town " Voted that the selectmeu do their duty and enforce the laws respecting tavern haunters." 1825. "Voted to choose two agents to each pond to put the law in force concerning fishing." 1829. A few enterprising citizens having purchased and brought to this town a fire engine, a proposition was made to sell a right in it to the town on these terms : " To see if the town will pay a part towards the Ingine that is pur- chased provided the proprietors will give it up for the use of the inhabitants of said town." The vote was in the negative. 1830. In accordance with the requirements of a com- pulsory statute the town was surveyed by Enoch Whitmore and Jesse Stearns. 1832. The temperance crusade early found supporters in Ashburnham. This year the town gave warning of a deter- mined purpose by a vote " that whenever the selectmen see or know of any person or persons, inhabitants of this town, to git drunk or intoxicated with ardent spirits to take notice of the same and to deal with them as the law in such cases has provided." 1835. A road case being under consideration the declara- tion of a vote in the premises was disputed. On a division of the town to make the vote certain, there were sixty-three in the afiirmative and sixty- three in the negative, whereupon the town " Voted that the inhabitants form two lines on the common to determine this question." The two lines were then formed, the files counted and the advocates of the road prevailed. 1836. The town appropriated fifty dollars to procure buckets for the engine company. 1837. The town voted to excuse the engine men from the payment of a poll tax. 1838. In former years the town had refused to pay for ringing bells at noon and at nine o'clock in the evening. 566 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. This year it ordered that the two bells in the village be each rung at these hours six months at the expense of the town. The custom was continued many years. 1842. The Miller delusion caused considerable excite- ment and found several adherents in this town. This move- ment, supported more by prophecy than fulfilment, extended with unequal fervor through two or three years. It accom- plished no good and frequently left its temporary adherents in an unsettled state of mind. Many characteristic incidents attended the preaching and the experience of the disciples in this town, but they are attended by no profitable or pleasing memories. Over this exhibition of human weakness and folly, charity profiers the friendly mantle of silence. 1850, May 6. The dam at Rice pond broke away and great damage ensued in the valley below. The freshet, as it is ever called, is a memorable event in the annals of Ash- burnham. Many are now living who witnessed the anger of the deluge and surveyed the ruin wrought by the seething current. So vivid remains the picture of the scene in their memory that to them words can convey no intelligence nor fitly express the portentous character of the flood. The thought and experience of the multitude collected near the scene would fill a volume, but only the cause and the visible results are left for record. For many years previous to the freshet, a dam had been maintained at Rice pond and during the greater part of the year the water was maintained several feet above the original level of the pond. In the spring of 1850 two feet of clay soil had been placed on top of the dam without a sufficient support of stone and spiles. During the days immediately preceding the catastrophe the pond was full and was two feet higher than ever before. Sunday was a rainy day and during the night the rain fell copiously. The clouds lifted Monday morning and a high wind set in GLEANINGS. 567 from the northwest sweeping across the pond, and, little by little, wearing the crown of the dam with the waves. Soon a small but continuous stream flowed over the top increasing with ever}'^ moment. The current plowed deeper and deeper, until the dam yielded to the force of the escaping water. When the first breach was made an alarm was raised and a number of men hastened to the rescue, but they were too late and the maddened flood came dashing onward to its work of destruction. The mighty volume of water, with anger written on the crest of every wave, swept away every dam and every bridge spanning the river between the reservoir and Fitch- burg. At the Naukeag cotton mill which sturdily withstood the shock, the dam was suddenly removed and the mill was an island in the sea of foam and waves that beat and surged around its base. Bafiled in a first assault, the wrathful cur- rent dashed on to an easy conquest at the tannery of Fletcher and Warren. The buildings were suddenly lifted to the summit of the waves and scattered in the fury of the flood. In its onward course the tub shop of Caldwell and Ellis, protected by a pile of logs, and the grain-mill, now of Colonel George H. Barrett, were not seriously injured. Then fell the morocco shop and the furniture shop which stood near the bridge. With force unabated and with bil- lows bristling with the trophies of conquest and huge boulders rolling along in the current or hurled to the shore and sweeping the bridge into the basin below, the flood dashed into a more capacious channel. The mills of Charles and George C. Winchester were not destroyed, but a great quantity of stock and lumber was swept away. In Factory Village the damage was renewed. The cotton factory was spared to feed the flames at a subsequent time, but the property was greatly injured. The old Dunster saw-mill 568 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. was overthrown and sad havoc was made of the morocco shop of Luther B. and Andrew J. Adams. On Mill street the chair fectory, formerly of Corey, Barrett and Kibling, was imdermioed and fell after a sturdy resistance of the sweeping force of the first assault, and many smaller build- ings were floated on the surface of the waves. In the midst of the excitement attending the approach of the flood, George Eockwood started down the river to warn the people of the approaching danger. He swiftly rode to West Fitchburg and from that place other messengers con- tinued the alarm. It is said that many did not heed the warning of the Ashburnham prophet, but when the hour of danger came they found ample occasion for returning grate- ful acknowledgments for the hour of preparation which his kindness had granted them. Beyond the limits of this town the damage was considerable, but the sweeping fury of the current was lessened in its onward progress. A few days after the catastrophe, an informal meeting of the citizens of Ashburnham was assembled and the situation was calmly reviewed. In a summary of the losses, it was stated at this meeting that twelve dams, a chair shop, a cabinet shop, an extensive tannery, a saw-mill, a morocco shop and several store and dry houses had been swept away. The remaining buildings were injured, and for miles along the margins of the stream were large quantities of hides, cotton yarn, chair material and finished wares. At this meeting a committee, consisting of Eev. Josiah D. Crosby, Eev. Elnathan Davis, Greorge G. Parker, Charles Stearns, George Eockwood, Colonel Enoch Whitmore and Dr. John Petts, were selected to solicit and distribute the donations of the charitable in the surrounding towns. About twelve hundred dollars was promptly collected and awarded in various sums to the most needy of the sufferers. GLEANINGS. 569 In connection with any reference to the flood the following report preserved among the papers of Charles Stearns, Esq., preserves a semi-official account of the losses sustained. It will be observed that the report was made only four days after the disaster. We, the subscribers, residents of Ashburnham, having been chosen by the inhabitants of said town, a committee to ascertain the amount of direct damages sustained by the different owners of mills and other property, situated upon the stream issuing from the reservoir in said town, on the sixth day of May, have attended to the business assigned us and submit the following report : Reservoir Dam, No. 5 $500 David E. Marshall 950 Naukeag Man'f'g Co. 2,500 Amos Taylor— Shop 100 E.L.Merrick — Machinist 75 William Rice — Machinist 100 Fletcher and Warren — Tannery 6,000 Caldwell and Ellis 550 Mr. Day — Grist-mill and Saw-mill 1,000 Wheeler's Chair Factory 1,000 C. M. Proctor— Blacksmith 600 Horace Black — Cabinet Shop 1,070 Black and Wilder 1,000 Jonathan P. Wilder 250 Winchester and Barrett 2,750 C. and G. C. Winchester 3,725 Charles Stoddard — Wheelwright 400 George Blackburn — Cotton Factory 6,000 S. Knights — Saw-mill 500 L. B. and A. J. Adams — Morocco 1,525 Ivers Adams — Stock 200 Amos Whitney — Farm 500 Samuel Brooks — Farm 250 David Whitney — Farm 100 Total $31,645 570 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. The committee would further state that the above estimate of losses was carefully ascertained by personal inquiry of the different owners of the property lost and that the statement as above is, as we believe, under rather than above the actual losses and damages. EUROPE H. FAIRBANKS,") ANTIPAS MAYNARD, [ Committee. STEPHEN A. MILLER, ) AsHBURNHAM, June 10, 1850. With a hopeful countenance directed to the future, and with the sympathy and encouragement of the community, the dams and bridges were promptly rebuilt and a new and more substantial dam was erected at the reservoir and, except in the memory of men, all traces of the flood were soon obliterated. 1860. This year the town voted not to make an appropri- ation for the ringing of the bell at noon and at nine in the evening, but, missing the accustomed sound or for some other cause, the motion was reconsidered and the bell was rung as usual. The selectmen were instructed to prosecute all violations of the liquor laws. 1861. A proposition to change the time of holding the annual town meeting to the first Monday in April was defeated. The engine men are paid two dollars each and the abate- ment of poll tax. The same remuneration was allowed before and after this date. 1864. The public hay scales were purchased this year. Two years later a like convenience was established at South Ashburnham at the expense of the town. Eev. J. D. Crosby, Eeuben Townsend, Jerome W. Foster, Ohio "Whitney, Jr., and George C. Winchester were chosen GLEANINGS. 571 to report at a future meeting concerning a centennial cele- bration of the incorporation of the town. On the report of this committee the town " voted to dispense with a centennial celebration /or the present." 1866. A committee of twenty-five was chosen to enforce the liquor laws. 1869. Following heavy rains in October great damage was done by a freshet in many parts of New England. In this town all the streams were swollen and the highways were injured to an extent unprecedented in the history of the town. The greatest damage occurred in South Ash- burnham where the freshet was augmented by the breakage of the dam at the mill on the site of the chair factories of Wilbur F. "Whitney. All the dams on that stream in this town, except the dam at the mill of E. Gross and Son, were broken and the water overflowing the banks of the river made havoc with movables within its reach. The dam at the saw-mill of Horace W. Houston was swept away at this time and visions of a deluge were everywhere visible. Painful apprehensions of more serious consequences were enter- tained, but the bow of promise again appeared and tran- quillity returned with the subsiding waters. 1870. An informal vote, in the nature of a request, concern- ing the site of Gushing Academy, was adopted. This measure recommended that the buildings be erected on land of George C. Winchester and north of his residence. William P. Ellis, Simeon Merritt and Marshall Wetherbee were selected to communicate to the trustees the desire of the town. This year six hundred dollars was appropriated for the purchase of a town clock to be placed in the belfry of the new Methodist church. By the conditions of the vote the clock was to remain under the control of the town. 1871. A hose carriage and five hundred feet of additional hose were purchased by the town. 572 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. 1872. The town appropriated one thousand dollars for a fire engine for the use of South Asliburnham and also pur- chased a site and built an engine-house in that village. 1874. Upper Naukeag was leased for the propagation of fish and Ohio Whitney was chosen agent. 1875. The new engine-house in central village was built this year. The committee to select and purchase a site and to superintend its construction were George C. Foster, George G. Eockwood and John H. Wilkins. 1877. Ward pond was leased for the propagation of fish. 1879. A new hearse was purchased. Shade Trees. — To subdue a forest was the mission of the early settlers of Ashburnham. The planting and care of shade trees is an impulse of succeeding generations. The appearance of the streets and the comfort of the homes of the villagers, and at many homesteads in all parts of the town, are indebted to the enterprising citizens who have prose- cuted a commendable work. It will be kindly remembered that many of the shade trees on Lawrence and Chapel streets were planted by George C. Winchester. And in all parts of the village, many have been planted by the Village Im- provement Society, while the Congregational Society, the trustees of Gushing Academy and many citizens have at- tended to the adornment of their respective lots. A record of the present dimension of some of the familiar trees in this town will be of interest in the future, and will afibrd data from which the continued growth can be noted. In the summer of the present year (1886) the following measurements were made by Deacon William P. Ellis and George C. Foster, Esq. The several measures given denote the circumference of the tree at a distance of two feet from the ground. GLEANINGS. 573 A stately elm near the residence of Charles Winchester measures 14^ feet. Tradition asserts that this tree was planted 1756. An English linden near the residence of Mrs. Ivers White, planted over eighty years ago, measures S^ feet. An elm on the grounds of Elbridge Stimson, and near the land of J. L. Cummings, Esq., measures 5^^ feet. This tree, then two inches in diameter, was planted by Pyam Burr in 1857. An oak, near the CongTegational church and east of the horse shed of George Clark, was planted b}' Edward Sawyer about thirty years ago. It measures 5^ feet. In 1847 Kev. Elnathan Davis set two small maples in fiont of the house now of Martin B. Lane. Each measures 5^^ feet. An elm planted by Walter O. Parker, in 1880, then less than three inches in diameter, now measures 2^ feet. An elm planted by George C. Foster, in 1881, has increased in circumference 15 inches in five years. An elm at the corner of Main and Pleasant streets was set by the Village Improvement Society in 1881, and was then about two inches in diameter. It now measures IJ feet. Two elms planted about one hundred years ago by Deacon Shere- biah Hunt, in front of the residence of Albert T. Bemis, measure respectively 10 and 12 feet. Two elms at the farm now of Joseph H. Harris, which were planted by Samuel Wilder, Esq., measure respectively 12^ and 12^f feet. Two attractive maples at the residence of Dr. L. L. Whit- more, one near the barn and one at the other side of the highway, were planted 1850. They now measure 4 and 4^ feet. A native oak in the yard of Joseph E. Clark measures lOf^ feet. The stately elm near the residence of Elijah Gross measures 13,Af feet. This tree was planted by Asa Brooks, son of Simeon Brooks, about ninety years ago. Near by stands a thrifty elm planted 1876, by Miss Sarah W. Gross, measures 2^% feet, and an oak planted about 1860 measures 5|^ feet. |)^n^al0flitHl wfli^t^r. Genealogical Register THE EARLY FAMILIES OF ASHBURNHAM. INTRODUCTION. Those who assume that nothing is gained from a study of the characteristics of their ancestors ignore at the outset that possibly an unfilial nature underlying such indiiference was inherited, and through the influence of transmitted sentiment they deceive themselves in the conclusion that there is no inheritance in manner of thought. . Under the equalities of republican institutions, and in the absence of laws of primo- geniture and hereditary distinction, the selfish incentive to genealogical study fails and only a filial sentiment and an amiable desire lend pleasure and encouragement to these researches. The familiar type of character which has attended many of these families through successive genera- tions and the influence of marriage alliance have presented many opportunities for a study which has enlivened the labor 37 577 578 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. involved in these registers. With a sympathy akin to pity for many who ha"d preserved no Isnowledge of their ancestors, I have made a willing eftbrt to extend and complete a defective record. In gathering the material for the following registers, fifteen hundred letters solicitins: information have been written and many public and private records have been attentively perused. The records of the older towns, the former homes of the early settlers of Ashburnham, have afforded valuable information, while cemeteries and probate records have supplied many deficiencies. To present the record of the generations of many of the families previous to their removal to this town has invited research and labor and has been attended with a regret that of a few of the early families such a record could not be secured. If it is presumed by any that too little attention has been bestowed upon those families who have recently removed to this town, or to the younger generation of the present in- habitants, the compass of the volume will plead excuse, and in some instances a failure to secure the record is the only reason for its absence. Many will presume that they discover errors in the multi- tude of dates contained in the following pages. It is feared that in some instances such conjecture tvill be sustained by the facts, but it should be borne in mind' that frequently public records and family registers present contradictory dates of the same event. The record which has passed through the least number of copies has generally been accepted. I am aware that critics too hastily will assume GENEALOGICAL EEGISTEE. 57^ that records in their possession are correct. Experience in these pursuits leads one to presume that an error may exist in any record. Even the dates carefully chiselled in marble are not infallible. In one instance, at least, the records of this town demonstrate that a former worthy citizen paid taxes, held town oiBce and shared the vicissitudes of a vigor- ous earthly existence several years after the date solemnly attested by the headstone erected to his memory. Eeferring to places the town and State are given, but in the frequent mention of towns in Massachusetts and the border towns of Rindge and New Ipswich, the State is purposely omitted. To Charles A. Bemis, author of the History 'of Marl- borough, New Hampshire; Eev. William S. Heywood,.who has in preparation a History of Westminster; F. E. Blake, familiar with the annals and traditions of Princeton ; Charles F. Packard of Ashburnham, who has furnished several registers, and Horatio Hill, Esq., of Chicago, Illinois, for information of the Hill and collateral families, I am greatly indebted for polite favors and valuable assist- ance. Other favors are acknowledged in connection with the family registers, which through valuable contributions are rendered more complete. EXPLANATIONS. In these registers the parents' name standing at the head of a paragraph is given in full, and printed in small capitals. The Christian names of the children only are given, and are printed in Italic, and are numbered in Eoman numerals, i, II, III, etc. Whenever the names of theu" children or grand- children of the person whose name introduces the paragraph appear, they are indented, printed in lower case, and are numbered in Arabic figures, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. The numbers in the margin are consecutive ; persons bearing the same family name are numbered in the order in which they are introduced. The character + after a person's name in- dicates that the name is thereafter repeated, and can be easily found by following down the margin until the same number appears enclosed in parenthesis. Abbreviations. — b. stands for born ; bap. for baptized ; d. for died ; md. for married ; unmd. for unmarried ; dau. for daughter; s. p., or si7ie prole, for without offspring; q. V. for which see, or see the name of the person to whom the letters apply in the register of that family. Genealogical Register, ABBOTT. In the early history of the town there were two families bearing this name. Tliey were influential in securing the annexation of a part of this town to Ashby in 1792. With their lands and earthly possessions they subsequently constituted a part of that town. 2 3 4 .5 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 JoHX Abbott settled in the northeast part of this town about 1780. The farm is now in Ashby. He was an ensign in the militia, and while he remained a citizen of this town he was frequently named in the records. He md. Nov. 28, 1782, Martha Whiting, dau. of Samuel and Sarah (Stevens) Whiting of Billerica. He d. in Ashby Aug. 16, 1805. Five children b. in Ashburnham and three in Ashby. I. Patty, b. Aug. 30, 1783 ; d. 1805. II. Polly, b. April 23, 1785 ; d. 1793. m. Sally, b. May 27, 1787. IV. Betsy, b. March 22, 1789. V. Nancy, b. Jan. 7, 1791. Ti. John, b. Dec. 5, 1792. VII. Polly, b. Jan. 29, 1795. VIII. Charles, d. 1805. Jeremiah Abbott, probably a brother of John, resided here several years and was also annexed to Ashb}- 1792. He md. Nov. 26, 1789, Patty Jaquith of Wilmington. The oldest child was b. in this town. I. Patty, b. Aug 29, 1790. II. Jeremiah, b. Feb. 15, 1792. III. Benjamin, b. Julj- 10, 1793. IV. Dolly, b. April 15, 1795; d. V. Betsey, b. Feb. 17, 1797. VI. Obed, b. Sept. 3, 1799. 1801. 581 582 HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. ADAMS. This has been a prominent and honored name in theannals of Aehburnham. There are several distinct families of Adams in New England, but the numer- ous families bearing the name in this town have a common lineage. All of them belong to the Cambridge family and are descendants of Capt. Thomas Adams who was b. 1713. The emigrant ancestor was John Adams, a son of Henry Adams of Devonshire, England. He was md. in England, and there one or more of his children were b., but he was residing in Cambridge as early as 1650, where several other children wereb. He was a millwright and d. 1706, aged 85. His widow Ann was living 1714. Among their six children was Joseph Adams, who in 1697 received from his father a deed of the homestead which was near the present railway station in Arlington Centre. He md. Feb. 21, 1687-8, Margaret Eames, dau. of Thomas and Mary (Blanford) Eames. He d. July 20, 1701, and his widow md. Dec. 27, 1705, Daniel Dean of Concord. There appears no record of the birth of the children of Joseph and Margaret Adams, but there appears no evidence to qualify the statement of Cutter's History of Arlington that they had a son Joseph who is known in Cambridge records as Lieut. Joseph Adams, and who was b. 1688 or 1689. He md. Jan. 18, 1710-11, Rebecca Cutter, dau. of William and Rebecca (Rolfe) Cutter. She d. Jan. 12, 1717-8, leaving four children; and by second wife, Rachel, there were five children, Lieut. Adams was a selectman of Cambridge several years, precinct treasurer fifteen years, and in 1750 he was one of a committee to renew the bounds of Cambridge farm in this town. He d. Oct. 18, 1774, aged 86. Capt. Thomas AdamS, of the fourth generation, a son of Lieuti Joseph and Eebecca (Cutter) Adains, was b. in Cambridge, now Arlington, Aug. 20, 1713. About 1735, he removed to Worcester, where he resided until 1752, when he returned to Cambridge. He was an inn- holder, an active, influential citizen, and was frequently chosen to positions of responsibility and trust. In the French and Indian War he commanded a company of men enlisted from Cambridge and the towns in that vicinity which was in the service eight months, Upon their return with* the loss of only one man. Rev. Samuel Cook preached a sermon Nov. 12, 1758, commemorating the event. In 1764 Capt. Adams was precinct committee man and assessor, and the same year he was one of a committee chosen to sell the Cambridge farm in Ashburnham, of which he subsequently owned the' larger portion. • Capt. Adams removed to Ashburnham in 1778 and con- tinued a residence in this town with little, if any, inter- ruption until his death. He occupied a part of Ca;mbridge farm in the southeast part of the town, and during the later years of his life his son Ebenezer Thomas; resided with bim. He was chosen surveyor of the highways in 1779 and his name is found on all the existing W lists from 1778 to 1802. The fact that he was not taxed in Menotomy after 1 777 and was not named in the seating of the meeting-house in 1781, has called forth an expression of surprise from the local historians. An easy explanation (4) 10 n 12 13 14 GENEALOGICAL EEGISTER. 583 is found in tlie fact of his residence during these years in this town. He md. Sept. 22, 1737, Anna Frost, dau. of Ephraim and Sarah (Cooper) Frost of Menotomy. She d. Oct. 6, 1740. He md. (2d) Lydia Chadwick, dau. of John Chadwick of Worcester ; she d. 1748. He md. (3d) Sept. 13, 1754, Elizabeth (Sanders) Bowman, widow of Ebenezer Bowman. They lived to advanced age and d. the same year. She d. March 26, 1802, aged, says Mr. Gushing, " between 80 and 90 years." He d. Nov. 9, 1802, aged 89 years. I. Joseph, b. Oct. 6, 1740 ; d. same day. II. Hannah, b. April 13, 1743 ; md. "Walter Eussell, q. v.; md. (2d) Enos Jones, q. v. III. John, b. Jan 22, 1744-5. + IV. Lydia, b. Aug. 20, 1755 ; md. Lemuel Blanehard. b. in Billerica July 1, 1749 ; son of John and Elizabeth (Richardson) Blaochard. They re- sided in Cambridge where he was styled a trader, and where he d. about 1790. She md. (2d) July 30, 1795, Joseph Thorndike, Esq., a prominent citizen of Jaffrey, N. H. He d. June 25, 1814. She survived him, but the date of her death is unknown. By the first marriage she had two children and perhaps others. 1. Thomas, b. April 20, 1779. 2. Son, b. April 27, 1783. V. Lucretia, b. Aug. 2, 1757 ; md. Ethan Wetherbee, q. V. VI. Ebenezer Tliomas, b. Jan. 10, 1762.+ John Adams was the first of the family in Ashburnham where he resided over seventy years. Vide Chapter XX. He md. July 9, 1770, Joanna Munroe, b. April 12, 1747, dau. of Jonas and Joanna (Locke) Munroe and a sister of Lieut. Ebenezer Munroe who subsequent!}^ resided in this town. She d., leaving nine children, Nov. 26, 1822. He md. (2d) 1826, Lucy (Simonds) Munroe, widow of Li€ut. Ebenezer Munroe. He d. at Harford, Penn., Feb. 26, 1849, aged 104 years, 1 month and 4 days. I. John, b. April 27, 1771.+ II. Levi, b. Dec. 31, 1773. + III. Joanna, b. June 18, 1775 ; md. Stephen Corey, q. V. IV. Jonas R., b. April 8, 1777.+ V. James, b. June 10, 1779.-]- 584 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 15 16 17 18 (9) 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 (10) 27 28 29 30 31 32 (11) VI. Rebecca, b. Feb. 22, 1781; mcl. May 28, 1807, Joel Davis, q. v. VII. Walter Russell, b. April 5, 1783. -(- VIII. Betsy, b. Oct. 30, 1785 ; d. unmd. IX. Polly, b. Jan. 25, 1789 ; mcl. David Gushing, q. v. Ebenezer Thomas Adams, youngest son of Capt. Thomas Adams, removed to this town with his father and settled on Cambridge farm about 1778. He was a captain of the militia. He was a man of marked ability and influence. He md. June 20, 1784, Polly Goodwin, b. 1763, dan. of Thomas and Mary (Miller) Goodwin of Charlestown. He d. Aug. 6, 1804 ; his widow d. Feb. 24, 1815. I. Ebenezer, b. May 16, 1785. + II. Polly, b. Oct. 15, 1786 ; d. Nov. 16, 1786. III. Stephen, b. Sept. 19, 1788.+ IV. Mary, b. March 17, 1791 ; md. Gen. Ivers Jewett, q. V. V. Hepsibah, b. Sept. 29, 1793 ; md. Thomas Russell, q. V. VI. Eliza, b. Nov. 19, 1796 ; md. Capt. Timothy Stearns, q. v. VII. Thomas, b. Sept. 7, 1799 ; d. Jan. 2, 1801. VIII. Lydia, md. Gen. Ivers Jewett, q. v. Ensign John Adams, eldest son of John Adams, the centenarian, held many positions of trust. He was an ensign in the militia, and by this title he was distinguished in the records from his father and his eldest son who bore the same name. He md. Dec. 1, 1796, Dolly Gibson, dau. of Samuel Gibson. He d. Jan. 6, 1844; she d. May 20, 1835. I. Infant, b. Jan. 25, 1799 ; d. same day. II. John, b. April 7, 1803. + III. Cinderilla, b. July 25, 1806 ; md. Amos D. Scol- lay, q. v. IV. Harriett, b. Feb. 16, 1809 ; md. Merrick Whitney, q. V. V. Dolly Gibson, b. June 25, 1811 ; md. Darwin Woods, q. V. VI. Jane M.,h. May 17, 1814; d. unmd. Nov. 9, 1838. Levi Adams, son of John, md. 1798, Deborah Leland, b. 1778, dau. of Caleb and Deborah (Farrar) Leland of Leominster. She d. 1814; he md. (2d) Mrs. Hannab (Hale) Adams. He was a farmer and a tanner. A few 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 (13) 42 43 44 45 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 585 years after his first marriage he removed to Leominster and later to Townsend. Late in life he removed to Har- ford, Penn., where he d. Aug. 2, 1845. Sis children by first and one by second marriage. I. Deborah, b. Sept. 5, 1799 ; md. Asa P. Cowdin of Fitchburg. She d. his widow in this town, Jan. 10, 1877. II. Milton, b. 1801. + III. Caroline, b. Nov. 11, 1804; md. Feb. 21, 1826, Ezra Baker, a worthy citizen of Jaffrey, N. H. Two children. 1. Milton, b. July 23, 1830; resides unmd. in Jafirey. 2. Mahala, b. Aug. 15, 1833 ; md. George A. Underwood of JaflTrey. IV. Levi, b. Sept. 18, 1806 ; d. July 19, 1825. v. Mary, b. March 13, 1811 ; resides unmd. in this town. VI. Nancy, b. March 17, 1813; md. May 1, 1833, George W". Hunt, son of Joel and Clara (Met- ealf) Hunt. They resided several years in Fitchburg. In 1856 they removed to Lawrence, Kansas. He d. March 22, 1870. Six children. VII. Amos H., b. Aug. 11, 1824; resides in Pennsyl- vania. Jonas R. Adams, son of John, was twice married, but no record has been secured. In early life he removed to Pennsylvania, and in 1836 he removed with his family to Illinois and settled about twenty miles from Chicago in the township of Lisle and near the post office of Downer's Grove. He was a farmer. About 1856 he visited his native town and witnessed with mingled pain and pleasure the ravages and improvements of years. He d. a few years later. Only an imperfect record of his children can be given. I. James L., b. 1806 ; resided a few years with his father and returned to Pennsylvania. He was postmaster at Brooklyn, Penn., many years. He d. suddenly, 1885. II. Nancy, md. Alexander Foster. III. Eliza, md. Pace. IV. Amos, b. 1825 ; in 1848 was a lawyer in Chicago, j subsequently he removed to California and has I been successful. 46 I v. Albert, b. 1827 ; removed to California. 586 HISTORY or ASHBURNHAM. 47 (14) VI. Mary E., b. 1834. James Adams, son of John, resided in Ashburnham until 1834, when he removed to Harford, Penn. He md. June 22, 1800, Dolly Dickerson, dau. of Amos Dickerson, q.v.; she d. Jan. 18, 1818; he md. (2d) 1819, Lucy Sawtelle. He d. April 30, 1855; she d. Sept. 21, 1864. It was with this son that tlie aged father passed the de- clining years of a prolonged and useful life. mA I f wmMf ^%i*(iff OLD ADAMS HOMESTEAD — EAST PART OF TOWN. 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 I. Nancy, md. 1819, Loring Gates, son of John Gates, q. v. II. Dolly, b. Sept. 5, 1802 ; md. 1820, Luther Brooks, Jr., q. V. III. James, b. Nov. 24, 1804. -|- IV. Elizabeth D., md. John Boynton of Groton. V. Jonas, was a farmer in Harford, Penn. ; md. Emeline Tifflny. He d. about 1877. 1. Elizabeth, md. Henry Estabrook ; d. 1882. 2. Sumtier, md. Barnard; resides on paternal homestead. VI. Joanna, md. Laban Capron ; resided in Harford, Penn. ; d. about 1865. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 587 ,, 56 57 58 59 60 (16) ■ Peck ; resides in VII. John, b. about 1821 ; md. Harford, Penn. VIII. Andrew Jackson, resided in Ashburnhatn from 1845 to 1850; returned to Harford, Penn. ; md. Sarah Jane Sawyer, dau. of Abel Sawyer, q. v. IX. Estella, md. Henry Jeffers ; resides in Brooklyn, Penn. X. Sarah, md. Hubbard N. Smith ; resides in Lenox, Penn. XI. William, resides in Hopbottom, Penn. \VAtTEK Russell Adams, youngest son of John, was a prosperous farmer in this town. He was an ensign in the Ashburnham Light Infantry when the company was in the service in 1814. He md. Feb. 7, 1804, Mercy Fairbanks, dau. of Cyrus Fairbanks, q. v.; she d. March 7, 1853. He nid. (2d) 1854, Mrs. Abigail (Fairbanks) Patch, a sister of his first wife. He d. Sept. 22, 1868 ; his wife d. 1866. 61 1. Walter, b. Nov. 4, 1807.+ 62 II. Mary, b. Oct. 29, 1808 ; md. May 19, 1886, Asa Ames, son of Bulkley and Lj'dia (Pireseott) Ames of Groton, where he d. April 14, 1846. She md. (2d) 1847, Calvin Childs of (Jroton ; she d. June 19, 1864. Two children by first and one by second marriage. \ 63 1. Mary Augusta, b. March 28, 1837 ( besides in Ashbuinham. : 64 2. Sarah Jane, b. Oct. 12, 1842:; d. at Groton Sept. 22, 1848. 65 3. Calvin Adams, b. June 12, 1848 ; d. June 20, 1849. ,g6 m. Eliza, b. Aug. 26, 1810 ; d. June 10, 1815. \^1 I IV. Cyrus Hale, b. June 6, 1812; d. unmd. Nov. 22, 1882 68 V. Joseph, b. July 26, 1816 ; d. July 28, 1818. 69 ' VI. Joseph, b. Aug. 2, 1818. + 70 VII. Eliza Elvira, b. March 3, 1823 ; md. April 24, 1845, John M. Dexter, b. 1820, son of Samuel Dexter of Franklin, N; H. She d. at Town- send, s.p., Sept. 27, 1848. 71 vlii. Sarah Jane, b. Oct. 6, 1826 ; md. George G. Rockwood, q. v. (19) Ebenezer Adams, son of Capt. Ebenezer Thomas Adams, md. July 13, 1806, Peggy Russell, dau. of Thomas 688 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 72 I. 73 II. 74 in. 75 IV. 76 77 78 79 80 (21) 81 82 83 84 85 86 and Margaret (Adams) Eussell, q. v. He was a farmer and a citizen of good repute'. He d. Dee. 18, 1824. His widow md. (2d) Ensign Asa Woods, q. v. Catherine, b. and d. Nov. 11, 1807. Ivers, b. Dec. 30, 1808. + Thomas Russell, b. Aug. 30, 18 11.+ James Russell, b. March 23, 1814. He d. unmd. May 4, 1847. He resided in "Washington, D. C'and in Kentucky where he was known as a young man of ability and scholarly attainment, v. Mary Goodwin, b. April 13, 1817; md. June 27, 1837, Franklin Mclntire, b. Jan. 30, 1813, son of David Mclntire of Fitchburg, and subsequently of Springfield, Vt. Mr. Mclntire was engaged several years in teaching school, residing in this town and in Fitchburg. She d. in Fitchburg June 17, 1845. He md (2d) Elvira Works and was an extensive farmer in Springfield, Vt. He d. in Charlestown, N. H., where he had resided a short time, March 26, 1886. By the first marriage, there were three children. 1. Mary Caroline, b. Dec. 28, 1837; md. Lincoln Whitney, son of Merrick Whit- ney, q. V. •2. Catherine, b. April 14, 1839; d. Sept. 2, 1847. 3. James F., b. 1841 ; d. in the war April 20, 1864. VI. Warren, b. Feb. 11, 1820 ; removed to California ; d. unmd. Stephen Adams, son of Capt. Ebenezer Thomas Adams, md. Oct. 5, 1813, Hannah Wheeler, dau. of John and Hannah Wheeler. He resided in Fitchburg from about 1813 to 1820 and subsequently in Ashby where he d. I. Laura M., b. July, 1814; md. 1832, William Up- ton of Townsend. 1. Stephen W. S., b. 1835 ; resides in Town- send. 2. Sarah Marion, b. 1836 ; md. Amos A. Green. 3. George, d. young. 4. George A., b. 1845; resides in Townsend. II. Hannah E., b. May, 1816; md. 1837, William 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 M 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 (28) 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 GENEALOGICAL EEGISTER. 589 Sheldon of Ashby. She d. and he md. (2d) Mrs. Mary (Parley) French. 1. Mary E., b. May, 1842 ; d. unmd. 2. William Sullivan, b. April, 1845. III. Mary J., b. March, 1818; md. 1844, Stephen Wyman of Ashby. IV. Stephen S., b. June, 1820; md. 1844, Martha Barrett. 1. Martha F., b. Oct., 1846. 2. Mary A., b. April, 1849. 3. Stephen F., b. March, 1859. V. Harriet W. (twin), b. June, 1820; md. 1845, Ivers Adams, q. v. VI. Sophronia E., b. Oct., 1822 ; d. young. VII. George L., b. Feb., 1825 ; md. Adaline Andrews. He resides in Ashby. 1. George E., b. April, 1851. 2. Addie S., b. May, 1854. vni. Martha A., b. Aug., 1827; d. unmd. IX. Sophronia E.,h. March, 1830; md. 1858, Henry A. Woods. 1. Henry R., b. Aug., 1856. 2. Guy, b. March, 1866. John Adams, son of Ensign John Adams, md. Oct. 4, 1826, Lucy Caldwell, dau. of John Caldwell, q. v.; she d. Aug. 18, 1845. He md. (2d) April 1, 1846, Laura (Con- stantine) Bennett, dau. of Jacob Constantine, q. v., and widow of Asa Bennett, q. v. He d. Jan. 27, 1881. She d. Nov. 14, 1878. I. Lucy Ann, b. April 22, 1827 ; md. April 13, 1847, John H. Danby ; reside in Fitchburg. Four children . II. Infant, b. and d. May 31, 1829. III. Infant, b. and d. July 4, 1831. IV. George Francis, b. Jan. 19, 1833 ; md. Jan. 1, 1856, Rebecca Raymond. Reside at Indian- apolis, Ind. Two children. V. Mary Augusta, b. Jan. 22, 1835 ; md. Dec. 9, 1860, Mason J. Osgood ; reside at Indianapolis, Ind. Three children. VI. Ellen Amelia, b. Dec. 8, 1837; d. Jan. 0, 1854. vii. Harriet Maria, b. Feb. 18, 1840 ; md. June 14, 590 HISTORY OF ISHBURNHAM. 110 HI 112 113 (34) 114 )■ 115- 116 117 (50) 'IX. X. 1860, William A. Hardy of Fitchburg ; she d. Aug. U, 1877. Four children. Sarah Elizabeth, b. Aug. 14,jl842; md. Nov,,20,, 1874, Josepji Lee Heywo.od ; he was ' killed, Sept. 7, 1876, by burglars, in First National .Bank, NorthlBeld, .Mipii. v^tie d. March '15, 1884. Infant, b. and d. June 22, 1844., John Wesley, b. May 17,. 1847 ; md. Ella Stearns ;. reside in Wiuchendou. One child. Isabella M., b. April 25, 1849 ; d. June 3, 1850. Milton Adams, son of Levi Adams, resided in this town, in Dan vers and Brighton, and in the S-tate of I*Tew York. He md. Esther Gibson of Ashby ; she d. Nov. 5, 1833. There were four children. ; I. Samuel G., b. Dec. 23, 1825. He md. Martha Stoddard, (2d) Elvira Warren and (3d) Harriet A. Patterson. He was engaged in business until 1861, when he was appointed on the police of the city of Boston. From 1878 to 1885, he ably and faithfully served the city as Superin- tendent of Police, and when, on account of fail- ing health, he resigned, the Commissioners accepted his resignation with the following ex- pression of their appreciation of his services t " Irreproachable in his private life and incor- ruptible in the performance of his publfc duties, ■'' ' Capt. Adams has honored his chosen profession ■'i • and retires from office respected and esteemed by the community which he has served for so many years." He d. May 15, 1886. II. Esther P., b. June 20, 1828 ; md. Hosea G. Stone, q. V. III. Boxanna, b. July 25, 1832; md. Nov. 2, 1851, Lucius H. Sabin of Gardner, rv. Elizabeth, resides unmd. in Ashburnham. James Adams, son of James Adams, md. in this town Sept. 20, 1827, MaryB. Whitney, dan. of Ohio Whitney, q. V. He was a farmer and a tanner. He established the business in tanning, subsequently conducted by L. B. and A. J. Adams, at Factory Village. In 1849 he removed with his family to Brooklyn, Penn. His wife d. Oct. 29, 1847. He md. (2d) April 12, 1848, Mary H. Smith who d. in Oct., 1884. He d. Dec. 25, 1880. All of his children were b. in this town. 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 (61) 125 l56 127 128 129 130 (69) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 591' I. Luther B., b. Feb. 16, 1829 ; md. Oct. 13, 1850, Mary B. Samson, dau. of Jonathan Samson, q. v. He resides in this town and for several years was local superintendent • of the Boston Chair Manufacturing. Company. 1. Flora Luella, b. Aug. 12; d. Oct. 16, 1857. ir. Dolly, b. Nov. 9, 1830; d. Aug. 31, 1833. HI. OJiio Wliitney, b. Jan. 9, 1833 ; md. May 26, 1861, L. Angle Harding. He is a locomotive engineer and resides at New Hampton Junction, N. J. IV. Francis J,., b. June 2, 1835 ; md. Dec. 22, I860, Catherine Einehart. He is a locomotive en- gineer and resides at Lebanon, N. J. V. James IF., b. Oct. 21, 1839 ; md. March 30, 1861, Sarah J. Perry. He is a farmer at Brooklyn, Penn. Ti. Joseph Henry, b. Dec. 30, 1841 ; drowned Aug. 4, 1845. Walter Adams, sou of Walter Eussell Adams, was a carpenter in this town, and an esteemed citizen. He md. Jan. 1, 1834. Sarah Whitney, dau. of Ohio Whitney, q. v.'-. He d. Jan. 7, 1876. Six children. I. Ivers Whitney, b. May 20, 1838.+ II. Walter Eussell, b. Feb. 7, 1840. He has been much employed in town affairs and has been actively and successfully engaged in business pursuits. For several years has been a merchant in this town in the firm of Adams & Greenwood. He md. April 21, 1881, Mary Ella Pillsbury, dau. of Dr. Levi Pillsbury of Fitchburg. III. Sarah Adelaide, b. Feb. 26, 1843 ; md. July 25, 1877, Charles A. Robbins, son of Charles Robbiiis of Mason, N. H. IV. Abbie Augusta, b. Jan. 14, 1846 ; d. Aug. 27, 1848. V. Charles Francis, b. Oct. 21, 1849 ; d. unmd. Dec. 19, 1876. VI. Willis Herbert, b. March 3, 1852; d. Aug. 27, 1853. Joseph Adams, son of Walter Russell Adams, was formerly engaged in' the morocco business in this town. He is the only grandson of John Adams the centenarian 592 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 131 132 (73) 133 (74) 134 (126) remaining in Ashburnham. In his daily life he manifests the reliable qualities which have distinguished his family through many generations. He md. July 22, 1841, Dolly Winship Whitney, dau. of Ohio Whitney, q. v. I. Melvin Oliio, b. Nov. 7, 1847. He is an attorney and counsellor- at-law in Boston and assistant district-attornej'. Vide Chap. XX. He md. Jan. 20, 1875, Mary Colony, dau. of Dr. George Colony of Fitchburg. 11. Walter Hale, b. Nov. 11, 1851 ; d. Oct. 6, 1852. IvERS Adams, for many years, was actively engaged in the morocco business. The firm of Ivers & Thomas R. Adams was successful and maintained a good record and an excellent reputation in business circles. He repre- sented the town in the Legislature in the session of 1851, and in the conduct of town affairs he has been a useful and reliable citizen. He md. July 21, 1845, Harriet W. Adams, dau. of Stephen Adams of Ashby, q. v. She d., leaving one child, July 26, 1846. I. Mary Goodwin, b. May 21, 1846 ; md. March 31, 1870, Hosea S. Whitney, son of Merrick Whit- ney, q. V. Thomas R. Adams, of the firm of Ivers & Thomas R. Adams, was a man of unblemished reputation. He md. 1840, Jane Alona Russell, dau. of Walter and Alona (Lawrence) Russell, q. v. She d. Feb. 28, 1845. He d. Feb. 11, 1877. I. Thomas Benton, b. March 11, 1842. July 8, 1864. He d. unmd. Ivers Whitney Adams, son of Walter and Sarah (Whitney) Adams, is a descendant of the fifth generation from Capt. Thomas Adams and of the fourth generation from Silas Whitney, the progenitors of two prominent families of Ashburnham. In his boyhood and youth he attended the public schools of this town and supplemented these limited privileges with a few terms at the academies in this vicinity. In the meantime he found a more rugged employment on the farm and at work with his father at his trade. To train the son in the arts of the trade of a carpenter was the honest, yet mistaken, aim of the father. The youth, however, incited by an honorable ambition and with well-defined dreams of the future, had loftier aims and early aspired to more inviting pursuits. At the /" ^^t>t^ederick Crosby place. He d. Aug. 6, 1862; shed. April 27,' 1875. A dau., Abigail, md. 1854, Luther P. Reed of Littleton ; md. (2d) 1877, John Q. Kinson of this town. IV. Joseph. (BANCROFT. The Bancrofts of this town were from Gardner. The nRme appears .continuously in the records since 1828. Harvey M. Bancroft and his cousin, ■Jonathan 0. Bancroft, are of the seventh generation of their family in this country. The emigrant ancestor, Lieut. Thomas Bancroft, was b. in England 1622. In 1647, then a resident of Dedham, he md. Alice Bacon, who soon d. ; he md. (2d) Sept. 15, 164S, Elizabeth Metcalf, and removed .about 1650 to Reading, and subsequently to Lynnfield, where he d. Aug. 19, 1691. He was a prominent man of his time, and the records bear frequent 59.S HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. and honorablp mention of his name. The eldest son, Dea. Thomas Bancroft,^ was b. in Dedhnm, Sept. 2-t, 1649. He removed to Reading, where he md. April 10, 1673, Sarah Poole, dau. of Jonathan Poole. He was a lieutenant, and is mentioned in "Mather's Magnolia" as having saved the garrison at Exeter from an assault by the Indians. He d. July 12, 1718; his widow d. May 20, 1723. Their second son, Raham Bancroft, was b. in Eeading Feb. 14, 1684. He md. Abigail Eaton, and (2d) Ruth Kendall. He was a prominent citizen and a deacon of the church. He d. 1758, aged 74 years,, and to the record of his death his pastor appends — "That good man, my friend, Dea. Bancroft." Of his eight children, David Bancroft, a son by first wife, was b. in Reading Aug. 2, 1718. About 1740 he removed to Ward, now .Auburn. He served in the French and Indian War, was a deacon, also a representative in the Provincial Congress 1774. He md. Eunice Bancroft, dau. of Jolm and Mary (Clark) Bancroft of Lynnfield. He d. at Auburn April 16, 1782. Jonathan, the sixth child of David Ban- croft, was b. in May, 1750. He removed to Templeton, now Gardner, 1772, and there md. Aug. 30, 1774, Sarah Case of Sutton, who was the mother of all his children. She d. Feb. 17, 1816, and he md. (2d) 1817, Widow Elizabeth Bancroft of Phillipston. He served in the Bevolution and was in the battles of Stillwater and Saratoga 1777. He d. .suddenly Sept. 25, 1826. Smyrna Bancroft, son of Jonathan and Mary (Case) Bancroft, was b. May 15, 1776. He was nine years of age when Gardner was incorporated, and was subsequently a selectman and assessor of that town. Hemd. Sarah Whitney, dau. of William and Mary (Mansfield) Whitney of Winchendon. He d. in Gardner Aug. 5, 1818. His son Ha'rvey M. Bancroft for many years has resided in this town. Jonathan Bancroft, Jr , a brother of Smyrna, was b. in Templeton, now Gardner, Feb. 7, 1775. He md. Betsey Parker of Westford. He resided in Gardner, but his farm extended over the line into this town. He d. 1840. Three of his children have resided in this town. His son, Jonathan 0. Bancroft, is number 4 in the following register. Another son. Dr. Jesse P. Bancroft, for many years the able superintendent of the Asylum for the Insane at Concord, N. H., resided with his brother a few years and from this town entered upon the active labors of a useful life. Sophia Bancroft, the wife of John C. Glazier, was a sister of Jonathan 0. and Dr. Jesse P. Bancroft. Haevey M. Bancroft, son .of Smj'rna and Sarah (Whitney) Bancroft, was b. May 1, 1803. He md. May 1, 1828, Betsey C. Glazier, dau. of Lewis and Lucy (Keyes) Glazier. The same 3'eiir he removed to this town. Through a prolonged and blameless life he has lived in peace and has had no contention with his fellow- men. I. James H., b. April 1, 1829; md. May 29, 1855, N. Eebecca Laws of Westminster : she d. Nov. 1, 1879. M]'. Bancroft is a lawyer in Worcester. II. Sarah W., b. Sept. 1. 1831 ; md. April 13, 1852, Samuel G. Piper of Lynn, where she d. July 13, 1861. Jonathan O. Banceoet, son of Jonathan, Jr., and Betsey (Parker) Bancroft, was b. Sept. 12, 1806. For a few years he was associated with his brother-in-law, John C. Glazier, in the manufacture of chairs at the- 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 599 South Village, and subsequently removed to the Centre Village and became a partner in the chair business conducted bj' Woods, Stevens & Co. In 1833 he removed to Boston and was there engaged in the furniture trade. He md. Sept. 15, 1830, Lucinda Corey, dau. of Stephen Corey, q. v. William Barrell, b. in Scituate Feb. 5, 1776, md. April 18, 1802, Deborah Chittenden, and very soon after his marriage he removed to the north part of Westminster. A few years subsequently his farm was annexed to Ashburnham and he remained in this town until his death Oct. 5, 1860; she d. March 25, 1852. Her name was written Abigail in the records and also Deborah. I. William, b. July 7, 1803 ; d. unmd. in Ashburn- ham Feb. 7, 1850. II. Maria, h. Nov. 12, 1804; md. May 5, 1828, Nathan Wood of Westminster; she d. April 8, 1850. III. JSfaJinm, b. April 9, 1807 ; md. Dec. 3, 1835, Martha A. Hinds. He resided in Westminster where he d. Dec. 20, 1874. 1. Lucy, b. Aug. 4, 1840; md. Nov. 21, 1861, George Dalrymple ; md. (2d) Oct. 13, 1878, H. E. Smith; reside in Granby. 2. Euana, b. Nov. 7. 1842 ; md. Chas. W. Whitney, 2d, q. v. 3. William, b. Oct. 5, 1850; d. April 23, 1864. IV. Betsey, b. March 6, 1810 ; d. unmd. May 6, 1847. V. Liwy, b. Jan. 10, 1812; d. April 9, 1814. VI. James, b. June 11, 1817; md. Mrs. Abbie Smith of Leominster. John Barrell, son of John Barrell of Westminster, md. Oct. 21, 1829, Caroline Crosby, dau. of Frederick Crosby, q. v., and from that date he resided in this town until he d. Aug. 22, 1841, aged 36 years. I. Nelson, b. Dec. 9, 1830 ; resides in Fitchburg. II. John Francis, b. July 23, 1832. III. Otis, b. Feb. 23, 1835 ; md. 1857, Elvira L. Pratt ; resides in Westminster. IV. Mmer, b. May 16, 1837. 600 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Joseph Benson Bareell, son of Dea. Luther Barrell of Westminster, was b. Dee. 28, 1822 ; md. Nov. 4, 1845, Harriet Elmiia May, dau. of Sumner May, q. v. They resided in south part of the town and also in Westmin- ster. He d. Oct. 22, 1881 ; she resides at South Village. I. Tyler, b. May 26, 1847 ; d. 1848. II. Joseph B., b. April 13, 1849 ; md. Nov. 28, 1871, Rosetta Petts of Westminster ; resides at South Village. III. Herman, b. April 5, 18-51 ; md. Sevrina N. Hill; resides in Iowa. IV. Franh, b. July 26, 1853 ; md. Nov. 27, 1878, Nellie Whitney, dau. of Jonas M. Whitney of Westminster ; resides at South Village, v. Minnetta E., b. Nov. 29, 1855; md. John H. Alcott of Waltham. She d. July 19, 1882. VI. Hattie Flora, b. March 8, 1857; md. Charles Wood, son of Stephen Wood, g. v. BARRETT. Early in the present century, the brothers Benjamin, Charles and Oliver Barrett removed to this town. They were b. in Ashby. About 1808 Joel Barrett, a distant relative, removed from Townsend. Their descendants are numerous and merit honorable mention in the annals of Ashburnham. In the following record of the lineage of the Barrett families, I am indebted to J. H. Potter of Concord. In 1640 Humphrey Barrett, with three sons, came from England and settled in Concord. He d. 1662, aged 70; his wife Mary d. Aug. 15, 1663. Hum- phrey Barrett, Jr., b. in England 1630, md. in Concord July 17, 1661, Elizabeth Payne who d. Dec. .21, 1674; he md. (2d) March 23, 1675, Mary Potter, dau. of Dea. Luke and Mary Edmands Potter. He was a deacon of the church in Concord and d. Jan. 3, 1716, aged 86. Mary, his wife, d. Nov. 17, 1713, aged 58. Benjamin, the second son of Dea. Humphrey and Mary (Potter) Barrett, b. May 7, 168], md. Jan. 3, 1705, Lydia Minot; he d. Oct. 25, 1728, and she md. (2d) Samuel Stow. Benjamin, the oldest of the eight children of Benjamin and Lydia (Minot) Barrett, b. Nov. 15, 1705, md. Rebecca Jones. He d. Oct. 23, 1738, and she md. (2d) Dec. 22, 1740, Jonas Prescott of Westford. Of the four children of Benjamin and Rebecca (Jones) Barrett, Benjamin and Jonas settled in Ashby. Benjamin, b. Jan 9, 1735, md. Nov. 24, 1761, Sarah Merriam of Lexington; he md. (2d) Feb. 18, 1786, Hannah Jones who d. Dec. 8, 1831. He d. Sept. 14, 1811. There were six children of Benjamin and Sarah (Merriam) Barrett of whom the oldest was Benjamin, b. June 21, 1762. He md. Bridget Lawrence, who d. 1793. He md. (2d) 1794, Rhoda (Stearns) Wheeler, dau. of Thomas and Betty (Manning) Stearns and widow of Amos Wheeler. There were seven children by the first and two by the second marriage. These children were of the seventh generation in America. The continued record of Benjamin, Col. Charles and Oliver, sons of Benjamin and Bridget (Lawrence) Barrett is given in the following register. Joel Barrett, who came from Mason, N. H., to Ashburnham about the same time, was a distant relative. His lineage is traced from Thomas another son of Humphrey, the emigrant ancestor. This son Thomas and wife Margaret resided in Chelmsford where he d. Aug. 8, 1668. Joseph, son of GENEALOGICAL EEGISTER. 601 Thomas and grandson of Humphrey the emigrant, md. Sept. 17, 1672, Martha Gould who d. Mav 15, 1698. He d. 1711. Joseph, son of Joseph, was h. in Chelmsford Feb. 24, 1690; he md. March 24, 1714, Mary Taylor. Of their eight children Reuben was b. 1729. He md. June 19, 1750, Sarah Fletcher of Chelmsford and removed to Northborough, and subsequently to Mason, N. H., where he d. Sept. 19, 1800. His son, Joel Barrett, of the sixth generation, resided in Ashburnham and is number 37 in the following register. 1 9 10 11 12 13 Benjamin Barrett, son of Benjamin and Bridget (Lawrence) Barrett, was b. in Asliby June 18, 1786. He removed to this town 1807, and md. Feb. 7, 1809, Nancy Stone, dan. of Oliver Stone, q. v. He served in the War of 1812. In 1830 he removed io Fitchburg, and subse- quently to Newport, N. H., where he d. Aug. 3, 1837. His widow d. 1866. I. Oliver Stone, b. Dec. 9, 1809 ; d. Nov. 10, 1810. II. Wancy Stone, b. Dec. 14, 1811 ; d. Sept. 17, 1828. III. Joseph, b. Jan. 13, 1813; md. Feb. 10, 1840, Louisa Newton of Newport, N. H. He resides in Lunenburg. Five children. IT. Mary, b. Aug. 24, 1815 ; d. Nov. 8, 1816. V. Mary, b. July 26, 1817; md. Dec. 31, 1839, Samuel Dexter Smith; she d. Dec. 31, 1839. VI. iMcy,b. June 28, 1819 ; md. June 14, 1842, Martin Johnson. They reside in Lunenburg. Five children. VII. Ephraim S., b. Aug. 24, 1821 ; d. Nov. 20, 1821. VIII. Benjamin, b. Oct. 4, 1822; d. April 24, 1823. IX. Edward S., b. Feb. 17. 1824; md. June 23, 1860, Nancy Brigham ; resides at Concord, N. H. X. Julia M., b. March 8, 1826 ; md. April 9, 1849, Samuel C. White ; reside at Bergen Point, N. J. Four children. XI. Caroline, b. Feb. 15, 1828 ; md. June 25, 1851, Francis A. White. Reside in Brookline. Four children. CoL. Charles Barrett, son of Benjamin and Bridget (Lawrence) Barrett, wasb. in Ashby Feb. 21, 1788. He md. in this town Sept. 19, 1811, Sarah Hastings, dau. of Charles Hastings, q. v.; she d. May 7, 1815, and he md. (2d) Aug. 5, 1816, Betsey Johnson, dau. of Ephraim Johnson of Leominster. She was b. in West Newbury May 1, 1799, and d. Nov. 19, 1862. He d. June 8, 1885, aged 97 years. Col. Barrett removed to Ashburnham 1809 and resided here through a prolonged and useful life. He was urbane, affable and kind. He adhered firmly to his own convictions and o|)inions, yet his course 602 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 in social and public affairs was tempered with forbearance and an appreciative regard for the opinion and wishes of his associates. Manifesting at all times a deep interest in the welfare and prosperity of the town, he was a stead- fast and consistent promoter of social reform and public enterprise. He was frequently elected to positions of trust and his name is many times repeated in the list of town officers. He represented the town in the Legislature in 1827, 1828 and 1843. He was commander of the Ash- burnham Light Infantry and colonel of the Ninth Regi- ment of Militia. His military record and that of his brothers and sons appear in Chapters XVIII and XIX. I. Oharles Hastings, h. June 22, 1812 ; md. March 17, 1836, Emma H. Flint, dau. of Ebenezer Flint, q. v.; she d. May 25, 1865 ; he md. (2d) 1868, Ann Eliza (Alden) Gardner, widow of William Gardner. He resides in Norwood and is proprietor of Norwood House. II. Sarah Jewett, b. Jan. 28, 1814 ; md. Mirick Stim- son, q. V. III. Francis Johnson, b. Aug. 7, 1817.-)- IV. Elizabeth FoUansbee, b. Sept. 21, 1819; d. Aug. 27, 1837. Almira O/iilds, b. Feb. 12, 1823 ; d. Aug. 25, 1837. George Henry, b. Nov. 28, 1833.-^- V VI Oliver Barrett, a brother of Benjamin and Col. Charles Barrett, was b. in Ashby Jan. 31, 1790. He md. Jan. 14, 1812, Betsey Stone, dau. of Oliver Stone, g. v. In 1832 he removed to Lowell and subsequently to Shirley. His wife d. Sept. 20, 1842, and he md. (2d) 1843, Mrs. Sophia Wheeler. He d. in Shirley Feb. 8, 1880. He was a deacon of the Baptist church thirty years and a useful citizen. Twelve children by first marriage ; one by second marriage d. in infancy. I. Oliver Stone, b. July 13, 1812 ; md. Sept. 2, 1S34, Lucy Wyman; "md. (2d) Josephine Clark; residence Maiden. II. John Otis, b. April 18, 1815 ; md. April 13, 1839, Harriet S. Richardson, who d. Dec. 19, 1873; resides in Townsend. III. Cynthia Eliza, b. March 24, 1817; md. Sept 24, 1843, .Joseph J. Waters ; she d. June 1, 1862. IV. George Benjamin, b. Mny 10, 1819 ; md. Nov. 24, 1857, Nancy Haradon who d. Aug. 2, 1861. He md. (2d) Anna Potter; lie d. about 1870. 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 (16) 33 34 35 (19) GENEALOGICAL REGISTEE. 60S V. Clarissa Davis, b. May 22, 1821 ; md. Adolphus Priest ; resides in Shirley. VI. Thomas Parker, b. July 5, 1823 ; md. Marcb 26, 1848, Sophia Sawtelle. He d. in Maiden Jan. 27, 1872. VII. Ephraim, Cobleigh, b. July 26, 1825 ; md. Martha Tenney of Littleton ; she d. July 17, 1877. He md. (2d) Mrs. Hannah Nutting. Besides in Waltham. VIII. Emily Augusta, b. Aug. 8, 1827 ; d. July 30, 1829. IX. Senry A., b. Sept. 7, 1830; d. Jan. 2, 1831. X. Emily Ann, b. Nov. 14, 1831 ; md. William H. Potter of Fitcbburg. XI. Nancy Stone, b. May 2, 1835 ; md. April 17, 1857, Oliver Norris who d. May 12, 1862; she md. (2d) Amasa Whitney ; resides in New Bedford. XII. Owen Tracey, b. Oct. 5, 1838; md. Louisa Stone. He d. in Shirley Nov. 5, 1879. Col. Francis Johnson Baekett, son of Col. Charles Barrett, was a merchant and manufacturer. He was of the firm of Corey, Barrett & Kibling. They owned the mill now of Robert W. Mclntire and a chair factory oni Water street. The store was where Mrs. Winchester now resides. Col. Barrett was a man of generous impulses and enjoyed the merited regard of his associates. He was prominent in military affairs and at an early age rose to the command of his regiment. He md. May 7, 5 839, Nancy Bemis, dau. of William Bemis, g. v. He d. Oct. 10, 1851 ; she d. Dec. 10, 1864. 1. Emma Almira, b. Sept. 13, 1840; md. John H. Wilkins, q. v. II. Charles Francis, b. April 13, 1842 ; d. July 4, 1843. III. Lizzie F., b. April 7, 1846; resides in Ashburn- ham. Col. George H. Barrett, son of Col. Charles Barrett, resides in this town and is proprietor of the grain-mill on Water street. He was Lieut. -Col. of the 53d Regiment, Mass. Infantry, and represented the district in the Legis- lature in the session of 1869. Since 1873 he has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Cushing Academy and Secretary of the Board since 1876. He md. Nov.: 30, 1854, Mary S. Greenwood, dan. of Edmund R. and Susan H. (Slocomb) Greenwood of Hubbardston. €04 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 (41) I. Grace Oreenivood, b. July 16, 1861 ; d. May 7, 1881. Joel Babrett, son of Reuben and Sarah (Fletclier) Barrett, was b. In Mason, N. H. He md. Oct. 22, 1793, Mercy Townsend, dau. of Samuel and Hannah (Lawrence) Townsend. She was b. in Northborough, but_ her parents removed to Mason previous to her marriage. She was a sister of the wives of Samuel Dunster. Mr. Barrett removed to this town previous to 1802. She d. April 3, 1823, aged 48 years, and he md. (2d) May 31, 1827, Judith Green. He d. March 19, 1841. Of the children of Joel and Mercy (Townsend) Barrett, there is no record of birth. In 1815 six were bap. Possibly all are not named below. I. Joel b. about 1794; md. April 12, 1818, Hannah Marble, dau. of Oliver Marble, q. v. He d. Nov. 30, 1820. She md. (2d) Joseph Miller, g. V. One child. 1. Joel, bap. 1820. II. Hannah, b. 1796 ; d. Sept. 29, 1810. III. Samuel, b. Aug. 14, 1798. + IV. Sarah Fletcher, b. June 17, 1801 ; md. Sept. 24, 1823, John Emory, son of Francis and Eunice (Philbrick) Emory of Winchendon. Shed. May 9, 1830, leaving three children. 1. Jane, md. Henry O. Blanchard ; removed to Wisconsin. 2. Maria, md. David M. Parker; removed to . Wisconsin. 3. Justin, md. Elizabeth Barber. V. Townsend, b. 1804. -|- VI. Betsey, md. April 10, 1835, Joseph White of Worcester. VII. Reuben, md. Sept. 3, 1835, Rebecca Crombie, dau. of James and Mary (Wright) Crombie of Rindge ; he d. in Amherst 1870. VIII. Hannah Dunster, b. July 11, 1812 ; md. March 8, 1832, Calvin Learned of Dublin, N. H., son of John W. and Hannah (Wright) Learned. Samuel Barrett was an active citizen. Postmaster several years and engaged in several business affairs. He md. Sept. 3, 1826, Nancy G. Lawrence, dau. of Dea, 50 51 52 (46) 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 605 William J. Lawrence, g. w. He cl. Oct. 26, 1851. She resides in Springfield, Ohio. I. Edwin Lawrence, b. Aug. 20, 1827 ; md. Jan. 4, 1848, Sarah B. Petts, dau. of Dr. John Petts ; she d. Oct. 18, 1865. He md. (2d) March 18, 1867, Clara D. Husley, dau. of William Husley of Nashville, Tenn. He resides in Springfield, Ohio, and in connection with two of his sons is a stationer and publisher. Eight children. II. Elvira Elizabeth, b. July 3, 1829 ; d. June 10, 1832. III. Lllen Maria, b. Aug. 16, 1831 ; md. April 27, 1852, Rev. Edward W. Eoot ; md. (2d) Aug. 30, 1865, J. W. Van Sickle. Resides in Springfield, Ohio. TowNSEND Barrett was a farmer in this town. He md. Jan. 23, 1830, Sarah Wheeler of Templeton ; she d. Dec. 22, 1846, and he md. (2d) Elvira Stowell, dau. of Moses Stowell, q. v. He. d. April 10, 1871. His widow resides in this town. I. Nancy 0., b. Oct. 22, 1830; md. Jan. 1, 1850, Charles N. Scollay, q. v. 11. Charles S., b. March 25, 1833 ; d. Oct. 31, 1846. m. Eliza A., b. April 9, 1835 ; md. C. W. Upham. IV. George W., b. Nov. 14, 1837. T. Hannah E., b. Oct. 31, 1839. VI. J. Frank, b. Jan. 16, 1841 ; was killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. VII. AbMe, b. June 20, 1844; d. Dec. 29, 1846. Children of second wife : vni. Laura, md. 1867, George W. Whipple. IX. Emily, md. 1868, Frederick R. Whipple. X. Mary, b. Sept. 21, 1856; md. Arthur Lamb of Templeton. XI. Susan, b. June 9, 1858 ; d. Dec. 19, 1874. XII. Eddie, b. Oct. 3, 1860; d. Jan. 1, 1861. xiii. Helen, b. April 14, 1863. XIV. Herbert S., b. Jan. 24, 1869. John Bates was one of the early settlers of Ashburn- ham. He removed from Westford to the northeast part of the town about 1750. He was one of the original members of the church, and at the first election of town officers he was chosen an assessor. When Ashby was incorporated in 1767 his land was included within the limits of that town. He md. in Westford Jan. 7, 1744, 606 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Martha Foster of Littleton. A dau. Martha was bap. in Lunenburg Aug. 6, 1749, but no further record of this family has been found. BEALS. This name was generally written Beal or Beale by the early generations of the family in America, and many branches of the family still retain the original form. The town of Hingham was settled largely by emigrants from Hingham in the county of Norfolk, England. The ship Diligent, John Martin, master, brought a number of families who were prominent in the early annals of Hingham and whose descendants are found in nearly every hamlet in our country. John Beal, while a resident of Hingham, England, md. Nazareth Hobart, a sister of Rev. Edmund Hobart, the first minister of Hingham in New England. With his wife and eight children he sailed in the Diligent in 1638. In the same vessel came the emigrant ancestor of the Gushing families of Ashburnham. Mr. Beal was admitted freeman in March, 1639. His wife d. Sept. 23, lGo8; he md. (2d) March' 10, 1658-9, Mrs. Mary Jacob, widow of Nicholas Jacob. She d. 1681, and he, at the age of 100 years, d. April 1, 1688. Lieut. Jeremiah Beal, his son, was b. in England 1631; md. Nov. 18, 1652, Sarah Ripley, dau. of William Ripley of Hingham. He d. Aug. 10, 1716; his wife d. June 20, 1715. Of their seven children the eldest, Jeremiah, Jr., b. May 13, 1655, md. May 22, 1677, Hannah Lane, dau. of Andrew Lane. He was a farmer and a blacksmith; d. at Hingham April 21, 1703; his wife, surviving him, d. Sept. 19, 1719. Andrew Beal, son of Jeremiah and Hannah (Lane) Beal, b. Jan. 27, 1685-6, md. Dec. 14, 1715, Rachel Bates, dau. of Joshua Bates. They had four sons and one daughter. The youngest son was Abel Beal, b. 1737; md. March 11, 1755, Deborah Lambert. He d. April 20, 1809; she d. Oct. 1,' 1810. They had ten children. In this lineage all the generations to this date resided in Hingham. Cohasset was created out of a part of Hingham in 1770, and Abel Beal resided in the new town after that date. Stowers Beals, youngest son of Abel and Deborah (Lambert) Beal, was the first in this line of descent to write the name with the additional letter. He was b. in Hingham March 20, 1767, and resided in Cohasset after he was three years of age, and until he removed to Winohendon. He md. Mary Leavitt of Hingham He. d. May 23, 1821. His widow d. June 20, 1839. They had four children George Leavitt Beals, son of Stowers and Mary (Leavitt) Beals, was b. in Winchendon Oct. 11, 1800. He md. Jan. 11, 1827, Nancy Norcross, b. Jan. 13, 1806, dau. of Capt. Daniel and Polly (Jones) Norcross of Rindge. In 1836 he bought the farm and a large tract of timber land of Frederick Crosby and removed to this town. He built a mill on the premises and was engaged in the manufacture of lumber until he sold the property in 1847 to the Burrage Bros, and soon after returned to Winchendon. His wife d. Oct. 25, 1881. He d. June 6, 1886. Two of their seven children were b. in this town. I. Mary Leavitt, b. Nov. 20, 1827; md. Jan. 3, 1849, John M. Whitney, son of Hananiah and GENEALOGICAL EEGISTEK. 607 (3) 10 Sarah (Beaman) Whitney of Winchendon. He d. Dec. 2, 1883 ; she d. May 14, 1883. Two children. II. George Leavitt, b. Jan. 11, 1830. -|- m. Wancy Elizabeth, b. Sept. 21, 1831 ; d. April 27, 1833. IV. Infant, b. and d. July 23, 1833. V. Charles Leavitt, b. Mav 6, 1835 ; md. Jan. 23, 1869, Harriet Martha "Brown, b. April 9, 1845, dau. of George and Harriet E. (Osgood) Brown of Winchendon. He is treasurer of Savings Bank and for many years cashier of First National Bank of Winchendon. VI. Nancy Elizabeth, b. April 26, 1837 ; d. May 4, 1855. VII. Martha Ellen, b. April 14, 1844 ; d. Jan. 31, 1857. Geoege L. Beals, b. Jan. 11, 1830, md. Jan. 1, 1852, Lydia Farrar, dau. of John and Calla (Stearns) Farrar, q. V. He resides in the west part of the town and occupies a portion of the property formerly owned by his father, and is engaged in the manufacture of lumber. Two children. I. Frank Leavitt, b. Jan. 21, 1854 ; md. Oct. 11, 1877, Nellie Isadore Kimball, b. Feb. 15, 1855, dau. of John A. and C. Anna (Corey) Kimball. II. John Farrar, b. Feb. 23, 1860 ; md. Nov. 26, 1886, Edith Whitney Day, b. June 27, 1866, dau. of Daniel and Jennie (Parkhurst) Day of Winchen- don. BEMIS. Joseph Bemis, b. in England 1619, settled in Watertown prerious to 1640. He was a selectman 1648, 1672 and 1675. He d. Aug. 7, 1684. The name of his wife was Sarah, but no record of the marriage is found ; she d. about 1712. Among the nine children of Joseph and Sarah Bemis was Joseph, Jr., b. Dec. 12, 1651. So far as known no record of his family is preserved. Philip Bemis was probably his son. This Philip Bemis, b. about 1700, is found residing in Cambridge from 1723 to 1738. He md. Nov. 21, 1723, Elizabeth Lawrence and removed to "Westminster in 1738. He was the third settler in that town and a man of influence and character. The youngest of six children was Zaccheus, bap. in Cambridge July 25, 1736. Zaccheus Bemis md. Elizabeth Lyon and lived in Westminster where he d. 1804. Among his children was Stephen Bemis who removed to this town and is number 1 in the following register. Another son of Zaccheus was William Bemis, b. Jan. 11, 1777; md. Nov. 23, 1799, Hannah Derby, dau of John and Hannah (Garey) Derby. She was b. in Westminster Nov. 17, 1781. He was a farmer and a blacksmith in Westminster where he d. Oct. 8, 1835. His widow d. in this town Aug. 12, 1861. Of their eleven children several have resided in this town. William is number 18 and John is number 16 in following record; Lorette md. Brigham Wallace, g. v.; Hannah md. Alvin Kendall, q. v.; Nancy md. Col. Francis J. Barrett, q. v.; and Kuth md. Charles F. Johnson, q. v. 608 HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. There are other families of Bemis in this town whose lineage is traced through other branches of the same general family. Albert T. Bemis is a descendant of John Bemis the youngest son of Joseph Bemis the emigrant. John, the son, was b. in Watertown in Aug., 1659. He mil., about 1680, Mary Harrington, dau. of George and Susannah Harrington : she d. Sept. 8, 1716. He rad. (2d) Feb. i7, 1716-17, Sarah (Holland) Phillips, widow of Jonathan Phillips, and (3d) May .30, 1726, Judith (Jennison) Barnard, widow of James Barnard and dau. of Samuel and Judith (Macomber) Jennison. He resided many years in Watertown and owned lands in Marlborough, but no record of his death has been found. His first wife was the mother of his fourteen children. Of these John Bemis was b. Oct. 6, 1686. He nid. May 8, 1710, Hannah "Warren, b. Jan. 25, 1690-1, dau. of Daniel and Elizabeth (Whitney) Warren. He md. (2d) April 2, 1713, Anna Livermore, b. 1690, dau. of Samuel and Anna (Bridge) Livermore. John Bemis, the eldest of the thirteen children of John and Anna (Livermore) Bemis, was b. in Watertown Feb. 11, 1711-12. He removed to Weston where he md. Feb. 16, 1731-2, Hannah Warren, b. April 28, 1715, dau. of Capt. Daniel and Hannah (Bigelow) Warren. The eldest of their twelve children was John Bemis, b. Aug. 28, 1732. He removed to Sudbury and md., about 1754:, Abigail Sanders, and in Sudbury the following children were b. : Jonas, b. 1757; Jason, b. 1759; Silas, b. 1760; Amos, b. 1763; Abigail, b. 1764; Eeuben, Abel and John. About 1780 the parents, John and Abigail Bemis, with their children, removed from Sudbury to Winchendon. The son Jonas had served in the Revolution previous to their removal. He md. Catherine Tower of Sudbury and subsequently removed from Winchendon to Royalston where he d. 1831. Jonas Bemis, son of Jonas and Catherine (Tower) Bemis, was b. in Winchendon Aug. 11, 1788. He md. May 13, 1813, Mercy Burgess, dau. of Ebenezer Burgess of Ashburnham. He removed to Royalston where he d. June 24, 1824. His widow md. (2d) William Whitney, q. v. Albert T. Bemis, who is number 20 in the following register, is of the eighth generation in this line of descent from Joseph Bemis the emigrant. Another lineage of this family is represented by Justin W. Bemis. He is a descendant of John Bemis named above who was b. 1686. Elisha Bemis, son of this John by the second wife Anna Livermore, was b. March 20, 1725-6; he md. Feb. 15, 1748-9, Lucy Elton of Lexington. His son, Elisha Bemis, Jr., b. 1753, md. Anna Newton and removed to Southboro where he d. 1817. Elijah Bemis, his son, b. June 28, 1778, md. Oct. 9, 1805, Sally Woolson. He d. Aug. 1, 1844. Elijah Bemis, his son, b. in Southboro Feb. 20, 1815, removed to Northboro ; he md. March 20, 1840, Susan Newton ; she d. June 16, 1845 ; he md. (2d) Feb. 28, 1846, Julia A. Newton. Among their children is Justin W. Bemis of this town who is of the eighth generation from Joseph the emigrant. Stephen Bemis, son of Zaccheus and Elizabeth (Lyon) Bemis, was b. in Westminster Mareb 16, 1768 ; md. 1796, Achsah Pollard, dau. of William Pollard, q. v. In 1806 he removed to this town where he d. July 18, 1841. I. Stephen, b. June 16, 1797; d. young. II. William, b. Aug. 22, 1798 ; d. young. III. Dolly, b. March 6, 1801 ; md. Arnold Dwight of Dover. IV. Hannah, b. Nov. 24, 1802 ; md. Samuel Danforth of Fitchburg and removed to Salem where she d. June 10, 1880. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 609 V. Stephen, b. March 20, 1804 ; ind. Miriam FarweU of Fitchburg ; removed to Nashua, 111. VI. Sylvia, b. Oct. 20, 1805 ; d. Feb. 23, 1849. Yii. Achsah, b. May 14, 1807; md. Oct. 29, 1827,^ Lincoln Hart of Townsend ; md. (2d) May 14, 1833, Bradish Baker, q. v. VIII. Betsey, b. Feb. 14, 1809 ; md. 1836, James S. Mills of Dunbarton, N. H. IX. William P., b. April 6, 1810 ; md. Sally Blodgett ; d. in Salisbury, Conn., Sept. 26, 1866. ' X. Samuel, b. Jan. 13, 1812 ; md. 1834, Mary Pettengill ; d. in California 1878. XI. Zaccheus,h. Jan. 1, 1814; md. Maria Garfield; he d. in West Cambridge May 9, 1844. William Bemis, son of William and Hannah (Derby) Bemis, b. Jan. 2, 1808, md. April 14, 1836, Elizabeth B. Beard, dau. of Artemas and Mary (Chaplin) Beard of Fitzwilliam, N. H. He d. March 23, 1881 ; she d. April 29, 1877. I. Sarah E., b. Oct. 20, 1837; md. George C. Foster, q. v. II. Francis W., b. April 3, 1844; md. March 26, 1875, Emily Stoddard of Templeton, dau. of Nathan and Mary (Colcord) Stoddard. Two children. John Bemis, son of William and Hannah (Derby) Bemis, b. Dec. 28, 1819, md. Dec. 19, 1844, Lucy E. Sawtell, dau. of Asa Sawtell, g. v. He resided in Ashburnham until 1868 when he removed to New York City, where he d. Jan. 26, 1879. I. Georgiana, b. Feb. 17, 1847 ; resides in New York. II. Frank, b. Dec. 21, 1850; md. Jan. 26, 1878, Lillian M. English ; he d. at Palmer Nov. 9, 1884. III. Hattie L., b. Nov. 22, 1860. Albert T. Beihs, b. May 17, 1816, son of Jonas and Mercy (Burgess) Bemis, has resided in this town since youth. He md. Aug. 28, 1842, Sarah Hastings, dau. of John Hastings, q. v. He is a farmer and owns and occupies the farm where Dea. Sherebiah Hunt settled. I. Charles A., b. Sept. 22, 1843. He is a physician in West Medway. Vide Chap. XX. He md. Dec. 14, 1872, Lizzie Thompson of Philadelphia. 39 €10 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 II. Eerhert (?., b. Nov. 1, 1844 ; md. Gertie Kirkland ; resides in Manashoe, Wis. III. Frank T., b. April 25, 1847; md. Gertie Denni- son ; resides in Sheboygan, Wis. IV. Uzzie, b. Sept. 23, 1848 ; md. Orange Mossman. V. Sarah, b. Oct. 14, 1850 ; d. Feb. 18, 1851. VI. J. Clifton, b. Nov. 11, 1851 ; d. Feb. 18, 1853. VII. Sarah, b. Aug. 28, 1853 ; d. Feb. 14, 1863. VIII. Anna M., b. July 8, 1855. IX. Fannie J., b. Nov. 13, 1857 ; d. Feb. 11, 1863. X. Freddie N., b. Jan. 10, 1859 ; d. Feb. 10, 1863. XI. Arthur E., b. Oct. 4, 1862 ; d. Feb. 9, 1863. XII. Alice J., b. March 3, 1865. Justin W. Bemis, b. April 6, 1853, son of Elijah Bemis of Northborough, md. Dec. 31, 1877, Lizzie G. Mirick, dau. of John A. and Kezia (Pierce) Mirick of Princeton. She was b. March 27, 1855, and d. June 23, 1884. He has resided in Ashburnham since 1878 and at present is one of the road commissioners. Two children, one of whom d. in infancy. BENJAMIN. John Benjamin, the emigrant ancestor of the families of this name in Ashburnham, came from England to America 1632, and in November of that year was admitted freeman. He was one of the proprietors and in 1633 a constable of Cambridge. He subsequently removed to Watertown where he d. June 14, 1645, leaving a widow, Abigail, and eight children. Of these the eldest son was John, b. in England 1620. By wife Lydia he had eight children. He d. in Watertown Dec. 22, 1706. Daniel, son of John and Lydia Benjamin, was b. in Watertown Sept. 12, 1660. He md. March 25, 1687, Elizabeth Brown, b. Sept. 19, 1664, dau. of Jonathan and Mary (Shattuck) Brown. He was a licensed innholder 1694-9. He d. in Watertown Dec. 13, 1719; his widow d. Aug. 8, 1740. Jonathan, a son of Daniel Benjamin, md. Dec. 23, 1714, Annabelle Eve; he md. (2d) May 7, 1734, Hannah (Cunnable) Bond, dau. of John and Martha Cunnable and widow of William Bond of Watertown. He d. in Watertown 1741 or 1742. William Benjamin, youngest son of Jonathan and Hannah Benjamin, was b. in Watertown Jan. 16, 1737-8. He md. Jan. 2, 1760, Sarah Child, dau. of Daniel and Mary (Bright) Child. She was b. in Waltham Aug. 11, 1740. They removed to this town 1760. The father and two sons were in the Revolutionary service from this town. Soon after the Revolution the family removed to Woodstock, Vt. Ten children were b. in this town. I. Jonathan, b. July 30, 1760.+ II. Jonas, b. May 5, 1762 ; md. Aug. 2, 1785, Mercy Salter, dau. of Samuel Salter, g. v. He was of Woodstock, Vt. , at date of marriage. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 (2) 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. Gil III. William, b. Aug. 1, 1764. IV. Sarah, b. Aug. 2, 1766. V. Josiah, b. June 19, 1769. VI. Lucy, b. July 7, 1771. VII. Molly, b. July 11, 1773. VIII. Hannah, b. Aug. 7, 1775. IX. Levi, b. Sept. 7, 1777. s. -4sa, bap. June JJO, 1782. Jonathan Benjamin md. Oct. 30, 1780, Anise Holt. He removed with his father to Woodstock, Vt. I. Jonathan, bap. Api-il 27, 1782. II. Anise, bap. Jan. 26, 1783. III. Lemuel. Daniel Benjamin, lineage not traced, removed to Ashburnham 1778. He md. Nov. 10, 1779, Tamezin Felton, a sister of the wife of Lemuel Stimson. This familj' resided on the farm more recently occupied by Samuel Keyes in the north part of the town. He d. May 12, 1819 ; she d. March 20, 1843. Their ten chil- dren were b. in this town. I. Eunice, b. Dec. 6, 1780; md. Jan. 12, 1813, John R. Kemp of Fitehburg where she d. 1820. II. Daniel, b. March 6, 1783.+ ni. Nahum, b. Feb. 20, 1785. + IV. Tamezin, b. May 16, 1787; d. unmd. 1862. V. Nabhy, b. June 17, 1789 ; md. Samuel Keyes, g. V. VI. Sally, b. March 14, 1792; md. Oct. 15, 1815, Dea. John Hunt of Boston, a son of John and Rebecca (Hicks) Hunt of "Watertown. She d. March 31, 1837. Eight children. He md. (2d) a woman of the same name, Sally Benjamin, but not connected with the Ashburnham families. 1. John M., b. Oct. 6, 1816 ; d. Jan. 6, 1839. 2. Sarah Elizabeth, b. Aug. 6, 1818 ; d. July 9, 1821. 3. Harriet A., b. Jan. 18, 1821. 4. Maria Charlotte, b. Feb. 5, 1825. 5. William A., b. March 13, 1827; md. Inez M. White. 6. Emily, b. Sept. 26, 1829. 7. Clarissa, d. young. 8. George E., b. Nov. 12, 1836. 612 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 30 31 32 33 (17) 34 35 36 37 (18) 38 39 40 41 42 43 (34) 44 45 VII. Lydia, md. Sept. 18, 1814, Charles Damon of Way land. VIII. Samuel Hoio, b. 1797 ; d. May 1, 1801. IX. Lovisa, b. April 8, 1801 ; md. Cram ; md. (2d) Moore of Boston. X. Irene, b. Feb. 20, 1805 ; md. Emery Willard, son of John Willard, q. v. Daniel Benjamin, Je., resided on the farm now of D. D. Mclntire. He md. 1806, Rachel Wetherell of Mansfield; she d. Dec. 17, 1838. He md. (2d) March 4, 1840, Betsey (Mclntire) Billings, widow of Joshua Billings, q. r. He d. June 10, 1865 ; she d. Oct., 1863. I. Stillman D., b. Nov. 4, 1807. + n. Samuel H., b. Nov. 10, 1809; md. Tamezin Hunt, dau. of Peter Hunt, q. v. He removed to Ashby where he d. Jan. 18, 1879 ; she d. Aug. 28, 1869. No children. III. Louisa Rachel, b. July 15, 1816 ; md. 1837, Ai Foster of Ashby, sou of Jonathan Foster of Ashby. She d. Feb. 3, 1878. IV. Lonenza (twin), b. July 15, 1816; d. Feb. 17, 1817. Nahum Benjamin md. 1810, Judith Eeed, dau. of Supply Eeed of Acworth, N. H., and a sister of the wife of Ebenezer Jones. He resided several years near the residence of his brother Daniel. The family removed to the West many years ago. I. Susan Eeed, b. July 31, 1811. II. Sarah Eliza, b. Aug. 31, 1814. III. Timothy Nahum, b. Dec. 4, 1817. IV. Supply. V. Harriet. VI. Alzina. Stillman D. Benjamin md. April 4, 1832, Mary Foster, dau. of Nathaniel Foster, q. v. He removed about 1840' to Shirley Village, where he now resides. She d. Dec. 25, 1882. I. Sidney Wendell, b. May 25, 1833 ; md. Jan. 22, 1873, Mary Harris, dau. of Humphrey Harris, q- V. Resides in Shirley. II. Viola D., b. Aug. 4, 1836 ; md. 1865, Stephen H. Kimball of Ipswich. 46 47 10 11 (8) 12 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 613 HI. Mary Jane, b. March 24, 1841 ; md. Lorenzo L. Brown of Harvard. IV. Frances Ann, b. Oct. 24, 1845. Capt. James Bennett, a son of Moses and Anna (Blanchard) Bennett, was b. in Groton Dec. 5, 1736. He md. Hannah . His eldest child was b. in Rowley ; the second in Towusend ; the next five in Ashby. His wife d. in Ashby and he md. (2d) Dec. 14, 1784, Olive Shattuck, dau. of John and Elizabeth Shattuck of Pepperell where she was b. Jan. 27, 1753. Capt. Bennett removed from Ashby to the northeast part of this town about 1784 and was a prominent citizen here until, by a change in boundary lines, his homestead was annexed to Ashby in 1792. Two children of the second wife were b. in this town and the youngest in Ashby. Capt. Bennett was an officer in the Revolutionary army. He d. Aug. 9, 1808. His widow md. Jan. 25, 1816, Nehemiah Hardy of Hollis. I. Betsey, b. April 1, 1766 ; md. John Hall, q. v. II. Hannah, b. Sept. 23, 1767; md. (Int. Dec. 15, 1787), Allen Stone ; resided in Thomaston, Me. III. Asa, b. April 20, 1770 ; removed to Thomaston, Me. IV. Milly, h. April 13, 1772; md. Nov. 29, 1792, Jonathan Spaulding, q. v. v. Sewell. b. Feb. 18, 1774. Ti. Quincy, b. Sept. 15, 1775. rn. Almon, b. Sept. 10, 1778.4- ■ ^ ' vm. Eliab, b. Jan. 19, 1789 ; d. unmd. May 4, 1815, the day appointed for his marriage. IX. James Hervey, b. Nov. 22, 1791 ; md. Oct. 22, 1820, Winifred Knowles. He was in the West India goods trade in Boston until 1845. He subsequently resided in Lexington. X. Sarah, b. Aug. 7, 1795 ; md. 1816, William Wright of Pepperell. Almon Bennett md. May 19, 1802, Elizabeth Constan- tine, dau. of Jacob Constantine, q. v. He resided successively in East Wallingford, Vt., in this town and in Ashby, where he d. Jan. 3, 1857 ; she d. Sept. 2, 1842. I. Emma, b. Aug. 10, 1802; md. Jan. 6, 1827, Charles Wellington, son of Elias and Hepsibah (Kendall) Wellington of Ashby. She d. Jan. 25, 1882. 614 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. 13 U 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 1. Ellen Maria, b. Nov. 4, 1829. •2. Cecil, b. Aug. 10, 1835. II. PMla, b. April 19, 1805 ; d. Aug. 24, 1847. HI. Alma, b. March 18, 1807; d. April 6, 1815. IT. Adaline Eliza, b. Oct. 5, 1811 ; d. April 12, 1815. V. Hervey James, b. Aug. 28, 1814; md. Lucy Buss of Sterling ; d. in Worcester Dec. 8, 1846. Four children. VI. Charles, b. Jan. 15, 1821 ; d. in Springfield, Ky., 1857. Thomas Bennett, probably a son of Thomas and Lydia Bennett, was from Groton. He md. Sept. 5, 1794, Catherine Wilker, dau. of Jacob Wilker, q. v. They resided in Ashburnham and in Ashby. He d. in Ashby Dec. 31, 1828. She subsequently removed to Concord, Vt., where she d. Feb. 10, 1862, aged 86 years. They had eleven children. lived in Concord, L. of I. Annie, md. John S. Temple: Vt. ; d. May 28, 1871. II. Asa, md. 1823, Laura Constantine, dau. of Jacob Constantine, Jr. ; he resided in Ashburnham. She md. (2d) John Adams, Jr., q. v. 1. George P.. removed to Florida. 2. Augustus N., removed to Cambridge. 3. Laura Jane, md. Dec. 22, 1845, John Atherton, son of Percy Atherton JafErey, N. H. 4. Austin C., resides in Worcester. III. Susan, b. July 6, 1798 ; d. unmd. Feb. 6, 1876. IV. Melinda, b. Feb. 6, 1801 ; md. Sept. 5, 1829, Reuben Hodgman ; d. in Ashby March 19, 1877. V. Thomas, d. at Concord, Vt., unmd., March 9, 1871. VI. Danford, md. Mary Stacy ; removed to Concord, Vt. ' Or in. Martha, b. Feb. 29, 1812; md. Joel Whipple; resided in Concord, Vt. Jacob W., md. May 18, 1843, Roxanna Manning of Ashby. Resides in Ashby. X. John, d. unmd. XI. George, md. Mary Blanchard ; md. (2d) Jan. 20, 1853, Maria Foster ; resides in Townsend. VII. VIII. IX. Thomas Bennett removed to this town about 1824 and remained a number of years. He was interested in the GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 615 37 38 39 40 41 42 saw-mill now of Leonard Foster. He was a son of Thomas and Mary Bennett and was b. in Gardner Jan. 14, 1798; md. Emma Foster, dau. of Nathaniel Foster, q. V. The eldest child was b. in Gardner ; the others in this town . He removed from this town nearly forty years ago and d. in Athol 1884. I. Mary Ann, b. Oct. 24, 1823. n. Nancy Maria, b. Nov. 28, 1825. III. Albert Thomas, b. Oct. 3, 1827. IV. Helen Augusta, b. Sept. 10, 1829. V. Samuel Foster, b. Aug. 25, 1831. VI. George Anson, b. June 30, 1833. John and Nathan Bigelow probably were brothers. They came to Ashburnham about 1768 ; were married the same day and both removed from this town a short time preyious to 1787. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 John Bigelow md. Sept. 11, 1770, Mary Melvin. children were b. in this town. I. John, b. Dec. 12, 1771 ; d. Dec. 25, 1771. II. Jonathan, b. Jan. 25, 1773. III. Silas, b. May 7, 1775. IV. John, b. July 3, 1777; d. Aug. 2, 1777. V. Amos, b. July 5, 1778. VI. Isaac, b. Oct. 27, 1780. Six Nathan Bigelow md. Sept. 11, 1770, Elizabeth Oak. I. Led, b. July 13, 1771. II. Nathan, b. Jan. 27, 1773. HI. Betty, b. Sept. 17, 1774. IV. Jonathdn Oak, b. July 22, 1776. Silas Bigelow resided in this town a few years preceding 1786, and about that time he removed to New Ipswich, N. H. He was a son of John and Grace (Allen) Bigelow who resided in Weston, Acton, Westford and New Ipswich. Silas Bigelow was b. Feb. 12, 1745. He was md. and had sons : Silas, Daniel, Samuel, Joel and John, but no reference to the elder children appears in the records of this town. In New Ipswich he was an innholder. Two children were b. in this town. I. Infant, d. Aug. 1, 1783. II. Joseph, bap. Nov. 13, 1785 ; d. Jan., 1786. Joshua Billings bought a part of Cambridge farm of Capt. Thomas Adams in 1772 and removed to this town 616 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 9 10 (2) 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 (3) 23 24 the same j'ear. He 1799 ; she d. May 2; md. Lois Gibson. , 1820. He d. May 17, I. Joshua, b. Jan. 25, 1773. -|- II. Reuben, b. May 11, 1774. -|- III. Jonathan, bap. 1776. Lois, bap. 1777; d. Dee. 11, 1777. Lois Gibson, b. Feb. 1, 1779 ; md. Joseph Fair- banks Burgess, q. v. Ephraim, bap. 1782 ; d. Sept. 4, 1782. Dorothy, b. July 1, 17.s;) ; md. Nov. 27, 1806, Ephraim W3rman Lord of Ashby. Till. Sarah, b. April 20, 1786 ; md. Daniel Mclntire, q. V. IX. James, b. Jan. 28, 1792. -|- IV. V. VI. VII. Joshua Billings, Jr., md. Feb. 16, 1802, Molly Pollard, dan. of "William Pollard, q. v. She d. Dec. 25, 1823, and he md. (2d) 182.5, Betsey Mclntire, dau. of Daniel Mclntire. He d. Dec. 17, 1834, and she md. (2d) Daniel Benjamin, q. v. I. Joshua, b. Nov. 14, 1802 ; d. Sept. 2, 1803. II. William, b. June 17, 1804 ; d. March 12, 1822. III. Joshua, b. June 29, 1806 ; d. May 30, 1817. IV. Varunm, b. Feb. 16, 180.S ; d. Jan. 16, 1817. V. Merrick, b. Nov. 22, 1809 : d. Sept. 18, 1810. VI. Joshua, b. April 11, 1811 ; d. Oct. 21, 1815. VII. Milton, b. Nov. 23, 1812 ; d. Dec. 19, 1814. VIII. Merrick, b. Nov. 23, 1813 ; d. Oct. 28, 1840. IX. Mary, b. July 26, 1814; md. May 2, 1839, Arad Proctor ; reside in Athol. X. Charlotte, b. March 12, 1816 ; md. Feb. 13, 1838, Abel A. Hildreth. They reside in St. Augus- tine, Fla. XI. John, b. March 26, 1821 ; md. 1858, Elmira Wilker, dau. of Jacob Wilker. They removed to California. XII. Dolly, b. April 10, 1822 ; md. April 23, 1848, Edmund N. Marble, son of Stephen Marble, q. V. Eetoen Billings md. 1800, Polly Parmenter of Notown, and aboLit 1805 removed to Fitchburg. Two children b. in this town . I. Polly, b. May 2.S, 1801. II. Reuben, b. Dec. 20. 1.S02. (10) 25 26 27 28 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 617 James Billings md. Nov. 11, 1812. Eelief Petts, dan. of John Petts, q. v.; resided near the Dea. Hunt farm, still known as the Billings farm, where he d. Jan. 12, 1846 ; she d. Feb. 25, 1843. I. John Howard, b. Jan. 6, 1813 ; md. May 18, 1843, Emeline Stearns, dau. of Abel and Persis (Lawrence) Stearns of Ashby. He d. May 5, 1860. 1. George H., b. June 25, 1844; resides in Leominster. 2. Leafy Maria, b. June 7, 1848 ; md. Nov. 16, 1866, James A. Willard of Town- send. 3. Charles Austin, b. May 7, 1856 ; md. Oct. 24, 1868, Effle Packard, dau. of Horace C. Packard, q. v. Andrew Bireell, b. in Edinburg, Scotland, Feb. 9, 1812. After a residence of several years in Maine he came to this town in 1863. He md. 1836, Jane Wood ; md. (2d) June 30, 1864, Harriet (Flint) Walker, dau. of Thomas and Betsey (Keyes) Flint and widow of William Smith Walker. Three children of Andrew and Jane (Wood) Birrell were b. in Scotland. I. Jennie, b. June 19, 1841 ; md. Nov. 28, 1867, Charles G. Lawrence, son of Gilman Lawrence of Ashby. He was a veteran of the 21st Regiment and had resided in this town many years. II. Mary C, b. July 25, 1847; md. William Henry Willard, q. v. III. Lizzie, b. July 25, 1848. Jacob Bieon. b. March 18, 1835, in Germany, md. May 20, 1855, Ann Elizabeth Asman, b. in Germany Aug. 20, 1831. They removed to this town in 1858. By occupation he is a wood carver. I. Katie, b. in New York Oct. 26, 1857; md. Fred Warner; resides in Templeton. II. George Henry, b. March 19, 1858 ; md. Nellie Newton ; resides in Fitchburg. III. Elizabeth, b. May 20, 1862. IV. Mary, b. Dec. 15, 1864. v. Anna, b. Nov. 26, 1866. VI. Henrietta, b. Jan. 31, 1871. 618 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 10 Joel Raymond Bixby, son of Aaron Bixby, was b. in Rindge Jan. 5, 1803, where he resided until 1858, when he removed to this town. He md. Susan White and d. Dec. 10, 1875. Three of their twelve children died in infancy. I. Aaron B., b. Feb. 7, 1830; resides in the north part of this town. He md. Melissa A. Wyman ; (2d) Harriet E. W. Booth of Ashby. Seven children. II. Mary Elizabeth, b. Sept. 30, 1831 ; md. Otis Pratt. III. 8. Augusta, b. July 8, 1833 ; md. 1854, John A. Field ; md. (■2d) Austin Brooks, g. v. TV. Linda, b. April 23, 1840 ; md. Alfred Clark, q. v. V. Cynthia Maria, b. July 5, 1842. VI. Julia Ann, b. June 26, 1844. VII. Caroline A., b. Aug. 26, 1846 ; md. George Hum- phrey of Holden. VIII. Susan Arabelle, b. Aug. 14, 1848; md. William Lindley; had. Feb. 26, 1872. IX. Martha Jane, b. April 15, 1852; md. George Walls of Shirley. Horace Black removed to this town about 1830. He was engaged many years in the manufacture of furniture. His mill was destroyed by the freshet in 1850 and he soon after removed to Buchanan, Mich. He md. 1833, Harriet Petts, dau. of John Petts, q. v. Four children were b. in this town. I. Horace Sumner, b. Oct. 25, 1834. II. Harriet Maria, b. Sept. 7, 1837. III. Sarah Elizabeth, b. May 9, 1841. IV. Belief Ann, b. Oct. 23, 184:!. Abrahaji Blodget, lineage not traced, lived in this town a few j'ears preceding the Revolution. He md. Aug. 6, 1770, Martha Bates, probably a dau. of John Bates, q. V. In 1773 they removed to Shelburne. Isaac Blodget settled in Ashburnham at an early date. He was taxed in 1770 and he md. 1773, Persis Whitcomb, dau. of William Whitcomb, q. v. In 1775 he served in the siege of Boston eight months, in Capt. Wilder's com- pany, and removed to Westminster soon after. His descendants have resided in this town. He d. in West- minster kbout 1.S24. Persis, his wife, d. May 18, 1834. A child d. Sept. 17, 1778. 3 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 GENEALOGICAL EEGISTER. 619' Elias Blodget, son of Isaac and Persis (Whitcomb) Blodget, was b. in Westminster Nov. 26, 1783. He md. Ms cousin, Relief Whitcomb, dau. of Elias Whitcomb, q. V. He resided in Peru, Vt., and in Ashby until 1810, when he removed to this town. In 1817 he removed to Westminster, where he d. June 24, 1825. She d. in this town May 31, 1849. I. Elias, b. June 27, 1807 ; md. Hannah Patch ; md. (2d) Martha W. Montjoy. He has resided in this town and at the South Village since 1870.. Two children. 1. Farwell, b. June 25, 1841 ; d. July 12, 1843. 2. Charles, b. June 1, 1843 ; d. Nov. 28, 1862. II. Lucy, b. July 31, 1809 ; md. John W. Wallace, q. V. III. Farwell, b. April 10, 1812; d. Nov. 15, 1819. IV. Mary, b. Feb. 21, 1814 ; md. James Blodget, q. v. V. Isaac, b. May 15, 1816 ; d. May 19, 1816. VI. Persis (twin), b. May 15, 1816 ; d. May 18, 1816. VII. Sarah, b. May 5, 1817; unmd. ; resides in this town. VIII. Harriet, b. Aug. 8, 1819 ; unmd. ; resides in this town. IX. Lucinda, b. Jan. 2, 1823 ; d. Feb. 26, 1823. James Blodget was a grandson of Jlsaac and Persia (Whitcomb) Blodget. He was a son of Jonas and Polly (Blair) Blodget who resided in Vermont and in Fitz- william, N. H. He md. 1834, his cousin Mary Blodget, dau. of Elias Blodget, g. v. Five of their seven children died young. I. Miza, b. March 16, 1836 ; md. Henry A. Gibbs, q. V. II. Sarah Frances, b. July 28, 1838 ; md. Lincoln Wallace, q. v. III. Lucinda, b. Sept. 22, 1840 ; d. Aug. 6, 1841. IV. Edward, h. March 9, 1843 ; d. Oct. 7. 1843. V. Sidney, b. Feb. 6, 1846; d. Dec. 27, 1849. VI. Lucy A., b. Oct. 27, 1849; d. March 30, 1850. VII. Hattie Jane, b. April 28, 1853 ; d. Aug 12, 1863. Job Bond resided in this town several years, but I havfr €20 HISTOEY OF ASHBUKNHAM. no information of previous and subsequent history. The record of deaths gives information of one child. I. Joh, b. 1770; d. 1780. Daniel Bond, perhaps a son or brother of Job Bond, resided in this town from about 1774 to 1785. He served in the army in 1779. He subsequently resided in Clare- mont, N. H. Vide pages 163 and 190. John Bowman was b. in Lexington July 3, 1759, and was a son of John and Susannah (Coolidge) Bowman, and a grandson of John and Mary (Stone) Bowman. After a residence of several years in Andover, he removed to this town about 1811, and resided here until his death Oct. 22, 1847. While a resident of Lexington he served several enlistments in the Revolution and was a pensioner during the waning years, of his life. His wife d. June 8, 1841, aged 76 years. No record of the marriage has been found. I. John, removed from this town 1811. He was then about 23 years of age. II. Philip, md. 1815, Phebe Merriam, dau. of Joseph Merriam, q. v. They resided here several years and removed to Westminster. Several children. III. Mary, md. 1817, Thomas Rice, son of Jonah Rice, q. V. IV. Sally, md. Hayden. V. Phebe, b. 1803 ; d. Feb. 4, 1816. - — - _ Jeremiah Bridge is found residing here in 1764 and disappears about 1772. His previous and subsequent history is unknown. While he resided in this town his home was enlivened by a wife Sarah and four children. Sarah, b. Oct. 22, 1764. Ezra, b. Feb. 13, 1767. Jeremiah, b. Jan. 29, 1769. Abigail, bap. Sept. 1, 1771. I. II. III. IV. Bradfokd Beitton from Westmoreland, son of Brad- ford and Nancy Jane (Priest) Britton, md. Lovisa Priest ; md. (2d) Mrs. Mary Hosley of Gardner. He resided in this town a few years. Was killed in the mill of Horace W. Houston Feb. 25, 1867 ; his widow resides in Millis. George Bkitton, a brother of Bradford Britton, Jr., was b. in Westmoreland Dec. 16, 1839 ; md. May 19, 1868, Augusta R. Hosley, dau. of Samuel and Polly 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (3) 10 11 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 621 (Remington) Hosley of Jamaica, Vt. He is a farmer in the south part of the town. Two children. Asa Bkocklebank was b. in Rowley Aug. 15, 1745 • he md. April 10, 1771, Mary Howe of Andover, and removed to Rindge in 1772 or 1773. He removed to this town in 1777 and returned to Rindge about 1790, where he d. Dec. 12, lS-26. I. Asa, b. Jan. 30, 1772. II. Eunice, b. Dec. 31, 1773 ; d. Nov. 24, 1775. III. Samuel, b. Nov. 27, 1776. IT. Eunice, b. Nov. 9, 1777; d. Oct. 18, 1778. V. Mary, b. Aug. 7, 1779. VI. Joseph, b. Aug. 23, 1792. VII. Nalium, b. July 24, 1794. Dr. Petee Bkooks, lineage not known, was the first resident physician of Ashburnham. Vide Chap. XX. His descendants have been and still are numerous in this and other towns. He md. Nov. 14, 1769, Judith Foster, dau. of Jeremiah Foster, q. v. Between 1790 and 1800 he left his family and the town. The date and place of his death are unknown. She d. March 9, 1824, aged 78 years. I. Calvin, b. March 25, 1770 ; removed to the South. II. Luther, b. Feb. 15, 1772.+ III. John Swift, b. and d. 1774. IV. Sewell, b. Feb. 4, 1777.+ V. Peter, b. Jan. 11, 1780. VI. Dorcas, b. June 24, 1782. Tii. Lydia, b. Sept. 23, 1784 ; d. unmd. June 30, 1851. VIII. Dickerson, b. Oct. 13, 1787. + LuTHEK Brooks, son of Dr. Peter Brooks, md. April 24, 1800, Lucy Gates, dau. of John Gates, q. v. He was a farmer and a carpenter in Ashburnham. Late in life he removed to Ohio. He d. Oct. 22, 1854 ; she d. Aug. 23, 1868. Eleven children. I. Luther, b. Feb. 16, 1801 ; md. 1820, Dolly Adams, dau. of James Adams, q. v.; she d. Sept. 11, 1828. He md. (2d) 1830, Hannah (Jacobs) Harrington, widow of Daniel Harrington of Lexington. About 1830 he removed to East Cambridge and was there engaged in the lumber business. He d. July 4, 1839. 1. Harriet Adams, b. June 19, 1820. 622 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 2. Martin Luther, h. and d. May 4, 1822. 3. Sarah Jane, b. May 18, 1823 ; md. Charles Gerrish of Groton. 4. Elvira Diana, b. Nov. 20, 1824. 5. Luther Francis. 6. Susanna Jacobs. 7. Charles Edwin. 8. Everett Wellington. II. Calvi7i, b. Sept. 14, 1802 ; md. Eliza Flagg, and removed after a few years. 1. Eliza, b. Sept. 11, 1827; d. June 5, 1828. 2. Calvin Augustus, b. March 18, 1829 ; d. Oct. 11, 1831. 3. Eliza Emeline, b. Sept. 13, 1830. 4. Mary Abbie, b. March 28, 1832 ; d. Feb. 20, 1843. 5. Frederick. 6. Edward F. 7. Adriana. 8. Stetson. 9. Artemas. III. Alden, b. June 24, 1804 ; md. Hannah Creyton of Portsmouth, N. H. He was a carpenter and d. in this town May 3, 1847. To them were born six children but no record has been secured. rv. Ezra Gates, b. June 7, 1806 ; d. unmd. Dec. 9, 1833. T. Catherine, b. June 17, 1808 ; md. Freeman Vicory of Springfield, Ohio. VI. Emeline, b. March 30, 1811 ; md. Charles Hunting of Princeton; d. Sept. 23, 1879. vn. Edward Stetson, b. March 6, 1813 ; d. unmd. Oct. 7, 1838. vm. John Warren, b. May 20, 1815. In 1835 he re- moved to Cambridge and was soon engaged in the lumber business in the firm of Brooks & Cottrell, and subsequently he assumed the sole management of the business in which he was successful. He md. Hannah Dana who survives him. He d. April 10, 1886. 1. WiUiam. 2. Mary. IX. Mary P., b. July 8, 1817; d. April 27, 1860. md. Oliver Hunting ; 38 39 (5) 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 GENEALOGICAL EEGISTER. 623 X. Sarah M., b. Sept. 19, 1821; d. unmd. April 8, 1847. XI. Charles N., b. July 5, 1825 ; md. Almira Bartlett ; resides in Worcester. (8) 53 54 55 56 Sewell Beooks, son of Dr. Peter Brooks, was a car- penter and a farmer in this town. I have found no record of his marriage. The name of his wife was Sally. He d. May 28, 1822 ; she d. 1837. I. Sewell, b. Aug. 24, 1799. II. Samuel, b. Jan. 16, 1801 ; md. 1830, Lucy Hub- bard of Holden. HI. Walter, b. June 24, 1804. IV. William, b. Jan. 6, 1807. V. Jonas, b. Sept. 9, 1809. VI. George, b. June 8, 1813. VII. Nancy, b. Aug. 3, 1817. 47 I. 48 II. 49 III. 50 rv. 51 T. 52 VI. DiCKERSox Beooks, son of Dr. Peter Brooks, md. Sept. 9, 1818, Hannah Kemp of Groton. He was a farmer in this town, where he d. July 13, 1855. Amos Dickerson, b. Julj^ 21, 1819. John, b. Oct. 19, 1821. Hannah Elizabeth, b. Feb. 22, 1824. Huldah, b. May 21, 1826. Sally Tottingham, b. Oct. 18, 1828. Levi,h. Aug. 6, 1831. Thaddeus Beooks, who came to this town about 1782, was a son of Amos and Lydia Brooks of Lincoln, where he was b. April 30, 1758. He was a grandson of Joseph and Rebecca (Blodgett) Brooks of Concord, and subse- quently of Lincoln, a great-grandson of Dea. Joshua and Hannah (Mason) Brooks of Concord, and a great-great- graadson of Thomas and Grace Brooks, the emigrant ancestors of a large family in this State and elsewhere. Thaddeus Brooks md. in Ashburnham Feb. 22, 1785, Sarah Winchester, the sixth child of Rev. Jonathan Win- chester, q. V. He was a farmer, a respected citizen and is frequently and honorably mentioned in the records. He d. of cancer June 17, 1819. She d. Nov., 1835. I. Elijah, b. Oct. 9, 1786.+ II. Samuel, b. March 20, 1792. -|- III. Sarah, b. March 2, 1797 ; md. Feb. 5, 1835, Ezra Hudson of Templeton. She d. Nov., 1835, and he md. (2d) Caroline Jones, dau. of Edmund Jones, q. v. 624 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. 57 58 (54) 59 60 (55) 61 62 (58) 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 IV. Joel, b. Oct. 21, 1799; d. unmd. Dec. 12, 1863. V. William, b. Aug. 10, 1803. + Elijah Brooks, eldest son of Thaddeus Brooks, md. Jan. 6, l.sis, Rebecca Sanderson, dau. of Moses Sander- son, q. V. He was a farmer and a useful citizen in Ash- burnham, where he d. March 18, 1874. She d. May 24, 1862. I. Mary Rebecca, b. Oct. 1, 1818; md. Hon. Ohio Whitney, q. v. II. Sarah Sophia, b. May 30, 1826 ; md. Oct. 7, 1875, Henry Vanness, for several years a mer- chant in this town. They reside at West Medway. Samuel Brooks md. April 25, 1822, Euth Rice, dau. of Jonas Rice, q. v. He was a farmer who commanded the esteem of his associates. He d. April 1, 1872; sh& d. July 7, 1853. I. Milton, b. Jan. 29, 1826; md. June 11, 1857, Achsah C. Ward, dau. of Alvin Ward, q. v. He resides a farmer in this town. II. Lavinia, b. July 2, 1827; d. unmd. Jan. 9, 1850. William Beooks md. June 13, 1833, Lucy Russell, dau. of Eliakim and Sarah (Converse) Russell of Eindge. He was a merchant and subsequently was engaged in the manufacture of friction matches. He d. Jan. 8, 1863 ; she md. (2d) Rev. Isaac Peaslee of Sutton, N. H. No children. Simeon Brooks md. in this town July 20, 1780, Lucy Whitcomb, dau. of William Whitcomb, q. v. He resided in the south part of the town and was an early proprietor of the mill now of Elijah Gross & Son. It is said he planted the stately elm now standing on the premises. He removed about 1812 to Westminster. I. Lucy, b. Oct. 17, 1781 ; md. June 17, 1806, Jonas Holden of Westminster. II. Asa, b. June 26, 1784. III. Simeon, b. July 19, 1786. IV. Lydia, b. Oct. 22, 1788. V. Polly, b. April 10, 1795. VI. Stillman, b. Oct. 18, 1796. VII. Silas, b. Dec. 3, 1798. His bap. is recorded Cyrus. He d. Jan. 16, 1801. 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 625 Amos Bkooks, not known to be related to other families of same name in Ashburnham, resided in the northeast part of this town about twenty years. He was included in the addition to Ashby in 1702. He md. Nov. 24, 1774, Prudence Martin, dau. of John Martin, q. v. Nine children. I. Amos, b. Aug. 17, 1775. II. Hannah, b. Jan. 10, 1778. III. Lydia, b. Feb. 18, 1780. IV. Betty, b. Feb. 10, 1782. V. Dolly, b. Oct. 6, 1784. VI. Prudence, b. Sept. 4, 1786. VII. Asa, b. Oct. 26, 1788. vni. Lois, b. June 8, 1791. IX. Savil, b. in Ashby April 16, 1795. Jonas Brooks removed to Ashburnham about the close of the Revolution and resided here several years. His wife d. 1797, aged 78 years. His name appears occasion- ally in the records and upon all the tax lists that have been preserved, until near the close of the century. Except of one son I have no knowledge of his family nor of his earlier and subsequent history. Perhaps Stephen Brooks who d. in this town Nov. 5, 1781, aged 29 years, was his son. I. Jonas, b. abont 1755 ; md. Sept. 12, 1781, Lucy Whitmore, dau. of Joseph Whitmore, q. v. Isaac Brooks, not related so far as known to any of the numerous families in this town who bore the same name, lived near Mt. Hunger. He md. 1795, Faith Seaver of Westminster. There was an Isaac Brooks who lived over the line in Westminster and whose children were bap. by Mr. Gushing. Isaac Brooks, probably the latter, d. Nov. 9, 1827. Isaac and Faith (Seaver) Brooks, who lived near Mt. Hunger, had three children and perhaps others. I. Solomon, b. Feb. 27, 1797. II. Belief, md. Dec. 13, 1821, Samuel Hart. III. Isaac. Jonathan Brooks, for many years, had a mill at the outlet of Rice pond. He resided in this town from an early date until 1817. His wife d. felo de se Aug. 22, 40 626 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 1816. It is probable that there were other children but I have been unable to gain any additional record. I. Ijucy, md. 1808, William Whitney, q. v. II. , b. 1793 ; d. Dec. 6, 1801. " Dea. Harvey Beooks is not closely allied in kinship to any of the numerous families of the same name who have resided in this town. He was b. in New Ipswich May 30, 1805, and is a son of Stephen and Rachel (Taylor) Brooks of Rindge and New Ipswich and a grandson of Aaron and Mary (Stone) Brooks of Lincoln. Dea. Brooks removed to this town in 1826 and for several years he was in the employ of Charles Davis, John C. Glazier and Jonathan O. Bancroft in the manufacture of chairs. He is a man of integrity and excellent character. In 1869 he removed to Gardner where he still resides. He md. Sept. 21, 1831, Lois Burgess, dau. of Joseph F. Burgess, q. v. I. Harveij P., b. June 17, 1833; md. Nov. 15, 1867, Mary Mattattal. He served two years in Co. B, Second Regiment Heavy Artillery ; d. March 19, 1870. II. Euclid i., b. Jaly 16, 1835 ; md. Aug. 14, 1861, Flavilla R. Adams, b. May 10, 1841, dau. of Hosea and Rebecca (Conant) Adams of Gardner. Resides in Gardner, Newton, b. Oct. 23, 1840. Served on the quota of Gardner in 53d Regiment. He md. Nov. 16, 1876, Frances A. Smith, dau. of Henry Smith of Oshkosh, Wis. Resides in Gardner. Luella, b. Dec. 13, 1849 ; md. May 8, 1879, Marcus Whitney who was b. in Gardner Sept. 13, 1846. Reside in Gardner. Ill, IV. Ira Brooks, a son of Samuel and grandson of Isaac and Ruth (Herrick) Brooks of Westminster, was b. in Westminster Sept. 6, 1806. He began life under the name of Samuel which he changed to Ira. He resided in this town with little interruption from 1834 until his death. He md. July 15, 1830, Rebecca E. Wilder of Ashby. He d. June 26, 1885. I. Emerson, b. Sept. 27, 1831 ; md. June 7, 1865, Mada Townsend. Resides in Burke, Vt. II. Austin, b. March 6, 1833 ; a chair maker ; resides in this town. He md. Sept. 6, 1860, Mary Jane 98 99 100 101 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 627 Willard, dau. of Merrick Willard. She d. Sept. 1, 1876, leaving six children; he md. (2d) May 15, 1878, S. Augusta (Bixby) Fields, dau. of Joel E. Bixby, q. v. III. Salura, b. Oct. 28, 1837; md. Danforth N. Baker, g. v. IV. Pascal, b. Nov. 2, 1839. Enlisted Nov. 1, 1861, in 32d Regiment ; d. at Sharpsburg. Md. Oct. 1, 1862. V. Irving, b. June 1, 1842. Enlisted 1864 and served in an unattached company ; md. 1874, Emily McGee ; resides in Troy, N. H. VI. Infant, b. and d. 1844. Wait Beoughton md. in Whately Nov. 1, 1771, Submit Wait, dau. of John and Mary (Hastings) Wait, and in 1774 he removed to Ashfield. His wife d. about 1779 and he md. (2d) April 19, 1781, Esther Belding, b. April 18, 1761, dau. of Samuel and Mary Belding of Ashfield. The family with the children Charity, Samuel, Thaddeus and Aaron removed to Ashby in 1786. They were residing in Ashby in 1787, but soon after that date they removed to this town. He was a farmer and was taxed for a generous amount of land. He removed about 1815 to Brandon, Vt., where he d. April 20, 1842, aged 92 years. I. Charity, bap. in Whatel.y June 14, 1772 ; md. Nov. 20, 1794, John Conant, son of Ebenezer Conant, Jr., g. V. II. Samuel, bap. in Ashfield May 15, 1774 ; md. Dec. 21, 1797, Rachel Hobart, dau. of Shebuel Hobart, g. v., and removed to Brandon, Vt. Subsequently he resided in Malone, N. Y. III. Thaddeus, bap. in Ashfield Aug. 25, 1776. IV. Cynthia, bap. in Ashfield Nov. 22, 1778 ; probably d. young. V. Aaron W., b. previous to 1786 ; a son of second wife ; was a lawyer in Vermont and later in Michigan. VI. William, b. in Ashby July 12, 1787 ; md. in this town Feb. 11, 1810, Ruth Winter, dau. of John Winter, g. v. He resided in the north part of the town. He d. May 24, 1831. His widow md. Oct. 2, 1831, Jeremiah Robbins, g. v. Six children of William and Ruth Broughton were b. in this town, of whom two d. young. 1. Phebe, b. Sept. 10, 1810; md. John 628 HISTORY OE ASHBURNHAM. 9 10 11 9 10 11 12 13 Lawrence, son of Reuben Lawrence, s A. Maynard of Keene, N. H. He d. June 23. 1869 ; md. (2d) Sept. 10, 1879, Andrew J. Williams ; resides in Keene, N. H. V. John Levi, b. Aug. 8, 1841 ; md. Christiana Petts, who d. Sept. 28, 1871 ; md. (2d) 1878, Abbie Clifford ; resides in Florida. VI. Cynthia, resides at Brighton, 111. VII. Daniel, resides at Brighton, 111. VIII. Laura A., resides at Brighton, 111. Elisha Coolidge, the first one of the name in this town, was a descendant in the fourth generation of John Coolidge, the emigrant ancestor, who was admitted freeman May 25, 1636. He was an early proprietor and resident of Watertown, a representative and many years a selectman. His will was dated 1681 and proved 1691 , but the exact date of his death is not recorded. By wife, Mary, he had eight children, the eldest of whom were probably b. in Eng- land. Nathaniel, a son of John and Mary Coolidge, md. Oct. 15, 1657, Mary Bright, b. April 23, 1639, dau. of Henry and Anne (Goldstone) Bright. In the records he was styled a tailor, but his inventory which included " three farms, mills and fishing wear," would indicate that he had other employ- ments. The ninth of thirteen children of Henry and Anne (Goldstone) Coolidge, was Dea. John Coolidge, b. about 1674. He md. Jan. 16, 1699- 1700, Margaret Bond, b. in Watertown Oct. 1, 1681, dau. of William and Hepsibah (Hastings) Bond. He d. April 26, 1755. Among their children were Elisha Coolidge of Ashburnham, and Henry Coolidge, a resident ot Cambridge and one of the proprietors of Dorchester Canada. Another son was William Coolidge of Waltham, the father of the wife of Col. Erancis Lane and the wife of Samuel Cutting. Elisha Coolidge, son of Dea. John and Martha (Bond) Coolidge, was b. in Watertown July 9, 1720; md. Sarah . After a brief residence in Cambridge he removed to Dorchester Canada 1752. He was an innholder here ill 1752, 1759, 1760, 1761 and probably during other V'ars. His valuable service in forwarding the settlement mid his connection with the early mills in this town are out- lined in the early chapters of this record. He was frequently chosen to office and the high esteem in which he was held 650 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 10 11 12 is reflected in many pages of the records of this town. He was one of the original members of the church, but in 1778 he united with the Baptists. He d. Aug. 29, 1807. I. Catherine, b. May 3, 1755 ; md. 1773, John Gates of Ashburnham, q,,v. II. Sarah, b. May 23, 1757; md. Dea. Jacob Kib- linger, q. v. Permelia, b. Nov. 3, 1758. Jonathan, b. Sept. 6, 1760. Judith, b. Sept. 23, 1762 ; md. April 14, 1784, Isaiah Stone of Dummerston, Vt. VI. John, b. Nov. 7, 17G4. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 30, 1766. Elisha, b. Nov. 19, 1768; md. Nov. 11, 1804, Mary Gushing, dau. of Rev. John Gushing, q. v. He d. leaving one son, and she md. (2d) Rev. Asa Rand, son of Gol. Daniel and Susannah (Hemenway) Rand of Rindge. He d. Aug. 24, 1871 ; she d. June 12, 1871. IX. Relief, b Sept. 26, 1770. X. Lucy, b. Nov. 8, 1772. XI. Flavel, b. Jan. 19, 1775 ; md. Jan. 30, 1806, Nancj' Wildes. III. IV. V. VII VIII, Hezekiah Goeey, son of John and Ruth Corey, was b. in Ghelmsford 1736, and was taxed there 1757. Previous to 1763 he removed to New Ii)swich qnd was a prominent man in the affairs of that town several years. In 1771 he was an officer in the militia and ever after he bore the title of lieutenant. He removed to this town during the Revo- lution. In 1780 he was chosen fence viewer, which is the first mention of his name in the records, and the following year he was a selectman. In subsequent years he was chosen to other positions of trust and evidently he was held in high esteem. He d. Oct. 23, 1818 ; she d. Oct. 9, 1820. Four children were b. in New Ipswich and two in Ashburnham. I. Hezekiah, b. Jan. 7, 1765. -|- II. John, b. March 4, 1769. + III. Amos, b. Jan. 4, 1774. -j- IV. Stephen, b. Sept. 27, 1775.-}- v. Jonas, b. 1777. -|- VI. Sally, b. 1779 ; md. Jan. 24, 1804, John Jefts, son of John Jefts of Mason, N. H. Yii. Ehoda, bap. 1782 ; md. May 26, 1803, George W. Joslin, q. V. VIII. Dolly, bap. 1785 ; md. James Scollay, q. v. (2) 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 (3) 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 (4) 24 25 26 27 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 651 Hezekiah Corey md. Jan. 20, 1791, Lucy Townsend, b. Feb. 19, 1769, dau. of Joshua and Mary Townsend, q. V. He d. Nov. 16, 1833 ; she d. Nov. 11, 1867, aged nearly 99 years. Seven children. I. Lucy, b. Nov. 20, 1791 ; md. Jan. 20, 1820, Wil- lard Jefta of Ashby ; she d. Oct. 20, 1871. 11. Achsah,]}. March 7, 1793; d. unmd. Oct. 23, 1852. m. Asahel, h. March 11, 1794.-|- rv. Sarah, md. 1820, Joel Fenno. V. Mary, md. 1817, William Fenno. VI. Levi, b. 1807.+ VII. Hezekiah, b. Jan. 7, 1814 ; d. unmd. Oct. 30, 1842. John Corey md. June 7, 1792, Milly Stone, dau. of Joseph Stone, q. v. He was a farmer and resided in this town until about 1815, when he removed to Waltham. Seven children were b. in this town. I. Jb/wi, b. Oct. 17, 1792. n. Stillman, b. March 22, 1795 ; md. Martha Brigham of Marlboro ; d. 1824, leaving five children, and among them was Mary who md. Luther Clark, q. v. The widow of Stillman Corey md. (2d) George SafFord of Fitchburg. III. Milly, b. Feb. 1, 1797. IV. Joseph, b. Aug. 12, 1799. V. Harris, b. Feb. 23, 1802. vr. Harriet (twin), b. Feb. 23, 1802. vir. Infant, b. 1805 ; d. March 17, 1806. Amos Corey md. July 7, 1798, Aehsah Townsend, dau. of Joshua, q. v. In 1801 he removed to Washington, N. H. He md. (2d) Louisa Jefts. The first wife was the mother of all his children. I. Linda, b. Jan. 7, 1799 ; d. young. II. Clarissa, b. Oct. 8, 1800; d. 1802. III. Amos, b. Sept. 19, 1802; md. Dec. 8, 1827, Eox- anna Wright of Sullivan, N. H. He lived in Washington, N. H., until 1857, when he removed to Antrim, N. H., where he d. April 6, 1872. His widow d. Sept. 7, 1872. Of their four children two d. unmd. 1. Aehsah, b. 1828; md. Peter Shuttleworth of Southboro. 652 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. 28 29 30 31 32 (5) 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 IV. V. VI. vn. 2. George F., b. 1836 ; md. Clara R. Hill of Antrim and resides in Waltham. JSfatJian, b. 1804; md. Aug. 30, 1825, Louisa Wright, dau. of Jacob Wright, Jr. He resided in Stoddard, Chaiiestown and Boscawen, N. H., where he d. Sept. 20, 1879. Six children. Jonas R., d. at age of nine years. Mary, b. Dec. 13, 1809 ; md. Nov. 4, 1845, Nahum Newton ; reside in Southboro. AcJisah, b. Sept. 2, 1813; md. David Smith; resided in Ohio and Lafayette, 111., where she d. Jan. 14, 1867. Stephen Corey md. Oct. 24, 1793, Joanna Adams, dau. of John Adams, q. v. Her name was generally written Anna. He was a farmer and a tanner and resided in the south part of the town. He was for many years fre- quently employed in public affairs. He d. Oct. 7, 1823 ; she d. Nov. 18, 1868, aged 93 years. I. Polly, b. Feb. 23, 1794 ; md. John Willard, q. v. II. Stephen, b. Nov. 27, 1795.+ iii. Nancy, b. Jan. 3, 1799 ; md. May 30, 1821, Levi Todd, son of Joshua and Tabitha (Hunt) Todd of Rindge. They resided in Hinsdale, N. H., where she d. Oct. 3, 1872 ; he d. Nov. 23, 1878. 1. George W., b. Nov. 3, 1822; md. Nov. 24, 1846, Henrietta Tuttle. 2. Nancy A., b. Jan. 17, 1825; md. James Boyce. 3. Walter C, b. Sept. 23, 1826; md. Mary Spaulding. 4. Levi Leonard, b. June 28,1828; d. Oct. 10, 1852. 5. Lucy Lucinda (twin), b. June 28, 1828; d. Jan. 22, 1831. 6. Mary J., b. Aug. 24, 1835; d. Sept. 22, 1853. IV. Almira, b. Feb. 27, 1801 ; md. Silas Rice, q. v. V. Melinda, b. Sept. 10, 1803 ; md. James Hayward of Ashb3'. VI. Lucinda, b. July 29, 1806 ; md. Jonathan O. Ban- croft, q. V. VII. Walter, b. March 5, 1809.-|- VIII. Betsey, b. Aug. 20, 1811 ; drowned in a tan vat Aug. 12, 1815. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 653 47 IX. David A., b. March 19, 1815 ; he resided in Chi- cago, 111., where he d. unmd. Feb. 21, 1886. (6) (12) 48 Jonas Corey md. 1817, Lucy Stone, dau. of Joseph Stone, q. v. He resided in this town, where he d. Feb. 23, 1860. He failed to support his family, and his wife and children removed from this town many years ago, An infant d. Feb. 21, 1823. Among their children were Sarah F. and George Lewis. 49 50 51 52 53 (15) 54 AsAHEL Cokey, son of Hezekiah Corey, Jr., md. 1816. Mary Conant, dau. of Josiah and Annis (Derby) Conant of Gar(iner. He was a merchant and an influential citizen of this town. Representative 1833, '34, '35, '36. I. Jonas, b. June 29, 1816. For many years he was engaged in the manufacture of chairs and lumber. He md. May 25, 1845, Susan A. Cushing, dau. of Laban Cushing, q. v. They removed 1852 to Fitchburg, where she d. Jan. 12, 1857. He md. (2d) Feb. 22, 1870, Mrs. Adaline A. George. He d. Oct. 28, 1878. 1. Waldo C, b. March 31, 1847 ; md. March 14, 1883, Clara B. Goodspeed, dau. of Geo. N. Goodspeed. They reside in Winchendon. 2. Frank Eugene, b. March 31, 1850 ; resides unmd. in St. Louis, Mo. II. Charles A., b. May 23, 1826 ; md. July 13, 1848, Elizabeth L. Barry, dau. .of Thomas and Lu- cinda Barry of Athol. He resided in Fitchburg where he d. Sept. 28, 1870. Two children. 1. Ella Lizzie, b. Dec. 22, 1850; d. unmd. March 28, 1878. 2. Fred. A.,b. Oct. 13, 1852 ; md. Aug. 14, 1883, Katie E. Clifford, dau. of John and Ellen Clifford of Fitchburg ; resides in Boston. Levi Cokey, a brother of Asahel, md. June 10, 1830, Sarah L. Gross, dau. of Peaks Gross, q. v. He was a merchant. He d. May 3, 1854. She md. (2d) Oct. 5, 1858, Charles Buttrick, q. v. I. George Branson, b. Aug. 10, 1831 ; md. Feb. 28, 1861. He resides in Desota, 111. 654 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 55 56 (34) 57 58 59 60 61 63 64 65 66 HI. Adalaide L., b. Oct. 20, 1835; md. March 20, 1868, Samuel C. Lesure. They resided in Chelsea, where she d. March 15, 1885. He formerly resided several j-ears in Ashburnham ; was iQ the service in the war of the Rebellion and subsequently an officer in the Rice Guards. Eveline A., b. Oct. 19, 1851 ; d. unmd. Aug. 19, 1875. An estimable young lady. Stephen Coket, son of Stephen, md. Sept. 19, 1820, Mary White, dau. of Elisha White, q. v. He resided upon the farm now owned by his youngest son. He was a farmer and for a number of jears he continued the business of tanning established by his father. He d. Dec. 22, 1867; shed. Nov. 6, 1866. I. Stephen W., b. May 31, 1822; md. Julia Draper. Resides in New Portland, Me. II. Mary H., b. April 9, 1825 ; d. Au'g. 4, 1846. III. Augusta H., b. May 28, 1827 ; md. John M. Frost of Ashbj'. IV. Sarah W., b. Aug. 16, 1829 ; of Manchester, N. H. V. Walter A., b. June 29, 1831 ; 1862. VI. Susan M., b. Dec. 10, 1833 ; dard, son of Charles and Stoddard of Chesterfield, N. H. town June 25, 1863. VII. David A., b. June 20, 1836. Was a merchant in Fitchburg from 1858 to 1883. He is now treas- urer of the Snow Cattle Co., at their eastern office in Fitchburg. The company owns about 300,000 acres of grazing land in Wyoming. He md. Jan. 31, 1860, Josephine Goddard, dau. of Joel Goddard of Templeton. She d. March 9, 1865. He md. (2d) Oct. 9, 1866, Nellie Hey- wood, dau. of Walter and Nancy (Foster) Hey wood. vm. Ellen M., b. Dec. 26, 1838; md. George Coult. They reside in Worcester. IX. Abbie M., b. Oct. 25, 1841. X. George F., b. Jan. 2, 1844; md. June 24, 1869, Ellen R. Hinds, dau. of Francis Hinds, q. v. He resides upon the homestead in Ashburnham. md. John G. Coult d. unmd. Jan. 25, md. Frank B. Stod- Lovisa (Brigham) She d. in this (45) Walter Corey removed to Portland, Me., in 1836 and I has been actively and successfully engaged in the manu- 67 68 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 655 facture and sale of furniture. A few years ago he retired from a business in which he had enjoyed an unblemished reputation. He md. July 7, 1846, Hester Ann Cole of Lewiston, Me. They have two children. I. Walter L., b. Nov. 9, 1848. II. Mabel A., b. Jan. 5, 1858. John F. Cornu, son of Peter Cornu, b. in Switzerland 1824, taught school several years in his native land and emigrated to Canada, where he md. 1856, Justina Tindo who d. 1863. He came to Ashburnham 1876 and resides a farmer on the Charles Stimson place on the North Turnpike. I. Ida, b. 1860 ; md. Zachariah Lambert of Fall River. II. Noah, b. 1861 ; unmd., resides in Kansas. III. Philemon, b. 1868 ; unmd., resides with his father. Michael Coughlin, b. in County of Cork, Ireland, Oct. 12, 1810, md. in Ireland May 1, 1841, Mary Barnett. He has resided in this town about thirty years, occupying as a farmer the Foster place, often called the John Woods farm. I. Patrick, b. March 17, 1841 ; a mechanic in this town ; unmd. II. Bridget,h. Aug. 6,184.3; md. 1859, John O'Brien ; resides in Fitchburg. III. Michael, Jr., b. 1849 ; md. Mary Mead. He is a wheelwright. TiMOTHr Ceehoee was the iirst of this family who became a permanent resident of Ashburnham. He was a son of Jedediah and Chloe Crehore and was b. in Milton Aug. 21, 1754. He is not mentioned in the Milton records and it is probable he came here about the time he arrived of age. He was here in 1785 when he was chosen highway surveyor. He settled in the southwest part of the town, where he d., and where his son Col. Timothy subsequently resided. This farm was a part of the land which had been in possession of the Crehore family since the early charter of the township. The name of his first wife and the mother of his children was Mary, but no record of the marriage has been found. She d. Oct. 9, 1805, aged 45 years. He md. (2d) 1812, Mrs. Hannah Mason of Walpole, N. H. He d. Nov. 1, 1843. 656 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. 2 I. 3 II. 4 III. 5 IV. 6 V. 7 VI. 8 VII. (3) 10 11 12 13 14 15 JedediaJi, b. Oct. 15, 17«1. Timothy, b. Mareb 12, 1784.+ Mary,h. Nov. 4, 1786; md. Jan. 3, 1815, Asa Carpenter of Walpole, N. H. John, h. Aug. 14, 1789 ; d. June 2'J, 1824. Lahan Si-jrague. b. Nov. 28, 1794. Infant, h. and d. 1797. Infant, d. 1805. Col. Timothy Crehore resided on Ibe home place and subsequently in the Central Village. In 1852 he removed to Fitchburg. He was an active citizen and was prominent in military aflfairs. Vide Chap. XVIII. He md. Sept. 20, 1807, Sallv W. Fairbanks, who d. Jan. 8, 1.S64; he d. Jan. 5, 1866. I. Warren A., b. May 2, 1808; md. March 17, 1831, Sarah E. Bemis of Winchendon ; resided in this town and in Fitchburg. II. Sally E., b. Feb., 1810 ; md. Europe H. Fairbanks,- q. V. III. Horace C, b. Nov. 25, 1811 ; md. June 12, 1844, Mary Ann Bowker. He was a merchant in Ashburnham and subsequently in Fitchburg. He d. in New York Jan. 26, 1881. IV. Lewis H., b. Jan. 25, 1817; d. near Island of Ascension and was buried at sea April 17, 1840. V. Austin jS., h. Feb. 6, 1824 ; d. from a fall from a bridge at Dutch Flat, Col., March 19, 1870. VI. Mary A., b. June 11, 1826; md. April 6, 1847, Howard Marble, son of Samuel Marble, q. v. VII. Infant, d. Sept. 22, 1830. CROSBY. Fitch and Fredekick Crosbt, who are named in the following register, were valued citizens of Ashburnham. They were distant relatives and of the sixth generation of their family in America. Simon Crosby aged 26, wife Anne aged 25 and son Thomas aged 8 weeks embarked for New England April 18, 1634. He settled in Cambridge and was a selectman 163C and 1638. He d. 1639 and his widow md. (2d) liev. William Tompson of Braintree. Simon Crosby, second son of Simon the emigrant, was b. in Cambridge Aug., 1637. He became a large landholder and was a leading citizen. He was the first innholder in that town and a representative several years. He md. July 15, 1659, Rachel Brackett, dau. of Richard Brackett of Braintree. He d. Jan. 22, 1725-6. Among his nine children were Simon and Josiah and Joseph whose descendants have resided in this town. Josiah, son of Simon and Rachel (Brackett) Crosby, was b. Nov. 11, 1677; md. Nov. 2, 1703, Mary Manning, dau. of Samuel and Elizabeth (Stearns) Manning. He resided in Billerica, where he d. about 1745. His son Josiah, b. Aug. 5, 1704, md. Feb. 3, 1729-30, Elizabeth GENEALOGICAL REGISTEK. 657 French, dau. of William and Sarah (Danforth) French. She d. Not. 27, 1739, and he d. prerious to 1743. Hazen's History of Billerica credits a tradition that he was killed by the Indians. Josiah Crosby, eldest son of Josiah and Elizabeth (French) Crosby, was b. Nor. 24, 1730. He was a soldier in the French and Indian War. Subsequently he settled in Monson, now Milford, N. H. He was a Captain in Col. James Reed's regiment which served in the siege of Boston and participated in the battle of Bunker Hill. In this engagement his company contained 44 men. He was a millwright, a man of great energy and enterprise and a prominent and influential citizen. He md. Aug. 23, 1750, Eachel Fitch, dau. of Joseph and Rachel Fitch of Billerica. She was a njece of John Fitch in whose honor the city of Fitchburg was named, and who while residing near the borders of this town was taken captiTB by the Indians July 5, 1748. He d. Oct. 5, 1793. Fitch Crosby, the youngest of ten children, remored to this town, and is number 1 in the following register. Among the numerous descendants of Capt. Josiah and Eachel (Fitch) Crosby are many eminent men whose lives have adorned the professions and the halls of learning. Another son of Simon and Rachel (Braokett) Crosby was Simon Crosby, b. in Billerica 1663. His wife Hannah d. May 6, 1702, and he md. (2d) March 16, 1702-3, Abigail (Whittaker) Parker, widow of John Parker and dau. of John Whittaker. Among his thirteen children was Samuel Crosby, by first wife, b. Oct. 4, 1698. Previous to 1728 he removed from Billerica to Shrewsbury and was one of the original members of the church in Shrewsbury of which Rev. Job Cushing, father of Rev. John Gushing, was the first minister. He md. Dec. 9, 171^9, Dorothy Brown, dau. of George and Sarah (Kidder) Brown of Billerica. He d. in Shrewsbury Jan. 23, 1748-9. His son, Elisha Crosby, was b. Jan. 10, 1787-8. He md. Tabitha Harrington of Worcester. He resided a few years in Petersham and subsequently returned to Shrewsbury, where he and his wife d. of small-pox 1792. Their eldest son was Frederick Crosby of Ashburnham. He is namber 14 in the register. Mary Crosby, wife of Isaac Stearns, was a descendant of Joseph Crosby, son of Simon and Rachel (Brackett) Crosby, who was b. in Billerica July 5, 1669. He md. May 6, 1691, Sarah French, dau. of William and Mary (Lathrop) French. Their son, William Crosby, b. Feb. 13, 1697-8, md. Hannah Ross, dau. of Thomas Ross. He d. Jan. 1, 1754. His son, Jessaniah, b. Oct. 7, 1728, md. Dec. 19, 1751, Mary Hosley, dau. of Thomas and Martha (Richardson) Hosley. He resided in Billerica, where his dau. Mary," the wife of Isaac Stearns, was b. May 16, 1754, and youngest dau. Sarah, wife of Phinehas Randall, was b. Dec. 25, 1768. Fitch Ceosbt, son of Capt. Josiah and Sarah (Fitch) Crosby, was b. in Milford, N. H., July 14, 1773. He md. March 1, 1798, Rebecca Davis, dau. of Josiah and Abigail (Hubbard) Davis of New Ipswich, and removed to Ashburnham in the year 1801. He was a clothier and owned and occupied the mill in the Central Village in which Horace Black subsequently manufactured furniture and which was destroyed by the freshet in 1850. A man of even temper and unblemished character, he was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He d. March 17, 1852. His wife, a most estimable woman, survived him and d. in this town May 20, 1857. I. Charles Fitch, b. July 8, 1799. + II. Jonas Hale, b. Jan. 7, 1804 ; d. Oct. 10, 1809. 42 658 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 4 5 (2) 9 10 (4) (5) 11 III. Josiah Davis, b. March 1, 1807. -|- IV. Hale Estabrook, b. Oct. 15, 181 6.+ Chaeles Fitch Crosby md. Maj' 3, 1821, Susan Wilker, dau. of George Wilker, q. v. He was a wool- carder in Ashbj, where he d. 1880. She d. May 25, 1879. I. (^eoj-gre i^., d. young. II. Sarah Rebecca, d. unmd. 1875. III. George Fitch, md. Catherine Willard, dau. of George A. Willard, g. v. They live in Fitch- burg. IV. 3fary Ann, md. "William H. Jewett ; reside in Fitchburg. V. Susan Amanda, md. Fitzgibbon ; she resides, a widow, in Charlestown. Rev. Josiah Davis Cbosby, a Congregational clergy- man, now retired from active labor, is residing in Ash- burnham. An outline of his education and ministerial labor is given in Chap. VIII. For many years he has been a student of the annals of this town and has pre- pared many historical papers concerning men and promi- nent events in the town's history. Mr. Crosby has ever been a consistent and earnest supporter of the reforms of his time. He md. April 16, 1839, Elvira Willard, dau. of Ephraim and Lucy Willard of Athol. She d. April 1, 1882. No children. Hale Estabeook Ceosbt attended the public schools of this town and Appleton Academy, New Ipswich. In boy- hood he became a printer and was employed as a com- positor in Lowell and Andover and in Concord, N. H. While at work at Concord he was also a student at the Concord Literary Institute. In this institution Gen. Harrison C. Hobart and Vice-President Wilson were his classmates. He was successively a printer in Concord and a merchant in Ashby, in Fisherville, N. H., and in New Buffalo, Mich., until 1845. Since the last date he has been a farmer and resides at Three Oaks, Mich. He has been a member of the Legislature, and has held many local offices. He md. Nov. 3, 1838, Mary F. Chamber- Iain, dau. of Moses and Mary (Foster) Chamberlain of Concord, N. H. Of their six children three d. in infancy. I. Josiah Birney, b. June 2, 1842 ; md. Sept. 2, 1869, Cornelia F., dau. of Samuel and Susan A. Hammond. A farmer at New Buffalo. 12 13 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 659 II. Henry Chamberlain, b. Nov. 22, 1852 ; md. June 18, 1884, Stella V. Greenamj'er, dau. of Solo- mon Greenamyer. A farmer at New Butfalo. III. John Abbott, b. Dec. 10, 1854 ; md. June 25, 1884, Adelaide R. Upton, dau. of John B. Upton. He is a physician in Minneapolis, Minn. A graduate of Harvard Medical School. 14 Frederick Crosby, son of Elisha and Tabitha (Har- rington) Crosby, was b, in Shrewsbury April 8, 1764. He md. March 31, 1785, Martha Maynard, dau. of Capt. John and Martha (Brigham) Maynard of Shrewsbury. In 1790 he removed to "Winchendon and in 1796 to Ash- burnham, where he d. March 21, 1840. His wife survived him and d. April 19, 1851. When Mr. Crosby came to this town he bought 250 acres of land which has since been owned by George L. Beals and Burrage Brothers. The old homestead is still known as the Frederick Crosby Place. The aged recall Mr. Crosby with sentiments of respect and represent him as a man above reproach. In this family there were fourteen children. 15 I. Henry, b. in Shrewsbury July 18, 1785. Vide Chap. XX. 16 II. John, b. Oct. 21, 1787 ; md. Betsey Brooks, dau. of Levi and Betsey (Flint) Brooks of Winchen- don. Removed to Winchendon and from thence to Gardner. 17 in. Elisha, b. in Winchendon April 18, 1790 ; md. Oct. 22, 1841, Elizabeth Barnes, b. Dec. 17, 1788, dau. of William and Elizabeth (Brigham) Barnes of Marlboro'. She d. Aug. 29, 1845. He md. (2d) June 13, 1849, Dolly Wright, b. Oct. 6, 1798, dau. of Elijah and Lavina (Law- rence) Wright of Ashby. At this date he re- moved to Ashby, where he d. April 2, 1878. He never did any harm, and was constitutionally too indolent to do much good. " Persevere Mr. Crosby" was the frequent admonition of his wife who survived him and d. March 31, 1884. Betsey, b. March 2, 1792 ; md. July 29, 1816, William Rugg of Leominster. Walter, b. Sept. 29, 1794'; md. Sally Wheeler ; d. in Marlboro 1839. Patty, b. in Ashburnham Aug. 8, 1796. Harriet, b. June 21, 1799 ; md. Lovewell ; d. in Marlboro. 22 I viii. Hepsibeth, b. April 13, 1801 ; d. Dec. 28, 1819. 18 IV. 19 T. 20 VI. 21 vn. 660 23 24 25 26 27 9 10 11 (5) HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. IX Mary, b. March 28, 1803 ; md. Joseph Maynard. X. Josiah, b. Api-il 6, 1805 ; md. March 21, 1834, Lydia Everbeck of Boston ; she d. June «, 1841 ; md. (2d) Dec. 7, 1842, Alice Ross. He resides in Arlington. Almira, b. May 1, 1807; md. Asa Merriam, q. v. Caroline, b. Dec. 3, 1809 ; md. John Barrell, q. v. Lucy, b. Oct. 3, 1812 ; md. March 29, 1836, Free- man Howe, son of Jonah and Catherine (Howe) Howe of Marlboro', where she d. Aug., 1885. XI. XII. XIII. I. II. III. IV. V. Abraham Cummings removed from Attleborough to this town about 1787. He was a farmer and a blameless citi- zen. He md. previous to his arrival in this town Mary Bourne. Two children, not named below, d. in childhood. Abraham, b. July 30, 1787 ; d. June 17, 1809. Calvin, b. Oct. 10, 1792. He was a Methodist minister and removed from this town about 1825. He md. Jan. 7, 1817, Matilda Wilcott. Vide Chap. XX. Maria, b. Oct. 5, 1794; md. Nov. 10, 1828, Sam- uel Cook. Resided in Franklin. Ariel, b. Dec. 30, 1796.-f Adin, b. Dec. 4, 1798. He resided in Rindge until 1855 when he removed to Jaffrey, N. H., where he d. He md. 1820, Sarah (Wetherbee) Breed, widow of Enoch Breed of Rindge. She d. June 29, 1840; md. (2d) 1841, Cynthia Brigham of Waltham. 1. Adin Milton, b. July 20, 1821 ; md. Dec. 5, 1843, Elizabeth M. Peaslee. Resides in Sutton, N. H. 2. John Calvin, b. Feb. 27, 1843 ; d. 1864. VI. Ivers, b. June 22, 1800 ; removed to New York. VII. Andrew, b. May 11, 1802 ; md. Almira Fuller of Northbridge ; removed to Wenhall, Vt. VIII. Sally, b. Feb. 29, 1806 ; md. Rawson ; d. in Wenhall, Vt. Aeiel Cummings md. Feb. 28, 1822, Malison Currier, dau. of John and Susan (Orcut) Currier of Acworth, N. H., and granddau. of David and Martha (Ladd) Currier of Windham, N. H. He was a respectable citizen and a farmer, occupying the farm now of M. T. Russell in the north part of the town. He d. Aug. 28, 1872 ; she d. Oct. 7, 1874. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 661 12 13 14 15 (13) 16 17 18 19 20 21 Ariel Iver.t, b. June 11, 1823. He was a physi- cian. Vide Chap. XX. He md. June 9, 1844, Mary C. Grant of Greenfield, N. H. He d. Sept. 9, 1863.. They had one child, Helen, who was murdered at four years of age by an insane man in the presence of her mother. Joh7i Lauren, b. Aug. 25, 1824. -f- Loririda, b. May 27, 1826 ; resides unmd. in Ash- burnham. Viola J/., b. Aug. 25, 1839 ; d. Feb. 3, 1845. John L. Commings, Esq., md. Jan. 4, 1875, Ellen J. Adams of Nashua, N. H. He has been a Justice of the Peace many years and has frequently served on the board of Selectman, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor. From 1875 to 1879 he was one of the Trustees of Westboro' Reform School. He resides in the Centre Village. No children. Hezekiah Cdmmings, b. in Peacham, Vt., 1817, md. Sept. 9, 1842, Mariah H. Burr, b. Nov. 14, 1814, dau. of Seymour and Hannah (Roberts) Burr of Grantham, N. H. They resided in Barnet and Lunenburg, Vt., for several years and removed to this town. I. Hattie Maria, b. Oct. 7, 1843 ; md. 1862, William H. Wright ; reside in Belmont, N. H. II. Albert Edivin, b. Oct. 15, 1847 ; md. 1867, Emma J. Willoughby ; reside in Lawrence. III. Lucia Ella, b. June 5, 1851 ; md. 1880, Charles S. Hart; reside in Boston. IV. George Seymour, b. Dec. 12, 1854 ; is a physician in Manchester, N. H. V. MiloBarr, b. Dec. 28, 1856; md. 1881, Hannah L. Moore. He is a teacher of music ; resides in Leominster. CUSHING. The emigrant ancestor of all the families bearing the name of Cnshing who have resided in Ashburnham was Matthew Gushing, a son of Peter and Susan (Hawes) Gushing. He was b. in Hingham, England, 1589. He md. Aug. 5, 1613, Nazereth Pitcher, dau. of Henry Pitcher. Matthew and Nazereth Gushing with five children, aged from eleven to nineteen years, embarked in the ship Diligent, John Martin, master, and arrived in Boston Aug. 10, 1638. There were one hundred and thirty-three passengers on the Diligent, many of whom immediately commenced the settlement of Hingham in New England. Matthew Gushing was a deacon of the church of which Rev. Peter Hobart was the pastor. He d. Sept. 30, 1660. Daniel Gushing, eldest son of Matthew and Nazereth Gushing, was h. 1619, and, consequently, was nineteen years of age when he emigrated to New England. He md. June 19, 662 HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. 1645, Lydia Gilman, dau. of Edward Gilman; she d. March 12, 1689. He md. (2d) March 23, 1691, Elizabeth (Jacob) Thaxter, widow of John Thaxter and dau. of Nicholas Jacob ; she d. Nov. 24, 1725. He d. Dec. 3, 1699. He was admitted freeman 1671, was a magistrate and for many years the town clerk of Hingham. He was representative 1681, 1682 and 1695. Of his six children the youngest was Mattliew, b. July 15, 1660. He md. Dec. 31, 1684, Jael Jacob, dau. of Col. John Jacob of Hingham. She d. Dec. 23, 1708, and he d. June 23, 1715. The fifth of their ten children was Rev. Job Gushing who was b. July 19, 1694. He graduated at Harvard University 1714 and was ordained the first minister in Shrewsbury Dec. 4, 1723. He md. March 16, 1727, Mary Prentice, dau. of Rev. John and Mary Prentice of Lancaster, and continued in the ministry at Shrewsbury until his death Aug. 6, 1760. His widow d. May 27, 1798. The seventh of their eight children was Rev. John Cushing, D. D., of Ashburnham. Capt. David Gushing, who is number 17 in the following register, was a descendant of TheopMlus Gushing, another son of Daniel and Lydia (Gilman) Gushing who was b. June 17, 1657; md. Dec. 7, 1689, Mary Thaxter, dau. of John Thaxter and d. Jan. 7, 1717. She d. 1737. Of their nine children the fifth was Gapt. Abel Gushing, b. Oct. 24, 1696. He md. Nov. 24, 1720, Mary Jacob and d. May 20, 1750. His third son was Col. David, b. Sept. 7, 1727; md- April 9, 1752, Ruth Lincoln who d. July 6, 1761. He md. (2d) Mabel who d. Aug. 14, 1798. He d. Feb. 15, 1800. Gapt. David of Ashburnham w.is a son of the first wife and George Russell Gushing, Esq., number 63 in the following register, was a son of the second wife. The third lineage of the Gushing family in this town are descendants of John Gushing, who was the youngest son of Matthew Gushing the emigrant ancestor. He was b. in Hingham, England, 1627; md. Jan. 20, 1658, Sarah Hawke, dau. of Matthew Hawke. In 1662 he removed to Scituate. He was a prominent citizen and frequently employed in public affairs. He was selectman and a member of the General Court many years. He d. March 31, 1708; his wife d. 1678. Their fourth child was Jeremiah Gushing, b. July 13, 1666. He md. April 12, 1693, Judith Parmenter and resided in Scituate, where he d. May 30, 1710. Ebenezer' Gushing, third son of Jeremiah and Judith (Parmenter) Gushing, was b. May 25, 1704; md. Oct. 19, 1732, Elizabeth Daniels. He removed from Scituate to Boston, where he d. 1792. Their fourth child was Benjamin Gushing, b. July 16, 1739 ; md. Oct. 13, 1761, Susannah Salter; md. (2d) July 26, 1770, Mary Golesworthy. The seventh child of Benjamin and Mary (Golesworthy) Gushing was Stephen Gushing who is number 71 in the register. It will be observed that Rev. John Gushing was of the fifth generation of this lineage, that Gapt. David and George Russell Gushing, Esq., and Stephen Gushing, Esq., were of the sixth generation. Rev. John Gushing, D. D., younsest son of Rev. Job and Mary (Prentice) Gushing, was b. in Shrewsbury Aug. 22, 1744. Graduated at Harvard University 1764, ordained at Ashburnham Nov. 2, 1768, and d. in the fifty-fifth year of his ministry April 27, 1823. For some account of an able and faithful minister vide Ghap. VIII. He md Sept. 28, 1769, Sarah Parkman, dau. of Rev. Ebenezer and Hannah (Breck) Parkman of Westboro' and granddaughter of Rev. Robert Breck of Marlboro'. She was a woman of dignified manner, of superior mental ability and most estimable character. She d. March 12, 1825, aged 82 years. They had eight children. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 663 I. John, b. Aug. 17, 1771 ; md. April 5, 1795, Julia Keith of Eridgewater. He was a merchant in Boston, where he d. May 17, 1806. 1. Julia Ann, b. 1796; md. 1817, Benjamin F. Farnsworth. She d., leaving one sou, 1819. 2. Mary K., b. 1798; md. Moses Sawj^er ; d. 1828. She left two children. II. George Augustus, h. 3 wnc, 24, 1773; md. Hannah B. Keith, a sister of the wife of his brother John. He d. Aug. 8, 1810. 6 1. George A., b. 1802 ; d. March 28, 1823. 7 III. Henry, b. Nov. 4, 1774 ; d. unmd. April 17, 1839. IV. ISarah, b. Feb. 23, 1777 ; md. Nov. 11, 1802, Dea. Heman Lincoln, son of Heman and Elizabeth Lincoln of Hingham. In 1801 the parents of Dea. Lincoln removed from Hingham to the north part of Westminster and became members of the church in this town. Dea. Lincoln resided here a few years and removed to Boston. He was one of the trustees of the will of Thomas Parkman Gushing. V. Doddridge, b. Oct. 27, 1779 ; d. unmd. in Ash- burnham Jan. 12, 1866. 10 VI. Mary, b. April 27, 1782 ; md. ElishaGoolidge, q. v. 11 VII. Cyrus, b. Feb. 17, 1784; d. Feb. 6, 1795. 12 VIII. Thomas Parkman, b. Oct. 7, 1787. + (12) 13 14 15 16 17 Thomas Parkman Gushing. Vide Chap. XX. He md. Nov. 4, 1824, Sarah Barker Sigourney ; md. (2d) 1831, Mrs. Martha Ann Sigourney; md. (3d) May 18, 1843, Sarah Thompson Wayland. He d. Nov. 23, 1854. I. Sarah E. S., b. Feb. 26, 1832; md. May 17, 1854, Edward Tuckerman, LL. D. Since 1858 he was Professor of Botany, Amherst GoUege, until his death March 15, 1886. II. Anna Louisa, b. April 26, 1834. III. John Oargill, b. Feb. 17, 1836 ; d. Aug. 21, 1836. IV. Martha, b. Nov. 14, 1837; md. July 18, 1867, William C. Esty, son of Rev. Isaac and Anna Gr. (Cole) Esty. He is professor of Mathematics and Astronomy, Amherst College. Capt. David Gushing, son of Col. David and Ruth (Lincoln) Gushing, was b. in Hingham July 2, 1754. 664 HISTOUY OF ASHBURNHAM. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 (18) He md. Oct. 17, 1779, Hannah Gushing, dau. of Joseph and Sarah (Leavitt) Gushing, granddau. of Solomon and Sarah (Loring) Gushing, and great-granddau. of Matthew and Jael Gushing. She was a sister of the second wife of Col. Francis Lane and was b. in Hingham April 26, 1760. Gapt. Gushing removed to this town 1798. He was an innholder, a tanner and a farmer. He resided where Nahum Wood now lives. Tradition and the records are united in the assertion that Gapt. Gushing was a man of good ability and a respected citizen. He d. Mays, 1827. She d. March 13, 1823. Seven children wereb. in Hingham and one, the youngest, in Ashburnham. I. Joseph, b. Jan. 23, 1781. + n. iTa?inaA, b. June 9, 1783 ; md. Silas Whitney, g. i). III. David, b. Nov. 7, 1785. He md. April 17, 1807, Polly Adams, dau. of John Adams, q. v., and resided in Walpole, N. H. Three children. She d. Aug. 15, 1854. He d. 1827. IV. Susannah, h. Nov. 7, 1785; md. Oct. 8, 1811, Joseph Jewett, Jr., q. v. V. Laban, b. April 29, 1791. + VI. Deborah, b. Sept. 6, 1793 ; md. Josiah Fletcher, Jr., q. V. VII. Moses, b. March 20, 1796. Resided in Gatharine, Schuyler Go. , New York ; the town is now called Havana. He md. Dec. 25, 1818, Gert- rude, dau. of Peter Polley, q. v. He d. Dec. 29, 1883. She d. Feb. 26, 1867. They had five children. 1. Susan, b. Sept. 20, 1820; d. March 20, 1841. 2. Betsey, b. Aug. 31, 1823; md. Joseph Gushing, q. v. 3. Herman, b. Feb. 9, 1826 ; resides at Havana. 4. Mary, b. April 12, 1830 ; d. June 19, 1859. 5. Joseph, b. Oct. 31, 1838; d. June 30, 1858. VIII. Sarah Leavitt, b. Dec. 7, 1798; md. Ephraim May Gunningham, a lawyer, who removed from this town to Reading a few years after his marriage. She d. about 1830. Joseph Gushing, son of Gapt. David Gushing, removed from Ashburnham to Amherst, N. H., where he established the Farmers' Cabinet. The first number was issued Nov. 11, 1802, and the paper has been continued to the present 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 (22) 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 GENEALOGICAL EEGISTEE. 665 time. With Mr. Gushing and in this office Hon. Isaac Hill learned the art of printing. In 1809 Mr. Gushing removed to Baltimore, Md., where for many years he was a well-known publisher and bookseller. He was a member of the city government and of the State Legislature and for twenty-five years he was president of "The Savings Bank of Baltimore." He md. 1805, Eebecca Edmands and d. 1852. I. Joseph, b. 1806 ; md. 1832, Ann Mackenzie. Four children. II. John, b. Aug. 29, 1808 ; md. Frances Gromwell, who d. March 13, 1865. Eight children. III. David, b. 1811 ; md. 1834, Gatharine Jane McGlennan. He d. Aug. 26, 1875. Eight children. IV. Rebecca, md. Hon. J. Wiley Edmands, son of Thomas and grandson of Thomas and Elizabeth (Wiley) Edmands. They reside in Newton. V. Mary, md. Erastus Edgarton. VI. Sarah, md. William H. Galwell of Baltimore. VII. Elizabeth, md. W. F. Sloan of Baltimore. Lab AN Gushing, son of Gapt. David, was in the war of 1812. In 1817 he removed to Brooklyn, Penn., and returned to Ashburnham in 1830. He md. April 23, 1811, Nancy Whitney, dau. of Silas Whitney, q. v. He d. in this town Oct. 17, 1847 ; she d. in Fitchburg Jan. 27,1871. They had twelve children. I. Nancy Whitney, b. June 20, 1813 ; md. John Munroe, q. v. II. Sarah, b. May 18, 1815 ; md. Samuel Ellis, q. v. III. Joseph, b. Oct. 6, 1817. + IV. Laban, b. March 22, 1820. Resides in Fitchburg; md. May 31, 1847, Adaline Keyes, dau. of Silas and Julia (Brooks) Keyes of Princeton. Three children. 1. Addie Auretta, b. Dec. 5, 1848 ; md. July 22, 1874, Herbert N. Rugg, son of Gapt. William S. and Glarissa (Sawtelle) Eugg of Rindge. He is a wholesale and retail confectioner in Fitchburg. 2. Eva Josephine, b. Oct. 1, 1852 ; md. May 24, 1881, Granville Nutting of Waltham. 3. Emma Julia, b. Sept. 10, 1855 ; md. Jan. 27, 1881, Robert M. Jones, son of Henry E. and Lydia H. Jones. €66 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 67 58 59 <40) HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Y. Bebecca A., h. Sept. 12, 1822; md. Isaac D. Ward, q. v. , -r /-> Yi. Susan A., h. Nov. 13, 1824; md. Jonas Corey, Yii. mryJane, b. Feb. 27, 1826 ; md. May 21, 1844. Gardner P. Hawkins of Fitchburg ; she d. Dec. 5, 1874. Four children. 1 Ellen C, b. March 7, 1847 ; md. April 7, 1881, William H. McGrath of New York. 2 Herbert G., b. June 23, 1849; md. Oct. 24, 1876, Hattie R. Wilson ; she d. July 3, 1879. 3. Abbott C, b. Dec. 4, 1855 ; md. Feb. 6, 1886, Carrie M. Eldridge. 4. Gertrude, b. Dec. 5, 1858 ; md. June 12, 1879, Charles- F. Wilson of Fitchburg. Yiii. Charles G., b. Feb. 16, 1829 ; md. Oct. 23, 1856, Jane E. Willard, dau. of John Willard, q. v. They subsequently removed to Fitchburg and now reside in Lunenburg. 1. Martha W., b. Oct. 13, 1862 ; d. Jan. 22, 1863. 2. John W., b. April 12, 1864; d. Aug. 1, 1864. 3. Charles W., b. Sept. 4, 1866. IX. Harriet Maria, b. Aug. 22, 1831 ; md. Porter E. Barton. X. George Russell, b. Sept. 8, 1835 ; md. Jnlia Thompson. XI. David M.,h. Oct. 11, 1839; md. Oct. 6, 1860, Ellen A. Foster. XII. Hannah Elizabeth, b. July 29, 1841 ; md. Dec. 14, 1S59, George S. Doe of Great Falls, N. H. Joseph Cushing has been a resident of Fitchburg about fort}' years. Early in life he began business on a moderate scale and without capital. The most available means which sustained his early ventures was a cheerful temperament and unflinching courage. After a reasonable measure of success in the livery business, he engaged in company with David F. Mclntire in the lumber trade in which he continued until 1858. Mr. Cushing at this time opened a flour and grain store under the American House and here he industriously laid the foundations of an extensive trade which he has successfully conducted to ^^K> ^cJl^c-^^U^ 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 667 the present time. About twenty years ago he purchased the " Stone Mill" and from time to time he has enlarged the business to a present volume of three-fourths of a million dollars annually. His shipments of corn and other supplies of grain and of flour from the West are sold in Fitchburg and at branch stores in Waltham, Winchendon, Keene and Bellows Falls. The first freight through Hoosac Tunnel was a train of twenty-two cars laden with grain and consigned to Mr. Gushing. In his intercourse with his fellow-men he is frank and cordial, and in his sympathies and tastes he is one of the people. He md. July 22, 1841, Elmira Marble, dau. of Stephen Marble, q. v.; she d. 1845; md. (2d) Feb. 31, 1847, Mary Ann Arnold who d. Aug. 23, 1866; md. (3d) 1868, Betsey Gushing, dau. of Moses Gushing, q. v.; she d. Sept. 23, 1875. I. Milton M.,h. Sept. 4, 1844; md. June 12, 1867, Ellen M. Leland. He d. in Fitchburg May 9, 1879. II. Joseph. III. Susan, md. G. P. Dickinson of Fitchburg. GrEOEGE RussELL CusHiNG, EsQ., SOU of Col. David and Mabel Gushing, and a half brother of Gapt. David Gushing, was b. in Hingham April 24, 1768. He removed to Ashburnham in 1800. In early life he was a sea-faring man and had commanded several vessels in the European and West India trade. He was a man of good judgment and maintained a prominent position in public affairs. He md. Aug. 13, 1801. Gatharine Willard, dau. of Jacob Willard, q. v. She d. April 28, 1825. He md. (2d) March 22, 1826, Hannah RusSell Hill, dau. of Isaac Hill, g. V. He d. Feb. 2, 1851. I. George Willard, b. Oct. 21, 1811 ; md. Julia Anna Gibson, dau. of Samuel Gibson of Ashby. He d. Nov. 5, 1856 ; she d. Oct. 1, 1880. 1. Pyam Burr, b. Dec. 19, 1842 ; d. 1843. 2. Sewell Gibson (twin), b. Dec. 19, 1842; d. 1843. 3. Gatherine, md. Brown. II. Charles Al'ensby, b. May 31, 1816; md. Nov. 5, 1837, Mary Bathsheba Dakin. Removed to New Hampshire. 69 1. George G., b. Sept. 10, 1838. 70 2. Charles R., b. Oct. 27, 1840. 668 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 Stephen Gushing, son of Benjamin and Mary (Coles- worthy) Gushing, was b. in Boston June 21, 1784. He md. May 13, 1812, Eliza Goodale, b. in Boston Dec. 11, 1790. For several years he was a mast-ruaker and was engaged in this business in company with an older brother. In 1818 the brother retired and the business was success- fully continued by Mr. Gushing until 1830 when he re- moved to this town. He was upright and conscientious in all his business and social relations and as a citizen the influence of his exalted character was firm and salutary. He was distinguished for integrity, and through a long and useful life the purity of his motives and an unfailing kindness to his fellow-men were conspicuous. His name is frequently mentioned in the annals of Ashbnrnham. In 1838 he represented the town in the Legislature. At this time the first petition to the Legislature for a restrictive temperance law originated in this town and to Mr. Gush- ing fell the honor of presenting it in the House of Repre- sentatives. The names of all who voted for the measure, headed by Mr. Gushing, was posted in one of the public inns of Boston as a mark of disapproval of prohibitory legislation. From that time to the present, neither the courage of men like Mr. Gushing nor the spirit of the hotels have suffered any abatement. He d. July 22, 1872. His wife d. Sept. 12, 1854. I. Stephen, b. March 15, 1813. Vide Chap. XX. Rev. Stephen Gushing md. April 13, 1834, Levina Glazier Whitney of Westminster. Two children. 1. Joseph Whitney, b. Jan. 26, 1837; a physician in Boston. 2. Stephen, b. May 29, 1841 ; a physician in Boston. n. Eliza, b. April 18, 1815 ; md. May 9, 1832, John Whitney of Westminster, m. Benjamin, b. Feb. 19, 1817; md. May 30, 1838, Belinda Whitney of Westminster. She d. Jan. 5, 1841. He md. (2d) May 18, 1841, Lois S. Holbrook, dau. of Jesse Holbrook, q. v. He resides, a farmer, on the old homestead on the east side of the common. 1. Sarah Page, b. Aug. 24, 1840; resides unmd. in Ashburnham. 2. Edwin James, b. March 20, 1842 ; md. Laura E. Bean ; resides in Gardner. 3. Benjamin, b. Feb. 23, 1844. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 669 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 4. Linda Whitney, b. Feb. 17, 1846; md. 1870, John J. Greenough of Deerfleld. 5. Joseph G., b. Dec. 26, 1847. 6. Eliza, b. July 18, 1849. 7. Anna Elizabeth, b. May 15, 1851 ; md. Nov. 2, 1883, F. Herbert Andrews of West Deerfield. 8. Henry E., b. Nov. 30, 1853 ; a physician in Champion, 111. Vide Chap. XX. 9. Frederic, b. Feb. 23, 1857. 10. Mary Ellen, b. July 28, 1859. 11. Alfred Holbrook, b. Oct. 10, 1861 ; md. Hattie M. Reed, dau. of George and Laura (Kelton) Reed. IV. Sarah Page, b. April 22, 1819 ; md. June 19, 1851, Joseph B. Jewett. She d. Aug. 21, 1874, and he md. her youngest sister. V. John Fletcher, b. Sept. 15,1823; md. May 18, 1853, Lucy Ann Whittemore. He is a chair- maker ; resides in Ashburnham. VI. Ann Bowker, b. April 17, 1826 ; md. Nov. 17, 1875, Joseph B. Jewett of Ashby. CUTLER. James Cutler, the emigrant ancestor of one branch of the Cutler families of this country, was b. in England 1606, and probably was md. to his wife Anna before he left England. He was in Watertown in 1635, where he was admitted an inhabitant and a lot of land was assigned him. About 1650 he sold his lands in Watertown and removed to Cambridge Farms, and at a point which is now in Bedford. His wife Anna d. Sept. 30, 1644; he md. (2d) March 9, 1645, Mary King, widow of Thomas King of Watertown. She d. Dec. 7, 1654, and he md. (3d) Phebe Page, dau. of John and Phebe Page. He d. May 17, 1794, aged 88 years. Thomas Cutler, the sixth of the twelve children of the emigrant ancestor and the eldest son of the second wife, was b. about 1648. He was styled a lieutenant and was a constable, assessor and selectman of Lexington. He d. July 13, 1722. By wife Abigail he had seven children, and among them was Jonathan Cutler, b. 1688. He md. Aug. 17, 1710, Abigail Bigelow, b. May 7, 1687, dau. of Samuel and Mary (Flagg) Bigelow of Watertown. He removed to Connecticut, residing in Colchester and Killingly, now Thompson. He md. (2d) Abigail Dewing of Bellingham and it appears that he was a resident of Bellingham a short time, about 1727. Capt. William Cutler, son of Jonathan, b. March 24, 1726, removed from Killingly to Plainfield, Conn., where he md. Nov. 7, 1750, Susannah Shepherd who d. 1798. He was again md. and d. in 1802. He was a man of enterprise and he acquired a good estate. Jonathan Cutler, son of Capt. William, b. about 1755, md. Keziah Hutchins and settled in Plainfield. He is described as a man of excellent character, of pleasing manners arid of fine personal appearance. Of their six children Dr. William H. Cutler of this town was the eldest. De. William Hutchins Cutler, son of Jonathan and Keziah (Hutchins) Cutler, was b. in Plainfield, Conn., 670 10 11 12 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. July 27, 1787. For many years he was a resident physi- cian and esteemed citizen of this town. Vide Chap. XX. He md. June 16, 1814, Abigail Hale Lowe, dau. of Dr. Abraham Lowe, g. v. He d. in Andover, at the home of his daughter, July 16, 1867. Three children were b. in Winchendon ; four in New Salem and four in this town. I. WiUiam Jonathan, b. April 19, 1815 ; he is the senior partner in the well-known firm of Cutler Brothers, importers and wholesale druggists, Boston. He md. April 4, 1843, Lucia C. Wash- burn of Bridgewater; (2d) March 21, 1855, Cordelia A. Ripley of Brookline ; (3d) Feb. 18, 1857, Mrs. Lucy L. Carter of Newtonville. n. Abigail Hale, b. June 8, 1816; md. Jan. 25, 1836, Dea. Albert Abbott, a prominent and use- ful citizen of Andover. III. Abraham Lowe, b. June 3, 1818 ; he resides in Brookline and is senior member of the firm of A. L. Cutler & Co., wholesale dealers in Paints and Oils, Boston. He md. Oct. 30, 1844, Har- riet H. Sewall of Bath, Me. IV. Sarah Lincoln, b. Nov. 12, 1819 ; d. Sept. 25, 1839. V. George, b. April 23, 1821 ; of the firm of Cutler Brothers ; resides in Boston ; md. May 23, 1855, Julia S. Hinks ; (2d) July 9, 1863, Josephine Hinks of Brewer, Me. Edward, b. Feb. 9, 1824; d. Jan. 16, 1825. Edward Waldo, b. June 17, 1826 ; of the firm of Cutler Brothers ; resides in Boston. Md. Sept. 28, 1853, Caroline M. Henderson of Boston. Charlotte Keziah, b. Jan. 29, 1831; d. Feb. 2, 1831. Charles, b. Jan. 29, 1831 ; d. Feb. 3, 1831. Catherine Mary, b. Jan. 29, 1831 ; d. Feb. 4, 1831. The three children were buried Feb. 6. Charles Henry, b. March 29, 1833 ; he is of the firm of C. T. Raynolds & Co., Paints and Oils, Chicago, 111. He md. Oct. 23, 1872, Hannah S. CoflSn of Cincinnati, Ohio. VI. VII. VIII IX X Nathaniel Cutter removed from Westminster to Ash- burnham 1816. He was b. in Westminster June 5, 1789, and was a son of Josiah and Sally (Seaver) Cutter and a grandson of Nathaniel and Submit (Whitcomb) Cutter of Sudbury. He was a farmer in the southeast part of the ■2 I 3 II 4 III 5 IT. (2) 10 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 671 town. In 1850 he removed to Fitchburg and subsequently to "Worcester. He md. March 23, 1813, Abigail Taylor, dau. of Samuel and Prudence (Winship) Taylor of West- minster. She d. in Fitchburg Aug. 22, 1861. He d. in Worcester Sept. 27, 1880. Nathaniel F., b. in Westminster, Sept. 26, 1815. -(- Abigail P., b. in Ashburnham Sept. 18, 1817; md. Joseph Smith, q. v. Sarah Arvilla, h. July 18, 1820; md. Sept. 25, 1843, Charles Leland of Milford. Four children. Louisa M., b. April 1, 1824; md. 1847, Warren Ellis of Milford. She d. April 18, 1861. Three children. Nathahiel F. Cutter md. Oct. 14, 1835, Nancy H. Clark, dau. of David and Betsey (Eugg) Clark of Worcester; she d. April 6, 1863 ; he md. (2d) Sept. 15, 1864, Eliza B. Eugg, dau. of John and Sally (Phelps) Rugg of Worcester. - She d. Aug. 17, 1885. He was an officer in the Light Infantry. He resided in this town until 1850, when he removed to Worcester and was there engaged in the manufacture of plows. He had by first wife one son b. in this town. I. Charles Nathaniel, b. Dec. 21, 1837 ; md. July 9, 1863, Louisa M. Parker, dau. of Fessenden and Louisa (Hall) Parker of Westmoreland, Vt. ; she d. in Worcester Feb. 14, 1864 ; he md. (2d) Abbie T. Moore, dau. of Wentworth and Abi- gail M. (Howe) Moore of Worcester. Ephraiji Cutter was not a resident of Ashburnham, but after his death his widow and children resided here. He was a son of Ephraim and Deborah (Locke) Cutter and was b. in Charlestown Dec. 2, 1794. He md. Oct. 12, 1817, Sarah A. Eussell, dau. of Thomas Eussell, q. v. He was a grain dealer in West Cambridge where he d. April 4, 1826 ; his widow md. Joseph Harris, q. v. I. Ephraim, b. Oct. 4, 1818 ; resides unmd. in this town. II. Sarah Adams, b. Nov. 12, 1820; md. Nov. 29, 1838, Luther L. Barrel), son of Luther Barrell of Westminster. They removed to St. Louis, Mo., where he d. May 20, 1866. Five of their seven children d. in infancy. III. Clara C. b. Jan. 12, 1823 ; md. Feb. 14, 1842, 672 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 William Fillebrown of West Cambridge. He d. May 8. 1883. Six children. Charles Russell, b. Jan. 27, 1825 ; md. Dec. 23, 1847, Antoinette Pamelia Parker, dau. of Hollis and Pamelia A. (Pease) Parker. Resided in Boston. He d. Feb. 12, 1877. Two children. Joseph Cutter, b. in Watertown Sept. 9, 1810, removed to this town 1837. He md. July 1, 1841, Ruth Ann Gilchrist, dau. of John Gilchrist of Lunenburg ; she d. Aug. 8, 1845. He md. (2d) Nov. 7, 1848, Martha V. Milliken, dau. of William and Anna (Carlton) Milliken of Sharon, N. H. I. Gertrude Sarah Louisa, b. Jan. 22, 1844; md. 1862, Frank A. Wood, son of Allen Wood of Westminster. James Cutter removed from Pelham, N. H., to this town 1860. He is a son of John and Phebe (Rhoades) Cutter of Grafton, Vt., and a grandson of Seth and Abiah (Tallant) Cutter of Pelham, N. H. He was b. in Grafton, Vt., March 28, 1817, and is of the seventh generation of his family in this country. He md. Dec. 28, 1846, Lydia Ann Sweetser of North Yarmouth, Me. Their three children were b. in Pelham, N. H. I. Sophia E., b. Nov. 28, 1847 ; md. July 31, 1866, Sumner H. Upham ; resides at South Village. II. Samuel S., b. Oct. 31, 1851 ; d. Dec. 16, 1851. in. James S., b. May 4, 1853; md. Oct. 14, 1878, Mary Ellen Puffer, dau. of Charles H. Puffer, q. v.; resides in this town. CUTTING. Samuel Cutting, the first of the name in Ashburnham, was of the fifth generation of his family in this country. The successive generations appear in Bond's Watertown. Richard Cutting, aged eleven years, embarked at Ipswich, England, for America in April, 1634. With him came William Cutting, perhaps an elder brother. He settled in Watertown and was admitted freeman April 18, 1690. His wife Sarah d. Nov. 4, 1685, aged 68 years. He d. March 21, 1695-6. His son James Cutting, b. Jan. 26, 1647-8, md. June 16, 1669, Hannah Cotler. Their fourth son was Jonathan Cutting, b. Jan 12, 1687-8. He md. Jan. 5, 1709-10, Sarah Flagg, dau. of Allen and Sarah (Ball) Flagg. He d. May 29, 1754; she d. Sept. 3, 1774. Their eldest son Richard Cutting, b. July 30, 1710, md. April 20, 1738, Thankful Harrington, dau. of George and Abiel (Parker) Harrington. They resided in Waltham, where their eight children were b. and where he d. Sept. 22, 1767. His widow md. (2d) March 15, 1770, Samuel Livermore, Esq. She d. Nov. 4, 1772, aged 55 years. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 673 13 I. 11. Samuel Cutting, son of Richard and Thankful (Harring- ton) Cutting, was b. in Waltham Oct. 19, 1747. He md. March 9, 1769, Eunice Coolidge, dau. of William and Mary (Mixer) Coolidge. She was a sister of the wife of Col. Francis Lane and a niece of Elisha Coolidge, an early resident of this town. She was b. in Waltham Jan. 12, 1748. They removed to Ashburnham in 1773. The name in this town is generally written Cotting. He was an intelligent, active man, of unblemished character. He d. Dec. 31, 1794. Two children were b. in Waltham and ten in Ashburnham. Anna, b. 1770 ; md. Simon Willard, q. v. Samuel, b. April 20, 1772; md. 1803, Hannah Goodridge of Fitchburg. Removed to Rutland, Vt. Hepsibah, b. Sept. 11, 1773 ; md. Nathaniel Fos- ter, q. V. William, b. July 21, 1775 ; d. April 11, 1776. Betty (twin), b. July 21, 1775 ; d. June 4, 1776. Elizabeth, bap. March 2, 1777 ; md. Oct. 18, 1795, Jacob Brooks ; d. in Cambridge April 5, 1861 ; buried in Ashburnham. Bhoda, bap. Jan. 17, 1779 ; d. Nov. 16, 1794. Martha, bap. July 11, 1781 ; d. 1783. Mary (twin), bap. July 11, 1781 ; d. 1783. Lucy, b. Nov. 15, 1784 ; md. Josiah Davis, q. v. John, b. Dec. 31, 1786. He was blind from youth ; resided in this town ; d. unmd. Nov. 26, 1866. xir. Charles, b. 1791 ; d. March 3, 1798. Asa Dame, son of Henry and Susan (Frazer) Dame, was b. in Canada July 9, 1846. He came to Ashburnham 1855 and has been an overseer in the cotton mills many years. He md. Dec. 4, 1873, Amelia Lesure, b. Sept. 23, 1850. I. Maria A., b. Jan. 4, 1875. II. Mary L., b. June 21, 1876. 5 IV. 6 V. 7 VI. 8 VII. 9 VIII. 10 IX. 11 X. 12 XI. DANA. The name of Dana is intimately associated with the early annals of Ashburnham. Caleb Dana, Esq., of Cambridge, was the principal proprietor and his name frequently occurs in the early chapters, but he never resided in this town. He was a son of Daniel and Naomi (Croswell) Dana of Cambridge, b. 1697 ; md. Phebe Chandler and d. 1772. Richard Dana, who was proprietor's clerk several years, was a brother of Caleb, b. 1700; md. Lydia Trowbridge and d. 1772. He was a distinguished counsellor-at-law. The following members of this family have resided in this town. 43 674 11 12 13 14 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. George Dana, a son of Caleb and Phebe (Chandler) Dana, was b. in Cambridge 1742. He md. Feb 14, 1764, Margaret Clark, b. July 7, l'^3 da", of Capt John and Hannah (Catting) Clark of Waltham They resided a short time in Stow, where she d. Oct. ^, 1/ u. He md. (2d) Elizabeth Park. They removed to this town probably in 1773. He assumed control and subse- quently appears as the owner of the lands formerly of his father. He was an innholder and frequently employed in public affairs. He was a sergeant in Capt. Gates company 1775. Mr. Gushing records hU death : George Dana died of dropsy and consumption of ye liver April 11, 1787." His widow md. (2d) March 21, 1790, Capt. Alexander Parmele and subsequently resided in Wood- stock, Vt., where she d. 1811. Capt. Parmele d. a few years previously. I. George, b. Nov., 1764 ; md. Hannah Lathrop and resided in Sharon, Vt. Polly, b. 1767 ; md. Daniel Comstock of Danbury, Conn. Sarah, b. 1770; d. young. Edmund, b. 1772. Elizabeth, bap. 1774 ; d. Feb. 15, 1777. Sarah Ballard, bap. 1775 ; d. Jan. 22, 1777. Thomas, bap. 1777. John Clark, bap. 1779. James, b. May 29, 1780; md. May 7, 1812, Hannah Dwight. He was a merchant in Utica, N. Y. X. Charles, b. Nov. 6, 1781 ; md. Jan. 20, 1808, Mary Gay Swan. He d. at Woodstock, Vt. XI. Infant, d. May 18, 1783. xii. Infant, b. 1784; d. Aug. 24, 1786. 4 III. 5 IV. 6 V. 7 VI. 8 VII. 9 VIII. 10 IX. Ezra Dana resided in this town from about 1790 to 1800. He was a son of William Dana and was b. in Cambridge Sept. 29, 1755. Mr. Dana built the first mill at Burrageville and soon after removed from town and no record of his subsequent career has appeared. I have no information of his family beyond the record of the death of an infant Jan. 10, 1794. Capt. Deliverance Davis, settled in this town as early as 1764. He was a son of Ebenezer and Sarah Davis and was born in Littleton June 30, 1736. Previous to his removal to this town he married Dorothy Wood, b. March 7, 1741, dau. of Bennett and Lydia (Law) Wood of 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 <2) 13 14 15 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 675 Littleton, and granddaughter of Jeremiah and Dorothy (Bennett) Wood of Stow, and, subsequently, of Littleton. Capt. Davis was an innholder in this town in 1767 and several later years. He resided on the David Russell place, and later, in the north part of the town, since occupied by his descendants, and for many years he was a prominent man in the affairs of the town. He was captain of one of the companies of minute-men in 1775. Vide Chap. V. He d. June 16, 1789. She d. May 10, 1790. The eldest son was b. in Littleton. I. Ebenezer Bennett, b. Feb. 4, 1761. -|- . II. Oliver Taylor, b. Nov. 22, 1762 ; md. Mary Saw- yer and resided in Harvard.. He d. 1841, leaving eight children. III. Lydia, b. Jan. 15, 1765 ; d. unmd. Aug. 10, 1787. IV. Sarah, b. Feb. 18, 1767 ; md. David Clark, Jr., q. V. V. Dolly, b. May 30, 1769 ; md. Ephraim Randall, q. V. VI. Lucy, b. June 3. 1771 ; md. Stewart; resided in Grafton, Vt. VII. Zadoc, b. Nov. 24, 1773 ; d. Sept. 4, 1778. VIII. Susannah, b. Feb. 11, 1776; md. Pratt; resided in Grafton, Vt. » IX. Milly, h. March 8, 1778; md. Moore: re- sided in Maine. X. Zadoc, b. May 14, 1780 ; resided in Maine. XI. Deliverance, b. Dec. 19, 1783; resided in Maine. The brothers Oliver, Zadoc and Deliverance had families, but no records are at hand Ebenbzee Bennett Davis served three years in the Revolution. Fide Chapters V and VI. He was a farmer and lived in the north part of the town, where his son, Dea. John C. Davis, resided. Without ostentation he quietly performed the duties of a good citizen and was respected by all who knew him. He md. Jan. 12, 1786, Mary Townsend, dau. of Joshua Townsend, q. v. She d. March 16, 1787; he md. (2d) Feb. 5, 1789, Elizabeth Sargent of Princeton, b. in Bolton March 12, 1758. He d. Jan. 7, 1838 ; she d. Jan. 19, 1838. I. Infant, b. and d. March 16, 1787. II. Mary Townsend (twin),b. March 16, 1787; md. Jan. 1, 1837, Abraham Foster, q. v. III. Amos, b. July 31, 1789; md. Almira Fuller, and resided in Grafton, Vt. 676 HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. 16 17 18 19 20 21 (17) 22 23 24 25 26 (19) IV. Ebenezer, b. July 30, 1792 ; d. unmd. Nov. 1, 1835. V. Elizabeth (twin), b. July 30,1792 ; d. unmd. Dec. 24, 1863. VI. Joseph, b. Sept. 5, 1794.+ VII. Charles, b. June 11, 1797.+ VIII. Charlotte (twin) , h. June 11,1797; unmd. She is the oldest resident of this town. IX. John Cushing, b. Jan. 29, 1801. + Joseph Davis was early engaged with his brothers in the manufacture of chairs ; subsequently he was a farmer. He owned the farm on which the almshouse is situated, and which he sold to the town. He removed in 1840 to Rindge, where he d. Oct. 10, 1873. He lived above re- proach. He md. May 26, 1828, Huldah Lawrence, dau. of Reuben and Lois (Tenney) Lawrence, of Ashley. She d. Dec. 9, 1838 ; he md. April 15, 1839, Jane Mclntyre, dau. of Jacob and Polly (Russell) Mclntyre, q.v. ; she d. Feb. 22, 1846; he md. (3d) Feb. 11, 1847, Rachel Brooks, dau. of Stephen and Rachel (Taylor) Brooks of New Ipswich, and a sister of Dea. Harvey Brooks of this town. I. Harriet Augusta, b. Aug. 16, 1829; md. Nov., 1858, Derostus P. Emory, son of Derostus W. and Mary (Pierce) Emory. They reside in Jaflfrey, N. H. II. George W., b. May 22, 1832 ; md. Aug. 16, 1861, Melissa A. Metcalf, dau. of Erastus and Har- riet (Aldrich) Metcalf. He is a successful mer- chant in Hudson. in. Andrew Lysander, b. Dec. 14, 1834; d. Feb. 27, 1836. IV. Emily F., b. Sept. 15, 1836; md. Samuel W. Kimball, son of Samuel M. and Melinda (Pierce) Kimball. They resided in Rindge where she d, V. Joseph Lysander, b. in Rindge, May 29, 1843 ; drowned in Deerfield Oct. 14, 1869. Charles Davis was one of the pioneer manufacturers of chairs iu this town, and in connection with his brothers it is claimed that he was the first to employ water power in this business. He md. Oct. 11, 1812, Elvira Buss, of Sterling, who d. June 11, 1833 ; he md. (2d) Aug. 27, 1834, Nabby Buss of Sterling. He d. Sept. 20, 1837 ; she d. June 2, 1871. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 677 27 I. Charles Edson, h. May 11, 1822; he was a phy- sician. Vide Chap. XX. He md. May 13, 1856, Rebecca C. Crowley, of Enfield. He d. June 8, 1863. 28 1. Charles 0., b. June 1, 1857. 29 II. Oliver, b. Aug. 7, 1823. Vide Chap. XX. He died unmd. March 1, 1853. 30 III. Mary Elizabeth, b. May 1, 1825 ; died in Boston, unmd. April 30, 1886. 31 IV. Buhnmah Whitney, b. March 30, 1827 ; d. March 25, 1833. 32 V. Sarah, b. March 23, 1829 ; d. unmd. Nov. 9, 1853. 33 VI. Laura Elvira, b. March 6, 1831; md. Nov. 11, 1858, David W. Miller, of Westminister. They reside in Gardner. 34 35 36 (21) 37 38 39 40 1. Charles 0., b. March 9, 1861 ; md. Jan. 9, 1883, Mary Dargie. 2. George W., b. Nov. 30, 1866. VII. Buhamah Whitney, b. May 3, 1833 ; d. Feb. 17, 1848. Dea. John C. Davis resided on the farm occupied by his father and by his grandfather. He was a manufac- turer of chairs and a farmer. He d. June 19, 1883, His widow, advanced in years, resides upon the home- stead and near the place of her birth. I. Lucy Orintha, b. Nov. 22, 1826 ; md. Jan. 25, 1848, Charles Allen, son of Salmon and Sophia (Sawtell) Allen of Eindge. They reside in Fitch burg, II. Phehe Elizabeth, b. Nov. 15, 1830 ; md, June 11, 1850, Edward F. Rollins ; he was a lieutenant in the war of the rebellion. They reside in Boston. III. Elmira C, b. Dec. 9, 1834; md. April 30, 1862, Frank N. Harris, son of William Harris, q. v. Amos Davis, birth and parentage unknown ; removed to this town from Sudbury about 1818. He had a large family, and had previously resided a short time in Maine. I have no record of his marriage, but find ample evidence of the event in the number of his children. He d. Sept. 16, 1830, aged 80 years ; his wife d. Aug. 3, 1829. It is probable that the children are not named in the order of age. 678 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 II. III. IV. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. Jonas, b. 1781 ; d. in this town, unmd., Aug. 2, 1864. Jonathan. Susannah, md. John Wilson, q. v. Joseph, md. ; she d. April 7, 1818 ; md. (2d) March 7, 1819, Molly S. Gates, dau. of Henry Gates, g. v. ; she d. Sept. 27, 1834. Amos was md. ; buried several children in this- town ; removed to Vermont. Lucy, md. April 20, 1819, William Pollard, q. v. Aaron, md. April 12, 1819, Rebecca Anne Stewart. She was a native of New Zealand. Her swarthy complexion indicates that she was born under the tropical sun. 1. Elizabeth Inches, b. June 20, 1824. 2. John Alexander Stewart, b. July 16, 1825. 3. Charles Robert Wilson, b. March 23, 1827. 4. George Washington, b. Oct. 9, 1831. 5. Henry Albert, b. April 22, 1833. Ruth, d. young. Sally, md. 1834, Joshua Stowell, q. v. Adam S., b. 1800; md. 1826, Martha Cowdin f she d. Oct. 10, 1856. He md. (2d) 1858, widow Lydia Stinegar, of unsavory reputation. He d. May 12, 1881 ; she d. Aug. 14, 1875. 1. Mary Amanda, b. Nov. 19, 1828 ; d. Jan. 12, 1829. 2. George W., b. Jan. 3, 1830; d. Feb. 20, 1830. 3. Mary C, b. June 23, 1831; d. Sept. 9, 1834. 4. Sarah Samantha, b. Oct. 30, 1833. JosiAH Davis, b. May 6, 1779 ; md. 1800, Sarah Piper, b. Aug. 22, 1783, (iau. of Jonathan and Elizabeth Piper. They resided many years in Ashby, where she d. about 1830. He md. (2d) April 21, 1836, Lucy Cutting, dau. of Samuel Cutting, q. v., and removed to this town, where he d. She d. Feb. 15, 1869. Alonz(^ p. Davis, son of Josiah and Sarah (Piper) Davis, li. in Ashby, July 23, 1818; md. July 27, 1841, Emily M. Russell, dau. of Thomas and Hepsey (Adams) Russell, q. v. By occupation he is a harness-maker. He has resided in this town since 1845. He has beea 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 679 prominently connected with the Ashburnham Light In- fantry many years, and was an officer from 1855 until the company was mustered into the service. While in the service he was a lieutenant. Vide Chapters XVIII and XIX. I. Warren A., b. Aug. 23, 1848; md. Oct. 8, 1877, Isabelle Roscoe. He is a railroad conductor ; resides in Aurora, Til. II. Joseph George, b. June 3, 1852 ; d. April 30, 1853. III. Lona M., h. Oct. 8, 1854 ; resides in Ashburnham. George Davis, son of Eeuben Davis, of Ashby ; md. Dec. 27, 1836, Nancy H. White, dau. of Josiah White, q. V. He was a blacksmith in this town, where he d. Sept. 9, 1875 ; she d. March 17, 1856. I. Elizabeth Matilda, b. Nov. 28, 1837 ; md. Nov. 16, 1856, James Wheeler, of Fitchburg ; he d., and she md. (2d) Jan. 1, 1881, Robert Shack- ley ; resides in Charlestowu. II. George Edwin, b. Sept. 6, 1839. He was a lieu- tenant in 21st Regiment. Vide Chap. XIX. He md. Feb. 18, 1864, Helen M. Puffer, dau. of Reuben Puffer. He resides in Fort Madison, Iowa. HI. John W., b. Sept. 26, 1846; d. Sept. 12, 1848. IV. Charles W., b. Sept. 9, 1852 ; d. Nov. 14, 1373. Joel Davis, son of Josiah Davis, of New Ipswich, md. May 28, 1807, Rebecca Adams, dau. of John Adams, q. v. She died, and he md. (2d) Orpah Stearns, dau. of Isaac Stearns, q. v. She died March 9, 1866. Mr. Davis lived on the north turnpike several years, and kept the " Chil- dren of the Woods " tavern. About 1828 he removed to Lowell. No record of children has been secured. An infant d. in this town, March 11, 1824, and a daughter, Rebecca, was living when the family removed from town. Michael Dempsey, b. in Ireland, 1816, md. Ellen Connell, and in early life emigrated to America. He came to Ashburnham 1845, and for many years he was a switchman in the iinploy of the Cheshire R. R. His wife d. about 1856, and he md. (2d) 1857, Mary Kennedy. He d. March 13, 1882. I. John, b. 1840 ; md. Alice Donohoe ; a railroad conductor; resides at Philadelphia, Penn. II. Michael, b. 1842 ; resides in Philadelphia, Penn. 680 HISTORY or ASHBURNHAM. 14 III. Mary, b. 1844 ; md. John Shaj' of Fitchburg. IV. Bridget, b. 1846 ; md. Cornelius Bresnahan ; they reside in Ashburnham. V. William, b. 1853 ; md. 1879, Nellie Coughlin ; he is a switchman in employ of Cheshire R. R. Yi. Timothy, b. 1855 ; md. Mary Roach ; resides in Virginia Cit}'. VII. Jeremiah, b. 1860 ; a switchman in employ of Cheshire R. R. MiLO Derby, son of Nathan and Susan (Thompson) Derby, was b. 1802. Nathan Derby, the father, resided in Lancaster, Rindge, and Andover, Vt. Milo Derby md. Nov. 27, 1833, Clara Cook, dau. of John Cook, q. v., and resided in this town, where he d. June 8, 1851. His widow md. (2d) David Nutting, who d. Feb. 24, 1863. I. II. Edioard M., b. May 16, 1836 ; d. Nov. 27, 1844. WUbur M., b. May 6, 1841 ; md. May 10, 1865, Martha A. Page, dau. of Warren and Mary (Brown) Page, of Winchester, N. H. They resided in Rindge several years, and, subse- quently in this. town ; removed 1883 to Florida. Lizzie C, b. March 29, 1848 ; md. May 10, 1865, Willard Page, son of Warren and Mary (Brown) Page; she died Sept. 27, 1867. JosiAH Derby, a brother of Milo Derby, b. July 4, 1805, resided many years in this town, where he d. April 4, 1876. He md Feb. 2, 1832, Betsey Whitney, dau. of Capt. Lemuel Whitney, q. v. ; she d. Aug. 8, 1868. I. ir. 9 IV 10 V 11 VI 12 VII 13 Y'lll Sarah E., b. May 23, 1833 ; d. June 13, 1844. Mary A., b. Sept. 28, 1834; md. Dec. 19, 1860, William Flint ; he d. in the army ; she md. (2d) Jona. Edward Goodwin, q. v. Jane E., b. July 9, 1836 ; md. Feb. 25, 1869, John H. Whitney. Eviihj A., h. Jan. 14, 1838; md. July 29, 1860, George Fuller of Shirley ; she d. July 7, 1867 Lirrania, b. April 30, 1839; md. June 2,1859, Boardman F. Warren of Townsend. J'siah, b. Nov. 20, 1840; d. June 17, 1844. Franklin G.. b. June 10, 1842 ; d. July 20, 1842. Selina, b. :\ray 26, 1843 ; md. Nov. 21, 1866, Jo- seph N. Dav of Lancaster. IX. Joseph H., b. Oct. 21, 1844 ; d. May 26, 1866. 15 16 17 2 3 4 5 6 (4) 7 8 (5) 10 11 12 13 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 681 Harriet E., b. July 31, 1846; md. March 23, 1875, Lafayette W. Peirce, Esq., of Winchen- don. Sarah A., b. Sept. 6, 1848; md. Oct. 10, 1874, Louis Morse of St. Albans, Vt. Francena E., b. Oct. 3, 1850. Geokge Dickinson removed from Rowle}' to Harvard about 1740, where five children were born. About 1760 he came to this town. The new settlements invited the young and the strong, and Mr. Dickinson found here very few his superior in years. The name of his wife was Sarah, but I have not found any record of his marriage. He d. Nov. 15, 1776, aged 70; she d. Sept. 10, 1780. This name appears in the records Dickinson and Dicker- son^ with even-handed impartiality. The following chil- dren were b. in Harvard : I. Jeremiah, b. Dec. 16, 1736. II. Daniel, b. June 14, 1739. III. David, b. Oct. 7, 1741. + IV. Amos, b. March 14, 1743. -f- V. Francis, b. Sept. 20, 1746. David Dickix.sox, md. July 16, 1767, Persis Wheeler, dau. of Seth Wheeler of New Ipswich, and resided in this town until 1779, when he removed to Shelburne. I. David, bap. 1769. II. aally, bap. 1771. Amos Dickinson md. March 12, 1770, Elizabeth Stone. Mr. Gushing records his death Jan. 4, 1788, with the remark, " he died of bilious colic, aged 40 to 50 years." There is a record of birth of only one child. Others were bap. I. Amos, bap. in private July 27, 1772. He d. the same day. II. Bettfj, b. Sept. 14, 1773; md. May 10, 1794, Isaac Jackson. III. Sarah, bap. Oct. 13, 1776. IV. Dolly, bap.Oct. 3, 1779 ; md. James Adams, q. v. John Dickinson, probably connected with the foregoing families, resided in this town several years, at least, succeeding the Revolution. He md. March 22, 1790, Rose Gibson of Ashby. 682 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. JosiAH Dodge md., probably in Concord, Hannah Conant, dau. of Ebenezer Conant, q. v. He came to Ashburnham soon after the date of incorporation and removed to Machais, Me., about 1787. The children are named in the records, but the date of birth of only one was entered. 2 I. Eunice. 3 II. Mary. 4 ni. Josiah. 5 IV. Anna. 6 V. Betty. 7 VI. Reuben. 8 VII. Daniel. 9 VIII. Ebenezer, b. June 30, 1779 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 William Doolan was b. in the County of Cork in Ireland 1824. In 1846 he md. Mary Ann Butler. They came to America about two years after their marriage and came to this town in 1849. He was drafted in May, 1864, and served in the 19th Regiment until the following July. He d. Sept. 30, 1868 ; his widow d. March, 1876. I. Eichard, b. Jan. 15, 1847; md. Dec. 21, 1870, Margaret Hayes ; resides in this town. II. David, h. April 21, 1850; unmd ; resides in this town. III. Hannah, b. Nov. 30, 1852. IV. Margaret, b. March 1, 1854. v. William, b. March 27, 1856. VI. John, b. Aug. 30, 1860. VII. Mary, b. Dec. 25, 1862. VIII. Ellen, b. May 15, 1863. IX. Josie, b. July 15, 1865. Thomas Doolan, a native of Ireland, was b. in 1836. He is a farmer in this town upon the Dickerson Brooks farm. He came to Ashburnham about 1860. He md. Feb. 9, 1861, Honora Hartnett, b. in Ireland, 1836. I. Anna, b. Nov. 14, 1861. II. Thomas, b. June 17, 1865. III. Margaret, b. Nov. 26, 1869. IV. Mary Elizabeth, b. Dec. 30, 1871. V. David E. VI. Daniel. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 683 DUNSTER. The only permanent resident of this town who bore the name of Dunster was Samuel Dunster. He was a lineal descendant of Henry Dunster the first president of Harvard University. The generations are Henry, Jonathan, Henry, Jason and Samuel. Jason Dunster, a great-grandson of Henry Dunster and a son of Henry and Martha (Russell) Dunster, b. 1725, md. Oct. 26, 1749, Rebecca Cutter, dau. of Samuel and Anne (Harrington) Cutter. He removed from Cambridge to Mason, N. H., 1769, when Samuel was three years of age. In 1801 Jason Dunster and his wife Rebecca re- moved to Ashburnham and united with the church in this town, but the fol- lowing year they returned to Mason, where he d. Feb. 19, 1805, aged 80 years. Samuel Dunster, son of Jason and Rebecca (Cutter) Dunster, was b. in Cambridge April 20, 1766. He was bap. Samuel Cutter, but omitting the middle name he was known as Samuel Dunster. He removed to this town in 1802 and three years later he bought a tract of land at Factory Village. He was an enterprising man and his intimate connection with the early manufactures of this town is mentioned in the preceding chapters. He md. Jan. 12, 1792, Hannah Townsend, b. in Northboro Aug. 8, 1770, eldest dau. of Samuel and Hannah (Lawrence) Townsend. She d. Aug. 8, 1826 ; he md. (2d) March 1, 1827, Madamoisella Townsend, a sister of his first wife ; she was b. in Mason, N. H., March 19, 1794. He d. April 19, 1839. His widow md. (2d) Aug. 29, 1843, Samuel Knight, q. v. There were no children. The wife of Joel Barrett was a sister of the wives of Samuel Dunster. S.\LMON DuTTON, SOU of Joscph and Rebecca (Adams) Dutton and grandson of Thomas and Hannah (Burge) Dutton of Westford, was b. 1744 ; resided in this lown a few years, immediately following the dale of incorpora- tion. He removed to Cavendish, Vt., where he d. 1824. Thomas Dutton, a brother of Salmon, was b. in West- ford, Jan. 8, 1747-8. He md. 1768, Sarah Bigelow, a sister of Silas Bigelow, q. v. They came to this town in 1770, and a few years later removed to Jaffrey, N. H., where several of their ten children were b. She d. Dec. 23, 1811. He d. Dec. 31, 1838. Samuel Dutton resided in this town only a few j-ears. He d. here Oct. 22, 1815. His age was recorded " 30 to 40 years. No record of his marriage has been found. 684 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. Infant, d. July 19, 1815. Timothy Dwight, settled ia this town in 1766 and d. April 2, 1769, being the first adult who d. in this town after the ordination of Mr. Gushing. He was the son of Samuel and Jane (Bulkley) Dwight of Dedham and Sut- ton, b. May 27, 1745. He md. Sarah Alden and in 1770 the father and the widow petition the General Court for power to sell the lands in Ashburnham, and also assert that he left two daughters. The widow md. Thomas Newhall of Leicester, where slie d. 1797. I. Sarah, b. 1766; md. Edmund Muzzey ; d. May 23, 1819. II. Mehitable, b. May 6, 1768 ; md. David Trask ; d. 1800. EATON. John Eatok with his wife Abigail and two children embarked at London for New England in 1635. He was admitted freeman at Watertown 1636, and the following year he settled in Dedham, where he d. Not. 17, 1658. His son John, b. about 1636, lived in Dedham; by wife Alice he had seven sons and one daughter. William Eaton, son of John and Alice Eaton, b. 1677, also was a resident of Dedham. He md. 1704, Mary Starr, and d. 1718. His son, JosiaU Eaton, b. 1711, md. 1786, Sarah Day and removed to Needham, where he d. 1802. Among the ten children of Josiah and Sarah (Day) Eaton was John Eaton wlio served in the Revolution and removed to Winchendon, and while residing there he md May 17, 1779, Mary Larkin of Lancaster. He resided in the southeast part of Winchendon and was included in Gardner when that town was incorporated 1785. He d. in Gardner Nov. 21, 1827; his wife d. Sept. 22, 1817. He had, six children, and among them was Josiah Eaton of Ashburnham, of the sixth generation in America. He is number 1 in the following register. Another branch of the Eaton family is descended from Nathaniel Eaton, a resident and a leather dresser of Boston, who md. Aug. 26, 174:3, Mercy Trott; md. (2d) Sarah Day, dau. of James Day. He d: 1750. Nathaniel Eaton, Jr., b. July 24, 1744, was the only child that was living at the death of the father. He was a baker by trade and resided in Roxbury and later in Lancaster. He was a captain of the minute-men in Lancaster, where he d., aged 97 years. He md. Martha Gridley of Roxbury, dau. of Dea. William Gridley. He md. (2d) Dec. 30, 1778, widow Lucy Bennett. John Eaton, who is number 16 in the register, was the ninth of fourteen children ; five by the first and nine by the second marriage. It is suggested by Prof. Daniel C. Eaton of Yale College, an acknowledged authority in the genealogy of the Eaton family, and to whom I am indebted for many facts in this register, that probably the earlier generations in this line of descent were (1) Nathaniel; (2) Benoni, b. 1639, d. 1690, of Cambridge; (3) Theophilus, b. 1674; (4) Nathaniel, who was in Boston 1720, and (5) Nathaniel, first named, who md. Mercy Trott. The lineage of Nathan Eaton, number 25, is not allied to that of the other families of Eaton in this town. The emigrant ancestor of this family was William Eaton of Staple in the county of Kent, England. With his wife Martha, three children and one servant he sailed from Sandwich in 1687 and settled first at Watertown, and subsequently removed to Reading, where he GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 685 d. May 16, 1673. His wife d. Nov. 14, 1680. John Eaton, eldest son and third of the five children of William, resided in Reading; md. March 8, 1668 or 1669, Elizabeth Kendall, dau. of Dea. Thomas Kendall of Reading; he d. Deo. 17, 1695. William Eaton, the sixth of their eleren children, was b. in Reading Dec. 1, 1670. He resided in Reading and in Lynnfield, where he d. 1734; he md. April 29, 1695, Mary Swain, dau. of Major Jeremiah Swain who survived him. Jeremiah Eaton, second of the nine children of William Eaton, was b. July 10, 1698 ; md. in Lynn April 10, 1722, Margaret Hawks ; md. (2d) Nov. 3, 1730, Hannah Osgood, dau. of Samuel Osgood of Andover. He was a carpenter, went to Haverhill 1733, and to Hampstead about 1748, where he d. 1754. Jeremiah Eaton, son of Jeremiah and Hannah (Osgood) Eaton, b. April 25, 1738, md. April 14, 1761, Lydia Flint; md. (2d) Nov. 16, 1780, widow Hannah Wardwell of Andover. He was a deacon of the church in North Reading and resided near the line between Reading and Lynn. He d. July 17, 1791. There were seven children of the first and four of the second marriage. Osgood Eaton, son of Dea. Jeremiah and Lydia (Flint) Eaton, was b. Jan. 7, 1770. About 1805 he removed to Earmington, Me. He was a carpenter. He md. Jan. 22, 1797, Joanna Leighton, b. in Westford Dec. 30, 1776, dau. of Francis and Lydia (Fitch) Leighton ; d. in Reading Sept. 1, 1803. He md. (2d) Nov. 9, 1804, Polly Jaquith. He d. Sept. 21, 1830. Nine children. Osgood Eaton, son of Osgood and Joanna (Leighton) Eaton, was b. in Reading Feb. 2, 1,799. In his childhood the family removed to Maine. He md. Feb. 2, 1825, Hannah Wentworth of Strong and settled in Wilton in that State. He was a farmer and was frequently employed in public affairs. He d. Jan. 7, 1877; she d. June 26, 1871. Among their ten children was Nathan Eaton of Ashburnham. JosiAH Eaton, son of John and Mary (Larkin) Eaton, was b. in Gardner Jan. 13, 1787. He md. Mary Eeed, dau. of Jonas Reed, q. v., and removed to this town about 1816. Three children were b. in Gardner and seven in this town. He d. Dec. 7, 1862 ; his wife survived him andd. Aug. 12, 1872. I. II- III. Merrick, b. Sept. 30, 1811.+ Mary Ann, \>.T)6C. 14, 1812; md. 1832, Samuel Kelton, son of Lemuel and Patty (Angier) Kelton of Gardner. Josiah, b. May 5, 1814 ; md. 1839, Abbie "Wheeler, dau. of Samuel C. and Abigail (Wilson) Wheeler of New Ipswich. He d. at Saratoga, N. Y., March 29, 1865. Hosea, b. March 10, 1820; md. Nov. 28, 1845, Mary Wheeler, dau. of Samuel C. and Abigail (Wilson) Wheeler of New Ipswich. He resided in New Ipswich. Hon. Hosea Eaton was a man of quick perceptions and of m*ked ability. He was Provost Marshal during the war of the Rebellion, and has served with distinction in both branches of the New Hampshire Legislature, and for many years, and until his death, held an appointment in Boston Customs. He d. in 686 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 9 10 11 (2) 12 13 U 15 16 17 18 Rindge, where he was temporarily residing on account of feeble health, Nov. 26, 1879. V. Danforth Leander, b. July 4, 1822 ; md. Dec. 5, 1848, Mary Helen Look, dau. of John and Charlotte (Hopkins) Look of Farmers Creek, Mich. ; she d. 1858 ; he md. (2d) Oct. 2, 1860, Octavia Richards, dau. of Arba and Emily (Kelsey) Richards of Lowell, Mich. He is a clergyman residing in Lowell, Mich. Vide Chap. XX. VI. Otis W., b. May 29, 1823 ; d. at Saratoga, N. Y., Nov. 4, 1871. He md. Dec. 25, 1842, Harriet Wheeler, dau. of Samuel C. and Abigail (Wil- son) Wheeler. VII. George, b. May 16, 1826; d,, by accident, May 30, 1850. Till. Lucy E., b. Sept. 23, 1827 ; d. May 22, 1859. IX. Nancy W., b. June 20, 1833 ; md. March 27, 1855, Orson W. Look; d. in Michigan Oct. 4, 1860. X. Charles G., b. April 25, 1835 ; resides in Saratoga, N. Y. ; md. Elizabeth Hosley. Merrick Eaton, son of Josiah Eaton, md. 1836, Eliza- beth A. Gates of Gardner, and he md. (2d) June 14, 1860, Rebecca C. Lane, dau. of Francis Lane, q. v. He resided in this town, where he d. Feb. 16, 1875. I. Harriet, h. Maj 11, 1839; md. Noah Hardy of Hollis, N. H. II. Alhei-t, d. in infancy. m. Mary, b. Sept. 10, 1845 ; md. April 15, 1864, William H. Cruse, b. March 2, 1843, son of John G. T. Cruse of Westminster. They reside in the South Village. Three children. IV. Ellen, d. in infancy. John Eaton, son of Nathaniel, was b. in Lancaster, Oct. 21, 1784; md. June 12, 1808. Eunice Jones, dau. of Enos Jones, q. v. He was a cabinet-maker. He re- sided in this town from 1805 to 1809 or 1810, when he removed to Royalston, and about 1830 he removed to Fitzwilliam, N. H., where he d. Sept. 22, 1835. She d. 1852. • I. Albin Jones, b. June 19, 1809 ; md. March 27, 1838, Delight Stone, dau. of David Stone of Fitzwilliam. He was a physician at Oakham. n. Harriet M., b. Oct. 6, 1811 ; md. Aug. 31, 1841, GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 687 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 III. V. VII. Tin. Otis Whiltemore, son of William S., and Molly (Locke) Whittemore of Fitzwilliam. They removed to Richland, Iowa. John H., b. June 6, 1814; removed to Richland, Iowa. Nathaniel L., b. May 23, 1816 ; resides unmd. in Ashburnham, where he has been engaged in business and frequently employed in town aflairs. Eunice Ann, b. June 21, 1819; md. Nov. 20, 1839, Chauncy Davis, son of Chauncy Davis of Fitzwilliam. Charles i., b. March 21, 1822 , resides unmd. in the "West. Lucy A., b. Aug. 12. 1824; d. Feb. 13, 1829. Francis W., b. Feb. 26, 1827; d. Dec. 12, 1837. Nathan Eaton, of the eighth generation in the lineage of William Eaton, is a son of Osgood and Hannah (Went- worth) Eaton. He was b. in Wilton, Me., April 5, 1836. He is a contractor and builder and has resided in this town since 1862. He has been an efficient member of the school committee many years and has never failed in the support of any laudable enterprise. He md. June 27, 1865, Mary I. Maynard, dau. of Antipas Maynard, q. v. She d. May 20, 1866; he md. (2d) Nov. 29, 1868, Emma C. Maynard, dau. of Antipas Maynard, q. v. Wendell Eaton, not immediately related to the fore- going families, a son of John and Eunice (Kemp) Eaton of Westminster, b. Sept. 5, 1834, md April 7, 1870, Serepta A. Johnson, b. March 20, 1842, dau. of Daniel and Phileta (Fitts) Johnson of Templeton. He is a farmer and mechanic residing on the Litch place in the south part of the town. EDDY. The Eddy families of New England are descendants of John and Samuel Eddy, sons of William Eddy, Vicar of the Church of St. Dustan in Cran- brook, County of Kent, England. The brothers arrived at Plymouth Oct. 29, 1630. John Eddy, who was b. in March, 1597, settled in Watertown in 1631. He was admitted freeman Sept. 3, 1634, and was a Selectman of Watertown, 1635, '36, '37. By wife Amy he had nine children. He md. (2d) Joana who d. Aug. 25, 1683; he d. Oct. 12, 1684. Samuel Eddy, son of John and Amy Eddy, was b. in Watertown Sept. 30, 1640, and was admitted freeman March 22, 1689-90. He resided in Watertown and was many times elected to oflSee. He md. 1664, Sarah Meade. He d. Nov. 22, 1711. A fac-simile of his signature is preserved. Samuel Eddy, eldest child of Samuel and Sarah (Meade) Eddy, b. June 4, 1668, md. Dec. 13, 1693, Elizabeth Woodward, dau. of George and Elizabeth (Hammond) Woodward. 688 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. He was livinfr in 1722. The sixth of his seven children was Bbenezer Eddy, b. probably 1705 ; md. Ruth Ward, b. May 19, 1710, dau. of Eleazer and Deliverance (Trowbridge) Ward of Newton. He removed to Oxford, now Auburn, where he d. 1767. Abel Eddy, the second of his five children, b. April 15, 1741, removed to Belchertown, where Abijah Eddy, the second of nine children was b. June 1, 1776; he [Abijah] md. June 2, 1801, Beulah Cheney, b. in Orange, Jan. 26, 1784, dau. of Eben Cheney. He removed to Warwick, where he d. March 23, 1836; his widow d. April 3, 1833. Abijah Eddy, son of Abijah and Beulah (Cheney) Eddy, b. Aug. 6, 1807, md. Jan. 1833, Luoretia Ball Steariis, b. Feb. 19, 1814. He d. in Somerville, Nov. 25, 1880. George Wells Eddy, son of Abijah and Lucretia B. (Stearns) Eddy, was b. in Warwick July 24, 1837, and has resided in Ashburnham since 1859, where he has been an accountant for George C. Winchester and for the Boston Chair Manufacturing Company. He has been president of the Ashburnham National Bank since 1879, and in 1880 he represented the district in the Legislature. He was an early and earnest advocate of a public library and to his continued support the enterprise is indebted. In 1883 he was chosen a deacon of the Congregational church. He md. Nov. -21, 1883, Etta Elizabeth Stratton, b. Oct. 9, 1844, dau. of Stillman and Maria (Keyes) Stratton of Winchendon. Eliphalet Eddy, who resided in this town sixteen years, was b. in Auburn Oct. 12, 1810. He was a son of Jesse PMdy, a grandson of Levi Eddy of Oxford and a great-grandson of Samuel Eddy who was a brother of Ebenezer Eddy named in the preceding record. He owned the mill now of Robert W. Mclntire several years and removed from town about 1848. He was not md. Elijah Edson removed from Bridgewater to this town in 1769. He was a son of Dr. Elijah and Anne (Packard) Edson and grandson of Capt. Josiah Edson. He md. in Bridgewater Martha Washburn and three children were b. previous to their removal to this town. He was a drummer in Capt. Gates' company in 1775 and is named m the records a short time after that date. The family- disappears about 1778. I. Sarah. II. Olive. III. Ziba. IV. Infant, b. 1775 ; d. May 13, 1776. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 689 Daniel Edson, a younger brother of Elijah, was a resident of Ashburnham in 1775 and a short time subsequently. He was in Capt. Gates' and Capt. Wilder's companies and participated in the siege of Boston until Jan. 1, 1776. I find no record of his marriage nor does the name of his wife appear in the records. I. Infant, b. and d. Jan. 14, 1775. ELLIS. The older branch of the Ellis family of Ashburnham is descended from the Dedham family. The parentage of Joseph Ellis who was b. 1666 I -cannot state with accuracy as two of the same name were b. in Dedham the same year. One was a son of Joseph and Ruth Ellis, the other a son of Richard and Elizabeth Ellis. One of these md. 1703, Sarah Hemenway. He d. 1721, aged 55 years. Aaron Ellis, a son of Joseph and Sarah (Hemenway) Ellis, rad. Jan. 4, 1726-7, Zipporah Lewis. Their children were Nathan, Aaron, Abel, Paul, Jesse, Oliver, Zipporah and Sarah. He d. 1746 and his widow md. 1747, Timothy Colburn of Dedham. Aaron Ellis, son of Aaron and Zipporah (Lewis) Ellis, served in 1754 in the French and Indian War and subsequently resided in Winchendon, Jesse Ellis, brother of Aaron Ellis, and perhaps other members of this family, removed to Winchendon. Sarah (Hemenway) Ellis, the grandmother of Aaron and Jesse Ellis, d. in Winchendon at an advanced age and was the second person ■buried in the old cemetery in the southwest part of the town. Jesse Ellis, son of Aaron and Zipporah (Lewis) Ellis, was b. in Dedham Oct. 25, 1740. He md. Mary Harding, dau. of Moses Harding of Medfield. They resided in Medfield, where she d. Sept. 28, 1776. Soon after this date he sold his real estate and removed to Winchendon. He md. (2d) Miriam HUl and continued to live in Winchendon until 1799, when he removed to Ashburnham and was the first of the name in this town. In 1793 while of Winchendon he was one of a committee to build school-houses in that town and his name is occasionally mentioned in the Ashburnham records. He d. Dec. 31, 1822 ; his widow d. Feb. 11, 1831. Two children by first wife were b. in Medfield and three by second wife were b. in Winchendon. I. Ohed, b. April 27, 1768; md. July 17, 1794. Margaret C. Adams, dau. of Nathan Adams of Medfield ; he resided in Medfield, where he d. June 4, 1819; she d. May 31, 1844. No children. II. Mary, b. 1773 ; md. July 17, 1794, William Peters of Medfield. He d. Feb. 26, 1843 ; she d. March 18, 1835. Two children. 44 690 lUSTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (8) 9 10 1. Mary, md. Nov. 27, 1814, Dr. James Hewins. 2. Amy, md. Oct. 1, 1823, Bev. C. C. Sewell. III. Miriam, b. April 7, 1780 ; md. April 7, 1803, Stephen Maynard, q. v. IV. Zipporah, b. Nov. 29, 1782 ; md. Dec. 2, 1802, Joseph Miller, q. v. V. Jesse, b. June 19, 1789.+ 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Jesse Ellis, son of Jesse, was a farmer in this town. He resided on the farm now owned bv Samuel J. Bradlee of Ashby. He md. Nov. 8, 1807, Abigail Whitney, dau. of Silas Whitney, q. v., who d. Jan. 24, 1869 ; he d. July 17, 1870. Nine children. I. Mary W., b. March 13, 1809; md. Oliver G. C'aldwell, son of John Caldwell, q. v. II. Samuel, b. April 1, 1811 ; md. April 23, 1837, Sarah W. Gushing, dau. of Laban Gushing, q. v. He resided in this town, in Burlington, Vt., in Union City, N. Y., and later in Fitchburg, where' he d. Aug. 17, 1880. He was esteemed for judgment and intelligence in business, and for many years was in the staging and livery business. Subsequently he was engaged in the shipment of flour, grain and lumber from the West. His widow resides in Fitchburg. III. William Peters, b. Jan. 31, 1813. + IV. Ohed, b. March 13, 1815; md. Sept. 13, 1842, Mercy Stoddard, b. Dec. 23, 1817, dau. of Charles and Lovisa (Brigham) Stoddard. He resides, a farmer, in Dublin, N. H. 1. Charles J., b. Oct. 26, 1845 ; md. Anstis Brooks ; resides in Dublin, N. H. V. Nancy, b. Sept. 3, 1817: md. Nov. 10, 1839, Bailey Marble, son of Samuel Marble; she d. Dec. 15, 1873 ; he d. Nov. 3, 1878. VI. Sarah, b. Jan. 20, 1822; md. Sept. 17, 1849, Ohio Brown, son of Josiah Brown ; resided in Stow and in this town. VII. Lucy Caldwell, b. Dec. 11, 1824; md. Noyes B. Herrick, q. v. VIII. Susan Brown, b. April 23, 1829 ; md. May 29, 1867, Jonathan A. Perham, b. in Tyngsboro Dec. 4, 1820. son of Ralph and Sybil (Perham) Perham ; reside in Ashburnham. 18 (11) 19 20 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 691 DC. Mary Jane, b. Aug. 13, 1833 ; md. William H. Brown of Stow. William P. Ellis, Esq., pursued a partial course of study at Oberlin College and was engaged in teaching several years, including four j'ears near Newark, N. J., and two terms among the colored refugees in Canada. In 1845 he returned to Ashburnham, where he has since resided. He has been engaged in manufactures and was a merchant several years. He has ever been a loyal citi- zen and has frequently been called to positions of trust both in town and parish affairs, and was enumerator of the census 1880 and 1885. In every laudable enterprise his in- fluence has been constant and salutary. He was a deacon of the Congregational Church from 1849 until his resigna- tion in 1862. Dea. Ellis has been deeply interested in the preparation of the History of his native town and has furnished a generous measure of statistics and of family records. To his willing efforts the reader and the author are under enduring obligations. He md. April 21, 1841, Anner Green Randall, dau. of Samuel Randall, q. v. ; she d. March 10, 1885. He md. (2d) Oct. 18, 1885, Martha (Swain) Wellington, dau. of Nathaniel and Sally (Da- mon) Swain, and widow of Albert Wellington of Ashby. Daniels Ellis, a son of Bethuel Ellis and a grandson of John Ellis of Wrentham, was b. in Sherburn Oct. 17, 1799. He md. Nov. 9, 1820, Laura Spear, in Billing- ham Feb. 4, 1797. They resided in Barre, Templeton and Winchendon until 1850 when they removed to the North Village in this town. He was a farmer and was also engaged many years in the manufacture of lumber. He d. Feb. 22, 1885 ; she d. Jan 1, 1881. Six children. I. Bethuel, b. Nov. 17, 1822 ; md. Jane H. Hapgood, dau. of John and Betsey (Temple) Hapgood of Winchendon; md. (2d) Etta (Carter) Whitney, dau. of Ebenezer and Clarissa (Colburn) Carter of Fitzwilliam, N. H. He was a surveyor, con- veyancer and Trial Justice. Daniels, b. Jan. 18, 1824.+ Williain Franklin, b. Dec. 28, 1825 ; d. Jan. 18, 1827. Laura Maria, b. March 13, 1829 ; md. May 12, 1846, George Lewis of Winchendon. Lyman, b. Dec. 28, 1830 ; md. Emeline Thomp- son ; resides in Everett. Georgianna, b. April 30, 1833; d. Aug. 28, 1859. 21 n. 22 III. 23 w. 24 V. 25 VI. 692 HISTOEY OF ASHBUENHAM. (21) 26 27 Daniels Ellis has been actively engaged in the manu- facture of lumber and wood ware and is now employed in farming and as a merchant at North Ashburnham. He md. June 23, 1850, Harriet L. Perry of Concord, Vt., b. Jan. 19, 1824. I. Charles D., b. Jan. 22, 1851 ; md. Oct. 11, 1876, Ada M. Fletcher, dau. of Joshua Fletcher, q. V. ; reside in Gardner. II. Jennie L., b. Aug. 23, 1858 ; md. Aug. 23, 1883, John W. Griswold, adopted son of ApoUos Griswold, q. v. Enos Emory was b. in Rindge Oct. 23, 1791. He was the youngest son of John and Elizabeth (Perkins) Emory ■who removed from Topsfield to Eindge 1771. Enos Emory md. April 22, 1817, Zipporah Hale, b. Dec. 12, 1789, dau. of David and Bathsheba (Barker) Hale of Rindge. He was a manufacturer of spice boxes, and re. sided in Keene, N. H., and in Groton until 1833, when he removed to Lane Village in this town, where he was engaged in the manufacture of lumber and wood ware. His wife d. of small-pox Sept. 14, 1848 ; he d. Feb. 20, 1867. I. Mary J., b. Jan. 23, 1818 ; md. George E. Lane, son of Elias Lane, q. v. II. William H., b. March 27, 1821 ; md. June 11, 1856, Mary A. Lane, dau. of John Lane, q. v. ; resides in this town. III. Charles H., b. March 29, 1823; md. Oct. 11, 1848, Eliza M. Lane, dau. of Elias Lane, q. v. Resides in Fitchburg. He is a machinist. 1. Lizzie M., b. June 28, 1857. IV. Pascal P., b. July 21, 1825 ; md. Nov. 27, 1850, Marilla J. Lane, dau. of Elias Lane, q. v. They reside in Springfield. 1. Etta E., b. Sept. 2, 1856; d. Nov. 3, 1878. 2. Flora J., b. April 17, 1861 ; d. Aug. 9, 1861. ^ 3. Carrie J., b. Feb. 23, 1863. FAIRBANKS. Jonathan Fairbank, with his wife Grace (Lee) and six children came from Somerby, Parish of West Eiding, County of Yorkshire, England about the year 1630, and settled in Dedham. He is supposed to be the an- cestor of all of his name in this country. Eichard, a brother of Jonathan GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 693 came over at the same time, and was for a time postmaster in Boston, but is not known to have left any descendants. The Fairbank's mansion, near the centre of Dedham, built by Jonathan in 1636, still remains in a good state of preservation, and has never gone out of the family, and is said to be the oldest house in America. The town of Dedham granted a tract of land to Jonathan, 15th of 7 mo., 1641. Jonathan d. at Dedham Dee. 5, 1668. His will, June 1, 1668, bequeaths the home place to his eldest son John. George, the second son, settled in the south part of Sherborn (now Medway) and is the ancestor of the families in St. Johnsbury, Vt. Jonas, the third son settled in Lancaster, and had a numerous posterity in Lancaster, Harvard, Sterling and West Boylston, and is the ancestor of the Ashburnham families. Jonathan, the youngest son, settled in Dedham. In the early records the name is sometimes Eairbank,- and sometimes Fairbanks. The early name in England is said to have been Fairchild, and in Scotland Fairbairn. Jonas Fairbanks, son of Jonathan and Grace (Lee) Fairbanks, settled in Lancaster about 1658, and signed the Covenant March 7, 1659. He md. March 28, 1658, Lydia Prescott, dau. of John Prescott of Lancaster. This is the first marriage recorded in Lancaster. They had seven children. Jonas the father was killed by the Indians, Feb. 10, 1676, and his widow md. Elias Barrow of "Watertown. Lieut. Jabez Fairbanks is supposed to be the only son of Jonas and Lydia (Prescott) Fairbanks who left any sons. He was b. Nov. 8, 1670. His first wife Mary d. 1718 ; he md. (2d) March 25, 1719, Elizabeth Whitcomb who d. May U, 1775, aged 80. He d. 1758, aged 88. Dea. Joseph Fairbanks, son of Lieut. Jabez and Mary Fairbanks, was b. in Lancaster 1694. He md. April 21, 1718, Mary Brown of Lancaster. Four of their sons left-children, and a granddaughter was the wife of Dan- iel Knight of Ashburnham. Dea. Joseph Fairbanks d. Dec. 6, 1772, aged 78; his widow d. Nov. 14, 1791, aged 91 years ,11 months. Capt. Joseph Fairbanks, son of Dea. Joseph and Mary (Brown) Fairbanks, was b. in Lancaster, now Harvard, Nov. 4, 1723. He md. Mary Willard of Lancaster. Their daughter, Anna, md. Ebenezer Burgess of Ashburnham. His wife d. Aug. 26, 1748, aged 25. He md. (2d) Abigail Hodgman of Groton. Among their nine children b. in Harvard, was Cyrus Fairbanks who removed to Ashburnham, and is No. 1 in the following register. Dea. Amos Fairbanks, another son of Dea. Joseph and Mary (Brown) Fairbanks, was b. in Harvard 1738. He was a farmer and a blacksmith in Harvard. His first wife Lucy d. Nov. 12, 1767, aged 28; he md. (2d) Rhoda Sawyer who d. Feb. 23, 1813, aged 72; he d. Jan. 14, 1809, aged 71. Dea. Noah Fairbanks, son of Dea. Amos and Rhoda (Sawyer) Fairbanks, was b. in Harvard May 21, 1771. He md. Hannah Whitcomb of Boxborough and in 1806 removed to Gardner. He was a farmer and a miller. He d. 1852, aged 81. Among the nine children of Dea. Amos and Hannah (Whitcomb) Fairbanks were Emory, Asaph and Joel who have resided in Ashburnham, and are named in the following reg- ister. Dea. Amos Fairbanks of Gardner was a cousin of Cyrus Fairbanks of Ashburnham. 1 Cyrus Faibbanks, son of Capt. Joseph and Abigail (Hodgman) Fairbanks was b. in Harvard May 17, 1752. He served in the Revolution and was the last of the pen- sioners in this town. He md. Aug. 25, 1779, Mercy Hale of Stowe, b. Feb. 7, 1756, and removed to this town in 1788. A part of the time at least between 1815 and 1820 he resided in Troy, N. H., but subsequently he lived in this town, where he d. June 18, 1852, aged 100 years ; his wife d. 1840. 694 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. I. Sally, b. Aug. 8, 1780 ; md. Joseph Gibbs, g. v. ; md. (2d) Nov. 19, 1835, Lewis Hill of Chester, Vt. She d. April 14, 1857. 3 11. Jacob, b. March 17, 1782. + 4 III. Mercy, b. Oct. 7, 1784 ; md. Walter Eussell Adams, q. v. 5 IV. Cyrus, b. Nov. 17, 1786. + 6 V. Abigail, b. Feb. 24, 1789 ; md. Aug. 28, 1806, Leonard Patch ; md. (2d) Walter Knssell Adams, q. v. VI. Artemas, b. May 26, 1791 ; d. unmd. in Troy, N. H., Aug. 27, 1863. vii. Betsey, b. April 10, 1796 ; md. Amos Eice,b. Feb. 5, 1797, son of Samuel Rice of Ashby. They removed to the State of New York. (3) 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Jacob Fairbanks, son of Cyrus Fairbanks, was b. in Harvard March 17, 1782. He md. May 25, 1808, Lydia Phillips, b. April 19, 1784, dau. of Seth and Elizabeth (Hamlin) Phillips of Fitchburg and a cousin of Hon. Hannibal Hamlin of Maine. He was a farmer and a citizen of good repute. He d. Jan. 21, 1850 ; she d. Jan. 22, 1852. I. Laura Olivia, b. March 11, 1809 ; md. Emery Eice, q. v. II. Europe Hamlin, b. Sept. 14, 1810. -|- III. Seth Phillips, b. March 11, 1812.-1- IV. Sherman Dexter, b. Jan. 6, 1814. V. Lydia Harriet, b. April 10, 1816 ; md. Jacob V. Ward, son of Jacob Ward, q. v. VI. Mercy Elizabeth, b. April 18, 1818 ; md. Joseph B. Woods, son of Asa Woods, q. v. VII. Caroline Ardelia, b. Feb. 22, 1820 ; md. Nov. 2, 1843, Artemas R. Smith, b. in Rindge June 16, 1814, son of Henry and Asenath (Rand) Smith. He was successfully engaged in business in Fitchburg, where he'd. 1. Margaret Lydia, b. April 4, 1850; md. Dec. 23, 1874, Edgar R. Ray of Franklin, Mass. 2. Ralph Hamlin, b. Feb. 19, 1855 ; d. March 23, 1863. 3. Gertrude Elizabeth, b. Nov. 14, 1860. VIII. Sarah Dwelly, b. July 11, 1822; d. unmd. June 13, 1847. 20 21 22 <5) 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 '(10) 31 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 695 IX. Jacob Horatio, b. Sept. 7, 1826 ; md. June 2, 1858, Margaret Emma Ferson ; he is a farmer and has been engaged in the grain and iron trade in Fitchburg, where he resides. 1. Emma Isabel, b. Jan. 14, 1863; d. July 25, 1863. X. Albert Porter, b. March 17, 1829 ; d. unmd. Nov. 14, 1851. Cyrus Fairbanks md. Jul^' 3, 1817, Betsey Jackson of Westminster. About the date of his marriage he removed to Troy, N. H., where he d. Nov. 23, 1861 ; she d. April 29, 1868. I. Eliza, b. March 22, 1818; md. Ranson Ingalls ; she d. Aug. 15, 1857. II. Silas H., b. Dec. 7, 1819 ; md. Catherine (Woods) Aldrich, dan. of Asa Woods, q. v. ; removed to Jaffrey 1856, where he d. Oct. 24, 1858. Their son, Arthur Walter, b. Aug. 24, 1857, is a druggist in Providence, R. I. III. Mary Ann, b. Dec. 3, 1822 ; md. July 9, 1844, Edward P. Kimball, Esq., b. in Hillsboro', N. H., Feb. 23, 1819 ; he resides in Troy, N. H., where he has been a merchant since 1842. He was postmaster eight years, sheriff of Cheshire County 1874-5, and deputy-sheriff many years. IV. George, b. Oct. 22, 1825 ; md. Abbie Wright who d. Aug. 27, 1848 ; md. (2d) Nancy Watkins ; she d. July 27, 1858 ; md. (3d) Oct. 26, 1859, Marietta S. French ; resides in Jaffrey, N. H. V. Charles, b. March 15, 1827 ; d. June 18, 1843. VI. Walter A., b. Jan. 5, 1830; md. Aug. 4, 1864, Marj^ J. Nourse ; resides in Fitchburg. VII. Sarah W., b. May 8, 1832; md. June 28, 1865, Daniel H. Sawj'er of Keene, N. H. VIII. Caroline A., b. June 6, 1836 ; md. Nov. 24, 1863, Dr. Daniel Farrar ; he was an esteemed physician in Leominster; he d. June 3, 1875; his widow resides in Leominster. Europe H. Fairbanks md. Oct. 2, 1833, Sally E. Crehore, dau. of Col. Timothy Crehore, q. v. They resided in Ashburnham until 1869, when thej' removed to Worcester ; now reside in Fitchburg. I. Henry Augustus, b. May 12, 1838. 696 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 32 33 34 (11) 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 II. Herbert Hamlin, b. Sept. 16, 1846. III. Herbert Lewis, b. Jan. 13, 1848. IV. Albert Phillips. 42 43 44 Seth p. Fairbanks resided in the Central Village. He md. Oct. 27, 1836, Almira Fairbanks, dau. of Ithamar Fairbanks, g. v. ; she d. Jan. 7, 1848. He md. (2d) Nov. 30, 1848, Charlotte E. Brown, dau. of Joel and Lucy (Stearns) Brown of Lowell. He d. March 1, 1886. I. Charles Lewis, b. Dec. 12, 1839 ; md. Aug. 30, 1866, 8. Augusta Deane, b. Feb. 3, 1839, dau. of Charles P. and Anna F. (Carter) Deane of Fitchburg. They reside in Fitchburg. For several years he was engaged in the Hardware and Iron trade, and now in the Coal trade. II. Ellen Almira, b. Oct. 16, 1841 ; md. April 8, 1868, Rodney King, b. March 26, 1837, son of Eodney King of Dover, Vt. They reside in Central Village. III. Albert Willis, b. Sept. 5, 1846 ; d. Aug. 10, 1847. IV. Harriet Elizabeth, b. Jan. 4, 1850 ; d. May 7, 1867. V. Frank Everett, b. Dec. 9, 1857 ; md. May 1, 1880, Z. Irene Warren, dau. of Thomas and Zilpab (Merritt) Warren of Whitingham, Vt. They reside in Fitchburg. VI. Adalaide Ellsworth, b. Aug. 1, 1861; graduated from Cushing Academy 1880 ; now bookkeeper for Wilbur F. Whitney. Emory Fairbanks, son of Dea. Noah and Hannah (Whitcomb) Fairbanks of Gardner, was b. in Harvard May 15, 1800. He md. 1829, Eunice Haywood of Boxborough, and in the spring of 1830 he purchased the farm of Oliver Marble and removed to this town. He was a man of excellent character and was justly held in high esteem. He d. March 2, 1871 ; she d. Sept. 21, 1865. I. Emory Hayivard, b. Oct. 30, 1829 ; md. 1857, Julia Bacon of Sutton ; md. (2d) 1864, Laura Coolidge of Sherburn ; resides at Jamaica Plain. He is a jeweller. II. Andrew Stevens, b. Jan. 30, 1832 ; d. Aug. 12, 1835. III. Francis Joel, b. Sept. 8, 1835 ; md. May 1, 1865,. Abbie S. Russell, dau. of Philemon Russell, q. v. He is a Congregational clergyman. Vide page 506. Five children. 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 697 IT. James Henry, b. May 15, 1837 ; md. 1861, Josephine E. Brewer of Framingham. He is a jeweller in Fitchburg. V. Eunice Elizabeth, b. Feb. 14, 1839 ; md. 1857, Hosea F. Lane of Templeton, son of Francis Lane, Jr., q. v. VI. Joseph Whitcomb, b. March 26, 1841 ; md. Jan. 1^ 1869, Ellen Cutting of Templeton. Vide page 506. He is a tutor at St. Paul, Minn. VII. Susan Augusta, b. April 14, 1843; md. Charles E. Woodward, q. v. VIII. Luey Ann, b. Dec. 8, 1846 ; md. Jan. 9, 1875, George N. Ells of Norwalk, Conn. IX. Laura Amelia, b. Oct. 30, 1848 ; d. April 29, 1855. Asaph Fairbanks, a brother of Emory Fairbanks, was b. March 3, 1804. He md. Hannah Whitcomb of Box- borough, and removed to this town about 1830, where he continued to reside until 1837, when he removed to Shel- burne Falls, and subsequently to Iowa, where he d. Nov. 12, 1855. Three children. I. Asaph Waldo. II. Joel Whitcomb. III. Martha Malvina. Joel Fairbanks, a brother of Emory and Asaph Fair- banks, was b. in Gardner, July 17, 1814. He md. Esther Leland. He resided in Ashburnham several years. He was a mechanic and for a few years he was engaged in the manufacture of chairs. He now resides in Templeton. No children. Ithamar Fairbanks, b. March 2, 1767, md. Jerusha Williams, b. Feb. 22, 1769. He was not closely allied in kinship to the other families of Fairbanks in this town. They removed to Ashburnham with four children in 1795. He lived in the west part of the town. About 1813 he removed to Fitchburg where he d. Sept. 20, 1847. She d. Aug. 28, 1847. I. Sally Williams, b. Aug. 7, 1789. II. Jerusha Williams, b. Nov. 21, 1790. III. Sophia, b. April 4, 1793. IV. Ebenezer Williams, b. Dec. 16, 1794 ; d. in Dalton, Nov. 9, 1869. V. Mary Curtis, b. Sept. 16, 1796. 698 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 VI. EKfaJi WiUiains, b. Dec, 1797; d. July 13, 1799. VII. Eliza, b. Oct. 19, 1799 ; d. Aug. 1. 1818. VIII. Elijah Williams, b. March 16, 1801 ; d. in Day- ton, O., June 2, 1871. IS. Moses, b. June 28, 1803 ; d. in Fitchburg July 23, 1874. X. Joseph Warren, b. Aug. 13, 1805 ; d. Feb. 10, 1827. XI. Charles Lewis, b. Jan. 15, 1808 ; d. in Utica, N. Y., July 25, 1843. XII. Almira. b. Nov. 15, 1810; md. Seth P. Fair- banks, g. V. John Farrar, b. April 15, 1784, son of Jacob Farrar of Concord, md. Dec. 20, 1810, Calle Stearns, dau. of William Stearns, q. v. ; she d. March 26, 1843, leaving eight children ; he md. (2d) March 13, 1844, Lucy Houghton, dau. of Robert and Sarah (Jones) Houghton of Leominster and Wincbendon. He resided several j'ears in this town, in Stoddard, N. H., and in Wincheu- don where he d. Jan. 25, 1859. I. Eliza Caroline, b. Oct. 21, 1811 ; md. June 25, 1825, Oliver Brooks, son of Stephen Brooks; reside in Denmark, Iowa. II. George L., b. Oct. 3, 1813; md. June 5, 1838, Sophronia M. George ; resided in Winchendon ; d. April 13, 1882. III. Charlotte, b. Nov. 27, 1816 ; md. Henry Tucker- man, q. V. IV. Boxanna, b. April 18, 1821 ; md. April 14, 1840 ; md. (2d) April 21, 1842, Abraham Bowden ; lived in Lowell ; she resides, his widow, in Den- mark, Iowa. V. 3faria, b. Sept. 16, 1823; md. Aug. 28, 1845, Ezekiel Bartlett ; he d. Oct. 3, 1851 ; md. (2d) Nov. 15, 1853, Amasa Mills, who d. May 13, 18.54; md. (3d) July 23, 1857, Rev. Oliver Emerson, who d. Nov. 10, 1863 ; she resides at Grinnell, Iowa. VI. S^lsan, b. June 24, 1826; md. Sept. 30, 1846, Eliphalet S. Wood, q. v. vn. Lydia, b. Sept. 28, 1828; md. July 1, 1852, George L. Beals, q. v. VIII. Calla, b. Oct. 8, 1830 ; md. Edwin H. Ely ; resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Abel Farwell, son of Dea. Abel Farwell of Fitch- burg, resided in this town nearly twenty years. He rad. Aug. 27, 1835, Myra Ward, dau. of Caleb Ward, q. v. ; removed to Fitchburg. 9 10 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 699 I. Abel Stephen, b. Jan. 8, 1836; md. Elsie A. Howe, dau. of Addison Howe, q. v. ; resides in Fitchburg. IE. Elizabeth Davis, b. May 26, 1837. III. Ivers Warren, b. Jan. 26, 1839 ; is in Montana Territory. IT. George Goodyear, b. Nov. 7, 1840 ; d. in the civil war. V. Levi Caleb, b. April 11, 1843. VI. Samuel Ward, b. May 31, 1845. VII. Austin. VIII. Lelia. Dea. Samuel Fellows removed from Harvard to this town in 1762. He was much employed in town affairs, and beginning with the act of incorporation he was mod- erator of nearly every meeting while he remained in this town, and frequently was elected to other oflBce. He was a deacon of the church, and receives honorable men- tion in the civil and ecclesiastical records. The name of his wife was Eunice. He removed to Shelburne 1772. Their nine children were b. in Harvard. I. Eunice, b. May 26, 1736 ; md. Daniel Merrill, q. v. II. Samuel, b. Feb. 13, 1739. Came to Ashburnham with his father ; with wife Mary he removed to Shelburne 1771. m. Joseph, b. May 27, 1748. IV. Thomas, b. Oct. 13, 1750. V. Sarah (twin), b. Oct. 13, 1750; md. Jeremiah Foster, Jr., q. v. VI. John, b. May 11, 175- ; record defaced. VII. William, b. Oct. 5, 1758. VIII. Willis (twin), b. Oct. 5, 1758. IX. Solomon, b. Dec. 5, 1760. John Finan, a native of Staffordshire, Eng., md. Rosena Hare, dau. of Patrick Hare, and came to Ash- burnham 1850. He served a year and a half in First Regiment of Cavalry. Six children were b. in this town. I. John, b. June 9, 1853 ; md. Mary J. Eggleston ; resides in Leominster. II. James, b. Feb. 11, 1856 ; resides in Ashburnham. III. Thomas, b. Feb. 7, 1858 ; resides in Boston. IV. Mary Ann, b. March 31, 1860. V. Elizabeth, b. May 31-, 1862. VI. George, b. July 7, 1864 ; resides in Ashburnham. 700 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. FISHER. Tliere were two or three families of Fishers in this town near the close of the past century. The name occurs a number of times in the records of the choice of town officers. The births of their children are not recorded and little information can be gleaned of them. The wife of John Kiblinger, Jr., was Betty Fisher. Levi Fisher md. June 2, 1777, Rebecca Wheeler of Templeton. Rebecca at the time of marriage had a son from which it is inferred she was a widow. They left town a few years later. Timothy Fisher resided here several years and removed immediately preceding 1787. There is no record of his marriage. Three children were bap. I. Timothy, bap. May 3, 1779. II. George, bap. May 20, 1781. III. Asa, bap. June 6, 1784. FLETCHER. The common ancestor of the Fletcher families of Ashburnham was Robert Fletcher an English emigrant who settled in Concord 1630. He Was a wealthy and influential citizen. He d. at the age of 85 years April 3, 1677. William Fletcher, the second of the five children of Robert, was b. in England 1622, and was admitted freeman May 10, 1643. He md. Oct. 7, 1645, Lydia Bates, and in 1653 he removed to Chelmsford, becoming one of the early settlers of that place. He acquired a large tract of real estate including a large part of the city of Lowell. He d. Nov. 6, 1677 ; his widow d. Oct. 12, 1704. He left eight children of whom the eldest son was Joshua Fletcher, b. March 30, 1648, admitted freeman March 11, 1689. He md. May 4, 1668, Grissies Jewell; she d. Jan. 16, 1682; he md. (2d) July 18, 1682, Sarah Willey. He lived in Chelmsford, where he d. Nov. 21, 1713. Paul Fletcher, a son of Joshua and Grissies (Jewell) Fletcher, was b. about 1681; resided in Chelmsford and served in the Indian War in 1724. Ebenezer Fletcher, youngest son of Paul, md. Aug. 8, 1754, Joanna Stearns, b. July 29, 1724, dau. of Lieut. John and Esther (Johnson) Stearns of Billerica. He removed to Westford. Among his seven children is Josiah Fletcher who is number 1 in the following register. Another son of Joshua Fletcher by his second wife, Sarah Willey, was Capt. Joseph Fletcher who was b. in Chelmsford June 10, 1689. He md. Nov. 17, 1712, Sarah Adams of Concord. He resided in Westford and was a man of influence and held in high esteem. He d. Oct. 4, 1772. Among the ten children of Capt. Joseph Fletcher was Capt. Pelatiah who was b. in Westford May 3, 1727. He md. Jan. 13, 1757, Dorothy Hildreth, dau. of James and Dorothy Hildreth of Westford; she d. June 14, 1782, and he md. (2d) Betty (Hartwell) Keyes. He d. in Westford Feb. 23, 1807. Pelatiah, the sixth of the twelve children of Capt. Pelatiah and Dorothy (Hildreth) Fletcher, became a resident of Ashburnham and is number 11 in the following register. Dea. Joshua Fletcher, a brother of Capt. Pelatiah and a son of Capt. Joseph Fletcher, was b. Nov. 20, 1731. He md. 1755, Elizabeth Raymond and resided in Westford. He d. .Tune 10, 1783. Among their nine children GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 701 was Joshua Fletcher who removed to Ashburnham and Is number 23 in the following register, and Patty the wife of Grant Houston. Another son of Dea. Joshua and Elizabeth (Raymond) Fletcher was Lyman Fletcher who md. 1794, Lois Gates, dau. of Henry Gates, and resided a short time in this town. 9 10 11 12 JosiAH Fletcher, b. July 7, 1757, son of Ebenezer and Joanna (Stearns) Fletcher, md. April 9, 1786, Abigail Fletcher and the same year removed to the southeast part of this town, where he resided until his death Feb. 6, 1817. His widow was a resident of this town in 1823. Eight children. I. Joshua, b. Jan. 31, 1787; d. Oct. 2, 1794. II. Josiali, b. Dec. 20, 1788; md. Sept. 19, 1815, Deborah Gushing, dau. of David Gushing, q. v. They removed from this town previous to 1820. One child was b. in Ashburnham. 1. Deborah Maria, b. July 7, 1816. III. Elizabeth, b. April 20, 1791 ; md. April 24, 1816, Joshua Fletcher Reed. They buried a child in this town 1818 and another 1819. The date of his death is unknown. She md. (2d) 1823, John Fenno of Rindge. IV. Timothy, b. Feb. 9, 1794 ; md. Jan., 1819, Gynthia Parker of New Ipswich. They resided a short time in this town. An infant d. Nov. 21, 1819. V. Joshua, b. March 7, 1796. VI. Isaac, b. June 4, 1798. vn. Infant, b. 1800 ; d. Aug. 19, 1801. vm. Abigail, b. July 17, 1802 ; md. Dec. 6, 1817, Salmon Snow; she md. (2d) 1821, Aaron Barton of New Ipswich. Pelatiah Fletcher, son of Gapt. Pelatiah and Dorothy (Hildreth) Fletcher, was b. April 4, 1767; he md. Dec. 5, 1785, Pattj' Keyes, dau. of Jonathan Keyes of Westford ; she d. Dec. 9, 1786. At this date he removed to this town; he md. (2d) Sept. 22, 1788, Sally Wood- ward of Westford and after a residence in this town of about ten years he removed to Groton ; he md. (3d) June 2, 1803, widow Beulah (Buttrick) Heywood, widow of Levi Heywood of Winchendon. He d. in Westford May 7, 1811; she d. May 18, 1814. In this family were eleven children who have filled honorable positions in life. Except in childhood none have resided in this town. I. Joel, b. Feb. 23, 1786. 702 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 ■20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 11. Patty, b. June 28, 1789 ; md. April 9, 1807, Jacob Osgood, b. in Westford 1787, son of Col. Benjamin and Tryphena (Cummings) Osgood. They resided in Westford and among their children was Patty Osgood, wife of Samuel S. Stevens, q. v. m. Sally (twin), b. June 28, 1789. IV. WUey, b. Feb. 7, 1791. V. Samuel, b. March 2, 1792. VI. Timothy, b. Nov. 28, 1795 ; lived in Charlestown. vii. Calvin, b. Feb. 20, 1797; lived in Groton. VIII. Harriet, b. July 31, 1800 ; md. Nathan S. Hamblin. IX. Mary, b. June 25, 1803 ; md. Thomas Richardson. X. Pelatiah, b. June 27, 1804. XI. Lucy, b. Sept. 10, 1806 ; md. Abel Stevens. Joshua Fletchee, son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Ray- mond) Fletcher, was b. in Westford Feb. 22, 1760. While a resident of his native town he was a soldier in the Revolution. Fide page 208. He md. April 20, 1815, Lucy Jones, dau. of Enos Jones, q. v., and soon after that date he removed to Ashburnham, where he resided until his death April 14, 1843. His widow d. in Rindge Dec. 21, 1850. I. Mary E.,h. May 1, 1816; md. April 18, 1844^ Dea. Joseph Wetherbee, q. v. II. Hannah, b. Nov. 16, 1817; d. Oct. 1, 1839. III. Joshua, b. Aug. 27, 1820 ; md. April 24, 1846, Emeline Stimson,dau. of Edward Stimsou, q.v^ She d. Sept. 16, 1847, leaving a dau. who d. young. He md. (2d) April 14, 1852, Mrs. Frances (Partridge) Sampson. She d. May 13, 1876 ; he md. (3d) Jan. 25, 1881. Mrs. Delia A. (West) Cross of Bradford, N. H. He is a farmer, resided in Rindge until 1882, when he removed to Jaffrey, N. H. Eight children were b. in Rindge. 1. Emeline F., b. Jan. 15, 1853; d. March 18, 1854. 2. Arthur J., b. Feb. 22, 1855 ; d. April 27, 1855. 3. Ada Maria, b. June 24, 1856 ; md. Charles D. Ellis, son of Daniels Ellis, q. v. 4. Walter Irving, b. Jan. 28, 1858 ; md. Nov. 2, 1881, Agnes Washburn of Natick. 5. Winslow Ordway, b. March 15, 1859 ; md. May 31 , 1886, Etta Elliot (Lawrence 71). GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 703 32 33 34 G. William Frederick, b. June 9, 1861. 7. Myrtilla Ines, b. Feb. 4, 1864, a teacher in the public schools of Ashburnham. 8. Edwin C, b. Aug. 25, 1866. Ebenezee Flint, son of Edmund and Abigail (Damon) Flint, was b. in Ashby May 31, 1788. He was a farmer and resided in this town from 1813 until his death Dec. 3, 1835. He md. Jan. 12, 1813, Emma Wilder, b. Aug. 5, 1793, dau. of Samuel and Hannah (Lasel) Wilder of Hingham. She was a niece of the wife of Thomas Hobart ; she d. Nov. 25, 1856. Emma H., b. March 11, 1814: Barrett, q. v. md. Charles H. Edwaed S. Flint, son of Thomas and Betsey (Keyes) Flint of Westford and a grandson of Henry Flint of Carlisle, was b. in Westford Sept. 2, 1817. For many j'ears he was engaged in the manufacture of chairs at South Ashburnham. He is one of the Board of Selectmen and in 1855 he represented the district in the Legislature. He md. June 5, 1845, Betsey C. Glazier, dau. of John C. Glazier, g. v. I. Mary Elizabeth, b. Jan. 13, 1847 ; d. March 7, 1852. II. Julia Evangeline, b. June 3, 1862; d. Sept. 25, 1863. III. Helen Eliece, b. Dec. 2, 1865. FOSTER. The numerous families of Foster in Ashburnham, whose names appear in the following record, are descended from Reginald Foster, an English emigrant, who settled in Ipswich about 1638 and was one of the earliest inhabitants of that town. His name occasionally appears in the early records and in a connection that presents him as an active and useful citizen who bore a full share of the burdens of the settlement. In 1645 he was a subscriber to the fund for the payment of Maj. Dennison who was in command of the military force of that vicinity. In 1652 the settlement granted Reginald Foster and Thomas Clark £10 " for cutting a passage from this river into Chebacco river of ten feet wide and soe deepe as a lighter may pass through laden." In 1658 for £50 he bought of Roger Preston a considerable tract of land with buildings. The name of his wife was Judith; their five sons and two daughters were b. in England. His wife d. 1664 and the following year he md. Sarah Martin, widow of John Martin. The date of his death is not known, but his will was probated June 9, 1681. Jacob Foster, son of Reginald, was b. in England 1635. He resided in Ipswich and was a deacon of the church. He md. Jan. 12, 1658-9, Martha Kinsman who d. Oct. 15, 1666; he md. (2d) Feb. 26, 1666-7, Abigail Lord, dau. of Robert and Mary (Wait) Lord, who survived him and d. June 4, 1729 ; he d. 704 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. June 9, 1710. His grave in Ipswich is marked by a stone monument. There were five children by the first and nine by the second marriage. Abraham Foster, the sixth child and the eldest child by the second marriage, was b. in Ipswich Dec. i, 1667; by his first wife Abigail who d. Oct. 8, 1/32, there were nine children. He was a carpenter in Ipswich, where he d. Dec. 25, 1720-1. 1 (4) 8 9 10 (5) 11 12 Jeeemiah Foster, a son of Abraham and Abigail Foster and of the fourth generation from Reginald Foster the emigrant, was b. in Ipswich about 1710. In this line of descent he was the first to leave the town of Ipswich the home of his ancestors. He md. 1735, Ruth Metcalf, and in 1743 he removed to Harvard and ten years later he settled in Ashburnham on land west of Lake Naukeag still known as Foster Hill. Vide page 91. He was a man of exemplary character, reserved in manner, in- dustrious, honest, a kind neighbor and an excellent citizen. He d. Dec. 12, 1788 ; his wife d. Feb. 6, 1776. Four children b. in Ipswich and two in Harvard. I. Jeremiah, bap. Aug. 8, 1736 ; d. young. II. Abigail, bap. Feb. 17, 1737-8. III. Jeremiah, bap. Jan. 6, 1739-40. -(- IV. Samuel, bap. Jan. 8, 1 741-2. -f- V. Judith, b. March 15, 1747 ; md. Dr. Peter Brooks, q. V. VI. Rebecca, b. Oct. 20, 1750 ; md. Caleb Ward, q. v. Jeremiah Foster, Jr., md. Oct. 29, 1765, Sarah Fellows, dau. of Dea. Samuel Fellows, q. v. They resided in Ashburnham until 1773, when they removed to Shelburne. Three children were b. in this town. I. Sarah, b. Aug. 10, 1766. II. Amos, b. Oct. 13, 1768. III. Nathan, b. Nov. 27, 1771. Samuel Foster was a worthy and influential citizen. His name is frequently and honorably named in the records, and many incidents in his life may be gleaned from the early part of this volume. He md. July 6, 1769, Susanna Wood, b. April 14, 1750, dau. of Bennett and Lydia (Law) Wood of Littleton, and a sister of the wife of Capt. Deliverance Davis. He d., says Mr. Gush- ing, " of bilious colic terminating in a fever," April 15, 1793 ; she d. Oct. 31, 1839. I. Abraham, b. April 8, 1770. -|- II. Nathaniel, b. Dec. 26, 1771.-^ GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 705 13 III. Jeremiah Bennett, b. Oct. 11, 1773 ; resided in this town ; d. unmd. Aug. 3, 1846. 14 IV. Samuel, b. Feb. 9, 1776. + 15 V. 'Rosea, b. Aug. 1, 1778 ; md. Dec. 8, 1803, Molly Joslin, and removed to Verona, N. Y. He d. Feb. 23, 1855. Four children. 16 VI. Joel, b. Aug. 21, 1780.+ 17 VII. Amos, b. Nov. 16, 1782 ; d. unmd. Sept. 21, 1812. 18 VIII. Obadiah, b. Oct. 25, 1786. July 15, 1809, his intentions of marriage to Deborah Willard were published. He d. July 24, 1809. 19 IX. Susanna, b. Sept. 25, 1789 ; md. Francis Lane, Jr., q. V. 20 X. Dorothy, b. Nov. 25, 1793 ; md. Ezekiel Metcalf, q. V. (11) 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 (12) 30 31 Abraham Foster, son of Samuel, md. Jan. 26, 1792, Sarah Willard, dau. of Dea. John Willard. He was a blacksmith and a farmer, residing where Michael Coughlin now resides. His wife d. July 24, 1831 ; he md. (2d) Jan. 1, 1837, Mary T. Davis, dau. of Ebenezer Bennett Davis. He d. Nov., 1837 ; his widow d. April 29, 1853. I. Sarah, b. Oct. 17, 1792. II. John W., b. May 12, 1794. in. Abigail, b. July 6, 1796. IV. Lucinda, b. June 9, 1798. V. Sophia, b. Sept. 21, 1800. VI. Abraham, b. July 14, 1802. VII. Harriet Willard, b. June 16, 1805. VIII. Elijah Willard, b. Oct. 8, 1807; md. Tryphena Lovewell, and resided in Gardner. Eight chil- dren. IX. Mary J., b. June 20, 1810. Nathaniel Foster, son of Samuel, md. Jan. 11, 1795, Hepsibeth Cutting, dau. of Samuel Cutting, q. v. He was a farmer in the northwest part of the town and con- ducted a saw-mill. Until the death of another Nathaniel Foster, he was styled Nathaniel Foster, Jr. He d. Sept. 30, 1826. I. Bhoda, b. Dec. 15, 1795; md. Nov. 23, 1820, Asa Smith of Gardner. She d. Oct. 30, 1821, leaving a son. 1. Asa F., b. Oct. 20, 1821 ; md. Fidelia Jackson. 45 706 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 (14) 42 II. Hepsibeth, b. Oct. 13, 1797; d. Dec. 14, 1809. III. Samuel, h. July 28, 1799.+ IV. Emma, b. Sept. 3, 1801 ; d. young. V. Emma, b. Dec. 29, 1803 ; md. Thomas Bennett, q. V. VI. Eunice, b. ; md. Henry Carter of Leom- inster ; four children. VII. Nancy, b. ; md. Metaphor Kendall of Leom- inster ; she d. 1843, leaving five children. VIII. Mary, b. 1807 ; md. Stillman D. Benjamin, q. V. IX. Adaline, b. Sept. 30, 1809 ; md. Sept. 11, 1832, Albert Lamb of Leominster. X. Elvira F. , b. ; md. Stephen Dodge of Leominster. XI. Leonard, b. April 14, 1814. -(- 43 44 45 46 Samuel Foster, son of Samuel, md. Feb. 5, 1799, Lydia Stearns, dau. of William Stearns, q. v., and the same year he removed to Stoddard, N. H. He was a blacksmith and a farmer. He d. April 24, 1868 ; she d. July 1, 1867. I. Stearns, b. Dec. 26, 1799 ; md. Feb. 3, 1825, Cynthia Willson of Stoddard; she d. July 9, 1844 ; he md. (2d) Dec. 3, 1845, Mary Fuller of Hancock, N. H. He resided in Stoddard until 1860, when he removed to Keene, N. H., where he d. Aug. 23, 1882. Seven children. II. Lydia, b. Aug. 22, 1801 ; md. Nov. 24, 1824, Dea. Luke Joslin, son of David and Eebecca (Richardson) Joslin of Stoddard, and grandson of John and Susannah (Carter) Joslin of Leom- inster. Dea. Joslin, in 1855, removed to Keene, N. H., where he d. June 3, 1875. Three children. III. Maria, b. April 29, 1804; md. Nov. 4, 1823, Stephen Wood of Hancock, N. H. ; he d. April 30, 1874. IV. Hosea, b. April 13, 1806 ; md. Nov. 7, 1833, Mary G. Rice, dau. of Peter and Sally (Moore) Rice of Stoddard, N. H. ; he resided in Stod- dard, N. H., until 1868, when he removed to Keene, N. H., where he d. by accident, Feb. 7, 1872. Six children. V. Selina, b. July 5, 1809 ; md. Feb. 16, 1830, Mark Bowers of Hancock, N. H. Seven children. Rev. Albert Bowers, formerly pastor Congrega- 47 48 49 50 (16) 51 52 53 54 (33) 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 707 tional church, Huntington, W. Va., now of Kuggles, O., and George Bowers, D. D. S., of Nashua, N. H., are their sons. VI. Emily, b. Dec. 19, 1811 ; md. Oct. 10, 1833, Dea. Edward Hayward of Hancock. They removed 1869 to Keene, N. H., and subse- quently to Hyde Park, to reside with their chil- dren. He d. Nov. 6, 1883. Seven children. vii. Samuel, b. Nov. 29, 1815; md. Nov. 5, 1845, Mary S. Palmer. He d. in Boston, Aug. 5, 1850 ; she d. Sept. 25, 1846. vra. Electa, b. Nov. 10, 1817 ; d. Dec. 25, 1818. IX. Electa, b. June 10, 1825 ; md. July 15, 1850, James Downing, son of James and Lydia (Ayers) Downing of Marlow, N. H. Four children. Joel Foster, son of Samuel, was a valuable citizen. He was in town office several years and ably and faithfully discharged every trust. He md. 1805, Dolly "Wetherbee of Boxboro', b. Feb. 21, 1774; she d. May 23, 1838 ; he md. (2d) April 23, 1839, Ruth Fuller, widow of Benjamin Fuller. He d. Sept. 6, 1859 ; she d. April 3, 1850, aged 76 years. I. Harriet, b. Sept. 10, 1806; md. April 1, 1830, James Hayward of Ashby ; she d. April 10, 1839 ; he md. (2d) Melinda Corey, q. v. II. Joel, b. July 15, 1808 ; d. March 31, 1814. m. Jerome W., b. Dec. 15, 1810. + IV. Dorothy, b. Sept. 6, 1813; md. June 12, 1833, Lewis G. Houghton, b. April 12, 1804, son of Elijah and Sarah Houghton of Ashby. She d. Dec. 31, 1863. Samuel Foster, son of Nathaniel, md. Dec. 15, 1825, Emeline Kibling, dau. of John Kibling, q. v. They resided in this town and in Fitchburg. They d. in Fitchburg. I. Sarah A., b. March 27, 1827. II. Charles S., b. June 6, 1828. m. Leonard Q., b. Aug. 26, 1837. IV. Ellen. V. Edwin. VI. George. VII. Louisa. 708 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. (41) 62 63 64 (53) (65) 76 77 78 Leonaed Foster, son of Nathaniel, resides in the northwest part of the town. For many years he has been actively engaged in the manufacture of lumber and has frequently been chosen to positions in town affairs. He md. April 18, 1838, Melvina Lawrence, dau. of Capt. Moses Lawrence, q. v. She d. Aug. 28, 1848 ; md. (2d) 1850, Clarissa Cole ; md. (3d) 1862, Sarah Howard. I. Waldo A., b. Oct. 6, 1841 ; md. Dec. 31, 1870, H. Elizabeth Chandler. He was in the employ of the Fitchburg Railroad several years. Resides in Fitchburg. II. Jennie A., b. Sept. 6, 1839 ; md. Webster Maynard of Winchendon ; she d. July 16, 1861. III. EmmaL.,h. Oct. 7, 1847 ; drowned June 14, 1850. Jerome W. Foster, Esq., son of Joel, during a useful life was prominent in town affairs and highly esteemed by the community. Vide page 485 and lists of town officers. He md. April 23, 1834, Mary Colson, dau. of George and Nancy (Aldrich) Colson. He d. March 23, 1871. George C, b. Jan 21, 1835.+ Mary C, b. March 12, 1838 ; md. Feb. 9, 1858, Josiah P. Sawtell, q. v. Jerome, b. Nov. 5, 1839 ; d. April 5, 1841. Harriet M., b. July 28, 1843 ; md. July 1, 1875, Goldsburg H. Pond, son of Goldsburg and Julia Ann (Harden) Pond of Franklin, Mass. Susan R., b. Nov. 5, 1844; d. Aug. 14, 1866. G. Lucretia, b. June 1, 1846 ; resides unmd. in Ashburnham. Ella J., b. Nov. 11, 1847 ; d. May 29, 1861. D. Josephine, b. Dec. 26, 1849 ; d. Nov. 18, 1869. Emma D., b. Feb. 6, 1852 ; d. Sept. 14, 1852. Emma. b. June 15, 1853 ; d. Sept. 7, 1861. Jerome, b. June 5, 1856 ; d. Oct. 29, 1856. 65 I. 66 n. 67 III. 68 IV. 69 V. 70 VI. 71 VII. 72 VIII. 78 IX. 74 X. 75 XI. George C. Foster resides in Ashburnham. He is proprietor of a livery stable and a farmer, and an active, useful citizen. He. md. Aug. 10, 1856, Sarah E. Bemis, dau. of William Bemis, q. v. I. Charles W., b. May 16, 1858; resides unmd. in this town. He is of the sixth generation from Jeremiah and Ruth (Metcalf) Foster. II. George 0., b. June 17, 1862 ; d. Feb. 12, 1883. Dea. Moses Foster is a prominent character in the early annals of Ashburnham. The date of his arrival 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 GENEALOGICAL KEGISTER. 709 here is not accurately known. In 1750 the proprietors styled him "one of the first settlers." Those who came to the -wilderness at this time found him improving a considerable clearing in the northeast part of the grant and in the present town of Ashby. In 1750 he removed to a lot east and adjoining the common and was there an innholder several years. In the records he is presented as an influential man and a prominent citizen. He was one of the thirteen original members and the first deacon of the church. After a prolonged search I am compelled to say that the place and date of his birth and record of his early life and marriage have not been found. I can only add that the name of his wife was Mary; she d. Nov. 11, 1777, "aged 70 to 80 years." He d. Oct. 17, 1785, "aged 94 years." The record of two children is im- perfectly preserved. I. Moses, b. ; md. Mary ; he lived in the northeast part of the grant and in company with Zimri Heywood he owned a mill. The site of this early mill is in Ashby. He removed in 1770 to Shelhurne. 1. Milicent, b. May 1, 1758 ; d. Oct. 8, 1760. 2. Sarah, b. April 14, 1760. 3. Kezia, b. March 10, 1762. 4. Phebe, b. April 29, 1764; md. Capt. 1 David Merriam, q. v. 5. Esther, b. Jan. 19, 1767. 6. Brooks, b. March 14, 1769. 7. Moses, b. in Shelburne ; bap. in Ashburn- ham Dec. 29, 1771. II. Jane, b. ; md. June 5, 1756, Zimri Hey- wood, q. V. Nathaniel Foster, whose lineage has not been made certain, resided in this town twenty years immediately after the Revolution. His farm was near Ward pond in the northeast part of the town and probably west of it. His wife d. May 19, 1785 ; he md. (2d) Dec. 29, 1785, Mary Kendall of this town. He d. Oct. 12, 1804, aged, says Mr. Gushing, between 40 and 50 years. I. 3fary, b. Oct. 6, 1786. It. Rebecca, b. Dec. 19, 1788. III. Lucy, b. Aug. 12, 1791. IV. Catherine, b. Dec. 9, 1793. V. Stephen, b. Jan. 29, 1796; d. Feb. 12, 1796. 710 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 94 95 96 VI. Nathaniel, b. Feb. 22, 1797. vii. Joel, b. June 9, 1801. VIII. Sarah, b. Aug. 13, 1803. Joel French, a native of England, b. about 1760, with his family came to this country about 1806, and after a short residence in Weymouth, where he followed his trade as tailor, he removed to Ashburnham about 1818, and subsequently was a farmer. The youngest child b. during the voyage was named in compliment of the captain of the vessel. He d. March 29, 1829. Eliza, b. 1798 ; md. John Pratt, g. v. Zethan, b. 1802; md. in Ashburnham 1837, Phebe Ames; d. in Weathersiield, Vt., Nov. 2.5, 1884. Perez DrinJcwater, b. about 1806 ; d. in Reading, Vt., 1841. I. II. FEOST. Edmukd Tkost, with wife Thomasine, settled in Cambridge 1635. He was a ruling Elder of the church in Cambridge. His wife d. previous to 1669, and he md. (2d) widow Keana Daniel who survived him.- He d. July 12, 1672, " leaving to his children the example of a godly life." Ephraim Frost, son of Edmund, the emigrant, resided in Cambridge where he d. Jan. 2, 1717-18, aged 72. By wife Hepsibah who survived him, he had five chil- dren ; of these, Ebenezer Frost b. 1697, md. July 2, 1723, Deborah Martin. He was a currier and d. in Cambridge 1768, leaving three sons. The second of these, Ebenezer Frost, b. 1725, md. April 21, 1748, Naomi Dana, dau. of Thomas and Mary (Parker) Dana; about 1760 he removed to Rutland. Stephen Frost, son of Ebenezer and Naomi (Dana) Frost was b. in Rutland, and settled in Hubbardston. He md. Mary Warren of Brighton, and d. June 18, 1828; she d. May 31, 1851, ajjed 81 years. Their son Ebenezer, of the fifth generation, settled in Ashburnham. Ebenezer Frost, son of Stephen and Mary (Warren) Frost, was b. in Hubbardston, Aug. 18, 1802. He re- moved to this town about 1823, and for many years he was an efficient and popular school teacher, and a farmer. He was an intelligent man, an active citizen, and his name frequently appears in the list of town oflflcers. He md. Aug., 182><, Sally Sawin, dau. of Asa and Susannah (Grimes) Sawin, q. v. He d. Nov. 27, 1876 ; she d. Nov. 11, 1874. I. Spencer, b. April 4, 1831 ; md. Sept., 1860, Mar^' R. Lamb of Westminster ; he was in the service in the 53d Regiment and now resides, a farmer, in Arthur, 111. 9 10 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 711 II. Mary Susan, b. March 23, 1833; md. Noy., 1856, David Heald of Milford, N. H. ; she d. Nov. 9, 1859. III. Charles H., b. July 6, 1835 ; resides in Arthur, 111. IV. Ellen B., b. March 27, 1838 ; md. 1862, Rinaldo H. Shattuck, son of Andrew and Rebecca (Green) Shattuck of Townsend. He enlisted on the quota of this town, and d. at Brashear, La., May 8, 1863 ; she md. {2d) 1875, George T. Samson, q. v. V. Huldah E.,h. Jan. 18, 1841; md. Jan. 6, 1864, William P. Heald of Milford, N. H. ; she d. Nov. 15, 1866. John Frost resided in this town from about 1778 to 1787. His early and subsequent history is unknown. The name of his wife was Mary, and three children were b. in this town. I. John, b. Oct. 12, 1780. II. Joseph, b. July 4, 1783. III. Hannah, b. May 12, 1785. Chester B. Gale, b. in Barnard, Vt., Feb. 17, 1831 ; md. March 15, 1859, Lucy A. Godfrey, and removed to this town 1862. In AUg., 1862, he enlisted in 36th In- fantry and served through the war. He is a farmer. I. Alice O., b. March 14. 1860; d. May 29, 1860. II. Alta E., b. June 30, 1862. m. Charles B., b. July 23, 1866. ly. Clinton, b. July 29, 1868 ; d. Aug. 28, 1868. V. Freddie C, b. May 8, 1871 ; d. Aug. 16, 1871. VI. Edith A., b. Nov. 25, 1876. Capt. Jonathan Gates, with wife Elizabeth, and one or more children removed from Harvard to this town im- mediately preceding 1765. He was frequently elected to office and was a prominent citizen while he remained in this town. During the first three years of the Eevolution he was a captain of the militia and several times he was in active service. Vide Chap. V, and list of town officers. Several children were bap., but the birth of none are on record. It is not certain that all the children are named in this register. The family removed from town soon after the Eevolution. 712 HISTOliV OF ASHBURNHAM. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 (14) 19 20 21 22 23 24 (17) 25 I. Jonathan, b. in Harvard Sept. 27, 1762. In 1818 he -was residing in Champion, N. Y. Vide page 184. II. Zacdieus. III. Ebenezer SJiedd. IV. John. V. Henry. VI. Sarah, b. 1776. VII. Freedom., b. 1778. VIII. Tlianhful Fletcher, b. 1780. Henry Gates, by a tradition a brother of Capt. Jona- than, with wife Lois, came to this town previous to 1770. He was a soldier in the Revolution. He settled on the Howard farm, and remained in this town during life. He d. Nov. 11, 1807; his widow d. Jan. 16, 1812. I. Hannah, b. 1770. II. Lois,h. 1771 ; md. Lyman Fletcher, q. v. III. Molly Shedd, b. 1773 ; md. Joseph Davis, son of Amos Davis, q. v. IV. Henry, b. 1775.-)- V. Hosea, b. 1777 ; d. in Stow March 24, 1835. VI. Persis, b. April 16, 1779 ; md. Edward Maynard, q. V. VII. William, b. Oct. 13, 1782.+ VIII. Jonathan, b. 1786. Hekry Gates md. Aug. 10, 1796, Prudence Priest; she d. Feb. 5, 1808; md. (2d) 1809, Ruth Lawrence of Mason, N. H. He d. in this town Jan. 27, 1856. His death is recorded William Gates, and the death noted on page 552 refers to this Henry Gates. I. Candace, b. Feb. 9, 1797. II. Artemas, h. Sept. 6, 1798. III. Mary, b. Feb. 19, 1805. IV. Louisa Whitcomb, b. March 2, 1807. V. Eveline, b. Feb. 15, 1810. VI. Sarah Lawrence, b. April 21, 1811. William Gates md. Sept. 6, 1807, Betsey Hosley of Hancock, N. H. They resided in Westminster from 1814 to 1818 and subsequently in this town. He d. Dec. 7, 1844; shed. Aug. 22, 1872. I. William, b. Oct. 28, 1809 ; md. Aug. 29, 1837, 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 (35) 43 44 45 46 47 48 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 713 Betsey Hosley of Jamaica, Vt. He d. in New Fane, Vt., 1881. II. David, h. Nov. 8, 1812 ; d. Sept. 17, 1814. in. Sally, b. Aug. 11, 1814; md. Hezekiah Matthews, q. V, TV. Mary, b. March 7, 1816 ; md. Ivers Burgess, q. v. V. Elizabeth, b. April 25, 1818 ; md. Jesse Parker, q. V. John Gates, probably a brother of Capt. Jonathan and Henry, came to this town about 1770. He md. 1773, Catherine Coolidge, dau. of Elisha Coolidge, g. v., and resided, a farmer, in this town. I. Catherine, b. Sept. 15, 1773 ; md. Melzer Hudson, q. V. II. Levi, b. Aug. 27, 1775. III. Lucy, b. Sept. 5, 1778 ; md. Luther Brooks, q. v. IV. Betty, b. Dec. 18, 1780; md. Dec. 27, 1801, Josiah Wheeler, b. in Westminster Dec. 31, 1781, son of Josiah and Lucy (Graves) Wheeler ; md. (2d) Joseph Merriam, Jr., q. v. V. John, b. March 28, 1783. + VI. Sally, b. April 7, 1785. VII. Ezra, b. July 26, 1787. No record of marriage; a child was buried in this town 1817, but he was not taxed that year. VIII. Amos, b. Mav 22, 1790 ; d. July 4, 1794. IX. Naiicy, b. March 18, 1792 ; d. Dec. 13, 1796. X. Asa, b. Feb. 18, 1794 ; d. Feb. 19, 1794. XI. Amy, b. May 4, 1795 ; md. Dec. 12, 1815, Samuel Beal, son of John and Lydia (Holman) Bealof Chesterfield, N. H. They resided in Chesterfield, where she d. May 23, 1854. He d. Dec. 5, 1870. Nine children. XII. Loring, b. Sept. 30, 1797 ; md. 1819, Nancy Adams, dau. of James Adams, q. v. They removed to Harford, Penn. John Gates md. 1808, Lucy Pierce of Gardner. I. Nancy, b. Jan. 13, 1809. II. Alfred, h. Aug. 10. 1810. III. Lucy, b. June 15, 1812. IV. John, b. May 13, 1814. V. Ezra. b. Nov. 18, 1816. VI. Warren, b. April 7, 1819. 714 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 (53) 61 62 63 64 Everett Gates, b. Sept. 11, 1798, son of Isaiah and Susannah (Hapgood) Gates of Stow, md. Jan. 30, 1822, Chloe Constantine, dau. of Jacob Constantine, q. v. He was a farmer and on a farm in Ashby adjoining this town. He d. April 20, 1860 ; his widow resides on the homestead with memory unimpaired. I. John L., b. Nov. 3, 1822 ; d. June 12, 1829. II. Charles E., b. Feb. 16, 1825 ; d. unmd. Oct. 23, 1864. III. James i., b. May 3, 1827 ; d. June 16, 1829. IV. Jacob P., b. April 20, 1829.+ V. George 0., b. May 8, 1832 ; d. March 24, 1839. VI. Mary E., b. May 6, 1835 ; resides unmd. on the homestead. VII. Timothy N., b. Jan. 16, 1837; md. Sept. 28, 1859, Mary A. Whittemore ; resides in Fitch- burg. Six children. VIII. Otis E., b. Sept. 26, 1839; resides unmd. on the homestead. IX. Francis J/., b. April 4, 1842 ; resides unmd. on the homestead. X. Eliza J., b. June 23, 1844 ; d. June 27, 1852. XI. Eugene 0., b. July 16, 1847 ; resides unmd. on the homestead. Jacob Philbrick Gates, son of Everett Gates, md. Sept. 18, 1855, Sally Wilker, dau. of John Wilker, q. v. He is a farmer and owns a part of the original Wilker farm. I. Flora G., b. Nov. 17, 1856. II. Willie E., b. Aug. 15, 1862 ; d. Dec. 19, 1863. III. Clara M., b. Jan. 8, 1865. IV. Fred E., b. July 24, 1869. Charles Henry Gentle, b. in Westminster Sept. 30, 1857, son of Charles and Mary (Dunn) Gentle, md. Nov. 23, 1881, Sarah Smith, dau. of Leonard and Mary (Mansfield) Smith. (T'7de Lawrence register.) He owns and occupies the Merrick Willard farm at South Village. GIBBS. 6|The Gibbs families of America are of English origin. The Ashburnham families are descendants of Matthew Gibbs who was a planter In Charlestown at an early date, and where he md. about 1650, Mary Bradish, dau. of Robert Bradish of Cambridge. In 1654 he sold his house and land in Charlestown and removed to Sudbury. He was chosen one of a committee in 1655 and GENEALOGICAL KEGISTEK. 715 subsequently was frequently mentioned in the Sudbury and county records. He d. previous to 1697. The eldest of his seven children was Matthew Gibbs, Jr., who was b. about 1655. He removed from Sudbury to Framingham, where he d. March 9, 1732. He md. 1678, Mary Moore, b. in Lancaster 1655, dau. of John and Ann (Smith) Moore of Lancaster and Sudbury. He md. (2d) Elizabeth Moore, b. 1657, a sister of his first wife. She d. in Eramingham Jan. 20, 1733-4. Joseph Gibbs, the fourth of the six children of Matthew Gibbs, Jr., was b. Oct. 7, 1687. He md. July 1, 1712, Mercy Clark, b. in Cambridge Dec. 18, 1690, dau. of James and Sarah (Champney) Clark. He resided in Framingham until about 1717, when he removed to Sudbury, where his wife d. Eeb. 28, 1738-4. Joseph and Mercy (Clark) Gibbs had six children, of whom Joseph Gibbs, Jr., the second child and eldest son, was b. in Eramingham, where he was bap. Sept. 13, 1719. He md. Hannah Howe and resided in Rutland and Princeton. He d. in Princeton May 12, 1774. His wife d. May 22, 1772. Two of the sons of Joseph Gibbs, Jr., settled in Ashburnham. Daniel Gibbs, eldest son of Joseph and Hannah (Howe) Gibbs, was b. Aug. 1, 1751. He resided in Princeton until 1778, when he bought land of John Gates and a mill in South Ashburnham of Philip Lock. He probably removed to Ashburnham in 1778, as his name appears on the remnant of a tax list for that year. He resided in this town until 1793, when he removed to Peterborough, N. H. From 1804 until his death he carried the mail from Brattleborough, Vt., to Portsmouth, N. H., at first on horseback and later in a light vehicle. He was killed while attempting to pass a bridge under repairs in Peterborough, Sept. 25, 1824. He md. in Princeton 1777, Lydia Woods, dau. of Samuel Woods of Princeton, and a half-sister of Rev. Dr. Leonard Woods ; she survived him and d. in Peterborough April 14, 1836, aged 75. Three children were b. in Ashburnham and two in Peterborough. I. Polly, b. April 12, 1781 ; d. April 17, 1795. II. Asa, b. Aug. 26, 1789 ; md. March 16, 1809, Mary Gregg, dau. of Major Samuel Gregg of Peterborough, N. H. She d. Feb. 24, 1813 ; md. (2d) July 4, 1815, Sally Porter, dau. of James Porter of Peterborough. Succeeding his father he carrie.d the mails until 1826. He d. in Peter- borough May 27, 1849 ; his widow d. Oct. 24, 1859. Four children. III. Abel, b. July 18, 1787; md. March 13, 1816, Nancy C. Porter, dau. of James Porter. He d. in Savannah, Ga., 1819. Their only child, James Porter Gibbs, d. in Woburn, Oct. 9, 1842, aged 26 years. 716 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 9 10 11 12 13 U 15 16 17 18 19 IV. Lydia Woods, b. Aug. 29, 1798 ; md. John Gard- ner ; md. (2d) Jan., 1828, Rev. William Hogan of Savannah, Ga. He d. 1848 ; she d. in Peterborough Sept. 30, 1875. V. Sally, b. 1800; d. unmd. May 29, 1820. Joseph Gibbs, son of Joseph and Hannah (Howe) Gibbs, was b. Oct. 12, 1756. He remained in Princeton during the Revolution, and was taxed there until 1783. At this time he removed to this town and settled on the farm now of his grandson, George G. Samson. He was intelligent, industrious, honest, a kind neighbor and an exemplary citizen. He md. Jan. 9, 1787, Elizabeth Laws, b. July 28, 1766, dau. of James, Jr., and Anne (Danforth) Laws of Westminster. She d. Nov. 10, 1809 ; he md. (2d) June 19, 1811, Sally Fairbanks, dau. of Cyrus Fairbanks, q. v. He d. from injury received from a falling tree, March 19, 1829. His widow md. (2d) Nov. 19, 1835, Lewis Hill of Chester, Vt., and d. 1858. There were eleven children of Joseph and Elizabeth (Laws) Gibbs, and two of Joseph and Sally (Fairbanks) Gibbs. I. Joseph, b. March 20, 1788 ; md. Feb. 2, 1813, Betsey Cowee of Westminster ; resided in Ben- son, Vt. II. Benjamm, b. Feb. 3, 1790.4- m. Betsey, h. March 16, 1792; md. Jonathan Sam- son, q. V. IV. Azubah, b. Feb. 9, 1794; d. Aug. 9, 1795. V. Jonathan Danforth, b. May 24, 1796 ; resided in Jaffrey, N. H. ; md. Nov. 18, 1821, Rhoda Locke, b. July 27, 1801, dau. of Edward J. and Rhoda (Laws) Locke ; she d. May 12, 1834 ; he md. (2d) Dec. 29, 1835, Sarah H. Wilson of Mason, N. H. He was a public-spirited citizen. 1 Rhoda Elizabeth, b. May 17, 1823. VI. Leavitt Howe, b. March 26. 1798. + VII. Infant, b. and d. Aug. 2, 1800. VIII. Aziihah, b. Dec. 4, 1801 ; md. 1823, Alison Lake, Esq., of Rindge ; she d. Jan. 3, 1832. IX. Leonard, b. April 10, 1803; resided in Utica, N. Y. X. Cyrus, b. Sept. 22, 1806 ; md. Elizabeth Bennett, resided in Canada. XI. Sylvia, b. Sept. 4, 1808 ; d. Sept. 22, 1808. 20 21 22 23 (9) 2i 25 26 27 28 29 (14) GENEALOGICAL REGISTEU. 717 XII. Infant, d. Aug. 1, 1814. xm. 3Ierriclc H.,h. Dec. 21, 1815 ; md. Sept. 19, 1842, Maria M. Whitnej', dau. of Noah and Mercy- Whitney ; resided in Ashburnham and in Gard- ner. He d. June 17, 1879. His widow resides in Gardner. 1. Merrick Wallace, b. July 18, 1846; md. 1874, Lydia A. Whitman, dau. of Charles and Viola Whitman. He d. in Gardner Oct. 7, 1878 ; his wife d. Aug. 23, 1877. One dau., Maud E., b. Dec. 23, 1875. 2. Kate M., b. Sept. 26, 1848 ; md. Nov. 28, 1871, Edwin Gates, sou of Addison and Nancy Gates ; reside in Gardner. CoL. Benjamin Gibbs was an officer of the militia sev- eral years, and was promoted Major 1824, and Lieutenant Colonel 1825. About 1826 he removed to Cambridge- port, where he d. Sept. 7, 1863. He md. Dec. 19, 1813, Sarah Rice, dau. of Reuben Rice, q. v. She d. Jan. 17, 1840 ; he md. (2d) July 22, 1841, her sister, Lucy Rice, who d. Dec. 29, 1885. I. Bevjamin Warren, b. Sept. 10, 1815 ; md. Oct. 14, 1838, Susan F. Johnson. He d. at Cam- bridgeport Jan. 7, 1878. II. Joseph N., b. July 24, 1817 ; md. Nov. 27, 1845, Elizabeth Wheeler. He is a jeweller at Med- ford. III. Beuben Rice, b. Feb. 13, 1820 ; d. Sept. 19,, 1824. IV. Sarah E., b. June 18, 1832; md. Nov. 22, 1855, Frank W. Reeves ; she resides, his widow, at Laconia, N. H. V. George H., b. July 29, 1842 ; md. April 23, 1871, Ruhamah H. Wyman ; he d. at Cambridgeport Nov. 5, 1882. VI. Charles E., b. Aug. 5, 1844; md. April 30, 1868, Mary E. Hartford ; resides at Maplewood. Leavitt H. Gibbs md. June 13, 1824, Charlotte Stearns, b. July 17, 1800, dau. of Daniel and Elizabeth (Knowlton) Stearns of Brattleborough, Vt. They resided in this town until 1864. In the infirmities of age they found a pleasant home with their children. He d. in Whitins- ville Dec. 11, 1875. Mrs. Gibbs resides with her eldest 718 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 son in Fitchburg. She is tlie oldest member of the Con- gregational church, having been admitted to membership May 7, 1826. I. Joseph, b. April 28, 1825 ; md. Sept. 30, 1849, Martha A. Dunn, dau. of John and Martha Dunn of Phillipston. He is a merchant tailor in Fitchburg. 1. Flora v., b. Feb. 28, 1851; md. Marcb 19, 1873, Frank L. Danforth ; they re- side in Chicago, 111. II. Charles Stearns, b. April 10, 1827 ; d. unmd. April 29, 1856. III. Henry A., b. April 8, 1831; md. Sept. 30, 1858, Eliza A. Blodgett, dau. of James Blodgett, q. v. He is superintendent of streets in Woonsocket, R.I. IV. George L., b. Feb. 20, 1837. He has resided in Whitinsville since 1854, with the exception of one year in Fitchburg, where he was engaged in the clothing trade. He is a successful merchant, and in local and public affairs has manifested a lively interest. He was a member of the Legislature 1869, a member of the Republican State Committee 1881 and 1884, and an alternate delegate to the National Republican Convention 1884. He md. Helen Louisa Whiting, dau. of Charles P. and Sarah J. (Halliday) Whiting. She d. May 9, 1885. 1. George Melville. V. Ellen M., b. July 27, 1839; md. Aug. 10, 1864, William H. Kurd, b. Oct. 8, 1834, son of John and Sophia (Hitchcock) Hurd of Montague. They reside in Keene, N. H. VI. Harriet C, b. Feb. 2, 1842 ; d. July 17, 1843. Thomas Gibson removed to the southeast part of this town about 1783. The name of his wife was Relief, but no record of the marriage has been found. An account of his service in the Revolution appears in Chap. "VI. He d. June 11, 1841 ; his widow d. Oct. 20, 1849. I. Thomas, b. July 4, 1784; md. 1808, Hannah Cutter, b. July 29, 1790, dau. of Ammi and Hannah (Holden) Cutter of Cambridge. He removed to Ashby, where their nine children 10 11 12 13 14 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 719 were b. Among these is Jerome S. Gibson who is number 12 of this register. II. Belief, b. May 29, 1789. III. Lucinda, b. March 25, 1790; md. 1810, Bezaleel Gibson. IV. Betsey, b. Sept. 22, 1791. V. John, b. Feb. 12, 1796; md. 1820, Rebecca Munroe, dau. of Lieut. Ebenezer Munroe, q. v. VI. Porter, b. Sept. 20, 1798. VII. Sophia, b. April 6, 1800 ; md. John Munroe, son of Lieut. Ebenezer Munroe, q. v. vm. Hosea B., b. Aug. 21, 1802. Ebeb Gibson, son of Stephen and Eliza (Maynard) Gibson of Ashby, was b. Nov. 14, 1810. He is a grandson of Nehemiah Maynard, an early resident of this town. He md. Dec. 1, 1836, Sylvia Eice, dau. of Levi Rice, g. v., and has remained in this town. Two children d. young. I. Elizabeth Ann, b. Aug. 9, 1842 ; md. Nov. 27, 1858, Fred M. Stanley. Jerome S. Gibson, b. Oct. 24, 1822, in Ashby, md. April 10, 1845, Abigail D. Sawyer, dau. of Abel Sawyer; resided in this town many years and recently removed to Ashby. His wife d. 1886. ■ I. Elwyn Deloss, b. July 19, 1850 ; md. Feb. 7, 1877, Celia V. Marble, dau. of Newell Marble, q. v. II. Lillian Ardelle, b. June 24, 1854 ; md. Charles S. Marble, son of Newell Marble, q. v. William Gipson, b. in Lunenburg, md. Dolly Hawks and resided in Rindge and in this town. He was killed by a falling tree July 18, 1839, aged about 50 years. The records name three and it is certain there were other children. I. Mary H., md. 1840, Amos D. Brooks. 11. Irene, md. 1842, George Atkinson. III. Caroline P., md. 1846, James C. Peabody. Henet Gipson, a brother of William Gipson, b. in Lunenburg Oct. 18, 1793, md. 1811, Dolly E. Samson, dau. of Jonathan Samson, Jr. He resided a few years in Rindge, returning to this town in 1827. He d. March 10, 1861 ; she d. Dec. 18, 1873. 720 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 I. Susan Samson, b. March 1, 1812. II. Henry, b. Nov. 16, 1813 ; md. 1836, Mary L. Perry, dau. of Obadiah and Lavinia (Piper) Perry of Littleton ; he d. about 1865 ; she md. (2d) Charles Taylor, son of Samuel and Persis (Jones) Taylor of New Ipswich. III. Dolly Rosina, b. Oct. 20, 1815. IT. Merrick, b. Sept. 14, 1817; md. Jan. 20, 1842, Eoxanna Townsend ; lives in Ashby. V. Sarah Elizabeth, b. Oct. 23, 1823. Ti. Mary Abigail, b. Sept. 8, 1825 ; md. Nov. 23, 1842, Silas W. Winchester, son of Jona. Win- chester, Jr. VII. Julia Ann, b. Sept. 29, 1827. VIII. Jane, b. June 24, 1832. IX. Charles, b. March 12, 1834 ; md. Jan. 18, 1857, Sarah M. Jackman of Antrim, N. H. He is an invalid ; resides in northeast part of the town. 1. Charles Eugene, b. Oct. 18, 1857. 2. Merrick Oswell, b. Feb. 14, 1859. 3. James Jackman, b. Sept. 22, 1860. 4. Oren R., b. March 2, 1863. 5. Willie E., b. Deo. 22, 1864. 6. Mary Ella, b. Nov. 7, 1866. Dea. John C. Glaziee, b. in Gardner Sept. 7, 1798, was a son of Dea. Lewis and Betsey (Coolidge) Glazier and a grandson of John and Sarah (Temple) Glazier of Shrewsbury and Gardner. He md. Sophia Bancroft, b. Jan. 19, 1800, dau. of Jonathan and Betsey (Parker) Bancroft of Gardner. In 1824 he removed to South Ashbnrnham and for many years he was actively engaged in the manufacture of chairs. He was a deacon of the Congregational church from 1836 to 1857, when he resigned and united with the Methodists. He was a selectman and in 1846 he represented the town in the Legislature. He d. Dec. 21, 1860. I. Jonathan B., b. Nov. 9, 1823 ; d. Dec. 16, 1823. II. Betsey Coolidge, b. June 16, 1825 ; md,. Edward S. Flint, q. v. m. Harvey Bancroft, b. Dec. 3, 1828 ; d. July 13, 1832. IV. Letvis, b. Nov. 23, 1833 ; md. 1855, Elizabeth J. Lawrence, b. 1834, dau. of Ithamar Lawrence of Jaffrey, N. H. He d. in this town Nov. 15, 1863. v. Lucy Ann, b. Feb. 12, 1844 ; md. Alva S. Howe, son of Perley Howe, q. v. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 721 Peter Good ale, b. Dec. 12, 1751, was a son of Edward Goodale of Shrewsbury, grandson of Benjamin Goodale of Marlboro' and great-grandson of John Goodale of Marlboro'. He md. in Shrewsbury, March 9, 1775, Abigail Hinds, b. July 14, 1752, dau. of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Temple) Hinds of Shrewsbury. He removed from Shrewsbury to Ashburnham in 1776 and settled in the southwest part of the town. When Gardner was in- corporated, his farm was included and the new town ac- quired a good citizen. He was selected to warn the first town meeting in Gardner, and was subsequently treasurer and selectman. He was a liberal contributor of material for the first meeting-house in the new town. He removed to Boylston, 1791. Elizabeth, b. in Shrewsbury Dec. 23, 1775. Benjamin, b. in Ashburnham Sept. 5, 1778. Jason, b. in Ashburnham Dec. 7, 1780. Peter, b. in Ashburnham May 3, 1783. Asaph, b. in Gardner May 13, 1787. Junia, b. in Gardner April 17, 1789. 2 1 3 n 4 III 5 IV 6 V 7 VI Matthew E. Goodwin, b. in Shoreham, Vt., March 25, 1813, has resided in this town about fifty years. He md. May 4, 1836, Mary Burgess, dau. of Joseph F. Burgess, q. V. He is a carpenter at the South Village. I. Lois Irene, b. Aug. 7, 1838 ; md. Charles Henry Puffer, q. v. 11. Jonathan Edward, b. July 12, 1840 ; md. Jane Foster ; md. (2d) Mary (Derby) Flint, widow ; resides in Gardner, m. Jesse Washburn, b. Feb. 9, 1843 ; md. Nina Parsons ; resided in Camden, N. Y., until 1886, when he removed to this town. IV. Matthew Birchard, b. Nov. 28, 1845 ; md. Flor- ence Eitchie. He is a chair maker at South Village. V. Juliette, b. Sept. 13, 1848 ; md. March 7, 1864, Chester Burbee ; they reside at South Village. VI. Willie Charles, b. March 4, 1854; drowned May 10, 1864. VII. Alice Jane, b. July 21, 1858 ; md. June 26, 1876, Burnard Duane, manufacturer at South Village. GREEN. Simeon Green, son of William and Hannah (Holden) Green, was b. in Groton Sept. 15, 1729; he md. in Pepperell, Sept. 13, 1753, Mary Shattuck, b. Sept. 22, 1730, dau. of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Chamberlain) Shattuck 46 722 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. of Groton. They resided some years in Pepperell, and about 1777 re- mored to Jaffrey, N". H., and about 1791 removed to Townsend. He d. Sept. 16, 1813, aged 84. Mary, his wife, d. Jane 27, 1810, aged nearly 80. Solo- mon Green, their son, removed to Jaffrey with his parents. He md. 1786, Sarah Hilton of Lunenburg, and removed to Townsend about 1791, where he d. May 31, 1803, aged 39; she d. Sept. 2, 1850, aged 82 years. The seventh of their nine children was Rebecca Green, b. March 5, 1801 ; md. Sept. 26, 1830, Andrew Shattuck of Pepperell, son of Abijah Shattuck. They resided in Shirley and Townsend. He d. Oct. 5, 1844, aged 42 ; she md. (2d) Walter Russell, q. v. ; md. (3d) Hosea Green, q. -v. Rinaldo H. Shat- tuck, who d. in the army May 8, 1863, was a son of Andrew and Rebecca (Green) Shattuck. He was b. in Shirley March 18, 1838. 10 (10) 3 II. 4 III. 5 IV. 6 V. 7 VI. 8 VII. 9 VIII. 11 Oliver (3-reen, son of Simeon and Mary (Shattuck) Green, was b. in Pepperell March 28, 1754. He md. July 13, 1780, Dorothy Hildreth, b. Feb. 6, 1757, and they removed in 1782 to Ashby, where they resided seven- teen years. Living one year, 1799, in Westford, they removed in 1800 to this town, where he d. May 15, 1834 ; Ms widow d. Feb. 20, 1845. I. Oliver, b. July 4, 1781 ; a clergyman and teacher ; d. Oct. 24, 1810. Vide page 494. Dolly, b. Dec. 10, 1782 ; md. Oliver Marble, q. v. Mary, b. April 9, 1785 ; md. John Caldwell, q. v. Anner,h. Feb. 10, 1787; md. Samuel Randall, q. V. ^sa, b. Feb, 11, 1789; a physician; d. in New York City, 1839. Vide page 497. Betsey, b. Jan. 25, 1791 ; d. May 20, 1793. Sally, b. Dec. 9, 1792 ; md. John Hastings, q. v. Bebecca, h. June 15, 1795; md. June 26, 1817, Joseph F. Cushman; resided at Rutland, Vt., and in Michigan. She d. June 2, 1865 ; he d. 1868. Ten children. Hosea, b. Sept. 22, 1797. -j- HosEA (Jreen, at this date, 1886, is the most aged man in Ashburnham. Quiet in his manner, refined in thought, kmd to his fellow-men, his life is blameless and crowned with the fruits of good works and faithful stewardship. He md. May 22, 1821, Asenath Sawin, dau. of Asa Sawin, %To o ^^ ^- ^^''"^ ^°' ^^*3 ; ^e md. (2d) Nov. 16, 1843, Susan (Bemis) Merriam, widow of James Merriam, q.v. ; she d. Nov. 10, 1857; he md. (3d) Feb. 15, 1858, Rebecca (G^reen) Russell, dau. of Solomon Green. Eight children by first, and two by second marriage. I. Daughter, b. Jan. 22, 1822 ; d. same day. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 723 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 II. Hosea Hildreth, b. Dec. 26, 1824; d. Aug. 13, 1843. in. Oliver Marshall, b. Jan. 8, 1827 ; md. Nov. 15, 1854, Lydia A. Green of Ashby ; reside in North Chelmsford. IV. Rebecca Cushman, b. June 29, 1831 ; md. May 23, 1855, Francis Fuller of Newton ; reside in Dorchester. V. Harlan Phinney, b. March 1, 1836 ; md. Dec. 30, 1860, Eliza J. Osgood ; a merchant in Townsend. VI. Anner Randall, b. April 5, 1838 ; md. May 8, 1859, Eev. William H. Dowden, b. in Fair- haven, Jan. 15, 1836, son of Thomas and Eunice (Simons) Dowden, graduate of Andover Theo. Seminary, 1866. Congregational clergyman, having had charges in Pelham. Carlisle, Lunen- burg, East Jaffrey, N. H., Hanover, Easton and now, 1886, Rowley. VII. Sarah Asenath, b. June 24, 1840 ; md. Aug. 30, 1860, Alson L. Marshall of Fitchburg ; resides in Wakefield. VIII. Susan Elsie, b. March 5, 1843 ; d. Jan. 10, 1846. IX. Susan A., b. Sept. 29, 1845; md. William H. White of Shirley. X. HattieE., b. Aug. 22, 1848; d. April 24, 1849. GREENWOOD. Aeijah Greenwood, b. 1748, a son of Joseph Greenwood of Holden, removed to Hubbardston about 1770. He enlisted in 1775 and served in the siege of Boston. He md. July 14, 1774, Ehoda Pond, b. Oct. 12, 1753, dau. of Ezra and Sarah (Morse) Pond of Hubbardston and a granddau. of Ezra Pond of Wrentham; she d. June 16, 1782. Two of her three children survived her. Abijah Greenwood md. (2d) Oct. 3, 1783, Elizabeth Marean who d. Feb. 15, 1814; he d. Jan. 9, 1814. Otis Greenwood, son of Abijah and Khoda (Pond) Greenwood, was b. in Hubbardston Dec. 4, 1781. He md. Nov. 27, 1806, Sophia Rice, b. in Hubbardston 1785, dau. of Edmund and Abigail (Muzzy) Rice. He d. Oct. 6, 1814; his widow d. May 7, 1816. Edmund R. Greenwood, son of Otis and Sophia (Rice) Greenwood, was b. in Hubbardston Dec. 1, 1807, and was left an orphan at an early age. He md. Sept. 4, 1828, Susan H. Slocomb, b. in Boston Sept. 9, 1808, dau. of Peleg and Polly (Phelps) Slocomb. He was engaged in the manufacture of chairs in Hubbardston until 1851, when he removed to this town. He d. Jan. 12, 1882. I. Otis, b. March 4, 1829 ; resided in California, where he d. July, 1863. II. John Q., b. Sept. 28, 1830; md. Sept. 28, 1852, 724 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Ellen M. Joslin, dau. of Levi and Dorcas (Wright) Joslin ; resided in this town, where he d. Oct. 17, 1858. in. Mary S., b. Dec. 20, 1833 ; md. Col. George H. Barrett, q. v. IV. Theodore, b. July 27, 1835 ; md. April 5, 1860, Ellen M. (Joslin) Greenwood, widow of his brother, John Q. Greenwood. He served in the Civil War and continues a residence in this town. He has been an assessor several years. V. Edmund,]}. Dec. 18, 1837; resides in Memphis, Tenn. VI. Abby S., b. April 14, 1840 ; d. April 12, 1841. VII. James B., b. Sept. 10, 1842 ; d. Feb. 10, 1846. VIII. Moses P., b. Dec. 21, 1845; md. June 18, 1868, Georgie S. Whitney, dau. of Hon. Ohio Whitney, q. V. He is a merchant in this town. From 1881 to 1886 he was of the firm of Adams and Greenwood, and now is proprietor of the business in the Brick Store. Apollos Geiswold, son of Apollos and Prudence (Crapoe) Griswold, was b. in Savoy March 17, 1812. He md. April 23, 1839, Arvilla Wetherbee, dau. of Joseph and Nancy (Conant) Wetherbee of Rindge, and resided in Eindge until 1865, when he removed to the Willard farm in the north part of the town. They have one adopted son. I. JoJm W.,h. Aug. 1, 1858; md. Aug. 23, 1883, Jennie L. Ellis, dau. of Daniels Ellis, q. v. He is a farmer; resides on the Charles Davis farm, near North Village. Peeks Geoss, b. May 24, 1766 ; md. in Scituate Jan. 7, 1799, Sarah L. Whitney. They resided a few years in Hanover and came to this town 1816. He bought at this time the Brooks mill and a farm connected with the property, which still remain in the possession of the family. He d. Sept. 7, 1835. I. ElijaJi, b. July 8, 1806. + II. Sarah L., b. Feb. 23, 1808; md. June 10, 1830, Levi Corey, q. v. III. Eveline, b. March 20, 1810 ; md. Sept. 16, 1832, Moses H. Eoss. They removed to Sterling. Eight children, rv. James M.. b. June 26, 1816 ; md. Oct. 28, 1840, Sarah W. Stowers. He resided in Chelsea, where he d. Oct. 5, 1883. (2) 9 10 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 725 V. Alexander P., b. Jan. 18, 1818. He was a mill- wright ; he md. Lucretia Waldbridge and re- moved to California. He d. in San Francisco Aug. 4, 1883. Elijah Gross md. June 6, 1833, Mercy Smith, dau. of Charles and Polly (Burgess) Smith of Westminster and a granddau. of Ebenezer Burgess, q. v. He is a farmer and a miller, doing business with his son under firm name of E. Gross & Son. I. Harrison E., b. Oct. 13, 1834 ; d. same day. II. Eveline Avgusta, b. Dec. 18, 1838; d. April 21, 1845. HI. Sarah Wliitney, b. Aug. 31, 1840; resides at home unmd. IV. Andrew Porter, b. Feb. 11, 1843 ; of the firm E. Gross & Son. Gamaliel Hadlet, son of Jerold Hadley, was b. in Woburn June 5, 1797. He came to Ashburnham 1819 and subsequently occupied several farms. In 1846 he removed to Eindge and later to Michigan. Returning to Ashburnham he occupied the farm now of his son George G. Hadley until his death. He md. Nov. 8, 1819, Martha F. Knight, b. Sept. 21, 1801, dau. of John and Martha Knight of AVoburn. He d. Oct. 20, 1882 ; his widow d. Oct. 26, 1885. I. Martha, b. April 28, 1821 ; md. Leonard Lawrence, g. V. ; md. (2d) Charles Lawrence, q. v. II. Rosilla, b. Sept. 12, 1823 ; d. July 3, 1824. III. John, b. May 10, 1825 ; was engaged several years in Rindge in the manufacture of lumber and wood ware. For several years he has resided in this town. He md. Nov. 16, 1857, Lydia E. Richardson of Westminster, who d. Aug. 29, 1863; md. (2d) 1865, Susan (Kidder) Sawin, widow of John Sawin, q. v. IV. Harriet, b. Sept. 5, 1827 ; md. Ai Stone, b. in Gardner Aug. 25, 1817, son of Samuel and Lucy (Wheeler) Stone. They resided in Ashby, Winchendon and Gardner. She d. in Gardner July 13, 1862. V. Sarah, b. March 18, 1830; md. Uriah Lawrence, g. V. VI. George Gamaliel, b. June 3, 1832 ; md. Aug. 15, 1876, Mary E. Estey, b. March 12, 1861. He 726 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 TII. VIII, IX. resides a farmer on the homestead, and where Jeremiah Foster settled when he came to the wilderness. Three children. Henry, b. Oct. 28, 1835; md. Elmira Bancroft^ dau. of Dea. Smyrna W. Bancroft of Gardner; resides in Gardner. Rebecca, b. Dec. 27, 1837; d. Jan. 8, 1841. Hosea, b. Sept. 29, 1845 ; d. Oct. 2, 1845. David Hadley, a brother of Gamaliel, was b. in Woburn Feb. 6. 1800. He md. 1827, Abigail Bruce of Westminster. She was b. Oct. 10, 1810, and d. March 22, 1873. He was a farmer on the farm now of his son> Merrick Hadley. He d. Sept. 7, 1857. I. Charles S., b. March 1, 1829 ; d. March 16, 1829. II. Merrick, h. Oct. 27, 1830; md. April 20, 1861,. Lucy E. (Harris) Ballou, b. Feb. 16, 1829.. He is a farmer in Lane Village. 1. Frank A., b. Sept. 19, 1864 (adopted). m. Sumner D., b. Feb. 6, 1833 ; d. May 23, 1857. IV. Augusta A., b. Aug. 17, 1835; d. July 12, 1853. V. Louisa Janejh. Jan. 15, 1838 ; md. Edwin Scollay, son of Grover Scollay, q. v. VI. Arvilla A., b. July 6, 1840; md. James Bullardi of Berlin ; resides in Worcester. William Hadley, son of William and Abigail (Babcock) Hadley, b. in Westminster, Vt., Feb. 17, 1836, removed to this town 1862. He md. Oct. 13, 1863, Victoria Adalaide Russell, b. Oct. 3, 1842, dau. of Daniel and Amy (Whittaker) Russell. Daniel Russell d. in this town Feb 12, 1883. Mr. Hadley is a mechanic residing in Central Village. No children. Henry Hall was b. in Germany 1711. He md. in his native land Anna Mar}- Saunders, and came to America about 1750. The name was then written Hole, but it soon was changed to Hall. He was one of the seven German emigrants who purchased in Dec, 1757, the Lexington grant. This tract of land containing one thousand acres- was subsequently known as the Dutch Farm. In the dis- tribution of the land Henry Hall came into possession of two parcels. He settled on a corner lot more recently owned by Capt. Lemuel Whitney. He was an intelligent man and a good citizen, and his wife was an accomplished lady. (3) 9 10 11 12 13 14 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 727 The births of the children were not recorded and possibly the register is not complete. He d. Oct. 14, 1794, aged 83. Mary, his widow, d. Jan. 27, 1802, aged 76. I. Mary, b. ; md. April 27, 1772, Jedediah Cooper. They lived over the line in Westminster but attended church in this town and maintained social relations with the families of Ashburnham. It is tradition that this dau. of the emigrant was b. on the ocean. The younger children were b. in Boston. He d. 1832 ; she d. 1839. Six children. II. John, b. Aug. 18, 1753.+ III. Henry, b. 1754.-]- IV. Katherine, b. ; md. Jan. 8, 1778, Elijah Mclntire. John Hall md. Nov. 25, 1790, Betsey Bennett, dau. of James and Hannah Bennett, q. v. He resided on a farm near the residence of Nathan and Oliver Taylor. He d. Aug. 4, 1834; she d. in Ashby July 29, 1839. There were seven children. I. John, b. Aug. 20, 1791 ; md. Oct. 26, 1817, Lois Marble, dau. of Oliver Marble, q. v. He resided a few years in Berkshire, Vt., and in 1825 returned to this town, residing on the farm formerly of his father. About 1840 he removed to Wisconsin. He md. (2d) Abigail A. Shep- herd who was the mother of his five children. 1. Amos S., b. Jan. 24, 1823. 2. Otis, b. Jan. 2, 1825. 3. Eliza, b. March 7, 1826. 4. John, b. Sept. 19, 1827. 5. Betsey Ellen, b. Oct. 30, 1831. 11. Elizabeth, b. June 14, 1793 ; md. Jan. 8, 1815, Noah Goen of New Ipswich. She d., leaving a daughter, Dec. 6, 1815. 1. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 1, 1815; md. Dec. 10, 1839, David Hill; resided in Lowell, where he d. March 17, 1867. Their daughter, Anna Elizabeth Hill, b. Sept. 12, 1843, md. Jan. 3, 1870, George Frederick Smith. They had two sons : George Eobert, b. Oct. 10, 1845, and Edward Francis, b. Oct. 2, 1855. III. Nancy, b. March 5, 1795; md. Nov. 28, 1813, 728 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 15 16 17 18 19 20 (4) 21 Joseph Fletcher of New Ipswich. They resided in Enosburg, Vt. She d. at the home of her youngest dau. in Keene, N. H., April 10, 1875. 1. Nancy, b. 1815 ; md. Rev. Silas S. Hyde. 2. Almira, b. Feb. 16, 1820; md. Nov. 27, 1845, Charles B. Jaquith. They resided in this town until 1872 when they re- moved to Keene, N. H. They have one son, Ossian Jaquith. IV. Henry, b. Jan. 30, 1797; md. Abigail Crampton, and resided in Berkshire, Vt. V. James, b. Aug. 15, 1798 ; md. Mary Barton of Berkshire, Vt. ; subsequently lived in New York. VI. Quincy, b. May 16, 1800; md. Almira Eublee ; resided in Wisconsin. Several children. VII. Almira, b. Oct. 30, 1803 ; md. Sept. 26, 1850, Samuel Stearns of Rindge ; d. 1877. Heney Hall, son of Henry, md. Nov. 11, 1784, Betsey Hall of Ashby. He was a farmer residing on the farm of his father. He d. Feb. 10, 1822 ; his widow d. Oct., 1829. They had one child. I. Elizabeth, b. Feb. 6, 1788 ; md. Dec. 4, 1804, Capt. Lemuel Whitney, g. v. John Hammond, who had formerly been a ship carpen- ter, after a brief residence in Fitchburg removed to this town in 1844. He resided at Factory Village. In 1870 he went West to live with his children who had previously removed from town. The name of his wife was Sarah. No record of the family has been furnished and a number of letters remained unanswered. All the information gleaned from the records is included in the following register. I. John, b. 1834 ; removed to Michigan. II. Sarah, b. 1836 ; d. June 20, 1855. III. G'eoj-c/e If., b. about 1838; removed to Detroit, Mich. ; was largely interested in the meat business and in the export trade. He was a prominent owner of the Refrigerator Car and the first to use them in the shipment of dressed meat. He d. in Detroit Jan. 6, 1887. IV. Relief, b. . v. Martha, b. . VI. Thomas, b. ; md. 1866, Helen E. Potter. vir. Walter, b. 1846 ; d. Feb. 5, 1847. 10 11 12 13 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 729 VIII. Frederick, b. July 31, 1848 ; was in the service in the Civil War on the quota of this town. IX. Albert, b. Sept. 26, 1850; d. at Miama, Mo., Sept. 9, 1873. X. Henry, b. . XI. Juliette, b. Dec. 25, 1852. XII. Herbert, b. 1854 ; d. Aug. 6, 1855. Nathan Handley, b. in Acton Jan. 28, 1795, removed to Ashburnham 1825, where he resided until his death March 31, 1858. He md. Abigail Wilker, dau. of George "Wilker, q. v. ; she d. Jan. 24, 1871. I. Sarah W., b. April 8, 1827; md. Dec. 16, 1849, George C. Winchester, q. v. II. George W., b. March 26, 1828 ; md. Clarissa M. Green, dau. of Emerson and Clarissa (Wright) Green. They reside in Ashbj'. He is post- master. III. Martha A., b. Feb. 28, 1830 ; unmd. ; resides with her sister in Ashburnha,m. Patrick Hare, b. 1776 in the county of Down, Ireland, md. Mary Daley, b. 1788 ; came to America 1843, and to Ashburnham 1856. He d. Nov. 2, 1864 ; she d. Aug. 3, 1871. I. Elizabeth, b. 1816; md. Michael Cuddy; d. in Manchester, N. H., 1874. II. Rosena, b. ; md. John Fiuan, q. v. III. John, b. 1826 ; md. Joanna Collins ; enlisted in the autumn of 1861 in 32d Regiment and d. at Ship Island, Miss., March 8, 1862. IV. Maria, b. 1836 ; md. 1853, James Holden, b. in Ireland 1830. He is a farmer; resided in this town since 1874 ; seven of their eleven children are living. V. Ann, b. 1838; md. William M. Young. VI. James P., b. April 25, 1842 ; md. Oct. 10, 1864. Mary F. Nash, b. July 7, 1841, dau. of John and Margaret Nash ; resides in Ashburnham. Seven children. Daniel Harper was a roving planet whose familiar name is found in the records of many towns in this vicin- ity. Perhaps his occupation controlled his frequent re- movals. There were steelyard makers in the olden times who sought new fields whenever the demands of their 730 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. immediate vicinity liad been supplied. It is possible he was a harper and travelled from town to town. He md. in Lunenburg Nov. 23, 1758, Eachel Coleman, dau. of James Coleman, q. v., and the following year he was in Dorchester Canada. In 1765 he removed to Rindge and his family arrived there the next spring. Subsequently he lived in many places. Where death overtook him in his sudden movements has not appeared. I. Rachel, b. in Ashburnham April 1, 1761. 11. James Coleman, b. in Ashburnham March 1762. III. Daniel, b. in Shirley March 10, 1766. IV. Mary, b. in Littleton Feb. 27, 1770. V. Aaron, b. in Littleton Jan. 29, 1772. VI. Ezekiel, b. in Shirley Feb. 8, 1778. 10, HARRIS. There are several families of Harris in New England that can establish no ties of kinship. The number of emigrants to this country previous to 1640 bearing the name of Harris was eight or more. Some of these probably were relatives, yet there is ample evidence that there were several distinct families sharing nothing in common except the name. Dea. Jacob Harris, the first of the name in this town, was a descendant of the fourth generation from Thomas Harris, one of the early settlers of Ipswich. He was in Ips- wich as early as 1636, and in 1643 he was one of a company of twenty who marched against the Indians. He md. Nov. 15, 1647, Martha Lake, dau. of -John and Margaret (Read) Lake. He d. Aug. 2, 1687. Sergeant John Harris, son of Thomas, b. Jan. 7, 1653, md. Jan. 8, 1686, Grace Searle, dau. of William Searle of Ipswich, and resided in Ipswich where he d. Nov. 21, 1732; his widow d. June 10, 1742. Of their seven children the youngest was Richard Harris, b. Nov. 13, 1705. He md. 1735, Martha Foster, b. Dec. 16, 1710, dau. of Jacob and Martha (Graves) Foster of Ipswich. In 1743 Richard Harris and Jeremiah Foster jointly purchased 112 acres of land situ- ated in Stow and the same year both of them with their families removed to Harvard. The wife of Richard Harris was a first cousin of Jeremiah Foster. Not many years later this Jeremiah Foster and a son of Richard Harris are found residing in Ashburnham. Martha, wife of Richard Harris, d. in Har- vard Sept. 8, 1756; he md. (2d) Phebe (Wright) Atherton, widow of John Atherton. He d. Dec. 20, 1776. Three of the children of Richard Harris, Dea. Jacob, Nathaniel and Rebecca (Harris) ScoUay, were residents of Ash- burnham. Dea. Jacob Harris, son of Richard and Martha (Foster) Harris, was b. in Ipswich. Feb. 15, 1740-1. In 1743 the family removed to Harvard and he came to Ashburnh.nm in 1767. Among his townsmen he was held in high esteem and was frequently chosen to positions of trust. He was selectman 1781 and an assessor fifteen years, serving in this capacity nearly every year from 1779 to 1798. "^He was a deacon of the Congregational church from 1788 until his death. He settled about one mile northerly from 13 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 731 the old common. The house he built and occupied re- mains with slight change. His successor, so far as the house is concerned, was Townsend Barrett. Dea. Harris md. Oct. 26, 1769, Elizabeth Winchester, dau. of Eev. Jonathan Winchester, q. v. She d. June 21, 1782 ; he md. (2d) Aug. 21, 1783, Anna (Merriam) Warren, b. Oct. 10, 1753, dau. of Samuel and Anna (Whitney) Mer- riam of Lexington, and widow of Samuel Warren of Ash- burnham, q. v. She d. Sept. 15, 1790 ; he md. (3d) Oct. 11, 1792, Euth (Poole) Pratt, b. May 27, 1754, dau. of James and Elizabeth Poole of Fitchburg, and widow of Edward Pratt of New. Ipswich. She d. Nov. 11, 1817. In 1826 Dea. Harris removed with his son Jacob, Jr., to Windham, N. H., where a few months later he d. Sept. 26, 1826. I. Betsey, b. Sept 25, 1772; md. Feb. 13, 1798, Jonathan Merriam, b. Feb. 16, 1766, son of Samuel and Anna (Whitney) Merriam of Lex- ington and a brother of the second wife of her father. They resided in Gardner, where he d. Jan. 13, 1825. Subsequently she resided in this town and in Fitchburg, where she d. May 30, 1865. 1. Jacob Harris, b. Jan. 22, 1799 ; graduated Bangor Theo. Seminary 1827 ; not or- dained ; resided in Fitchburg ; md. Nov. 27, 1834, Abigail L. Wheeler. 2. Nathan, b. Aug. 7, 1800; d. Sept. 19, 1805. 3. Betsev W., b. Aug. 7, 1802; d. Sept. 16, 1805. 4. Sally H., b. May 16, 1808; d. Dec. 2, 1824. 5. Milton, b. June 20, 1810; d. Jan. 19, 1825. 6. Betsey, b. Nov. 17, 1813 ; md. her cousin John M. Harris, number 23 of this reg- ister. Samuel, b. Aug. 18, 1774. -(- Jacob, b. April 3, 1777 ; d. Oct. 5, 1778. Sally, b. Oct. 20, 1779; d. unmd. Oct. 11, 1820. Martha, b. June 10, 1784; md. Aug. 8, 1808, Joshua Moore of Westminster where he d. May 17, 1848 ; she d. in Gardner Nov. 11, 1863. 1. Emily, b. March 18, 1810 ; d. unmd. Nov. 8, 1881. 9 II 10 III 11 IV. 12 V. 732 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 14 15 16 17 18 <9) VII. 2. Marius H., b. May 24, 1814; md. Aug. 26, 1847, Elizabeth Wood; resides in Leominster. 3. Cordelia E., b. Aug. 21, 1823 ; md. Nov. 8, 1849, Franklin H. Sprague, Esq. ; resided in Boston and during the past twenty years in Framingham. - He was a member of Legislature 1858, 1873, 1874. 4. John Milton, b. July 22, 1827 ; md. Nov. 29, 1854, Myra A. Sawin, dau. of Joseph D. and Marcia M. (Scribner) Sawin of Gardner. Hon. John M. Moore is. a manufacturer of chairs in South Gard- ner. He has served in both branches of the Legislature, and for many years has been a member of the School Committee of Gardner. Jacob, b. Nov. 14, 1786 ; was a farmer in Ashburn- ham and after 1826 in Windham, N. H. He was a respected citizen and occupied several positions of trust. He md. April 8, 1817, Sophia Smith, b. Oct. 24, 1787, dau.. of Joshua Smith, Esq., g. -y. He d. Feb. 27, 1860; his widow d. April 23, 1869. No children. Eunice, b. Jan. 28, 1790 ; d. in Windham, N. H., unmd., June 18, 1877. 19 20 21 Eev. Samuel Harris resided in this town, except two or three years in Fitchburg, until about 1804, He was subsequently a Congregational minister in New Hamp- shire. Vide page 609. He md. April 17, 1798, Ruth Pratt, a daughter by a former marriage of the third wife of his father. She was b. in New Ipswich Aug. 29, 1779 ; d. in "Windham, N. H., March 22, 1869. Rev. Samuel Harris d. in Windham, N. H., Sept. 5, 1848. Twelve children. I. Sally, b. Feb. 20, 1799 ; md. Oct. 19, 1852, Am- herst Coult, son of Dr. Amherst and Miriam (Giddings) Coult. He was a farmer in Auburn, N. H., where he d. April 12, 1884; she resides at the homestead. II. Mary W., b. Nov. 3, 1800; d. unmd. Jan. 18, 1839. in. Edward P., b. Nov. 17, 1802 ; graduate Dartmouth College 1826. Principal of Academy, Brad- GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 733 ford, Vt., and Chesterfield, N. H. Subse- quently practised law in Vermont and after 1836 in Avon, Mich. In 1867 he was a mem- ber of State Constitutional Convention. He md. June 29, 1829, Eliza Wright, dau. of David Wright of Hartford, Vt. ; she d. Sept. 1, 1834. He d. March 19, 1868. They had one son, Hon. Edward Wright Pratt, formerly a law partner of U. S. Senator Omer D. Conger of Michigan, and subsequently a Judge of the Sixteenth Judicial District of Michigan ; resides at Port Huron. 22 IV. Samuel, b. Dec. 7, 1804 ; a printer in Boston with residence at Melrose. He md. Jan. 16, 1832, Mary Hall of Boston. He d. May 6, 1860. Seven children. 23 V. John M., b. Oct. 18, 1806; a graduate Amherst College 1839; resided in Nashua, N. H., until 1843, and subsequently he was a farmer in Fitchburg. He was a deacon of the Calvinistic Congregational church of Fitchburg. He md. June 10, 1841, Betsey Merriam, dau. of Jona- than and Betsey (Harris) Merriam, number 8 of this register. He d. July 26, 1877. Their son, Edward A., d. in Fitchburg Sept. 3, 1885, and their son Charles C. Harris, a reporter for The Sentinel, is well known in Fitchburg. 24 VI. Jacob, b. Sept. 30, 1809 ; resided in Windham, N. H., where he d. July 5, 1861. Hemd. June 10, 1852, Eufina Merrill, b. April 12, 1816, dau. of Amos' and Mehitable (Smith) Merrill. One daughter. 25 VII. Lydia K., b. Feb. 21, 1813; md. Dec. 17, 1835, Stephen Dearborn of Auburn, N. H. She d., s. p.,Aug. 18, 1852. 26 vm. William, b. March 19, 1815 ; d. Oct. 5, 1817. 27 IX. Elizabeth, b. March 5, 1817 ; md. March 20, 1849, James Underbill, b. Feb. 20, 1822, son of James and Elizabeth (Chase) Underhill of Auburn, N. H. She d. Sept. 22, 1853, leaving one son, George C. Underhill, who resides in Unadilla, Neb. 28 X. Luther, b. Sept. 11, 1820; d. unmd. in Marlboro', N. H., where he was teaching, Oct. 1, 1841. 29 XI. William C, b. Dec. 14, 1822; resides on the homestead in Windham, N. H. ; a member of Legislature 1865, and has been much employed in town affairs. He md. June 23, 1853, Philena 734 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 H. Dinsmore, b. Oct. 3, 1831, dau. of Dea. Samuel and Hannah (Blanchard) Dinsmore of Auburn, N. H. Three children.' Of these, William S. Harris has published an accurate and intelligent sketch of the descendants of Dea. Jacob Harris. XII. Lucinda, b. June 10, 1824 ; d. April 27, 1825. Nathaniel Harris, son of Richard and Martha (Fos- ter) Harris, was b. in Harvard April 4, 1752, and came to Ashburnham previous to the Revolution. He was in the company of minute-men commanded by Capt. Jona- than Gates in 1775. Vide page 142. He settled on Main street in the Central Village, where Nahum Wood now resides, where he was a tanner and was succeeded by Capt. David Gushing and Levi Adams. In 1779 he was one of the Committee of Correspondence and at other times he was called to assist in town affairs. He removed in 1798 to Brandon, Vt., where he d. June 21, 1831. He md. March 12, 1778, Abigail Harris, b. in Shrews- bury July 1, 1756, dau. of Daniel and Jerusha Harris. When married she was stj-led "of Ashburnham," but I find no evidence that her parents ever resided in this town. She d. March 5, 1826. Eight of their nine children were b. and bap. in this town. I. Nathaniel, b. Dec. 20, 1778 ; he was a merchant in Williston, Vt. ; md. May 16, 1802, Sally Ives. He d. Nov. 6, 1830; she d. Jan. 13, 1826. One child. II. Bufus, b. Sept. 27, 1781 ; a farmer, merchant and postmaster in Bridport, Vt., where he d. March 30, 1827. He md. April 7, 1807, Mary Cloyes, b. in Framingham July 22, 1785, dau. of Peter and Polly (Nixon) Cloyes and a niece of Capt. Elijah Cloyes an early settler in Fitz- william, N. H. She d. Sept. 8, 1849. Four children. Richard, b. Nov. 8, 1783 ; a merchant in Brandon, Vt. He md. June 28, 1807, Hannah H. Good- now, dau. of Daniel Goodnow of Rutland. He d. Aug. 22, 1821 ; she d. Dec. 12, 1867. Five children. Otis, b. Jan. 22, 1786 ; d. May 21, 1805. Nahhy, b. June 13, 1788 ; d. May 4, 1805. VI. Lucinda, b. Sept. 23, 1791 ; d. May 9, 1805 VII. Matilda, b. Feb. 8, 1795 ; d. May 2, 1805 Tin. Rebecca, b. Sept. 7, 1797; d. July 17, 1803. IX. Sarah B., b. Dec. 23, 1800 ; d. July 12, 1803 III. IV. V. 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 (42) 50 51 52 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 735 William Harris, son of George Harris, was b. 17()3. It is tradition that he was a son of George Harris of Con- cord. A prolonged search has not discovered a record of his birth and bis first marriage. About 1796 with his wife Betsey and an infant son he settled in the northwest part of this town, adjacent to the line of Winchendon. His wife d. June 6, 1807, aged, says Mr. Gushing, "be- tween 40 and 50 years." He md. (2d) 1808, Rebecca (Weston) Ingalls, dau. of Charles and Rebecca (Potter) Weston ; md. (3d) widow Hannah Edwards of Ashby. In 1820 he removed over the line into Winchendon, where he d. July 5, 1837. Hannah, his wife, d. April 9, 1837. I. Humphrey, b. in Concord, March 28, 1795. -f- II. Jonathan, b. June 20, 1798 ; md. Sally Howe, b. Sept. 18, 1801, dau. of Perley and Jane T. (Belcher) Howe of Gardner. He resided in Ashburnham, Rindge and Gardner. There were several children but no record has been received. III. William, b. Aug. 28, 1799.-]- IV. Reuben, b. Sept. 2, 1801 ; resided in Winchendon. He was enterprising in business and prominent in town affairs. He md. Rowena Woodbury, dau. of Col. Jacob B. and Hannah (Roberts) Woodbury. He d. June 4, 1873 ; his widow d. June 14, 1883. Their son, Jacob B. Harris, represented the district of Ashburnham and Winchendon in the Legislature 1858. V. Amos, b. Sept. 26, 1803 ; removed to New York. VI. Betsey, b. ; md. Sargent, and removed to the West. VII. Mary,\). ; md. John Estey of Winchendon. VIII. iMcy, b. ; md. Conant. Humphrey Harris, son of William, was a Methodist preacher. Vide page 512. He md. Feb. 28, 1815, Mary Willard, dau. of Silas Willard, Esq., q. v. While tempo- rarily employed by his brother Reuben in Winchendon he was killed by a falling tree. I. Humphrey, b. March 19, 1815. -|- II. Cynthia, b. Jan. 8, 1817; md. Sept. 5, 1846, Al- bert Richardson. III. Lysander B., b. Dec. 30, 1823. He was of the firm Eaton & Harris, manufacturers of spools and match stock, and for twenty-five years has resided in New York State. 736 HISTORY OF ASIIBURNIIAM. (44) 53 54 55 William Harris, son of William, md. July 2, 1823, Hepsibah Flint, b. May 12, 1795, dau. of Nathan Flint of Winchendon. He was a farmer and rebuilt the house occupied by.his father in this town. He d. Nov. 9, 1867 ; his wife d. Dec. 28, 1858. Six children. July 22, 1824; md. in Winchendon ; shed. Elvirous in Athol II, III. 56 57 58 69 (50) 60 61 62 63 Minerva N.. b. Waters ; he d Oct. 20, 1862. Martha, b. May 18, 1826 ; d. Oct. 14, 1844. Elbridge N., b. Oct. 23, 1828; resided in Athol and now in Lawrence. For many years he has been connected with the Eodney Hunt Machine Company at Orange, and is treasurer of the Corporation. He has been a deacon of First Baptist church in Lawrence twelve years. He md. March 19, 1851, Merriam. Charles If., b. May 25, 1830. He resides at Ja- maica, Long Island, N. Y., where he has been a station agent thirty-one years. He is a dea- con of the Congregational church in Jamaica. He md. Dec. 17, 1851, Sarah Woods of Fitch- burg. William Watson, b. Nov. 2, 1832 ; d. Not. 13, 1847. Franh N.,\i. March 21, 1836 ; md. April 30, 1862, Elmira C. Davis, dau. of Dea. John C. Davis, q. V. He d. at Jamaica, Long Island, Sept. 20, 1869 ; his widow resides in this town. 1. Arthur E. town. b. July 4, 1863 ; resides in this Humphrey Harris, son of Humphrey, md. March 8, 1838, Emeline W. Clark, dau. of Levi Clark, q. v. She d. June 29, 1880; he md. (2d) Aug. 17, 1881, Mrs. Susaii (Marvin) Stearns of Westminster. He is a farmer in the northwest part of the town. I. Mary, b. Jan. 24, 1839 ; md. Jan. 22, 1873, Sid- ney W. Benjamin, son of Stillman D. Benjamin, q. V. II. Harriet L., b. Sept. 20, 1841 ; unmd. ; resides in Worcester. III. Frances, b. Aug. 6, 1843 ; d. Feb. 27, 1846. IV. Charles F., b. Nov. 30, 1848 ; md. May 13, 1879, Aletia R. Wilder, b. Sept. 20, 1853, dau. of John R. and Sarah A. (Stewart) Wilder of Ashby. Resides on the homestead. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 737 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 (67) 71 G?eorg-ei?'., b. Oct. 22, 1854; md. Oct. 13, 1886, Edith C. Wood of Winchendon. Joseph IIareis, a son of Joseph Harris of Acton, was b. Jan. 28, 1780. He md. April 7, 1829, Sarah A. (Rus- sell) Cutter, dau. of Thomas Russell, q. v., and widow of Ephraim Cutter, q. v. He resided on the Samuel Wilder or Phillips farm, now owned by his son Joseph H. Harris, and commonly called the Harris place. He d. July 29, 1886. I. A^Msaw J?., b. Aprils, 1830; md. Jan. 12, 1860, Samuel D. Holt, son of Abiel Holt, q. v. II. Joseph IT., b. Dec. 25, 1832. + III. Ellen Maria, b. May 20, 1834. IV. James B., b. Nov. 19, 1835 ; d. July 12, 1837. V. Harriet B., b. July 20, 1838 ; md. Oct. 14, 1876, William B. Prouty of Spencer. Joseph H. Harris md. April 22, 1868, Martha J. Per- rin of Orfordville, N. H. He resides in Central Village. I. Mary E., b. Aug. 29, 1869. HASTINGS. The name of Hastings has been constant in this town since 1783. The first of the name in Ashburnham were of the fifth generation in New England. The emigrant ancestor Thomas Hastings, aged 29, and wife Susanna em- barked from Ipswich, England, April 10, 1634, and settled in Watertown. The following year he was admitted freeman and he was subsequently a selectman twenty-eight years. He was town clerk and a representatiye and for many years a deacon of the church in Watertown. His wife Susanna d. Feb. 2, 1650, and he md. (2d) April, 1651, Margaret Cheney, dau. of Wil- liam and Martha Cheney of Roxbury, who was the mother of all his chil- dren. He d. 168S, aged 80 years. Samuel, the youngest of the eight children of Dea. Thomas and Margaret (Cheney) Hastings, was b. March 12, 1665. He md. Jan. 1, 1687, Lydia Church, dau. of Caleb and Joanna (Sprague) Church. She was b. in Ded- ham July 4, 1661, and d. at the age of thirty years. He md. (2d) April 24, 1694, Elizabeth Nevison, b. Oct. 22, 1675, dau. of John and Elizabeth Nev- ison. She d. 1700. He md. (3d) July 10, 1701, Sarah Coolidge, dau. of Simon and Hannah (Barron) Coolidge. He also resided in Watertown, where he d. 1722 or 1723. His widow d. 1724. Nathaniel, youngest of the seven children of Samuel Hastings, was a son of the third wife. He md. April 16, 1734, Esther Perry, dau. of Samuel and Margaret (Traine) Perry. They removed to the North Parish of Shrewsbury, now Boylston. Of the six children of Samuel Hastings, the eldest son was Samuel Hastings, Jr., b. in Shrewsbury 1735 ; md. Oct. 26, 1757, Anna Bigelow, dau. of Joseph and Martha (Brigham) Bigelow. They removed to Princeton about 1759, where he d. Sept. 9, 1823, aged 88 years. Of their four sons two, Charles and Ezra, removed to this town. 47 738 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. 9 10 11 (4) 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Capt. Charles Hastings, son of Samuel and Anna (Bigelow) Hastings, was b. in Princeton Nov. 26, 1760. He md. June 3, 1782, Anna Woods, dau. of Samuel and Tabitha Woods, and removed to Ashburnham 1783. He was an honest man and a good citizen. His service in the Eevolution is stated in Chap. VI. He d. Nov. 28, 1850. His wife d. Dec. 19, 1825. I. Betsey, b. Nov. 25, 1782 ; md. March 16, 1805, David Randall, q. v. ; md. (2d) 1808, Joseph Spauldlng, q. v. ; md. (3d) Joel Conant of Acton. II. Ezra, b. Dec. 4, 1784; d. Sept. 13, 1801. III. John, b. Sept. 18, 1787.+ IV. Anna B., b. Feb. 19, 1790 ; md. Asa Sawtell, q. v. V. Sally, b. June 2, 1792 ; md. Col. Charles Barrett, q. V. VI. Lydia, b. Dec. 21, 1794 ; md. Joshua Stowell, q. v. VII. Samuel, b. July 10, 1797; d. Dec. 23, 1803. VIII. Charles, b. June 16, 1800. -|- IX. Leonard Woods, b. Aug. 14, 1803. -|- X. Joseph B., b. Aug. 11, 1805.+ JoHN Hastings was a model citizen, loyal to the inter- ests of his town and exact and honorable in all his dealings with his f ellowmen. He filled many positions of trust and was the sexton many years. He md. Nov. 4, 1810, Sarah Green, b. Dec. 9, 1792, dau. of Oliver and Dorothy (Hil- dreth) Green, q. v. She d. Nov. 20, 1822 ; he md. (2d) Oct. 6, 1823, Melinda Bolles of Westminster, Vt., b. Feb. 16, 1800. He d. Aug. 25, 1879. There were seven chil- dren by the first and ten by the second marriage. I. Julia Augusta, b. Sept. 3, 1811 ; md. March 24, 1836, James H. Laws of Westminster, son of James and Thankful Laws. She d. Nov. 19, 1885. II. Infant, b. and d. Nov. 1, 1813. in. Mary Coolidge, b. March 20, 1815 ; md. June 11, 1840, William Balder of Gardner, now of Phila- delphia ; she d. July 28, 1864. IV. Infant, b. Jan. 3, 1817; d. Jan. 7, 1817. V. John Newton, b. March 1, 1818.-}- VI. Sarah Hildreth, b. March 4, 1821 ; md. Albert T. Bemis, q. v. VII. Bebecca Elizabeth, b. July 27, 1822 ; d. Dec. 14, 1823. VIII. Infant, b. May 22, 1824 ; d. May 23, 1824. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 739 20 IX. Rebecca Elizabeth, b. May 1, 1825; d. Sept. 24, 1844. 21 X. Infant, b. Dec. 6, 1826 ; d. Dec. 7, 1826. 22 XI. Anna MeUnda,\).Y&h. 1, 1828; d. unmd. Sept. 23, 1853. 28 XII. Leonard, b. Feb. 19, 1830 ; md. 1860, Sarah F. Manning of Templeton ; d. in this town May 2, 1872. There were three children. 24 XIII. Charles Lyman, b. May 20, 1832 ; d, Jan. 10, 1839. 25 XIV. Stephen Cushing, b. Dec. 4, 1834. -j- 26 XT. Caroline Amelia, b. June 4, 1838 ; d. July 31, 1864. 27 XVI. Martha Jane, b. June 12, 1840; md. March 21, 1874, John S. Woods, son of John Woods, q.v. 28 XVII. Infant, b. Feb. 16, d. Feb. 20, 1844. (9) (10) (11) 29 Charles Hastings was a merchant a few years on the old common. In 1830 he sold the farm and the store to Lemuel Stimson and subsequently removed to New Ips- wich. He was postmaster of New Ipswich from March 10, 1843, to July 3, 1845. Soon after the last date he returned to his native town and has resided in the Central Village. In age he has manifested infirmities, yet the stronger and better traits of his character have not been obscured. Through life he has been tenacious in contro- versy and equally constant in his attachments and friend- ship. To the memory of the dead whom he has respected and loved his heart is responsive and his works are char- acteristic of his best and warmest impulses. Recognizing the elevated character of Col. Joseph Jewett he supple- mented his gift of land and buildings to Cushing Academy with the memorial name of Jewett Hall. He md. Dec. 15, 1824, Susan Wellington Hill, dau. of Isaac Hill, q. v. ; she d. Dec. 17, 1870. Leonard W. Hastings md. 1832, Elvira Burrows of New Ipswich ; md. (2d) Martha Colburn of Temple. He re- sided in this town a few years and later in New Ipswich, where he d. April 11, 1882. Joseph B. Hastings md. Nov. 21, 1827, Adaline Woods, dau. of Asa Woods, q. v. He resided in this town until 1853, when he removed to Brookline, where he d. Sept. 28, 1883. His widow resides in West Berlin. I. Mary W., b. Nov. 13, 1828; md. Sept. 2, 1847, Milton J. Scollay, son of Grover Scollay, q. v. 740 HISTORY Olf ASHBURNHAM. 30 31 32 33 (16) 34 (25) 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 II III IV. Adaline, b. July 4, d. July 18, 1833. JosepJi Henry, b. Oct. 23, 1834 ; d. Nov. 9, 1855. Levi Tr.,b. Mav 11, 1840; md. Sept 27, 1863, Abbie J. Goldsmith, dau. of George W. and Ruth (Hutching) Goldsmith ; resides in Brook- line. V. Herbert Eugene, b. Aug. 28, 1846 ; md. 1868, Kemp ; resides in Jamaica Plain. John N. Hastings md. Sept. 25, 1838, Sarah Rice Taylor, dau. of Ephraim Taylor, g. v. He has been a deacon of the Congregational church since 1870. He resides on Chapel street. I. Charles Newton, b. Oct. 10, 1846 ; d. Aug. 22r 1867. Stephen C. Hastings md. Jan. 29, 1853, Emily N. Stowell, dau. of Moses Stowell, q. v. He is a merchant in Providence, R. I. I. Abbie Augusta, b. May 9, 1853. II. Anna Maria, b. Feb. 16, 1855 ; md. Charles Steb- bins ; d. in New Haven, Conn., March 3, 1884. m. Ella, b. Aug. 12, 1860. IV. Charles Lyman, b. Jan. 25, 1872 ; d. May 26, 1879. Ezra Hastings, a brother of Capt. Charles Hastings, b. 1772, md. Sept. 3,' 1796, Polly Mirick of Princeton. At the time of his marriage, or previously, he settled in this town. He d.,felo de se, Feb. 14, 1815. The widow and children removed to Indiana. I. James Mirick, b. July 28, 1796, according to the record. II. Stephen, b. May 2, 1798. III. Folly, b. July 14, 1800; d. Oct. 19, 1801. IV. Amos, b. Sept. 24, 1802. V. Mary, b. Jan. 8, 1807. VI. Louisa. Nathaniel Hastings, of another family, with wife Jemima removed to this town in 1771. He was in Capt. Davis' company 1775, and probably removed from town soon after that date. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 741 47 48 49 I. Amasa, b. Oct. 19, 1772. II. SylvanuSs b. Dec. 24, 1773. III. Azubah, bap. Aug. 27, 1775. HAVEN. The Havens of this town were from Hopkinton, and are descendants of Richard Haven, who with wife Susannah emigrated from the west of England and settled in Lynn in 164:4 or 1645. They had twelve children all b. in Lynn. The mother d. Feb. 7, 1682, and Richard, tlie father, d. between May 21, 1701, the date of his will, and June 14, 1703, when it was proved. Nath- aniel Haven, son of Richard the emigrant, was b. June 30, 1664, and by wife Elizabeth had ten children. He resided in Lynn and later in Framing- ham, where he d. 1746, aged 82. He was a town officer in Framingham and a man of influence. Nathaniel Haven, son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Haven, b. in Framingham Sept. 8, 1704, md. June 10, 1724, Hepsibah Eugg and removed to Hopkinton, where he rad. (2d) Dec. 7, 1741, Abigail (Clark) Rice, widow of Jason Rice of Sudbury; and (3d) 1753, Hannah Ware. He d. 1763, aged 59 years. Among the seven children of Nathaniel and Hepsi- ibah (Rugg) Haven was Jonathan Haven of Ashburnham. (7) 10 11 Jonathan Haven, son of Nathaniel and Hepsibah (Rugg) Haven, was b. in Hopkinton April 29, 1728. He md. Aug. 24, 1749, Elizabeth Haven. They resided in Hopliinton, where their children were b., until about 1785 when he removed to this town and settled where his grand- sons Jonas and Elijah Haven now live. He d. July 30, 1791 ; his widow d. May 7, 1809. I. JerusJia, b. June 1, 1750. II. Lois, b. June 27, 1753 ; d. unmd. in Ashburnham June 21, 1820. III. HezekiaJi, h. Oct. 1, 1755. IV. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 15, 1757; md. 1778, James Stone of Southboro'. They removed to Fitzwil- liam, N. H., about 1781, where she lived to an advanced age. Nine children. V. Hepsibah, b. Sept. 3, 1759. VI. Jonathan, h. July 31, 1765. -f- VII. John, b. Aug. 31, 1767. -f- JoNATHAN Haven md. April 8, 1792. Zerviah Rice, dau. of Jason and Susannah (Haven") Rice of Hopkinton. She d. Sept. 8, 1821; he md. (2d) Nov. 13, 1822, Saloma Withington, b. in Fitzwilliam, N. H., Jan. 5, 1787, dau. of William and Martha (Locke) Withington. She d. Feb. 19, 1842, aged 55 years. He d. Jan. 7, 1837. I. Betsey, b. May 24, 1793 ; md. Nathaniel D. Ward, q. V. II. Susannah, b. March 13, 1795 ; d. April 19, 1795. III. Jonathan, b. April 18, 1796 ; d. Nov. 22, 1813. 742 HISTORY 03? ASHBURNHAM. (8) 12 13 U 15 16 17 18 John Haven md. Sept. 23, 1804, Anna Wood, dau. of Jonas Wood of FitzwilHam, N. H. She d. June 3, 1821 ; he md. (2d) Oct. 1, 1821, Betsey Blodgett. He was a farmer in this town. He d. Dec. 25, 1830 ; his widow d. 1857. I. Jonas, b. Sept., 1806 ; md. June 24, 1852, Erne- line Fassett of FitzwilHam, N. H. A farmer, residing near his brother, Elijah Haven, on the homestead. II. iojs, b. Julj' 31, 1809; unmd. ; resides in this town. III. Elijah, b. Feb. 17, 1812; md. April 3, 1842, Nancy Ward, dau. of Nathaniel D. Ward, q. v. They have three children by adoption. 1. Augustus O., b. Jan. 18, 1846; d. Jan. 17, 1855. 2. Charles Abbott, b. Oct. 10, 1853; md. July 12, 1873, Mary E. Lane, dau. of Amos F. Lane, q. v. He d. Oct. 17, 1883. 3. Anna Dawn, b. May 5, 1871. IV. Jerusha, b. Sept. 30, 1815 ; d. July 17, 1819. Newton Hayden, b. in Groton Dec. 5, 1827, son of Luther and Betsey (Austin) Hayden, lived in this town about thirty years and removed to Fitchburg in 1876. He was a merchant several years and was town clerk five years. He md. April 5, 1849, Sarah A. Whitney, dau. of William Whitney, q. v. I. Ella Mercy, b. Dec. 29, 1849 ; md. 1872, Charles A. Smith. II. William P. b. July 14, 1852. III. Minnie Belle, b. Nov. 2, 1868. Edwin Haywakd, son of Stephen and Mehitable (Rich) Hay ward, was b. in Worcester Dec. 20, 1821. Stephen Hayward, the father, d. Nov. 22, 1835, and she md. (2d) Abraham Dwinnell and d. in this town May 31, 1862. Edwin Hayward removed to Ashburnham 1837. Subse- quently he was foreman in the employ of Burrage Bros., and during the past twenty j^ears he has been in the lumber and meat business. He came to Ashburnham un- married and has maintained his position. (2) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 743 Harvey Heald, son of John Heald, was b. in Shirley Sept. 20, 1797. He resided successively in Hinsdale, Lanesboro', Royalston and Ashburnham. He removed to this town 1836, where he d. March 12, 1867. He md. Nov. 9, 1826, Susan Kibling, dau. of Henry Kibling, q. v. I. George, b. Aug. 15, 1827.+ II. Newton, b. May 6, 1831 ; md. Feb. 9, 1857, Sarah Elizabeth Gilson. He d. in this town Jan. 27, 1860. III. Henry, b. April 5, 1833 ; md. Feb. 19, 1853, Mary E. Lovell. He d. in this town Aug. 26, 1854. IV. Stisan, b. Nov. 8, 1834 ; d. June 24, 1836. V. Charles Harvey, b. Jan. 17, 1836 ; md. Sept. 10, 1867, Cornelia E. Haywood. He is a carpenter and resides in Northampton. He served through the war of the Rebellion and was promoted to first lieutenant. He was twice wounded, and was a prisoner four months within the rebel lines. VI. Lewis Brigham, b. March 5, 1839 ; md. Oct. 12, 1867, Mary Sophia Eemick. He is a carpenter in St. Johnsbury, Vt. He served in the war of the Rebellion, participating in the Mississippi campaign, the siege of Vicksburg and Sherman's grand inarch to the sea. Geoege Heald is one of the few representatives of the Kibling family remaining in this town. He is a farmer and resides in Lane Village on the homestead of his father and by two generations of the Kibling family. He md. March 8, 1860, Lucia A. Williams. I. Lewis B., b. June 8, 1863. II. Susan Ellen, b. Dec. 3, 1871. Ebenezee Hemenway, a resident of Ashburnham, was the son of Rev. Phinehas and Sarah (Stevens) Hemenway, and was b. in Townsend. He was bap. March 14, 1735, but there is no record of his birth. Rev. Phinehas Hem- enway, the father, son of Joshua and Rebecca Hemenway of Framingham, was the first minister of Townsend. Ebenezer Hemenway settled in Ashburnham as early as 1758. He resided at the old common, and during the later years of his life he succeeded Dea. Moses Foster as an innholder. He was frequently elected to office and his name is familiar to the readers of the early annals of Ashburnham. He md. Nov. 23, 1758, Elizabeth Moore. 744 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. He d. Dec. 10, 1776, aged about 42 years. His widow d. in this town April 16, 1788. I. Phinehas, b. 1762 ; md. July 10, 1787, Mary Conn, dau. of John Conn, q. v. He was a Eevolu- tionary soldier. An infant, aged three years, d. here Jan. 2, 1792. A continued record has not been secured. II. Ebenezer, b. 1764. III. Lucy, b. 1765 ; md. Capt. John Scollay, q. v. IT. Moses Foster, b. March 10, 1768. V. Levi, b. Jan. 15, 1770 ; d. April 19, 1772. Joshua Hemenway resided a few years in this town. He was in the Revolutionary service and upon the rolls of Capt. Gates' and Capt. Wilder's companies his residence is stated. He removed from town soon after and left no additional record. It is probable that he was a younger brother of Ebenezer Hemenway. Eev. Shdbel R. Heerick, son of Zimri and Mary (Brigham) Herrick and a grandson of Shadrach and Abi- gail (Stoddard) Herrick, was b. in Chesterfield, N. H., Aug. 27, 1820. He md. April 1.3, 1848, Lucy A. Shat- tuck, b. June 23, 1817, dau. of Thomas C. Shattuck of Pepperell. She d. July 28, 1872 ; he md. (2d) April 27, 1874, Eliza J. Baker, dau. of Bradish Baker, q. v. ; she d. March 29, 1877 ; he md. (3d) Dec. 26, 1877, Hannah Towne Wesson, b. Jan. 21, 1823, dau. of Asa Wesson of Phillipston. He studied theology with Eev. Elisha An- drews of Hinsdale, N. H., and was ordained at Keene, N. H., June 4, 1842. He has been settled over churches in Rockport, Pepperell and Groton, and in Keene, Clare- mont and Peterborough, N. H. He has preached more re- cently as stated supply, and is now a farmer in this town. I. Mary Caroline, b. March 5, 1849 ; md. 1869, Alonzo Blood, son of Edward F. Blood of Pep- perell. She d. Jan. 7, 1876, leaving a dau., Minnie C, b. May 17, 1876. NoYES B. Heeeick, a brother of Rev. Shubel R., was b. in Chesterfield, N. H., Sept. 11, 1833 ; md. Sarah E. Whitney ; she d. Dec. 5, 1872 ; md. (2d) Aug. 3, 1873, Lucy C. Ellis, dau. of Jesse Ellis, q. v. ; she d. July 15, 1883; md. (3d) Nov. 27, 1884, Lydia F. (Weld) Cum- mings, dau. of Daniel and Mary Weld. He is a farmer and mechanic. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 745 Eawson B. Hereick, a brother of Eev. Shubel and Noyes B. Herrick, was b. in Chesterfield, N. H., June 28, 1829. He md. Nov. 27, 1853, Juliaett Cook, b. in Ches- terfield, N. H., Feb. 5, 1833, dau. of Mark and Mille (Stoddard) Cook. Resides in this town. ZiMRi Heywood, son of Nathan and Esther (Willis) Heywoodof Lunenburg, was b. Sept. 5, 1731, and accord- ing to the record of his birth on " Sabbath day the sun about half an hour high at night." He was an early set- tler of Ashburnham and his name is frequently mentioned in the early chapters of this volume. Nathan Heywood of Lunenburg and Fitchburg was a brother of Zimri and was many years one of the proprietors of the township and clerk of the propriety. Zimri Heywood md. June 5, 1756, Jane Foster, dau. of Dea. Moses Foster, q. v. When Ashby was incorporated in 1767 his farm and mill were included in that town. He removed a few years later to Winslow, Me., where he d. I. Rebecca Willis, b. Jan. 9, 1757. II. Eunice, b. June 16, 1760. III. Nathan, b. March 15, 1762. IV. Elizabeth, b. May 20, 1764. V. Thomas, b. May 5, 1766. HILL. The American ancestry of the Hill family, of which Gov. Isaac Hill of New Hampshire is an illustrious representative, is found in Paige's History of Cambridge and also in Wyman's Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown. For valuable supplementary record I am indebted to Horatio Hill, Esq., of Chicago, who was formerly a resident of this town. Abraham Hill, b. 1615, is found in Charlestown 1636. He was admitted freeman May 13, 1640. He was one of a committee of ten, appointed by the County Commissioners, to determine what bridges should be built and main- tained, and May 15, 1657, they reported in relation to the Mystic River Bridge. He resided in the part of Charlestown now included in Maiden, where he d. Feb. 13, 1669-70. Inventory of estate £638. He md. Sarah Lpng, b. 1617, dau. of Robert Long who embarked from Dunstable, Bedford- shire, England, in 1635. Zechary Hill, son of Abraham and Sarah (Long) Hill, b. probably about 1645, md. Sept. 24, 1668, Deborah Norton, dau. of Capt. Francis and Mary Norton of Charlestown. He d. early and his widow md. (2d) Matthew Griffin and d. 1698. Abraham Hill, son of Zechary (not a son of Abraham, Jr., as assumed by Paige), was b. 1672 ; resided in Charlestown and removed to Cambridge, where he d. March 9, 1746. He md. Sarah Cooper, dau. of Timothy Cooper of Groton. She d. March 30, 1752. Zechariah Hill, son of Abraham and Sarah (Cooper) Hill, b. 1708, md. Feb. 10, 1731-2, Rebecca Cutter, dau. of Dea. John and Lydia Cutter. He resided in Cambridge, now Arlington, where he was committee man and assessor; he d. March 10, 1768; his widow md. (2d) Dec. 11, 1770, Samuel Carter and d. Feb. 1, 1797. Abraham Hill, son of Zechariah and Rebecca (Cutter) Hill, b. about 1734, md. Feb. 16, 746 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. 1758, Susannah Wollington, dau. of Thomas Wellington of Cambridge He resided in Cambridge, now Arlington, and was a soldier in the ^Fren^h and Indian wars, and of the Revolution. He d Dec. 16 812 i,.^!^ wif« d 1797^ Among the seven children of Abraham and Susannah (Wellington) Hill was Isaac Hill who removed to Ashburnham. Isaac Hill, son of Abraham and Susannah (Welling- ton) Hill, was b. in Cambridge Precinct, now Arlington, May 8, 1766 ; he md. Hannah Russell, b. Feb. 8, 1772, dau. of Walter and Hannah (Adams) Russell. Vide Adams and Russell registers. They resided in Charles- town a year or more after their marriage, then in Cam- bridge Precinct and removed to Ashburnham with five children in 1797. He purchased the farm of Ethan Weth- erl?ee, who md. a dau. of Capt. Thomas Adams. The farm was a part of the original Cambridge grant m the southeast part of the town. It now constitutes a part of the estate of the late Ward Russell. Disposing of the farm in 1819 the family removed to the Central Village. He d. Dec. 23, 1843 ; she d. March 1, 1847. A monu- ment erected by Charles and Susan W. (Hill) Hastings marks their resting place in the old cemetery. Isaac, b. April 6, 1788.+ Walter Russell, b. Feb. 22, 1790.+ Hannah Bussell, h. Oct. 31, 1792; md. George R. Cushing, Esq., q. v. Sultina, b. June 2, 1795 ; md. Reuben Townsend, Esq., q. V. Susan Wellington, b. Oct. 3, 1797 ; md. Charles Hastings, g. v. Mary Adams, b. July 10, 1800 ; md. Aug. 26, 1820, Jacob Bailey Moore. -}- George Washington, b. Jan. 4, 1804.-]- Horatio, b. March 19, 1807. + IX. Rebecca Russell, b. July 3, 1810 ; md. Hon. John R. Reding. -(- 2 I. 3 II. 4 III. 5 IV. 6 V. 7 VI. 8 VII. 9 YIII. 10 IX. (2) 11 Hon. Isaac Hill md. Feb. 2, 1814, Susan Ayer, dau. of Capt. Richard Ayer of Concord, N. H., who d. June 17, 1881. No name is more potent or familiar in the political annals of New Hampshire than that of Isaac Hill. A sketch of his eminent service appears in Chap. XX. He d. at Washington, D. C, March 22, 1851, and was buried at Concord, N. H. I. William Pickering, b. Oct. 18, 1819 ; md. Oct. 26, 1843, Clara Ann West, b. Dec. 17, 1820, dau. of John West, Jr., of Concord. Resides 12 13 14 (3) (7) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 747 ia Concord ; was many years New Hampshire correspondent of Boston Herald. II. John McClary, b. Nov. 5, 1821 ; md. Nov. 15, 1843, Elizabeth Lord Chace. Resides in Con- cord. He was Democratic candidate for Gover- nor of New Hampshire 1884. HI. Georgiana Toscan, b. Oct. 1, 1824; d. Sept. 12, 1825. IV. Isaac Andrew, b. Sept. 16, 1827; md. Oct. 5, 1858, Sarah Ann Sanderson, born Sept. 19, 1839, dau. of Charles C. and Amanda (Stevens) Sanderson. He resides in Concord, and many years was Register of Probate for county of Merrimack. Walter Russell Hill served an apprenticeship with his brother, Hon. Isaac Hill, and in 1811 a business part- nership was formed under the firm name of I. and W. R. Hill, commencing with the 105th number of the Patriot. In a few years he manifested increasing evidences of mental alienation which terminated in hopeless insanity. For very nearly thirty years he was an inmate of an insane asylum. He d. unmd.at Concord, N. H., Dec. 8, 1855. Jacob Bailey Moore md. Aug. 26, 1820, Mary Adams Hill. He was born in Andover, N. H., 1797. From 1819 to 1823 he was a partner of Gov. Hill in the publi- cation of the Patriot. In 1826, in connection with a brother Henry E. Moore, he established the New Hamp- shire Journal which, five years later, was consolidated with the Statesman and Register. The Patriot of Gov. Hill and the Journal of Mr. Moore, representing the adhe- rents of Jackson and of Adams, reflected the vigor of the political sentiment of that period, sparing neither plain speech nor curt repartee for the sake of relationship. He was Register of Deeds and Sheriff of Merrimack county. Subsequently he resided and labored in New York, Wash- ington and San Francisco, being postmaster of San Fran- cisco from 1849 to 1852. In the midst of other labor he responded to a genuine love for historical research, and his publications in connection with John Farmer remain an enduring monument. He d. Sept. 1, 1853. Mrs. Moore d. Feb. 13, 1886. She was a lady of rare accom- plishments and many excellencies of character. Their children were born at Concord. 748 . 15 16 17 18 19 20 <8) 21 22 23 24 25 26 (9) HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. I. Lucretia, md. Warren Osborn, an importer and dealer in India goods in San Francisco. He d. . She resides in New York. II. George Henry, md. 1850, Mary Richards ; resides in New York. George H. Moore, LL. D., is Librarian of Lenox Library. III. Charles Carrol, md. Maria Coddington. IV. Frank, md. Laura Bailey ; he is author of Behellion Record. V. Jacob Bailey. VI. Mary, md. Edward Jones and d. in California. George "Washington Hill md. May 20, 1828, Sabrina Woodbury, b. Feb. 4, 1804, dau. of Mark and Alice (Boyd) Woodbury of Antrim, N. H. ; she d. May 3, 1856. He established about 1825 at Montpelier, Vt., the Vermont Patriot and Stale Gazette which he continued until about 1837. He was postmaster at Montpelier 1829-36. For many years he resided on his farm in Johnson, Vt. He d. March 1, 1887, aged 83 years. I. Mary Elizabeth, b. May 6, 1829; d. April 2, 1832. II. George Woodbury, b. July 21, 1831 ; d. unmd. Dec. 1, 1855. III. Mary Dodge, b. Oct. 3, 1833 ; d. unmd. Aug. 20, 1854. IV. Alice Rebecca, b. Nov. 7, 1837. V. Susan Sabrina, b. April 6, 1840 ; md. July 22, 1863, Morris Christie, M. D., b. Aug. 29, 1832, son of Josiah W. and Mary (Bell) Christie and a nephew of Hon. Daniel M. Christie of Dover, N. H. Dr. Morris resides in Antrim, N. H. VI. John R. Reding, b. April 1, 1844; md. Oct. 14, 1873, Asenath M. Sawyer. He is a farmer and a prominent citizen of Johnson, Vt., also treas- urer of State Normal School. Horatio Hill, youngest son of Isaac and Hannah (Russell) Hill, at the age of fourteen years was appren- ticed to his brother Isaac and labored in the office of the Patriot and in the book-store until he attained his majority. In the meantime he attended the public schools of Concord and was a student one year, 1823, at the Literary Scientific and Military Academy at Norwich, Vt. In 1829, Isaac Hill having been appointed Comptroller of the Treasury, Horatio Hill and Col. Cyrus Barton 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 (10) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 749 purchased the Patriot and the book-store and conductefl the business under the firm of Horatio Hill & Co. until 1884. In 1837 Mr. Hill removed to New York and during the following six years he was connected with the publishing house of D. Appleton & Co., and subsequently was engaged in the book trade in that city until the close of the year 1849. The ensuing five years cover a resi- dence in California and in Fitchburg, where he is remem- bered as a deputy- sheriff. During the past thirty years Mr. Hill has resided in Chicago, 111. A year since he visited his native town and the familiar scenes of his childhood. Horatio Hill md. April 27, 1830, Clarissa Walker Emery, b. Oct. 31, 1810, dau. of Capt. Charles and Polly (Walker) Emery of Concord, N. H. ; she died Sept. 19, 1839 ; he married (2d) April 14, 1841, Elizabeth Lewis Wilds, b. Sept. 24, 1820, dau. of Royal and Sarah (French) Wilds. I. Sarah Elizabeth, b. July 31, 1831 ; md. Jan. 26, 1855, Enoch Gibson Hooke (Dartmouth College 1849) ; he is a lawyer ; Chicago 1854-79 ; removed to Colorado 1879 ; now at Colorado Spring, Col. Mrs. Hooke died March 9, 1885. II. Charles Isaac, b. Dec. 2, 1833 ; d. Sept. 24, 1834. HI. Charles, b. and d. July, 1835. IV. George Reding, b. Jan. 23, 1842 ; d. unmd. June 17, 1864. V. Clara Rebecca, b. ; md. Oct. 3, 1876, Edward H. Buckingham.. VI. Ella Mary. VII. Hattie Crocker, b. ; d. Sept. 3, 1862. Hon. John E. Reding, son of John and Mercy S. (Randall) Reding, b. in Portsmouth, N. H., Oct. 18, 1805, md. Oct. 11, 1830, Rebecca Russell Hill. Mr. Reding, having served an apprenticeship with Gov. Hill in the Patriot office, established at Haverhill in 1828 the Democratic Republican, the first number being issued July 24. He continued a residence in Haverhill until 1853, where he was a selectman, postmaster, and engaged in several business ventures. He built on contract the Court House at Haverhill and the fire-proof accommodations for the county records. In the meantime hewas twice elected a Member of Congress 1841-5. His wife d. at Wash- ington Jan. 28, 1844. There is entered on the House Journal Jan. 31, 1844, " On motion of Mr. Burke, by leave, it was unanimously resolved that the. speaker be directed to adjourn this House this day at the hour of two 750 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. 2 3 4 ■.5 6 9 10 11 12 o'clock p. M." The record is followed by an explana- tion : ' ' This resolution was adopted to enable the mem- bers to attend the funeral of Mrs. Rebecca Russell Red- ing, wife of Mr. John R. Reding, a member of the House from the State of New Hampshire." At this time there had been no precedent for this expression of respect. To the memory of a lady of Ashburnham such tribute was first paid. Since 1853 Mr. Reding has resided in Portsmouth, N. H. He was a member of the Legislature 1867, '68, '69, and Mayor of the city 1860. In 1840 and again in 1852 he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention. He md (2d) Jan. 14, 1846, Jane Martin of St. Johns- bury, Vt. No children. Daniel Hilton was a resident of this town several years. He was a farmer on the farm formerly occupied by William Holbrook on the old road to Winchendon. He removed from this town about 1835. No record of his marriage. The births of eleven children are recorded. I. Leander, b. Nov. 7, 1810. II. Martha Dorinda, b. May 10, 1812. III. Leonard, b. March 13, 1814. IV. Julia L., b. June 25, 1817. V. Mary Ann, b. April 2. 1819. VI. Jane M., b. Oct. 7, 1821. VII. Hiram, b. Dec. 14, 1823. VIII. Amanda Sopliia, b. Dec. 31, 1825. IX. Charles, b. Dec. 23, 1827. X. Hudson, b. Feb. 27, 1830. XI. Elizabeth Ellen, b. Dec. 23, 1831. Francis Hinds md. May 27, 1826, Lucy Kinsman, b. Sept. 4, 1804, dau. of Daniel and Lucy (Munroe) Kins- man and granddau. of Lieut. Ebeuezer Munroe. After a short stay in Fitchburg and in Leominster he removed to this tovfn about 1830. He d. Sept. 29, 1861 ; she md. (2d) Jonathan P. Wilder, q. v. I. Louisa Ann, b. April 2, 1827 ; md. Joseph E. Clark, q. v. II. Lucy Adams, b. Sept. 9, 1829 ; md. July 4, 1850, George N. Duncan. He is a millwright. 1. Frank, b. May 17, 1852 ; resides in Worcester. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 751 5 6 2. Junia J., b. Dec. 10, 1859; md. Charles Johnson of Gardner. 3. Lillie May, b. Sept. 11, 1873. 7 8 III. IV. Sarah J., b. Aug. 2, 1834; md. Warren Pratt of Gardner. Adaline P., b. April, 1840; md. Harvey Clark, 9 V. Ellen B., b. Jan. 5, 1848 ; md. George F. Corey, 10 VI. q. V. Martha E., b. Sept. 18, 1849 ; md. Henry Eus- sell of Gardner. HOBART. The name of Hobart, firmly and honorably engraven in the early annals of Ashburnham, does not appear In the records of the town since ISli. Dan- iel Hobart, the first martyr from this town in the Revolution, was a descend- ant from Edmund Hobart who was in Charlestown in 1633. He was a con- stable in 1635 and soon after removed to Hingham. The name has been written Hubbard, Hubberd, Hebberd and Hobbert, but the line of descent represented in this town was written Hobart through several earlier genera- tions. Edmund Hobart had sons Edmund, Jr., Joshua, Peter and Thomas, who were b. in Hingham, England. Three of these removed with their father to Hingham. Peter Hobart, b. 1604, eon of Edmund, Sen., was ad- mitted to the church in Charlestown 1635, and became the first minister of Hingham, and to him lands were granted in 1685. He remained in the min- istry in this place until his death 1679. Rev. Gershom Hobart, b. 1645, a son of Rev. Peter Hobart, was ordained at Groton 1679, and ministered to the settlement until 1705. Concerning these early ministers much can readily be learned from sketches and local histories. Shebuel Hobart, b. 1688, son of Rev. Gershom Hobart, by wife Martha, had eight children b. in Groton ; among them was Nehemiah Hobart, b. March 13, 1717, and d. in Pepperell 1784. He md. Rachel Shattuok, b. June 9, 1719, dau. of Samuel and Mary Shattuck of Groton. They had eight chil- dren; of these, two became residents of Ashburnham. Rachel (Shattuck) Hobartd. in Ashburnham Dec. 22, 1796. Daniel Hobart, a son of Nehemiah and Eachel (Shat- tuck) Hobart, was b. in Groton Feb. 24, 1748-9. He md. Jan. 22, 1772, Kezia Weston, or Wesson as the name was frequently written. She was b. Sept. 13, 1749, and at the time of marriage she was a resident of Wil- mington. In 1773 they removed to this town. He set- tled south of Rice pond. In 1775 he was a corporal in Capt. Gates' company and probably remained in the ser- vice during the year. In June, 1776, again he joined the army, enlisting in Capt. Joseph Flint's company of Col. Coleman's regiment. Marching by way of Springfield and Hartford to New York the regiment joined the army under Washington. At the battle of White Plains, Oct. 28, 1776, he was wounded by a musket ball in the thigh 752 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 10 and d. upon the field. All traditions are united in the testimony that he was an active, intelligent man and of irreproachable character. His widow continued a resi- dence in this town, where she d. Jan. 14, 1844. There were two children of Daniel and Kezia Hobart. I. Nehemiah, b. May 25, 1773 ; md. 1795, Lydia Randall, dau. of Stephen Randall, g. v. About 1801 he removed to Peru, Vt., where he d. Dec. 8, 1852. II. Kezia, b. April 11, 1775 ; md. Feb. 20, 1793, Dr. John Peabody of Mt. Vernon, N. H. ; he d. about 1800 ; she md. (2d) Sept. 17, 1809, Peter Hunt, q. V. There were three children of Dr. John and Kezia (Hobart) Peabody. 1. Chandler, b. May 21, 1795. 2. Frederick, b. Feb. 12, 1797. 3. Hobart, b. June 12, 1799. Shebuel Hobart, a brother of Daniel Hobart, was b. in Groton Dec. 15, 1746. He md. Dec. 7, 1774, Susan- nah Bradford, and settled in this town on the farm, now of John T. Wilson, between 1770 and 1775. He was a farmer and an intelligent, respected citizen. He was a corporal in Capt. Davis' company in 1775, but no addi- tional record of service in the Revolution has been found. He d. Nov. 8, 1813 ; his widow d. May 29, 1843, aged 84 years. I. Rachel, b. Dec. 11, 1775 ; md. Samuel Broughton, q. V. II. Susannah, b. July 16, 1778 ; md. Henry Kibling, q. V. Thomas Hobaet, lineage not traced, a relative of Dan- iel and Shebuel Hobart, md. Amy Wilder, b. Aug. 20, 1771, dau. of Samuel and Mary (Chubbuck) Wilder. They removed from Hingham to this town about 1796. He occupied a farm now owned by Walter R. Adams, and was an industrious, blameless man. His influence was good and his integrity was proverbial. He d. 1840 ; his wife d. 1837. William Holbkook, b. 1752, md. 1777, Elizabeth Rich, and removed from Scituate to this town 1782 or 1783. He was a farmer in the southwest part of the town. In 1807 he removed with his family to Westmore- land, N. H., where he d. 1825. 3 II. 4 III. 5 IV. 6 V. 7 VI. 8 VII. 9 VIII. 10 IX. 11 X. (6) 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 753 Mabel, b. June 29, 1778; md. April 13, 1797, Leonard Crosby, a brother of Frederick Crosby. William, b. Aug. 10, 1780. Infant, d. in this town July 23, 1783. Josiah, bap. April 4, 1784 ; d. April 26, 1784. Jesse, b. July 23, 1786. + Samuel, b. Aug. 25, 1788. Thomas jBic/i,bap. May 9, 1790 ; d. Dec. 4, 1792. Polly, b. July 1, 1794. Joseph Rich, b. March 6, 1797. Luther, b. Nov. 10, 1801. Jesse Holbeook, son of "William, md. Sept. 2, 1806, Nancy White, dau. of Elisha White, q. v. He was a blacksmith in this town, where he d. Aug. 4, 1867 ; she d. April 15, 1864. I. Nancy Wliite, b. April 30, 1807 ; md. Joshua Merriam, q. v. II. Jesse Horatio, b. Dec. 26, 1808 ; md. 1839, Polly Ann Wilcox ; resided in Granger, N. Y. ; he d. 1856. His sons, James E. and Lewis J., d. in the service in the war of the Rebellion. III. Mary Eliza, b. Sept. 2, 1811 ; d. 1812. IV. James Alexander, b. July 14, 1812 ; d. unmd. 1839. V. Mary Eliza, b. Aug. 12, 1814 ; md. Sept. 13, 1842, James L. Russell ; resides in Fitchburg. VI. Deborah Laura, b. March 9, 1817 ; unmd. ; a dressmaker ; resides in this town. VII. Sarah Dorinda, b. July 5, 1819 ; d. unmd. Feb. 12, 1876. VIII. Lois S., b. Nov. 29, 1821 ; md. Benjamin Cush- ing, g. V. IX. Edwin White, b. April 20, 1824 ; d. Dec. 9, 1839. X. William Loring, b. Aug. 2, 1826 ; unmd. XI. Ann A., b. Sept. 10, 1828; md. 1856, Calvin D. Strong of Fitchburg, and subsequently of Keene; he d. 1879. xir. Jane (twin), b. and d. Sept. 10, 1828. Joshua Holden, with wife Huldah, came to this town 1770. He was a soldier in the Revolution, serving three enlistments ; his wife died Feb. 26, 1795, aged " between 60 and 70 years." He md. (2d.) Oct. 4, 1803, Phebe (Austin) Stiles, dau. of Daniel, Jr., and Phebe (Lovejoy) Austin of Lunenburg,' and widow of Hezekiah Stiles of Rindge. After this marriage he resided in Rindge, where he d. Dec. 1, 1817. It is probable that Joshua and 48 .754 HISTORY or ASHBUENHAM. Huldah Holden had other and older children than the three named below. I. Joshua, b. ; md. Feb. 3, 1795, Lydia Par- ker, and removed to Middlesex, Vt. II. Beuben, b. Sept. 13, 1770; md. 1796, Hannah Nichols of Royalston. He d. April 4, 1799. 1. Ivers, b. Nov. 27, 1797. III. John, b. April 21, 1773; md. June 30, 1794, Anna Perrv. James Holden, perhaps a son of Joshua, resided in this town until 1804. The name of his wife was Persis. I. Sally, b. May 20, 1796. II. James, b. June 15, 1798. Ukiah Holt was in Ashburnham from 1771 to about 1790 and possibly a few years longer. He served three enlistments in the Revolution. Only a few fragments of his history can be gleaned from the records. The nirnble tongue of tradition refuses to fill the open page and little has been learned of his early and subsequent record. His wife d. in this town Nov. 28, 1779, aged 49 years; he md. (2d) June 6, 1785, Sarah Goodridge. I. Jonathan, bap. June 14,. 1772. II. Oliver, bap. Oct. 1, 1775 ; d. Feb. 1, 1779. Abiel Holt, son of Abiel Holt of Eindge, was b. 1790 ; md. 1815, Edah Darling, dau. of Amos and Ede (Stone) Darling of Eindge. They resided in Eindge sev- eral years ; subsequently he was a messenger at the State House, Boston, several years, and removed to this town about 1848, where he d. June 10, 1864 ; his widow d. Oct. 30, 1864. I. Samuel D., b. Sept. 15, 1816 ; md. Jan. 12, 1860, Susan R. Harris, dau. of Joseph Harris, q. v. n. Edah Stone, b. Feb. 1, 1819 ; d. Jan. 17, 1820. ni. Ahiel Putnam (twin), b. Feb. 1, 1819 ; d. March 31,1819. IV. Ahiel Putnam, b. Feb. 23, 1828 ; d. July 21, 1827. ■ Liberty Holt, a brother of Abiel, was b. in Eindge April 9, 1813. He has been a manufacturer of chairs and is now a farmer in this town. He md. Nov., 1838, Lucy Wheeler, who d. July 13, 1863 ; he md. (2d) Oct. 30, 1864, Sarah Haynes. 10 10 (5) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 755 Charles H., b. Aug. 29, 1843 ; md. Mary M. Beal of Boston ; she d. Feb. 15, 1883 ; he resides in Ashburnham. James Hatnes resided in this town from 1780 to 1814. His wife Mary d. Aug. 8, 1800; he md. (2d) 1801, Phebe Phelps of Fitchburg. The tax -lists and the record of birth of seven children furnish all the information for this register. I. Achsah, b. June 29, 1781. 11. Polly, b. April 8, 1783. III. Susannah, b. Jan. 9, 1787. IV. Lucy, b. Jan. 15, 1791. V. Sally, b. Dec. 28, 1794. VI. Nabby, b. May 24, 1797. VII. James Lee, b. Feb. 14, 1803. Reuben Haynes, said to be from Leominster, with wife Charlotte, was here a few years about 1840. I. Reuben Wesley, b. March 14, 1840. Grant Houston, son of Ovid Houston, was in Tyngs- boro' Nov. 18, 1772. He md. June 6, 1796, Patty Fletcher, b. 1778, dau. of Joshua and Elizabeth (Ray- mond) Fletcher of Westfleld. He removed to this town about 1806, where he d. Nov. 8, 1852 ; she d. Feb. 8, 1849. I. Sarah, b. March 12, 1798 ; md. April 20, 1837, Noah Mansfl'eld, son of Levi Mansfield of Rindge. He has resided many years at Lane Village. She d. Nov. 27, 1858. 1. Sarah Jane, b. March 25, 1838 ; d. unmd. Sept. 11, 1861. 2. Horace Ovid, b. July 27, 1839 ; md. Jan. 1, 1865, Persis F. Dearth, b. May 22, 1841, dau. of Asa Dearth of Bath, N. H. II. Horace Walpole, b. June 23, 1808. + Horace W. Houston was a farmer and for several years he owned a saw-mill in the seventh school district. He md. Dec. 9, 1829, Catherine Tuckerman who d., leav- ing two children, Feb. 14, 1860; md. (2d) Jan. 8, 1861, Elizabeth P. Collins ; md. (3d) Aug. 9, 1874, Maria J. Foss. He d. Jan. 22, 1886. 756 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. (3) 9 10 11 (4) 12 Julia E.,h. June 22, 1832; md. June 8, 1870, James F. West; resides in Haverhill. Mrs. "West began to sing in childhood and with each succeeding year her voice improved with culture and in volume. For many years she was among the best known and favorite soprano singers of New England. Julius A., b. Nov. 29, 1834; md. July 26, 1861, Althea L. Temple of Keene, N. H. He resides in South Acton. Thomas Howard was b. in Hingham Sept. 30, 1779. He was a son of Thomas and Sarah (Mansfield) Howard and a brother of Edward Howard whose son Edward is the founder of the Howard Watch Company. Thomas Howard md. Jan. 7, 1807, Hannah Wilder of Hingham, b. May 22, 1782. They removed to this town 1810. He was a farmer and a good citizen. He d. Nov. 3, 1861 ; she d. Nov. 14, 1870. I. Hannah, b. March 26, 1808 ; d. Dec. 16, 1828. II. Thomas, b. Oct. 28, 1809. + III. Samuel W., b. Aug. 23, 181 3.+ IV. Lewis, b. Dec. 1, 1816; resides in Ottawa, El. He md. Jan. 5, 1859, Jane A. Jackson. V. George, H., b. Sept. 11, 1818.+ VI. Mary W., b. Dec. 7, 1820 ; unmd. ; resides in this town. VII. Lucy M., b. Feb. 19, 1828 ; d. June 14, 1846. Thomas Howard md. Dec. 3, 1835, Hannah Elizabeth Wright and removed to East Cambridge. He d. Nov. 17, 1850. I. Frank Edson, b. March 12, 1837 ; d. unmd. II. George Henry, h. Nov. 30, 1838 ; md. April 25, 1861, Charlotte Wickens. He is a bookkeeper in East Cambridge. III. Thomas Melville, b. Nov. 26, 1844 ; md. Mary Mattell ; resides in East Cambridge. Samuel W. Howard md. Dec. 15, 1842, Susan Hobart, b. Oct. 31, 1821 ; she d. Sept. 22, 1868. He resides in this town. He is a carpenter and stone mason. I. Charles Hobart, b. July 15, 1845 ; md. Sept. 20, 1882, Mina A. Gaines, b. Sept. 4, 1856, of <6) 13 14 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 757 Miller's Falls, dau. of Benjamin and Lydia E. (Kendall) Gaines. Residence in Ashburnham. George Howard md. March 20, 1862, Catherine (Woods) Fairbanks, dau. of Asa Woods, q. v. He is a farmer and lives on the homestead. I. Herbert George, b. Oct. 21, 1863. II. Katie Mabel, b. Aug. 7, 1874. Joel Howe md. Experience Fenno and resided in this town a few years. His wife d. Feb. 21, 1815. He re- moved to Fitchburg. They had a son Charles and a dau. Eliza of whom no record has been received. Addison Howe, son of Joel and Experience (Fenno) Howe, md. Feb. 18, 1835, Ede Ward, dau. of Caleb Ward, q. v. They reside in this town. I. Eliza M., b. Nov. 6, 1835; md. Edwin Gates; resides in Verona, N. Y. II. Elsie A., b. Feb. 24, 1839 ; md. Nathaniel Ken- ney ; rad. (2d) Abel Stephen Farwell, son of Abel Farwell, q. v. III. Leroy A., b. May 6, 1841 ; md. Ella Maria Wood, dau. of James Wood ; resides in Westminster. IV. Amelia E., b. July 14, 1843 ; md. Geo. W. Mar- tin ; resides in Peacham, Vt. V. Harlan B., b. Feb. 25, 1847 ; md. Flora A. Under- wood ; resides in Westminster. Perley Howe, son of Perley and Jane T. (Belcher) Howe of Gardner and grandson of Ebenezer and Eliza- beth (Deland) Howe of Templeton and Gardner, was b. in Gardner Sept. 17, 1811. He md. Nov. 28, 1833, Mary V. Whitney, dau. of Joseph G. Whitney of West- minster. He is a farmer and has resided in this town since 1834. He has been assessor and selectman several years and has acceptably filled other positions of trust. He d. June 2, 1882. I. Orange E., b. Dec. 23, 1835 ; he is an engineer. He md. May 1 , 1858, Maria A. Platts, dau. of John V. Platts, q. v. ; she d. April 29, 1869 ; md. (2d) July 12, 1871, Olive C. Shorey of Plymouth, Me. 758 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 10 11 12 13 14 15 III. 1. Edward Perley, b. Dec. 13, 1859. 2. Mary Louisa, b. March 6, 1866 ; md. Ephraim Stone, q. v. 3. John Varnum, b. Sept. 4, 1868 ; d. June 27, 1870. Alvah S., b. Aug. 13, 1837 ; md. 1863, L. Annie Glazier, dau. of John C. Glazier, q. v. He d. in Woonsocket, R. I., Sept. 4, 1877. George P., b. March 12, 1847; md. Nov. 17, 1872, Eliza J. Kelton, dau. of Charles Kelton ; md. (2d) Sept. 27, 1881, Mary (Hamilton) Pierson ; reside in Chelsea. He is an engineer in Boston. Eli Howe, a brother of Perley Howe, was b. in Gard- ner April 2, 1804 ; md. Mary Severy. He removed to this town 1832 and to West Boylston 1872, where he d. 1883. Mr. Howe was an esteemed citizen. No children. Melzae Hudson, b. in Bridgewater April 22, 1771, was a son of William and Lucy Hudson. He lived a few years in Winchendon and removed to this town about 1795. In 1797 he was Quartermaster of the Fourth Reg- iment of militia, and in subsequent years he was fre- quently elected to minor town offices. He was residing in this town in 1805, but his name from that date disap- pears in the records. In 1811 he was residing in Leom- inster, where he d. Aug. 14, 1825. He md. Feb. 19, 1793, Catherine Gates, dau. of John Gates, q. v. The name is written Melzar and Melzer. I. Levi, b. May 16. 1793. II. Cynthia, b. Jan. 22, 1795. III. O , b. Oct. 26, 1797. IV. Charlotte, b. Jan. 12, 1799. V. Nelson, b. Feb. 22, 1801 ; d. March 23, 1801. VI. George, b. April 2, 1803. VII. Jane Taylor, b. June 23, 1817. HUNT. The families of Hunt who have resided in this town are of one American family and are descendants of William Hunt, the emigrant ancestor of the Concord family. He was b. in England about 1605, and, with wife Elizabeth and two children, he emigrated to America in 1635 and settled in Concord. His wife d. Dec. 27, 1661; he md. (2d) 1664, Mercy Rice. This was her third marriage ; her maiden name was Mercy Hurd ; her first husband was Thomas Brigham and her second husband was Edmund Rice. William Hunt d. in Marlboro 1667, and his widow d. 1693. The three sons of William and Elizabeth Hunt, Nehemiah, Samuel and Isaac, are represented through their descents in the family registers of Ashburnham. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 759 Samuel Hunt, second son of 'WilUam Hunt, was b. in England 1633 ; he md. Elizabeth Redding and settled in Ipswich ; his eldest son, Samuel Hunt, Jr., was b. Nov. 17, 1657; md. May 1, 1678, Ruth Todd and removed to Tewksbury and d. Jan. 11, 1742-3. His son, Jeremiah Hunt, b. March 27, 1685, md. Abigail Hazeltine, dau. of David Hazeltine and resided in Billerica. His wife d. March 19, 1721-2; he md. (2d) June 19, 1722, Rebecca Ballard, who d. Sept. 21, 1729, and he md. (3d) Aug. 12, 1731, Mary Stewart. He d. 1737. Sherebiah Hunt, son of Jeremiah and Rebecca (Ballard) Hunt, was b. in Billerica April 1, 1726 ; settled in Lancaster, where he md. April 2, 1758, Deborah "Wilder, b. Nov. 17, 1736, dau. of Joseph and Deborah (Jos- liu) Wilder. Among their four children were Dea. Sherebiah Hunt of Ashburnham, and Deborah, wife of Elisha White. The youngest son of William Hunt of Concord, the emigrant ancestor, was Isaac Hunt who was b. in Concord 1647; he md. May 14, 1667, Mary Stone. He lived in Concord, where he d. Dec. 12, 1680; his widow md. Nov. 30, 1681, Eliphalet Fox. Samuel Hunt, son of Isaac, b. in Concord Oct. 26, 1672, md. May 4, 1695, Eleanor Davis, b. Oct. 22, 1672, dau. of Simon Davis. He d. Dec. 15, 1C95, and the single tie connecting the generations in this line of descent was Samuel Hunt, Jr., posthumous, b. June 11, 1696. He settled in Littleton, where he md. Nov. 14, 1716, Dorothy Bulkley, dau. of Joseph Bulkley; she d. Nov. 4, 1731, aged 33 years. He d. July 13, 1739, leaving a widow Dinah, who md. (2d) Dr. Benjamin Shattuck. The youngest child of Samuel and Dorothy (Bulkley) Hunt was Peter Hunt of Ashburnham. Nehemiah Hunt, eldest son of William Hunt, was b. in England 1631 ; md. June 1, 1663, Mary Toll, b. Oct. 8, 1643, dau. of John and Katherine Toll of Sudbury. He settled in Concord, where he d. March 6, 1717-8. His son, William Hunt, b. 1678, md. Mary Carley and resided in Concord, where he d. May 15, 1765. The youngest of six children was Nehemiah Hunt, b. 1726; md. April 11, 1762, Submit Bateman and resided in Concord, where he d. Nov. 15, 1785; his widow md. Nov. 7, 1787, John Elint of Con- cord. There were eleven children of Nehemiah and Submit (Bateman) Hunt; the third of these was David Hunt of Ashburnham. Dea. Sherebiah Hukt, son of Sherebiah and Dorothy ("Wilder) Hunt, was b. in Lancaster July 23, 1758. He md. May 15, 1780, Ruth White of Lancaster, and the same year he settled in this town on the farm, now of Albert T. Bemis. His wife d. Oct. 30, 1794 ; he md. (2d) April 12, 1796, widow Dorothy (Mirick) Garfield of Princeton. She was the mother of Elisha G-arfield who lived from childhood in this town and d. unmd. Dec. 16, 1829. The name of Dea. Hunt is familiar to the records and traditions of Ashburnham. He was a tithingman many years and was frequently elected to office. He was respected and loved by his associates. From 1798 to the date of his death he was a deacon of the Congregational church. He d. March 6, 1826. His widow d. Nov. 7, 1846. One child by the first and three by the second marriage. I. Deborah, b. July 21, 1781 ; md. Dec. 31, 1803, Amos Stearns of Winchendon, son of Bartholo- mew and Mary (Raymond) Stearns ; she d. in 760 HISTOKY OF ASHBUKNHAM. 10 (8) Winchendon, leaving seven children, Feb. 7, 1817; he md. (2d) Sarah (Miller) Maynard, widow of Joseph Maynard, q. v. II. Dorothy, b. April 18, 1797 ; d. unmd. Nov. 22, 1882. in. Euth, b. June 3, 1799 ; resides unmd. in this town. IV. Charles S., b. Jan. 9, 1802; md. Jan. 9, 1828, Mary Ann How Vose, b. Sept. 29, 1810. He was a merchant in Boston, where he d., leaving nine children, Feb. 12, 1861. Petek Hunt, son of Samuel and Dorothy (Bulkley) Hunt, was b. in Littleton July 20, 1729. He md. in Littleton Dec. 10, 1761, Sarah Leighton, b. 1731, and in 1779 they removed with four children from Littleton to Rindge. Subsequently they removed to Ashburnham, where he d. Jan. 13, 1816 ; his widow d. Nov. 29, 1824, aged 93 years. , Sarah Leighton, the wife of Peter Hunt, was a lineal descendant of Rev. Dr. Leighton of England, the father of Archbishop Leighton. John Leighton, the emigrant ancestor, settled in Ipswich 1650. John Leighton, son of John and grandson of John, who settled in Ipswich, b. 1689, md. Sarah Perkins; md. (2d) Hannah Treadwell. He was a sea captain many years. Three of his sons were lost at sea. In 1748 he removed from Ipswich to Littleton with son Francis and daughters Hannah, Martha and Sarah. Capt. John Leighton, the father, d. 1773. Joanna Leighton, wife of Osgood Eaton, q. v., was a dau. of the son Francis who subsequently resided in West- ford. The four children of Peter and Sarah (Leighton) Hunt were b. in Littleton. I. Hannah, b. June 11, 1763; md. Abel Hoar of Sterling ; she d. Feb. 15, 1822. II. Peter, b. June 8, 1765.+ III. Bulkley, b. Sept. 21, 1768; md. Oct. 8, 1794, Betsey Chaplin, dau. of Micah and Betsey (Phil- brick) Chaplin of Rindge. They removed to Brandon and subsequently to Leicester, Vt. He d. Nov. 28, 1852. IV. Dorothy, b. May 7, 1773 ; resided in West Boyls- ton many years ; she d. unmd. May 9, 1866. Peter Hunt, son of Peter and Sarah (Leighton) Hunt, was b. in Littleton June 8, 1765. He was a farmer living GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 761 THE PETEK HUNT HOMESTEAD. 11 12 13 14 15 (11) upon the farm formerly of Shebuel Hobart, where he d. Sept. 8, 1834. He md. Sept. 17, 1809, Kezia (Hobart) Peabody, dau. of Daniel Hobart, q. v. She was an intel- ligent, superior woman and an affectionate friend and mother. She d. Nov. 30, 1833. I. Rodney, b. July 6, 1810. -(- II. Sabra, b. Nov. 22, 1812 ; d. Sept. 26, 1818. III. Stillman, b. Jan. 31, 1815 ; name changed to Harrison C. Hobart. Vide page 501. He md. Feb. 2, 1854, Frances Lowrey of Troy, N. Y., who d. March 22, 1855 ; he md. (2d) June 8, 1857, Anna C. Mower of Boston. IV. Tamisen, b. May 12, 1817; md. Samuel H. Ben- jamin, son of Daniel Benjamin, q. v. V. Peter Thatcher, b. Sept. 9, 1819. Vide page 504. Since 1871 he has resided in Denver, Col., where he is successfully engaged in stock and commission business. He md. 1869, Phebe Hull. They have four children. Rodney Hunt was b. in Ashburnham July 6, 1810. He attended the public schools of his native town and with filial kindness he assisted his parents through the needs of their age and past the years of his minority. He is 762 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. remembered by the associates of his youth as a generous companion and a young man of ardent temperament and honorable conduct. For many years he followed the trade of a millwright. A half century ago an iron wheel was comparatively unknown, the motive power being supplied by cumbersome wooden wheels of several well-remem- bered patterns. These were constructed on the ground where they were to be used and their construction and repair furnished employment for a considerable number of skilled workmen. In this employment Mr. Hunt not only met the demands of the passing hour but made a constant and intelligent study of the demands and possi- bilities of the future. In the progress of the age iron wheels of tested and approved patterns, manufactured in quantity at central points, have supplanted the clumsy structures of fifty years ago. In this revolution, the field of many achievements, Mr. Hunt has been a prominent actor. He is the founder of the Rodney Hunt Machine Company of Orange and president of the corporation. Few men have manifested an equal knowledge of water power and its proper adjustment to machinery. His life has been devoted to these and kindred studies and pur- suits, and the success of the corporation is among the fruits of his study and perseverance. As a citizen he is held in high esteem and has frequently been called to positions of trust. He has represented the town of Orange in the Legislature and has been at all times an earnest and steadfast supporter of the reforms of the age. He md. Jan. 5, 1834, Margaret Parker, dau. of Jeremiah Parker of Holden; shed. Nov. 28, 1865; md. (2d) March 19, 1867, Eliza (Parker) Slate, a sister of his first wife. He has resided in Orange since 1840. 16 17 18 19 David Hunt, son of Nehemiah and Submit (Bateman) Hunt, was b. in Concord June 15, 1766. He came to Ashburnham about 1790. He md. Feb. 21, 1793, Lydia Howe of Templeton. The intentions of marriage are recorded in this town and in the record he is styled " of Ashburnham." At the ensuing annual election of town officers, according to a custom of the times, he received the notice commonly paid to newly married men by being elected hogreave. Not many years later he removed to Mason, N. H., where he d. 1848. I. Abel, b. Dec. 24, 1794. 11. SaraJi, b. May 2, 1797 ; md. Sept. 25, 1827, Josiah Winsliip of Mason, N. H. m. Mary, b. Feb. 24, 1799. \ JiLF / j-^-^y y^-i^^l^ 20 21 22 23 24 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 76S IV. David F., b. March 4, 1801. Y. Lydia, b. Feb. 19, 1804. VI. Sabrina, b. June 6, 1806 ; md. 1834, John Fes- senden of Westminster, vn. Sophia H., b. June 19, 1809. VIII. Nehemiah A., b. Sept. 27, 1811. Rev. Andrew Jaquith was a son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Spaulding) Jaquith of Ashby and a grandson of Adford and Sarah Jaquith of Ashby, where he was b. March 7, 1816. Vide page 513. He md. April 17, 1842, Abbie G. Warren, b. April 6, 1815, dau. of Jacob and Sarah (Hubbard) Warren, ile d. Aug. 27, 1864 ; his widow resides on the homestead in this town. I. Henry Warren, b. Nov. 6, 1844 ; enlisted in 6th N. H. Vols, in March, 1862, and d. at Wash- ington, D. C, Aug. 13, 1864. II. Andrew Benjamin, b. May 16, 1850 ; md. March 4, 1880, Clara C. Kelley of Wakefield. He re- sided in New York and in Washington, D. C, where he d. April 12, 1883. Cyrus A. Jefts, son of Gilbert and Eliza (Eaton) Jefts of Stoddard and Washington, N. H., was b. June 11, 1834. He md. Sept. 21, 1861, Roxanna Blodget of New Ipswich. He is a miller and dealer in lumber at Factory Village. I. Frederick A., b. Oct. 27, 1865. II. Charles J., b. Jan. 6, 1868. III. Walter E., b. Sept. 7, 1874. IV. Adella May, b. Jan. 19, 1879. CoL. Joseph Jewett, son of Edward and Sarah Jewett, was b. in Stow May 10, 1761. It is a tradition of the family that he was a descendant of the sixth generation from Joseph Jewett of Rowley, a brother of Dea. Maxi- milian Jewett. Col. Jewett through a long and active life was a controlling spirit in this town. Vide page 478. He md. April 11, 1786, Sarah Woods, dau. of Samuel and Tabitha Woods of Princeton, q. v. He d. May 3, 1846 ; she d. Feb. 23, 1852. I. Ivers, b. May 7, 1788.-f II. Joseph, b. April 30, 1790.+ III. Milton, b. May 31, 1793 ; d. unmd. Oct. 31, 1817. 764 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (2) <3) IV. V. VI. Polly Gibhs, b. March 4, 1796 ; md. Oct. 27, 1818, Rev. Otis C. Whiton, b. in Winchendon Sept. 27, 1794, son of Dr. Israel and Dorothy (Crosby) Whiton. She d., s. p., Nov. 25, 1824. Merrick Augustus, b. Aug. 26, 1798. -|- Sarali Farmer, b. Sept. 4, 1803 ; md. Dec. 14, 1825, Albert Hobart of Boston ; she d. Oct. 9, 1838. <6) Gen. Ivers Jewett resided in Ashburnham, Fitchburg and Mobile, Ala. Vide page 479. He md. Dec. 21, 1813, Mary Adams, dau. of Ebenezer Thomas Adams, q. V. She d. at Alexandria, La., Oct. 11, 1834 ; he md. (2d) Lydia Adams, a sister of the first wife. He d. at Mobile April 26, 1871. The following register of the children is incomplete and possibly fails to name all of them. Ivers Thomas, b. Sept. 26, 1814. Joseph Adards, b. July 4, 1816. Edwin Milton, b. Aug. 10, 1821. George Perkins, bap. 1824 ; d. Jan 28, 1825. Mary Eliza Whiton, bap. 1826. Sarah Woods, bap. 1828. 8 I 9 II. 10 Ill 11 IV 12 V 13 VI. Joseph Jewett was a merchant several years at Win- chendon Centre, and while a resident of the town was a member of the school committee in 1817. Soon after this date he removed to Baltimore, Md., and was engaged there as a bookseller and publisher and a part of the time at least he was associated in business with his brother-in- law, Joseph Gushing. He md. Oct. 8, 1811, Susannah Cashing, dau. of Capt. David Cushing, q. v. No record of their children has been received. 14 15 16 Rev. IMerrick A. Jewett for many j'ears was the faith- ful and beloved pastor of the First Congregational church in Terra Haute, Ind. Vide page 498. He md. Oct. 4, 1825, Mary Moore, b. Feb. 10, 1807, eldest dau. of Geo. W. and Margaret Moore of Baltimore, Md. He d. April 3, 1874. His widow d. Sept. 5, 1882. There were nine children, seven sons and two daughters, of Rev. Merrick A. and Mary (Moore) Jewett. Of these six d. in infancy'. I. David Moore, b. 1834 ; d. June 14, 1876. II. Edward Duncan, resides in Texas. III. Mary M., resides in New York City. GENEALOGICAL REGISTEK. 765 17 18 19 RESIDENCE OF DK. NATHANIEL JEWETT. Amort Jewett, b. in Pepperell Aug. 14, 1808, md. Lucy E. Diewaide and resided several years in Boston, where his children were born. They have resided in this town several years. He is a son of Nathaniel and Betsey (Hamblet) Jewett of Pepperell, Charlestown and Lexing- ton and a grandson of Jedediah Jewett of Pepperell who was a descendant of the Rowley family of Jewett. Two sons of Amory and Lucy E. (Diewaide) Jewett are among the resident physicians of this town. I. Amory Jewett, M. D., b. Jan. 17, 1833. Vide page 473. II. Nathaniel Jewett, M. D., b. March 10, 1841. Vide page 474. Timothy Johnson with wife, Sarah, removed to Ash- burnham about 1772. He settled near the farm of the late Dea. John C. Davis. It is probable that the family removed from this town about 1795. He was in the ser- vice in Col. Putnam's regiment three years, and in 1778 the town voted to relieve the necessities of the family. I. Sarah, b. Sept. 16, 1774. II. Timothy, b. Nov. 29, 1775. III. Oliver, h. Dec. 31, 1777. 766 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 IV. Joshua, h. March 13, 1781. V. Levi, b. Dec. 1, 1783. VI. John, b. April 19, 1786. VII. Benjamin, b. Oct. 18, 1788. VIII. Joseph, b. June 25, 1791. Moses Johnson was taxed 1770, but his name is not renewed in the records. Samuel Johnson and wife, Lydia, were here a short time during the Revolution. I. Abel, b. Oct. 12, 1777. Charles Francis Johnson, b. in Westmoreland, N. H., Aug. 13, 1821, son of Walker and Philena (Puffer) Johnson, md. June 24, 1843, Ruth D. Bemis, b. Oct. 18, 1822, dau. of William Bemis, q. v. He is a mechanic in Ashburnham. I. Charles Herbert, h. June 11, 1847; d. June 16, 1863. II. Ida Frances, b. Aug. 24, 1851 ; md. 1875, George W. Hurd ; resides in Fitchburg. III. Arthur Clesson, b. June 27, 1854; d. Dec, 1854. IV. Helen M., b. Dec. 14, 1859 ; d. June 5, 1863. JONES. Enos Jones, an early resident of Ashburnham, was a representative of the fifth generation of his family in this country. The emigrant ancestor was Lewis Jones, who was residing in Roxbury in 1645, and removed to Water- town about 1650, where he d. April 11, 1684. In his will there is mention of his wife, Anna, and several children ; of these Capt. Josiah Jones, b. 1643, resided in Watertown and Weston. He was a deacon of the church in Wes- ton, and a selectman of Watertown several years previous to the incorpora- tion of Weston. He md. Oct. 2, 1667, Lydia Treadway, dau. of Nathaniel and SufEerana (How) Treadway of Watertown. He. d. Oct. 9, 1714; she d. Sept. 18, 1743. Josiah Jones, b. Oct. 20, 1670, son of Capt. Josiah Jones, resided in Weston. In 1715 he was chosen a deacon to succeed his father, but he refused the ofiSce. He md. Abigail Barnes, b. June 14, 1671, dau. of Thomas and Abigail (Goodnow) Barnes of Marlboro'. He d. Dee. 31, 1734; his widow d. in Stockbridge Nov. 4, 1749. Their son, William Jones, b. Jan. 4, 1706-7, settled in Lunenburg. During the Indian War his house was one of the garrisons in the line of fortification. Vide page 76. He was a surveyor and frequently employed by the colony. In 1760 he was sent to Nova Scotia to survey a township. On his return voyage the vessel was lost and he perished at sea, Jan. 26, 1761. He md. Dec. 25, 1733, Sarah Locke, b. July 5, 1707, dau. of James and Sarah (Cutter) Locke of Woburn. She d. Oct. 20, 1788. Of their children, Enos Jones settled in Ashburnham, and Sarah md. Joseph Foster, and their dau., Rebecca Foster, was the wife of Isaac Whitmore of this town. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 767 Enos Jones, son of William and Sarah (Locke) Jones, was b. in Lunenburg July 4, 1742. His father, at the time of his decease, was the owner of one-half or the whole of the Bluefield or Bellows grant in this town. In 1761 Enos Jones removed to this town and settled on this tract of land, of which he subsequently acquired possession. Vide pp. 36-39. He was industrious and honest ; in his home he was hospitable, and among his fellow-men he commanded their esteem. When he removed to this town some progress had been made in the settlement, a church had been organized and a minister had been settled, yet the greater portion of the township was unoccupied, and his earlj' home was in a wilderness. In the male lines of descent, no representative of his family, bearing his name, has resided in this town since the removal of his grand- son Dea. Gilman Jones, yet in the collateral branches and bearing other names his descendants in this town are very numerous. He md. Jan. 20, 1768, Mary Whitmore, dau. of Joseph Whitmore, q. v. ; she d. Dec. 24, 1788 ; he md. (2d) Hannah (Adams) Russell, dau. of Capt. Thomas Adams, g. v., and widow of Walter Eussell. He d. Dec. 30, 1824; his widow d. Oct. 16, 1836. I. Edmund, b. Sept. 13, 1769.-|- II. Molly, b. March 31, 1771; md. Silas Willard, Esq., q. V. m. Nathan, b. April 12, 1773 ; md. Dec. 15, 1796, Betsey Spaulding, dau. of Isaac Spaulding, q. v. He resided in Lempster, N. H., and in Sharon, Vt. They had ten children ; one d. in child- hood and nine removed to Ohio and other West- ern States; he d. at Cold Spring, Shelby Co., 111., May 14, 1852. IV. Sally, b. May 21, 1775 ; md. Dec. 5, 1798, Dea. John Taylor, b. Feb. 26, 1773, son of Thaddeus and Bridget (Walton) Taylor of Dunstable and New Ipswich. They resided in Lempster, N. H., where she d., leaving nine children, Dec. 13, 1831. He d. 1864. T. Dolly, b. May 28, 1777 ; md. Jonathan Wood, q. v. VI. Luey, b. May 20, 1779 ; md. Joshua Fletcher, q. v. vu. Persis, b. Nov. 20, 1781 ; md. Oct. 24, 1805, Samuel Taylor, b. Oct. 12, 1781, a son of Thaddeus and Bridget (Walton) Taylor. He was a farmer in New Ipswich, near the Ashburn- ham line. He d. Jan. 4, 1864 ; she d. Sept. 1, 1869 ; nine children, among them Charles Tay- lor, who md. 1841, Harriet N. Weston, dau. of James Weston, q. v. 768 HISTOEY OF ASHBURNHAM. 9 10 (2) 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 (10) Tin. Eunice, b. Jan. 5, 1784 ; md. John Eaton, q. v. IX. Daniel, b. Dec. 23, 1788.+ Edmund Jones md. Sept. 19, 1799, Caty Taylor, b. Feb. 16, 1775, a sister of Dea. John and Samuel Taylor who md. sisters of Edmund Jones. He was a farmer, residing on a part of the Bellows grant and west of the residence of his father. His wife d. Jan. 6, 1831 ; he md. (2d) 1832, Betsey Eaton. He d. Jan. 17, 1853. I. Oilman, b. Dec. 4, 1800.+ II. Tila, b. June 1, 1803 ; md. 1835, Eliphaz Allen, b. March 29, 1797, son of Eliphaz and Eunice (Putnam) Allen of Rindge, his third marriage. They resided in Eindge and in Jaffrey, N. H., where he d. July 10, 1848 ; his widow d. March 11, 1858. She was the mother of four children. III. Caroline, b. Oct. 30, 1808 ; md. Nov. 23, 1847, Ezra Hudson ; she was his fourth wife ; a former wife of Mr. Hudson was Sarah Brooks, dau. of Thaddeus Brooks. He resided in Tem- pleton. IV. Christopher, b. March 31, 1812 ; md. April 7, 1839, Mary Ward, dau. of Caleb Ward, q. v. He d. April 9, 1843 ; she md. (2d) Jan. 4, 1853, Addison Bancroft of Rindge. Of Chris- topher and Mary (Ward) Jones there were three children. 1. Catherine Taylor, b. Jan. 26, 1840; md. Cleros S. Converse, b. March 13, 1846, son of Lucius M. and Cynthia (Sawtell) Converse of Rindge. They reside in Horicon, Wis. 2. Homer Swain, b. Dec. 29, 1841 ; after the death of his father, he was adopted by his uncle, Dea. Gilman Jones ; resides at Horicon, Wis. 3. Mary Mersylvia, b. Dec. 4, 1843 ; md. March 21, 1865, Martin L. Manzer ; reside in Winchendon. V. Cynthia, b. Oct. 16, 1820 ; d. unmd. Jan 6, 1849. Dea. Daniel Jones was a farmer and resided upon the homestead. He was an affable, upright man, blend- ing kindness with firmness ; he commanded the love and respect of his associates. He was a deacon of the 19 20 21 22 23 (11) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 769 Congregational church from 1S24 until 1843 when he united with the Union church at the North Village. He md. July 9, 1811, Rachel Converse, b. Oct. 12, 1788, dau. of Zebulon and Sarah (Merriam) Converse of Eindge. He d. March 14, 1843 ; his widow subsequently resided several years in Winchendon and d. in Ayer April, 1873. I. Mary, b. March 26, 1813 ; d. unmd. Aug. 30, 1846. II. Sultyna, b. April 26, 1815 ; md. June 2, 1840, Asa E. Woods, son of Sewell and Anna (Whit- aker) Woods; they resided in Mason, N. H., where he d. July 25, 1850 ; she md. (2d) Ezra H. Sawtell, son of Asa Sawtell, g. v. III. Eliza, b. Oct. 4, 1821 ; d. Feb. 22, 1824. IV. Eliza Rachel, b. Aug. 1, 1826; md. Jan. 3, 1854, Horace O. Whitcher, son of Jeremiah and Per- sis (Craige) Whitcher ; reside in Barton, Vt. V. Daniel Wayland, b. Jan. 14, 1829. He is a success- ful physician in Newton. These lines arranged for a place in Chap. XX, were inadvertently omitted in that connection. Dr. Jones was a student in the office of Dr. Ira Russell of Winchendon and is a graduate of the Medical Department of the University of New York, re- ceiving his degree in March, 1852. The same year he located in Rindge where he was well received and the recipient of a liberal measure of practice. In 1855 he removed to Newton, where he continued in active practice several years. He is now in Boston. He md. July 13, 1853, Minerva A. Tyler, dau. of Ephraim and Mary (Bissell) Tyler; she d. Jan. 31, 1858; md. (2d) Dec. 24, 1860, Josephine D. BuUard, dau. of Elias and Persis (Daniels) Bullard of Holliston; she d. May 25, 1871. Dea. Gilman Jones resided in Ashburnham until 1857, when he removed to Wisconsin. In early life he was a farmer and subsequently in connection with Col. Enoch Whitmore he was engaged in the manufacture of spools and other woodware. He was an original member of the church in North Ashburnham and was a deacon several years. Mr. Jones was an early abolitionist and a stal- wart advocate of temperance. In all affairs of a social and public character he answered his convictions which were the full expression of an upright character and a sympathetic nature. He md. Feb. 8, 1827, Sylvia Ward, dau. of Dea. Samuel Ward, q. v. He resides at Horicon, Wis. No children. 49 770 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. JONES. Nathan Jones, No. 24 in the following register, and his descendants are not related to the Enos Jones family. The emigrant ancestor of this family was John Jones, who is found a resident of Cambridge 1648, and subse- quently of Concord. He d. June 22, 1673, and his widow, Dorcas, md. (2d) William Buss of Concord. John Jones, son of John and Dorcas Jones, b. July 6, 1656, md. March 5, 1681, Sarah Farwell and not Sarah Temple, as given by Shattuck, dau. of John and Sarah (Wheeler) Farwell. He d. in Concord Feb. 14, 1725-6. John Jones, son of John and Sarah (Farwell) Jones, b. in Concord Jan. 6, 1690, md. July 25, 1716, Anna Brooks, b. Feb. 21, 1695-6, dau. of Daniel and Ann (Merriam) Brooks. He d. March 12, 1762; she d. June 9, 1753. Among the children of John and Anna (Brooks) Jones was Ebenezer Jones, b. in Concord Dec. 8, 1726; he md. Jan. 22, 1750, Mary Wheeler. They were the parents of fifteen children. About the date of marriage he removed to Bedford, and in 1762 or 1763 he removed to Princeton. He was styled Major, and was prominent in public affairs. An elevation of land in Princeton, called Jones' Hill, indicates the location of his farm. He d. in Princeton 1779 ; his wife survived him about five years. 24 2.5 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 Nathan Jones, son of Major Ebenezer Jones of Bed- ford and Princeton, was b. in Bedford April 21, 1753. He md. Oct. 4, 1774, Mercy Parmenter of Rutland, b. July 27, 1753. They resided in Princeton, where eight of their ten children were born, until 1794, when they removed to Ashburnham and settled in the north part of the town. He was an industrious man, of retiring man- ner. The forces of his nature were fully employed in the support of a large family. He d. April 8, 1827 ; his widow d. Dec. 27, 1835. II. in. IV. V. VI. Nathan, b. April 13, 1775 ; resided in Vermont and subsequently in Michigan ; had a family. Mary, b. Oct. 17, 1777; md. Capt. Corse; resided at Moretown, Vt. Benjamin, b. Dec. 11, 1779. Lucy, b. June 2, 1782 ; d. July 11, 1782. John, b. Nov. 24, 1783.+ Anna, b. Jan. 21, 1787 ; md. Elias Lane, son of Col. Francis Lane, g. v. VII. Ebenezer, b. July 26, 1789 ; md. 1822, Lucinda Eeed, dau. of Supply Reed of Acworth, and a sister of the wife of Nahum Benjamin. He resided on the homestead where he d. Sept. 1, 1825 ; his widow went to Council Bluffs where her brother, John Reed, was a Mormon preacher. 1. Eliza, b. and d. Sept. 15, 1823. 2. Sylvia. 3. Charles. VIII. Abel Parmenter, b. March 13, 1792; removed to 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 (29) 50 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 771 Westford, where he md. Mary Corey, b. Feb. 22, 1795, dau. of Abel Corey. He met with financial losses and returned to this town where he d. Jan. 13, 1836. His widow d. Oct. 22, 1862. 1. Harriet A., b. Aug. 30, 1817. 2. Eliza C, b. Feb. 11, 1819. 3. Mary J., b. Jan. 3, 1821. 4. LueyL., b. Sept. 18, 1822; d. May 11, 1840. 5. Sarah B., b. Sept. 19, 1824; d. Sept. 22, 1830. 6. "WiUiam A., b. Sept. 23, 1827; d. Oct. 4, 1847. 7. George P., b. Jan. 7, 1830.- IX. Betsey, b. July 24, 1795 ; md. Oct. 16, 1827, Aaron E. Hadley, and resided several years in this town and subsequently' in Burlington and Montpelier, Vt. 1. Edwin W., b. 1829. 2. Isaac C. 3. Mary A. 4. Rebecca J. 5. Henry H., b. Jan. 4, 1840; md. June 9, 1872, Martha E. (Winkley) Delano; resides at North Ashburnham. He was in Kansas in 1856, and in the affray at Lawrence. He served in the CivU War. X. Wilder, b. July 2, 1798 ; resided in Boston ; had a family, but no record is at hand. Capt. John Jones md. Dec. 17, 1809, Lucy Lane, dau. of Col. Francis Lane, q. v., and removed to Dublin, N. H., where he d. May 3, 1849. He was a lieutenant in the war of 1812 and subs.equently a captain of the militia. He was frequently called to positions of trust and in his daily life he commanded the respect of his associates. His widow d. March 24, 1873. I. Frederick, b. July 20, 1813. He is a graduate of Harvard University, 1835 ; a regular graduate in medicine and has received degrees A.M., M. D., from Dartmouth College. Dr. Jones practised Ms profession a short time in this town previous to a removal to New Ipswich, 772 HISTORY or ASHBURNHAM. 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 where he has been successfully engaged in pro- fessional labor. For many years he has occu- pied a prominent position in the profession, and is frequently employed in the surrounding towns. He md. Feb. 20, 1845, Caroline Frances Gibson, b. in New Ipswich Feb. 2, 1824, dau. of Dr. Stillman Gibson of New Ips- wich. They have one sou and one daughter, 1. Frederic William, b. Jan.' 9, 1848; a graduate of Dartmouth College 1869, and Medical Department of the Univer- sity of New York ; engaged in the prac- tice of his profession in New Ipswich ; md. May 31, 1881, Harriet A. Perry. 2. C. Frances, b. June 1, 1852 ; she has pro- duced abundant fruits of taste and ability in painting and drawing. II. Lucy A., b. Nov. 20, 1819 ; was a successful teacher ; md. May 14, 1848, Eri J. Spaulding of Troy, N. H. ; she d. Feb. 14, 1861. 1. Lucy Ann, b. March 19, 1849 ; d. June 12, 1862. 2. Ellen C, b. Aug. 16, 1851 ; md. May 1, 1877, William L. Morse, a graduate of Harvard University 1877. He is of the firm of Morse & Bigelow, Marlboro'. 3. Albert E., b. May 9, 1853; principal of High School, Princeville, 111. ; d. Oct. 4, 1875. 4. Abbie C, b. Aug. 21, 1857; md. Aug. 24, 1878, Dudley Philbrick ; reside in Brighton. JOSLIN. The families of Joslin in this town at an early date were from Leominster. Only one of them remained in Ashburnham beyond a few years. They were of the fifth generation from Thomas Joslin who signed the Lancaster Cove- nant Sept. 12, 1654. This Thomas with wife Rebecca and fire children set- tled in Hingham in 1635, and subsequently removed to Lancaster, which at that time included Leominster, where the families of Joslin have been numer- ous, and some of them were among the original owners of land in this town. Among the children of John and Lucy Joslin were three who became resi- dents of this town : Abijah, b. Jan. 2-1, 1744-5 ; James, b. July 31, 1747, and Samuel, b. March 11, 1752. Caft. Abijah Joslin, then a young, unmarried man, removed to this town soon after the date of incorporation. He md. Jan. 5, 1768, Keziah Farrar of Townsend, and 9 10 11 12 13 14 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 773 settled in the south or southeast part of the town. In 1774 he was a member of the committee of correspond- ence, and was chosen by the town captain of the militia. At the annual meetings he was at different times elected to office and appears to have been the recipient of a rea- sonable measure of the confidence and respect of his townsmen. In 1804 the family removed to Verona, N. Y., where some of the older children had previously settled. I. Abijah, b. Jan. 3, 1770 ; md. Anna Smith. II. Keziah, b. June 8, 1771 ; md. Joseph Blackman. III. Sarah, b. Dec. 29, 1772 ; md. Nov. 3, 1795, Peter Andrew Wilder. IV. Ephraim, b. Aug. 28, 1774 ; md. Mehitabel Cag- win. V. George Washington, b. April 18, 1776 ; md. 1803, Rhoda Corey, dan. of Hezekiah Corey, q. v. ; removed to Verona, N. Y. He d. Aug. 16, 1828, aged 52. vr. Lucy, b. Aug. 20, 1778 ; d. Nov. 20, 1780. VII. Isaac Farrar, b. Feb. 25, 1780 ; d. March 28, 1799. VIII. John, bap. March 30, 1782. IX. Eunice, bap. Aug. 30, 1783; md. 18.07, Thomas Cagwin. X. Nahum, bap. April 13, 1790 ; md. Sarah Jones. XI. Nancy, bap. March 18, 1792 ; d. March 6, 1795. XII. Sophia, bap. Oct. 18, 1795 ; md. Elijah Blackman. 15 16 17 18 SAMtnEL JosLiN, a brother of Capt. Abijah Joslin, came to Ashburnham previous to 1770. He is on the roll of Capt. Gates' company 1775. He resided in this town a few years and about 1790 settled in Jaffrey, N. H. It is probable that he lived in some other place between his residence in this town and his removal to Jaffrey. He d. in Jaffrey, Nov. 17, 1815 ; he md. in this town July 18, 1776, Elizabeth Wilder, dau. of Joseph Wilder of Leom- inster ; she d. Dec. 14, 1821. Three children. I. Lucy, b. — — ; md. Millot Ellis ; removed to Oberlin, Ohio. II. Tliomas, removed to Oberlin. III. Betsey, removed to Oberlin. James Joslin, brother of Capt. Abijah and Samuel, md. in Leominster Jan. 8, 1767, Mary Daby, and removed to this town soon after. They united with the church Oct. 774 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. 19 20 14, 1770. It is certain that they resided in Leominster, after a few years in this town, but there is no record of any transfer of their cliurch relations. The only existing tax list of that period is for the year 1771 which bears his name. Two children were b. in Ashburnham and others in Leominster. I. James, bap. Oct. 11, 1770 ; md. 1792, Relief Carter, n. Molly (twin), bap. Oct. 11, 1770; md. William Barrage. William Jotner came from Sudbury and remained an active and influential citizen of this town from 1763 to 1769. At the first town meeting in Ashburnham he was chosen assessor, and the three succeeding years he was the town clerk. He md. in Sudbury March 18, 1745, Hannah Bowker. The records of this town afford no additional information. Capt. Samuel Kelton, son of Edward and Mary Kel- ton, was b. in Dorchester Nov. 26, 1741. After his mar- riage he settled in Needham, and as early as 1775 he be- gan to improve land in this town which formerly had been owned by his father. At the Lexington alarm he was a sergeant in Capt. Aaron Smith's company, and during the remainder of the year he was a captain in Col. Patter- son's regiment, participating in the siege of Boston. In the following year, 1776, he removed to this town, and in 1785 his homestead was included in the new town of G-ardner. He was a man of intelligence and character, and was prominent in town affairs. While he remained a resident of this town his name is often met in the records, and subsequently in Gardner, he was an influential and honored citizen. He md. Jan. 5, 1769, Molly Leeds, b. Oct. 2, 1749. She March 29, 1821 d. in Gardner Feb. 5, 1824; he d. I. Samuel, b. March 1, 1770; d. Sept. 16, 1775. II. Lemuel,}). Sept.. 22, 1771; md. March 6, 1796, Patty Angler, dau. of Timothy Angier, q. v. They resided in this town and in Gardner, where she d. 1842. He d. Oct 2, 1863. Three children. III. Edward, b. June 13, 1773 ; d. Sept. 25, 1775. IV. Ebenezer, b. March 12, 1775 ; d. Sept. 12, 1775. V. Esther, b. Oct. 20, 1776 ; d. unmd. in Gardner July 6, 1843. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 (12) 19 20 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 775 VI. Samuel, b. Oct. 25, 1778; d. Nov. 30, 1780. vn. Enos, b. Feb. 3, 1781 ; md. July 11, 1814, Dolly Winchester, dau. of Jonathan Winchester, q. v. They resided in Gardner. He d. May 20, 1858, She d. Feb. 2, -1864. 1. Louisa, b. July 18, 1815 ; md. Augustus E. Houghton ; he d. in Milford, N. H. She resides in this town. 2. George, b. April 19, 1817; md. Sept. 1, 1842, Sopia Adams, b. Oct. 16, 1818, dau. of Daniel and Dinah (Metcalf) Adams of Gardner. He d. April 1, 1877; she d. Dec. 15, 1879. 3. Selina, b. Sept. 25, 1820 ; md. May 9, 1850, Nathan W. Cram. 4. Charles, b. Dec. 21, 1821. + 5. Lucinda, b. Oct. 6, 1825. VIII. William, b. Aug. 24, 1883 ; d. in Gardner unmd. Jan. 20, 1853. IX. Eliam, b. Oct. 25, 1785; md. May 29, 1826, Sophia Hosley, b. in Hancock, N. H., Jan. 26, 1801. They resided in this town from 1828 to 1832, and subsequently in Gardner, where he d. Aug. 24, 1865 ; she d. April 22, 1879. 1. David, b. June 25, 1827, has resided many 3 ears in Gardner, and is now a resident of this town. 2. Nancy, b. Jan. 22, 1831 ; md. Jan. 10, 1854, Leander Knowlton ; she d. in Worcester June 21, 1883. X. Mary, b. Oct. 18, 1791 ; md. Stillman Holden, and resided many years in Gardner ; she d. Sept. 15, 1865 ; he resides in Erving. Chakles Kelton md. Oct. 4, 1842, Susan Eeed. He is a farmer, living on the Emory Fairbanks farm. Six children. I. Laura, b. JUI3' 16, 1843 ; md. George W. Reed, b. March 2, 1837, son of Jacob Reed of West- ford ; reside in this town. 1. Hattie M., b. March 1, 1858; md. July 12, 1878, Alfred H. Gushing, son of Benjamin Gushing, q. v. 776 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 2. Eva R., b. Sept. 27, 1868; md. Feb. 18, 1886, William F. Walther.' 3. Alvin, b. Oct. 10, 1878. 4. Lottie, b. Oct. 7, 1880. II. Charles Otis, b. Aug. 26, 1845 ; md. 1867, Emma A. Reed, in. Amasa W., b. June 18, 1848. IV. Elixi J.,h. Oct. 2, 1851; md. Nov. 17, 1872, George P. Howe, son of Perley Howe, q. v. V. Luella, b. June 12, 1855 ; md. Wilbur W. Page. VI. George H., b. Oct. 16, 1858. Benjamin Kemp, wife Judith and three children re- moved to this town from Chelmsford in June, 1770. The family disappear after a few years. The Chelmsford records announce the birth of four children. It is prob- able that John d. previous to 1770, as he is not named in the warrant of caution against a settlement. I. Judith, b. in Chelmsford Feb. 10, 1762. II. Benjamin, b. in Chelmsford Feb. 22, 1764. III. John, b. in Chelmsford May 19, 1766. IV. Martha, b. in Chelmsford Aug. 27, 1768. V. James, b. in Ashburnham Feb. 3, 1771. VI. Kezia, b. in Ashburnham Aug. 8, 1773. Amos Kendall removed to this town between 1770 and 1775, and settled in the north part of the town. He dis- appears from the records within a few years. There were other Kendalls in this town and all of them possibly were sons of Amos. All the information that is gleaned from the records is here presented. A dau., Eunice, was bap. May 7, 1775. Amos Kendall, Je., md. May 28, 1777, Molly Willard, and disappears from the records. Francis Kendall d. in Sept., 1777, as recorded by Mr. Gushing, " on his way home from ye army." William Kendall md. probably before the family re- moved to this town. The name of his wife was Polly. He removed from town about 1806. I. William, b. May 24, 1775. II. Mary, b. July 22, 1777. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 777: 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 III. Nancy, b. Nov. 27, 1781. 17. Moses, b. Sept. 7, 1784. V. Lydia, b. Sept. 16, 1789. VI. PJiilip, b. Aug. 24, 1799. Caleb Kendall md. in Shrewsbury Dec. 8, 1773, Priscilla Townsend, dau. of Joshua Townsend, q. v. He resided in Shrewsbury several years, and removed to thi& town previous to 1787. He md. (2d) April 15, 1788, Lucy Kendall of Lancaster, and in 1792 he removed to Winchendon. I. Priscilla, b. Jan. 20, 1777. II. Caleb, b. Jan. 25, 1779. III. Lucy, bap. June 14, 1789. IV. David, bap. May 29, 1791. V. Samuel, b. Oct. 11, 1792. Alvin Kendall, son of Martin and Prudence Ken- dall and a grandson of Benjamin and Kezia (Twichell) Kendall of Sherburne and Gardner, was b. Dec. 13, 1805. He md. Nov. 29, 1832, Hannah Bemis, dau. of William Bemis, q. v. He was formerly engaged in the manufac- ture of chairs in the Central Village. He d. in this town Feb. 8, 1849 ; his widow d. in Milford, N. H., June 11, 1886. I. Mary M., h. Jan. 17, 1834; md. Nov. 27, 1852, George E. Sawtell, son of Caleb Sawtell, q. V. ; they reside in Milford, N. H. II. Hannah Elizabeth,]). Sept. 9, 1836; md. 1854, Frederick P. Brown of Winchendon ; she d. Feb. 12, 1859. ni. Lorette, b. Jan. 3, 1840 ; unmd. ; resides in Mil- ford, N. H. IV. Martin, b. Oct. 3, 1841 ; d. Nov. 18, 1846. V. Wealthy, b. Sept. 25, 1844; md. May 23, 1861, Albert T. Willard, son of Alonzo L. Willard, q. V. ; reside in Bethel, Vt. VI. Abbie Maria, b. Dec. 20, 1846 ; md. Nov. 9, 1876, Jacob Kendall ; resided in Temple, N. H., where she d. June 17, 1883. Samuel Keyes, b. Dec. 18, 1784, son of Ephraim and Bridget (Sawyer) Keyes of Plymouth, N. H., and a grandson of Ephraim Keyes, was the first of the name in this town. He md. Dec. 5, 1811, Abigail Benjamin, dau^ of Daniel Benjamin, q. v. They removed to Weston and 778 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 5 6 7 S 9 10 later to PJymouth, N. H., but returned to Ashburnham 1820. He was a farmer and lived on a farm in the north part of the town, frequently called the Benjamin farm. He d. March 16, 1868 ; she d. Feb 16, 1869. I. Almira, b. March 13, 1813; md. 1838, James Cooper of Jamaica Plain ; she d. about 1827. II. John T. G., b. Nov. 10, 1814; d. Aug. 14, 1829. III. Samuel H., b. Aug. 13, 1816; md. 1841, Eliza- beth C. Newell of Lynn ; a farmer ; he d. in this town March 31, 1843. IV. Daniel B., b. Oct. 22, 1818; md. Mary Jane Stevens; d. Aug. 14, 1856, in Boston. V. Elizabeth J., b. Aug. 27, 1822 ; md. James Cooper of Weston. VI. Sarah H., b. Oct. 19, 1824 ; md. Lewis K. "Ward, son of Jacob Ward, g. v. VII. Charles S., b. Feb. 23, 1827 ; resides unmd. in this town. VIII. Catherine W., b. July 13, 1832; md. Feb. 26, 1854, Otis P. Butler of Eindge, son of Jabez and Betsey (Boyden) Butler ; she d. April 7, 1880. IX. Caroline W. (twin), b. July 13, 1832; md. Nov. 15, 1870, Aaron S. Sawtell, son of Aaron and Ruth (Metcalf) Sawtell of Eindge ; she d. Oct. 4, 1878. John Kibling, one of the German emigrants, was an early settler in this town. The name was written Kiblin- ger through two generations, and in this form the name appears in the early chapters of this volume. He was b. in Germany 1722, and in 1758, being one of the seven original proprietors of the Lexington grant, he removed to this town. He settled upon land since known as the Constantine farm, and in 1785 he exchanged farms with Jacob Constantine and removed to the farm now of Alden B. Marble. He was a man of recognized character and ability. He was a selectman nine years between 1765 and 1777, the dates of incorporation and of his death. His wife, Catherine (Wolfe) Kiblinger, lives in the tradi- tions of the town as an intelligent and accomplished lady. He d. April 4, 1777 ; she d. at the home of one of her children in Vermont March 28, 1821, aged 91. i'. Jacob, b. Dec. 14, 1753. -|- II. John, b. Sept. 3, 1755. -|- iii. Catherine, b. Nov. 27, 1757 ; md. Samuel Salter, q. V. 9 10 (2) 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 (3) 18 19 20 (10) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 779 IT. Jbtne, b. March 12, 1760; md. Jonathan Law- rence, q. V. r. Elizabeth, b. April 24, 1763 ; md. Jan. 19, 1785, Humphrey Rood of Hartland, Vt. Ti. Sarah, b. July 14, 1765. Tii. Margaret, b. 1767 ; d. Dec. 5, 1768. This was the first death recorded by Mr. Gushing. Alas ! how many since, vin. Hannah, b. Oct. 18, 1769 ; md. 1789, Nathaniel Kendall of Windsor, Vt. rs. Henry, b. May 15, 1768. -|- Dea. Jacob Kiblingee, upon whom the mantle of his father appeared to fall, was one of the influential men of the town. He was a selectman many years and accept- ably filled many other positions of trust. He was a dea- con of the Baptist organization, with which several fami- lies of this town were connected. For many years the town chose tithingmen and supplemented the record with the choice of Dea. Jacob Kiblinger, tithingman forthe Baptists. His name is borne on the Revolutionary rolls, serving at least three enlistments which are stated in Chapter V. About 1802 he removed to Stafford, Vt., where he d. 1839. He md. Feb. 21, 1777, Sarah Coolidge, dau. of Elisha Coolidge, q. v. I. John, b. May 9, 1778. + II. Sarah, b. Feb. 3, 1780 ; md. Bundy. III. Katy, b. May 3, 1782 ; md. Sylvanus Graves. IV. Jacob, b. Nov. 9, 1784; md. Sally Slyfield. V. Betty, b. March 16, 1793 ; md. Benjamin George. VI. Sylvia, b. Oct. 15, 1795 ; md. Thomas Haselton. VII. Stillman, b. March 26, 1800 ; md. Adaline Hatch. John Kibling md. July 6, 1778, Betty Fisher, and removed from this town to Vermont, about 1786. He was a soldier in the Revolution. Vide Chap. V. I. John, b. Jan. 20, 1779. II. Jeremiah, b. Oct. 17, 1781. m. Josiah, b. May 25, 1783. Capt. Henet Kibling was a captain of the militia com- pany in 1801. In the "War of 1812 he was in the service in a Vermont regiment. About this time he suffered the amputation of a leg on account of an improper treatment of a broken bone. With a substitute of wood his move- ments were strong and rapid. He md. Jan. 1, 1799, 780 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 (11) 29 30 31 32 33 Sukey Hobart, dau. of Shebuel Hobart, q. v. In the record of births her name is written iSusannah. He d. Jan. 28, 1843. I. Susan, b. Dec. 27, 1799 ; md. Harvey Heald, q. v. II. Hobart F., b. March 2, 1802 ; md. Eleanor Craw- ford of Malone, N. Y. They buried three little children in July, 1832. He removed from town 1833, and has not since been heard from. m. Henry, b. April 24, 1804. + IV. Oeorge W., b. March 26, 1810, resided in Ash- burnham until 1842, when he removed to Han- over, N. H., where he still resides and has there been successfully engaged in business. He md. Sarah Fisher and has children : Harriet, Eliza- beth and George. V. Osman, h. July 21, 1812 ; d. Sept. 29, 1825. VI. Joseph H.,h. Sept. 20, 1814; md. 1835, Elvira Norris of Jaffrey, N. H. ; md. (2d) Dora Har- low of Portland, Me. ; md. (3d) 1871, Mary Evans Carson of Portland, Oregon. He d. at Portland, Oregon, April 15, 1879. VII. Gyrene, b. Dec. 27, 1816 ; md. George Baker, q. V. VIII. Orilla, b. March 9, 1820 ; md. 1837, George W. Townsend. They resided in this town where she d. Aug. 2, 1844. He md. (2d) Abigail Lane, dau. of Elias Lane, q. v. John Kibling, son of Dea. Jacob, md. Nov. 20, 1800, Sarah Lane, dau. of Col. Francis Lane, q. v. He was a farmer in New Hampshire and Vermont, and subse- quentlj' at Lane Village. He d. Jan. 17, 1846 ; she d. Aug. 19, 1865. 1. Francis, b. Feb. 10, 1801. + II. Clarissa H, b. Aug. 16, 1802; md. Oct. 14, 1820, Mansel Haselton ; md. (2d) Jan. 17, 1828, Nathan King of Shirley ; he d. June 23, 1860. III. Hepsibeth, b. 1805 ; d. Nov., 1815. IV. Emeline, b. March 24, 1807 ; md. Samuel Foster, son of Nathaniel Foster, q. v. V. Miranda, b. Jan. 27, 1813 ; md. Oct. 29, 1835, Joseph A. Gibson, b. in New Ipswich Oct. 29, 1835, son of Dr. Stillman Gibson. They re- sided in New Ipswich, where he d. Feb. 22, 1875. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 781 34 1. J. Stillman, b. Jan. 27, 1837; md. Oct. 27, 1864, Lucinda J. Foskett. 35 2. Angelia M., b. Aug. 10, 1838 ; md. Aug. 27, 1864, Levi S. Wright. 56 3. Henry M., b. March 20, 1840 ; d. March 9, 1841. 37 4. Annie M., b. July 10, 1842 ; md. 1869, Richard J. Hargreaves. 38 5. Sarah R., b April 8, 1845; md. July 6, 1879, George W. Shattuck. 39 6. Frederic J., b. Dec. 28, 1848. 40 7. Elsie E., b. Dec. 19, 1851; d. June 27, 1874. 41 8. L. Angenette, b. March 10, 1855. 42 VI. Lucy Ann, h. July 8, 1820; md. 1841, Horace L. Balcom, b. in Leverett Jan. 23, 1815, son of Reuben and Elizabeth (Hartwell) Balcom ; re- sided in Ashburnham, where she d. Aug. 5, 1855 ; he md. (2d) Nov. 16, 1856, Jeanette D. Ketchum, b. in Milton, Vt., Sept. 5, 1821. There are two children of Horace L. and Lucy (Kibling) Balcom. 43 44 (23) 45 46 47 48 1. Francis S., b. Oct. 1, 1843; md. Addie Rugg. 2. Elsie Maria, b. Aug. 16, 1848 ; md. 1869, Adelbert A. Bradford, son of Austin A. Bradford. Reside in Rindge. Capt. Henet Kibling, Jr., was an active citizen of this town until his removal to Dublin in 1862 or 1863. He was a popular officer in the Light Infantry and an account of this service appears in Chap. XVIH. He md. June 7, 1829, Mary Jewett Woods, dau. of John Woods, q. v. ; she d. Aug. 10, 1848 ; md. (2d) Jan. 10, 1849, Maria C. Peabody, b. Sept. 4, 1828 ; she d. Aug. 17, 1853 ; md. (3d) Jan. 12, 1854, Ellen L. Peabody, b. Oct. 31, 1826 ; she d. Dec. 7, 1857 ; md. (4th) May 4, 1858, Eliza (Mar- shall) Matthews, b. July 25, 1804 ; she d. Aug. 27, 1880 ; he d. July 7, 1884. I. Mary Elizabeth, b. Nov. 5, 1830 ; d. June 17, 1846. II. Henry Osman, b. May 22, 1832 ; d. July 30, 1854. III. Joseph Heald, b. March 16, 1834; d. May 22, 1854. IV. Elvira Amanda, b. Feb. 27, 1836 ; d. Aug. 15, 1854. 782 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. 49 50 51 52 53 (29) 54 55 56 57 58 59 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 v. Emily Amelia, b. April 24, 1838 ; d. Oct. 1, 1839. VI. Edward Atkinson, b. Feb. 23, 1841 ; d. Oct. 22, 1841. VII. Alfred Miller, b. Oct. 13, 1849 ; railroad engineer, Boston. VIII. Erlon Arthur, b. June 28, 1851 ; railroad engineer, Boston. Ls. Flora Maria, b. May 28, 1853 ; md. 1873, Charles G. Matthews of Hancock, N. H. ; she d. Oct. 20, 1881. Francis Kibling, son of John, md. Feb. 23, 1825, Waity Lawrence, dau. of Moses Lawrence, q. v. He resided at Lane Village. His wife d. Dec. 12, 1860 j he md. (2d) Dec. 15, 1861, Paulina (Locke) Streeter, widow of Thomas Streeter of Rindge. He d. Aug. 13, 1878; his widow resides in Fitchburg. I. Elsie L., b. March 23, 1826 ; md. Dr. Alfred Mil- ler, q. V. J. Augustus, b. Aug., 1828 ; md. Mary Hastings. Francis G., b. Nov., 1832; md. March 18, 1858, Laura A. "Whitmore, dau. of Col. Enoch Whit- more, q. V. Enlisted ia 21st Regiment; d. in the service Feb. 22, 1864. II. III. 1. Luella J.,b. June 17, 1860; 1868. 2. Walter B., b. April 20, 1862. 3. Frank A., b. Jan. 18, 1864. d. Aug. 7, Daotbl Knight md. Esther Fairbanks, dau. of Phinehas Fairbanks, and removed from Harvard to this town 1788. The family disappear from the records about 1812. Of some families we can easily learn more than we want to know, but of this one the shades of night conceal the record. Only a fragmentary account of the children can be given. I. Daniel, b. 1786 ; d. Sept. 13, 1803. n. Polly Dickinson, bap. Nov. 23, 1788. III. Phinehas FairbanTcs, bap. April 3, 1796. rv. William, bap. April 3, 1796. V. Sarah, bap. April 3, 1796. VI. Cyr^ls, bap. Oct. 20, 1805. VII. Daniel, bap. Oct. 20, 1805. VIII. Stedman, bap. Sept. 13, 1807. rs. Infant, d. Dec. 19, 1810. GENEALOGICAL REGISTEE. 783 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 X. Infant (twin), d. Dec. 19, 1810. A child of Daniel and Esther Knight, d. Sept. 21, 1805. Samuel Knight, b. 1776, removed to FitzwlUiam, N. H., 1830, and four years later he came to this town. He was an innholder at Central Village, and subsequently resided at Factory Village. His wife, Catherine, d. Nov. 30, 1842. He md. (2d) Aug. 29, 1843, Madamoisella (Townsend) Dunster, q. v. He d. Aug. 18, 1850 ; she md. (3d) Sept. 5, 1851, Samuel Keyes of Temple, N. H., who d. Nov. 5, 1852; she d. in Ashby Nov. 25, 1881. The only children of Samuel and Catherine Knight of whom any record appears were as follows : ; resided several years in this Samuel D., b. — town. Israel W.-, b. ; he was the proprietor several years of the Central House and of the coaches running to Ashburnham Junction. He md. 1836, Tryphosa M. Moore of Leverett. She d. Oct. 1, 1841 ; md. (2d) May 30, 1843, Mary A. Wheeler of Ashby ; he d. Sept. 5, 1858 ; she md. (2d) Nov. 22, 1860, S. Gilman Frost of Fitchburg. 1. James M., b. Aug. 26, 1837; md. 1858, Charlotte Kidder; d. in Keene, N. H., May 21, 1883. 2. Persis A. W., b. April 14, 1840 ; d. Sept. 20, 1848. 3. Charles M., b. March 29, 1846 ; d. Sept. 22, 1846. 4. Cynthia E., b. June 5, 1848 ; md. Dec. 7, 1868, George A. Upton (Adams 85) ; she d. May 28, 1885. LANE. The Lane families of this town are descendants of John Lane who d. in Bedford Dec. 7, 1789, aged 69. The earlier American generations are clearly- stated in Hazen's History of Billerica, from which the following outline is drawn. Job Lane, an English emigrant, b. 1634, was a resident of Maiden in 1654. He was a carpenter, and built a house in New London, Conn., in payment of the Winthrop farm of 1500 acres in Billerica, of which he acquired possession in ICSi. About this time he removed to Billerica, and in 1668 he built the great bridge across Concord river. After a residence of twenty years in Billerica he returned to Maiden, *here he d. Aug. 23, 1697. He owned an estate in England which he bequeathed to his son, John. His first wife was Sarah, who d. 1659; he md. (2d) 1660, Anna Reyner, dau. of Rev. John Keyner of Plymouth and Dover, N. H. ; she d. Aug. 30, 1704, aged 72. 784 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. John Lane, son of Job and Anna (Reyner) Lane, was b. in Maiden in Oct., 1661. He was an only son and he inherited one-half the Winthrop farm in Billerica where he resided. He was a colonel of the militia, and was promi- nent in the Indian wars and alarms of that period, and was a selectman eleven years. He md. March 20, 1681-2, Susanna Whipple, dau. of John "Whipple of Ipswich ; she d. Aug. 4, 1713 ; he d. in the midst oif an honorable career Jan. 17, 1714-15. Job Lane, son of John and Susanna (Whipple) Lane, was b. in Billerica June 22, 1689; md. Dec. 16, 1713, Martha Euggles, b. in Roxbury, dau. of Samuel and Martha (Woodbridge) Ruggles and a sister of Rev. Samuel Ruggles of Billerica. He inherited the homestead and lived in Billerica, where he d. after 1762. John Lane, son of Job and Martha (Ruggles) Lane, b. Oct. 2, 1720, removed to Bedford and was there an influential citizen. He md. Feb. 13, 1745-6, Ruth Bowman, b. in Lexington Dec. 28, 1723, dau. of John and Mary (Stone) Bowman; she d. Aug. 13, 1759. He md. (2d) May 28, 1761, Mrs. Sarah Hildreth. There were eight children by the first and three by the second marriage. 1 Col. Francis Lane, son of John and Ruth (Bowman) Lane, was b. in Bedford Aug. 31, 1750. As a soldier in the Revolution his familiar name first appears in the records of Ashburnham. He was a corporal in Capt. Gates' com- pany in April, 1775, and he served as a sergeant in Capt. Wilder's company to the close of the year. As early as 1779 he was a lieutenant, and July 1, 1781, he was com- missioned a captain of the militia. During the Revolution the regimental and line officers were also provost officers, and to them were directed the frequent orders for raising men and the adjustment of quotas. Subsequently he was a major and a lieutenant- colonel until his resignation in 1792. Col. Lane removed to Ashburnham in the spring of 1775 or earlier. He was a farmer and a miller. For several years he lived on the " Hart Place," and then removed to Lane Village, where he built and conducted a saw and grain mill. For many years he was prominent in town affairs, and his name frequently appears in the list of town officers. During the later years of his life he mingled less freely with his townsmen, and his name is seldom met in the records. He md. Sept. 30, 1779, Hep- sibah Coolidge, b. in Waltliam March 9, 1754, dau. of Capt. William and Elizabeth (Brown) Coolidge ; she d. March 14, 1795. He md. (2d) 1801, Sarah (Gushing) Burr, widow of John Burr of Winchendon, and dau. of Joseph and Sarah (Leavitt) Gushing. He d. May 1, 1823. I. John Coolidge, b. July 2, 1781 ; d. Sept. 16, 1781. II. Sarah, b. June 11, 1782 ; md. John Kibling, q. v. Til. Lucy, b. July 6, 1783 ; md. John Jones, q. v. IV. Elias, b. Feb. 21, 1785. -|- V. Abigail, b. June 1, 1786 ; d. Aug. 31, 1786. VI. Francis, b. Aug. 20, 1787.-)- 9 10 (5) 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 785 Yii. Abigail, h. May 20, 1789; d. unmd. Dec. 13, 1813. VIII. John, b. May 15, 1791 ; d. March 19, 1792. IX. John, b. Oct. 9, 1792.+ Elias Lane md. Sept. 3, 1809, Anna Jones, dau. of Nathan Jones, q. v. He was a farmer and a miller, residing near the school-house in the tenth district. He was a selectman, and was elected to other positions of trust. He d. Aug. 20, 1859 ; she d. March 30, 1853. I. Elias Goolidge, b. Dec. 30, 1809 ; md. Sept. 20, 1835, Mary Farwell ; removed to G-loucester, Me., where he d. Aug., 1878. II. Sarah Ann, b. March 2, 1811 ; d. unmd. Feb. 28, 1862. III. George Etheridge, b. April 22, 1812 ; md. Jan. 15, 1840, Mary J. Emory, dau. of Enos Emory, q. V. They reside in Fitchburg. TV. Gilbert Bainbridge, b. June 17, 1813 ; md. Eliza A. Jones, and removed to Chelsea, Vt., where he d. June 9, 1860. V. Edwin Philander, b. Dec. 28, 1814; d. unmd. in Gloucester, Me., Aug. 30, 1838. VI. Charles Stillman, b. March 2, 1816 ; md. Nov. 17, 184-, Honor Goodrich; md. (2d) Helen (Pet- tis) Lawton ; resides in Brattleboro', Vt. VII. Lorenzo Alexander, b. March 26, 1817; md. Rebecca Brown ; he d. in Ashburnham Feb. 12, 1881 ; she d. the same day, Feb. 12, 1881. vni. Abigail Amanda, b. May 25, 1818 ; md. Nov. 26, 1845, George W. Townsend ; she d. Feb. 19, 1884. ix. Mary Jones, b. July 27, 1820 ; d. April 1, 1839. X. Marcus Aurelius, b. June 2, 1822 ; md. Amanda Ogden ; resides in Glens Falls, N. Y. XI. Eliza Maria, b. June 25, 1823 ; md. Oct. 11, 1848, Charles Henry Emory, son of Enos Emory, q. v. XII. Abraham Lowe, b. Nov. 23, 1824 ; d. unmd. in Rindge May 4, 1863. XIII. Nancy Augusta, b. March 24, 1826 ; md. Feb. 8, 1849, Henry A. Smith, b. June 5, 1817, son of Henry and Asenath (Rand) Smith of Rindge ; resided in Townsend, Rindge and Franklin ; she d. Sept. 9, 1883. XIV. Marill2i Jane, b. July 1, 1827 ; md. Nov. 24, 1850, Pascal P. Emory, son of Enos Emory, q. v. 50 786 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 25 (7) 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 XT. Lucy MatilfJa, b. June 30, 1829 ; md. Francis A. Whitne)-, son of Ohio Whitney, q. v. 35 36 37 38 39 Francis Lane was a captain of the militia. He was a man of good judgment and was successful in the conduct of the mill at Lane Village. He md. Nov. 11, 1811, Susannah Foster, dau. of Samuel Foster, q. v. He d. Oct. 11, 1856 ; she d. March 15, 1867. I. Allen Francis, b. March 24, 1812 ; md. Oct. 28, 1840, Laura P. Tyler. He was a farmer and a mechanic. He d. Dec. 3, 1886 ; resided on the Timothy Fisher place. 1. Henry T., b. Sept. 20, 1841 ; he d. in the service in the Civil War, Oct. 29, 1864. 2. Infant, b. May 8, 1843 ; d. May 18, 1843. 3. Laura A., b. Nov. 25, 1844 ; md. William Richardson of Fitchburg. 4. Emma L., b. April 8, 1847; d. Sept. 1, 1847. 6. Ellen M.,b. Oct. 25, 1849 ; md. Nov. 27, 1879, Charles T. Harding of Fitchburg. 6. Albert, b. March 22, 1853 ; md. June 19, 1881, Ada E. Lyndes ; resides in West- minster. 7. James A., b. Nov. 18, 1854 ; md. Dec. 17, 1881, Carrie Belle Mclntire, dau. of Eobert W. Mclntire, q. v. ; a carpenter at Lane Village. 8. Francis W., b. Oct. 24, 1858; Dartmouth College 1881 ; an Examiner of Pensions. Vide page 508. He md. Dec. 26, 1881, Gertrude D. Kilbourne, dau. of Lewis S. and Gertrude B. (Dewey) Kilbourne of Litchfield, Conn. 9. Justin E., b. April 8, 1861 ; d. June 17, 1861. n. Hepsibah, b. June 14, 1813 ; md. Aug. 3, 1843, Israel A. Packard, q. v. m. Amos F., b. Jan. 30, 1815 ; md. June 26, 1839, Martha Ward, dau. of Nathaniel D. Ward, q.v. He d. March 7, 1878 ; she d. Jan. 28, 1862. 1. William W., b. Nov. 7, 1841 ; unmd. ; resides in Ashburnham. 2. Albert Francis, b. Feb. 24, 1844 ; d. Sept. 16, 1847. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 787 40 3. Sarah N., b. April 8, 1846; d. Sept. 14, 1847. 41 4. George F., b. Oct. 15, 1848; resides in Kingston; md. Sept. 28, 1878, Abbie Maglathlin, who d. Jan. 23, 1880 ; md. (2d) March 6, 1881, D. Marinda Keevy. Two children. He is a mer- chant and postmaster. 42 5. Elmira J., b. Dec. 30, 1850; md. Walker ; resides in Minnesota. 43 6. Oman F., b. March 31, 1853 ; unmd. ; resides in Ashburnham. 44 7. MaryE., b. May 25, 1856; md. Charles A. Haven, son of Elijah Haven, q. v. 45 8. Walter A., b. July 19, 1858; resides in Kingston ; md. Sept. 9, 1883, Eva T. Wright. Two children. 46 9. Samuel A., b. July 26, 1860; d. Sept. 3, 1860. 47 10. John F., b. Aug. 22, 1861 ; d. April 28, 1864. 48 IV. Samuel, b. May 21, 1817; md. Dec. 30, 1841, Nancy H. Eaton, b. April 18, 1822, dau. of Joel Eaton of Fitchburg. He d. Nov. 6, 1856 ; she md. (2d) Jan. 1, 1861, Charles B. Jones, son of John E. and Cynthia (Lincoln) Jones. They reside at Lane Village. 49 1. JoelE.,b. April 18, 1843 ; d. Jan 1, 1859. 50 2. Mary S., b. Jan. 20, 1845; d. Dec. 5, 1845. 51 3. S. Edward, b. Oct. 18, 1846 ; md. June 3, 1866, Edna L. Pierce ; resides in Roy- alston . 52 4. Frederick D.,b. July 4, 1849 ; Dartmouth College 1878 ; an instructor in Gushing Academy. Vide page 508. 53 5. Snsetta M., b. Oct 20, 1850; d. Dec. 23, 1858. 54 V. MiUon,h. Feb. 27, 1819 ; md. Nov. 5, 1851, Mary Parkhurst, b. Aug. 1, 1831 ; she d. Oct. 25, 1863 ; md. (2d) Jan., 1867, Jane (Pierce) Flagg; he d. 1876 ; she md. J. Chauncey Lawrence, q. v. 55 1. Ella M., b. Sept. 10, 1855; unmd.; resides in Rindge. 788 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 (10) 72 73 2. Hattie P., b. Dec. 16, 1857; unmd. ; resides in Fitchburg. 3. GeneryM., b. Oct. 19, 1860; resides in Ashbnrnham. 4. Delta M., b. March 25, 1863; resides in Ashburnham. 5. Gertrude E., b. Nov. 4, 1867. 6. Herbert L., b. Nov. 20, 1869. VI. Leonard, h. April 21, 1821; md. June 4, 1856, Lucy Pollard, dau. of William Pollard, q. v. ; resides on the Samuel Cutting farm. 1. Ada Estella, b. May 10, 1859 ; d. Jan. 1, 1863. VII. Rosea, b. April 20, 1823 ; d. Aug. 7, 1828. VIII. Susan W., b. Jan. 23, 1825; unmd. ; resides in Ashburnham. IX. Rebecca Clarissa, b. Jan. 29, 1827 ; md. Merrick Eaton, son of Josiah Eaton, q. v. X. Eleanor Jane, b. Jan. 27, 1829 ; md. Daniel W. Lane, son of Benjamin Lane, Jr., q. v. XI. Hosea Foster, b. Feb. 7, 1831. For thirty years he has been the efficient principal of the Tem- pleton High School. He md. Aug. 16, 1858, Elizabeth E. Fairbanks, dau. of Emory Fair- banks, q. V. 1. Charles H., b. Sept. 14, 1859. 2. Arthur Francis, b. July 17, 1861 ; d. Oct. 17, 1862. XII. Charles W., b. Aug. 15, 1833 ; md. Oct. 31, 1867, Philena (Howard) Packard, b. Jan. 20, 1834, widow of Horace C. Packard and dau. of Josiah Howard of Hinsdale, N. H. He resides on the homestead. 1. Harry Charles, b. Jan. 29, 1872. John Lane md. April 10, 1822, Anna Cook, dau. of John Cook, q. v. He resided on the Henry Willard farm now owned by his daughter. He d. Dec. 13, 1845 ; she d. Aug. 27, 1851. I. Mary A., b. Oct. 12, 1832; md. William H. Emorj', q. v. Lieut. Benjamin Lane, a brother of Col. Francis, was b. in Bedford March 17, 1754. He came to Ashburn- m Si ■85 <75) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 789 ham iu the spring of 1780, and settled on the road leading fi'om the old common to the " Children of the Woods." The premises are still known as the Benjamin Lane place. While he was clearing land and building a house for him- self he boarded with his brother, and when the house was burned he lost his clothing except one suit, which was probably the best one, as he was attending church at the time of the fire. In 1781 he was chosen an agent to pro- cure the beef levied as a tax upon the towns of the State, and subsequently his name is often found in the records of town meetings. He nid. Anna Page ; she d. Sept. 4, 1784 ; he md. (2d) May 26, 1785, Isabel Hill, b. Dec. 3, 1761, dau. of Jonathan and Mary (Lane) Hill of Biller- ica, and a sister of Ralph Hill of Ashby. He d. Dec. 20, 1835 ; his wife d. Jan. 1, 1833. Dolly, b. Oct. 18, 1780 ; d. Jan. 20, 1784. Josiah, b. March 28, 1782. -f- Isabel, b. July 7, 1788 ; d. unmd. Feb. 13, 1825. Benjamin, b. 1786 ; d. July 31, 1791. Dolly, b. May 22, 1790 ; md. July 25, 1826, Ben- jamin Howard of Ashby ; she d. Nov. 3, 1833. Anna, b. April 29, 1792 ; md. June 28, 1812, William Stearns. Roxanna, b. Oct. 4, 1793 ; md. John Cook, Jr., q. V. Benjamin, b. June 23, 1795.-}- Lucinda, b. Dec. 11, 1797; md. 1823, John W. Cutting of Weston ; she d. April 20, 1854. X. Susan, b. Oct. 29, 1799 ; md. March, 1831, Ben- jamin Jaquith of Ashby ; md. (2d) Nathaniel Swain ; she d. Oct. 6, 1880. XI. Sally, b. Oct. 8, 1801 ; md. Dec. 28, 1828, Frank- lin Stearns of Billerica, b. Jan. 25, 1802, son of John and Mary (Lane) Stearns and a brother of Gov. Onslow Stearns of New Hampshire. Six children. XII. Melinda, b. May 21, 1804; md. Nov. 29, 1838, Benjamin Ward, q. v. 74 I. 75 II. 76 III. 77 IV. 78 V. 79 VI. SO VII. 81 vni. 82 IX. JosiAH Lane md. March 28, 1805, Nancy Wilder, dau. of Caleb Wilder, q. v. They resided in this town until 1828, when with nine children, leaving four little graves in the cemetery, they removed to Cambridge. While a resident of this town he established and conducted a post route between Ashburnham and Worcester. He d. in Anoka, Minn., Feb. 28, 1876, aged 94 years. His wife d. in Somerville, May 4, 1853. 790 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 (81) 99 100 101 102 103 104 I. Julia Ann CusJdng, b. Oct. 7, 1805 ; md. Jan. 22^ 1835, H. A. Harrington; d. in Anoka, Minn., Feb. 10, 1881. II. Mary Jane Woodward, b. July 19, 1807 ; md- John L. Prather. III. Charles W., b. Jan. 31, 1809 ; d. Dec. 2, 1809. IV. George V., h. Nov. 28, 1810; d. Oct. 7, 1813. V. mncy W., b. Feb. 28, 1812 ; d. Dec. 2, 1813. VI. Alexander Page, b. Aug. 30, 1814 ; md. 1836-, Anna M. Favor ; resides at Eureka Springs, Ark. VII. Augustus Joy,}). 1)60. 26, 1815; md. 1841, Susan Skidmore; d. atWilbraham Oct. 11, 1880. VIII. Electa Frances Wilder, b. June 19, 1817 ; md. Dec. 31, 1837, Aquilla AVillette ; d. in Daven- port, Iowa, Sept. 2, 1839. IX. David Hyslop, b. April 2, 1820 ; md. July 13, 1845, Harriet L. Bettinson ; d. in Anoka, Minn., Nov. 13, 1878. X. Joseph Hayden, b. Oct. 25, 1822; md. Hester Prather ; resides at Chicago, 111. XI. George S. W., b. Sept. 15, 1824; d. Feb. 15, 1825. XII. John S. W. (twin), b. Sept. 15, 1824; md. Dec. 31, 1848, Sarah Gushing; resides at Bos- ton. XIII. TJiomas Parleman Gushing, b. May 30, 1827 ; md. Dec. 18, 1861, Helen M. Rose; resides at Mattoon, 111. Benjamin Lane md. Dec, 1823, Abigail Walker, dau. of John and Mary (Stratton) Walker of New Ipswich. He was a farmer. "He d. Oct. 18, 1880. I. Daniel Walker, b. Dec. 4, 1824; md. Feb. 9, 1852, Jerusha E. Bemis ; she d. Sept. 3, 1872 ; he md. (2d) April 23, 1874, Eleanor J. Lane, dau. of Francis Lane, Jr., q. v. He is a farmer. 1. Loretta, b. Dec. 14, 1852; d. Jan. 27,. 1853. 2. Cyrus W., b. Feb 23, 1854. 3. Minerva L., b. March 15, 1857. II. Sarah, b. Aug. 8, 1827; d. Jan. 13, 1828. III. Martin B. Lane, b. Sept. 4, 1828 ; md. Nov. 1, 1865, Carrie N. Adams, b. July 29, 1846, dau. of Capt. William Adams of Townsend. He was several years a merchant in this town, and is now a salesman. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 791 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 1. Henry Martin, b. Nov. 28, 1867. 2. Willie Frank, b. July 22, 1870. 3. Abbott Benjamin, b. Jan. 4, 1876. 4. Mabel Augusta, b. June 7, 1879. 5. Orrie Adams, b. April 1, 1884. IV. Oeorge, b. Sept. 23, 1829 ; md. Aug. 27, 1860, Mary A. Castella, b. March 15, 1837. He is a merchant in Newton. V. Sarah Abigail, b. March 31, 1831; md. Oct. 5, 1865, Joseph Hague ; reside in Maiden. VI. Mary Ann, b. April 5, 1832 ; d. July 5, 1842. VII. Emeline, b. June 20, 1834 ; d. July 13, 1854. VIII. Sophronia Asenath, b. Oct. 20, 1835 ; d. Oct. 17, 1863. IX. Sewell Stearns, b. Aug. 28, 1838 ; md. Feb. 7, 1867, Sarah Josephine Lovett of New Ipswich, b. Jan. 17, 1843. He is a merchant in Gardner. WiLLAED Lane, lineage not traced, md. Nov. 28, 1782, Lucy Stone, dau. of Oliver Stone, q. v. He lived in Fitz- william, N. H., a short time and removed to Ashburn- ham in 1783 and began tanning in Central Village. * He sold the tan-yard to Dea. William J. Lawrence in 1797, and soon after removed from town. He d. March 15, 1818 ; his widow d. Jan. 13, 1832. They did not die in this town. No record of children, if any, has been found, except the death of an infant March 13, 1786. LAWRENCE. The name of Lawrence has been continued in this town without interrup- tion since 1775. In addition to a few transient residents there are four dis- tinct families of Lawrence in this town, and all are descendants of John Lawrence the emigrant ancestor. Amos Lawrence (No. 1) and the father of Dea. William J. Lawrence (No. 42) were first cousins; they also were first cousins of Dea. Samuel Lawrence of Groton, the father of Hon. Abbott Lawrence. Alethon Lawrence (No. 46) and Jeremiah, the father of Jeremiah Lawrence (No. 78) were second cousins; but Elnathan and Jeremiah Law- rence on the one hand and Amos and Dea. William J. Lawrence on the other were remotely connected, having been descended from different sons of tlie emigrant ancestor. A brief record of the generations is given. John Lawrence, son of Henry and Mary Lawrence, bap. at Wisset, Eng- land, Oct. 8, 1609, is found a resident of Watertown in 1636. He was ad- mitted freeman April 17, 1637. In 1662 he removed to Groton and was chosen to the first board of selectmen in that town. He md. Elizabeth , by whom he had thirteen children; she d. at Groton Aug. 29, 1683; he md. (2d) Nov. 2, 1664, Susannah Batchelder who was the mother of two chil- dren ; he d. at Groton July 11, 1667; his widow d. July 8, 1668. Dea. Nathaniel Lawrence, son of John and Elizabeth Lawrence, was b. at Watertown, Oct. 15, 1639. He resided in Sudbury, Groton and Lexington. While a resident of Groton, he was a deacon, a representative and was prom- inent in public affairs. He md. March 13, 1660-1, Sarah Morse, h. Sept. 16, 1643, dau. of John and Hannah (Phillips) Morse of Dedham. He md. (2d) 792 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Hannah . He d. at Sudbury April li, 1724. Amons the children of Dea. Nathaniel and Sarnh (Morse) Lawrence was John Lawrence, b. July 29, 1667. He was a farmer and a blacksmith in Groton until 1693, when he removed to Lexington, and there was an assessor, constable and selectman. He md. Nov. 9, 1687, Anna Tarbell, b. June 10, 1670, dau. of Thomas, Jr., and Anna (Longley) Tarbell. He d. March 12, 1746-7; his wife d. Dec. 19, 1732. Benjamin I^awrence, son of John and Anna (Tarbell) Lawrence, b. May 24, 1713, md. Feb. 12, 1734-5, Jane Russell, b. July 19, 1711, dau. of Jonathan and Elizabeth Russell of Lexington. He resided in Lexington, Westboro', and in 1749 he removed to Boston. He d. in Harvard July 5, 1767; his widow came to Ashburnham with her son Amos (No. 1) and d. here Aug. 11, 1786, aged, says Mr. Gushing, 73 years. Another son of John and Anna (Tarbell) Lawrence of Groton and Lexing- ton, was Jonathan Lawrence, b. Feb. 13, bap. Feb. 24, 1706. He lived in Sudbury, Framingham, and about 1740 he removed to Lexington where he was frequently elected to office. He md. Feb. 26, 1727, Elizabeth Swain. He d. March 19, 1773 ; his widow d. July 4, 1790. In his will appears a clause, " I give my negroes among all my children to be settled among them as they shall agree." There were ten children an'l among them was Jonathan Lawrence, b. in Framingham Feb. 5, 1734. He settled first in Woburu, where he md. Dec. 13, 1737, Elizabeth Johnson. In 1773 or 1774, with six children, they removed from Woburn to Ashby, where he d. Nov. 26, 1799; his wife d. Dec. 26, 1782; he md. (2d) 1784, Lydia Davis. Dea. William J. Lawrence (No. 42) was a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Johnson) Lawrence. A younger son of John Lawrence, the emigrant ancestor, was Peleg Law- rence, b. Jan. 10, 1646-7; md. 1668, Elizabeth Morse, b. Sept. 1, 1647, a sister of the wife of his brother, Dea. Nathaniel. He resided in Groton, where he d. 1692. Major Eleazer Lawrence, son of Peleg and Elizabeth (Morse) Lawrence, was b. in Groton Feb. 28, 1674. He resided in Groton, until after 1722, and there by wife Mary his ten children were b. Subse- quently he removed to Littleton, where he was an influential citizen several years. He d. at Pepperell, probably at the home of his eldest son, March 9, 1754; his widow d. June 29, 1761, aged 82. Samuel Lawrence, son of Major Eleazer, b. in Groton May 2, 1714, md. May 6, 1737, Mary Hildreth of "Westford. He resided in Littleton until about 1741, when he removed to Westford, and there remained about twenty years. Late in life be removed to Ashby where two of his sons were residing. He d. about 1789; his wife d. March 17, 1788. Charles Lawrence, son of Samuel and Mary (Hildreth) Lawrence, was b in Littleton Jan. 20, 1740-1 ; he md. Naomi . Their eldest child was b. in Groton, 1764; the second in Harvard 1766, the third in Ashby 1768, and five others in Ashby from 1771 to 1781. He d. in Ashby May 22, 1825 ; his wife d. June 2, 1805. Among the eight children of Charles and Naomi Lawrence were Reuben, whose descendants have resided in this town, and Alethon (No. 46). Another son of Major Eleazer Lawrence was Dea. Jonathan Lawrence, b. in Groton Oct. 4, 1703 ; he removed to Littleton where he was a useful citizen, and d. Dec. 8, 1789. He md. Tryphena Powers who d. Aug. 25, 1752; he md. (2d) Oct. 10, 1754, Lydia Fletcher who d. March 21, 1803, aged 90. Peter Lawrence, son of Dea. Jonathan and Tryphena (Powers) Lawrence, b. Oct. 7, 1742, rad. Persis . He removed to Townsend about the date of his marriage, and when Ashby was incorporated his land was included in that town. He was an active citizen and his name is familiar in the early records of Ashby. He d. Oct. 21, 1793. Jeremiah Lawrence, his son, md. Rachel Wright, and subsequently removed to Ashburnham. 1 Amos Lawrence, son of Benjamin and Jane (Russell) Lawrence, was b. in Westboro' Aug. 7, 1748. He md. 1772, Sarah Wetherbee, b. in Boxborough Nov. 22, 1748. 10 11 12 13 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 793 In 1774 he settled in the northwest part of this town near the school-house in the seventh district. He was a mem- ber of Capt. Gates' company in 1775, and subsequently from year to year he was chosen to office in the conduct of town affairs. He was an intelligent man. About 1800 he removed to Fitchburg. His wife d. April 5, 1818 ; he md. (2d) White ; he d. June 9, 1840 ; she d. in this town at the home of her daughter. 1. Amos, b. 1773 ; md. March 1, 1807, Sally Fletcher, b. in Westford 1773, dau. of Joshua and Eliza- beth (Raymond) Fletcher, and a sister of Joshua Fletcher of this town. He resided in Fitchburg. Their children were Amos, Sophro- nia, Paul R. and Freeborn. II. Nafiby, b. May 14, 1774; md. May 8, 1794, Ephraim Hale of Stow. She was the mother of nine children ; she d. June 29, 1841. III. Moses, b. Sept. 24, 1775. -f- IV. Sarah, b. May 8, 1777 ; md. April 18, 1797, Samuel Gates of Stow ; six children ; she d. Feb. 5, 1808. V. Anna, b. Feb. 19, 1779 ; md. May 5, 1803, Dr. Israel Hale of Stow ; four children ; she d. Dec. 26, 1852. VI. Alice, h. Aug. 12, 1781; md. March 7, 1804, Nehemiah Andrews of Fitchburg ; five children ; she d. Nov. 26, 1812. VII. Ezra, b. March 16, 1783. + VIII. Joel, b. Aug. 9, 1785; md. Sarah Miles; lived in Ashburnham and in Fitchburg ; d. in Fitchburg about 1860. IX. Martha, b. Jan. 31, 1788; md. William Merriam, q. V. X. Betsey, b. Jan. 1, 1790; md. Jan. 6, 1814, Nehe- miah Andrews, who md. her sister Alice. Eleven children ; she d. Feb. 8, 1855. XI. Uriah, b. in Fitchburg 1822 ; md. March 1, 1850, Sarah Hadley, dau. of Gamaliel Hadley, q. v. They resided in Eindge, where she d. 1882. Eight children. He md. (2d) 1883, Betsey (Holden) Kendall, and removed to Sharon, N. H., where he now resides. Between the age of the father and this son there is a space of seventy-four years. It is probable that Uriah Lawrence is the only man living who can say that his father settled in Ashburnham previous to the Revolution. XII. Jane H., b. 1828 ; md. July 1, 1849, Charlps Law- rence, son of Alethon Lawrence, q. v. 794 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (4) U 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 (8) 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Capt. Moses Lawrence was the commander of ' the Ashburnham Light Infantry from 1810 to 1813. He built one or more houses and mills at North Village and was active in public and business affairs. He md. Feb. 25, 1798, Sarah Wetherell of Norton ; she d. July 28, 1834; he md. (2d) 1835, Mrs. Desire Longley of Shirley. Late in life he removed to Shirley where he d. I. Alona, b. July 23, 1799 ; d. Sept. 26, 1800. II. Alona, b. Jan. 26, 1801 ; md. Walter Russell, q. v. III. Euel, b. Nov. 19, 1803; md. Jan. 29, 1827, Thankful Laws of Westminster. The Common- wealth had a controversy with him about a business affair ; he responded not guilty ; the court thought otherwise, and he d. in the State prison at Charlestown Sept. 19, 1849 ; his widow d. Oct. 26, 1849. 1. Harriet, b. Nov. 14, 1827; md. George R. Fergurson ; removed to Bostou. 2. Charles Harvey, b. Nov. 7, 1830 ; resides in Illinois. 3. Emily A., b. July 19, 1834; md. Horace Snow. 4. Alden B., b. March 15, 1842. 5. AdalineM., b. Dec. 7, 1845. IV. Waity, b. Jan. 22, 1806 ; md. Francis Kibling, q. V. V. Sabrina, b. May 27, 1808 ; md. Silas Willard, g. v. VI. Luana, b. July 26, 1810 ; md. George Wood, son of Jonathan Wood, q. v. VII. Malvina, b. July 5, 1812 ; d. Jan. 13, 1815. VIII. Malvina, b. July 15, 1816 ; md. Leonard Foster, q. V. • IX. Elsie F., b. Dec. 23, 1818 ; d. Feb. 23, 1826. EzKA Lawrence md. June 30, 1808, Rebecca Ward, dau. of Caleb Ward, q. v. He resided in this town until about 1835, when he removed to Verona, N. Y., where he d. Oct. 16, 1849. I. Lowell, b. June 21, 1809. II. Windsor, b. April 9, 1811. III. Alma, b. May 16, 1813 ; d. Dec. 12, 1823. IV. Lorene, b. Feb. 1, 1816. V. Lavinia, h. Oct. 21, 1818. VI. Achsah. b. Oct. 14, 1820. VII. Sophia, b. Oct. 11, 1822. 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 GENEALOGICAL EEGISTER. 795 vm. Harriet, b. Sept. 27, 1824. IX. Joseph E., b. April 26, 1827. X. Alfred B., b. Nov. 18, 1829. XI. Gilbert, b. Dec. 27, 1831. XII. Marietta, b. Dec. 30, 1834. Jonathan Lawrence, a brother of Amos (No. 1), md. Jan. 14, 1779, Jane Kibling, dau. of John Kibling the emigrant. They lived in this town a short time but re- moved previous to 1787. I. Benjamin, bap. Feb. 17, 1782. Dea. William J. Laweencb, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Johnson) Lawrence, was b. in Woburn Jan. 1^ 1773. In his infancy the family removed to Ashby where he passed the years of childhood and youth. He was a tanner and it is possible he followed his trade in Lexing- ton as he came from there to this town in 1797, and at the time of his removal he bought of Willard Lane a tan-yard that was located near the residence of George C. Foster^ Esq. He built the house now occupied by his dau. Mrs. White, and joined many acres to his estate. He was an honest, conscientious man, and> steadfast in his adhe- rence to his conTictions. He was a deacon of the Congre- gational church twenty-five years and was chosen to sev- eral positions in town affairs. He md. 1798, Elizabeth Griffin of Bedford. He d. suddenly July 8, 1844 ; his widow d. Feb. 18, 1862. I. Betsey, b. Jan. 15, 1801 ; md. Josiah White, q. v. II. Nancy, b. Dec. 19, 1802 ; md. Samuel Barrett, q. v: III. Zoa, b. April 21, 1804 ; md. Ivers White, q. v. Alethon Lawrence, son of Charles and Naomi Law- rence, was b. in Ashby Oct. 15, 1771. In Ashby his name appears on the records as Alethon, but when he removed to Ashburnham the town oflScials wrote the name Elna- than. He md. 1797, Mary Tenuey, dau. of Cheney Ten- ney of Littleton. He was a farmer and resided in Ashby until 1813, when he removed to this town. The farm is- partly in this town and partly in Ashby. He d. in this town June 6, 1842 ; his widow d. 1861. I. Polly, b. Feb. 15, 1798 ; d. March 30, 1800. II. Sarah, b. April 18, 1800 ; md. Aug. 26, 1832^ 796 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 (55) 57 <56) 58 59 60 61 62 €3 64 Edward Smith ; resided on North Turnpike. 1. Leonard, b. Aug. 10, 1835 ; removed Westminster; md. Mary Mansfield. to III. Mary, b. May 3, 1801 ; md. Nathan Hunt. IV. Elizabeth, b. May 10, 1804 ; md. Amos Derby. Leonard, b. Feb. 17, 1806 ; d. July 29, 1806. Zoa, b. June 17, 1808 ; d. June 25, 1808. Nancy, b. June 17, 1809 ; md. 1834, Zimri Whit- ney, b. July 2, 1807, son of Isaac and Susannah Whitney of Ashby. They resided in Ashby, where he d., felo de se, and she d. 1879. Charles, b. March 29, 1812.+ V VI VII VIII IX. Leonard, b. 1814. -(- Charles Laweence is a farmer residing on the North Turnpike. He md. Susan Lovejoy, b. Jan. 11, 1812, dau. of Benjamin and Ruth (Wood) Lovejoy of Rindge ; she d. Dec, 1848; md. (2d) July 1, 1849, Jane R. Law- rence, dau. of Amos Lawrence, g. v. She d. Sept. 5, 1876 ; md. (3d) Sept., 1881, Martha (Hadley) Lawrence, widow of his brother Leonard. One child. I. Susan Jane, b. June 19, 1851 ; md. Charles E. Mansfield, son of Jonathan M. Mansfield ; she d. May, 1875. Leonaed Lawrence was a farmer ; he lived on the farm formerly of his father in the northeast part of the town. He md. May 4, 1837, Martha C. Hadley, dau. of Gamaliel Hadley, q. v. He d. suddenly June 14, 1870 ; his widow md. (2d) his brother, Charles Lawrence. I. Mary, b. March 7, 1838 ; md. John Kendall of Ashby. II. Walter, b. Aug. 23, 1840 ; md. 1868, Emeline A. Whitney, dau. of Dwell Whitney, q. v. III. Elnathan, b. Feb. 4, 1842 ; unmd ; resides in Ashby. IV. Martha Jane, b. March 19, 1844 ; md. 1865, Lewis W. Whitney, son of Dwell Whitney, q. v. V. Charles, b. June 23, 1846; md. 1881, H. Evelyn Foster ; resides in Ashby. VI. Sarah A., b. Sept. 2, 1848 ; md. 1878, John Fos- ter ; reside in Colorado. VII. IfaMie ^., b. Sept. 3, 1852; md. Dec. 7, 1872, George W. Blanchard of Ashby. 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 (78) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 797 vin. Leonard, b. Feb. 8, 1855 ; unmd ; resides in Colo- rado. IX. Amanda, b. Dec. 20, 1859 ; md. Nov. 25, 1880, Alfred Brewer ; resides in Ashburnham. X. Alice N., b. May 7, 1867; md. Dee. 24, 1885, James Doloff ; resides in Maiden. John Laweence, son of Reuben and Lois (Tenney) Lawrence, and a grandson of Charles and (Naomi) Law- rence, was b. in Ashby March 31, 1796. He md. 1834, Phebe W. Broughton, dau. of William Broughton. I. Esther Sirena, h. Zu\y 21,18^^; md. March 14, 1854, Robert J. Elliot. He d. . 1. L. Agnes, b. May 8, 1865 ; md. Dec. 24, 1885, Robert Samson. 2. Etta M., b. June 18, 1867 ; md. Winslow O. Fletcher, q. v. II. John Chauncey, b. May 28, 1836 ; md. March 17, 1866, Abbie A. Blaney, dau. of Benjamin Blaney. She d. Aug. 18, 1876; md. (2d) April 14, 1880, Jane (Pierce) Lane, widow of Milton Lane, q. v. Resides at Lane Village. m. George W., b. June 3, 1838; md. Feb. 15, 1864, Ellen E. Reed. He is a veteran 21st Regiment. IV. Reuben H., b. Sept. 19, 1845 ; md. Fanny Good- ale. He was killed in braking cars, Dec. 9, 1877. V. William A., b. July 8, 1856 ; md. Jan. 31, 1877, Mary E. Bixby, dau. of Aaron B. Bixby. Capt. Jeremiah Lawrence, son of Peter Lawrence, was b. in Ashby Jan. 29, 1772. He md. Rachel Wright, b. June 26, 1773, dau. of Henry and Sarah (Spalding) Wright of Westford and Ashby. About 1821 he removed to this town. He d. Feb. 20, 1854 ; his wife d. March 22, 1851. Children b. in Ashby. Persis, b. Oct. 30, 1792. Jeremiah, b. Feb. 4, 1796.+ Tila 0., b. Sept. 30, 1799. Jonas, b. Aug. 8, 1806.+ Susan Stearns, b. Jan. 23, 1812 ; md. Asahel Wheeler, q. v. 77 I. 78 II. 79 III. 80 IV. 81 V. Jeeemiah Lawrence, Jr., md. Feb. 20, 1821, Mary Tuttle of Ashby, b. Dec. 21, 1792 ; removed to this town 798 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 <80) •«9 90 about the date of his marriage. He d. July 3, 1872 ; she d. Dec. 7, 1883. I. William T., b. Sept. 22, 1825 ; md. Nov. 1, 1846, Nancy W". Blanchard of New Ipswich. He re- sides in Peterborough, N. H. 1. MaryA.,b. May4, 1852; d. Sept. 2, 1852. 2. Marah A., b. Oct. 9, 1853 ; d. Nov. 15, 1853. 3. Lillie A., b. Feb. 26, 1855. 4. Emma F., b. March 3, 1857. II. Charles H., b. Sept. 2, 1827 ; removed to Boston, where he md. 1848, Sarah E. Riblet of Charles- town. He d. March 23, 1878 ; his widow d. April 10, 1879. in. Marah S., b. Jan. 19, 1829 ; d. April 20, 1850. Jonas Lawrence, a brother of Jeremiah, Jr., md. June 6, 1833, Sarah White, dau. of Dea. Elisha White, q. v. ; she d. June 22, 1845 ; he md. (2d) 1852, Eliza (Russell) Houghton, dau. of David Russell, q. v. She d. April, 1885. I. Charles A. , b. II. Ivers TF., b. - md. 1867, Sarah A. Luce. John Leathers was b. in Charlestown Nov. 16, 1799. In his youth he went to Albany, N. Y., and came to this town in 1823. He md. Sept. 26, 1826, Alma G. Marble, dau. of Oliver Marble, q. v. He was a farmer near Rice pond. The house was burned several years ago. He removed to Fitchburg late in life, and d. there Sept. 14, 1876 ; his widow d. at Bath, Me., June 19, 1884. I. Alma Eliza, b. July 21, 1827; md. Albion C. Mallot ; reside in Bath, Me. II. John Cobleigh, b. May 9, 1829 ; resides in Ohio ; is md. in. Emma S., b. Nov. 30, 1830 ; md. George Moors ; she d. at Wilton Junction, Iowa, July 23, 1886. IV. Mary Elizabeth, b. July 13, 1832 ; unmd. ; resides in Fitchburg. V. Dorothy Marble, b. March 11, 1834 ; md. Sept. 5, 1853, Joshua S. Wheeler, son of Lewis and Mary (Stowell) Wheeler, b. in Fitchburg Oct. 16, 1829. He is a manufacturer and dealer in machinists' tools in Worcester where he resides. GENEALOGICAL REGISTEK. 799 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 VI. Lewis Eilwin, h. Feb. 8, 1836 ; d. unmd. in San- dusky, Ohio, Nov. 22, 1855. Joel Francis, b. Oct. 9, 1837 ; md. Sarah Smith ; resides in Winn, Me. George Elliot, b. July 13, 1840 ; resides in Worces- ter ; md. Marelia Ames. Ivers Warren, b. Nov. 20, 1841 ; d. May 11, 1844. Hosea Marshall, b. Dec. 16, 1843; d. May 11, 1844. These two children died about the same hour. XI. Charles F., b. Aug. 10, 1846; d. at Fitchburg April 25, 1877 ; left a family. XII. William C, b. Aug. 11, 1847; md. Laura Mar- shall ; resides in Fitchburg. VII. VIII IX. X. LITCH. Among the children of one of the Scotch-Irish emigrants who settled in Londonderry, N. H., was Thomas Litch who was b. about 1720. If the tra- dition is sustained that he was four years of age when his parents came to America it is probable that he was b. quite as early as the year named. The name in the early records is written Leatch. He md. Jane Kennedy, and d. in Winchendon 1802. He left two sons, John and Samuel. John Litch md. Martha Stuart and settled in Lunenburg, and d. 1815. Among his four sons was Thomas Litch, b. 1777; md. Hannah Kimball and resided in Fitch- burg, where he d. Oct. 23, 1820. Samuel Litch, the other son of Thomas and Jane (Kennedy) Litch, resided in Lunenburg until 1781, when he removed to Winchendon. At once he became a prominent citizen. August 11, 1786, he was a delegate to the Leicester coTention, but subsequently he became involred in the Shays' revolt. It has been asserted that he left the State, but it is claimed with greater confidence that he d., 1787, from injuries received from a falling limb while felling trees. Samuel Litch, Jr., b. July 9, 1779, was the famous school-teacher of Winchendon and Jaffrey, N. H. Joel H. Litch, b. in Fitchburg April 14, 1807, son of Thomas and Hannah (Kimball) Litch, md. Nov. 17, 1831, Lucy Maynard, dau. of Stephen Maynard, q. v. He resided in Worcester, where he was engaged in the manu- facture and sale of doors, sashes and blinds until 1850 when he purchased the Maynard farm and removed to this town. As a farmer he maintains a foremost rank, and as a citizen he is held in high esteem. He has been repeatedly elected to positions ia town affairs, and in 1852 he represented the town in the Legislature. I. Ellen E., b. Sept. 28, 1832 ; d. unmd. Aug. 22, 1883. II. Charles T., b. Dec. 12, 1834; md. A. Theresa Rockwood, dau. of George Eockwood, q. v. He is a farmer on the homestead with his father. They are engaged extensively in the sale of milk. 80O HISTORY or ASHBUENHAM. 9 10 III. John Francis, b. July 6, 1837 ; md. June 2, 1867, Emily E. Merriam, dau. of Benjamin Merriam, q. V. He is foreman and lumber agent with Boston Chair Manufacturing Company. 1. Carrie E., b. April 26, 1868. 2. Herbert F., b. Oct. 3, 1870. 3. Ernest W., b. April 9, 1872. 4. Clesson, b. May 9, 1874. IV. MartJia S., b. Feb. 20, 1840 ; d. April 23, 1860. V. George H., h. June 6, 1843 ; md. Lucy A. Pierce of Templeton. He resides in Templeton. His wife d. — — , leaving two children. •John Locke was a German emigrant who came to this town in 1758. It appears that he had no interest in the purchase of the Lexington grant. He settled near the site of the Gushing Academy. Invariably he wrote the name Overlook, in the early records it is Oberlock, and in this form the name is written when reference was had to the father, but his children were known by the name of Locke, and his descendants in the male line are probably bearing the name of Locke and perplexing the genealogist at the present time. John Oberlock was an original member of the church, and as a citizen he bore a full share of public burdens and responsibility. The name of his wife was Mary. The children of whom any knowledge has been secured, except Jacob, were born before the family arrived in this town. He d. Jan. 2, 1783. His widow probably d. in Winchendon, where Capt. Daniel Putnam, who had the farm and was responsible for her support, resided a few years. I. John Locke, md. 1774, Molly Bigelow. The inten- tion of marriage is recorded Jan. 9, 1774. She d. May 6, 1775; he md. (2d) Feb. 27, 1777, Pbebe Howe. He d. March 7, 1778. II. Philip, owned a saw-mill on the stream in the South Village, which he sold in 1778 to Daniel Gibbs. He md. Dec. 17, 1777, Olive Gates. An infant of Philip Locke d. May 15, 1779. He probably removed from town. III. Elizabeth, md. March 18, 1777, Capt. Daniel Put- nam, q. V. XV. Jacob, was a soldier in the Revolution ; he d. in the service. Mr. Cushing records his death in November, 1777, " aged about 18 years." GENEALOGICAL KEGISTER. 801 10 11 12 William Locke, son of William and Eleanor (Haynes) Locke of New Ipswich, was b. July 29, 1798. The line- age of this family is found in the " Book of the Lockes." He md. ISIarch 29, 1829, Jane W. Wilder. They re- moved to this town soon after their marriage. He d., from injuries received from a fall from a pear tree, Sept. 7, 1837. His widow md. Nov. 17, 1846, Harrison Wyman of Westminster. JosiAH Locke, a brother of William (6), was b. Oct. 18, 1804; he md. Oct. 18, 1827, Elizabeth W. Willard, dau. of John Willard, q. v. They resided in this town until 1840 ; subsequently in Wakefield. I. Charles E., b. July 14, 1828; md. May 3, 1849, Lucy M. Wood, dau. of Nathan Wood, q. v. ; resided in Fitchburg, where he d. May 23, 1874. n. John W.-i b. April 10, 1832 ; resides in Wakefield ; was postmaster there twelve years. He md. Charlotte A. Tufts, who d. 1867 ; md. (2d) Susan G. Berry who d. March 2, 1881 ; md. (3d) C. Delia Kilgore. III. Mary Elizabeth, b. Oct. 4, 1833; md. Charles Bennett. William Locke, son of William aijd Rebecca (Barrett) Locke of Fitzwilliam, N. H., b. Feb. 7, 1778, md. Feb. 7, 1804, Polly Walker, and resided in this town about three years ending 1837, when they removed to Fitz- william, N. H. William D. Locke, son of William (11), b. Oct. 5, 1807, md. Dee. 11, 1833, Miranda Adams, dau. of Dea. Isaac Adams of New Ipswich ; was here the same time as his father. LOWE. Over the twelre ships bearing emigrants to America in 1630, Capt. John Lowe, of the ship Ambrose, was Admiral. The fleet sailed in April, and having safely arrired at Salem, a day of public thanksgiving was observed in all the adjacent plantations July 8, 1630. Dea. Thomas Lowe, son of Capt. John, was b. in Ipswich 1632. He md. Martha Boreman, dau. of Thomas Boreman, and was a leading spirit in the settlement. He d. April 12, 1712, aged 80, leaving seven children; of these the second son was Jonathan Lowe, who md. Thompson. Of their children, Jonathan, Jr., was b. Sept. 14, 1708; md. Nov. 18, 1731, Sarah Perkins. About 1760 they removed to Lunenburg. The fourteenth of their sixteen children was Dr. Abraham Lowe of Ashburnham. He was b. in Chebacco parish, Ipswich, Feb. 11, 1755. 51 802 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (5) De. Abraham Lowe removed to Ashburnham in 1785 or 1786. He boarded until bis marriage with Capt. Tim- othy Willard at the David Russell place. He lived a few years at corner of Main and Gushing streets, and about 1792 he purchased the estate still known as the Dr. Lowe place, and there resided until his death. Vide pages 178 and 466. He md. Oct. 30, 1788, Charlotte Hale, b. Dec. 30, 1766, eldest dau. of Col. Nathan and Abigail (Grout) Hale of Rindge. He d. Oct. 23, 1834; his widow d. May 5, 1841. Col. Nathan Hale, the father of Mrs. Lowe, was b. in Rowley or in Hampstead, N. H., Sept. 23, 1743. He was a merchant and farmer in Rindge, and an extensive land owner in that town. He was a major in Col. Reed's regiment in. 1775, and lieut. -colonel of the 2nd New Hampshire Battalion 1777. He d. a prisoner within the British lines Sept. 23, 1780. He was a descendant of the fifth generation of Thomas Hale, b. in Hertfordshire, England, May 15, 1606, and settled in Newbury previous to 1635. The generations are Thomas, Thomas, Capt. Thomas, all of Newbury, Moses of Newbury, Hampstead, N. H., and Rindge, and Col. Nathan of Rindge. Of Dr. Abraham and Charlotte (Hale) Lowe there were eight children. I. Nathan Hale, b. July 21, 1789 ; d. Dec. 13, 1789. II. Abigail, b. Jan. 24, 1791; md. Dr. William H. Cutler, q. v. III. Charlotte, h. May 29, 1793; md. June 4, 1840, David Goodwin, Esq., of Chelsea, Vt. After his decease she resided in this town, where she d. March 12, 1877. IV. Abraham Thompson, b. Aug. 15, 1796.+ V. Thomas Hale, b. Nov. 27, 1799 ; d. Jan. 13, 1800. VI. Mary Hale, b. May 9, 1801 ; md. Samuel Woods, q. V. VII. George Henry, b. May 12, 1803. + VIII. Benoni, b. Sept. 19, 1807 ; d. Feb. 22, 1808. Dr. Abraham T. Lowe is the oldest native of this town known to be living. For a brief outline of a prolonged and useful career the reader is referred to page 466. He md. Oct. 20, 1822, Emma B. Gould of Ashby, who d. Aug. 9, 1833 ; he md. (2d) Nov. 6, 1836, Susan Burr of Ashby, who d. May 16, 1843 ; he md. (3d) April 5, 1844, Eliza B. Burr, who d. Nov. 5, 1860 ; he md. (4th) April 30, 1862, Cordelia Burditt. Two children of first wife died in infancy. 10 11 12 (8) 13 14 15 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 803 I. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 5, 1825; d. March 15, 1842. 11. Lewis G., b. Aug. 18, 1828. He is a physician in Boston. III. Abraham Thompson, b. Feb. 20, 1856 ; a gradu- ate of Dartmouth Medical School 1880. George H. Lowe, occupying the Jewett store, was a merchant in this town several years, and associated with others, he was engaged a short lime in the manufacture of chairs. He was a man of exemplary character, com- manding at all time the respect and confidence of the community. He md. Feb. 18, 1830, Catherine M. Brig- ham, b. in Westboro' Jan. 21, 1801, dau. of Hon. Elijah and Sarah (Ward) Brigham and a granddau. of Gen. Arte- mas Ward. In 1842 he removed to North Brookfield. He d. at Dewitt, Iowa, Dec. 21, 1866. r. Emma Catherine, bap. Aug. 30, 1836. II. George Abraham, bap. Dec. 29, 1836. III. Sarah Brigham. bap. June, 1840. Fkancis M. Lund, b. in Hollis, N. H., March 8, 1845, son of Warner and Mary F. (Lovejoy) Lund, md. Feb. 10, 1867, Elizabeth J. Wheeler of Hollis, N. H. He re- sides on Chapel street in Central Village. I. Fraiik W., b. April 17, 1869. II. Bertha M., b. July 22, 1873. III. Daisie B., b. Dec. 1, 1877. Solomon Manning was b. in Billerica May 15, 1753. He was a son of Lieut. William and Elizabeth (Danforth) Mannintf, grandson of Ensign William and Elizabeth (French) Manning and great-grandson of Samuel and Elizabeth (Stearns) Manning, all of Billerica. Solomon Manning md. May 20, 1777, Alice Wilson, b. Oct. 17, 1749, dau. of John and Alice (Totman) Wilson ; she d. April 26, 1787 ; he md. (2d) Jan. 6, 1789, Olive French of Hollis, N. H. With two children they removed to this town in 1792 and resided near the present residence of Cyrus A. Jefts. He d. Sept. 2, 1833 ; she d. June 27, 1841. I. Solomon, b. Dec. 26, 1789. + II. Olive, h. March 16, 1792; d. Nov. 6, 1799. III. Andrew Bailey, b. March 13, 1794 ; removed from town about 1830; unmd. at that time; d. May 6, 1851. 804 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (2) 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 IV. Alice Wilso7i, b. Nov. 5, 1795 ; cared for her aged parents, and was often a cheerful nurse in the neighborhood ; she lives unmd. in Fitch- burg. V. Samuel, b. June 26, 1797. VI. Elizabeth, b. Mayo, 1799; md. Peter Carter of Fitchburg. Several children. She d. March 30, 1865. Solomon Manning, Jr., md. Lucy Webber of Chelms- ford, and resided in Ashburnham and in Ashby. He d. Dec. 13, 1825. I. Lucy Maria, b. 1814, non comp. ; d. Dec. 20, 1872. II. Ivers JB., b. April 6, 1816 ; md. April 6, 1843, Phebe J. Eaton, b. Oct. 1, 1822, dau. of Samuel Eaton of Reading and Lynn. He was a chair maker ; d. Aug. 15, 1884 ; his widow resides in Gardner. 1. Helen Elizabeth, b, Feb. 2, 1844; md. Merrick W. Wallace, son of Dr. Merrick Wallace, q. v. 2. Josie Augusta, b. May 15, 1847 ; d. Sept. 28, 1848. 3. Frank Abbott, b. Sept. 9, 1850; d. Feb. 22, 1876. 4. Caroline Alice, b. Nov. 2, 1862 ; d. Dec. 9, 1881. ■ ; md. Alvan F. Ward, son of III. Elzina E., b. ■ Jacob Ward, q. v. IV. Laurette, b. . V. Elson, b. ; md. Rebecca Tufts ; d. in Fitch- burg about 1878. MARBLE. The name of Marble has been continued in this town about one hundred years. The first of the name in this town wpre Jabez and Oliver Marble, who came from Stow 1789, and from them are descended the numerous families of Marble in this town. It is a tradition of the family that the father of Jabez and Oliver Marble was impressed into the English army, and while his regiment was employed in the conquest of Canada, without a full dis- charge, he left a service which had been instituted without his consent, and soon after settled in Stow. The sequel of the tradition is confirmed by the records of Stow. Asa Marble is found a resident of Stow, and there Jabez and Oliver Marble, twin sons of Asa and Hannah (Wheeler) Marble, were b. Sept. 15, 1755. While residents of Stow, they were in the Revolutionary service. Vide Chap. VI. A cannon-ball brought home by Jabez Marble i» now in the possession of his great-grandson, Warren E. Marble. 9 10 11 <4) 12 <5) 13 14 15 16 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 805 Jabez Marble, b. in Stow Sept. 15, 1755, md. Nov. 29, 1780, Mary Salter, dau. of Samuel Salter, g. v., and settled in Stow where he lived until 1789, when he re- moved to this town. He lived on the farm formerly occupied by Samuel Salter, and now by Warren Marble. He d. Dec. l>3, 1843 ; she d. Dec. 22, 1845. • I. Hannah, b. ; d. Sept. 21, 1792. 11. Eunice, b. April 28, 1783 ; md. George Wilker, Jr , q. V. III. Jabez, b. April 29, 1785. + IV. Stephen, b. Nov. 8, 1787. -f- V. Phebe, b. Feb. 1, 1790 ; md. John Carter of Fitch- burg. VI. Lydia, b. Feb. 8, 1792; md. John Russell of Townsend. VII. Lois (twin), b. Feb. 8, 1792 ; md. April 21, 1812, Joseph Smith of Leominster. VIII. Joel, b. Feb. 1, 1794. + IX. Grata, b. May 4, 1797 ; md. April 7, 1822, Joseph Wheeler ; resided in Acton. X. Asenath, b. Oct. 25. 1801 ; md. 1821, David Flint, b. March 27, 1793, son of Edmund and Abi- gail (Damon) Flint of Ashby. He d. Sept. 5, 1870; shed. Aug. 22, 1867. Jabez Marble, Jr., md. 1815, Anna Dutton, b. Nov. 9, 1788, dau. of Samuel and Ehoda Dutton of Ashby. He was a farmer. He d. in this town July 8, 1826. I. Son, b. ; d. young. Stephen Marble md. Nov. 12, 1816, Polly Flint, b. Oct. 27, 1790, dau. of Edmund and Abigail (Damon) Flint of Ashby. He was a farmer on Russell hill ; re- moved to Ashby 1850, where he d. Aug. 19, 1855 ; she d. March 2, 1855. I. Albert Proctor, b. Aug. 9, 1817; d. unmd. II. Elmira, b. June 26, 1820 ; md. Joseph Gushing, q. V. III. Edmund Newton, b. Dec. 4, 1822 ; md. April 23, 1848, Dolly Billings, dau. of Joshua Billings, Jr., q. V. He d. Aug. 19, 1885 ; she resides in Fitchburg. IV. Stephen Jackson, b. Nov. 3, 182.S; md. 1850, Lydia A. Maynard, dau. of Horace Maynard, q. V. She d. -. He resides in Fitchburg. §06 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (9) 17 18 19 20 21 (17) 22 23 24 25 26 (18) 27 28 29 30 Joel Maeble md. Nov. 19, 1818, Susan Sawin, dau. of Asa Sawin, q. v. ; she d. June 22, 1823 ; he md. (2d) 1823, Mary Winship of Westminster. He was a farmer and at different times occupied the farms now of Warren Marble and of Hosea Green. He d. March 10, 1869 ; his wife d. Oct. 12, 1859. I. Luke, b. April 30, 1820.+ II. Newell, b. Jan. 29, 1822.+ III. Infant, b. and d. June, 1823. IV. Susan, b. Sept. 19, 1824; d. Dec. 20, 1838. V. Warren, b. Aug. 1, 1826. -|- LuKE Marble md. April 24, 1845, Abigail Moore, dau. of Pitt Moore, q. v., and now resides in Central Village. Until recently he lived in the northeast part of the town, where he was successfully engaged in farming and in the manufacture of lumber. He has been assessor and elected to other office in town affairs. I. Jonas P., b. April 3, 1846 ; d. Sept. 14, 1848. II. Joel P., b. June 11, 1848. He is a merchant in the firm of Marble and Gilson. He md. June 11, 1871, Caroline Holmes. III. Alden B., b. Aug. 11, 1851 ; md. Feb. 1, 1873, Flora A. Jaquith. He is a successful farmer on the old Kibling farm, frequently called the Caldwell farm. IV. Warren E., b. Oct. 7, 1855 ; md June 15, 1882, Nellie M. Fuller. He is a farmer and proprietor of the Marble Mills. V. J/a.ry^.,b. April 24,1857; md. Feb. 5, 1881, Frank W. Davis of AshbJ^ He resides in Ash- burnham. Newell Marble md. April 29, 1845, Emma J. Wilker, dau. of Jacob Wilker, q. v. He was a farmer and a morocco finisher and lived near the school-house in the third district. He d. Aug. 12, 1885. I. George Francis, b. July 16, 1846 ; md. Oct. 1, 1871, Hannah B. Boston of Barrington, N. H. ; resides at Great Falls, N. H. II. Franklin Augustus, b. March 17, 1848 ; d. June 28, 1848. III. Ella Augusta, b. Feb. 10, 1850 ; d. Aug. 28, 1852. IV. Celia Viola, b. Aug. 25, 1853 ; md. Feb. 7, 1877, Elwyn D. Gibson, son of Jerome S. Gibson, q. v. 31 32 33 34 35 36 (21) 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 807 V. Charles Sumner, b. Nov. 1, 1855 ; md. Jan. 27, 1877, Lillian A. Gibson, dau. of Jerome S. Gibson, fj. v. VI. Lyra Madora, b. Aug. 4, 1858 ; d. March 11, 1865. VII. Rosetta Emogene, b. March 3, 1862. VIII. Fernando Ulysses, b. Nov. 7, 1865 ; d. June 4, 1876. IX. Lilla Malora, b. Oct. 18, 1867. X. Melvin Newell, b. Sept. 7, 1869 ; d. May 29, 1876. Waeren Maeble is a farmer on the homestead. He md. May 22, 1851, Mary L. Wilker, dau. of Jacob Wil- ker, q. v. I. Emma A., b. March 16, 1852 ; md. Sept. 4, 1870, Herbert W. Whitney, son of Otis Whitney, q. V. II. Frank L., b. Aug. 1. 1854; md. April 30, 1876, Sarah A. Nichols, dau. of John Nichols, q. v. III. Walter H., b. Sept. 13, 1858 ; a physician. Vide page 509. IV. Susie E.,h. Dec. 1, 1861. V. Lizzie L., b. Jan. 7, 1865. VI. BertonH., b. July 11, 1867; d. Aug. 8, 1870. VII. Harlan B., b. Dec. 10, 1871 ; d. July 22, 1877. Oliver Marble, twin brother of Jabez Marble, md. Deborah Bailey, and with five children removed to this town in 1789. He settled on the Emory Fairbanks farm now of Charles Kelton. He d. while visiting a son in Lyndeboro', N. H., Julj' 29, 1827. His widow d. in this town Aug. 28, 1833, aged 70. I. Oliver, b. Aug. 8, 1781.+ II. Ehoda, b. Oct. 10, 1783 ; md. Nathan Taylor, q. v. III. Deborah, h. Aug. 6, 1785 ; md. Dec. 12, 1805, Asa Eaton, b. Nov. 29, 1785, son of Benjamin and Lydia Eaton of Ashby. They removed to Springfleld, Vt. IV. Bailey, b. Aug. 3, 178- ; removed to western New York ; md. Penelope Hall. V. Lois, b. Sept. 20, 1791 ; md. John Hall, q. v. VI. Tamar, b. July 2, 1789 ; d. Oct. 27, 1794. vii. Samuel, b. July 8, 1793. + VIII. Hannah, b. Nov. 10, 1795; md. Joel Barrett, q. V. ; md. (2d) Joseph Miller, q. v. IX. Abner, b. Oct. 29, 1798; resided in Lyndeboro', N. H. 808 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 54 (45) 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 €2 63 64 65 66 (51) Tamar, b. June 23, 1803 ; md. Sept. 27, 1832, Benjamin C. Pillsbury ; they reside in Ashby. Three or more children. Oliver Marble md. April 7, 1805, Dolly Green, dau. of Oliver Green, q. v. He resided in this town many years and subsequently in New Ipswich, where he d. in 1851 ; his widow d. Nov. 12, 1859. I. Alma G., b. March 29, 1806 ; md. John Leathers, q. V. II. Betsey, b. ; d. March 16, 1808. III. Lewis, b. May 7, 1809 ; md. Dec. 11, 1842, Louisa Adams ; he was a millwright ; d. in this town Oct. 25, 1844. 1. Lewis, b. 1844. IV. Heman L., b. April 7, 1811 ; a carriage maker in Springfield, Vt. ; md. Eliza Smallev. V. AsaheUh. Feb. 1, 1814; md. Sept. 8, 1842, Betsey Walton, b. Aug. 10, 1814, dau. of Nathan Wal- ton of Rindge ; he was a mechanic ; resided in New Ipswich, Rindge, and after 1850 in Ash- burnham, where he d. Jan. 15, 1871. 1. Henry A., b. Aug. 29, 1843; enlisted in 53d Regiment ; d. at New Orleans May 19, 1863. 2. Nathan E., b. Jan. 6, 1848; d. unmd. March 13, 1879. 3. William A., b. Sept. 18 1850; unmd.; resides in Ashburnham. VI. Dorothy H., b. Nov. 11, 1816 ; md. Elliot Moore, q. V. VII. Chester, h. March 19, 1820; md. Sarah Smalley; resided at Chicago, 111. VIII. iawma, b. April 4, 1823 ; unmd.; resides at Town- send. Samuel Marble resided in Lyndeboro' and in Milford, N. H., and later in Jaffrey, N."H.. where he d. April 10, 1883. He md. May 21, 1816, Lucy Metcalf, dau. of Ezekiel S. Metcalf, q v. ; md. (2d) Grata Carter, b. Dec. 26, 1804, dau. of Capt. Jonah Carter; md. (3d) Olive Greenwood. There were six children of Samuel and Lucy (Metcalf) Marble. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 809 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 I. Bailey, b. ; rad. Nov. 10, 1839, Nancy Ellis, dau. of Jesse Ellis, q. v. They resided in tliis town and subsequently in Lowell, where she d. Jan. 31, 1854; he d. 1881. 1. Abbie Jane, b. Sept. 10, 1842. 2. MaryE., b. Sept. 13, 1846; d. Oct. 14, 1847. 3. Waldo B., b. April 3, 1851. II. Hotvard, b. July 23, 1820; md. April 6, 1847, Mary A. Crehore, dau. of Col. Timothy Cre- hore, q. v. They reside in Fitehburg. III. Louisa, h. . IV. Dustan, b. ; resides at Akron, Ohio. V. Calvin, b. ; resides at Cleveland, Ohio. VI. Tila, b. ; d. unmd. at Jaffrev, N. H., May 21, 1883. MARTIN. • John Martin, Jr., and wife Elizabeth, removed from Ipswich to Lunen- burg 1739. He d. about 1753, leaving a widow and ten children. Of these, four at least became associated with the people of Ashburnham : I. John, b. Oct. 12, 1740 (No. 1); II. Elizabeth, b. June 12, 1744, md. Job Colman, q. V. ; III. Susannah, b. April 1, 1751, md. Benjamin Colman, q. v. ; IV. Prudence, b. May 6, 1753, md. Amos Brooks, q. v. John Maktin, son of John and Elizabeth Martin, b. Oct. 12, 1740, md. March 3, 1761, Betty Chaplin of Lun- enburg. The}' united with the church in 1764, and with- drew to join the Baptists in 1778. He was identified with the settlement, but it is probable he lived over the line in Fitehburg. Five children were baptized after the ordina- tion of Mr. Cashing. There is no record of baptisms dur- ing the ministry of Mr. Winchester. Barzillai, bap. June 4, 1769. Betty, bap. Oct. 28, 1770. Molly, bap. Sept. 22, 1772. Prudence, bap. Sept. 11, 1774. Sarah, bap. April 13, 1777. Lewis G. Matthews was b. in Gardner May 13, 1817. He is a son of Joel and Sarah (Coolidge) Matthews and a grandson of John and Patience (Graves) Matthews. He was a merchant several years at the South Village, where he still resides, unmd. Hezekiah Matthews, a brother of Lewis G., was b. in Gardner Oct. 24,1818; md. June 9, 1851, Sally Gates, 2 I. 3 II. 4 III. IV. € V. 810 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 10 dau. of William Gates, g. v. was a manufacturer of chairs, lage. Two children. For a number of years he He resides at South Vil- I. Edward L., b. March 9, 1855 ; d. young II. Josephine Isabel, b. Nov. 4, 1860. Sdmner Mat was b. in Sterling July 18, 1799. He was a son of Levi and Deborah (Wilder) May, grandson of Thomas and great-grandson of John May. He resided in Westminster until the autumn of 1827, when he removed to South Village. In 1856, in connection with his son Charles, he built the mill occupied by Bernard Duane & Co. He md. in Westminster, Nov. 15, 1821, Mira Eaton, b. Nov. 20, 1800, dau. of Nathan Eaton ; she d. May 4, 1861 ; md. (2d) Feb. 13, 1862, Mrs. Phil- etta J. Johnson of Templeton. He d. Feb. 9, 1879. I. Augustine, b. Oct. 14, 1822 ; md. 1846, Lorena Cram of Gardner. II. Augustus (twin),b. Oct. 14, 1822; md. Elizabeth Reed of Groton ; he resides at South Village. III. Levi Wilder, b. Feb. 2, 1825 ; resides in Newfield, N. J. ; he md. 1846, Mary Bosworth of Win- chendon. IV. Charles Sv,mner, b. April 10, 1827 ; unmd. ; re- sides at South Village. V. Harriet Elvira, b. Feb. 2, 1829 ; md. J. B. Bar- rell, q. v. VI. George Washington, b. Oct. 14, 1831 ; md. Jane Hoyt ; resides in Templeton. VII. Sarah E., b. Feb. 13, 1834; d. unmd. July 4, 1858. VIII. Orange Scott, b. Nov. 22, 1836 ; unmd. ; resides at South Village. He is a postmaster at Ash- burnham Depot. IX. Achsah Irene, b. July 5, 1839 ; md. April 14, 1861, Stephen C. Whitney of Westminster. He d. Feb. 20, 1863. Vide p. 455. She resides in Templeton. MAYNARD. John Matnakd, the emigrant ancestor of the Maynard family of New Eng- land, was a resident of Sudbury. His homestead was in the east part of the town and is now included within the town of Wayland. He was md. in Eng- land, and came to America in 1638. He shared in the division of Sudbury meadows 1639, and was one of the petitioners for the town of Marlboro', where he settled his son, John. He was a selectman and held other office in Sudbury. No record of his first marriage or the death of his wife appears ; GENEALOGICAL EEGISTER. 81-1 he md. (2d) 1646, Mary Axtell, by whom he had three daughters. He d. Dec. 1, 1672 ; his widow was residing in Charlestown during the Indian troubles in 1675-6. John Maynard, son of John, was b, in England 1630, being eight years of age when his father came to America. He md. April 5, 1658, Mary Gates, dau. of Stephen Gates of Lancaster and Cambridge, and settled in Marlboro'. He .was a selectman and was prominently associated with the affairs of the settlement. He md. (2d) Sarah Blanford Keyes, b. Jan. 27, 1642-3, widow of Elias Keyes and dau. of John and Dorothy (Wright) Blanford of Sudbury. Eight children by first and three by second marriage. He d. Dec. 22, 1711; his widow was living in 1722. David Maynard, son of John and Mary (Gates) Maynard, b. Dec. 21, 1669, md. Hannah Wait, dau. of Joseph and Ruhamah (Hager) Wait. He lived in the westerly part of Marlboro', now Westboro', and, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he was much employed in town affairs and was frequently chosen to office. His wife d. March 16, 1724-5 ; he md. (2d) Feb. 6, 1732-3, Jemima Brigham. He d. Oct. 2, 1757. Of his eleven chil- dren, the descendants of Nathan and Jotham have resided in Ashburnham. Nathan Maynard, son of David, was b. in Westboro' Jan. 2, 1722 ; md. Jan. 1, 1750-1, Lucy Pratt, according to town records, but Lucy Whipple by tradi- tion. He lived in Westboro', where he d. 1811 ; his wife d. May 18, 1773. Nehemiah Maynard, son of Nathan, b. May 27, 1754, settled in this town and is No. 1 in the following register. Jotham Maynard, son of David and Hannah (Wait) Maynard, b. May 29, 1714, md. 1740, Abiah or Abigail Allen and resided in Westboro' and Bolton. The eldest of their ten children was Jotham Maynard, b. March 14, 1741 ; md. 1763, Dinah Powers. The sixth of their seven children was Dea. Anti- pas Maynard, b. in Bolton April 27, 1776 ; md. Aug. 14, 1797, Sally Kice, b. in Marlboro' Nov. 15, 1772, dau. of Eleazer and Ehzabeth (Darling) Kice. They resided in Sullivan, N. H., and in Keene, N. H., where he d. March 15, 1833; she d. in Boston, Oct. 22, 1861. Of their children, Antipas May- nard, b. in Sullivan, N. H., Dec. 31, 1801, is No. 23 in the following register. Jotham Maynard, the grandfather of Antipas Maynard of Ashburnham, was a first cousin of Nehemiah Mayna'rd of Ashburnham. Nehemiah Maynard, the first of the name in Ashburn- ham, was b. in Westboro' May 27, 1754. He was a son of Nathan and Lucy (Pratt) Maynard. He md. Dorothy Maynard, b. in Shrewsbury Oct. 3, 1748, dau. of Reuben and Dorothy (Williams) Maynard. He settled in Ash- burnham, on the farm now of Joel H. Litch, in 1775 or the spring of 1776. He d. May 29, 1828. Edward, b. June 4, 1776. -|- Stephen, b. March 11, 1778.4- Sally, b. April 21, 1780; md. Sept. 27, 1803, Stephen Lawrence, b. May 28, 1780, son of Charles and Naomi Lawrence of Ashby. She d. in Ashby July 24, 1810 ; he md. (2d) Mehitable Coe. There were two children by first marriage. I. 11. in. 1. Amy, b. Sept. 6, 1805. 2. Charles, b. Jan. 20, 1808 1808. d. Feb. 24, IV. Joseph, b. Oct. Sarah Miller, 24, 1782 ; md. Dec. 13, 1804, b. Jan. 3, 1785, dau. of Isaac 812 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 9 10 11 12 13 14 <2) 15 16 17 <3) 18 Miller, q. v. They resided in this town a short time after marriage, and in New Hampshire and Vermont; he d. about 1815; his widow md. (2d) Dec. 25, 1817, Amos Stearns of Winchen- don, whose first wife was Deborah Hunt, dau. of Dea. Sherebiah Hunt. 1. Joseph Bennett, b. April 13. 1805 ; d. July 15, 1835. 2. Laban, b. April 24, 1807 ; d. July 5, 1844. 3. Alonzo, b. March 11, 1809; d. Aug. 2, 1857. 4. Sally L., b. June 2, 1811. 5. Sarah A., b. April 16, 1813 ; md. Prentice Britton of Northfield. T. Timothy, b. Oct. 9, 1785 ; he was taxed a few years in this town. He md. Sally Whiting of Lancaster and removed to Vermont. vi. Eliza, b. Dec. 7, 1788 ; md. Stephen Gibson of Ashby. She d. March 18, 1861. Among their children is Eber Gibson of this town. 19 Edward Maynard md. March 31, 1801, Persis Gates, dau. of Henry Gales, g. v. He was one of the Ashburn- ham Light Infantry when in service in the War of 1812. He d. Get. 9, 1825 ; she d. in Fitchburg 1861. I. Levi, b. March 19, 1806 ; was a blacksmith in this town, where he d. June 9, 1831. He md. March 6, 1829, Harriet French of Templeton. II. Eliza, b. Sept. 23, 1808 ; md. Alfred M. Wheeler of Fitchburg. III. Sarah Lawrence, b. Dec. 20, 1814; md. Josiah W. Boutelle. Stephen Maynard md. April 7, 1803, Miriam Ellis, dau. of Jesse Ellis, q. v. He was a farmer on the home- stead. He d. Aug. 3, 1840 ; she d. March 14, 1853. I. Horace, b. Nov. 4, 1804; md. 1828, Lydia Froth- ingham of Lancaster. He was a farmer ; d. in this town Aug. 19, 1849. There were five children ; the birth of twins, Lydia A. and Lucy Jane, b. March 19, 1831, is found in town records. The widow and children removed from town 1850. II. Dorothy, b. Jan. 3, 1806 ; md. John Brown, q. v. ; md. (2d) Ohio Whitnej-, Sen., q. v. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. SIS III. Lucy, b. Jan. 23, 1808 ; md. Joel H. Litch, q. v. David Maynaed, son of David, Jr., and a first cousin of Nehemiah Majnard, md. June 11, 1767, Sarah Savage. They were admitted to the church 1772, and in 1804 were dismissed to Chittenden, Vt. In the meantime seven children were baptized. It is probable that they lived over the line in Westminster. Levi Maynard md. 1812, Phebe (Wright) Winter, widow of John Winter, q. v. He removed to this town, leaving twelve children bj' a former marriage, and d. here Dec. 30, 1822. He was a brother of David Maynard. His widow md. (3d) Aug. 13, 1829, Benjamin Hawks ; he d. about 1840 ; and last of all she d. Dec. 27, 1847. Antipas Maynard, son of Antipas and Sally (Eice) Maynard, was b. in Sullivan, N. H., Dec. 31, 1801. He md. Dec. 3, 1822, Almira Samson, dau. of Oliver Samson, q. V. He resided a few years in Keene, N. H., and in 1833 removed to this town, where they lived to an advanced age. Mr. Maynard was a man of generous sympathies and an ardent temperament. His faith and courage were never clouded. In business affairs he was exact and honest, and in his social relations he was kind and considerate. In every good work his sympathies were spontaneous and his adherence loyal and firm. He was prominent in the Methodist church, and for many years his efforts were unabated and his influence contin- ually renewed. His worthy example lives in the memory of his associates and in the love of his children. He d. Nov. 18, 1882 ; his widow d. July 29, 1886. I. Nancy A., b. Oct. 27, 1823 ; md. Charles Winches- ter, son of Caleb Winchester, q. v. II. George A.,h. March 3, 1826 ; md. Sept. 25, 1848, Sarah A. Merry, b. Aug. 5, 1827, dau. of Capt. John and Sarah A. Merry of Edgecomb ; she d. Sept. 2, 1870 ; he md. (2d) Oct. 12, 1872, Mary E. McLean, b. Oct. 12, 1847, dau. of Anthony and Martha McLean of Shelburne. Eight chil- dren. He is a commission merchant : resides in Somerville. III. Lambert M., b. March 26, 1828; md. Feb. 17, 1853, Rose W, Knight, b. Oct. 31, 1828, dau. of Asa and Susan M. Knight ; resides in Somer- ville. 814 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 IV. Abbie S., b. Aug. 11, 1830; md. Jul^' 2, 1848, Stillman S. Knapp, b. March 6, 1825, son of Eliab and Rachel Knapp of Mason, N. H. ; he resides in Gardner. V. Lizzie 0., b. May 23, 1833; md. Nov. 22, 1854, Oliver D. Wilder, b. Aug. 25, 1830, son of Josiah P. and Amanda (Carter) Wilder of New Ipswich. He was in the service in the Civil War from this town. In 18 — he removed to Lowell. VI. Infant, b. and d. May 11, 1834. VII. Jane A., b. March 27, 1836 ; md. Nov. 22, 1854, Frank W. Cummings, b. Jan. 31, 1831, son of George Cummings of Plymouth, N. H. ; resides in Shirley. vm. Elliot ^., b. Oct. 14, 1839; md. April 6, 1864, Mary Jane Clark, who d. Jan. 14, 1874 ; md. (2d) May 4, 1873, Abbie B. Caswell. He is a carpenter in Ashburnham and postmaster at Central Village. 1. Irving E., b. Oct. 3, 1868. 2. Mamie Addie, b. May 2, 1871 ; d. April 20, 1873. IX. Susan H., b. March 8, 1841 ; md. Frank W. Wal- lace, q. V. X. Mary Isabel, b. July 20, 1843 ; md. Nathan Eaton, q. V. XI. Charles Wesley, b. Oct. 21, 1845. He was a rail- road conductor; d. unmd. at Houston, Texas, Oct. 18, 1873. XII. Emma C, b. Nov. 4, 1848; md. Nathan Eaton, q. V. Daniel McIntire was b. in Reading July 2, 1781. He was a son of Daniel and Jane (Hutchinson) McIntire of Reading and later of Fitchburg. He md. April 24, 1808, Sally Billings, dau. of Joshua Billings, q. v., and settled on the north turnpike on the farm now occupied by his sons. He d. Aug. 27, 1860 ; his widow d. Aug. 18, 1871. I. Lewis, b. Sept. 29, 1808 ; md. May 7, 1846, Syrena Whitney, b. Oct. 16, 1808, dau. of Ben- jamin and Nancy (Fuller) Whitney of Marl- boro', N. H. ; she d. July 9, 1851 ; he resides on the homestead. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 81^ 11. Daniel, b. Nov. 24, 1810; unmd. ; resides on the homestead. III. Allen, b. June 3, 1818 ; unmd. ; resides on the homestead. IV. Lavina, b. April 4, 1823 ; d. young. V. Jane E., b. Feb. 11, 1825; md. Jan. 1, 1846, Luther L. Howard of Royalston ; resides in Nashua, N. H. Jacob McIntire, a brother of Daniel Mclntire (1), removed to Jefferson county. New Yoyk, and there md. Polly Russell. In 1840 he removed to this town. He was a farmer and a blacksmith and resided on the farm more recently of his son, Parley Mclntire. He d. Aug. 9, 1863 ; she d. May 8, 1868. ; I. Adaline, b. ; md. Feb. 17, 1840, Timothy Metcalf, b. Jan. 26, 1798, son of Timothy and Ruth (Chaplin) Metcalf of Eindge ; she d. July 28, 1843. 1. Timothy, b. June 15, 1841. 2. Adaline, b. July 21, 1843 ; d. Aug. 16, 1843. II. Jane, b. ; md. April 15, 1839, Joseph Davis, son of Ebenezer Bennett Davis, q. v. III. David Dean, b. Oct. 13, 1826 ; md. June 19, 1850, Hannah S. Cowdrej"^, dau. of Jacob and Hannah (Blood) Cowdrey ; she d. June 19, 1880 ; he md. (2d) Feb. 5, 1881, Eunice M. Buxton. He is a farmer in the north part of the town on the Benjamin farm. 1. Adaline Maria, b. Oct. 13, 1852; d. unmd. July 2, 1875. 2. Edward, b. Feb. 1, 1854; md. Aug. 21, 1875, Mary Emily Marcy, dau. of Wash- ington Marcy of Holland. He resides in Rindge. Three children. 3. Amanda, b. 1856 ; d. Jan. 2, 1863. 4. Mary, b. Dec, 1857; d. April 13, 1858. 5. Arthur, b. Jan. 29, 1859 ; d. young. 6. Talbot, b. Jan. 13, 1861 ; md. 1882, Isabel Blankinship ; resides in Boston. 7. "Waterman, b. Nov. 8, 1863; md. Jan., 1887, Emeline Nichols. 8. Frederick L., b. Aug. 5,, 1865. 816 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 IV. Robert White, b. April 7, 1828; md. June 30, 1853, Eliza K. Cowdrey, b. Jan. 26, 1827, dau. of Jacob and Hannah (Blood) Cowdrey. He is proprieter of the Corey Mills near the line of Eindge, and for several years has been one of the road commissioners. 1. Emma Clara, b. Oct. 7, 1854 ; d. Oct. 18, 1854. 2. Flora Helen, b. Nov. 2, 1856 ; d. Nov. 16, 1862. 3. Walter Herbert, b. Jan. 9, 1858 ; d. Oct. 25, 1862. 4. Carrie Belle, b. May 15, 1861 ; md. James A. Lane, son of Allen F. Lane, q. v. 5. Herman R., b. Sept. 10, 1862. 6. Effle E., b. Dec. 28, 1864. 7. Hiland, b. April 18, 1867; d. Sept. 28, 1869. 8. Gertie V., b. Jan. 16, 1869. V. Parley, b. Aug. 23, 1833 ; md. Jan. 1, 1856, Hattie E. Hardy of New Ipswich. In the Civil War he served in the 25th Regiment. 1. Ruby S., b. 1860; md. Charles Wilson; reside in JafFrej, N. H. 2. Frank, b. June 22, 1872. Nathan Melvin was a resident of Dorchester Canada, several years previous to the incorporation of Ashburn- ham. He lived in the ninth school district and near the Amos Pierce farm. He was a farmer and an innholder. He was chosen a deer reeve in 1765, and subsequently was an assessor and a selectman. In 1775 his name is found on the roll of Capt. Davis' company. He was here in 1780 and was then chosen a surveyor of the highways, but the family removed soon after that date. The name of his wife was Anna ; six or more children were b. in this town. Mary Melvin, probably a relative and possibly an elder dau., md. Sept. 11, 1770, John Bigelow. I. Jnva, b. Nov. 8, 1760. II. Sarah, b. Sept. 15, 1762. III. Fhebe, b. March 27, 1765. IV. Hepsibah. b. March 24, 1767. V. Nathan, b. March 1, 1769. VI. Theodore, b. May 1, 1771. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 817 MERRIAM. During the Revolution, and until the close of the century, a family of Merriam resided in this town, but none of the descendants of this family appear among the later inhabitants of Ashburnham. Isaac Merriam, the head of this family, was of the fifth generation of Merriam in this country. Through valued favors of George O. Merriam of Dorchester this register is rendered more complete. Joseph Merriam, a son of William and Sarah Merriam of Hadlowe, county of Kent, England, with wife Sarah, is found residing in Concord at an early date. He was admitted freeman March 14, 1638, and d. Jan. 1, 1641. Joseph Merriam, probably the eldest of three sons, was b. 1630; he md. July 12, 1653, Sarah Stone, b. 1633, dau. of Dea. Gregory Stone. He was admitted freeman May 22, 1651 ; he d. April 20, 1677; his widow d. April 8, 1704. Thomas Merriam, son of Joseph and Sarah (Stone) Merriam, b. 1672, md. Dec. 23, 1696, Mary Hayward, and resided in Lexington, where he was a constable and selectman several years. He d. Aug. 16, 1738; his widow d. Sept. 29, 1756. The youngest of several sons was Isaac Merriam, b. July 11, 1714. He md. Sarah Davis, and among his children was Isaac Merriam of Ashburnham. Benjamin Merriam, number 32, was of the seventh generation in this country, and was a descendant of John, another son of Joseph and Sarah (Stone) Merriam. He was b. May 30, 1062; md. 1688, Mary Wheeler of Concord ; resided at Cambridge Farms, now Lexington, and was one of the most prominent men of the parish and of the town. He d. May 2], 1727; his widow d. Dec. 26, 1747. His son, Jonas Merriam, bap. Jan. 12, 1704, md. Oct. 3, 1728, Abigail Locke, b. June 22, 1710, dau. of Dea. WiUiam and Abigail (Hayward) Locke of Woburn ; she d. Dec. 5, 1755; he md. (2d) June 22, 1758, Sarah Winship. He lived in Lexington and was frequently chosen to office. He d. July 23, 1776; his wife d. March 15, 1773. Abra- ham Merriam, son of Jonas, b. Dec. 23, 1734, md. April 22, 1756, Sarah Simonds, b. April 25, 1739, dau. of Daniel and Abigail (Smith) Simonds. They lived some years in Lexington and about 1767 removed to Woburn, where their son, Ezra Merriam, was b. June 15, 1760. He md. Susan Elliot and resided in Mason, N. H. Isaac Merriam, son of Isaac and Sarah (Davis) Mer- riam, was b. in Concord 1736. He md. April 10, 1759, Eleanor Munroe of Lexington who d. in Concord July 19, 1767; he md. (2d) Dec. 2, 1767, Rebecca Davis of Acton. With four children he removed to Ashburnham in 1772 or early in 1773. He was a selectman and promi- nent in the affairs of the town. In 1793 he removed to Groton, N. H. I. David, b. in Concord Jan. 28, 1760. -f- II. Isaac, b. in Concord Jan. 29, 1762. -|- III. Jonathan, b. in Concord July 6, 1764. -|- IV. Benjamin, b. in Concord July 9, 1767 ; d. in Malone, N. Y. V. Rebecca, b. in Concord Nov. 12, 1771. VI. Joshua, b. in Ashburnham Nov. 11, 1775; d. in Malone, N. Y. vn. Jonas, b. in Ashburnham April 25, 1780 ; lived in Brandon, Vt. 52 818 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (2) 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 (3) (4) 26 27 28 29 30 31 Capt. David Meeeiam came to this town with the family ; was a soldier in the Eevolution. Vide page 192. He md. Nov. 21, 1782, Phebe Foster, dau. of Moses Fos- ter, Jr., q. v., and soon after this marriage he removed to Brandon, Vt. His wife d. April 7, 1794, and he again appears in the records and is styled Capt. David Merriam, and md. Feb. 10, 1795, Betty Conant, dan. of Ebenezer Conant, Jr., q. v. He d. in Brandon, Vt., Feb. 15, 1849 ; his wife d. June 3, 1842. I. Phebe, b. Dec. 26, 1783. II. David, b. June 9, 1786. III. George W., b. Oct. 4, 1787. IV. Isaac Foster, b. July 27, 1790. V. Gyrus, b. July 14, 1793. VI. Betsey, b. Sept. 13, 1796. VII. Alvin, b. March 26, 1802. VIII. Angeline E., b. July 18, 1808. IX. Daniel D. Isaac Meeeiam was a soldier in the Revolution. Vide page 191. After the war he removed from this town and subsequently lived in Northumberland, N. H. He md. 1786, Betsey Wait, b. April 8, 1765. He d. in Jackson, N. Y., Feb. 1, 1853. Two of his children are living in Northumberland. David, b. May 5, 1790. Isaac, b Feb. 24, 1792. Betsey, b. March 2, 1794. William, b. March 21, 1796 ; d. July 5, 1814. Jonas, b. May 23, 1798. Benjamin, b. Sept. 15, 1801. Joseph Waite, b. Aug. 27, 1803. Sarah, b. March 31, 1808. 18 I. 19 II. 20 III. 21 IV. 22 V. 23 VI. 24 VII. 25 VIII. Jonathan Merriam md. Nov. 6, 1788, Sarah Conant, dau. of Ebenezer, Jr., q. v. He resided in this town until near the close of the century and removed with other families to Brandon, Vt., perhaps in 1798. He was a captain of the militia in this town. He d. April 26, 1826. I. Isaac, b. Oct. 25, 1789. II. Jonathan, b. Nov. 5, 1791. III. Sarah, b. Aug. 31, 1794 ; md. Rev. Samuel Waite, D. D. IV. Abel Wood, b. . V. Mylon, b. . VI. Lydia, b. ; md. .Jacob Powers of Brandon. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 819 32 39 40 Benjamin Mereiam, son of Ezra and Susan (Elliot) Merriam, was b. in Mason, N. H., May 13, 1802. He md. Nov. 4, 1832, Irene Knapp, b. Jan. 4, 1812, dau. of Elijah and Ehoda Knapp, of Mason, N. H. The family removed to this town in 1845, where he was engaged some years in the stove and hardware trade. He d. Aug .5, 1872. Benjamin F., b. Sept. 7, 1833 ; d. Nov. 27, 1865. Henry A., b. June 16, 1835; d. March 28, 18fi5. George E., b. Sept. 3, 1837 ; d. March 25, 1842. Emily E., b. July 7, 1842 ; md. Francis J. Liteh, q. V. Susa7i 31., b. July 16, 1844 ; d. Dec. 13, 1861. Ahhie J., b. Oct. 16, 1846; md. June 2, 1867, "William H. Eichardson of Ashburnham. He is a manufacturer of carriages and a dealer in car- riages, sleighs and furnishings. VII. Laura E., b. Jan. 7, 1849 ; d. March 2, 1878. VIII. Clarabell A., b. Aug. 7, 1853 ; d. May 21, 1882. 33 I. 34 II. 35 HI. 36 IV. 37 V. 38 VI. MERRIAM. The families of Merriam included in the following register are a branch of the Marion fRmily. The name of Merriam was assumed by William and Joseph of Ashburnham and their descendants, and it appears that Ignatius Marion was the ancestor of the later families of Merriam in this town. This also accounts for the name of Meriam which frequently appears in the signa- tures and records of the town. John Marion, b. in England 1620, d. in 1705; Sarah, his wife, b. 1725, d. Feb. 3, 1709. Samuel Marion, son of John and Sarah, b. Dec. 14, 1655, lived in Boston, Cliarlestown and again in Boston. He md. Hannah , who d. April 4, 1688. Reference is made to her death In Sewall's Diary : " At night Sam Marion's wife hangs herself in the chamber, fastening a cord to the Rafter Joice ; two or three said she was distracted and had been for some time. She was buried in the burying place." He md. (2d) Mary Wilson, dau. of Edward and Mary (Hale) Wil- son of Charlestown. He d. Aug. 6, 1726. Among the twelve children of Samuel Marion was Isaac Marion, a son of tlie second wife, b. in Charles- town March 8, 1694. He md. July 7, 1717, Rebecca Knight, and of their five children Ignatius, the second son, came to Asliburnham, and Rebecca, the youngest, b. Oct. 18, 1730, d. here unmd. June 2, 1816. Ignatius Merriam, son of Isaac and Rebecca (Knight) Merriam, was b. Aug. 15, 1724. He lived in Lexington, where the birth of children Susannah and Joseph are recorded, and in Woburn. Joseph, in his affidavit, page 209, alleges that he was b. in Woburn. I have found no record of his marriage. After his children were married and settled in life he came to this town, where two sons were living, about 1790. He d. April 3, and his wife d. April 2, 1799 ; they were buried in one grave in the old cemetery. 820 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 4 5 6 7 8 (7) 9 10 11 12 13 14 (8) 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 I. Mary, b. Feb. 9, 1749 ; md. Draper. II. Susannah, b. Jan. 9, 1751 ; md. April 8, 1777, Ephraim Winship, b. in Lexington June 25, 1753, son of Richard Winship. III. Sarah, b. June 19, 1754 ; md. Reed. IV. Hepsihah, b. Aug. 2, 1756 ; md. Wetherbee. V. Abigail, b. March 20, 1760 ; d. unmd. in Frances- town, N. H. VI. Joseph, b. Feb 3, 1763.+ VII. William, b. Sept. 12, 1767.-|- JosEPH Merriam md. Sept. 25, 1782, Phebe Russell, b. May 24, 1764, dau. of Philip and Lydia (Dodge) Russell of Lexington. He lived a short time in Bedford, remov- ing to this town in 1784. He lived at the centre of the town, in the northwest, and subsequently in the southwest part of the town, near the toll-gate. He d. April 4, 1849, aged 86 years ; recorded 88 ; she d. May 29, 1845, aged 81 years; recorded 71. I. Philip Russell, b. Jan. 4, 1784.-)- II. Joseph, b. Aug. 19, 1785. + III. Nathan, b. Oct. 21, 1787; d. in Ashburnham unmd. April 7, 1851. IV. Phebe, b. Dec. 13, 1789 ; md. Philip Bowman, son of John Bowman, q. v. V. Jonas, b. Nov. 25, 1804 ; removed to New Orleans, La., where he d. unmd. Oct. 23, 1832. VI. Joshua, b. Oct. 10, 1807. -f WiLLiAM Merriam md. Oct. 30, 1788, Rebecca Metcalf, dau. of Joseph Metcalf, q. v. He was a blacksmith and lived near Factory Village. He is remembered as a man of good character and an excellent citizen. He d. June 11, 1834; she d. Dec. 9, 1831. I. William S., b. P^eb. 14, 1789.+ II. EzeMel, b. May 17, 1792. -|- iii. Moses B., b. March 19, 1794; md. March 14, 1824, Abigail Simonds ; was a machinist ; d. in Northboro' Dec. 24, 1876 ; his wife d. Dec. 17, 1870. IV. Rebecca, b. Dec. 12, 1796 ; d. April 1, 1819. V. Margaret S., b. April 26, 1800 ; d. June 10, 1830. VI. Joel, b. Jan. 28, 1802. + VII. James, b. Oct. 16, 1803. + VIII. Asa, b. Feb. 2, 1810. -f IX. Sarah R., b. Sept. 20, 1816 ; d. Jan. 15, 1817. (9) 24 25 26 (10) 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 (14) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 821 Philip R. Merriam was a merchant and a manufacturer of chairs in this town, and for many years he was engaged in teaming between Ashburnham and Boston. He was enterprising and ambitious and, until the advent of the Winchesters, who were his successors in the chair business, he was the principal supporter of the activities of the town. He md. Oct. 2, 1806, Sally San- derson, dau. of Moses Sanderson, q. v. ; she d. Oct. 15, 1843; md. (2d) Sept. 6, 1844, Euth (Wallis) Morton, widow of John D. Morton, q. v. He d. April 29, 1880 ; his wife d. June 7, 1865. I. Philip Bussell, b. May 29, 1807.-|- II. Otis Wliiton, b. May 27, 1812. -|- iii. Francis Henry, b. Sept. 23, 1845 ; d. unmd. April 14, 1869. Joseph Meeriam, son of Joseph, md. Sept. 11, 1806, Betsey Adams; md. (2d) May 4, 1809, Betty (Gates) Wheeler, widow of Josiah Wheeler of Gardner and dau. of John Gates, q. v. He removed 1807 to Boxboro' and subsequently lived in Chesterfield, N. H., and in Royals- ton. He d. Oct. 11, 1850. I. Josiah W., b. June 12, 1809 ; was a merchant in Baltimore; md. Eliza Ann Rowell ; md. (2d) Catherine Hall. Six children. II. Elizabeth A.,h. April 12, 1811 ; unmd. III. John (?., b. April 18, 1813; md. May 12, 1833, Sarah F. Warren ; lived several years in Leom- inster. Four, children. IV. Sultina H., b. June 23, 1815 ; md. Nov. 17, 1842, Edward H. Reif ; removed to Baltimore. Six children. V. Sarah O., b. May 7, 1817; md. Sept. 3, 1849, George W. E. Kelley of Hopkinton, N. H. Two children. VI. Nancy H., b. Oct. 26, 1819; md. June 20, 1869, Benjamin B. Howell. Five children. VII. Anna T., b. Aug. 26, 1822 ; md. Sept. 3, 1845, Henry Bisselle. Three children. Joshua Merriam md. Nov. 19, 1835, Nancy W. Hol- brook, dau. of Jesse Holbrook, q. v. She d. July 30, 1852 ; md. (2d) Nov. 14, 1852, Roxanna Fassett of Fitz- william, N. H., who d. Oct. 3, 1859; md. (3d) June 1, 1861, Jane R. Wood, b. in England, a sister of Rev. ITmj Wood. He is a shoemaker in Central Village. 822 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 84 35 36 (15) 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 (16) I. Sarah E., b. May 21, 1839 ; md. March 10, 1868, Harding G-. Woodward of Greenfield ; he d. March 9, 1884. Three children. 11. JaneE., b. Sept. 29, 1840; d. Feb. 14, 1844. III. Effie Jane, h. June 2, 1863. William S. Meeriam md. March 10, 1810, Martha Lawrence, dau. of Amos Lawrence, q. v. He was a black- smith in this town and lived on the Amos Whitney farm and near the homestead of his father. In 1841 he re- moved to Chelsea. He d. Aug. 3, 1878 ; she d. Aug., 1872. I. Otis, b. Sept. 14, 1810 ; md. Jan. 1, 1830, Abigail R. Savils ; removed to Chelsea 1832 ; his wife d. May 7, 1839; md. (2d) Oct. 10, 1839, Harriet Lament. He has continued a residence in Chelsea many years, and was an auctioneer and au insurance and real estate agent. A few years ago he began business at, Putnam, Conn., and until recently was president of the Putnam Gas Light Company. Four children. II. Ezra Laivrence, b. Feb. 28, 1812; md. Aug. 27, 1835, Eliza B. Prescott who d. July 12, 1865 ; resides in Putnam, Conn. III. Martha M., b. Oct. 10, 1814; md. Lyman Wood of Fitchburg; she d. March 8, 1830. IV, William Newton, b. Nov. 15, 1816; md. 1841, Abigail Lord of Sanbornton ; removed to Chel- sea ; md. (2d) Margaret Clark ; served in 40th Mass. Regiment and d. in Andersonville prison. V. Susan Augusta. Wilson, b. Nov. 8, 1818 ; md. Dec. 12, 1855, William E. Stanwood. VI. Liberty, b. Jan. 16, 1821 ; md. March 8, 1844, Lucinda Douglas ; md. (2d) 1854, Mary Ann Heath. He was a manufacturer of wall paper. VII. Elvira, b. Dec. 31, 1822; md. May 22, 1844,' George G. Desmezes ; resides in Chelsea. VIII. SuUiaa Townsend, b. June 15, 1825; md. Oct. 2, 1H45, William E. Stanwood; she d. Mav 8, 1853. IX. Jeremiah Metcalf, b. July 7, 1827 ; md. Nov. 7, 1847, Elizabeth Moseley ; was a manufacturer of wall paper. X. Sarah, b. Nov. 6, 1829 ; d. Aug. 17, 1832. EzEKiEL Merriam md. Nov. 23, 1815, Nancy Reed, dau. of Jonas Reed, g. v. He was a stone-cutter and 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 (20) 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 (21) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 823 resided in Mason, N. H., and in this town. He d. Jan. 25, 1863; shed. Nov., 1875. I. Nancy, b. Aug. 26, 1816 ; md. Sept. 12, 1838, George Howard ; she d. in Ashby March 2, 1848. II. William Johnson^ b. Aug. 25, 1818 ; md. June 1, 184^, Matilda Russell of Boston; he d. at Auburndale Dec. 16, 1875. m. Rebecca, b. Feb. 5, 1822 ; d. Feb. 25, 1822. IV. Bebecca, b. June 8, 1824 ; md. Nov. 19, 1840, Harvey Howard; she d. at Nashua, N. H., Aug. 26, 1870 ; he d. Feb. 6, 1874. v. George W., b. Aug. 12, 1827; md. Nov. 1, 1850, Caroline Sears. VI. Sarah, b. Jan. 18, 1832; md. May 12, 1853, Theodore H. Wood, b. in Littleton April 13, 1830. Mr. Wood removed from Worcester to Nashua in 1852. He was treasurer of the Nashua and Lowell Eailroad several years and presic^ent of the Manchester and Keene Rail- road. Sarah (Merriam) Wood d. Sept. 5, 1880. 1. Clara Abbott, b. July 2, 1854; md. April 15, 1875, Francis E. Nims who d. June 1, 1881. Joel Merriam md. 1826, Deborah Cook, dau. of John Cook, q. V. ; resided in this town ; he d. Dec. 17, 1858 ; she d. 1877. I. John Cook, b. June 15, 1827 ; md. Oct. 7, 1849, Sophronia A. Chase of Leominster ; resides in Athol. II. Bosnia, b. Nov. 9, 1828 ; d. March 7, 1831. III. Bosilla, h. Dec. 5, 1831. IV. Mary S.,h. June 15, 1834; md. Job Foster of Ashby ; he d. March 14, 1877. Six children. V. Edward Balcom, b. 1841 ; served in 36th Regi- ment ; resides in Lawrence. VI. Angeline, b. ; md. William Drury ; she d. in Worcester 1882. VII. Bhoda, b. ; md. Samuel McC ; resides in Lawrence. VIII. Melinda, b. Feb. 16, 1847; md. Clarence Upton; resides in Lawrence. James Merriam, son of William, md. 1827, Susan Bemis, b. in Winchendon May 27, 1807, dau. of Abel 824 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 62 63 (22) 64 65 66 67 68 (24) 69 70 71 (25) Bemis. He resided in this town where he d. July 31, 1840 ; she md. (2d) Hosea Green, g. v. I. Dolly, b. Nov. 2, 1830 ; d. Sept. 13, 1833. II. Dolly A., b. Aug. 26, 1834, md. Prof. Levi W. Russell, q. v. Asa Merriam resided in this town until about 1848, when he removed to Gardner. He was much employed in town affairs ; was captain of the Light Infantry and represented the town of Gardner in the Legislature. He md. Oct. 11, 1832, Almira B. Crosbv, dau. of Frederic Crosby, q. v. She d. Feb. 13, 1845 ; md. (2d) 1845, Mary Barker, b. Aug. 31, 1811, who d. Aug. 13, 1864; md. (3d) Esther C. Ryan, b. May 27, 1825 ; d. March 23, 1883. He d. in Gardner Jan. 24, 1885. I. Milton, b. April 29, 1835 ; md. Elizabeth G. Watts, b. March 30, 1837 ; resides in Gardner. II. Lavina, b. March 30, 1837. III. Mary Almira, b. Dec. 28, 1846. IV. Frances Neuton, b. Jan. 9, 1848 ; d. Sept. 23, 1848. V. Austin, b. May 25, 1852 ; d. Nov. 18, 1852. Philip R. Meeriam, Jr., was engaged in business with his father and subsequently was a merchant in this town. He removed in 1840 to Chelsea and was in trade in that city and in Boston. He md. July 2, 1835, Helen A. Smallpeace^ b. in Boston Feb. 20, 1816, dau. of Robert and Hannah (Stevens) Smallpeace. He d. March 25, 1879 ; his widow resides in this town. I. Helen Maria, b. April 27, 1838 ; d. May 16, 1852. II. Florence Otis, b. Oct. 24, 1853 ; md. Jan. 24, 1817, Frank H. Parker, son of Jesse Parker, q. v. III. Abbott Smallpeace, b. Sept 4, 1855 ; md. Aug. 31, 1880, Jennie Fleming ; resides in Boston. Otis W. Merriam was associated with his father in the manufacture of chairs and subsequently was a partner of Charles Winchester. At his suggestion many substantial innovations were adopted, and while he remained in this town he was an important factor in the development of an industry which has contributed to the prosperity' of the town. Subsequentlj' he was engaged in business in Boston and in California. He now resides, an invalid, in Chelsea. He md. Hepsev Gibson, dau. of Samuel Gibson of Ashby. She d. June 27, 1843 ; he md. (2d) . '^c^^>r^''r-iU)^^ ^u.^^^~r^ GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 825 72 I. Caroline A., b. md. Forest S. Chadbourne ; resides in California. Daniel Merrill came to ttiis town from Fitchburg in April, 1766. He md. Sept. 27, 1766, Eunice Fellows, dau. of Samuel Fellows, q. v. Three children were b. in, this town, and in 1772 the familj' removed to Deerfield. I have no record of a former marriage or the death of the first wife of Daniel Merrill ; but when he came to this town he had a son Moses. I. Moses, b. previous to April, 1766. II. Daniel, b. May 7, 1767. ni. Samuel, b. Oct. 19, 1768. IV. Billy, b. Dec. 5, 1770. IMERRITT. Henut Mereitt, b. in the county of Kent, England, about 1590, came to America previous to 1628. He settled in Scituate and became a large landed proprietor. He d., leaving sons John and Henry, 1652. The son John, b. about 1625, succeeded to the estate of his father in Scituate and is supposed to be the only son who left descendants. He md. 1655, Elizabeth Wyborne,. dau. of Thomas Wyborne of Boston, and was living in 1670. John Merritt, son of John and Elizabeth (Wyborne) Merritt, b. in Scituate 1660, md. 1686. Elizabeth Hyland, dau. of Thomas and Elizabeth (Stockbrldge) Hyland of Scituate. He d. in Scituate June 5, 1740, leaving twelve children. Among- these was Jonathan Merritt, b. 1702; md 1727, Mehitable Damon, dau. of Zachary and Mehitable (Chittenden) Damon. About 1730 he removed from Scituate to Hebron, Conn., where he d. Oct. 21, 1758. Noah Merritt, son of Jonathan, b. 1730, removed to Templeton as early aa 1753. 1 find no record of his marriage, but the fact is attested by thirteen children. He d. March 24, 1814. Simeon Merritt, son of Noah of Templeton, md. 1798, Dorcas Gay. They resided in Templeton. Their son. Increase Sumner Merritt, b. Oct. 15, 1799, resided some years in Gardner and returned to Templeton, where he d. April 15, 1877. He md. Susan Penniman, dau. of Ezra Penni- mau of Gardner, who d. Aug. 21, 1862. Two sons of these parents have resided in this town. 1 Simeon Merhitt, sou of Increase S. and Susan (Penniman) Merritt, was b. in Gardner March 21, 1823. At the age of twenty-three years he removed to this town and became prominently associated with public affairs. He was a selectman eight years, a road commissioner and was repeatedly elected to other positions of trust. He was a delegate to the constitutional convention in 1853 and a representative to the Legislature in 1877. He was well informed in public affairs and the political problems of his time, and manifested a lively interest in local and national politics. He md. Aug. 13, 1846, Eunice Taylor, dau. of Epbraim Taylor, q. v. She d. Dec. 3, 1872 ; md. (2d) Jan. 1, 1877, Abbie E. (Whitney) Barrell, widow of Charles W. Barrell and dau. of Ohio Whitney, q. v. He d. Dec. 19, 1882. 826 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. I. Eunice Jane, b. May 27, 1847 ; d. Aug. 25, 1847. II. mien Anna, b. Oct. 21, 1851 ; d. Dec. 15, 1851. Ezra M. Meeeitt, a brother of Simeon, was b. in Gardner March 2, 1825. He is a chair maker and has resided in this town since 1849. He md. Dec, 1855, Adaline M. Sawyer, dau. of Abel Sawyer, q. v. ; she d. Aug. 14, 1886. I. Carrie M., b. Nov. 8, 1861 ; d. Jan. 10, 1866. Joseph Metcalp, b. ApriJ 3, 1734, is found residing in Groton several years before he came to Ashburnham. In 1755 he served in the Indian War. He md. Jan. 24, 1759, Margaret (Shattuclj) Bennett, b. in Groton July 4, 1732, widow of Joseph Bennett and dau. of William and Margaret (Lund) Shattucli. These are the ancestors of all the Metcalfs who have resided in Ashburnham. They removed from Groton in 1770 and settled east of Lake Naukeag and about two hundred yards northwest from the residence of John T. Wilson. The fame of their kindness as neighbors and exemplary character is re- newed in the traditions of succeeding generations. Among their descendants are included many bearing the names of Eice, Townsend, Laws and Merriam, and in later genera- tions other names are included in the collateral branches. Joseph Metcalf d. from injui'ies received by falling from an apple tree, March 19, 1793, aged 59 years ; Margaret, his widow, d. suddenly in Groton, while visiting her brother, Job Shattuck, June 20, 1802, aged nearly 70 years. EzeMel Shattucl; b. Oct. 13, 1759. + Samuel, b. March 15, 1761. + Margaret, b. March 19, 1763 ; md. Reuben Town- send, q.' V. Sarah, b. Sept. 7, 1765 ; md Reuben Rice, q. v. Thankful, b. Aug. 18, 1767 ; d. young. Rebecca, b. Aug. 13, 1769 ; md. William Merriam, q. V. Joseph, b. Aug. 25, 1771 ; d. March 29, 1791. Jeremiah, b. Oct. 30, 1773 ; d. March 8, 1774. Thankful, b. May 18, 1775 ; md. March 21, 1797, James Laws, son of James Laws of Westminster. 2 I. 3 ir. 4 III. 5 IV. 6 V. 7 VI. 8 vn. 9 VIII. 10 IX. 2) EzEKiEL S. Metcalp md. Jan. 10, 1782, Eunice Brooks. He was a farmer on the homestead. He d. May 31, 1831 ; shed. June 12, 1811. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 <3) 19 20 51 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 827 I. Eunice^ b. ; md. Jonas Robbins, g. v. II. Ezehiel, b. .-|- m. Joseph, b. ; md. 1814, Lucy Adams of West- minster. Eesided in Gardner. IV. Jeremiah, b. 1789.-1- V. Lucy, b. ; md. Samuel Marble, g. v. VI. Asa, b. June 8, 1793 ; d. Sept. 10, 1794. VII. Dinah, b. ; md. Daniel Adams of Gardner. She d. about 1830, leaving eight children. VIII. Wioda, b. Ma}' 4, 1799 ; md. Phinehas Stimson, Jr., q. V. Samuel jMetcalf, whose service in the Revolution is stated in Chapters V and VI, removed from this town about 1785. He lived in Groton, N. H., where he d. Dec. 25, 1822. Hemd. Nov. 3, 1786, Phebe Fletcher who d. April 7, 1802 ; md. (2d) June 10, 1802, Betsey Kemp. Nearly all of his numerous children removed to the West. I. Samuel, h. Aug. 3, 1787 ; md. Dec. 26, 1815, Mary Ball of Groton, N. H. ; removed to Kirtland, Ohio. Three children. II. Reuben, b. Aug. 3, 1789 ; d. unmd. 1823. III. Aaron (twin), b. Aug. 3, 1789; md. 1812, Sally Ames, b. in Groton, iST. H., 1788. (Probably this familj' of Ames were descendants of Stephen Ames who removed from Ashburnham to Groton in 1776.) Removed to Kirtland, Ohio. Four children. IV. Joseph, b. Aug. 12, 1792 ; md. Lucy Ames (a sister of Sally Ames), b. 1794 ; removed to Kirtland, Ohio ; she d. 1843. Three children. V. Levi, b. Nov. 7, 1794; md. Betsey Whipple of Groton, N. H. ; removed to Michigan. He d. 1848. Five children. VI. Moses, b. May 5, 1797 ; md. Sally Overrocker ; re- moved to Jackson countj', Mich. Six children. [Was his wife a descendant of John Overlook of Ashburnham?] VII. David, b. Feb. 10, 1799 ; d. March, 1799. VIII. Nehemiah, b. March 24, 1802 ; d. unmd. Nov. 11, 1842. IX. Hardy (twin), b. March 24, -1802; md. Nov. 24, 1826, Judith B. Russell; removed to Plainfleld, 111. Six children. X. William, b. Dec. 31, 1804; a ship carpenter ; lived in Massachusetts. 828 HISTORY OP ASHBURNHAM. 29 30 31 32 33 (12) 34 35 36 37 38 (14) 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 (34) XI. Betsey, b. June 15, 1808 ; md. Kidder; lived in Groton, N. H. XII. Infant, b. April 29, 1811 ; died in infancy. XIII. Infant (twin), b. April 29, 1811 ; d. in infancy. XIV. Phebe, b. May 28, 1815 ; md. Ezra Ames ; re- moved to Minnesota. XV. David, b. July 31, 1819 ; went to California. EzEKiEL Metcalf md. Feb. 16, 1815, Dorothy Foster, dau. of Samuel Foster, q. v. He was a farmer on Foster Hill. He d. Feb. 26, 1852 ; she d. April 14, 1867. I. Otis, b. Jan. 10, 1816. + II. Joel F., b. Jan. 6, 1819.+ III. Mary Ann, b. April 17, 1821 ; md. Orin Morton, q. V. IV. SuUina, b. Dec. 2, 1824; d. Sept. 29, 1840. V. Lavina S., b. Sept. 26, 1835 ; d. Sept. 14, 1848. Jekemiah Metcalf md. Nov. 28, 1815, Dorothy Clark, dau. of David Clark, q. v. He was a man of good repute ; a farmer on the old homestead. He d. March 25, 1824; she d. May 12, 1869. I. Cynthia, b. Feb. 15, 1817; md. John Cook, q. v. II. Leonard, b. Jan. 27, 1819 ; md. Feb. 24, 1846, TrypheniaT. Travis of Shirley ; she d. April 30, 1853; he md. (2d) March 25, 1854, Esther Damon of Ashby. He d. in this town Sept. 17, 1857. Three children were b. in Boston. 1. Frank A., b. Feb. 21, 1847 ; md. Sept. 11, 1871, Ella H. Reynolds of New Bedford ; he resides in Charlestown. 2. Helen M., b. Jan. 11, 1849; md. James Oilman. 3. Charles H., b. Sept. 8, 1851. III. Levi, b. Jan. 29, 1821 ; d. unmd. March 18, 1847. IV. Charles, b. Feb. 16, 1823 ; d. Feb. 24, 1823. V. Oeorqe J., b. June 5, 1824; d. unmd. Dec. 6, 1863. Otis Metcalf md. April 23, 1839, Sarah C. Davis, dau. of Reuben Davis of Ashby. He resided in the Central Village. In the Civil War he served in the 36th Regiment and was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. He d. Feb. 8, 1872 ; she d. April 9, 1882. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 829 47 48 49 (35) 50 51 52 53 54 I. George 0., b. April 12, 1840; d. in California April 14, 1870. n. S. Sultina, h. Feb. 18, 1842 ; md. Jan. 22, 1860, Martin V. B. Howe, b. in Jamaica, Vt., April 7, 1837. Reside in Gardner, m. E. Augusta, b. May 29, 1844; md. Nov. 29, 1866, Charles W. Brigham, b. in Wardsboro', Vt., July 2, 1837 ; reside in Lowell. Joel F. Metcalf md. Nov. 28, 1839, Martha D. Davis, dau. of Reuben Davis of Ashby. He resided in this town until he removed to Leominster, 1870. He served his native town as an assessor and a selectman and with the influence of a good citizen. Five children. I. Emily, b. May 25, 1841 ; a physician in Waltham. Vide page 516. II. Sarah, b. Jan. 27, 1843; md. Nov., 1865, Jonas P. Sawin, son of Abram Sawin, g. v. III. Martha, b. Jan. 6, 1845 ; d. Nov. 4, 1864. IV. Maria, b. Dec. 25, 1846 ; md. Russell Whitney. V. Walton J., b. March 4, 1854 ; md. Nov. 15, 1879, Ada Harris ; resides at Leominister. MILLER The Miller families of Ashburnham are descendants of Dea. Joseph Miller, a promiDent character in the early annals of Westminster. The emigrant ancestor was Richard Miller who is found in Charleetown 1637; he removed to Cambridge and d. previous to 1662, when his widow Eleanor md. (2d) Henry Harbard. Joseph Miller, son of Richard, b. about 1620, md. Mary Pope, dau. of Walter Pope. He resided in Cambridge and in Newton where he d. 1697; his widow d. 1711. Samuel Miller, son of Joseph, was b. in Newton Sept. 24, 1678; md. 1708, Elizabeth Child. He was a selectman in Newton and subsequently removed to Worcester, where he d. 1759. Joseph Miller, son of Samuel, b. in Newton July 29, 1716, md. 1741, Mary Williams and became one of the early settlers of Westminster. He was an assessor, selectman, treasurer, adeacon of the church and a representative. Isaac Miller, b. in Westminster March 31, 17.54, the eighth of the eleven children of Dea. Joseph and Mary (Williams) Miller, md. 1779, Sarah Bennett. He resided in Westminster. To these parents seven children were b. as follows : I. Joseph, b. Sept. 22, 1780, resided in Ashburnham and is number 1 in the following register. II. Betsey, b. Feb. 18, 1782, md. Winslow. III. Sarah, b. Jan. 3, 1785, md. Joseph Maynard, y. v. IV. Rebecca, b. Dec. 20, 1786, md. Aug. 24, 1811, James Hancock of Surry, N. H.,and had ten children. V. Isaac, b. July 12, 1789. VI. Benjamin, b. April 15, 1791, resided some years in Ashburnham. No record of his marriage and children has been received. His dau., Susan W. Miller, md. July 3, 1842, John W. Hunt of Worcester. VII. Abigail, b. June 18, 1793, md. 1825, Ira Hyland of Westmoreland, N. H. They had three children : 1. Clarissa Maria, b. Jan. 8, 1827, md. Frederic A. Parker; 2. Reuben, b. Jan. 21, 1829, road master and wood agent of Cheshire Railroad ; 3. Joseph M., b. Feb. 28, 1831. VIII. Dorcas, bap. Oct. 5, 1800. The mother, Sarah (Bennett) Miller, was a member of the church in Ashburnham and several of her children were baptized by Mr. Cushing. 830 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (4) 9 10 11 Joseph Miller, son of Isaac, b. in Westminster Sept, 22, 1780, md. Dec. 2, 1802, Zipporah Ellis, dau. of Jesse Elfis, q. V. ; she d. Nov. 4, 1827 ; he md. (2d) June 4, 1829, Hannah (Marble) Barrett, widow of Joel Barrett, Jr., q. V. He was a carpenter in Ashburnham. He d. July 12, 1860 ; his widow d. Aug. 14, 18Z5. Three chil- dren by first and two by second marriage. I. Obed E., b. Feb, 26, 1803^ tad.^jVne >7, 1827, Sarah Lapham of Fftchburg ; md. (2d) Sept. 13, 1842, Hannah Twiss of Charlestown. He is a carpenter in Templeton. II. Nancy, h. May 29, 1805 ; d. unmd. Dec. 12, 1826. III. Stephen Austin, b. July 1, 1819.4- IV. Sarah Nancy, b. April 18, 1830 ; md. Oct. 22, 1851, William Leonard Davis, dealer in stoves, furnaces and tin wai-e, in firm of Davis, Wright & Co., Keene, N. H. V. George, b. May 16, 1834 ; d. July 6, 1834. Stephen A . Miller is kindly remembered in his native town as a loyal citizen and a gentleman of unblemished character. He removed about 1855 to Leominster, where in company with Oliver G. Caldwell he has been actively engaged in the manufacture of tubs and pails. In his business and social relations he has not failed in com- manding the respect of his associates. He md. Feb. 2, 1843, Miranda S. Wilder of Winehendon. I. Emeretta M., b. Nov. 9, 1846; md. June 15, 1870, Francis W. Burdett ; resides in Leomin- ster. II. Qenifrede Josephine, b. Aug. 4, 1850 ; md. Feb. 26, 1880, C. Stephen Marcy of Fitchburg. III. Edward Austin, b. May 30, 1852 ; d. May 27, 1859. IV. Joseph Lewis, b. Nov. 29, 1857; md. July 21, 1880, Carrie E. Sanderson of Shirley; resides in Leominster. De. Alfred Miller, son of John and Betsey (Robin- son) Miller and a grandson of Robert Miller, was b. in Westminster, Vt., March 15, 1815. Middlebury College 1840; M. D., Woodstock, Vt., 1844; resident physician in Ashburnham 1845-62. Vide page 470. He md. Dec. 28, 1847, Elsie L. Kibling, dau. of Francis Kibling, q. v. ; d. in Fitchburg Nov. 15, 1877. 12 13 14 15 16 17 (2) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 831 I. Alfred M., b. Oct. 13, 1849 ; d. Oct. 20, 1849. 11. Ernest Parker, b. Jan. 4, 1851. He is a physician in P'itchburg. Vide page 508. He md. Oct., 1878, Myra B. Richardson. III. Alice, b. April 20, 1865 ; graduate of Fitchburg High School 1873 ; Vaasar College 1876. IV. Emma Louixe, b. Nov. 26, 1857; md. Oct., 1878, George H. Crocker. V. Margaret Fiske, b. March 8, 1868. VI. Alfred Kibling, b. March 31, 1870. Thomas Monohan md. in Fitchburg Dec. 8, 1848, Bridget Rowley, and removed to this town a few years subsequently. They are natives of Ireland and reside in the northwest part of the town. I. John, b. July 13, 1849 ; d. young. II. Lizzie, b. Dec. 19, 1852 ; md. B. F. Brewin. m. Thomas P.,h. Sept. 22, 1854. IV. Marii, b. Aug. 5, 1856. V. Margaret, b. May 20, 1858 ; d. May 21, 1863. VI. James A., b. May 3, 1861 ; d. July 15, 1882. VII. Ellen, b. March 8, 1863 ; d. May 20, 1885. Pitt Mookb was b. in Sterling Dec. 5, 1787. He was a son of Jonathan Moore and a brother of Rev. Martin Moore, many years editor of the Boston Recorder. He md. Abigail Sawj'er and resided in Boylston until 1828, when he removed to this town. He lived many years near Little Watatic on a farm known as the Hinds place. In his age he found a home with his son-in-law Luke Mar- ble. His wife d. about 1821, and he md. (2d) Esther Hastings. He d. March 5, 1877; his widow d. Feb. 21, 1879. The children were b. in Boylston. I. Asher, b. Nov. 21, 1815. + II. Elliot, b. April 25, 1819.-1- iii. Edward, b. Jan. 28, 1823 ; md. Rachel Monahan ; hed. May 11, 1859. IV. Abigail, b. Sept. 8, 1826 ; md. Luke Marble, q. v. AsHEK MooRE md. April 26, 1841, Elizabeth Leland of Hubbardston. He resides, a farmer, in this town. He was formerly a school-teacher and has been a member of the school committee several years. I. Martha, b. May 9, 1842; md. June 20, 1865, Joseph B. Brown. He served in the 21st Regt. 832 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (3) 10 11 12 13 and was discharged on account of wounds, May 7, 1863. She d, Sept. 6, 1880. II. Oliver, b. Sept. 28, 1846 ; d. Jan. 7, 1847. III. Alfred, b. Nov. 11, 1847; md. May 10, 1876, Ellen T. Day of Templeton. They reside in Baldwinville. IV. Charles Asher, b. Aug. 11, 1862. Elliot Moore md. Jan. 4, 1841, Dorothy H. Marble, dau. of Oliver Marble, Jr., q. v. He was a school-teacher and a merchant in this town, and was a selectman, asses- sor and a member of the school committee About twelve years ago he removed to Townsend. I. Harriet, b. Dec. 5, 1841 ; d. young. II. Abbie S., b. Dec. 12, 1849. III. Alice L., b. Aug. 23, 1858. IV. John Elliot, b. June 17, 1861 ; d. 1864. John D. Morton from Boston was a tailor in this town about ten years. He md. Dec. 5, 1831, Euth D. Wallis, dau. of David Wallis, g. v. He d. Oct. 21, 1841 ; she md. (2d) Philip R. Merriam, q. v. I. Andrew Wallis, b. May 26, 1833; removed to Kansas. II. Mary Wallis, b. May 2, 1836 ; md. Aaron Pratt, son of William Pratt, g. v. III. Alexander Hamilton, b. Feb. 24, 1839 ; d. Dec. 20, 1854. IV. Isabelle D., b. Sept. 6, 1841 ; md. Jan. 1, 1867, George J. Savage, b. in Greenfield, N. H., Feb. 22, 1841, son of William and Asenath (Patch) Savage. They reside in this town. Fou^ of their five children are living. Okin Morton, b. in Orange May 16, 1817, md. Dec. 26, 1839, Mary Ann Metcalf, dau. of Ezekiel Met- calf, g. V. ; she d. Nov. 2, 1875. He resides in this town. I. Mary S., b. July 28, 1841 ; md. Andrew J. Howe; resides in this town. II. Francis Henry, b. May 14, 1844 ; md. Sabra Par- tridge ; resides in Providence, R. I. He served in 21st Regiment. III. Clara Amanda, b. April 27, 1848 ; md. 1869, George Allen of Providence, R. I. ; d. July 18, 1876. GENEALOGICAL KEGISTER. 833: 10 IV. Orin Edward, b. June 23, 1851 ; d. unmd. Jan. 26, 1873. 11 V. Dorothy Lavinia, h. June 23, 1860 ; resides in Providence, R. I. MOSSMAN. The name of Mossman is of frequent mention in the early annals of Dor- chester Canada. Timothy Mossman was b. in Wrentham Not. 17, 1679. He md. July 27, 1701, Sarah Hicks, dau. of Samuel Hicks of Dorchester. On account of the service of the family of his wife in the expedition to Can- ada in 1690, he was admitted a grantee of the township of Dorchester Can- ada July 5, 1736. By this favor he became one of the sixty original propri- etors of the township. He resided in Sudbury where his wife d., and he md. (2d) Nov. 27, 1767, Tabiiha Balcom. He d. Feb. 22, 1773. Among the sons of Timothy and Sarah (Hicks) Mossman was Timothy Mossman, b. in Sud- bury 1710. In pages 56 and 79 the assertion is made that Timothy Mossman, Sen., was a resident of Dorchester Canada. All that is said of Timothy Mossman in the record of settlements is fully verified, only it was Timothy Mossman, Jr., and not the father, who came to this town. He was here in the first effort to establish a settlement, and owned the land extending on the west side of Cushing street from Main street to the common. A part or all of this tract with other lands was secured by Timothy Mossman, the father, at the first division of land among the proprietors. On this land the son built a house of entertainment. Vide page 71. In 1744, when it became evident that the settlement must be abandoned and at a time when several families had removed to places of greater security, Timothy Mossman remained and was directed to take care of the meeting-house and to board up the windows and doors. In August of this year he sold the house of entertainment and his land to Asher Cutler and was one of the last to desert the settlement. He never returned , but the descendants of Timothy Mossman, Sen., have been included among the later and the present inhabitants of this town. Timothy Mossman, Jr., when driven from this town by the Indian alarm, returned to Sudbury; but a few years after, about 1760, he is found in Princeton, and was living upon the Potash farm in that town. Afterward he lived in West- minster many years, and there his restless spirit found rest Sept. 5, 1801, aged nearly 92 years. He md. Feb. 26, 1733-4, Martha Whitney, b. in Weston April 4, 1716, dau. of William and Martha (Peirce) Whitney. 1 Matthias Mossman, b. in Sudbury March 17, 1749, was a son of James and Elizabeth (Balcom) Mossman and a grandson of Timothy, Sen., and Sarah (Hicks) Mossman. He md. Sarah Haines and removed from Sudbury to Ashburnham in 1793. In 1795 and a few succeeding years he was chosen an assessor, and the repeated mention of his name in the records supports the voice of tradition that be was an educated, capable man and that his services were held in high esteem. He was a farmer and a surveyor and many maps, plans and outlines of highways neatly executed by him are in the possession of John M. Pratt. About 1800 he removed to Westminster, but subsequently returned to this town where he d. Nov. 8, 1819 ; his wife d. in "Westminster Sept. 29, 1808. Of their eleven children the eldest was b. in Marlboro', eight in Sudbury and two in Ashburnham. 63 834 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 (8) 18 I. II. IV. Micah, b. July 8, 1774 ; d. Sept. 17, 1775. Mark, b. Sept. 8, 1776 ; md. Oct. 18, 1798, Lois of Fitehburg, and removed to Veimont. Hed. June 11, 1841. Betsey, b. June 6, 1777 ; md. Hayman Wheeler of AVestminster ; d. May 11, 1809. Beulah, h. Oct. 13, 1779; d. July 21, 1824. Vide page 546. V. Rebecca, b. April 20, 1782 ; md. John Wilson of Westminster; md. (2d) Gilbert of Brook- field ; d. March 5, 1864. VI. John, b. Oct. 26, 1784; md. May 8, 1810, Copia Ward, dau. of John Ward, q. v. He was taxed here a few years and the birth of third child is recorded in this town, but he resided a longer time in Westminster, where he d. June 11, 1841. 1. Leonard, b. Sept. 15, 1810.-|- 2. Aaron, b. Nov. 21, 1811 ; md. Martha Ball. 3. John Ward, b. Sept. 26, 1813 ; md. Mary E. Libbey. 4. Lucinda, b. March 8, 1816 ; md. Nov. 15, 1838, Joseph Woodward. She d. May 10, 1842. 5. Dorothy, b. Sept. 29, 1822 ; md. Jonathan Hapgood. VII. Deidama, b. April 19, 1787 ; md. Silas Ward, g. v. VIII. Tyler, b. April 8, 1790 ; d. April 22, 1790. IX. Sally, b. April 13, 1791 ; d. July 18, 1807. X. Lucinda, b. Sept. 13, 1794 ; md. John Boynton of Fitehburg ; d. March 27, 1876. XI. Leonard, b. March 12, 1797 ; d. July 26, 1808. Leonard Mossman, son of John, md. 1840, Clarinda Richardson, who d. June 7, 1861 ; md. (2d) Nov. 13, 1862, Lucy Smith, dau. of Joshua Smith, Jr., q. v. She d. Dec. 6, 1873. He md. (3d) Mrs. Gates of West- minster. He resided many years in this town and d. in Westminster Sept. 28, 1878. I. Hollis, b. Oct., 1852 ; md. Oct. 5, 1882, Jennie L. Clark, dau. of Luther Clark, g. v. MUNROE. William Munroe, b. in Scotland 1625, arrived in New England in March, 1652, and in 1657 he is found in Cambridge. He settled in the part of Cam- bridge that is now within the limits of Lexington and near the line of Woburn. He was admitted freeman 1690, and in 1693 he was one of a committee "to GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 835 treat for the purchase of land for the minister." In 1694 he was a selectman, and subsequently he was frequeatly named in the records in connection with municipal affairs. He md. Martha George, dau. of John and Elizabeth George of Charlestown ; she d., leaving four children, about 1671; he md. (2d) Mary Ball, dau. of John Ball of Watertown by whom he had ten children. She d. in Aug., 1692, aged 41; he md. (3d) Elizabeth (Johnson) Wyer, widow of Edward Wyer of Charlestown ; she d. Dec. 14, 1715 ; he d. Jan. 27, 1717-18, aged 92. From his will it appears that fourteen of his children were living in 1716. Susanna the youngest is not named and probably she d. at an early age. John Munroe, b. March 10, 1666, son of William and Martha (George) Munroe, resided on the homestead in Lexington. He was a constable, assessor, treasurer and selectman, serving in these capacities many years. He was a subscriber for the meeting-house in 1692, and was taxed for the purchase of the ministerial land in 1693. He was employed many years to ring the bell and to sweep the meeting-house. No record of his marriage is preserved. The name of the mother of the younger children and possibly of all of them was Hannah. Jonas Munroe, the eighth of ten children, was bap. Nov. 22, 1707. He md. Jan. 3, 1733-4, Joanna Locke, b. Feb. 2, 1712-13, dau. of Joseph and Margaret (Mead) Locke of Lexington. She d. Sept. 17, 1748 ; he md. (2d) Rebecca Watts of Chelsea. He was styled Lieut. Jonas Munroe. Among the children of the first wife was Joanna, the wife of John Adams the centenarian, q. v., and of the second wife was Lieut. Ebenezer Munroe of this town, and Martha who. d. here unmd. May 11, 1793. Lieut. Ebenezee Munroe, son of Lieut. Jonas Munroe, was b. in Lexington April 29, 1752. An account of his participation in the engagement at Lexington, May 19, 1775, appears on page 177. He md. April 10, 1781, Lucy (Muzzey) Simonds of Woburn. The following year he removed to Ashburnham and settled in the south part of the town. In 1787 he was a lieutenant of the militia and subsequently he was moderator of the annual meeting and a selectman several years. His character was above reproach, and his influence in social and public affairs was constant and salutary. He d. May 25, 1825 ; his widow md. (2d) John Adams, q. v. I. Charles, b. Sept. 12, 1781.-f- II. Lucy, b. March 21, 1783 ; md. Nov. 4, 1802, Daniel Kinsman, b. in Ipswich March 30, 1778, son of Jeremiah and Martha( Andrews) Kinsman. She d. April 3, 1833 ; he d. in Fitchburg Sept. 15, 1867. 1. Louisa, b. May 20, 1803 ; md. Flint Sheldon of Fitchburg ; she resides in this town. 2. Lucy, b. Sept. 4, 1804 ; md. Francis Hinds, g. v. ; md. (2d) Jonathan P. Wilder, q. v. 3. Charles M., b. Sept. 3, 1807 ; md. Hannah B. Smith. 4. Cyrus, b. May 2, 1810. 836 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 (2) 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 5. Martha A., b. Oct. 20, 1814 ; md. "William Perkins; md. (2d) E.J. B. Baker, g. w. 6. Miianda, b. Sept. 10, 1815 ; md. Charles E. Foster ; reside in Bloomfield, Wis. 7. Munroe, b. Jan. 13, 1826 ; md. Lucy A. Brown ; reside in Smithville, N. Y. 8. Alfred D., b. Dec. 5, 1820 ; md. April 3, 1849, Maria C. Houghton; md. (2d) April 27, 1861, Susan Bryant. He has resided in this town several years. 1. Frank M., b. Feb. 17, 1854; resides in Courtland, N. Y. ni. Ebenezer, b. Feb. 25, 1785. -|- IV. Jonas, b. May 27, 1790.+ V. John, b. Oct. 4, 1793. + VI. Bebecca, b. June 7, 1798 ; md. John Gibson, son of Thomas Gibson, g. v. VII. Herrick, b. Nov. 1, 1802 ; d. unmd. Dec. 14, 1844. Charles Mdnroe md. June 9, 1808, Lydia Conn, dau. of John Conn, q. v. He was a member of the Ashburn- ham Light Infantry and in the service in the War of 1812. Mr. Munroe resided at the South Village and was one of the pioneer manufacturers of chairs in this town. With this industry intimately associated with the growth and prosperity of Ashburnham he was an influential factor. As a citizen he commanded the respect of his associates. He d. Oct. 26, 1834 ; his widow d. March 9, 1837. I Lydia, b. Aug. 30, 1809 ; md. June 21, 1832. Sylvester Winship of Westminster ; she d. March 21, 1835; he md. (2d) her sister Lucy. 1, John S., 1850. b. July 22, 1833 ; d. July 22, II. III. John, b. Dec. 24, 1812. + Mary Farwell, b. May 3, 1814 ; md. Sept. 15, 1833, John Winship ; resided in Ashburnham, where he d. Nov. 11, 1879. She d. Dec. 4, 1885. 1. Mary Jane, b. Dec. 21, 1834 ; md. Reuben Bennett. 2. Sarah L., b. May 16, 1837; md. Frank Griffin. 3. Ellen Susan, b. Oct. 19, 1846 ; md. 1869, Fred H. Potter; md. (2d) Hazeleus Souck. 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 (13) 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 (14) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 837 IV. Charles, b. Nov. 19, 1817; removed to State of New York where he d. 1882, leaving a family, v. Lucy, b. March 5, 1820, md. July 1, 1840, Sylves- ter Winship ; he d. in this town July 11, 1883 ; she resides at Central Village. 1. Charles M., b. Nov. 15, 1840 ; d. May 30, 1843. 2. Lydia, b. Feb. 27, 1843 ; md. Capt. Asahel Wheeler, q. v. 3. Harriet E., b. Oct. 26, 1850. 4. Susan M., b. June 10, 1852. VI. Ivers, b. May 30, 1823. + Tii. Loring, b. June 12, 1826. -|- VIII. Harriet Arvilla, b. July 20, 1829 ; md. Sept. 19, 1853, Timothy Addison Tenney ; he d. April 17, 1868. 1. Lucia J., b. June 23, 1854; md. Joseph Brown. 2. Hattie E., b. April 3, 1860. 3. Charles H., b. Jan. 23, 1864. Ebenezer Mdnroe md. , Mary Sargent, b. July 16, 1790, dau. of Samuel and Mary (Vryling) Sargent of Winchendon. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and resided in this town until about 1830 when he removed to Westminster, where he d. July 31, 1844; his widow d. Sept. 7, 1852. I. Ebenezer L., b. July 3, 1809. II. Samuel A., b. Sept. 13, 1810. HI. Mary S., h. July 5, 1812 ; d. March 17, 1834. IV. Emeline A., b. March 27, 1814. V. Charles H., b. May 3, 1816. VI. Louisa M., b. Feb. 2, 1818 ; d. Sept. 26, 1838. VII. Joseph W., b. April 17, 1820; d. in California. VIII. Geoj-gre ^., b. May 24, 1823; a physician in St. Louis, Mo., and later in Indian Territory. IX. Lorenzo, b. Jan. 29, 1825. X. John M., b. March 10, 1828. XI. Francis A.,h. July 1. 1833. XII. Leander, b. Dec. 1, 1834; d. July 25, 1858. Jonas Muneoe resided in this town until 1824 when he removed to Eindge. He was an oflScer of the Light Infan- try five years and commanded the company two years after he removed from town. He was a farmer. He md. 838 HISTORY OF ASIIBURNHAM. 49 50 61 52 53 54 (15) 55 56 57 58 (20) 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 May 9, 1815, Eliza Sargent, b. May 10, 1792, dau. of Samuel and Mary ( Vryling) Sargent of Winchendon. He d. in Eiudge May 9, 1849 ; she d. Feb. 5, 1849. I. Jonas Austin, b. Feb. 4, 1816 ; rad. 1837, Eliza- beth Tibbetts; resided in Chittenango, N. Y., where he d. Sept. 26, 1839. n. Eliza Darling, b. April 16, 1818. III. James Watson, b. Sept. 30, 1824 ; md. April 4, 1848, Laurana Crane, dau. of Larra and Sally B. Crane of Boston. IV. Merrick Adams, b. Feb. 27, 1828 ; md. Nov. 2, 1869, Henrietta Mason ; resides in Middlebury, Vt. V. Charles Mavery, b. Jan. 7, 1831 ; md. Aug. 15, 1865, Emily A. Higgins. VI. George Milton, b. Nov. 4, 1832.+ John Mdnkoe md. May 6, 1819, Sophia Gibson, dau. of Thomas Gibson, q. v. He resided in Ashburnham, Westminster and Cleveland, N. Y. I. Orison J., b. Oct. 28, 1819 ; md. April 24, 1843, Ann E. Newton. II. Sophia H., b. March 27, 1821 ; md. Feb. 26, 1845, Winchester Wyman. III. Porter, b. May 23, 1826; md. July 1, 1845, Harriet Maynard ; he d. at Brattleboro', Vt., Oct. 30, 1880. IV. Sophronia L., b. June 4, 1831. John Mtjneoe md. 1832, Nancy W. Gushing, dau. of Laban Cushing, g. v. She d. Nov. 9, 1845 ; he md. (2d) Dec. 7, 1846, Martha A. Howland ; she d. ; he md. (3d) July 21, 1864, Lucy M. Wilson of Nelson, N. H. He d. May 7, 1874. His widow resides at South Village. I. Susan M., b. Aug. 18, 1838 ; md. Rufus Wheeler of Ashby. Two children. II. James A., b. Aug. 17, 1840 ; d. Aug. 15, 1849. III. Sarah I., b. Feb. 17, 1844. IV. Charles L., b. Sept. 15, 1848; d. Aug. 15, 1849. V. Mary Jane, b. May 7, 1851 ; md. April 8, 1871, George W. Carr of Westminster ; reside in Chelsea. VI. Nellie, b. ; md. Avery ; reside in Maiden. VII. lAicy Bebecca, b. March 9, 1865. (31) <32) <54) GENEALOGICAL UEGISTEIi. 839 IvERS MuxROE resided iu tbis town until 1846, when he removed to Camden, N. Y., and as a student entered the law ofBce of Stephen Cromwell. In Mr. Cromwell he found an able instructor and a generous friend. He was admitted to the bar in 1848 and immediately a partner- ship was formed, and the increasing business of the office was conducted b}' Cromwell and Munroe during the ensu- ing twenty years. These were years of labor and crowned with a generous measure of success. During the Civil War, Mr. Munroe was commissioner of drafts and enrol- ment of the Twentieth District of New York. From 1848 to 1862 he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession in Iowa, first at Sidney in Tremont county and later at Clinton, the shire of Clinton county. In this field he was promptly recognized as a faithful attorney and a gentleman of character and integrity. He was an alderman in Clinton several years, and occupied a promi- nent position in professional, business and public affairs. Since 1882 Mr. Munroe has resided in impaired health in Oneida, N. Y. He md. 1845, Lucia S. Gould, dan. of Thomas Gould of Rockingham, Vt. ; she d. 1855 ; he md. (2d) Nancy J. Thomas, dau. of Chaney Thomas of Lee, N. Y. ; she d. Oct. 6, 1885. Of seven children only two are living. LoRiNG Munroe, at the age of twenty years,. removed to Cleveland, N. Y., and there became interested in the manufacture of glass, in which he has been successful. For several years he owned an interest in the American Glass Company at Bernhard's Bay, and in 1861 he pur- chased the Dunbarton Glass Works at Verona, N. Y., which is now conducted by his sons. The business career of Mr. Munroe has been characterized by industry, saga- cious management and executive ability. He has resided several years in Oneida, in the county of Madison, where he is a trustee of the Oneida Savings Bank and an active member of the banking house of Barnes, Stark and Mun- roe. His interest in the prosperity of the town is attested by the Munroe Block, and of the Opera House he is joint owner with Mr. Barnes. He has occupied many positions of trust and is held in high esteem by his associates. He md. Jane Lowarden who was b. in Baltimore, Md., April 4, 1830. Three sons, George Loring, Charles I. and Anthony B., are living. Three daughters are deceased. George M. Munroe was residing in Boston when he entered the service in the Civil War. Vide page 462. 840 HISTORY OF ASllBUKNHAM. 66 67 10 11 12 Since the war he resided in Washington, D. C, and in Philadelphia, removing to Ashburnham in 187-. He md. Ann Haliday, b. in Natchez, Miss., May 6, 1840. I. Josephine A., b. July 10, 1866 ; md. Nov. 8, 1886, John E. Wilson, son of John Wilson, q. v. II. Albert Bur nside, b. July 29, 1869. Samuel Nichols, with wife Lydia and one child, re- moved from Harvard 1761. The same year he purchased the mills at Lane Village of Caleb Dana, to whom Nathan Dennis had sold the property. Here Samuel Nichols re- sided until 1777 when he removed to Walpole, N. H. While he remained in this town he was a prominent citizen. I. Bethiah, b. June 29, 1760. II. Hezekiah, b. Feb. 19, 1762. III. Lydia, b. April 13, 1767. IV. Mary, h. Sept. 14, 1770. V. Lucy, b. June 20, 1772. John Nichols, b. in Charlestown July 4, 1821, md. in Ashburnham Feb. 24, 1845, Arvilla Rice, dau. of Levi Rice, q. v. They lived several years in Cambridge, and removed to this town 1865. I. Frances E., b. Aug. 22, 1846 ; md. Lemuel Ripley. II. James C, b. Jan. 22, 1849; md. Melpha R. Sawin, dau. of Asa Sawin, q. v. ; reside in Leominster. III. Charles H., b. April 21, 1851 ; d. Feb. 24, 1871. IV. Sarah A., b. May 31, 1853 ; md. Frank L. Mar- ble, son of Warren Marble, q. v. V. John Z>., b. Nov. 17, 1857; md. April 24, 1S«1, Etta C. Skillings, dau. of Seward E. Skillings ; reside in Boston. Samuel L. Notes, son of Henry J. and Jane L. (Gates) Noyes, and grandson of Silas and Abiah Noyes of Newburyport, was b. in Gardner June 6, 1837. He md. Nov. 13, 1867, Julia W. Lombard, b. in Westminster Aug. 7, 1844, dau. of Franklin and Eunice (Whitney) Lombard. Mr. Noyes removed to this town from West- minster in 1883, and is engaged in the manufacture of toys on Water street. He is of the board of selectmen. I. Ernest L., b. April 20, 1873. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 8*1 Jonas Nutting, b. in Westford 1783, son of Thomas and Sybel Nutting, md, Sept. 7, 1805, Mary Spaulding, dau. of James Spaulding, g. v. He removed to this town about 1809 and was a farmer on a discontinued road leading north from the " Children of the Woods." He d. April 23, 1842 ; his widow went to New Ipswich and d. there May 1, 1857. I. Jonas, b, 1806 ; resided in New Ipswich. He was- an ofHcer in the 6th New Hampshire Volunteers. He md. 1828, Lucy Sylvester, who d. April 20, 1862. He d. June 20, 1873. Eight children. Sally, b. Sept. 20, 1808; md. 1834, Ezekiel Nutting; lived in New Ipswich. Four children. Phineas, b. 1810 ; d. unmd. 1830. Hiram, b. 1813; md. 1833, Asenath Tenney ; d- in California. Three children. Mary, b. 1815 ; d. Aug. 20, 1816. JoJm, b. 1819 ; md. Cynthia Davis; lived in New Ipswich and in Richmond, N. H., where he d. March 6, 1876. Six children. II. III. IV. v. VI. Oberlock or Oveklack, vide Locke. PACKARD. The Packard ffimilies of this town are descendants of Robert Packard of Westmoreland, N. H., who was b. about 1760. The emigrant ancestor was Samuel Packard who came from Windham near Hingham, England, in th& Diligent 1638, and settled in Hingham. Subsequently he removed to West Bridgewater, where he d. 1684. Among his twelve children was Zaccheus Packard who md. Sarah Howard, dau. of John Howard, and d. 1723. The eldest of his nine children was Israel Packard, b. April 27, 1680 ; md. 170$ Hannah . Of their nine children was Robert Packard b. 1722, and there remains little doubt that he was the father of Robert Packard of Westmore- land, N. H., who md. Feb. 11, 1782, Elizabeth Hudson. Nathan Packard, one of the seven children of Robert and Elizabeth (Hudson) Packard, was b. June 8, 1792. He md. 1815, Oelia D. Houghton, dau. of Taylor Houghton of Woodstock, Vt. He resided in Stockbridge and Rutland, Vt. ; he d. in Michigan Sept. 1, 1836. Another son of Robert and Elizabeth (Hudson) Packard was Robert, Jr., b. 1798; md. May 11, 1818, Diadema Chamberlain of Stockbridge, Vt. Israel Alfred Packard, b. in Stoclibridge, Vt., Sept. 7, 1818, son of Nathan and CeliaD (Houghton) Packard,, has resided in Ashburnham since 1839. He was a tanner and morocco dresser, but during the past thirty-five years he has been a farmer. He owns and occupies the farm formerly of Ezekiel Metcalf and a part of the Foster farm. He md. Jan. 23, 1840, Frances Caldwell, dau. of John Caldwell, q. v. She d. Jan. 1, 1843 ; he md. (2d) Aug. 3, 1843, Hepsibath C. Lane, dau. of Capt- Francis Lane, q. v. «42 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. •9 10 11 12 13 14 15 III Alfred Philander, b. May 25, 1842 ; d. July 24, 1842. Charles Francis, b. Aug. 12, 1844 ; md. May 9, 1872, Ardella L. Stearns, dau. of Samuel and Lois B. (Langley) Stearns of Lawrence. He is a millwright, and of the firm of Packard Bros, who own the mills at Lane Village. Sarah Frances, b. April 6, 1846 ; md. Oct. 18, 1870, Andrus Burnham, son of John P. and Emily (Hall) Burnham of Woodstock, Vt. ; reside in Westminster. IV. Susan Rebecca, b. Aug. 6, 1848 ; md. Oct. 20, 1868, Augustus A. Scales, son of Aaron and Betsey (Seaver) Scales of Townsend ; reside in Minneapolis, Minn. V. Henry Alfred, b. Dec. 6, 1852 ; md. Nov. 3, 1884, Nancy J. Scales, dau. of Aaron and Betsey (Seaver) Scales. He is of the firm of Packard Brothers. Mina Augusta, b. Aug. 13, 1856 ; d. Dec. 17, 1866. VI HoBACE C. Packard, b. Aug. 21, 1831, son of Eobert, Jr., and Diadema (Chamberlain) Packard, md. Sept. 15, 1853, Philena Howard, b. Jan. 20, 1834, dau. of Josiah Howard of Hinsdale, N. H. He enlisted from Greenfield in Co. C, 27th Regiment, and d. in the service at New- bern, N. C, July 6, 1863. His widow md. (2d) Charles W. Lane, q. v. I. Effie L., b. June 20, 1854; md. Charles A. Billings, q. v. n. Fremont JR., b. Sept. 7, 1855 ; md. Oct. 24, 1878, Abbie E. Mather, dau. of James P. andLucinda (Hadley) Mather ; resides at Lane Village. Joseph Packard, who resided in this town from 1856 to 1876, was a son of Joseph Packard of Jamaica, Vt., and a grandson of Eobert and Elizabeth (Hudson) Packard of Westmoreland. He md. Asenath Howe ; removed to Winchester, N. H., where he now resides. I. II. III. IV. Mary, b. Melinda 0., b wick. And7-ew J., h. Albert D., b. md. Hosea Esty of Winchendon. ; md. Dudley of War- resides in Warwick, md. Esther Bourne; resides on the Oren Willard farm. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 843 1 j Thomas Park, then of Ashburnham, md. 1779, Abigail Wilder of Lancaster. He was the first in this town to engage in the business of fulling and dressing cloth, and associated with him, or succeeding him for a short time, was Elisha Park. The name disappears from the records about 1800. The fulling mill was taxed to Elisha Park, 1799, and subsequently to Fitch Crosby. Six children of Thomas and Abigail Park were born in this town. 2 -3 4 5 •6 7 I. Dehhe, b. Nov. 11, 1779. II. Elizabeth, b. June 16, 1782. III. Thomas, b. Feb. 26, 178-5 IV. Daniel, b. Nov. 5, 1787. V. Caleb, b. Nov. 8, 1790. VI. Sma, b. Feb. 9, 1793. FARKER. Nathan Parker, a representative of the Andover family of Parker, was b. in Andover about 1710. He was probably a son of John and a grandson of Nathan, an early settler of Andover. He md. June 26, 1735, Hannah Stevens of Andover, and among their children was John Parker, b. May 19, 1742. He md. Feb. 7, 1771, Abigail Osgood, b. in Andover, dau. of Josiah and Hannah (Kittredge) Osgood and a sister of Col. Benjamin Osgood of Westford. Soon after marriage he removed to Westford, where he d. Dec. 15, 1814; his widow d. June 21, 1820. He was a soldier in the Revolution and was subsequently styled Lieut. John Parker. His daughter Betsey was the wife of Jonathan Bancroft, q. d., and his son, Jacob Osgood Parker, b. in Westford Aug. 19, 1786, md. June 8, 1811, Rachel Reed, b. Aug. 19, 1790, dau. of Amos and Rachel (Prescott) Reed of Westford. He was a merchant in Westford, where he d. March, 1822. Jesse Pakker, son of Jacob Osgood and Rachel (Reed) Parker, was b. in Westfurd June 16, 1816. His father d. when he was between five and six years of age and he came to this town in 1831. He md. Dec. 6, 1838, Eliza- beth Gates, dau. of William Gates, q. v. She d. April 8, 1885. He is a chair maker, and has served the town as assessor and selectman. I. Ellen, b. Aug. 22, 1839 ; d. July 15, 1840. II. Walter Osgood, b. May 1, 1841. Capt. Walter O. Parker served three years in the Civil War in the 34th Regiment and has been anoflScer of Co. E or Rice Guards eight years. Vide page 439. He is a merchant in Central Village, in firm of Parker Bros. In 1883 he was a representative and has honorably filled other positions of trust. He md. Aug. 23, 1866, Josie M. Whitney, dau. of Hon. Ohio Whitney, q. v. 844 HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 III. Alden Wright, b. May 29, 1843 ; md , 1873, Isabel L. Lynne of Covington, Ky. They reside in Akron, Ohio. IV. Frank Hannibal, b. Feb. 6, 1854 ; md. Florence 0. Merriam, dau. of Philip K. Merriman, Jr., q. V. He is a merchant in firm of Parker Bros. Nathaniel Paekee came to Ashburnham about 1772. His wife Lydia d. May 8, 1776, " aged 30 to 40 years." He md. (2d) Nov. 19, 1776, Hannah Wetherbee. His name is on the roll of Capt. Gates' company 1775. He was occasionally elected to office, and incidentally men- tioned in the records until 1783. His name is not found in a tax list of 1787. I. Lydia, b. — II. Caleb, b. — III. Betty, b. — IV. Lucy, b. May 27, 1773. V. Emerson, b. June 11, 1779. VI. Joel, b. April 22, 1781. VII. Hannah, b.,Feb. 17, 1783. md 1795, Joshua Holden, q. v. First three bap. 1776. Geo. G. Paekee, Esq., b. May 10, 1800, was an able lawyer in this town from 1831 until his death, Dec. 14, 1852. Vide page 475. He md. Dec. 26, 1836, Hannah (Hawkins) Woods, widow of Rev. Joseph W. Woods; she d. in Andover, 1881. I. George H., b. Oct. 11, 1838; md. Oct. 8, 1868, Elizabeth Sawyer Mahon, who d. June 14, 1885. II. Harriette T., b. April 14, 1844; md. June 13, 1865, Rev. Asher H. Wilcox of Norwich, Conn. ; now residing in Norwich Town, near New London, Conn. PEIRCE. The orthography of Pierce and Peirce is a perplexing problem. In the preceding pages the records have been followed and the name occurs in both forms. The two families appearing in the following register were not re- lated. It is probable that both of them, following the general usage of their ancestors, wrote their names Peirce. Thomas Peirce and wife Elizabeth were in Charlestown 1635. He was b. 1583 and d. in Charlestown Oct. 7, 1666. His will was dated Nov. 6, 1665, and probated in March, 1667. His wife survived him. His son, Thomas Peirce, b. about 1620, settled in Woburn as early as 1643 ; he md. Elizabeth Cole, dau. of Rice' Cole of Charlestown. He was a selectman and prominent in the affairs of Woburn, and was styled " Sargent Thomas Peirce." He d. Nov. 6, 1683; his widow d. March 5, 1687-8. Among their children was Benjamin Peirce, not named by Dr. Savage nor included in list of children GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 845 in Sewall's Woburn. He md. Mary Read, dau. of Ralph and Mary (Peirce) Read and a granddau. of Anthony Peirce of Watertown. Among their chil- dren was Thomas Peirce. He md. Nov. 5, 1722, Hannah Locke, b. July II, 1701, dau. of James and Sarah (Cutter) Locke of Woburn. He resided in Leicester and later in Hopkinton, where his wife d. ; he md. (2d) Jan. 24, 1743, Lydia Gibbs, and resided in Pramingham where he d. 1768. Benjamin Peirce, son of Thomas and Hannah (Locke) Peirce, b. about 1728, md. May 7, 1752, Mary Lamson, b. May II, 1731, dau. of John Lamson of Weston. He removed to Weston where his ten children were born. Of these, three have resided in Ashburnham. 7 8 9 10 11 Amos Peirce, son of Benjamin and Mary (Lamson) Peirce, was b. in Weston Aug. 5, 1760. He served six weeks in Rhode Island in tbie war of ttie Revolution, and about 1785 he settled in this town in the eighth school dis- trict. The farm is known as the Amos Peirce place. He md. March 3, 1789, Hepsibah Smith, b. Oct. 13, 1761, dau. of James and Lucy (Stearns) Smith. He was a selectman and was frequently chosen to other positions in town affairs. He d. Nov. 27, 1834; she d. Jan. 13, 1856. I. Hepsihali, b. June 8, 1791 ; d. unmd. II. Amos, b. Aug. 1, 1794; d. unmd. July 18, 1849. He was a farmer and a substantial citizen. Vide list of town officers. III. Lucy, b. April 8, 1798; d. Oct. 24, 1814. IV. James, b. Aug. 20, 1801 ; resided in Berlin ; md. April 7, 1835, Martha W. "Warren. He d. Dec. 30, 1872. Asa Peirce, brother of Amos, b. in Weston Sept. 21, 1766, md. Oct. 24, 1800, Susannah Willard, dau. of Dea. John Willard, q. v. In the autumn of 1806 they removed, with three children, to Mt. Holly, Vt., where he d. soon after 1836 ; she d. May 28, 1808. I. Martin, b. Nov. 20, 1801. II. Mason (twin), b. Nov. 20, 1801. III. Oshorn, b. Dec. 18, 1803. IV. Elijah Willard, b. Sept. 28, 1806; md. 1831, Betsey Warner of Mt. Holly. Caleb Peirce, a brother of Amos and Asa Peirce, b. in Weston Feb. 27, 1763, was taxed in this town 1787. No tax lists for a few preceding and subsequent years are preserved. When he removed from town is uncertain. He md. 1787, Nabby Felton. 846 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. PEIRCE. John Peikce, a weaver from the county of Norfolk, England, settled in Watertown in 1637. He was admitted freeman 1638 and d. Aug. 19, 1661; his wife Elizabeth survived him. His son, Anthony Peiroe, b. in England 1609, was in Watertown before the arrival of his father, John Peirce. He was admitted freeman Sept. 3, 1634; he was twice married and d. May 9,. 1678. Daniel Peirce, the fifth child of Anthony Peirce, b. Jan. 1, 1639-40, md. Elizabeth and settled in Groton, where five of his nine children were born. In 1681 he returned to Watertown where he d. 1723. Ephraim Peirce, son of Daniel, b. Oct. 15, 1673, md. Mary Whitney, b. July 1, 1675, dau. of Joshua Whitney of Groton and Watertown. He was one of the early settlers of Lunenburg where he was a selectman 1728. He d. Feb. 27, 1740; his widow d. Dec. 29, 1749. Their third child and eldest son was Ephraim Peirce, b. Nov. 12, 1700; md. Oct. 30, 1721, Esther Shedd, b. March 21, 1704, dau. of Samuel Shedd; she d. June 28, 1768; he md. (2d) Huldah (Martyn) Wetherbee, dau. of Thomas Martyn and widow of Hezekiah Weth- erbee. He was a deacon and a prominent citizen of Lunenburg where he d. 1781. Oliver Peirce, son of Ephraim and Esther (Shedd) Peirce, b. July 17, 1741, md. May 19, 1768, Mary Smith, b. 1751. He was a farmer in Lun- enburg where he d. March 6, 1815 ; his widow d. 1827. Of their seven chil- dren, the fifth child and fourth son was Nathaniel Peirce, b. Oct. 8, 1778, for many years a physician in Ashburnham. John Peirce, a brother of Dr. Nathaniel, was b. Sept. 18, 1787; md. Nov. 28, 1816, Esther Smith, who d. March 10, 1830; md. (2d) July 13, 1831, Sarah T. Smith, who d. May 27, 1860. He was a farmer in Lunenburg where he d. Nov. 12, 1867. Nathan- iel Peirce, a resident of this town, is a son of John and Esther (Smith) Peirce. Dr. Nathaniel Peikce, b. in Lunenburg Oct. 8, 1778^ d. in Ashburnham Sept. 3, 1862. Vide page 468. He md. Jan. 11, 1807, Judith Kendall, who was b. June 21, 1778 ; d. Aug. 27, 1828 ; md. (2d) April 18, 1832, Zebiab G. Smallpeace ; she was b. Dee. 26, 1785 ; d. June 2, 1843; md. (3d) Oct. 16, 1844, Visa (Clark) Knight, b. April 4, 1791, d. Feb. 13, 1883. I. Joseph B., b. June 9, 1809 ; d. March 6, 1818. Nathaniel Peirce, son of John and Esther (Smith) Peirce, was b. in Lunenburg March 20, 1824. At the age of eight years he came to this town and lived with Dr. Nathaniel Peirce, his uncle, whose estate was bequeathed to him. He md. Sept. 23, 1874, Melinda C. Willard, dau. of John Willard, q. v. Joseph Perry, wife Mary and four children removed from Med way 1765. His name appears on the roll of Capt. Davis company of minute-men, but soon after that date no subsequent mention of the name appears on the records except the marriage of a dau. I. Joseph, b. II. Mary, b. - 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9 10 (2) 11 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 847 III. Abigail, b. . IV. A^ina, b. ; md John Holden, q. v. V. Hannah, b. Nov. 15, 1767. VI. Levi, b. Feb. U, 1770. VII. Dolly, b. June 3, 1772. VIII. Simeon, b. April 20, 1774. IX. Sally, b. Feb. 18, 1776. John Petts, lineage not traced, md. in this town Nov. 22, 1794, Relief Pollard, dau. of William Pollard, q. v. He resided a farmer in this town. His wife d. Feb. 17, 1843. His death is not on record and only a fragmentary record of his children has been secured. I. John, b. March 19, 1795.+ II. Relief, b. May 8, 1796 ; md James Billings, g. v, III. Abel, b. . IV. Mary, b. ; md. .Joshua Turner; resided in Cambridgeport. V. Lucy, b. ; md. James Gibson. He d. in Leominster ; she d. in Charlestown. VI. Nancy Maria, b. ; md. John A. Conn, q. v. VII. Harriet, b. ; md. Horace Black, g. v. VIII. Horace, b. . IX. Joseph, b. . Dr. John Petts for many years was an able and suc- cessful physician at Nichols, N. Y. He retired from practice and removed to Ashburnham 1844. During the waning years of a prolonged and useful life, he had a home with his children in Springfield, Ohio, where he d. Jan. 1, 1887. He md. in Surry, N. H., Jan. 11, 1825, Phebe Howe, dau. of Rev. Perlej' and Lemiah (Barnes) Howe. She d. April 23, 1877. I. Sarah B., b. 1827 ; md. Edwin L. Barrett, son of Samuel Barrett, q. v. Eliza H., b. 1829 ; d. 1847. Charles H., b. 1831 ; md. 1862, Emily Clark, dau. of Hon. Oliver Clark. He d. in Boston 1866. Maria J. , b. June 5, 1837 ; md. Charles E. Sawyer, son of Edward Sawyer, q. v. Quincy A., b. April 25, 1841 ; md. Oct. 21, 1863, Lavinia Grant, dau. of William and Nancy M. Grant. He removed from Ashburnham to kan- sas in 1857 and to Springfield, Ohio, in 1860. In the war of the Rebellion he served in the Second Ohio Regiment. He was associate 12 II 13 III 14 IV 15 V. 848 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. editor of the Springfield Republic 1864-71, and editor of tlie Mechanical News 1871-5. He was auditor of Clark count}', Ohio, 1875- 81, and is now editor of the Mechanical News of New YorL:, with a residence in Jersey City. PHILLIPS. Seth Phillips, son of Blaney and Christian (Wadsworth) Phillips, was b. in Pembroke, now Hanson, in Plymouth county, about 1750. He was one of the minute-men at the Lexington alarm, and was subsequently a lieutenant in the ReTolutionary army. About 1780, he md. Betty Hamlin, a sister of the father of Hon. Hannibal Hamlin, and removed to Fitchburg. Of their children Samuel, Asia, John and Lydia, the wife of Jacob Fairbanks, were residents of this town. (2) Samuel Phillips, son of Seth and Betty (Hamlin) Phillips, b. in Fitchburg Sept. 11, 1781. He md. Nov. 3, 1803, Sally Thurston, b. April 5, 1783, dau. of Dea. John and Esther (Wood) Thurston. In 1804 he purchased the Wilder farm and removed to this town. This farm had been owned by Samuel Wilder, Esq., between thirty and forty years. It was here that Eev. John Cushing lived in the family of Mr. Wilder, until he began housekeeping on the old common. It is a pleasant homestead, com- manding an extensive view of the surrounding country. The widow retained her dower in the homestead and occu- pied a portion of the dwelling and extensive farm. On this farm Samuel Phillips resided until 1820, when he sold to his brothers Asia and John, and removed to Fitchburg. He d. in Worcester 1842 ; his widow d. 1848. Two chil- dren were born in this town. I. Ivers, b. July 28, 1805. -^- II. Sally, b. July 29, 1811 ; md. Charles Russell, son of Thomas Russell, q. v. CoL. IvEKS Phillips, the only son of Samuel and Sally (Thurston) Phillips, was b. in Ashburnham July 28, 1805. After a brief tuition in the public schools of Ashburnham and of Fitchburg he was early enlisted in the activities of an eventful and successful career. For many years he re- sided in Fitchburg and later in Worcester. At the age of twenty-eight years he was appointed a deputy sheriff and a coroner. The former ofHce he resigned in 1850 and the latter in 1856. To the railroad interests of Worcester county he was allied for many years, and to his energy and prudent counsels these corporations were indebted. He was an early advocate of the Vermont and Massachu- setts Railroad and an early director of the corporation. YU-^tA^ GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 849 At the organization of the Fitehburg and Worcester Rail- road he was chosen a director, and was the second presi- dent of the board, succeeding Dr. Charles W. Wilder of Leominster, another native of this town. Subsequentlj' he was a director and president of the Agricultnral Railroad, /-T % now a part of the Old Colony, and also of the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad, now operated by the Fitch- burg Railroad. In these positions he was continuously employed about thirty years. In 1853 he was a member 54 850 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. of the Massachusetts Senate, and from 1862 to 1869 he was Collector of Internal Revenue of the Eighth Massa- chusetts district. In military affairs Col. Phillips was ,an enthusiast and won honors at an early age. In 1827 he was commis- sioned a lieutenant. His promotion was rapid. In 1834, under a radical revision of the militia law, the officers were discharged. At this time he was colonel of the regiment. On account of the sickness of Col. Lincoln he first com- manded the regiment in 1831. when holding the commis- sion of lieutenant-colonel. Under the amended militia system of the State, the Volunteer companies in the north- ern towns of Worcester county constituted a regiment. He was then commissioned colonel of the new organiza- tion. Declining promotion he resigned May 26, 1835, having been an officer eight years, and not yet thirty years of age. In the midst of these employments. Col. Phillips has been engaged in many business enterprises and has been prominent in the direction of several business and mone- tary organizations. In positions of trust and in business affairs, in an eminent degree, he has secured the confidence and respect of his associates. In 1878 he removed to Boulder, Colorado, and is now a director of several railroads in that State. Col. Phillips md. in Fitchburg Nov. 13, 1828, Rebecca Carter, b. in Leominster Feb. 13, 1803, dau. of Thomas Carter. She d. July 2, 1867 ; he md. (2d) Jan. 19, 1869, Abbie Rebecca (Richardson) Haines, dau. of Dr. Sewell Richardson of Leominster. I. Mary Ann, b. Sept. 24, 1829. II. Ivers Garter, b. July 9, 1831 ; md. Dec. 31, 1853, Harriet Frances Walker of Goff'stown, N. H. He d. March 5, 1877. in. Harriet Bebecca, b. July 6, 1833 ; md. Nov. 29, 1855, Edwin D. Works, son of Daniel Works of Fitchburg; she d. Feb. 27, 1878. IV. Sarah Thurston, b. April 22, 1836 ; md. April 22, 1857, Gardner P. Wood of Temple, N. H. ; she d. Nov. 26, 1872. V. Abbie Louisa, b. Nov. 20, 1839 ; md. May 24, 1871, Albert B. Lawrence, son of Daniel B. Lawrence of Brimfield. He is manager and partner of the hardware house of A. B. Law- rence & Co., Fitchburg. Asia Phillips, a brother of Samuel Phillips, resided in this town from 1812 to about 1830. He was a member GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 851 10 of the Ashburnham Light Infantry and was in the service at Boston Harbor in the War of 1812. He md. 1820, Sally S. Dwelly, dan. of Dr. Melzer and Sally (Smith) Dwelly and a granddau. of Joshua Smith, Esq., q. v. Their children d. in infancy. John Phillips, brother of Samuel and Asia Phillips, returned to Fitchburg after a brief residence in this town. Subsequently he removed to Northampton. PIPER. Jonathan Piper, wife Elizabeth and two children removed from Acton to Ashby in April, 1783. Eight children were b. in Ashby. Among these was Philip Piper, b. July 12, 1785. He md. 1810, Rhoda Richardson and lived in Ashby. He d. April 10, 1858 ; she d. Sept. 14, 1874. Jonathan Hdbbard Piper, son of Philip and Rhoda (Richardson) Piper, was b. in Ashby Feb. 26, 1816. He came to the South Village to learn the trade of chair maker in 1834, and resided in this town until 1870 when he removed to Fitchburg. For several years he was en- gaged in the manufacture of chairs in the firm of Flint, Piper & Blodgett. He md. June 29, 1836, Caroline Bur- gess, dau. of Joshua B. Burgess, q. v. She d., leaving three children, May 23, 1847. He md. (2d) March 28, 1848, S. Elizabeth Jones, b. in Lunenburg Feb. 11, 1828, dau. of Major Ephraim and Jemima (Barrett) Jones. I. Alfred, b. Jan. 15, 1838. II. Fannie E., b. Dec. 27, 1843. III. Hobart W., b. June 17, 1845; he served two en- listments in the War of the Rebellion, rv. Carrie Lizzie, b. June 9, 1852 ; d. Aug. 30, 1853. V. Nettie Lizzie, b. July 15, 1855. PLATTS. Abel Platts, the first settler of Rindge, and a prominent character in the annals of that town, was a son of Moses Platts and a grandson of Lieut. Abel Platts of Rowley, who was an officer in the Expedition to Canada, 1690. Abel Platts of Rindge was b. in Rowley Eeb. 6, 1703. He md. April 21, 1725, Mary Vamum, and removed to Lunenburg 1738. At this time he began a clearing in Rindge, and for several years he resided in Lunenburg and in Rindge until the Indian alarms were quieted. In 1751 he settled permanently upon the clearing he had made in the forest. He d. July 28, 1777. Ensign Joseph Platts, his son, was b. in Rowley 1726, and was the companion of his father in his early labors in Rindge. He md. Nov. 16, 1752, Deborah Page, b. April 11, 1733, dau. of Joseph and Deborah (Gould) Page. He d. in Rindge Aug. 25, 1817. His son, Capt. Joseph Platts, b. in Rindge 1755, md. March 24, 1778, Abigail Sawtell, b. June 27, 1758, dau. of Jonathan and Mary (Holden) Sawtell of Rindge. He d. March 29, 1799. 852 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. John Varnum Platts, son of Capt. Joseph Platts, b. April 22, 1786, also resided in Rindge. He md. May 2, 1811, Maria Demary, b. 1791, dau. of Ezekiel and Maria (Parker) Demary. He d. May 6, 1839; she d. Feb. 4, 1834. These are the parents of John Varnum Platts of Ashburnham. 10 11 John Varnum Platts, son of John Varnum and Maria (Demary) Platts, was b. in Rindge March 10, 1813. He md. 1840, Louisa D. Bill of Gilsum, N. H., and re- moved to this town 1849. He was superintendent of the almshouse several years, and is now a farmer. His wife d. Jan. 20, 1872; he md. (2d) June, 1872, Augusta Whitcomb of Winchendon. I. Maria A., b. Nov. 19, 1841 ; md. Orange E. Howe, g. v. II. Irving E., b. Feb. 4, 1845; md. Aug. 2, 1868, Ellen M. Lynde, b. in Westminster July 1, 1849, dau. of John and Lucy Lynde. He is a manu- facturer of chairs at South Village. III. Jerome A., b. Jan. 25, 1851 ; resides unmd. in this town. William Pollaed with a family removed to this town in 1770 or 1771. He md. about 1760, Hannah Whitcomb of Harvard. He was a respected citizen and was fre- quently chosen to positions of trust. Five children were born in this town. It is possible that of the children born previous to 1771 all are not named in this register. He d. May 10, 1808 ; she d. Feb. 27, 1828. I. Sarah, b. 1762 ; d. Oct. 17, 1778. II. Kezia, b. ; md. Capt. Daniel Putnam, q. v. III. Hannah, h. ; md. 1794, Joseph Howard of Westminster. IV. Achsah, h. Aug. 29, 1771 ; md. Stephen Bemis, q. V. V. William, b. April 1, 1773. VI. Belief, b. June 2, 1775 ; md. John Petts, q. v. VII. Molly, b. Feb. 17, 1777; md. Joshua Billings, Jr. vin. Jonas, b. March 5, 1779. William Pollard, not a relative of William Pollard (No. 1), md. April 20, 1819, Lucy Davis, dau. of Amos Davis, q. v. He was a farmer in this town until 1848, when he removed to Rindge. He d. July 17, 1872 ; his wife d. Feb. 14, 1867. I. Almira Oi-iffin, b. July 17, 1820 ; md. Lemuel Whitney, q. v. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 853 12 13 14 15 16 6 7 8 9 10 III IT. V. Lucy Spaulding, b. Sept. 25, 1822 ; md. Leonard Lane, q. v. Sally Davis, b. March 7, 1828 ; d. Nov. 25, 1833. Susan Abigail, b. Dec. 25, 1831. Williams., b. Aug. 20, 1837. Ti. Ivers E., b. Oct 10, 1842. Jacob Polley md. Desire Flint, and removed to the southeast part of the town about 1785. He was a prominent character in the effort to secure the incorpora- tion of a new town, including a part of Ashburnham, Westminster, Fitchburg and Ashby. About 1816, he removed to Acworth, N. H. Nine children were b. in this town. I. Peter, h. May 14, 1786 ; d". Aug. 23, 1806. II. Amos, b. Feb. 6, 1788. III. Boreas, b. Nov. 26, 1789 ; md. Reuben Rice, Jr., q. V. IV. Jacob, b. Jan. 25, 1792 ; md. Lois Gibson of Ashby. v. Desire, b. May 9, 1794. VI. Gertrude, b. Dec. 22, 1796 ; md. Moses Gushing, q. V. VII. David^h. Nov. 22, 1798. Tin. Flint, b. Sept 20, 1801. IX. Mary Graves, b. Oct. 7, 1804. Haetford Potter, son of Bennett Potter, was b. in Walpole, N. H., Dec. 21, 1811. He md. Nov. 14, 1837, Thurza M. Marvin; md. (2d) May 7, 1865, Abigail (Stone) Whitney, widow of Stephen P. Whitney. He resided in Templeton several years, and removed to this town in 1866. He owns and occupies the Perley Howe farm, near South Village. I. Henry M., b. Aug. 26, 1838 ; he is a merchant in Newark, N. J. II. Hester A. E., b. June 17, 1844 ; md. William H. White of Grafton. III. Frederick B., b. Feb. 20, 1849; md. Sept. 28, 1869, Ellen S. Winship (Munroe 15) ; he d. Oct. 27, 1869. IT. Florence M., b. June 24, 1866. PRATT. EpHKAiM Pratt la found in Shrewsbury as early as 1724. Concerning the date of his birth and consequently of his age at his decease there has been a difference of opinion. It is claimed with a reasonable measure of 854 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. assurance that he was a son of Ephraim and Elizabeth Pratt of Sudbury and a grandson of Joshua Pratt, b. in England 1598, and of Plymouth 1628, and that he was b. in Sudbury Nov. 30, 1704. In other accoants it has been asserted that he was b. Nov. 13, 1687. He d. in Shutesbury in May, 1804. His age consequently was 99 years and 6 months, or 116 years and 6 months. He. md. July 9, 1724, Martha Wheelock, b. 1698, dau. of Samuel and Lydia Wheelock of Marlboro', and later of Shrewsbury. Among their eight children was Ephraim Pratt, Jr., b. Feb. 7, 1728. He md. in Shrewsbury Oct. 10, 1752, Abiah Leiand. About 1774 he removed to Westminster and, subsequently, at the incorporation of Gardner, his house was included within the limits of that town, and the farm was divided by the town line. He d. July 23, 1815; his wife d. Oct. 25, 1813. Their nine children were b. in Shrewsbury. Of these the youngest was Aaron Pratt, b. Feb. 12, 1771. He md. Betsey Warren and resided in Gardner where his eight children were b. and where he d. July 15, 1812; his widow d. Sept. 3, 1831. William Pratt, son of Aaron and Betsey (Warren) Pratt, resided some years in this town. John Pratt, brother of William, b. in Gardner Aug. 2, 1804, md. Feb. 28, 1840, Eliza French, dau. of Joel French, q, v. He resided a short time in Marlboro', N. H., where he was an innholder. Subsequently he removed to Weathersfield, Vt, and was there a prominent citizen. He d. ; his wife d. Feb. 28, 1840. Capt. Charles H. Pratt, who md. a daughter of George G. Samson, is a son of Russell Pratt of Westminster, a younger son of Aaron and Betsey (Warren) Pratt. 10 William Peatt, b. in Gardner Jan. 2, 1811, son of Aaron and Betsey (Warren) Pratt, md. Sarah Mat- thews and removed to this town about 1844. He d. Nov. 30, 1850 ; his wife d. Oct. 15, 1850. I. Aaron, b. 1831 ; md. 1857, Mary W. Morton, dau. of John D. Morton, g. v. He d. June 19, 1867. II. Otis, b. ; md. 1855, Mary E. Bixby, dau. of Joel R. Bixby, q. v. ; d. May 9, 1880. III. Sarah, b. March 23, 1836 ; d. Sept. 3, 1850. IV. Joel, b. ; md.-Abbie Brooks of Westminster; lives in Leominster. V. William,h. 1843 ; md. Jan. 3, 1864, Julia Newell of Springfield ; lives in Gardner. VI. Eliza, b. Nov. 8, 1845 ; md. 1867, Benjamin Brown of Gardner. VII. Walter, h. Feb. 28, 1846 ; md. 1871, Anna Wright of Gardner ; lives in Gardner. John M. Pratt, son of John and Eliza (French) Pratt, was b. in Weathersfield, Vt., Dec. 1, 1828. He md. Sept. 15, 1854, Sarah F. Ward, dau. of Silas Ward, q. v., and has resided since his marriage in the South Village, where he has been engaged in the manufacture of baskets. He has been a Selectman and Overseer of the Poor sev- eral years. I. Herbert A., b. March 28, 1867. 10 11 12 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 855 Clarence M. Peoctor, son of William and Betsey (Thompson) Proctor, was b.in Andover, N. H., Oct. 23, 1816. He removed to tbis town in 1840 and was an officer in the Ashburnham Light Infantry. He md. Nov. 9, 1842, Mary S. Dexter who d. ; md. (2d) June 6, 1855, Armina A. Proctor of Franklin, N. H. I. Clarence D., b. Aug. 27, 1843; md. Nov. 25, 1869, Hattie A. Sylvester, b. Dec. 26, 1843; d. Sept. 10, 1875. He is a farmer in this town. 11. Murray W.. b. Dec. 31, 1845; d. Aug. 7, 1847. III. Evely7i M., b. July 30. 1848 ; d. June 12, 1877. IV. Betsey J., b. Dec. 12, 1851 ; d. Aug. 26, 1853. Reuben Puffer, son of Jacob and Hannah (Haynes) Puffer, was b. in Ashby Aug. 14, 1810. He has resided in this town with little interruption during the past fifty years. He is a contractor and builder and is engaged in the manufacture of sash and blinds. He md. Nov. 27, 1834, Martha Piper who d. Nov. 13, 1848 ; he md. (2d) June 2, 1849, Esther Aldrich ; she d. Dec. 6, 1883. I. Charles Henry, b. Jan. 1, 1836; md. 1855, Lois I. Goodwin, dau. of Matthew E. Goodwin, q. v. He was a veteran of the 21st Regiment ; died in the service May 1, 1864; she md. (2d) Alvaro Foster. II. George F., b. March 24, 1838; md. Feb. 22, 1864, Lois M. Burgess, dau. of Ivers Burgess, q. V. He was aveteran of the 21st Regiment; he d. in Lynn Oct 22, 1866. HI. Eugene A., b. Jan. 26, 1840; md. May 14, 1868, Mary A. Dalrymple, b. in Gardner March 8, 1844, dau. of John Dalrymple. He served in the 21st Regiment and was discharged on account of wounds March 27, 1863. IV. Helen M., b. May 17, 1842 ; md. George E. Davis, son of George Davis, g. v. V. Sarah E., b. July 25, 1844 ; ind. Orlando Vaughn of Fitchburg. VI. Ahbie M., b. April 26, 1846 ; d. unmd. Sept. 3, 1882. VII. Reuben A., b. Sept. 11, 1851 ; md. Sarah Shep- herd ; resides in Worcester. VIII. Martha A., b. April 24, 1854; md. J. Quincy Willard, son of Merrick Willard, q. o. IX. FranMinE., b.' Sept. 25, 1857; d. Sept. 2, 1858. X. Lillie F., b. June 9, 1861 ; d. Sept. 14, 1862. XI. Walter 0., b. June 11, 1865. 856 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. PUTNAM. The lineage of John, Nathan and Capt. Daniel Putnam, once residents of this town, has not been traced. They were brothers and sons of John Put- nam of Danvers and Framingham. Salmon W. Putnam, No. 7 in the follow- ing register, was of the seventli generation of his family in America. The emigrant ancestor was John Putnam from Aston Abbott, near Aylesbury, in the county of Bucks, England. With wife Priscilla and sons, Thomas, Nathaniel and John, he settled in Salem 1634. John, the father, d. Dec. 30, 1662. Thomas, the eldest son, b. in England probably in 1610, resided a few years in Lynn, but returned to Salem where he d. May 5, 1686. He md. Oct. 17, 1643, Ann Holyoke, dau. of Edward Holyoke; md. (2d) the widow of Nathaniel Veren. Joseph Putnam, a son of the second marriage, was the father of Gen. Israel Putnam. Dea. Edward Putnam, a son of the first wife, b. 1654, md. June 4, 1681, Mary Holten and resided in a part of Salem now in Danvers. He d. 1747. Elisha Putnam, son of Dea. Edward, b. Not. 3, 1685, md. Susannah Fuller, dau. of Jonathan Fuller of Danvers and removed to Sutton where he d. 1745 ; liis widow md. (2d) Capt. John Sadler of Upton. Of the children of Elisha and Susanna (Fuller) Putnam, were Col. Rufus Putnam of Revolutionary fame and John Putnam who was b. in Sutton. John Putnam md. iu JIaiiboro' 1771, Molly Baker, b. in Marlboro' Aug. 20, 1747, dau. of Robert Baker. la 1775 they removed to Ashburnham and his name is on the roll of Capt. Davis company of minute-men. He was here in 1779 but removed soon after that date to Chester, Vt. I. Jesse, b. July 31, 1772. II. Robert, b. June 2"), 1774. III. Infant, b. 1776 ; d. Oct. o, 1778. Nathan Putnam, a brother of John and Capt. Daniel, was here while John remained. The name of his wife was Dorothj'. He removed to Stow. I. Daniel, liap. July 16, 1775 ; II. Dolly, bap. May 18, 1777. d. Sept. 23, 1777. Capt. Daniel Putnam, b. in Sudbury Sept. 25, 1755, son of John Putnam, came to Ashburnham in 1774 or 1775. He served one enlistment in Capt. Sawyer's company iu Col. Dike's regiment in 1776, and possibly rendered other service. After the war he was a captain of the militia and a prominent man in business affairs. He bought and sold land in this and the surrounding towns, and his familiar name appears frequently in the records of his time. He md. 31arch 18, 1777, Elizabeth Locke, dau. of John Locke or Overlack, q. v. ; she d. Aug. 8, 1776 ; he md. (2d) Nov. 2!), 1787, Kezia Pollard, dau. of William Pollard, q. v. In 1798 he removed to Wincheudon, and in 181(1 to Windham, Vt., where he d. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 857- 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Oct. 21, 1819. So far as known there were seventeen children but no record has been found. Levi, the third of the five children of the first wife, d. June 3, 1796, and Elizabeth d. in infancy. The names of the children were : John, who resided in Williamstown, Daniel, Levi, Jacob, Elizabeth, A^"illiam, Silas, Jonas, Abel, Mary, Josephine, Laura, Myra, Pliny, Elmira, Resina and Aurilla. Saljion W. Putnam, son of John and JMary (Hodgs- kins) Putnam, was b. in Hopkinton Dec. 10, 1815. He came to Ashburnham early in 1837 and for a short time, in connection with his elder brother John Putnam, was- engaged in business at Factory Village. Subsequently he lived in Eitchburg. In the establishment of the Putnam Machine Co., in the conduct of an extensive business, his life and labors fill an eventful and an inter- esting page in the annals of a prosperous city. He- occupied with credit many positions of trust, was a dii-ector in several monetary institutions and thoroughly identified with the growth and prosperity of the town and the city of Fitchburg. He md. March 10, 1840, Harriet J. Whitney, dau. of Ohio Whitney, q. v. He d. Feb. 23, 1872. Nine children. The sons have succeeded to the general management of the corporation and have frequently been elected to positions in municipal affairs. I. Henry 0., b. Jan. 4, 1841 ; md. Sept. 29, 18:)9, Sarah A. Smith. II. Salmon W., h. Oct. 15, 1843 ; md. Jan. 22, 1873, Emma J. Park. III. Charles F., b. Aug. 5, 1845; md. Oct. 16, 1872, Coralie J. Lawrence ; she d. July 5, 1881. IV. Harriet E., b. May 5, 1848; md. Oct. 18, 1871,, Loring Sears. V. William D., b. Sept. 20, 1851 ; d. Aug. 19, 1852. VI. George E., b. Oct. 14, 1854; an attorney and counsellor-at-law ; unmd. VII. Laicra J., b. Sept. 4, 1856 ; md. March 30, 1880,, Rev. S. J. Stewart ; she resides in Fitchburg. VIII. Mary Adelaide I.,}}. Oct. 8, 1858; md. Oct. 12^ 1882, Edward S. Crocker. IX. Marion M., b. Nov. 15, 1861. RANDALL. Several families of Randall were among the early settlers of New England. Many problems concerning the relationship of persons whose general history is known, and the line of separation between distinct families remain to be solved. It is, however, more than probable that the Randalls of Stow 858 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. were deacendants of widow Elizabeth Randall who d. in Watertown Dec. 24, 1672, aged 80. It is certain that Stephen Randall of Ashburnham was of the Stow family. One Stephen Randall was rated in Stow 1688, and it is claimed that he had sons Stephen, Samuel, John and Abraham. It is clear that as yet the Stephen Randall of Ashburnham has not been named. The traditions of the Ashburnham family assert that Stephen of Ashburnham was the son of Stephen and grandson of the Stephen who was rated 1688. In support of the tradition the record of birth is not found, but between 1734 and 1750 seven children of Samuel and Priseilla Randall were b. in Stow. Of these the eldest was Stephen Randall, b. Jan. 31, 1734, and until new discoreries present a denial, the assumption may be regarded with con- siderable assurance that it is this Stephen Randall whose record is continued in the following register. Stephen RanD/VLI,, tlieu a resident of Stow, md. 1757, Lydia Patch. The intentions were recorded Aug. 1, but no record of the marriage has been found. She d. leaving one daughter, whose descendants are numerous. He md. (2d) in Harvard, but himself a resident of Stow, May 13, 17(i2, Sarah Fairbanks, b. in Harvard Oct. 27, 1742, dau. of Dea. Phinehas and Sarah Fairbanks and a grand- dau. of Dea. Joseph Fairbanks, q. v. She was a sister to the wife of Daniel Knighf, q. v. About 1772 he removed from Stow to Harvard, and in 1780 he removed to this town. He was a substantial citizen and by occu- pation a farmer. In 1781 he was chosen tithingman which asserts a propriety of deportment and a dignity of manner. In 1782 he was chosen sexton, and by annual election was continued in that solemn office until 1799. In 1808 he removed to Williston, Vt., where he d. April, LS28 ; Sarah, his wife, d. May 1, 1828. Five children were born in Stow, three in Harvard and three in Ashburnham. I. Eunice, b. 17.'>!) ; md. March 1, 1781, Levi Harvard 1755, son of Capt. Fairbanks, b. in Joseph and Abigail (Hodgman) Fairbanks, and a brother of Cyrus Fairbanks of Ashburnham. He settled in Westminster and after 1785 lived in Gardner, where he d. 1845. She d. 1851. Eight children and a numerous posterity. Phebe Fairbanks, who md. John Wilker, was a granddau. II. Stephen, b. June 20, 1763. + III. PhineJias, b. April 21, 1765. -f- IV. Ephraim, b. , 1767. -[- V. David, b. Jan. 19, 1771 ; d. March 18, 1776. VI. Sarah, b. March 7, 1773 ; d. May 21, 1776. VII. Lydia, b. Oct. 2, 1775 ; md. Nehemiah Hobart, q. V. VIII. Sarah, b. Dee. 23, 1778. 10 11 12 (3) 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 (4) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 859 IX. David, b. April 22, 17 July 12, 1820, Charlotte Stearns, dau. of William Stearns, q. V. He served in the War of 1812 and subsequently was commander of the Ashburnham Light Infantry. In 1837 he removed to Fitchburg and later to Lunenburg, where he d. ; his wife d. 1849. I. George Proctor, b. April 4, 1816 ; md. 1840, Clarissa Angell ; removed to Vermont. 11. Charles Stearns, b. Oct. 18, 1824 ; md. Catherine L. Brown of Westminster ; removed to West- minster. Joseph Rice md. Feb. 26, 1818, Susan Balcom and re- sided near Factory Village. He was an officer several years of the Ashburnham Light Infantry, and was an active, substantial citizen. He d. Aug. 6, 1844 ; she md. (2d) William Wiswell of Westminster; md. (3d) Abet Bennett; she d. Dec. 2, 1883. 1. Susan Allen, b. Jan. 23, 1818 ; d. unmd. Sept. 1, 1841. II. Joseph Parker, b. March 10, 1821. + III. Edwin, b. Sept. 22, 1825 ; d. Dec. 8, 1825. IV. Martin, b. July 28, 1828 ; d. March 18, 1832. V. MiricJc, b. Sept. 10, 1831 ; d. Aug. 20, 1833. VI. Oran S., b. Sept. 25, 1833 ; md. Nov. 12, 1868, EmmaF. Pratt; md. (2d) Oct. 9, 1876, Ella J. Stowell, dau. of Otis W. Stowell, q. v. He resides at Fitchburg. Four children. VII. Theodore, b. Jan. 5, 1841 ; d. in Westminster Dec. 13, 1860. Amos Rice md. Sept. 24, 1834, Eunice Robbins, dau. of Jonas Robbins, q. v. He resided in this town until 1833, when he removed to Cambridge where he d. April 4, 1841. I. Hervey Johnson, b. June 17, 1826 ; md. Susan A. Phil ton. II. Lucy Jane, b. April 6, 1830 ; md. Thaddeus P. Irish of Gorham, Me. Zebulon Rice md. June 1, 1826, Susan W. Whiting. He was a farmer in this town where his wife d. Feb. 19, 1871. He subsequently removed to Maiden. 55 66 (47) 57 58 59 €0 ■61 62 •63 M 65 66 GENEALOGICAL KEGISTER. 869 I. David Zebulon, b. July 10, 1831 ; d. July 6, 1832. II. Susan E., b. Aug. 7, 1833 ; d. young. Col. Joseph P. Rice, whose name is embalmed in the memories of Ashburnham, was a useful and influential citizen as well as a brave soldier and an able commander. In Chap. XX, reference is made to his military service. He grew up among the inhabitants of this town and was the recipient of an unusual measure of their confidence and respect. He was frank, manly and self-reliant, and for these qualities he was esteemed and trusted by his associates. He was frequent!}' chosen to office and was the last member of the Legislature from this town while Ashburnham remained an independent representative dis- trict. He md. May, 1848, Laura J. Holton who d. Oct. 8, 1853 ; md. (2d) June, 1857, Emma M. Garnett. He d. Sept. 1, 1862. I. Emma Josephine, b. Nov. 7, 1858 ; d. Aug. 3, 1859. II. Frederic William, b. Sept. 27, 1860. III. Joseph JSfewburn, b. March 14, 1862. Eliakim Rice, a brother of Jonas and Reuben Rice, was b. in Lancaster 1756. After serving in the Revolu- tionarj' army he removed to this town about 1780. Vide page 181. He md. Hannah Kendall and resided in this town a few years, and two of his eight children were b. and bap. here. About 1785 he removed to Hartland, Vt. I. John, bap. July 23, 1780. II. Sarah, bap. May 26, 1782. Phinehas Rice, lineage not traced ; resided several years on the Winchendon road. There is no record of his family. Jonah Rice, perhaps a brother of Phinehas Rice, occu- pied the same farm. Jonah Rice md. in Marlboro' April 8, 1789, Molly Hoit, and removed to this town in 1790. In 1819 he removed to Otisco, N. Y. The oldest child was b. in Marlboro' and eight in this town. He d. 1833 ; his widow d. 1858. I. Mary, b. Sept. 23, 1789 ; md. Caleb Ward, Jr., q. V. 11. William, b. June 7, 1791. 870 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 m. Thomas, b. Jan. 28, 1794 ; md. 1817, Mary Bow- man, dau. of John Bowman, q. v. IV. Lucxf, b. Jan. 8, 1796. V. Levi, b. July 27, 1799 ; md. Jan. 30, 1822, Cath- erine K. Eeed. VI. John, b. July 7, 1801. VII. Stephen, b. ; d. Oct. 20, 1805, aged 2 years. VIII. Maria, bap. 1811. IX. Luther, bap. 1815. Emery Eice, b. Jan. 1, 1803, md. Nov. 26, 1827, Laura O. Fairbanks, eldest dau. of Jacob Fairbanks, q. v. They resided in this town until about 1855, when thej removed to Lebanon, N. H., where he d. Feb. 22, 1873. While a resident of this town he was a popular officer of the Ashburnham Light Infantry. I. Emery EzeMel, b. Aug.' 19, 1828. II. George Horatio, b. Feb. 18, 1830. in. Lucius Edwin, b. May 2, 1832. IV. Laura Ann, b. Oct. 14, 1834; d. May 28, 1838. V. Waldo, b. Oct. 8, 1837 ; d. May 14, 1838. VI. Marion Ardelia, b. April 13, 1839. VII. Laura Ann, b. March 7, 1842. John Eich, by tradition a German, was a man of influence, and while he remained in this town he was prominent in public affairs. He was one of the first board of selectmen chosen in Ashburnham and was often elected to other positions. He resided in the northeast part of the town, and in 1766, he was a leading spirit in an elfort to secure the incorporation of Ashby. The general measure was successful, but the boundary as established left him in this town. About 1776 he removed to Haverhill, N. H. The name of his wife was Catherine. I. Mary, b. Dec. 28, 17.54. II. Elizabeth, b. Feb. 28, 1756 ; md. Samuel Stone, q. V. III. John, b. Dec. 23, 1760. IV. Henry, b. June 27, 1764. V. Daniel,}}. Dec. 19, 1766. VI. Jacob, b. March 13, 1770. vii. Abraham, b. Dec. 22, 1772. VIII. Catherine, bap. April 10, 1774. An infant, perhaps Abraham, d. May 17, 1773. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 871 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10 11 12 Jonas Richardson, from Shrewsbury, in 1781 settled in the southwest part of the town. Four years later he was included in the town of Gardner. He. md. Mary Bailey; md. (2d) about 1798, L^dia Woodbury. He d. 1815, aged 72. I. Azuhah, b. Sept. 5, 1772 ; md. Benjamin Peiree. II. Ahel, b. Feb. 26, 1774 ; md. Sarah Lincoln. III. Mary, b. July 27, 1775 ; md. Benjamin Hill. IV. Elizabeth, b. July 12, 1777 ; md. Jonathan Currier ; resided in Gardner and Methuen. V. Persis, b. Oct. 31, 1778. VI. Catherine, b. P'eb. 11, 1780. VII. Jonas, b. March 12, 1782 ; md Abigail Currier. VIII. Asa, b. Feb. 6, 1784; md. Elizabeth Glazier. IX. Nathan, b. July 26, 1785; md. Sophia Boutelle. X. Levi, b. April 4, 1801 ; md. Lovisa Pratt. Jonas Bobbins, then of Westminster, md. Nov. 26, 1801, Eunice Metcalf, dau. of Joseph Metcalf, q. v. In 1807 he removed to this town and occupied a small farm in the ninth school district. He manufactured and sold wooden noggins as they were called, and unlike the noggin of England, the capacity was more than a gill. In 1834 the family removed to To wnsend. Three children b. in Westminster and four in this town. I. Eunice, b. — II. Jonas, b. — III. Hannah, b. • ; md. Amos Eice, q. v. IV. Betsey H., b. May 11, 1808. V. Asa, b. March 29, 1810 ; resided in Groton. VI. Nathan, b. May 25, 1812. VII. Lucy, b. April 30, 1822. Jeeejiiah Bobbins, of Sudbury, md. Eunice (Dudley) Baker, widow of Araos Baker, and removed to this town about 1820. She d. Sept. 9, 1830; he md. (2d) Oct. 2, 1831, Ruth (Winter) Broughton, widow of William Broughton, q. v. Subsequently he was insane and d. in Sudbury. I. Rebecca, b. May 17, 1820. II. Sarah, b. March 16, 1822; resides unmd. in Manchester, N. H. III. Ruth, b. July 21, 1824. ROCKWOOD. EiCHAKD RocKwooD, probably from Weymouth, Dorsetshire, England, was a planter in Dorchester 1636. He md. Agnes Blcknell, widow oJE 872 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Zachary Bicknell. She d. in Braintree July 9, 1643. He md. (.'d) Ann , who d. 1664. He d. 1660. There is record of two sons. Of these, Nicholas first located in Braintree and later was an early inhabitant and proprietor of Medfield. He was admitted freeman May 23, 1666. He md. .Jane Adams, who d. Dec. 15, 1654; he md. (2d) July 16, 1656, Margaret Holbrook, who d. April 23, 1670; md. (3d) Silence , who d. Nov. 9, 1677. He d. Jan. 26, 1680. Dea. Nathaniel Rockwood, son of Nicholas and Margaret (Holbrook) Rockwood, b. in Medfield Dec. 23, 1665, lived in Wrentham. He was there a deacon and a prominent citizen. He md. Dec. 7, 1698, Joanna Ellis, h. Jan. 17, 1677, dau. of Thomas and Mary (Wight) Ellis of Medfield. He d. Sept. 24, 1721. Elisha Rockwood, youngest of the ten children of Dea. Nathaniel Rockwood, was b. June 11, 1716. He md. Aug. 18, 1738, Elizabeth Adams, b. Sept. 4, 1719, dau. of James and Abigail (Hill) Adams of Sherborn. He was a clothier and settled in Groton, where he d. Dec. 5, 1788; his widow d. May 16, 1799. The fourth of their thirteen children was Joseph Rockwood, b. in Groton June 13, 1744. He md. Jan. 30, 1766, Sarah Richardson. He was a farmer in Groton, where he d. 1816. Joseph Rockwood, eldest child of Joseph and Sarah (Richardson) Rock- wood, was b. in Groton Dec. 17, 1766. He md. Oct. 25, 1789, Lucy Fletcher, b. Feb. 12, 1771, dau. of Capt. Pelatiah and Dorothy (Hildreth) Fletcher of WfStford, and a sister of Pelatiah Fletcher of Ashburnham. He d. Oct. 2, 1806, leaving seven children. Among these was George Rockwood of Ashburnham. George Rockwood, son of Joseph, Jr., and Sarah (Fletcher) Rockwood, was b. in Groton Dec. 13, 1797. He md. May 1, 1823, Anna B. Stickney, b. in Townsend May 7. 1803, dau. of Joseph and Abigail (Jewett) Stick- ney. They removed to Ashburnham 1832. He was a merchant and a manufacturer of tubs and pails, and for man}' years he occupied a prominent position among the businessmen of Ashburnham. Mr. Rockwood was a man of superior abilitj', a good citizen and an active and tena- cious supporter of the reforms of his time. He was a liberal contributor to the First Parish and for many j'ears one of the most active and loyal members of the Society. In his business he wa-s laborious, exact and honest and in his daily life he was kind to his associates and responsive to every demand of duty. He d. Dec. 20, 1864 ; his widow d. Jan. 1, 1870. I. George G., b. Nov. 21, 1826. -|- II. Charles F., b. Aug. 10, 1829.4- iii. Henry, b. March 4, 1832; md. Feb. 23, 1856, Laura A. Clifford, b. Jan. 15, 1835, dau. of Joseph and Clarissa Clifford of Gilmanton, N. H. Resides at South Weymouth. Three of their five children are living. IV. S. Augustus, b. Sept. 21, 1837; md. Lois E. Stickney, b. Feb. 7, 1845, dau. of Alvah and Rebecca W. (Spaulding) Stickney of Townsend. He was orderly sergeant Co. F, 25th Massa- <2) 9 10 11 12 13 (3) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. _873 chusetts Regiment. Near the close of three years' service he lost his right arm. Subse- quently he was a teacher in Comer's Commercial College and a merchant at South Weymouth. He d. in Ashburnham Sept. 21, 1873. V. Abbie J., b. Dec. 20, 1839; md. May 19, 1864, Lieut. Charles H. Parker, b. in Providence, E. I., March 22, 1839, son of Ira and Maria D. (Haskell) Parker. Fide page 445. They reside in Cambridge. VI. .1. Theresa, b. June 21, 1842; md. Charles T. Litch, q. V. VII. Joseph Albert, b. Aug. 15, 1846 ; md. May 1, 1870, Lura M. Davis, dau. of Joel Davis of Fitchburg. He d. Oct. 26, 1871 ; she d. Jan. 12, 1877. One child. George G. Rockvfood for many years has been town treasurer and has frequently been elected to other posi- tions of trust. He is engaged in the manufacture of tubs and pails, and has successfully conducted the business over twenty years. He md. May 11, 1848, Sarah J. Adams, dau. of Walter Russell Adams, q. v. They reside on Main street in Central Village. I. Herbert A., b. June 18, 1850; d. Sept. 21, 1851. II. Herbert F., b. Sept. 5, 1853; md. Jan. 4, 1883, Ellen Louisa Converse, b. in Winchendon Aug. 27, 1862, dau. of George W. and Ellen (Knapp) Converse. He is a commercial agent with May, Nash & Winslow, Boston. III. Willis H., b. June 26, 1856 ; d. Aug. 11, 1857. IV. Ellen A., b. Oct. 27, 1858 ; d. Nov. 18, 1862. V. George W., b. May 30, 1864 ; he is a book-keeper in the office of his father. 14 Charles F. Rockwood resided in this town until 1875, and was a clerk and accountant with the Winchesters. He was often chosen to office and was selectman, asses- sor and school committee several years. He resides in Fitchburg and is Register of Deeds of the Worcester Northern District. He md. April 13, 1854, Martha A. Baker, eldest dau. of Jesse and Sophia Baker of Lunen- burg. Five children were b. in this town. I. Franlc P., b. June 29, 1856 ; md. June, 1886, Clara B. Townsend ; resides in Fitchburg. 874 HISTORY OF ASHBURNIIAM. 15 16 17 18 II. Emma B., b. Aug. 20, 1858 ; md. Charles H. Whitney, q. v. III. Mary S., b. March 5, 1862; mri. Sept, 29, 1885, Albert L. Pratt ; reside in Fitchburg. IV. Fred C, b. Feb. 23, 1866. V. Charles A., b. July 13, 1870. Simon Rodamel, with wife Elizabeth and two children, came with the German colony and settled on Lexington grant in 1758. He was admitted to the church on letter of recommendation from a church in Germany. He was a man of good character, yet retaining his national char- acteristics he mingled less with the people and was more reserved in his manner than his German associates. The name appears in the record in several forms, but later it has generally been written Rodimon and sometimes Dimon. He'd. Oct. 23, 1813, aged 93 ; his wife d. July 10, 1794. I. Mary, b. Nov. 5, 1752 ; md. Jan. 3, 1783, Henry Stevens of Claremont, N. H. II. jddam, b. March 19, 1754 ; a Revolutionary soldier. Vide Chapter V. He resided in this town until near the close of the century. III. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 23, 1758 ; md. Nicholas White- man, q. V. IV. Jacob, b. June 3, 1760 ; served two enlistments in the Revolution. At the close of the war he re- moved to Claremont, N. H. V. Simon, h. June 30, 1763 ; was in Capt. Edgell's company 1778 and was a six months' recruit 1780. He lived in this town several years when he removed to Piermont, N. H. Ezra C. Rodi- mon, who has resided in this town several years, is a grandson. VI. Peter, b. Dec. 17, 1765. He was less than five feet in stature, but followed the example of his brothers and joined the army, enlisting in 1781 for three years. After the war he was in this town several years and removed, says tradition, " to the lower towns." VII. Catherine, bap. 1770. RUSSELL. If not among the earlier settlers of Ashburnham, the Russell families have been numerous. They are closely allied and are descendants of Joseph Russell, b. Aug. 25, 1703. The emigrant ancestor was William Russell, b. in England 1570. With wife Martha and son Joseph he came to Cambridge about 1640. He was a millwright and carpenter. He. d., learing ten GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 875 children, Eeb. 14, 1661. Joseph Russell, his son, b. in England 1636, md. June 23, 1662, Mary Belcher, dau. of Jeremiah Belcher of Ipswich. He was a carpenter and resided in Menotomy, where he d. 1694 ; his wife d. June 24, 1691. Of their ten children Walter Russell, b. April 30, 1676, md. May 17, 1699, Mary Patten, b. July 24, 1679, dau. of Nathaniel and Sarah (Cooper) Patten; she d. leaving a son Joseph, and he md. (2d) April 3, 1706, Elizabeth "Winship, b. June 1, 1686, dau. of Edward and Rebecca (Barsham) Winship by whom he had ten children. He d. in Menotomy March 30, 1748 ; his widow d. April 14, 1750. Joseph Russell, b. Aug. 25, 1703, son of Walter and Mary (Patten) Russell, md. Oct. 9, 1724, Mary Robbins, bap. July 27, 1701, dau. of Nathaniel and Hannah Robbins. He was a school-teacher and later a farmer, and resided on the main road to Menotomy. In 1736 he remored to the west part of Charlestown, now Somerville. He d. Nov. 13, 1776; his widow d. Dec. 28, 1781. On the farm where he d. Gov. Isaac Hill and also his mother were born. Of the children of Juseph and Hannah (Robbins) Russell the descendants of Walter and Philemon have resided in Ashburnham. Walter Russell, b. Jan. 24, 1737, md. Dec. 14, 1758, Mary Wyman, b. March 9, 1757, dau. of David Wyman of Woburn; she d., s. p., Dec. 1, 1760; he md. (2d) Dec. 17, 1761, Hannah Adams, b. April 13, 1743, a dau. of Capt. Thomas and a sister of John Adams, the centenarian. He d. at Menotomy, on the Charlestown side of the river. May 5, 1782. His widow md. (2d) Enos Jones, q. v. Of their children Hannah Russell, b. Feb. 8, 1772, md. Isaac Hill and removed to Ashburnham. Thomas, b. June 9, 1767, removed to Ashburnham and is No. 1 in the following register. Philemon Russell, b. Aug. 1, 1740, son of Joseph and Mary (Robbins) Russell, md. June 28, 1764, Elizabeth Wyman, b. March 6, 1740, dau. of David Wyman of Woburn. He d. in Menotomy May 31, 1797 ; his widow d. Oct. 22, 1825. This is the first instance of the name Philemon in the Ru>sell family ; the name occurred earlier in the Robbins family. Among the children of Philemon Russell was David Russell who is No. 25 in the register. Thomas Rx'ssell, b. June 9, 171)7, son of Walter and Hannah (Adams) Rnssell, md. Nov. "25, 1788, Margaret Adams, b. Nov. 12, 1769, dau. of William and Sarah (Hill) Adams. He came to Ashburnham in 1787 and settled on Russell hill, on the farm more recently owned by Ward Russell. Hed. Aug. 19, 1823 ; shed. Aug. 12, 18.54. I. Peggy, b. April 19, 1789 ; md. Ebenezer Adams, q. V. ; md. (2d) Asa Woods, q. v. II. TJiomas, b. Oct. 23, 1791. + III. James, b. Dec. 30, 1793; md. Nov. 6, 1825, Martha M. W. Locke, b. Jan. 19, 1803, dau. of Daniel aud Mary Williams Locke of West Cam- bridge. He lived in West Cambridge, now Arlington, where he d. Nov. 2.s, 1859. iv. Walter, b. June 29, 1796. + V. Sarah A., b. ]March 15, 1799; md. Ephraim Cutter ; md. (2d) Joseph Harris, q. v. VI. Susan A., b. Dec. 19, 1«01 ; md. Dec. 3, 1818, Peter Tufts, b. Sept. 3, 1798. VII. Charles, b. Sept 10, 1804 ; md. Nov. 4, 1829, Sarah Phillips, dau. of Samuel Phillips, q. v. ; she d. Jan. 31, 1838; md. (2d) 18:'. 7, Harriet Farrar 876 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. (3) 10 11 12 13 14 15 (5) 16 17 18 19 20 of Fitchburg, who d. Jan. 21, 1885. He was a carpenter in Fitchburg ; d. June 23, 1865. VIII. Mary Adams, b. Jan. 21, 1811 ; md. Oct. 17, 1829, Ward Russell, son of David Russell, g. v. Thomas Russell md. Nov. 28, 1816, Hepsibah Adams, dau. of Ebenezer Thomas Adams, q. v. He was a farmer on the Isaac Hill farm and also engaged in the morocco business. He d. Ma.y 7, 1838. I. Hepsey Adams, b. Oct. 17, 1817; md. John Goodale ; reside in Cambridge. II. Emily Maria, b. Sept. 20, 1819 ; md. Alonzo P. Davis, q. v. III. Sarah Eliza, b. March 25, 1822 ; md. Abel S. Wood, b. July 17, 1815, son of Aaron Wood of Gardner ; she d. Nov. 8, 1841). IV. Lydia Loenza, b. Sept. 8, 1828 ; d. June 27, 1848. V. Mary Jane, b. June 21, 1831 ; d. July 20, 1831. VI. Marcus Thomas, b. Sept. 29, 1833 ; md. Dec. 29, 1859, Clara Gee, b. Dec. 7, 1835, dau. of Stephen and Marinda Gee. He is a farmer on the Ariel Cummings farm. Waltee Russell in youth was an apprentice to Gov. Isaac Hill ; returning to Ashburnham he was a farmer on Russell hill, and was successfully engaged in the morocco business. He md. July 4, 1820, Alona Lawrence, dau. of Moses Lawrence, q. v. She d. Oct. 15, 1844 ; he md. (2d) May 1, 1845, Rebecca (Green) Shattuck, dau. of Solomon Green, g. v. ; he d. May 5, 1856 ; she md. (3d) Hosea Green, q. v. I. Jane Alona, b. June 10, 1821 ; md. Thomas R. Adams, sou of Ebenezer Adams, g. v. II. Franklin, b. Oct. 12, 1822 ; md. 1845, Sarah G. Jefts, she d. Oct. 8, 1860 ; md. (2d) Nov. 12, 1861, Mary Brown, dau. of Jacob Brown of Walpole, N. H. He is a morocco dresser ; was formerly engaged in business in this town, where he was a prominent citizen. He is now engaged in business in Norwood. III. Sarah Ann, b. July 29, 1824 ; md. Samuel V. Whitney, q. v. IV. Dexter, b. Oct. 22, 182(; ; md. Augusta E. Sawtell, dau. of Asa Sawtell. He d. July 8, 1861. She resides in Minneapolis, Minn. V. Emma, b. Dec. 3, 1829 ; d. unmd. Nov. 27, 1851. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 (26) 32 33 (28) GENEALOGICAL REGISTEB. 877 VI. Harriet Lucretia, b. April 3, 1833 ; md. Leonard W. Sawtell, q. v. VII. Malvina, b. . VIII. Oharles, b. 1844 ; d. Aug. 21, 1846. David Russell, b. 1767, son of Philemon and Eliza- beth (Wyman) Russell, was a first cousin of the elder Thomas Russell of Ashburnham. He md. Aug. 11, 1793, Lydia Green, b. Sept. 16, 1768, dau. of Benjamin and Martha (Brown) Green of Watertown. He resided in Watertown several years, and removed to this town in 1798. He lived where Edwin Hayward now resides and was a farmer and an innholder. Subsequently he removed to Russell hill. He d. Nov. 19, 1847; his wifed. Jan. 6, 1841. I. Benjamin Green, b. March 11, 1794; md. Eliza- beth Greenleaf; md. (2d) Eliza Batchelder, lived in Boston. He d. in this town April 12, 1833. II. David Wyman, b. Sept. 13, 1795. + III. Lydia, b. May 7, 1797 ; d. April 24, 1815. IV. Philemon, b. Feb. 20, 1799. -f V. Ward, b. May 5, 1801. + VI. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 30, 1802 ; md. Dec. 29, 1825, Richard W. Houghton, b. in Ashby Jan. 19, 1802, son of Elijah and Sarah Houghton. They resided in Lane Village, where he d. Sept. 22, 1846 ; she md. (2d) Jonas Lawrence, q. v. vn. Henry, b. Aug. 6, 1806 ; md. Calista Kidder ; removed to Oregon. David W. Russell md. 1826, Mary Cummings of New Ipswich; she d. July 4, 1859; he md. (2d) Nov. 25, 1860, Eunice (Winship) Robbins of Mason, N. H. He was a farmer on the homestead. He d. July 20, 1864 ; she resides in this town. I. David Wyman, b. March 17, 1827; resides in Oregon. II. Mary, b. April 9, 1831 ; resides in Oregon. Philemon Russell was a farmer, owning the southern half of the homestead. He md. Oct. 20, 1835, Clarissa Smith of Mason, N. H., b. Oct. 31, 1805 ; he d. May 28, 1876. 878 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 34 35 (29) 36 37 38 39 40 41 I. Abbie Smith, b. Oct. 10, 1837; md. May 1, 1865, Rev. Francis J. Fairbanks, q. v. Five children. II. George Philemon, b. Jan. 20, 1840 ; md. March, 1868, Carrie Ladd of Rutland, Vt., who d. Sept. 27, 1868 ; md. (2d) Nov. 26, 1873, Addie L. Hannum of Rutland, Vt. Wabd Russell md. Nov 11, 1829, Mary A. Russell, dau. of Thomas Russell, Sen., q. v. In 1834 he built the house on Russell hill in which he subsequently lived ; his farm was the original Russell farm to which he joined by purchase the farm formerly owned by Ethan Wether- bee and Isaac Hill. He d. Oct. 21, 1878. r. Levi Ward, b. Feb. 15, 1831, resides in Provi- dence and is principal of the Bridgman School. Vide page 515. He md. Nov. 26, 1856, DoUie A. Merriam, dau. of James Merriam, q. v. ; she d. ; he md. (2d) Nov. 20, 1859, Nellie M. Dan forth. Three children. II. Margaret A., b. Sept. 20, 1841; md. Nov. 24, 1859, Levi S. Burbank of Lancaster, b. May 10, 1828. Seven children. They reside in Waverly. Moses Russell, lineage not traced, was in Ashburn- ham soon after 1772. His name appears on the roll of Capt. Gates' company 1775. His name is found in the records occasionally in incidental mention until 1781. He moved away soon after that date. The name of his wife was Hannah. I. Sarah Phelps, bap. July 23, 1775 ; d. Feb. 8, 1776, " burned to death, aged 8 months." II. Sarah Phelps, bap. Aug. 24, 1777. III. Lucy, bap. Feb. 27, 1780. SALTER. The name of Salter disappeared from the records many years ago. Among the descendants of a daughter there are representatives of the family in this town at the present time. The first of the name in Ashbnrnham was proba- hly the Samuel Salter who was b. in Charlestown Aug. 22, 1730. He was the son of Thomas, b. 1695, and Mary Salter, grandson of John, b. 1655-6, and Mary (Adams) Salter and great-grandson of Henry and Hannah Salter, all of Charlestown. Samuel Salter of Ashburnham, if this conjecture is sustained, was of the fourth generation of his family in this country. Samuel Salter md. in Stow Oct. 15, 1753, Sarah Knight and lived in Stow until 1765, when he removed to i this town and settled where his great-grandson, "Warren GENEALOGICAL KEGISTER. 879 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Marble, now resides. This farm has remained continu- ously in the possession of his descendants. He d. July 18, 1800, " aged," says Mr. Gushing, " 72." If he was b. 1730 his age would have been 70. His widow d. Sept. 11, 1807. Five children b. in Stow, four in Ashburnham. I. Samuel, b. July 4, 1754. His name appears on the roll of Capt. Gates' company and Capt. Wilder's company. He md. July 14, 1778, Catherine Kiblinger, dan. of John Kiblinger, q. V. II. Sarah, b. Aug. 4, 1757. III. Hannah, b. Aug. 5, 1759 ; md. Nov. 28, 1785, Jonathan Gates of Stow. IV. Mary, b. Jan. 1, 1762 ; md. Jabez Marble, q. v. V. Mercy, b. Feb. 12, 1764; md. Jonas Benjamin, son of William Benjamin, q. v. VI. Lydia,, b. April 24, 1766. VII. Thomas, bap. June 11, 1769 ; d. Oct. 3, 1769. VIII. Lois, b. Aug. 6, 1770. IX. Phebe, h. March 6, 1772 ; md. Feb. 13, 1794, Deliverance Wheeler, Jr. SAMSON. Abraham Sampson, b. in England, came to America in 1629 or 1630. He settled at Duxbury and in 1643 his name appears on a roll of men, between 16 and 60 years, able to bear arms. In 1645 he was one of fifty-four grantees of Bridgewater and in 1654 he was admitted freeman. He was several times elected to office in Duxbury, but on account of a hiatus in the records only an imperfect record of his career has been preserved. He md. a daughter of Lieut. Samuel Nash of Duxbury and had four sons and perhaps other children. His son Isaac Sampson, b. 1660, md. Lydia Standish, dau. of Alexander and granddau. of Miles Standish. He lived in Plympton, where he d. Sept. 3, 1726, leaving nine children. Peleg Sampson, the fifth son, was b. Nov. 17, 1700. He md. Mary King and lived in Pembroke, Kingston, Plympton and Middleboro'. He was a member of John Winslow's company in an expedition under Admiral Vernon against the West Indies, and died of disease April 27, 1741. Among the seven children of Peleg Sampson was Jonathan of Ashburnham. At this time the name was first written Samson and this orthography has been continued by the Ashburnham families. Jonathan Samson was b. in Middleboro' Oct. 25, 1733. He resided a short time in Harvard where he md. 1758, Marj' Oakes. He removed to Ashburnham 1762 and settled on the Merrick Whitney farm. He was one of the proprietors of Dorchester Canada and for many years he was treasurer of the proprietj'. At the first town meeting, 1765, he was chosen a surveyor of the highways. Subsequently he was a selectman and for many j'ears a prominent and influential citizen. In 1776 he was one of 880 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 (2) 15 the committee of correspondence, and through the active years of his life he was frequently chosen to positions in town affairs. His wife d. Sept. 13, 1794; he md. (2d) Aug. 2, 1796, Sarah Osborn, a widow, and about 1802 removed to near Keene, N. H., perhaps Swanzey, and d. about 1820. I. Jonathan, b. May 7, 1759. + II. Mary, b. May 4, 1761 ; md. Moses Tottingham, q. V. III. Abraham, b. May 22, 1763 ; md. Sally Adams. IV. Lydia, b. Aug. 1, 1764; md. Edward Whitmore, q. V. V. Oliver, b. Sept. 22, 1766. + VI. Ephraim, b. June 9, 1769.-|- VII. Moses, b. March 26, 1771 ; d. unmd. VIII. Relief, b. Feb. 8, 1773; md. John Winch of Princeton. IX. Lucy, b. May 12, 1775 ; md. Feb. 25, 1798, Levi Bigelow, then of Mount Holly, Vt. ; removed to State of New York. X. John, b. July 10, 1777; d. unmd. XI. Behecca Barnard, b. M&y 30, 1780; md. Rand. XII. Solomon, b. Jan. 26, 1783 ; lived in Vermont. XIII. Betsey, b. April 19, 1785; d. unmd. Jonathan Samson, eldest son of Jonathan, was b. in Harvard. While an infant the family removed to this town. He md. Feb. 21, 1782, Susanna Rice, b. March 22, 1759, dau. of Zebulon Rice of Boylston, and a sister of Jonas and Reuben Rice of Ashburnham. Soon after his marriage he removed to Boylston, but returned to this town 1801, and lived on the old homestead. He d. Dec. 9, 1846 ; his widow d. July 30, 1850. It is this Jonathan Samson whose prolonged service in the Revolution appears in Chapters V and VI. Vide page 186. He was deservedly a Revolutionary pensioner. The children were not b. in this town and a record is not found in Boylston. It is probable the order of age is not preserved in the following record. I. Mary, b. July 24, 1783 ; md. Sept. 15, 1805, Ebenezer Clark, b. at Braintree June 8, 1779. They resided in this town a few years and sub- sequently lived in Brookline and Townsend. He d. Sept. 11, 1850; she d. Sept. 2, 1856. Several children. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 (6) 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 (7) 32 33 34 35 (17) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 881 II. Dolly, b. March 22, 1785 ; md. Henry Gipson, q. v. HI. Jonathan, b. Dec. 20, 1786.+ IV. Margaret, b. Feb. 17, 1789 ; md. John Trimnall, q. V. y. , b. ; md. Priest ; lived in Canada. VI. Sally, b. ; md. April 12, 1821, Enoch L. Barrett of Mason, N. H., and removed to Michigan. VII. Abraham, b. April 29, 1795. + vni. Isaac, b. 1800. + Oliver Samson md. 1789, Abigail Sawin, b. 1769, dau. of Jonathan and Mary (Whitney) Sawin of Westminster, and a sister of Asa Sawin of Ashburnham. He lived in Ashburnham and was prominently connected with the Methodist Society. He d. Jan. 15, 1835 ; his wife d. Feb. 19, 1843. I. Nancy, b. Aug. 22, 1790; d. Aug. 24, 1795. II. Abigail, b. Aug. 15, 1792 ; md. 1817, Iddo Kil- burn and lived in Hartland, Vt. m. Oliver, h. April 16, 1795; md. 1822, Susan Ben- nett ; lived in Westminster. His son, Otis M. Samson, is named in Buttrick register. IV. Nancy, b. May 2, 1797; md. March 23, 1815, Luther Barrell of Westminster. V. Amos, b. Feb. 16, 1800 ; md. 1821,' Sarah Houghton of Winchendon. She d. Oct. 17, 1825 ; he removed to Cayuga county, N. Y. VI. Infant, b. ; d. 1803. VII. Mary, b. Oct. 16, 1804; d. Oct. 25, 1805. VIII. Almira, b. Oct. 30, 1806 ; md. Antipas Maynard, q. V. IX. Stephen, b. Aug. 9, 1809 ; md. 1834, Sally Hale; resided in Ashburnham and in Winchendon. Epheaim Samson, son of Jonathan, md. Olive Gates and resided in the northeast part of the town until about 1802. I. Betty, b. Dec. 4, 1794. II. Ephraim, b. May 29, 1797. III. Jeremiah, b. Feb. 21, 1799. IV. Levi, b. Oct. 20, 1800. Jonathan Samson, son of Jonathan, Jr., was b. in Boylston Dec. 20, 1786. He md. May 15, 1814, Betsey Gibbs, dau. of Joseph Gibbs, g. v. He was an innholder 66 882 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 36 I. 37 II. 38 III. 39 IV. 40 V. 41 VI. (21) 48 49 50 61 52 (22) in Rindge and at Factory Village a few years, and in 1830 he removed to the Joseph Gibbs farm now occnpied by his son George G. Samson. He. d. Dec. 2, 1869. His widow d. July 18, 1870. Leander, b. Jan. 25, 1815. -|- Jonathan Horace, b. Oct. 23, 1816.-|- Elizabeth Laws, b. Nov. 2, 1818 ; md. Jason Whitney, son of Ohio Whitney, g. v. George Gibbs, b. Sept. 26. 1820.+ Charles, b. Nov. 26, 1826 ; d. Dec. 1, 1836. Mary Barrett, b. Dec. 5, 1832 ; md. Luther B. Adams, son of James Adams, q. v. Abraham Samson, son of Jonathan, Jr., md. 1816, Oldice Thomas, b. in Rindge Jan. 17, 1800, dau. of Francis, Jr., and Elizabeth (Gragg) Thomas. They resided in Canada and in the State of New York. He d. May 16, 1842 ; she d. Jan. 10, 1867. Eleven children. Oldice, b. July, 1817 ; d. same year. George T.,h. April 9, 1819; md. 1845, Olive (Edson) Tweel, who d. Aug 16, 1873 ; md. (2d) March 31, 1875, Ellen R. (Frost) Shattuck, dau. of Ebenezer Frost, q. v. He d. Oct. 21, 1879. Julia Ann, b. Jan. 27, 1821 ; md. John Johns; lived in Ohio ; d. July 9, 1846. Augustus A.,h. Sept. 28, 1822 ; md. 1846, Frances M. Partridge ; d. in Medway about 1850. Charles Phillips, b. June 20, 1824 ; d. young. Henry K., b. Aug. 7, 1826 ; served in Co. I, 25th Regiment ; md. Oct. 9, 1850, Amanda Lawrence of Malone, N. Y. He d. 1874. Adaline C, b. Aug. 23, 1828 ; md. 1826, George P. Bennett, son of Asa Bennett, q. v. ; she d. 1885. Oldice Elizabeth, b. Sept. 5, 1830. Euphenia, b. July 28, 1832 ; md. June 4, 1848, John Roby ; reside in Lvnn. Sarah F., b. May 6, 1838"; md. March 26, 1857, John A. Spaulding, son of Alfred and Betsey (Lawrence) Spaulding of Ashby. They resided in this town where he d. Jan. 29, 1887. Susan Augusta, b. Feb. 8, 1840 ; d. Sept. 1, 1859. 42 I. 43 II. 44 III. 45 IV. 46 V. 47 VI. VII. VIII. IX. Isaac Samson, brother of Abraham, md.- 1823, Melinda Barrett of Mason, N. H. He lived several years in Canada, but returned to this town where he d. 1855. 53 I. 54 II. 55 HI. 56 IT. 57 V. 58 (36) 59 60 61 62 (37) 63 64 €5 66 67 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 883 Susan. Sarah. Arathusa. Mary J. Isaac A., h. J Sin. 29, 1831; md. 1860, Sarah L. Brown. She d. Feb. 9, 1862 ; md. (2d) April 25, 1864, IMary A. Bennett, dau. of Isaac Bennett of Groton. In 1886 he removed from this town to Harvard. Charles -B., b. 1837 ; md. Mary Heywood of New Ipswich ; resides at Topeka, Kansas. Leandek Samson is a farmer and owns and occupies the Jacob Fairbanks farm. He md. Oct. 27, 1838, Eoana Newton; md. (2d) Oct. 22, 1875, Anna Chapman. I. Jane E., b. Sept. 30, 1839 ; md. John Milton Partridge of Winchendon. II. Charles, b. Jan. 9, 1844; served in the war of the Rebellion in Co. D, 30th Regiment; d. at Baton Rouge, La., Aug. 11, 1862. III. Albert, b. July 11, 1847; was in the service in United States Marine Corps 1861-5. At the close of the war removed to Albany, N. Y., and is a railroad conductor. He md. July 10, 1873, Josie Carlton, dau. of Joseph Carlton. IV. Ella Maria, b. Jan. 3, 1851 ; md. Hubert C. Bart- lett ; they reside in Fitchburg. Jonathan Horace Samson, son of Jonathan Samson, Jr., resides in Worcester. He was principal musician and drum major 25th Massachusetts Regiment. He md. 1842, Rachel G. Adams who d. Feb. 26, 1881. I. Agnes Elizabeth, b. June 23, 1843 ; md. Daniel G. Holbrook. II. Infant, b. and d. Jan. 11, 1845. III. Abbie Augusta, b. Oct. 6, 1846 ; md. J. Brainerd Hall. They reside at Worcester ; he is Court Reporter of the Worcester Gazette. To his researches I am indebted for generous favors. IV. Flora Amanda, b. March 13, 1848 ; d. Sept. 29, 1850. v. Alfred Hitchcock, b. Aug. 8, 1850 ; md. Arabella Jones ; resides at Providence, R. I. 884 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (39) 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 Geoege Gibbs Samson is a farmer on the farm formerly of his grandfather Joseph Gibbs, and of his father Jona- than Samson. He md. 1847, Anjenette Tavener. I. Mary Georgianna, b. June 20, 1848 ; md. Nov. 11, 1873, Capt. Charles H. Pratt, son of Russell Pratt of Westminster. He is captain of Co. E, and one of the selectmen of Ashburnham. II. Elizabeth A., b. March 20, 1850. III. Flora A., b. Nov. 11, 1858; md. Dee. 13, 1884, Leonard Eisentrant : reside in Worcester. Aaron Sampson, lineage not traced ; resided in this town from 1765 to 1775. He md. Nov. 9, 1768, Delanah Schoffe, dau. of Jacob Schoffe, q. v. Infant, b. ; d. Aug. 2, 1771. David Sampson lived in this town a few years, com- mencing about 1775. He served in Capt. Henry's com- pany in Boston Harbor 1779. Benjamin Sampson was here a short time. He was in the service in 1778, but his name is not met after 1780. SANDERSON. Edward Sanderson md. in Watertown Oct. 1.5, 1645, Mary Eggleston. From this marriage were descended numerous families of Sanderson in Watertown, Waltham and Weston. Dea. Jonathan Sanderson, son of Edward, was b. Sept. 15, 1646, md. in Cambridge Oct. 24, 1669, Abia Bart- lett, b. May 28, 1651, dau. of Ensign Thomas Bartlett. His children were b. in Cambridge but subsequently he lived in Watertown. He d. Sept. 3, 1735; his wife d. Sept. 13, 1723. Samuel Sanderson, son of Dea. Jonathan, wash. May 28, 1681; md. April 13, 1708, Mercy Gale, b. Sept. 16, 1683, dau. of Abraham and Sarah (Eiske) Gale. He was killed by lightning July 8, 1722; she d. May 8, 1776. Moses Sanderson, youngest son of Samuel and Mercy (Gale) Sanderson, was b. Eeb. 22, 1721-2; md. Jan. 1, 1750-1, Mary Flagg, b. Peb. 2, 1728-9, dau. of John and Hannah (Bemis) Flagg. In 1766 they removed to Littleton where he d. Aug. 10, 1798; his wife d. Sept. 18, 1789. Their third child was Moses Sanderson of Ashburnham. MosEs Sanderson was b. in Waltham Aug. 15, 1755, and bap. there July 18, 1756. At eleven years of age the family removed to Littleton, where he md. Mary Proctor, b. in Littleton Jan. 10, 1759. They resided in Littleton until 1789 when they removed to this town. He d. Jan. 29, 1831 ; she d. Nov. 3, 1842. I. Asa, b. March 5, 1778 ; d. May 5, 1778. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 885 9 10 11 II. Polly, b. Feb. 23, 1781 ; d. unmd. in this town Sept. 17, 180o. HI. Sally, b. Sept. 15, 1782 ; md. Philip R. Merriam, q. V. IV. Moses, b. Sept. 23, 1784; md. 1819, Mary Whit- comb ; he d. Oct. 23, 1841 ; she d. 1839. He was a farmer in this town. V. Asa,^. April 29, 1787; d. unmd. in Salem Jan. 25, 1836. VI. Rebecca, b. April 18, 1789 ; md. Elijah Brooks, q. v- VII. Simeon, b. Sept. 24, 1790; md. Sally Bigelow. Vide page 510. Resided in Westminster where he d. Dec. 3, 1841. vm. Lydia, b. Sept. 30, 1793; md. Caleb Winchester, q. V. IX. Eli, b. Sept. 17, 1795; md. Miranda Thwing. He d. in Brighton Sept. 28, 1839. X. Sophia, b. Oct. 8, 1800 ; md. John Peirce of Brookline, Mass. SAWIN. The name of Sawin first mingles in the annals of Ashburnham in 1796, ■when Asa Sawin remoTed to this town and settled at the southern base of Mount Hunger. He was a descendant in the sixth generation of John Sawin, the emigrant ancestor, who was born in Boxford, county of Suffolk, England. He came to America between 1648 and 1650 and settled in Water- town, where he was admitted freeman May 26, 1652. He md. Abigail Munning, b. 1627, dau. of George Munning, who was the mother of his three sons John, Munning and Thomas. Munning Sawin, b. April 4, 1655, became a prominent character in Watertown. He was an assessor, selectman, treasurer and town clerk, and for thirty years he was conspicuous in town affairs. He md. Dec. 18, 1681, Sarah Stone, dau. of Dea. .John and Sarah Stone of Watertown. He d. Nov. 28, 1722. The third of the eleven children of Munning Sawin was John Sawin, b. Aug. 13, 1689; md. Dec. 11, 1711, Elizabeth Coolidge, dau. of Obadiah and Elizabeth (Rouse) Coolidge of Sudbury and Watertown. She was the mother of his children and there ■is a tradition that after her death he md. a second wife and resided in Mendon, and d. there 1767. He was a constable in Watertown 1734, and a selectman 1736. The eldest of his eight children was Stephen Sawin, b. Sept. 17, 1712; md. Jan. 5, 173.5-4, Abigail Fiske, b. Nov. 11, 1714, dau. of John and Mary (Whitney) Fiske of Walthann and Worcester. He was a farmer and shoemaker in Watertown until 1745, when he removed to Worcester, and in 1761 to Westminster, where lie d 1795. She d. 1803. The extensive tract of land owned by Stephen Sawin was north of Wachusett mountain and southerly from Westminster pond. Jonathan Sawin, eldest son of Stephen Sawin, was h. in Watertown Jan. 2, 1734-5. He removed to Worcester, served in the French and Indian War, and with his father Temoved to Westminster in 1761. He md. Mary Whitney. Asa Sawin, the first of the name in Ashburnham, a son of Jonathan and Mary (Whitney) Sawin, was b. in Westminster, July 15, 1771. He was of the sixth genera- tion of his family in America. He md. March 6, 1796, 886 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (4) 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 (8) 17 18 Susannah Grimes, b. in Hubbardston May 23, 1772, eldest dau. of Joseph and Huldah (Wheelock) Grimes ; the same year he removed to this town, and settled at the southern base of Mount Hunger. In character he was blameless, and in his daily life he was industrious and frugal. He d. 1828 ; his widow d. May 31, 1843. I. Susan, b. Dec. 18, 1796 ; md. Joel Marble, q. v. II. Asenath, b. Jan. 9, 1799 ; md. Hosea Green, q. v. HI. Asa, b. Oct. 4, 1801. -|- IV. Sally, b. Oct. 29, 1804 ; md. Ebenezer Frost, q. v. V. Stephen, b. Dec. 19, 1807 ; md. Dec. 8, 1830, Eliza Newton of Westminster. VI. Huldah, b. Oct. 8, 1810; d. unmd. Feb. 2, 1834. VII. Abram, b. Sept. 28, 1813. -f VIII. Mary, b. Aug. 15, 1819 ; unmd. ; resides in Ash- burnham. Asa Sawin, Jr., md. Dec. 1, 1827, Charlotte Phillips, b. in Fitchbura;, -, dau. of Joshua and Phillips. For many years he was a farmer on the homestead. During the past teu years the aged parents have found a home with their children in Gardner. I. John, b. Nov. 13, 1828; md. June 20, 18.50, Susan Kidder. II. Lyman, b. Sept 20, 1830. III. AbUe, b. Nov. 13, 1831 ; d. March 26, 1846. IV. Levi G., b. Aug. 11, 1838. V. Stephen, b. June 4, 1842. VI. Mary E., b. July 24, 1847; md. May, 1868, Henry C. Gushing. VII. Melp)ha R., b. July 17, 1849; md. James C. Nichols, son of John Nichols, q. v. Abram Sawin was a farmer in this town. In 1866 he sold the farm, now of Alden B. Marble, to his son-in-law Laban W. Wright, and removed to Gardner. He md. March 27, 1834, Loenza Pierce, b. in Westminster Nov. 18, 1816, dau of Jonas and Adaline (Haynes) Pierce. She d. in Gardner May 19, 1882 ; he md. (2d) Sept. 2, 1885, Mary R. Bigelow of Bolton. I. Susan Adaline, b. June 11, 1835 ; md. Laban W. Wright, q. v. II. Jonas P., b. July 23, 1842; md. Nov., 1865, Sarah S. Metcalf, dau. of Joel F. Metcalf, q. v. ; resides in Gardner. He is a foreman in the employ of Hey wood Bros. 19 9 10 11 12 13 14 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 887 III. Alfred S., b. May 11, 1849; md. Celia A. Bige- low ; md. (2d) Alice M. Baker. Asa Sawtell, whose lineage is traced in History of Eindge, a son of Hezekiah and Sarah (Russell) Sawtell, was b. in Rindge March 18, 1789. He md. Nov. 8, 1812, Anna B. Hastings, dau. of Capt. Charles Hastings, q. V. They resided in Rindge six years, in Mason, N. H., a few years, and about 1825 removed to this town. He d. March 25, 1856 ; she d. Oct. 29, 1879. I. Ezra Hastings, b. Dec. 11, 181.3 ; md. Feb. 29, 1836, Betsey Scripture, dau. of James and Lucy (Dakin) Scripture of Mason, N. H. She d. in Warwick, R. I., July 29, 1853 ; md. (2d) March 26, 1856, Sultyna (Jones) Woods, widow of Asa Elbridge Woods, and dau. of Dea. Daniel Jones, q. V. They reside in Ayer, Mass. He has one child by his first wife. 1. Mary E., b. Feb. 23, 1837. II. Seth P., b. April 1, 1816 ; d. July 30, 1818. III. Mary A. B., b. Sept. 18, 1818 ; md. Jonas Morse. She d. Oct. 18, 1873. IV. Sarah J., b. Oct. 3, 1820 ; d. May 24, 1821. Y. Eliza J., b. May 11, 1822; md. Henry Stevens. Tbey resided in Caledonia, Wis., where he d. 1874. She resides in Racine, Wis. VI. Lucy R., b. March 11, 1824; md. John Bemis,g. v. VII. Sarah L., b. July 30, 1826; md. Lorenzo A. Fisher, and removed to New York city. VIII. Leonard W., b. June 30, 1829 ; md. 1853, Harriet L. Russell, dau. of Walter Russell ; she d. Aug. 30, 1860; md. (2d) Maria Sawyer of New York city, where they reside. IX. Augusta E., b. Oct. 3, 1832 ; md. Dexter Russell, son of Walter Russell, q. v. X. Josiah P., b. Aug. 22, 1835; md. Feb. 9, 1858, Mary C. Foster, dau. of Jerome W. Foster. Reside in New York city. Caleb Sawtell, b. in Springfield, Vt., 1793, md. 1818, Lucy Stimson, dau. of Phinehas Stimson, q. v. They resided in Lansingburg, N. Y., until about 1824 and subsequently in this town. He d. Aug. 8, 1838. I. Mary E., b. Feb. 19, 1820; md. July 6, 1843, Aris Marc3' ! reside in Brookfield. 15 II. 16 III. 17 IV. 18 V. 19 20 21 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Sarah i., b. June 15, 1822 ; md. William Lovejoy ; reside in Brighton. George E., b. Aug. 17, 1825 ; md. Nov. 27, 1852, Mary M. Kendall, dau. of Alvin Kendall, q. v. ; resides in Milford, N. H. Lucy E., b. 1824; d. Aug. 10, 1832. Martha A., b. May 1, 1829 ; md. William Hall of Milford, N. H. ; resides at Gold Hill, Nevada. VI. Harriet A., b. March 2, 1833 ; md. April 6, 1853, David Pearson of Milford, N. H. ; she d. in Boston May 26, 1877. VII. Franklin, b. May 12, 1835 ; md. Lucy A. Farwell; resides in Brookfield. VIII. Charles H., b. ; d. in Milford, N. H. Edward Sawyer, b. in Fitchburg March 7, 1804, son of Jabez and Hannah (Brooks) Sawj-er, md. Oct. 25, 1827, Mary Lincoln, b. in Leominster, March 16, 1802, dau. of Thomas and Abigail (Gibbs) Lincoln. He came to this town previous to his marriage and remained until his death. He was honest, sincere and pure in heart. He d. March 7, 1884 ; his wife d. Aug. 20, 1872. I. Abbie M., b. June 8, 1830 ; d. March 2, 1838. II. Charles E., b. Dec. 15, 1832; md. 1856, Maria J. Petts, dau. of Dr. John Petts ; reside in Springfield, Ohio. III. Henry L., b. Feb. 23, 1840; md. Lucy Ann Fuller, b. in West Acton Feb. 26, 1838 ; resides in South Framingham. IV. Mary Nichols, b. Aug. 26, 1842 ; graduate Mt. Holyoke Seminar}', 1863 ; instructor Mt. Her- mon School, Gill. V. Laura J/"., b. Feb. 8, 1845. Abel Sawyer, b. in Westminster Aug. 4, 1798, son of Eli and Anna (Laws) Sawyer, md. July, 1821, Lucy Holt and removed to this town 1831. His wife d. Dec. 29, 1842, aged 39 ; he md. (2d) May 27, 1845, Rhoda Weston, dau. of James Weston, q. v. She d. Dec. 23, 1855 ; md. (3d) May 13, 1856, Ann Kenney of Fitch- burg ; she d. jMay 23, . He d. April 9, 1883. I. iwci/ ^1., b. July 28, 1822; md. Dec. 12, 1843, Solomon E. Jaquith of Ashby ; she d. May 5, 1870. II. Abigail D., b. Jane 13, 1828; md. Jerome S. Gibson, q. v. 10 11 12 13 14 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 889 III. Adaline M.,h. Aug. 15, 1830; md. Ezra M. Merritt, q. v. IV. Sarah J., b. March 2, 1833 ; md. 1852, Andrew J. Adams, son of James Adams, q. v. V. Infant, h. ; d. Oct. 3, 1834. VI. Harriet A., h. March 28, 1837; resides unmd. in this town. VII. James W., h. Aug. 11, 1841; d. Aug. 29, 1851. Jacob Schoffe was the possessor of a name that was a stumbling block to the recorders of his time. Mr. Gushing usually wrote the name as above. He came with his German associates in 1758, settled where Nathan and Oliver Taylor reside, and remained about twenty years, when he removed to Haverhill, N. H. Four youngest children were b. in this town. "We have assigned to him daughters Elizabeth and Delanah, if they should prove to be otherwise connected with the family it would not contradict the record of their marriage. The name of the wife of Jacob Schoffe was Elizabeth. I. Delanah, b. ; md. Nov. 9, 1760, Aaron Samson. II. Elizabeth, b. ; md. July 30, 1767, Philip Christian Ger. III. Catherine, b. July 6, 1759. IV. John, b. Aug. 15, 1761. V. Daniel, b. Aug. 26, 1764. VI. Henry, b. Aug. 9, 1766. Gkover Scollay, son of John ScoUay of Stoneham, was b. Oct. 10, 1729. In early life he removed to Harvard, where he md. Feb. 19, 1752, Lois Atherton, dau. of John and Phebe (Wright) Atherton. She d. in Harvard Sept. 7, 1778; he md. (2d) Nov. 4, 1779, Rebecca Harris, b. March 25, 1748, a sister of Dea. Jacob Harris, q. v. They removed to Ashburnham 1784. In their old age they lived with tbeir son Ezra Scollay in Eindge, where he d. Jan. 12, 1816; she d. March 21, 1819. Nine children by the first and five by the second marriage. I. John, b. Aug. 19, 1753 ; d. young. 11. Ann, bap. April 18, 1756 ; probably d. young. III. Sarah, b. Feb. 22, 1759. IV. John, bap. April 17, 1763. + V. Lois, b. Jan. 27, 1766. 890 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 (5) VI. Lydia, bap. Feb. 26, 1769. VII. Betsey, bap. Sept. 1, 1771. VIII. IX. X. Lucy^ bap. Oct. 9, 1774. Grover, b. .+ Samuel, b. Jan. 21, 1781. Dr. Samuel Scollay was a man of marked ability. Vide page 495. He md. Jan. 21, 1822, Harriot Lowndes, b. in Georgetown, D. C, Nov. 23, 1794, dau. of Charles and Eleanor (Llojd) Lowndes; she d. Aug. 5, 1835; he md. (2d) Jan. 21, 1841, Sally Page Nelson, b. in Hanover county, Va., Dec. 10, 1801. He d. in Smithfleld, West Virginia, Jan. 11, 1857. Eight children. XI. James, b. March 24, 1783.+ XII. Ezra, b. March 8, 1786, resided in Rindge. He was an honorable man, pure in heart and refined in speech. He md. Dec. 31, 1807, Mersylvia Jewett, b. Nov. 4, 1786, dau of Dea. Edward and Dorcas (Gates) Jewett of Rindge, and a niece of Col. Joseph Jewett of Ashburn- ham. She d. June 2, 1855, beloved and honored by all who knew her. He md. (2d) Oct. 14^ 1856, Polly Hale, b. Feb. 8, 1788, dau. of David and Bathseba (Barker) Hale of Rindge ; she d. Dec. 17, 1866 ; he md. (3d) Sept. 19, 1867, Mrs. Mary P. Moore of New Ipswich; he d. Nov. 10, 1874. No issue. XIII. Lucy, b. March 31, 1788; md. March 24, 1823, Asa Farnsworth of Leominster ; he d. June 18^ 1831 ; she d. 1842. 1. Dorothy, b. March 17, 1826; md. April 26, 1848, AbelC. Chase, b. Feb. 1, 1824, son of George Chase of Leominster. 2. Ezra Scollay, b. March 28, 1830, a captain and brevet major in the Civil War, and was wounded severely while in the service ; has been manager of St. Louis Despatch; subsequently a real estate agent at Newton. He md. May 22, 1854, Mary Frances Brown, b. Oct. 11^ 1832, dau. of William Brown of Boston. He d. April 2, 1886. XIV. Abel, b. June 16, 1790 ; removed to Canada. Capt. John Scollay was a second and first lieutenant of the Ashburnham Light Infantry from 1792 to 1797 and captain a year or more commencing 1797. Subsequently GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 891 18 19 20 (10) 21 28 29 he removed to Newton and returned to this town for a short time about 1811. He again removed to Newton where he d. July, 1826. He md. Feb. 22, 1789, Lucy Hemenway, dau. of Ebenezer Hemenway, q. v. She d. Dec. 6, 1804. He md. (2d) Esther Thwing, and by this marriage there were three children. I. Lucy Hemenway, b. Sept. 2, 1808 ; d. in Cam- bridge 1866. II. Sarah Chamberlain,]:!. Sept. 29, 1810; md- Elijah Clark ; she resides in Newton. III. John George, b. 1812. Capt. &ROVER ScoLLAT was an officer of the Ashburn- ham Light Infantry several years. He was a man of good ability and of genial manners. For many years he was a manufacturer of kid and morocco shoes and at times employed from ten to twent}' men. He was twice married and in the progress of years his earthly treasures were more conspicuous in his household than in his land and gold. By industry he supported a numerous family and maintained friendly relations with his fellow-men. He md. Jan. 26, 1802, Sally Dickinson, dau. of Amos Dickinson, q. v. ; she d. Nov. 19, 1805 ; md. (2d) May 22, 1817, Sally Stowell, dau. of John and Susanna Stowell of Temple. He d. Nov. 1, 1852 ; his widow d. in Tem- pleton Jan. 15, 1887. I. Amos D., b. Feb. 7, 1803; md. 1825, Cinderilla Adams, dau. of John Adams, q. v. ; she d. Jan. 24, 1831. He removed to Saxton's River, Vt., where he d. and where his widow, a second wife, resides. Sally, b. Nov. 10, 1805. Infant, d. Oct. 3, 1808. Leonard, b. Sept. 29, 1809 ; lived in St. Louis, Mo., and was proprietor at one time of Planter's Hotel. JSfancy, b. 1811 ; d. Nov. 1, 1825. Infant, b. and d, Nov. 16, 1815. Susan W., b. Sept. 3, 1817 ; md. April 10, 1839, Dr. Edwin Leigh of Brooklyn, N. Y., and subse- quently of St. Louis, Mo. George W., b. April 13, 1819 ; a physician in New York. Vide page 514. He md. Nov. 20, 1843, Elizabeth Stearns Wyman, dau. of Col. N. Wj-man of Hillsboro', 111. Mary, b. Feb. 8, 1821 ; md. Russell Whipple, q. v. 22 II. 23 III. 24 IV. 25 V. 26 VI. 27 VII. 892 HISTORY OF ASHBURJfHAM. 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 <12) 44 45 XVI. XVII. XVIII. XIX. X. Milton J., b. Feb. 18, 1822 ; md. Sept. 2, 1847, Mary W. Hastings, dau. of Joseph B. Hastings, q. V. ; she d. in Brookline Jan. 11, 1862; md. (2d) Nov. 24, 1864, Sarah A. (Brewer) Stone, b. in Oakham Sept. 17, 1838. He has resided in Townsend, Westboro', Peabody, Harvard, Ayer, and is now a resident of Templeton. 1. George Grover, d. young. 2. Charles Augustus, b. Aug. 13, 1850. 3. Clara Lizzie, b. Oct. 20, 1853 ; md. March 29, 1883, Edward Willoughby. 4. Mary Addie, b. March 5, 1860. Clarissa, b. Sept. 12, 1824; md. Samuel B. Wright ; resides in Georgia. Charles N., b. Feb. 23, 1826; md. Jan. 7, 1850, Nancy C. Barrett, dau. of Townsend Barrett, q. V. Infant, d. 1828. Albert, b. Sept. 13, 1829 ; md. 1852, Augusta Stratton, b. in Rindge April 27, 1831, dau. of Samuel and Lovisa (Gibson) Stratton ; she d. Oct. 6, 1873. Three children. Edwin, b. July 5, 1831 ; md. Nov. 27, 1862, Hattie M. Wilson who d. June 22, 1865; md. (2d) March 16, 1867, Louisa J. Hadley, dau. ol David Hadley, q. v. He resides in this town. Joseph, b. Aug. 13, 1833 ; resides unmd. in New- ton, Ga. He is a planter and a merchant. Infant, d. 1835. Elmira, b. ; d. young. Lucinda, b. -. ; d. young. XI, XII, XIII. XIV. Jambs Scollay md. April 2, 1807, Dolly Corey, dau. of Hezekiah Corey, and removed to Gardner where he was a farmer. He was an influential citizen and was much employed in town affairs. He d. Dec. 1, 1852 ; she d. Dolly, b. Nov. 8, 1808; md. April 16, 1829, Amasa Whitney, b. in Gardner June 19, 1805, son of William and Anna (Heywood) Whitney; resided in Gardner; he d. Jan. 21, 1871; she d. Oct. 25, 1843. Sarah, b. Sept. 10', 1810 ; md. Nov. 21, 1840, Dr. David Parker of Gardner, b. March 18, 1802, son of David and Martha (Carver) Parker of Westford ; for many years Dr. Parker was 46 47 48 49 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 893 among the leading physicians of Worcester county; he d. 1886 ; she d. Jan. 26, 1870. III. James, b. March 26, 1812; md. June 26, 1836, Lucy M. Young and removed to St. Louis, Mo., where he d. Jan. 14, 1874. IV. Charles, b. Jan. 8, 1814 ; resides in Gardner ; he md. Oct. 10, 1843, Elizabeth A. Garfield, b. in Troy, N. H., Dec. 27, 1816, dau. of Enoch and Lucy (Hodgkins) Garfield. V. Lucy, b. Aug. 26, 1816; md. Nov. 24, 1836, Alfred H. Brick, b. Jan. 26, 1815, son of Elijah and Sally (Comee) Brick ; she d. in Fitchburg Nov. 19, 1846. VI. Ezra, b. April 9, 1821 ; d. Nov. 26, 1841. Jacob Sellham was one of the German emigrants who settled on the Dutch farms. Probably he had a home with his son, Henry, as no mention of a wife or other children is found in the records. He d. in Ashby Aug. 27, 1769, aged about 60 years. Henet Sellham, with wife, Catherine, settled on the Dutch farms in the northeast part of the town 1758. He was elected to a minor office at the first town meeting 1765. At the incorporation of Ashby in 1767, his farm was included in that town. So long as he remained in Ashburnham his name was written Sellham or Selham, but as soon as he became a citizen of Ashby he was known as Sellenham. It is probable that he removed to northern New Hampshire about 1775. Three children were born in Ashburnham and one in Ashby. I. Jacob, b. 22, 1761. II. Anna, b. Feb. 24, 1763. in. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 15, 1765. IV. Catherine, b. Dec. 25, 1767. Joseph Small, b. in Canterbury, N. H., son of John and Kezia (Jackson) Small, removed to this town 1855. He is a blacksmith ; lives at North Village. He md. Nov. 19, 1846, Polly Tottingham, dau. of Moses Tottingham, Jr., q. V. There were children by a former marriage of Mr. Small ; among them, Arvilla A. Small who md. Levi B. Tottingham, q. v. I. Joseph H.,h. Jan. 9, 1853; md. April 11, 1878, Mary M. Elliot of Norton Creek, Canada. He 894 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. is a farmer and manufacturer of wood ware at North Village. Four children. II. Lyman P., b. Oct. 2, 1858. III. Hattie 0., b. March 4, 1861. SMITH. Dr. Joshua Smith, a physician and prominent citizen of Shrewsbury, md. Sarah Prentice, dau. of Rev. John Prentice of Lancaster. He d. Jan. 20, 1756. Among their children were Joshua Smith, Esq., and John Prentice Smith of Ashburnham, who were first cousins of Key. John Gushing. Sarah (Prentice) Smith md. (2d) April 12, 1759, Col. Timothy Brighara of Marl- boro' and Southboro'. After his death she came to Ashburnham where she d. March 16, 1803, aged 88. 10 11 12 John Prentice Smith, son of Dr. Joshua and Sarah (Prentice) Smith, was b. in Shrewsbury Oct. 3, 1748. He md. Hepsibah and came to this town in 1771 or 1772. He was an innholder. He d. July 18, 1774; his widow removed to Southboro'. I. John, b. Aug. 11, 1773. Joshua Smith, Esq., a brother of John Prentice Smith, was b. in Shrewsbury March 21, 1745. He removed to Ashburnham in 1785 and occupied a prominent position in social and in town affairs. He formerly resided in Southboro' and had been a town clerk and a Justice of the Peace, but his commission was not renewed after his removal to this town, yet he was invariably styled Esquire Smith. He md. Abigail who d. in Southboro' Oct. 5, 1778 ; md. (2d) Joanna Stone, b. April 22, 17.47, dau. of Eev. Nathan Stone, first minister of Southboro' ; she d. Nov. 26, 1808 ; he d. March 2, 1826. I. Timothy, b. Jan. 13, 1772. II. Sarah, b. Sept. 10, 1773; d. Sept. 12, 1775. III. Sally, b. Sept. 19, 1775 ; md. Jan. 11, 1796, Dr. Melzer Dwelly of Hanover ; two or more children. 1. George Wilder, bap. Aug. 14, 1796. 2. Sally, b. ; md. Asia Phillips, q. v. IV. Nabby, b. Oct. 5, 1777; md. April 22, 1807, Dea. Josiah Willard of Petersham. V. Joanna, b. March 8, 1783. VI. Molly, b. March 7, 1784; d. unmd. June 1, 1823. VII. Joshua, b. Dec. 16, 1785; md. April 18, 1809, Eunice Townsend, dau. of Reuben Townsend, q. V. He resided on the home farm with his 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 .23 24 ■25 50 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 895 father and subsequently lived in Winchendon, where his five children were born, and in Town- send and in Bernardston. Late in life he removed to Westminster where he d. 1. Lucy, md. Leonard Mossman, son of John, q. V. 2. Eunice, md. Moses Eichardson of Leom- inster. 3. Joshua, removed to "Worcester. 4. Reuben Townsend, md. Allen and resided in Fitchburg. 5. Melzer, md. Rhoda Sanders and lived in Waltham. VIII. Sophia, b. Oct. 24, 1787; md. April 8, 1817, Jacob Harris, Jr., q. v. IX. Flavel, b. Oct. 3 ; d. Oct. 15, 1789. Jonathan Warren Smith, son of Jacob and Kezia (Warren) Smith, was b. in Shrewsbury Feb. 26, 1748. With wife Catherine he came to Ashburnham in 1774 or 1775. His name appears on the roll of Capt. Gates' company of minute-men in 1775. He removed in 1780 to Hubbardston. I. Alice, bap. Aug. 27, 1775. II. Joel, bap. May 4, 1777. III. Sophia, bap. Feb. 21, 1779. Joseph Smith, b. in Westminster Oct., 1813, son of Jonas and Eunice (Hartwell) Smith, md. May, 1836, Abigail Cutter, dau. of Nathaniel Cutter, g. v. They resided in this town where she d. July 25, 1850. He d. in Lunenburg Sept. 9, 1858. I. Charles Edwin, b. Jan. 25, 1838 ; md. Nov. 16, 1866, Lizzie Woodward ; reside in Athol. Ellen Arvilla, b. June 30, 1840 ; d. Jan. 6, 1843. Franklin Augustus, b. Oct. 3, 1843 ; d. April 16, 1856. Alfred Herbert, b. Sept. 15, 1845 ; md. May 27, 1868, Emma J. Dudley ; reside in Orange. Abbie Maria, b. July 6, 1850 ; d. 1853. Samuel Dexter Smith, a brother of Joseph, b. in Westminster Aug., 1815, md. 1838, Mary Barrett, dau. of Benjamin Barrett, q. v. She d. Dec. 31, 1839; md. 26 II 27 III 28 IV 29 V 896 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 31 32 33 34 35 (2d) 1840, Celia F. Arnold of Lunenburg. He d. in Fitchburg Dec. 29, 1879. One child was b. in this town. No additional record has been received. I. Mary Elizabeth, b. Oct. 31, 1842. Andrew J. Smith, a brother of Joseph and Samuel D., was b. in "Westminster Sept. 19, 1819; md. Aug. 16, 1848, Maria Savage of Fitchburg. He d. Aug. 17, 1880. I. Arabel M., b. Nov. 1, 1849; md. Nov. 1, 1875, Edward G. Newell of Ashby. Walter J., b. Sept. 21, 1851 ; md. Jan. 1, 1879, Emma A. Coggshall ; he is a blacksmith and machinist in this town. Clinton J., b. Nov. 27, 1854 ; md. Nov. 25, 1875, Sarah Louise Stowell ; resides in Winchendon. Harlow J., b. Oct. 8, 1853 ; d. Oct. 1, 1854. Harlow B., b. Oct. 27, 1856 ; md. Aug. 27, 1879, Lorilla A. Holt, a farmer in Ashby. Milton W., b. Aug. 14, 1862 ; d. Feb. 2, 1865. Abbie W., b. May 1, 1866 ; d. March 13, 1868. II. 36 rv 37 V 38 TI 39 VII SPALDING. This name was generally written Spaulding in the early records, but is rarely met in any form in this town during the past sixty years. Benjamin and James Spalding were early residents of this town ; they were brothers and descendants in the fifth generation of Edward Spalding of Braintree and Chelmsford. The lineage is clearly traced in the Spalding Memorial. The second wife of James, the father of Benjamin and James Spalding, d. in this town March 21, 1812, aged, says Mr. Gushing, between 80 and 90. Benjamin Spalding was b. in Westford March 15, 1737-8. He was a son of James and grandson of Andrew Spalding. About 1760 he settled in the northeast part of Dorchester Canada, and his name appears in the minutes of the properietors' meetings and in the list of town officers chosen in March, 1767. In 1769 he was a peti- tioner to be annexed to Ashby, but his request was denied by the General Court. His name appears from time to time in the records, until he removed, probably before the Revolution, to Jaffrey, N. H. He md. 1759, Sarah Chandler, b. Feb. 3, 1738-9, dau. of William and Susanna (Burge) Chandler of Westford ; she d. in Jaffrey Oct. 3, 1796. He md. (2d) April 29, 1797, Betsey Whitcomb Flood, widow of Dea. James Flood of Marlboro', N. H., and removed to her home, where he d. 1810. Of his eleven children it is probable that six were b. in this town. GENEALOGICAL KEGISTER. 897 James Spalding, a brother of Benjamin, was b. in Westford Aug. 31, 1748. He md. in Westford Sept. 26, 1769, Hannah Barron, b. July 17, 1747, dau. of Timothy Barron of "Westford. He removed to Lyme, N. H., but settled in this town near Great Watatie, about 1773. It is probable he came at the time or soon after the removal of his brother. Living in the extreme part of the town he was closely allied in all social relations with the people of New Ipswich and attended church in that place. At the Lexington alarm it is claimed that he was a volunteer, and the absence of his name on the rolls of the two com- panies from Ashburnham would not be evidence that he was not a member of the New Ipswich company. In three volumes of local history, deservedly holding an enviable position in that field of literature, will be found reference to this military service in these words : "When the alarm of Concord fight was given he started immedi- ately for the scene of action, while his wife and eldest son spent the afternoon of that day on the summit of Watatie, where they saw the smoke of the burning buildings and distinctly heard the report of the British cannon." It is fifty miles from Watatie to Concord, but the question of the distance is unimportant in this connection. The intelligence of the aflfray at Lexington and Concord did not reach Ashburnham and New Ipswich until the hostilities had ceased and the soldiers did not leave either Ashburnham or New Ipswich until evening. Even if the smoke could be seen in the distance to what burning buildings is reference made ? James Spalding continued a residence in this town, enjoying the respect and confidence of his townsmen. His wife d. Sept. 3, 1814 ; he md. (2d) Elizabeth Wilkins, widow of John Wilkins of New Ipswich, and subsequently resided in New Ipswich, where he d. June 8, 1832 ; his widow d. March 3, 1841. I. Jonathan, b. Aug. 23, 1770. -f 11. James, b. Jan. 17, 1772 ; md. in Dedham Jan. 6, 1796, Sally Fairbanks and settled in Lempster, N. H., near his brother Jonathan and sister Betsey, the wife of Nathan Jones. He d. in Acworth, N. H., Dec. 10, 1847; his widow d. March 11, 1848. Fourteen children, m. Hannah, b. Sept. 26, 1774; md. Oct. 7, 1794, Abel Prescott of Groton, and d. Aug. 17, 1854 ; he d. Sept. 18, 1841. IV. Amy, b. July 29, 1776 ; d. Sept. 10, 1780. V. Betsey, b. Aug. 10, 1778 ; md. Nathan Jones, son of Enos Jones, q. v. 57 898 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 9 VII. 10 VIII. 11 IX. 12 s. 13 XI. 14 15 (3) VI. 16 17 18 Nathan Barron, b. April 30, 1780. He was a physician ; practised his profession in Randolph and Montpelier, Vt. ; d. in Manchester, N. H., May 17, 1861. He md. Dec. 8, 1807, Sophia Fish who d. Feb. 24, 1844 ; md. (2d) Sophia Haseltine. Eight childi-en. Mary, b. Nov. 25, 1781 ; md. Jonas Nutting, q. v. Isaac, b. July 8, 1783. + Phinehas, b. Jan. 16, 1785 ; d. Oct. 8, 1800. Sally, b. July 15, 1787 ; d. Feb. 6, 1808. Joseph, b. July 5, 1791 ; md. 1808, Betsey (Hast- ings) Randall, dau. of Capt. Charles Hastings, q. V. He resided a few years in this town and d. in the State of New York 1815. 1. Sylvia, b. Feb. 21, 1809 1827, Atherton Mum-oe. 2. Charles. md. May 29, Jonathan Spalding md. Nov. 29, 1792, MUly Bennett, dau. of Capt. James Bennett, q. v. He settled in Lemp- ster, N. H., where he was a farmer and in the winter season a school-teacher. He was frequently chosen to positions of trust. In 1809 he returned to Ashburnham and lived on the homestead with his father. In 1814 he was stricken with paralysis ; his father removed to New Ipswich and soon after he went to Jericho, Vt., where he d. Jan. 23, 1823 ; his widow d. Nov. 2, 1853. I. Sewell, b. April 18, 1792. Enlisting at New Ipswich and serving in the New Hampshire forces he was at Portsmouth in the War of 1812. He md. 1820, Abigail Oilman and settled in Underhill, Vt., where he d. April 5, 1843. II. Rosea, b. Dec. 27, 1794 ; md. Jan. 20, 1820, Lucy Kidder, dau. of John Kidder of Ashby ; removed to Jericho, Vt. III. James, b. Sept. 11, 1796 ; he was in the service at Portsmouth with his brother Sewell. He was stricken with fever and ever after was deaf. He was a great reader, a thoughtful, intelligent man. He md. Oct. 14, 1819, Sophia Kidder, b. Aug. 21, 1800, dau. of John Kidder; she d. Feb. 20, 1854 ; md. (2d) Jan. 6, 1859, Caroline Wetherbee. He resided in New Ipswich. Six children. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 899 19 20 21 22 23 24 (10) 25 26 27 IV. ^toa, b. June 11, 1798 ; md. Jan. 28, 1818, Lydia Taylor; d. at Glen's Falls, N. Y., April 9, 1856. V. Nathan P., b. March 27, 1800; d. Jan. 23, 1850; md. Mabel Bentley. No children. VI. Emily, b. June 14, 1802; md. Feb. 18, 1822, Eber Bartlett of Jericho, Vt. VII. Amasa A., b. May 15, 1806 ; md. Jan. 10, 1833, Isabel L. Hyde ; d. July 23, 1839. VIII. Mary,h. March 1, 1809 ; md. 1828, L. Woodward of Jericho, Vt. IX. Sophia, b. Sept. 17, 1814; md. Harvey Hatch; removed to Hadley, N. Y. Isaac Spalding md. April 28, 1808, Lydia Brown who d. Feb. 6, 1836 ; md. (2d) April 27, 1837, Martha Leigh- ton Parker, b. 1794, dau. of Reuben and Hannah (Hildreth) Leighton and widow of Addison Parker of Westford. I. William Safford, b. May 4, 1809 ; vide page 500 ; md. Dec. 22, 1841, Harriet B. Nettleton. He d. June 10, 1884. II. Josiah TFbrcesfer, b. Nov. 14, 1810; md. Nov. 29, 1832, Emeline Wright; resided in Pepperell and in New Jersey, in. Phineas Brown, b. Oct. 14, 1815 ; md. Lydia Fish ; removed to Beloit, Wis. John F. Stacet, b. in Burlington, Vt., Sept. 8, 1844, son of John Stacey, md. Sept. 8, 1869, Nellie L. Dal- rymple, b. Oct. 5, 1850, dau. of John Dalrymple. He removed to this town in 1872, and is a chair maker at South Village. I. Carl Leone, h. July 15, 1877. STEARNS. Isaac Stearns, probably from Nayland, Suffolk, England, came to New- England in 1630, in the ship with Gov. Winthrop, and settled in Watertown, Mass., near Mt. Auburn. He was admitted freeman May 18, 1631, which is the earliest date of such admissions. He was selectman several years, and in 1647, with Mr. Biscoe, he was appointed by the selectmen " to consider how the bridge over the river shall be built, and to agree with the workmen for doing it according to their best discretion." He d. June 19, 1671, leaving a widow, Mary, who d. April 2, 1677. The signature to his will is written Sternes, and in England the name has generally been written Sterne. The Anglo-Saxon of the name of the bird, the starling, which appears upon the coat-of-arms of this family, is stearn, and in other dialects it is stern, and and also starn, which is probably associated with the origin of the name. The present orthography has been more recently adopted. 900 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. John Stearns, son of Isaac Stearns, the emigrant ancestor, probably was b. after the settlement in "Watertown and about 1631. He was oneofthe first settlers of Billerioa, where his descendants have been numerous and have been conspicuous in the annals of that town. He md. Sarah Mixer, only dau. of Isaac Mixer of Watertown. She d. June 18, 1656; he md. (2d) Nov. 26, 1656, Mary Lothrop, b. Oct. 4, 1640, dau. of Thomas Lothrop of Barnstable. He d. March 5, 1668-9 ; his widow md. May 6, 1669, William French of Billerica, and md. (3d) 1687, Isaac Mixer of Watertown. Among the six children of John Stearns were John and Isaac whose descendants have been permanent residents of Ashburnham. John Stearns, the eldest son, was b. in Billerica May, 1654; md. Elizabeth Bigelow, b. June 15, 1657, dau. of John and Mary (Warren) Bigelow of Watertown. She d. April 18, 1694; he md. (2d) Joanna (Call) Parker, widow of Jacob Parker and dau. of Thomas and Joanna (Shepardson) Call of Maiden. He was a captain ; " was much respected and had much influ- ence." John Stearns, son of John and Elizabeth (Bigelow) Stearns, b. in Billerica Nov. 25, 1686, md. Esther Johnson, b. 1691, dau. of Edward Johnson of Woburn. He d. Aug. 2, 1776 ; his widow d. April 18, 1786. HoU. Isaac Stearns, son of John and Esther (Johnson) Stearns, wash, in Billerica June 16, 1722. He md. Feb. 11, 1747-8, Sarah Abbott, b. April 22, 1728, dau. of Obed Abbott of Bedford. He was a soldier in the French War, a representative, senator and a magistrate, and prominent in town and colonial affairs. He was one of the proprietors of Dorchester Canada and owned at different times many acres of land in the township. He frequently attended the meetings of the proprietors and was a controlling spirit in the organization. After the settlement of his sons in this town he was acc«s- tomed to visit them. In Sept., 1806, at that time 84 years of age and his wife 78, the aged parents rode from Billerica in one day and returned home a few days later. He d. March 23, 1808; she d. Jan. 9, 1815. Among their children were Isaac and William Stearns of Ashburnham. Another son, John, who resided in Billerica, was the father of Gov. Onslow Stearns of New Hampshire and of Franklin Stearns who md. Sally Lane, dau. of Ben- jamin, q. V. Isaac Stearns, son of John and Mary (Lothrop) Stearns and a half brother of John who was b. 1654, was b. in Billerica Dec. 23, 1661, and after the death of his father was apprenticed to his step-father, William French. He md. Mary Merriam and resided in Billerica, where he d. 1739. His eldest son, Isaac Stearns, b. Aug. 21, 1701, md. Alice Wilson, b. Nov. 12, 1703, dau. of John and Elizabeth (Foster) Wilson. He d., leaving a good estate, Sept. 20, 1739; his widow md. Sept. 14, 1741, John Pollard; she d. Nov. 4, 1756. Elijah Stearns, son of Isaac, b. June 15, 1735, leaving the home of his ancestors, settled in Rutland. Hemd. Feb. 20, 1760, Lucy Lane, b. May 3, 1732, dau. of Job Lane and an aunt of Col. Francis Lane of this town. He d. Oct. 3, 1801 ; his wife d. Aug. 4, 1793. Capt. Josiah Stearns, son of Capt. Elijah, was b. in Rutland June 18, 1769; md. Jan. 28, 1795, Ruth Hunt of Milton and settled in Leominster. Isaac Stearns, b. in Billerica June 13, 1770, son of Hon. Isaac Stearns, md. Dee. 18, 1777, Mary Crosby, b. May 16, 1754, dau. of Jessaniah and Mary (Hosley") Crosby of Billerica. He removed to this town in 1 778 and settled in the northeast part of the town. He lived on intimate terms with his pastor, and, while living in the extreme part of the town, he was constant in attendance on the Sabbath and week-day meetings. He d. April 30, 1807 ; his widow d. . 9 10 11 12 (4) 13 14 15 16 (6) GENEALOGICAL KEGISTER. 901 I. Betsey, b. Aug. 30, 1778 ; d. unmd. Nov. 6, 1854. II. Isaac, b. March 12, 1780 ; d. June 16, 1781. III. Isaac, b. Oct. 28, 1781. -f IV. Mary, b. Feb. 19, 1783 ; md. April 29, 1806, Job Davis. V. Jesse, b. Aug. 29, 1784.+ VI. Sarah, b. Feb. 4, 1786 ; md. Job Davis. VII. Martha, b. Oct. 19, 1787 ; md. April 8, 1818, Capt. Sewell Fiske of Weston, son of Jonathan and Abigail (Fiske) Fiske. Eight children. VIII. Orpah, b. May 19, 1789 ; md. Joel Davis, q. v. IX. John, h. March 11, 1791; d. unmd. Sept. 10, 1824. Vide page 497. X. Abigail, b. Jan. 31, 1793; md. June 5, 1818, Chauncey Perry, b. Feb. 8, 1788, son of John and Abigail (Bigelow) Perry of Rindge ; resided in New Ipswich. Their sons : John Philander, Albert and Isaac Stearns were clergyman. Chauncey, Jr., and Timothy were lawyers in Brooklyn, N. Y. XI. Alice, b. July 11, 1796 ; d. May 28, 1812. 17 Isaac Stearns md. Nov. 7, 1822, Belinda Bedlow, b. in Hingham Nov. 18, 1791, dau. of Stephen and Sarah Bedlow of Hingham and Ashby. This name was formerly written Badlam. From the date of his marriage until 1840 he lived in Rindge. I. Sarah, b. Sept. 27, 1823 ; d. Feb. 12, 1824. II. Isaac, b. Sept. 24, 1825. III. Sarah Whitney, b. Dec. 24, 1827. IV. Albert, h. Dec. 20, 1833. Jesse Steaens was a popular school-teacher over twenty j-ears and was known as Master Jesse Stearns. In 1820 he removed to New Ipswich and since that date the Isaac .Stearns family has not been represented in this town. Master Jesse Stearns was a man of quick intuitions, active and alert in his movements, and kind, honest and honorable in his intercourse with his fellow-men. He was a farmer and supplemented his other employments with that of surveyor and conveyancer. He rod. June 6, 1811, Lucinda Davis, dau. of Josiah and Abigail (Hub- bard) Davis of New Ipswich. He d. Nov. 18, 1866 ; his widow d. Oct. 9, 1868. I. Jesse George Davis, b. Feb. 24, 1812. Vide page 499. In the notice of Rev. Stearns the date of 902 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 removal of the family to New Ipswich is incor- rectly stated 1829. He md. June 27, 1843, Lucy Murdock of Rutland. II. Eveline Lucinda, b. Feb. 16, 1814; md. Nov. 4, 1835, Rev. Samuel S. Tappan ; she d. in Con- way, N. H., March 27, 1850. III. Josiah M., b. June 17, 1818. Vide page 503. IV. Isaac 0.,h. Feb. 28, 1820; md. Wheeler; resides in Minnesota. V. Abigail M., b. July 24, 1822 ; md. Oct. 28, 1847, Rev. Senaca Cummings, b. in Antrim, N. H., May 16, 1847, son of Samuel and Joanna (Wyman) Cummings ; a missionary in China. He d. in New Ipswich 1856. VI. Lucy E., b. April 13, 1824; md. Sept. 6, 1852, Rev. Charles Hartwell of Lincoln ; a missionary in China ; she d. in Chioa. VII. John Newton, b. May 24, 1829 ; secretary of the National Temperance Society in New York ; resides in Brooklyn . William Stearns, brother of Isaac, b. in Billerica Aug. 4, 1752, md. Sept. 25, 1777, Lydia Davis, and settled in this town 1778. For two or three years the brothers had been clearing land owned by their father and had been in this town a part of the summer season. Their houses were about one-eighth of a mile apart and the farm of William remains in possession of his descendants. He was a man of good ability and commanded in an eminent degree the respect and confidence of his neigh- bors. He d. July 12, 1826 ; his widow d. July 31, 1835. I. William,}). June 19, 1778; md. Feb. 12, 1801, Betsey Davis, dan. of Dea. Thaddeus Davis of Bedford. He lived in Bedford, where he d. Sept. 29, 1823 ; she d. July 27, 1844. Six children. II. Lydia, h. March 28, 1780; md. Samuel Foster, Jr., q. V. III. Solomon, b. June 18, 1782 ; a merchant in New Orleans; d. unmd. Feb. 9, 1815. IV. Asa,]). Oct. 14, 1784; vide page 494 ; d. unmd. Dec. 19, 1809. V. Timothy, b. Sept. 1, 1786. -|- VI. Calle, b. March 24, 1789 ; md. John Farrar, q. v. VII. Charles, 13. March 21, 1791; md. Oct. 19, 1821, Rebecca Converse, b. Feb. 18, 1794, dau. of Zebulon and Sarah (Merriam) Converse of 32 33 (29) 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 903 Rindge. He was an ensign of the militia in 1814, but soon removed to New Ipswicii, where he d. March 6, 1838 ; she d. in Lowell Sept. 3, 1870. Four children, vm. Roxanna, b. May 7, 1793; md. Feb. 15, 1821, Rev. Amasa Jones, b. April 18, 1796, son of Asa Jones of Rindge. He was a missionary among the Indians. He d. in Missouri April 17, 1870 ; she d. Oct. 17, 1875. IX. Charlotte, b. Sept. 8, 1795 ; md. Reuben Rice, Jr., q. V. Capt. Timothy Stearns lived on the homestead of bis father, now of his son Edwin J. Stearns. He was a captain of the militia, a town officer many years and an able, influential citizen. In 1843, without disposing of the farm, he set out with his family for Missouri. He d. during the journey and his family, after a brief residence at Little Osage, Mo., returned to this town. He md. Jan. 26, 1820, Eliza Adams, dau. of Capt. Ebenezer Thomas Adams, q. v. He d. Oct. 25, 1843 ; she d. July 18, 1883. I. Eliza Roxanna, b. Jan. 2, 1821 ; md. Oct. 1, 1842, Cecil D. Ball of Little Osage, Mo. He d. Nov. 24, 1860; she md. (2d) June 2, 1863, Col. Robert W. McNeil. They reside at Nevada, Mp. II. Mary Adams, b. July 21, 1822; md. June, 1844, Isaac D. Stearns, b. July 21, 1821, son of William and Betsey (Davis) Stearns, q. v. They resided several years in Missouri. She d. in this town July 11, 1854. in. Timothy Wray, b. Sept. 30, 1824; d. Oct. 16, 1825. IV. Timothy Wray, b. March 16, 1826 ; resided at Little Osage, Mo. ; d. unmd. Oct., 1885. V. William Dike, b. Feb. 17, 1828; d. unmd. Nov. 17, 1861. VI. Edwin Jewett, b. Jan. 17, 1831 ; a farmer in Ash- burnham ; md. Nov. 27, 1862, Mary Elizabeth Weston, dau. of James A. Weston, q. v. 1. Edwin Weston, b. Aug. 20, 1863. 2. Nellie Lizzie, b. Dec. 9, 1871. VII. Emma Lincoln, b. Jan. 30, 1833 ; md. April 26, 1862, Charles E. Burnap of Fitchburg ; he d. ; she md. (2d) Oct. 14, 1875, Jonas Wood,, 904 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 60 51 52 b. Oct. 15, 1819, son of David and Mary (Earl) Wood. They reside in Rindge. nil. Urania Anderson, b. Oct. 23, 1835 ; md. Jan. 1, 1857, John P. "Whitney, son of William and Fanny (Lincoln) Whitney of Ashby ; reside in Ashby. IX. Joseph Henry, b. Feb. 12, 1838 ; md. 1868, Martha C. Bradshaw ; md. (2d) 1879, Addie Modiel, both of Little Osage, Mo., where he resides. Charles Steakns was b. in Leominster Aug. 23, 1796, son of Capt. Josiah and Ruth (Hunt) Stearns. He came to Ashburnham 1820 and for ten years owned and con- ducted the post route from Ashburnham to Worcester. He md. Jan. 1, 1824, Rebecca Greene Robbins, b. Feb. 9, 1802, dau. of Baruch and P0II3' (Bailey) Robbins of Sterling. He removed at the time of his marriage to the house in which he lived until his death, and which is still occupied by his venerable widow and their eldest daughter. About 1830 he sold the post route to Ivers White and was subsequently employed as a shoemaker. Mr. Stearns was a man of good ability, affable in manner and unfail- ing in kindness to his fellow-men. He was much em- ployed in town affairs. He was a deputy-sheriff ten years. He served his townsmen as selectman and on many impor- tant committees and was town clerk twenty-four years. The records by him transcribed are in a plain hand and in lucid and concise terms. He d. suddenly, July 11, 1874. I. Emma Hohart, b. Dec. 18, 1824 ; md. 1851, Charles Wright of Northfield, son of Phinehas and Betsey (Hunt) Wright. They resided in Worcester, Springfield, Ohio, and in Ashburn- ham, where he d*Jan. 1, 1880. n. Charles Lorenzo, b. Aug. 31, 1826; d. 1839. HI. Rebecca Hill, b. Sept. 3, 1828 ; md. Capt. Addison A. Walker, g. v. IV. Josephine Pierce, b. Sept. 3, 1830 ; md. Hartwell Tenney, q. v. V. Francis Barnet, b. July 20, 1833 ; d. 1833. VI. George Henry, b. Sept. 28, 1834 ; in the Civil War was a musician in the Brigade Band, Twentieth Army Corps ; md. Jan., 1873, Martha J. Greene of Coleraine ; resides in Ashburnham. VII. Cassius Clement, b. Aug. 23, 1838 ; md. 1873, Gertrude Bottomly. His musical taste and ability were manifested at an early age, and his 53 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 905 proficient execution in boyhood is pleasantly remembered by the residents of his native town. He played the bass viol in the Congregational choir before his stature would permit him to reach the strings, and Mr. Miller, who was chorister at the time, made a cricket for him to stand upon. After a thorough study of the piano and organ with B. F. Leavens and of the violoncello with Wulf Fries, he removed to "Worcester in 1859, where he has been organist and director of music in several church choirs. But he is best known as a teacher and composer of music. His compositions include masses, church music, piano studies and songs. Mr. Stearns has given an apt expression of his love of his native town and a sensitive appreciation of its scenic attractions in several musical com- positions suggested by and dedicated to the mountains and lakes of the landscape. Leonard Stearns, from New Ipswich, removed to this town in 1823. He resided on the old common and was engaged in trade a short time in the store formerly of the Gushing family and later of Charles Hastings and the Stimsons. In 1825 he returned to New Ipswich and in 1833 he removed to Lincoln, where he d. in 1834, aged 46 years. He md. Sarah Colburn of Lincoln. Among their children Richard H. Stearns of the well-known dry goods firm of Boston was b. in this town Dec. 25, 1824. David Stedman lived in Ashburnham from about 1774 to 1786. He was a soldier in the Revolution, an assessor 1781 and 1782 and is frequently named in the records, but his early and later record is unknown. There is no record in this town of his marriage but Jesse and Betty are witnesses of the fact. I. Jesse, b. Dec. 11, 1781. II. Betty, b. Jan. 8, 1784. Joseph Steele lived many years in the north part of the town. The cellar hole at the "Steele place" is the only visible witness of his home. He is a sprightly character in tradition and of no former resident of this town can one hear as much and learn as little. That he was a German is swiftly disputed by the assertion of others that he was an Irishman, qualified by a small 906 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. miaority who think he might have been a Yankee or an Eno;lishman. Leaving a fruitful field of conjecture we find his name in the certainties of life — the tax list and record of death. He came to Ashburnham about 1790 and d. Oct. 22, 1821, and an habitual doubt attended his decease as Mr. Gushing was uncertain of his age and records 85 or 86 years. His widow d. July 10, 1836. STEVENS. Samuel Small Stevens of Ashburnham was a descendant of the Chelms- ford family of Stevens, where his ancestors through several generations have resided. Samuel Stevens, a son of Richard Stevens, was b. in the Block House at Chelmsford 1708. He md. March 4, 1731, Ruth Wright of Westford and lived in Chelmsford, where he d. Dec. 21, 1792. Simeon Stevens, his son, b. 1735, md. July 19, 1764, Elizabeth Wright of Westford. He. d. in Chelmsford July 22, 1815. His widow d. 1821. Abel Stevens, son of Simeon, b. in Chelmsford in April, 1775, lived in Westford. He md. Oct. 12, 1802, Betsey Putnam, dau. of John Putnam of Fitchburg. Among^ their children was Samuel Small Stevens of Ashburnham. Samuel Small Stevens was b. in Westford March 30, 1807. He removed to this town in 1830 and for a short time he was in trade in the firm of Woods, Stevens &Co. He early began the manufacture of flag-seat chairs in this town. With succeeding years the business was enlarged and he built a new mill for its accommodation on the site of the present cotton factory, at the head of Water street. In this mill for a number of years a variety of chairs was manufactured and the business assumed a considerable importance among the early industries of the town. While a resident of this town he was a public- spirited citizen and a consistent advocate of the reforms and public enterprises of the time. In 1844 he removed to Baltimore, Md., and for many years was largely en- gaged in the manufacture of chairs and furniture. In this business his sons participated and the firm of S. S. Stevens and Sons was widely and favorably known in the South and the West. Mr. Stevens was a prominent citizen of Baltimore and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Through life he was sincere and responsive to the voice of his convictions. In 1 848 he was a nominee of the Freesoil party for presidential elector and through the war he was firm and uncompromising in his ready support of the Union. He d. Dec. 2. 1875, leaving bequests to charitable and educational institutions amount- ing to over fifty thousand dollars. He md. Nov. 16, 1830, Patty Osgood, b. in Westford 1809, dau. of Jacob and Patty (Fletcher) Osgood and granddau. of Pelatiah Fletcher, g. v. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 907 I. Martha Augusta, b. April 3, 1833; d. May 25, 1834. II. Samuel Augustus, b. May 11, 1836. For the past twenty or more years he has resided in Norfolk, Va., and is the founder of the carpet and furniture house of S. A. Stevens & Co. In this business he was successful. He has retired from active business and has been suc- ceeded by his son. He has frequently been elected to positions in municipal affairs and has served many years in City Council and was recorder three years. His loyalty to his native town is fully attested by frequent visits to the familiar scenes of his childhood. He md. June 15, 1857, Frances Swan Ames, dau. of Samuel S. Swan of Westminster. Her mother md. (2d) Jacob Ames and the name was legally assumed. III. Charles P., b. April 11, 1840. He was associated with and succeeded his father in the furniture business in Baltimore. In 1880 he removed to Minneapolis, Minn., and is there an active merchant. He md. April 25, 1861, Mary E. Neilson, dau. of Eobert Neilson of Baltimore j Maryland. IV. Francis Putnam, b. Oct. 4, 1842. He resides in Baltimore and is successfully engaged in the practice of law. He has occupied many positions of trust and at the age of twenty-four was elected to the Maryland Senate, and has frequently been a member of the City Council. He md. Sept. 27, 1864, Alexina Bouldier, dau. of Alexander Bouldier of Baltimore, Md. STEVENS. The lineage of George E. Stevens is traced to the early settlement of Andover. He is of the eighth generation from John Stevens whose name is preceded by only four in an ancient list of the first inhabitants of Andover. It is known that he settled there previous to 1644. He d. 1662, leaving sons : John; Nathan, b. 1644, the first male child b. in Andover; Ephraim, b. 1649;^ Joseph and Benjamin, b. 1657. Of these none left sons to continue the name except John and Joseph. John, the eldest son, vras b. before the removal of the family to Andover; he md. June 13, 1662, Hannah Barnard, dau. of Robert Barnard ; she d. March 13, 1675; he md. (2d) Aug. 10, 1676, Esther Barker, dau. of Richard Barker. John Stevens, son of John and Hannah (Barnard) Stevens, b. Aug. 30, 1663, md. Dec 20, 1689, Ruth Poor. Their son John, b. Sept. 20, 1690, md. April 23, 1717, Elizabeth Chandler and had sons : John, Isaac, Thomas, Jonathan, Daniel, Bemsley and Simon. Of these Daniel Stevens, b. Jan. 27, 1728-9, not being the eldest son as had been the fortune of his ancestors through four generations, removed from the ancestral hive and became one of the early settlers of Souhegan West, 908 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. now Amherst, N. H. He md. in Andover Sept. 25, 1750, Hannah Barker of Methuen. He d. in Amherst, N. H., May 30, 1806; she d. May 23, 1815. Daniel Stevens, Jr., b. April 8, 1751, md. 1771, Susannah Abbott, b. Dec. 20, 1753. He. d. in Amherst, N. H. , March 2, 1825 ; she d. May, 1830. Daniel P. Stevens, son of Daniel Stevens, Jr., b. Oct. 3, 1794, was a prominent ■citizen and for many years a mercliant of Amherst, N. H., where he d. Jan. 21, 1852. He md. May 17, 1832, Sophronia (Holt) Winchester, widow of William Winchester, q. v. ; shed. May 13, 1866. George F. Stevens, son of Daniel F. and Sophronia Stevens, was.b. in Amherst, N. H., Nov. 28, 1838. He was a merchant several years and town clerk of Amherst, N. I-I. After a brief residence in Minneapolis, Minn., he removed to Ashburnham in 1873. During his residence in this town he has been connected with the First National Bank, of which he has been cashier nearly eight years and a director since 1881. He is one of the trustees of Gushing Academy and since 1879 he has been the treasurer of the corporation. In connection with these employments he is conducting a general insurance business and is dealing extensively in mortgage bonds and approved securities. During the past ten years Mr. Stevens has been elected town clerk and in this and other public affairs he has rendered the willing service of a good citizen. As a member of the committee of publication of the History of Ashburnham his counsel has been sought and his timely suggestions have rendered more com- plete many features of the work. -He md. June 6, 1866, Mary Elizabeth Fletcher, dau. of Robert and Mary (Cochrane) Fletcher of Amherst, N. H. STICKNEY. The families of Stickney are numerous in this country but do not appear in the records of this town until 1871. The lineage of the general family is presented in " The Stickney Family" published in 1869. The American generations from Rowley to Ashburnham are William and Elizabeth Stick- ney, English ancestors who settled in Rowley in 1637; Samuel and Julian (Swan) Stickney of Rowley and Bradford; Samuel and Mary (Haseltine) Stickney of Bradford; Abraham and Abigail (Hall) Stickney of Billerica and Tewksbury; Abraham and Sarah (Kittredge) Stickney of Tewksbury; Joseph and Abigail (Jewett) Stickney of Townsend and Alvah and Rebecca W. (Spaulding) Stickney of Townsend. Dk. Alonzo Lawbence Stickney, b. in Townsend May 26, 1835, son of Alvah and Rebecca W. (Spaulding) Stickney, removed to this town in 1871. Vide page 473. He md. Nov. 6, 1867, Elizabeth A. Hill of Sutton. GENEALOGICAL UEGISTER. 909 ItESlDliNCE OF ALONZO 1.. STICKNEY, M. D. STIMSON. Jonathan Stimson of Watertown Farms, now Weston, was admitted free- man April 18, 1G90. He was a witness in court Sept. 8, 1674, and gave his age as thirty years. He md. Elizabeth Stubbs, dau. of Joshua and Abigail (Benjamin) Stubbs. He d. Dec. 22, 1692. His eldest son was James Stim- son, b. 1674. He md. Jan. 1, 1698-9, Bethia Mansfield and d. in Weston Feb. 18, 1744-5 ; his widow d. May 2, 1753. Among their eight children was Nathaniel Stimson, b. Aug. 10, 1709. He md. April 6, 1737, Elizabeth Myrick, b. Dec. 16, 1720, dau. of John and Abigail (Harrington) Myrick of Weston. He d. in Weston May 24, 1761; his widow md. (2d) April 8, 1779, Samuel Child, b. Feb. 5, 1718-19, son of Daniel and Beriah (Bemis) Child, his third marriage. Of the ten children of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Myrick) Stimson, the two youngest were Lemuel and Phineas of Ashburnham. Lejiubl Stimson, son of Nathaniel, was b. in Weston July 11, 1768. He was a soldier in the Revolution, participating in the battle of Bunker Hill and in a campaign at Ticonderoga. He md. June 1. 1780, Phebe Felton of Petersham, and the same year removed to Ashburnham, buying land, and soon after building a house which he occupied many years. He was one of the original Methodists in this town and was connected with them until his death. His wife d. Sept. 17, 1830 ; he md. (2d) May 9, 1833, Catherine Goodale ; he d. Sept. 22, 1840. I. Polly, b. Nov. 5, 1780 ; md. Artemas Jackson of Newton. She d. March 18, 1806. 910 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 (6) 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 II. Lydia, b. July 26, 1782 ; d. Sept. 16, 1782. III. Pliebe^ b. Sept. 18, 1783 ; md. James "Whitmore, q. V. IT. Amos, b. Dec. 6, 1785 ; d. March 14, 1795. V. Boyal, b. March 6, 1788.+ VI. Lemuel, b. Aug. 7, 1790; d. Dec. 25, 1791. VII. Edward, b. Oct. 3, 1792. + vin. Charles, b. May 9, 1795.-}- IX. Abigail, b. May 24, 1797; md. Isaac Keyes of Cambridge ; she d. June 24, 1861. X. Lucy, b. Aug- 20, 1799 ; md. Dea. John C. Davis, g. V. XI. Elmira, b. Dec. 4, 1802; md. Oct. 10, 1826, Benjamin Whitney, b. May 25, 1802, son of Benjamin and Nancy (Fuller) Whitney. They resided in Marlboro', N. H., where she d. May 12, 1862. Three children. XII. Elhridge, b. April 6, 1806. + XIII. Mirick, b. Aug. 15, 1808. + EoTAx Stimson removed in early life to Cambridge, where he was engaged in the livery business and in the sale of wood. In business he was methodical, exact and successful. In his daily life he was above reproach and was respected by his neighbors and business associates. To the deserving charities that appealed to his generosity and philanthropy he was responsive, and his benefactions were many and liberal. To his memory shall be in- scribed, "Blessed is he that considereth the poor." He md. Sept. 2, 1813, Relief Walker, b. in Merrimack, N. H., July 22, 1787, dau. of Capt. Zaccheus Walker, q. v. He d. in Cambridge Nov. 4, 1860 ; she d. . I. Fordyce, b. March 19, 1814 ; md. Sarah Hersey ; md. (2d) Mary Lord. He resides in Cambridge where he has honorably flUed many positions of trust. II. Royal W., d. young. III. Amelia B., b. April 5, 1818 ; md. May 4, 1843, Andrew N. Wyeth, b. April 29, 1817, sort of Job and Lydia (Converse) Wyeth ; reside in Cambridge. IV. Royal W., b. March 10, 1820; d. young. V. Ann M., b. Oct. 20, 1822; md. David N. Cham- berlain. He is a merchant and a respected citizen in Cambridge. VI. Charles E., b. Feb. 27, 1825 ; d. March 26, 1828. VII. Rebecca F., b. Oct. 22, 1827 ; d. March 7, 1836. (8) 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 (9) 31 32 <13) 33 34 35 (14) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 91 1 Edward Stimson md. May 24, 1818, Sarah Foster, b. April 6, 1794. In 1822 they removed to Winchester, N. H., where he d. Aug. 8, 1843 ; his widow d. in Medford Feb. 14, 1866. I. Edward F., h. June 17, 1819; resides in Win- chester, N. H. II. Emeline, b. Feb. 7, 1821 ; md. Joshua Fletcher, q. V. III. Warren J., b. Feb. 13, 1823 ; d. Sept. 21, 1825. IV. Alden M., b. Oct. 24, 1825; d. in Medford Nov. 16, 1878. V. Emory G., b. Dec. 8, 1828. VI. James F., b. Aug. 29, 1831 ; d. March 28, 1832. VII. Arvilla W., b. Nov. 4, 1833. VIII. Charles M., b. July 19, 1836. IX. Boyal D., b. Oct. 15, 1837. Charles Stimson md. May 30, 1820, Beulah Whitmore, dau. of Isaac Whitmore, q. v. He was engaged in wool carding on the North Turnpike several years. He d. Feb. 26, 1830 ; she d. Feb. 5, 1869. I. Almira W., b. May 29, 1826; md. Alfred Whit- more, q. V. II. Aurelia Felton, b. Oct. 15, 1828 ; md. July 3, 1865, Varamus P. Parkhurst of Templeton. She d. in Templeton May 12, 1862. Elbridge Stimson md. June 5, 1833, Elizabeth Cald- well, dau. of John Caldwell, q. v. ; she d. Nov. 15, 1878. In early life he was a merchant a few years on the old common, and subsequently has been actively engaged in manufacturing and tanning. In his business he has been exact and methodical and has been successful. He has been an assessor and town treasurer. I. Frederic, b. May 27 ; d. May 28, 1835. II. Charles L., b. Aug 15, 1836. Fide page 462. He is a machinst and iron founder at Rutland, Vt. He md. Frances H. Mansfield. III. Albert E., b. March 5, 1840 ; d. Feb. 6, 1845. MiRiCK Stimson began as a merchant on the old common and was in trade several years in Gardner.. For the past twenty years he has conducted a store at Lane Village. He was formerly a member of the Ashburnham Light Infantry, and has been an overseer of the poor and 912 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 a selectman. He md. Sept. 14, 1834, Sarah J. Barrett, dau. of Col. Charles Barrett, q. v. She d. Oct. 22, 1843 ; md. (2d) April 17, 1844, Charlotte E. D. Salisbury, b. in Lee, Vt., Jan. 31, 1821. I. Sarah Elizabeth, b. May 22, 1835 ; d. Aug. 19, 1835. II. Charles, b. Sept 4, 1837 ; d. Nov. 19, 1846. HI. Sarah Delia, b. May 13, 1845 ; md. Nov. 19, 1868, Arthur Wells Field, b. Oct. 2, 1846, son of Dexter and Celinda (Spooner) Field ; reside in Chelsea. IV. Charles Mirick, b. Sept. 29, 1847 ; md. Sept. 13, 1876, Flora M. Tuckerman, dau. of Henry Tuckerman, q. v. ; resides in Worcester. V. Frederic Salisbury, b. June 3, 1853 ; md. Nov. 25, 1874, Ellen L. Davis ; md. (2d) Nov. 10, 1881, Laura Agnes Dodwell. He is a com- mision merchant in Boston. Phineas Stimson, a brother of Lemuel, was b. in Weston March 6, 1761, and came to Ashburnham about 1785, where he resided until his death. He md. Dec. 1, 1785, Lucy Lawrence. He d. Oct. 21, 1828. I. Sally, b. June 13, 1786; md. Dec. 12, 1822, Jacob Stickney, b. in Lunenburg Feb. 8, 1770, son of Oliver and Hannah (Stiles) Stickney. They lived in Fitchburg, where he d. April 18, 1857 ; she d. 1832. One child. II. Betsey, b. Nov. 8, 1787. III. Dolly, b. Feb. 26, 1789; md. Dec. 26, 1816, Elijah Carter of Fitchburg. TV. Reuben, b. Sept. 25, 1791 ; resided in Boston and in Walpole, N. H., where he d. No record of his family has been secured. V. Phineas, b. April 26, 1794; md. Jan. 30, 1817, Ehoda Metcalf; resided in Milford, N. H., where both died. Ti. John, b. Nov. 1, 1797 ; d. Sept. 30, 1800. VII. Lucy, b. Jan. 31, 1801 ; md. Caleb Sawtell, q. v. VIII. Beulah, b. Aug. 31, 1804; md. . IX. Lawrence Pitt, b. June 16, 1806 ; d. Dec. 24, 1821. Solomon H. Stoddard, b. in Chesterfield, N. H., Nov. 27, 1819, son of Charles and Lovisa (Brigham) Stoddard. He md. Feb. 10, 1858, Ellen Willard, dau. of Silas GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 913 Willard, q. v. He is a carpenter. With exception of a brief residence in Brattleborough, Vt., and in Fitchburg, he has resided in this town over tliirty years. .1. Oora H., h. Dec. 6, 1858; md. March 20, 1879, Merrit H. Holton of Fitchburg. He d. May 30, 1884. 11. C Mabel, b. Feb. 27, 1861 ; d. Sept. 25, 1861. III. Leslie Willard, b. May 24, 1862. IV. Bertha Belle, b. Sept. 25, 1868. 2 3 (2) 9 10 Ephraim Stone, with wife and sons Oliver and Joseph, came to this town from Harvard in 1767. He was at this time about sixty years of age. A record of his marriage has not been secured and I am unable to trace his lineage. Many letters have been written and only a few have been answered. He was a selectman 1770 and for several years he is frequently named in the records. He d. Nov. 9, 1789, aged 83 years; his wife d. Nov. 6, 1789. It is probable there were other children but I have found record of onlj^ two. I. Oliver, b. Aug. 22, 1739.+ II. Joseph. -{- Oliver Stone, son of Ephraim, removed from Harvard 1767. In 1775 he was a sergeant in Capt. Davis' com- pany of minute-men. At this time he was one of the board of selectmen. In subsequent years he was fre- quently elected to office and was an influential citizen. He md. Dec. 30, 1762, Lucy Willard, b. Aug. 26, 1743, dau. of Tarbell and Rachel (Haskel) Willard. He d. June 17, 1813 ; his wife d. Oct. 11, 1806. I. Oliver, b. Jan. 28, 1764. + II. Lucy, b. Feb. 8, 1766 ; md. Willard Lane, q. v. III. Rachel, b. Dec. 5, 1768; deaf and dumb; she d. unmd. May 27, 1837. IV. Ephraim, b. Dec. 30, 1770; he was an eminent phj'sician of Harvard. V. Dolly, b. March 24, 1773 ; md. 1806, Henry Bacon of Boston ; he d. Feb. 21, 1838 ; she d. Oct. 13, 1856. VI. Hosea, b. Sept. 3, 1776. + VII. Joseph, b. Sept. 22, 1783; resided in Harvard. No record of his family has been received. Among his children is Joseph Lyman Stone of the firm Stone and Downer, Custom House brokers of Boston. 58 914 HISTOI^Y OF ASHBURNHAM. 11 (3) VIII. Emma, b. May 22, 1787; md. Moses Watson of Rochester, N. H. ; she d. Oct. 26, 1838, leaving six children. 12 13" 14 15 16 17 18 19 (4) 20 21 (9) Joseph Stone, sonof Ephraim, was a drummer in Capt. Gates' company 1775 and was in the service in New Jer- sey in 1778. He md. Feb. 2, 1773, Susanna Gates. He was a farmer and lived on the farm now owned by the town. He was styled Capt. Stone but no record of his commission has been found. He was the principal advo- cate in this town of the county road leading from Win- chendon to Leominster and passing by his farm. His wife d. Sept. 11, 1814, aged 61 years. I. Milly, b June 2, 1773 ; md. John Corey, q. v. II. Joseph, b. June 20, 1775 ; md. March 5, 1799, Dorothy Wilder, dau. of Samuel Wilder, Esq., g. v., and removed from town two or three years after marriage. 1. Horace Wilder, bap. May 25, 1800. III. Ezra, b. Feb. 1, 1778; succeeded his father on the homestead which he sold to Joseph Davis, who sold it to the town. He md. 1806, Char- lotte Cooper of Westminster, b. 1780, dau. of Jedediah and Mary (Hall) Cooper. They had children : Mary, Chauncy and Alanson, and about 1840 removed to Milwaukee, Wis. IV. Matilda, b. Nov. 28, 1781 ; md. Josiah White, q. V. V. Amos D., b. Feb. 8, 1788; md. Feb. 23, 1809, Nancy Hayden. VI. Ephraim, b. Oct. 1, 1791 ; d. Oct. 7, 1794. VII. Lucy, b. Dec. 6, 1793 ; md. Jonas Corey, q. v. Oliver Stone, son of Oliver, md. Nov. 2, 1784, Nancy Clark. He lived at the centre of the town, where he d. Sept. 11, 1794. His widow d. Jan. 19, 1837. I. Nancy, b. Feb. 13, 1786 ; md. Benjamin Barrett, q. V. II. Betsey, b. May 14, 1792 ; md. Oliver Barrett, q. v. CoL. HosEA Stone, son of Oliver, was a hatter in Central Village. His name frequently appears in the chapters of this volmne and is honorably enrolled in the annals of Ashburnham. He was town clerk, selectman, representative and often chosen on important committees. GENEALOGICAL UEGISTER. 91& 22 (22) 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 In military affairs lie manifested an equal interest and ■was a popular and efficient officer. He was a captain of the Light Infantry 1818-20, and subsequently a major and lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. He was not merely a prominent citizen in a quiet era of the town's history, but he was a strong man among able associates, successfully competing for honors with the Jewetts, George R. Gushing, Esq., Silas Willard, Esq., Col. Charles Barrett, Reuben Townsend, Esq., Col. Enoch Whitmore and other worthies of his time. He md. Nov. 27, 1806, Betsey Gibson, b. Dec. 24, 1779, dau. of Dea. Samuel and Dolly Gibson of Fitchburg and a sister of the wife of Ensign John Adams. He d. Sept. 22, 1850 ; his wife d. April 18, 1846. I. Hosea Gibson, b. Aug. 14, 1809. -[- HosEA G. Stone md. July 2, 1846, Esther P. Adams, dau. of Milton Adams, q. v. He was a kind neighbor and a worthy citizen. He d. Jan. 21, 1885. The home- stead opposite the school-house in the first district is retained and occupied by the family. I. Betsey, b. Dec. 7, 1749 ; md. Sept. 19, 1878, Eli H. Derby, n. Esther, b. Sept. 3, 1850; d. April 22, 1855. ui. Hosea, b. Oct. 20, 1853. IV. Joseph, b. Oct. 8, 1855 ; d. May 23, 1862. T. Ephraim, b. June 23, 1858 ; md. Dec. 16, 1885, Mary L. Howe, dau. of Orange E. Howe, q. v. VI. Esther, b. Abg. 27, 1859. VII. Oliver, b. Aug. 14, 1861. vm. Emma W., b. Sept. 19, 1864. IX. Joseph, b. Feb. 10, 1870. Samuel Stone lived in this town a few years immedi- ately preceding the Revolution. It is possible that he was a son of Ephraim and a brother of Oliver and Joseph Stone, and if so he probably came to this town in 1767. He md. Dec. 28, 1773, Elizabeth Rich, dau. of John Rich, q. V. He d. Jan. 3, 1775, aged 24 years. In regard to the circumstances of his death, Mr. Gushing says : "He perished in consequence of getting lost. He left his house Wednesday morning and having lost the points of compass he wandered that day and night and was not found and brought home until Saturday night. He was a pitiful object ; his feet were frozen as hard as flesh could be. He died Sabbath night in great anguish." 916 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 33 I. Samuel, b. April 20, 1775 ; posthumous. 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Dea. Peter Stone was b. Nov. 28, 1757; he was a son of Rev. Nathan Stone, the first minister of Southboro'. Hemd. May 26, 1782, Elizabeth Estabrook and removed to this town in 1786 or 1787. He was chosen deacon 1788 and removed to Townsend 1799. I. Windsor, b. Jan. 25, 1786. II. Peter, b. May 13, 1788. III. Betsey, b. July 17, 1791. rv. Abigail, b. April 14, 1 794. V. Nathan, bap. Feb. 5, 1797. John C. Stone removed to this town 1879. He is a son of Ai and Harriet (Hadley) Stone {vide Hadley reg- ister), a grandson of Benjamin and Lucy (Wheeler) Stone and great-grandson of Samuel and Martha (Wilder) Stone. Samuel Stone was from Groton and settled at an early date in Winchendon. In 1785 his farm was included in Gardner and is now owned by the town, and known as the Gardner Poor Farm. John C. Stone md. April 23, 1870, Harriet Ella Bemis, dau. of Reuben and Harriet (Perkins) Bemis of Winchen- don. He owns the Central House and other real estate and was manager of the hotel from 1879 to 1886, when he leased the property to Ezra H. Lovell. STOWE. Only one family bearing this name lias bg en resident of Ashburnham. In 1634 John Stowe from England, with hiswife Elizabeth and six children, settled in Eoxbury, Mass. He was made freeman the same year, and in 1638 was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, and a representa- tive in 1639. Thomas Stowe, his son, b. in England, was a resident of Concord in 1640, and previous to 1660 he removed to Middletown, Conn. His son, Samuel, b. 1645, returned from Connecticut and settled in Marlboro' previous to 1677. In this settlement he was prominent, and much employed in public afEairs, and also served in the Indian wars. He d. Feb. 9, 1721 ; his wife Elizabeth d. June 17, 1737. Thomas Stowe, their son, b. Dec. 27, 1682, md. Jan. 20, 1713, Hannah Johnson, b. July 20, 1691, dau. of William and Hannah Johnson of Marlboro'. He d. in Marlboro' Aug. 28, 1765; she d. June 15, 1789. They had sixteen children, and among them Benjamin Stowe, b. Aug. 25, 1718. He md. Dorcas Stone, b. April 11, 1725, dau. of Joseph and Mary Stone of Lexington. They settled in Harvard, where their five children were b. Of these, Manassah Stowe md. Mary Whitcomb of Littleton, Mass., and settled in Hillsboro', N. H., where he was killed in 1790 while felling trees, leaving one son and two daughters. Benjamin Stowe, son of Manassah Stowe, b. in Hillsboro', N. H., March 21, 1784, md. Feb. 18, 1813, Betsey Ager, sister of Ebenezer Ager, g. v., and d. in Rindge Aug. 21, 1869 ; his wife d. Dec. 11, 1861. David Stowe, b. Feb. 24, 1815, md. Nov. 8, 1842, Mary Converse, dau. of Joshua Converse, Esq., of Rindge. They resided a short time in North Ashburnham and at the organization of the GENEALOGICAL KEGISTER. 917 Union church lie served on several committees and a part of the original papers were drafted by him. He was an educated gentleman, of unblemished character. He d. July 7, 1877. His son Mortimer M. Stowe is a resident of this town and a daughter is the wife of Charles H. White, q. v. MoRTiMEK M. Stowe, b. Jan. 22, 1844, enlisted Jan. 8, 1862 ; re-enlisted 1864 ; corporal in Light Battery C, Third Rhode Island Artillery ; participating in siege of Charleston, 1863, and in the engagements near Petersburg and Richmond, 1864-5. He md. July 8, 1862, Sarah Jane Oliver. Since 1873 he has resided in this town. He is a deacon of the Congregational church and has been over- seer of the poor several years. I. Clifton Ellsworth, b. March 28, 1866 ; d. Dec. 5, 1885. II. Harold Clair, b. Nov. 5, 1867. Jeremiah Stowell, son of John and Susannah (Todd) Stowell, was b. in Temple June 5, 1791. He came to this" town 1814, and was associated in business a few years with his brothers Joshua and Moses. He removed to New York. Joshua Stowell, a brother of Jeremiah, was b. in Temple May 12, 1789, and removed to this town in 1814. He md. July 2, 1815, Lydia Hastings, dau. of Capt. Charles Hastings, q. v. ; she d. March 19, 1829 ; he md. (2d) April 22, 1834, Sally Davis, dau. of Amos Davis, q. V. He was engaged several years in wool carding and cloth dressing on the North Turnpike and subsequently was a farmer. He d. July 8, 1880. I. Harriet A., b. March 7, 1816 ; d. unmd. II. Moses A., b. July 31, 1817 ; d. in Cuba Sept. 19, 1847. III. Otis Whiting, b. Nov. 13, 1819 ; md. June 10, 1848, Mrs. Mary Ann Garnett. He resides in New York city. Three children were b. in Ashburnham. 1. Ada L., b. July 22, 1849. 2. John M., b. Sept. 2, 1850; md. Helen Rector ; resides in New York city. 3. Ella J., b. Jan. 30, 1852; md. Oren Rice, son of Joseph Rice, q. v. IV. John C, b. Oct. 1, 1823 ; was a printer and editor in Lowell. He was a soldier in the brigade commanded by Gen. Franklin Pierce of New 918 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Hampshire iu the Mexican War and was mor- tally wouuded in the assault upon Churubusco in August, 1847. Moses Stowell, twin brother of Joshua, was b. la Temple Maj' 12, 1789. He was engaged with his brothers in wool carding and cloth dressing and subse- quently removed to Leominster in 1836. He returned to this town after an absence of about four years. He md. Dec. 20, 1829, Mary Chesmore of Henniker, N. H. He d. Jan. 19, 1870 ; she d. March 26, 1872. I. Elvira, b. March 7, 1826 (adopted) ; md. Town- send Barrett, q. v. II. Charles Newman, b. June 29, 1830; resided in Burlington, N. J. ; d. unmd. April 26, 1884. III. Jeremiah Thomas, b. Sept. 5, 1831 ; md. Oct. 26, 1853, Sarah E. Wilson, dau. of John Wilson, q. V. ; resided in this town until 1879, when he removed to Wilmot, Dakota Territory. IV. Susan Todd, b. March 28, 1833 ; unmd. ; a milli- ner in New York city. V. Umily Newton, b. Jan. 29, 1835 ; md. Stephen C. Hastings, q. v. VI. Joshua Todd, b. May 10, 1837'; md. 1860, Eunice L. Whipple ; he md. (2d) Dec. 29, 1874, Elvira L. Green, dau. of Lewis and Asenath (Butter- field) Green of Antrim,, N. H. He resides near the school-house in the ninth district. He served one year in the 25th Regiment. VII. George S., b. March 23, 1839 ; d. Jan. 20, 1847. VIII. Ransom Gibson, b. July 12, 1841 ; 53d Regiment; removed to Burlington, N. J. ; md. 1865, Martha M. Fox ; resides in Burlington, N. J. IX. Sarah Lucinda, b. Oct. 8, 1843 ; md. Jan. 10, 1867, Lyman T. Lovewell, son of Isaac and Eliza (Moulton) Lovewell of Gardner ; resides in Antrim, N. H. Jonathan Taylor, a son of David and Hannah Taylor, was b. in Bedford Feb. 27, 1729. He md. in Concord Aug. 29, 1754, Mary Jones, and resided in Bedford until he removed to this town in the spring of 1768. He settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his great-grand- son, Daniel Wheeler. In 1773 he was an assessor and the following year a selectman. Subsequently he was often elected to positions in town affairs and during the Revolution his public service was conspicuous. He was GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 919 a member of the provincial congress whicli assembled at Concord in the autumn of 1774, and in 1774, '75 and '76 he was a member of the committee of correspondence. When the Lexington alarm was sounded in this town he bore a musket to the scene of hostilities. His name and that of his eldest son, Jonathan Taj'lor, Jr., are found on the roll of Capt. Davis' company. During the active years of his life no resident of this town exerted a more salutary influence, and in integrity, candor, patriotism and all the elements of manhood and good citizenship he had no superiors. He d. Oct. 21, 1813, aged 84 years. His wife d. Dec. 21, 1811. Six children b. in Bedford and two in Ashburnham. I. Jonathan, b. May 29, 1755 ; md. 1784, Hannah Taylor. David, b. April 23, 1757 ; md. Martha Bennett. Mary, b. Oct. 3, 1759 ; d. unmd. Lucy, b. June 15. 1762 ; d. unmd. Dec. 16, 1813. Sarah, h.Y^h. 19, 1764; md. March 10, 1795, William Wheeler, son of John Wheeler ; they resided in New Ipswich. Lydia, b. July 24, 1766 : d. unmd. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 27, 1768 ; md. Samuel Wheeler, sun of John Wheeler, q. v. Nathan, b. March 14, 1771.+ 3 II. 4 III. 5 IV. 6 V. 7 VI. 8 TII. (9) 10 11 12 13 14 15 Nathan Taylor, b. March 14, 1771, md. Sept. 15, 1803, Rhoda Marble, dau. of Oliver Marble, q. v. He was a thrifty farmer and occupied the farm now of his sons, near the homestead of his father. He was a good citizen and a man of irreproachable character. He d. Oct. 25, 1851, aged 80 years. I. Nathan M., b. May 11, 1804; unmd. ; a farmer on the homestead. II. Rhoda, b. July 17, 1805 ; md. Daniel Wheeler, son of Samuel Wheeler, q. v. III. Oliver, b. Jan. 13, 1807 ; unmd. ; a farmer on the homestead. IV. William, b. Jan. 17, 1809 ; d. unmd. Feb. 9, 1836. V. Deborah B., b. Nov. 29, 1812 ; unmd. ; resides on the homestead with her brothers. Phinehas Taylor, lineage not traced, with wife Sarah, removed to Ashburnham about 1778. He resided in the south part of the town. He d. in June, 1833. His 920 BISTOKY OF ASHBUKNHAM. 16 17 II. 18 III. 19 IV. 20 v. 21 TI. 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 VII. 30 widow d. July 29, 1842, aged 83 years. Another record states her death July 29, 1843. i'he former is probably correct. I. Sarah, b. April 11, 1779; md. Sept. 3, 1805, Simon Gates, son of Simon and Susan (Reed) Gates of Gardner. Six children b. in Gardner. Molly, b. Oct. 16, 1780; d. June 3, 1781. Phinehas, b. June 2, 1782 ; d. May 6, 1794. Polly, b. Oct. 16, 1785 ; d. Nov. 10, 1789. Lois, b. Jan. 17, 1788 ; d. Feb. 20, 1799. Lucy, b. Oct. 29, 1790 ; resided many years in this town ; d. in Gardner unmd. Ephraim, b. July 25, 1793 ; md. Nov. 2, 1815, Anna Rice, dau. of Reuben Rice, q. v., and resided in this town several years. Two of their five children d. j-oung. 1. Martha Ann, b. Dec. 24, 1819; md. Charles Clark, son of Levi Clark, q. v. 2. Sarah R , b. April 24, 1822 ; md. John N. Hastings, q. v. 3. Eunice, b. May 15, 1824; md. Simeon Merritt, q. v. VIII. Nathaniel, b. Dec. 10, 1795 ; was a merchant in New Orleans, where he d. unmd. IX. Clarissa, b. May 5, 1798 ; d. June 26, 1803. X. Milly, b. June 20, 1801 ; lived with her sister Lucy; d. unmd. Feb., 1841. Capt. Samuel A. Taylor, son of Aaron and Louisa (Crane) Taylor, was b. in Westminster March 23, 1.S27. His father d. when he was a child and at six years of age he found a home in the family of Nathaniel F. Cutter who was a relative. He was a man of good ability and of unblemished character. In 1860 he was commissioned a lieutenant in the Ashburnham Light Infantry, and the following year he entered the service with his company in the 21st Regiment. .Ian. 24, 18(12, he was promoted to first lieutenant, and May 28 of the same year he was promoted to captain. He resigned Jan. i;!, 1863, and was subsequently an officer in the Fourth Heavy Artillery. He md. Nov. 11, 1852, .lulia A. Davis, b. in Templeton March 13, 1831, dau. of Abel and Lucy (Partridge) Davis. He d. July 6, 1869. His widow resides at Pratt, Kansas. I. Charles Austin, b. March 31, 1856. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 921 31 II. Willie Davis, b. Aug. 23, 1858; d. June 23, 1863. 32 III. Etta Jane, b. Nov. 2, 1863. Haktwell Tenney was b. in Marlboro', N. H., April 4, 1825. He is a son of Archie and Susanna (Jones) Tenney, a grandson of William and Mehitable (Jones) Tenney of Marlboro', N. H., and a great-grandson of William and Sarah (Proctor) Tenney of Littleton. He removed to this town 1862, where he has since resided. He md. July 18, 1850, Josephine P. Stearns, dau. of Charles Stearns, Esq., q. v. Two children b. in Marl- boro', N. H., and one in Ashburnham. I. Nellie Josephine, b. Sept. 6, 1857; d. July 31, 1859. 3 II. Charles Stearns, b. Sept 27, 1860. 4 m. Mabel Winthrop, b. July 6, 1863. TOTTINGHAM. The families of Tottingham have not been numerous but the name has been continuous on the records for a century. They are descendants of Henry Tottingham who was b. in England and in 1640 was residing in Charlestown. He removed to Woburn and was taxed there in 16+5 and continued a resi- dence in that town. The birth of two children of this Henry and his wife Anna Tottingham are recorded in Woburn ; of these Eliah Tottingham, b. Peb. 28, 1652, md. Mary , and lived in Woburn where he d. Nov. 27, 1717. Elisha Tottingham, fifth of the eight children of Eliah, was b. July 22,1696; also lived in Woburn where he d. March 29, 1743. By wife Rebecca he had six children. The eldest son was Elisha, b. Oct. 18, 1713. He md. May 27, 1736, Sarah Lawrence and lived in Woburn. They are the ancestors of the Ashburnham families. Moses Tottingham, b. in Woburn July 22, 1746, was a son of Elisha and Sarah (Lawrence) Tottingham and of the fifth generation of his family in this country. He came to Ashburnham about 1772, and from an early date and perhaps from the time of his arrival he was a black- smith near the old common. He had many apprentices to whom he taught the mysteries of the trade. The old shop and the burly form of its occupant still live in the traditions of the town. He md. Sept. 8, 1774, Elizabeth Conant, dau. of Ebenezer Conant ; she d. Jan. 5, 1777 ; md. (2d) Oct. 17, 1785, Mary Samson, dau. of Jonathan Samson. He d. Feb. 7, 1831 ; she d. Dec. 23, 1817. I. Mary, b. Oct. 23, 1786. II. Elizabeth, b. Feb. 8, 1788 III. Sarah, b. Dec. 13, 1789. d. Jan. 25, 1795. 922 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 9 10 (5) 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 (10) 20 21 IV. Moses, b. April 18, 1791. + V. Asa, b. Feb. 24, 1793 ; cl. urnnd. Nov. 26, 1880. VI. Ephraim, h. May 7, 1794 ; d. Aug. 9, 1795. VII. David, b. Sept. 18, 1796 ; lived alone many years in northwest part of the town ; d. nnmd. May 2;i, 187."). VIII. Infant, h. — — ; d. March 6, 1800. IX. Abraham S., b. April 30, 1802.+ MosES ToTTiNGiiAM, Jr. , md. -, Olive Bigelow, and lived in the northwest part of the town. His wife d. April 19, 1863 ; he d. Jan. 2, 1867. I. Levi Bigelow, b. April 11, 1820 ; md. , 1845, Arvilla A. Small, dau. of Joseph Small, q. v. He was a farmer on the Fletcher farm now occupied by Aaron 1!. Bixby. He d. ; she md. (2d) Alpheus Bosworth of Wiuchendon. -, 1847; d. April 5, 1. Eos well T., b. 1848. 2. Omar U., b. March 25, 1849 ; md. Ellen Moodis ] resides in Oakham. 3. Emma Ida, b. March 27, 1853 ; md. Charles Bosworth, son of Alpheus Bosworth of Winchendon. 4. Elmer L., b. Sept. 14, 1857. II. Lucy, b. Aug 24, 1823 ; d. Sept. 16, 1841. III. Olive, b. Sept. 13, 1826; md. Aug. 26, 1847, Jesse P. Wellman. She d. March 1, 1848. IV. Polly (twin), b. Sept. 13, 1826 ; md. Joseph Small, q. V. V. Harriet, b. Jan. 9, 1828; md. Isaiah Crosby; md. (2d) Hem-y Weeks. She d. in Worcester about 1870. Abraham S. Tottingham md. , 1822, Sarah M. Taft, dau. of Marvin Taft of Whitingham. He resided in Winchendon a few years but returned to Ashbm-nham about 1826, and in he removed to Westminster, where he d. Dec. 21, 1880 ; his wife d. June 27, 1860. I. Henry Edwin, b. Aug. 15, }H23 ; md. 1827, Lucy Bartlett ; lived in Keene, N. H., where he d. March, 186.'i. II. Marvin Taft, b. March 31, 1825; md. Jan. 30, 1851, Ellen Hill, b. in Fitzwilliam, N. H., March 9, 1831, dau. of Samuel and Nancy 22 23 24 9 10 11 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 923 (Locke) Hill. He is an ornamental painter in Keene, N. H. For several years past an invalid. III. Charles Newton, b. Sept 11, 1828 ; md. July 15, 1851, Ehoda M. Titus. He is a manufacturer of carriages and sleighs in Keene, N. H. Nathaniel Tottingham, who removed to this town 1838, was a grandson of Nathaniel Tottingham who was a brother of Moses of Ashburnham, and a son of Elisha and Sarah (Lawrence) Tottingham. He was b. in Woburn June 10, 1740; md. Aug. 16, 1770, Esther Brown, b. in Lexington Aug. 12, 1743, dau. of Daniel and Anne (Bright) Brown. He removed to Westminster. His son Elisha Tottingham, b. in Westminster March 11, 1773, md. June 20, 1817, Clarissa P. Brown. Their son. Nathaniel Tottingham, b. in Westminster March 10, 1818, md. Oct. 6, 1842, Harriet R. Page, b. in Maiiow, N. H., March 23, 1824, dau. of Charles and EUzabeth (Warren) Page. He lived after 1838 in this town where he d. May 26, 1874. His widow resides on the homestead in Central Village. I. Henry J., b. May 20, 1847. For several years and until 1885, he was a dry goods merchant in Winchendon. He md. June 3, 1869, EUa M. Brown of Clinton. Joshua Townsend, b. about 1725, and wife Mary removed to Shrewsbury about 1760. They probably lived previously in Westboro'. Their youngest children were b. in Shrewsbury. The homestead by a change in town lines is now in Boylston. In 1780 the family removed to this town and the parents had a home with their son Reuben. He d. Sept. 26, 1804 ; she d. Dec. 18, 1812. I. Hannah, b. ; md. Dec. 8, 1773, Richard Murphy of Rutland. II. Priscilla, b. ; md. Caleb Kendall, q. v. in. Abraham, b. .+ IV. Zilpah, b. 1757 ; md. Jonas Rice, q. v. V. Beuben, b. Aug. 23, 1758.+ VI. Mary, h. April 14, 1762. VII. Zipporah, b. June 24, 1764; md. Oct. 23, 1787, Ozias Partridge. VIII. Lucy, b. Feb. 19, 1769 ; md. Hezekiah Corey, q. v. IX. Achsah, b. July 27, 1772 ; md. Amos Corey, q. v. X. i?M<7i,b. Oct. 28,1774; md.Dea. Samuel Ward, g-w. 924 HISTORY OF ASHBUENHAM. (4) 12 I 13 II 14 III 15 IV. 16 V 17 TI. (6) 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Abraham Townsend resided in this town frona 1780 to 1802. Previous to his removal to this town he served in the Revolutionary army on the Hudson river in 1778. He removed to Berlin, Vt., and was successful in business and respected as acitizen. He md. Jan. 21, 1781, Molly Gardner of Shelburne. Molly, b. April 24, 1783. Priscilla, b. April 5, 1785. JSfaamah, h. May 17, 1787. Betty, b. July 18, 1790. Abraham, b. Oct. 25, 1792. VI. Benjamin, b. July 23, 1799. Eeubek Townsend served two or more enlistments in the Eevolution. Vide page 200. He md. in this town Nov. 5, 1782, Margaret Metcalf, dau. of Joseph Metcalf. He was an intelligent, thoughtful man, a good citizen and his influence at home and abroad was salutary. He d. 1837 ; his widow d. March 20, 1847. HI. IV. Dolly, b. Jan. 12, 1784 ; md. John Ward, Jr., q. v. Eunice, b. Jan. 16, 1786 ; md. Joshua Smith, Jr., q. V. Reuben, b. Jan. 15, 1788. -f- Joshua, b. Oct. 22, 1790 ; he was engaged in the manufacture of pails on Water street. In 1833 he removed to Rindge and was there a cabinet maker. He md. July 17, 1823, Betsey Kimball, b. Sept. 25, 1796, dau. of William and Abigail (Hamlet) Kimball of Rindge. She d. Nov. 15, 1849 ; he md. (2d) 1852, Esther Eaton of Lancaster. He d. June 20, 1855; his widow d. June 27, 1855. 1. Leonard Kimball, b. July 11, 1825; d, July 3, 1836. 2. Albert, b. Nov. 22 ; d. Nov. 23, 1827. 3. Mary, b. April 27, 1830 ; md. Jan. 6, 1857, Ivers Wellington, b. in Ashby Jan. 12, 1812, son of Liberty and Mary (Lawrence) Wellington. They reside in Rindge. 4. William Kimball, b. June 10, 1839 ; d. April 21, 1843. V. Joseph, b. June 23, 1793; md. Mary Smith. He was a carpenter in Fitchburg. VI. Lucy, b, July 18, 1800; d. July 20, 1803. (20) 28 29 30 31 32 33 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 925 Reuben Townsend, Esq., during the active years of his life occupied a promineut position in social and public affairs. He was frequently called to positions of trust. He was a selectman many years and twice represented the town in the Legislature. In fair characters the out- lines of his life are engraven in the records of the town. Among his fellow-men he was responsive to every call of duty, exact and honest, and in all his relations to the public he was a model citizen. In his youth he was a member of the Ashburnham Light Infantry and was in the service in the War of 1812. Contrasted with his pacific nature and the quiet and peaceful habits of his life, his patriotism in this service is rendered more con- spicuous. He d. of paralysis in 1867, aged 79. His father and his grandfather d. at about the same age and of the same disease. He md. July 18, 1815, Sultina Hill, dau. of Isaac Hill, q. v. ; she d. June 18, 1860 ; he md. (2d) Matilda (Bolton) Shumway, dau. of Capt. Bolton of Westminster. I. Sultina CoWeigh, b. Nov. 10, 1816; d. July 28, 1824. II. Lucy, b. July 20, 1818; md. Aug. 24, 1842, Samuel Sawin Coolidge, b. in Gardner Aug. 24, 1813, son of James and Annis (Sawin) Coolidge. Mr. Coolidge was in the employ of E. Murdock, Jr., of Winchendon about ten years, and after a residence of four years in this town, he removed in 184- to Bellows Falls, Vt., where he has been engaged in the manufacture of pails and lumber. 1. Arthur, b. Jan. 5, 1844; md. Eliza Jane Shumway. 2. Clement, b. May 12, 1849 ; d. at Bellows Falls, Vt., July 9, 1861. 3. Samuel Joseph, b. April 2, 1855; md. Flora S. Prentice. Edwin Alonzo Townsend was b. in Mason, N. H., March 24, 1810. He is a son of Samuel, Jr., and Betsey (Nutting) Townsend of Mason and a grandson of Samuel and Hannah (Lawrence) Townsend who removed from Northboro' to Mason, N. H., about 1785. It may prove that Samuel Townsend, who md. Hannah Lawrence, was a son of Joshua Townsend who is No. 1 of this register. Edwin Alonzo Townsend came to this town in childhood and lived with Samuel Dunster whose wife was his aunt. 926 HISTORY OF ASHBUBNHAM. 34 35 After a residence of some years in Boston he returned to this town. He md. June 22, 1835, Mercy C. Moore, dau. of Treat and Mercy Moore of Eastham. I. Augusta Maria, b. Jan. 7, 1839; md. E. G. W. Ladd. II. Betsey Wilder, b. Aug. 22, 1845 ; md. Luther Seaver of Gardner. John Trimnal was a native of England. He md. Margaret Samson, dau. of Jonathan Samson, q. v., and resided a farmer in this town. He d. Oct. 9, 1840; she d. Oct. 19, 1860. I. Mary Ann, b. Oct. 6, 1823 ; md. Nov. 14, 1843, George Flint, son of David Flint, and resides in Ashby. II. Joseph Rice, b. Dec, 4, 1824 ; d. March 4, 1859. m. Ovisa Woods, b. April 22, 1828 ; d. Aug. 23, 1850. IV. John Otis, b. May 2, 1832 ; d. Jan. 24, 1852. Henet Tuckeeman, son of Capt. George W. and grandson of John Tuckerman, was b. in Portsmouth, N. H., Nov. 11, 1814. He removed to this town 1831 ; md. April 14, 1840, Charlotte Farrar, dau. of John Farrar, q. v. He is a farmer in the ninth school district. I. Anna Maria, b. Nov. 13, 1841 ; md. Oct. 15, 1868, John E. Wood, b. May 1, 1823, son of David and Mary (Earl) Wood of Rindge. II. Arabel Sophia, b. Aug. 3, 1843 ; d. Nov. 25, 1865. III. Albert Henry, b. Sept. 3, 1845 ; served in the Civil War in Fifth Regiment ; d. Sept. 4, 1865. IV. Eveline Eliza, b. July 26, 1847 ; md. June 24, 1874, William Henry Lucas of Worcester; she d. April 13, 1877. V. Clarence Earle, b. Jan. 15, 1849 ; d. Dec. 29, 1867. VI. Florence Malora, h. Dec. 28, 1850; md. Charles M. Stimson, son of Mirick Stimson, q. v. Artemas G. Upham, b. in Canton May 25, 1818, son of Charles and Polly (Tilden) Upham, md. in Scituate March 19, 1838, AbigailH. Dexter, b. in Scituate June 29, 1818, dau. of Thomas and Abigail (Cushing) Dexter. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 927 He resided in Lowell and in Pelham, N. H., removing to this town in 1871. He is a farmer at the South Village. His wife d. Nov. 28, 1884. 2 I. Charles T., b. June 16, 1839; d. Aug. 17, 1854. 3 II. Andreiv C.,b. Dec. 12, 1842; md. Dec. 24, 1869, Mary Estey, b. in Canton June 27, 1847. He resides in Gardner. in. Sumner H., b. Sept. 13, 1845 ; md. July 31, 1866, Sophia E. Cutter, dau. of James Cutter, q. v. He is a mechanic and resides at South Village. IV. Harlin P., b. Dec. 6, 1860; md. May 1, 1884, Sadie Muzzy, b. at Chester, Vt., June 10, 1860. He resides in Gardner. Philip Voeback, sometimes written Vorpeck, is the most conspicuous personage in the annals of Ashburn- ham. He did not serve in the Revolution and narrate to succeeding juveniles how fields were won. He was not foremost in public affairs, he was never a highway sur- veyor or an orator in the annual town meeting. He was neither a deacon, a tithingman, nor even a justice of the peace. In negative qualities he was a peer among the average citizen. But Philip Vorback rode a bear and at once became a hero. Vorback and the bear are dead, but the story of the ride lives on in perpetual youth. Philip Vorback, considered in the abstract, was a Ger- man who came to this countfy for the sole purpose of earning an honest livelihood. His ambition was moder- ate and his thirst for fame was quenched in the routine of daily toil. In some way the ride was accidental. There was no coincidence of thought between Vorback and the bear nor is it fair to presume there was collusion. How it chanced that our hero, a man of placid temperament and moderate movements, ever came up with a vigorous bear is the only mystery that surrounds the exploit. Philip Vorback came to Ashburnham in 1758 and settled near the site of Gushing Academy. He and John Overlock were the only Germans who did not live in the community on Lexington grant. He was one of the orig- inal members of the church. His name is occasionally found in the records until 1780. He was not taxed in 1787, the only tax list preserved from 1771 to near the close of the century. There is no tradition or evidence that he removed from the town, and in the fulfilment of his immortal fame there is no record of his death. The name of his wife was Lois and the names of nine children appear in the town and church records. 928 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 2 I. 3 II. 4 III. 5 IV. 6 V. 7 VI. 8 VII. 9 VIII. 10 IX. Susannah, b. Nov. 27, 175.3. II. Lois, b. Sept. 19, 1757. Philip, h. March, 1760. John, b. July 14, 1763. Catherine, b. July 15, 1766. Mary, h. March 4, 1769. Jacob, b. July 11, 1771. Henry, bap. Nov. 14, 1773. William, bap. Feb. 16, 1780. Pfior. James E. Vose, son of Edward L. and Aurelia (Wilson) Vose and grandson of Dea. Samuel and Mary (Saltmarsh) Vose of Antrim, N. H., was b. July 18, 1836. The ancestry is traced in History of Antrim, and successive generations in Antrim and in Bedford have been distinguished for sterling traits of character, and have been prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs. Prof. Vose removed to this town 1875. Vide page 358. He md. Mary Neville of New Boston, who d. Jan. 6, 1875. He md. (2d) Aug. 11, 1878, Lois E. (Stickney) Rockwood, widow of J. Augustus Rockwood, q. v. WALKER. Capt. Zaccheus Walker was a native of Andover. He was an officer in the Revolution and for some time was a member of Washington's Life Guard. During the Revolution his home was in Merrimack. About 1793 he removed to Ashby and about 1801 to New Ipswich, where he d. 1832. His wife Martha d. in Ashby Feb. 22, 1801, and in July, 1801, he md. (2d) Rachel Bigelow, widow of Silas Bigelow of New Ipswich. Danf orth Walker, the seventh of his eleven children, was b. in Merrimack July 26, 1785. He md. Betsey Bigelow, dau. of Silas Bigelow; b. Nov. 12, 1788. He resided in New Ipswich, where he d. June i, 1863; his widow d. Nov. 29, 1868. Capt. Addison A. Walker, son of Danforth and Betsey (Bigelow) Walker, was b. in New Ipswich Sept. 22, 1817. He md. 1840, Susan S. Keyes, b. in Rindge Nov. 18, 1818, dau. of Amos and Eunice (Spofford) Keyes. She d. in Gardner Aug. 21, 1843. Capt. Walker removed to Ashburnham in 1847 and has con- tinued a residence in this town. For many years he was engaged in the firm of Rockwood and Walker in the manufacture of tubs and pails. He has been a selectman several years and has been at all times a loyal citizen. He was a captain in the Civil War, and for several years an officer of the Ashburnham Light Infantry. Vide Chapters XVIII and XIX. He md. (2d) Oct. 21, 1847, Rebecca H. Stearns, dau. of Charles Stearns, Esq., q. v. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 929 I. Susan J., b. April 20, 1842; md. Jan. 3, 1872, James E. Thompson, son of James H.Thompson. He is a stationer in Fitchburg. 9 10 (9) De. Merrick Wallace was b. in Oxford April 12, 1808. He was a son of Nahum and Susan (Joslin) Wallace and a grandson of James Wallace of Douglas. Nahum Wallace lived in Douglas, Oxford and in Killingly, Conn. Vide page 471. Dr. Wallace md. Fanny Baker, b. Feb. 2, 1813, dau. of Ezra and Lucy (Priest) Baker of Gardner. She d. Jan. 31, 1887. I. Merrick W., b. Dec. 18, 1831 ; md. May 20, 1862, Helen E. Manning, dau. of Ivers B. Manning, q. V. ; resides in Gardner. II. Lmy F., b. Dec. 20, 1833; md. May 15, 1852, George A. Kendall of Ashby. They reside in Petersham. m. Webater W., b. May 27, 1836; md. Dec. 10, 1860, Sarah A. Stokes of Lawrence. He d. of wounds received in the Civil War, July 26, 1864. IV. Henry C, b. May 2, 1838; md. Nov. 18, 1880, Flora A. Capron of Marlboro', N. H. ; resides in Keene, N. H. V. Jennie B., b. June 15, 1841 ; md. Dec. 31, 1863, Abner J. Barnaby of Providence, R. I. VI. Ellen R., b. May 26, 1843; md. May 28, 1862, William F. Dinwiddle, b.'in Harrisburg, Pa., Oct. 26, 1838, son of John and Margaret Dinwiddle and a grandson of Hugh Dinwiddle of Gettysburg, Pa. He is an ornamental painter. Brigham Wallace, a brother of Dr. Merrick Wallace, was b. in Killingly, Conn., March 9, 1812. He is a farmer and has resided in this town since 1834. He md. Lorette Bemis, b. in Westminster Sept. 30, 1805, dau. of William and Hannah (Derby) Bemis, q. v. I. Frank W., b. Nov. 27, 1832.+ II. William, b. Sept. 15, 1838; unmd. ; resides in Ashburnham. Frank W. Wallace md. May 6, 1860, Susan W. Maynard, dau. of Antipas Maynard, q. v. They reside in Ashburnham Centre. 59 930 HISTOKY OF ASHBURNHAM. 11 12 13 I. Mellora M., b. April 17, 1861 ; md. Sept. 12, 1883, Charles Bjron Ross of Hanover, N. H. ; reside in Holyoke. II. Frank Edward, b. Aug. 3, 1862 ; md. Sept. 8, 1886, Elizabeth Dolson of New Paltz, N. Y. ; reside in New York city. m. Lottie E., b. Aug. 26, 1871. WALLIS. The early emigrants to America bearing the name of Wallis and Wallace, which were often interchangeable names, were of English and Scotch origin. The Ashburnham family of Wallis is a branch of the Townsend family and while I am unable to trace the lineage to a known emigrant ancestor, the record beginning with 1731 is well established. At this date John Wallis, then a man of middle age, was a resident of Townsend. The first mention of his name appears in a deed of land conveyed to him by John Kemp, Nov. 12, 1731. In March, 1733, he purchased of Thomas Phillips and others apart of the Hathorn farm. See History of Townsend, pages 34 and 62. This title proved worthless, and in consideration of his loss the proprietors of Townsend granted him one hundred and ninety acres, near Mount Grace and not far from the Hathorn purchase. He was a selectman 1747 and was one of the sixteen original members of the church in Townsend. He d. May 20, 1763, aged 87. His will is dated Aug. 1, 1762, and it was entered for probate June 13, 1763. In a deed of land to his son Isaac, dated 1761, he includes the conveyance of "his pew in the Townsend Meeting House in the south side of the house at the left hand of the south door going in," providing that possession should not be given until after his decease. No record of his marriage has been found. His wife Elizabeth, who survived him and d. Jan. 25, 1765, aged 72 years, was the mother of his younger children. It is possible that she was a second wife. In his will he names his wife Eliza- beth and six children, and sons of a deceased daughter. The records of Townsend furnish the names of two sons who died young. I. John, named in a following paragraph. n. Susannah, was b. 1725 or five years before her parents removed to Townsend ; md. June 23, 1742, Jonas Woolson, b. in Cambridge Oct. 1, 1711, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Chadwick) Woolson. They resided in New Ipswich, where he settled previous to his marriage. He d. 1794; she d. 1796, leaving children : (1) Elizabeth, (2) Susannah, (3) Martha and (4) Jonas. III. A daughter, who md. Conick, and her sons James, David, Jonathan and John, are named in the will of John Wallis, Sen. IV. Jonathan, b. about 1730, md. Oct. 7, 1755, Mary Barstow of Hollis. He was proprietors' clerk twenty years, a selectman eleven years and a representative two years. Three of his fourteen children d. in infancy. (1) Elizabeth, md. 1775, Aaron Scott; (2) Sarah, md. Samuel Stone, Jr. ; (3) Mary, b. April 14, 1759; md. 1786, Samuel Stevens; d. July 21, 1787; (4) Hannah; (5) Jonathan, md. Abigail Wy man; he d. March 26, 1807; (6) Sybel, md. Benjamin Spaulding; (7) Joseph, md. Hannah Conant; (8) Benjamin, md. Rebecca Whitney; (9) Reuben; (10) Rebecca, md. 1793, John Conant; (11) Asa, b. 1778 ; md. 1802, Milly Conant. Mary (Barstow) Wallis d. Sept. 6, 1797. He md. (2d) June 7, 1801, Milicent (Farrar) Conant, widow of Daniel Conant. She d. May 3, 1843, aged 87 years. V. Matthew, perhaps older than Jonathan, md. Jane , and in 1762 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 931 was living in Milford, N. H. Three children, Jane, John and Sjbel, were bap. in Townsend 1761-5. VI. Isaac, md. 1760, Jane Russell and lived in Townsend. He d. Nov. 12, 1817; his wife d. Dee. 4, 1783. Among their children was Isaac Wallis, Jr., who md. 1783, Rebecca Earrar of New Ipswich. VII and vin. William and David, who d. young. IX. William, youngest child, was bap. 1737. John Wallis, Jr., removed to Townsend at an early date, and is fre- quently named in the records. His wife Sarah, who was the mother of his children, d. March 25, 1752. He md. (2d) Feb. 15, 1753, Mary White of Groton: md. (3d) 1759, Martha Pudney of New Ipswich. He d. Sept. 30, 1777, aged 83 years. His wife, Martha, survived him, and in Probate and Registry records is found mention of the following children : I. William, who md. Aug. 2, 1747, Eunice Nutting and had sons, Daniel and John. II. Zebediah, who md. Tabitha and had children, Moses, Sarah, Relief, Abel, and two d. in childhood. III. Relief, who was a tailoress in Fitchburg, and the owner of consid- erable real estate. She d. unmd. 1781. IV. Benoni, who resided in Lunenburg. He md. July 2, 1755. Rebecca Brown of Lynn. He is the immediate ancestor of the Ashburnham and the Ashby families of Wallis. He d. March 15, 1792. His wife d. Aug. 25, 1790. There were seven children of Benoni and Rebecca (Brown) Wallis, all b. in Lunenburg. I. Benjamin, b. Apr.il 15, 1756. Vide Wilker register. II. Curwin, b. April 21, 1758. III. David, b. Oct. 16, 1760; md. Susannah Conn and is No. 1 in the following register. IV. Rebecca, b. April 11, 1763; md. 1793, Isaac Walker of Ashby; d. Jan. 27, 1795. V. Ebenezer, b. April 11, 1765. Vide page 180. VI. Molly, b. ; md. July, 1784, Asa Kendall, Jr., of Ashby. Twelve children. She d. Sept. 30, 1836. VII. Frederick, b. Oct. 15, 1768; d. young. Note. — It is certain that John Wallis, Sen., who d. May 20, 1763, had a son John who was living in 1762, and there is inferential evidence that John Wallis, Jr., who d. Sept. 30, 1777, was that son. However, there is a tradi- tion in Townsend that John Wallis, Jr., was a nephew of John Wallis, Sen., and if no error appears in the inscriptions on the grave-stones, which are not infallible, their relative age firmly sustains the tradition. Whatever may have been the degree of kinship, record and tradition are unanimous in the assertion that they were men of strong character, and through their occupa- tion of coopers, or barrel makers, as formerly known, they were the pioneers of a thriving industry of Townsend. 1 David Wallace, son of Benoni and Rebecca (Brown) Wallis, was b. in Lunenburg Oct. 16, 1760. While a resident of his native town he served three enlistments in the Eevolution. Vide page 206. He removed to this town 1786, and was a farmer until late in life. He md. April 11, 1797, Susannah Conn, dau. of John Conn, q. v. He d. Jan. 12, 1842 ; his widow d. March 24, 1847. Six children. I. David, h. July 14, 1797.+ II. James Parks, b. July 27, 1799 ; md. Lucy Locke, 932 HISTORY OF ASHBURNIIAM. 10 11 (2) b. Aug. 3, 1797, dau. of Benjamin and Betsey (Wyman) Locke of Lexington. He resided in Cambridge many years and subsequently in Ashby, where he d. May 26, 1870. Three or more children. III. Ruth Davis, b. Oct. 15, 1806; md. John D. Morton, q. v. ; md. (2d) Philip R. Merriam, q. V. IV. John Wyman, b. Jan. 27, 1809. + V. Lucy Spaulding, b. March 6, 1814; md. Oct. 30, 1838, Walter Fairbanks, b. in Gardner Jan. 2, 1811, son of Levi Fairbanks, Jr. They resided in Gardner; he d. April 24, 1881 ; she d. June 7, 1883. 1. George W., b. July 20, 1841 ; d. Sept. 6, 1841. 2. Mary A., b. Aug. 10, 1849 ; md. Llewellyn L. Atherton. He d. Dec. 30, 1879. VI. Frederick, b. June 19, 1816 ; md. May 15, 1839, Fannie Tenney, b. in Marlboro', N. H., Jan. 28, 1819, dau. of Archie and Susannah (Jones) Tenney. He resided in Ashburnham until 1848, when he removed to Marlboro', N. H., where he d. Feb. 26, 1882. 1. Abbie Frances, b. Jan. 17, 1840; md. Aug. 20, 1857, Hosea B. Knight, b. Oct. 22, 1835, son of Josiah H. and Martha (Mason) Knight of Dublin and Marl- boro', N. H. They reside in Winchen- don. 2. Wilber F., b. Nov. 29, 1850 ; md. Jan. 24, 1874, Ella D. Richardson, b. July 6, 1852, dau. of Darius and Ruth T. (Woodward) Richardson of Marlboro'. He was a farmer on the homestead, and has recently removed to Keene, N. H. David Wallace, son of David, was the first in this lineage who wrote the name Wallace. A few years previous to 1822 he was a clothier in Fitchburg and, with Charles F. Crosby, owned lands and a mill near the Stone mill, now of Joseph Cushing. Subsequently he was a farmer in New Ipswich and in Rindge, where he d. May 29, 1857. He was an exemplary man and a worthy citizen. He md. Roxanna Gowen of New Ipswich, who, surviving him, d. in Fitchburg Feb. 27, 1876. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 (5) 21 22 (13) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 933 I. Harriet., b. Sept. 18, 18-2] ; md. Feb. 12, 1843, Barnard Tenney of New Ipswich. She d. Sept. 7, 1881. II. Rodney, b. Dec. 21, 1823. + III. David K., b. Jan. 24, 1826; md. Huldah Hart- well, dau. of Charles Hartwell of Ashby ; she d. June 23, 1874. IV. John A., b. Jan. 23, 1829 ; resides in New York ; md. 1859, Susan Jane Drake. V. Charles E., b. March 6, 1831 ; md. June 6, 1857, Elizabeth Gilson of Groton. He resides in New Ipswich. Yi. George F., b. Nov. 21, 1833 ; md. Nov. 21, 1859, Maria A. Woodbury, dau. of Nathan Woodbury of Rindge. He d. in Winchendon July 10, 1874. VII. Romanzo A., b. Sept. 29, 1836; md. June 26, 1865, Jane S. Morgan. He d. at Savannah, Ga., Nov. 6, 1875. viii. William E., b. March 25, 1839 ; md. Aug. 28, 1859, Helen A. Hay ward of Fitchburg. He resides in Fitchburg, and is an accountant for the Fitchburg Paper Company. 1. Minnie M., b. Aug. 29, 1861. John W. Wallace, son of David, md. Nov. 17, 1831, Lucy Blodget, dau. of Elias Blodget, q. v. They resided at South Village, where he d. April 19, 1862. His widow resides in this town. I. Hosea C, b. May 2, 1837; md. , 1860, Jennie S. Ackley. He d. by accident Aug. 4, 1883. II. Lincoln, b. Jan. 16, 1842 ; md. Sept. 26, 1868, Sarah Frances Blodget, dau. of James Blodget, q. V. They reside at South Village. Hon. Rodney Wallace, son of David and Rosanna (Gowen) Wallace and grandson of David and Susannah (Conn) Wallace, was b. in New Ipswich Dec. 21, 1823. In his youth his parents removed to Rindge, where at the age of twenty years he was employed by Dr. .Stephen Jewett, with whom he remained nine years. For a con- siderable portion of this time he was engaged in the sale and distribution of the Jewett proprietary medicines which were famous at that time. In 1852 he removed to Fitchburg, and actively engaged ■934 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. in the wholesale trade in books, stationery and paper stock, which was conducted under the firm of Shepley & Wallace and R. Wallace & Co. After several years of successful management of this business, in 1865 with other gentlemen he enlisted in the manufacture of paper under the firm name of the Fitchburg Paper Co. Early in the fifth year of this enterprise he became sole pro- prietor of the business. He has made large additions of lands and tenements, and has enlarged and improved the mill and its appointments. A new mill was built in 1878 and at this date the daily product of the business is twenty thousand pounds of hanging, glazing and card paper. In whatever enterprise he has engaged he has been fortunate, not only in a pecuniary point of view, but in the prompt command of the confidence and respect of his associates. In him integrity and principle have been closely allied with business tact and a liberal and com- prehensive management of large pecuniary interests. In the direction of the affairs of several monetary and corporate, interests, his services have been frequently sought. He has been president and director of the Fitchburg Gas Light Co. since 1864 ; a director of the Fitchburg National Bank since 1866 ; for many years a trustee of the Fitchburg Savings Bank ; a director of the Fitchburg Mutual Fire Insurance Co. ; a partner in the Fitchburg Woollen Mill, and a director of the Putnam Machine Co. and of the Parkhill INIanufacturing Co. The past twelve years he has been an influential director of the Fitchburg Railroad Co. and is a trustee of Smith College, Northampton. His ambition in political affairs has been restrained by the exacting burdens of business and the magnitude of the interests demanding his attention. He was a select- man of the town of Fitchburg, and has several times refused the nomination of his party and of the citizens for mayor. He was a member of the Legislature 1873, and of the Governor's Council 1881, 1882 and 1883. It is an honorable record, yet many men of less worth, less success in business and less usefulness in general affairs, have figured more conspicuously and have rendered less efficient service with greater pomp and ceremony. By a munificent act Mr. Wallace has presented an enduring demonstration of public spirit and love for his fellow-men. In 1881 he purchased a site conveniently located on ]Main street. Here he erected a substantial edifice at an expense of nearly $100,000 and presented it to the city of Fitchburg for the uses of a free iDublic library, reading rooms and galleries of ai't. Its profit 23 24 GKNEALOGICAL UEGISTEK. 935 and usefulness can be computed only by the measure of duration, and as succeeding generations enjoy the strengthening influences of a prudent and thoughtful liberality, they cannot fail to recall and accept the thought of the donor, " that to many of our people these rooms may prove to be a place of rest and profit, and help make the journey of life more pleasant and useful." Mr. Wallace is courteous and affable in manner and loyal in his friendship. In the reserve of his nature he is restrained from impetuous demonstration, but in every social and public duty his friendship, his influence and his assistance are put forth with commanding effect. If his activities are circumscribed by reason and prudence, his conclusions are deliberately formed and founded upon a comprehensive study of the attending facts. In him are combined diligence and sagacity, and above all a lofty standard of honor and integrity. Mr. Wallace md. Dec. 1, 1853, Sophia Ingalls, dau. of Thomas and Sophia (Shurtleff) Ingalls of Rindge. She d., leaving two sons, June 20, 1871. He md. (2d) Dec. 28, 1876, Sophia F. (Billings) BaUey of Woodstock, Vt. The sons reside in Fitchburg and are associated with their father in business. I. Herbert I., h. Feb. 17,1856. Harvard University, Class of 1877. He md. Oct. 23, 1879, Amy Louisa Upton of Fitchburg. n. George B., b. June 20, 1859 ; pursued a course of study at the Institute of Technology, Boston. He md. Nov. 10, 1886, Nellie Maria Howland of Fitchburg. Feed W. Walther, a native of Germany, md. Dec. 9, 1861, Wilhelmina Bueron and removed to this town. He is a gardener. Two of their five children d. young. I. William F., b. March 30, 1864; md. Feb. 18, 1886, Eva R. Reed — see Kelton register, ir. Anna, h. June 3, 1866 ; d. Oct. 8, 1883. III. Fred, b. April 15, 1870. Caleb Wakd, son of Thaddeus and Lydia (Benjamin) Ward, was b. in Waltham Nov. 22, 1748 ; bap. Nov. 27. He removed to this town about 1770 and settled where Joseph H. Small now resides, known as the Alvan Ward farm. He was a selectman and his name is frequently met in the records. He md. Jan. 22, 1772, Rebecca Foster, dau. of Jeremiah Foster, q. v. He d. June 20, 936 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 2 I. 3 11. 4 III. 5 IV. 6 V. 7 VI. 8 VII. 9 VIII. 10 IX. (2) 11 12 (5) 13 14 15 16 1813, aged 65 years; she d. Marcb 22, 1831, aged 81 years. To the record of her death Rev. George Perkins appends, " She has lived in this town 77 years and about 60 years in the house in which she died." Samuel, b. Dec. 22, 1772.-(- Sarah, b. Oct. 27, 1774; md. May 25, 1806, Thomas Piper ; lived in Weston, Vt. Rebecca, b. 1776; d. Nov. 23, 1780. Caleb, b. Aug. 6, 1778.+ JSfahum, b. Aug. 7, 1780; resided some years in Peterboro', N. H., and subsequently joined the Mormons. Jacob, b. Nov. 22, 1782. + Jonas, b. Feb. 15, 1785; md. Dec. 24, 1812, Susan F. Thurston, b. Sept. 18, 1792, .dau. of Nathan and Sally (Campbell) Thurston of Oxford. They lived in Oxford. Rebecca, b. Sept. 14, 1788 ; md. Ezra Lawrence, q. V. Lucy, b. .July 28, 1790; md. March 14, 1815, Samuel Wilson, and lived in Nelson, N. H. Dea. Samdel Ward was a farmer in this town and during the winter season for some years he was a school- teacher. He was chosen a deacon of the Congregational church in 1817 and was continued in office until 1843. He md. April 15, 1799, Ruth Townsend, b. Oct. 28, 1774, dau. of Joshua Townsend and a sister of Reuben Town- send, Sen., q. v. He d. Mav 18, 1845 ; she d. Oct. 16, 1850. 1. Alvan, b. April 26, 1800. + II. Sylvia, b. Sept. 22, 1801 Jones, q. v. md. Dea. Gilman Caleb Wakd, son of Caleb, md. July 26, 1810, Mary Rice, dau. of Jonah Rice, q. v. He was a farmer and in his \ounger years a school-teacher. He d. Aug. 6, 1833 ; his widow md. (2d) Jonathan Winchester, Jr., q. v. I. 3fyra, b. Sept. 5, 1811 ; md. Abel Farwell, q. v. II. Ede. b. Nov. 19, 1814 ; md. Addison Howe, g. v. III. Mary, b. Sept. 15, 1818 ; md. Christopher Jones, q. V. ; md. (2d) Addison Bancroft ; d. March 19, 1869. IV. Emma, b. July 2, 1820; md. April 6, 1842, John Barrett of Ashby. 17 18 (7) 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 GENEALOGICAL REGISTEE. 937 Stephen, b. Jan. 12, 1823; md. Nov. 2, 1849, Mary Ann Farrington, b. in Boston April 4, 1823. He is a farmer on the Jacob Ward farm at North Village. Cynthia Avesta, b. Nov. 19, 1825; md. April 20, 1851, Alpheus Swallow ; live in Dunstable. 30 Jacob Ward, son of Caleb, md. March 29, 1810, Sally Whitmore, dau. of Isaac Whitmore, g. v. He was a farmer and was also engaged in the manufacture of chair stock and wood ware. He was in the War of 1812. He d. Jan. 12, 1852 ; his widow d. Jan. 17, 1859. I. Aloan Foster, b. Aug. 14, 1810 ; md. Jan. 29, 1837, Elzina E. Manning, dau. of Solomon Manning, Jr., q. v. II. Caleb Burbank, b. May 6, 1813 ; md. July 3, 1839, Abigail Mixer, b. Oct. 13, 1815, dau. of Charles andMehitable (Smith) Mixer of Rindge. He resided in Rindge until 1845 and subse- quently in Dedham. III. Salem Town,h. Jan. 21, 1815; md. Mary Ann Kendall of Nashua, N. H. IV. Jacob v., b. Sept. 17, 1816 ; md. Nov. 30, 1848, Harriet L. Fairbanks, dau. of Jacob Fairbanks, q. v.; she d. Nov. 29, 1852. V. Isaac Dennis, b. Oct. 27, 1817,+ VI. Oren Prentice, b. Aug. 14, 1819; md. Ruth Ken- dall of Wilmington. VII. Martin Newton, b. March 19, 1821 ; md. Dec. 7, 1845, Lucy D. Lewis of Wilmington ; lived in Rindge where he d. Dec. 24, 1883. VIII. Lewis Kimball, b. March 24, 1823 ; md. Sept. 22, 1845, Sarah H. Keyes, dau. of Samuel Keyes, q. V. IX. Quincy Remus, b. June 6, 1825 : md. Feb. 14, 1852, Isabel Goodwin ; resides in Woburn. 1. Mason E., b. Aug. 21, 1853; md. Aug. 20, 1884, Mary White. 2. Winfleld Scott, b. May 3, 1861 ; graduate Tufts College 1883. Principal of High School, HoUis, N. H., one year; since 1884 instructor in Cushing Academy. He md. March 12, 1885, M. Jennie Cameron. X. Harriet Zula, b. Feb. 10, 1827 ; md. April 12, 1849, Abijah Hinds of Gardner. 938 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 31 32 33 34 35 (11) 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 (23) XI. Levi Lincoln, b. Nov. 2, 1828 ; rad. Anna Grey of Hallowell, Me. XII. Elsie Salina, b. April 21, 1830; md. George E. Lewis of Peabody. XIII. Waldo Webster, b. April 15, 1832 ; md. Sophro- nia Tuttle of Chester, Vt. XIV. Zoa L., b. May 28, 1832; md. June 1, 1853, Lowell F. White, son of William and Mary G. (Wilson) White of Deering,N. H. They reside in Hillsboro', N. H. One son. 1. Frank L., b. June 18, 1865. Alvan Ward, son of Dea. Samuel Ward, md. Oct. 23, 1823, Eusebia Russell, b. in Rindge Sept. 14, 1797, dau. ofEliakim and Sarah (Converse) Russell. He was a farmer and for several years he was engaged in the manufacture of chair stock. He d. June 20, 1869 ; his widow d. Aug. 24, 1875. I. Mary Ann T., b. Dec. 17, 1824; md. Calvin Dows. He d. Feb. 18, 1874. II. George P., b. Aug. 18, 1826 ; md. July 22, 1849, Eunice K. Wood, dau. of Jonathan Wood, q. v. He served in 1 4th New Hampshire Volunteers ; resides in Troy, N. H. III. Aclisah C.,h. Aug. 12, 1828 ; md. Milton Brooks, q. V. IV. Ivers, b. Feb. 18, 1830; d. Dec. 28, 1831. V. Franklin W., b. July 19, 1833; resides in Winchendon. He is a job printer and pro- prietor and editor of The Winchendon Courier. He md. Sophronia Stone. VI. Marcus L., b. March 12, 1834; md. Julia A. Muzzey of Winchendon. VII. William L. G., b. Aug. 15, 1835 ; md. Abigail Bride. VIII. Angeline (?., b. Feb. 15, 1839 ; md. John Baldwin. He was killed in the service. May 2, 1863. She md. (2d) Henry C. Whitcomb ; she d. Aug. 24, 1867. Isaac D. Ward md. Oct. 31, 1843, Rebecca A. Cushing, dau. of Labau Cushing, q. v. They reside at North Village, where he has been engaged in the manu- facture of wood ware and has been an assessor and selectman several 3'ears. In town and parish affairs he has been an active and influential citizen. 44 45 46 47 48 (49) 55 5C 57 58 GENP:A LOGICAL KEGISTEK. 939 I. Flora E., b. April 27, 1845 ; md. Charles E. Woodward, q. v. II. Ella M., b. April 13, 1847; md. La Roy Butler, q. V. III. Lelia A., b. Aug. 7, 1849 ; d. March 12, 1850. IV. Effie A.,h. Jan. 19, 1855; md. Dec. 16, 1880, Frank H. Rideout of Fitchburg. They reside in Gardner. William Ward, a brother of Caleb, was b. in Waltham July 5, 17.'J7 ; bap. July 17. He came to this town in his youth and after a few years settled near Ward pond. He served several enlistments in the Revolution which are stated in Chapters V and VI. He md. March 7, 1787, Mrs. Sarah (Draper) Brooks. He d. Dec. 5, 1846; she d. March, 1835. William, b. March 7, 1788. + Lydia, b. Feb. 19, 1790; md. May 23, 1839, Benjamin Blaney ; lived in this town, where she d. March 3, 1857. Several children but no record is received. Nathaniel Draper, b. June 10, 1793.-|- Thaddeus, b. Nov. 12, 1795 ; d. unmd. about 1868. Jesse, b. Feb. 14, 1798; non comp. ; d. Jan. 12, 1856. Benjamin, b. April 1, 1801. -|- WiLLiAM Ward resided a few years in Marlboro', N. H., but settled in Plainfield, N. H., where he was a farmer and a merchant. He was a respected citizen and a deacon of the Congregational church. He md. March 6, 1817, Rebecca Barrett, b. May 26, 1789, dau. of Joseph and Sarah (Brooks) Barrett of Mason, N. H. ; md. (2d) 1826, Rebecca Boynton of Mason, N. H. He d. Feb. 8. 1863. I. William B., h. May 8, 1818; md. April 5, 1853, Maria V. Fuller ; a farmer in Plainfield, N. H. II. Rebecca,h.ldi2-2: md. Norman Smith of Lempster, N. H. ; d. 1864. HI. Sarah, b. 1824; md. George C. Freeman of Plainfield, N. H. IV. Benjamin F., b. 1827 ; a merchant in Plainfield, N. H. ; md. Edna S. Davis ; md. (2d) Elizabeth P. Spalding. 49 I. 50 II. 51 III. 52 IV. 53 V. 54 VI. 940 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 69 60 (51) 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 (54) 70 71 72 V. Alfred, b. 1828 ; a farmer in Spring Lake, Mich. ; md. March 17, 1859, Mary E. Burnap of Plainfield, N. H. VI. Cyrus, b. April 1, 1830; a baker in Springfield, Vt. ; md. Martha W. Thornton. Nathaniel Deapee Waed, son of William, md. 1816, Betsey Haven, dau. of Jonathan Haven, q. v. He lived in the south part of the town. He d. Oct. 18, 1859 ; his widow d. Sept. 22, 1877. Two of their eleven children d. in infancy. I. Bevjamin Sabin,.. h. Oct. 9, 1817; d. in New Orleans, La., Oct. 31, 1841. II. Martha, b. Nov. 26, 1819 ; md. Amos F. Lane, q. V. III. Mary, h. Jan. 22, 1821 ; md. Stephen Wood, q. v. IV. Nancy, b. Aug. 12, 1823 ; md. Elijah Haven, q. v, V. Elviira, b. April 15, 1825 ; d. May 25, 1844. VI. Horace Parker, b. March 27, 1827 ; md. May 27, 1850, Elizabeth O'Farye ; resides in Sterling, Minn. VII. Lucinda, b. Feb. 17, 1829 ; resides unmd. at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands. VIII. George Washington, b. June 2, 1832 ; md. July 23, 1860, Phebe A. Cole; resides at Garden City, Minn. IX. Charles Lewis, b. July 5, 1834 ; md. April 29, 1857, Sarah Jane Clare, who d. June 8, 1867; md. (2d) Sarah Norman ; resides in Kansas. Formerly he was a magistrate and postmaster in Minnesota. In the Civil War he served in Fifth Iowa Cavalry. Benjamin Ward was a farmer in this town. He owned and occupied the farm near the homestead of his father, now of Laban W. Wright. He md. Nov. 29, 1838, Melinda Lane, dau. of Benjamin Lane, q. v. He d. Sept. 16, 1860; his wife d. Feb. 25, 1855. I. Elliot Benjamin, b. March 6, 1840; drowned Aug. 8, 1857. II. Henry William, b. Dec. 16, 1841 ; he is a farmer in Greeley, Col. ; md. April 29, 1874, Hattie H. Orr. Two children. ' III. Edwin Franklin, b. Dec. 27, 1843 ; he is farming and sheep raising in Greeley, Col. ; unmd. / 74 7o 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 (78) 83 (82) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 941 IV. Sarah Isabel, b. May 16, 1847; md. March 19, 1868, Lemuel Wbitney, son of Dwell Whitney, q. V. John Wakd, b. in Sutton June 10, 1746, was a son of Jonas and Abigail (Child) Ward. He lived in West- minster near the line of Ashburnliam, and died in that town, but in social relations he was intimately connected with the people of this town. He was a member of the church in Ashburnham, his children were baptized by Mr. Gushing, and the deaths in his family are recorded in the church records. The farm was annexed to this town many years ago and is now owned by John G. Woodward. He md. , 1774, Mindwell Harrington, who d. Sept. 18, 1782; md. (2d) Oct. 4, 1784, Copiah Rice, b. Aug. 17, 1747, dau. of Silas and Copiah (Broughton) Rice of Westboro'. He d. Sept. 24, 1813 ; his widow d. March 25, 1844, aged 96, recorded 98. I. Sarah, b. June 19, 1775; md. John Flagg ; resided in Worcester. II. Polly, b. Oct. 12, 1777 ; md. July 3, 1820, John Woodward, son of Nathaniel Woodward ; lived in Westminster. John G. Woodward of Ash- burnham is their son. III. Betty (twin), b. Oct. 12, 1777; md. John Crox- fleld and resided in Barre, Vt. rv. John, b. May 14, 17S0.-|- V. Jonas, b. July 19, 1782; md. Anna Child and lived in AVestminster. She md. (2d) Americus Amsden of Windsor, Vt. VI. Lucy, b. Dec. 8, 1785 ; d. young. VII. Gopia, b. May 24, 1789 ; md. John Mossman, g. v. VIII. Silas, b. July 22, 1791.+ JoHN Ward, Jr., md. April 9, 1811, Dolly Townsend, dau. of Reuben Townsend, q. v. He resided on the homestead, and by the change in town lines became a citizen of Ashburnham in 1824. He d. April 27, 1843 ; she d. July 5, 1857. I. Mary, b. May 21, 1812 ; md. John G. Woodwai-d, q. V. Silas Ward, son of John, md. , 1815, Diedama Mossman, dau. of Matthias Mossman, q. v. They resided in Westminster. He d. May 29, 1881 ; she d. Nov. 7, 1879. 942 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 84 85 86 I. Susanna F., b. Oct. 13, 1817 ; d. Nov. 21, 1850. II. Horace, b. Aug. 24, 1824 ; d. Nov. 6, 1849. III. Sarah F., b. Dec. 5, 1831 ; md. John M. Pratt, q. V. Samuel Warken md. Anna Merriam, b. Oct. 10, 1753, dau. of Samuel and Auna (Whitney) Merriam of Lexington. He removed to this town about 1773. An infant, perhaps Rebecca, d. July 10, 1777. He d. AprU 20, 1778, aged 27; she md. (2d) Dea. Jacob Harris, q. V. I. Rebecca, b. Feb. 28, 1775. II. Anna, b. April 27, 1778. Col. Jeiiiel Watkins was b. in Chester, Vt., July 28, 1796. He md., about 1821, Priscilla Eaiie of Chester, Vt. She was b. Aug. 12, 1799. After a brief residence in Ashby they Amoved to this town in 1823. He was a lieutenant and captain of the militia from 1824 to 1828; subsequently he held commissions of major, lieutenant- colonel, and colonel of the regiment. In town affairs he was a man of influence and was frequently elected to office. He d. Sept. 7, 1857 ; his widow d. Jan. 13, 1882. They had one adopted child. I. Sarah Helen Ingraham, b. in Chester, Vt., 1841 ; md. Francis A. Whitney, q. v. Jacob Wenning, also written Winning and Wenneg, came to this town from Chelmsford in 1770, and removed to Westford in 1773. He was of Irish parentage and his residence in this town was not of sufficient dui-ation to lead to mention were it not for the purpose of correcting a tradition that he was one of the Germans. He was a blacksmith and lived where Alden B. Marble now resides. The name of his wife was Eleanor. She was possibly a second wife. I. Jacob, b. II. Susannah, b. III. Henry, b. IV. Mary, bap. June 27, 1772. James Weston was b. in Woburn 1773. He was a son of John and Mary Atwood Weston, grandson of Isaac and Elizabeth Pratt Weston, great-grandson of Stephen and Sarah (Townsend) Weston and great-great-grand- 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 943 son of John and Sarah (Fitch) Weston of Salem. James Weston md. in Woburn 1797, Rhoda Reed, dau. of Jonas Reed, q. v. He removed to Ashburnham about 1800, and probably in company with the Reed family who came at that time. He d. July, 1837 ; his widow d. a few years subsequently. I. Bhoda, b. Aug. 15, 1798 ; md. Abel Sawyer, q. v, II. Susan, b. Sept. 15, 1800; md. Nov. 22, 1826, Arlington Gibson of Fitchburg. 1.. Emerson, b. Sept. 15, 1830; md. Sept. 14, 1859, Hattie A. Wilbur ; residence Brattleborough, Vt. 2. Albert A., b. Feb. 4, 1832; md. Jennie McCoy ; residence Omaha, Neb. 3. Susan A., b. Jan. 22, 1835; md. Sept 27, 1858, George E. Bryant, son of George W. and Eunice (Norcross) Bryant of Fitzwilliam. He is a lawyer in Madison, Wis. m. Elijah, b. May 23, 1804 ; md. 1846, Mrs. Hannah R. Wood of Winchendon. He d. in this town. IV. James Allan, b. March 9, 1810.+ V. Amos, b. April 22, 1817 ; md. 1843, Rebecca Wheeler of New Ipswich ; d. in New Ipswich. VI. Harriet N., b. Nov. 3, 1820; md. Dec. 23, 1841, Charles Taylor, b. in New Ipswich March 21, 1820, son of Samuel and Persis (Jones) Taylor (Jones register) , resided in New Ipswich where she d. 1867 ; he md. (2d) Mary L. Gipson, widow of Henry Gipson, q. v. 1. Clinton C, b. Nov. 27, 1842 ; d. Oct. 17, 1861. 2. Henrietta M., b. July 16, 1844. 3. Myron, b. July 31, 1846; md. Elizabeth Crosby ; residence in Boston ; chief clerk Boston and Lowell Railroad. 4. Marianna, b. Feb. 17, 1849 ; d. Feb. 26, 1851. 5. Emma, b. Feb. 20, 1854; md. Sept. 3, 1878, Frank Herbert Hardison, b. in Rindge Sept. 3, 1849, son of Samuel J. and Louisa (Hastings) Hardison. He is editor of Greenfield Gazette and Courier. 944 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 16 (8) 17 I. 18 II. 19 III. 20 IV. 21 Carrie, b. Jan. 22, 1857; md. July 2, 1883, Frederick S. Maynard of Wilton, N. H. He d. June 23, 1886 ; she d. Aug. 25, 1886. James A. Weston md. Dec. 24, 1835, Elizabeth S. Borman, b. ia Winchendon Feb. 27, 1815, dau. of Charles Borman. They resided in this town until 1848 when they removed to New Ipswich, where he d. Aug. 18, 1852 ; she md. (2d) Ebenezer Blake of Rindge. Harlan Marcellus, b. Nov. 4, 1836 ; d. Oct. 20, 1838. Mary Elizabeth, b. Oct. 31, 1839 ; md. Edwin J. Stearns, q. v. Harlan A., b. May 9, 1844 ; d. June 6, 1847. Ellen M., b. June 22, 1848 ; md. May 27, 1874, Frank E. Wellington, b. in Eindge May 27, 1852, son of Oilman P. and Mary Ann (Jones) Wellington . They reside in Leominster. Charles A., b. April 29, 1850; d. Aug. 30, 1867. V. Ethan Wetherbee md. Dec. 31, 1775, Lueretia Adams, dau. of Capt. Thomas Adams, q. v., and removed fiom Cambridge to this town in 1776 or 1777. It is sug- gested that he was the landlord of the historic Black Horse Inn in Menotomy, where the Committee of Safety held meetings in April, 1775, and where Gerry, Orne and Lee witnessed by moonlight the march of the British troops on their advance toward Lexington and Concord. In the names of his children appear Samuel Cook, Abigail Bowman and Betsey Sanders, which are suggestive to persons conversant with the annals of Menotom}'. In 1787 Mr. Wetherbee appears to be residing in Medford, but with little exception he lived in this town and is fre- quently named in the records until 1798, when he sold his farm to Isaac Hill and removed to Keene, N. H. The births of his children are not recorded, but Mr. Gushing found frequent employment in the baptism of a numerous progeny. I. Betsey Sanders, bap. July 27, 1777. II. Abigail Bowman, bap. April 18, 1779. III. Samuel Cook, bap. May 27, 1781. IV. Lueretia, bap. May 25, 1783. V. Simon Peter, bap. May 6, 1785. VI. David, bap. July 25, 1790. VII. Jonathan (twin), bap. July 25, 1790. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 945 9 VIII. Ethan, bap. July 25, 1790. 10 IX. Lydia, bap. July 29, 1792 ; d. June 7, 1794. 11 X. ii/'^m, bap. July 6, 1794. 12 XI. Mary, bap. Sept. 25, 1796. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Phinehas Wetherbee, probably from Stow, came to Ashburnham about 1765. He md. (Int.) June 7, 1767, Hannah Whitnej' of Stow. In 1776 the family removed to Stow. I. Betty, b. Nov. 9, 1768. II. Catherine, b. Dec. 16, 1770. III. Dolly, b. Feb. 21, 1773. IV. Hannah, b. March 20, 1775. Amos Wetherbee md. in Ashburnham Nov. 26, 1789, Sarah Foster and removed about 1800 to Cavendish, Vt. I. Abel, b. June 16, 1790. II. Stephen, b. Nov. 21, 1791. III. Sarah, b. Dec. 24, 1793. IV. Lydia, b. Dec. 7, 1795. V. Amos, b. March 6, 1798; md. Aug. 31, 1824, Sarah May nard, a sister of Antipas Maynard ; resided in Lowell. Dea. Joseph Wetherbee, son of Joseph and Mary (Farr) Wetherbee, was b. in Ashby Dec. 4, 1810. He was a chairmaker in this town and a deacon of the Union church. He md. April 18, 1844, Mary E. Fletcher, dau. of Joshua Fletcher, q. v. He d. Aug. 18, 1847. She md. (2d) Aug. 7, 1852, George W. Todd of Eindge. Two children b. in Ashburnham. I. PrescoU W., b. Feb. 1, 1847; d. Feb. 22, 1847. II. Joseph F.,h. Jan. 8, 1848 ; md. 1872, Arabella S. Nichols, dau. of Thomas S. Nichols of Peter- boro' ; resides in Fitchburg. Marshall Wetherbee, son of Josiah and Clarissa (Sawtell) Wetherbee, was b. in Rindge June 30, 1817. The lineage of the Wetherbee and Sawtell families is traced in the History of Rindge. Mr. Wetherbee removed to this town in 1844, and the following year he purchased a livery property and has successfully continued the busi- ness to the present time. He was a deputy-sheriff twelve years and has been a State constable. In town affairs he 60 946 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 28 29 II 30 III 31 IV 32 V 33 VI 34 VII 35 36 37 has been employed many j'ears as collector, constable, overseer of the poor and selectman. He is a director of the First National Bank and a trustee of the Savings Bank of Gardner. He md. Oct. 13, 1842, Marinda Whitaker, dau. of Levi and Eunice (Tarbell) Whitaker of Mason, N. H. I. George M., b. Dec. 25, 1843 ; md. March 3, 1863, Mary Ellen Livingston; he served in the 21st Regiment. Charles H., b. June 2, 1847 ; d. Sept. 22, 1847. Charles H., b. Oct. 2, 1848 ; d. Sept. 6, 1849. IV. Sidney J., b. Jan. 8, 1851 ; md. March, 1872, Hattie M. Farwell of Mason, N. H. ; he d. Sept. 23, 1883 ; she md. (2d) W. Fred. White. Charles P., b. Nov. 4, 1852 ; resides in this town. Clara J., b. Sept. 7, 1854 ; d. Aug. 28, 1868. Emma J., b. Sept. 28, 1856 ; md. May 26, 1880, Otis H. Norcross, b. ]May 8, 1851, son of Joshua and Calista K. (Cooper) Norcross of Rindge ; reside in Rindge. William H., b. Sept. 5, 1858 ; resides in Green- field. VIII Benjamin E. Wetherbee was b. in Brookline, N. H., July 4, 1821. He is a son of Benjamin and Hannah (Wadsworth) Wetherbee and a grandson of Timothy Weth- erbee of Mason, N. H. He md. May 25, 1847, Sarah Helen Bruce, b. April 29, 1825, dau. of Silas and Melinda Bruce of Templeton, and resided some years in Townsend where he was a town officer, and in 1854 a representative to the Legislature. He removed to this town 1860 and has been engaged in the manufacture of chairs and bent chair stock. He resides on the John Willard faim. In this town he has been frequently elected to office. I. Eloise Helen, b. June 22, 1856 ; a music teacher. Samuel Wheeleb, son of John Wheeler, b. Aug. 11, 1762, md. in Asliburnham May 7, 1793, Elizabeth Taylor, dau. of Jonathan Taylor, q. v. He lived on the Clary farm in New Ipswich, where he d. Feb. 14, 1839. Daniel Wheeler, son of Samuel, b. in New Ipswich July 1, 1800, md. April 3, 1823, Rhoda Taylor, dau. of Nathan Taylor, q. v. He was a farmer in this town residing on the farm now of his son Daniel. He d. April 3, 1848 ; she d. Dec. 4, 1848. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 947 I. Samuel, b. March 15, 1824 ; md. May 5, 1853, Permelia Whitney. He is a carpenter in New Ipswich. II. Bhoda, b. Jan. 31, 1826; md. Dec. 6, 1856, Jonathan Coburn of New Ipswich . III. Daniel, b. Jan. 25, 1828 ; md. Dec. 4, 1860, Mary Drinan. He is a farmer on the homestead. 1. Mary Elizabeth, b. April 24, 1862; md. 1886. 2. Nathan Taylor, b. March 17, 1864. IV. George, b. April 30, 1830. V. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 14, 1832; md. May 6, 1858, William Jeifrey ; reside in Hudson. VI. John, b. Oct. 9, 1835 ; d. Sept. 10, 1837. VII. Lois, b. Jan. 31, 1840. Capt. Asahel Wheeler, b. 1814, came to this town in youth. IJe md. Oct. 6, 1836, Susan S. Lawrence, dau. of Capt. Jeremiah Lawrence. She d. Aug. 28, 1845 ; md. (2d) Feb., 1846, Eliza (Wright) Carlton, widow of John Carlton and dau. of Abel Wright, q. v. He d. 1855 ; his widow d. in Ashby. Capt. Wheeler was a member of the Ashburnham Light Infantry and an officer seven years. He was commissioned captain in 1844. I. Asahel, b. Sept. 8, 1839. He was in the service in the Civil War and was a captain of 21st and of 6 Ist Regiments. Fide page 445. After the war he was the first captain of the Rice Guards. Nearly twenty years ago Capt. Wheeler removed to Fitchburg and was of the police of that city several years. He md. 1861, Lydia A. Win- ship, dau. of Sylvester and Lucy (Munroe) Winship ; she d. July 28, 1862 ; he md. (2d) Sarah J. Beckwith of Fitchburg. Rdssell Whipple, a son of Otis and Amy (Harkness) Whipple, was b. in Richmond, N. H., Jan. 22, 1820. He md. 1840, Mary Scollay, dau. of Grover Scollay, q. v. During the ensuing twenty years they resided in Ash- burnham, in Royalston, Richmond, N. H., New Ipswich, Winchendon and again in Ashburnham. He enlisted in the 53d Regiment and was killed at Port Hudson, June 14, 1863; shed. Nov. 11, 1882. I. Eunice L., b. March 19, 1841. 948 IHSTORY OF ASHBURNHAJ[. 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 <2) 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 II. George W., b. Sept. 21, 1842; md. 1867, Laura Barrett, dau. of Townsend Barrett, q. v. III. Frederick i?., b. July 6, 1844; md. 1868, Emily Barrett, dau. of Townsend Barrett, q. v. IV. Charles N., b. Sept. 17, 1845 ; md. 1868, Nancy M. James. V. James A., b. Oct. 16, 1847. VI. Joseph A., b. Jan. 11, 1851. VII. Emma A., b. Aug. 10, 1853 ; md. Paulding. VIII. Sarah E., h. Mav 14, 1855. IX. Ella J., b. Aprir27, 1857. X. Martha L., b. Aug. 17. 1859. XI. Moulton H., b. Aug. 12, 1862. William Whitcomb, with wife Hannah and several children, came from Harvard to this town in 1762. At the organization of the town in 1765, he was elected town clerk. This office he filled only two years, but he was subsequently elected moderator, selectman, and for a number of years he was among the foremost men in the town. He was frequently chosen on committees during the Revolution, and in 1783 he was a representative to the General Court. He d. Dec. 3, 1792. The records furnish very little information of this family and it is not known how many children there were nor the order of age of the following. I. Elias, b. - II. Oliver, b. •+ md. Oct. 16, 1770, Dorcas Dickinson, q. v. III. Lucy, b. ; md. Simeon Brooks, q. v. IV. Persis, b. ; md. Isaac Blodgett, g. v. Elias Whitcomb md. Aug. 9, 1781, Dinah Brooks and resided in this town until 1800, when he removed to Ashby. His wife d. 1806 ; he md (2d) 1807, Sally Bonner of Hancock, N. H. I. Relief, h. Oct. 30, 1781 ; md. Elias Blodget, q. v. II. Dinah, b. Aug. 13, 1783 ; d. Aug. 20, 1783. III. Hannah, b. June 27, 1786 ; md. Job Foster. IV. Louisa, b. March 29, 1788 ; md. Haynes. V. Mary, b. April 25, 1791 ; md. Moses Sanderson, Jr., q. V. VI. Nancy, b. March 25, 1796 ; md. Edwards. VII. Lucinda, b. Feb. 2, 1801 ; md. Charles Buttrick. 13 14 11 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 949 viii. Esther, b. April 6, 1805 ; md. — — Blood. IX. Elaph, b. April 20, 1810. John AYhite was a soldier in the Continental service from 1777 to 1780. He was in Col. Greaton's regiment, and on one roll he is counted on the quota of Easton and on another roll on the quota of this town, but both records assert that he was a resident of Ashburnham. He md. Ruth Holden, and settled in the southwest part of the town not long before he entered the army. In 1785 his farm was included in Gardner, and his continued record was In that town, where he d. 1806. Three or four of the older children were b. in this town. I. Betsey, b. Sept. i\, 1776 ; md. "William Bickford, Jr., of Gardner. She d. 1841. II. Abigail, b. April 30, 1780 ; d. young. III. John, b. May 5, 1782; md. Persis Comee ; lived in Gardner. IV. Polly, b. Feb. 17, 1784; md. John Parker of Gardner. Augustine, b. Feb. 24, 1786. Ahner, b. Dee. 10, 1787. Eebecca, b. Mav 9, 1790. Lucy, h. Oct. 26, 1792. Abigail, b. April 20, 1796. 6 V. 7 VI. 8 VII. 9 VIII. IX. Dea. Elisiia White was a native of Lancaster. He was a descendant of John White, one of the early settlers of Lancaster, where his descendants were numerous and influential. In the early history of that town few names were more prominent in civil and ecclesiastical afliairs. The records of Lancaster are not complete, and the names of Elisha and Josiah are so frequently met that the lineage of individual members of this family is not easily traced. Elisha A^'hite of Ashburnham was b. in Lancaster June 18, 175'J; he md. Oct 10, 1780, Deborah Hunt, b. in Lancaster Oct. 2'.i, 1760, dau. of Sherebiah and Deborah (Wilder) Hunt, and a sister of Dea. Shereljiah Hunt of this town. After his marriage he lived a short time at Plymouth, Yt., but settled in Ashburnham in 1782. He was a farmer and a carpenter. In tov^n affairs he was one of the foremost men of his tiine, sei'ving as town clerk, moderator, selectman and assessor. From 1798 until his death he was a deacon of the church, and among his fellow-men his opinions were respected and his character was above reproach. He d. June 14, 1817 ; his widow d- March 26, LS-IC, aiied 8rj. S50 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 12 I. 13 II. 14 III. 15 IV. 16 V. 17 VI. 18 VII. 19 VIII. 20 IX. 21 X. 22 XI. (12) Jusiah, h. Nov. 2, 1782.-(- Anna, b Oct. -iG, 17«4 ; md. Jesse Holbrook, q. v. Elisha, b. JNIay 17, 1787. + Sherehiah Hunt, 1). Feb. 26, • 1790; md. Lois Stocker ; resided in Springfield, Vt., subse- quently in Unity, N. II. , where he d. , 1883. Deborah, b. Jan. 22, 1792; md. -, John Harrington. Peter, b. April 29, 1794; md. , Nancy Stocker. Dorinda, b. May 2.5, 1796 ; d. unmd. , 1837. Mary, b. July 15, 1799 ; md. Stephen Corey, q. v. David, b. Nov. 27, 1801 ; md. Sarah Newcomb. He was a contractor and builder, doing an ex- tensive business ; resided in Gloucester. Ivers, b. June 25, 1804.+ XI. Sarah, b. Nov. 17, 1806 ; md. June 6, 1833, Jonas Lawrence, q. v. 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 JosiAii White, son of Dea. Elisha AVhite, was a carpenter in this town. He was a; member of the Ash- burnham Light Infantry and was in the service in 1814 at Boston Harbor. He md. Feb. 8, 1807, Matilda Stone, dau. of Joseph Stone, q. v. ; she d. Fell. 4, 1838 ; md. (2d) May 13, 1840, Betsey Bly, dau. of James Bly of Andover. He d. Oct. 24, 1871. I. Josiah E., b. May 20, 1809 ; md. April 10, 1835, Betsey Lawrence, dau. of Dea. William J. Lawrence, q. v. ; she d. Aug. 10, 1846 ; md. (2d) Mary Moore. He removed to LoweU 1848, and was there a merchant; resides in Laconia, N. H. II. Susan Gates, b. July 21, 1811 ; d. Aug. 24, 1833. III. Nancy Hayden, b. Feb. 24, 181;! ; md. George Davis, q. V. IV. Amos S., b. April 6, 1816 ; he is a merchant in "Weymouth ; md. Eunice Bowditch. V. Mary Matilda, b. Aug. 4, 1818 ; md. , Dr. Ebenezer T. Learned ; resides in Fall River ; he ■ d. . VI. loers Warrev, b. July 9, 1820; md. Elizabeth Wheeler of Fitchbnrg. VII. Sarah CunMng, b. Dec. 27, 1822; md. Sept. 22, 1845, James H. AVarner, b. in Boston Sept. 10, 1813; d. in Fitchburg Sept. 18, 1859. She resides in Ashliy. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 951 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 (14) 39 40 (21) 41 1. James E., b. Aug. 27, 1846; md. Nov. 21, 1867, EllaK. Bly, b. Aug. 29, 1845, dau. of James Bly. They reside at South Village. 2. Mary E., b. Nov. 29, 1848 ; md. Henry Burr, son of Samuel Burr of Ashby. .'!. Jane W., b. Oct. 1, 1852 ; d. young. 4. Francilla A., b. June 8, 1856 ; md. Herbert Sadler ; they reside at Beverly. nil. Joseph Wilder, b.- March 30, 1825 ; md. Susan Lake; md. (2d) Sarah Loud; he is a carpenter at Lebanon, N. H. IX. Charles H., b. Nov. 12, 1841 ; md. Nov. 29, 1866, Florence H. Stowe, dau. of David and Mary (Converse) Stowe. He was a veteran of the 21st Regiment, serving in the Civil War four years. He has been a member of the volunteer militia jiearly twenty years, and is now a lieutenant of Company E. He resides on the homestead. X. Susan E., b. Oct. 20, 1843 ; d. May 29, 1865. XI. Ellen T., b. June 8, 1847; md. Nov. 21, 1867, Edward G-. Newell ; residence in Gardner. XII. Emma F. (twin), b. June 8, 1847; d. July 18, 1847. Elisha White md. Jan., 1818, Juda Rodgers, and resided in this town until 1850, and subsequently resided in Newton where he d. He md. (2d) Mrs. Rodgers. I. Edwin, b. Oct. 12, 1819, d. May 10, 1824. II. Sarah H., b. Nov. 25, 1824 ; d. . IvERS White, after the death of his father, resided a few years in Springfield, Vt. Returning to Ashburnham in 1830, he purchased of Charles Stearns the mail route from this town to Worcester. He was engaged in this enterprise several years. Subsequently he was a house, carriage and ornamental painter. For a few years, retaining a residence in this town, he was engaged at his occupation in Fitchburg. He was adjutant of the Ninth Regiment, a deputy-sheriff, and under the Fillmore administration he was postmaster. He md. 1832, Zoa Lawrence, dau. of Dea. William J. Lawrence. He d. June 26, 1884. I. William Frederick, b. Aug. 17, 1834; md. 1857, Alice A. Wheeler, dau. of Oliver Wheeler 952 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 42 (6) 9 10 11 12 13 14 of Ashby. They were divorced 18(1- ; he nid. (2d) March 14, 1885, Hattie M. (Farwell) Wetherbee, widow of Sidney J. Wetherbee, q. v. He is an ornamental painter. Annie Eliza Celestia, b. JMarch 15, 1841 ; md. Aug. 31, 1871, Edwin E. Spencer, M. I). ; resides in Cambridgeport. Christian William Whiteman, with wife Anstina and two children, with his German associates settled on Lex- ington grant in 1758. He was one of the proprietors of the grant and upon its division among the several owners he secured a farm, on which he lived. He was an intelli- gent, valued citizen. In 1796 the familj' removed to Haverhill, N. H. I. Catherine, b. Oct. 18, 1752; md. Aug. 9, 1781, Henry Sunbury and resided about two years in this town ; removed to Warren, N. H. 3 4 II 5 III 6 IV 7 V 8 VI 1. Catherine, b. 1782. Elizabeth, b. April 5, 1756; tine, q. v. Anstina, b. July 24, 1758. Nicholas, b. Feb. 19, 1761. + Christian, b. Oct. 21, 1763. Margaret, b. July 20, 1766. md. Jacob Constan- NiCHOLAS Whiteman served in Mitchell's regiment in 1776 and at Castle William, Col. Abijah Stearns' regi- ment, in 1778. He removed to Warren, N. H., in 1780, but subsequently returned to this town where he lived many j'ears. He had a farm and a mill where Warren E. Marble now lives. In his old age he lived elsewhere with his children. He md. Aug. 23, 1781, Elizabeth Rodamel, q. V. A dau., aged 12 years, d. Feb. 6, 1796 ; a dau., aged 9 years, d. Feb. 10, 1776. Scarcely more than the names of the other children can be given. I. William, b. II. Nancy, b. — III. Folly, b. — IV. Jacob, b. — V. Peter, b. ■ ; settled in Canada. d. unmd. in this town Oct., 1835. settled in Canada. John Whiteman first appears in the records in 1765. He probablj' came with the other Germans in 1758. He GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 953 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 lived iu the northeast part of the town and the family removed about 1804. The birth of one child is recorded and six others were baptized. I. Mary, b. May 13, 1765. II. John, bap. April 23, 1769. III. Jacob, bap. Nov. 21, 1771. IV. Katherine, bap. Oct. 27, 1776. V. George, bap. May 27, 1781 ; d. Feb. 29, 1784. VI. Sarah, bap. Oct. 12, 1783. VII. Hannah, bap. May 21, 1786. Henry Whiteman, perhaps a son of John (14), md. 1793, Abigail Wheeler of New Ipswich. He was an ensign of the militia 1792. WHITMOEE. Eeancis Whitmobe, b. in England 1625, is found in Cambridge in 1649. He was a large land owner in Cambridge and the neighboring towns and resided many years and perhaps through life within the limits of the present city. "When Lexington was created a precinct the bounds were described as beginning ' ' on the southerly side of Francis Whitmore's house." It does not appear that he ever lived there and at the date of the record he had been dead seyeral years. He served in the Indian War under Major Willard. He md. Isabel Parks, dau. of Richard Parks of Cambridge ; she d. March 31, 1665; md. (2d) Nov. 10, 1666, Margaret Harty. He d. Oct. 12, 1685; she d. March 1, 1685-6. By both marriages there were thirteen children. Joseph Whitmore, youngest son of Francis and Margaret (Harty) Whitmore, b. 1675, md. Feb. 13, 1698-9, Mary Kendall, b. in Woburn Feb. 27, 1679-80, dau. of Thomas and Ruth Kendall. They were admitted to church in Lex- ington 1703 and the following year were dismissed to church in Woburn, where they subsequently resided. Their only son was Joseph Whitmore, b. Feb. 17, 1699-1700. He also lived in Woburn and May 23, 1719, was pub- lished to MaryPeirce; she d., leaving one son, Joseph, b. Sept. 9, 1719. Joseph, the father, was subsequently md. and reared a large family which includes the ancestors of the Newbury branch of the Whitmore family. Joseph "Whitmore, the first of the name in Ashburn- ham, was a descendant in the fourth generation of Francis I Whitmore, the emigrant ancestor. He was b. in Woburn Sept. 9, 1719, according to Woburn records, or Sept. 20, 1719, following the family record. He md. Dec. 21, 1741, Mary Marion of Boston, b. April 25, 1718, and removed from Woburn to Leominster between 1747 and 1749, and to Ashburnham immediately preceding 1780. He was moderator of a town meeting in this town 1780. He settled in the northwest part of the town where his great-grandson, Dr. L. L. Whitmore, now resides. The homestead has remained in the possession of his descend- ants to the present time. For several years, and until 954 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 (7) 12 13 retired by age, he was a prominent citizen and was often cliosen to office. He d. April 18, 1805 ; his widow d. July 10, 1805. Three children were b. in Woburn and seven in Leominster. I. Mary, b. Feb. 15, 1742-3 ; md. Enos Jones, q. v. II. Hannah, b. Oct. 27, 1744; md. Shebuel Bailey and lived in Sterling. III. Rebecca, b. July 16, 1747 ; md. Warner. IV. Joseph, b. June 6, 1749 ; md. Ruth Knight; lived in Chester and Ira, Vt. V. Benjamin, b. Oct. 22, 1751 ; md. Lois , Stanley ; lived in Chester, Vt. VI. Isaac, b. March 3, 1755.-|- VII. Persia (twin), b. March 3, 1755; md. Jonathan Winchester, q. v. VIII. Lucy, h. Jan. 23, 1857 ; md. Jonas Brooks, q. v. IX. Elizabeth, b. Feb. 8, 1759 ; md. Joshua Phelps. X. Edward, b. Aug. 12, 1763.+ IsAAC Whitmoee resided on the homestead. While a resident of Leominster he was a soldier in the Revolution. He served in the siege of Boston, participating in the battle of Bunker Hill and during the ensuing year he was in the army under Washington. In the latter service his name is borne on the roll of Capt. Maxwell's company of Col. Prescott's regiment. He was in the battle at White Plains and in the engagement at Trenton and Princeton. It is probable that he was in the service later than early in the year 1777, but he makes no mention of additional service in his application for a pension made July 8, 1819. His application was successful and he remained a pensioner until his death. He came to this town with his father and his name often appears in the choice of town officers. He is, however, more accurately described as an honest, industrious farmer, who found his chief employment in the frugal management of his own affairs. He md. 1781, Rebecca Foster, b. in Lunenburg Sept. 16, 1760, eldest dau. of Joseph and Sarah (Jones) Foster. He d. May 2, 1847 ; she d. Aug. 30, 1840. I. James, b. April 23, 1782; md. Oct. 22, 1811, Phebe Stimson, dau. of Lemuel Stimson, q. v. Resided a few j-ears in Londonderry, N. H., and after 1815 in Framingham. II. Levi F., b. Feb. 13, 1786; md. May 8, 1817, Mehitabel Edgell, b. in Framingham 1796, dau. of Aaron P. and Eleanor (Trowbridge) Edgell. He was a farmer in Marlboro'. Eight children. 14 15 16 17 18 <11) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 955 III. Infant, b. ; d. March 15, 1789. IV. Salln, b. Sept. 7, 1790; d. Oct. 21, 1792. V. Sally, b. Sept. 16, 1793 ; md. Jacob Ward, q. v. VI. Enoch, b. Sept. 8, 1796.+ VII. Beulah, b. Aug. 8, 1799; md. Charles Stimson q. V. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 <17) Edward Whitmore, youngest son of Joseph, resided in this town until 1804, when he removed to Rindge, and in 1820 he removed to Enosburg, Vt., where he d. Nov. 15, 1841. He was a soldier in the Revolution. Vide page 197. He md. Aug. 2, 1782, Lydia Samson, dau. of Jonathan Samson, q. v. She d. Sept. 1, 1840. 1. Patty, b. Oct. 30, 1784; d. unmd. July 13, 1818. II. Oliver, b. Feb. 16, 1787.+ III. Sally, b. Nov. 5, 1792 ; md. Henry Broats. IV. Lydia, h. May 3, 1795 ; d. unmd. V. Emma, b. Sept. 9, 1797; md. Nov. 20, 1817, Nathan Estey of Stow. Ti. Isaac, b. March 14, 1800; d. Oct. 29, 1805. VII. Levi, b. Sept. 14, 1802; d. Oct. 10, 1805. VIII. Zoa, b. March 20, 1806 ; md. • ; she d. June 21, 1841. IX. Joseph A., b. Dec. 3, 1807 ; d. Oct. 6, 1825. 28 29 Col. Enoch Whitmore was a farmer and manufacturer in Ashburnhara and a leading man of his time. Vide page 485. He md. Clarissa Willard, dau. of Silas Willard, Esq., q. v. He d. Sept. 13, 1860; she resides in J'itchburg. I. Eliza R., b. Oct. 25, 1818; md. Nov. 18, 1841, Horace Eames of Framingham. Thej' resided in Springfield, where he d. Maj' 17, 1879. II. Alfred, b. Nov. 29, 1818; md. Feb. 5, 1846, Elmira W. Stimson, dau. of Charles Stimson, q. V. He was' station agent at Ashburnham Junction several years and subsequently en- gaged in the manufacture of wood ware. He d. Jan. 4, 1873 ; she resides in Leominster. 30 I 1. Herbert E., b. July 13, 1859. -31 I 2. Eleanor C, b. July 18, 1861. 32 i III. Flint M., b. Dec. 24, 1821 ; unmd.; is a pros- perous dealer in lumber in California ; resides I at Antelope Creek in Amador county. 956 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 (20) VII. IX. IV. Lorenzo Locke, b. July 2, 1823 ; a physician and farmer of Ashburnham. Vide page 471. He md. Jan. 9, 1872, Mary Sophia Baker, d.iu. of Dea. Joel and Lucy (Newton) Baker of East Templeton. V. Silas, b. July 10, 1824; md. Dec. 13, 1855, Althea Gibbs. He d. at Antelope Creek, Amador county, Cal., Aug. 11, 1878. VI. Clarissa, b. Oct. 18, 1826 ; unmd. ; resides in Fitchburg. Catherine, b. Dec. 19, 1828 ; md. Sept. 12, 1853, James M. Ingraham ; reside in Chicago, 111. Mary, h. Sept. 13, 1830 ; unmd. ; resides in Fitchburg. Harriet, b. Feb. 19, 1835; unmd.; resides in Chicago, 111. X. Orarige Scott, b. Oct. 26, 1836, was a teacher several years, and in May, 1862, was admitted to the bar at St. Albans, Vt. Enlisted the same month in Co. A, Ninth Regiment, Vermont Infantry ; discharged on account of wounds in March, 1863. Was engaged in business in Chicago several years and lest the fruit of successful enterprise in the great fire. Subse- quently was engaged several years in the lumber business at Cadillac, Mich., where he now resides. He md. June 1, 1866, Mary Elizabeth Stevens, b. in Watertown, N. Y., April 9, 1847, eldest dau. of Hiram B. and Emma A. Stevens. Seven of ten children are living. XI. Franklin B., b. April 4, 1838 ; md. Oct. 15, 1867, Amanda T. Frye. He is a lumber dealer in Lexington, Kj^, in the firm of Ilule and Whit- more. XII. Laura A., b. July 10, 1839; md. Francis G. Kibling, son of Francis Kibling, q. v. XIII. Frances Elizabeth, b. June 10, 1841 ; md. Dec. 17, 1868, Albert L, Streeter, b. Sept. 14, 1841, son of Thomas and Paulina (Locke) Streeter. He is express messenger on the Fitchburg railroad with residence in Charlestown district. Oliver Whitmoee md. in Rindge June 2, 1808, Sophia Stone, b. April 19, 1789, dau. of Capt. Salmon and Susanna (Page) Stone. In 1810 he returned to Ash- burnham and settled in the northwest part of the town, GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 957 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 where he lived until after the death of his wife. He d. in Winchendon Oct. 16, 1874, aged 87 ; his wife d. March 4, 1863. I. Eli S., b. Jan. 27, 1809; md. Nov. 14, 1837, Rebecca Darling, dau. of Amos and Ede (Stone) Darling of Rindge. Resided in Rindge, Worcester and in this town, where he d. July 27, 1870. 1. Clara, b. April 7, 1851 ; d. Nov. 10, 1861. ■2. Irving, b. Sept. 25, 1855. II. Elvira, b. March 18, 1816; md. Nov. 26, 1839, Stephen Tolraan, son of William and Mercy (Brown) Tolman. He d. June 15, 1884; she resides on the homestead in Winchendon. 1. George Oscar, b. Sept. 19, 1842. 2. Wayland, b. April 28, 1850 ; d. April 30, 1850. 3. Lizzie M., b. June 6, 1860 ; md. Nov. 26, 1879, Eugene P. Brooks, b. in Rindge Feb. 25, 1850, son of William S. and Frances J. (Parks) Brooks. in. Charles Farwell, b. Oct. 10, 1819 ; md. April 6, 1848, Cynthia Tubbs, widow of Alvin Tubbs. IV. Laurilla, b. July 9, 1825 ; d. March 17, 1832. V. George, b. Oct. 30, 1829; md. April 19, 1855, Laurette Tubbs, dau. of Alvin and Cynthia Tubbs. He d. at Providence, R. I., May 19, 1883. 1. George Alvin. 2. Mabel Cynthia. WHITNEY. No other register in this volume contains an equal number of names. The Whitney famflies of Ashburnham are descendants of John and Elinor Whitney who embarked for New England in the Elizabeth and Ann, Roger Cooper, master, in April, 1635. At this date he was aged 35 and his wife 30. In the summer of the same year he purchased a homestead and settled in Watertowu. Subsequently the town made him several grants amounting to 198 acres, and he acquired other land by purchase. He was admitted freeman March 3, 1635-6, and at once assumed and maintained a prominent position in the affairs of the settlement. He was a selectman eighteen successive years, and town clerk in 1655. Five of his eight sons were b. in England, and six of them left a numerous posterity. His wife d. May H, 1659. He md. (2d) Sept. 29, 1659, Judah Clement, who d. previous to the date of his will, April 3, 1673. He d. June 1, 1673, aged 73. 958 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. John Whitney, eldest son of John and Elinor Whitney, was b. in England 1624, and was admitted freeman May 26, 1647. He was a selectman of Watertown six years. He md. Ruth Reynolds who survived him. He d. Oct. 12, 1692, leaving five sons and five daughters. Nathaniel Whitney, son of John and Ruth (Reynolds) Whitney, was b. in Watertown Feb. 1, 1646-7. Hemd. March 12, 1673-4, Sarah Hagar, b. in Watertown Sept. 3, 1651, dau. of William and Mary (Bemis) Hagar. He resided in the part of Watertown that was included in Weston, where he d. Jan. 7, 1732-3 ; his widow d. May 7, 1746. William Whitney, third of the seven children of Nathaniel and Sarah (Hagar) Whitney, was b. May 6, 1683. and resided in Weston. He md. May 17, 1706, Martha Peirce, b. Dec. 24, 1681, dau. of Joseph and Martha Peirce of Watertown. He d. Jan. 24, 1720-1. Among his five children were Samuel, who settled in Westminster, and Martha, who became the wife of Timothy Mossman, Jr., once a resident of Ashburnham. Samuel Whitney, son of William and Martha (Peirce) Whitney, was b. in Weston M»y 23, 1719. He md. Oct. 20, 1741, Abigail Fletcher, and settled in Westminster. He was a leading man in the settlement and was frequently elected to office. He d. Jan. 1, 1782. The sixth of his thirteen children, b. in Westminster, was Capt. Silas Whitney of Ashburnham, No. 1 in the following register. Another branch of the Whitney family in this town is closely allied to the descendants of Capt. Silas Whitney. Abner Whitney, another son of Samuel and Abigail (Fletcher) Whitney, was b. in Westminster May 18, 1748. He md. May 14, 1770, Elizabeth Glazier, dau. of Jonas and Eunice (Newton) Glazier of Shrewsbury; she d. April 3, 1778. He md. (2d) April 22, 1779, Levina (Glazier) Ward, b. in Shrewsbury May 9, 1752, a sister of his first wife and a widow of Jonas Ward, brother of John Ward. Abner Whitney d. Sept., 1811. Joseph G. Whitney, son of Abner and Levina Whitney, was b. in Westminster June 22, 1783. He md 1805. Levina Dunn, and resided in Westminster and Ashburnham where he d. July 31, 1868. Levina G. Whitney, his dau., is the wife of Rev. Stephen Gushing, q. v., and John Whitney, his son, was a resident of Ashburnham and is No. 122 in the following register. The Lemuel Whitney family, commencing with No. 139, are probably descendants of Richard Whitney, another son of John and Elinor Whitney, the emigrant ancestors. Richard Whitney md. Martha Caldam and .settled in Stow. The records do not afford sufficient information to complete the lineage. Gen. Josiah Whitney was b. in Stow about 1730. He md. 1751, Sarah Farr. They were the parents of eighteen children, fifteen of whom d. in infancy. About 1754 he removed from Stow to Harvard, where his wife d. and he md. (2d) Sarah Dwelly of Bridgewater. By this marriage there were seven children. In 1795 Gen. Whitney removed with the younger children to Ashby, where he d. Jan. 24, 1806 ; his widow d. in Whitingham, Vt., Feb. 18, 1817. Capt. Silas Whitney, son of Samuel and Abigail (Fletcher) Whitney, was b. in Westminster Oct. 20, 1752. He md. Jan. 27, 1774, Sarah Withington, b. in Stow 1753, dau. of William and Sarah (Locke) Withington. After his marriage he lived four years in Westminster. He sold his farm in that town in 1778 and purchased a large tract of land in the southeast part of Ashlinrnham. Here he soon became the leading farmer in this vicinity. The size of his barns and granaries and the number of his horses and cattle are the living theme Of tradition. He (2) 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 (3) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 959 was a eaptaiu of the militia and was prominent in town aflfairs. In the midst of a life of industry and usefulness he d. at mid-age Nov. 14, 1798. Mr. Gushing records his death with the remark that ' ' he died suddenly after a few days of complaining, though not confined; he was sitting in a chair leaning on a table and sunk down, and ahnost immediately expii'ed." The widow settled the estate and prudently managed the affairs in the interest of her childi-en. She md. (2d) 1802, Thomas Earle of Leicester, and d. in this town Jan., 12, 1820. There were four sons and twenty-four grandsons of Capt. Silas and Sarah (Withington) Whitney, and including the female lines the number of their descendants named in these registers is above two hundred. I. Susannah, b. Sept. 29, 1776; md. Josiah Brown. Vide page 959. Silas, b. Oct. 1, 1779.-|- Sarah, b. July 1, 1781 ; md. Caleb "Wilder, son of Samuel Wilder, Esq., q. v. Samuel, b. May 20, 1783. + William, b. Aug. 5, 1785.-)- OMo, b. March 22, 1789.-f- Ahigail, b. May 15, 1791 ; md. Jesse Ellis, son of Jesse Ellis, q. v. VIII. Nancy, b. Nov. 19, 1794; md. Laban Gushing, son of Capt. David Gushing, q. v. 3 11. 4 III. 5 IV. 6 V. 7 VI. 8 VII. JosiAH Brown of Stow md. April, 1797, Susannah Whitney, eldest dau. of Capt. Silas Whitney, q. v. They resided in Stow. I. Silas, b. Dec. 12, 1797; d. unmd. in Stow March 4, 1856. II. Josiah, b. Jan. 21, 1799. III. Susan, b. July 2, 1801. IV. Ohio, b. April 29, 1803; md. Sept. 17, 1849, Sarah Ellis, dau. of Jesse Ellis. They resided in Stow many years and both d. in this town. V. Horatio, b. July 25, 1805 ; d. unmd. VI. Nancy, b. Nov. 11, 1806. VII. Reuben, b. March 17, 1808. VIII. Sally, b. Sept. 17, 1811. IX. Anna, b. May 7, 1815 ; md. Nov. 29, 1846, Ephraim Ray of Stow; she d. March 1, 1877. Capt. Silas Whitney, son of Capt. Silas, md. Dec. 31, 1801, Hannah Gushing, dau. of Capt. David Gushing, q. V. He was a farmer on a part of the homestead for 960 HISTORY OF VSHBURNHAM. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 (5) 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 several years and was an officer in tlie militia at an early age. He was a lieutenant in 1803 and was styled captain after 1804 or 1805, but a record of the latter commission has not been found. He resided in Walpole, N. H., from 1810 to 1815 and possibly a year or two longer. After his return to this town he was a farmer. He was a man of more than average ability. He d. Sept. 4, 1846 ; his widow d. March 5, 1854. I. Silas, b. April 28, 1803 ; md. April 27, 1826, Olive Knight of West Boylston. II. Hannah Cushing, b. Sept. 15, 1805 ; d. in Balti- more, Md., Nov. 26, 1826. III. David Cushing, b. Feb. 24, 1808 ; d. Aug. 6, 1809. IV. David Cushing,]}. April 14, 1810; md. Nov. 21, 1832, Tila Bowditch ; md. (2d) Harriet A. Shepstone. He resided in Walpole, N. H., where he d. 1878. 1 Joseph. 2. Charles. VI. VII. VIII. Susan, h. Aug. 21, 1812 ; d. young. Charles, b. June 18, 1815.+ Joseph Cushing, b. Jan. 23, 1818; md. Feb. 3, 1842, Florence E. Weston. He is a merchant in Baltimore, Md. Sarah, b. June 22, 1820; md. Oct. 31, 1844, James W. Gardner of Hingham. She d., s. p., at Springfield May 30, 1865. Milton, b. Oct. 9, 1823 ; resided in Baltimore, Md. Vide page 492. He md. Nov. 24, 1846, Annie M. Weston. He d. Sept. 3, 1875. Samitel Whitney, son of Capt. Silas, md. Aug. 12, 1802, Abigail Wilder, dau. of Caleb Wilder, q. v. He was a farmer, residing on the farm now of his son, Austin Whitney. He was an enterprising, active man. He d. May 9, 1837. His wife d. Oct. 23, 1861. I. Samuel, b. Oct. 28, 1802 ; d. Sept. 3, 1805. II. Merrick, b. Dec. 31, 1804.+ III. Jane Vincent Woodward, b. Aug. 11, 1807; d. Sept. 10, 1810. IV. Samuel, b. Feb. 25, 1810; d. Dec. 17, 1810. V. Austin, b. Dec. 21, 1811 ; d. Sept. 7, 1814. VI. Charles Wilder, b. Jan. 10, 1814. + VII. Austin, b. April 16, 1816. -|- 37 38 39 40 (6) 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 (7) GENEALOGICAL HEGISTEK. 961 VIII. Jane Elizabeth, b. Julj' 7, 1818; unmd. ; d. Nov. 12, 1847. IX. Samuel Vincent, b. May 25, 1820. + X. Quincy, b. Oct. 7. 1822. + XI. Horatio Nelson, b. Oct. 3, 1824 ; was a farmer in this town ; md. 1853, Marv Eliza Carlton. He d. Feb. 18, 1858 ; no children. "William Whitney, son of Capt. Silas, md. May 22, 1808, Lucy Brooks. She d. Dec. 4, 1829 ; md. (2d) May 7, 1830, Mercy (Burgess) Bemis, dan. of Ebenezer Burgess, q. v., and widow of Jonas Bemis, q. v. He d. July 22, 1852 ; his widow resides with her youngest dau. in Fitchburg. He was a farmer ; occupying a portion of the homestead, and lived above reproach. I. TFiHiam, b. July 22, 1809. Ftde page 512. He md. May 7, 1840, Julia Emerson, dau. of Dea. Tiraothv Emerson ; she d. Nov. 10, 1864 ; md. (2d) April 19, 1866, Mrs. Catherine H. Courtney. Rev. William Whitnej' resides at Granville, Ohio. II. Silas, b. May 26, 1811 ; resides in Fitchburg ; md. 1844, Susan Eddy ; md. (2d) Mary E. Whitney, in. George, b. April 6, 1814 ; md. 1849, Mary Wedge of Boston. He d. May, 1858. No children. IV. Liiay, b. Dec. 27, 1818 ; md. Alonzo L. Willard, q. V. V. Catherine, b. Feb. 3, 1820; md. William Brown of Fitchburg ; md. (2d) Charles Davis of Fitchburg. There were three children of William and Catherine (Whitney) Brown, two of whom d. in infancy. 1. Julia, b. ; md. Herbert A. Willard, son of Alonzo L. Willard, q. v. VI. Sarah xin7i, b. April 30, 1831 ; md. Newton Hayden, q. v. Ohio Whitney, son of Capt. Silas, was a farmer in this town, residing on a portion of the homestead! He md. Jan. 3, 1809, Mary Bolton, b. May 21, 1791, dau. of Aaron and Dorcas (Winship) Bolton of Westminster; she d. Aug. 30, 1843. He md. (2d) June 9, 1844, Dorothy (Maynard) Brown, widow of John Brown, q. v. He d. March 23, 1870; she d. Aug. 8, 1885. Mr. Whitney was a man of ability and unusual force of character. The record of his life and good works is 962 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. THE OHJIl WIIITSEV HOMESTEAD. 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 engraven in the annals of Ashburnham. He was a selectman several years and honorably discharged every trust. At all times and under all circumstances he com- manded the respect and affectionate regard of his towns- men. I. Mary Bolton, b. July 23, 1809 ; md. James Adams, q. v. II. Jason, b. Feb. 10, 1811.-f III. Ohio, b. June 9, 1813. + IV. Sarah, b. April 5, 1815 ; md. Walter Adams, q. v. V. Amos, b. June 7, 1817. -|- VI. Dolly Winship, b. Jan. 19, 1819 ; md. Joseph Adams, q. v. VII. Harriet Jackson, b.-Dec. 8, 1820 ; md. Salmon W. Putnam, q. v. vm. Francis Alexander, b. Aug. 2, 1823. + -IX. Walter, b. Jan. 1, 1825. + X. Ivers B., b. Aug. 1, 1827; d. Sept. 8, 1829. XI. Ain-on, b. March 20, 1829 ; d. Sept. 5, 1830. XII. Nancy, b. Feb. 23, 1831 ; d. Oct. 20, 1847. XIII. Abbie Ellis, b. Feb. 25, 1836 ; md. Dec. 5, 1857, Charles "W. Barrell, son of Dea. Luther Barrel! of Westminster ; he d. March 23, 1865 ; she md. (2d) Simeon Merritt, q. v. (26) 61 62 (31) 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 (35) 71 72 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 963 Chaki.es Whitney, son of Silas, Jr., md. Oct. 23, 1845, Susan Davis, b. in Sterlinu;, Jan. 22, 1822, dau. of John Davis ; resides in Central Village. I. Florence Eliza, b. Dec. 19, 1849; md. Dec. 22, 1871, Calvin W. Burbank. II. Charles Henry, b. May 31, 1854; md. Jan. 16, 1878, Emma B. Rockwood, dau. of George Rockwood, q. v. They reside in this town. He has been road commissioner and is a con- ductor on the Ashburnham railroad. Merrick Whitney, son of Samuel, md. April 5, 1830, Harriet Adams, dau. of John and Dolly (Gibson) Adams, q. V. He was a farmer and lived several 3'ears on the Samson farm, now of his son Hosea S. Whitney. Subse- quently he lived near Central Village. He d. Dec. 2, 1881 ; his wife d. April 9, 1877. I. Merrick, b. Dec. 25, 1830 ; resides unmd. in this town. II. Austin, b. April 10, 1832 ; drowned June 10, 1846. III. Lincoln, b. July 1, 1834; md. Feb. 5, 1859, Mary Caroline Mclntire, dau. of Franklin and Mary G. (Adams) Mclntire — Adams register 77. He resides in Central Village. 1. Jennie A., b. Dec. 20, 1862. IV. Hosea S., b. March 29, 1838; md. March 31, • 1870, Mary Goodwin Adams, dau. of Ivers Adams, q. v. He is a farmer and owns the farm formerly of his father. V. Francina J., b. Dec. 5, 1843; md. David E. Willard, son of John Willard, g. v. VI. Clementina H., b. Feb. 2, 1847; md. Clement Edgar Willard, son of Silas Willard, q. v. VII. Willis W., b. Jan. 21, 1851 ; md. Nov. 24, 1886, Harriet E. Hyde, dau. of Alfred and Mary (Hastings) Hyde of Winchendon. Charles W. Whitney, son of Samuel, md. Aug. 10, 1848, Elmira M. Wilder, dau. of Joseph Wilder, q. v. He resides in Central Village. He is a millwright and wheelwright. I. Charles Burton, h. Jan. 31, 1853; md. Kate G. Robinson ; resides in Portland, Me. II. Alfred W., b. June 15, 1867. 964 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (36) 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 (38) 82 83 84 85 (39) 86 (49) Austin Whitney, sou of Samuel, was formerly a mer- chant in this town and for many years he was engaged in morocco dressing. He resides on the farm formerly of his father, midway between the Central and the South Village. He has been an assessor and selectman and a representative to the Legislature. He md. April 4, 1854, E. Augusta Holmes, b. Jan. 80, 1830, dau. of Leonard Holmes of Boston. d. Dec. 26, I. Frederic Austin, b. Jan. 18, 1855 185.5. II. Ella Augusta, b. Sept. 1, 1856. in. Leonard Austin, b. June 16, 1858. IV. Samuel Nelson, b. April 23, 1860. V. Fannie R., b. March 18, 1862. VI. Alfred Washburn, b. Oct. 31, 1864. VII. Gertrude J., b. April 30, 1866. VIII. Jfvra Abigail, b. Nov. 20, 1868. IX. Florence Ballou, b. Jan. 21, 1871. Samuel V. Whitney md. Jan. 31; 1843, Sarah Ann Russell, dau. of Walter Russell, q. v. He was postmaster 1853-6 and was engaged in several business enterprises. For several years he was prominent in the morocco busi- ness. He d. July 3, 1856 ; his widow d. April 9, 1875. I. Russell, b. Nov. 13, 1844; resides in Gardner; md. June 11, 1867, Maria Metcalf, dau. of Joel Metcalf, q. v. II. Willis, h. Nov. 22, 1848 ; d. Aug. 22, 1849. III. Eleanor, b. Sept. 28, 1851 ; d. July 29, 1852. IV. Luella (twin), b. Sept. 28, 1851; d. unmd. Jan. 26, 1877. Rev. Quincy Whitney resides in Cambridge. He md. Mandana M. Whittemore, dau. of Rev. Benjamin Whitte- more. He is a Universalist clergyman. I. Elmina M., b. II. Annie B.,h. — at Loyal, Kansas. md. Gerard Churchill ; reside Jason Whitney, son of Ohio, was a farmer in this town. He lived several years near Factory Village and later in Westminster. He md. May 4, 1836, Elizabeth L. Sam- son, dau. of Jonathan Samson, q. v. ; she d. Sept. 5, 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 (50) GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 965 1841 ; md. (2d) Aug. 16, 1842, Susan E. Barrett, b. May 2, 1816; d. April 1, 1857; md. (3d) Nov. 14, 1859, Esther Ball, b. Sept. 20, 1821 ; d. Dec. 7, 1877. He d. May 16, 1880. I. Sarah B., b. July 29, 1837; md. May 18, 1858, Henry E. Thomas. He enlisted in 21st Eegi- ment and was killed in battle of Cold Harbor June 2, 1864; she d. Aug. 2, 1858. II. Emma E., b. Jan. 17, 1839; md. July 3, 1861, George A. Stone of Fitzwilliam, N. H. m. CJiarles W., b. Dec. 7, 1840. + IV. Maria S., b. April 20, 1843 ; md. Henry L. Smith of Westminster. V. FranUin, b. April 20, 1845 ; d. March 15, 1849. VI. Mary C, b. Nov. 5, 1847 ; d. Oct. 1, 1848. VII. Jasnn W., b. June 18, 1849 ; d. Sept. 11, 1849. viii. Abhie E., b. 1851 ; d. . IX. Ferdinand A., b. Aug. 29, 1854; md. 1876, Elmira S. Gleason ; resides in Fitchburg. Hon. Ohio Whit3s^et, son of Ohio, was a useful and prominent citizen of Ashburnham. Vide page 486. He md. April 11, 1839, Mary R. Brooks, dau. of Elijah Brooks, q. v. He d. Feb. 6, 1879. 97 i I. Ellen Rebecca, b. Jan. 6, 1840; d. Oct. 10, 1865. 98 II. Josie M., b. Aug. 23, 1843 ; md. Capt. Walter O. Parker, q. v. 99 m. Georgie S., b. Aug. 26, 1845; md. Moses P. Greenwood, q. v. 100 i IV. Lydia A., b. Aug. 3, 1846. 101 I Y. Clinton 0., b. Aug. 9, 1850; md. Sept. 12, 1873, Lillian E. Connant. He is a commercial agent residing in Boston. 102 VI. Walton B., b. Aug. 28, 1859; md. Jan. 14, 1886, Sadie B. Sherburne, dau. of Warren and Abbie (Ames) Sherburne. He is a job and orna- mental printer in Ashburnham, and in 1887 was elected town clerk. (52) Amos Whitney, sou of Ohio, md. May 7, 1840, Hariiet J. Bemis, b. Aug. 20, 1819, dau. of Jonas and Mercy (Burgess) Bemis, q. c. He d. April 20, 1868. He was foreman in the chair factorj' several years and also a farmer. His widow resides on the homestead. 103 i I. Edwin A.,h. May 29, 1842; md. May 3, 1871, Kate E. C'ummings ; resides in Newton. 966 104 105 106 107 <55) 108 109 110 111 (56) HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Waldo F., h. April 22, 1844; is a dentist in Boston. He rad. Jan. 2, 1870, Abbie Hale. Albert E., b. Jan. 20, 1847 ; md. 1872, Mary E. Lowe of Fitchburg. He resides in Newton. Clara T., b. Jan. 22, 1850; md. Jan. 6, 1886, Nathaniel Sarsfield. They live on the home- stead. Wilmot A., b. Jan. 30, 1852 ; d. young. Francis A. Whitney has been a successful and pro- gressive farmer in this town. He has been prominently connected with the Farmers' and Mechanics' Club and has fully participated in the aims and worli of the organi- zation. He has taught with unfailing success many terms of school and has been a member of the committee of supervision many years. In these capacities he has served the community and the town a longer period than has fallen to the lot of any man in the town's history. He has been an assessor and selectman and is a trustee of Gushing Academy. la all public affairs he has studiously canvassed the problems of his time and continues to occupy an advanced position among his townsmen. He md. Jan. 6, 1852, Lucy M. Lane, dau. of Elias Lane, q. V. She d. Aug. 16, 1861 ; he md. (2d) Sept. 9, 1862, Sarah I. Watkins, adopted dau. of Jehiel Watkins, q. v. I. Earl Ligraham, b. July 25, 1865. II. Walter Henry, b. June 30, 1868 ; d. Aug. 17, 1869. III. Henry Ingraham, b. Nov. 7, 1872 ; d. June 17, 1881. IV. Winthrop, b. June 17, 1874. Walter Whitney, son of Ohio, removed to Fitchburg where he d. July 23, 1867. He was respected for his candor and honesty and loved for amiable traits of char- acter and unfailing kindness. He md. May 1, 1853, Elvira Dunn, b. Dec. 16, 1827; she resides in Dedham. Walt07i, b. July 19, 1854; d. July 21, 1854. Frank Walter, b. June 13, 1856. He is principal of Chicopee High School. He md. Dec. 25^ 1882. Georgia Augusta Taylor. Mary Elcim, b. May 15, 1859 ; d. March 31, 1861. Jessie D., b. May 19, 1862; a teacher in the public schools of this town. Fred Ernest, b. Jan. 18, 1865. 112 I. 113 II. 114 III. 115 IV. 116 V. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 967 (90) Charles W. Whitney, eldest son of Jason Whitney, md. Aug. 13, 1865, Ruana Barrell, dau. of Nahum Barrell, q. v. He is a farmer on the farm formerly of William Barrell, which was severed from Westminster and annexed to this town many years ago. He has been one of the road commissioners several years. William C, b. May 27, 1866. Martha E., h. April 23, 1869. George F., b. Sept. 20, 1872; d. Sept. 11, 1874. iSarah B., b. Sept. 17, 1875. Abbie A., b. Nov. 13, 1879. 122 John Whitney, son of Joseph G. and Levina (Dunn) Wliitney, was b. in Westminster Sept. 12, 1806. He md. May 9, 1832, Eliza Cusliing, dau. of Stephen Gush- ing, q. V. He resided some years in Westminster and subsequentlj' in this town, where he was a pioneer manu- facturer of chairs. In his daily life and in business he ignored contention and enjoyed the rewards of peace and an honorable conduct. He d. May 4, 1873 ; his widow d. Sept. 1, 1882. 117 I. 118 II. 119 III. 120 IV. 121 V. 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 I. Stephen C, b. July 4, 1833 ; md. April 14, 1861, Achsah I. May, dau. of Sumner May, g. v. Enlisted in 53d Regiment and d. in the service at New Orleans, Feb. 20, 1863. 11. Eliza Cushing, b. July 25, 1835; d. July 13, 1837. III. Joseph, b. June 15, 1838 ; d. Nov. 26, 1838. IV. Wilbur Fisk, b. Dec. 9, 1839.+ V. John Edwin, b. Oct. 28, 1841 ; d. Nov. 21, 1856. VI. Timothy Merritt, b. Dec. 2, 1844; d. Nov. 22, 1856. VII. George Edward, b. April 20, 1847 ; d. unmd. Oct. 30, 1880. VIII. Orange, b. March 16, 1849 ; md. Jan. 5, 1876, Laura M. CoUester ; she d. Jan. 28, 1885. He is successfully engaged in the manufacture of chairs at South Village. He »was a member of the board of selectmen 1880. Since 1881 he has resided in Winchendon. IX. Sarah Ann, b. Oct. 4, 1850 ; md. Feb. 20, 1878, George H. Clapp ; they reside in Greenfield. X. Arthur Melville, b. Oct. 4, 1853 ; unmd. ; resides at Grand Rapids, Mich. XI. Alfred Herbert, h. June 14, 1856 ; md. June 3, 1884, Susie W. Davis, dau. of Phineas P. and 968 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. (126) 134 Sarah (Rice) Davis. He is of the firm of Orange "Wliitiiey & Co., manufacturers of chairs at South Village. 135 II 136 HI 137 IV 138 V Wilbur F. Whitney for more than twenty years has been actively engaged in the manufacture of chairs and has become an important factor in the business interests of this town. An illustration of his factories and an account of his business appear in Chap. XVII. In the personal supervision of an important industry Mr. Whitney has found full emploj'ment, yet he has been an efiScient member of the school committee many years and has labored in this work with unfailing interest. He is a director of the Ashbnrnham National Bank and of the Nashua Reservoir Company. In 1875 he represented this district in the Legislature. In 1878 he was nominated for Congress by the Greenback party and by a conven- tion of Independents. In the canvass he received seven thousand votes He was renominated in 1882 and 1884. In 1876 and 1877 he was nominated for State Treasurer and in several instances his candidacy was endorsed by the Prohibitionists. With the experience of years Mr. Whitney has joined the fruits of an attentive study of the social and political problems of the times. His con- clusions are intelligent^'^ formed and his judgment of men and measures is free from partiality and prejudice. In municipal affairs he has manifested a commendable interest and at all times has maintained an advanced position among his fellow-men. In his daily life he has seldom wounded or disappointed his friends and has cultivated no enmities. He md. July 17, 1866, Emeline S. Jewell, b. Dec. 27, 1839, dau. of Dexter and Sarah (Mower) Jewell of Rindge. Oscar Jewell, b. Jan. 22, 1871 ; d. Jan. 2, 1886. In this brief life was developed a maturity of mind and character that commanded the respect and summoned the love of all who knew him. ,If young in 3ears he was manly and noble in habit, his emotions were the offspring of a reflective mind, and in thought and deed his kindness to his friends and associates, his purity of life and his obedience to duty were unfailing. Gelena Mower, b. June 24, 1873.' Ludla Cushing, b. May, 4, 1875.- Ethel Eloise, b. June 2, 1881. Edith LUlkiH, b. Jan. 1, 1883. 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 (141) 146 147 148 149 150 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 969 Capt. Lemuel Whitney, son of Gen. Josiah and Sarah (Dwelly) Whitney, was b. in Harvard Sept. 19, 1784. He was about eleven years of age when his father removed from Harvard to Ashby. He md. Dec. 4, 1804, Elizabeth Plall, dau. of Henry Hall, Jr., q. v., and settled on the Hall farm in the northeast part of this town. He was a captain of the militia and an officer six years. He d. July 9, 1853 ; his wife d. April 30, 1852. I. Henry H., b. June 11, 1805 ; md. Sept. 26, 1830, Caroline F. Bailey, dau. of John Bailey of Lunenburg. He resides at East Jaffrey, N. H. Six children. II. Dwell, b. Sept. 10, 1807. + III. Otis, b. Nov. 14, 1809 ; md. May "3, 1840, Hannah Parker. He was a farmer on the homestead and subsequently in New Ipswich, where he d. about 1884. IV. Betsey, b. March 18, 1812 ; md. Josiah Derby, q. V. V. Lemuel, b. Aug. 9, 1818.-)-, VI. Nancy, b. June 23, 1822. Dwell Whitney, son of Capt. Lemuel, md. June 5, 1829, Emily Derby, dau. of Nathan Derby, g. v. ; she d. md. (2d) 1874, Eebecca (Gilson) Crouch, widow of Joel Crouch. He resided a farmer many years on the farm now of Walter Lawrence. He d. at Ashburnhani Centre March 29, 1879. I. Mary Ann, b. July 13, 1831 ; md. John R. Hill. II. George 0., b. March 10, 1833 ; served in the Civil War in Fourth Heavy Artillery ; md. 1858, Caro- line Emma Willard, dau. of George A. Willard, q. V. He d. in Winchendon. III. Sarah D., b. Sept. 8, 183- ; md. April 20, 1858, Thomas W. Whitcomb, son of Silas and Louisa (Lincoln) Whitcomb of Marlboro', N. H. They reside in Ashby. IV. Edwin, b. June 6, 1836 ; md. 1860, Eliza J. Cross, b. 1842 ; d. in Ashby Sept. 27, 1867 ; md. (2d) June 16, 1868, Elizabeth E. Wheeler, dau. of Oliver Wheeler of Ashbj. He resides in Ashby and has been a merchant in Ashby Centre. V. Lewis, b. July 9, 1838 ; md. M. Jane Lawrence, dau. of Leonard Lawrence, q. v. He is a farmer in this town. 970 HISTORY OF ASHBUKNHAM. 151 152 153 154 (144) 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 Lemuel, b. Oct. 30, 1840; md. March 19, 1868, Sarah Isabel Ward, dau. of William Ward, q. v. They resided in Ashby several years ; now live in Providence, R. I. He served two years in 21st Regiment. . Emeline A., b. Oct. 28, 1843; md. Walter Law- rence, son of Leonard Lawrence, q. v. . Augustus G., b. Sept. 26, 1845; md. May 12, 1869, Martha S. Robbins. He is proprietor of the Ashburnham and Fitchburg coaches. . F. Etta, b. Sept. 30, 1849. Lemuel Whitney, son of Capt. Lemuel, md. AlmiraG- Pollard, dau. of William Pollard, q. v. He has resided in Ashburnham and in Rindge and is now living in Athol. I. Adeline E., b. March 17, 1843 ; md. Jan. 7. Pliny F. Woodbury. II. Lmira M., b. Jan. 10, 1845; md. June 4, Henry H. Howard. III. AhWe M., b. Aug. 30, 1847 ; IV. Aurilla M., b. Jan. 6, 1849. V. Albert L.,h. Jan. 22. 1851 Lucy M. Wyatt. VI. Frank W., b. Nov. 3, 1852 Mary Emma Bass. VII. Susan E., b. Dec. 5, 1854. viii. Myron H., b. Sept. 4, 1857 ; IX. Nelson C, b. Aug. 30, 1859 X. Ivers E., b. Jan. 16, 1863; Martha E. Gardner. 1867, 1871, d. Nov. 29, 1861. md. Dec. 9, 1875, md. Dec. 31, 1876, d. April 22, 1886. md. Nov. 23, 1884, 166 167 Levi Whitney, lineage not traced, was b. in Harvard June 23, 1751. He md. Sept. 17, 1772, Sarah Lawrence, dau. of Benjamin and Jane (Russell) Lawrence and a sister of Amos Lawrence, g. r. He was a roving planet. After a brief residence in Concord he removed to West- minster in 1775, and to this town the following year. iSoon after 1780 he removed to Rindge and there he did not remain to gather moss, but in 1785 he removed to Marlboro', N. H., where death overtook him the following year. His wife d. in Rindge Oct. 19, 1783, and he md. (2d) Dec. 25, 1783, Hepsibeth Fay, b. in Westboro' Oct. 1, 1759. I. Sarah, b. June 12, 1774. II. Lydia, b. May 20, 1776. 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 ■ GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 971 III. Levi, b. May 12, 1778; d. Dec. 1, 1780. IV. John, b. Aug. 26, 1780. V. Betsey, b. April 5, 1783. VI. Levi, b. Sept. 28, 1784. VII. Amos. Epheaim Whitney, parentage not known, and wife Sarah removed to the northeast part of this town about 1780. He d. Nov. 17, 1784, and his widow remained on the homestead. In 1792 the farm, with other lands, was annexed to Ashby. Three children were b. in this town. I. Infant, b. ; d. April 13, 1781. II. Rachel, b. April 10, 1783. III. Dolly, b. Jan. 10, 1785. Isaac Whitney and wife Susannah removed to the northeast part of this town 1786. In 1792 his farm was included in the addition to Ashby and he continued a resident of that town. I. Isaac, b. Jan. 18, 1787; md. 1809, Sally Brough- ton, probabl}' a dau. of Wait Broughton. II. David, h. March 14, 1789. III. Susannah, b. March 14, 1791. IV. Betsey, b. Oct. 30, 1792. V. Polly, b. Feb. 3, 179G. VI. Nab'by, b. March 12, 1798. VII. Samuel, b. July 2, 1807. viti. Zimri (twin), b. July 2, 1807; md. 1834, Nancy Lawrence, dau. of Alethon Lawrence, q. v., and resided in Ashby. Chester F. Whitney, b. in Clarendon, Vt., Feb. 11, 1820, son of Noah and Mercy (French) Whitney, md. Sept. 10, 1848, Persis B. Herrick, b. Jan. 26, 1823, dau. of Zimri and Mary (Brigham) Herrick of Chesterfield, N. H. At the time of their marriage they removed to Ashburnham, where he d. May 31, 1882. I. Frederick C, b. May 6, 1864; resides at Troy, N. Y. He md. July 27, 1883, Minnie E. Scoville of Cambridge, N. Y. John Wilcott resided on the farm now occupied by Joseph Cook, near the line of Rindge, from about 1815 until his death in May, 1841. His widow d. Aug. 19, 1844. 972 HISTORY I IF ASHBL'UNIIAM. 2 I I. WiUiavi, b. ; md. 182G, Lucy Fairbanks of Fitzwilliam, N. H. Removed to Illinois. 3 II. Nathaniel, b. ; d. unmd in this town, June 17, 1871, aged 67. 4 III. Jfatilda, b. ; md. Jan. 7, 1817, Rev. Calvin Cummings, q. v. 5 IV. Sarah, b. ; md. 1816, Elijah T. Smith of Fitzwilliam, N. H. WILDER. 4 No name is more frequently met and none was more potential in the early annals of Ashburnhain than that of Wilder. Yet no descendant of the early families bearing the name of Wilder has resided in this town for many years. The later families of Wilder in this town are descendants of other branches of the general family. Judge Joseph Wilder of Lancaster, b. July 5, 1683, was a son of Thomas Wilder and a grandson of Thomas Wilder who was of Charlestown 1640 and who became one of the early settlers of Lancaster. Judge Wilder was of the committee to locate and lay out the township and he became one of the original proprietors. Caleb and Joseph Wilder, sons of Judge Joseph, maintained an active interest in the settlement and are frequently mentioned in the early chapters. Both were large land owners and two sons of Caleb Wilder recame residents of this town. 9 10 11 Samuel Wilder, son of Col. Caleb and Abigail (Carter) Wilder, was b. in Lancaster, May 7, 1739. He came hither previous to the date of incorporation, and with the exception of a few months in 1765, he remained a valued citizen of Ashburnham until his death. Vide page 477. He md. Feb. 15, 1768, Dorothy Carter of Lancaster, who d. July 28, 1790. The funeral discourse by Rev. Dr. Cushing was printed. He md. (2d) March 9, 1791, Abigail (Carter) Fairbanks, a sister of the former wife. He d. suddenly May 9, 1798 ; his widow d. I. Samuel, b. Oct. 18, 1769. II. Caleb, b. Aug. 26, 1771 ; d. Aug. 30, 1771. III. Caleb, b. March 22, 1773.+ IV. Nahum, b. March 1, 1775. + V. Dorothy, b, March 14, 1777; md. Joseph Stone, g. V. VI. Beulah, b. April 6, 1779; d. unmd. in Boston May 13. 1847. VII. Ephraim, b. Jan. 26, 1781 ; d. Jan. 30, 1781. VIII. Ephraim, b. June 7, 1782. IX. Sarah, b. June 11, 1784. X. Abel, b. June 24, 1786. A physician in Black- stone. Vide page 610. He md. 1816, Fanny Richardson of Winchendon, who d. Feb. 23, 1876, aged 90. He d. 1866. Ten children who have been distinguished in various callings. 12 13 (4) GENEAy.OGICAI. UEGISTKK. 973 XI. Thomas, b. July 7, 1788.+ XII. 3Ii1titii, h. June 30, 1790. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 (5) 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Capt. Caleb Wilder was a school teacher of merited fame. He was also a farmer and found frequent employ- ment as a land surveyor. He was a captain of the Ashburnham Light Infantry and was often chosen to ofHce in town affairs. He md. Nov. 27, 1800, Sarah Whitney, dau. of Silas Whitney, q. v. She d.,/eZo de se, June 14, 1820 ; he d. Jan. 29, 1834. I. Samuel, b. Dec. 30, 1801; d. June 11, 1817. This was a suicide at an unusual age. 11. Sarah, h. May 7, 1803; md. May 4, 1826, Silas Smith of Westminster ; removed to Farmington, Iowa. III. Nancy, b. Nov. 19, 1806; md. April 24, 1828, David Laws of Westminster. IV. Silas Whitney, b. Dec. 13, 1808 ; d. Oct. 31, 1812. V. Caleb, b. Oct. 28, 1810; non comp. ; d. in this town. VI. Silas Whitney, b. July 26, 1814 ; he was a printer and publisher ; subsequently he was of the firm of Snow and Wilder, publishers of the popular railway guide, called The Pathfinder. He md. Caroline Bishop of Medfleld and d. in Toledo, Ohio, Nov. 14, 1854. VII. Abel Thomas, b. Oct. 19, 1816 ; d. unmd. March 14, 1839. VIII. Dorothy Carter, b. June 16, 1819 ; md. Samuel Twombly ; resides in Iowa. Naiium Wilder md. Oct. 15, 1800, Hannah Woods, dau. of Samuel Woods of Princeton, q. v. He was a farmer in Princeton. She d. Aug. 19, 1828. I. Milton, b. Nov. 15, 1801. II. Mary Woods, h. May 13, 1803. III. Caroline, b. Nov. 26, 1805. IV. Lucy B., b. July 17, 1809. V. Samuel Woods, b. March 12, 1812. VI. Harriet Atwood, b. Nov. 8, 1815. VII. Alden Augustus, b. July 23, 1817. VIII. Solon Franklin, h. Aug. 11, 1819. IX. Sarah Fuller, b. Dec. 24, 1821. 974 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. (12) 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 (43) 44 45 46 47 Thomas Wilder md. Mary Woods, dau. of Samuel Woods, q. V. He lived in Princeton a few years and removed to Ware. He was a representative in the Legislature from Ware. He d. suddenly at a meeting of the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Mis- sions, May 31, 1867. I. Thomas Scott, b. Jan. 31, 1813. II. Mary Woods, b. May 17, 1816 ; d. Feb. 23, 1826. III. Ahhie Wiitney, b. — — ; md. Charles E. Ryan. IV. Rebecca Kimball, b. Caleb Wilder, brother of Samuel, was b. in Lancaster July 1, 1741. He md. Elizabeth Woodward and prob- ably did not remove from Lancaster to Ashburnham until about 1780. He was a farmer. His wife d. June 6, 1799; he was drowned in Douglas March 25, 1816. The children may not be arranged in order of age. I. Deborah, b. 1774 ; md. Capt. John Willard, q. v. II. Betsey, b. 1778; d. unmd. Jan. 11, 1854. III. Joseph, b. . He was md. and resided in Waterville, Vt., where he d. about 1823. Elmira M. Wilder, wife of Charles W. Whitney, is a dau. of Joseph Wilder. IV. Abigail, b. Jan. 3, 1783 ; md. Samuel Whitney, q. V. V. Nancy, b. Oct. 23, 1786 ; md. Josiah Lane, q. v. VI. Rebecca, bap. Sept. 28, 1788. VII. Caleb, bap. May 10, 1 789 ; resided in Fitchburg, where he d. about 1840. VIII. Charles Woodward, b. Dec. 30, 1790. + Dr. Charles W. Wilder was a physician in Templeton and subsequently successful in business and an honored citizen of Leominster. Vide page 511. He md. 1820, Myra Lawrence who d. 1843 ; md. (2d) 1844, Laura S. (Wilder) Kendall, b. Feb. 13, 1816, dau. of Elisha and Mehitabel (Dresser) Wilder. He d. Feb. 12, 1851. His widow md. Hon. Charles H. Merriam. I. Elizabeth, b. 1822 ; md. Dr. William D. Peck of Sterling ; she d. 1858. II. Abigail, b. 1824 ; d. 1843. III. Charles W.,}). 1827; md. Emma C.Wood. He d. . IV. Rufus L., b. Aug. 31, 1843; Harvard College; M. D. 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 975 Joseph TF., b. Aug-. 21, 1847 ; Harvard College ; a lawj'er in Leominster. Joseph Wildee, son of Joseph, Jr., and Deborah Joslin Wilder and a first cousin of Samuel and Caleb Wilder, was b. in Leominster April 15, 1734. The "Book of Wilders" names his wife, Susanna Phelps. Perhaps he was twice md. for when he removed to this town in 1776, the name of his wife was Elizabeth. The family, accord- ing to the custom, was warned out, and ten children were named as follows : Willis, Elizabeth, Relief, Dolly, Peter, Esther, Rebecca, Lucy, Nathan and Molly. The father was styled Capt. Joseph Wilder. The family did not remain in town many years. John Wilder, brother of Capt. Joseph, was b. in Leominster 1750. He d. in this town of small-pox Sept. 8, 1776. It is said he had recently returned from the army. I find no record of his marriage. JosiAH WiLDEK, son of Josiah and Miriam Wilder, was b. in Lancaster, now West Boylston, 1750. He belonged to the same general family but was far removed in kin- ship from the foregoing families. He was a descendant of John and they of Thomas, sons of Thomas, the first of the name in Lancaster. Josiah Wilder removed to this town probably in 1776. He was chosen to office in 1777 and succeeding j'ears while he remained a citizen of this town. He md. Hezediah Larkin who d. July 4, 1782; he md. (2d) Feb. 4, 1784, Joanna Baker. At the incor- poration of Gardner his farm was included in that town where he d. 1826 ; she d. 1842. I. Azubah, b. March 23, 1777; md. Uriah Clapp ; d. 1852. II. Katie, b. July 19, 1779 ; md. Abel Burpee, m. Hezediah, b. Nov. 2, 1784. IV. Josiah, b. March 5, 1786; md. Mary Wheeler ; removed to Fitzwilliam, N. H. V. David, b. Nov. 10, 1787 ; d. by accident 1818. VI. Isaac, b. Nov. 23, 1789. VII. Joanna, b. March 30, 1792 ; md. Persis Jones. Jonathan Peescott Wildee was b. in Ashby Feb. 19, 1805. He is a son of Asa and Rebecca (Emerson) Wilder and a grandson of Rufus and Vashti (Prescott) 976 HISTOKY OF ASII13URNHAM. 9 10 11 Wilder of Ashby. Rufus Wilder of Ashby was a brother of Josiah Wilder of Asliburnham and Gardner. Jonathan Prescott Wilder has resided in this town about fifty years. He is a cabinet maker and lives in Central Village. He md. Feb. 12, 1829, Betsey Town- send of ATestrainster, who d. June 2, 1871 ; md. (2d) March 22, 1874, Lucy (Kinsman) Hinds, widow of Francis Hinds, q. v. Jacob Wilkh:k,. b. in Germany 1731, emigrated to Boston in early life and there resided several years. He md. in Boston Anna Barbary Roberts, and with three children removed to this town in May, 1775. He settled in the east part of the town on land still owned and occu- pied by his descendants. Pie was a peaceable citizen and a good farmer. His full name was Jacob John George Wilker, but he is known in the records as Jacob Wilker. He d. Nov. 3, 1816, aged 85 years ; his wife d. April 16, 1803, aged 70 years. 1. Elizabeth, h. Aug. 7, 1758; md. Dec. 25, 1786, Benjamin Wallis, b. in Lunenburg April 15, 1756, son of Benoni and Rebecca (Brown) Wallis and a brother of David Wallis of Ash- burnham. He was a farmer in Ashby where he d. May 11, 1826 ; she d. Sept. 5, 1800. 1788; d. unmd. July md. Asa Woods, 1793 ; md. Asa 1. Betsey, b. May 17 23, 1820. 2. Susan, b. Feb. 26, 1791 ; q. V. 3. Rebecca, b. March 19, Woods, q. V. 4. Benjamin, b. Aug. 17, 1795 ; md. July 22, 1829, Rebecca Foster, b. June 29, 1808. dau. of John, Jr., and Dorcas (Upton) Foster of Ashby. He d. in Ashby July 23, 1876. Their children were: S. Augusta, wife of Hon. Amasa Norcross, and Benjamin F. now of Fitchburg. 5. Nancy, b. Jan. 27, 1798; d. unmd. Oct. 13, 1830. 6. Levi, b. Jnly 28, 1800 ; d. Sept. 5, 1816. May 14, 1761. + ; md. Feb. 15, 1794, William They removed to Alstead, N. H. IV. Catherine, b. Oct. 8, 1775; md. Thomas Bennett, q. V. II. George, b. III. Susan, b. Tuttle. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 977 (9) I George WiLKER was a farmer on the homestead. He was a man of ability and a substantial citizen. In 1827 he was one of the thirteen who petitioned the Legislature to be annexed with their estates to Ashby. The measure failed and his friendly relations with his townsmen were disturbed by the result of the issue. He md. July 31, 1787, Martha White of Lancaster. He d. March 9, 1841. 12 I. Joseph, b. April 19, 1788 ; d. same day. 13 II. James (twin), b. April 19, 1788 ; d. May 6, 1788. 14' HI. Martha, b. June 17, 1789 ; md. Dec. 29, 1842, Thomas Gibson of Ashby ; she d. May 81, 1846. 15 IV. George, b. Nov. 2, 1790 ; d. Dec. 31, 1791. 16 V. George, b. Dec. 20, 1791. + 17 VI. Anva, b. Feb. 17, 1793; md. Aug., 1834, Asa Stratton, b. July 25, 1778, son of Ebenezer and Tabitha (Davis) Stratton of Rindge. It was his second marriage ; she d. Oct. 26, 1840. 18 VII. Abigail, h. May 14, 1794; md. Nathan Handley, q. V. 19 vm. Susan, b. Jan. 2, 1796 ; d. Sept. 29, 1799. 20 IX. John, b. May 6, 1797 ; d. Sept. 24, 1799. 21 X. Jacob, b. Dec. 9, 1798.-)- 22 XI. Sally, b. May 9, 1800 ; d. Aug. 29, 1822. 23 XII. Susan, b. April 23, 1802 ; md. Charles F. Crosby, q. V. 24 XIII. John, b. April 23, 1805.+ (16) George "Wilker, Jr., md. July 12, 1814, Eunice Marble, dau. of Jabez Marble, q. v. He resided on the homestead, where he d. March 27, 1817. The sermon by Mr. Cushing on the occasion was printed. His widow md. (2d) 1819, Josiah Caswell of Fitchburg. 25 I. Mary, b. Nov. 24, 1815 ; d. Aug. 6, 1822. 26 II. George, b. April 7, 1817 ; d. Aug. 29, 1822. (21) 27 Jacob Wilker, son of George, md. Oct. 4, 1823, Emma Richardson of Ashby, dau. of Abel Richardson. He was a farmer on the homestead. He d. Nov. 17, 1862. I. Joseph W., b. June 14, 1824; md. Jan. 1, 1852, E. Augusta Willard, dau. of George A. Willard, q. V. He resides on the homestead. His children are of the fifth generation of his family in this town. 62 978 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 (24) 36 1. Alice .S., b. Sept. 25, 1852 ; mcl. Sept. ID, 1875, Hosea A. Ilartwell of Ashby, son of Charles Ilartwell. 2. MirieA.,b. Oct. 11, 1858; d. April 30, 1872. 3. George B., b. May 4, 1862. 4. Abbie M., b. May 1, 1866. II. Emma J.,h. July 22, 1827 ; md. Newell Marble, q. V. III. Mary L., b. Jlayl, 1832; md. Warren Marble, q. V. IV. Elmira R., h. ilarch 1, 1837 ; md. John Billings, g. V. V. Elvira R. (twin), b. March 1, 1837; md. Dec. 16, 1858, John H. Jenkins of Barnstead, N. H. John AVilkeii, son of George, md. Oct. 30, 1834, Phebe Fairbanks, b. in Gardner Dee. 1, 1809, dau. of Levi Fairbanks, Jr., and a great-granddau. of Stephen Eandall of Ashbiimham. He was a farmer. He d. Aug. 3, 1880. I. Sally, b. Oct. 9, 1835 ; md. Jacob P. Gates, son of Everett Gates, q. v. John II. Wilkins, son of Jason and Lydia C. (Seward) Wilkins, was b. in Salem Oct. 14, 1832. He resided several years in his native city and was a member of the common council. In 1862 he removed to this town and is employed as overseer and shipper by the Boston Chair Manufacturing Co. He is efficient in public affairs, and the rewards of good citizenship have been freely tendered by his townsmen. For several years he has been chief engineer of the fire department, and during the past eleven years he has presided at the annual March meeting. He is a member of the present Legislature (1887). Mv- Wilkins md. at Salem Aug. 2, 1856, Lucy A. Luscomb, b. in Salem Aug. 20, 1836, dau. of Joseph W. and Lucy A. Luscomb ; she d. July 4, 1861. He md. (2d) Oct. 10, 1865, Mira E. Barrett, dau. of Col. Francis J. Barrett, q. V. I. Nellie A., b. March 2, 1858 ; d. April 19, 1864. II. Olara L., b. Oct. 25, 1859 ; a teacher in this town. WILLARD. Major Simon Willard, whose descendants have heen and still are numerous in this town, was from the county of Kent, England. He settled GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 979 in Cambridge 1634, and the following year he removed to Concord. His career was honorable and eventful, and during his long life no one was more prominently connected with the affairs of the town of Concord and of the colony. He was a representative and assistant nearly forty years, and was a leader in military affairs. He md. Mary Sharpe, dau. of Henry Sharpe ; md. (2d) Elizabeth Dunster; md. (3d) Mary Dunster. He d. April 24, 1676, aged about 68. Vide Willard Memoir for an account of the life and service of this distinguished man. Henry "Willard, fourth of the fourteen children of Major Simon Willard, was b. in Concord June 4, 1665. He md. July 18, 1674, Mary Lakin, and settled in Groton. Subsequently he removed to Lancaster. His wife d. about 1688 ; he md. (2d) Dorcas Cutler. He d. in Lancaster Aug. 27, 1726. There were five children of the first and three of the second marriage Henry Willard, son of Henry and Mary (Lakin) Willard, b. at Groton April 11, 1675, md. July 21, 1698, Abigail Temple; md. (2d) previous to 1710, Sarah Nutting. He resided in Lancaster, and by change in town lines in Harvard after 1732. Henry Willard, son of Henry and Abigail (Temple) Willard, b. about 1700, md. May 24, 1726, Abigail Fairbanks of Lancaster. After 1732 they resided in Harvard, where ten or eleven children were born. He d. Jan. 6, 1774. Among their children were sons Oliver, Timothy, Jacob and John, who were residents of Ashburnham and are named in the following register. Lucy Willard, wife of Oliver Stone, was a dau. of Tarbell and Rachel (Haskell) Willard, granddau. of Joseph and Elizabeth (Tarbell) Willard and great-granddau. of Henry and Mary (Lakin) Willard. 1 Hezeki.ui Willaed, son of Hezekiah Willard of Harvard, md. ^larch 25, 1766, Azubah Wood of Stow. In 1768 he removed to this town but did not remain many years. The following fragment of a family record may be of service to any who have additional information. I. Lydia, h. in Harvard March 6, 1767. n. Molly, b. in Ashburnham Dec. 11, 1768. III. Infant, b. ; d. April 12, 1771. Peter Willakd, wife Mary and one child removed to this town from Lancaster in 1778. He went away previous to 1787. I. Betty. II. Peter, bap. June 20, 1776. III. Joel, bap. Aug. 7, 1779 ; d. Jan. 9, 1781. Olfvek Willard, son of Henry and Abigail (Fairbanks) Willard, was b. in Harvard Oct. 13, 1741. He md. May 29, 1764, Lucy Haskell, and came to Ashburnham 1765. His name is on the roll of Capt. Da^-is' company in 1775, and he was a selectman in 1776, 1778 and 1779. His name is frequently met in the records until 1783, when he removed to Vermont. It is said he had five sons and five daughters, and the names of seven children are found in the records. 980 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 I. Oliver, L. Oct. 24, 17(;;"). II. Peter, b. Nov. 5, 17()7. III. Lucy, bap. Dec. 3, 17('i9. IV. iew, bap. Jan. 27, 177.'i. V. Betty, bap. May 21, 1775. VI. Svmeon, bap. June 29, 1777. VII. Molly, bap. Sept. 5, 1779. Timothy AVillakd, son of Henry and Abigail (Fair- banks) Willard, was b. in Harvard Aug. 8, 1748. He md. 1777, Elizabeth Farnsworth, and came to Ashburnbam in 1781. He was an innliolder on the David Eussell farm and was an enterprising citizen. In 1795 or a year or two later, he removed to Vermont. It is not probable that the records preserve the names of all his children. I. Lucy, b. Sept. 21, 1784. II. Susan, b. March (i, 1787. III. Simeon, b. March 24, 1789. IV. Polly Collins, bap. Oct. 6, 1793. 26 Jacob Willard, son of Henry and Abigail (Fairbanks) Willard, was b. in Harvard July 20, 1734. He settled in this town soon after the removal hither of his brother, Dea. John Willard, and at once became a prominent citizen, maintaining a commanding influence until his death. In the preceding chapters relating to the events of his time and in the list of town offlcers his name frequently appears. Vide page 480. He md. Rhoda Randall. He d. Feb. 22, 1808 ; his widow d. Dec, 1832. I. Philander Jacob, b. Sept. 29, 1772. + II. Alexander Tarhell, b. Nov. 4, 1774.+ III. Emma, b. Dec. 18, 1777 ; md. 1808, Rev. Thomas Skelton, b. in Billerica Dec. 16, 1779, son of John and Joanna (Johnson) Skelton. He graduated at Harvard University 1806 ; or- dained and installed over church in Foxboro' Nov. 2, 1808, where he was pastor until Feb. 25, 1815; installed at Enosburg, Vt., July 3, 1822, and dismissed March 25, 1825. He resided some years in this town, where he d. May 8, 1838 ; his widow d., at the Home for Aged Women in Boston, Nov. 3, 1881, aged nearly 104 years. Five children. 1. Thomas Willard, b. Sept. 10, 1810; d. young. 27 28 29 30 31 (28) 32 33 34 (24) 35 36 37 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 981 2. Thomas Willard, b. June 7, 1815; d. young. 3. Daniel Hardy, b. June 18, 1818 ; com- pleted study in medicine ; d. April 20, 1841. 4. Cliarles W. H., b. Dec. 20, 1820; d. by accident Aug. 8, 1828. 5. Catherine Emma, b. Dec. 27, 1823 ; md. Oct. 12, 1834, David W. Jewett; he d. 1844; she md. (2d) Nov. 10, 1857, J. N. Page, who d. Aug. 9, 1859. IV. Catherine, b. May 24, 1781 ; md. George R. Gushing, Esq., g. v. Philander Jacob Willard resided in this town until about 1825, when he removed to Ashby. He was a captain of the Ashburnham Light Infantry and was engaged in this town and in Ashby in the manufacture of clocks. He md. 1796, Rhoda Wheeler, b. in Ashby, Oct. 18, 1773, dau. of Amos Wheeler. They were divorced and he md. (2d) 1807, Hannah P. Snow of Dublin, N. H. He d. in Ashby Dec. 26, 1840; his widow d. Dec. 26, 1853. I. Augustine Horace, b. May 18, 1809. n. Julia, b. ; md. Rufus O. Severance. He d. in Ashby Aug 5, 1873 ; she d. June 24, 1874. III. Horatio, b. Sept. 25, 1819; md. Sept. 9, 1846, Joanna Robinson of West Seituate. He resided at Hingham and in Boston. Four children. He d. Nov. 6, 1862. Alexander Tarbell Willard removed to Ashby in 1801 and for many years was an enterprising and influential citizen. He was postmaster of Ashby 1812-36. He became widely known as a manufacturer of clocks and many specimens of his work are still in use. In this business for some years his brother was associated with him. He was a large owner in the North Turnpike. He md. 1800, Tila Oakes of Cohasset. He d. in Ashby Dec. 4, 1850. I. Caroline Cutler, b. April 11, 1801; d. Dec. 22, 1822. II. George Augustus, b. Feb. 28, 1803. + III. Catherine Gushing, b. Oct. 15, 1805 ; unmd. ; resides in Cohasset. 982 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 38 39 40 41 42 (36) 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 IV. Laura Sophia, h. Dec. 17, 1808 ; md. Isaac Lawrence of Ashby ; d. in Lowell Jnly 10, 1841. V. Emma Augusta, b. Oct. 15, 1814 ; md. John M. Whitney; d. in Boston Nov. 24, 1881. VI. Alexander Tarbell, b. Feb. 16, 1818; he is a dentist in Chelsea. VII. Lysander Bascom, b. July 18, 1821, resides on the homestead in Ashby. He md. Charlotte Conant of Townsend. VIII. Charles Henry, b. May 26, 1823 ; resides in Cohasset ; md. Maria Lawrence of Cohasset. Geobge a. Willard is a farmer in Ashburnham living on the farm where his grandfather settled. He md. Oct. 28, 1828, Elvira Hunt, b. in Jaffrey, N. H., March 24, 1808, dau. of Nathan and Abigail (Hale) Hunt. I. Elvira Augusta, b. Feb. 4, 1830 ; md. Joseph W. Wilker, q. v. II. Maria Smith, b. Sept. 1, 1831 ; d. April, 1843. III. Catherine Cashing, b. Nov. 1, 1833; md. Jan. 1, 1854, George F. Crosby, son of Charles Crosby, g. V. ; reside in Fitchburg. IV. George A., b. Dec. 6, 1835 ; md. Dec. 16, 1858, Mary E. Martin, dau. of Ephraim Martin; resides in Rindge. V. Caroline Emma, b. Sept. 2, 1837; md. 1858, George O. Whitney; md. (2d) George W. Millilcen of Charlestown, N. H. VI. Mary Elizabeth, b. Julj^ 9, 1840 ; md. Robert Braddocks ; d. in Fitchburg July 27, 1869. VII. Abbie Jane, b. May 24, 1843 ; md. Immo A. Morey ; reside in Easthampton. VIII. Ann Maria, b. Jan. 13, 1845 ; md. July, 1863, Samuel E. Stone ; she d. July 13, 1866. IX. Sarah Frances, b. May 5, 1847; md. July, 1863, Noah G. Jackman ; d. in Alstead, N. H., April 26, 1865. Dea. John Willard, son of Henry and Abigail (Fair- banks) Willard, was b. in Harvard July 26, 1739. He md. 1765, Sarah Willard, b. Nov. 14, 1746. He was not md. in Harvard but the intentions are recorded there under date of Jan. 6, 1765. He removed to this town 1768 and settled on the farm subsequently owned by his son, Silas Willard, Esq. He was a prominent man in town affau-s until failing health prevented a continued 53 64 65 56 67 58 59 60 61 62 (53) 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 GENEALOGICAL HEGISTBR. 983 service. In 1772 he was chosen a deacon and in 1788 he expressed a desire to be relieved from the duties of the office. The esteem of his brethren is reflected in their responsive vote, " That the church thank him for his past services and they wish him better health, and that he would officiate as often as his health will admit." After a lingering illness he d. of consumption July 3, 1793 ; his widow d. Nov. 18, 1834. I. John, b. Oct. 26, 1766. + II. Silas, b. Oct. 8, 1768. + III. Simon, b. JNlarch 28, 1770.-)- IV. Sarah, b. Dec. 8, 1771 ; md. Abraham Foster, q. V. V. Henry, b. Dec. 25, 1773. -|- VI. Susannah, h. Jan. 13, 1776 ; md. Asa Peirce, q. v. VII. Abigail, b. April 17, 1780 ; md. Rev. Leonard Bennett, a Methodist clergyman. VIII. Elijah, b. April 2(!, 1782 ; a Methodist clergyman ; md. Thankful Gross ; d. at Saugus Sept. 5, 1852. Ten children. Vide page 510. IX. Ezra, b. Oct. 11, 1784 ; d. ummd. at , 1810. X. Jonas, b. May 2, 1786. -|" John Willaed, son of Dea. John Willard, md. April 5, 1792, Deborah "Wilder, dau. of Caleb "Wilder, q.v. He was a farmer and on the farm now of Benjamin E. "Weth- erbee. He was a captain of the militia and a selectman several years. He d. March 23, 1850, aged 83 years; she d. Oct. 24, 1859, aged neai-ly 86 years. I. John, b. Sept. 27, 1793.4- II. Caleb, b. March 9, 1796 ; d. in New Orleans unmd. Dec. 20, 1819. III. Deborah, h. April 13, 1798 ; d. Oct. 15, 1805. IV. Emery, b. Nov. 24, 1800 ; md. Irene Benjamin, dau. of Daniel Benjamin, q. v. Eleven chil- dren. They lived in Brighton. V. Nelnon, b. Feb. 15, 1803 ; md. Caroline Dwelley. Seven children. They removed to Leominster. VI. Elizabeth W., b. July 20, 1805; md. Josiah Locke, q. r. VII. Merrick, b. Sept. 10, 1807. -j- VIII. Deborah, b. Sept. 11, 1810; md. Levi Rice, q. v. IX. Susan, b. Oct. 1, 1812 ; md. Oct. 30, 1834, Ben- jamin E. Lyndes ; she d. Jan. 18, 1835. X. Abigail, b. ; d. March 9, 1837. XI. .Infant, b. ; d. iMay 16, ISKI. 984 HISTORY OF ASHBUKMIAM. (54) 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 (55) 84 85 Silas AN'illaki), Usq., sou of Dua. .Joliu, resided on the homestead. T7de page 481. He was a. captain of the Light Infantry and a member of the lioards of selectmen and assessors twenty years, and in Lis influence in the dii-ection of public affairs he has left the impress of char- acter and ability. He md. July 18, 171)9, Mary Jones, dau. of Enos Jones, q. v. She d. Feb. 11, 1837; he d. June 14, 1855. I. Mary, b. Oct. 16, 171)1; md. Hnmplu'ey Harris, q. V. II. Cynthia, b. Feb. 1, 1796; md. Sept. 17, 1816, Jonathan Y. Gross, b. in Wellfleet Oct. 15, 1792, son of Thomas and Abigail (Young) Gross. They resided a few years in this town and subsequently in Duxbury. She d. April 3, 1870. III. Sylvia, b. May 1, 1798; md. Jonathan Winches- ter, q. V. Clarissa, b. June 30, 1800 ; md. Col. Enoch Whit- more, q. V. Lucy, b. July 4, 1802; md. Feb. 11, 1824, Ephraim Stearns, b. July 19, 1798, son of Samuel and Lydia (Clement) Stearns. They resided in Montague, Templeton, Ashburnham, Rindge and Winchendon. Ten children. Silas, b. Dec. 8, 1804. -f Catherine, b. Feb. 23, 1807; md. Dec. 22, 1835, Rev. Frederick P. Stuart, b. in Claremont, N. H., Aug. 15, 1805, son of Samuel Stuart. She d. Nov. 7, 1850. One child d. young. Lewis Lincoln, b. July 24, 1809. -|- Harriet, b. Dec. 10, 1811 ; md. June 1, 1851, Rev. Frederick P. Stuart ; she d. in Fitchburg Dee. 4, 1877 ; he d. 1878. Louisa, b. Jan. 2, 1816 ; d. Aug. 3, 1816. IV VI. VII. VIII. IX. Simon Willard, son of Dea. John, was a farmer in this town. He md. Feb. 23, 1792, Nancy Cutting, dau. of Samuel Cutting, q. v. He d. July 20, 1854 ; she d. Jan. 29, 1860. I. Abel, b. June 22, 1792 ; d. unmd. in Cambridge where he was engaged in hotel and stage busi- ness. II. Anna, b. Dec. 16, 1794; md. Farrington ; resided in Boston and at the South. 86 87 88 89 V. 90 VI. 91 VII. 92 vni. (67) 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 (62) 101 102 103 GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 985 1 . Mary Ann, b. April 4, 1823 ; md. Stephen Ward, g. v. III. Samuel, b. Oct. 15, 1796 ; md. Charlotte Lincoln and resided in this town until 1821, when he removed to Dighton. IV. Charles, b. Dec. 15, 1798 ; was a printer in Cambridge. Bromley, b. Dec. 31, 1801. Lyman, b. ; conducted a hotel in Cambridge, where he d. of small-pox. Hannah, b. ; unmd. ; resides in Cambridge. Oren, b. ; md. March 11, 1828, Susan Wyeth, b. in Cambridge May 6, 1798, dau. of Jonas and Elizabeth (Smith) Wyeth ; resided in Ashby, Ashburnham and in Leominster. Several children. Hekry Willard, son of Dea. John, md. 1804, Martha Humphrey of Orange. He was a captain of the Light Infantry and is frequently named in the records. For several years he was a blacksmith at North Ashburnham, and late in life he removed to Winchester, N. H. The records and a prolonged search elsewhere furnish the briefest record. I. Thomas Jefferson, b. Nov. 28, 1805. II. Francis Alexander, b. Nov. 4, 1807. in. Ezra. IV. Henry. V, Martha. VI. Lydia. VII. Lois. VIII. Samantha. JuxAs AViLLAKi), sou of Dea. Johu, md. Ruth Lincoln and resided a few years in Dighton, where his eldest son was b. About 1814 he returned to Ashburnham. He was a farmer at North Ashburnham. He d.. April 17, 1854 ; his widow d. July 20, 1857. I. Alonzo L., b. June 1, 1812.-}- II. Charlotte A., b. Jan. 26, 1815; md. March 11, 1835, Hiram Dwiunell ; she d. Jan. 21, 1854. He md. (2d) 1855, Zurilla Stone of Oxford ; he d. March 21, 1874. 1. Jonas Willard, b. 1839. Served in the 21st Eegiment ; lost an arm. Has been 986 HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 (63) 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 (69) postmaster and station agent at Bur- rageville. Hemd. Nov. 19, 1867, Sarah E. Pierce; she d. Nov. 2, 1880; md. (2d) Sept. 17, 1886, Mary E. Casey. 2. Waldo, b. 1842. Enlisted in the 21st Regiment ; d. in Andersonville prison, Sept., 1864. 3. Minerva, b. Sept. 3, 1847; d. April 16, 1862. III. Marcus M., b. March 17, 1817 ; d. Dec. 4, 1841. IV. Alfred B., b. April 26, 1819 ; d. Sept. 11, 1825. V. Fannie M., b. April 4, 1822 ; d. in Leominster, unmd., Aug. 21, 1877. VI. Alfred L., b. Dec. 11, 1825 ; d. young. VII. Ahneda, b. May 2, 1829, d. young. VIII. Elizabeth, b. July 3, 1832 ; md. Frank N. Bout- well of Leominster. John Willard, sou of Capt. John, md. July 4, 1820, Polly Corey, dan. of Stephen Corey. He was a farmer on the homestead, now of Benjamin E. Wetherbee. He was a man of good ability. He d. Aug. 5, 1853 ; she d. April 30, 1856. I. Mary Ann, b. April 18, 1821 ; md. Franklin B. Stoddard, b. Oct. 19, 1823, son of Charles and Lovisa (Brigham) Stoddard of Chesterfield, N. H. ; she d. . II. Infant, b. Aug., 1823 ; d. Oct. 2, 1823. III. John Merrick, b. March 24, 1825 ; d. unmd. 1849. IV. Melinda Corey, b. March 22, 1828 ; md. Nathaniel Pierce, q. v. V. Infant, b. ; d. Sept. 21, 1830. VI. JaneAlmira, b. Aug. 6, 1832 ; md. Oct. 23, 1856, Charles G. Cushing, son of Laban Cushing, q. V. VII. David E., b. Sept. 28, 1839; md. June 12, 1876, Francena J. Whitney, dau. of Merrick Whitney, q. V. He is in the livery business in Fitchburg. Two children. Meeeick Willaeb, son of Capt. John, was a farmer in this town. He md. May 30, 1830, Mary 0. Smith, who d. May 2, 1837 ; md. (2(1) Oct. 9, 1837, Theda Stoddard, b. May 10, 1813, dau. of Charles and Lovisa (Brigham) Stoddard of Chesterfield, N. II. He d. Aug. 21, 1877; his widoT\- resides in this town. GENEALOGICAL REGISTER. 987 119 I. Edivard T., b. May 23, 1831 ; d. June 1, 1850. 120 II. Charles M., h. June 30, 1832; resides in Cali- fornia ; unmd. 121 III. Mary Jane, b. Feb. 16, 1836 ; md. Austin Brooks, g. r. 122 IV. Francis iS., b. Jan. 9, 1842 ; enlisted in Company A, 30th Regiment ; d. in the service Feb. 8, 1863. 123 V. Julia A., b. July 8, 1845 ; md. Charles W. Kendall ; reside in Fitchburg, 124 VI. Ellen M., b. Oct. 7, 1847 ; d. July 17, 1870. 125 vii. John Quincy, b. Sept. 10, 1849 ; md. Dec. 24, 1873, Martha A. Puffer, dau. of Reuben Puffer, 4 Joseph, 182 209 210 Philip R., 307 396 410 William, 333 Merrill, Daniel, 119 126 252 John W., 315 Merritt, EzraM., 447 Simeon, 219 223 289 240-2 385 387 571 Metcalf, Emily, 516 Eunice,"l87 Ezekiel S., 147 154 159 187 George J., 532 George 0., 463 Joel F., 240 John, 45 Joseph, 1211 141 147 151 230 Otis, 392 454 Samuel, 152 155 166 188 198 Miller, Alfred, 228 229 34S 437 470 Ernest P., 508 Henry J., 223 Joseph, 427 43u Stephen A., 329 570 Modsley, Thomas, 54 Yonnite, 54 Moffat, John, 81 120 246 248 2S7 Monk, Elias, 53 Moore, Asher, 348 Elliot, 238 239 248 397 39S Ephraim W., 463 Morey, James, 53 Morse, Ebenezer, 255 Jonas, 436 437 Morton, Francis H., 452 462 Orin. 392 452 Mossman, John W., 432 Matthias, 233 Timothy, 55 56 71-3 7.S-90 285 Moulton, Horace, 315 MuUoy, Michael, 461 Munroe, Charles, 409 415 428 430 INDEX. 1017 Munroe, Ebenezer, 177 178 232 233 234 293 380 Francis A., 455 George M., 462 534 Jonas, 399 434 Murdock, Isaac M., 354 359 William, 222 Murphy, Dennis, 454 Mitchell, 461 NEVINS, David, 387 Newell, Henry C, 242 Samuel, 44 45 Newton, Samuel, J., 228 Sereno, 460 Nichols, Samuel, 92 109 110 115 117 126 134-6 Nickerson, Cyrus W., 454 Nims, Silas, 437 Noble, Charles, 315 Norcross, Amasa, 344 354 356 369 Noyes, Samuel N. , 419 Nutting, Allen A., 441 George P., 441 Jonas, 302 434 Simeon, 126 137 OAKS, Joseph, 454 Oberlock, John, 94 126 251 291 Philip, 403 O'Brien, Alexander, 4ii0 Patrick, 461 Olds, William, 315 Oliver, Sylvester F., 447 449 O'Neill, Dennis, 460 Osborn, Luther, 399 Osgood, Jacob, 394 James, 415 Peter, 142 PACKARD Brothers, aO 404 Page, George E., 447 Paine, Thomas, 119 Park, Thomas, 414 Parker, Alden W., 462 Charles H., 445 Frank H., 397 George G., 222 228 237 238 306 307 386 348 475 568 Jesse, 239 240 241 385 Leonard S., 279 280 849 359 Nathaniel, 141 Walter O., 223 397 439 453 535 573 Parkman, Ebenezer, 255 266 Sarah, 266 Payson, John, 255 Peabody, Charles, 319 Peckham, Samuel, 318 Peirce, Amos, 233 236 Nathaniel, 221, 228 236 241 303 804 307 348 419 468 523 Pelkey, Frederick, 461 Pentecost, William, 316 Perkins, Elisha, 269 Francis H., 454 George, 266-70 298 299 348 543 Henry C, 449 J. Douglas, 2G!) Perry, Joseph, 119, 126 129 130 142 Peter, 94 96 Petts, Ferdinand, 392 John, 228 474 568 Pfaffle, William, 461 Phelps, Edward, 70 Phillips, Asia, 431 Ivers, 406 Sally, 329 Phipps, William, 106 Pierce, B. K., 359 Charles L., 473 Edwin, 357 Pindar, Calvin, 447 448 Piper, Alfred, 446 Hobart W., 455 460 462 Jonathan H., 414 529 Plaisted, Thomas, 79 Platts, Irving E., 403 413 4ir, John v., 382 Poland, David E., 532 Pollard, Edwin A., 459 James, 864 367 William, 231, 232 347 Polley, Joseph, 430 431 Pope, Ebenezer, 54 John, 53 Ralph, 54 William, 199 Potter, Geo. F., 459 Pratt, Aaron, 462 Charles H., 242 489 JohnM., 242 382 418 529 Otis, 462 Thomas, 154 William, 447 Prentice, John, 263 Prescott, Ebenezer, 36 50 Priest, Daniel, 126 291 Proctor, Clarence D., 462 Clarence M., 431 432 532 Simeon, 34 Puffer, Charles H , 446 448 462 Eugene A., 439 462 George F. , 446 448 462 James, 313 Reuben, 813 403 419 529 Putnam, Daniel. 148 163 214 42.^ lOl.s HISTORY OF ASHBURNHAM. Putnam, John, 137 142 423 Nathan, 257 Salmon W., 423 QUINCY, J., 46 RAND, Ananias, 148 196 Asa, 354 358 Randall, Ezra, 239 Jonas, 403 Phinehas, 432 497 Stephen, 167 259 347 509 Raymond, Ari, 514 Oliver A., 399 William, 500 Rebel, John, 461 • Redman, Robert, 54 65 Charles, 54 Reed, William, 36 Rice, Aaron, 461 Asaph, 255 Charles H., 517 Charles J., 223 Eliakim, 181 199 201 202 Emery, 432 Harvey J. , 455 Homer T., 329 Jonas, 149 180 181 201 206 328, 545 Joseph, 222 299 409 430 432 Joseph P., 238 329 432 436 437 438 449 450 476 Levi, 307 Reuben, 149 166 181 198 199 201 204 206 369 395 430 432 Salmon, 395 Samuel, 118 Sawyer, 330 Susan C 432 Walter, 505 Zebulon, 201 Zilpah, 210 Rich, John, 94 96 97 114 126 130 229 251 Richardson, Jonas, 363 William H., 462 Rideout, Prank H., 419 Robinson, David, 141 143 James, 53 John, 53 Rockwood, Charles P., 240 242 349 George, 228 239 398 417 568 George G., 387 421 423 461 572 S. Augustus, 452 Rodamel, Simon, 94 96 97 119 126 159 166 198 Eodiman, Adam, 154 161 Jacob, 148 151 166 198 Peter, 170 171 Rolfe, Benjamin, 40 41 Rollins, Edward B., 317 Ross, Moses, 409 Thomas, 148 154 194 Royall, William, 45 47 56 Ruggles, OtisT., 387 Russell, David, 390 Eliakim T., 418 Franklin, 240 241 387 422 Fred. W., 347 Levi W., 348 515 516 Moses, 141 M. Thomas, 445 Samuel, 34 Thomas, 422 Walter, 237 238 299 422 Ward, 422 Ryan, Daniel P., 439 Thomas H., 454 SABIN, Lewis, 330 Sackett, Francis, 442 459 461 545 Salter, Samuel, 119 126 141 143 Samson, Aaron, 126 141 143 David, 163 197 Henry K., 452 J. Horace, 329 Jonathan, 88 92 102 109 114 126 134 135 137 147 148 151-4 160 164 166 167 186 193 197 206 210 2K7 428 430 Oliver, 300 313 Sanders, Hopestill, 56 John, 56 Samuel, 56 Sanderson, Simeon, 510 511 Sawtell, Frank B., 460 Warren F., 419 Sawyer, Edward, 307 573 Mannassah, 148 193 Mary A., 347 Paul, 154 SchofEe, Jacob, 94 95 97 114 116 126 251 Scollay, George W., 514 Grover, 299 432 John, 432 Samuel, 495 Selham, Henry, 115 118 119 Jacob, 94 96 Senter, Dr. . — -, 134 465 Shaffer, John, 458 Shattuck, Job, 214 John, 364 367 Rinaldo, 455 Shaw, Robert N., 447 Sheldon, Josiah, 69 Sheperd, John, 56 Sherbert, Charles, 454 INDEX. 1019 Shipman, Thomas L., 269 Sibley, Edward, 454 Sinclair, Albert G., 222 Skelton, Emma, 280 Skinner. H. B., 315 Small, Joseph H., 405 Smeddy, Morris, 460 Smith, AbrRham, 92 252 Andrew J., 313 Charles E., 452 John W., 141 Joseph, 144 Joshua, 227 231 295 347 380 524 William H., 460 Sohier, William D., 353 Sparhawk, Thomas, 34 Spaulding, Benjamin, 91 118 124 126 James, 102 366 John A., 452 Miles, 474 Nathan, 312 Newell. 315 William S.. 500 501 . Stack, Henry, 94 96 Starkey, Charles L., 460 Starr, Benjamin, 30 31 Thomas, 29 31 40 Stearns, Alice, 545 Asa, 494 Charles, 228 236-8 305 328 329 348 434 531 568 Cleijient C. , 329 Darid, 248 George H., 462 Isaac, 34 106 149 165 179 215 557 563 Jesse, 341 348 565 Jesse G. D., 499 500 John, 106 497 498 Josiah M., 503 Leonard, 395 Thomas, 59 118 134 Timothy, 235 434 William, 149 179 232 347 Stedman, David, 149 160 231 Ebenezer, 34 Stevens, George E., 241 242 359 534 535 Moody A., 278 279 Samuel S., 307 394 410 415 Stewart, Luther E., 449 Stickney, Alonzo L., 473 Stimson, Charles, 420 430 Charles L., 462 Elbridge, 239 240 394 417 422 423 534 573 Lemuel, 181 201 210 233 311 313 333 395 Stimson, Mirick, 398 407 Reuben, 431 Stoddard, John H., 439 Stone, Amos, 430 Charles, 463 Ephraim, 126 229 230 289 557 George A., 461 Hosea, 221 228 235 236 271 394 432 433 John, 36' Jnhn C, 392 Joseph, 141 163 185 379 380 Oliver, 126 135 136 152 230 Peter, 283 William, 315 William P., 348 469 Stowe, Mortimer M., 283 534 Stowell, Jeremiah, 420 Joshua, 420 Joshua T., 452 Moses, 420 Ransom G., 447 455 462 Stratton, Herbert S., 223 Sumner, Benjamin, 55 57 Ebenezer, 55 Edward, 55 Increase, 55 Joseph, 255 Josianiah, 53 Samuel, 54 55 57 61 Seth, 53 88 105 William, 53 55 Swift, James, 54 John, 53 116 248 Obadiah, 54 William, 53 lOfi TAYLOR, Amos, 283 329 David, 102 118 148 Ephraim, 430 Jonathan, 126 134 135 137 142 147 151 230 297 Nathan, 341 Oliver, 341 Samuel A., 437 +45 460 461 Thaddeus, 558 Temple, Theron, 348, 472 Tenney, Hartwell, 461 Josephine, 329 Mabel W., 330 Samuel J., 403 417 Timothy, 461 William, 403, 417 Thayer, F. C. L. W., 448 Tho)pas, Henry E., 441 Josiah, 460 Thompson, Charles 0., 356 359 JohnB., 240 Michael, 452 1020 HISTOKY OF ASHBUKXHAM. Thurston, Lyman F., 4+s Tileston, Cornelius, 5+ Elisha, 77 81 Thomas, ii 45 47 ."j.5-1I (iO 70 77 105 106 Timothy, 54 57 77 81 Tilton, Abraham, 44 45 Tolman, John, 53 Torrey, Ebenezer, 354 355 S'<'.' Tottingham, Moses, 164 341 Townsend, Abraham, 181 Isaac, 35 Joseph, 430 Joshua, 299 348 410 419 Margaret, 187 194 210 Reuben, 179 200 201 219 222 228 235-7 242 2i;r, 307 328 430 570 Trask, John, 521 Treseott, Elizabeth, 55 Joseph, 53 59 Samuel, 55 Tuekerman, Albert H., 460 Henry, 343 348 Turner, Amasa, 119 John, 269 Tyler, Henry M., 359 UPHAM, Sumner H., 400 VALENTINE, John E., 448 Vanness, Henry, 494 Vincent, Hebron, 315 Vorback, Philip, 94 126 251 Vose, James E., 349 358 WADE, Nathaniel, 56 Wales, Eleazer, 56 Waliant, John E., 461 Walker, Addison A., 239 240 308 329 387 417 436 437 441 Hi 451 534 535 James, 461 James L., 452 JohuK., 442 Rebecca, 229 330 Wallace, Frank W., 407 Hosea C, 448 John W., 545 Lincoln, 452 Merrick, 42 470 Webster W., 403 William, 455 Wallis, David, 149 180 206 207 Ebenezer, 180 204 206 , Ward, Alvan, 405 409 418 Caleb, 126 142 194 232 233 348 533 Carlos P., 452 Ward, George P., 463 Harlem E., 460 402 Isaac D.. 239 320 342 405 419 Jacob, 42S 431 John, 309 370 Marcus L., 453 Martin N., 461 Rebecca, 266 Samuel, 283 306 William, 148 152-4 158 100 163 187 194 197 200 210 W. L. G.,405 Ware, Stephen N., 399 400 Warren, Joseph, 53 Washburn, Seth, 171 William B., 344 Watkins, Jehiel, 230, 434 Wayland, Francis, 353 354 358 359 Webster, Moses, 315 Weeks, Ammiel, 54 George, 54 Joseph, 53 54 63 Wellington, Amos, 118 Wenn^, Jacob, 126 West, Julia Houston, 329 Wetherbee, Amos, 347 Benjamin E., 241 242 399 415 Ephraim, 35 39 50 142 George M., 447 Joseph, 321 Josiah L. , 434 Marshall, 228 239-41 349 398 437 534 571 Oliver, 119 120 Phineas, 126 136 Wheeler, Asahel, 432 437 439 445 460 461 Ephraim, 39 72 90 Samuel, 56 Thomas, 91 115 243 251 287 390 Wheelock, Joseph, 30 41 56 61 62 68 70 72 81 106 Timothy, 56 Wheildon, W. G., 413 Whipple, Charles H., 460 Frederick R., 455 James E., 447-9 462 Russell, 455 Whitcomb, Asa, 142 Benjamin, 126 Oliver, 126 142 William, 92 114 127 137 142 147 150 163 168 171 218 220 229 230 252 557 White, Abner, 415 Charles H., 439 447 448 462 544 Elisha, 221 22s 232-4 2sy 299 INDEX. 1021 White, Elisha, 33i; 347 870 533 Irers, 397 531 John, 154 160 167 364 Josiah, 480 Josiah E., 329 Lorenzo, 315 Nelson D., 222 William, 59 William P., 315 William S., 461 Windsor N., 222 Whiteman, Christian W., 94-7 115 119 126 251 Henry, 434 Jacob, 407 John, 252 347 Newton B., 461 Nicholas, 149 153 154 160 197 207 Whitmore, Alfred, 228 Alfred A., 318 320 Edward, 163 166 179 197 198 Enoch, 222 235 237 238 319 336 348 417 419 430 482 433 485 565 568 Erank B., 447 Isaac, 179 198 210 847 484 Joseph, 230 393 Lorenzo Locke, 848 471 578 Orange S., 461 Whitney, Austin, 222 228 240 241 386 387 398 423 Charles H., 885 Charles M., 463 Charles W., 242 385 454 Ephraim, 367 Francis A., 240 242 347 348 359 535 George O.,460 Giles H., 222 Isaac, 364 John, 143 413 Joseph H., 441 445 460 461 Josiah, 148 151 205 Judah, 367 Lemuel, 95 100 313 366 434 448 Levi, 167 326 Merrick, 391 392 447 Milton, 492 493 Moses, 393 Ohio, 222 228 237-41 308 817 348 334 358 359 386 887 397 420 486 528 534 570 Orange, 242 414 415 Samuel V., 392 398 422 432 531 Silas, 369 391 434 562 Stephen C, 455 Whitney, Walton B., 53.', Wilbur E., 222 228 349 387 406 413 414 532 534 William, 512 Whittemore, Samuel, 34 Wight, Daniel, 31H-21 349 Wiat, Edward, 55 Wilder, Abel, 510 Andrew, 59 60 63 66 72 875 Caleb, 70 81 88 98 100 104 125 233 284 246-8 286 290 833 348 403 482 484 Charles W., 511 David, 143 147 Gardner, 70 Joseph, 80 32 40 41 46 47 56 57 59 60 77 81 104 113 114 187 142 Josiah, 102 363 Olirer, 56 61 62 65 68 105 291 Oliver D., 452 460 462 Samuel, 88 104 114 124-6 134 186 151 158 164 167 220 226 229-32 283 289 293 295 347 365 869 377-9 477 539 545 557 Sarah, 545 Thomas, 53 105 William, 141 151 230 Willard, Alonzo L., 405 418 Amos F., 461 Caleb, 430 C. Edgar, 439 Elijah, 510 Francis S., 453 Frederick E., 385 George, 463 George A., 95 Henry, 482 Hezekiah, 126 Jacob, 127 136 142 213 214 218 220 221 226 227 230-3 257 297 365 869 480 James H.,448 John, 126 136 147 151 230 234 235 283 300 313 338 347 432 434 480 524 533 Jonas, 336 348 Josiah, 38 46 50 Moses, 87 50 Oliver, 126 142 147 158 161 163 195 280 Peter, 137 Philander J., 434 Samuel, 141 143 Silas, 219 228 233-5 800-4 813 482 481 523 524 Timothy, 390 Williams, David O., 460 1022 HISTORY or ASHBURNHAM. "Williams, Eleazer, .SI Willis, John, 56 Wilker, George, 370 430 Jacob, 94 137 Joseph W., 95 Wilkie, Walter, 316 Wilkins, John H., 228 241 242 572 Wilson, Charles, 458 George W., 447 Winchester, C. and G. C. 86 404 406 407 410 Charles, 239 314 359 395 396 410-13 573 George C, 222 308 : 54 359 386-8 396 398 410-13 442 531 534 570-2 Henry, 141 143 168 Jonathan, 102 120 121 127 142 163 243 246 248 251-4 356 369 521 Jonathan David, 495 496 Joseph, 24S William, 163 Winter, Andrew, 94 96 126 166 193 206 376 521 Jacob, 144 172 John, 154 193 194 Winter, Philip, 142 143 149 Withington, Edward, 101 John, 52 54 57 59 Richard, 54 Wood, Charles, 453 Ebenezer, 143 326 George, 432 Nahum, 391 421 Pliny, 315 316 Solomon, 558 Stephen, 382 385 Timothy, 126 142 Woodell, James M., 455 Woodcock, William L., 222 Woodman, Henry, 63 64 Woods, Asa, 234 299 336 John, 100 Leonard, 516 Samuel, 307 394 530 533 538 Woodward, Charles E., 242 283 347' 348 531 535 John G., 31 239 240 Worcester, Abijah, 126 James L., 529 Wyman, Stephen, 344 YOUNG, William M., 455