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HISTORY 
 
 TOWN OF MEDFIELD, 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS. 
 1650 1556 
 
 WITH GENEALOGIES OF THE FAMILIES THAT HELD REAL ESTATE OR 
 
 MADE ANY CONSIDERABLE STAY IN THE TOWN DURING 
 
 THE FIRST TWO CENTURIES. 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 WILLIAM S. TILDEN. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED WITH PORTRAITS AND WITH ENGRAVINGS AFTER DRAWINGS BY 
 
 JOHN A. S. MONKS. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 GEO. H. ELLIS, PUBLISHER, 141 FRANKLIN STREET. 
 
 1887. 
 
Copyright 
 By Georgb H. Ellis 
 
 PRESS OF QEO. H. SlLIS, Ul fBJBKLIN STREIT, BOSTOH. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 "To know nothing of our ancestry or from whence we came, to have no 
 reverence for the precious memories of the past, ... is to ignore the elements 
 and influences that have made us what we are, to repudiate the natural instincts 
 and affections'of the human heart. . . . And what more precious testimonial of 
 your love of kindred and home can you leave than that which provides tor the 
 transmission of the history of your ancestors ? And who so dead to sympathy 
 and affection, to kindred and country, that would not preserve the record of 
 his ancestors; the place of his birth, the home of his childhood, and the sacred 
 spot where repose the loved and lost ones of earth.' " — Marshall P. Wilder. 
 
 "The utility and importance of collecting and preserving local histories is 
 becoming a matter of increased attention and interest. Public and private 
 libraries already contain histories oE a large number of the cities and towns of 
 the Commonwealth. The desire to obtain and transmit historical and genea- 
 logical facts and traditions is well-nigh universal, and the gratification of it 
 tends in many instances to foster and stimulate the best affections of the heart 
 and the noblest qualities of the character and life. 
 
 " Do we not owe it to our ancestors, to those who planted this fair town, and 
 who encountered innumerable hardships, — the fruits of whose toils and trials 
 we are now enjoying, — to preserve their memory, and transmit it to those who 
 shall come after us ? " — Rm. C. C. Sewall. 
 
 This book was not undertaken in the hope of pecuniary gain. The 
 interest awakened by the bicentennial celebration in 1876 led many citi- 
 zens to desire that a more complete memorial of the town might at 
 some future time Be prepared. The conviction that by the destruction 
 or loss of old papers, too many of which were already beyond recovery, 
 and by the passing away of the elderly people, the work of collecting 
 materials was yearly growing more difficult, led several persons to com- 
 mence gathering data and putting them in condition for future use. 
 This effort called out a very general interest in the subject, and grew 
 gradually into a determination to place these materials together in a 
 form suitable for publication. 
 
 This work, while slow and laborious (upward of ten years in prog- 
 ress), has been pleasant, nevertheless; and the editor feels that the citi- 
 zens generally are deserving of the greatest credit for the cheerful 
 assistance which they have rendered in placing family records and 
 papers at his disposal as well as for a multitude of facts and reminis- 
 cences communicated orally. 
 
 t% 
 
lO HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 It is plain tliat no work of this kind can be anything like a full history. 
 The greater part of what we would desire to know has passed into abso- 
 lute oblivion. A thousand questions will arise in the mind of the reader, 
 which cannot be answered by any researches whatsoever. 
 
 "We shall never know how much unwritten history centres around 
 the humble homes of the former inhabitants. We see traces of the 
 cellar; we see the door-stone, the well, and the garden with its cluster- 
 ing lilacs blooming year after year, though the hand that planted them 
 long since crumbled into dust. But who crossed the threshold or 
 drank from the mossy well or gathered the ilowers we cannot tell. We 
 wonder who toiled on those rocky slopes, till a pathetic interest attaches 
 itself to the very stone walls stretching over the hills or outlining some 
 small enclosure long diverted from its original use and abandoned as 
 pasture land." 
 
 It is only the immaturity of youth, the thoughtlessness of the frivo- 
 lous, or sensibilities calloused by an unrefined mode of life, that can 
 pass, unheeding, those spots 
 
 ..." where once the garden smiled, 
 And still where many a garden flower grows wild." 
 
 In the preparation of this memorial to those who walked these 
 streets and tilled these lands before us, we have endeavored to present 
 facts, not fancies. Had we the power to indulge in fine writing, and 
 should we allow ourselves to soar with fancy's flight, a more enjoyable 
 book might doubtless be presented to the reader. But it would not be 
 history. Then, again, many of the traditions that have come down 
 to us are found, when scrutinized in connection with recorded facts, to 
 have very little, if any, substantial basis. These are giveii, when given 
 at all, as traditions only. 
 
 In the selection of facts to be presented, it has been theaim to brino- 
 forward such as might be of interest to natives of the town, and espe- 
 cially those who are or have been intimately acquainted with various 
 localities, to whom each hill and stream, each rock and vale, has a ten- 
 der and special interest ; such facts, also, as shed light upon the daily 
 life as well as the public acts of the. early inhabitants, our own 
 ancestors ; and such, again, as are of interest to the general reader of 
 New England history. In this, the suggestions of the Massachusetts 
 Historical Society have been followed. 
 
 In collecting these facts, every known source of information has been 
 consulted; yet, very probably, there are still many ancient papers in 
 existence which have escaped the most diligent inquiry, and which 
 might assist in deciding or elucidating some obscure or doubtful points. 
 
 The suggestions of the Massachusetts Historical Society have also 
 been followed with regard to the treatment of our religious or church 
 record. This is made as full as possible during the early years, when 
 
PREFACE. I I 
 
 town and parish were identical, and down to the time when the differ- 
 ent denominations arose. The beginning of these is noticed, but the 
 minutijE of their subsequent and separate life are left to those who com- 
 pile church or denominational histories. 
 
 CHRONOLOGICAL ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 In the arrangement of the historical part of the work, after much con- 
 sideration and consultation, the chronological plan has been adopted 
 as, on the whole, best fitted for the purpose of a history of such a town 
 as this. Medfield has not such a multiplicity of interests as many 
 larger towns possess ; and, while a topical plan gives a more connected 
 account of each separate interest than a chronological arrangement can 
 do, and thus offers special facilities to those who wish only to read up 
 in certain lines of historical research, it is believed that the very com- 
 plete indexes which accompany this work will give all necessary help in 
 special reading. 
 
 GENEALOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 
 
 The genealogies are intended to give an account of all families which 
 made any considerable stay in the town during the first two centuries, 
 1650-1850. Members of these families are followed to their removal 
 from town ; and the places to which they went are given, when possible. 
 Owing to the large amount of matter in this department, the dates of 
 births, deaths, and marriages are given in years only, leaving the exact 
 month and day to those who are preparing family histories, and who 
 care to be exact in this particular. The dates given are intended in all 
 cases to correspond with New Style. 
 
 Biographical sketches are purposely brief, giving only well-known 
 facts in regard to the persons mentioned, omitting generally expressions 
 of opinion as to abilities or personal character, and confining biographi- 
 cal notice, for the most part, to persons deceased at time of writtng. 
 
 Great pains has been taken to insure accuracy in statements con- 
 cerning the early families. Most writers on this subject have followed 
 Morse in his work on the first settlers of this region. But, several 
 errors having been discovered in his books, it has been thought neces- 
 sary to submit all cases to a- new scrutiny and comparison with the 
 original records as well as with the records of the settlement of estates 
 in the Suffolk County Probate Office. Some important changes are 
 thus made imperative, and it is believed that the arrangements of 
 the families as given in this book are to be relied on. 
 
 The works of Rev. Abner Morse above referred to. Early Puritans 
 and Histo7y of Sherborn and Holliston, are the result of much pains- 
 taking research, and are most valuable for reference. Nevertheless, sub- 
 sequent study has shown that caution must be used in accepting them 
 at all points. The collating and copying of our own records, which have 
 
12 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 been recently done, make tliat easy of discovery which before was 
 laborious and difficult. 
 
 We find in some instances that dates upon tombstones and in family 
 memoranda differ from those given in the public records. We have 
 in such cases followed the latter. 
 
 But it is well known that no work of this kind has yet been produced 
 that is free from errors. We do not expect that this will be. Though 
 the greatest care in respect to accuracy has been exercised, members of 
 the families mentioned will doubtless be able to add many important 
 items from knowledge in their possession, and to detect some mistakes 
 which have escaped the most careful scrutiny. In this, we shall but 
 share with others who have been compilers of genealogical accounts. 
 
 The entire risk of publication has been assumed by IVlr. George H. 
 Ellis, of Boston. His enthusiasm in regard to the history of his native 
 town, together with the well-known character of the work that comes 
 from his printing and publishing house, insures the typographical excel- 
 lence of the book. 
 
 The illustrations and portraits, which add so much to the interest and 
 attractiveness of the work, — first suggested, as we believe, by the late 
 Rev. C. C. Sewall, — have been obtained very largely through the efforts 
 of another of Medfield's sons, Hon. R. R. Bishop, who has on more 
 than one occasion addressed our citizens on the subject of facts 
 in our local history, and who has shown a lively interest in every- 
 thing pertaining to the place of his nativity, especially in this attempt to 
 gather together and preserve in permanent form these mementos of 
 the past. Mention should be made also, in this connection, of another 
 warm friend of the enterprise, the late J. R. Cushman, through whose 
 energy and activity the fund necessary for the engravings was, after 
 unexpected delays, at last completed. The drawings for the illustrations 
 were made by the well-known artist, Mr. J. A. S. Monks, who, though 
 not a native of this town, is connected, by his marriage, with a Medfield 
 family. 
 
 LIST OF SUBSCRIBER.S TO THE ENGRAVING FUND. 
 
 Daniel D. Curtis. W. C. Langley. 
 
 D. D. Curtis & Co. Mary Ellis. 
 
 Mrs. D. D. Curtis. Jacob R. Cushman. 
 
 Thomas Minns. Tyler Thayer. 
 
 Robert R. Bishop. F. L. Babcock. 
 
 John W. Fairbanks. • Elizabeth S. Sewall. 
 
 Willard Harwood. . Jeremiah B. Hale. 
 
 G. E., N. T., and J. T. Allen. Moses F. Clark. 
 
 H. R. and J. L. Plimpton. Thomas L. Barney. 
 
 Henry and Lowell Mason. John H. Gould. 
 
 William Gammell. Irving Curtis. 
 
 E. V. Mitchell. Charles Breck. 
 Moses Ellis. Hamlet Wight. 
 George M. Fiske. Henry M. Parker. 
 James Hewins. Alonzo B. Parker. 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Introductory, 17 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 The Lands of Chickatabot, 21 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 The Place commonly called Boggestow, ... ... 24 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 Glimpses of Colonial Life, i 630-1 650 28 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 The Settlement of Medfield, . . . . ' 34 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 The Years before King Philip's War, ji 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 King Philip's War, and Burning of Medfield, 79 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 Rebuilding and Progress, i 677-1 699, 93 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Annals of the Town during the Transition Period, 
 
 1 700-1 764 no 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 Medfield in Revolutionary Times 150 
 
14 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 Closing Annals of the Eighteenth Century, . . . . i8i 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 Medfield in the Nineteenth Century, 199 
 
 Town Statistics, 1885-1886, 267 
 
 List of Streams, Bridges, and Localities, 274 
 
 Genealogies, 279 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 DRAWN BY J. A. S. MONKS. 
 
 PAGB 
 
 Site of Old Fort, Foundry Street . . -85 
 
 Baxter Homestead ... 108 
 
 Noon Hill across the Meadows, 184 
 
 Meeting-houses of the First Parish, 187 
 
 Birthplace of Lowell Mason, 200 
 
 The Willows 204 
 
 Birthplace of Hannah Adams, 211 
 
 Rock Narrows 214 
 
 Onion's Corner Grocery 219 
 
 Meeting-houses of the Orthodox Society, 230 
 
 James Clark's Tavern 232 
 
 Meeting-houses of the Baptist Society 235 
 
 Chenery Hall (New, with Ruins of the Old), 261 
 
 Excelsior Straw* Works, 263 
 
 Allen Homestead 296 
 
 Peak House, 348 
 
 PORTRAITS. 
 
 Hannah Adams, .... . 284 
 
 Daniel Adams, . . . . . . 287 
 
 Ellis Allen, .... ... . . ... 303 
 
 Jonathan P. Bishop, . . . 319 
 
 George W. Chenery, 343 
 
 Daniel D. Curtis 366 
 
 Jacob R. Cushman, 368 
 
 John Ellis, 380 
 
 James Hewins, 412 
 
 Lowell Mason, . . . . 434 
 
 Jonathan Wight, 519 
 
HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 TDRIOR to the year 1620, no permanent settlement was 
 made by white men upon Massachusetts soil. Its 
 coast had been explored in 161 4 by Captain John Smith, of 
 Virginia fame, who gave the first detailed account of this 
 part of the world, and drew a map of the coast from the 
 Penobscot to Cape Cod. He gave the names also of the 
 principal Indian tribes with which he came in contact. He 
 tells us that the country of that tribe called the Massachu- 
 setts is "the Paradise of all those parts; the sea coast, as 
 you pass, shewes all along large corne fields." 
 
 The Massachusetts River, he says, "doth pierce many 
 dales iourney the entrailes of that country." The name of 
 this river was soon after changed to Charles, in honor of 
 the king's second son, afterward Charles I. Describing the 
 country, he adds, " The waters are most pure, proceeding 
 from rockie countries ; the hearbes and fruits are of many 
 sorts and kindes : as currans, or a fruit like currans, mul- 
 berries, vines, goosberries, plummes, wallnuts, chesse-nuts, 
 small nuts, &c. ; pumpions, gourds, strawberries, beans, 
 pease, and mayze; a kind or two of flax wherewith they 
 make nets, lines, and ropes both small and great, verie 
 
1 8 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Strong for their quantities. Oke is the chiefe wood." He 
 mentions, however, several other kinds of wood as common. 
 
 The most glowing accounts were given by the early ex- 
 plorers of the beauty, fertility, and resources of this part 
 of the world; and it was regarded at that time by the 
 people of England as a land of unsurpassed richness. Yet 
 none were ready to leave their native land for a home in 
 this western world till the date above mentioned. In the 
 winter of that year came the Pilgrims, seeking freedom from 
 oppression, and built a rude shelter above their heads upon 
 the lonely shores of Plymouth. In the following spring, 
 they reared their seven houses, and planted twenty-six acres 
 of corn, peas, beans, and barley. 
 
 During the next ten years, settlements were commenced 
 at Weymouth, Mt. Wollaston, Cape Ann, and Salem. In 
 1 62 1, ten of the Plymouth men came by boats to Shawmut, 
 now Boston, to trade with the Indians. But, in those days, 
 no white man, probably, penetrated as far inland as this. 
 
 THE BAY COLONY. 
 
 In 1628, a patent was granted by the crown to six persons 
 of all " that part of New England lying between three miles 
 to the north of the Merrimack and three miles to the south 
 of Charles River, and of every part thereof, in the Massa- 
 chusetts Bay ; and in length between the described breadth, 
 from the Atlantic Ocean to the South Sea." This patent 
 included the territory now embraced within our township. 
 
 The year 1630 brought Winthrop's fleet of eleven vessels: 
 in that year, thirteen hundred persons came over the seas, 
 and Boston was founded. Soon after Winthrop's arrival, a 
 party, in endeavoring to find a favorable place for settle- 
 ment, went "three leagues up Charles River," and found a 
 satisfactory location at Watertown. The same year also, 
 settlements were made at Dorchester, Roxbury, Newtown 
 (now Cambridge), and Lynn. 
 
 The oppression and persecution of the non-conformists in 
 England reached their height when, in 1633, Laud was 
 
INTRODUCTORY. 1 9 
 
 made Archbishop ; and the decade commencing with 1630 
 witnessed the great emigration from the old country. New 
 settlements were made not only along the coast northward 
 to New Hampshire, but also farther inland. 
 
 In those days, the Dutch were flourishing along the 
 Hudson, the renowned Wouter Van Twiller having become 
 governor there in 1632. From the Dutch, the English 
 colonists first learned of the fertile lands in the Connecticut 
 Valley; and, in 1633, William Holmes of Plymouth went by 
 boat up the Connecticut, and built a trading-house at the 
 mouth of the Windsor River. That locality still bears the 
 name of "Plymouth meadow." The same year, John Old- 
 ham and three others went from Boston to Windsor by land. 
 He followed the paths of the Indians all the way, and lodged 
 with them in their huts by night. All of them treated him 
 with kindness. He brought home some hemp, said to be 
 much better than the English, and which grew in abundance 
 there ; also " some black lead, whereof the Indians told him 
 there was a whole rock." He was undoubtedly the first 
 white man who penetrated the country in that direction. 
 He was followed by Samuel Hull, who started in November 
 to go through the woods to the Connecticut River, return- 
 ing in January. The next year, men were sent to examine 
 the country along the river; and their glowing accounts 
 of the fertility of those lands soon spread among the towns 
 along Massachusetts Bay, and some of the more advent- 
 urous determined to go there. In 1635, a company from 
 Watertown made a settlement at Weathersfield, others from 
 Newtown settled at Hartford. In October, "sixty men, 
 women, and children, with their horses, cattle, and swine, 
 journeyed through the wilderness to Windsor, Conn. They 
 were fourteen days in going." The next year, William 
 Pynchon, who had come over with Winthrop, went with a 
 small company from Roxbury, and commenced a settlement 
 at Springfield. 
 
 What route these parties tooJc in their overland journey 
 is uncertain : the oldest map of the " Bay Path," in the 
 State archives, was drawn in 1645, and represents it as lying 
 
20 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 somewhat to the northward of us. But it is stated that the 
 route of those going and returning between Connecticut 
 and the Bay lay through Dedham, to which our territory 
 originally belonged. It is probable, therefore, that this 
 locality became known to white men about the time of these 
 first overland journeys. 
 
 In these years, new towns were being founded in the 
 eastern portions of the colony. Besides the crowded condi- 
 tion of the seaboard places from the large arrivals from 
 England, several causes contributed to the planting of new 
 towns. There was a disposition to go to extremes in the 
 formation and advocacy of political and religious opinions. 
 As early as 1637, eighty opinions, which had spread in 
 the country, were condemned by the synod. Controversies 
 waxed warm, and it frequently became more comfortable 
 for men of such positiveness to separate and found new 
 towns. The possession of landed property also was new to 
 most of these first comers, and a desire was developed for 
 large domain. This disposition was characterized in a poem 
 published in London in 1648, entitled "Good News from 
 New England," as follows : — 
 
 " Most men, unlanded till this time, 
 
 For large lands eager sue : 
 Had not restraint knocked off their hands, 
 Their farms too big had grew.'' 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE LANDS OF CHICKATABOT. 
 
 'T'HE Massachusetts Indians were divided into several 
 petty tribes, each with its chief or sachem. The tribe 
 of the Neponsets ranged along the river which still bears 
 their name. Their sachem was Chickatabot. He claimed the 
 territory lying between the Neponset and Charles Rivers. 
 
 Chickatabot was one of the chiefs who, like Massasoit, 
 were friendly to the whites. He signed a treaty with the 
 Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1621 ; and ten years after, when the 
 Bay Colony had been established, he entered into an agree- 
 ment with the colonial officers that he, with another chief 
 named Sagamore John, "would make satisfaction for what- 
 ever wrong any of their men should do to the English, to 
 their cattle or any other ways." Soon after, a swine belong- 
 ing to Richard Saltonstall of Watertown was shot by an 
 Indian ; and Chickatabot was called upon to make good the 
 loss by payment of " one beaver skin." In a time of scarcity 
 of provisions at Boston, when the colonists were reduced to 
 great want, he made a visit there with his " sannops and 
 squaws," as the record has it, and presented the governor 
 with a hogshead of Indian corn. 
 
 When new towns were organized, it was with the condi- 
 tion that the Indian titles to the land were to be extin- 
 guished by purchase or agreement ; and the chiefs were 
 generally found ready to part with lands for a small consid- 
 eration. Soon after the landing of Winthrop, William 
 
22 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Pynchon bought of Chickatabot certain lands lying between 
 the Charles and Neponset Rivers. That purchase included 
 our own township with several others. The e.xtent of the 
 purchase was somewhat indefinite; and no deed of it was 
 preserved, if one was ever given. 
 
 In 1633, the small-pox broke out among the Indians to the 
 westward of Boston, and swept off great numbers of them. 
 In a single locality, it is said that as many as thirty died in 
 a day. The disease spread eastward to the Piscataqua, and 
 also westward among the Narragansetts and the Pequots. It 
 was reported that it had gone as far as there were any 
 Indian plantations to the west. While it was so fatal among 
 the red men, it was remarked that very few whites were 
 attacked by it. Among those who died at this time was 
 old Chickatabot himself. In his death, the colonists lost 
 a good friend ; although they considered that in the thinning 
 out of the natives the facilities for extending settlements 
 were increased. 
 
 In 1635, the General Court directed "those Indians who 
 were present when Chickatabot sold lands to Mr. Pynchon, 
 or who know where they were, to set out the bounds 
 thereof." No response seems to have been made, the son 
 of Chickatabot having been killed in a great war undertaken 
 by the Massachusetts Indians against the Mohawks. Fiftj 
 years afterward, his grandson, Josias Wampatuck, brought 
 a claim against the town of Medfield for the land, which was 
 settled by the payment of a small sum. Other towns settled 
 his claims in the same way. A deed from Josias to the 
 town of Dedham is still preserved, in which he says that, 
 "forasmuch as he is informed by several ancient Indians " 
 that his grandfather did convey the land to the planters, he 
 quits claim to the same. 
 
 Roxbury was probably the first town formed from the 
 Chickatabot purchase; but, in 1635, the inhabitants of 
 Roxbury and Watertown had leave to remove, and several 
 persons embarked above the falls of Charles River (Newton 
 Upper Falls) on a voyage of discovery. They selected 
 the site now Dedham as the place for a new settlement. 
 
THE LANDS OF CHICKATABOT. 23 
 
 The name of the town was to ,be Contentment ; but out of 
 respect to some persons lately arrived from Dedham, Eng- 
 land, its name was changed by the General Court. 
 
 Dedham was founded in 1636; and their grant allowed 
 them "to enjoy all the lands on the easterly and southerly 
 side of Charles River not formerly granted unto any 
 Towne or particular person." Dedham originally included 
 the territory now embraced within Dedham, Norwood, 
 Walpole, Norfolk, Wrentham, Franklin, Bellingham, Med- 
 field, and Dover, also Needham and parts of Natick and 
 Hyde Park. 
 
 The years from 1630 to 1640 were those of the most 
 extensive immigration. In that period, twenty thousand 
 persons came into the country. Few came after 1640, and 
 but few returned. Winthrop, in 1641, says, "The Parlia- 
 ment of England settling upon a general reform both of 
 Church and State, the Earl of Strafford being beheaded, and 
 the Archbishop, our great enemy, and many others, im- 
 prisoned and called to account, this caused all men to stay in 
 England in expectation of a new world, so as few coming 
 to us." Our own town, as well as others formed from the 
 Chickatabot lands, was settled by men who came in the 
 great immigration, — the kind of men who stamped New 
 England character, and from whom " have descended three- 
 fourths of the native population of this section, half of New 
 York and Ohio, as well as a large portion of those who have 
 settled the newer States farther west." 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE PLACE COMMONLY CALLED BOGGESTOW. 
 
 'T'HE name Boggestow is understood to be that given by 
 the aborigines to the valley of the Charles River lying 
 between Medfield on the east and Medway and Sherborn on 
 the west, with the adjacent lands. From " Rock narrows " 
 a very broad expanse of meadow lands stretches southward 
 for several miles. Smaller streams empty into the river in 
 this locality, — Boggestow Brook on the west. Stop River, 
 Vine Brook, and North Brook on the east. The confluence 
 of these streams, and the very slight fall in the river, cause 
 a great extent of meadows hereabout. 
 
 The meadows with their unlimited supplies of grass were 
 doubtless the attractive feature of this region in the eyes 
 of the early explorers. Dedham, however, embraced but a 
 small part of "Boggestow," the river being the boundary. 
 Beyond was a stretch of "country land," the property of the 
 colony, not yet laid out to any town. 
 
 In the early days, the General Court granted large tracts 
 of "country land" to persons who had rendered eminent 
 services. In what is now the southerly part of Sherborn 
 and the north-east corner of Medway, hundreds of acres 
 had been given in this way. These tracts of land were not 
 occupied by the grantees, but were held by them for sale 
 to actual settlers, and were known in the speech of those 
 times as "the farms." Hence, the terms that have come 
 
THE PLACE COMMONLY CALLED BOGGESTOW. 25 
 
 down to us, — "Farm Bridge," "Farm Pond," "Farm 
 Street." 
 
 The first distinct mention of this part of the township 
 of Dedham, in their records, is in 1640, when that town 
 granted "to Edward Alleyne, gentleman, and to his heirs 
 and assigns forever, three hundred acres of upland and fifty 
 acres of meadow, all to lie in or about that place called 
 Boggestow, or not far from thence, where the said Edward 
 shall make choice before any other do make their entrance 
 thereabouts of any lands whatsoever." Alleyne died in 
 1642 ; but the land was laid out to his heirs in 1649, thus 
 making good the town's promise, before any others "made 
 their entrance," a settlement here being then proposed. 
 That land was afterward bought by this town ; and its loca- 
 tion is unknown, though it must have been on the east side 
 of the river. 
 
 In 1643, the Court granted to Rev. John Allen, of Dedham, 
 two hundred acres at "Boggestow, on Charles River." This 
 was laid out on the west side of t-he river, and north of Bog- 
 gestow Brook. In the grants of land by the town some 
 years later, we find some of the lots bounded on "Mr. 
 Allen's farm." A part of it was sold, however, about 1657. 
 
 It has been thought by some that there were scattered 
 families living in this region before Medfield was incorpo- 
 rated. Savage gives countenance to this idea in the expres- 
 sion, several times used, — "settled in that part of Dedham 
 which afterward became Medfield." Such was very evi- 
 dently not the fact. A law had been enacted that "no 
 houses be built over half a mile from the meeting-house, 
 except mill-houses and farm-houses of such as had dwellings 
 in some town." People were obliged to dwell together for 
 mutual protection ; and all the early grants for house-lots in 
 Dedham, as well as in other towns, were near each other. 
 That the town of Dedham had granted no lands on our 
 present territory, except that of Mr. Alleyne already referred 
 to, is evident, as in every case when grants were made they 
 were bounded on each other or on common land. 
 
26 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 APPEARANCE OF THE COUNTRY IN EARLY DAYS. 
 
 We generally picture to ourselves a dense and an unbroken 
 forest, tangled and impassable, the ground piled with fallen 
 trunks barring the traveller's way, as we see them now in 
 mountain regions where stands "the forest primeval." We 
 are often surprised, however, in reading the story of the 
 early Indian wars, to find that bodies of horse and foot 
 soldiers seem to have penetrated the country in all direc- 
 tions without much hindrance ; and tradition says that the 
 woods were so thin and trees so scattering that a deer 
 could be seen in the forest at a distance of forty rods. 
 
 In the first written descriptions of the country by the 
 English settlers, these open forests were compared to the 
 parks of Old England. In 1629, Mr. Graves, of Salem, 
 wrote: "The country is very beautiful, in open plains in 
 some places five hundred acres not much troublesome to tke 
 plough. The grass and weeds grow up to a man's face : in 
 the lowlands and by the rivers, abundance of grass, and 
 large meadows without a tree or shrub." 
 
 In 1632, Morton wrote : "The savages burn the country, 
 that it may not be overgrown with underwood. The trees 
 grow here and there, as in our parks, and make the country 
 very beautiful." 
 
 In Wood's New England's Prospect, written in 1634, it 
 is said : " There is no underwood, save in swamps and low 
 places ; for, it being the custom of the Indians to burn the 
 woods in November when the grass is withered and the 
 leaves dried, it consumes all the underwood and rubbish. 
 There is good fodder in the woods, where the trees are thin ; 
 and, in the spring, the grass grows rapidly on the burnt 
 lands. . . . The woods were open and the forests penetrated 
 without difficulty. The only obstructions were streams, 
 hills, and swamps." 
 
 The custom of burning the woods seems to have been 
 general, and was remarked by the Dutch along the Hudson 
 River. Owing to the destruction of many saplings by the 
 annual burnings, valuable timber trees were not abundant. 
 They grew in moist places and along watercourses, where 
 
THE PLACE COMMONLY CALLED BOGGESTOW. 2/ 
 
 the fires were less severe ; and the towns adopted meas- 
 ures for economy in the use of "timber trees." In our 
 village, as we learn from the records, the large trees grew 
 along Vine (or Meeting-house) Brook ; and there was cedai 
 timber near, probably in "pine swamp." 
 
 The meadows were in early days much drier than at pres- 
 ent : the change began to be noticed about 1 740, when the 
 river, from various causes, became more sluggish. Their ap- 
 pearance was, doubtless, much like that described by Graves. 
 They were free from trees and bushes, and yielded immense 
 quantities of very good grass for the winter subsistence of 
 cattle. There is little doubt that they were the great in- 
 ducement to the selection of this as the site of a new town. 
 
 The soil of the plain on which our village stands is natu- 
 rally dry : the fires would have full power, and it was probably 
 not much wooded. It was, very likely, one of those open 
 plains, "not much troublesome to the plough," divided by 
 the belt of timber trees which grew along the brook. There 
 were other open plains, evidently: as "south plain," "herd- 
 house plain," and "bridge-street plain," are mentioned in the 
 very earliest records. We also read about " the great field 
 in the middle of the town " and the " north plains." 
 
 There is no doubt that the aspect of the country as first 
 viewed by Europeans, with the open woods free from under- 
 growth, the patches of clear land between, and the verdant 
 meadows skirting the streams, was quite as picturesque as 
 any found to-day in the outlying portions of the town. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 GLIMPSES OF COLONIAL LIFE, 1630-1650. 
 
 "T^HE fathers of New England evidently intended that 
 every industrious man should have a fair chance to 
 obtain a competency. To this end, land was given to all, so 
 that the tiller of the soil should also be owner of it, — a con- 
 dition quite the opposite of that to which he had been 
 accustomed in England. 
 
 The State granted land in townships : the towns made 
 grants to householders. In dividing the town land, the num- 
 ber of persons in a family, as well as the amount of property, 
 were taken into account ; or, as they expressed it, the divi- 
 sion was made "by heads and estates." 
 
 In some towns, the house-lots were made of equal size ; in 
 others, the smallest were to be not less than half the size of 
 the largest. The house-lot contained a building site and a 
 field adjoining, sufficient for the first needs of the settler. 
 Afterward, other fields, woodlands, and meadows were divided 
 by persons and estate. The location of these was generally 
 determined by drawing lots. 
 
 Men in. those days were not to expose themselves to need- 
 less peril. In 1637, it was ordered that no man travel more 
 than a mile from his house without arms, unless near other 
 houses, under pain of 12s. fine. 
 
 In the same year, a man was fined for going to Connect- 
 icut without giving notice to the Court or Council. 
 
 Offences against public order were to be properly dealt 
 
GLIMPSES OF COLONIAL LIFE FROM 163O TO l6SO. 29 
 
 with. In 1639, "the town of Dedham is fined 2s. 6d. for 
 not having a pair of stocks." 
 
 By colonial law, a constant watch was to be maintained, to 
 give alarm in case of danger from Indians. The signal was 
 by discharging three muskets, by continual beat of the 
 drum, by firing the beacon, by sending a messenger to ad- 
 jacent towns, or by firing a cannon in the night. Every 
 trained soldier was to take the alarm at once, under pain of 
 £S fine. 
 
 Every town was to provide a sufficient place of retreat 
 for women and children, and for keeping ammunition. 
 "Garrisons," as they were called, were sometimes built 
 partly of stone, with a stockade. 
 
 The watch was to be set throughout the country at sun- 
 set, and not to be discharged till beat of drum at sunrise. 
 Gunpowder was distributed, one barrel to each of the 
 smaller, and two barrels to each of the larger towns. That 
 these precautions were not for an occasion of sudden alarm, 
 but a stated regulation of the colony, is shown by the fact 
 that, five years after the first order, an act was passed that 
 " if any man shoot off a gun after the watch is set, except 
 by allowance, he shall forfeit 40J." 
 
 The military officers of each town were to appoint what 
 arms were to be brought to the meeting-house on the Lord's 
 day and at other times of meeting, and to provide that no 
 arms be left at distant houses or farms, so that an enemy 
 might possess himself of them. 
 
 In 1645, it was ordered that "the chief officer of every 
 company shall with all diligence take order that there be a 
 daily ward kept upon the outskirts of their several towns 
 that lie within their several charges, and that they send out 
 daily scouts for the ranging of the woods upon the borders 
 of their several towns." 
 
 The colonial government insisted upon proper respect 
 being shown it. In 1644, Robert Saltonstall was fined "for 
 presenting his petition (to the General Court) in so small 
 and bad a piece of paper." 
 
 The interests of education were attended to. Harvard 
 
30 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 College was established, so that a class was ready to gradu- 
 ate as early as 1642 ; and schools for the instruction of chil- 
 dren were maintained by law, even in those troublous 
 times. In 1647, every town of fifty households was or- 
 dered to have a school where children should be taught 
 to read and write. Every town of a hundred households 
 was to have a " grammar school " to fit youth for the uni- 
 versity, under penalty of ^5. 
 
 The first comers to these shores brought with them hand- 
 mills to grind their corn ; but, as soon as houses had been 
 erected in the settlements, a site was selected and a water- 
 mill built "for the supply of the town." 
 
 All ow^ners of cattle put them into the common herds for 
 pasturage in the burnt woods or " herd-walks," under care of 
 a herdsman. A hut or shelter was built for him on his 
 range, called the "herd-house." Such a structure is sup- 
 posed to have been the first building ever erected by white 
 men on Medfield soil ; a herd was probably kept by the 
 Dedham people during the summer in the easterly part of 
 what is now Medfield, some time before the settlement here 
 was begun. 
 
 The houses of the colonists were covered on the outside 
 with thin boards overlapping each other. It is said that 
 these were at first split or cloven, not sawed, and were 
 called clove-boards, and hence our word "clapboard." The 
 roofs were at first thatched ; and, on account of the great 
 danger from fire, every householder was required to provide 
 a ladder for his house or be fined. After a few years, roofs 
 of the better class of houses were shingled. The interior 
 was generally ceiled. Only the wealthy had their houses 
 plastered, or "daubed," as it was then called. Oak was 
 generally chosen for building purposes at first. There was 
 not much confidence in pine. Oak was used for frame, 
 for enclosing and ceiling, as well as for clapboards and 
 shingles. Pine and cedar were gradually substituted for 
 these last ; but oak was thought indispensable for frame and 
 enclosing boards, to a much later date. 
 
 Many of the first settlers were mechanics, and it was not 
 
GLIMPSES OF COLONIAL LIFE FROM 163O TO 1650. 3 1 
 
 difficult for each town to provide itself with most articles of 
 necessity requiring mechanical skill. Arrangements were 
 soon made for tanning, each farmer sending his hides to the 
 tanner. When they were returned in the shape of leather, 
 the village shoemaker, or "cordwainer" as he was called, 
 was invited to bring his tools, stop a few days with the 
 family, and make up the year's stock of shoes. 
 
 The first rude buildings might probably be erected by 
 almost any person who could wield an axe ; while, for the 
 better class of houses and for mills, a carpenter was gener- 
 ally to be found in the settlement. 
 
 The production of some kind of cloth was a necessity, and 
 weavers were found in every town. These were bred to the 
 business in the old country ; and, taking the thread spun by 
 the housewives, they were skilled to produce goods of dura- 
 ble quality and sometimes even of beauty. 
 
 The food of the colonists consisted of beef and pork, 
 which they raised in abundance, with bread and beans. The 
 latter were largely used. Sweets and dainties were not 
 common. Luxurious living was discouraged by such stat- 
 utes as that which ordered that " no cakes or buns be made 
 or sold except for burials or weddings." 
 
 The grain produced was chiefly Indian corn, no doubt 
 raised with greater facility than any other grain. It was a 
 principal article of food, as well as of trade. Wheat and 
 rye were raised to some extent, rye being sold at about the 
 price of corn, wheat much higher. Potatoes were unknown 
 till a century later. It is said of the first that grew in a 
 neighboring town that a judicious citizen, having tasted of 
 a raw one, remarked that he thought they might be good 
 after lying in the ground over winter and getting well 
 ripened by the frost. After their introduction here, they 
 were considered a rarity. A bushel was thought to be suffi- 
 cient for a winter, as they were only served up for visitors. 
 There is no indication that tea and coffee were in use in the 
 colony for many years after it was founded. 
 
 Wolves and wild-cats infested the swamps in this region, 
 and their revels much annoyed the early settlers at night. 
 
32 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 The howl of the v/olf was frequently heard, and young cattle 
 feeding near their haunts often fell a prey. Hunting wolves 
 was a necessary pursuit, and very popular among the adven- 
 turous young men. The bounties offered by the authorities 
 made the reward for bringing in a wolf's head sometimes as 
 much as £,2. 
 
 No man could be a "freeman," with right to vote or have 
 any voice in the management of public affairs, unless he was 
 a member of the church ; and all male citizens who were not 
 freemen were required to take an "oath of allegiance" to 
 the colonial government. By these enactments, the colo- 
 nists sought to guard themselves against the intrusion of 
 "men inimical to their views, whose aim would have been 
 to subvert their church and destroy their government." In 
 1641, it was declared that "all who were orthodox in judg- 
 ment and not scandalous in daily life " could become mem- 
 bers of the church. 
 
 Slavery was prohibited, except in case of "lawful captives 
 taken in just war, and such strangers as willingly sell them- 
 selves or are sold to us." The death penalty was to be in- 
 flicted for murder, adultery, man-stealing, rape, and bearing 
 false witness knowingly to deprive one of life. Cruel and 
 barbarous modes of bodily punishment were forbidden. No 
 gentleman was to be punished by whipping, unless his crime 
 was particularly shameful and his life generally vicious. 
 The old English practice of wife-whipping was prohibited, 
 though the Court reserved to the husband the right to chas- 
 tise his wife for just causes. 
 
 During these twenty years, prosperity began to reward 
 the toils and hardships of the colonists, so that many of 
 those who had barely enough to bring them over became 
 worth hundreds of pounds. By 1643, it is stated that there 
 were one thousand acres in gardens and orchards, and fif- 
 teen thousand acres under cultivation for grain-raising. 
 There were twelve thousand neat cattle and three thousand 
 sheep in the colony. Wool, flax, and hemp were abundant 
 for the manufacture of such articles of necessity as could be 
 produced from them. A few ships were built in those early 
 
GLIMPSES OF COLONIAL LIFE FROM I63O TO 165O. 33 
 
 times, and native vessels carried on something of a com- 
 merce with the West Indies. The manufacture of glass was 
 commenced, and iron foundries were established. A print- 
 ing-press was set up at Cambridge in 1639, the first thing 
 printed being "The Freeman's Oath." The population of 
 the colony in 1643 was about eighteen thousand. 
 
 Churches were founded in every town, and meeting-houses 
 were built. A meeting-house then was not only a place for 
 religious services, but for all gatherings or meetings of what- 
 ever kind. These were rude structures, the roofs being 
 thatched like the houses. There were few, if any, pews ; 
 but the people generally sat on benches or settees. 
 
 The curious custom of " seating the meeting-house " pre- 
 vailed in all the towns for many years. A committee was 
 chosen at town-meeting to perform this duty. All the seats 
 were ranked in dignity. All the people in town were ranked 
 also according to age, wealth, or general standing. Those 
 of high rank in the social scale were formally assigned to 
 seats of corresponding rank in the meeting-house. Children 
 never sat with their parents, but were seated together, with 
 a tithing-man to keep them in order. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE SETTLEMENT OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 'T^HE enterprise of starting a new town on the banks 
 of Charles River was undertaken at first by Dedham 
 men, though they were soon joined by others. This place 
 was called at first " Dedham Village." The plan evidently 
 was to get as much of the meadow on both sides of the 
 river as possible, with the adjoining upland. The east side 
 lay within the bounds of Dedham, the west side belonged 
 to the Commonwealth. To carry out the plan, two grants 
 were needed. 
 
 A petition was sent to the General Court for a grant of 
 land west of the river. This petition has not been pre- 
 served ; but in the records we find the following : — 
 
 In ansr. to a petition of the inhabitants of Dedham flor a parcell of 
 vpland and meadow adjoyning to their line to make a villadge of, in 
 quantity 4 miles south and north, and three miles east and west, becawse 
 they are streightned at their doores by other tounes & rocky lands, &c. 
 Their request is graunted so as they erect a distinct village therevpon 
 within one y^ere from this day, Octob. 23, 1649, and Capt. Keajne, 
 Mr. Edward Jackson & tlie surveyor gennerall are appointed to lay it 
 out at any time, Dedham giving them a weekes warning. 
 
 Having obtained this grant Oct. 23, 1649, Dedham held a 
 town-meeting November 14th following, and set apart a por- 
 tion of its original territory for the new town. After recit- 
 ing the above grant, the town voted that there shall be 
 "granted for the accommodation of the village so much land 
 
THE SETTLEMENT OF MEDFIELD. 3$ 
 
 within the west end of the bounds of Dedham next Bogas- 
 tow as is or may be contained within the extent of three 
 miles east and west, and four miles north and south, — the 
 form and line to be varied and altered as in the judgment 
 of such men as shall be deputed thereunto shall seem for 
 the most convenient accommodation both of Dedham and 
 the said village." 
 
 In the following January, Ensign Phillips, John Dwight, 
 and Daniel Fisher were chosen by the town of Dedham, 
 and authorized to lay out the grant from that town, and to 
 accomplish it before the middle of April, 1650". This grant 
 corresponds very nearly, if not exactly, with the territory 
 now embraced within the town of Medfield. 
 
 The men appointed by the Court to lay out the land west 
 of the river, now a part of Medway, performed that duty ; 
 and in the colonial record for May 22, 1650, we find : — 
 
 Whereas there was a graunt made by the Generall Court at a session 
 the 22d of the 8th moth, 1649, vnto the inhabitants of Dedham, in 
 answer to a petition of theires for the enlargement of the village theire, 
 as by the sajd graunt may more fully appeare, this graunt, so made, was 
 layd out by Captayne Robt. Keaine and Mr. Edward Jackson, who haue 
 subscribed it with theire hands in manner & forme followinge, vizt: 
 begininge at a small hill, or iland, in the meddow on the west side of 
 Charles Riuer, & runinge from thence about full west three miles, and 
 then, turninge a south line, ended at Charles Riuer at three miles & a 
 quarter, this line beinge there shorter than by the graunt it was allowed 
 to be, but accepteed by the grauntees, the sajd riuer is appointed to be 
 the bounds from that place to the place where the first lyne began. 
 This Court doth approue of this returne of the psons aboue mentioned 
 concerninge the bounds of the sajd village, & in answer to the request 
 of the inhabitants of Dedham doe order that it shalBe called [Meadfeild]. 
 
 These lines can be readily traced. The "small hill or 
 iland " is about one-fourth of a mile north of Boggestow 
 pond. The line "about full west" is very nearly the present 
 boundary line between Medway and the towns of Sherborn 
 and Holliston. The " south line " makes the indentation in 
 the northern boundary of Medway, and passing along the 
 westerly border of Black Swamp came to the river a little to 
 the west of Medway Village. 
 
36 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 In the above grant, the name of the town is in brackets : 
 evidently, the space was left blank at that time. But the 
 name was decided on very shortly afterward, when it was 
 probably inserted. The name is variously spelled in the old 
 records, frequently Meadfield and Medfeild. 
 
 Several reasons have been given for the selection of this 
 name. The most plausible is that the towns of Dedham, 
 Medfield, and Wrentham in England lay near each other; 
 that the early settlers here came from that vicinity, and per- 
 petuated the rhemory of their native locality in naming these 
 towns^ This view is strengthened by the tradition that this 
 town once received the gift of a bell from Medfield in Old 
 England. There is no record, however, in any way relating 
 to it. 
 
 At the meeting in Dedham, Nov. 14, 1649, the question 
 was proposed upon what conditions the lands were to be 
 granted. Some desired that they be freely given ; while 
 others, in consideration of their town rights in the meadows, 
 thought the grantees should pay j^ioo "to be divided 
 among such of the inhabitants of Dedham as do not remove 
 to the village." The latter view prevailed ; but the amount 
 was afterward reduced to .£50, "in consideration of the 
 many and great charges lying upon that town." 
 
 From this mention of the meadows in the Dedham records, 
 it is quite probable that grass had been taken from them 
 already. It is certain that in a time of scarcity of hay, seven 
 years after, the farmers of Dedham looked about for a sup- 
 ply, and found it in the " Meadow beyond Wolomolopoag," 
 now Wrentham, which was at a still greater distance. 
 
 At the same date, we find the following record : — 
 
 Chosen by the inhabitants assembled for the managing and trans- 
 action of whatever is or may be needed for the further performing of 
 the erecting, disposing, and government of the said village, the men 
 whose names are hereunder written, who are fully authorized thereunto 
 until there be such a company of men engaged in that plantation and 
 associated together as the town of Dedham shall judge meet for that 
 work and trust. 
 
 Ralph Wheelock. John Dwight. 
 
 Thomas Wight. Peter Woodward. 
 
 Robert Hinsdell. Eleazar Lusher. 
 
 Henry Chickering. 
 
THE SETTLEMENT OF MEDFIELD. 37 
 
 Wheelock, Wight, and Hinsdale came to the new settle- 
 ment : the others remained in Dedham, but acted in behalf 
 of the parent town until Medfield was invested with town 
 rights, fifteen months afterward. 
 
 The proceedings of this committee were recorded by 
 Eleazar Lusher ; and the book is still in good preservation, 
 a specimen of Lusher's antique but beautiful handwriting. 
 
 Among the first business undertaken by this committee 
 was the preparation of an agreement to be signed by all who 
 desired to be accepted as inhabitants of Medfield. Its au- 
 thor is not certainly known ; but there is little doubt that it 
 was chiefly, if not entirely, the work of Ralph Wheelock, 
 who has very properly been styled "the founder of Med- 
 field." 
 
 THE AGREEMENT. 
 
 For as much as for the further promulgation of the Gospell, The 
 subdueing of this pt of the earth amongst the rest given to the sonnes 
 of Adam & the enlargemt of the bounds of the habitations formerly 
 designed by God to sora of his people in this wilderness, It hath 
 pleased the Lord to move & direct as well the much Honoured General 
 Court as — t allso tlie Inhabitants of the Town of Dedham, each of them 
 in it, to Grante such a Tract of Land in that place called Boggastoe and 
 the adiaciant pts thereabouts as is adiudged a meete place for the erect- 
 ing & settling of a Town, We the psons whose names ar next under- 
 written, being by the Inhabitants of Dedham selected, Chosen, and 
 authorized for the ordering & manageing of the said Town or village 
 to be erected, for the due settling therof as also for the p'venting of 
 questions, mistakes, disorders & contentions that might otherwise arise, 
 doe order, determine, and resolve, as foUoweth : 
 
 1. That all psons wt so ever that shall receave Land by Grante from 
 the said Towne now called Meadfield shall becom subiect to all such 
 orders in any pt or point of Town governmt as ar at p'sent or heere 
 after by the Authoritie of the said towne shall be made and appointed 
 for the ordering, regulateing or govermt therr of, pvided they bee not 
 repugnant to the orders, or any order, of the Gennall Court from time to 
 time, and that every such grante shall for the firme engagemt of himself 
 & his successors ther unto subscribe his name to our Towne Booke, or 
 otherwise his grant made to him 'shall therby be made void & of none 
 effect. 
 
 2. That if differences, questions or Contentions shall fall out, or arise, 
 any manner of ways in our societie, or betwixt any parties therin, 
 that they shall really endeavour to resolve & issue the same in the 
 
38 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 most peaceable ways & manner, by refference Arbritration, or som other 
 the like meanes before it shall com to any place of publike Judicature, 
 except it be in our owne Towne. 
 
 3. That we shall all of us in the said Towne Faithfully endeavour 
 tht onely such be receaved to our societie & Township as we may 
 have sufficient satisfaction in, that they ar honest, peacable, & free 
 from scandall and eronious opinnions. 
 
THE SETTLEMENT OF MEDFIELD. 39 
 
 How many of these signatures were made at first, we 
 cannot discover. Among them are, at least, the names of 
 five persons who never came to Medfield: they may have 
 intended to join the number, but were prevented from doing 
 so. Several of the later signatures are of sons of the 
 original settlers, who were formally accepted as townsmen 
 when they came of age. Others came from various places 
 subsequent to the time of settlement, and signed the agree- 
 ment when they were accepted. Others came here, received 
 lands, and even held office, who did not sign the agreement 
 at all. After a few years, the custom of signing fell into 
 disuse. One of the last signatures was that of Joseph 
 Daniel, who was accepted as a townsman in 1662. This 
 town was organized with a much smaller number of house- 
 holders than has been generally supposed. 
 
 It will be noticed that sixteen "made their mark," con- 
 cerning which Mann in Annals of Dedham says, " It is fair 
 to infer they were not all writing-masters ; but their par- 
 ticular occupation is not stated." 
 
 REGULATIONS IN REGARD TO DIVISION OF LANDS. 
 
 At a meeting of the committee about the beginning of 
 1650, they formally appointed Eleazar Lusher to keep the 
 
 books for the town of until another be chosen. 
 
 The space for the name of the town was left blank, as at 
 that date it had not been definitely fixed upon. The record 
 proceeds : — 
 
 It is ordered that the ground or rule for the division of land shall 
 be persons and estates. 
 
 It is ordered that, in laying out house-lots, teaching and church offi- 
 cers shall be first provided for. 
 
 It is ordered, for the further explaining the rules of division of 
 lands, that by persons is intended the persons to whom the grant is 
 expressly made, and all others that are at present in real dependence 
 upon them, servants excepted. 
 
 It is also further ordered that no house-lot shall exceed twelve 
 acres of upland and twelve acres of meadow, neither shall any house- 
 lot be less than six acres of upland and six acres of meadow ; and any 
 
40 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 man's estate shall receive land according to its apportion between these 
 suras, according to what their persons and estates are capable of; and. 
 if any man's estate and persons be at present straightened thereby, he 
 shall in the next division of lands receive so much more than his shall 
 then come unto ; but such as in a six-acre lot shall now receive more 
 than by right of his persons or estate can be granted to him, that over- 
 plus shall not be discounted, but he shall receive in the next division 
 whatsoever according to the common rule of division come to his part. 
 
 It is ordered that the estate we account and allow of as capable of 
 division of lands is such estate as is ratable, and usually rated in the 
 country rate. 
 
 This is as far as the business proceeded at that meeting. 
 About the first of February, another meeting was held, the 
 record of which is : — 
 
 It is ordered that all grantees whatsoever shall be enjoined thereby 
 to be present at Medfield with all that estate that they received land for, 
 settled before the end of the third month, called May, which shall be 
 in the year i6;i, except the selectmen for the time being shall grant a 
 longer time to any particular grantee. Whosoever shall fail herein shall 
 forfeit to the town all the lands to them formerly granted them. 
 
 It is ordered that what persons soever shall present themselves to 
 the selectmen for the time being, to be accepted and to receive land for 
 their persons and estate, shall give satisfaction to the said selectmen 
 that the estate of which they make report is truly real, so that in the 
 judgment of reason it may appear very probable that that person shall 
 be able to settle that estate at Medfield according to the order in that 
 case provided. 
 
 The valuation of cattle set at such prices as they shall be accounted 
 at in estates in the grants of land as foUoweth : — 
 
 One ox, £7. One horse, ;^i 5. 
 
 One cow, £6. One i year old swine, £1. 
 
 One 3 yearling, £$. One i year old goat, £1. 
 
 One 2 yearling, £3 los. 3 year old colt, ^10. 
 
 One I yearling, £2. 2 year old colt, ^8. 
 
 One weaning, £1. i year old colt, ;^5. 
 
 It is ordered that to every fifteen pounds estate shall be granted 
 one acre of land in house-lots and one acre of land in meadow, to be 
 apportioned according to the former order concerning the extent of 
 house-lots. 
 
 It is further ordered that all such charges as are necessarily occa- 
 sioned by the public ordinances of the town, — viz., the purchase of the 
 land from Dedham or the Indians, as also the charges of the petition, 
 
THE SETTLEMENT OF MEDFIELD. 4 1 
 
 laying out of the lines about the general grants made to the town, or 
 other the like occasions, — shall be borne and defrayed by those lands 
 granted for house-lots. 
 
 Forasmuch as it is supposed to be very probable that there may be 
 clay found in that place when lots are suddenly to be laid out, it is 
 therefore ordered that the five men formally deputed and authorized to 
 lay out house-lots, or any three of them, shall have hereby power to 
 appoint and provide that sufficient search be made at the public 
 charges, and that the most fit place and quantities be reserved for the 
 'public and common use of the town for clay, as to their judgment shall 
 appear most meet. 
 
 Whereas such as are appointed to assist and direct in the laying 
 out of house-lots are occasioned to expend much time and pains about 
 the same, more than in equality they can be required to do, it is there- 
 fore ordered that such of them as shall have pains therein as aforesaid, 
 or other the like public occasions, shall, upon their bill presented, have 
 such satisfaction^ allowed them as shall be thought reasonable upon 
 consideration. This order to be of force from the fifth of the first 
 month, 1650. 
 
 Another meeting of the committee was held on the lOth 
 of the third month (May), 1650, at which provision was 
 made for laying out house-lots in Medfield. The record 
 goes on : — 
 
 The men whose names are hereunder written are hereby chosen, 
 deputed, and authorized to assist and direct the measurer in laying out 
 house-lots as by their discretion they shall judge most meet according 
 to the rule of division formerly resolved upon, being persons and 
 estates whose authority shall settle the situation and lines of, all such 
 house-lots as shall be by them performed within the space of six 
 months next ensuing: the greater number of these men consenting 
 together shall be a suiRcient act for the settling of such house-lots in 
 meadow or upland, in whole or in part. 
 
 Thomas Wight. Samuel Bulleyn. 
 
 Robert Hinsdell. John Frairy. 
 
 Timothy Dwight. 
 
 Forasmuch as some charges that concern the public are suddenly to 
 be defrayed and satisfied, it is therefore ordered that every grantee to 
 whomsoever land shall be laid out in house-lots shall, for every acre, 
 within ten days after the laying out thereof, pay to the collector for the 
 town one shilling, in payment of the charges that concern the town. 
 
 Thomas Wight is chosen collector for and in behalf of the town, to 
 continue till another be chosen. 
 
42 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Thomas Wight is chosen to be present to assist and advise in laying 
 out the farm to the heirs of IVIr. Edward AUeyne, together with them 
 that the town of Dedham have deputed to the work. 
 
 Thomas Wight, Robert Hinsdell, and Samuel Bullen, or any two of 
 them, are chosen and deputed to be present at the laying of the line 
 betwixt Dedham and Medfield ; to take notice of that line, and to assist 
 therein as they see cause. 
 
 Deputed for the laying out of highways, and other the like neces- 
 sary occasions that may prepare and make the place capable of laying 
 out into house-lots, the men whose names are under-written, or any four 
 of them: — 
 
 Thomas Wight. Timothy Dwight. 
 
 Peter Woodward. Samuel Bullen. 
 John Dwight. Eleazar Lusher. 
 
 It is agreed upon to give a call to Sergeant George Barber to build 
 a mill at Medfield and to keep it for the supply of the town ; and they 
 resolve to give him such encouragement thereunto as to a work of that' 
 nature is convenient. 
 
 THE FIRST HIGHWAYS. 
 
 The main road from Dedham to Boggestow ran through 
 the north-east corner of what is now Walpole, and entered 
 Medfield near Foundry Street. From that point, it passed 
 probably north of Mount Nebo, and came out upon the pres- 
 ent Main Street, a short distance east of Pound Street. 
 Thence, it followed substantially the direction of Main and 
 Bridge Streets to the river, where the bridge connecting the 
 two portions of the town was soon built. The precise location 
 of that bridge is uncertain ; but it must have been near that 
 of the present bridge by the almshouse. 
 
 Leading out of this principal road was another, where 
 North Street now lies, which was soon extended, and 
 became the " old road to Natick." Opposite North Street, 
 another road led southward near where Pleasant Street now 
 is, but bearing farther east and terminating near the head of 
 Philip Street. 
 
 This was the system of roads : one way leading through 
 the town from east to west, and another crossing it at right 
 angles, thus forming the four corners which have been from 
 that day to this reckoned as the centre of the town. There 
 
THE SETTLEMENT OF MEDFIELD, 43 
 
 is no record of the laying out of these roads, the fiirst six 
 leaves of our oldest record book being lost. 
 
 June 19, 1650, the committee proceeded to lay out thir- 
 teen house-lots. The record of these grants is in the unmis- 
 takable handwriting of Eleazar Lusher. 
 
 GRANTS FOR HOUSE-LOTS TO THE THIRTEEN PIONEERS. 
 
 1. To Mr. Ralph Wheelock, twelve acres of upland as it lyeth abut- 
 ting upon the highway, being two rods and one-half broad toward the 
 south-east and north-east, and upon the waste land toward the south- 
 west and north-west, the highway, two rods and one-half broad, crossing 
 the same near the north-west end thereof. 
 
 This was the west corner of Main and North Streets, 
 with the field opposite skirting the south road as it then ran 
 some hundred rods or thereabouts. 
 
 2. To John Ellis, ten acres and one rood, abutting upon Mr. Whee- 
 lock toward the north-east. 
 
 This was the site now owned by Mr. Upham, with a field 
 on the opposite side of Main Street of about the same length 
 as Mr. Wheelock's. 
 
 3. To Samuel BuUen, ten acres, abutting on the waste lands toward 
 the south-east, north-east, and north-west, and upon a brook thereby 
 
 . toward the south-west. 
 
 This was near Philip Street, opposite F. D. Hamant's 
 house. The brook referred to was larger at that time than 
 now, a portion of its waters having since been turned in 
 another direction. The stream appears to have been called 
 Nantasket Brook in early times. 
 
 4. To Daniel Morse, twelve acres abutting upon Samuel Bullen 
 toward the south-east and the brook south-west. 
 
 This was what is now known as the "church lot." A lane 
 led from the highway to the houses of Bullen and Morse. 
 
 5. To James Allen, seven acres, abutting upon the waste lands upon 
 all the sides thereof round about. 
 
44 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 This was near the house now owned by Mr. Rhod^ 
 on South Street, the field running back toward the west, 
 somewhat long and narrow. 
 
 6. To Joseph Clark, ten acres, abutting upon James Allen toward the 
 north-west. 
 
 An old cellar and well still mark the site of this house. 
 
 7. To Francis Hamant, six acres, abutting on Joseph Clark toward 
 the north-west. 
 
 He did not build his house there, but afterward obtained 
 another grant near the brook on Philip Street, which has 
 been in the possession of the Hamant family from that day 
 to this. 
 
 8. To John Turner, six acres abutting upon Francis Hamant toward 
 the north-west. 
 
 Curve Street marks the southern boundary of this lot : his 
 first house stood near the junction of Curve and South 
 Streets. 
 
 9. To John Frairy, twelve acres, abutting upon the highway toward 
 the south-east. 
 
 The highway here referred to was the common around the 
 meeting-house, which embraced the land now covered by the 
 pond. The house-lot lay along Frairy Street to Dale Street, 
 and the house was on the site of that now owned by the 
 Stedman heirs. 
 
 10. To Timothy Dwight, twelve acres, abutting on John Frairy south- 
 west, on the highway south-east, and on the highway in part, and on 
 waste land in part, on the north-east. 
 
 This house was built on the site owned by the Derby 
 heirs, and his field lay along North Street. The "waste 
 land in part " on the north-east was a triangular piece of 
 ground now included in D. D. Curtis' lawn. 
 
 11. To Robert Hinsdale, three acres and one half, abutting upon the 
 highway south-west, and upon a brook south-east. 
 
TlfE SETTLEMENT OF MEDFIELD. 45 
 
 The Hinsdale house stood on the east side of North Street, 
 north of the brook. He took the remainder of his twelve 
 acres in another place. 
 
 12. To Thomas Wight, twelve acres, touching upon Robert Hinsdale 
 at one angle, otherwise upon waste land. 
 
 This was on what is now Green Street, a little way from 
 North Street. 
 
 13. To John Wight, six acres, abutting on Thomas Wight on the 
 south-west, all else on waste land. 
 
 " Wight's Lane " led from North Street to these houses. 
 
 The committee for the ordering of affairs held another 
 meeting in November, at which the following order was 
 passed : — 
 
 Forasmuch as there are divers trees as will fit for timber in woods 
 growing near about the brook that runs out of the meadows, in the mid- 
 dle of the town, which trees may be of much use, as well for shadow as 
 for other public occasions of the town, it is therefore ordered that no 
 man, either inhabitant or other, shall cut or fell any of the aforesaid 
 trees of any scantling whatsoever, of either side of said brook, without 
 special or particular license from the town, upon the penalty of forfeit- 
 ing for every such tree so felled without license the sum of five shil- 
 lings, to be paid to the use of the town upon any reasonable demand 
 made by whomsoever the town shall authorize thereto. 
 
 The low ground along the brook had not been included in 
 the house-lots, but was reserved by the town as public 
 property. By the foregoing order, it is to be inferred that 
 the settlers were commencing operations here ; also, by the 
 mention of the shadow of these trees, that large and beauti- 
 ful shade trees were not abundant. This corroborates what 
 has been said of the appearance of the country in respect 
 of the forests. 
 
 An additional order was passed at the same meeting : — 
 
 For the preventing of wasting of timber by unnecessary felling, or 
 neglect of due removing thereof seasonably after the same is felled, it 
 is therefore ordered that whosoever hereafter shall fell any timber of 
 any sort whatsoever, upon any part of the common lands of the town, 
 and shall let the same or any part be unimproved or unearned away for 
 
46 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 more than six months after the same is felled, those trees, or what part 
 soever shall be so remaining, shall be wholly forfeit into the hands of the 
 town, and shall be disposed of by the selectmen as shall appear unto 
 them most meet. 
 
 This is the last recorded action taken in Dedham for the 
 management of the affairs at the new town of Medfield. 
 
 DEDHAM S SURRENDER OF JURISDICTION. 
 
 At a general meeting of the inhabitants of Dedham on the 
 first of the eleventh month (Jan. 11, 165 1, N.S.) the follow- 
 ing vote was passed : — 
 
 It is by the town of Dedham consented unto and ordered that the 
 power, right, or privilege of town government that hath hitherto or is 
 remaining in the township of Dedham, or any their trustees or assigns, 
 whereby they have and did act in and on behalf of the town of Medfield, 
 shall be, and hereby is, wholly and totally transmitted and delivered into 
 the hands, power, and disposing of the township of Medfield in general 
 and the selectmen thereof and their successors forever. 
 
 And do also further agree with those of Medfield that are now present 
 that such care as is necessary that due and seasonable paynient be made 
 of that debt due from Medfield to this town upon reasonable demand 
 thereof. And further promise as much forbearance thereof as the public 
 occasion of the town of Dedham admit of. 
 
 Medfield now only needed the recognition and sanction 
 of the General Court to be a town with full powers. That 
 sanction was given in May, 1651, by an act entitled " Med- 
 field's power," which reads as follows : — 
 
 There beinge a towne lately erected beyond Dedham, in the County 
 of Suffolke, uppon Charles river, called by the name of Meadfield, uppon 
 their request made to this General Court, this Court hath graunted them 
 all the power and privileges which other townes doe injoy according 
 to law. 
 
 ORGANIZATION AND ACCESSIONS. 
 
 Medfield entered upon its independent existence as the 
 forty-third town in the colony in the order of incorporation. 
 The corporators had matters entirely in their own hands. 
 They could admit or reject as townsmen whomsoever they 
 pleased: they had absolute control of all the lands within 
 
THE SETTLEMENT OF MEDFIELD. 47 
 
 their bounds. Upon their integrity, judgment, and foresight 
 rested the future of the new town. 
 
 The first board of selectmen consisted of Mr. Ralph 
 Wheelock, Timothy Dwight, Robert Hinsdale, John Frairy, 
 and Benjamin Alby. 
 
 Henry Adams was chosen "clerk of the writs," or town 
 clerk, soon after Dedham's surrender of jurisdiction, as no 
 records subsequent to that time are in Lusher's handwriting. 
 The next grant, No. 14, is in the new clerk's chirography. 
 There were numerous accessions to the number of those who 
 were receiving house-lots during the spring and summer, 
 located as follows : — 
 
 Isaac Chenery, six acres, bounded south-east by James 
 Allen. This was on South Street, near the place now 
 owned by heirs of Lowell Wiswell. 
 
 Henry Smith, ten acres, bounded south-east by Isaac 
 Chenery. On South Street, but somewhat back toward 
 Pleasant Street. 
 
 Henry Glover, six acres. On North Street, opposite Pine 
 Street. 
 
 William Partridge, six acres, bounded by Henry Glover 
 south-east. On North Street, where the house owned by 
 the Misses Wight now stands. 
 
 Thomas Ellis, six acres, bounded by William Partridge 
 south-east. The spot is now owned by descendants of the 
 the same name. 
 
 Thomas Mason, six acres, bounded by Thomas Ellis south- 
 east. Now owned by A. E. Mason, a lineal descendant. 
 
 Benjamin Crane, six acres, bounded by Thomas Mason 
 south-east. This lot was sold in 1652 to Joseph Ellis, who 
 soon removed from town. It was, apparently, where Hamlet 
 Wight now lives. 
 
 The following were Weymouth and Braintree men, and 
 they all took lots in Bridge Street. 
 
 Benjamin Alby, four acres, which lay near the corner by 
 the almshouse. 
 
 John Bowers, two acres and three roods, bounded by 
 Benjamin Alby north-west. The house owned by heirs of 
 J. F. Newell stands on the Bowers lot. 
 
48 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Nicolas Rockwood, three acres and three roods, bounded 
 by John Bowers north-west. 
 
 Alexander Lovell, four acres, bounded by Nicolas Rock- 
 wood north-west. This spot is now owned by Charles H. 
 Russell. 
 
 Abraham Harding, five acres, bounded by Alexander 
 Lovell north-west. Now owned by Mr. Chase. 
 
 Henry Adams, four acres and a half, bounded by Abraham 
 Harding north-west. The place is now included in that 
 owned by heirs of Gershom Adams. He did not, however, 
 build there, but bought the place on Elm Street, near Mill 
 Brook, ever since owned by his descendants. 
 
 John Fussell, three acres, bounded by Henry Adams 
 north-west. Some traces of a house, supposed to have been 
 his, have been found on a little knoll near the meadow, on 
 the Gershom Adams place. Next to this lot, on the south- 
 east, land was left for a common clay pit. 
 
 Edward Adams, two acres, bounded by the common clay 
 pit on the north-west. 
 
 Peter Adams, two acres and a half, bounded by Edward 
 Adams on the north-west. This and the preceding were 
 near the foot of Dale Street. 
 
 Margaret Sheppard, two acres, bounded by Peter Adams 
 on the north-west. This lot seems to have been not very 
 far from the corner of Main and Bridge Streets, on the west 
 side. 
 
 These Bridge Street house-lots, being less than the mini- 
 mum size, were made up by subsequent grants of land above 
 the brow of the hill, on "Bridge Street Plain." 
 
 Rev. John Wilson commenced his pastorate in December, 
 165 1, as he himself tells us ; but we have no record of the 
 action of the town in calling him. In fact, not much remains 
 to us of the action of the town concerning any matter in 
 1651. His house-lot was oh Main Street, the site of the 
 present town hall, with a field opposite, which included the 
 land now lying between South and Pleasant Streets. Joshua 
 Fisher had his house-lot next to Mr. Wilson's on the east, 
 and built his house where that of the heirs of James Hewins 
 
THE SETTLEMENT OF MEDFIELD. 49 
 
 now stands. His field opposite stretched down as far as 
 Pound Street. 
 
 This year, the direction of South Street was changed : it 
 was removed from between the lots of Mr. Wheelock and 
 Mr. Wilson where it was at first, and laid between Mr. Wil- 
 son's and Joshua Fisher's ; very nearly its present location. 
 
 George Barber had twelve acres, bounded west by Joshua 
 Fisher. His house was near where that of Bradford Curtis 
 now stands. 
 
 John Thurston had twelve acres, bounded west by George 
 Barber, and built his house near the spot now occupied by 
 the residence of James Hewins. 
 
 It will be observed that all these Main Street lots were so 
 laid out that they were on both sides of the way ; and the 
 houses were all built on the north side, thus making them 
 front to the south, according to the universal custom in those 
 days. Not a house was built on the south side of Main 
 Street for more than a century. Opposite to each house 
 lay the "home field." 
 
 We learn that the burying-place was set out in 165 1, as 
 the grants of the next year refer to it as a thing already 
 established. It embraced the central portion of the present 
 cemetery, next the street. 
 
 BUILDING OF THE FIRST MILL. 
 
 An agreement made on the sixteenth day of the ninth month, Anno 
 Domini one thousand six hundred and fifty-one, between Benjamin 
 Alby, John Frairy, Robert Hinsdale, Timothy Dwight, and Mr. Ralph 
 Wheelock, selectmen for the town of Meadfield, one party, and George 
 Barber, carpenter, of said Meadfield, the other party: the said Ben- 
 jamin Alby, John Frairy, Timothy Dwight, Robert Hinsdale, and Ralph 
 Wheelock being moved to gather together, and assembled the day and 
 year above written for the ordering of the prudential affairs of the 
 town, do, on behalf of the town, covenant and agree with George 
 Barber as followeth for the building of a mill upon the brook that 
 runneth on the east side of the South Plains which lieth beyond the 
 house of Samuel BuUeyn, all former agreements with him about the 
 sitting of it down upon any other brook being repealed and made void. 
 Now, and in consideration that is of building the said mill upon the 
 aforesaid brook for the supply of the town, the selectmen aforesaid do 
 
50 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 give and grant unto the said George and his heirs forever twenty-five 
 acres of upland and meadow, to be laid out as followeth : — 
 
 Upon this side of the brook next unto the town, twenty-four acres of 
 land, to be laid out according as those deputed thereunto shall run the 
 lines. Upon the east side of the said brook, close adjoining unto the 
 mill, one acre of upland. And, lastly, that parcel of meadow and up- 
 land formerly granted to the said George, abutting on the highway 
 leading to the great bridge over Charles River. 
 
 Also the selectmen do agree and promise to the said George Barber 
 to do all necessary digging and damming which shall be needful for 
 the setting down of the said mill at the town's charges, provided the 
 said George serve his own part equal and proportionately with the 
 others of the said town. 
 
 For, and in consideration of these aforesaid premises, the above said 
 George doth bind himself, his heirs, and successors, to maintain and 
 keep in good preservation at his own charge the said mill and dam 
 after they be made and set down suflScient for the town's use, provided 
 it be not for want of water. All which promises being truly and faith- 
 fully performed, the' town above said doth bind themselves unto the 
 said George and his successors to build no other mill to the prejudice 
 of the said George his mill. 
 
 This meeting of the selectmen "for the ordering of the 
 prudential affairs of the town " was one of their regular 
 meetings for town business. Records of the selectmen's 
 meetings were kept for many years. South Plain is de- 
 scribed as lying beyond the house of Samuel Bullen, which 
 indicates that his was the southernmost house in the settle- 
 ment at the date mentioned (Nov. 26, 165 1), and that John 
 Turner and Francis Hamant did not probably build till the 
 following year. 
 
 The land granted to George Barber "for his encourage- 
 ment " is included at present in the farm belonging to heirs 
 of Henry Adams, and the mill was " set down " on the 
 brook a few rods below the road. A later mill was built 
 above the road. 
 
 Some half-dozen births are recorded here for 165 1 ; but 
 this record was evidently made up afterward, as they are 
 not in chronological order. They probably occurred in 
 other towns, and were put on record after the parents' 
 removal to this place. There is no record of deaths or 
 marriages for that year. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIP'S WAR. ■ ■" 
 
 1652. Selectmen, Ralph Wheelock, '"^^■_ 
 
 Robert Hinsdale, Timothy Dwight, George Barber, Abra- 
 ham Harding, and Henry Adams. The latter was again 
 chosen town clerk, an office which he held for ten years. 
 
 At the May town-meeting, the agreement with George 
 Barber about the mill was read, and "allowed without objec- 
 tion." 
 
 A portion of the town valuation for 1652 is preserved, 
 and is in form and substance as follows : — 
 
 JOHN BOWER HIS ESTATE. 
 
 psons 4 40 O O 
 
 Housing, ... ... 10 o o 
 
 Cowes 3, 18 o o 
 
 Two 2 yrs. old, 7 o o 
 
 3 acres bro : 12 o o 
 
 3 unbr : 3 o o 
 
 fence abo : Med, i o o 
 
 Sume, 91 o o 
 
 ROBT. HINSDALE'S ESTATE. 
 
 psons 10, 100 o o 
 
 Housing, 60 o o 
 
 Ground bro : 1 1 ac, 44 o o 
 
 fencd part 3 ac, 6 o o 
 
 unfencd 5 ac, "..... 5 o o 
 
 Cowes 2, 12 o o 
 
 Heifers 3 yrs 10 10 o 
 
 yearl: 2 4 o o 
 
 swine 2, 2 o o 
 
 In other es, 7 o o 
 
 250 10 o 
 
o o 
 
 52 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 JOHN THURSTANE'S ESTATE. 
 
 pson 8 80 
 
 Howsing, 60 o o 
 
 6acbro: up, 15 ° ° 
 
 2 ac : unb, 2 o o 
 
 fenced lands 7 ac I4 ° ° 
 
 oxen 4 28 ■ o o 
 
 Cowes 2 12 o o 
 
 2 two-yr oulds, 7 ° ° 
 
 yearling, 2 o o 
 
 swine, i o ° 
 
 owing in debts 25 o o 
 
 Sume 246 o o 
 
 FRANCIS HAMOND ESTATE. 
 
 psons 4, 40 O O 
 
 Howse, 25 o o 
 
 bro : up land 5 ac, 20 o o 
 
 unbr : fen 3 ac, 6 o o 
 
 Cowe, 6 o o 
 
 swine 4, 4 o o 
 
 sume loi o o 
 
 ABR: HARDING HIS ESTATE. 
 
 psons, 4, 40 o o 
 
 Howses, 40 o o 
 
 Bro : upp 9 ac, 32 o o 
 
 unbro: 3 ac, 6 o o 
 
 Oxen 4, 28 o o 
 
 Cowes 6, 36 o o 
 
 two 3 yrs, . 10 o o 
 
 4 of 2 yrs, 14 o o 
 
 yearling, 2 o o 
 
 swine 3, 3 o o 
 
 sume 211 o o 
 
 RALPH WHEELOCK HIS ESTATE. 
 
 psons 10, 100 o o 
 
 acrs 9 bro, 33 o o 
 
 unbro 3 5 o o 
 
 Orch: 10 o o 
 
 House 30 o o 
 
 oxen 2, 14 o o 
 
 Cows 2, 12 o o 
 
 3 yearl : 5 o o 
 
 zyearl: 3 10 o 
 
 one yearl : 2 o o 
 
 Debts to rece, 40 o o 
 
 overplus of first estate given in, 20 o o 
 
 sume 274 10 o 
 
THE YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIP S WAR. 
 
 53 
 
 JAMES ALLIN HIS ESTATE. 
 
 psons 8, 80 o 
 
 Howse, 20 o 
 
 Acres ijr: 5^, 22 o 
 
 unbro : ac |, 3 o 
 
 Cowes 2, 12 o 
 
 yearl i, 2 o 
 
 sume, 139 o 
 
 ISAAC CHINERIE HIS ESTATE. 
 
 pson, 10 o 
 
 broake up 3 acres & 3 roods, 15 o 
 
 unbro : 2 ac & a rood, 4 10 
 
 2 two yea : 7 o 
 
 2 of I yea : 4 o 
 
 swine, i o 
 
 sume, 41 10 
 
 EWD ADAMS HIS ESTAT. 
 
 psons 2, 20 o 
 
 Hous lot, 36 o 
 
 2 ace, 12 o 
 
 2 acchrs 6 o 
 
 1 ac, 2 10 
 
 2 oxen, 14 o 
 
 — cows, 12 o 
 
 — arl, 2 o 
 
 sume, 104 10 
 
 FETTER ADAMES. 
 
 persons 3, 30 o 
 
 oxen 3, 18 o 
 
 Cows 2, 12 o 
 
 3 yer old Ster i, S o 
 
 I swine, i o 
 
 brok land 3 ac 7 o 
 
 unbrok 2 ac, 2 10 
 
 other estat, 20 o 
 
 for othe estate, S o 
 
 100 }0 
 ALIXANDER LOVELL HIS ESTATE. 
 
 I persons, 10 o 
 
 1 mare, 20 o 
 
 2 oxen, 14 o 
 
 2 cowes 12 o 
 
 2 yerling, • • -^ 4 o 
 
 6 accer brok lana, 18 o 
 
 7 accer ub, 10 o 
 
 88 o 
 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 
54 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 JOHN PLIMPTON. 
 
 6 persons, 60 o o 
 
 2 cowes, 12 o o 
 
 I Calf I o o 
 
 I swine I o o 
 
 Land 6, 6 o o 
 
 in other estate, 26 o o 
 
 106 o o 
 
 DANIELS MORSE. 
 
 8 persons 80 o o 
 
 4 cowes, 24 o o 
 
 4 oxen, 28 o o 
 
 I yerling, 2 o o 
 
 1 swine, 1 o o 
 
 Housing 60 o o 
 
 14 accer lau, 56 o o 
 
 251 00 00 
 
 JOHN TURNER HIS ESTATE. 
 
 5 persons, 50 o o 
 
 2 cows . 12 o o 
 
 2 I yearling, 4 o o 
 
 1 swine, I o o 
 
 2 accer improved 8 o o 
 
 3 acce of brok, 10 10 o 
 
 — acce unbrok o 10 o 
 
 1 House, 20 o o 
 
 , 10 o o 
 
 116 o o 
 
 JOHN BULLERD. 
 
 6 persons, 60 o o 
 
 2 oxen, 14 o o 
 
 3 Cowes, 18 o o 
 
 2 2 yearling, 7 o o 
 
 2 I yearling, 4 o o 
 
 House 20 o o 
 
 brok land 6 ac 22 o o 
 
 unbrok 3 q o 
 
 in other estate 18 o o 
 
 166 o o 
 
 JOHN ALICE. 
 
 S persons, 50 o o 
 
 4 oxen, 28 o o 
 
 2 cowes, 12 o o 
 
 1 3 yearling, j o o 
 
 2 2 yer old 7 
 
 I yerling 2 
 
 I swine i 
 
 House, 10 
 
 Brok land, 33 
 
 o o 
 
 o o 
 
 o o 
 
 o o 
 
 10 o 
 
 148 
 
THE YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIP'S WAR. 55 
 SERGENT GEORGE BARBER. 
 
 6 persons, 60 o o 
 
 House, 10 o o 
 
 5 oxen, 35 o o 
 
 2 cowes, 12 o o 
 
 2 3 yearling, . . . > 10 o o 
 
 2 2 yearling, 7 o o 
 
 1 Colte, 12 o o 
 
 2 swine, ... 2 o o 
 
 6 accers, 9 o o 
 
 6 accers, 7 o o 
 
 other estat, 75 o o 
 
 240 o o 
 
 JOSEPH CLARK. 
 
 8 persons, 80 o o 
 
 2 oxen 14 o o 
 
 3 Cowes, 18 o o 
 
 I 3 yearling, 5 o o 
 
 4 2 yearling, 14 o o 
 
 I yerl, 2 o o 
 
 1 swine, i o o 
 
 3 land, 24 10 o 
 
 unbrok, S o o 
 
 House and other estate, 30 o o 
 
 183 10 o 
 
 SAMUEL BULLIN. 
 
 7 persons, 70 o o 
 
 House, 20 o o 
 
 Brokland, 36 o o 
 
 5 ac unbrok 7 10 o 
 
 2 oxen 14 o o 
 
 2 Cowes 12 o o 
 
 1 3 yearling, 5 o o 
 
 2 2 yearling, 7 o o 
 
 2 yerling, 2 o o 
 
 2 swine, 2 o o 
 
 175 10 c» 
 
 HENRY SMITH. 
 
 6 persons, 60 o o 
 
 6 oxen, 42 o o 
 
 4 cows, 24 o o 
 
 I 3 yearling, S o ° 
 
 yerl, 2 o o 
 
 3 swine 3 o o 
 
 5 brok, 20 o o 
 
 land, 9 ° ° 
 
 House, 18 o o 
 
 183 o o 
 
56 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 We discover that each person was put against £io of 
 estate, and land was drawn accordingly. The remainder of 
 the list in detail is missing. But from a column of aggre- 
 gates we add the following : — 
 
 Mr. Wilson, ^231 
 
 John Frairy, 316 
 
 Benjamin Albee, 
 Timotliy Dwight, 
 Thomas Wight, 
 John Wight, . . 
 Widow Shepard, 
 
 Joshua Fisher, . 
 
 Joseph Morse, . 
 182 Samuel Morse, . 
 278 Thomas Grubb, 
 322 John Metcalf, . 
 
 88 Nicolas Rockwood, 
 105 Henry Adams, . . 
 
 ;£l80 
 
 260 
 
 90 
 
 200 
 
 13s 
 100 
 210 
 
 It appears by the above that Isaac Chenery, Edward 
 Adams, Peter Adams, Alexander Lovell, and John Plimpton 
 had not built their houses at the time this valuation was 
 made 
 
 George Barber built the mill, probably in the spring of 
 1652; and in July of that year he sold his interest in it to 
 Henry Adams, as shown by an old paper of which the 
 following is a copy : — 
 
 In the yeare of our Lord 1652, month 5th the 9th day, I, Henry 
 Adams, Late of Braintree, now of Medfield in the county of Suffolk, 
 having bought of George Barber, of Medfield likewise, his mill, which 
 is the mill for the said town, with all its appurtenances and privileges 
 thereunto belonging, & 25 acres of upland and meadow adjoyning, & 
 lying & being neere unto the sayd mill, doe therefore testifie by this 
 present writing that I doe owe and stand duely indebted, unto the above 
 s'd George for the forenamed premises, the whole entyre sume of £70 
 which sayd sume I promise to make payment of unto the forenamed 
 George, his heyres or assynes, in manner and forme as foUoweth : — 
 
 I., In the yeare 1653, month the 4th, the 24th day, in corne, chatle and 
 shopp commodities, 30 pounds ; the corne is to be payd at price currant, 
 the chatle are to be prised by 2 men indifferently chosen by each of us 
 in case we agree not of price between ourselves, which 2 above named 
 pays are to be made here in town ; the commodities are to be payd in 
 Boston at the shopp of Mr. Sheffe in merchantable goods or elsewhere 
 as we shall agree in currant goods. 
 
 2. In the yeare 1654, month the 4th, the 24, in come, chatle and 
 shopp commodities, 40 pounds. The corne aforesaid is to be payd at 
 price currant, the chatle to be prised by 2 men indifferently chosen by 
 each of us in case we 2 shall not agree between ourselves : which 2 pays 
 
THE YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIP's WAR. 57 
 
 are to be made here in Medfield. The commodities are to be payd in 
 Boston at the shopp of Mr. ShefEe in merchantable goods or elsewhere 
 accordingly as we shall agree in currant goods. 
 
 These particular payments amounting to the above written sume to 
 be made in that time and according to that manner as is above set downe. 
 I doe bind me, my heyres, executours and assignes to make and perform 
 unto the forenamed George his heyres, executors or assignes, firmly by 
 these presents. 
 
 In witness whereunto I have put to my hand and seale the day and 
 year above written. 
 
 Henry Adams. 
 In presence of 
 
 Ralph Wheelock. 
 
 Rebecca ^ Wheelock. 
 
 (her mark) 
 
 HIGHWAY. 
 
 " There is a highway laid out from the town, to run by the south plain 
 fields, on the north side of the field as it is drawn, and to turn down the 
 hill at the end of it, and, running before Henry Adams house, it is to 
 turn over the brook between the house of Henry Adams and the mill; 
 it is to be three rods broad ; provided that Henry Adams, if he see 
 cause, or his heirs, either on occasion of removing the mill or otherwise, 
 to remove it from between the mill and his house and turn it over the 
 brook about the end of the great hill. Henry Adams making it passable 
 over the brook at his own charge either by bridge or otherwise." . 
 
 This " highway from the town " followed the general di- 
 rection of South Street, turning to the left near the present 
 railroad crossing ; thence on the line of Elm Street to Mill 
 Brook. 
 
 Thomas Grubb was proposed by the selectmen, and was 
 accepted by vote as a townsman, " to take up land according 
 as others, provided he do not exceed for quantity what other 
 men have taken up." He received twelve acres for a house- 
 lot on the south side of the brook, opposite the residence 
 of Mr. Sewall. 
 
 John Bullard received a house-lot of eight acres, south- 
 west of John Ellis. His house stood nearly opposite the 
 head of Spring Street. 
 
5 8 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 John Plimpton had the next lot, and built his house where 
 William Kingsbury now lives. 
 
 Next came John Metcalf's, bounded on the south-west by 
 " the burying-place." 
 
 These three lots, like all the others on Main Street, lay on 
 both sides of the highway, — the house on the north side, 
 the fields on the south. 
 
 The first .meadows laid out were those on the south side 
 of Stop River, commencing at the point where it falls into 
 Charles River, and so upstream. Next, North meadows. 
 Bridge Street meadows, and the meadows above D wight's 
 Bridge were divided ; lasstly. Broad and Centre meadows. 
 
 John Thurston, George Barber, and Abraham Harding 
 were authorized to lay out the necessary highways. In the 
 highway work, those owning six-acre lots were to come with 
 their hands ; twelve-acre lots, with their teams ; or, if they 
 had no teams, to come three days for two. These highways 
 were doubtless the necessary cart-roads, to the meadows and 
 other outlying lands. 
 
 Several persons who had been accepted as townsmen de- 
 layed settling here ; and it was voted that after the last day 
 of May, 1653, all such should be fined ;^i a month for their 
 delay, the rule to continue in force for a year. 
 
 August 20th, Edward Alleyne of Boston, next heir unto 
 Edward Alleyne of Dedham, sold to John Frairy, cord- 
 wainer, for and in behalf of the town, for .£34, all that up- 
 land and meadow land, three hundred and fifty acres, that 
 was granted by the town of Dedham to Edward Alleyne. 
 ;£i8 to be paid in "2000 w't of Biskett," and security given 
 for the payment of the remainder. 
 
 At a town-meeting in December, the town voted to lay 
 out three hundred acres of " errible land " in the spring, in- 
 cluding the South plain. The rule of division was by per- 
 sons and estates, each person to be counted at ";^io per 
 pole." No man, however, was to have less than four acres, 
 and that " to lie together in that place where this division 
 by God's Providence shall fall." This is in allusion to the 
 practice of drawing lots for the location of lands. 
 
THE YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIP S WAR. 59 
 
 Joseph Ellis was accepted as a townsman, he having pur- 
 chased Benjamin Crane's six-acre lot. 
 
 Joseph Morse received a house-lot bounded on the south- 
 east by Daniel Morse. This lot evidently lay along the 
 southerly side of what is now Pound Street. 
 
 The town clerk commenced " a record of those that have 
 died in the town of Medfield." The first entry was Dec. 
 14, 1652, — Thomas, son of John Wilson; an infant, born in 
 the preceding month. 
 
 Timothy Dwight was chosen deputy (representative) from 
 Medfield to the General Court. 
 
 George Barber, having been chosen by the inhabitants of 
 Medfield oldest sergeant, was, upon the request of the 
 deputy from that town, authorized to carry on the military 
 exercises there. 
 
 ;£40 of the debt owed to the town of Dedham was raised 
 by taxation, also ;£40 ," towards the building of a new 
 meeting-house." When the meeting-house was commenced, 
 we have no means of knowing, but probably as early as the 
 next spring. ' 
 
 Mr. Wilson's salary was fixed at £$0 a year ; to cover the 
 expense of his removal and settlement here, he received for 
 the first year ;£8o. 
 
 1653. Selectmen, Ralph Wheelock, Robert Hinsdale, 
 John Frairy, George Barber, Timothy Dwight, and Joshua 
 Fisher. Ralph Wheelock was representative to the General 
 Court. The ratable estates amounted to j£4,6Bg. John 
 Plimpton had liberty to fell such trees on the brook as 
 George Barber should appoint him for use about his house. 
 
 Even at this early date, our fathers were not forgetful of 
 the interests of Harvard College. " Mr. whelock Chose to 
 tak up Colidg Contribusion." 
 
 Thomas Thurston was accepted as a townsman, and was 
 granted " six acces for His House lot of upland King Ad- 
 joyning vnto His fathers Hous loote on the North este." 
 
 We have no knowledge of the size and appearance of the 
 first meeting-house. Possibly, it was modelled after that at 
 Dedham, whfch was thirty-six feet long, twenty wide, and 
 
6o HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 twelve high, with thatched roof. It stood where the Uni- 
 tarian church now stands, on land reserved for town use, 
 and was without doubt built in 1653. 
 
 Robert Mason was proposed as a townsman, and he was 
 to have six acres lying east of Thomas Wight's lot, "in 
 Case The town see fite to except of Him as a townsman." 
 He was accepted, and lived in the locality mentioned, which 
 was near the way leading from Green to Pine Street. 
 
 Certain men were chosen to " burn the woods." The old 
 Indian practice was kept up for many years. The woods 
 referred to lay in the outermost portions of the town, and 
 were the "herd-walks,". or common pastures for cattle. The 
 fires were not allowed to come near buildings, and for this 
 reason they became surrounded with bushes and small trees, 
 which subsequently afforded lurking-places for the savages. 
 
 Fences were to be three feet six inches in height, 6d. 
 fine for every defect, and payment ,of all damages after six 
 days' warning. 
 
 Voted, That all who failed to be at the annual town-meeting by nine 
 o'clock be fined i ^d. 
 
 Owners of land were to erect bounds : " And in Cace 
 That any neglect to set up Dools by stacks or fenches 
 They shall paie Sj." 
 
 Ordered, That all swine above 2 mo old shall be Ringed By the 20 
 day of the first montli next ; and, in case any shall neglect to ring his 
 swine acording to this order, He shal be liabl to pay 1 2 pence a week 
 . . , and all Damages They Doe besides. 
 
 South plain was laid out in long narrow strips, measuring 
 from three to twenty acres each, abutting on the highway 
 at the northerly end. These were drawn by lot. Land at 
 "herd-house" plain, in the east part of the town, was 
 granted. Thomas Wight had a grant " to be laid oute on 
 the North plains, to begine at that end toward natick." 
 
 John Frairy had a grant of meadow " to Be laid out on 
 stop river from the New Bridg Down streme on the west 
 sid of the River." The bridge referred to is that on Noon 
 
THE YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIp's WAR. 6l 
 
 Hill Street, which till the present century bore the name 
 of " Frairy's Bridge." 
 
 Granted to all The inhabitants That Have Ther House loots in The 
 bachelors Roe That swamp that lieth at the. North east end of Thir 
 loots, . . . provided they shall low the High-way between The swamp 
 & Thir lots 4 rood wid. 
 
 The "bachelors' row " was evidently on North Street, 
 where William Partridge, Thomas Ellis, Thomas Mason, 
 and Joseph Ellis, all unmarried men, had settled side by 
 side. 
 
 A road was laid out from the south plain, " southward 
 through the woods to Stop river." Traces of this old road 
 may yet be seen on the farm of S. F. Turner ; thence it 
 crosses High Street, and appears . again near the house of 
 Samuel Woods ; from there it crossed " planting field " 
 toward Noon Hill. 
 
 There were thirty-nine proprietors among whom lands 
 were divided this year, embracing all whose names have 
 been given, except Benjamin Crane, who had sold out. 
 
 The first marriage recorded here was that of Thomas 
 Mason and Margery Partridge, April 23, 1653. The mar- 
 riage service was performed by Major Lusher, of Dedham. 
 This was the first case of apostasy in the Bachelors' Row. 
 
 The first death among the original proprietors occurred 
 this year, — that of John Wight, one of the youngest men of 
 them all. 
 
 1654. Selectmen, John Frairy, Mr. Wheelock, Thomas 
 Wight, George Barber, Benjamin Alby, and Timothy Dwight. 
 
 Voted, That in future the annual meeting be upon the first second 
 day of the twelfth month; further, that the meeting commence at 9 
 o'clock, and not only those absent then were to pay a fine of 12^. but 
 those absent the whole day were to be fined 3J. ^d. 
 
 Peter Adams, John Partridge, and Isaac Chenery were 
 chosen to burn the woods. Three men were generally 
 chosen for this service, one in each part of the town, — 
 north, south, and west. 
 
62 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Voted, That there be " six days' work on the highways by the whole 
 force of the town " : four of them to be performed before " midsummer, 
 or June 24." 
 
 In the erecting of a pownd, it is agreed that it be spedily set aboute, 
 and that it shall be mad with six rails in heigt ; the lenght of the rails 
 10 Feat with 4 lenghts on a sid on asquire, and with sufficient posts 
 wroght according to the Descresion of Brother wight and brother 
 Dwite, who are requested and Deputed for the Carring on of the work 
 for the towne. 
 
 The pound was built by the brook near the meeting-house. 
 
 Brother wight and brother barber are requested and Deputed to pro 
 Cure slepers & planks for the metting House ether by procuring planks 
 sawen or to purchase them for the town. 
 
 It is to be inferred that the meeting-house was not finished 
 in a single year. 
 
 Granted to sgt barbur 6 trees that lieth by the gret swamp falen & 
 forfeited in to the towns Hand by liing so falen. 
 
 During this year, Samuel Morse died ; also his son Joseph, 
 who had not yet removed his family from Dorchester to this 
 town. 
 
 1655. Selectmen, Thomas Wight, John Fussell, Benja 
 min Alby, Joshua Fisher, Daniel Morse, and Thomas Grubb. 
 
 The town voted £\<i to establish "a schoule for the 
 education of the children, to be raised by a rate according 
 as men have taken up lands, and the rest of the mainte- 
 nance to be raised upon the children that goe to schoule." 
 Mr. Wheelock was the first schoolmaster. 
 
 John Pratt was accepted as a townsman, " the town being 
 staid after lectur." Henry Glover had died, and Pratt suc- 
 ceeded to the possession of his homestead. A set of "mes- 
 surs, waites, and scales" had been procured, and Benjamin 
 Alby was chosen " clerk of the market for sizing and sealino- 
 waites and messurs." 
 
 The town settled with Brother Wight for procuring glass 
 for the meeting-house. 
 
 William Partridge, Daniel Morse, and John Warfield were 
 chosen to burn the woods. 
 
THE YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIP'S WAR. 63 
 
 All swine above two months old were to be sufficiently 
 "youked and ringed," under pain of fine and damages. 
 
 It seems that bipeds were also to be restrained, as this 
 year the town provided for the construction of a pair of 
 stocks. 
 
 John Thurston had liberty to make a bridge over Stop 
 River, to come from his meadow in Dedham bounds. This 
 was the bridge on South Street near Norfolk line, that terri- 
 tory then belonging to Dedham. 
 
 1056. Selectmen, Robert Hinsdale, John Thurston, 
 Henry Smith, George Barber, Timothy Dwight, Daniel 
 Morse, and Henry Adams. 
 
 The records for this year and for two years succeeding are 
 very meagre : they, having been kept on sheets of paper 
 merely stitched together, are now much defaced. 
 
 In 1656, the first marriage was solemnized by Medfield 
 commissioners. Thomas Holbrook and Hannah Sheppard 
 were married before Mr. Wheelock and Thomas Grubb. 
 
 1657. Selectmen, Timothy Dwight, Robert Hinsdale, 
 John Thurston, George Barber, Daniel Morse, Henry Smith, 
 and Henry Adams. 
 
 We read in contemporaneous history that " there is a vil- 
 lage on the banks of Charles River containing forty fami- 
 lies." We find this year in Medfield forty-one proprietors, 
 including Abiel Wight, posthumous daughter of John. 
 
 The meeting-house was put in complete order. The 
 "desk" was bought of John Hatton for ;^7 lis. Brother 
 Bullen had 2s. 6d. for bringing it up, also s^. %d. for draw- 
 ing timber and seats. The expense of making the seats 
 was £,\i Sj. \d. The town paid twenty-eight bushels of 
 wheat at 4J. a bushel toward this work. The State tax was 
 also paid in eighteen and one-half bushels of wheat. 
 
 John Pratt and Robert Mason paid 20s. in fines ; but wh:?.t 
 offence against law and order they had committed is not 
 stated, 
 
 1658. Selectmen, Thomas Wight, John Ellis, John 
 Turner, Alexander Lovell, and Henry Adams. 
 
64 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 The selectmen had leave " to dine at the ordinary, at the 
 town's expense." This is the first mention of any place of 
 public entertainment. Who kept the "ordinary" is un- 
 known; though Joshua Fisher is called "innholder" in 
 some old papers. A dinner annually at the town's expense 
 was all the pay the selectmen of this town had for nearly 
 two centuries. Thomas Wight, Jr., was accepted as a 
 townsman. 
 
 In the town valuation, "Errible land" was reckoned at 
 £,2 per acre ; meadows, £,1 ; an ox, ;£5; a cow, £,1. ♦ 
 
 Granted to Alexander Lovell a spot to set his house on 
 and " sedar timber " to shingle his house. 
 
 zos. paid for sweeping the meeting-house and beating the 
 drum. The drum was used to call the people together on 
 the Sabbath and other public occasions. 
 
 Agreed with brother thurston to make the seats about the tabell in 
 the meeting house and to seat the galiry, for which he is to have 30 shil- 
 lings in wheat and the rest in other graine. 
 
 John Metcalf received a grant of a piece of land next to 
 the burying-ground, he to make the division fence " at the 
 time the town fence in the burying-ground." Robert Mason 
 had liberty given him to "take sedar to mak singell for his 
 house." 
 
 Each town had its peculiar brand for the cattle of the 
 herds, so that stray animals might be identified. The fol- 
 lowing order was passed by the General Court, — 
 
 MF Itt is ordered that the marke, or letter, in the margent be the 
 brand or marke for Meadfeild. 
 
 • Daniel Morse this year removed to the " farms " west of 
 Charles River, and became one of the founders of Sherborn. 
 His homestead here was sold to Thomas Thurston. Thomas 
 Boyden became a townsman, he having married the widow 
 of Joseph Morse. 
 
 1659. Selectmen, Ralph Wheelock, Thomas Wight, 
 Timothy Dwight, George Barber, Henry Smith, and Benja- 
 min Alby. 
 
THE YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIp's WAR. 6$ 
 
 In the colonial records for May 28, 1659, we read : — 
 
 In answer to petition of inhabitants of Medfield, tlie Court Judgeth it 
 meete to graunt unto them as an addition to their former bounds, and at 
 the west end thereof, two miles east and west, and fower miles north 
 and south, provided it intrench not upon any former graunts, and that 
 Capt. Lusher and Left. Fisher are hereby appointed to lay it out. 
 
 This territory 'is now embraced in the westerly part of 
 Medway and Holliston, the line running across Winthrop's 
 pond. It was voted that the " new grant " be divided ac- 
 cording to persons and estates. The land was laid out for 
 the most part in large parcels of from fifty to a hundred 
 and fifty acres each. 
 
 The men at "the farms " had taken timber on our lands 
 to use about their bridge, some of which was wasted. They 
 were forbidden to take any more without leave. Voted, to 
 build " a gallerry with two seats on the side of the meeting- 
 house from one end gallery to the other"; and the town 
 desired to know what the inhabitants at "the farms " would 
 pay toward it. They attended church here until the Sher- 
 born meeting-house was built, some years later. 
 
 It would seem that the meeting-house was oblong in 
 shape, that the minister's desk was in the middle of one 
 side, and that galleries had been built across each end. 
 Now, a gallery wide enough for two seats or benches the 
 entire length was to be built opposite the minister. It is 
 possible that these " galleries " were simply platforms by 
 which the seats were raised above the level of the floor. 
 At least, it is said that other meeting-houses at that period 
 were so built. Perhaps this new gallery was to accommo- 
 date the additional families that were now settling on the 
 Sherborn side. 
 
 Henry Adams had a grant of land, described as near the 
 " Iron ore," in the south-east part of the town. Some ore 
 from this locality was carried to the furnace in later years. 
 
 " By a providence of God, the mill not affording a com- 
 fortal supply to the town," voted, to "see what can be done 
 with Henry Adams about the mill." Drought, probably. 
 
66 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 suggested the necessity of a mill-pond where a larger quan- 
 tity of water could be stored. 
 
 1660. Selectmen, John Ellis, Thomas Wight, Joseph 
 Clark, Edward Adams, George Barber, and Benjamin Alby. 
 
 Henry Adams was Representative. 
 
 A number of copies of the "law-book" were distributed 
 among the families, one being placed in each neighborhood. 
 This distribution is interesting, as it helps to decide the 
 location of the houses : — 
 
 One book at the Farms for the use of Nicolas Wood, Daniel Morse, 
 Heniy Leland, Thomas Holbrook, and Thomas Bass. 
 
 One book for George Fairbanks and those who live on that side of 
 the river. 
 
 One book for Mr. Wheelock, John Ellis, John Bullard, and John 
 Plimpton. 
 
 One book for John Frary, jr., Alexander Lovell, Nicolas Rockwood, 
 and John Bowers. 
 
 One book for John Fussell, Jonathan Adams, Peter Adams, and 
 Edward Adams. 
 
 One book for John Metcalf, Gershom Wheelock, Benjamin Alby, and 
 Margaret Sheppard. 
 
 One book for John Frairy, Timothy D wight, Thomas Wight, and 
 Seargt. Barber. 
 
 One book for Joshua Fisher, John Thurston, John Thurston, jr., and 
 John Fisher. 
 
 One book for Bro. Boyden, Henry Smith, Samuel Bullen, and Thomas 
 Thurston. 
 
 One book for John Turner, Joseph Clark, James Allen, and Isaac 
 Chenery. 
 
 One book for Sampson Frairy, John Partridge, Thomas Mason, and 
 Thomas Ellis. 
 
 One book for William Partridge, John Pratt, Robert Mason, and 
 Thomas Wight O'r-)- 
 
 Benjamin Alby was at this date evidently living on the 
 place formerly owned by Thomas Grubb, who had left town. 
 John Fisher was the son of Joshua, and lived with him. 
 Sampson Frairy is supposed to have lived at the foot of the 
 hill on Railroad Street ; John Partridge, on the corner of 
 North and Railroad Streets, having doubtless bought the 
 place of Joseph Ellis, who removed to Dedham. 
 
THE YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIP'S WAR. 6^ 
 
 The population in 1660 was two hundred and thirty-four, 
 in forty-three famiUes. Valuation, ;£6, 1 19. The nine wealth- 
 iest men were : John Thurston, jE.i'&i ; Thomas Wight, 
 ;^266; John Frairy, Jr., ;^264; John Frairy, Sen., ;£252 ; 
 Henry Smith, £,2'-^ i ; Timothy Dwight, ;£242 ; Robert 
 Hinsdell, .^^201; Henry Adams, £ig7 ; Mr. Wheelock, 
 
 ^190. 
 
 The treasurer reported this year as a part of the re- 
 sources of the town "fower shillings reseved in wampum." 
 
 The road to Dwight's Bridge was built by Dwight, for 
 convenience of access to his meadows. 
 
 1661. Selectmen, Timothy Dwight, Thomas Wight, 
 John Frairy, and Thomas Thurston. 
 
 George Barber was chosen town clerk, an ofHce which he 
 held twenty-two years. 
 
 It was agreed that " the town should low mr wilson three 
 score pounds p annum, the-farmes being not included." 
 
 The first proposition in regard to building a school-house 
 was made. 
 
 The way over Stop River, at the lower bridge (now Noon 
 Hill Street), was made a town way. 
 
 Mr. Wheelock, Joshua Fisher, John Thurston, and the 
 selectmen were appointed to seat people in the meeting- 
 house. 
 
 Every man was required to " have a ladder, whereby the 
 top of his chimney may be conveniently reached," under 
 penalty of 5^. 
 
 Many people through the country had been drowned by 
 means of canoes ; and, as a precaution, no person in this 
 town was to make, or to have, any canoe, in any pond, brook, 
 or river, except allowed by the selectmen, under penalty of 
 loj. fine. 
 
 Robert Hinsdale had brought up a bell for the use of the 
 town ; and, " it being proposed to the town whether they 
 would buy the bell or not, which is in Goodman Hinsdale's 
 hands," he offered to sell it for what it had cost him, or ex- 
 change it for land on Boggestow Brook. The town voted to 
 
68 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 grant him forty-six acres of land in that locality. " The 
 negative being put, but one ded aper." 
 Dwight's causey was made a town way. 
 
 1662. Selectmen, Thomas Wight, Timothy Dwight, 
 John Thurston, Robert Hinsdale, and Henry Smith. 
 
 The town voted to have Charles River cleared ; and " that 
 all the medows that ar lay out upon Charles river within the 
 first & second divion and Stop river so fare as our line goe 
 shall lowe 3^. par acer towards the Clering and so to lower- 
 ing of the said river." 
 
 Voted, That the meeting this day shall hould two howers after the 
 time agreed on, which is by order of the town, till daylight shut. 
 
 Henirry Smith, John Bowers, and Samervell wight ar Chosen to 
 burn the woods in there sevrall parts of the town as they live. 
 
 Ordered, " Inprimis : the herd on that part of the town commonly 
 called Bridge Street to be kept only on the southwest side of Charles , 
 river on those lands granted by the, country. 
 
 " 2ly, The herd on the north part of the town to be kept onely on that 
 tract of land which lieth on the north side of the town between Charles 
 river and the cartway leading to Dedham. 
 
 " 3ly, The herd on the southeast side of the town to have their walke 
 on the south and southeast part of the town to the cartway leading to 
 Dedham. 
 
 " And, in case any of the above said herds shal be found in any other 
 walk than their own acording as is above specified, the owners of all and 
 every such herd or the heardsman shall paye as a fine to the use of the 
 towne 6s. 8d. for every time they shall be found so trancegrassing ; and 
 in cause of none payment upon reasonable Demand on eyther shall be 
 lawful for the Constuble by warrant under the selectmen's hands to strain 
 the cattell or any other goodes of the sd herd or heards or the heards- 
 mans Cattell or other goods.'' 
 
 Some persons had cut down trees, and left them across 
 the highways : every such offence was to be punished by a 
 fine of Sf. 
 
 1663. Selectmen, Thomas "Wight, Timothy Dwight, 
 Henry Smith, Thomas Thurston, and George Barber. 
 
 Ralph Wheelock, Representative. 
 
 VoUci, That the "generall metting should hould one Candell burning 
 longer than the days light shuting." 
 
THE YEARS 6EF0RE KING PHILIP'S WAR. 69 
 
 John Elice is agree with to kep the metting Clere for the yere, and to 
 have twenty shillings for his payns. 
 
 Ordered, that the Cartway leading to the meadows up streame Charles 
 river on Stop river side, from the end of the Cauncie to the line between 
 Dedham and us, shall be mxde and maintained by the town and for the 
 town's use. 
 
 This was probably the original "Jadewalk" road, some 
 distance westward of the present location. 
 A town highway to Harbor Island was laid out. 
 
 Granted to Henry Adams a persell of land at the uper end of his 
 mill pond, as may be convenient for the sating of a mill for the towns 
 use, provided he doe it within one yere. 
 
 Adams had concluded to remove his mill to a spot back 
 of his house, where, by building a dam of five feet, he could 
 flow territory enough to insure a supply of water. That 
 dam is still plainly visible ; and a piece of the original mud- 
 sill was taken out a few years since in good preservation. 
 
 Lists of persons and estates were carefully made out as a 
 basis for the division of the swamp lands, in which it is 
 shown that the population was 261, with 49 voters. Valua- 
 tion of estates in the town, £8,010. 
 
 George Barber beat the drum this year, for which he had 
 four bushels and three pecks of " Enden corne." 
 
 Lieut. Fisher, of Dedham, had been employed as sur- 
 veyor in laying out the swamps. An Indian, named Absa- 
 lom, assisted in the work. 
 
 Delivered aboard John Medcalfs Cart for Leut. Fisher of Dedham 
 in part of payment for his work in laying out of the swamps, 22 bushells 
 and one peck of Enden corn at 3^. per bushell and one Bushell of Rie at 
 4J. p bushell. The srae is .£3 10s. <)d. payed to Enden Absalon : 2 
 bushells of Enden Corn, 6^. ; munny pay to absolom, 4J. dd. 
 
 A petition was sent to the General Court, desiring that 
 the crown may continue the present form of government, 
 signed by forty-five residents of Medfield and the farms. 
 Charles II. had recently been restored ; and the tendency 
 of his policy was feared. 
 
70 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1664. Selectmen, Thomas Wight, John Thurston, 
 Timothy Dwight, and Henry Adams. 
 
 Ralpli Wheelock, Representative. 
 
 Action was taken in regard to building " some adishon to 
 the meetinghouse." We have none of the details of this 
 project, except a bill afterwards for materials and labor, 
 and the information that a rate or tax was made for this 
 " adishon." 
 
 The wasteful use of wood and timber called forth the 
 following : — 
 
 Whoever falls any younge Okes, ayther whight, rid, or black oka, 
 above fower enches over at the stube for fincing, except such as are fit 
 for nothing but fincing, shall forfeit one shill. for every tree soe felled. 
 
 And no person was to be allowed to take timber out of 
 town to sell without permit from the selectmen, or to fence 
 meadow lands with wood where a ditch would answer the 
 same purpose. 
 
 Blackbirds having become very numerous and destructive, 
 the town offered sixpence a dozen for their heads. It is 
 said that the common kinds of birds were comparatively 
 scarce at first, but they greatly multiplied about the settle- 
 ments in a few years. The same was true of squirrels, 
 woodchucks, etc. 
 
 1665. Selectmen, Thomas Wight, Sen., Henry Adams, 
 Timothy Dwight, and Henry Smith. 
 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 
 An agreement was made with John Pratt and Robert 
 Mason to shingle " the new end of the inetting house, and 
 the sid of the old house next to the new end at i6s. a 
 thousant, to be done before the 15 of June, 1665." From 
 all that we can gather, we infer that the addition was in 
 the form of a projection or L on one side of the original 
 building. 
 
 Glass was furnished at an expense of ;^i 15J. 
 
 John BuUard thatched the two gutters at the meeting, 
 house, " between the old house and the new end." 
 
THE YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIP's WAR. 7 1 
 
 The selectmen made very thorough work in settling with 
 John Turner, clearing all accounts " from the beginning of 
 the wourld unto this day, as well for killing of woolfes as 
 for other things," 
 
 1666. Selectmen, Henry Adams, Thomas Wight, Sen., 
 John Turner, and William Partridge. 
 
 Ralph Wheelock, Representative. 
 
 Certain lands were set aside for the use of the ministry, 
 including the field at the north of Dale Street, which 
 remained as a church lot for many years. 
 
 The selectmen were authorized to let out the burying- 
 place " for the subduing of it and making it more fit for the 
 use that it is appointed for." 
 
 Ordered, that thear shall be a schoole house Bulled as spedely as may 
 be, and Thomas Wight, sen., arid George Barbur ar desu-ed and Deputed 
 to take som care about it, the lenth shall be: 18: foot & fourteen foot 
 wide. 
 
 1667. Selectmen, Thomas Wight, Sen., Timothy 
 Dwight, Henry Smith, and Thomas Thurston. 
 
 Ralph Wheelock, Representative. 
 
 The valuation this year rated improved land £,2 \os. per 
 acre; meadow, £^1; oxen, £,'^ \os. each; cows, £,^\ three- 
 year-olds, £,-i ; two-year-olds, £2 ; yearlings, £1 ; horses, 
 
 £^. 
 
 The selectmen settled with Henry Smith, whose account 
 included laying the meeting-house floor, and "kiling 15 
 Duzen black burds." 
 
 It would seem by the records for this year that a tax had 
 been levied upon the town for the support of "the College." 
 
 About this time, the glowing accounts of the fertility of 
 the Connecticut Valley induced many of the settlers in this 
 region to remove thither. Among those who left this town 
 for that purpose were Robert Hinsdale and his sons, John 
 Plimpton, Samuel and Eleazar Frairy, and some others. 
 There is no reference to the fact in Medfield records, except 
 in a single instance, when " the lot that was Robert Hins- 
 dale's " is mentioned. 
 
72 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1668. Selectmen, Thomas Wight, Sen., John Thurs- 
 ton, Sen., John Turner, and John Frairy, Jr. 
 
 George Barber, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That hereafter the selectmen shall report at town-meeting all 
 the receipts and expenditures of the town from year to year. 
 
 The voters were desirous of placing some restrictions 
 upon the powers of the selectmen. This was non-concurred 
 in by Mr. Wheelock, Mr. Wilson, "old John Frairy," and 
 some others. 
 
 Twelve hundred acres of woodlands were laid out in three 
 localities, — one toward Natick, on Charles River; another 
 west of Charles River ; another west of Stop River. All 
 proprietors were to have land in each place. The lands were 
 to be free for the herds, however, until they were fenced by 
 the owners. 
 
 Mr. Wheelock was employed to keep a school, for such of 
 the youth as should come to him to learn to read and write, 
 for the salary of ten shillings a week. 
 
 Isaac Chenery brought in a bill "for a day's work with 
 his team in carting stones to the brook at the foot of the 
 hill towards the southplain." This is the first mention of 
 a bridge over the brook on South Street. 
 
 The town paid a bill to " Edward Drinker for Mr. 
 Wheelock's diet." This was the Representative's board bill 
 in Boston. 
 
 The colonial records for 1668 state that "Timothy 
 Dwight, on account of defective eyesight, and at his own 
 request, is discharged from further duty as lef tenant at 
 Medfield." 
 
 The town paid 4^. id. for "digging a sawing- Peet." 
 
 1669. Selectmen, Thomas Wight, Sen., John Thurs- 
 ton, Sen., John Turner, John Frairy, Jr., and George Barber. 
 
 George Barber, Representative. 
 
 A committee was chosen "to joyne with such of our 
 Bretheren of mendon as should be sent from mendon for 
 the settleing of the common rode way from Town to Town, 
 acording as the Law provid in that case." 
 
THE YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIP S WAR. 73 
 
 The tax for the " Collidge " amounted to £,2 4^. 2d. 
 
 The Select men, being forced to take nottis of the uncomfortable 
 Jeres and Deffrances between the inhabytance of Bridg stret and John 
 Frairy, juner, about the bearding of their cattail,. Doe, for the preventing 
 of the like differances for the time to com, hereby aquit and discharge 
 the said John Frairy from the former order, concerning the puting of 
 his cattell to Bredg street heard, untill such time as the above said 
 inhabytance of Bredg street shall fully and duly attend the Towne order 
 concerning thear herds walk. 
 
 Granted to Danell Morse Liberty to build a shed or house for to set 
 his horse or the like in on Sabbath days. 
 
 Granted to Samuel Rockwood a smal pcell of Land ling on the South 
 east sid of the brook against his tanfats. 
 
 Rockwood had set up the tanning business near the 
 crossing on Railroad Street. 
 
 1670. Selectmen, Thomas Wight, Henry Smith, 
 Timothy Dwight, John Turner, and George Barber. 
 Four hundred acres more of town land divided this year. 
 
 Voted, That "the Littell plaine lying between the houses of Thos. 
 Boyden, Thos. Thurston, Samuel Bulling, Joseph Clark, Senior, James 
 Allen, Isaak Chenry, and Henry Smith, be hereby stated common for 
 ever." 
 
 This is the field on South Street, to this day called the 
 " common piece," owned by F. D. Hamant. 
 
 Seven of the most prominent townsmen were chosen " to 
 seate the psons in the meeting house." 
 
 The selectmen paid Nathaniel Whiting 2s. id. for a "bell 
 wheel" ; Thomas Wight, ' "for hemp and the bell rope mak- 
 ing," IS. 6d. ; Daniel Weld, for ringing the bell and clean- 
 ing the meeting-house, £,1 iSs. ^d. 
 
 1071, Selectmen, Thomas Wight, Timothy Dwight, 
 John Thurston, Sen., and John Metcalf. 
 
 Whereas it apereth by experience that som Townes have bene Soe 
 prejudied by the entertainment of psons privitly, & without there alow- 
 eance as charges, offences or scandell have insued, thereby occasioning 
 them to make provision for there futer Indempintis there in, and it being 
 evident that our Towne is as Lyable to as great or greater inconvenien- 
 cies in that mature as other towns are. 
 
74 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Ordered that no one sell or let lands or houses in this 
 town to any one not an inhabitant ; and that no one hire 
 any person from out of town as a servant for a longer time 
 than two months without permission from the selectmen, 
 unless the person so selling, letting, hiring, or contracting, 
 should give security for the town's indemnity. Neglect to 
 comply with this order was to be punished by a fine of 20s. 
 
 £2 los. was paid for the town's stock of powder. 
 
 Some measures were proposed to prevent damage by 
 sheep, which were said to be running on the commons 
 without a keeper. 
 
 1672. Selectmen, Thomas Wight, Timothy Dwight, 
 Henry Smith, and John Metcalf. 
 
 John Awashamog, of Natick, made claim to our lands 
 west of Charles River ; and a committee of five was 
 appointed to treat with him. The record of their doings 
 is "briefly expressed: "The Endians pay was ;^2i 4s., all 
 moste a fift part raised on the new grant." 
 
 A cart bridge was ordered over the brook by Samuel 
 Rockwood's house. This was near the place of the present 
 bridge on Railroad Street. 
 
 The school kept seventeen weeks, and the school tax was 
 £8 ys. 2d. Three scholars came from out of town to attend 
 school here, — "capt willets son, mr. Hokers sone, and mr. 
 Pages sone." 
 
 The Selectmen, taking notis of the great Disorder of severall of the 
 joyuth in & about the Towne in ther excessive & Disorderly riding two 
 and againe in the Towne to'the haszard of themselves & there horses, 
 as all soe severall times other psons in ther travells up and Downe the 
 streets and espeachally on the Lords dayes, for the prevention whereof 
 for time to come, — 
 
 The Select men Doth heerby order and Declare that, if any p.rson 
 What soever Liveing in or about the Towne shall ride a gallup espeach- 
 ally on the Lords dayes in any of the streets or high wayes in the 
 Towne, every such pson soe ofending shall pay as a fine three shillings 
 & sixpence to the use of the Towne for every time he or they shall be 
 found trancgrasing this order. 
 
 In 1672, "a post to goe monthly from New York to 
 Boston " was established. It went by way of Hartford, one 
 
THE YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIP S WAR. 75 
 
 of the routes to which from Boston lay through Medfield. 
 Even in late years, the road from Brastow's bridge west- 
 ward, toward Medway village, has been familiarly known as 
 "the old post road." 
 
 X6T3. Selectmen, Thomas Wight, Timothy Dwight, 
 John Metcalf, Henry Smith, and George Barber. Henry 
 Adams was appointed by the General Court as lieutenant 
 or principal military officer in the town. 
 
 A new sawmill was to be built, evidently in the north 
 part of the town; probably the mill that anciently stood 
 near the present railroad junction. 
 
 Ordered that a ladder be provided, to be kept at the meet- 
 ing-house ; any person taking it away to be fined ^s. 
 
 Mention was made again of the practice of racing horses 
 in the streets, even on the Lord's day, and at the very meet- , 
 ing-house door, to the endangering of elderly persons and 
 the great annoyance of others. 
 
 A tax was levied, called the " Castle rate." Medfield's 
 proportion was £ig i2s. ^d. 
 
 The school rate was jQiy 6s. ^d. 
 
 Among other notices found in the Suffolk Registry of 
 Deeds are the following : — 
 
 Joseph Rocklid of Medfield took up a stray horse the 26th of se'nd, 
 1673: vizt., a whitish gray horse branded upon the neere shoulder with 
 a mark unknown, also the tip of the o£Ee Eare cut ofe, and two whit& 
 hoofs behinde, — this hath been cryed according to law. 
 
 There is in the hands of Benjamin Wheelock of Medfield a Brown 
 
 bay mare with a coult by her side, the mare markt with a slitt on the 
 
 tip of the neere Ear, also a little peace cut out of the side of the same 
 
 ear, also branded on the neere buttock with a mark unknown, taken up 
 
 on the 1 2th of January last, apprised by William Cheney and John Part- 
 
 - -ridge in twenty-five shillings. 
 
 Samuel Wight, Constable. 
 
 1674. Selectmen, Henry Adams, Timothy Dwight, 
 Thomas Wight, Henry Smith, and George Barber. 
 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 
 The town of Wrentham had been organized. Accord- 
 ingly, we find in the records references to "Wrentom 
 
76 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 line." Joseph Allen received a grant of land on the Natick 
 road, now known as the Allen homestead, near Castle Hill. 
 " A payer of new stocks " was made for the town by John 
 Metcalf. 
 
 1675. Selectmen, Henry Adams, John Metcalf, John 
 Harding, John Ellis, and George Barber. 
 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 
 John Thurston, Sen., was to keep school awhile on trial, 
 and to have lOs. a week; if any would pay money, he would 
 take 7 J. 
 
 " The olid meting house " was shingled, probably on the 
 walls. Joseph Warren had a bill for work in covering the 
 north side. There was an account of thatching done at the 
 meeting-house at the same time. 
 
 Fears of an Indian war began to be felt, and the town 
 paid for powder and bullets £6 lis.; for "the great gun," 
 £8 igs. This was, no doubt, the cannon that frightened 
 away the Indians the following year. 
 
 Gates were made at the meeting-house. A road was laid 
 out from Bridge Street, known for many years as the 
 "bottom road." Sixty-two persons in Medfield and at the 
 farms subscribed to the "new brick college." The amount 
 was £2$ IS. The subscriptions were as follows: — 
 
 Mr. John Wilson, £2. 
 
 Mr. Ralph Wheelock, 2 bushells of Endian Come. 
 
 Thomas Wight, sr., 4 bush. Corn, of which 3J. in money. 
 
 John Frairy, sr., 4 bushelles of Endian Corn. 
 
 Henry Smith, 8s. in mony, and in Come 2 bushells. 
 
 Timothy Dwight, ten shillings. 
 
 William Partredg, i bushell off Endian Corne. 
 
 John Prat, i bush, of Endian Corne and a halfe. 
 
 John Bowers, in mony, one shilling. 
 
 Thomas Mason, i bush. Endian Corne and a half. 
 
 Thomas Elice, i bush. Endian Corne and a half. 
 
 Nathaniell Whiting, i bush, off Endian Come. 
 
 Ephraim Wight, 2 bushells of Endian Corne. 
 
 Thomas Thurston, 3 bush, corn & i shill. in money. 
 
 Joseph Cheney, l bush. corn. 
 
 Edward West, 2 bushelles of Endian Corne. 
 
 Benjamin Clark, i bush. Corn. 
 
THE YEARS BEFORE KING PHILIP S WAR. TJ 
 
 Benjamin Wheelock, i bush. Corn. 
 
 Samuel Bulling, i bush. Corn. 
 
 Thomas Boyden, i bushell of Wheat. 
 
 Ephraim Clark, i bush. Corn. 
 
 John Turner, sr., 2 bushelles of Corne. 
 
 Samuel Smith, 2 bushelles of Corne. 
 
 Samuel Barber, i bush. Corn. 
 
 Samuel Rockwood, i bush. Corn. 
 
 John Bulling, in mony, one shilling. 
 
 John Elice, jr., i bush. Corn. 
 
 John BuUard, I bushelle of Corne and a half. 
 
 Gamaliel Hinsdale, 2 bushels of Corn. 
 
 Nathaniel Sutlife, in silver, one shilling. 
 
 John Metcalf, 2 bush, corn & \s. iii money. 
 
 Benjamin Rockwood, in money, one shilling. 
 
 Alexander Lovel, i bush. corn. 
 
 John Harding, in mony, two shillings. 
 
 Nicholas Rockwood, ij bush. Corn & i bush. Wheat. 
 
 John Bowers, sr., 2 busli. Corn. 
 
 Elizabeth Frairy, in mony, five shillings. 
 
 George Barber, i bush, corn, and 3J. in mony. 
 
 Joshua Fisher, sr., i^ bush. Corn, 3J. 6^/. in mony. 
 
 Joshua Fisher, jr., 2 bush, corn, & u. in mony. 
 
 John Plimpton, sr., 2 bushells corn. 
 
 John Thurston, jr., 3 bush. corn. 
 
 George Fairbanks, jr., in mony, one shilling. 
 
 Samuel Wight, I bush. Corn. 
 
 Daniel Morse, sr., 3 bush. Corn. 
 
 Obady Morse, in mony, \s. 6d. 
 
 Daniel Morse, jr., i bush. Corn. 
 
 Jonathan Morse, in mony, two shillings. 
 
 John Peery, I bush. Corn. 
 
 Samuel Bulling, sr., 2 bush. Corn, & 3J. in mony. 
 
 Ephraim Bulling, in mony, one shilling. 
 
 Elisha Bulling, in mony, one shilling. 
 
 Benjamin BuUard, 2 bush. Corn. 
 
 Joseph Danielles, i bush. Corn, is. 6d. in mony. 
 
 Mary Fairbanks, in mony, one shilling. 
 
 Henry Leland, in mony, 3 shillings. 
 
 Joseph Morse, in mony, one shilling. 
 
 John EUice, sr., i bush. Wheat. 
 
 Thomas Wight, jr., i bush. Corn. 
 
 Joseph Clark, sr., 2 bush. Corn. 
 
 Eliezer Adams, i bush. Corn. 
 
 Seth Smith, i bush. Corn. 
 
 George Barber, in name of the selectmen, £$. 
 
78 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 The colonial authorities levied a tax for carrying on the 
 Indian war, and Medfield's proportion was £,2"] \\s. ^d. 
 
 The proprietors voted this year to divide six hundred 
 acres of the common lands among them. The following is 
 the complete list of proprietors at this time, which is im- 
 portant, from the fact that it was made up only a few 
 months before the burning of the town. Some of those 
 here named were young men who owned no house : — 
 
 PROPRIETORS OF 16/5. 
 
 Edward Adams. 
 Eleazar Adams. 
 Henry Adams. 
 Jonathan Adams. 
 Peter Adams. 
 James Allen. 
 ' James Allen, Jr. 
 John Allen. 
 Joseph Allen. 
 'William Allen. 
 George Barber. 
 John Barber. 
 Samuel Barber. 
 Jonathan Boyden. 
 Thomas Boyden. 
 John Bowers, Sen. 
 John Bowers, Jr. 
 John BuUard. 
 Joseph BuUard. 
 John BuUen. 
 Joseph BuUen. 
 Samuel BuUen. 
 Peter Callye. 
 Joseph Cheney. 
 William Cheney. 
 Benjamin Clark. 
 Ephraim Clark. 
 Joseph Clark, Sen. 
 Joseph Clark, Jr. 
 Joseph Daniel. 
 Timothy Dwight. 
 Elizabeth Dyer. 
 John Ellis, Sen. 
 John Ellis, Jr. 
 Thomas EUis. 
 George Fairbanks, Jr. 
 John Fisher. 
 Heirs of Joshua Fisher. 
 
 Mr. John Wilson 
 
 Benjamin Fisk. 
 Prudence Frairy. 
 Francis Hamant. 
 Abraham Harding. 
 John Harding. 
 Alexander Lovell. 
 Robert Mason. 
 Thomas Mason. 
 John Metcalf, Sen. 
 John Metcalf, Jr. 
 Michael Metcalf. 
 Jeremiah Morse. 
 Joseph Morse. 
 Samuel Morse. 
 John Partridge. 
 William Partridge. 
 John Plimpton. 
 John Pratt. 
 Josiah Rockwood. 
 Nicolas Rockwood. 
 Samuel Rockwood. 
 Margaret Sheppard. 
 Henry Smith. 
 Seth Smith. 
 Daniel Thurston. 
 John Thurston. 
 Thomas Thurston. 
 John Turner. 
 John Warfield. 
 Joseph Warren. 
 Edward West. 
 Nathaniel Whiting. 
 Benjamin Wheelock. 
 Gershom Wheelock. 
 Mr. Ralph Wheelock. 
 Ephraim Wight. 
 Samuel Wight. 
 Thomas Wight. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 KING PHILIP'S WAR AND THE BURNING OF 
 MEDFIELD. 
 
 "IVyT ETACOM, son of Massasoit, called Philip by the Eng- 
 lish, on his accession professed himself friendly to the 
 white settlers. It was soon evident, however, that he enter- 
 tained hostile designs. Philip doubtless saw that, if the 
 white settlements continued to extend, the days of aborig- 
 inal supremacy were numbered. He resolved to unite all 
 the Indian tribes in this region for a general war against 
 the English. He matured his plans, and in 1675 a great 
 gathering of warriors took place near Wachusett Mountain. 
 
 The colonists were not ignorant of their danger ; and, in 
 the General Court, many acts were passed having refer- 
 ence to the expected conflict. The dwellers in the out- 
 lying settlements began to take alarm. Some of those at 
 Mendon, then the only settlement between Medfield and 
 the Indian country, left their homes for places of greater 
 security. 
 
 The first actual hostilities commenced at Swanzey, June 
 24; and several persons were killed. Other towns in Ply- 
 mouth Colony were attacked during the summer. July 14, 
 four or five persons of those who had remained at Mendon 
 were slain, when the place was abandoned, and the empty 
 houses burned by the enemy. From that time, Medfield was 
 the outermost town. 
 
 In the autumn, the war raged in the Connecticut Valley, 
 
So HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 and several towns were attacked. September i8, the 
 slaughter at Bloody Brook took place, and Robert Hins- 
 dale of Medfield was killed, together with his three sons. 
 
 .Later in the season, it was discovered that the Indians 
 were gathering in great force at a fortified place in the 
 midst of an extensive swamp in Rhode Island, where they 
 were laying in stores, preparatory to a desperate onslaught 
 upon the colonists in the spring. It was proposed to attack 
 them at once in this stronghold, and break their power, if 
 possible, before they were ready to begin their devastating 
 work. The allied Colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth, and 
 Connecticut raised a force of a thousand men for this 
 service. The men were impressed. A summons was left 
 at the house of every drafted man, who was to report for 
 duty the next morning. If any failed to appear, some other 
 member of his family must take his place. November 30, 
 the officers reported that the men had been raised and 
 equipped, and were ready to march. The Massachusetts 
 force, in six companies, was mustered on Dedham plain, 
 December 9. Snow had already fallen, the weather was 
 cold, and no time was to be lost. The next day they 
 marched; and were joined by the Plymouth men and the 
 troops from Connecticut at the place of rendezvous at North 
 Kingston, R.I. They advanced at once through the deep 
 snow toward the enemy's stronghold. 
 
 After spending the night of the i8th without any shelter, 
 the cold being so intense that some of the men had their 
 hands and feet frozen, the memorable attack was made, led 
 by the Massachusetts men. The stockade was surrounded 
 by a deep ditch, crossed, apparently, only by a single log, 
 slippery with ice and snow, and swept by the enemy's fire. 
 When the order was given for the charge, there was a race 
 through the swamp for the honor of being the first man 
 upon that log. The race was said to have been won by a 
 soldier from Salem. As the men rushed forward, great 
 numbers of them were picked off by the fire of the enemy 
 within. Meanwhile, a friendly Indian led the way around 
 to another and secret passage, and our troops entered the 
 
KING PHILIP S WAR AND THE BURNING OF MEDFIELD. 8 1 
 
 fort. Then came a hand to hand fight with the Indians, 
 which lasted for three hours, resulting in their total rout. 
 The stockade was then burnt, together with the wigwams 
 and huts. About a thousand Indians perished in this con- 
 test. Eighty of the whites were killed, and a hundred and 
 fifty wounded ; six captains were slain. An exploit more 
 daring can scarcely be found in the history of warfare. 
 
 Could this victory have been properly followed up, the 
 power of Philip would have been utterly broken ; but, owing 
 to the deep snow, the great number of wounded men, and 
 the exhaustion of our soldiers for want of provisions in that 
 wilderness, they were obliged to abandon the pursuit and 
 return home. The- Massachusetts men arrived at Boston on 
 the 5th of February. 
 
 The Indians broke up into small bands, and prepared to 
 fall upon any distant and defenceless settlement. 
 
 On the loth of February, they attacked Lancaster, left it 
 a smouldering ruin, and carried captive its inhabitants. As 
 soon as the news of that disaster reached Medfield, Mr. 
 Wilson, perceiving the imminent danger of this town, wrote 
 the following letter to the Governor and Council. The 
 letter, in the original handwriting, is preserved in the State 
 archives ; — 
 
 Honored Srs, — Prostrating my humble service vnto your Honors, 
 I had not bin so bold (being so vnfit as I am,) to send these rude lines 
 at present vnto you, while you are so busyed on the weighty concernes, 
 and sad occasions respecting the Commonwealth and churches of God. 
 But that wh. I haue to write is about the same things wch yourselfes, as 
 the honored fathers of the country are taken vp with, studying night and 
 day to compasse w' is most expedient and expeditious for the good and 
 safety of the whole. Captain Oakes, coming fro Marlborough to our 
 towne this second day night, we understand by him, (who lately came fro 
 the grizely sight of the ruines of Lancaster,) of the imminent danger 
 y' not only Malborough was in wh" he left them, but also of the towne 
 of Medfeild, with the village of Sherborne on the other syde of the 
 river, the common enemy (as he understands) bending towards Nipmuck, 
 Sherborne also, by his and the reports of others being threatened next 
 Thursday. Honored Srs, I write in the behalf of the towne. It is our 
 humble request that your Honors would consider us in this juncture of 
 time. We have not till now made such a motion as this, and could be 
 
82 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 glad y' were not such an occasion. Our towne is a frontier towne. The 
 loss of Mendham hath disadvantaged vs. The losse of Medfeild will 
 be a very greate blow ; what will become of the city if the hands of the 
 country grow feeble. 
 
 Now the rode from Nipmuck is fair for these caniballs, be pleased for 
 God's sake to remember us, and let some considerable sufficient force 
 be sent to vs for our speedy releife, before it be to late, by the soonest, 
 by the soonest that possibly can be, lest Medfeild be turned into ashes 
 and the smoke of it amaze such y' shall behold it; Oh, let not one day 
 passe without preparations herevnto, the they come in the night. Captin 
 Oakes is not constantly with us, but is in severall motions fro hence to 
 Marlborough, and thro' some difficultyes he meetes with in regard to 
 fodder for horses, w""" is very scarce, would be glad your Honors would 
 signify further of your minds w' he should do ; and by these meanes we 
 haue no certain helpe at hand. , 
 
 Not further to trouble your Honors, but hoping your compassionate 
 . hearts will and do consider us, humbly returne our hearty thankef ulli- 
 nesse and acknowledgemts for your vndeserved favour in sending out 
 forces to visit us, and to scout about for discouery of our dangers, 
 humbly begging the continuall assistance of the Almighty to be with you 
 in all y'^ weighty concernes y' ly on yor hands, and smiles of the Lord's 
 divine fauor on his poore distressed people. 
 
 So prayes 
 
 Your Honors' humble servant, 
 Feb. 14th 75. John Wilson. 
 
 Medfeild. 
 
 This letter was written on Monday, one weelc before the 
 savages fell upon the town. Governor Leverett responded 
 by sending at once Captain Jacobs and his company of 
 eighty men, who probably arrived here about the middle of 
 the week. Captain Oakes, said to have been in command 
 of a company of twenty horsemen, was also here. Besides 
 these, Captain Gibbs, of Watertown, is mentioned as beino- 
 here. About seventy-five of the inhabitants of the town 
 were men capable of bearing arms at this time. 
 
 Hubbard mentions an incident which shows the excite- 
 ment and apprehension that existed during those few days, 
 as well as the current belief in omens and precursors : 
 
 The week before the attack upon Medfield there was heard a very 
 hideous cry of a kennel of wolves round the town, which raised some of 
 the inhabitants, and was looked upon by divers as an ominous presaging 
 of the following calamity. 
 
KING PHILIP.S WAR AND THE BURNING OF MEDFIELD. 83 
 
 The forces which had been sent hither were scattered 
 throughout the town, having 'been billeted at the different 
 houses. It is said that on Sunday, the 20th, Mr. Wilson 
 warned the people to be vigilant against surprise ; but the 
 presence of so large a force of soldiery seems to have given 
 them too great a sense of security. Tradition has it that, 
 when the people came out of the meeting-house on that 
 Sunday, they saw Indians on Noon Hill and Mount Nebo. 
 This is not impossible, as both eminences are in full view 
 from the village ; but it is understood that the savages came 
 upon the town from a westerly direction. The scouting 
 parties probably knew that they were in the neighborhood ; 
 and perhaps -a few stragglers -were in the town, prowling 
 about the woods that day. 
 
 It appears most likely that a guard was kept through the 
 night ; and, as daylight appeared, supposing danger passed, 
 it was taken off. But, during the darkness of the night, 
 the Indians had crept stealthily among trees and bushes 
 growing upon the unimproved land adjoining the home- 
 steads, and, secreting themselves, were in readiness to 
 attack every part of the town at a given signal. They 
 then apparently waited for the guard to turn in at day- 
 break, when a general conflagration was to commence, and 
 men, women, and children were to be massacred or made 
 captives as they attempted to fly from their burning 
 dwellings. 
 
 The fire first broke forth from the house of Samuel Morse, 
 who lived about fifty rods eastward of the junction of Main 
 and Pound Streets. He had risen early that Monday 
 morning, and went out to the barn to feed his cattle. In 
 doing this, he discovered an Indian hidden in the hay. He 
 hastily turned his cattle out of the barn, took his family 
 and fled to the garrison. No sooner had he done so than 
 his buildings were on fire. This seemed to be a signal for 
 the burning to commence, and in every direction the flames 
 arose. 
 
 It has been thought that this discovery of the Indian in 
 the hay, and the certainty that Samuel Morse would at once 
 
84 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 sound the alarm, caused the signal to be prematurely given. 
 Had the savages been allowed a little more time to perfect 
 their plans, many morq homesteads would have been in- 
 vested, and would have shared a common fate. 
 
 LIST OF THOSE WHOSE BUILDINGS WERE BURNED. 
 
 Samuel Morse. Samuel Bullen. 
 
 Henry Adams. Thomas Thurston. 
 
 Eleazer Adams. John Fisher. 
 
 Samuel Wight. Thomas Mason. 
 
 Joseph Warren. Robert Mason. 
 
 John Partridge. John Bowers, Sen. 
 
 Thomas Wight. John Bowers, Jr. 
 Nathaniel Whiting. ' John Fussell. 
 
 Nicolas Rockwood. Peter Adams. 
 
 Alexander Lovell. Samuel Barber. 
 
 Edward Adams. Gershom Wheelock. 
 
 Samuel Sheppard. Michael Metcalf. 
 
 Joseph BuUard. Joseph Daniel. 
 
 James Allen, Jr. William Allen. 
 
 William Cheney. George Fairbanks, Jr. 
 
 Benjamin Clark. ' Jonathan Adams. 
 
 The last four were on the west side of Charles River. 
 
 Thirty-two houses, besides barns, two mills, and other 
 buildings, were burned. As near as can now be ascer- 
 tained, about the same number of houses remained standing. 
 
 Hubbard, minister at Ipswich, who wrote an account of 
 the event two years afterward, says that " near half the 
 town was burnt " ; also that " generally, when out-houses 
 were burnt, the cattle were burnt also. A poor old man 
 of near a hundred years old was burnt in one of the houses. 
 Two mills were burnt," and "forty or fifty houses and 
 barns." 
 
 There were several garrison houses or forts in the town. 
 One is said to have been on Main Street, where Bradford 
 Curtis now lives. Another was in the easterly part, near 
 the termination of Foundry Street, remains of which are 
 still plainly visible. There was one also on the west side, 
 near Boggestow Pond, built by mne men in that vicinity. 
 
KiN'G Philip's war and the burning of medfield. 85 
 
 Besides these is tradition of one on North Street, opposite 
 the head of Dale Street, and another at the north end, on 
 the estate owned by Lorenzo Harding. 
 
 There is no reference to either of them 
 in our records; and 
 it is Hkely that some 
 of them, at least, 
 were built at a later 
 date. 
 
 Hubbard ob- 
 serves that "the 
 loss sustained by 
 mhabitants amounted to above two 
 thousand pounds," but " that never a 
 gainson house was lost in this surprisal, 
 nor any of the principal dwellings, so 
 as the chiefest and best of their build- 
 ings escaped the fury of the enemy." 
 
 SITK OF FORT PHILIP 
 STREET. 
 
 LIST OF THOSE WHO WERE KILLED. 
 
 Henry Adams, shot in the door of his house. 
 
 John Fussell, perished in the burning of his house. 
 
 John Bowers, Sen. 
 
 John Bowers, Jr. 
 
 Thomas Mason, Sen. 
 
 Thomas Mason, Jr., and Zachary Mason, aged fifteen and thirteen 
 years. 
 
 Margaret Thurston, aged seven. 
 
 Samuel Thurston, a year and a half old. 
 
 Elisabeth Smith, killed near the junction of South and Pound Streets, 
 while fleeing with her infant child to the garrison. The child, left for 
 dead, recovered. 
 
 Jonathan Wood, of Sherborn. 
 
 William Williams and John Hooper, soldiers from Boston. 
 
 Edward Jackson, soldier from Cambridge. 
 
 Timothy Dwight, mortally wounded. 
 
 Daniel Clark, mortally wounded. 
 
 Elisabeth Adams was mortally wounded by the accidental discharge 
 of a gun in the hands of one of our soldiers. 
 
 The author above quoted says : "Some were killed as they 
 attempted to fly to their neighbors for shelter. Some were 
 
86 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 only wounded, and some taken alive and carried off captives ; 
 in some houses the husband running away with one child, 
 the wife with another, of whom the one was killed, the other 
 escaped. There were slain and mortally wounded seventeen 
 or eighteen persons, besides others dangerously hurt." 
 
 As soon as the people were aroused to the perils which 
 threatened, the cannon was fired as a signal to Dedham. 
 After the second firing of this "greate gune," a panic seized 
 the Indians; and they hastily retreated across the bridge 
 over Charles River, setting the bridge on fire at one end to 
 hinder our soldiers from pursuing them. Upon a hill west 
 of the river, in full view of the smoking ruins, they roasted 
 an ox, and held a savage feast. We know too well what 
 such a feast often meant to the poor captives that had fallen 
 into their hands, but we have no record of any such horrid 
 barbarities being practised in this case. 
 
 The historians of the period tell us that the Indians lost 
 some of their warriors in the attack. 
 
 On one of the posts of the bridge, they placed the follow- 
 ing notice : — 
 
 Know by this paper that the Indians that thou hast provoked to wrath 
 and anger will war these twenty-one years, if you will. There are many 
 Indians yett. We come three hundred at this time. You must consider 
 that the Indians loose nothing but their lives, you must loose your fair 
 houses and cattle. 
 
 ^This notice is supposed to have been the work of an 
 Indian called James-the-printer. He had been taken when 
 a child, and educated. Afterward, he was apprenticed to 
 the printer's trade. When Philip's war commenced, he ran 
 away from his employer, and joined the enemy to fight 
 against the English. He afterward returned, and was par- 
 doned. 
 
 No buildings were burned east of the meeting-house 
 nearer than Benjamin Clark's, opposite the corner of Main 
 and Pound Streets. On the south side of the village, two 
 houses were burned between Pound and Philip Streets. All 
 the houses on Bridge Street, and two on the road to Harbor 
 Island, were destroyed. The house of Joseph Allen, near 
 
KING PHILIP S WAR AND THE BURNING OF MEDFIELD. 8y 
 
 Castle Hill, was set on fire, but was not consumed. All the 
 other houses in that neighborhood were burned. On the 
 west side of the river, Abraham Harding had raised a new 
 house, said to have been the first frame-house on that side. 
 The Indians passed farther north on their way to and from 
 the bridge, and the new house escaped. 
 
 Isaac Chenery, one of the earliest settlers in this town, 
 had removed, and lived at this time within the bounds of 
 Dedham, near Medfield line, at the extremity of what is 
 now Foundry Street. There is a tradition that, having 
 seen the Indians lurking about his place, he took his wife 
 and children in the darkness of the night, and secreted 
 them under a great rock at some 'distance from his house. 
 Coming back alone about the break of day, he saw the sav- 
 ages preparing to fire his buildings. He moved forward, 
 and, beckoning to imaginary soldiers behind him, shouted, 
 " Come on, boys, there they are ! " which so alarmed the 
 Indians that they fled ; and his house and barn were saved. 
 
 On the evening of this day, the following letter was sent 
 to the Governor and Council : — 
 
 Honored S"^, 
 
 in a hurry hast : you may please to understand that on the 2* day 
 morning early, we were beset w'"" Indians a greate number to our amaze- 
 ment although we had considerable watches : I thinke about halfe the 
 towne is fired : many wounded, severall slayne, after we had fyred : our 
 greate gun twice for to warne dedham of our danger & anoth' it startled 
 the Indians, at last after much spoyle y^ ran over the bridge, fired it as 
 yy left it, ran to sherborne fired the rounds, we hope George fairbanks 
 pallisade y' safe, w* the rest we know not are not w'hout an expectation 
 of the tomorrow morning, it is thought y^ lay the way at dedham rode by 
 those y' came fr° theure this night to se how it was w* us, so y* dedham 
 is not w"'out greate danger ; y' is greate neede of helpe suddenly to keepe 
 our town, or to follow them if quite gone. 2 mills burnt 
 
 Your honors' humble 
 servants John Wilson 
 
 Edward Oakes 
 John Jacob 
 George barber : 
 By our guess nigh a 1000 Indians. 
 
 In answer to this appeal for help, we learn from the rolls 
 in the Secretary's office that Captain William Turner 
 
88 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 marched from Boston to Medfield, February 22, with sixty- 
 four men. Thence, leaving one of his men here sick, he 
 went on to Marlborough. Of the two mills referred to, 
 one was that of Henry Adams : the other was probably on 
 Boggestow Brook. 
 
 Drake, in the Book of the Indians, says that the assault 
 on Medfield was made under the command of Monaco, or 
 " one-eyed John," as he was called. Hubbard relates that 
 soon after this Monaco made a boast at Groton that he had 
 burned Lancaster and Medfield, was then burning Groton, 
 and that he would next burn Chelmsford, Concord, Water- 
 town, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Boston ; adding, " What me 
 will, me do." He did no't carry out his programme entirely, 
 being taken prisoner and carried to Boston, where he was 
 hanged on the 26th of the following September. The total 
 destruction of property here by the assault has been esti- 
 mated at ^9,000. The loss of life included several esteemed 
 citizens; among them, two, Henry Adams and Timothy 
 Dwight, who had been prominent in all town affairs from 
 the year of its settlement. 
 
 Mr. Wilson's house was opened to receive and care for 
 the wounded, as we learn from the following account to the 
 General Court: — 
 
 A note of some particulars wherein I have been at charges about 
 soldiers at Medfield : 
 
 Jeremy Bumstead, wounded, was 12 week over at my house at board. 
 
 Mr. Palgrave Wellington, the surgeon, as many weeks. 
 
 Also 2 souldiers more together that were wounded, 3 weeks. 
 
 Old father More of Mendham, the most of the time, who was 
 wounded. 
 
 As for other expenses several ways to the most of the soldiery at 
 several times, sometimes 3 score, 4 score, I shall not insist on, but 
 humble hand it to the wisdom of the honored Court. 
 
 John Wilson. 
 
 Boston, June 13, 1676. 
 It is ordered. 
 
 It is to be inferred from the indorsement that the State 
 reimbursed Mr. Wilson. 
 
 During the spring of 1676, numerous small bands of 
 
KING PHILIP S WAR AND THE BURNING OF MEDFIELD. 89 
 
 savages roamed over the country in various directions, 
 burning buildings and murdering the whites wherever oppor- 
 tunity offered. To suppress these marauders, a fresh force 
 of horse and foot was sent out by the Governor and 
 Council, April 27. On the 6th of May, it is said that the 
 savages attempted to take the " stone house " or garrison, 
 near Boggestow Pond. The soldiers, together with the 
 friendly Indians of Natick, gave them such a repulse in that 
 locality that they did not dare to risk another battle ; though 
 it is said that, after the soldiers returned to their quarters at 
 Medfield, they saw two hundred fires in the night. But they 
 were never able afterward to engage them in battle. The 
 weather at that season being very rainy, our men were 
 unable to pursue the enemy ; and, a severe epidemic cold 
 then prevailing through the country, the soldiers were 
 released from duty on the lOth of May. 
 
 No hostile Indians showed themselves in this region 
 afterward. 
 
 July 25, a party of men from Dedham and Medfield, 
 assisted by a few friendly Indians, fought a decisive battle 
 with Pomham and his braves in the woods some miles south- 
 ward of this place. Pomham was the sachem of Shaomet 
 (Warwick, R.I.), and was, next to Philip, the most dreaded 
 of the chiefs. Most of his band were killed or made pris- 
 oners ; but he, refusing to be taken alive, was slain, raging 
 like a wild beast. It is related of him that his strength 
 and courage were so great that, " after he had been mortally 
 wounded, so as himself could not stand, yet, catching hold 
 of an Englishman that by accident came near him, he had 
 done him mischief, if he had not been presently rescued by 
 one of his fellows." On this occasion, fifteen Indians were 
 killed, and thirty-five taken prisoners. Considerable plun- 
 der was also taken, including twelve pounds of powder 
 which the prisoners said they had received from Albany two 
 days before. 
 
 Through the summer, the war went on. Many of Philip's 
 men were killed, and he began to be reduced to great 
 straits. One of his followers suggested that he make peace. 
 
go HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 This SO enraged Philip that he killed the Indian who made 
 the suggestion. That Indian had a brother who instantly 
 resolved to be avenged ; and he joined the whites, offering 
 to lead them to the chieftain's retreat. Captain Church had 
 captured Philip's wife and child, and they were sold into 
 slavery in the Bermudas. August 12, the swamp where 
 Philip had concealed himself was surrounded. He en- 
 deavored to escape; but the Indian whose brother Philip 
 had killed sent a bullet through his heart, and, cutting off 
 his head, bore it in triumph to Plymouth. 
 
 During the autumn, small scouting parties scoured the 
 woods in every direction, to discover, if possible, any lurking 
 bands of savages. Several Medfield men engaged in this 
 service, and hunted the enemy in the neighborhood of See- 
 konk and Rehoboth. 
 
 To the honorable the Governor and Council : 
 
 These are to offer for your honorable information that upon investi- 
 gation given unto us by our Captain George Barber, and out of a design 
 to serve the country on our own charges and adventure wee last 
 weeke went out in search of a band of the enemy whose track was 
 found and in our search discovered five persons of the enemy, four of 
 whom were armed, two of which enemy we took prisoners : and now 
 humbly present to your honorables for compensation and liberty to dis- 
 pose of and distribute the prize money among our fellow soldiers who 
 are and ever will be a loyal soldiery to attend your honorable commands 
 as are 
 
 Your most dutiful and faithful sons 
 
 John Plvmpton 
 Jonathan Boyden 
 
 These Indians were brought into Boston Jan. 8, 1677. 
 
 During Philip's war, thirteen towns were wholly or partly 
 destroyed, more than six hundred men were killed in bat- 
 tles, and a debt of half a million dollars was created. The 
 destitution in the exposed towns was so great that the 
 people of the Connecticut Colony sent a thousand bushels, 
 of corn to be distributed for the relief of the needy in Mas- 
 sachusetts. 
 
 RECORDS OF I 676. 
 
 It is a matter of surprise that, beyond an item or two, no 
 reference to the burning of the town is found in the records. 
 
KING PHILIP S WAR AND THE BURNING OF MEDFIELD. 9 1 
 
 The only direct reference to the great event of the year 
 is found in a vote directing "John Metcalf to carry to the 
 General Court the town's address concerning our Lose by 
 the Endien's Assalt on the 21-12, 1675." That address is 
 not found in the archives at the State House. In the Co- 
 lonial Records, September 6, we learn that a petition was 
 received from the inhabitants of Medfield, which was referred 
 to the October session. October 12, we have the follow- 
 ing :- 
 
 The inhabitants of Medfield having petitioned, humbly craving the 
 favor of the Court to consider their great losses by the Indian enemy 
 the last spring, and abatement of their rates accordingly, it was ordered 
 that Medfield be allowed toward their losses by the enemy the sum of 
 
 The town records show that John Pratt carried the " great 
 gun " to Dedham. Sundry small grants of land were made, 
 the south side of the old meeting-house was covered with 
 shingles, and Eleazar Wheelock killed four wolves. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 REBUILDING AND PROGRESS, 1677-1699. 
 
 CEVERE as the blow was which had fallen on Medfield, 
 there was no thought of discouragement. No buildings 
 had been destroyed in the centre of the town, and there 
 was hospitable shelter here for those who had been left 
 houseless. 
 
 The power of the savages being now broken, and the 
 country largely freed from their presence, the settlement of 
 the outer portions of the town proceeded more rapidly. 
 During the next few years, new families located on the west 
 side of the river, as well as in the northerly and southerly 
 sections. A few houses were never rebuilt; among them, 
 John Fussell's, Nathaniel Whiting's, and Joseph Bullard's. 
 Samuel Morse built his new house near the present junc- 
 tion of Main and Pound Streets. Most of the others were 
 rebuilt on the original spot, though it was several years 
 before they were all replaced. 
 
 1677. Selectmen, Thomas Thurston, John Harding, 
 John Ellis, Henry Smith, and George Barber. 
 
 George Barber, Representative. 
 
 The " place of Robert Hinsdale's mill " is mentioned in 
 such a way as to lead us to infer that it was on Boggestow 
 Brook, and had been destroyed, as were the houses in that 
 neighborhood. 
 
 A new frame to hang the bell in was to be furnished. It 
 
REBUILDING AND PROGRESS, 1677-1699. 93 
 
 would seem that the bell was hung near, but not on, the 
 meeting-house. 
 
 PETITION. 
 
 The humble address of several persons in the town of Medfield to 
 the Honored General Court sitting at Boston the 23 of 3. 77. May it 
 please your Honors : 
 
 Wee whose names are here underwritten, inhabitants of the town of 
 Medfield, humbly make bold to present our condition before your 
 Honors. 
 
 So it is that notwithstanding the alleviation granted in the paiement 
 of the last ten rates unto such as were burnt out, and suffered greate 
 damage in their estates, for which ourselves have greate cause and do 
 humbly return our thankfulness and acknowledgement. Notwithstand- 
 ing we cannot but be feelingly sensible of the present difficulties that 
 ly very heavy upon us, for we have our houses to rebuild, which con- 
 veniency and absolute necessity call for, and reparations to make after 
 the sad ruinous heapes which have been made by the salvadge hands of 
 our cruel enemies which will prove very chargeable to us. Considering 
 how we shall be taken off from other necessary employments and for want 
 of house roome whereby our families cannot be set awork as could be 
 wished, we are necessitated to build,' most of our cattel also having been 
 burnt or taken will occasion more diiSculty and charges unto us : the 
 scantiness of our corn by reason of the small quantity of ground 
 improved, because of the continual dangers threatening us. 
 
 Wee humbly therefore request of your Honors to consider us so far 
 as may be on the next rate, or whatsoever in such respects, for we find 
 ourselves strangely debilitated unto the rendering what is called for. 
 We humbly beg pardon for our grate boldness, considering some 
 address heretofore hath been made more generally; but such and so 
 great hath your honors pitty and care bin for distressed ones that we 
 have made bold in our own names particularly to lay open our afflicted 
 condition and humbly present to your honors to consider of and to do 
 according to your wisdom in the case presented; that the Almighty God 
 would ever be with your Honors, guide, bless, and uphold you under the 
 weight of those greate concerns which ly upon your heafts. 
 
 Signed by 
 
 Edward Adams. Joseph Waring. 
 
 Peter Adams. James Allen. 
 
 Beniaman Clark. Thomas Wight. 
 
 Samuel Barber. Mary Bowers. 
 
 Eleazar Adams. Michael Metcalf. 
 
 Samuel Morse. Margery Mason. 
 
 Nicolas Rockit. Robert Mason. 
 
 Samuel Wight. Samuel Sheppard. 
 
 John Fisher. John Adams. 
 
 John Partridge. Joseph Daniels. 
 
 Gershom Wheelock. George Fairbanks. 
 
 William Allen. Jonathan Adams. 
 
94 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Soldiers went from this town to fight the Indians in the 
 province of Maine. John Mason, the record says, was 
 " killed in the country's service at the eastward." Benjamin 
 Rockwood was brought into Salem, wounded. Vincent 
 Shuttleworth was fined £4 for deserting the service "into 
 which he had been impressed by the town of Medfield." 
 
 1678. Selectmen, Thomas Thurston, John Harding, 
 John Partridge, William Partridge, and George Barber. 
 
 THE COLLEGE SUBSCRIPTION. 
 
 In an old paper containing a list of the contributions 
 made in 1674 toward building the new college is this 
 petition : — 
 
 Much Honoured Gentlemen : In obedience to the Comands under 
 the Secretary's hand Dated from the 3d of May last, we judge it our 
 duty to declare that in this paper is Conteyned the whole and full Guift 
 of the poore Inhabitants of Meadfield in the day of it, w"' what was 
 then pay'd in the specie given and subscribed, and had there bein any 
 such solicitous motion from the overseers of. that ... to have preserved 
 the gift in Come as expressly Given we may say with truth that it 
 might have bein had and payd, Isut since God hath seen it meet to turne 
 the wheel of his good Providence towards us, in letting loose the Bar- 
 barous natives upon us, that much of our Towne hath bein Consumed, 
 many lives and estates lost, and some few, exprest in a noate hereto 
 Annixt, by the enemy brought to great want and inability to performe, 
 scarsly able to suport themselves, the fourteen bushells of Indian 
 Corne, and one bushell of wheat then subscribed we humbly desire those 
 p'sons may be excused and Indulged, and for the Rest yet behind, if the 
 Honourable Court shall see cause to appoint one or two of our Town 
 and Impower them to gather it up, it may and will be had. . . . All which 
 is hoped will Reach this Honourable Courts sattisfaction, w""" will be 
 acceptable to, Honourable Srs, 
 
 Your very humble servant, 
 
 George Barber. 
 
 In the name and by order of our Pastor and selectmen. 
 
 This note is appended : — 
 
 The names of those that sence their subscription to the new Collidge 
 were burned out by the Endians : 
 
 Thomas Mason, Nathaniel Whiting, Benjam Clark, Joseph BuUard, 
 
REBUILDING AND PROGRESS, 1677-1699. 95 
 
 Thomas Thurston, Alexander Lovell, Nicholas Rockwood, John Bowers, 
 se. John Plimpton, se. Samuel Wight, Thomas Wight, jr. Eliezer Adams. 
 
 MR. Wilson's petition. 
 
 Honored S'r : 
 
 Presenting my humble service unto your Worships, I am desired 
 to write a few lines unto your worship in behalf of foure persons in our 
 Towne who according to the present state of things are in great straights 
 as to payment of present rates. 
 
 The first is John Partridge whose house and barn to my knowledge 
 were burnt by Indians when they came hither, about 20 bushels of come, 
 ten or eleven head of cattell, 2 horses with household stufEe which he 
 hath several times spoken of. Much of this I know also and verily 
 believe the rest, for he is a credible person. The 2d is Widdow Mason, 
 sister to him above mentioned, whose husband and sons were slain at 
 the same morning, goods, house and barn burnt with about a dozin head 
 of cattell, many sheep, and a third son slain at the east under Capt 
 Swet's command, all together puts her much to it. A third is Nicolas 
 Rockwood, an old man whose house and barn with cattell not a few, with 
 horseflesh save a colt, all burnt. The 4th is Joseph Warring, a poore 
 man whose house and barne were consumed. It is their humble request 
 and they earnestly beseech their might be some deferment of their rates 
 for the present that the constable may not strain upon them which they 
 
 shall count as a great favor. 
 
 Your most humble serv't 
 
 John Wilson. 
 
 This paper is indorsed, — 
 
 " Request granted till next General Cou)-t." 
 
 THOMAS WIGHT S PETITION. 
 
 To the Honorable Govern"", Deputy Governor & Magistrates, with 
 the deputies sitting in general Court at Boston May 8 1678 the petition 
 of Thomas Wight humbly sheweth : 
 
 That whereas it pleased God to visit us in our towne of Medfield with 
 the awful and solemn strook by the Indians and bereaving me of my 
 habitation and six cattell being burnt in my barn, my horse taken away 
 and even bereaved of most of the means for my sustenance, so that I 
 have been exposed to greate sufferings thereby, not having wharwith to 
 get corn for my family but as I went to my dayly labour for it : that had 
 to help others in their want : and have had no way to procure cloathings 
 but as we could by any means procure cotton or sheeps wool and for ■ 
 shous nesity have Inforced me to run in debt ever sence and have not 
 wharewith to pay yet am earnestly called upon for reats and have 
 not wharewith to pay although I should leve none for my self or famely 
 
96 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 who are six in all and many other diflfeculties that doe atend me for want 
 of a habitation and other nesserys, the consideration wharof have put 
 me upon nesity of besiching and emploring this Honored Court to cast 
 an aspect of favour upon the deserted estate of your poor petitioner in 
 passing an order to remit my rats depending, being betwe three and four 
 pounds, which shall ever oblige me to endeavor to pay with cherfulnis for 
 the futer to publique charge as god shall enable me as also to pray the 
 god of marcy to cast in aboundently upon you who are wilen to extend 
 marcy to the eflicted in a day of thare destres which is and shall be 
 the constant prayer of him who is your poor suppliant and humbel 
 sarvent 
 
 Thomas Wight. 
 This is indorsed : — 
 
 The committee judged meet to hold him in one-half of the rates and 
 extend the time till next March for the other half. The deputies voted 
 to remit all his rates, which was consented to by the magistrates on the 
 7 («) 78. 
 
 In the Colonial Records for May 9, we read : — 
 
 Samuel Wight of Medfield, having suffered great loss by fire by the 
 Indian enemy, brought very low, humbly desired the favor of the Court 
 to remit him the rates about three or four pounds already due for the 
 last year, hoping God will enable him to pay rates again for the future. 
 
 The Court granted his request. 
 
 Thomas Thurston was appointed " Lieutenant " or chief 
 military officer at Medfield. 
 
 LETTER FROM MR. WILSON TO THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL. 
 
 Worshipful S'rs : 
 
 Humbly presenting my humblest service to your worships meeting 
 
 with these letters copyed out and newly brought from Hadly by one 
 
 John Partridge, and not understanding of any that comes to the bay 
 
 besides, I have written out of these two copyes word for word as I take 
 
 it, and make bold to send it to your worship that you might be informed 
 
 of the mercy of God in the return of these captives as far as the two 
 
 letters set down. John Partridge and John Plimpton came tliis night 
 
 and none with them but a yong mayde ; so that I suppose your worships 
 
 will have the very first view of the news in Boston. Being very crazy, 
 
 and unfit to enlarge and that I might not trouble your worship further 
 
 . with my humble service presented to your most virtuous lady 
 
 I humbly rest 
 
 Your worship's most humble servant 
 
 iv^ KT r. John Wilson. 
 
 Medfield, May 29, 78. 
 
REBUILDING AND PROGRESS, 1677-1699. 97 
 
 One of the letters referred to was from Quintin Stock- 
 well, written to his wife, who was the daughter of John 
 Bullard of Medfield, as follows : — 
 
 Albany, May 22, 1678. 
 
 Loving wife : having an opportunity to remember my kind love to 
 thee and our child and the rest of our friends though we met with 
 greate afflictions and trouble since I see thee last, yet now here is oppor- 
 tunity of joy and thanksgiving to God that wee are pretty well and in a 
 hopeful way to see the faces of one another before we take our final 
 farewell of this present world; likewise God hath raised up friends 
 amongst our enemies and there is but three of us dead of all those that 
 were taken away. Sergeant Plimpton, Samuel Russell, Samuel Foot's 
 daughter. So I conclude in haste and rest. 
 
 Your most afEectionate husband till death makes separation. 
 
 Quintin Stockwell. 
 
 1679. Selectmen, Thomas Thurston, John Harding, 
 John Metcalf, Sen., John Ellis, Sen., and George Barber. 
 
 SAMUEL BULLEN'S PETITION. 
 
 To the Honorable Generall Court now assembled Boston, October 15, 
 1679. 
 
 The petition of Samuel Bullen late of Medfield Humbly sheweth that 
 in the time of the war he was rated proportionably with his neighbors in 
 the six rates ordered by the General Court, and soone after his estate 
 was destroyed by the Indians and otherwise alienat to his necessitous 
 children, and then there was ordered by the General Court ten rates 
 more to be collected which were proportioned by the same lists or bills 
 as the former six rates were ; so that the petitioner was then rated 
 three pounds more than his real estate amounted to. The petitioner 
 therefore humbly intreats the favor of the Honorable Court to grant him 
 an abatement of the sum of three pounds upon his rate which is yet 
 unpaid, so shall he ever pray as in duty bound. 
 
 This petition was granted by the Court. 
 
 1680. Selectmen, Thomas Thurston, John Harding, 
 Edward Adams, Henry Smith, and George Barber. 
 
 George Barber, Representative. 
 
 Dr. Return Johnson, the first physician in this town of 
 whom we have any record, built his house on North Street, 
 opposite Dale Street. 
 
98 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 John Wilson, Jr., was engaged to keep school for the year 
 for ;£25,— ;£io in money, the rest in country pay. 
 
 1681. Selectmen, Edward Adams, John Harding, 
 Joseph Morse, Joseph Clark, Jr., and George Barber. 
 
 Samuel Bullen, Representative. 
 
 A petition had been sent in to the General Court by John 
 Partridge, Joseph Warren, William Allen, and nineteen 
 others, asking for aid. 
 
 The Court judged meet to remitt to the full of what is desired, viz. : 
 one hundred and twenty pounds, the inhabitants of Medfield and Sher- 
 born to have the benefit in just proportion to their losses ; and Capt. 
 Daniel Fisher, Capt. Prentice, Com. Timothy Dwight, and Seargt. 
 Richard EUice see that it be disposed among such as they shall see meet 
 in the town of Medfield as said committee shall determine. 
 
 1682. Selectmen, Thomas Thurston, Samuel Bullen, 
 Eleazar Adams, Samuel Morse, and George Barber. 
 
 George Barber, Representative. 
 
 The town voted "to Layeen 30 cord of wood for our 
 pastor's use." 
 
 The custom of burning the woods in the herdwalks was 
 still kept up. 
 
 There was a dispute about the line between Medfield and 
 Sherborn, as appears from the following: — 
 
 We the subscribers, understanding that the committee of Medfield 
 and Sherborn did run the line of the towns this spring, and not know- 
 ing where the line originally was, were, as we understand, misled ; and 
 going upon the place we doe testify the stump of the station or bound 
 tree between Capt. Keayne and Mr. Allan, which is the line between the 
 said towns and now between Mr. Dudley and George Fairbanks, was 
 neglected by them, and they have gone in upon Mr. Dudley's land near 
 six rods. 
 
 THO ; HOLBROOK. 
 
 John O. 'Awasamog. 
 
 1683. Selectmen, George Barber, Thomas Thurston, 
 Samuel Morse, John Harding, and Eleazar Adams. 
 
 Thomas Thurston was chosen town clerk, and held the 
 office six years. 
 
 The town voted to pay one-third of the pastor's salary in 
 money, besides twenty cords of wood for his use. 
 
REBUILDING AND PROGRESS, 1 677- 1 699. 99 
 
 Voted to call John Wilson, Jr., to help in the work of the 
 ministry, provided the town can give him suitable encour- 
 agement. 
 
 The way "from the great bridge to the North brook," 
 through Dingle Dell, was laid out as a public highway. 
 
 Voted to tax George Fairbanks in Mediield ; and a peti- 
 tion was sent to the General Court to the effect that George 
 Fairbanks, Sen., though living in Medfield, attended church 
 in Sherborn on account of distance, until the change of the 
 site for their meeting-house. They of Sherborn, anxious to 
 retain his taxes, continued to levy them upon him ; and the 
 petitioners ask that the arrangement between Fairbanks and 
 the town of Sherborn may be terminated. 
 
 " Abiel Twichell and her child," sojourning at Josiah Rock- 
 wood's, were warned out. Rockwood, continuing to harbor 
 them, was summoned before the selectmen. He failed to 
 appear ; and the constable, Jonathan Boyden, was ordered to 
 levy a fine of 20s. upon the goods of said Rockwood. He 
 then acknowledged his fault, and prayed the town to remit 
 his fine, which they did, "considering his poverty." He 
 had to pay 5^., however, for the " constable's trouble and 
 paines." 
 
 Gamaliel Hinsdale was employed to beat the drum on Sab- 
 bath and lecture days and other public occasions for 20s. 
 a year. Something had happened to the old bell. 
 
 Ralph Wheelock, " the founder of Medfield," died. 
 
 1684. Selectmen, George Barber, John Harding, Elea- 
 zar Adams, Samuel Morse, and Thomas Thurston. 
 
 Money being required for the town's use, and the taxes 
 being paid mostly in produce, it was ordered that 5j. worth 
 of corn be sold for 3J. in money. 
 
 Dr. Johnson was engaged to keep school a month on trial, 
 " to continue a year, if he likes and gives content." He was 
 afterward engaged for a year, at ;^io in money and ;^ii in 
 country pay; to have a fortnight in the spring "to attend 
 to his practice of physic," the time to be made up at the end 
 of the half-year. If taken away from his school for the 
 
lOO HISTORY OF MEDFJELD. 
 
 emergencies of practice, he was to make up that time also. 
 He "being much abroad out of town," it was found that 
 doctoring and teaching did not go well together ; and the 
 bargain was cancelled in May, with his consent. Thomas 
 Thurston took the school. 
 
 Zechariah Barber tried his hand at the drum on Sabbath 
 days for half a year. 
 
 John Wilson, Jr., having returned from Connecticut, it 
 was proposed that the town vote on the next training-day 
 whether they will offer him sufficient encouragement to help 
 in the ministry and keep the school. This was October 26. 
 It was then voted to put off the matter till the next training- 
 day, November 3. Then, the town refused to allow it to 
 come to a vote. But he was given leave to preach some- 
 times, and take as recompense what should be given by free 
 contributions. He was engaged to keep school for j£2$ a 
 year ; and, when he should be desired to preach, he was to 
 have liberty of two days from the school in the week before. 
 In the winter, all pupils between seven and fourteen were 
 to pay 3J. each to raise the schoolmaster's pay ; those under 
 seven, is. 6d. Those who attended in the summer, is. 
 
 The town valuation was ordered to be made in the month 
 of August, yearly. 
 
 1685. Selectmen, Thomas Thurston, Edward Adams, 
 Samuel Barber, Benjamin Clark, and John Harding. 
 
 The old bell had been carried to Boston, and it was 
 ordered to be sold. 
 
 The great bridge was rebuilt; and, as it was on the 
 "country road," the State paid a part of the expense. 
 
 The selectmen were directed to take the money that the 
 old bell brought, together with the money from the State 
 given toward the bridge, and buy a new bell. 
 
 AN INDIAN CLAIM. 
 
 A special town-meeting was called May 25 : 
 
 " Whereas the selectmen have been informed that Sachem 
 Josias, of Punkapoag, claims title to lands in Medfield, and 
 
REBUILDING AND PROGRESS, 1677-1699. lOI 
 
 notwithstanding a former grant of Chickatabot, grandfather 
 to said Josias, some other towns have judged expedient to 
 compound with him and purchase in confirmation of former 
 grants," the town voted to do the same. 
 
 The selectmen having been informed that Josias would 
 be at Dedham the following week, they deputed two of their 
 number, John Harding and Thomas Thurston, to meet him 
 there, and come to an agreement with him. They arranged 
 with him and his guardians, William Stoughton and Thomas 
 Dudley, to settle his claim by payment of £4 los. in money. 
 We have no writings. 
 
 Gamaliel Hinsdale was appointed "to prosecute John 
 Sunchemug, Indian, upon suspicion of firing the new mill." 
 
 Judge Sewall, in his Diary, Sept. 14, 1685, says: — 
 
 Coming home, hear of Meadfield mill being burnt and their confusion 
 at Marlborough last Satterday night. A suspected Indian is put in 
 prison. It seems were in arms last Sabbathday at Dedham somway 
 knowing of Meadfield mill being burnt. People are much perplexed. 
 
 The mill referred to was that on Charles River, above 
 Rockville. It would seem there were fears of another 
 Indian raid. The General Court voted "that care be taken 
 that all persons are furnisht with Arms and Ammunition 
 according to law. because of Indians." 
 
 1686. Selectmen, Thomas Thurston, Samuel Barber, 
 Edward Adams, Benjamin Clark, and John Harding. 
 
 Thomas Thurston, Representative. 
 
 Vincent Shuttleworth, the deserter of 1677, was employed 
 to ring the new bell and sweep the meeting-house. 
 
 The first recorded marriage by the minister was that of 
 Joseph Clark and Mary Wight. Before this, all marriages 
 were "solemnized" by commissioners, no clergyman, except 
 of the Established Church of England, having the right to 
 unite persons in wedlock. 
 
 1687. Selectmen, Thomas Thurston, Edward Adams, 
 John Harding, Samuel Barber, and Benjamin Clark. 
 
 Joseph Daniel was granted leave to take the stream of 
 
I02 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Boggestow Brook for his mill, provided he maintain a 
 good mill. 
 
 1688. Selectmen, Thomas Thurston, Edward Adams, 
 John Harding, Samuel Barber, and John Metcalf,. Jr. 
 
 los. a head to be paid for every grown wolf killed in the 
 town limits. 
 
 Joseph Daniel was granted liberty " to make a dam where 
 he intends to set his mill, and to flow the common land, so 
 far as shall be needful, forever. 
 
 A RECEIPT FROM MR. WILSON. 
 
 Know all men by these presents, That I, John Wilson sen. pastour of 
 the Church in Medfield in the County of Suffolk in his Majesty's Terre- 
 tory & Dominion of New England, having reckoned and agreed with 
 Edward Adams, Thomas Thurston, John Harding, Samuel Barber, and 
 Benjamin Clark, selectmen, for, and in behalf of the said town, reckoning 
 and clearing with myself for all debts and dues, by vertue of any act, 
 contract, agreement or obligation of the said town due to me from the 
 first day of my coming and settling in the work of the ministry in the 
 said town, which was in the moneth of December Anno Domini one 
 thousand six hundred fifty-one, until the last day of December Anno 
 Domini one thousand six hundred eighty-two, being one and thirty years 
 full and compleat, there being thirty pounds promised and engaged to be 
 paid to me at my first coming towards my charges in building and 
 settling there and for my maintenance a salary of fifty pounds per annum 
 untill the year one thousand six hundred and sixty, and then by act and 
 agreement of the town augmented to sixty pounds per annum. 
 
 I do hereby own and acknowledge that I have received of said town 
 the whole of the said thirty pounds engaged to be paid me at my first 
 coming and also I have received the said annual summe for all and 
 every of the years above mentioned and until the said year one thousand 
 six hundred and eighty-two in full to my satisfaction and content : and 
 whereas there bin some persons unable to pay their particular summes, 
 rates or proportions to the said annual summes in some of the years 
 above mentioned and especially in the time of the late wars wherein 
 severall persons sustaining great losses in their estates were thereby 
 disabled to pay their particular summes, rates or proportions as above 
 said eyther in whole or in part, I being willing to sympathize with such 
 persons in their sufferings and losses have remitted and released and by 
 these presents do fully, freely, and absolutely remitt and release to every 
 such person in particular and to all and every of the inhabitants of said 
 town in general all and every such particular summe, rate or proportion 
 
REBUILDING AND PROGRESS, 1677-1699. I03 
 
 to me unpaid eyther in part or in whole in any of the years above 
 mentioned, and I, the said John Wilson do hereby, for me, my heirs, 
 executors and administrators, fully, freely, and absolutely exonerate, 
 acquit, and discharge the said Edward Adams, Thomas Thurston, John 
 Harding, Samuel Barber and Benjamin Clark as selectmen, and all and 
 every of the several inhabitants of the said town and their and every of 
 their heirs, executors, administrators, and successors forever of and 
 from all debts, dues and obligations whatsoever for all and every of the 
 years above mentioned. In witness whereof, I, the said John Wilson 
 have hereunto put my hand and seal this sixteenth day of January in the 
 third year of his majesty's reign, Anno Domini 1687-8. 
 
 X689. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, John Harding, 
 Eleazar Adams, John Bullen, and John Plimpton. 
 
 Edward Adams, Representative. 
 
 This is the first time the board of selectmen was made 
 up without one or more of the original settlers. But the 
 fathers were now rapidly passing away, and forty years had 
 brought forward a new set of men. 
 
 Town-meeting was held at the house of Samuel Barber, 
 and the records of the town were deposited with him! 
 
 Six hundred acres more of the common lands were laid out. 
 
 Town paid Joseph Bullard for tending Gamaliel Hinsdale ; 
 the first recorded instance of public charity. 
 
 1690. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Thomas Thurston, 
 Benjamin Clark, John Harding, and John Metcalf, Jr. 
 
 The records of this year are very meagre. The town 
 voted to lay out six hundred acres of land, but it was not 
 done till 1698. 
 
 We learn from the Colonial Records that the military 
 officers of the town were Captain Thomas Thurston, Lieu- 
 tenant Samuel Morse, a.nd Ensign John Harding. This was 
 the year of Sir William Phipps's expedition to Canada. 
 Medfield was ordered to furnish its quota of soldiers. For 
 some reason, the Court abated to Medfield ten soldiers : the 
 rest were ordered to appear at Braintree, August 4, at 
 twelve o'clock. One man at least, John Smith, Jr., is 
 known to have gone from this town, and perished in that 
 undertaking. 
 
104 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1691. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, John Harding, Ben- 
 jamin Clark, Eleazar Adams, and Jonathan Boyden. 
 
 Samuel Barber was chosen town clerk, an office which he 
 held for twenty-eight years. 
 
 Mr. Wilson, the first minister of Medfield, died August 23. 
 No records of the church during his forty years' ministry 
 are known to exist. 
 
 ATTEMPT TO SETTLE A NEW MINISTER. 
 
 October 26, the church and town met for the purpose 
 of choosing " some meet person " to supply the pulpit with 
 a view to settlement. It was decided to vote by paper 
 ballots ; and the two receiving the largest number of votes 
 were to be considered the candidates, and their names 
 brought forward the next Sabbath to be voted for. Mr. 
 John White and John Wilson had the highest number of 
 ballots, and were declared the candidates. 
 
 The old minister's son never seemed to be a favorite as a 
 preacher, however well he succeeded as a schoolmaster ; and, 
 when it came to a final choice, Mr. White received fifty-nine 
 votes, and John Wilson only twelve. Mr. White supplied 
 the pulpit during the next winter. 
 
 1692. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, John Harding, John 
 Plimpton, Benjamin Clark, and Joseph Clark, Sen. 
 
 Edward Adams and John Harding, Representatives. 
 
 At a meeting February 7, Mr. John White was called to 
 the ministry by a general vote. For some reason, he did 
 not accept the call ; and it is said there were thirty-two 
 candidates employed before another settlement was effected. 
 
 WITCHES. 
 
 This was the year in which the "witchcraft delusion" 
 flourished. There are no evidences of its having affected 
 this town, though, no doubt, the general belief in witchcraft 
 was shared by many here. Traditions exist of persons 
 called witches, one of whom, living near the south school- 
 house, was visited and rebuked by the minister. She retal- 
 
REBUILDING AND PROGRESS, 1677-1699. IO5 
 
 iated by turning herself into a black cat, which scratched 
 his heels as he walked home across lots near the Boiling 
 Spring. So the old story went. Another is reputed to 
 have lived in the north part of the town, at the foot of 
 the hill beyond A. E. Mason's. But these tales long ago 
 ceased to obtain credence, and are mentioned only to show 
 the current superstitions of the times. 
 
 1693. Selectmen, Edward Adams, Samuel Barber, 
 Joseph Daniel, George Fairbanks, and John Fisher, Sen. 
 
 John Harding, Representative. 
 
 £^2 raised for the ministry. 
 
 The "church lot and orchard" was let to John Fisher, 
 Sen., for los. in money or 20s. in country pay. This was 
 the Frairy homestead, given by Theophilus Frairy, of Bos- 
 ton, to the town and church. 
 
 1694. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, John Harding, Elea- 
 zar Adams, John Metcalf, and John Plimpton. 
 
 This year, assessors were first chosen, as it is said, "ac- 
 cording to law." Before this, the taxes or "rates " had been 
 made by the selectmen. 
 
 1695. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Edward Adams, 
 Benjamin Clark, Joseph Daniel, and Eleazar Adams. 
 
 John Harding, Representative. 
 
 Joseph Clark, Jr., was chosen sealer of leather, the first 
 mention of an office which was continued for a century. 
 
 MINISTER CALLED. 
 
 The church and town gave a call to Joseph Baxter to 
 settle in the work of the ministry, with £60 a year salary ; 
 and an "encouragement" of ;^50 in money, to be paid 
 within one year after his coming. 
 
 The Long Causey was made a town way : before this, it 
 had been a way for the accommodation of the owners of 
 meadows. 
 
I06 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1696. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Benjamin Clark, 
 John Metcalf, Joseph Clark, and Edward Adams. 
 
 Joseph Clark, Representative. 
 
 Voted to sell the house that Mr. Frairy gave to the town 
 and church, all excepting brick and clay, and lay out the 
 money in fencing the land belonging to said house. 
 
 The burying-place was let to Joseph Metcalf for a term 
 of fourteen years, he " to make a good and sufficient fence 
 around it, and to suffer such graves to be dug as there may 
 be need of." 
 
 PROCEEDINGS IN RELATION TO MR. BAXTER's CALL. 
 
 To Mr. Joseph Baxter : 
 
 Reverend Sir : wee the Subscribers who weare chosen by Church and 
 Town to aquaint your self with the act and vote of Church & Towne, in 
 giving you a Call to settlement in the work of the ministry in this town, 
 & in order to office on the Churches part having understood tht some of 
 our church & Town have by writting intimated to youre self tht things 
 weare not represented to you as they are or weare. These lines are to 
 give you a more particular account off the Seveiall steps of the Church 
 and Town took in calling one to be helpful! to them in the work of the 
 ministry & to settlement in tht work. 
 
 December, 1695. At a church meeting it was agreed upon to lay 
 down and let fall all matters conscerning Mr Tomson. And to call som 
 other man to settelment in the work of the ministry, the town was 
 aquainted with itt. 
 
 Som objected tht they weare not ready to call one to settlement but in 
 order to settlement first to which the Church complyed, & at a church 
 meeting the 6th agreed to proceed and go before in ye nomination of a 
 man in order to settelment in sd work, as the Law and advice of Elders 
 did direct. The Church did vote. And all the votes except one or two 
 weare for Mr. Joseph Baxter, the Town weare aquainted with wt the 
 Church had done & weare desired to show their consent by bringing in 
 theire votes & when it was done the number was esteemed to bee but 
 a bare major part of the Town without the Church. Severall of the 
 Town declared their dislike of what the Church had don in acting by 
 themselves and before the Town. And said if the Church would let fall 
 their former vote, & Church and Town mite act together they would vote 
 to call a man in order to settellment in the work of the ministry, upon 
 this the Church by theire messengers did ask the advice of severall 
 Elders wt to doe, & the Elders som if not all of them tht weare desired 
 
REBUILDING AND PROGRESS, 1 677- 1 699. IO7 
 
 to advise in tht matter did seme to favor the acting together rather than 
 to breake love & peace for which cause the Church did Comply to acte 
 together, notice was given and time apinted, the votes weare given in 
 sorted and tould, theare was abut 60 votes 50 odd for Mr Baxter two 
 men weare chosen to aquaint Mr. Baxter with the vote of the Church 
 & Town and to desire him to help us in the work of the ministry : 
 accordingly he did for about six weekes. It was moved by many of the 
 Church and town to call Mr Baxter to full settlement in the work of the 
 ministry. The Church & Town weare stayed after meeting on a sabbath 
 day & it was proposed whether they would call Mr Joieph Baxter to full 
 settlement in the work of the ministry among us non objected, it was put 
 to vote by desiring them that weare for itt to hold up theire hands no 
 question was made of its being a vote of the majar part conscerned, it 
 was then proposed whether we should doe it the next sabbath day after 
 meeting non objected then it was voted so to doe. And when said time 
 came it was proposed tht such as ware for caling Mr Joseph Baxter to 
 full settelment in the work of the ministry in this town & in order to 
 office on the Churches part would manifest itt by holding up theire 
 hands, which was don by so many as tht non did object against the vote. 
 Some time after about one month the selectmen gave order to the Con- 
 stables to warn the town to Consider what to propose to Mr Baxter 
 for his incoragment in case he take up with us & settell in the work 
 of the ministry in this town, at the time appointed theare was a meet- 
 ing, & something acted and voted to doe for him in case he should 
 so do. And three men weare chosen and desired to aquaint Mr 
 Baxter of the call to settelment & wht was voted for his incoragment. 
 
 John Harding, 
 Sam'l Morse, 
 Eleazar Adams, 
 the committee above said. 
 
 1697. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, John Harding, 
 Eleazar Adams, John Plimpton, and John Bullen. 
 
 John Thurston, Representative. 
 
 Judge Sewall, in his Diary for 1697, speaks of visiting 
 Medfield, calling upon Mrs. Wilson, viewing Mr. Baxter's 
 house, and "the orchard that Mr. Frairy hath given to the 
 ministry, which hath a living brook running by it and 
 through Mr. Baxter's." He had bought the old homestead 
 of John Bullard on Main Street, nearly opposite the head 
 of Spring Street, and built a house upon it, which is still 
 standing. He was settled April 21, 1697: having been 
 
io8 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 BAXTER HOMESTEAD. 
 
 called to the pastorate at the age of nineteen. The 
 church waited two years for him to come of age before 
 ordination. 
 
 MEMBERS OF THE 
 
 Mr. John Wilson, Physician. 
 Dea. John Harding. 
 Capt. Thomas Thurston. 
 John Turner, Sen. 
 Isaac Chenery, Sen. 
 Benjamin Clark. 
 Ephraim Wight, Sen. 
 John Fisher, Sen. 
 Eleazar Adams. 
 Samuel Rockwood. 
 Joseph BuUen. 
 John Bullen. 
 Joseph Allen. 
 
 PARISH CHURCH IN 1697. 
 Men. 
 
 James Fales, Sen. 
 John Thurston, Sen. 
 Ens. Edward Adams. 
 Samuel Wight, Sen. 
 Joseph Clark, Sen. 
 Nathaniel Allen. 
 Joseph Daniel, Sen. 
 John Partridge, Jr. 
 John Richardson. 
 Peter Adams. 
 John Adams. 
 Joseph BuUard, Sen. 
 
 Women. 
 
 Mrs. Wilson. 
 
 Mrs. Fairbank. 
 
 Sarah Hamant, wid. of Francis. 
 
 Abigail Bullen, wf. of Joseph. 
 Judith Bullen, wf. of John. 
 Hannah Rockwood, wf. of Samuel. 
 
REBUILDING AND PROGRESS, 1677-1699. IO9 
 
 Alice Clark, wid. of Joseph. Experience Warren, wf. of Joseph. 
 
 "Widow Clark, the younger." Abigail Mason, wf. of Robert. 
 
 Priscilla Morse, wid. of Joseph. Lydia Wight, wf. of Ephraim. 
 
 Rebecca Turner, wid. of Isaac. Sarah BuUard, wf. of Joseph. 
 
 Hannah Wight, wf. of Samuel. Sarah Wheelock, wf. of Samuel. 
 
 Hannah Allen, wf. of Joseph. Hannah Fisher, wf. of John. 
 
 Bethiah Fisk, wid. of Benjamin. Joan Ellis, wid. of John. 
 
 Mary Allen, wf. of Nathaniel. " Widdow Wheelock." 
 
 Dorcas Clark, wf. of Benjamin. Lydia Lovell, wf. of Alexander. 
 
 Mary Thurston, wf. of John. Mary Metcalf, wf. of John. 
 
 M^ry Clark, wf. of Joseph. Susannah Fairbank. 
 
 Elizabeth Adams, wf. of Eleazar. Elizabeth Allen, wf . of William. 
 
 Mary Johnson, wf. of Dr. Return. Rebecca Richardson, wf. of John. 
 
 Rebecca Pratt, wf. of John. Experience Adams, wf. of Peter. 
 
 Sarah Partridge, wid. of William. Mary Clark, wf. of John. 
 
 Widow Margery Stacy. Widow Clap. 
 
 Elizabeth Harding, wf. of John. Wife of James Fales, Sen. 
 
 A few of the members of the Medfield church lived in 
 that part of Dedham which is now Walpole. 
 
 1698. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, John Harding, Ben- 
 jamin Clark, Edward Adams, and Eleazar Adams. 
 
 Samuel Barber, Representative. 
 
 The first couple on record married by Mr. Baxter in this 
 town was Jonathan Boyden and Rachel Fisher, in 1698. 
 
 1699. Selectmen, Benjamin Clark, John Metcalf, 
 Edward Adams, and John Fisher, Jr. 
 
 Benjamin Clark, Representative. 
 
 Three pounds of the money raised for schools was to be 
 expended for those living on the west side of the river. 
 
 Ichabod Harding, John Harding, Joseph Allen, Joseph 
 Bullen, John Bullen, and Samuel Rocket were granted a spot 
 of land near the meeting-house to build a horse-shed upon. 
 It was to be "near the town brook, between the shop of 
 John Fisher, Sen., and said brook, down stream of the way." 
 
 Dr. Return Johnson kept school again at Js. a week. 
 Peter Adams had £,2, gj. iii^. for his wife's keeping school 
 on the west side, the first instance on our records of the 
 employment of a female teacher. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 ANNALS OF THE TOWN DURING THE TRANSITION 
 PERIOD, 1700-1764. 
 
 T T has been well said that the early history of New Eng- 
 land is very naturally divided into three periods : — 
 
 The first, or Puritan period, continued during the life- 
 time of the. first comers, whose education had been acquired 
 and whose tastes had been formed in England. 
 
 The second, or transition period, commenced when the 
 sons and grandsons of the original settlers came to the front 
 in local and colonial affairs. The generation reared in this 
 new country had standards of culture and mental habits 
 differing widely from those of their fathers. They were, 
 however, good and loyal subjects of the crown. 
 
 The third, or Revolutionary period, commenced with that 
 series of events which culminated in the independence of 
 the American Colonies. 
 
 At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the second 
 period may be considered as having commenced. The 
 fathers had now left the scenes of their former active life, 
 and a new generation occupied their places. Of all the men 
 who came to Medfield during the first ten years of its ex- 
 istence, only six remained; namely, Robert Mason, John 
 Partridge, Alexander Lovell, Edward Adams, John Turner, 
 and John Pratt. None of these except Edward Adams now 
 took any part in public affairs. They lingered yet a little 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-1764. Ill 
 
 while in the decrepitude of age, but the duties of active life 
 were performed by other men. But few new names had 
 appeared in town, and those who held office for the next 
 half-century were most of them from the families of the 
 first settlers. 
 
 1700. Selectmen, Henry Adams, Edward Adams, Ben- 
 jamin Clark, John Harding, and Samuel Barber. 
 
 Samuel Barber, Representative. 
 
 Henry Adams was chosen the first town treasurer. Prior 
 to this date, the selectmen received the rates and other in- 
 come of the town, and paid the bills as they were presented. 
 A large part of the early records consisted of selectmen's 
 accounts. 
 
 Land was granted for a burying-place on the west side of 
 the river. It was not laid out till 17 14, and was the old part 
 of the cemetery in East Medway. 
 
 Dr. Johnson kept school again. Sergeant Joseph Daniel 
 was schoolmaster on the west side. £1$ raised for school 
 purposes. 
 
 The old meeting-house now needed extensive repairs, and 
 there began to be talk in town-meeting about building a new 
 one. 
 
 1701. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Edward Adams, 
 Henry Adams, Samuel Morse, and Benjamin Clark. 
 
 John Harding, Representative. 
 
 Isaac Baley began to keep school September 22. Benja- 
 min Clark " went down " after him, from which we infer that 
 he was from the college at Cambridge. It was the duty of 
 the selectmen to procure teachers in those days. Mr. Baley 
 kept school six months, for which he was paid £1^ los. 
 in money. 
 
 The town laid in a stock of ammunition, — a barrel of pow- 
 der, sixty-three pounds of bullets, and three hundred flints. 
 
 1702. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Henry Adams, Ed- 
 ward Adams, Joseph Metcalf, and John Adams, Jr. 
 
 Edward Adams, Representative. 
 
112 
 
 ■HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Two men were deputed to go to Mendon and agree with 
 Mrs. Wilson concerning arrears due to Mr. Wilson, and take 
 a receipt in full. 
 
 PROPRIETORS OF 1/02. 
 
 The "black swamp" land was laid out, and the following 
 is the recorded list of proprietors, embracing all the land- 
 holders at that time in Medfield, both sides of the river. 
 Those on the west side are marked with an asterisk. 
 
 Mr Baxter 
 
 En Edwer Adams 
 
 Eleas' Adams 
 
 Henry Adams 
 *Jasper Adams 
 *John Adams Ed son 
 
 John Adams mil'^ 
 
 John Adams min 
 *Jonath Adams se 
 *Jonath Adams jr 
 
 Joseph Adams 
 
 Mary Adams 
 *peter Adams 
 
 Sam" Adams 
 *Sergt Adams 
 *Benj AUin se 
 
 Benj AUin 
 
 Joseph Allin se 
 
 Joseph Allin jr 
 
 Nath" Allin se 
 *will'n Allin 
 
 John Barbers heirs 
 
 Sam" Barber 
 
 Zecha Barber 
 
 John Bower 
 
 Jonath Boyden se 
 
 Jonath Boyden jr 
 
 John Bullard 
 
 Elisha BuUen 
 
 ens John BuUen 
 
 Joseph BuUen 
 
 Sam" BuUen 
 
 Joseph Chaney 
 
 Benja Clark 
 *John Clark 
 
 Joseph Clark 
 
 Joseph Clarks heirs 
 
 Mary Clark 
 
 Nath" Clark 
 
 Noah Clark 
 
 Sam" Clark 
 
 Solo Clark 
 
 *Theop Clark 
 
 *Timo Clark 
 
 ♦Ebenez' Daniel 
 
 *Joseph Daniel jr 
 
 *Sergt Daniel 
 John Dwight 
 Eleazar EUice 
 
 *John EUice se 
 Joseph EUice 
 Samuel EUice 
 Math Evans 
 
 *george fairbank 
 
 *Jonath fisher 
 John fisher se 
 John fisher jr 
 John fisher min 
 widow fisk 
 
 *Henry gernsey 
 John Hamant 
 Timo Hamant 
 
 *Abrah Harding 
 decon Harding 
 Henry Harding 
 Ichabod Harding 
 
 *Sam" HiU 
 Dr Return Johnson 
 Elea Laland 
 allexand' lovel 
 Nath Lovel 
 Ebenez"^ Mason 
 Joseph mason 
 Joseph medcalfe 
 mical medc" heirs 
 Sergt medcalfe 
 Jeremy morse se 
 Jeremy morse jr 
 Joshua morse 
 Lieut morse 
 widow morse 
 Eleazar partredge 
 
 *John partredg 
 
 Nath' partredg 
 *Sam" partredg 
 
 wido partredg 
 
 will" partridge 
 
 *Zecha partredge 
 
 Jonath plimpton 
 
 Josep plimpton 
 
 Jose plimps heirs 
 
 Sergt plimpton 
 
 John pratt 
 *John Richerson 
 *widow Richerson 
 *John Rocket 
 *Josiah Rocket 
 
 Sam" Rocket 
 
 nehemy Sabin 
 *vincent shettleworth 
 
 Abigail Smith 
 
 Daniel Smith 
 
 Henry Smith 
 
 Sam" Smith 
 
 Sarah Smith 
 *Ebenez'' Thomson 
 
 Daniel Thurston 
 
 Decon Thurston 
 
 John Thurston jr 
 
 John Turner se 
 
 John Turner jr 
 
 widow Turner 
 
 Joseph warren 
 
 Eleazar whelock 
 
 Sarah whelock 
 
 Isaac whelor 
 
 Eleazar wight 
 
 Ephra wight se 
 
 Ephra wight jr 
 
 Josha wight 
 
 Joseph wight 
 
 Sam" wight se 
 
 Sam" wight jr 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I /DO- 1 764. II3 
 
 A road was laid out near John Hamant's house, over a 
 stony brook to "rail-tree neck." This was a portion of what 
 is now High Street, near its junction with Granite Street. 
 Mr. John Odlin, who graduated from Harvard this year, had 
 .;^I5 for keeping school; and £12 was granted to settle with 
 Mrs. Wilson. At a town-meeting, December 21, it was voted 
 " that the meeting be moved from the meeting-house to the 
 ordinary." There is no clew to the location of the "ordi- 
 nary," except that Eleazar Wheelock was called "innholder." 
 If this indication is reliable, the public house at that day 
 stood on the site of the present town hall. 
 
 1703. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Eleazar Adams, 
 Benjamin Clark, John Plimpton, and Samuel Morse. 
 
 John Thurston, Representative. 
 
 The March meeting was "moved to the ordinary," which 
 was doubtless a much more comfortable and attractive place 
 than the dilapidated old meeting-house. 
 
 Voted, That such inhabitants as will build a new meeting-house for 
 the town's use shall have liberty to set it where the school-house stands, 
 or where the old one stands, or near it ; and shall have the old one and 
 what appertains to it toward building and furnishing the new one. 
 
 From this vote, it appears that a better meeting-house was 
 desired by some of the people, and that there was talk of 
 building one by private enterprise. 
 
 1704. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Henry Adams, Ben- 
 jamin'Clark, Eleazar Adams, and John Metcalf. 
 
 John Metcalf, Representative. 
 
 Mr. John Odlin kept school again. 
 
 John Fisher, Jr., was appointed coroner, — the first men- 
 tion of the office. 
 
 Israel Rockwood, a soldier, died in service, probably 
 against the French and Indians. 
 
 1705. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Joseph Ellis, Joseph 
 Warren, "John Adams, Peter's son," and Eleazar Wheelock. 
 
 John Metcalf, Representative. 
 
114 HISTORY OF MEDFJELD. 
 
 A NEW MEETING-HOUSE. 
 
 Voted, To build a new meeting-house, and set it where the old one 
 standeth, or where the school-house standeth, as the committee that 
 shall be chosen shall decide. 
 
 Voted, That whereas Several people Neighboring to this Town with- 
 out the bounds thereof, and in the bounds of our Neighboring Towns, 
 have had free liberty and priviledg in time past to join with us in the 
 publick worship of god, being Constant Dwellers and Constant Commers 
 and thare in Distinguished from Transient strangers, and they may Injoy 
 all such liberties and privilidges with us for the futer in all Respects 
 Relating to the publick worship of god so long as they shall bare a Due 
 proportion with us according to there known ability in building a New 
 meetting-house very near whare the old one standeth and in maintaining 
 the Same and so long as they shall bare a due proportion with us in our 
 pastors Sallary according to there Known ability from time to time. But 
 such of said Neighbours as shall neglect to Do such Dutys from time to 
 time shall have no farther Right in such priviledges with us. 
 
 The building committee consisted of Deacon John Hard- 
 ing, John Metcalf, George Fairbanks, Benjamin Clark, 
 Joseph Daniel, Coroner John Fisher, Henry Adams, Ser- 
 geant Jonathan Boyden, and Samuel Barber. 
 
 Voted, That those living west of the river shall have back half of 
 what they pay toward the meeting-house, in case they build one on that 
 side within twenty years. 
 
 The town voted to raise ;^I20 by taxes for the purposes 
 of building, one-half to be paid in money, the rest in labor 
 and materials at money prices. 
 
 1706. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Henry Adams, Cor- 
 oner John Fisher, Eleazar Ellis, and Benjamin Clark. 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 Voted, To lengthen out the meeting-house. 
 The first plan appears to have been deemed too small. 
 
 Granted, To Lieut. Samuell morse libertie to flow a small percel of 
 the Towns Co"on Swamp for the use of a fulling mill and also the 
 Towns Right in the stream near the Cowpen so long as there shall be a 
 fulling-mill maintained there. 
 
 This mill, built for the purpose of fulling hand-woven 
 cloth, was the first of the kind mentioned in this town. Its 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-1764. II5 
 
 location was not far from the present stone mill on the Ded- 
 ham road. 
 
 The meeting-house was built this year, as we learn from 
 the bills that were paid ; and from them we also learn that 
 it was clapboarded and shingled. Besides the town car- 
 penters, Comfort Star of Dedham and Robert Pond of 
 Wrentham, workmen of acknowledged ability, were engaged 
 for some of the more important parts. These two received 
 each three shillings a day for their labor. The glazing 
 was done by Ephraim Cutter, at a cost of ;£ii i8.y. There 
 is no account of mason-work. In fact, there were no chim- 
 neys to be built, though the house may have been plastered. 
 It is said there were two galleries, and that the " upper 
 gallery" was occupied by the negro slaves. But we have 
 no definite description of tha:t house. It lasted eighty-three 
 years, and stood, without doubt, on the spot where the old 
 one stood. 
 
 Voted, That the Comittee may sell all such board, plank, and timber 
 as did belong to the old meetting house as they judge not fitt to be 
 improved about the new meetting house or Repairing the School house. 
 
 A piece of rudely carved oak is still preserved, which was 
 taken from the front of the gallery when the meeting-house 
 of 1706 was pulled down. It bears the date 1656, the year 
 when the first pulpit was made. This ornament was prob- 
 ably a part of that piece of furniture, and was put into the 
 second house as a memento. 
 
 Men were drafted to go against the French ; and Vincent 
 Shuttleworth, Jr., was impressed for that service from Med- 
 field. He went to Port Royal and to the fort at Casco, 
 whence he was sent on service into the country, where he 
 was overtaken by a fire in the woods and seriously burned. 
 Being disabled from labor, he obtained help from the State, 
 forty years afterward, in consequence of the disaster. 
 
 1707. Selectmen, Henry Adams, Benjamin Clark, 
 Coroner John Fisher, Samuel Wight, Jr., and "John 
 Adams, Peter's son." 
 
 Samuel Morse, Representative. 
 
I l6 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Henry Adams was chosen town clerk. He held the ofifice 
 in all seven years. 
 
 £^o more appropriated to finish the meeting-house. 
 
 A leading way was laid out "at the house of Solomon 
 Clark from the common road to the swamp : turning in 
 between the house and the well, and leading along to the 
 brook, and over the brook " to the swamps of John Fisher 
 and others, "providing that the occupiers thereof do lay up 
 such fence or railes as are needful to prevent damage to the 
 lands it leadeth through." That leading way is still in use 
 from the house of Thomas S. Clark to the meadows near 
 " Devil' s-foot Island." 
 
 The names of those who attended church here from out 
 of town are mentioned, with the sums they paid toward Mr. 
 Baxter's support : Joshua Clap, gs. ; Eleazer Clap, ^s. ; 
 William Robbins, Sen., los. ; William Robbins, Jr., 5^. ; 
 Benjamin Chenery and Ebenezer Vales, amounts not given. 
 These lived in a part of Dedham, now Walpole. 
 
 John Draper gave 8s. ; and John Mason, 55-. They lived 
 in another part of Dedham, now Dover. 
 
 1708. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Jonathan Boyden, 
 Benjamin Clark, Joseph Ellis, and Nathaniel Partridge. 
 
 Samuel Barber was Representative. 
 
 At town-meeting, Jonathan Boyden was appointed "to 
 assist in managing the affairs of the day wherein the con- 
 stables were wont to assist." 
 
 £2S granted this year to finish the meeting-house. 
 
 1709. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Henry Adams, 
 Samuel Rockwood, Jonathan Adams, Jr., and Eleazar Ellis. 
 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 
 Voied, That the committee for placeing persons in the meetting house 
 shall have liberty to alter some seats below if they se cause, the charge 
 of altering them not to exceed ^i 10s. upon the town's account. 
 
 SEATS FOR WOMEN AND FOR MEN. 
 
 Voied, That half the meetting house Shall be for women to Sitt in 
 the northeast end of it ; and the southwest end of it for men except in 
 the new pews. 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-I764. 11/ 
 
 1710. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Henry Adams, 
 Ebenezer Mason, Sergeant Jonathan Adams, and Samuel 
 Rockwood. 
 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 
 Dr. Johnson, the first physician, had died in 1707, and 
 Dr. Samuel Adams appears. 
 
 Voted, That there shall be ten pounds Aded to Mr baxters 60 pound 
 Sallary this present year with what the neighbors in Deadham bounds 
 pay in. 
 
 ARREARS IN MR. BAXTER'S SALARY. 
 
 The town empowered the treasurer to sue for and recover 
 the arrears in that ;^50 promised to Mr. Baxter for his 
 "encouragement" at the time of his settlement, also for 
 the arrears in his salary in subsequent years. 
 
 Joshua Morse, having been chosen constable, was excused 
 from serving by the Governor. In those days, men elected 
 to office were required to serve or pay a fine, unless excused 
 by high authority. 
 
 1711. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Henry Adams, 
 Benjamin Clark, Coroner John Fisher, and Jonathan 
 Adams, Sen. 
 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 
 Three constables were chosen to collect the taxes, — 
 Jonathan Boyden for the south end, Jonathan Plympton 
 for the north end, and Timothy Clark for the west side. 
 
 Thomas Chaney kept school six months for ;£i2 and his 
 " diet." He was a recent graduate of Harvard College, as 
 were most of those mentioned as schoolmasters about that 
 time. 
 
 1712. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Coroner John Fisher, 
 Henry Adams, Benjamin Clark, and Samuel Rockwood. 
 
 Samuel Barber, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That no person shall box any more pine tiees in the common 
 Lands in the Town for turpentine pitch or Rossin without leave from 
 the Town. 
 
 Mr. John Stedman was engaged to keep school half a 
 year for ;£i2 "and pay for his Diet." 
 
Il8 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 MOVEMENT FOR THE DIVISION OF THE TOWN. 
 
 The people living west of Charles River began to think 
 about maintaining separate interests there, and a petition of 
 some sort was presented to the town. After much debate 
 in town-meeting, it was voted that it be not granted, and it 
 appears that they then sent a petition to the General Court. 
 
 Chose Capt Jonathan Boyden, Lieut Samuel Morse, nathaniel par- 
 tridge, Jonathan plimpton, and Sam" Barber to give in the Reasons to 
 the great and General Court why the petition of Some of the Inhabi- 
 tants of medfield on the west side of Charl River should not be 
 granted : also that the Said persons who are to give the Reasons why 
 said petition should not be granted shall have no liberty nor power to 
 do or act in any way anything for the Dividing of the Town. 
 
 Later, this record was made : — 
 
 In consideration that the General Court have Recommended to the 
 town of medfield to Raise money towards the building another meetting 
 house on the west Side of Charls River with Some other things : 
 The Selectmen granted a warrant to the Constables to warn a Town 
 meetting. 
 
 Voted to defer the matter to the next March meeting. 
 
 1713. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Jonathan Boyden, 
 Samuel Morse, Isaac Wheeler, and Nathaniel Partridge. 
 Samuel Barber, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That the Town shall petition the General Court Declaring 
 there inability to build an other meetting house in the Town and to bare 
 the Charge Attending of it. 
 
 Appropriated ;£io for " bareing the necessary Charges 
 that may A Rise for the promotting Said petition." Here- 
 upon, several persons "entred there Decent." 
 
 In answer to the petition of the west-side people, the 
 General Court appointed a committee to come here and look 
 over the ground with reference to a division of the town. 
 They reported in favor of division. 
 
 Judge Sewall tells us that, on October 24, he " helped the 
 Secretary prepare the bill for Medway, the new town on the 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-1764. I I9 
 
 west of Charles River." The act was passed the next day, 
 and reads as follows : — 
 
 AN ACT FOR DIVIDING OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MEDFIELD AND 
 ERECTING A NEW TOWN THERE BY THE NAME OF MEDWAY. 
 
 Whereas the lands of the Township of Medfield within the County 
 of Suffolk lye situate on Charles River, to wit on both sides of the said 
 River being divided by the same : and the Town plat and principal set- 
 tlement, as also the Meeting-house for the Publick Worship of God, 
 beiog seated on the East side for the accommodation of the first and 
 Ancient Inhabitants, who are now much increased, many issued forth 
 and settled on the West side of the River to a competent number for a 
 distinct Town of themselves, and labor under many hardships and Diffi- 
 culties by reason of separation by the River to enjoy equal benefit and 
 town privileges with others their fellow Townsmen and neighbors, and 
 have therefore made application to the Town as also addressed this 
 Court to be made a distinct Town. Committees appointed by this Court 
 having been upon the Ground, viewed the same and Reported in their 
 favor for proper bounds to be set them. 
 
 Be it enacted by his Excellency the Governour, Council, and Representa- 
 tives in General Court assembled and by the Authority of the same: 
 
 That all those Lands lying on the West Side of Charles River, now 
 part of the Township of Medfield, be Erected and made into a Distinct 
 and Separate Town by the name of Medway, the River to be the Bounds 
 betwixt the Two Towns. And that the Inhabitants of Medway have, 
 use and exercise and enjoy all such power and privileges which other 
 Towns have, and so by law use, exercise & enjoy. So that they procure 
 and Settle a Learned, Orthodox Minister of good Conversation among 
 them and make provision for an Hon'able support & maintainance 
 for him. And that in order thereto, they be Discharged from further 
 payment to the Ministry in Medfield from and after the last day of Feb- 
 ruary next. 
 
 Provided also. That all Province and Town Taxes that are already 
 Levied or Granted, be collected and paid, and all Town Rights and 
 Common undivided Lands remain to be divided among the Interested as 
 if no Separation had been made. 
 
 And Mr. George Fairbanks, a principal Inhabitant of said Town of 
 Medway, is hereby Directed and Impowered to notify and Summon the 
 Inhabitants duly qualified for Voters to Assemble and meet together for 
 the Choosing of Town Officers to stand untill the next Annual Election 
 according to Law. 
 
I20~- 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 THE FOUNDERS OF MEDWAY. 
 
 The proprietors living on the west side in 1713, founders 
 of the town of Medway, were the following: — 
 
 Daniel Adams. 
 Jasper Adams. 
 John Adams. 
 Jonathan Adams. 
 Jonathan Adams, Jr. 
 Sergeant Jonathan Adams. 
 Joseph Adams. 
 Obadiah Adams. 
 Peter Adams. 
 James Allen. 
 William Allen. 
 John Barber. 
 Joseph Barber. 
 John BuUard. 
 Malachi Bullard. 
 William Burgess. 
 Theophilus Clark. 
 Timothy Clark. 
 Edward Clark. 
 Joseph Curtis. 
 Ebenezer Daniel. 
 Jeremiah Daniel. 
 Joseph Daniel. 
 Joseph Daniel, Jr. 
 Samuel Daniel. 
 
 John Ellis. 
 Joseph Ellis, Jr. 
 George Fairbanks. 
 George Fairbanks, Jr. 
 Henry Guernsey. 
 Abraham Harding. 
 Abraham Harding, Jr. 
 John Harding. 
 Thomas Harding. 
 Samuel Hill. 
 Samuel Hill, Jr. 
 Ephraim Hill. 
 Michael Metcalf. 
 Samuel Metcalf. 
 Benoni Partridge. 
 John Partridge. 
 Jonathan Partridge. 
 Samuel Partridge. 
 Daniel Richardson. 
 John Richardson. 
 John Rockwood. 
 Josiah Rockwood. 
 Ebenezer Thompson. 
 Nathaniel Whiting. 
 Nathaniel Wight. 
 
 SCHOOL. 
 
 Paid to Capt John Mills for Journy to medfield to sumon the Select- 
 men to answer for the Towns being presented for being without a 
 school and clerks fee, los. 
 
 Province tax, £2^^ los. County tax, £^5 7^- 6^- 
 
 X714:. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Samuel Rockwood, 
 Samuel Smith, John Dwight, and Matthias Evans. 
 
 Samuel Smith, Representative. 
 
 A proposition was made to the town of Medway to change 
 the boundary line by drawing a straight line from Dwight's 
 Bridge to near the point where Boggestow Brook falls into 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-I764. 121 
 
 Charles River, and, in consideration, to give Medway all 
 the undivided common lands lying west of that line, they 
 to quit-claim to Medfield all such land lying east of it. 
 Medway refused the offer. It would have saved the propri- 
 etors of undivided lands a great deal of trouble afterward, 
 if this plan had been adopted. 
 
 The Selectmen of Medfield Assembled with the Selectmen of Med- 
 way to Recon and find out what was due to the Town of Medway for 
 there helping build medfield meetting house, and upon a Reconing 
 found Due to them £z7, 9^. 4^. 
 
 Medfield's proportion of the province tax was £,\\^ \s. 8d. 
 Medway's proportion was £$2 14s. 
 
 1715. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Samuel Smith, 
 Ebenezer Mason, Samuel Rockwood, and John Dwight. 
 Jonathan Boyden, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That there is need of a proprietors meetting both of the 
 proprietors of medfield and medway for the ordering and Disposing 
 of the undivided Lands. 
 
 A wolf was killed by Samuel Bullen and Joshua Morse, 
 for which they received a bounty oi £\. 
 
 • 1716. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, John Fisher, Samuel 
 Smith, Ebenezer Mason, and Joseph Ellis. 
 John Fisher, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That the way from the Country Road to william partredges 
 house shall be shut up at both ends. 
 
 This road was near the present Green, Summer, and Pine 
 Streets. 
 
 Voted, That the Selectmen shall place persons in the meetting house, 
 and to lay out of the Towns money wt is needed for a new pew. 
 
 Edward Adams died, the last of the original settlers. 
 
 1717. Selectmen, Henry Adams, Joseph Ellis, Eben- 
 ezer Mason, Samuel Smith, and John Bowers. 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 Mr. Baxter's salary was advanced to £80. 
 
122 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 A road was laid out " from a little bridge near the house 
 of Samuel Smith to the end of Samuel Clark's field." This 
 was the beginning of Granite Street. 
 
 proprietors' meeting. 
 
 The proprietors of the common and undivided lands in 
 Medfield and Medway organized in 1717, under a warrant 
 from Penn Townsend, for the purpose of preventijig 
 encroachments upon the common lands and the cutting 
 down of young trees, with a view also to the division of 
 said lands among the proprietors. These " proprietors " 
 were the real-estate owners and tax-payers of both towns. 
 A meeting was called at the meeting-house in Medfield. 
 Jonathan Plympton was chosen moderator and proprietors' 
 clerk. A committee of five — Henry Adams, Joseph Clark, 
 and Jonathan Plimpton of Medfield, John Rockwood and 
 John Bullard of Medway — was chosen to call meetings of 
 the proprietors in future. Neither town alone could hence- 
 forth grant lands. Tha;t must be done conjointly at the 
 proprietors' meetings. 
 
 1718. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Henry Adams, 
 Samuel Smith, Eleazar Ellis, and Captain Joseph Clark. ■ 
 John Adams, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That the Select Men shall petition the General Court in the 
 Name of the Town to grant them Some Country Land in consideration 
 of so many familys, and so much Land taken from them and to prose- 
 cute it to efect so far as thay can se any probabillity to obtain it at the 
 Towns charge. 
 
 This was the first recorded movement toward the settle- 
 ment at "New Medfield" or Sturbridge. 
 
 Voted, That whatsoever person or persons with in this Town bounds 
 in the mounths of April and may in this present year kill any Ratle 
 Snake or Ratle Snakes in this town bounds shall have six pence a snake 
 by bringing for evidence an inch of the snakes tail To the Treas' when 
 he shall have his pay. 
 
 Granted ^20 for the school, "to be Kept at three parts 
 of the Town some time at one part and some time at 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-1764. I23 
 
 another as the select men shall order it." This was the 
 first step toward the establishment of the North and South 
 Schools. Previous to this, the school had been kept at the 
 centre for the whole town. 
 
 THE NEW ROAD TO DEDHAM. 
 
 The town petitioned for a new way to be laid out between 
 Medfield and Dedham ; and the road now generally travelled 
 between the two towns was built. 
 
 X719. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Coroner John 
 Fisher, John Dwight, Samuel Smith, and Joseph Ellis. 
 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 
 It appears that people were in the habit of taking away 
 timber trees from the common lands, as the proprietors 
 voted " to take some care that the timber be not stryed 
 upon broad medow Island." 
 
 It was decided to lay out nine hundred acres of the 
 common lands, of which there were tracts lying around the 
 farms in every section of both towns. All the freeholders, 
 and other inhabitants having twenty pounds of ratable 
 estate, as well as "antient men whose heads through age" 
 were left out in making the taxes, were to share proportion- 
 ately. 
 
 Other land was laid out at various, times afterward ; and 
 the business of the proprietors continued nearly a century, 
 their last recorded meeting having been held in 1817. 
 
 In answer to the petition of the selectmen of Medfield, 
 the Court, October 26, ordered, — 
 
 That the way leading from the town of Dedham to the town of 
 Medfield be and is alowed and Declared to be a Publick Road or high- 
 way as apears upon Court Records. 
 
 1720. Selectmen, Samuel Barber, Jonathan Boyden, 
 Samuel Smith, Eleazar Wheelock, and Joseph Clark. 
 Coroner John Fisher was Representative. 
 
124 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 NOON HOUSE. 
 
 Jonathan Plimpton, Henry Smith, David Morse, Nathaniel 
 Morse, John Allen, and Samuel Clark, all of whom lived in 
 the outermost portions of the town, asked of the proprie- 
 tors "a small piece of land to sett a house upon, about 12 
 feet square, for Conveniency on the Sabath days between 
 meetings." 
 
 1721. Selectmen, Henry Adams, Samuel Smith, Joseph 
 Ellis, Jonathan Plimpton, and Solomon Clark. 
 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 
 The selectmen employed John Bullen to keep school at 
 his house in the north part of the town. Stephen Sabin 
 was also to keep school at his own house. At a town- 
 meeting, "it was put to vote whether they were of the mind 
 to take up their proportion of the bank-bills out of the prov- 
 ince Treasury. It was voted in the afifirmative." Three 
 men were then chosen as trustees, with instructions to keep 
 a fair account, and to let to no one man above £,20 nor less 
 than £,\o, and never without surety. 
 
 March 31, 1721, the Legislature had voted to loan ;^50,ooo 
 to the towns with certain restrictions. This was the origin 
 of the paper money afterward known as "bills of public 
 credit." 
 
 These bills greatly depreciated, and were redeemed finally 
 in 1751 at the rate of ten for one. 
 
 1722. Selectmen, Henry Adams, Samuel Smith, Jona- 
 than Plimpton, Joseph Ellis, and Eleazar Bullard. 
 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 
 Voted that a monthly contribution be taken for Mr. 
 Baxter in addition to his salary. 
 
 It was ordered that the school be kept a part of the year 
 near Ebenezer Mason's, or the house that was Eleazar 
 Partridge's (corner of North and. Railroad Streets), and a 
 part of the year near Isaac Wheeler's or Captain Clark's 
 (Curve Street). 
 
 Troops were raised to go against the French and Indians ; 
 
ANNULS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-I764. I25 
 
 and, in the rolls of the State,, we find the names of eleven 
 soldiers from Medfield : — 
 
 Eleazar Thompson. Samuel Ellis. 
 
 Solomon BuUard. James Penniman. 
 
 Benjamin Archer. Peter Cooledge. 
 
 Pompey Fisher. Benjamin Force. 
 
 John Wilson. John Bullen. 
 Job Partridge. 
 
 These were not all natives of this town, but were perhaps 
 hired for the service. 
 
 GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 
 
 The town was held to answer for not maintaining a 
 grammar i school according to law, and the following is the 
 reply of the selectmen : — 
 
 Dec. 26, 1722. 
 
 Whereas the town of Medfield having been presented for some defi- 
 ciency in a school according to law, we, whose names are underwritten, 
 being selectmen of the said town of Medfield, do certifie your honors 
 that for several years past we have had a constant schoolmaster who is 
 very capable to learn to read and write &c. in English, and is very inclin- 
 able for that work ; and we have not at any time been without such a 
 school except it were a small space of time last July, when the school- 
 master was taken ill and incapable of that work : we, the selectmen, did 
 quickly seek out another to supply that place. And we have been con- 
 stantly supplied to this time till the same schoolmaster hath been recov- 
 ered and is now engaged in that work. And, may it please your honors, 
 we are certain^ that we had such a school when that presentment was 
 made. , 
 
 And as for the number of householders or families in our town refer- 
 ring to a grammar school. Indeed in former years we had such a num- 
 ber of families and had a grammar school for some years before Med- 
 way was taken from us and is a distinct town : we were ready to conform 
 to our duty in the law, but now, may it please your honors, our town fall- 
 eth short considerably of 100 householders or families, we having suffi- 
 cient knowledge of every family within the town bounds, which bounds 
 contains no more than 3 mile one way and 4 miles the other way. And 
 to the best of our understandings we have carefully reckoned up all the 
 families in the town and can find but 94 families. 
 
 . About this date, the road from South Street to the mill, 
 now known as Philip Street, is mentioned ; but the record 
 of the laying out of that road is lost. 
 
126 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1723. Selectmen, Heory Adams, Samuel Smith, 
 Jonathan Plimpton, Solomon Clark, and Abraham Harding. 
 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 
 A highway was laid out from John Allen's house, extend- 
 ing eastward or north-eastward to a little brook near Samuel 
 Clark's house. This was what is now called Rocky Lane, 
 with an unused way, and parts of Granite Street. 
 
 THE NATICK DAM. 
 
 Voted, To petition the General Court not to grant liberty to Mr. 
 Thoma.s Sawing to make a Dam Cross Charles River at natick least it 
 prove a damage to our medows. 
 
 Sawin built a saw-mill about this time on Charles River at 
 Natick, but, owing to the prevention of drainage to the 
 meadows, was compelled to remove it. 
 
 Voted, That the School might be kept in the midle of the Town 
 some time this winter. 
 
 Granted £26 for a grammar school. The following papers 
 are found in the State archives : — 
 
 March 19, 1723. 
 These may certifie whom it may concern that we the subscribers, 
 understanding that the selectmen of Medfield have procured Mr. Jabez 
 Wight to teach a grammar school in Medfield, and being desired by the 
 said selectmen to signifie our approbation of him as the law directs, do 
 well approve the said Mr. Wight as a person suitably qualified according 
 to law for that service, and some of us know that he is now engaged in 
 that work in Medfield. 
 
 Joseph Baxter. 
 Daniel Baker. 
 Henry Messinger. 
 
 March 26, 1723. 
 These may certifie the honored his Majesties Justices in their 
 session of the peace for the county of Suffolk at Boston, March the 
 ?7th, 1723. That the subscribers, being selectmen of Medfield, have 
 procured a grammar schoolmaster within our town, being one Mr. Jabez 
 Wight, who is approved by the ministers as the law directs, who is now 
 for some time engaged in that work in Medfield, but not to trouble your 
 honours with anything now at this time as to the number of families in 
 our town. We remain your honours humble servants with submission 
 to your wise determination. 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, 17OO-1764. 12/ 
 
 In 1723, the Representative to the General Court served 
 eighty-nine days, at 4s. a day, which was, according to the 
 custom then, paid by the town. 
 
 X724:. Selectmen, Henry Adams, Samuel Smith, 
 Eleazar Bullard, Jonathan Plimpton, and Abraham Harding. 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 
 MEETING-HOUSE POND. 
 
 In answer to the petition of William Plimpton, The Town grant him 
 liberty to make a Dam Cross the brook near the meeting house, about 
 five or six feet high, for the use of a fulling mill to be set near the house 
 of Joseph Ellice, with the use of so much land at the brook as such a 
 Dam may flow with water for so long a time as he, his heirs or assigns 
 shall maintain a fulling mill for the benefit of the Town, provided 
 that it be no Damage to the Country Road at the little bridge just 
 above ; provided that he make good what Damage Cometh thereby to 
 the pound or to any perticular near neighbor, and that the water be 
 always let out for two months in the summer time yearly in the months 
 of July and August. 
 
 ;£ioo granted to finish the meeting-house "for more con- 
 veniency." 
 
 It was put to vote whether the town would have the two side galleries 
 taken up and made narrower for more Conveniency and prospect; and 
 it passed in the negative. 
 
 At a subsequent meeting, voted "that the committee shall 
 take away two seats in each end gallery at the Towns 
 Charge." 
 
 1725. Selectmen, Henry Adams, Solomon Clark, 
 Samuel Smith, Samuel Clark, and John Ellis. 
 
 Solomon Clark, Representative. 
 
 The March meeting was moved to the house of Samuel 
 Sadey, " by Reason of the Cold." Sadey kept tavern on 
 North Street, opposite the head of Dale Street. 
 
 Mr. Baxter's salary was advanced to ;£ioo. 
 
 ;£'30 to be raised "for further work about the meeting 
 house ; to make two seats Round in the uper Gallerys ; and 
 finishing the whitewashing and underpining the meeting- 
 
128 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 house ; Raising tlie pulpit ; and other things that shall be 
 thought necessary, as far as the money will go." 
 
 The Evans estate, near the corner of Bridge and Main 
 Streets, was settled in 1725 ; and in the papers mention is 
 made of a point on the brook "where the mill did stand." 
 There is a tradition that there was once a mill in that locality, 
 but no further reference to it has been found in writing. 
 
 1726. Selectmen, Samuel Smith, Henry Adams, 
 Joseph Plimpton, John Dwight, and Ichabod Harding. 
 
 George Barber, Representative. 
 
 Samuel Smith was elected town clerk. He served nine 
 years. 
 
 Joseph Baxter, Jr., kept school for ^^30. 
 
 A "widow Bullard" had been the only pauper for several 
 years. 
 
 1727. Selectmen, Samuel Smith, John Dwight, Joseph 
 Plimpton, Samuel Clark, and John Ellis. 
 
 Joshua Morse, Representative. 
 
 A petition was presented to the selectmen that they 
 would lay out a road "over the mill brook neare the Land 
 of Samuel Bullens Caled the Divident, and so along by 
 Nathaniel Clark's Lott and over a small brook near the 
 meadow of Isaac Chinerys, and from thence along to the 
 Contry Road upon the hill a little beyond the sawmill." 
 This is the road through the woods in the easterly part of 
 the town, turning from Main Street near the stone mill. 
 
 A petition was presented to the General Court for a 
 grant of land lying between Oxford, Brimfield, Brookfield, 
 and the province line. This was signed by Joshua Morse, 
 Abraham Harding, Joseph Plimpton, Jonathan Boyden, and 
 several others, residents of other towns. 
 
 1728. Selectmen, Samuel Smith, John Ellis, Ebenezer 
 Mason, Samuel Wight, and Henry Adams. 
 
 Henry Adams, Representative. 
 
 A road was laid out "from the highway that goes over 
 mill brook by Bullens Devident, to Stephen Sabins house, 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-I764. 1 29 
 
 to go on the southwest side of the house till it comes to 
 Two Great Rocks, then Turn Northward till it Comes into 
 the Country Road by Joshua Morses fence " ; provided the 
 road be made without expense to the town. 
 
 This was the old way in the woods from the Dedham 
 road, turning in at " Hatter Hill," southward through what is 
 known as " Goudy " to mill brook. 
 
 A piece of land bounded east and south by North and 
 Dale Streets was set apart for the town's use. It continued 
 public property a long time. 
 
 1729. Selectmen, Samuel Smith, Jonathan Plimpton, 
 Stephen Sabin, Samuel Sadey, and John Adams. 
 
 Mr. Baxter's salary was made ;£ 1 20. 
 
 A proposition was made to grant money for the purpose 
 of building school-houses in the different parts of the town. 
 It was voted down. 
 
 1730. Selectmen, Samuel Smith, Jonathan Plimpton, 
 Samuel Clark, Stephen Sabin, and Ebenezer Mason. 
 
 Ebenezer Mason, Representative. 
 
 Voted, To Build two School houses and to place them on some Con- 
 venient Place not exceeding three-quarters of a mile Both Southward 
 and Northward from the meeting house neare the Roads that lead 
 towards Sherborn and Wrentham. 
 
 Granted .£50 for the purpose. 
 
 1731. Selectmen, Samuel Smith, Abraham Harding, 
 Joseph Plimpton, John Ellis, and George Barber. 
 
 Joseph Plimpton, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That the boys shall set in the short seats such as are under 
 sixteen years of age on the Saboth day; that the present tything men 
 Take Care of the boys that they do not Profane the Saboth. 
 
 Voted, That the Town's Stock of pouder & Bullets Be kept in the 
 meeting house. 
 
 The attic of the meeting-house was frequently in those 
 days used for a magazine. 
 
 Mr. Baxter had a grant from the town of half an acre near 
 the meeting-house to build a house upon. He did not pro- 
 
130 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 ceed with the building. The lot was that now occupied by 
 the straw works. 
 
 Granted £6 " to purchase a funeral Cloath and one pound 
 for a bier." £\ \2.s. M. raised "to encorrag the killing of 
 wild cats." 
 
 MOVEMENT FOR A NEW COUNTY. 
 
 Voted, To petition the General Court with Other of the Neighboring 
 Towns that shall Joyne with them that there may be a new County 
 Errected and set up in the County of Suffolk. 
 
 1732. Selectmen, Samuel Smith, Jonathan Plimpton, 
 Ebenezer Mason, Samuel Clark, and Ephraim Wight. 
 
 Joshua Morse, Representative. 
 
 A committee was chosen to build two new school-houses, 
 each eighteen by sixteen feet. They were instructed to 
 "Improve the old School House to help Build the new 
 ones." One of these was built near the site of the present 
 South School-house, the other just north of Dale Street. 
 
 Joseph Metcalf is appointed to take care of and keep the Town's 
 funeral Cloath so long as he shall take care to digg the Graves. 
 
 Voted, That the Committee shall Place persons in the meeting house 
 by age and Estates, that is to say : To Ballance one year of age with 
 one pound of Raal and personal estate by the last year's Bill given in 
 for assessments, excepting such persons as are of fifty years of age and 
 upwards it is left in the Judgment of the Committee to advance such as 
 they Please. 
 
 Mr. Baxter's salary was to be ;£i30. 
 
 1733. Selectmen, Samuel Smith, Jonathan Plimpton, 
 Joseph Plimpton, Samuel Clark, and Abraham Harding. 
 
 Joseph Morse, Representative. 
 
 Voted, To divide the Time when the School shall be keept as to two 
 third Parts of the time in a School house in the middle of the town and 
 one third Part of the time in the School houses that are Built by pertic- 
 ular persons att the north and south ends of the Town free from Charge 
 for house Room at sd houses for 20 years next ensuing. And apply to 
 the quater sessions for approbation that it may be a by Law for the 
 Town : and to move the school house that is Raised neare John Pratts 
 neare to the Contry Road South east from the meeting house at a 
 place where the horse Block stands on the East side of the highway. 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-I764. I3I 
 
 Voted, That the Selectmen shall be a Committee for the moving the 
 schoolhouse and take Care to iinish it and Dispose of what shall be left 
 of Brick or Boards or timber both of the new and old school house. 
 
 Granted liberty to Henry Smith and others "to set a 
 smal Room to the west end of the School house when it is 
 moved to the place at the horse Block." This was probably 
 a "noon-house." 
 
 Voted, To Instruct the Representative to stand by and maintaine 
 the Libertys and Privilidges of the Contry agreable to the present Royal 
 Charter. 
 
 The crown had appointed Jonathan Belcher Governor of 
 Massachusetts, and required the colony to pay him a fixed 
 salary, a demand which the people stoutly resisted. 
 
 1734:. Selectmen, Samuel Smith, Samuel Morse, Abra- 
 ham Harding, John Bullen, and Samuel Turner. 
 
 George Barber, Representative. 
 
 Voted £160 in "bills of public credit" for Mr. Baxter's 
 salary. 
 
 A road was laid out from the house of Ebenezer Mason, 
 Sen., to Dedham line, near Ephraim Wight's house. This 
 was a widening and straightening of Farm Street and parts 
 of North Street. Also " a way from this to Joseph Allen's 
 house, thence to Dedham line." This was the portion of 
 North Street from Farm Street to Dover. The road in the 
 south part of the town since called Granite Street was 
 straightened by crossing a little swamp nine rods wide. 
 We are told that there was "a very great croak in it 
 before." 
 
 1735. Selectmen, John Dwight, Joseph Plimpton, 
 Samuel Clark, Samuel Morse, and John Bullen. 
 
 George Barber, Representative. 
 
 John Dwight was chosen town clerk. He served six 
 years. 
 
 Another petition for a new county was sent in. 
 
 A road was laid out from " the Littel bridge in the rail- 
 tree neck, so along by Abijah Bakers house and along near 
 John turners house and from thence by John aliens house 
 
132 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 to Henry Smiths house." This was near the present loca- 
 tion of parts of High and Plain Streets. 
 
 A road was laid out " from dedham Line by the house of 
 thomas Masons and so by the house of Henry Plimptons 
 and so across a brushy plain to the house of William Par- 
 tridge." This was the north-easterly part of Pine Street, 
 connecting with Green Street by a road now unused. 
 
 " Also from henry Plimptons meddow to Henry huckers 
 house And so to John Prats." This was the westerly end of 
 Pine Street to its junction with North Street. 
 
 John Allen and Samuel Turner had liberty to build a 
 noon-house on the town's land near the meeting-house. 
 
 A road was laid out from Joshua Boyden's to Seth 
 Clark's, since called Pound Street. 
 
 £,2 loj. \d. raised to pay for killing wildcats. 
 
 1736. Selectmen, John Dwight, Samuel Bullen, Will- 
 iam Plimpton, Jonathan Metcalf, and John Baxter. 
 
 Joshua Morse, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That Joseph Clark shall have the use of the burying Place for 
 feeding ten years for five shillings a year, provided he make and main- 
 taine a good and sufficient fence and Leave it in good repair att the ten 
 years end : and the sd Clark shall not cut down or cary of any wood or 
 timber upon sd burying place. 
 
 1737. Selectmen, John Dwight, Abraham Harding, 
 Samuel Sadey, Henry Smith, and Seth Clark. 
 
 George Barber, Representative. 
 
 A road was laid out from Dedham line through land of 
 Cheney and Thurston ; probably the road near Cedar Hill, 
 connecting with Green Street, which the town voted to 
 discontinue in 1856. 
 
 Voted, That the town will build Pewes In the short seates and Long 
 seates in the Easte end of the Meeting house. 
 
 1738. Selectmen, John Dwight, Abraham Harding, 
 John Ellis, James Ellis, and Ephraim Cheney. 
 
 Jonathan Plimpton, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That every persin In the Town th' keeps sheep shall record 
 their marks some time this month of March with John Pratt. 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-1764. 1 33 
 
 A road was laid out by the county from John Metcalf's to 
 Centre meadow, the town having refused those who peti- 
 tioned for it. 
 
 A pound was built forty by thirty-five feet, on the old spot 
 near the meeting-house. 
 
 The earliest records of the old church, extant, are dated 
 June 6, 1738. On that day, the church voted: — 
 
 1. That what hath been already recorded in a Book with respect to 
 the admission of church members, &c., as well as the names of those 
 who were in full communion when there was a pastor last settled in this 
 church, viz. on April 21, 1697, shall be entered and recorded in this new 
 book. 
 
 2. That there shall be a record made in said book of all church acts 
 that shall be made or passed hereafter, or from this time. 
 
 Mr. Baxter evidently transcribed with his own hand from 
 some older record, which is now lost. 
 
 In 1738, the territory granted to Medfield in Worcester 
 County, which had been called New Medfield, was incorpo- 
 rated by the General Court, and named Sturbridge. 
 
 1739. Selectmen, John Dwight, Abraham Harding, 
 Edward Turner, Seth Clark, and John Pratt. 
 Jonathan Plimpton, Representative. • 
 
 DEER REEVES. 
 
 Voted and chose John EUise and Solomon Clark jr. In order to 
 prevent violation of the Late Law made for the better preservation of 
 deer. 
 
 X740. Selectmen, John Dwight, Edward Turner, 
 Timothy Hamant, Henry Adams, and Jonathan Wight. 
 
 Jonathan Plimpton, Representative. 
 
 Town voted again to petition for a new county. 
 
 At this date, we learn that ;^6 ioj. (jd., in bills of old 
 tenor, were just equal to £,2 is. Jd., new tenor, or three 
 for one. 
 
 X741. Selectmen, Nathan Plimpton, Samuel Ellis, 
 Thomas Adams, Eleazar Ellis, and Edward Turner. 
 John Dwight, Representative. 
 
134 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Nathan Plimpton was chosen town clerk. He served 
 four years. 
 
 A road was laid out from Walpole line past Jeremiah 
 Clark's house toward the way formerly laid out toward 
 John Allen's house. This was the part of Granite Street 
 toward Walpole plain. Also, a road from John Baxter's 
 house by the house 'of John Fisher, Jr., to the road from 
 Henry Plimpton's to Henry Hooker's. This was the old 
 road east of Castle Hill, leading from Pine Street. 
 
 Voted to petition the town of Medway for a change in 
 the boundary by drawing a straight line from Charles River 
 near Dyer's Neck to Boggestow Brook near Bridge Island. 
 
 The church considered the question whether infant slaves 
 might receive baptism, their parents not being in covenant. 
 
 Voted that, if the masters think it their duty to bring 
 such children, it should not be denied them. 
 
 1742. Selectmen, Thomas Adams, Edward Turner, 
 Elisha Bullen, Eleazar Ellis, and Nathaniel Morse. 
 
 John Dwight, Representative. 
 
 A road was laid out from Frairy's bridge to "the way 
 that Goes from the Long Causey to Jadewalk." The road 
 is now called Noon Hill Street. 
 
 Mr. Baxter gave up to the town his right to the half-acre 
 of land near the meeting-house. His salary was made ;£i8o, 
 old tenor, or £60, middle tenor. A quarterly contribution 
 was to be taken up toward supplying the pulpit " at present 
 in his weakness." 
 
 The first list of jurors is mentioned : ten were put in the 
 box for the superior and fifteen for the inferior court. 
 
 The great religious awakening about this time brought 
 seventy persons into the Medfield church during the year. 
 
 1743. Selectmen, Thomas Adams, Edward Turner, 
 Eleazar Ellis, Samuel Ellis, Jr., and Thomas Mason. 
 
 Deacon Barber and others had leave to build a "House, 
 about Fourteen feet squire on the most convenient place 
 between Lieut. Coollidges shop and the pound so to go 
 into on Sabbath day noons." 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-1764. 1 35 
 
 Mr. Baxter's salary was made £SS lawful, money, or 
 ;^220, old tenor. 
 
 FISH RUNNING UP CHARLES RIVER. 
 
 A committee was chosen to see the act and law be duly 
 observed and executed, so that Charles River be cleared, 
 that fish may have a free pass according to law. 
 
 In the early times, it is said that shad and alewives ran 
 up the river to breeding-grounds at Populatic Pond in 
 Franklin. 
 
 Voted, That the Town will Clapboard the South East side & South 
 West end of the Meeting House & mak convenient Windows & under 
 pin sd House and do what may be best to keep it from spreading. 
 
 The owners of meadows near Long Causey and Dwight's 
 bridge presented a complaint to the Court that, by reason 
 of the dam at Natick, their meadows were under water 
 almost the year round, and asked that the meadows be 
 viewed from Dwight's bridge to Natick to discover the 
 cause of the damage. 
 
 1744. Selectmen, Edward Turner, Henry Adams, 
 John Pratt, Samuel Morse, and Peter Cooledge. 
 
 Joshua Morse, Representative. 
 
 The account of the committee on repairing the meeting- 
 house was objected to, because they had put up "spouts," 
 and nothing had been said about spouts in their instructions. 
 
 At this date there was a saw-mill on the brook some dis- 
 tance south of the Dedham road, which was run by James 
 Goudy. A boy of Goudy's was killed by the logs rolling 
 over him. The site of the mill is yet visible in the woods. 
 
 Medfield was fined £,ii, for not sending a Representative 
 last year. \ 
 
 MR. Baxter's colleague. 
 
 The town voted to hire another minister "to preach 
 the word of God to them during Mr. Baxter's present 
 infirmities." Rev. Jonathan Townsend was hired for three 
 months. 
 
136 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Town voted that a day of fasting and prayer be called, 
 "in order to setling a minister in Co-league with Mr. Baxter, 
 and so to desire some of the Neighboring ministers to join 
 in sd Fast." 
 
 1745. Selectmen, Edward Adams, Samuel Morse, 
 John Pratt, Henry Adams, and Peter Cooledge. 
 
 Peter Cooledge was chosen town clerk. He served 
 eighteen years. 
 
 Voted and Chose (in Concurrence with the Church) Mr. Jonathan 
 Townsend jr. as a Gospel minister to settle a Coleague with the Revd 
 Mr. Joseph Baxter. 
 
 Granted him " that Persel of land at the North East End 
 of the Meeting House," with jE^dpo, old tenor, as his "en- 
 couragement," and ;£200 a year salary ; also that he have 
 leave to get his firewood on the town's land, and have the 
 improvement of the town's land on Frairy Street. If he 
 should continue after Mr. Baxter's decease, he was to have 
 ;£55 a year in "bills of the last emition." 
 
 Mr. Baxter died on the 2d of May ; and, at a town- 
 meeting subsequently, it is recorded that " Divers well- 
 Disposed Persons made a susscription of what they freely 
 Gave towards the Charge of the funeral of the Rev. Joseph 
 Baxter." 
 
 ORDINATION DAY. 
 
 Mr. Townsend was ordained October 23. A committee 
 was chosen to provide entertainment for the council, the 
 ministers, and scholars, and Mr. Townsend's relations that 
 should be present at the ordination. The constables were 
 directed to guard the pulpit, the table, the two pews next 
 to the table, and the body of seats, for the council and the 
 church and for Mr. Townsend's relatives on ordination day. 
 
 A bill was afterward brought in for the entertainment, of 
 ;£S9 2.S. lod., old tenor. Several persons dissented from 
 the legality of the account. There was some dissatisfaction 
 with the selection of Mr. Townsend as pastor, which grew 
 into a permanent disaffection. 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-I764. 1 37 
 
 Mr. Townsend built his house on the parcel of land 
 granted him near the meeting-house. After it passed out of 
 the possession of the Townsend family, it was occupied by 
 Rev. Charles Robinson as a dwelling during his pastorate. 
 Finally, it was used as a straw-shop, and was destroyed by 
 fire with adjacent buildings in 1876. 
 
 1T4:6. Selectmen, Samuel Morse, Edward Turner, 
 Peter Cooledge, Timothy Hamant, and James Penniman. 
 
 George Barber, Representative. 
 
 Several dissatisfied brethren asked to be dismissed to the 
 second church in Wrentham. This was refused, and they 
 then asked that a council be called to adjust the differ- 
 ences between them and the church. This was also. refused. 
 It seems that these brethren had charged that the church 
 had broken covenant in regard to discipline, but in what 
 particulars is not known. 
 
 1747. Selectmen, Edward Turner, Samuel Morse, 
 Peter Cooledge, Timothy Hamant, and Jonathan Wight, Jr. 
 
 Samuel Morse, Representative. 
 
 Parties had leave to build a noon-house south-west of the 
 meeting-house. 
 
 Voted, To build pews in the short seats in the corners of the meeting 
 house on each side of the pulpit. 
 
 Granted for the support of schools, £,2'^, old tenor. 
 
 The dissatisfied element in the old church did not weaken. 
 The church voted that those who have charged the church 
 with a breach of covenant should come no more to the com- 
 munion till satisfaction was made for the injury done by the 
 charge. This was defined, by vote, to mean exclusion from 
 sitting at the Lord's table and taking any part in church 
 action. 
 
 1748. Selectmen, Edward Turner, Samuel Morse, 
 Timothy Hamant, Peter Cooledge, and Thomas Mason, 
 
 Samuel Morse, Representative. 
 
 The number of dissatisfied church members was increas- 
 ing, and the church finally voted to call a council. Some 
 
138 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 matters in dispute had been laid before the council called at 
 the time of Mr. Townsend's ordination. The church now 
 did not wish to have those matters reopened. As a result 
 of the council, the platform bf church discipline agreed 
 upon at Cambridge in 1648 was accepted; and one of the 
 disaffected, William Plimpton, was received back to fellow- 
 ship. 
 
 1749. Selectmen, Edward Turner, Seth Clark, Peter 
 Cooledge, Samuel Smith, and Moses Harding. 
 
 Seth Clark, Representative. 
 
 " Several uneasy persons in the town of Medfield appre- 
 hending that the making of the taxes is not legal, because 
 they are all assessed in one list instead of separately," the 
 General Court was petitioned to empower the constable to 
 collect the taxes, "though the custom in making the list be 
 not in accordance with the practice in some other towns." 
 An empowering act was passed. 
 
 Thomas and James Boyden, living in the northerly part of 
 Wrentham, but who attended church here, were by vote 
 of the town "to be seated in the meeting house in some 
 Proper Plases." 
 
 THE CANADA SOLDIERS. 
 
 Voted, That the money Reed for Impresses shall be returned to the 
 Soldiars that Did the service in the Last war Proportionally to the ser- 
 vice they Paid. He that did a whole Turne to Receive Double to him 
 that Did half a Turne. 
 
 We learn from this, which is the only reference to the 
 matter, that men had been drafted for the expeditions 
 against Canada ; but their names are not given. We only 
 know that Joseph Clark and Samuel Hooker died at Cape 
 Breton in 1746. 
 
 1750. Selectmen, Seth Clark, Peter Cooledge, Samuel 
 Smith, John Baxter, and Seth Morse. 
 
 A new saw-mill of Ephraim Cheney's is mentioned. 
 
 Granted liberty to Ebenezer BuUard to Buld a small House on the 
 Towns Land between Nathaniel Smith and Joshua Boydens Near the 
 Crowners fence for him and his Wiff to Live in. 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-1764. 1 39 
 
 The location was at the junction of South and Pound 
 Streets. No indication that a house was built there, how- 
 ever, has been found. 
 
 Granted Power to the Commity Chose to seat the Boydens and 
 thier Wifes, to Alter the Sating of some Persons in the meeting house 
 Where Death has made a vacancy. 
 
 COMPULSORY SUPPORT OF PARISH MINISTERS. 
 
 Respecting the Awfull Petition Prefered by a number to be freed 
 from Paying to the support of the minestry, it was Dismised. 
 
 Agitation commenced about this time in regard to those 
 of different religious persuasions being compelled to pay for 
 the support of the parish ministers. 
 
 A road was laid out from the west side of Huckleberry 
 Hill to a road leading from Green Street to Rocky Woods. 
 
 1751. Selectmen, SetR Clark, Peter Cooledge, Samuel 
 Smith, John Baxter, and Seth Morse. 
 
 Ephraim Chenery, Representative. 
 
 A committee was chosen " to Transcribe some Records 
 out of one of the Town Books into another." What they 
 did, if anything, is unknown. 
 
 A road was laid out " from Isaac Wheeler's Barne the 
 way by Thomas Clark's to a Bridg Below Thos Clarks 
 mill." 
 
 Wheeler's barn was at the corner of South and Curve 
 Streets, and Clark's mill was on the site of that now owned 
 by Mr. Kingsbury. 
 
 Another road was laid out "from Joshua BuUards to 
 Dedham Line by Seth Morses the way to Round Plain." 
 This is a part of what is now called Railroad Street, from 
 Canal Street to Dover line. 
 
 ANTI-PEDOBAPTISTS. 
 
 The assessors and town clerk received certificates from 
 Mr. Bound's church in Boston, stating that Ebenezer Mason 
 and Ezekiel Adams were in regular membership there. A 
 statute had been passed by which such persons might be 
 
140 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 excused from ministerial taxes on presentation of these cer- 
 tificates. They, with some others in this town, had be- 
 come "anti-pedobaptists." 
 
 1752. Selectmen, Samuel Smith, John Baxter, William 
 Peters, Jonathan Wight, Jr., and Seth Clark. 
 
 Ephraim Chenery, Representative. 
 
 The first Baptist meetings in Medfield were held in 1752. 
 Seven men who had united with Mr. Bound's church ob- 
 tained leave to hold meetings here as a branch of that 
 church, and to grant certificates. They were Ebenezer 
 Mason, Ezekiel Adams, Nathan Plimpton, John Allen, 
 Joshua Morse, Joseph Plimpton, and John Cutler. 
 
 1753. Selectmen, Samuel Smith, Seth Morse, Simon 
 Harding, Thomas Adams, and Oliver Ellis. 
 
 Peter Cooledge, Representative. 
 
 Oliver Ellis and about eighty others sent a petition to the 
 General Court for relief, on account of their meadows being 
 overflowed by Matthew Hastings' dam at Natick. The 
 petition was dismissed. The petitioners brought a suit 
 against Hastings for damages. It was decided against 
 them. Then, Hastings brought a suit against them for 
 malicious prosecution ; and the petitioners asked of the 
 Court relief from him. His proceedings were stayed. 
 Thereupon, Hastings sent in a statement that "old men 
 who had known the meadows well before any dam was 
 built, and who also know them now, declare that they are 
 no more flowed now than before; and that persons owning 
 meadows much nearer the dam make no complaint. But 
 these eighty of Medfield and Medway are pursuing him with 
 multiplied law-suits, with the aim to oppress him and bear 
 him costs," etc. The commissioners of sewers attempted 
 some measures of relief. The meadow owners were as- 
 sessed to pay charges. What the result of their action 
 was is not stated. 
 
 1754. Selectmen, Samuel Smith, Timothy Hamant, 
 Barachias Mason, Seth Clark, and Seth Wight. 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-1764. I4I 
 
 Simon Plimpton, Representative. 
 
 Voted " to Buld some sutable Place to hang the Bell on 
 that is Procured for the towns use." The town had voted 
 some time before this that the bell should not be rung. 
 
 Voted " that sd Bell should be Hung at the east end of 
 the meeting house." Liberty was given "to Get Timber on 
 the Bridge Island to buld for Hanging sd Bell." 
 
 Voted " that the Town will pay the Whole Cost of Bulding 
 the Belfre and Terat" ; and "to Give order to Cut a Door 
 throw the Long Seats." 
 
 A tax-list called the "Steple rate" was made, of £^8 
 igs. 6d. 
 
 We conclude that a projection was built on the end of 
 the meeting-house next to North Street, from the ground 
 to the ridge, and that this was surmounted by a turret in 
 which the bell was hung. A new entrance to the house 
 appears to have been made from this belfry or porch. 
 
 Voted, To Choose Agents to Enter a Complaint to the Grand Jury of 
 the next Superior Cort for the County of Suffolk against Matthew 
 Hastings of Natick for a Nusance a Cross Charles River Which Causes 
 Long Causey, Dwights Causey and the Causey Leading to Holbrooks 
 Bridg to be overflowed With Water and Thereby Rendered in a Great 
 Measure unserviceable the Greatest Part of the year. 
 
 1755. Selectmen, Moses Harding, Seth Clark, Seth 
 Dwight, Joshua Boyden, and Oliver Ellis. 
 
 Ephraim Chenery, Representative. 
 
 A road was laid out "from the Corner of John Aliens 
 Wall to Wallpole Line." This was that part of High Street 
 beyond Plain Street. 
 
 Another highway was ordered from North Street to the 
 road "leading to Henry Hookers," now called Winter 
 Street. 
 
 The town lot near Dale Street was sold, and the money 
 reserved for the use of the ministry ; also another town lot 
 at the south corner of Curve and South Streets. The 
 "ministerial fund," so called, was derived from the sale of 
 town lands in part, and in part from bequests. 
 
142 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 
 
 This town contributed its quota of .men for the wars. In 
 the archives is the following : — 
 
 To the whole Court now Setting in Boston : 
 
 Your petitioner humbly sheweth that as he hath been in the late 
 expedition towards Crown Point but as he was returning from the 
 campaign, he was taking sick at Springfield and there confined for the 
 space of nine weeks which occasioned a great charge to arise. Your 
 petitioner therefore prays that you would Consider the expence and 
 allow him the said as you will find by the Doctor's Bill, and that the 
 attendance is about as much more, but he has got no ac'ct of it in 
 Writing; therefore your petitioner prays your consideration on the same 
 that you would allow him this charge, in the meantime he remains your 
 humble petitioner. Lemuel Boyden. 
 
 ^8 6s. ■^d. was paid him out of the public treasury. 
 
 1756. Selectmen, Moses Harding, John Baxter, Seth 
 Dwight, Samuel Morse, and David Clark. 
 
 Ephraim Chenery, Representative. 
 
 The school was ordered to be kept one-half of the time 
 in the north and south parts of the town, and the other half 
 in the centre. Only one school was in session at the same 
 time. 
 
 Later in the year, "Voted to Set of that Part of the Town 
 South of South Plain brook Including Thomas Clark, for 
 the South side school, and to use their own money " ; also 
 " to Set off the north School as far as Jesse Pratts, thay to 
 have their own money." 
 
 ;^20 was granted "for the maintenance of the French 
 neutrals sent here by the order of the General Court last 
 year." These "French neutrals" were from the unfort- 
 unate Acadians, who were scattered through the whole 
 country. 
 
 A committee was chosen " to Clear and fence the Burying 
 Plase and to Reserve the Wood." 
 
 1757. Selectmen, Thomas Mason, Simon Plimpton, 
 Eliakim Morse, Joshua Boyden, and David Lovel. 
 
 Peter Cooledge, Representative. 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-1764. 
 
 143 
 
 1758. Selectmen, John Baxter, David Lovel, Joshua 
 Boyden, John Fisher, and James Richardson. 
 
 Peter Cooledge, Representative. 
 
 Voted, To buld a Work house for the Town to stow the French in and 
 other Poore as the town may have ocation .... between the school 
 house and the Horse house adjoning to Wheelocks Land, the Demen- 
 tions of sd House 32 feet Long and 14 feet wide. 
 
 ;^20 was granted for the purpose. At a later meeting, 
 it was voted to set the workhouse on the common land 
 beyond Eliakim Morse's. Finally, the whole thing was 
 reconsidered and abandoned. This is the first recorded 
 movement for an almshouse in this town. 
 
 1759. Selectmen, William Peters, John Fisher, 
 Ephraim Chenery, Thomas Adams, and Henry Plimpton. 
 
 Ephraim Chenery, Representative. 
 
 The location of the Jadewalk road was changed, and " the 
 old west road" was discontinued. There was also some 
 change in Canal Street, near the present railroad crossing. 
 
 In the State, archives is the following paper : ' — 
 
 The subscribers, a committee of the town of Medfield, show cause 
 why the petition of Dorchester in respect of a bridge over Neponset 
 .River near Jackson's mills ought not to pass. 
 
 The town of Medfield receives no more benefit from the said bridge 
 than the county in general, and the town of Dorchester, in particular, do. 
 The small town of Medfield, which is but three miles east and west, 
 and four miles north and south, have built and maintained the half of 
 three bridges over Charles River, and the whole of three bridges over 
 Stop River, besides bridges over the smaller streams, most of them in 
 the great country roads, for near a hundred years without any charge to 
 the county. 
 
 The Suffolk County tax for 1759 upon the several towns 
 was as follows: — 
 
 Boston, . . 
 
 £■2^0 
 
 OS. 
 
 od. 
 
 Wrentham, . 
 
 £^0 
 
 1 3 J. 
 
 6d. 
 
 Roxbury, 
 
 13 
 
 13 
 
 II 
 
 Medway, . . 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 Dorchester, . 
 
 13 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 Stoughton, . 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 Milton, . . 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 I 
 
 Hull, . . . 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 Braintree, . 
 
 IS 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 Brookline, 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 7 
 
 Weymouth, . 
 
 9 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 Needham, 
 
 6 
 
 14 
 
 6 
 
 Hingham, . 
 
 16 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 Bellingham, . 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Dedham, . . 
 
 10 
 
 13 
 
 8 
 
 Walpole, . . 
 
 3 
 
 17 
 
 
 
 Mediield, . 
 
 13 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 Chelsea, . . 
 
 S 
 
 12 
 
 
 
144 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1760. Selectmen, William Peters, John Fisher, Seth 
 Dwight, David Clark, and Henry Plimpton. 
 Peter Cooledge, Representative. 
 
 Voted, To Divide the school into three Districts for the Terme of 
 Twenty years : any of the Inhabetants of Each District to have Liberty 
 to send any Child to the Gramer School in the midle District to Learn 
 the Lattin Tongue and the Mathematical arts. 
 
 Voted, To Grant the Sum of Thirteen Pounds Six Shillings and 
 Eight pence Including the old House Towards Bulding a School house 
 in the midle of the Town where the old School house now Stands, 
 Provided perticular Persons will subscribe a Sum Sufficient to finish sd 
 House,' the subscribers to have the Priviledge of Improving the sd house 
 for a Private School when there is no town school kept in it. 
 
 This was the third school-house in the centre. It appears 
 that new school-houses were needed in the north and south 
 districts also. Perhaps the schools had outgrown the 
 sixteen by eighteen buildings erected in 1732. 
 
 A tax-list of £io was made "for the Bulding and pur- 
 chasing Schoolhouses." 
 
 Joseph .Boyden, of Medfield, sent the following petition 
 to the General Court : — 
 
 Your petitioner served as a private in Hammond's company of Col. 
 Willard's regiment in the campaign of last summer to the westward. 
 Upon my return, crossing a river near No. 4, I narrowly escaped drown- 
 ing and lost my gun in the river, a good and approved firelock not of 
 less value than 40 shillings. Your petitioner prays allowance for his 
 arms so lost. 
 
 Gershom Dunton and Amos Mason made oath that they 
 saw Boyden fall into the river, and that he unavoidably lost 
 his gun. 
 
 The bill among the State papers from the selectmen of 
 this town for support of the French neutrals contains some 
 items of interest : — 
 
 107J lbs Beef /i i6j. od. 
 
 I54i " Pork 428 
 
 27 bush Ind. Corn 4 10 o 
 
 7f " Rye ,11 o 
 
 13 qts milk o on 
 
 Molasses, Sugar, bisket, and flower when they 
 
 were sick, ^ g 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-1764. 1 45 
 
 We find that beef was ^. and pork about 6d. a pound ; 
 corn, 3J. 4</. ; and rye, 4s. a bushel ; milk less than a penny 
 a quart. 
 
 There was also a bill of ^^13 3J. lod. for house- rent. 
 
 A remonstrance was sent to the Legislature : — 
 
 We have been loaded with a very unequal proportion of the Province 
 tax, one third more than other towns in the vicinity. Our town is 
 smaller than may generally be thought of, making a square of three 
 miles by four. After the Polls are deducted we are obliged to raise 
 19^^. upon the Pound on the estate of the town to complete the levy. 
 We apprehend that the mistake was made in the valuation eleven years 
 since. But further our circumstances have changed since that time, as 
 we have been subjected to much hardship as our meadows have suffered 
 by anmual floods in part occasioned by a dam below us, which cost us 
 much to be rid of. The nuisance has been repeated a little below, and 
 still exists to our disadvantage. The quality of a great part of our 
 meadows has been so altered that we cannot keep so large a stock by 
 one third as we did when the valuation was taken. All who are 
 acquainted with our dependence upon our meadows must be sensible 
 greatly affects our whole interests. 
 
 Boston suffered by a great fire, and charitable- contribu- 
 tions were made : — 
 
 Boston, loth April, 1760. 
 Received from Medfield, whereof the Revd Mr Jonathan Townsend is 
 pastor. Eighteen pounds, fourteen shillings, lawful money, by the hands 
 of Mr Seth Dwight, for the use of the sufferers by the late great fire. 
 
 John Phillips. 
 
 The cross-road from Bridge Street to the Dingle Dell 
 road was laid out. In 1856, the town voted to discon- 
 tinue it. 
 
 1761. Selectmen, William Peters, Seth Dwight, John 
 Fisher, Silvanus Plimpton, and John Baxter. 
 
 Peter Cooledge, Representative. 
 
 Voted " to Chuse a Committy to buld a School house at 
 the South End of the town." A committee was chosen "to 
 take a Deed of the North new School house for the Town." 
 
 Voted, To give the Ruins of the old School house to the midle 
 District. 
 
 Voted, The Selectmen take Care the uper Galery be fastened up So 
 as young People Cannot Get in to play. 
 
146 , HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 A highway was laid out "from George Smith's house to 
 the road near Mt. Nebo." This is the road from Elm Street 
 to Philip Street, now called Cross Street. 
 
 A province or State tax of ;^i,ooo was levied. Medfield's 
 proportion was ;^3 18s. yd, or ^^^ of the whole. 
 
 The following petitions are found among the State papers : 
 
 Joseph Boyden petitioned the General Court for relief, as, 
 in the previous summer, he had been with Captain Ham- 
 mond's company, and was taken sick at Ashuelot. His 
 brother went after him at petitioner's charge. Court 
 allowed him 16s. 8d. 
 
 William Hooker of Medfield had a son Philip in the same 
 company. He was taken sick at Sheffield; and the peti- 
 tioner went after him, brought him as far as Leicester, when 
 he could hold out no longer. He went afterward to that 
 place for him, and paid his charges there. Court allowed 
 him £s- 
 
 Eliakim Morse petitioned for expenses in caring for 
 Joseph Brooks, who served in Colonel Saltonstall's regiment 
 at Crown Point. Nov. 20, 1760, he was ordered to take 
 care of a soldier with the small-pox, returned to Medfield 
 sick with that disease December 4, and died soon after. 
 The charges for doctoring, nursing, loss of bedding, etc., 
 amounted to £g i^s. 6d. Court allowed £•/. Joseph 
 Brooks was an Indian boy brought up in Medfield by Morse. 
 He was buried near where he was taken care of in Rocky 
 Woods, at a place called " the graves." 
 
 The names of those who served in the French and Indian 
 war were, as far as can be ascertained, the following : — 
 
 Joshua Armsby. Isaac Chenery. 
 
 Enoch Adams. Wyatt Clark. 
 
 Lemuel Boyden! Benjamin Clark. 
 
 Asa Boyden. Daniel Clark. 
 
 Joseph Boyden. James Clark. 
 
 Joshua Boyden. Nathan Clark. 
 
 Benjamin Boyden. Dyer Clark. 
 
 Hezekiah Bullard. Nathan Cutler. 
 
 Micah Baker. John Cutler. 
 
 Joseph Brooks. Simeon Cutler. 
 
 Samuel Cheney. Gershora Dunton. 
 
 Joseph Cheney. Jesse Ellis. 
 
 Simon Cheney. Timothy Hamant. 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-I764. I47 
 
 Francis Hamant. Andrew Peters. 
 
 Benjamin Hewes. Benjamin Peters. 
 
 Henry Harding. Seth Partridge. 
 
 Philip Hooker. Isaac Read. 
 
 Jonathan Lawrence. Samuel Smith. 
 
 Nathan Level. Seth Smith. 
 
 Ebenezer Mason, Jr. Samuel Turner. 
 
 Amos Mason. Ephraim Wheeloclc. 
 
 Joseph Morse. Joseph Wheelock. 
 Aaron Wight. 
 
 1762. Selectmen, David Lovell, Seth Clark, Daniel 
 Perry, Jeremy Allen. 
 
 Eliakim Morse, Representative. 
 
 The town refused to settle with the committees chosen 
 to build the South and Centre School-houses. They brought 
 a suit against the town : the case was left to three arbitra- 
 tors. The next we hear of it, the town granted .£29 15^. 6d. 
 to pay the two school-house committees. 
 
 Voted, To Clapboard the East End of the meeting House and Take 
 the old Claboards to mend the Backside ; and to make four new win- 
 dows in the Room of the four Large ones on the back side of the 
 meeting house and such casements as are wanting, and Glaze the Same 
 with Dimon Glass. 
 
 1763. Selectmen, Eliakim Morse, Samuel Morse, Jona- 
 than Smith, Joseph Plimpton, and Moses Hartshorn. 
 
 Seth Clark, Representative. 
 
 John Baxter was chosen town clerk. He served eleven 
 years. 
 
 ;^225 i8j. ()d, was set apart as a school fund forever, and 
 £,^7 6s. 8d. added to the ministerial fund. A board of 
 trustees for each fund was appointed, and the income was to 
 be paid into the town treasury. The money came from the 
 sale of town land at Bridge Island and elsewhere. 
 
 POTASH WORKS. 
 
 An article was put into the warrant, "to see if the Town 
 will vote to Sett up the potash works for the Use and Benefit 
 of the town." Negatived. 
 
 A company was formed, and potash works were set up on 
 Frairy Street at the place now owned by J. W. Paige. The 
 manufacture was carried on there for thirty years. 
 
148 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 A VOUNG woman's WEDDING OUTFIT IN I763. 
 
 John Baxter gave to his daughter Mary, at her marriage : — 
 
 Old Tenor 
 
 A COW valued at £3° 
 
 Curtains and valences, 13 S-f- 
 
 Bed, bedstead, underbed, two blankets, and coverlid, poorest 
 
 bed 14 
 
 Bed, new coverlid, two new blankets, old bedstead, old 
 
 feathers, new bed-tick, and old underbed, 36 15 
 
 Three brass kettles 27 18 
 
 Warming-pan 5 
 
 Two brass skillets, iron pot, and tea-kettle, 6 8 
 
 Flat-irons, iron skillet, frying-pan, 55 
 
 Looking-glass, great wheel, little wheel 85 
 
 New chest, twelve chairs, 12 15 
 
 Two keelers, churn, wash-dish, 617 
 
 Earthen, tin, and wooden ware, 51 
 
 Twelve pillow-beers, five tablecloths, and towels, 12 
 
 Four new tow sheets, 23 15 
 
 A pair of old cotton sheets, 2 10 
 
 A pair of old tow sheets, 
 
 A pair of new woolen sheets, one old one, 8 
 
 A new bed-tick, new bedstead, and a bed-quilt, 24 5 
 
 Two old blankets, old bed-cord, and underbed, 24 5 
 
 Head curtains and valence, and pair of fine sheets 13 IS 
 
 A chest with two drawers, old one, 5 
 
 Two old tables i 10 
 
 Old " puter," 35 
 
 Three meal-sacks, 3 
 
 Two milk-pails, 18 
 
 1764. Selectmen, John Baxter, Ezekiel Adams, Simon 
 Harding, Oliver Ellis, and John Smith. 
 
 Seth Clark, Representative. 
 
 A proposition was made to build a house to put the town's 
 ammunition in ; also, to procure a house for the poor of the 
 town. Both were refused. 
 
 Voieti, To Build four Pews in the Back Seats in the meeting House 
 and three Pews in the East End of the House and cut an alley through 
 the Body of the Seats. 
 
 A road was laid out "from the corner of Eleazar Smith's 
 orchard, by the Widow Cheney's, to the way that leads to the 
 
ANNALS OF THE TOWN, I7OO-I764. I49 
 
 great road by Dr. Gerauld's." This road was on the east 
 side of Mill Brook from Elm Street to Nelson's mills, and 
 so on northward. It was afterward discontinued. 
 
 The population of the town in 1764 is stated at 628. 
 
 Among the Baxter papers is one dated 1764, which tells 
 us that a saw-mill was to be built near the house of Joseph 
 Baxter (Noon Hill), "near where one once stood." This is 
 the only intimation of that old mill to be found. 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY 
 TIMES. 
 
 1765-1783. 
 
 'T^HE disposition of England to oppress 
 the. colonies was becoming manifest, 
 and several controversies with the crown 
 occurred with regard to what were considered 
 colonial rights. Oppressive restrictions were 
 placed upon commerce and manufactures. 
 Unjust taxation, and the " Writs of Assist- 
 ance," followed. The enterprise, rapidly in- 
 creasing population (now nearly two hundred 
 and fifty thousand), and independent spirit of 
 Massachusetts excited particular jealousy ; and occasion was 
 sought to humiliate her. Large bodies of troops were kept 
 upon her soil to suppress any attempt at resistance. The 
 first decided acts of opposition followed the passage of the 
 Stamp Act, and the eighteen years which succeeded may 
 be called revolutionary times. 
 
 The country towns entered heartily into the struggle for 
 maintaining the rights of the people against the claims of 
 royal prerogative, and Medfield was not behindhand in its 
 sympathy with the popular cause. We discover many indi- 
 cations here of a spirit that would scarcely have been ex- 
 pected of men who hitherto had pursued the quiet ways of 
 a small inland town. 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARV TIMES. 151 
 
 In the annals of these years, we find the record of local 
 affairs frequently varied by the introduction of matters re- 
 lating to national interests. 
 
 The Stamp Act received the royal assent March 22, 
 1765 ; and tidings of its passage reached the colonies about 
 June. It was to go into effect November i, following. 
 
 1765. Selectmen, John Baxter, Ezekiel Adams, Simon 
 Harding, Oliver Ellis, and John Smith. 
 
 Seth Clark, Representative. 
 
 A consideration was proposed to Ephraim Wheelock for 
 the school-house standing on his land, or move it off. Se- 
 lectmen instructed to settle the line between Wheelock and 
 the town's land near the meeting-house. 
 
 A highway was laidout from near Joseph Baxter's to the 
 wood lots on the west side of Noon Hill, the town to be at 
 no expense. This road is still in use, entering the woods 
 near the old saw-mill. 
 
 Voted, To Divid the upper Galery in the Senter in the front, and not 
 to cut an alley through the body of the seats. 
 
 ;^I2 granted for schools, £16 for the poor, and £,2 for 
 incidental expenses. 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE REPRESENTATIVE. 
 
 At a town-meeting held October 21, William Plimpton, 
 Henry Adams, Eliakim Morse, Nathan Plimpton, Moses 
 Bullen, John Smith, Oliver Ellis, Seth Dwight, and Eleazar 
 Wheelock were chosen a committee "to draw up some In- 
 structions for the Representative att the next Sitting of the 
 Generale Court." 
 
 The following report was adopted as the instructions from 
 the town to its Representative, and voted "that the same 
 be put on file in the town records as a memorial to ages 
 yet unborn of the present generation's high sense of the 
 importance of our natural and charter liberties, right, and 
 privileges." 
 
 Sir, — It is the business of this meeting to Communicate to you our 
 Sentiments at this critical Conjunction of affairs. You are Sensible we 
 
152 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 are loyally affected towards his present Majesty and that the Connection 
 which has Subsisted between Great Brittan and the Provinces has been 
 numbred among none of the Least of our advantages. 
 
 We have readily Contributed our Part to support the dignity of his 
 Majesty's arms, and to Enlarge his Territories upon this continent, nor 
 could we have suspected an unkind Return ; but in no more favorable 
 light can we view some late parliamentary acts, particularly those relat- 
 ing to several Stamp dutys and the Courts of Admiralty. We are of 
 opinion it has by many masterly hands been most clearly elucidated that 
 these acts are a direct Infringement upon our Rights as Inglishmen ; 
 such Rights in particular as have been most sacredly secured to us by 
 Charter, and therefore cannot but hope that upon the Remonstrances we 
 suppose are prepared to send Home, that we shall find Redress. 
 
 In the mean Time we would recommend It to you, Sir, to join in 
 any further regular and decent methods which may be proposed in order 
 to the obtainment of such Redress, but by no means to Express an 
 acquiescence in, or even a willing submission .to the acts. 
 
 His Excellency has been pleased to recommend to the Assembly 
 the consideration of the sufferers by the late Riots : we are very ready 
 you should bear the fullest Testimony against such unlawful Proceed- 
 ings. But as the Law is open in Favor of those sufferers in common 
 with all other his Majesty's good subjects in like cases, we see no Neces- 
 sity of any other measures, nor would we so far avow the Late Outrages 
 as to answer for the mischiefs of an unknown Rabble ; neither are we 
 terrified in prospect of the consequence of Refusing Reparation of the 
 Damages in any other method. 
 
 As to other Things we can confide in your wisdom and prudence 
 to observe the strictest Economy in the use of the Purse strings of the 
 people. We are freely willing to render Tribute and custom to whom 
 they are respectively due, but cannot at all approve of the mis-applica- 
 tion of any Part of the public Funds, especially at a Time when the 
 Prospect of emerging from the heavy Debt in which we are now in- 
 volved is put beyond our view. 
 
 Honor the King, but save the Country. 
 
 The riots referred to occurred in Boston on the 14th of 
 the same month, when Oliver, the stamp officei-, was hung 
 in effigy, and his office pulled down. 
 
 1766. Selectmen, Simon Plimpton, Noah Allen, Moses 
 Hartshorn, Timothy Cheney, and Moses Bullen. 
 
 Samuel Morse, Representative. 
 
 Granted ;£i2 to enable the French neutrals to return to 
 Canada. 
 
 £\2 granted for schools, £\o for the poor. 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. 1 53 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE REPRESENTATIVE. 
 
 William Plimpton, Daniel Perry, John Smith, Timothy 
 Hamant, and Thomas Mason were appointed a committee to 
 prepare instructions to the Representative, and their report 
 was accepted December i. It was as follows : — 
 
 We, your Constituents, being assembled, talce 'tliis opportunity to 
 signify to you our approbation of the Conduct of said Court so far as it 
 hath come to our Knowledge, perticularly in the Election of his Majesty's 
 Council and in Keeping an open House ; and as you Desire our Instruc- 
 tions whether a Compensation be made by the province to perticular 
 persons who have suffered Damage by some Riotous persons the Vile- 
 ness of whose actions we utterly abhor and Disavow, Sir, we are of 
 opinion that it would tarnish the Glory and Reputation of this province 
 to Charge the Vileness of a few Riotous persons upon the whole prov- 
 ince : you are therefore to use your Influence that there be no money 
 Drawn from the Province therefor : we Commiserate the Case of the 
 Sufferers, and shall be ready to Cast in our mite to there Relieve when 
 it is asked for by way of a Contribution or Subscription ; and as to erect- 
 ing a statute in Honor to Mr. Pitt, we are very senceable of his merrit 
 and the worthy Deeds He has Don for the natioq, and these provinces 
 in perticular. But are of opinion that to Immetate him as a Patriot will 
 be of more Honor to him and to us ; especially since there is none that 
 we know of in the province in Honor to his present Majesty. 
 
 X76T. Selectmen, Samuel Morse, Noah Allen, Moses 
 Hartshorn, Moses Bullen, and Joseph Wheelock. 
 
 Samuel Morse, Representative. 
 
 Leave given for the roads north of Castle Hill, from John 
 Fisher's to Noah Allen's house, and also to John Cutter's, 
 to be fenced up ; suitable gates to be made. 
 
 £,\2 added to Mr. Townsend's salary. 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE REPRESENTATIVE. 
 
 At the town-meeting, November i8, there were articles in 
 the warrant, "To consider and agree upon some effectual 
 measures to promote Industry, Oeconomy, and Manufactur- 
 ing, thereby to prevent the unnecessary Importation of Euro- 
 pian Commodities, which thretens the Country with poverty 
 and Ruin; and to give the representative instructions 'for 
 his conduct att this very Critical Conjuncture of our publick 
 
154 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 affairs.'" A committee was chosen, which reported Decem- 
 ber 28 as follows : — 
 
 That under a sense of the expedience of a general retrenchment of 
 foreign superfluities and the encouragement of our own manufactories 
 we will by all reasonable and prudent measures endeavor to contribute 
 our mite thereto, particularly to discountenance the use of the following 
 articles imported from abroad, namely, loaf sugar, coaches, chairs, and 
 carriages of all sorts, and harness for the same, men's and women's 
 saddles and bridles, all sorts of whips, men's hats, and women's apparel 
 ready made except hose, all sorts of gloves, women's hats, men's and 
 women's shoes, sole leather, decknails, gold and silver and thread lace 
 of all sorts, gold and silver buttons, wrought plate of all sorts, diamonds, 
 stone and- past ware, snuff, manufactured tobacco, mustard, clocks and 
 watches, silversmith's and jeweller's ware, broadcloths that cost above 
 ten shillings per yard, muffs and tippets, all sorts of head dress, as caps, 
 flowers, feathers, and turbans, velvet, excepting for hoods, gauze, except- 
 ing for mourning, lawns and cambrics that cost above shillings 
 
 sterling per yard, malt liquors, cheese, chairs, tables, and all cabinet 
 ware, horn combs, linens that cost above two shillings per yard, silk of 
 all kinds for garments, chintz, patches, and all sorts of chinaware ; and 
 it is recommended that the several inhabitants in their various depart- 
 ments and different connections do discountenance in all proper methods 
 the so frequent use of foreign teas and distilled spirits, and to think of 
 and promote some measures for the profitable employment of the poor, 
 and the encouragement of our own manufactories, and particularly the 
 saving of linen and cotton rags for the use of the paper manufactories. 
 
 That the representative do give his suffrage to such votes of assem- 
 blies for the encouragement of our own manufactory as may appear to 
 be for the good of the community, and use his influence for obtaining 
 a duty upon spirituous liquors, bohea, green and hyson tea, coffee, and 
 chinaware, and on limes, lemons, and oranges, and most readily contrib- 
 ute his part to the entire abolition of that standing reproach to the 
 nations of Christendom, — the Slave Trade. 
 
 A SELF-GRATULATORY RETROSPECT. 
 
 Among Seth Dwight's papers is found what appears to be 
 a first draft of the above document, in which occurs the fol- 
 lowing, which was not inserted in the report : — 
 
 It is very agreeable to- observe the spirit of Industry, Frugality, and 
 good Economy so greatly revived in and warmly recommended by sev. 
 eral of the leading towns in our province, and that some in a neighbor- 
 ing colony have been provoked to emulation. The advantage of acting 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. 155 
 
 up to such a spirit may not appear great to the people who have viewed 
 the matter only in theory, but they are such as we can recommend to be 
 very great from long and happy experience. We were incorporated as 
 a town in 1650. Our fathers set out with such a spirit, which they 
 transmitted to their posterity as a valuable treasure ; and we, their chil- 
 dren, have religiously observed it. Erom the time of our incorporation 
 there have been but five or six instances of any person among us sued 
 for debt ; not one of any person being committed for any action, civil 
 or criminal ; not one of any estate being rendered insolvent ; nor an 
 instance of any individual among us applying to any other town for 
 relief or assistance, being reduced by fire, sickness, or otherwise ; but 
 in these instances we have been ready by love to serve one another. 
 
 We have, by the blessing of Providence upon our industry, raised the 
 most of our necessaries, and a surplusage of some as an exchange for 
 such as we could not produce among ourselves. We enjoy so much 
 happiness within ourselves in consequence of this economy that we 
 want no other motive to influence us to pursue it ; and, from the sweet- 
 ness we have tasted in it ourselves, we can heartily recommend it to 
 others, and presume ^o do it even to such places as have been leading 
 in the late resolves. Wherein we have failed in the Economy recom- 
 mended by our metropolis, we shall endeavor an amendment, and hope 
 for the pleasure and advantage of being stimulated to a conformity by 
 their example as well as advice. Many of the articles enumerated in 
 the votes of other towns are such as we have little or no use for, and 
 indeed but little knowledge of. Such as we cannot completely subsist 
 without we shall endeavor, as we always have, to provide an equivalent 
 for, and resolve still to make this the maxim of our commerce, not to 
 suffer our Import to exceed our Export. 
 
 This part of the report was evidently written by some one 
 who did not exactly perceive the relevancy of the occasion ; 
 and, though interesting now to read, we quite agree with the 
 good taste which omitted it in the final draft. 
 
 1768. Selectmen, Seth Dwight, Seth Clark, Moses 
 Hartshorn, Daniel Perry, and Oliver Ellis. 
 
 Eliakim Morse, Representative. 
 
 Voted that a committee be chosen to see what they can 
 procure a pall or burying-cloth for, " made among ourselves "; 
 that is, of American manufacture. 
 
 POWDER-HOUSE. 
 
 "Granted Ten Dolars for the Building of the Powder 
 House." The building was erected on a large rock on 
 
156- HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 " Powder-house Hill," so called, north of Kingsbury's mill 
 pond. 
 
 A letter from the selectmen of Boston to the selectmen of 
 Medfield was received, also a copy of the proceedings of the 
 "Town of Boston" at a towji-meeting, September 12. Mr. 
 Seth Clark was chosen to represent the town at a convention 
 to be held at Faneuil Hall September 22. Mr. Clark was 
 instructed not to " advise or act anything unconstitutional or 
 Elegal." This convention was held while Massachusetts was 
 without a Legislature, it having been dissolved by the royal 
 governor, in consequence of refusing to rescind its resolu- 
 tions concerning the importation of English goods. 
 
 The town set apart a day for fasting and prayer on the 
 occasion of the convention. 
 
 Voted, That in apprehension of an approaching Rupture with France 
 it be Recommended to the several Inhabitance in»Town to Equip them 
 selves forth with arms and ammunition according to law. 
 
 1769. Selectmen, Eliakirh Morse, Samuel Morse, 
 Thomas Adams, Nathan Clark, and Nathan Ellis. 
 
 Moses Bullen, Representative. 
 
 Frairy Street from the brook on North Street to its junction 
 with Dale Street was laid out. It originally entered North 
 Street some rods further north than at present. 
 
 One of the articles in the March meeting warrant was 
 "to see if the Town will Grant Liberty to the Baptise 
 Society in Medfield to have Occasional Lectures to Continue 
 the Town's pleasure in the School House near the middle of 
 the town, att such times as shall be no hindrance to the 
 schools that are Keept their." Passed in the negative. 
 
 ;£i2 voted for schools, j^ 18 for the support of the poor. 
 
 MR. townsend's resignation. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Townsend wrote an acknowledgment, which 
 was read to the congregation by Mr. Lock who preached for 
 him. October 9, Mr. Townsend presented the following : 
 
 To the brethren of the church of Christ in Medfield : Beloved,— 
 Sensible of my unworthiness of being continued in the relation of pas- 
 tor unto you, I hereby request your dismission of me therefrom. 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. 1 5/ 
 
 The church granted the request, which was concurred in by 
 the town October 23. 
 
 During Mr. Townsend's pastorate, 61 persons were 
 admitted to the church, 22 owned the covenant, and 334 
 were baptized. 
 
 The church requested the selectmen to provide preaching 
 until there be a town-meeting, at which a committee was 
 chosen and ;^70 granted by the town to supply the pulpit. 
 
 1770. Selectmen, Daniel Perry, Barachias Mason, 
 Moses Hartshorn, Asa Hamant, and Joseph Wheelock. 
 Moses BuUen, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That the Town applaud and agree to and will conform their 
 conduct agreable to the non-importation agreement Entred into by the 
 Truly Patriotic merchants of Boston so far as it may Relate to them- 
 selves. 
 
 Voted that horses shall not go at large without fetters. 
 Horse reeves were chosen. 
 
 April 19 was appointed as a day of fasting and prayer in 
 order to the calling a minister of the gospel over the church 
 and congregation in Medfield. May 23, the church voted to 
 call Mr. Thomas Prentiss to the pastorate, which was con- 
 curred in by the town at a subsequent meeting " by a great 
 majority." He was ordained October 31. The town granted 
 .^'8 for the expenses of the entertainment. 
 
 Voted, That the Constables with sutable assistance shall Guard the 
 Pulpit and Table and the Seven Pews on the North side of the meeting 
 House and the Body of the seats for the Council, the Church and Mr. 
 Prentiss Relation on Ordination day. 
 
 Voted, That the Meeting House Doors shall be sett open att Eight of 
 the Clock in the morning. . . . Desired the Select men to strenthen the 
 meeting house with proper assistance before the Ordination. 
 
 ANTI-PEDOBAPTISTS. 
 
 One article in the town-meeting warrant was "to see if 
 the town will exempt the Anti-pedobaptists from paying 
 ministerial taxes agreable to the late law." Voted to ex- 
 empt Ebenezer Mason, Ezekiel Adams, Joshua Morse, 
 
158 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Simon Plimpton, Jolin Pepalow, John Cutler, Widow Kezia 
 Plimpton, James Morse, James Ellis, Jr., Benjamin Hewes, 
 Nathan Plimpton, and Joseph Plimpton. 
 
 1771. Selectmen, Oliver Ellis, Jonathan Allen, Bara- 
 chias Mason, Adam Peters, and Ephraim Chenery, Jr. 
 
 Samuel Morse, Representative. 
 
 An article was inserted in the town-meeting warrant " to 
 see whether the Town of Medfield will pettision the General 
 Court att their next sitting that the Inhabitance of Said 
 Town may Enjoy the same privillidge that the Inhabitance 
 of the Town of Boston do Enjoy Respecting the settling 
 and maintaining of ministers and Building and Repairing of 
 meeting Houses." Passed in the negative. 
 
 Leave was given to the Anti-pedobaptists to meet in the 
 Centre School-house during the town's pleasure, they not 
 interfering with the schools. 
 
 1772. Selectmen, Oliver Ellis, Barachias Mason, John- 
 athan Allen, Adam Peters, and Ephraim Chenery, Jr. 
 
 Samuel Morse, Representative. 
 
 An article was put in the warrant "to see whether the 
 Town are of the mind to petition the General Court that the 
 Laws of this Province about choosing, ordaining, settling, 
 and supporting ministers, building and repairing meeting 
 houses, etc., may be repealed, so that every one may have 
 freedom and liberty to act for themselves without having a 
 minister, his support, etc., imposed upon them by other per- 
 sons." The article was dismissed. 
 
 Voted, To choose a committee of Five men to Hear the Reasons of 
 those persons that Refuse to pay their ministerial Rate. 
 
 FIRST BAPTIST MEETING-HOUSE. 
 
 June 19, a piece of land was bought on which to build 
 a Baptist meeting-house. It was probably commenced dur- 
 ing the summer or fall. The original building was thirty- 
 one feet square : the entrance was at the westerly end, the 
 pulpit opposite, with galleries on three sides. Under the 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. 1 59 
 
 galleries were the pews, enclosures some six or eight feet 
 square ; and through the centre of the house were the "body 
 seats," or benches. This building still stands on the spot 
 where first erected. 
 
 1773. Selectmen, Daniel Perry, John Fisher, Jr., Jona- 
 than Allen, Adam Peters, and Ephraim Chenery, Jr. 
 
 Moses Bullen, Representative. 
 
 A letter having been received from the town of Boston 
 containing a statement of the rights of the colonies, and of 
 this province in particular, also a list of infringements on 
 those rights, a committee was chosen " to draw up some- 
 thing proper to lay before the town." The town voted "as 
 the clear Sence of this Town that the rights stated as afore- 
 said are in substance the just rights of the Collonies and of 
 this province; and that the Infringements there Innumer- 
 ated are Real and heavy Grievances which we have long 
 and Justly complained of, and if continued will totaly De- 
 stroy the Libertys of the Province and the continent of 
 America." 
 
 Voted, That this Town do acknowledge the vigelance and care which 
 the Town of Boston have discovered of the Rights and Liberties of the 
 province, and Shall be allways Ready to Joyn with the metropoles or 
 any other Towns in any Constitutional measures for recovering, secur- 
 ing, and defending our Invaluable Rights and privilidges both civel and 
 religious. 
 
 Voted, That the Representative of this town be and hereby is 
 Instructed to use his best endeavours in the General assembly to have 
 the full Exercise of our Just and Invaluable rights and Liberties Re- 
 stored, secured, and Established on a Just and constitutional Founda- 
 tion; also that he use his utmost influence to have a final Period put to 
 that most cruel, Inhuman and unchristian practice the Slave Trade. 
 
 Voted, That our Town Clerk be and hereby is directed to transmitt 
 an attested copie of these votes to the Committee of Correspondence 
 att Boston. 
 
 The following reply from that committee has been discov- 
 ered among some old papers : — 
 
 Gentlemen : Your clerk has transmitted to us the proceedings of the 
 town of Medfield by which it appears that you are inspired with the 
 same spirit and sentiments which actuate many other towns who have 
 
l6o HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 already met to consult the common safety. All seem to agree as to 
 state of rights and infringements ; and our enemies are now convinced 
 that what they have taunting called an expiring faction, complaining 
 of they know not what, is the general voice of a sensible people, justly 
 resenting their intolerable grievances, indignities, and oppressions, who, 
 when once roused, will have it in their power, under God, to do them- 
 selves justice. 
 
 A lot of land at Centre Meadov/ was sold, and the pro- 
 ceeds put into the school fund. 
 
 Voted that the town "buy a decent Broad Cloath burying 
 Cloath"; also, "to Repair the powder House and fix a wier 
 to preserve the House from Lightning." An old diary 
 states that the powder-house was struck by lightning in 
 
 1773- 
 
 Near the end of the year, another letter was received 
 from the Committee of Correspondence, to which the town 
 voted the following reply : — 
 
 We esteem the free and full enjoyment of the priviledges of English- 
 men as the birthright of every American, nor do we know any reason 
 why the distance of thr.ee thousand miles from the island of Great Brit- 
 ain should curtail or abridge them, especially when by charter grant 
 they are solemnly ensured to us as though we were born within the 
 realm of England. The right to dispose of their own propriety either 
 by their own persons or by their representatives we hold to be the grand 
 basis of English Liberty. For these reasons we hold it a fundamental 
 principle not tamely to be yielded up to any man or body of men on 
 earth, that the rights of taxation in the British colonies in America is 
 visted solely in the Houses of Assembly of the respective provinces, who 
 are made up of men vested with authority by the free vote and suffrage 
 of the persons on whom the tax is to be laid. It is with grief we behold 
 this fundamental principle, this charter grant, become a matter of dis- 
 pute and contention. 
 
 We have been alarmed with the measures for several years past 
 adopted and pursued by the British administration under various forms 
 evidently repugnant to and subversive of the fundamental principles of 
 our happy Constitution, particularly in laying taxes or imposing duties 
 upon articles of importation for the sole purpose of raising a revenue 
 upon America. We feel with our brethren a fresh alarm upon the 
 commission granted the East India Company tq export their teas to 
 America in such quantities as the lords of trade shall think proper, 
 subject to a duty payable here, which carries in it an evident design 
 (couched under plausible and subtile pretences) to enforce and establish 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. l6l 
 
 the said revenue act and the unconstitutional measures of the British 
 administration. 
 
 We heartily agree with our brethren of the town of Boston in their 
 opinion of the baneful and pernicious tendency of this measure, which 
 was evidently planned to ease the minds of the India Company and 
 prevent their further petitions for the repeal of the act imposing a duty 
 on tea, not for the benefit of the colonies, yea, designed the more artfully 
 to fasten the chains of slavery upon a burdened and distressed people. 
 We highljr approve the vigilance, care, and fortitude of our brethren who 
 have so bravely exerted themselves in the great cause of liberty, and are 
 ready to unite our endeavor with theirs as members of the body politic in 
 all constitutional methods to preserve, defend, or recover our just rights. 
 We will never be behind our brethren in the most painful, laborious, or 
 expensive trouble in so just a cause as the preservation and security of 
 the priviledges we inherit as the purchase of our fathers' blood and 
 treasure. United we stand, divided we fall. 
 
 In the present matter of uneasiness, we are highly satisfied and 
 pleased with the spirited, patriotic, and disinterested conduct of some of 
 the principal undertakers of teas in the town of Boston and Charlestown, 
 and could heartily wish a similar agreement might be formed and inviola- 
 bly maintained by all the undertakers of teas throughout the several gov- 
 ernments on the continent, and that the consumers as the undertakers of 
 this article would unite as one man to refrain the use of it so long as it 
 is subject to parliamentary duty. This must be allowed on all hands to 
 be a justifiable and at the same time the easiest and safest way of shak- 
 ing off the burden of oppression and the chain of slavery. To contribute 
 our part to this glorious cause, we do therefore resolve that we will not 
 purchase, or use, or suffer to be used in our families, any tea that we 
 know to be subject to a duty, at least till such time as the minds of our 
 brethren in other towns can be known. 
 
 We have no disposition to complain when we are not burdened, nor 
 do we desire to fault the measures of administration when they are not 
 ^ evidently repugnant to the rights of mankind and the liberties of Eng- 
 lish subjects in particular. We have a firm affection for the illustrious 
 house of Hanover, and heartily wish that his present Majesty might 
 long reign over a free and happy people, and that that dignity of the 
 British crown and sceptre may descend in peace and sit easy on the 
 heads of his royal descendants for ages and generations yet to come. 
 As the highest evidence of this, we must say we cordially acquiesce in 
 Revolution principles, and are determined upon these principles to the 
 utmost of our power to defend and maintain the invaluable liberties to 
 which we are thereby entitled, against all usurpation and encroachment, 
 as we suppose every friend to the present royal family must do, if he will 
 act in consistence with those principles upon which the happy revolution 
 took place. 
 
1 62 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 While we profess ourselves advocates for rational constitutional lib- 
 erty, we do not mean to patronize Libertinism and licentiousness. We 
 are sensible of the necessity of government for the security of life, 
 liberty, and property, and mean to vindicate and submit to all lawful 
 and constitutional authority. We wish the blessing of law and govern- 
 ment, and yet of rational liberty, as extensive as the subjects to enjoy 
 them ; and therefore cannot but thinlt it incumbent upon us to bear testi- 
 mony against that iniquitous practice of enslaving the Africans. It 
 appears at first view greatly absurd for us to plead for liberty and yet 
 patronize the most cruel servitude and bondage. The poor Africans, 
 when taken from all that is dear to them in their native soil, have not the 
 least shadow of liberty remaining. They have nothing that they can 
 claim as their own ; their time is entirely devoted to the service of their 
 absolute lords, their bodies are at their disposal to be bartered and sold 
 from man to man as the senseless beasts ; their children, if any they 
 have, are born in an estate of abject servitude, than which nothing can be 
 more repugnant to liberty, for which we so universally contend. We 
 wish to maintain constitutional liberty ourselves, and cannot endure the 
 thoughts of its being withheld from the same flesh and blood for no 
 other reason that we can conceive of but because the God of nature has 
 been pleased to tinge their skins with a different color from our own. 
 If we look for liberty ourselves, we conceive we ought not to continue to 
 enslave others, but immediately to set about some effectual method to 
 prevent it in the future. Our earnest wish is that the things which 
 belong to the nation's peace may in no one instance be hid from our 
 eyes. We remain united with our brethren in one common cause. 
 
 The committee to prepare this reply was chosen Decem- 
 ber 14. Two days afterward, the destruction of tea in Bos- 
 ton Harbor occurred. 
 
 1774. Selectmen, Daniel Perry, John Fisher, Jr., Rob- 
 ert Hinsdale, Jacob Clark, and Joseph Clark. Enoch Adams ' 
 was chosen town clerk. He served two years. ^10 granted 
 for schools, £2$ for the poor. 
 
 Moses Bullen was chosen Representative to the General 
 Court at Salem, with the following instruction^: — 
 
 We, your constituents, require and commend you to act nothing in- a 
 legislative capacity as our representative in conjunction with any other 
 council than that appointed by the charter granted by King William 
 and Queen Mary to the inhabitants of Massachusetts Bay, and chosen 
 by the representatives of said inhabitants. Also you are hereby directed 
 not to submit or yield obedience to any acts of the British Parliament, 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. 163 
 
 or ministerial instructions that infringe upon and dispossess us of our 
 natural and charter rights, civil or religious. 
 
 Simon Plimpton, Eliakim Morse, Seth Qark, Daniel Perry, 
 and Moses Bullen were chosen a " committee of corre- 
 spondence " for the town, with reference to the troubles with 
 the British Government. Two or more of this committee 
 were to serve as delegates to the Provincial Congress at 
 Concord in October. At this period, town-meetings were 
 held by adjournments from week to week. 
 
 The town voted to double its stock of ammunition, and 
 granted j£i^ior the purpose. 
 
 November 21, the town passed a vote of compliance with 
 the agreement and resolves adopted by the Continental Con- 
 gress which met at Philadelphia in October, also voted that 
 the resolutions be entered on the Medfield records. Enoch 
 Adams, town clerk, recorded, in neat and legible style, the 
 fourteen resolutions in full, with the names of the men who 
 composed that remarkable Congress. One hundred and 
 fifty-three Medfield men signed their names as personally 
 complying with and indorsing the resolutions. The list 
 embraces, with scarcely an exception, the entire voting pop- 
 ulation : there. were evidently no Tories in this town. 
 
 The eleventh resolve called for the appointment by every 
 town of a committee to observe the conduct of persons 
 toward the measures of Congress, and to publish the names 
 of all such as were found hostile to the interests of Ameri- 
 can liberty. The committee for Medfield consisted of 
 seven, — Samuel Morse, Joseph Clark, Joseph Morse, Enoch 
 Adams, Nathan Harding, Benjamin Boyden, and Sabin 
 Mann. 
 
 Voted, That it is the mind of this Town that the conduct of the Late 
 Province Treasurer, Harrison Gray, Esq., hath been such that it is not 
 Expedient for the Assessors and Constables of this town to conform to 
 his warrants, and that the Town will Indemnify them for all cost and 
 Damages that may arise to them from there non-compliance to his said 
 warrants. 
 
164 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 MINUTE-MEN. 
 
 At a town-meeting, December 26, — 
 
 Voted, That the present exigency of the times are such that we think 
 it expedient forth with to adhear to the Resolve of Provincial Congress 
 held at Cambridge Oct. 26, 1774, (viz.) that \ Part of the militia be In- 
 listed and held att the shortest notice to march in Defence of the Prov- 
 ince. We think that one shilling and sixpence is sufficient Reward per 
 day or ninepence per half day for the months of March, April, and 
 May, they not exceeding three half days' Duty in a week, — the time 
 when and how they shall be Intitled to their Pay as follows; (viz.) that 
 they Enter the service the first of March (if the Inclemency of the 
 weather doth not prevent) and continue therein untill the Last of May, 
 when if necessary further Incouragement shall be granted to them 
 adequate to their service, Provided (and not otherwise) that the men be 
 Incorporated into a Company (or half Company) and equipt agreeable 
 to the Resolve and Recommendation of Provincial Congress at Cam- 
 bridge. And that every man so Inlisted directly pass a review before 
 a Committee chosen by the town for that purpose, in whose power it 
 shall be to say whether the men be able and Equipt agreeable to the 
 above Congress, and that the Committee aforesaid together with the 
 Commanding officer of the Company shall make out and Transmitt a 
 true list of each man's Name so Inlisted and Excepted to the Selectmen 
 of the Town, and that the first Officer of the Company shall by giving 
 from under his hand, or on oath to the selectmen, a particular account 
 of each man's service Obtain from them an order on this town to Draw 
 each man's wages once every three months after the Date of the Com- 
 pany's Incorporation, so long as they continue to do Duty within the 
 Town upon proper Encouragement as above (Except they be Recom- 
 penced from the Province). 
 
 Voted, That the number of minute-men should not exceed twenty-five. 
 
 ^^33 'S-f- granted for their "encouragement." 
 
 AID FOR BOSTON. 
 
 While the citizens of Boston were suffering from the 
 operation of the Port Bill, many towns in this and other 
 States sent contributions of money and supplies. The con- 
 tribution from Medfield was 132 lbs. of pork, 402 lbs. of 
 cheese, and 22 cartloads of wood. 
 
 1775. Selectmen, Moses Bullen, Noah Allen, Robert 
 Hinsdale, Jacob Clark, and Samuel Ellis, Jr. 
 The selectmen were directed to collect the military imple- 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. 16$ 
 
 ments belonging to the town or company and return them 
 to Colonel Ephraim Wheelock. 
 
 THE LEXINGTON ALARM. 
 
 The rolls at the State House show that the company of 
 minute-men marched from Medfield April 19, and were in 
 service twelve days. The following is the roll : — 
 
 Captain Sabin Mann. Sergeant James Tisdale. 
 
 Sergeant Joseph Morse. Corporal Phillips Blake. 
 
 " John Baxter. " Benjamin Boyden. 
 
 Drummer Job Wight. 
 
 Francis Cole. Joseph Perry. 
 
 Silas Plimpton. Eleazer Ellis, Jr. 
 
 David Plimpton. Silas Allen. 
 
 Abner Mason. Asa Cheney. 
 
 David Clark. Holland Wood. 
 
 Eliphalet Fisher. Moses Hewes. 
 
 Joseph Plimpton. John Fuller. 
 
 Silas BuUard. Rufus Mann. 
 
 Ezekiel Plimpton. John Foley. 
 
 John Fisher, 3d. Jesse Pratt. 
 John Gridley. 
 
 Besides these, Captain Ephraim Chenery's company, fifty- 
 four officers and men, started for the scene of action. They 
 doubtless soon returned, as the records do not show that 
 they were any time in service. In all, eighty-two men 
 marched from this town on that occasion. 
 
 Daniel Perry was chosen delegate to the Provincial Con- 
 gress to be held at the meeting-house in Watertown, 
 May 31. 
 
 When the Bunker Hill alarm came. Captain Chenery 
 started with his company : he did not arrive, however, in 
 time to take part in the battle, but with his men served 
 awhile in the siege of Boston. December 10, he was com- 
 missioned as captain in a company raised as a re-enforce- 
 ment to the American army. 
 
 One soldier at least from Medfield, James Tisdale, was 
 among those sent by General Washington against Quebec 
 by way of the Kennebec River and the wilderness of Maine 
 and Canada. Tisdale had the rank of captain, was severely 
 
l66 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 wounded in the attack on Quebec, and taken prisoner by the 
 British. He was kindly treated, however, and came home on 
 parole, where he remained nearly a year before he was ex- 
 changed. He rejoined the Continental Army at Saratoga. 
 
 1776. Selectmen, John Baxter, Simon Plimpton, Sam 
 uel Morse, John Fisher, and Joseph Clark. John Baxter, Jr., 
 was chosen town clerk. He served at different times four- 
 teen years. 
 
 Voted, That such officers and soldiers as were in the Continental 
 Army on the first of last September be exempt from poll and highway 
 taxes. 
 
 Spades, shovels, pickaxes, narrow axes, and a drum and 
 fife were purchased for the use of the town. 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 Daniel Perry was Representative to the General Court at 
 Watertown, and the following instructions were given him : — 
 
 Mr. Daniel Perry : The town placing confidence in your skill and 
 veracity have chosen you to represent them at the Great and General 
 Court the ensuing year, and advise you to use your influence in regard 
 to the several particulars following : — 
 
 1. Whereas the King, Lords, and Commons of Great Britain in Par- 
 liament assembled have declared their right to bind us in all cases what- 
 soever, and their proceedure with the colonies being agreeable to said 
 declaration so that we cannot have any dependence as heretofore on 
 them, we therefore, if the Congress declare the colonies independent of 
 Great Britain, will support said declaration with our lives and fortunes. 
 
 2. That a repeal may be made of the paragraph mentioned in the 
 Test act and covenant relating to the laws that may hereafter be made 
 for the regulation of the militia thereof, and that there may be an appeal 
 admitted for offenders provided in said law as in other cases. 
 
 3. That the laws of this colony made and provided for the settling 
 and supporting ministers and building meeting-houses may be repealed, 
 so that the gospel may be the only rule submitted to in the above cases. 
 
 4. That no African or other person be held in slavery during life. 
 
 5. That every town pay its own representatives to the General Court. 
 
 6. That every prudent measure may be taken to keep up and support 
 public faith, as expressed in our paper currency. 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. 167 
 
 SMALL-POX HOSPITAL. 
 
 At a meeting in June, the town " Granted Liberty for a 
 Number of Persons to Innoculate For the Small Pox, Pro- 
 vided said Persons att their One expence do provide a sut- 
 able House Remote from traveling or Other dwelling houses 
 as the Law in such cases Directs." A committee was 
 chosen "to inspect such houses and persons where they 
 think the small-pox to be " ; also, to prepare regulations for 
 the inoculating hospital. The following were adopted : — 
 
 1. Every person who may receive the infection of the small-pox by 
 inoculation shall repair to the hospital as soon as the physician attend- 
 ing him shall judge it expedient for the safety of all such as may be 
 liable to receive it. 
 
 2. No person who may have the distemper shall leave the hospital 
 until he or she has first obtained a certificate in writing from the attend- 
 ing physician, setting forth that such person is so cleansed and freed 
 from infection as not to endanger others who have not had the dis- 
 temper. 
 
 3. That the town choose a committee, consisting of persons who 
 have had the small-pox, who shall have the inspection of the hospital, 
 and see from time to time that proper care is taken by physicians and 
 nurses of the subjects of the distemper ; and that, if they find any neg- 
 lect or mal-conduct, that they report the same to the selectmen of the 
 town, who shall take such measures thereupon as in their discretion they 
 may see meet, and also to see to it that due care is taken by the physi- 
 cians or nurses who may attend said hospital that they on their part 
 expose no person to the infection in their passing and repassing from 
 said hospital. 
 
 Lastly, that the selectmen for the time being be directed to procure 
 such further measures for the benefit of said hospital and the common 
 safety, under direction of the law as to them from time to time may seem 
 expedient. 
 
 The committee of inspection consisted of Francis Cole, 
 Sabin Mann, and John Thebault. 
 
 The General Court having ordered a quota of men from 
 Medfield for the Continental Army, the town offered a 
 bounty of £^6 6s. %d. in addition to that offered by the Gen- 
 eral Court. The number of men was twenty-six : each man 
 was to provide his arms and accoutrements. Voted to 
 borrow ^^150 to pay the bounties. 
 
1 68 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Voted "to give the last grant to pay the men listed to 
 Goe to Cannady " ; also, £,6, " the money that the Great 
 Gun was sold for," toward paying the bounties of the Can- 
 ada soldiers. The unfortunate expedition against Quebec 
 under Montgomery and Arnold is here referred to. 
 
 ;£3 granted for schools. During the war, very little was 
 raised for schools, aside from the income of the school fund. 
 
 Voted, That the Town are of the mind that the present House of 
 Assembly with the Councel of this State Consult and agree upon such 
 a Constitution and form of Sivel Government and that only for the 
 safety and good of the State, and when they have so Don Lay the same 
 Before Each town in this State for their Inspection and Perusall that 
 their minds may be known whether they approve or Dissalow of the 
 whole or any part of it. 
 
 FORMATION OF A BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 August 1 8, a Baptist church was formed with the follow- 
 ing members : — 
 
 Ebenezer Mason. 
 Dorothy Mason. 
 Asa Mason. 
 Beriah Mason. 
 Hannah Mason. 
 Priscilla Mason. 
 Ezekiel Adams. 
 James Morse. 
 Maria Morse. 
 John Thebault. 
 
 Abigail Morse. 
 Susannah Reed. 
 Benjamin Boyden. 
 Elizabeth Baker. 
 Edward Coffoa. 
 Kezia Plimpton. 
 Mary Ellis. , 
 Kezia Cutler. 
 Olive Cheney. 
 Taphath Chenery. 
 
 Bathsheba Morse. 
 Kezia Morse. 
 Mary Edwards. 
 Lydia Lovell. 
 Mary Harding. 
 Abner Bullard. 
 John Bassett. 
 Grace (a slave). 
 
 Rev. Thomas Gair was settled as pastor. 
 The population of Medfield in 1776, as shown by the 
 Colonial Census, was 775. 
 
 1777. Selectmen, Robert Hinsdell, Asa Hamant, Asa 
 Clark, Joseph Morse, and Jonathan Wight, 3d. 
 
 Daniel Perry, Representative. 
 
 Eleazar Wheelock was chosen town clerk. He served 
 four years. 
 
 A statement was made to the town in January of what 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. 169 
 
 had been done thus far in sustaining the war. The fol- 
 lowing soldiers had been furnished : — 
 
 14 men 8 mos. at Roxbury. 24 men 4 mos. at Ticonderoga. 
 
 17 " 2 " " 4 " 4 " Dorchester. 
 
 20 " 2 " " 3 " 2 " York. 
 8 "12 " York. 
 
 A bounty of £,2<^ was paid by the town to one William 
 Ankles, of Boston, who was certified as having "passed 
 muster, and being entitled to pass for any town that will 
 pay the bounty." 
 
 The total expense of the war to this time had been £,^26. 
 Voted that the cost of the war be levied on polls and es- 
 tates. 40J. a month was granted to every man enlisting into 
 the Continental Army after the first year of his enlistment. 
 
 Voted, To Prohibet the meetinghouse bell being rung or tolled at any 
 time without Liberty from the Saxon or one or more of the Selectmen 
 on Penalty of Five shillings. 
 
 .£555 granted to hire soldiers to fill up the Continental 
 Army. 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE REPRESENTATIVE. 
 
 1. That he be instructed not to give his vote for a constitution of 
 government at present, on account of the great number of our friends 
 and brethren being absent in the army that have an undoubted right and 
 ability to act therein ; also on account of other things that the minds of 
 people are much engaged. 
 
 2. That the laws of the State of Massachusetts Bay, made and pro- 
 vided for the settling and supporting ministers, building and repairing 
 meeting-houses, may be repealed, so that the Gospel may be the only 
 rule submitted to in the above cases. 
 
 3. That no African or other person be held in Slavery for the future. 
 
 4. That every town pay their own representatives for attendance in 
 the Great and General Court. 
 
 5. That every prudent measure may be taken to support faith as 
 expressed in our paper currency, and by no means to suffer any emis- 
 sions of money on a loan. As also that our present currency be not 
 redeemed -by 'loan certificates, but by the continual [?] currency. 
 
 Voted, To put a stop to Innoculation of the small-pox in this town for 
 the future. 
 
I/O HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Selectmen were directed to have the house owned by- 
 Joseph and John Baxter, which had been used as a hospital, 
 immediately cleansed from the infection. This house 
 appears to have been that near the old saw-mill at Noon 
 Hill; the physician in charge, Dr. Aaron Wight. 
 
 September 30, Captain Ezekiel Plimpton's company, sixty- 
 six officers and men, marched on the secret expedition to 
 Rhode Island. October 4, the head-quarters were at Little 
 Compton. October 28, they were discharged from further 
 service. 
 
 NEWSPAPERS IN WAR TIME. 
 
 The following copy of an old paper shows the arrange- 
 ments made for obtaining the news : — 
 
 Medfield, Sept. 15, 1777. 
 We whose names are hereunto subscribed do indent and engage to 
 enter our names for the Newes Papers printed at Boston, and to go down 
 for them weekly in our turns, and convey them to some convenient place 
 in this town where we shall agree. 
 
 Joseph Morse. Ephraim Chenery. Jabez Fuller. 
 
 Eliakim Morse. James Gerauld. Daniel Perry. 
 
 John Fisher, Jr. Adam Peters. Moses Wight. 
 
 Silas Allen. Eleazar Wheelock. Jona. Plimpton. 
 
 Joseph Plimpton. Thomas Prentiss. Philip Blake. 
 
 Henry Harding. Seth Smith. Joshua Seaver. 
 
 Nathan Partridge. Seth Clark. Fisher Allen. 
 Joseph Boyden. 
 
 1778. Selectmen, Adam Peters, Asa Clark, Joseph 
 Morse, Ephraim Wheelock, and Henry Harding. 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE REPRESENTATIVE. 
 
 Whereas the Continental Congress has adopted certain articles of 
 confederation and perpetual union, and proposed them to the several 
 States for consideration, in order that, if they be approved, they may be- 
 come conclusive ; and whereas the Assembly of this State has thought 
 fit to consult their constituents in a matter of so much importance, — we, 
 therefore, the inhabitants of the town of Medfield, in legal town-meeting 
 assembled, after taking the matter into our most serious and dispassion- 
 ate consideration, cannot but admit the thirteen articles of confederation 
 to be a plan wisely adapted to the securing of the freedom of America, 
 with this small addition to the eighth article, viz. : that the common 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. 171 
 
 treasury be supplied by the several States in proportion to tlie number 
 of Polls and all personal estates as well as all lands and buildings within 
 each State ; which addition we think ought to be inserted, provided we 
 as a people had a disposition or abilities to yield that inviolable obedi- 
 ence required in the thirteenth article : but, if we may be allowed free- 
 dom of speech, we, in faithfulness to our selves, to you, and to our rulers 
 at large, confess the decay of virtue and the want of a disposition and 
 ability to comply. Therefore, where is the propriety in pledging faith, or 
 the safety in conforming to and ratifying the articles of confederation ? 
 
 It may be asked wherein we are indisposed or unable to comply with 
 the articles aforesaid ? . . . 
 
 Witness the Continental battalions : how short are they of the quota ; 
 or the State regiments for the defence of a sister colony ; or with what 
 difficulty do we maintain and man our lines within our own State by 
 draft from the militia. In any of these doth there appear a disposition 
 to comply with either State or Congress ? . . . 
 
 It may be said we generally procure our quota of men when called 
 for. We admit a part of the number is (raised), but seldom all ; and 
 rarely ever by the time fixed. But how are they raised? As volun- 
 teers, or (if we may be allowed the term) as venal troops for the sake 
 of an extra extravagant bounty. Witness the continental men who 
 received £^0 to ^60, or even .£100 bounty; or even for a three months' 
 campaign, an extra bounty must be given from ;i^io to ;£2o or £$0. Is 
 here any proper disposition to maintain independency or compliance 
 with the confederation proposed ? or, rather, when we add the vast and 
 unavoidable expense the State is at for paying and maintaining the 
 army, to the extra bounties given to men to take up arms, can any one 
 suppose the ability of the State sufficient therefor ? ... On these con- 
 siderations, we desire to be cautious where we pledge our faith, as you, 
 in this case, must look to us for direction in the beginning, and protec- 
 tion in the end. Doth it not immediately become us to recollect our 
 former covenants and pledges of faith to each other, and see to the 
 fulfilment thereof.? Though, late in the day, let us one and all rise to 
 justice, and yet once more determine to be free at the risk of life and 
 fortune. Let extortion and avarice be expelled, virtue and benevolence 
 introduced ; which, if we do not, we are constrained to think the army 
 must quit the field, and disunion spread its baneful tenets through the 
 State. Therefore, to do justice to our army, and to that part of our 
 brethren whose estates lie in bills of credit, and to the poor, and to the 
 people at large who are daily suffering by the violent extortions of the 
 times, and the unwarrantable fivefold depreciation of our currency and 
 debasement of public faith, we, your constituents, therefore seriously 
 recommend to your consideration the introduction to the resolve of 
 Congress Nov. 22, 1777, together with the resolves at large that are 
 there earnestly recommended. 
 
1/2 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 We, therefore, reposing special trust in your loyalty and good con- 
 duct, do instruct you to use your best influence that said resolve be 
 complied with, excepting the loaning any more bills of credit ; also in the 
 following particulars : — 
 
 1. That the third resolve be inviolably observed, to the effect that 
 your laws be praise and support to those who do well, and a terror to all 
 on the contra. 
 
 2. Respecting the fifth resolve, which gives us pleasure to hear that 
 your delegates are now setting on so important a matter, we therefore 
 instruct you that on a careful consideration of the report of your dele- 
 gates, to use your influence that suitable laws be enacted as in said 
 resolve recommended, remembering to consult your constituents before 
 you finally ratify and confirm the method of establishing prices or fixing 
 the time when a regulation shall take place. We leave to the Assembly 
 whether to begin at once and fix a standard, or to sink the present extor- 
 tion as gradually as it rose. 
 
 3. We instruct you to use your best endeavors that the sixth resolve be 
 complied with without loss of time. 
 
 4. As the plan above mentioned is immediately or as soon as may 
 be to take place, and the prices of commodities lessened, while the 
 public debt remains to be paid, therefore to introduce economy into the 
 public expense agreeable to the sixth resolve, we instruct you to use 
 your best endeavor for the immediate putting the late loan certificates 
 into circulation, the interest to cease, and they to be received in all 
 payments and at the treasury until the expiration of the time fixed in 
 the certificate ; and, in case there should be more than sufficiency of 
 continental bills of credit and State certificates for a circulating medium, 
 reduce it by tax, etc. 
 
 To conclude, we think it imprudent to ratify the confederation, unless 
 we comply with the before-mentioned recommendations and resolves ; 
 for, without the latter, we are utterly unable to comply with the former, 
 and, as we regard the good of our country, we earnestly wish to see each 
 town in the State preparing the way for a public and private reformation 
 and return from vice to virtue, or bid farewell to independency. 
 
 Granted ;£i4 "to pay the selectmen of 1776, that pro- 
 cured Camp Equipage for our soldiers on their march to 
 York." Granted ;£iii i^s. 4^. for procuring shirts, stock- 
 ings, and shoes for the Continental soldiers. 
 
 Voted that "the town will grant money for to Carry on 
 the War for the future on Polls and Estates." Twenty-one 
 voters entered a protest against this action as being illegal. 
 
 Voted to sell the wood that had been cut on the burying- 
 place, the proceeds, £1^, to go into the school fund. The 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. 1 73 
 
 selectmen were instructed to make three axes for the three 
 school-houses out of the town's steel. 
 
 Granted £^0 for the purchase of steel, lead, flints, and 
 gunlocks. 
 
 The new State Constitution was submitted to the towns 
 for ratification or rejection. The vote of this town stood 
 twenty-seven in favor and thirty-three opposed. This was 
 in accordance with the expressed will of the State, which 
 rejected the Constitution of 1778. 
 
 17T9. Selectmen, Silvanus Plimpton, Oliver Ellis, Dan- 
 iel Perry, Ephraim Chenery, and James Gerauld. The 
 question of calling a convention to frame a State Constitu- 
 tion was submitted to the towns : the vote here was nine- 
 teen in favor and twenty opposed. The State generally 
 having decided in favor, a convention was called to sit at 
 Cambridge September i. Dr. James Gerauld was chosen a 
 delegate to that convention. 
 
 A committee was chosen to take care of the families of 
 soldiers serving in the Continental Army. 
 
 The town accepted the report of the committee which 
 had been chosen to fix the prices of the necessaries of life 
 and other articles. Voted that attested copies of the report 
 be posted up at the public houses in town. 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY ARMY RATIONS. 
 
 One and one-half pounds of Beef or eighteen oz. of 
 pork per man per day. One pound of bread or flour per 
 man per day. Three pints of peas per man per week at 6s. 
 per bushel. One quart of Beer per man per day at one dol- 
 lar per barrell. Three Pints Indian meal per man per week 
 at 2s. 8d. per bushel. Eight pounds of soap per one hun- 
 dred men per week at 4d. per pound. Six pounds of candles 
 per one hundred men per week at ^d. per pound. Six 
 ounces of butter per man per week at 8d. per pound. One 
 gill or half a gill of rum when on fatigue or extra duty. 
 
 1780. Selectmen, Silvanus Plimpton, Oliver Ellis, Dan- 
 iel Perry, Adam Peters, and James Gerauld. 
 
174 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 A TIME OF HIGH PRICES. 
 
 Fabulous sums were voted for all purposes at this period, 
 owing to the depreciation of the currency. $S was the 
 bounty offered for crows, and Indian corn was rated at I50 
 a bushel. 
 
 The selectmen were directed to purchase materials for 
 clothing the town's quota of men in the Continental Army. 
 
 July 27, Captain Adam Peters and fifty-one men marched 
 on the occasion of the Rhode Island alarm. 
 
 Three men were hired for six months, thirteen men for 
 three months, and three horses purchased, for the Continen- 
 tal Army. The town's quota of beef for that army was also 
 furnished. 
 
 The new State Constitution having been submitted to the 
 towns, Medfield objected, fifty-eight to one, to the third 
 article in the Bill of Rights. A committee was chosen to 
 give the reasons and propose amendments. The Constitu- 
 tion being, however, adopted by a large majority of the 
 voters of the State, that committee probably did not report. 
 
 The third article was essentially changed by the amend- 
 ment of 1833, which shows that the Medfield men of 1780 
 were only about fifty years in advance of the times in which 
 they lived. 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE REPRESENTATIVE. 
 
 Sir,— You being appointed to represent the town of Medfield in the 
 General Court, to be holden at Boston on the last Wednesday of this 
 month (October), agreeable to the new Constitution, we therefore, having 
 an inalienable right to direct and instruct you from time to time as we 
 shall find occasion, which instruction you are closely to observe, and use 
 your best endeavors to accomplish what we wish for and instruct you in 
 a constitutional manner ; relying, therefore, on your best exertions for 
 the liberties and properties of the commonwealth, as also the pureness 
 of legislative authority which is absolutely essential both to liberty and 
 property, we instruct you in the following particulars : — 
 
 I. Respecting taxation, we mean not to desert the cause, rebel, or 
 revolt, nor even to faint under heavy burdens and taxes, but are cheerful 
 and willing to pay to the utmost of our abilities, as we know it is abso- 
 lutely necessary ; but any more, as we regard the good of mankind, in 
 sound policy we must protest against, seeing the consequences are 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. 1 75 
 
 inevitably dangerous and disagreeable : namely, a revolution, or a valua- 
 ble part of the inhabitants at once crushed and dispossessed of property. 
 Our earnest wish is that authority may not take us by the throat, but 
 forbear, and we will pay to the utmost. We therefore instruct you to 
 use your best endeavors to prevent authority over taxing in future ; and, 
 for these taxes which are ordered by the late Assembly, we direct you, 
 if possible, to prevent the executions going forth until some future day, 
 and that you in your legislative capacity exert yourself to the utmost to 
 devise some salutary method to maintain the army in part otherwise 
 than by taxation, as authority in their wisdom shall or may think fit. 
 We further direct you to endeavor, as soon as may be, to have the pub- 
 lic funds of this State liquidated ; and, to conclude this matter of taxa- 
 tion, we instruct you to use your influence to prevent the new Court 
 from ever assessing this town any more until we shall have had release 
 and allowance for what we have already paid over and above our just 
 proportion. 
 
 2. Whereas, authority has not been heretofore able to raise money, 
 men, or supplies, sufficient for the field and magazines, we instruct you 
 to use your utmost efforts to regain public faith, to the end that author- 
 ity may become respectable, and be able at all times to furnish the field 
 with men and the magazines with all sorts of supplies without the least 
 derogation from legislative honor and authority as may be justly ex- 
 pected in a free State. 
 
 3. Whereas the inhabitants of this town did unanimously reject the 
 third article of the Bill of Rights, we therefore instruct you not to act 
 anything thereon. ^ 
 
 Lastly, and to conclude our instructions at this time, we enjoin it 
 upon you as you regard your own honor and interest, and the honor and 
 interest of your country, to remember, as you are a representative of a 
 people who wish to be free, " That there is no safety where there is no 
 strength, no strength without a union, no union without justice, no jus- 
 tice where faith and truth in accomplishing public engagements are 
 wanting." Therefore, we flatter ourselves that, could we be possessed 
 of the above union, faith, and truth, we should be both safe and strong; 
 and, by the assistance of Him who judges the councils of the just, we 
 should be able to maintain our cause, and return from the field of war in 
 peace. Therefore, as we wish to be free from slavery and tyranny, we 
 have given you the above instructions, which you are not to fail of 
 exercising your best ability to accomplish. 
 
 DIVISION OF THE COUNTY. 
 
 A convention was called with reference to a division of 
 the county. Recommended that the towns of Medfield, 
 Medway, Wrentham, Franklin, Bellingham, Foxboro, Stough- 
 
176 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 ton, Stoughtonham, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Walpole, 
 Natick, Sherborn, Holliston, and Hopkinton be formed into 
 a new county, with Medfield as the shire town. 
 
 1781. Selectmen, Barachias Mason, Sabin Mann, Na- 
 than Adams, James Morse, and Elijah Adams. 
 
 Oliver Ellis, Representative. 
 
 Jonathan Metcalf was chosen town clerk. He served four 
 years. 
 
 The town resources were examined ; and it was found 
 that the treasurer had ^£199 iSs. in counterfeit or dead 
 money; £g,8i6 old Continental money; £3,497 ^^ notes; 
 and ^160 new emission, equal to ;!£i,920 old money. A large 
 amount was due from the collectors ; and it was voted to 
 receive the paper money taxes in new currency, at the rate 
 of forty for one. 
 
 Mediield's quota of men for the Continental Army this 
 year was eleven. 
 
 The following copy of an ancient paper shows how the 
 first attempt to raise them was made : — 
 
 Agreeable to a Resolve of the Commonwealth, June 16, 1781, Both 
 the Train band and alarm List ware assembled for the purpose of Com- 
 pleating the Town's Quota of the Continental Army for three years. 
 Many experiments ware Tryed for to enlist them, but all faild. At length 
 the Dusk of the evening came on, and I found my selfe under the disa- 
 greble Nessesety of makeing a Draght, upon which the following Per- 
 son ware Draughted (viz.), Jonathan Allen, Jacob Clark, Asa Hamant, 
 Jonathan Wight, Jr., Francis Hamant, Elihu Chenery, Gershom Adams, 
 John Fisher, Jr., Dyer Lovell, and Eleazar Ellis. 
 
 The officer, whose name is not given, goes on to say that 
 they " payd no Regard to my warning." 
 
 The town finally voted to raise eleven men to serve three 
 years in the Continental Army, and to pay them ;£24 a year 
 in gold or silver, the town to have all subsequent bounties 
 granted to the men. 
 
 £166 loj., "hard money," granted to furnish the town's 
 quota of beef, and £S4 to furnish the quota of clothing for 
 the Continental Army. 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. I'J'J 
 
 £,^ a month granted to those soldiers who would enlist 
 for three months. 
 
 The selectmen were instructed "to inform the Superin- 
 tendent that the town has a prospect of procuring their full 
 quota of men for the Continental Army." 
 
 Seth Smith and Benjamin Callender were licensed to sell 
 " the Article of Tea," according to the statute. 
 
 1782. Selectmen, Eleazar Wheelock, Robert Hinsdale, 
 Joseph Morse, Amos Plimpton, and Edward Cleaveland. 
 
 Oliver Ellis, Representative. 
 
 The collection of taxes was this year sold to the lowest 
 bidder. Eleazar Ellis was collector. 
 
 £,\^ granted for the schools. The selectmen were in- 
 structed to sell one hundred and eighty-two pounds of lead 
 in the town's possession. 
 
 A charitable collection was taken up in the two churches, 
 as shown by the following receipt : — 
 
 Received from Medfield for the suffering inhabitants of South Caro- 
 lina, 
 
 By Rev. Thomas Prentiss, ^3 13J. ^d. 
 By Rev. Thomas Gair, Baptist, ^i loj. 
 
 A LYCEUM. 
 
 During this year, social meetings were held at the house 
 of Mr. Wheelock, led by Mr. Prentiss and Mr. Gair. They 
 were devoted to the discussion of certain subjects, among 
 which were " Slavery " and " Newton on the Prophecies." 
 
 Several members contributed firewood, candles, etc. 
 Phillips Blake was clerk of the Association. 
 
 1783. Selectmen, Daniel Perry, Oliver Ellis, John 
 Baxter, Simeon Cutler, and Nathan Harding. 
 
 John Baxter, Jr., Representative. 
 
 A great amount of business was transacted this year in 
 settling up the accounts of the war. Seth Smith, collector, 
 had received a counterfeit eight-dollar bill : the value was 
 remitted to him by the town. 
 
178 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 At this date, it was stated as a remarkable fact that there 
 were living in town fifteen families that had to buy their 
 firewood. In earlier times, every man had his wood lot ; but, 
 during the war, several families resided here that had been 
 obliged to leave their own homes, in places occupied by the 
 enemy. These did not remain long, however, after the close 
 of the war. 
 
 EVIDENCES OF PATRIOTIC SPIRIT. 
 
 It cannot be denied that the town manifested a spirit of 
 genuine patriotism. When the first burst of enthusiasm 
 was over, and the difficulties and discouragements incident 
 to a prolonged struggle came to be understood, the people 
 of Medfield responded to the calls for men and money in a 
 manner which proved their sturdy devotion to the cause of 
 liberty. The cost to them in labor, self-denial, and personal 
 suffering, should never be forgotten by their grateful pos- 
 terity. 
 
 From first to last, one hundred and fifty-four men from 
 this town are known to have been in service during the War 
 of the Revolution. The following forty-two were in the 
 Continental Army : — 
 
 Col. Ephraim Wheelock. 
 Capt. Sabin Mann. 
 James Arculas. 
 Nathan Allen. / 
 Matthias Armsby. 
 John Baxter, Jr. 
 Jabez Boyden. 
 Jonathan Breck. 
 Nathan BuUard. 
 Oliver Chickering. 
 Phillips Clark. 
 Simeon Clark. 
 Nathan Clark. 
 Rufus Clark. 
 
 Jabez Clark. 
 Zimri Cleaveland. 
 Samuel Cole. 
 Joseph Cole. 
 John Fuller. 
 Jabez Fuller. 
 Warrick Green. 
 Newport Green. 
 Benjamin Hewes. 
 John Gridley. 
 Ebenezer Lyon. 
 Nathan Marsh. 
 John Morse. 
 Joseph Morse. 
 
 David Onion. 
 Joseph Plimpton. 
 Ezekiel Plimpton. 
 Ephraim Smith. 
 Lebbeus Smith. 
 Eli Smith. 
 Peter Smith. 
 Jonathan Townsend. 
 James Tisdale. 
 Lemuel Thompson. 
 Thomas Trott. 
 Peter Warren. 
 Spencer Wood. 
 Holland Wood. 
 
 Ephraim Smith was one of Major Andrd's guard while 
 he was awaiting trial and execution. He often described 
 Andre's noble bearing, and told how, when he was confined 
 
MEDFIELD IN REVOLUTIONARY TIMES. 
 
 179 
 
 in a small house, the Continental soldiers keeping guard on 
 the outside, he paced the room, anxiously looking out of the 
 windows in this direction and in that, until his swift, sharp 
 fate ended the scene. 
 
 Those next succeeding are found on the rolls as having 
 taken arms in various campaigns, for a longer or shorter 
 time, during the war : — 
 
 Capt. Adam Peters. 
 
 " Ephraim Chenery. 
 
 Lieut. Joseph Clark. 
 
 " Daniel Perry. 
 
 " Silas Bullard. 
 
 " Silas Plimpton. 
 Sergt. Amos Plimpton. 
 
 " Asa Clark. 
 
 " Samuel Ellis. 
 
 " Jesse Ellis. 
 
 " Jacob Clark. 
 
 " Billings Tisdale. 
 
 " Moses Wight. 
 
 Sergt. Eleazar Ellis. 
 
 " Seth Smith. 
 
 Edward Cleaveland. 
 Corp. Uriah Morse. 
 
 " Benjamin Boyden. 
 
 " Henry Harding. 
 
 " Amos Mason. 
 
 " Joseph Boyden. 
 
 « Phillips Blake. 
 
 " Nathan Harding. 
 John Bullard. 
 
 " William Clark. 
 
 Gershom Adams. 
 Nathan Adams. 
 Shem Armsby. 
 Asa Albee. 
 James Allen. 
 Enoch Allen. 
 Jonathan Allen. 
 Silas Allen. 
 Oliver Allen. 
 Elijah Allen. 
 Amos Allen. 
 Eliakim Allen. 
 Abel Baker. 
 Joseph Baxter. 
 Timothy Battle. 
 Abner Bullard. 
 Bela Bullen. 
 Ichabod Bullen. 
 Simeon Cutler. 
 Simon Cheney. 
 Levi Cheney. 
 Joseph Cheney. 
 
 Asa Cheney. 
 Timothy Cheney. 
 David Clark. 
 Benjamin Clark. 
 Ebenezer Clark. 
 Samuel Clark. 
 Elias Clark. 
 Pitts Clark. 
 Simeon Chenery. 
 Elihu Chenery. 
 Peter Cooledge. 
 Francis Cole. 
 Gershom Dunton. 
 Nathan Ellis. 
 George Ellis. 
 Eliphalet Fisher. 
 John Fisher. 
 John Foley. 
 Francis Hamant. 
 Charles Hamant. 
 Asa Hamant. 
 Abraham Harding. 
 
 Moses Hartshorn. 
 Obed Hartshorn. 
 Zephaniah Hewes. 
 Moses Hewes. 
 Joshua Hewes. 
 Moses LoveU. 
 Nathaniel LoveU. 
 Dyer LoveU. 
 Rufus Mann. 
 Abner Mason. 
 Silas Mason. 
 John Mason. 
 Thaddeus Morse. 
 Samuel Morse, Jr. 
 Jeremiah Morse. 
 William Morse. 
 Josiah Morse. 
 James Morse. 
 Eliakim Morse. 
 Nathan Partridge. 
 Joseph Perry. 
 Moses Peters. 
 
i8o 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Adam Peters. 
 Jesse Pratt. 
 David Plimpton. 
 Henry Plimpton. 
 Jonathan Plimpton. 
 Elzaphan Plimpton. 
 George Smith. 
 Ezra Smith. 
 
 Samuel Smith. 
 Timothy Smith. 
 Titus Smith. 
 Eleazar Smith. 
 Jonathan Smith. 
 John Thompson. 
 Nathan Turner. 
 
 Calvin Turner. 
 Samuel Turner. 
 Jacob Turner. 
 Job Wight. 
 Asa Wight. 
 Jonathan Wight. 
 Henry Wight. 
 
 The States of Massachusetts and Connecticut during the 
 war sent one soldier for every seven of population, which 
 was a larger proportion than that of any other State. From 
 the above list, it may be seen that the town of Medfield 
 sent one soldier for every five of population. A consid- 
 erable number, however, saw but a brief period of service. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 CLOSING ANNALS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 1784. Selectmen, James Gerauld, Nathan Adams, 
 Jonathan Metcalf, Eleazar Ellis, and Ebenezer Clark. 
 Daniel Perry, Representative. 
 
 Voted, To Rebuild the Great Bridge over Charles River with stone 
 pillers provided that the town of Medway will join. 
 
 Whether the stone " pillers " were built does not appear ; 
 but liberty was granted to cut timber for the bridge on the 
 town's land, and ;£20 was granted for the work. 
 
 A committee was appointed to "build four pews where 
 the hinder part of the Body of seats now stands, and cut an 
 alley to the pulpit through the Body of seats." 
 
 The " District of Dover " was incorporated on our north- 
 ern border : it had previously been called the " Springfield 
 district," or fourth parish of Dedham. 
 
 The following items are from the valuation of 1784: 
 Cows, £4 per head ; two-year-old cattle, £2 Bs. ; year- 
 lings, ;^i los.; oxen, £1^ los. a yoke ; sheep, 9^-. ; lambs, 
 ys.; calves, £1 4s.; swine one year old, £1 i6s. ; rye, per 
 bush., 4s. ; Indian corn and barley, 3J. 6d. ; oats, is. 6d. ; 
 hemp and flax, 9^. per pound ; cider, 8j. per barrel ; English 
 hay, £2 per ton ; meadow hay, £1. 
 
 There were in the town, at this period, one hundred and 
 twenty-one horses, one hundred and thirty-three oxen, one 
 
1 82 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 hundred and sixty-eight steers, four hundred and thirty-four 
 cows, seven hundred and sixty-one sheep, and one hundred 
 and forty swine. Number of polls, one hundred and eighty- 
 four. 
 
 1785. Selectmen, James Gerauld, Jonathan Metcalf, 
 Nathan Adams, Eleazar Ellis, and Ebenezer Clark. 
 
 Daniel Perry, Representative. 
 
 A FISH-WAY DESIRED. 
 
 A committee was chosen "to view Charles River at the 
 Falls in Newton in Regard to the Passing of the Several 
 Kinds of fish." Delegates were appointed to a convention, 
 " to consult on what measures to come into in Regard to 
 Digging a Chanel opposite the Uper falls in Charles River 
 between Needham and Newton for the Various kinds of 
 Salt water fish that annually Run up Charles River." There 
 is no further record of the matter, except that Mr. Bigsby, 
 who owned the land there, demanded £i8 for the privilege 
 of digging the channel. 
 
 Voted that " the Buring Ground be fenced with a Good 
 Rail fence all Round sd Ground," and that the committee 
 " make and Hang a Good Gate to pass into sd ground." 
 
 Dedham desired this town to assist in building " Vine 
 Rock Bridge." Medfield refused, and arranged to defend 
 itself from any suits brought against it. 
 
 1786. Selectmen, Eleazar Wheelock, Amos Plimpton, 
 Asa Boyden, David Clark, and Nahum Wight. 
 
 VAGRANTS AND THIEVES. 
 
 A committee was chosen to consider whether a new law 
 in regard to vagrants and thieves was desirable. They sub- 
 mitted the following report, which was accepted : — 
 
 We have carefully examined the several laws that are now in force 
 so far as we are capable and are of the opinion that the laws relating to 
 vagrant persons are sufficient if put in execution, and that the laws Con- 
 cerning thieves are well adapted for their punishment when duly con- 
 victed: but find no provision in said law for the incouragement of 
 
CLOSING ANNALS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 83 
 
 persons to take up and secure them. We conceive it would be of public 
 utility that a law should be made granting a bounty or reward to any per- 
 son or persons that shall take up and secure any thief or thieves so as 
 he or she may be convicted and upon their conviction to be entitled to 
 the bounty or reward, and that the money be paid- out of the public 
 treasury of this commonwealth. Also we report it as our opinion that 
 this town petition the General Assembly of this commonwealth to enact 
 a law granting a bounty as aforesaid. 
 
 A committee was chosen to prepare a petition, whiph was 
 as follows : — 
 
 Whereas, since the disbanding of the American army the number of 
 ..thieves are greatly multiplied and frequent insults of theft are committed 
 in one part and another of which this town has suffered much in many 
 instances of late, — We conceive it would have a good tendency to pre- 
 vent thieves from escaping with impunity, and would be of public utility 
 if there was proper encouragement made by law for people to exert 
 themselves when there is any theft committed in any parts of this Com- 
 monwealth to take up and secure any thief or thieves so as they m^y be 
 convicted and receive the punishment due for their crimes. Your peti- 
 tioners pray that this Hon. Court would enact a law granting a premium 
 to any person or persons that shall take up and secure any thief or 
 thieves and upon their conviction to be entitled to the premium and the 
 money to be paid by the criminal if able, and, if not, out of the public 
 treasury of this Commonwealth. Also that the complainant be entitled 
 by law to adequate pay for his expenses, time, and trouble in his attend- 
 ing any court or courts in the prosecution against the offender, provided 
 the same be convicted: or act anything as you in your wisdom shall 
 think proper. 
 
 This year, Silas Mason, Nathan Harding, and John Fisher, 
 Jr., built a saw-mill near Castle Hill, they having liberty to 
 flow lands there from October to April yearly. This mill 
 continued to be used till about 1820. 
 
 A NEW PARISH MEETING-HOUSE. 
 
 Voted, That the town commence preparing materials for building 
 a new meeting-house. 
 
 LIBRARY. 
 
 In 1786, the first public library in town- was started. It 
 was called at first "The Circulating Library"; afterward, 
 "The Medfield Social Library." Any person could become 
 
1 84 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 a proprietor by the payment of ;^i annually, until the pay- 
 ments amounted to $4. There were proprietors in all the 
 surrounding towns.' Dr. Prentiss was librarian; and the 
 library, it is said, contained upward of seven hundred vol- 
 umes, including the Encyclopaedia Americana, in sixteen 
 volumes. A remnant of that library is now, or has lately 
 been, stored at the town farm. 
 
 1787. Selectmen, Eleazar Wheelock, Enoch Adams, 
 Jonathan Wight, Asa Mason, and Francis Hamant. 
 
 John Baxter, Jr., Representative. He was to have 4s. 6d. 
 a day of actual service, and travelling fees. ■ • 
 
 A cominittee was chosen to consider the matter of a new 
 meeting-house. They reported, recommending that it be 
 built sixty feet in length, forty-five in width, and that it be 
 erected in the year 1789. The pews to be sold to the high- 
 est bidder, one-half the payment to be in labor or mate- 
 rials, and the other half, cash. Twenty-five wall pews were 
 to be built in the gallery. 
 
 A building committee was then chosen, consisting of 
 
 Sabin Mann, Oliver Ellis, and Daniel Perry; and they were 
 
 instructed to procure of Captain Joseph Bacon a plan and 
 
 estimate of the cost, also to engage him as master workman. 
 
 Town granted £2^ for schools, ;^20 for the 
 
 poor. A road was laid out from Noon Hill 
 
 Street on the southerly 
 side of the hill ; now 
 discontinued as a town 
 way. The location of 
 roads was changed in 
 various places, on the 
 west side of Noon Hill. 
 Voted to make an 
 addition to the North 
 School-house, not to ex- 
 ceed six feet, and- to repair the old part ; .£22 appropriated. 
 A road was laid out on the north-west side of " Baxter's 
 pasture " to Walpole line. This is the lane leading south- 
 westerly from Granite Street. 
 
 NOON HILL ACROSS THE MEADOWS. 
 
CLOSING ANNALS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY 1 85 
 
 Rev. Thomas Gair was dismissed from the pastorate of 
 the Baptist church, which continued from this time, twenty- 
 three years, without a pastor. 
 
 FORM OF OATH FOR TOWN OFFICERS, I787-I79O. 
 
 " I do truly and sincerely acknowledge, profess, testify, 
 and declare that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is, 
 and of right ought to be, a free, sovereign, and independent 
 state ; and I do swear that I will bear true faith and alle- 
 giance to the said Commonwealth, and that I will defend 
 the same against traitorous conspiracies and all hostile 
 attempts whatsoever: and that I do renounce and abjure all 
 allegiance, subjection, and obedience to the King, Queen, or 
 Government of Great Britain (as the case may be) and every 
 other foreign power whatsoever ; and that no foreign prince, 
 person, prelate, state, or potentate, hath, or ought to have, 
 any jurisdiction, superiority, pre-eminence, authority, dis- 
 pensing or other power, in any matter, civil, ecclesiastical, 
 or spiritual, within this Commonwealth, except the authority 
 and power which is or may be vested by their constituents 
 in the Congress of the United States ; and I do further tes- 
 tify and declare that no man or body of men hath or have 
 any right to absolve or discharge me from the obligation of 
 this oath, declaration, or affirmation, and that I do make this 
 acknowledgment, profession, testimony, declaration, denial, 
 renunciation, and abjuration, heartily and truly according 
 to the common meaning and acceptation of the foregoing 
 words, without any equivocation, mental evasion, or secret 
 reservation whatsoever. So help me God." 
 
 1788. Selectmen, Oliver Ellis, Nathan Adams, Asa 
 Boyden, Joseph Breck, and Elihu Chenery. 
 
 John Baxter, Jr., Representative. 
 
 The estimates and specifications for the meeting-house 
 were brought in. The old building was to be pulled down, 
 and such materials as were fit reserved for the use of the 
 new. The committee was ordered to build a "decent cover 
 over the bell, but not a steeple." The committee chosen for 
 
1 86 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 the purpose sold fifty-eight pews on the lower floor, at prices 
 ranging from £() to ;£20; also, seventeen pews in the gal- 
 lery, at £^ and upward. 
 
 EXEMPTION FROM MINISTERIAL TAXES. 
 
 The following persons were exempted from paying min- 
 isterial taxes, they holding religious views, differing from 
 the Congregationalists : Oliver Ellis, Simeon Cutler, Silas 
 Mason, William Connolly, Asa Mason, Eliakim Morse, Seth 
 Clark, Ebenezer Clark, Sabin Mann, Richard Mann, Edward 
 Clark, Silas Plimpton, William Hooker, Benjamin Plimpton, 
 Warrick Green, Sarah Plimpton, Francis Hamant, Moses 
 Lovell, Simeon Pratt, Widow Abigail Plimpton, Elihu Law- 
 rence, Francis Cole, Solomon Clark, Eleazar Perry, Jacob 
 Marshall. 
 
 1789. Selectmen, Nathan Adams, Eleazar Ellis, Jona- 
 than Smith, Silas Mason, and Gershom Adams. 
 Oliver Ellis, Representative. 
 
 SCHOOL DISTRICTS. 
 
 The town was divided into school districts, with the pro- 
 vision that any person should have the right to send to 
 which school he pleased, by notifying the assessors. 
 
 The Congregational Society made arrangements with the 
 Baptists for the use of their house of worship while the new 
 meeting-house was building, the Baptist Society reserving 
 the house for their own services one Sabbath in every four. 
 
 The meeting-house built in 1789, with various alterations 
 and improvements since made, is still standing, and is used 
 by the Unitarian Society. The specifications for the frame 
 ar^ given in detail in the town records, and are remarkable 
 for the amounf of heavy timber mentioned. The house, as 
 originally built, stood facing the north-east ; and on the front 
 end, next to North Street, there was a projecting tower, 
 fourteen feet square, the base of which formed the main 
 entrance, with doors on three sides. The tower was fifty- 
 two feet in height, and was surmounted by a belfry and 
 
CLOSING ANNALS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 187 
 
 cupola. There was a projection also on the opposite end of 
 the house, having three doors ; and there was a door in the 
 middle of the south side of the building. From this last 
 the broad aisle ran j. reached by a long flight 
 
 directly across to the f of stairs. Over the pul- 
 
 pulpit, which was in 1 pit hung the " sound- 
 
 the middle of the 1 ing-board"; and, high 
 
 north side. The pul- 1^ on the same side, a 
 
 pit was high, and was Jg^ gilded pineapple sur- 
 
 mounted all. At the 
 foot of the pulpit stairs, 
 and directly in front of 
 the preacher, stood the 
 
 11 
 
 table, with 
 the deacons' 
 seats by it. 
 There were 
 galleries on 
 the other 
 three sides, 
 that oppo- 
 site the pulpit 
 being occupied 
 by the singers. 
 In the galleries, 
 pews were built 
 against the wall ; 
 and under the 
 
 gallery there were two rows of pews, with an aisle between 
 them. The sides of the pews were some four feet in height, 
 and the town voted "to have the pews built with banis- 
 ters " ; that is, in the sides of the pews, near the top, an 
 open space some six or eight inches in height was left, 
 which was filled in with sniall uprights of turned wood. 
 The pews were rectangular enclosures, six or eight feet in 
 length and breadth, having seats on every side. The occu- 
 
 MEETING-HOUSES OF THE FIRST PARISH. 
 
1 88 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 pants, during service, formed little family groups, sitting, 
 some with their faces, and some with their backs, toward 
 the minister. The seats were hung by hinges to the sides 
 of the pews, and were raised for the greater convenience 
 of standing in prayer time. At the conclusion, they were 
 dropped back to their places with a great clatter. This 
 part of the service gave rise to the following motto, with 
 which one of the pews is said to have been embellished : — 
 
 " Soon as the minister says Amen, 
 Be sure and let the seat-lid slam." 
 
 The town hired an acre of land of Captain Cooledge, where 
 J. R. Cushman's house now stands, to frame the meeting- 
 house on. The carpenters commenced work about the 20th 
 of April. Oliver Chenery worked on the house one hundred 
 and thirty-two days, at 3J. a day. Probably, this was about 
 the wages the best carpenters received in those days. 
 
 RAISING THE MEETING-HOUSE. 
 
 Bustling days in the village were those when the "rais- 
 ing" took place. People came from all the surrounding 
 towns ; the streets were lined with teams ; booths and 
 bakers' carts supplied the hungry and thirsty crowd which 
 came to witness the great sight. The frame was immensely 
 heavy, and a strong force of men was required to place it 
 in position. Owing to the want of suitable appliances, or 
 of sufficient daring on the part of the men, the higher parts 
 of the building baffled their efforts. In this emergency, 
 Captain Downs, of Walpole, was called to their aid. By 
 the help of his experience and courage, accompanied, it is 
 said, with considerable rough language on his part, the work 
 was completed on the third day. 
 
 The supplies for the raising consisted of four barrels of 
 beer, twenty-five gallons of West India rum, thirty gallons 
 of New England rum, thirty-four pounds of loaf sugar, twenty- 
 five pounds of brown sugar, and four hundred and sixty- 
 five lemons. Joseph Clark and Amos Plimpton furnished 
 seven hundred and fifteen meals for the men that assisted 
 
CLOSING ANNALS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. iSQ 
 
 at the raising, at 6d. a meal. These bills were all paid by 
 the town. 
 
 This year, Medfield and Dover were united in representa- 
 tion. The Dover people came to Medfield to vote for the 
 next forty-seven years. 
 
 1790. Selectmen, Oliver Ellis, Daniel Perry, James 
 Morse, Elijah Adams, and Simeon Cutler. 
 
 Oliver Ellis was Representative. 
 
 A petition was presented asking that a small portion of 
 the town of Wrentham, including the families of James 
 Boyden, Richard Boyden, Asa Fisher, and Matthias Armsby, 
 be annexed to Medfield. It was not granted. 
 
 Certain woodlands in the south part of the town were sold, 
 and the proceeds added to the school fund. 
 
 The elms on the south side of Main Street, in the centre 
 of the village, were set out this year by Gershom and Samuel 
 Wheelock: that by the town pump is older, having been set 
 out in 1762. 
 
 William Clark was commissioned as captain. 
 
 In these days, a tavern was kept in the south part of the 
 town by Sabin Mann, at the place now owned by W. R. 
 Smith. 
 
 The population of the town, according to the first national 
 census in 1790, was 731. 
 
 The town returned a vote of thanks to the proprietors of 
 the Baptist meeting-house " for their benevolence and kind- 
 ness in accommodating the Congregational Society with 
 their meeting-house free of cost and charge to meet for pub- 
 lic worship while said Society were destitute of a house for 
 that purpose." 
 
 X791. Selectmen, Eleazar Wheelock, William Clark, 
 Oliver Adams, George Ellis, and Charles Hamant. 
 Oliver Ellis, Representative. 
 £,^0 appropriated for schools. 
 
 Voted, That Long Causeway be raised above the high-water mark for 
 the convenience of those who desired to go to the wood lots on the south 
 side of Stop River. 
 
I go HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1792. Selectmen, Oliver Ellis, James Gerauld, Timo- 
 thy Shepard, James Morse, and Elijah Adams. 
 
 Oliver Ellis, Representative. 
 
 The old " planting field " road was discontinued, leading 
 into the woods westward from Granite Street, just above its 
 junction with High Street. 
 
 The division of the county was again urged, and Oliver 
 Ellis was appointed agent of the town to act in this matter. 
 
 A committee was chosen to make regulations for a small- 
 pox hospital. There is no further record concerning it ; but 
 tradition has it that a hospital once stood where a cellar is 
 still visible in the " Baxter pasture," on Granite Street. 
 
 Ephraim Smith was commissioned as captain of the mili- 
 tary company here, an office' which he held till 1800, when 
 he received a major's commission. 
 
 Voted, That stone steps be made to each and every outside door of the ' 
 new meeting-house. 
 
 ;^6o granted for highways. 
 
 Timothy Battle & Co. kept a store on North Street, oppo- 
 site Dale, for the next ten years. A house of public enter- 
 tainment also was still kept there. 
 
 1793. Selectmen, Oliver Ellis, James Gerauld, Timo- 
 thy Shepard, James Morse, and Elijah Adams. 
 
 A new road was laid out to the upper bridge over Charles 
 River, and the old road on the north side of " Smith's brook " 
 was discontinued. 
 
 MEDFIELD RECORDS. 
 
 A proposition was made that " the antient records of the 
 town" be transcribed. Voted that they be new covered, 
 paper added, and an index made. This refers probably to 
 the early land grants, as a copy of a portion of them, to- 
 gether with an index of the same, was made about this time, 
 and is still preserved among the town papers. 
 
 NINE o'clock bell. 
 
 Ordered, that the meeting-house bell be rung at nine 
 o'clock P.M., for one year. 
 
CLOSING ANNALS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. I9I 
 NORFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 June 20, 1793, Norfolk County was incorporated. Efforts 
 had been made for a new county during half a century. 
 Among the reasons urged, an old writing contains the fol- 
 lowing : " Should Courts of Justice be erected in some 
 country town within the county, we expect that the wheels 
 of law and justice would move on without the clogs and 
 embarrassment of a numerous train of lawyers. The scenes 
 of gayety and amusements which are now prevalent at Bos- 
 ton we expect would so allure them, as that we should be 
 rid of their perplexing officiousness." 
 
 It was thought at one time that Medfield should be the 
 shire town ; but this was opposed by some of our prudent 
 citizens, on the ground that the young men would fall into 
 habits of idleness, and spend too much time in gratifying 
 curiosity by attending trials in court. 
 
 1794. Selectmen, Jonathan Wight, Edward Cleave- 
 land, Obed Fisher, Charles Hamant, and Nathan Allen. 
 
 John Baxter, Representative. 
 
 A committee was appointed to view the South School- 
 house, and report how the same may be made convenient for 
 the district scholars. Reported that it is best to sell the old 
 house, and' build new. ;£^5S, in addition to what the old 
 house would bring, was granted for the purpose. The new 
 building was to be twenty-two by eighteen feet, to stand in 
 the northerly corner of the town's land, where the old one 
 stood, and to be clapboarded and painted. 
 
 Voted, That a wall be laid in front of the burying-ground, and that all 
 the trees upon said ground be cut down and sold for the benefit of the 
 town. 
 
 TOWN MAP. 
 
 In accordance with the legislative act, a map of the town 
 was made, a copy of which is in the office of the Secretary 
 of State. The details of this map are so meagre as to make 
 it of comparatively little worth. 
 
192 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 MINISTERIAL TAXES. 
 
 In 1794, a ministerial tax was levied upon all the property 
 holders, including those who claimed exemption on the 
 ground of a different religious belief. Ebenezer Clark, 
 chairman of the committee of the Baptist Society, was 
 arrested for non-payment, and lodged in jail. It was soon 
 discovered that there was an informality in the proceeding, 
 which might be very damaging to those concerned in it ; 
 and the town authorities went to Boston, and had Mr. Clark 
 released as speedily as possible. At a town-meeting subse- 
 quently, it was voted that a committee of nine be appointed 
 to decide whose ministerial taxes should be abated. They 
 reported the following list : Oliver Ellis, Peter Warren, 
 Joseph Cutler, heirs of Silas Mason, Asa Mason, Oliver Par- 
 tridge, Asa Clark, Simon Plimpton, Seth Clark, Ebenezer 
 Clark, Eliakim Morse, James Morse, Elias Clark, Benjamin 
 Plimpton, Sarah Plimpton, Silas Plimpton, Francis Hamant, 
 heirs of Edward Clark, Eleazar Perry, Elihu Lawrence, 
 Matthias Armsby, Elisha Sayles, Abigail Plimpton, and 
 John Cutler. Armsby and Sayles lived in the border of 
 Wrentham. 
 
 In the mean time, Ebenezer Clark had brought a suit 
 against the town ; and a committee was appointed to attend 
 to that matter. They reported that, " whereas, a lawsuit did 
 take place in consequence of a ministerial tax levied upon 
 the whole incorporation, but by the simple omission of a seal 
 on the warrant the assessors were subjected to damage and 
 cost, nevertheless the disposition of the cause answered the 
 question in dispute respecting a ministerial tax levied on the 
 whole incorporation where there are different denominations, 
 we are of opinion the town grant the sum of ^60.87 to defray 
 the expense of said lawsuit." The money was granted, and 
 this was the last attempt in this town to force the payment 
 of taxes to support the ministers of the standing order by 
 those of different religious belief. 
 
 1795. Selectmen, Jonathan Wight, Moses Hill, Obed 
 Fisher, Nahum Wight, and Artemas Woodward. 
 John Baxter, Representative. 
 
CLOSING ANNALS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. I93 
 THE FIRST GUIDE-BOARDS. 
 
 The town "voted to erect five guide-posts " : one at Simon 
 Plimpton's, opposite the cemetery ; one by Eleazar Whee- 
 lock's, corner of Main and North Streets ; one near Joseph 
 Johnson's house, corner of North and Pine Streets ; one 
 near David Onion's, corner of Main and South Streets ; and 
 one by the South School-house. 
 
 The first proposition was made to place stoves in the 
 several school-houses. It was not done, however, for many 
 years ; and the old fireplaces continued in use. 
 
 The towns voted this year upon the expediency of revising 
 the State Constitution. Medfield voted thirty-six to seven 
 against revision, and was in accord with the general senti- 
 ment of the State. 
 
 Liberty was given to Eliakim Allen to have " half an acre 
 of the town's land in Wheeler's Bottom, adjoining the 
 church lot, for a house spot and garden, provided the select- 
 men think best, and it is not disagreeable to Mr. Prentiss." 
 The house was built, and stood on the spot now occupied by 
 that of R. A. Battelle, on Frairy Street. 
 
 Granted to Artemas Woodward the privilege of flowing 
 town's land near where the old fulling-mill formerly stood, 
 known as Meeting-house Pond. Soon afterward, he bought 
 of the proprietors of common lands the land flowed by his 
 pond. 
 
 THE MEADOWS VIEWED. 
 
 A committee was appointed by Governor Adams to view 
 the state of Charles River, from Natick to two miles above 
 Dwight's bridge, and two miles up the several streams flow- 
 ing into said river. They reported that they " have removed 
 some obstructions, and the meadows are mended by what 
 has been done. But among the difficulties complained of 
 to us is a Milldam in Natick, owned by Mr. Wm. Bigelow. 
 Experiments have been made at different times by which it 
 appears that the water is not discharged so quickly from the 
 meadow as it would be if the dam were removed. It ap- 
 pears to us that if the owner of the dam would keep off his 
 
194 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 flush boards and open his sluices during the months of June, 
 July, and August, when the river is high, the meadows 
 would be essentially benefitted by it ; but it would not be 
 necessary to use this remedy every year, as ^the summer is 
 not every year attended with a freshet." 
 
 About this date, OHver Wheelock built a store on the 
 corner of Main and North Streets. It was a long one-story 
 building, with a horse-shed attached, and stood directly in 
 front of the present store. The houses on South Street, 
 now owned by Mrs. Norton and Mrs. Williams, were made 
 from these buildings. 
 
 1796. Selectmen, Moses Hill, Artemas Woodward, 
 Charles Hamant, Augustus Plimpton, and Simeon Chenery. 
 
 John Baxter, Representative. 
 
 CHURCH DISCIPLINE. 
 
 A vote was passed by the parish church that, if any con- 
 fession of a fault be hereafter necessary, it shall be received 
 in the presence of the church only. In early days, confes- 
 sion of wrong was made in the presence of the whole con- 
 gregation. 
 
 Several pieces of town land were sold, including the 
 " training field " at the corner 'of South and Philip Streets ; 
 and the land left for a watering place by Asa Hamant' s farther 
 house, now near the junction of High and Granite Streets ; 
 also, land left for a watering place near Elihu Lawrence's. 
 This was on the west side of South Street, near where Mr. 
 Quincy now lives. 
 
 1797. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Augustus Plimpton, 
 Simeon Chenery, Thaddeus Morse, and Eliakim Morse, Jr. 
 
 John Baxter, Representative. 
 
 The town pound is mentioned as being by the house of 
 Asa Boyden, corner of South and Pound Streets. It had 
 been removed from its original location near the meeting- 
 house, but at what date does not appear. It was again re- 
 moved in 1862. $80 was added to Mr. Prentiss' salary. 
 
CLOSING ANNALS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. I95 
 
 which is stated to be ^238.22. Among the town officers 
 this year, we find sealer of leather, surveyor of bread, and 
 surveyor of lumber. 
 
 AN ACADEMY DESIRED. 
 
 A proposition was made that the town grant $3,000 to 
 establish an academy. The vote was adverse. 
 
 A committee was chosen to act with that appointed by 
 the General Court to measure the different roads leading 
 from Connecticut to Boston. This was the first movement 
 toward the construction of the Boston and Hartford turn- 
 pike. 
 
 OLD ELECTION DAY SPORTS. 
 
 An old memorandum book informs us that Wednesday, 
 May 3 1 (old election), was a great bird-killing day. As the 
 result of this humane and beautiful pastime, it is stated that 
 a thousand birds were killed. The diarist complacently 
 adds " mostly of hurtful ones." 
 
 FACULTY TAX. 
 
 At this period, a tax for " faculty " was imposed. Profes- 
 sional men and mechanics were taxed in consequence of 
 possessing superior skill. The doctors headed the list with 
 a special tax of $1$. Next came employers and master 
 workmen, followed by tanners, carpenters, shoemakers, and 
 blacksmiths. In 1797, twenty-eight men in this town paid 
 a tax for "faculty" of from ;^5 to ;^i5 each. 
 
 1798. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Eliakim Morse, Jr., 
 William Clark, Moses Lovell, and Dyer Lovell. 
 
 John Baxter, Representative. 
 
 Artemas Woodward was chosen town clerk, and held 
 the office two years. 
 
 Money received from the sales of land, $550.52, was de- 
 voted to the use of schools forever. 
 
 The school fund now amounted to $1,104.80. 
 
196 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 MEETINGS FOR POLITICAL STUDY. 
 
 During this year, a series of weekly meetings was inaugu- 
 rated, for the purpose of extending political information by 
 reading and conversation, to be governed by the following 
 rules : — 
 
 1. That such political books shall be publicly read as may be ap- 
 proved by a majority of persons present, or by an approving committee, 
 as shall be judged expedient. 
 
 2. That the reading at each meeting commence precisely at six 
 - o'clock, and continue until eight, unless otherwise directed by a majority 
 
 of persons present. 
 
 3. That, whatever book is introduced, the reading thereof shall be con- 
 tinued in the successive meetings until it is finished, unless otherwise 
 directed. 
 
 4. That any person present may at any time interrupt the reader to 
 make pertinent inquiries or illustrative observations relative to the facts 
 or sentiments read at that time, but no discussion during the hours of 
 reading shall in any case be admitted on any topic foreign to the book 
 under consideration. 
 
 5. There shall be chosen a first and second moderator of this meeting, 
 the first to preside whenever present, the second at all, times in the ab- 
 sence of the first. 
 
 6. The presiding moderator shall keep due order in the house, and 
 call any person to order who in his inquiries or observations infringes 
 the limits of the foregoing regulations. 
 
 7. The presiding moderator shall direct the reader to proceed after 
 every interruption, whenever he shall judge that the point in discussion 
 has been sufficiently illustrated. 
 
 8. At the close of the reading, any subject may be introduced and dis- 
 cussed, subject, however, to the order of the meeting ; and the presiding 
 moderator during the evening shall be the sole judge of all questions of 
 order. 
 
 1799. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Obed Fisher, 
 Moses Hartshorn, Joseph Clark, Jr., and John Smith, Jr. 
 
 Ezekiel Plimpton, Representative. 
 
 The tax on dogs was abated this year, " considering the 
 advantages that dogs have been in destroying noxious 
 animals." 
 
 The new South School-house was accepted of Captain 
 Ephraim Smith. 
 
CLOSING ANNALS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 1 97 
 TREE-PLANTING. 
 
 Liberty was granted to all persons to plant or transplant 
 trees by the roadside adjoining their own land, and to cut 
 and carry them off at pleasure. Highway surveyors were to 
 have power to remove such trees, if necessary. 
 
 Many of the fine trees which have adorned the roadsides 
 of the town during the present century are the result of the 
 interest of the citizens in the subject of tree-planting at this 
 time. Not only in the centre of the town, but on roads in 
 the outskirts, were trees planted. A beautiful row of elms 
 once extended for half a mile along South Street, on the 
 easterly side, southward of the South School-house. 
 
 A committee of three was chosen to procure good hewn 
 stone steps for the front door of the meeting-house ; and 
 ;^40 was appropriated for the purpose. 
 
 Voted, To abate the ministerial taxes of all persons who bring a cer- 
 tificate from any public teacher of religion, or committee of a religious 
 society of a different denomination from the majority of this town, cer- 
 tifying that they pay to the support of the gospel in that society. 
 
 MARKET-WOMEN. 
 
 Among the customs peculiar to the closing years of the 
 eighteenth century may be mentioned that of the women 
 going to market. Several of the goodwives of Medfield 
 went regularly to market, excepting during the winter. 
 They went on horseback. A large wallet or strong bag was 
 slung across the horse's back, containing the butter, cheese, 
 and other similar products of the farm. Eggs were wrapped 
 in tow, singly, to prevent breaking. Poultry was carried 
 dangling at the side of the load. Back of the rider was a 
 bag of hay for the horse. They started about sunset, going 
 as far as Roxbury, where they turned into a horse-shed, gave 
 the horse a part of the hay, using the rest for a pillow, on 
 which they slept a few hours, starting out again in season 
 to reach Boston early in the morning. After selling out, 
 they returned home the same day. Women from Medway 
 and other towns did the same. 
 
IQS ■ ^ HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 INDEPENDENCE DAY. 
 
 On the Fourth of July, 1799, Dr. Prentiss preached a ser- 
 mon commemorative of American independence. His text 
 was, " Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ 
 hath made us free." 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 1800. Selectmen, John Baxter, Nathan Allen, Obed 
 Fisher, Moses Hartshorn, and Joseph Clark, Jr. 
 
 John Baxter, Representative. 
 
 Jethro Peters was chosen town clerk. He held the office 
 two years. 
 
 This year, the town granted ;^I50 for schools, 1^300 for 
 highways, ^277 for the ministry, and ^100 for the poor. 
 
 Voted, To have the meeting-house painted in the month of September 
 or October. 
 
 The bills presented for payment were as follows : 95 
 gallons of linseed oil, ^95.92 ; 3 cwt. 3 qrs. of white lead, 
 i?47-S3 ; 3 cwt. I qr. 7 lbs. of Spanish brown, 1^9.94; i cwt. 
 2 qrs. I lb. of Spanish whiting, ^3.81 ; sundry small paints, 
 ;^i.92; James Dupee and John W. Adams for 75! days' 
 labor, ^75.50. 
 
 SCHOOL DISTRICTS. 
 
 The district lines were established in 1800, and so re- 
 mained until the abolition of the district system, in 1869. 
 A proposition was made to build new school-houses in 
 
200 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 the north and centre districts. They were not built, how- 
 ever, for several years. 
 
 Voted, To have the town's burying cloth dyed and pressed; also, 
 " to procure a bier and cords for the convenience of funerals." 
 
 GENERAL WASHINGTON'S OBSEQUIES. 
 
 Among the local events of the year should be mentioned 
 the public services held after the death of General Washing- 
 ton. Dr. Prentiss pronounced the eulogy at the meeting- 
 
 BIRTH PLACE OF LOWELL MASON. 
 
 house, after which a procession was formed, headed by musi- 
 cians playing on violins and bass viols. Then came the ora- 
 tor of the day, dressed in the costume of the period, with 
 knee breeches and cocked hat, accompanied by the town dig- 
 nitaries. Following these came the school children and 
 citizens generally. The procession moved from the church 
 down Main Street as far as the cemetery. Then, returning, 
 it proceeded up North Street to the Mason tavern, opposite 
 Dale Street, where a dinner was served, the tables being 
 spread out of doors. 
 
 Johnson Mason was commissioned captain of the Med- 
 field company this year. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 201 
 
 The population of the town by the national census of 
 1800 was 745. 
 
 1801. Selectmen, John Baxter, Nathan Allen, Edward 
 Cleaveland, Moses Hartshorn, and Eliakim Morse, Jr. 
 
 John Baxter, Representative. 
 
 BELL AND TOWN CLOCK. 
 
 Voted that the old bell be sent to Boston, and recast 
 as near in the same form and size as might be. ^250 was 
 granted for the purpose. Also voted to take charge of 
 the clock that had been bought for the meeting-house, and 
 have it wound at the expense of the town. There is no 
 record of the purchase of the town clock, and it was proba- 
 bly the gift of individuals. 
 
 STRAW MANUFACTURE COMMENCED. 
 
 About this time, Johnson Mason and George Ellis, who 
 kept a store at the tavern stand on North Street, opposite 
 Dale, commenced the manufacture of straw bonnets. This 
 was the beginning of what has since been the leading 
 manufacture of the place. The straw was braided in fam- 
 ilies, and the braid was turned into the store in payment 
 for goods. Then, after being trimmed, it was carried out 
 to those who sewed it into bonnets, which were finished, and 
 sent to Boston or New York. The straw used was that 
 of rye, cut when in the blossom, and prepared by scalding 
 and bleaching. 
 
 1802. Selectmen, John Baxter, Charles Hamant, 
 Moses Hartshorn, Johnson Mason, and William Clark. 
 
 John Baxter, Representative. 
 
 The old guns and gunlocks belonging to the town, proba- 
 bly relics of the Revolutionary War, were to be sold, and 
 the proceeds invested in good firearms. 
 
 THE FIRST HEARSE. 
 
 ^65 was appropriated for the purpose of purchasing a 
 hearse "for the use of the town." Prior to this time, the 
 
202 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 bodies of the dead were moved upon a bier, eight men 
 being furnished as bearers, in order that they might relieve 
 each other. The hearse was built by Artemas Woodward 
 and Edward Cleaveland. 
 
 The selectmen were directed to set out trees in the 
 burying-ground, near the wall on the front. 
 
 A MURDER. 
 
 The first murder committed by any resident of Medfield 
 occurred in 1802. William P. Allen was killed by his 
 eccentric brother-in-law, Ebenezer Mason, who was tried, 
 convicted, and hanged on the 7th of October. Some time 
 prior to November i, his body was stolen from the burying- 
 ground ; and a committee was appointed by the town to 
 prosecute the body snatchers. They reported that Jona- 
 than Sprague, of Dedham, and Zadock Howe, of Franklin, 
 took the body ; but the principal witness, Royal Sayles, 
 being concealed, they failed to prosecute the case. 
 
 About this time, the " Horse-thief Detecting Society " 
 was formed by persons in this and neighboring towns. 
 Thirty of these were residents of Medfield. 
 
 1803. > Selectmen, John Baxter, William Clark, John- 
 son Mason, Moses Hartshorn, and John Smith. 
 
 John Baxter, Representative. 
 
 Johnson Mason was chosen town clerk.. He held the 
 office nineteen years. 
 
 The town voted, seventy to eight, in favor of continuing 
 Bellingham turnpike through Medfield. 
 
 Each soldier of the town was supplied with twenty-four 
 rounds of ball cartridge, to be kept at the powder-house. 
 
 Johnson Mason having been promoted to a lieutenant 
 colonelcy, Oliver Chenery was commissioned as captain. 
 
 The brick school-house, which stood at the corner of 
 North and Railroad Streets, was built. The old building 
 was moved to " Dingle Dell " for a dwelling, where it is still 
 standing. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 20$ 
 
 1804. Selectmen, Elijah Adams, Obed Fisher, Charles 
 Hamant, Moses B. Harding, and Elisha Clark. 
 
 John Baxter, Representative. 
 
 The taxes were collected by Jonathan Fiske, for three per 
 cent. 
 
 The land left for a watering place on Green Street was 
 sold to Nathan Partridge for $20. 
 
 MUSICAL INSTRUCTION. 
 
 An article was inserted in the town-meeting warrant to 
 see if the town. would appropriate a sum of money for the 
 support of a singing-school. Negatived at this time, though 
 a few years afterward such appropriations were made. 
 
 1805. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Elisha Clark, 
 William Peters, Jonathan Fiske, and Joseph Clark, Jr. 
 
 Ephraim Chenery, Representative. 
 
 A road was laid out across the South School-house lot. 
 
 CARE OF PAUPERS. 
 
 A committee was chosen to devise a better method of 
 caring for the poor. Reported that it was found on inquiry 
 that the towns of Dedham, Roxbury, and Quincy support 
 their poor at one-half what it would cost them on the plan 
 pursued here. But no change was made in the system. 
 Paupers were boarded around at various places in town, 
 where they could be kept cheapest. In a town-meeting 
 called for the purpose, each pauper by name was disposed 
 of at public auction to the lowest bidder annually. 
 
 ;^400 was granted this year for the support of the poor. 
 
 The Baptist church, having become reduced, to twelve 
 members, only two of whom were men, proposed to dis- 
 band and become a branch of the Attleboro church. A 
 travelling preacher dissuaded them from the step, and some 
 accessions made soon after rendered it unnecessary. 
 
 William Peters received a commission as captain. 
 
204 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1806. Selectmen, William Clark, Joseph Clark, Jr., 
 Moses B. Harding, Elias Mann, and Johnson Mason. 
 
 Ephraim Chenery, Representative. 
 
 A hearse-house was built this year, at a cost of ^57.08. It 
 stood at the easterly corner of the old cemetery, next the 
 street. 
 
 THE TURNPIKE AND THE STAGE-COACHES. 
 
 The Boston and Hartford turnpike was built in 1806. 
 A turnpike from Boston to Dedham had existed for some 
 time; and, in 1804, a petition for the incorporation of "The 
 Hartford and Dedham Turnpike Corporation " was sent to 
 
 THE WILLOWS. 
 
 the Legislature. The Act of Incorporation was passed 
 March 9 of the same year. The stock was sold for a while 
 at ;^5o a share, though in a few years it had declined to ^10, 
 and eventually became worthless. Various widenings and 
 straightenings of the old county road east of the village 
 were made. The traces of the old crooked way are still 
 visible in many places. Eastward, the turnpike, leaving the 
 old road, approached Dedham by what is now called Cedar 
 Hill Street ; and, westward, a new causeway with bridges 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 205 
 
 connected Medfield with Medway at the " willows." A toll- 
 gate was erected at the corner of Main and Bridge Streets, 
 and all vehicles passing over the turnpike bridge were 
 required to pay toll. 
 
 A line of stage-coaches was run from Boston to Hartford 
 over this route ; and there are those yet living who can well 
 remember hearing the bugles sound for change of horses, 
 on approaching the village. After a score of years or so, 
 the toll-gates were removed, and the turnpike became a 
 town highway. 
 
 At this date, Moses Richardson kept a tavern in the east 
 part of the town, at the place now owned by Mr. Bussey. 
 
 GREAT SICKNESS. 
 
 A fatal epidemic prevailed through this region in the 
 early part of 1806, and is said to have commenced in Med- 
 field. Eight children died here of the disease, which was 
 then called "spotted fever." 
 
 A CHURCH ORGAN. 
 
 There was an article in the town-meeting warrant " to see 
 if the town will take any method to remove the organ out of 
 the meeting-house, or act anything relating thereto." This 
 is the first hint of an organ in a Medfield church. Nothing 
 further is known in regard to it. G. W. Adams had a shop 
 on N6rth Street, where he made small pipe organs. Pos- 
 sibly, he set up one of them in the meeting-house, and gave 
 offence to some thereby. 
 
 The following advertisement is found in the Norfolk 
 Repository of Sept. 26, 1806 : — 
 
 George W. Adams Informs the public that he proposes to carry on 
 Or-gan Building in its various Buanches at his House, a little north of 
 the Meeting-House in Medfield, where he will build at short Notice 
 Church Organs of any size. Chamber Organs, Barrel ditto. — Piano 
 Fortes organized, and all kinds of keyed and other Musical Instruments 
 repaired and put in order. — He has for sale a good Eight-Stop Organ 
 suitable for Church or Meeting-House which he will dispose of on mod- 
 erate terms. 
 
206 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 THE MEDFIELD POST-OFFICE. 
 
 The first movement for a post-office here was made this 
 year. The following is a copy of a letter from Daniel 
 Adams, Esq., to Hon. Seth Hastings, then in Congress : — 
 
 MEDFIELD, Jan. 28, 1806. 
 
 Sir, — I am induced by the encouragement of some friends to solicit 
 you to grant a favor as well to myself as to the Inhabitants of the Town 
 of Medfleld and its vicinity. It is a fact that a Post Office established 
 in this place would be a great convenience and benefit, and will not, 
 as we think, create any expense to the United States, but will add 
 something to its revenue. Medfield, as you know, is situated on the 
 Middle Post Road from Boston to Hartford, and since the establish- 
 ment of the Hartford and Dedham Turnpike road is increasing in pop- 
 ulation and business, and probably will continue to increase. 
 
 It is true there are Post Offices in Dedham and Medway, the former 
 nine miles, and the latter between six and seven miles distant ; but 
 we find much difficulty in obtaining our letters and papers from these 
 distant offices. 
 
 The towns of Medfield, Sherborn, Walpole, the District of Dover, 
 a part of Medway, and a part of Dedham would be accommodated by 
 a Post Office established in Medfield, and would principally, I presume, 
 join in a petition to that effect, provided that were the proper mode of 
 application; but I am informed that a representation of the merits of 
 the application from a gentleman of influence and reputation, who is 
 personally acquainted with the subject, would be sufficient to induce the 
 Post Master General to determine favorably on the subject. If it is not 
 too presumptuous. Sir, we would request you to make the application 
 in our behalf ; and we shall promptly remunerate you for your services, 
 and shall esteem it a great favor. 
 
 The applicant for the position, being a Federalist, was 
 not favored by the opposing party, then rapidly gaining 
 prominence. Samuel Seaver was appointed April i, 1807. 
 He kept store on J;he corner of North and Main Streets, 
 having succeeded Oliver Wheelock. 
 
 A RESCUE. 
 
 The following is a copy of a letter written by Dr. Prentiss 
 to the Humane Society : — 
 
 Oct. 20, 1806. 
 
 I wish to communicate to the Trustees of our Humane Society a 
 statement of a successful exertion in saving the life of a lad who had 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 20/ 
 
 nearly perished in the watery element. I am satisfied the activity and 
 enterprise of the agents will be thought deserving of your attention. 
 
 Lowell Mason, a son of my nearest neighbor, of about sixteen, went 
 into .Charles River to bathe, and, unexpectedly to himself, was carried 
 by the current where the water was eight or nine feet in depth. Having 
 sunk and arisen twice, calling for help in the best manner his situation 
 admitted, he went down the third time. Two lads younger than himself 
 being present, — namely, Moses Wight and Joseph Lovell, — the former, 
 with all his clothing upon him, plunged into the water, and brought his 
 friend from the bottom ; while the other very judiciously floated a rail 
 on the surface, and aided them both to the land. 
 
 Young Mason assures me that, from the time of his calling for help, 
 he recollects nothing until he found himself supported at the shore by 
 the hand of his friend. The lads testify that he appeared insensible, 
 and was unable to support himself for some time; that he emitted a 
 considerable quantity of water, and gradually regained his recollection and 
 the use of his limbs in such a measure as to ride home about one and 
 one-half miles in a wagon, with which he had been out on business for 
 his parents. This is the testimony of the lads, which is all the nature of 
 the case admits ; and I beg leave to add their character leaves no room 
 for doubt of its correctness. 
 
 A deed, given in 1806 to Beriah Brastow, of property 
 near the present almshouse, specially mentions " a privilege 
 in the aqueduct running from the spring, or fountain-head, 
 near the meeting-house." The old logs which carried the 
 water have been found in recent years. No record of the 
 construction of these water-works has been discovered. The 
 spring, or fountain-head, was on what is now the straw- 
 works lot. 
 
 1807. Selectmen, John Baxter, Eliakim Morse, 
 Nathan Wight, Charles Hamant, and Augustus Plimpton. 
 
 Ephraim Chenery, Representative. 
 
 Certain town land was sold, and the proceeds., $g2.o8, 
 added to the school fund. 
 
 Nathan Wight received a captain's commission. 
 
 Partridge Holbrook commenced keeping public house at 
 the old " Clark tavern," the house now owned by heirs 
 of Warren Hartshorn ; and the owners of the estate built 
 the hall in the rear. It was then the most beautiful hall in 
 the region. At its dedication, which took place in the 
 
208 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 autumn, people came from surrounding towns to take part 
 in the festivities. Holbrook continued to keep tavern until 
 about 1811. 
 
 1808. Selectmen, John Baxter, George Ellis, Eliakim 
 Morse, William Clark, and Thaddeus Morse. 
 
 Augustus Plimpton, Representative. 
 
 The manufacture of brushes was commenced about this 
 time by Artemas Woodward, in a shop that stood near the 
 present site of the Orthodox parsonage. It was a business 
 new to this section of the country. 
 
 Voted, Not to let the cattle feed on the burying-ground. 
 
 Chose Amos Kingsbury to see that the fence around it 
 was kept in good repair, and that all creatures were kept 
 out. Up to this time, the cemetery had brought an income 
 to the town by being rented for a pasture. 
 
 The town built a horse-shed for the minister, at a cost 
 of ^36. 
 
 A PETITION TO THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 The inhabitants of the town of Medfield in the Commonwealth of 
 Massachusetts, in legal town-meeting assembled, beg leave respectfully 
 to represent that they, in common with their fellow-citizens of the 
 United States, feel the pressure and suffer the evils arising from the 
 existing laws passed the last session of Congress, laying an embargo 
 on the extensive commerce of the country. Your memorialists are 
 principally industrious tillers of the soil, which, by the blessing of 
 Providence, yields to them a little surplus produce, which heretofore, 
 under the care of a beneficent government, they have been able to sell 
 to advantage, and appropriate the proceeds to the comfort of themselves 
 and families. They claim the character of peaceable and patriotic citi- 
 zens, and are willing still further to suffer privations, if the public good 
 should require it. But they would respectfully submit to your Excel- 
 lency this question. If there were existing reasons at the time the 
 above-mentioned laws were made to justify Congress in passing them, 
 whether the changes which have since happened in the condition and 
 disposition of belligerent nations would not require for the public good 
 that your Excellency should either partially or wholly suspend the oper- 
 ation of said laws, according to the power vested in you by Congress, 
 which seems to have been delegated to you under the contemplation of 
 such changes. If your Excellency should have any doubts respecting 
 the authority vested in you, or the expediency of the exercise of it, your 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 2O9 
 
 memorialists humbly pray that you would exercise your undoubted and 
 constitutional prerogative of calling Congress together as soon as possi- 
 ble to consider a question so highly interesting to the United States. 
 As in duty bound, shall ever pray. 
 
 The embargo referred to was that laid by Congress, Dec. 
 22, 1807, suspending commercial relations with France and 
 England, in retaliation for the decrees of those nations, 
 then engaged in the Napoleonic wars, and under which our 
 commerce had suffered frequent spoliation. It was a useless 
 measure on the part of our government, and brought stagna- 
 tion to all kinds of business. 
 
 Jonathan Fiske was commissioned as captain of the Med- 
 field company. 
 
 1809. Selectmen, John Baxter, Joseph Clark, Jr., Elia- 
 kim Morse, William Clark, and Thaddeus Morse. 
 
 ■Johnson Mason, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That the seats in the body of the meeting-house be taken up, 
 and that pews be built on the same ground ; also, that there be a place 
 fixed in the side gallery for the people of color. 
 
 Ten pews were built directly in front of the deacons' 
 seats, some of them five feet square, others three by seven 
 and a half. The pews cost $103.70, and were sold for $730. 
 The seats for the colored folks cost $4. 
 
 Ebenezer Clark was appointed postmaster. He drove the 
 stage, and brought the mail from Dedham. The office was 
 kept at Partridge Holbrook's tavern. 
 
 A road was laid out from Canal Street to the north mead- 
 ows, near the estate now owned by Hon. R. R. Bishop. 
 
 Another attempt was made this year by the meadow 
 owners to effect a settlement with Dr. Bigelow, of Natick, in 
 regard to damages. 
 
 Independence Day was celebrated ; and the oration was 
 delivered by Timothy Hamant, Esq. 
 
 1810. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Jonathan Fiske, 
 Isaiah Smith, Amos Smith, and Phineas Allen. 
 
 Johnson Mason, Representative. 
 
2IO HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Another effort was made to purchase a house for the poor 
 of the town. The vote was adverse. 
 
 A NEW TAVERN. 
 
 David Fairbanks, who had bought the Wheelock estate, 
 started a tavern where the town hall now stands, and also 
 kept the store on the corner of North Street. He bought 
 large quantities of straw braid, and employed a number of 
 women and girls at sewing it into bonnets. -He had a board- 
 ing-house for his employes. The goods were carried from 
 here to Providence by ox-teams, thence to New York by 
 water. The store at present standing on the corner was 
 built by him, the smaller original building having stood on 
 the street directly in front of it. He also built the house 
 opposite the head of South Street. Fairbanks was the busi- 
 ness man of the town at that day. 
 
 A new school-house was built in the centre district. It 
 stood on North Street, near where the boarding-house now 
 stands. The old building was sold for ^80, and was m^ved 
 to the south part of the town, and is still standing. 
 
 ACADEMY HALL. 
 
 A proposition was made that the town build a hall over 
 the new school-house. This was voted down. The " Med- 
 field Academy Hall " corporation was then formed, with 
 forty shares at ;^ 10 a share. The hall in the second story 
 was built, and a select school kept in it till the hall was sold 
 to the freemasons. The district expended about ^1,000 for 
 school accommodations in the lower story. 
 
 Rev. William Gammell became pastor of the Baptist 
 church, the first since the resignation, of Mr. Gair, twenty- 
 three years before. He preached alternate Sabbaths in 
 West Dedham, where a considerable part of the members 
 resided. 
 
 Wales Plimpton was commissioned as captain. 
 
 The population of the town in 1 8 10 was 786. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 211 
 
 1§X1. Selectmen, Charles Hatnant, Isaiah Smith, Phin- 
 eas Allen, Amos Smith, and Wales Plimpton. 
 
 Johnson Mason, Representative. 
 
 The town treasurer received for his services ^lo annually. 
 
 The members of the Baptist church and congregation 
 were incorporated as a religious society by act of the Leg- 
 islature. 
 
 Independence Day was observed in this town ; and forty 
 young girls, dressed in 
 uniform, marched in pro- 
 cession. 
 
 John -W. Adams com- 
 menced the manufacture 
 of brushes at his place 
 
 *-*^ Il«im otreet, now birthplace of hannah adams. 
 
 owned by Miss Steele, 
 
 in the old house which was the birthplace of Miss Hannah 
 
 Adams. 
 
 AN OLD-TIME COLLEGE GRADUATION. 
 
 i' 
 
 T:^ ' account of the college graduation of , Dr. Joseph 
 Allen, in 1811, gives some particulars which afford a 
 glimpse of the style of those days. It was a great event 
 in a small country town for one of its farmers' sons to grad- 
 uate from Harvard with high honors, and great preparations 
 were made for the occasion. 
 
 The graduate was clad in a black coat and small-clothes, 
 with black silk stockings tied with ribbon at the knee. All 
 these were made in his father's house, as also his rufHed 
 shirts. His pumps were made by the town shoemaker. 
 Several friends of hip were invited to go down to Cambridge 
 with the family. Among these were Lowell Mason and 
 Wickliffe Adams; The whole party, numbering twenty- 
 five, arrayed in their best, started from Medfield in carriages 
 at 4 A.M., and drove to Cambridge. A "spread" was 
 arranged. Everything for the tables except the warm meats 
 was cooked at home, and carried down by the family. Two 
 colored men walked down from Medfield to serve at the 
 spread. On this day, Edward Everett graduated, and gave 
 
212 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 the English oration. Another Medfield boy, Thomas 
 Prentiss, also graduated the same day with Joseph Allen. 
 
 The Medfield party drove home in the evening,- arriving 
 about midnight. 
 
 1812. Selectmen, John Baxter, Artemas Woodward, 
 Obed Fisher, Nathaniel Kingsbury, and William Clark. ' 
 Daniel Adams, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That a man be allowed nine cents an hour for laboring on the 
 highway. 
 
 A PROTEST. 
 
 The town of Roxbury having proposed to become the 
 shire town, Medfield voted that, " notwithstanding the fre- 
 quent changes that are taking place of late respecting lines 
 and limits of districts, this town is determined to take all 
 legal and constitutional methods to oppose such innovations 
 as removing the shire town from Dedham to Roxbury ; that 
 the Representative elect, Daniel Adams, be directed to use 
 his influence to prevent said removal ; and that a coff^y of 
 the foregoing vote be transmitted to the town clerk of 
 Roxbury." 
 
 A communication was received from the selectmen of 
 Boston respecting " the present alarming situation of our 
 country." This was during the progress of events which 
 led to the declaration of war with England soon after. 
 The town voted, after considerable debate, " that for the 
 time being the selectmen shall receive all documents relat- 
 ing to our public affairs which may be sent to the town, and 
 hold the same for the use of all the citizens, and give notice 
 of the receipt of such documents and of the place where 
 they may be seen." 
 
 Obed Allen was commander of the Medfield military. 
 
 PREPARATIONS FOR WAR. 
 
 In July, the town authorities received directions from the 
 Adjutant-General to have the magazine fully provided with 
 the ammunition, stores, and utensils required by law, in view 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 213 
 
 of the fact that war had been declared by our government 
 against Great Britain; also, that the militia of the town be 
 in constant readiness to march to any part of the Common- 
 wealth, whenever called upon by the Commander-in-chief. 
 In case of actual invasion, the men to march at once, with- 
 out waiting for special orders. 
 
 X813. Selectmen, Artemas Woodward, William Peters, 
 Joseph Clark, Jr., Isaiah Smith, and Hinsdale Fisher. 
 Daniel Adams, Representative. 
 
 THE FIRST SCHOOL COMMITTEE. 
 
 A committee was chosen to visit and superintend the 
 schools, consisting of Rev. Thomas Prentiss, Daniel Adams, 
 Dr. Lothario Danielson, and Dr. James Hewins. This is 
 the first distinct mention of such a board. 
 
 The matter of a pauper house was again brought before 
 the town, but no action was taken. 
 
 TOWN AND PARISH SEPARATED. 
 
 For one hundred and sixty-two years, the parish and the 
 town had been considered identical. Steps were now taken 
 to organize the First Parish in accordance with the laws of 
 the Commonwealth more recently enacted. 
 
 EFFORT TO DRAIN THE MEADOWS. THE CANAL. 
 
 The corporation of the proprietors of the meadows made 
 a widening of Charles River at Rock narrows. The con- 
 tract was taken by Aaron Thayer, of Medway, for ^327. 
 A canal was also dug through a neck of upland above the 
 narrows, to aid in taking off the surplus water. Very little 
 benefit was derived from either enterprise. The canal would 
 not have been dug, probably, but for an error an the surveys, 
 which made the fall greater than it is. 
 
 Samuel Johnson succeeded David Fairbanks as keeper of 
 the tavern in the centre of the village. 
 
214 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 MANUFACTURE OF CUT NAILS. 
 
 A company was formed, consisting of Joseph Clark, Dan- 
 iel Adams, Daniel and Nathaniel Chickering, who built a 
 nail factory on the stream below the present stone mill, and 
 carried an the business ^^^ on the Dedham 
 
 there for several years. ""^^Jfif % ^^^'^ > lately owned 
 The "factory ^k^^ "^^31-^ ^^ Horace How- 
 
 house " stood V •-^S'V^^^^i*^ «- ard. 
 
 1814. Select- 
 men, Nathaniel 
 Kingsbury, Will- 
 iam Clark, Beriah 
 Brastow, David 
 Fairbanks, and 
 John Smith. 
 
 Daniel Adams, 
 Representative. 
 
 Dr. Prentiss, 
 who had been pas- 
 tor of the old parish church forty- 
 four years, died in 1814, after a brief 
 illne'ss, aged sixty-seven. At that 
 time, the church is said to have 
 numbered eighty-seven : males, twen- 
 ty-four ; females, sixty-three. A vote 
 of thanks was presented to Rev. Mr. 
 Bates for his discourse at the funeral 
 Voted, also, that Dr. Prentiss' salary be 
 
 ROCK NARROWS. 
 
 of the late pastor, 
 continued to his family as long as preaching should be sup 
 plied on their account. The last Thursday in April was 
 appointed as a day of special fasting in view of settling a 
 new minister, and all in the town were invited to join. 
 
 In December, a call was given to Dr. Daniel C. Sanders, 
 which was accepted ; and he was installed the following 
 spring. 
 
 Captain Bela Cleaveland was at the head of the military 
 this year. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 215 
 
 1815. Selectmen, Jonathan Fiske, Seth Ellis, Jona- 
 than Wight, Jr., Daniels Hamant, and Arnold Russell. 
 
 Town and parish affairs were at last separated ; and, from 
 this date, no business relating to the First Congregational 
 Parish appears in the records of the town. 
 
 The town land near the corner of Dale and Frairy 
 Streets was sold for ^199.50, and the money was added to 
 the school fund. 
 
 Johnson Mason invented a machine for trimming straw 
 braid, and confined his attention largely to trimming, press- 
 ing, and bleaching it, preparatory to manufacture. 
 
 At Dr. Sanders' installation, a dissenting minority pre- 
 sented objections to the council ; but they were not deemed 
 of importance. There were several members who did not 
 agree with Dr. Sanders' views, and this difference of opin- 
 ion led to a division of the church some years later. 
 
 MEMBERS OF THE FIRST PARISH CHURCH IN 1815, WITH THE DATE 
 OF THEIR ADMISSION. 
 
 Sarah Allen, . . 
 
 
 
 
 1756 
 
 Finis Allen, . 
 
 
 
 
 
 1795 
 
 Thankful Hinsdale, 
 
 
 
 I7S7 
 
 Sarah Breck, . 
 
 
 
 
 
 1796 
 
 Jonathan Wight, \ 
 
 
 
 1 761 
 
 Sarah Wheelock 
 
 
 
 
 
 1797 
 
 Drusilla Smith, . 
 
 
 
 
 1762 
 
 Ruth Allen, . 
 
 
 
 
 
 1797 
 
 Melatiah Clark, . 
 
 
 
 
 1764 
 
 Polly Smith, . 
 
 
 
 
 
 1797 
 
 Elijah Adams, . 
 
 
 
 
 1768 
 
 Jerusha Smith, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1797 
 
 Abigail Adams, . 
 
 
 
 
 1768 
 
 Patience Breck, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1799 
 
 Margaret Peters, 
 
 
 
 
 1768 
 
 Jonathan Fiske, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1800 
 
 David Plimpton, 
 
 
 
 
 1771 
 
 Sally Fiske, . 
 
 
 
 
 
 1800 
 
 Sarah Plimpton, 
 
 
 
 
 1771 
 
 Daniel Adams, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 800 
 
 Jonathan Smith, 
 
 
 
 
 I77S 
 
 Caty Mason, . 
 
 
 
 
 
 1800 
 
 Mary Smith, . . 
 
 
 
 
 1 775 
 
 Sarah Adams, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1800 
 
 Mary Fisher, . . 
 
 
 
 
 1775 
 
 Olive Mason, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1801 
 
 Jemima Smith, . 
 
 
 
 
 I77S 
 
 Deborah Ellis, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1801 
 
 <6arah Townsend, 
 
 
 
 
 177s 
 
 Sibyl Harding, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 801 
 
 Silence Baxter, . 
 
 
 
 
 1776 
 
 Moses Wight. 
 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
 Molly Armsby, . 
 
 
 
 
 1780 
 
 Sarah Wight,' 
 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
 Zilpah Nelson, . 
 
 
 
 
 1784 
 
 Elisha Clark, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
 Thankful Clark, ,. 
 
 
 
 
 1785 
 
 Eliakim Allen, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
 Eunice Cleaveland, 
 
 
 
 
 1785 
 
 Mary Allen, . 
 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
 Ephraim Smith, , 
 
 
 
 
 1787 
 
 Eli Smith, . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
 Joseph Breck, . 
 
 
 
 
 1788 
 
 Dyer Lovell, . 
 Abigail Lovell, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
 Obed Fisher, . 
 
 
 
 
 1 791 
 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
 Mary Prentiss, . 
 
 
 
 
 1794 
 
 Catherine Fuller 
 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
 Phineas Allen, . 
 
 
 
 
 1794 
 
 Mary Fuller, . 
 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
 Artemas Woodward, 
 
 
 
 179s 
 
 Olive Morse, . 
 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
 Mehitable Woodward, 
 
 
 179s 
 
 Kezia Mason, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
 Atarah Smith, . 
 
 
 
 
 1795 
 
 Hannah Plimpto 
 
 n> 
 
 
 
 
 1802 
 
2l6 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Anna Smith, 1802 
 
 George W. Adams, . . . 1803 
 
 Mary Adams, . ... 1803 
 
 Abigail Smith 1803 
 
 Lydia Whiston, 1803 
 
 Margaret Ellis, ... . 1803 
 
 Asa Cole, 1804 
 
 Sarah Cole, 1804 
 
 Martha Adams, .... 1806 
 
 Miranda Cleaveland, . . 1806 
 
 Polly Hamant, 1806 
 
 Mary Green, 1807 
 
 Eleazar Smith, 1808 
 
 Thankful Dego, ..... 1809 
 
 Mary Green, 1809 
 
 Hannah Fuller, 1809 
 
 Nabby Pierce, . 
 Nathaniel Stearns, 
 Mary Stearns, . 
 Betsey Fairbanks, 
 Cynthia Chenery, 
 Lois Fisher, . . 
 Esther Chenery, 
 Edward Breck, Jr., 
 Joseph Allen, 
 Thomas Prentiss, 
 Mary Prentiss, Jr., 
 Daniel Chickering, 
 Rebecca Stearns, . 
 Hannah P. Questrom, 
 Caroline Chickering, 
 
 809 
 809 
 809 
 809 
 809 
 810 
 811 
 812 
 813 
 813 
 814 
 814 
 814 
 814 
 814 
 
 LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN 1815, WITH DATE 
 OF THEIR ADMISSION. 
 
 Susannah Reed, 
 Priscilla Mason, 
 Abigail Clark, . 
 Sarah Allen, . . 
 Joseph Cutler, . 
 Priscilla Boyden, 
 Abraham Cummings, 
 Hannah Smith, . 
 Phebe Boyden, . 
 Jemima Smith, . 
 Hannah Clark, . 
 Abigail Morse, . 
 Sibyl Thompson, 
 Asa Smith, . . 
 Thirza Smith, 
 Mercy Smith, 
 Asenath Bailey, . 
 Polly Fisher, 
 Sibyl Clark, . . 
 Lois Richardson, 
 Lucy Colburn, . 
 Betsey Colburn, 
 Mary Morse, . . 
 Catherine Morse, 
 Benjamin Colburn, 
 Amelia Needham, 
 Chloe Rider, . . 
 Oliver Partridge, 
 Catherine Partridge, 
 Abigail Colburn, 
 Monica Baker, . 
 Molly Ellis, . . 
 
 1776 Hannah Pepalo, 
 
 1776 Chloe Harding, . 
 
 1776 Hannah D. Smith, 
 
 1779 Sarah Herring, . 
 
 1779 Eda Richardson, 
 
 1783 Hannah French, 
 
 1784 Betsey Colburn, 
 1790 Betsey Baker, 
 1793 Abijah Fisher, . 
 
 1802 Sarah Chenery, . 
 
 1803 Mary Everett, . 
 1805 Jabez Boyden, . 
 1805 Warren Allen, . 
 1808 Mehitable Everett, 
 x8o8 Deborah Guy, . 
 1808 Lucy Mason, . . 
 
 1808 Mary Russell, . 
 
 1809 Hannah Smith, . 
 1809 Mary Blake, . . 
 1809 Julia Everett, 
 
 1809 Eda Richardson, 2d, 
 
 1809 Cynthia Baker, . 
 
 1809 Sarah Smith, 
 
 1809 Cynthia Colburn, 
 
 1809 Lydia Newell, . 
 
 1809 Elijah Jones, . . 
 
 1809 Hannah Little, . 
 
 1809 Jeremiah Smith, 
 
 1809 James Noyes, . 
 
 1809 Joseph Ellis, . . 
 
 1810 Sarah Fisher, 
 1810 
 
 810 
 
 810 
 
 810 
 
 811 
 
 811 
 
 811 
 
 811 
 
 811 
 
 811 
 
 811 
 
 811 
 
 811 
 
 811 
 
 811 
 
 812 
 
 812 
 
 812 
 
 812 
 
 812 
 
 812 
 
 812 
 
 814 
 
 813 
 
 813 
 
 813 
 
 814 
 
 814 
 
 814 
 
 814 
 
 81S 
 81S 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 21/ 
 
 THE GREAT BLOW. 
 
 The year 1815 is remembered for the "great blow," which 
 occurred in September. Dr. Sanders preserved the follow- 
 ing account of it : — 
 
 A wonderful hurricane came on this day. The wind the previous 
 night was high. A sensible increase was perceived at 10 A.M. It con- 
 tinued for many hours. Toward night, it became very calm. It began 
 at north-east, and then shifted at its height to south. Its effects 
 were tremendous. Corn was prostrated, the stoutest trees were eradi- 
 cated, many chimneys fell, sheds were generally blown over, four barns 
 were blown down in this town, many buildings injured, and immense 
 damage sustained. The tide at Providence rose twelve feet higher than 
 ever known before, ships drove into the streets, and the losses were 
 estimated at $1,500,000. The wind extended over New England with 
 nearly equal violence. At New York, the wind was moderate and in a 
 contrary direction. Its ravages did not extend far out at sea. In 
 history, we read of a similar wind in 1635. 
 
 Every owner of a silver watch was this year obliged to pay 
 a tax of one dollar. Furniture was also taxed. 
 
 X816. Selectmen, Jonathan Fiske, Seth Ellis, Jonathan 
 Wight, Jr., Daniels Hamant, and Arnold Russell. 
 
 Daniel Adams, Representative. 
 
 A suit was brought by the town of Hubbardston against 
 this town for the support of a pauper. Colonel Brastow 
 went to Worcester to attend to the case. He charged the 
 town ^i a day for his time, and for his horse, thirty-two 
 miles, ^1.82. 
 
 The year 18 16 was long known as the cold season. The 
 spring was extremely backward, ,ai1d the frosts came very 
 early in the autumn. On the nights of September 26-28, 
 very severe frosts prevailed in the Northern States. " The 
 mercury fell to 26°, almost every green thing was killed, ice 
 formed one-fourth of an inch in thickness, and corn was 
 almost wholly destroyed " (Sanders). 
 
 The taxes were collected this year for a compensation of 
 two and a half per cent. 
 
 The church lot given by Mr. Frairy was sold to Artemas 
 Woodward for ^^63 7. 
 
2l8 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1817. Selectmen, William Clark, Moses B. Harding, 
 Obed Allen, Seth Chenery, and Moses Richardson. 
 
 Daniel Adams, Representative. 
 
 A committee was chosen to see that the burying-ground 
 was " cleared of bushes and bryers." 
 
 Voted, That the " History of New England " be kept in the town 
 clerk's hands, and that he let it out at ten cents a month ; also, that 
 twelve cords of wood be provided for the Centre School, " if it can be 
 obtained for $3 a cord." 
 
 HISTORICAL SERMON. 
 
 Dr. Sanders prepared and delivered an historical sermon, 
 the first attempt, so far as known, to collect the facts of our 
 early local history. 
 
 "Sunday, October 5, at 11.45 A.M., there was an earth- 
 quake during public worship. It shook all New England, 
 and extended beyond. It came from the north-west, and 
 was mild and innoxious." (Sanders.) 
 
 The proprietors of common lands in Medfield and Med- 
 way closed up their business in 18 17. There was then in 
 the hands of their treasurer $152.80, which was divided 
 among the proprietors. 
 
 A milldam was built in the north part of the town, on the 
 site now occupied by French's mill, by Joseph Draper. He 
 also erected a fulling-mill there, and for several years carried" 
 on his business of clothier. The mill and privilege were 
 afterward sold to Abner Mason. 
 
 1818. Selectmen, Obed Allen, William Peters, David 
 Fairbanks, John W. Adams, and Samuel Johnson. 
 
 THE FIRST SUNDAY-SCHOOL. 
 
 The children from both churches, to the number of 1 24, 
 met at the Centre School-house. They came in procession 
 at the hour of opening the school, after the morning service. 
 Each church furnished its own teachers, and they occupied 
 opposite sides of the school-room. This arrangement con- 
 tinued but one season. The next year, a school was formed 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 219 
 
 in each church. They were held only in the summer, how- 
 ever, as there was no provision for warming the meeting- 
 houses. 
 
 Previous to this time, the children learned the Assembly's 
 Catechism in the day schools. At certain stated times, all 
 the pupils were gathered at the meeting-house on a Sat- 
 urday afternoon, to be examined, or " catechized," as it was 
 called, by the minister. The five selectmen were present, 
 and occupied the deacons' seats on these occasions. When 
 the Sunday-school commenced, it was conducted wholly by 
 women : no men took any part in it. Mrs. Prentiss gener- 
 ally offered the opening prayer. The work of the classes 
 was in committing portions of Scripture to memory and 
 repeating them. 
 The first lesson 
 was Isaiah Iv. 
 
 Willard Onion 
 was appointed 
 
 ONION S CORNER GROCERY. 
 
 postmaster. He 
 kept the office in 
 his store, a small, 
 one-story build- 
 ing, which stood 
 on the corner of 
 Main and South Streets. Upon a post in this store, a few 
 pieces of tape were tacked diagonally, into which the letters 
 for delivery were stuck, so that those in expectation of mis- 
 sives could see for themselves. 
 
 Many persons yet living can remember that post, bristling 
 with a dozen or two of letters. 
 
 1§X9. Selectmen, William Peters, John W. Adams, 
 David Fairbanks, Nathan Wight, and Wales Plimpton. 
 
 Daniel Adams, Representative. 
 
 The subject of purchasing a house for the poor of the 
 town was again discussed, but no favorable action resulted. 
 
 The building at the east corner of Main and Pleasant 
 Streets was erected by M. B. Harding for a store, and was 
 
220 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 occupied by Pharez Sawin. A store was kept there for sev- 
 eral years by Sawin, Captain James Ware, David Cobb, and 
 others. About the same time, David Fairbanks built the 
 store opposite, on the corner of North Street. 
 
 1820. Selectmen, Nathan Wight, Wales Plimpton. 
 Artemas Woodward, Jonathan Wight, and Elisha Clark. 
 
 Daniel Adams, Representative. 
 
 Early in February, snow fell to the depth of thirty-six 
 inches. Dr. Sanders, who made the memorandum, says, 
 " Snow has not been so deep since 1780." 
 
 The Massachusetts Agricultural Society, in 1820, awarded 
 a premium of ^8 to Johnson Mason for straw bonnets man- 
 ufactured in Medfield. 
 
 Voted, To choose a sexton, whose duty it should be, when notified of 
 a death, to make all the necessary arrangements for the interment. 
 
 Wales Plimpton was chosen. 
 
 Town granted 1^50 for the instruction of youth and others 
 in sacred music the ensuing winter. A committee of five 
 was chosen to see that the money was properly expended. 
 
 A FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION. 
 
 Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm. 
 A cannon was brought from Walpole, placed in the street 
 in front of the hotel, and served by gunners from the Wal- 
 pole Artillery. The military of Medfield (and all between 
 eighteen and forty-five were obliged to serve in those days) 
 paraded on the occasion, headed by the local musicians with 
 fifes and drums. 
 
 In the morning, the committee of arrangements, the 
 orator of the day, the clergy and town officials, gathered 
 at the house of Dr. Sanders, whence they were escorted by 
 the military to the meeting-house. The Declaration was 
 read by John B. Derby, Esq. The oration was delivered 
 by Silas P. Holbrook, Esq. At its conclusion, the company 
 repaired to Samuel Johnson's tavern, where the town hall 
 now stands, and " sat down to an excellent dinner." 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 221 
 
 THE TOASTS. 
 
 1 . " Our Country : 
 
 " ' Breathes there the man, with soul so dead, 
 Who never to himself hath said. 
 This is my own, my native land ?' " 
 
 2. " The President of the United States : The source of his power is 
 the love of the people." 
 
 3. " The Governor of Massachusetts: In war, valiant ; in retirement, 
 courteous and hospitable ; in the administration of justice, impartial and 
 just." 
 
 4. " Massachusetts : The first to assert her rights, the last to infringe 
 the rights of others." 
 
 5. " Our National Appeals : To the point of honor, the point of the 
 pen, and the point of the bayonet." 
 
 6. " The Army and Navy : In their garlands of victory, may humanity 
 to the vanquished ever be the fairest iiower." 
 
 7. " Agriculture, Manufactures, and Commerce : Like the rivers 
 Ohio, lUinois, and Missouri, pouring their united streams in the mighty 
 current of national wealth and grandeur." 
 
 8. " Our Independence : The fountain whose overflowing hath re- 
 freshed the earth." 
 
 9. " The Massachusetts Agricultural Society : Like the Nile, convey- 
 ing fertility wherever its influence extends, and causing even the desert 
 to blossom." 
 
 10. " The Last and Present House of Representatives : Well may 
 they say, with the loquacious friend of the most patient Job : ' Behold, 
 our bellies are as wine which hath no vent ; they are ready to burst like 
 new bottles. We will speak, that we may be refreshed.' " 
 
 By Daniel Adams, president of the day : " The next President of the 
 United States: May he achieve his office, not by McDuffie's valor or 
 Russell's duplicity, but by New England merit and the free suffrages of 
 the American people." 
 
 By Rev. Mr. Morey, of Walpole : ',' The Good Ship United States : 
 Patriotism her pilot, prudence her helm." 
 
 By Dr. John E. Holbrook : " The Marquis Lafayette : The friend 
 of America." 
 
 By the orator of the day : " The Citizens of Medfield : Correct in 
 principle, consistent in practice." 
 
 By Judge Ware : " The Hon. John Q.. Adams : He has honored his 
 country, may his country honor him." 
 
 By John B. Derby, Esq. (after the clergy had retired) : " The Rever- 
 end Clergy : May they allure to brighter worlds, and lead the way." 
 
 By the vice-president, Captain Felt: "This Glorious Anniversary: 
 May it never be forgotten till the wheels of old time roll in eternity." 
 
222 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 After each toast was given, the cannon, near at hand, was 
 fired, then the musicians played, and the guests responded 
 in glasses of wine. The frequent repetition of these cere- 
 monies, during the long string of toasts, appears to have 
 had an influence upon the spirits of the company; and 
 some of the later sentiments (not quoted above) indicate 
 the nature of that influence. The celebration was con- 
 ducted in accordance with the manner of the times, how- 
 ever, and was considered creditable to the patriotism and 
 public spirit of the citizens. 
 
 The question of the expediency of .calling a convention 
 for the revision of the State Constitution came before the 
 voters : yeas, 14 ; nays, 45. 
 
 The population of the town in 1820 was 892. 
 
 Jonathan P. Bishop was appointed postmaster. 
 
 PUPILS OF THE CENTRE SCHOOL, FEB. 12, l820. 
 
 Fisher Allen. 
 Ebenezer Balch. 
 William Battalia. 
 Isaac Bigelow. 
 Jonathan Billings. 
 Charles Bonney. 
 Joseph Bailey. 
 Martin Bailey. 
 Jonathan D. Breck. 
 Elias Breck. 
 James Brack. 
 John Bosworth. 
 Nathaniel Bosworth. 
 Timothy Cheney. 
 Joseph Cheney. 
 Theron Cheney. 
 
 Catharine Allan. 
 Lucia Adams. 
 Sarah Bosworth. 
 Mary Bosworth. 
 Eliza Bush. 
 Caroline Boyden. 
 
 Boys. 
 Cyrus Chickering. 
 Sanford Clark. 
 Albert Cleaveland. 
 Horace Claaveland. 
 Caleb Ellis. 
 John Ellis. 
 William Ellis. 
 David Fairbanks. 
 Lovell Fairbanks. 
 Joseph Fairbanks. 
 Lewis Fairbanks. 
 William Forbes. 
 William Gammell. 
 Asa M. Gammell. 
 Nymphas Hatch. 
 Lyman Johnson. 
 
 Girls. 
 Mary D. Breck. 
 Lucy Cheney. 
 Alma Chenery. 
 Hannah Chenery. 
 Hannah Clark. 
 Sophia Clark. 
 
 Samuel Johnson. 
 Charles Metcalf. 
 Joseph Peters. 
 Nathan Plimpton. 
 Daniel P. Russell. 
 Arnold Russell. 
 Arnold Smith. 
 Edwin Smith. 
 Royal Smith. 
 Samuel Vialla. 
 Alfred Waterman. 
 Thomas Waterman. 
 Jason Whitney. 
 Charles Wight. 
 
 Drusilla Clark. 
 Mary Ann Clark. 
 Catherine Clark. 
 Caroline Cleaveland. 
 Eliza Cleaveland. 
 Martha Collins. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 223 
 
 Catherine Dixon. 
 Elinor Dixon. 
 Selma Dixon. 
 Hannah Ellis. 
 Abigail Fairbanks. 
 Jane Fairbanks. 
 »Mary Fairbanks. 
 Lydia Fairbanks. 
 Ann Fisher. 
 Emeline Fisher. 
 
 Sally Fisher. 
 Eliza Fuller. 
 Mary Gamtnell. 
 Fanny Hartshorn. 
 Sarah A. Johnson. 
 Sally Mann. 
 Catherine Morse. 
 Mary Morse. 
 Lucy Morse. 
 Sarah Peters. 
 
 Caroline Plympton. 
 Sarah Plympton. 
 Mary Russell. 
 Amy Smith. 
 Catherine Smith. 
 Evalina Smith. 
 Olive Smith. _ 
 Fanny Stetson. 
 Emily Whitney. 
 
 X821. Selectmen, Nathaniel Kingsbury, Amos Wight, 
 John W. Adams, Joseph Clark, and Seth Chenery. 
 
 Johnson Mason, Representative. 
 
 The school fund at this time amounted to ;^4,oi5.4S, the 
 interest on which was $231.87. 
 
 The amendments to the Constitution having been sub- 
 mitted to the people, the vote in this town showed ten of 
 the fourteen approved by our citizens. 
 
 The weather during the early part of this year was excep- 
 tionally cold. April 17, snow fell fourteen inches deep on 
 a level. 
 
 The Village Register of May 11, 1821, contains the fol- 
 lowing notice of the opening of a school at Academy 
 Hall : — 
 
 ACADEMY FOR YOUNG LADIES. 
 
 Miss M. D. Adams 
 
 Proposes to commence a school for Young Ladies in Medfield, on the 
 twenty-first day of May next. 
 
 TERMS PER QUARTER. 
 
 Reading, Writing, Spelling, Geography with Maps and Globes, Arith- 
 metic, and plain sewing, $3.50 
 
 English Grammar, Rhetorick and Composition, History, Drawing 
 Maps, Drawing and Painting in water colors and chalks, Fancy Needle- 
 work and Embroidery, Including the above $4.50 
 
 To this was appended a recommendation of the teacher 
 from Dr. Sanders. 
 
 The Village Register was printed at Dedham, and de- 
 livered to subscribers by a post rider, who went through 
 the towns in this part of the county for the purpose. 
 
224 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1822. Selectmen, Johnson Mason, William Peters, 
 Seth Chenery, Phinehas Allen, and Moses Richardson. 
 
 Hinsdale Fisher was chosen town clerk. He held the 
 office eight years. 
 
 Town granted j^SO for a "singing-school." 
 
 This year, the Baptist meeting-house was enlarged to 
 nearly twice its fornier capacity. It was still a plain build- 
 ing, however, without spire or cupola. The pulpit was 
 placed at the west end, the entrance being at the east. 
 There was one aisle running lengthwise through the centre, 
 with a row of pews on each side, which were made so that 
 all the people sat facing the pulpit. There were^galleries 
 around three sides, the semi-circular part opposite the pul- 
 pit being occupied by the singers. In the side galleries 
 there was one row of pews next the wall, with benches in 
 front of them. The pulpit was somewhat elevated, and was 
 approached by a flight of eight or ten steps. The minister 
 entered by a door at the head of these steps, and shut him- 
 self in during services. 
 
 A CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION. 
 
 On one of the Sabbaths, a collection was taken up in the 
 Congregationalist church, amounting to $26.55, fo^^ the ben- 
 efit of a Mr. Parnell of Mendon, who, it is stated, had been 
 burned out. _ 
 
 ♦ THE LOST RECORDS RECOVERED. 
 
 The records of the old church, commenced by Mr. Bax- 
 ter, had been lost for many years. They were discovered 
 in 1822, at Northfield, Mass., in the possession of Rev. 
 Thomas Mason, and restored to the church by Dr. Sanders. 
 
 The house which had been built by Eliakim Allen upon 
 the town's land on Frairy Street was sold for $100 to John 
 B. Derby. The money was added to the school fund. The 
 house soon became the property of Elias H. Derby. 
 
 The Fourth of July oration was delivered by Silas P. 
 Holbrook, Esq. 
 
 1823. Selectmen, Moses Richardson, Seth Ellis, Sam- 
 uel Johnson, Jesse Ellis, and Jonathan Fiske. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 225 
 
 William Felt, Representative. 
 
 A collection was taken up in the Congregationalist church 
 for a Mr. Farrington, of Wrentham, who had been burned 
 out. It amounted to ^26.05. 
 
 Rev. William Gammell resigned the pastorate of the 
 Baptist church. 
 
 FREEMASONRY IN MEDFIELD. 
 
 William Felt and others petitioned for the establishment 
 of a Masonic lodge in Medfield ; and, September 16, " Cassia 
 Lodge" was constituted. It continued till 1845, when it 
 became extinct. The list of names of the original members 
 was lost at the burning of the Masonic Temple, in Boston. 
 The hall over the Centre School-house, formerly " Academy 
 Hall," was fitted up as a lodge-room. 
 
 Charles Onion was appointed postmaster. He held the 
 office nearly thirty years. 
 
 1824. Selectmen, William Peters, Jonathan Wight, 
 Jr., John W. Adams, Arnold Russell, and John Ellis. 
 
 William Felt, Representative. 
 
 Total amount of the school fund at this date, $4,215.61. 
 The town granted $50 to encourage sacred music. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Ballard commenced labor as pastor of the 
 Baptist church and society. 
 
 - The maple and ash trees on East Mairi Street were set 
 out in 1824. 
 
 1825. Selectmen, John W. Adams, Obed Allen, John 
 Ellis, Seth Ellis, and Wesley P. Balch. 
 
 Whole amount of the school fund, $4,379.34. 
 Abner Mason collected taxes for two cents and six mills 
 on the dollar. 
 
 SUBSCRIBERS TO THE BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. 
 
 The corner-stone of a monument on Bunker Hill having 
 been laid by General Lafayette, June 17, 1825, subscriptions 
 
226 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 toward its erection were made in all parts of the country. 
 The Medfield subscribers were these : — 
 
 E. H. Derby, $5. Moses B. Harding, $5. 
 
 John Ellis, $5. Charles Onion, $5. 
 
 William Felt, $10. William Peters, $S- 
 
 Samuel Johnson, $5. Nathan Wight, $5. 
 
 1826. Selectmen, John W. Adams, Obed Allen, John 
 Ellis, Wesley P. Balch, and Wales Plimpton. 
 
 William Felt, Representative. 
 
 Brastow's bridge, previously called "great bridge," was 
 rebuilt. The wood-work was done by Lemuel Clark, of 
 Medway, for ^73 ; the stone-work, by John Allen and An- 
 thony W. Cleaveland, for 1^165. Half the expense was paid 
 by each town. 
 
 HEATING APPARATUS FOR THE CHURCHES. 
 
 This year, two new stoves were placed in the Congrega- 
 tional meeting-house, " with long Russia pipes," at a cost of 
 ^100, which was raised by subscription. From the founding 
 of the town to this date, no appliance for warming the meet- 
 ing-house had been introduced. The new stoves were fired 
 up for the first time December 24, and proved their useful- 
 ness at once, as that was one of the coldest days of the 
 whole winter, so the old church record tells us. 
 
 The Baptist meeting-house was also provided about the 
 same time with a large box stove which stood in the aisle 
 directly in front of the pulpit. This had a " long Russia 
 pipe " likewise. The making of these pipes was a task of 
 great magnitude for Medfield mechanics, and was accom- 
 plished by John W. Adams, the work being done entirely 
 by hand. 
 
 1827. Selectmen, Obed Allen, Wesley P. Balch, Seth 
 Ellis, Charles Harding, and Samuel Johnson. 
 
 William Felt, Representative. 
 
 The total expenditures of the town this year were 
 ^1,919.57. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 22/ 
 
 PAUPERISM. 
 
 The following persons were supported as paupers : Nahum 
 Baker, William Connelly, Joseph Adams, Magdalen The- 
 bault, Thankful Baker, Asa Albee, Ruth Turner, Joshua 
 Seaver, Priscilla Mason, George Turner, Lois Wight, and 
 Bela Cleaveland and his children. 
 
 THE ORTHODOX CHURCH. 
 
 Twp petitions were presented by members of the old 
 church, asking to be dismissed from that body for the pur- 
 pose of forming an Orthodox church. The old church 
 being reluctant to grant them, a council was called, which 
 reported favorably for the petitioners. 
 
 1828. Selectmen, Obed Allen, Seth Ellis, Wesley P. 
 Balch, Samuel Johnson, and Charles Harding. 
 
 William Felt, Representative. 
 
 A proposition was made to purchase a piece of land four 
 rods wide on the east side of the burying-ground for the 
 purpose of enlarging the same. It was defeated. 
 
 September 15, the Hartford and Dedham corporation 
 petitioned the county commissioners to lay out their road 
 as a public highway, excepting a small portion from the 
 corner of Main and Bridge Streets, to the intersection with 
 the old post-road in East Medway. 
 
 CONSTITUENT MEMBERS OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH. 
 
 The Second, or Orthodox Congregational, Church was 
 organized Feb. 6, 1828, with seventeen members: — 
 
 Moses Wight. Susan F. Turner. 
 
 Artemas Woodward. Esther Chenery. 
 
 Obed Fisher. Esther Chenery, 2d. 
 
 Nathaniel Stearns. Olive Mason. 
 
 Stephen Turner. Mary Smith. 
 
 Elisha Clark. Waitstill Smith. 
 
 Sarah Wight. Martha Adams. 
 
 Mehitable Woodward. Keziah Mason. 
 Mary Stearns. 
 
228 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 The new religious society "was organized under the State 
 laws, February 24. The first meetings were held in Mrs. 
 Derby's parlor. Afterward, the society made use of a hall 
 over the store on the corner of Main and North Streets. 
 Among the ministers who preached to the new church were 
 Rev. Dr. Codman of Dorchester, Dr. Lyman Beecher, and 
 his son Edward Beecher. The ministers generally stayed 
 over Sunday with Mrs. Prentiss. 
 
 A committee appointed by the centre district reported 
 that it was expedient to divide the school. 
 
 NEW LIBRARY. 
 
 The second library in town was started in 1828. The 
 stockholders paid $4. a share. It was kept at the store, 
 corner of North and Main Streets, and contained about 
 one thousand volumes. Many of the books, however, were 
 bought at auction in Boston, and were not of great value, it 
 is said. 
 
 1829. Selectmen, William Felt, John W. Adams, 
 Nathan Wight, George Newell, and Robert Roberts. 
 
 John W. Adams was chosen town clerk for one year. 
 
 The town clerk and treasurer had each about ;^8 yearly 
 for their services in these days. 
 
 Rev. Daniel C. Sanders resigned the pastoral charge of 
 the Unitarian church and society. 
 
 Eliakim Morse commenced purchasing domestic straw 
 braid and manufacturing it into bonnets, a business which 
 he continued to carry on for several years. 
 
 " Frairy's bridge," over Stop River, on Noon Hill Street, 
 was rebuilt. This is the last, mention of that bridge by its 
 original name in the records. 
 
 1830. Selectmen, Obed Allen, Moses B. Harding, 
 Jesse Ellis, Samuel Johnson, and Abner Mason. 
 
 Rev. James A. Kendall became pastor of the Unitarian, 
 and Rev. Moses Curtis of the Baptist church. 
 
 For the first time, a Dover man represented the two 
 towns. Calvin Richards served three years, 1 830-1 832. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 229 
 
 The population of the town in 1830 was 817. Number 
 of polls, 171. Total valuation, ^259,933. Rate of taxation, 
 1^5.40 on a thousand. 
 
 Horses were appraised according to their value this year, 
 but other kinds of stock had a fixed valuation. A yoke 
 of oxen, ^50; a cow, or three-year-old, ^10; yearling, ^5; 
 swine, six months old, $S ; sheep, one year old, $2. In 
 making the taxes, the assessors first formed a reduced list, 
 which was six per cent, of the true value. From this, the 
 rate was determined, and each man's tax cast. 
 
 1831. Selectmen, Obed Allen, Moses B. Harding, 
 Jesse Ellis, Samuel Johnson, and Abner Mason. 
 
 Noah A. Fisk, town clerk. He held the office two years. 
 
 The burying-ground was cleared up, it having again be- 
 come overgrown with bushes. 
 
 The direction of Frairy Street near North was changed, 
 and laid along the edge of the pond. It originally entered 
 North Street several rods farther north. 
 
 Rev. Arthur Granger was installed as first pastor of the 
 Orthodox church. 
 
 The South School-house was enlarged by the addition of 
 six feet at the east end for an entry and wood-room. The 
 whole building was newly covered, and new desks and seats 
 made. The whole expense was ^325. 
 
 About this time, the Boston & Providence Railroad was 
 contemplated ; and one survey was through this town, strik- 
 ing the north-west corner of the cemetery, greatly to the 
 horror of the citizens. They had no serious cause for 
 alarm, however. 
 
 1832. Selectmen, Obed Allen, Moses B. Harding, 
 Jesse Ellis, Amos Thayer, and Enoch Bullard. 
 
 FIRE ENGINE. 
 
 The town appropriated ;^ioo for an engine house, but the 
 vote was reconsidered at the next meeting. The first fire 
 engine is said to have been presented to the town some 
 
230 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 years earlier ; and it was kept in a barn belonging to 
 Mr. Woodward, which stood where the Orthodox parsonage 
 now stands. 
 
 ORTHODOX MEETING-HOUSE. 
 
 ^, The meeting- 
 
 house of the Or- 
 «»!'• M. thodox Society was 
 
 built. It was dedi- 
 . . .. .. ,_ 
 
 
 cated April 
 17. It stood 
 on the site 
 of their pres- 
 ent house of 
 worship, and 
 was the build- 
 ing burned in 
 
 MEETING-HOUSES OF THE SECOND (ORTMODOx) CONGREGATION- tQt/^ Ao of 
 
 ALIST SOCIETY. lO/O. .rt.Sai: 
 
 first built, the 
 pulpit was at the front end between the entrances, and the 
 singers' gallery at the rear. The pulpit and the gallery after- 
 ward exchanged places, and the pews were reversed. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 23 1 
 
 Rev. Arthur Granger resigned his pastorate.' 
 
 1833. Selectmen, Daniel C. Sanders, Seth Ellis, Elias 
 H. Derby, John W. Adams, and Hinsdale Fisher. 
 
 Daniel C. Sanders, Representative. 
 
 Elias H. Derby was chosen town clerk, and held the office 
 three years. 
 
 A committee of five was appointed to collect information 
 respecting the best mode of supporting paupers. 
 
 Rev. Walter H. Bidwell was installed pastor of the Or- 
 thodox church. 
 
 The hotel stable, which stood opposite the present town 
 hall, was burned in the night-time, together with eighteen 
 horses and other property. Samuel Grant was convicted of 
 incendiarism, and served a term of six years in the State 
 prison therefor. , 
 
 1834. Selectmen, Daniel C. Sanders, Amos Thayer, 
 Elias H. Derby, John W. Adams, and Hinsdale Fisher. 
 
 Daniel C. Sanders, Representative. 
 
 Abner Mason served as collector and treasurer for the 
 town, and received ^25 for his services. 
 
 i^ioo was granted to build an engine house; the building 
 is still standing, near the Unitarian church. 
 
 Rev. Horatio N. Loring was settled as pastor of the Bap- 
 tist church. 
 
 1835. Selectmen, Daniel C. Sanders, Seth Ellis, Amos 
 Mason, Jesse Ellis, and Jonathan Wight, Jr. 
 
 Daniel C. Sanders, Representative. 
 
 Voted, That the old engine be repaired at the expense of the town, 
 and that the selectmen locate and superintend the building of the engine 
 house. 
 
 James Clark succeeded Samuel Johnson as keeper of the 
 hotel in the centre of the village. 
 
 A proposition to lay out the turnpike as a county road 
 was made to the town by the commissioners. 
 
 In these years, a curious custom prevailed here of apply- 
 ing to sundry persons in the village lofty titles and cele-- 
 brated names. Thus, Mr. Onion, the postmaster, was Em- 
 
232 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 peror. Mr. Clark, the portly tavern keeper, was Alderman. 
 Others rejoiced in such titles as Pope, Count, Marshal Ney, 
 Marshal Marmont, etc. One member of the circle, having 
 gone out in a large tub to gather floating cranberries, cap- 
 sized, and thereby gained the title of Admiral. The " Em- 
 peror " frequently issued orders to his subordinates in the 
 grandiloquent style of the first Napoleon. He also commu- 
 nicated with the dignitaries of his 
 mimic realm, giving information of 
 current events. A specimen of one 
 of these missives is given below. 
 It was issued on the occasion of 
 
 ___.,«^^^^W's»i-(s-i 
 
 JAMES CLARK'S TAVERN. 
 
 certain itinerant venders 
 bringing a large stock 
 of goods into the town 
 of Medfield, which they 
 were offering to the vil- 
 lagers both at private 
 sale and at auction, apparently somewhat to the disgust of 
 Mr. Onion and the other storekeepers of the place. They 
 sojourned during their stay at James Clark's tavern. 
 
 Head-quarters, September 14. 
 
 Sire, — It has fallen to our allotment to behold our hitherto peaceful 
 community in a state of complete anarchy and contention, occasioned by 
 the influx of pedlers. The invading forces from Foxboro and other 
 places encamped with Alderman Clark, who immediately engaged in 
 their service with his usual ardor. 
 
 The affairs of the day were conducted with much order and regu- 
 larity until about 5 o'clock P.M. Then the invading forces, finding they 
 were losing ground, withdrew for the night, giving notice of the|r inten- 
 tion to resume business in the morning at private sales. Consequently, 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 233 
 
 the Hotel was transformed into a peddling shop. What a degrading 
 scene to witness in our once splendid Tuileries ! Yesterday ended ; but 
 this morning I was up early, walking in the street, watching the splen- 
 dor of the sun of Austerlitz, when my attention was attracted to the 
 palace above named to view the appearance of Alderman Clark, one of 
 the belfygerents, pointing to a splendid sign-board on his chimney top, 
 and raving in a furious manner to Johnson and others, which drew me 
 to the front. I looked up, and read, in large, well-painted letters, 
 
 PEDLERS' HOME. KEPT BY J. CLARK, 
 
 on which the worthy Alderman was declaiming. 
 
 This war is now not to be avoided. A declaration and manifesto 
 are issued; and eternal wrath threatened on all concerned in erecting 
 the banner, particularly J. H. B. and C. F. Your humble servant is in 
 for his usual share of condemnation and suspicion of projection. We 
 are all now under arms, and are negotiating for the former usual libation 
 to be handed over on raising a sign. All such reasonable demands are, 
 however, treated with contempt. I regret much that you are absent : 
 trust you will hasten home speedily, your services are wanted. Have 
 sent express for W. Janes, as we must carry the garrison by storm to 
 correspond with its defence. I am in haste, the stage is at the door. 
 
 Yours in haste. 
 
 Emperor. 
 To Marshal Le Brun. 
 
 1836. Selectmen, Daniel C. Sanders, Seth Ellis, Jon- 
 athan Wight, Jr., and Amos Mason. 
 Darnel C. Sanders, Representative. 
 James H. Boyden was town clerk for two years. 
 
 Voted, That the assessors require every person liable to taxation to 
 give in the list of his personal estate under oath. 
 
 The centre district hired the Masonic Hall over the 
 school-house as a school-room for younger pupils. 
 
 Rev. Walter Bidwell closed his connection with the Or- 
 thodox Society. 
 
 Medfield and Dover were separated in representation after 
 this date. 
 
 The first movement for a railroad from Woonsocket to 
 Boston was made in 1836. The route proposed at first was 
 from Woonsocket to Charles River, near Medway Village ; 
 thence down the Charles River valley to Medfield, thence 
 through West Dedham to the branch road at Dedham. A 
 
234 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 preliminary survey was made through this town in the fall 
 of 1836, but nothing further was done till eight years after- 
 ward. At that time, a competing route through Franklin, 
 Norfolk, and Walpole was surveyed. Other routes were 
 subsequently proposed, until ten distinct petitions came 
 before the Legislature of 1846. A little later, a united peti- 
 tion, signed by representative men of all the towns from 
 Newton to Woonsocket, was presented to the Legislature 
 for what was termed the " Pettee route " from Brookline to 
 Woonsocket. The Medfield signers of the petition were 
 Joseph Miller, Charles Harding, Isaac Fiske, and Samuel 
 Johnson. This petition was unsuccessful ; and the com- 
 mittee of the Legislature reported in favor of the " Norfolk 
 County" route from Dedham through Walpole, Franklin, 
 and other towns to Blackstone. One member only of that 
 committee dissented, and favored what was called the " Per- 
 kins route," from Dedham through Medfield, striking south- 
 ward of the village near what is known as Powder-house 
 Hill, thence through Rockville and Medway to Woonsocket. 
 
 X83T. Selectmen, Daniels Hamant, Jr., Obed Allen, 
 Nathan Wight, Moses Richardson, and George M. Smith. 
 
 PURCHASE OF THE POOR-FARM. 
 
 The farm of Mr. George Newell was purchased for the 
 use of the poor, at a cost of $3,100. 
 
 An old road was discontinued from the house of W. Q. 
 Fisher to the Castle Hill road.. 
 
 The interest on the school fund amounted to $216.40. 
 School money from the State, $44.98. 
 
 Voted, To receive the proportion of the surplus revenue then in the 
 State treasury, and to appropriate it toward paying for the poor-farm. 
 
 The money referred to in this vote is the forty millions 
 that had accumulated in the treasury of the general govern- 
 ment after the national debt was paid, in the last year of 
 Jackson's administration, and which was divided among the 
 States. Medfield drew $1,763. 
 
 The commissioners laid out the Dedham and Hartford 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 235 
 
 turnpike as a county way. Medfield's proportion of the 
 expense was $so. 
 
 Road from near the brick school-house to Dingle Dell was 
 laid out, the easterly end of what is now West Street. It 
 was to be built without expense to the town, 
 
 with the exception of the i bridge over "Turtle 
 
 Brook." 
 
 Rev. Charles H ~ ^ 
 
 Walker was in- -^^ft t-'-in'^ .. ' 
 
 stalled pastor of 
 
 MEETING-HOUSES OF THE 
 BAPTIST SOCIETY. 
 
 Unitarian, re- 
 signed. 
 
 Warren Davis, 
 who was a car- 
 penter and builder here, 
 Lommenced the manu- 
 facture of doors, sashes, 
 and blinds at the mill 
 on Frairy Street, which 
 he rented of Cyrus Stedman. After Mr. Davis removed 
 from town, the business was continued by Willard Battelle, 
 by Mr. Stedman, and by J. R. Cushman, he carrying it on 
 in connection with his carriage work till about 1850. 
 
 1838. Selectmen, Nathan Wight, Daniels Hamant, 
 Jr., Jonathan P. Bishop, George M. Smith, and Joseph 
 Hartshorn. 
 
 the 
 dox 
 Rev 
 A. 
 
 Ortho- 
 church. 
 James 
 Kendall, 
 
236 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Charles Onion was chosen town clerk, and continued two 
 years. 
 
 A discount of six per cent, was made on all taxes paid on 
 or before November 20, and three per cent, on those paid 
 on or before February 20. 
 
 Guide-boards were ordered at the corner of High and 
 Plain Streets, South and Philip Streets, at the corner of 
 the old turnpike and Main Street, and at the brick school- 
 house, corner of North and Railroad Streets. 
 
 NEW BAPTIST MEETING-HOUSE. 
 
 The old Baptist meeting-house, built in 1772 and en- 
 larged in 1822, was sold; and a new house of worship was 
 built on the corner of Main and South Streets. It was sur- 
 mounted by a low spire, and furnished with a bell. The 
 body of the house forms the central portion of the present 
 building. Jonathan Gleason was the contractor. 
 
 Rev. Daniel W. Phillips was ordained pastor of the 
 church on the same day that the new meeting-house was 
 dedicated, October 3. 
 
 Rev. John Ballard became acting pastor of the Orthodox 
 church. 
 
 In the latter part of 1838, Henry Partridge bought the old 
 nail factory, together with the grist mill on the Dedham 
 road, and fitted them up for the manufacture of hay forks 
 and similar goods, which he continued for several years. 
 His manufactures had a wide reputation for excellence. 
 
 1839. Selectmen, Moses Richardson, Wesley P. Balch, 
 Hinsdale Fisher, Orion Wight, and John Ellis. 
 
 William Peters, Representative. 
 
 The old meeting-house of the First Parish, built in 1789, 
 was completely remodelled. It was turned around so as to 
 front the south instead of the east ; the interior was mod- 
 ernized ; a spire, about ninety feet in height, was erected in 
 place of the old cupola ; and a half-underground vestry was 
 built. The " Unitarian vestry " was the place for holding 
 town-meetings and the ordinary public gatherings, concerts, 
 and entertainments, for the next thirty years. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 237 
 
 Rev. Charles Robinson was installed as the Unitarian 
 pastor. 
 
 The town endeavored to encourage the cultivation of 
 wheat, by offering a bounty of $1$. 
 
 Voted, That town-meeting warrants be posted hereafter on the Centre 
 School-house. 
 
 THE PUTNAM GREYS. 
 
 An independent military company was organized April 20, 
 called the " Putnam Greys." 
 
 Captain. 
 Francis D. Ellis. 
 
 Lieutenant. 
 Isaac Fiske. 
 
 Ensign. 
 John E. BuUard. 
 
 Daniel Adams, Jr. 
 Moses H. Johnson. 
 
 Nathan Harding. 
 Henry P. Bruce. 
 
 Titus Smith. 
 
 Sergeants. 
 
 William P. Hewins. 
 William F. Richards. 
 
 Corporals. 
 
 Alfred Wallace. 
 James M. Chenery. 
 
 Musicians. 
 
 Jeremiah R. Smith. 
 
 Privates. 
 
 George F. Adams. 
 Lowell Adams. 
 Jeremiah D. Ambler. 
 Joseph H. Baker. 
 Wesley P. Balch, Jr. 
 Joseph Barney. 
 John Battelle. 
 William H. BuUard. 
 Nathaniel H. Cheney. 
 Joseph Clark. 
 Thomas S. Clark. 
 Thomas McDermott. 
 Samuel Ellis. 
 James A. Fairbanks. 
 John L. Fuller. 
 Jonathan E. Gleason. 
 Daniel D. Hamant. 
 
 Henry Harding. 
 George W. Hayward. 
 John Kingsbury. 
 William Kingsbury. 
 Charles Plimpton. 
 Augustus Remick. 
 Robert Roberts. 
 Amos W. Shumway. 
 James H. Shaw. 
 John W. Shumway. 
 Charles Slocomb. 
 Walter D. Stow. 
 George M. Smith. 
 Seth E. Williams. 
 William D. Rowe. 
 Horatio S. Howard. 
 Cyrus Stedman. 
 
 The " Greys " figured as the crack military company of 
 this section for several years. The uniform consisted of 
 
238 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 gray coats, white pants, black caps, with brass vizors and 
 white ostrich plumes. The company continued in existence 
 till 1848. Isaac Fiske, Moses H. Johnson, John Battelle, 
 and Amos W. Shumway were successively elected captains. 
 
 1840. Selectmen, Moses Richardson, Wesley P. Balch, 
 Hinsdale Fisher, Orion Wight, and John Ellis. 
 
 Isaac Fiske was chosen town clerk, and served fourteen 
 years. 
 
 The whole amount of taxable property in town was ^304,- 
 726. Rate of taxation, ^6.80 on a thousand. 
 
 The town hired the Unitarian vestry for town-meetings 
 for a series of years, at ;^so a year, including the use of a 
 small room adjoining, which was occupied as an armory by 
 the " Putnam Greys." 
 
 FOURTH OF JULY. 
 
 Independence Day was duly celebrated this year. Ad- 
 dresses were delivered by Judge Leland and John A. Bolles, 
 the Declaration being read by Daniel Adams, Jr. These 
 exercises took place in an orchard, near the spot now occu- 
 pied by the straw works. There was also a political gather- 
 ing on the same day, under the management of the Demo- 
 cratic party. This was held in a large tent on a vacant lot, 
 opposite where the school-house now stands, on Pleasant 
 Street. 
 
 The population of Medfield in 1840 was 883. 
 
 1841. Selectmen, Moses Richardson, Wesley P. Balch, 
 Hinsdale Fisher, Orion Wight, and John Ellis. 
 
 Daniel Adams was Representative. 
 
 The taxes were collected this year for one and three- 
 fourths per cent. The actual expense of supporting paupers 
 for one year was ^230.36 over and above the interest on 
 capital invested and depreciation of property. About J8 5,000 
 had been invested in the establishment. 
 
 Rev. Moses G. Grosvenor commenced supplying the pul- 
 pit of the Orthodox church. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 239 
 
 1842. Selectmen, Moses Richardson, Wesley P. Balch, 
 Hinsdale Fisher, Orion Wight, and John Ellis. 
 
 A committee was chosen to ascertain if there had been 
 any encroachments upon the town's land near the meeting- 
 house of the First Parish. They reported encroachments of 
 a few feet on both sides, between the meeting-house and 
 Main Street. The line established in 1768 was discovered 
 by digging down on the easterly corner of Main and North 
 Streets to the stump of an elm that anciently stood there. 
 At this spot, a stone was placed, and covered with earth. 
 
 The total amount of the school fund was ^4,410.50. 
 
 Rev. Thomas T. Richmond was installed pastor of the 
 Orthodox church. 
 
 1843. Selectmen, Obed Allen, Seth Chenery, Caleb S. 
 Hamant, John F. Newell, and Simeon Richardson. 
 
 Johnson Mason, Representative. 
 
 CEMETERY IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 A committee was chosen to consider the expediency of 
 laying out a new cemetery or enlarging the old. In ac- 
 cordance with their report, the town voted to purchase two 
 acres on the north and east sides of the old ground, at 
 an expense of ^100. This new ground was laid out into 
 one hundred lots, which were sold at the uniform price of 
 one dollar each ; but opportunity was given to bid for 
 choice at public auction. The money so received was taken 
 to pay for land bought, and to make the necessary improve- 
 ments. The faced wall next the street was built, the walks 
 and driveways were laid out, and evergreen trees planted. 
 
 1844. Selectmen, Obed Allen, Seth Chenery, Caleb S. 
 Hamant, John F. Newell, and Simeon Richardson. 
 
 Hinsdale Fisher, Representative. 
 
 The selectmen were authorized to build a receiving-tomb 
 in the cemetery. 
 
 THE MEADOWS FLOODED. 
 
 The town voted to commence a suit against Messrs. A. C. 
 
240 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 & W. Curtis, for damages in flowing the meadow land by 
 their dam at Natick. 
 
 THE HALL PURCHASED BY THE CENTRE DISTRICT. 
 
 The centre district bought the forty shares in the Masonic 
 Hall for ^5 a share. It was then proposed to move the 
 school-house to a lot on " Zion's Lane " ; but the district 
 voted to repair the house above and below, and let it remain 
 on the old spot. At the request of several citizens, how- 
 ever, who contributed ^25 for the purpose, it was moved 
 back a few feet, so as to conform more nearly to the origi- 
 nal street line. The whole amount expended on the build- 
 ing at this time was $1,158.60. The old hall in the upper 
 story was fitted up as a school-room for the older classes, 
 leaving the lower room for the smaller children. The two 
 entrances were protected by a portico. 
 
 184:5. Selectmen, Noah Allen, Joseph Miller, Jona- 
 than Wight, Jr., Charles Hamant, and Joel Baker. 
 
 The commissioners laid out a road from the mills in the 
 east part of the town to a point on Elm Street near Walpole 
 line, nearly along the old unused way once laid out in that 
 direction, now the southerly end of Philip Street. 
 
 The financial reports for this year were the first that were 
 printed and distributed among the families. From a copy 
 of this report, we gather the following : — 
 
 Total receipts of the treasurer were $2,038.92. 
 
 Of this sum, $28.78 was school money, and $210 was 
 militia money, received from the State treasurer. 
 
 The payments by the treasurer amounted to $1,821.96, 
 and liabilities to $1,378.47. The amount paid and still due 
 for schools, including repairs, amounted to $1,147.47. The 
 resources for paying the liabilities were $1,034.96. Among 
 the payments are: $210 for bounty to officers and soldiers 
 of " Putnam Greys " ; use of Masonic Hall three years, $40 ; 
 use of Unitarian vestry, $40; for the hearse-house, $132.42 ; 
 for gates to burying-ground, $50. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 24I 
 
 STRAW WORKS. 
 
 A Straw shop was built by Warren Chenery on the spot 
 now occupied as a residence by Edmund L. Chenery. The 
 business increasing, it was soon after enlarged to twice its 
 original size. 
 
 A new hearse-house was built by the town this year. 
 
 1840. Selectmen, Hinsdale Fisher, Joseph Miller, 
 Daniel D. Hamant, Jesse Ellis, and Jacob R. Cushman. 
 
 Henry Partridge, Representative. 
 
 Total appropriations of the town, ^1,900. 
 
 Green Street was widened and straightened. 
 
 The burying-ground committee was instructed to set up 
 and arrange the stones, many of which had fallen down, 
 and make such other improvements as were necessary in 
 the old part of the burying-ground. 
 
 A new hearse was purchased of J. R. Cushman for ^116.- 
 75. The old one was sold for $4. 
 
 1847. Selectmen, Caleb S. Hamant, Obed Allen, and 
 Daniel C. Sanders, — the town having voted that there should 
 be but three selectmen. From the settlement of the town 
 until now, the board had consisted of five members. 
 
 Charles C. Sewall, Representative. 
 
 A road was laid out from Main Street to Frairy Street, 
 now called Short Street. 
 
 The cemetery committee was authorized to lay out lots 
 in the old as well as in the new part of the grounds. 
 
 SHIRE TOWN. 
 
 Voted to petition for the removal of the shire town of 
 the county from Dedham, and that two half-shire towns be 
 made, — Roxbury and Medfield. 
 
 VoUd, To abate Robert Roberts' taxes to the former basis, and that 
 the expense of distraining and selling his property be repaid him. 
 
 The assessors had laid a tax upon a large amount of prop- 
 erty, which Mr. Roberts could not come into absolute pos- 
 session of, but from which he only received income. 
 
242 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1848. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Hinsdale Fisher, 
 and Samuel Johnson. 
 
 Jonathan P. Bishop, Representative. 
 
 Pleasant Street was laid out as a town way. A private 
 way leading from Main Street had existed for several years, 
 which was called, in common parlance, " Zion's Lane." 
 
 A new set of standard weights and measures was pro- 
 cured for the town. 
 
 A proposition was made to build a town house, but the 
 voters summarily dismissed it. 
 
 1849. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Samuel Johnson, 
 and Benjamin F. Shumway. 
 
 The old brick school-house at the corner of North and 
 Railroad Streets was taken away ; and a new school-house 
 was erected in the north district, at the present corner of 
 North and School Streets, and two schools were established 
 there. 
 
 Town-meeting warrants were directed to be posted on the 
 elm-tree " near the public well," and a frame to hold the 
 same was ordered. 
 
 The printed report of the officers of the town playfully 
 designates the postmaster thus, in a bill which had been 
 paid for the town: "Emperor, for Postage, ^1.53." This 
 was the familiar title of Mr. Onion, so much more common 
 in the mouths' of men than his real name that it seems to 
 have slipped off the writer's pen naturally. 
 
 THE RECORDS. 
 
 A duplicate copy of the ancient record of births, mar- 
 riages, and deaths was made by order of the town, which 
 embraces the period from 165 1 to 1820. 
 
 Near the close of this year, Rev. D. W. Phillips resigned 
 as pastor of the Baptist church, removing, soon after, to 
 South Reading, now Wakefield. 
 
 CHARLES RIVER BRANCH RAILROAD. 
 
 The original petition for a railroad from Brookline to 
 Woonsocket having been rejected, and its successful com- 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 243 
 
 petitor, the Norfolk County Road, being chartered and now 
 in process of construction, Mr. Pettee presented a petition 
 for a branch road from Brookline to Dover, which was 
 granted ; and it was named the " Charles River Branch 
 Railroad." Two years afterward, its charter was extended 
 from Dover through Medway to a point in Bellingham, and 
 it was called the "Charles River Railroad." 
 
 1850. Selectmen, Noah Allen, Daniel D. Hamant, and 
 George Davis. 
 
 Total appropriations of the town, ;^2,ooo. 
 
 Voted, To purchase a safe for the town's use, at a cost not exceeding 
 $150- 
 
 The road leading to Wrentham was straightened, and the 
 stone bridge over Stop River built by Nathaniel Fairbanks. 
 
 An exciting contest of two days' duration took place in 
 November, over the choice of a Representative. Four bal- 
 lotings each day resulted in no choice. A second meeting 
 was called for the purpose, at which an election was made. 
 
 The population of Medfield in 1850 was 966. The valu- 
 ation was ;^463,4i4. Rate of taxation, ^5.70 on a thousand. 
 
 1851. Selectmen, Jonathan P. Bishop, Williatn Q. 
 Fisher, and Daniels Hamant, Jr. 
 
 Jonathan P. Bishop, Representative. 
 
 School Street was laid out, and Orchard Street was 
 widened. 
 
 walling's town map. 
 
 The town voted to purchase four hundred copies of the 
 map of Medfield by H. F. Walling. The expense was 
 ;^2i2.7S. 
 
 Rev. George G. Fairbanks was ordained pastor of the 
 Baptist church. 
 
 BOOT manufacture. 
 
 A company was organized for the manufacture of boots, 
 and Paul Jillson was employed as the company's agent. 
 The business was not successful ; and, after a few years, it 
 was relinquished. 
 
244 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 About 1851-52, Walter Janes directed his attention to the 
 straw manufacturing business. He hired the hall in the old 
 tavern ; and, taking work from a manufacturer in Franklin, 
 he employed thirty girls in sewing braid into hats and bon- 
 nets, under the oversight of his sister, Mrs. W. D. Rowe, 
 while he went himself into the shop at Franklin to learn the 
 details of the business. Soon after this, he commenced for 
 himself in Medfield; Mr. Green, of Franklin, and others, 
 furnishing stock to be manufactured. 
 
 1852. Selectmen, Robert, Roberts, Daniels Hamant, 
 Jr., and William Q. Fisher. 
 
 CHARLES RIVER RAILROAD. 
 
 The town voted that the directors of the Charles River 
 Railroad Company have permission to locate their road over 
 any of the town lands, free of expense. 
 
 James Whitney was appointed postmaster. He held the 
 office from October till the following August ; and it was 
 kept in his store, which was in a part of the old tavern 
 building, on the site of the present town hall. 
 
 THE CARRIAGE MANUFACTURE. 
 
 The manufacture of carriages had been commenced in a 
 small way by Jacob R. Cushman, about 1835. At first, 
 he did all his work with his own hands, but enlarged the 
 business gradually, and employed apprentices and journey- 
 men. In those years, barter was more common in trade 
 than now ; and, with lumber which he took in exchange 
 for carriages, he built some dozen or more small houses in 
 the village, which were sold to persons of moderate means. 
 In 1852, he entered into partnership with J. H. Baker; and 
 the manufacture was conducted under the name of Cush- 
 man Sc Baker until Mr. Cushman's retirement from active 
 business. 
 
 1853. Selectmen, Charles C. Sewall, Moses B. H. 
 Bishop, and Cyrus Stedman. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINEtEENXH CENTtrRY. 24^ 
 
 A new Hunneman fire, engine was purchased for the use 
 of the town, at an expense of $600 ; and an engine company 
 was formed. 
 
 Walter Janes was appointed postmaster. The office was 
 moved to the store of Isaac Fiske, corner of North Street. 
 The same year, Mr. Janes commenced the manufacture of 
 straw goods in the old house built by Parson Townsend 
 about 1745, which had been used as a dwelling-house by 
 his family, and subsequently by Rev. Charles Robinson, and 
 which stood on North Street, nearly opposite the Unitarian 
 church. 
 
 Rev. Rushton D. Burr was ordained over the Unitarian 
 Society. 
 
 The " Charles River Railroad " being completed as far as 
 Needham, a line of stages was established between that 
 point and Medfield ; and Boston passengers henceforth took 
 their way to the city over the Dover hills. This continued 
 for several years. 
 
 1854. Selectmen, Charles C. Sewall, Moses B. H. 
 Bishop, and Cyrus Stedman. 
 
 Charles C. Sewall, Representative. Mr. Sewall was also 
 chosen town clerk. 
 
 Valuation of the town, ^504,325. 
 
 A new engine house was built, at a cost of ^600. It 
 stood on North Street, near what is now the corner of Janes 
 Avenue. It had a room for the meetings of the company 
 in the second story. 
 
 A board of health was chosen for the first time. It con- 
 sisted of the selectmen and the physicians of the town. 
 
 The members of the engine company had the amount of 
 their poll tax (;^i.So) remitted. 
 
 FIREMEN OF 1 854. 
 
 Joseph H. Baker. Moses Daniels. 
 
 Hinsdale F. Bullard. Natlian Fisher. 
 
 John E. Bullard. Isaac Fiske. 
 
 Nathaniel H. Cheney. William M. Gilmore. 
 
 Joseph Clark. William M. Grant. 
 
246 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Robert Green. Eliakim Morse. 
 
 Moses Hartshorn. Henry O. Noyes. 
 
 William P. Hewins. H. P. Slocum. 
 
 Moses H. Johnson. William M. Smith. 
 
 Ralph Johnson. George E. Wade. 
 
 Samuel Johnson. Alfred Wallace. 
 
 Amos E. Mason. Hamlet Wight. 
 
 Henry B. Metcalf. Henry F. Wight. 
 
 1855. Selectmen, Charles C. Sewall, George M. Smith, 
 and Benjamin F. Shumway. 
 
 Isaac Fiske, Representative. 
 
 The formation of the town of Norfolk was agitated, and 
 it was proposed to take a slice from the southerly part of 
 Medfield. The town voted to oppose the petition ; and, 
 when the new town was formed, our southerly line was not 
 disturbed. 
 
 A new road to Walpole plain was laid out, the southerly 
 "part of Plain Street. 
 
 A committee, which had been chosen to consider the 
 school system, reported in favor of abolishing the school 
 districts. The report was rejected. 
 
 Rev. Andrew Bigelow was installed pastor of the Ortho- 
 dox Congregationalist church. 
 
 A new school-house was built in the south district. The 
 school-house lot was enlarged, and the new building was 
 erected a few rods south of the spot where the old one stood. 
 The cost of the building was 1^1,400. The old one was re- 
 moved to an adjoining homestead, where it is still in use. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN. 
 
 A committee of five was chosen to cause the history of 
 the town of Medfield to be prepared and printed. No re- 
 port of that committee is on record ; but, as a result of this 
 movement, a few pages of historical matter were appended 
 to the town reports. 
 
 NAMING THE STREETS. 
 
 A proposition was made that the various streets in the 
 town be named. Among the reasons urged, the most prom- 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 247 
 
 inent was the convenience of bounding lands in convey- 
 ances. The whole matter was referred to the selectmen, 
 who proceeded to assign the names to the streets, substan- 
 tially as at present used. 
 
 STREETS OF MEDFIELD (1886). 
 
 Adams Avenue. — From Cottage Street to West Mill Street. 
 
 Bridge Street. — From Main Street, near the meadows, to Brastow's 
 
 Bridge. 
 Canal Street. — From Death's Bridge to Railroad Street. 
 Causeway Street. — From Main Street, opposite the cemetery, to Or- 
 chard Street, including the " long causeway," and crossing the 
 
 western slope of Noon Hill. 
 Cedar Hill Street. — From Main Street, near Cedar Hill, to Dover 
 
 line, being a part of the old turnpike. 
 Cottage Street. — From North Street to Frairy Street. 
 Cross Street. — From Elm Street to Philip Street, near Mt. Nebo. 
 Curve Street. — From South Street to Spring Street, near the grist 
 
 mill of Mr. Kingsbury. 
 Dale Street. — From North Street to Bridge Street. 
 DwiGHT Street. — From Dwight's Bridge to Causeway Street. 
 Elm Street. — From South Street, near the railroad crossing, to 
 
 Walpole line, over Mill Brook. 
 Farm Street. — From North Street, near Castle Hill, to Dover line, 
 
 toward Farm Bridge. 
 Forest Street. — From High Street to Granite Street. 
 Foundry Street. — From PhiUp Street, near the mills, eastward to 
 
 Walpole line, there terminating. 
 Frairy Street. — From North Street, near the centre of the village, 
 
 westward to Dale Street. 
 Granite Street. — From High Street, one-fourth of a mile from the 
 
 South School-house, to the town line near " Walpole plain." 
 Green Street. — From North Street, near the centre of the town, 
 
 eastward. 
 High Street. — From South Street, at the school-house, to the town 
 
 line, the principal way leading to Walpole. , 
 Janes Avenue. — From North Street, near the Unitarian church. 
 Main Street. — From the Turnpike Bridge, through the centre of the 
 
 village, eastward to Dover and Walpole line, the principal way 
 
 leading to Dedham. 
 Mt. Nebo Street. — From Main Street, at a point a mile east of the 
 
 village, to Foundry Street. 
 Noon Hill Street. — From South Street, crossing Stop River and 
 
 the north-east side of Noon Hill, to Causeway Street. 
 
248 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 North Street.— From Main Street, at the centre of the village, north- 
 ward to Dover line. 
 
 Oak Street.— From Park Street, crossing Pleasant Street, to South 
 Street. 
 
 Orchard Street.— From the Upper Bridge over Charles River to 
 Norfolk line. 
 
 Park Street.— From Main Street, east of the railroad, southward to 
 Oak Street. 
 
 Philip Street.— From South Street, around the southerly side of 
 Mt. Nebo, to the mills, and thence to Elm Street. 
 
 Pine Street. — From North Street, at a point half a mile north of the 
 centre of the town, north-eastward to Dover line. 
 
 Plain Street. — From High Street, one-fourth of a mile from Wal- 
 pole line, southward toward " Walpole plain." 
 
 Pleasant Street. — From Main Street, at the centre of the town, 
 southward. 
 
 Pound Street. — From South Street, near the centre of the town, east- 
 ward to Main Street. 
 
 Railroad Street. — From North Street, at a point three-fourths of a 
 mile from the centre of the town, to Dover line. 
 
 Rocky Lane Street. — From South Street, near Noon Hill, eastward 
 to Granite Street. 
 
 School Street. — From North Street, at the school-house, to Railroad 
 Street. 
 
 Short Street. — From Main Street to Frairy Street. 
 
 South Street. — From Main Street, at the centre of the town, south- 
 ward to Norfolk line. 
 
 Spring Street. — From Main Street, west of the railroad, southerly to 
 South Street, near the school-house, passing " Boiling Spring." 
 
 Summer Street. — From Green Street to Pine Street. 
 
 West Street. — From Bridge Street, near Brastow's Bridge, through 
 " Dingle Dell " to Railroad Street, near its junction with North 
 Street. 
 
 West Mill Street. — From Railroad Street, near the station, through 
 Dingle Dell to Dale Street. 
 
 Winter Street. — From North Street to Pine Street. 
 
 1856. Selectrrten, Benjamin F. Shumway, George 
 Fiske, and John A. Turner. 
 
 OLD TOWN ROADS DISCONTINUED. 
 
 I. From house of Ellis Allen, over Castle Hill. 2. From 
 John Grant's (Dingle Dell) to Bridge Street, near John F. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 249 
 
 Newell's. 3. Road running southward from Pine Street to 
 Green Street. 4. The old road crossing Stop River toward 
 Wrentham, east of the new one. 5. Road from Noon Hill 
 Street, near the saw-mill, running southward over the hill. 
 
 6. Road south of Noon Hill from near Stop River bridge. 
 
 7. Road near the Baxter pasture, from Granite Street south- 
 ward. 8. Road called "Sam Chickering's meeting-house 
 road," from near Stow's to the foot of Cedar Hill. 
 
 Valuation of the town, ^571,908. 
 
 The town-meetings were held in vestry of the Orthodox 
 church this year, as for eight or ten years subsequently. 
 
 Rev. James W. Lathrop was installed pastor of the Bap- 
 tist church. 
 
 X857. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, George 
 Fiske, John A. Turner. 
 
 The fourteenth Norfolk representative district was estab- 
 lished, comprising Medfield, Needham, and Dover. 
 
 The people of the centre school district proposed that 
 the town unite with them in building a new school-house in 
 the village, with a public hall over the same. The town 
 voted in the negative. 
 
 Rev. Solon W. Bush was installed, over the Unitarian 
 church and society. 
 
 Warren Chenery & Son erected a large straw factory 
 three stories in height. The building was burned in 1879, 
 and the site is now occupied by the Baptist parsonage. 
 
 The old powder-house, built just before the Revolutionary 
 War, was sold in 1857 for ;^i. 
 
 Cushman & Baker erected a carriage factory on the site 
 of the old mill, formerly owned by Artemas Woodward and 
 by Cyrus Stedman, Frairy Street. 
 
 1858. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Orion Wight, and 
 Joseph Miller. 
 
 Samuel Ellis was chosen town clerk. He held the office 
 several years. 
 
250 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 BY-LAWS OF THE TOWN. 
 
 The town adopted the following code of by-laws : — 
 
 FINANCIAL CONCERNS OF THE TOWN. 
 
 1. The financial year shall begin on the twenty-first day of February, 
 and end on the twentieth. And it shall be observed in all cases and by 
 all persons in making and settling contracts for the town. 
 
 2. No bills of any kind shall be paid by the town treasurer, unless 
 the same shall have been approved by the selectmen, or by some com- 
 mittee duly authorized by vote of the town to contract therefor. 
 
 TOWN-MEETINGS. 
 
 Warrants for town-meetings shall be drawn at least fourteen days, 
 and an attested copy thereof posted in the usual place at least ten days 
 before the time of holding the meeting specified therein, except in 
 cases of order of notice from the Legislature or other bodies, where, in 
 the judgment of the selectmen, a shorter notice is expedient. 
 
 TAXES. 
 
 1. All taxes shall be assessed in the month of May in each year, and 
 committed to the collector as soon as the assessment is completed. 
 
 2. The taxes of all persons upon whom a poll tax only is assessed 
 shall be paid on or before the first day of July in each year. All other 
 taxes shall be paid on or before the first day of December in each year. 
 
 3. In all cases when tax bills are not paid at the time specified in the 
 second section, six per cent, interest shall be charged on the same from 
 the day they respectively became due until paid. 
 
 4. All tax bills remaining unpaid on the first day of April in each 
 year, it shall be the duty of the collector forthwith to issue a summons 
 to each delinquent ; and, if such delinquent do not pay the amount of 
 his tax within ten days after the issuing of the summons, with twenty 
 cents more for the summons, the collector shall forthwith proceed to 
 collect the amount due in manner provided by law. 
 
 ENGINE COMPANY. 
 
 1. There shall be an engine company which shall have not exceeding 
 forty-five members, including oflScers, — such members to be appointed 
 by and to be removable at the pleasure of the selectmen ; and no person 
 who is less than twenty years of age shall be appointed, or for a less 
 time than one year. 
 
 2. The company shall have a foreman and two assistant foremen and 
 a clerk, who shall all be chosen by the company annually at a meeting 
 to be held in May. 
 
 3. It shall be the duty of the foreman to see that the engine and appa- 
 ratus and engine house are all kept neat, clean, and in order for imme- 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 25 1 
 
 diate use, and to preserve order and discipline at all times in the com- 
 pany. 
 
 4. It shall be the duty of the clerk to keep a record of the names of 
 all the officers and members of the company, specifying the times of 
 appointment, discharge, and the absence of each person from all fires 
 in this town, and from the monthly meetings provided for in the fifth 
 section, this book to be always subject to the inspection of the select- 
 men and fire-wards. 
 
 5. The company shall perform all the duties by law required to be 
 performed by engine men, and shall use their utmost endeavors in as 
 orderly and quiet a manner as possible to extinguish all fires that may 
 break out in this town ; and once a month the company shall meet for 
 the purpose of examining the condition of the engine and apparatus 
 and see that the same is in good repair and ready for use. 
 
 6. The officers and members shall receive annually from the town the 
 amount assessed as a poll tax for State, county, or town purposes, or 
 for either. 
 
 HIGHWAYS. 
 
 No person shall receive pay for any labor performed upon the high- 
 ways, unless such service shall have been first ordered and authorized 
 by the person or persons having lawful authority to direct such labor to 
 be performed. 
 
 ANIMALS RUNNING AT LARGE. 
 
 No horses, cattle, or swine shall be suffered to run at large in this 
 town. 
 
 The above by-laws were submitted to Judge Perkins, and 
 were approved by him, with the exception of the clause pro- 
 viding for the payment of interest on taxes. That was not 
 approved. 
 
 Walter Janes and D. D. Curtis formed a co-partnership in 
 the straw business, under the firm name of Janes & Curtis. 
 Business increasing, the following year they enlarged their 
 shop to more than double its former dimensions by the erec- 
 tion of a two-story building directly in the rear of the old 
 Townsend house, in which the business had been carried on 
 before. Very little machinery was then used, all the sew- 
 ing of braid into hats and bonnets being done by hand in 
 •the families of this and adjoining towns. The goods were 
 manufactured largely for Beekman, of New York. 
 
 1859. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Orion Wight, and 
 Joseph Miller. 
 
252 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 The causeway on Noon Hill Street was raised, and a new 
 sluice-way was built. The location of Elm Street, near its 
 junction with South Street, was changed. 
 
 The county commissioners ordered Granite Street to be 
 widened and thoroughly repaired. 
 
 CENTRE SCHOOL-HOUSE. 
 
 A new school-house was built in the centre district, at an 
 expense of ^4,600, exclusive of the land. There -being dif- 
 ference of opinion as to its location, the selection of this 
 site was left to a committee of reference, consisting of the 
 chairman of the boards of selectmen in Medway, Walpole, 
 and Dedham. The old school-house was sold to T. L. 
 Barney, and removed to the corner of South Street, where 
 it was enlarged and fitted up as a dwelling and store. 
 
 1860. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Orion Wight, and 
 Joseph Miller. 
 
 Jacob R. Cushman, Representative. 
 
 Cottage Street was laid out. Boards bearing the names 
 of the streets were ordered to be erected in the proper 
 places throughout the town. 
 
 Whole amount of taxable property in the town, ^583,555. 
 Town appropriations, $3,000. Rate of taxation, $6.1^ on a 
 thousand. 
 
 The population of the town in i860 was 1,082. 
 
 RECORDS MISSING. 
 
 At this point occurs a break in the town records, the 
 book containing the recorded action of the town from i860 
 to 1874 having been destroyed at the burning of the town 
 hall in the latter year. 
 
 The synopsis of events which follows has been gathered 
 from various sources, and is believed to be reliable. 
 
 1861. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Hamlet Wight, and 
 Daniels Hamant. 
 
 The old town clock was removed this year, and a new 
 clock with three dials was purchased. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 253 
 
 OPENING OF THE CIVIL WAR. 
 
 On the evening of April 19, news was received of the 
 attack on the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment in Baltimore. 
 The excitement among the citizens was intense. A flag- 
 staff was planted, and a flag raised that evening. The next 
 morning, Allen A. Kingsbury, the first volunteer from this 
 town, started for the city, and enlisted in a Chelsea com- 
 pany. During the year, seventeen others enlisted from 
 Medfield : — 
 
 Alexander Cameron. Thomas E. Hunt. 
 
 Caleb Howard. George W. Hunt. 
 
 Lucius W. Allen. Eugene Sumner. ' 
 
 Lewis Goulding. Edward E. Ellis. 
 
 Perry Greenleaf. Joseph Hardy. 
 
 John A. Strang. John Proctor. 
 
 George O. Metcalf. Cyrus D. Strang. 
 
 Joseph H. Morse. Gabriel Strang. 
 
 Oscar B. Bussey. 
 
 Of these, Cameron, Allen, Goulding, and Greenleaf 
 served for three months only. The others were in three 
 years' regiments. ^272 of State aid was given to the fam- 
 ilies of the soldiers. 
 
 THE FIRST RAILROAD. 
 
 On the 1st of August, 1861, the first train of passenger 
 cars ran from Medfield to Boston on what is now called the 
 New York & New England Railroad ; E. C. Hawes, con- 
 ductor. 
 
 The " Charles River Branch " had been united with the 
 "Charles River Railroad" in 1853. In 1855, both were 
 merged in the "New York & Boston Railroad." The 
 project of a through line from Boston to New York had 
 occupied the minds of some of the leading business men of 
 this region for many years ; and this it was which awakened 
 the opposition of the older railroad corporations, and hin- 
 dered the obtaining of a charter for a road through this sec- 
 tion from the first, and left it to be finally built by subscrip- 
 tions to its stock along the line of the road. The amount 
 
254 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 raised in this town was largely through the efforts of Jona- 
 than P. Bishop, Esq. 
 
 The road was merged in the " Boston, Hartford & Erie 
 Railroad" in 1865, and so continued till the failure of that 
 company, which was reorganized as the " New York & New 
 England Railroad." 
 
 1862. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, Daniels Ha- 
 mant, and George M. Smith. 
 
 Charles C. Sewall, Representative. 
 
 The ancient town pound was broken up, and a new one; 
 built on High Street. 
 
 Isaac Fiske was appointed postmaster, and retained the 
 office till 1 88 1. 
 
 Rev. J. W. Lathrop resigned the pastorate of the Baptist 
 church, and was succeeded by Rev. Amos Harris. 
 
 THE FIRST soldier's BURIAL. 
 
 Allen A. Kingsbury, the first volunteer from this town in 
 the Civil War, was killed at Yorktown, Va., April 26. The 
 body was brought to Medfield May 8 ; and, on the following 
 day, impressive funeral ceremonies took place. The address 
 on the occasion was delivered by Rev. C. C. Sewall. 
 
 ADDITIONAL ENLISTMENTS. 
 
 After the President's call for three hundred thousand 
 men, issued in July, fifteen thousand of whom were to come 
 from Massachusetts, a meeting was called here to encour- 
 age enlistments. The people assembled one evening on the 
 common, in front of the Unitarian church, and were ad- 
 dressed by several speakers from the church steps. In an- 
 swer to the call, "Who will now volunteer.'" came the 
 answer, " I will," from various quarters in the crowd. A 
 few days later, when the brave fellows left their homes for 
 the army, the people gathered to bid them farewell ; and 
 appropriate exercises took place around the elm at the cor- 
 ner of Main and South Streets. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 25 5 
 
 Twenty-nine men enlisted from Medfield during the 
 year : — 
 
 James Griffin. Joseph Clark. 
 
 David Maney. George A. Morse. 
 
 Eben G. Babcock. George H. Shumway. 
 
 John B. Chenery. Joseph Stedman. 
 
 Michael Griffin. William H. BuUard. 
 
 William R. Holbrook. Edmund L. Chenery. 
 
 Daniel McMahan. George M. Fiske. 
 
 Joseph Laguski. Henry Fiske. 
 
 William Vennon. George H. Wight. 
 
 Thaddeus M. Turner. Jonathan G. Wight. 
 
 Lewis H. Turner. Albert S. Allen. 
 
 Edward U. Sewall. Martin Bailey, Jr. 
 
 Frank Rhodes. Curtis W. Jones. 
 
 George H. BuUard. James Ord. 
 George E. Clark. 
 
 ^1,130 of State aid was distributed among the soldiers' 
 families. 
 
 1863. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, George M. 
 Smith, and Daniels Hamant. 
 
 Three men enlisted into the service of the government, 
 — John H. Parker, Watson Cooper, and John Ord, Jr. 
 
 ;^ 1,5 30 of State aid was furnished to families of volunteers 
 from this town. 
 
 Independence Day was observed by a patriotic celebration 
 at Curtis' Grove. While It was in progress, the cheering 
 tidings came of the success of the Union Army at Gettys- 
 burg. 
 
 1864. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, George M. 
 Smith, and Jeremiah R. Smith. 
 
 Henry J. Everett was chosen town clerk. He held the 
 office till his death, in 1871. 
 
 Fourteen men enlisted in the army and navy, from Med- 
 field, in 1864: — 
 
 Charles S. Snow. George Miller. 
 
 John F. Harvey. Nathan F. Harding. 
 
 Frank E. Morse. Newell f . Hunt. 
 
 John G. Hutson. B. E. Hemenway. 
 
 Eliakim Morse, Jr. Stephen H. Berry. 
 
 Fuller M. Babcock. Eleazar Johnson. 
 
 Asahel P. Clark. Lowell J. Southland. 
 
256 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Besides these, eighteen others were procured as substi- 
 tutes ; and the town paid ^2,250 in bounties. $i,347 of 
 State aid was given to soldiers' families. 
 
 1865. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, George M. 
 Smith, and Jeremiah R. Smith. 
 
 Dwight's causeway was raised, at an expenditure of ^500. 
 
 At the close of the war, it was found that this town had 
 sent into the service eighty-two men ; had paid on account 
 of the war, $5,571, which, added to the amount that had 
 been paid by individuals, made a total of about $10,000. 
 
 Rev. Solon W. Bush, Unitarian, and Rev. Amos Harris, 
 Baptist, resigned their pastorates. 
 
 Population by the State census of 1865 was 1,012. 
 
 1866. 'Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, George M. 
 Smith, and Jeremiah R. Smith. 
 
 Green Street was straightened and improved. 
 
 Rev. Andrew Bigelow resigned the pastorate of the Ortho- 
 dox church. Rev. A. W. Carr assumed pastoral charge of 
 the Baptist church. 
 
 TOWN HALL BEQUEST. 
 
 The town received a bequest from George W. Chenery, 
 for the erection of a town hall. This was placed in the 
 hands of trustees, and invested. The trustees were Charles 
 Hamant, Isaac Fiske, and E. P. Carpenter, of Foxboro. 
 The amount of the bequest was about $23,700. The con- 
 ditions of it were that Mrs. Chenery should receive an annu- 
 ity of $600 as long as she remained a widow, and that the 
 entire amount be expended in the erection of the building. 
 
 1867. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, George M. 
 Smith, and Jeremiah R. Smith. 
 
 Charles C. Sewall, Representative. 
 
 Pound Street was widened and graded at an expense, in- 
 cluding land damages, of about $1,150. 
 
 The bridge over North Brook, on Railroad Street, was 
 rebuilt, and the road widened near the crossing. 
 
 The two schools in the north district were consolidated. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 257 
 
 Rev. James H. Wiggin was installed as Unitarian pastor. 
 Rev. Chester Bridgman was acting pastor of the Orthodox 
 church for one year. 
 
 Jeremiah B. Hale succeeded Warren Chenery in the man- 
 ufacture of straw goods, at the factory on South Street. 
 
 1868. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Alonzo B. Parker, 
 and William C. Allen. 
 
 There was no important town action this year, aside from 
 the usual routine business. 
 
 Cushman & Baker's carriage factory was burned to the 
 ground, but was rebuilt without delay, business being car- 
 ried on for a short time in the mill at the west end of the 
 cemetery. 
 
 1869. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Alonzo B. Parker, 
 and William C. Allen. 
 
 The trustees of the town-hall fund purchased a site for 
 the building, at a cost of $1,760. It included the lot on 
 which the old tavern stood, together with a small lot of 
 land adjoining on the east. 
 
 Rev. J. M. R. Eaton commenced his labors as acting 
 pastor of the Orthodox church. 
 
 SCHOOL DISTRICTS ABOLISHED. 
 
 The school districts, which had existed for so long a 
 period, were now abolished. The school buildings became 
 the property of the town, and the entire control of school 
 matters passed into the hands of the school board. 
 
 1870. Selectmen, Charles Hamant, Alonzo B. Parker, 
 and William C. Allen. 
 
 " The Avenue," from Cottage Street to West Mill Street, 
 was laid out and built at an expense of $2,500. The land 
 was given by the various owners. Orchard Street was 
 widened and repaired by direction of the county commis- 
 sioners. Cost, $1,300. Railroad Street was straightened 
 by a piece of new road built across the meadow. A part, 
 also, of the old road was graded and widened. Cost, 
 $2,200. 
 
258 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 A NEW RAILROAD. 
 
 About the beginning of 1870, trains commenced running 
 on the Framingham & Mansfield Railroad, now known as 
 the Old Colony, Northern Division. 
 
 Population of Medfield at this date, 1,143. Valuation of 
 the town, 1^782,417. 
 
 D. D. Curtis, with Messrs. Searle and Dailey, of New 
 York, formed a co-partnership for the manufacture of straw 
 goods. The business, though increasing, was carried on in 
 the buildings previously occupied by Janes & Curtis, until 
 their destruction, six years later. 
 
 During this period, machinery began to be largely em- 
 ployed in straw manufacturing. 
 
 Post 117, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized, 
 with the following members : — 
 
 William R. Goldsmith. J. Augustus Fitts. 
 
 Ashbel Willard. Lewis Goulding. 
 
 Charles F. Bailey. William Crane. 
 
 Francis Rhoades. Edmund L. Chenery. 
 
 Cyrus D. Strang. Jonathan G. Wight. 
 
 John Ord, Jr. Edward U. Sewall. 
 
 Gebrge H. Shumway. Albert Wiley. 
 Henry J. Daniels. 
 
 In recognition of a generous gift of money to the post by 
 Moses Ellis, Esq., of Framingham, a native of this town, the 
 name " Moses Ellis Post " was adopted. Though but few of 
 the above charter members retain in 1886 their connection 
 with the post, it numbers thirty-four at this date. 
 
 1871. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, Oliver Clif- 
 ford, and Jeremiah B. Hale. 
 
 Jacob R. Cushman, Representative. 
 Mt. Nebo Street was laid out and built. 
 Rev. A. W. Carr left the pastorate of the Baptist church. 
 Town appropriated ^2,500 in aid of the Chenery fund. 
 J. B. Hale was chosen town clerk to fill vacancy, and 
 held the office till 1873. 
 
 1872. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, Oliver Clif- 
 ford, and Jeremiah B. Hale. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 259 
 
 Spring Street was laid out and built. Improvements of 
 considerable importance were made on North Street (be- 
 yond Farm Street), also on Green Street and Philip Street. 
 The old road from Main Street near the stone mill, leading 
 through the woods to Foundry Street, was discontinued as 
 a town way. 
 
 BUILDING OF THE TOWN HALL, 
 
 The town hall was erected. Hartwell & Swasey were the 
 architects ; C. H. & W. Stewart, the contractors. Total cost, 
 exclusive of land, ^26,668. It was dedicated with appropri- 
 ate ceremonies September 10. The address by Hon. R.'R. 
 Bishop, together with the remarks of the town officers and 
 of the chairman of the board of trustees, and the ode by 
 Rev. C. C. Sewall, was printed by vote of the town. 
 
 The old engine house was sold, and an engine room fitted 
 up under the town hall. 
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY. 
 
 At a town-meeting, November 5, it was voted that a room 
 in the town hall be set apart, and fitted up for the accommo- 
 dation of a public library. A fair was held during the 
 following winter for the purpose of raising funds for the 
 purchase of books, the proceeds of which amounted to 
 $800. Deacon George Cummings gave $600 for the same 
 object. 
 
 George Cummings, Isaac Fiske, and Dr. J. H. Richardson 
 were chosen trustees, to manage and control said library and 
 all property belonging to it ; to receive all gifts and bequests 
 in aid of it, and hold them in trust for the town; and to 
 allow the use and enjoyment of it to all the inhabitants of 
 the town, under necessary rules, regulations, and restrictions. 
 Miss Mary A. Sewall was chosen librarian. 
 
 J. H. Gould, afterward of the firm of Gould & Stevens, 
 purchased the Chenery mills in the east part of the town, 
 and commenced business as a dealer in grain, meal, and feed. 
 
 Rev. A. M. Crane was ordained pastor of the Baptist 
 church. 
 
26o HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1873. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, Hamlet 
 Wight, and Alonzo B. Parker. 
 
 The public library, containing two thousand volumes, was 
 opened to the public March 29. 
 
 Special repairs were made on Summer Street. About 
 ^500 was expended on Canal Street, and 1^787 upon Rail- 
 road Street, north of Canal Street. 
 
 Rate of taxation this year, ^13 on a thousand. 
 
 Messrs. Clark & Marshall erected a factory on Frairy 
 Street, and commenced the manufacture of bonnet wire. 
 
 The Orthodox house of worship was repaired and newly 
 furnished, and a chapel built, the' whole costing ^4,500. 
 
 Rev. J. H. Wiggin resigned the pastoral care of the Uni- 
 tarian Society. 
 
 1874. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, Hamlet 
 Wight, and Alonzo B. Parker. 
 
 BURNING OF THE TOWN HALL. 
 
 On the 8th of January, the new town hall was totally 
 destroyed by fire, with the public library, the fire engine and 
 apparatus, and the hearse, which was kept in the basement. 
 All the books and papers belonging to the town, which were 
 not at the time in the safe, were also destroyed. It is due 
 to the heroic endeavors of Charles Hamant, Esq., and other 
 citizens, who perceived the danger to which the small safe 
 and its valuable contents were exposed, that the town has 
 any of its records preserved. At imminent risk, by secur- 
 ing the safe with a chain, they succeeded in preventing 
 its falling into the mass of fire below, where its entire con- 
 tents must have been inevitably destroyed, the safe being 
 inadequate to so severe a test. As it was, the books within 
 it were severely scorched. The burning occurred in the 
 night time. The building was thoroughly on fire when the 
 alarm was given; and the citizens were thus compelled to 
 stand and see the beautiful edifice fall into a heap of ruins, 
 powerless to do anything to save it, 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 261 
 
 REBUILDING OF THE HALL. 
 
 At a meeting January 24, it was voted to rebuild the town 
 hall. Plans were furnished by Mr. T. W. Silloway, archi- 
 tect, which were accepted. A building committee was ap- 
 pointed, with instructions not to exceed ^20,000, including 
 the debris of the old building. A portion of the tower at 
 the south-west corner was left standing, and was utilized by 
 being incorporated into the new structure. ^ The contractors 
 were Mead, Mason & Co. The entire cost of rebuilding 
 and furnishing was which ^15,000 came 
 
 about ^21,500, of y|!j from insurance. 
 
 CHENERY HALL. 
 
 Deacon Cummings gave 
 $600 to aid in replacing the library ; J. J. Adams, ^250 ; 
 proceeds of concert and lectures, $66; raised by subscrip- 
 tion, ^300. 
 
 The town hall was rededicated November 2, with ad- 
 dresses by Hon. R. R. Bishop and others which, together 
 with a sketch of the ministry in Medfield and a record of 
 the town in the War of the Rebellion, were printed. 
 
 A new fire engine and apparatus were purchased at a cost 
 of $i,7SO. 
 
 The rate of taxation in 1874 was the highest ever reached 
 in this town, $1$ on a thousand. 
 
262 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 During this year, the Baptist and Unitarian houses of 
 worship were thoroughly remodelled and refurnished. 
 
 1875. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, Hamlet 
 Wight, and Alonzo B. Parker. 
 
 Joseph H. Baker, Representative. 
 
 A new hearse was purchased by the town to replace that 
 destroyed in the burning of the town hall, at a cost of ^600. 
 
 D. D. Curtis Sc Co.'s boarding-house on North Street was 
 burned. It was at once rebuilt. 
 
 Valuation of the town, ^945,295. Rate of taxation, $12.50 
 on a thousand. 
 
 The steam-mill on Park Street was built by D. D. Curtis ; 
 and Gould & Stevens, removing to it, very greatly enlarged 
 their business, dealing also in flour and coal in addition to 
 their former line of business. The firm, since Gould & Co., 
 have developed a large wholesale trade, and their business 
 is among the largest in their line of any in this region. 
 
 1876. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, Hamlet 
 Wight, and Alonzo B. Parker. 
 
 The ninth Norfolk representative district was formed, in- 
 cluding Medfield, Needham, Dover, and Norfolk. 
 
 Feb. 21, 1876, the bi-centennial of the burning of the 
 town by the Indians was celebrated. The day was ushered 
 in by bonfires, ringing of bells, and firing of cannon. The 
 exercises at the town hall consisted of an address by Rev. 
 C. C. Sewall, president of the day ; an address by Hon. 
 R. R. Bishop ; a poem by James Hewin.s, Esq. ; and remarks 
 by several distinguished guests. Five hundred copies of 
 the addresses, poem, and exercises of the day, were pub- 
 lished by George Cummings, and distributed gratuitously. 
 The exercises of that day contributed very largely to the 
 interest which has resulted in the writing of this history. 
 
 During the year, the town was visited by the fire fiend 
 in a degree which vividly recalled the disasters of two cen- 
 turies earlier. 
 
 The South School-house was burned ; rebuilt at a cost of 
 ;^ 1,546. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 263- 
 
 September 21, the Orthodox meeting-house, with all its 
 contents, and the new chapel which had been built near it, 
 were totally destroyed by fire. 
 
 October 3, the straw shop of D. D. Curtis & Co. took 
 fire ; and, in spite of all efforts to check it, the flames swept 
 steadily on till the buildings were burned to the ground. 
 The busy season being near at hand, immediate steps were 
 taken for larger scale. The present spacious 
 
 rebuilding, ^Sf^^" and elegant building was commenced 
 and that ^SSrp* jdj^^a^ ^^ once, and the 
 
 on a much 
 
 work was pushed with 
 so much vigor that it 
 was ready for occupancy by 
 the beginning of the new year. 
 The centennial of the Baptist church was observed 
 August 18. The history of the church was read by its au- 
 thor, W. S. Tilden ; an address was delivered by Dr. Hovey, 
 of Newton ; a poem was read by Rev. Theron Brown ; and 
 remarks were made by many former pastors and friends. 
 The history, address, and poem were published by the church. 
 In 1876, Rev. J. M. R. Eaton was succeeded by Rev. 
 William H. Cobb, as pastor of the Orthodox church. 
 
 1877. Selectmen, Hamlet Wight, Alonzo B. Parker, 
 and Francis D. Hamant. 
 
 A hook and ladder truck was purchased and equipped, at 
 a cost of ;^300 ; and a company was formed. 
 
264 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF EXCELSIOR HOOK AND LADDER CO., NO. I. 
 
 Edmund Bullard. George B. Harris. 
 
 Ellery Franks. William F. Harding. 
 
 Charles E. Baker. Roswell C. Miller. 
 
 Harris L. Havener. Albion C. Gilbert. 
 
 George E. Pettis. Dennis Kennedy. 
 
 William F. Weiker. W. D. Cripps. 
 
 William Adams. Neal P. McGrory. 
 
 The " Steam Packing Company " commenced business at 
 the mill in the north part of the town, since known as 
 French's Mill. 
 
 A new house of worship was erected by the Orthodox 
 Society on the site of the first house. Its cost, including 
 furnishing, was about ^10,000. It was dedicated August 7. 
 
 Rev. Granville Pierce became pastor of the Unitarian 
 church. 
 
 1878. Selectmen, Hamlet Wight, Alonzo B. Parker, 
 and George W. Kingsbury. 
 
 An addition was made to the cemetery at the westerly end, 
 at an expense, when laid out, of $700. 
 
 The records of births, deaths, and marriages in Medfield, 
 from 1650 to 187s, were copied, and arranged in alphabetical 
 order, by Jeremiah B. Hale. 
 
 Very few towns in the Commonwealth have their records 
 in so convenient and systematic form as Medfield. The 
 facility of reference enables those who are constantly search- 
 ing them for information concerning their ancestry to find 
 quickly all that our records contain. We are also by this 
 means able to decide some hitherto doubtful cases, and to 
 correct errors into which earlier genealogists have fallen. 
 
 Rev. A. M. Crane resigned as pastor of the Baptist 
 church, and was succeeded by Rev. I. H. Gilbert. 
 
 1879. Selectmen, Alonzo B. Parker, George W. 
 Kingsbury, and William F. Guild. 
 
 William S. Tilden, of Medfield, was Representative from 
 the ninth Norfolk district. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 26$ 
 
 Two chemical fire extinguishers were procured for the use 
 of the town. Cost, ^90. 
 
 The town records, from 1649 to 1755, were copied. 
 
 Each member of the engine and hook and ladder com- 
 panies -received $J for the year's services, amounting to 
 $360. Previous to this year, firemen had only received the 
 amount of their poll tax. 
 
 Regulations for the management of the cemetery were 
 ado.pted. 
 
 Rev. George H. Pratt became pastor of the Orthodox 
 church. 
 
 X880. Selectmen, Alonzo B. Parker, George W. Kings- 
 bury, and William F. Guild. 
 
 Pleasant Street was extended, and from its terminus a 
 new street was laid out to South Street. 
 
 The town adopted a code of truant laws. 
 
 Voted, That the firemen be paid $y each for a year's service ; 
 engineers, $12. 
 
 Population in 1880, 1,365. 
 
 1881. Selectmen, Hamlet Wight, George W, Kings- 
 bury, and William F. Guild. 
 
 A sewer was built this year from the corner of Main and 
 Pleasant Streets, along North Street, to Meeting-house Pond. 
 
 Park Street and Oak Street were laid out and built. 
 
 Women voted for school committee for the first time, the 
 following names being registered for the purpose : — 
 
 Abby Bailey. Susan Morse. 
 
 Catherine L. Cary. Alvira D. Newell. 
 
 Ellen Clifford. Elizabeth S. Sewall. 
 Constantina Ingalls. 
 
 Rev. J. N. Pardee succeeded Rev. Granville Pierce in the 
 pastorate of the Unitarian Society. 
 
 Deacon George Cummings, who had been a resident of the 
 town for several years, and who had shown his interest in 
 town and church by many valuable gifts, at his death be- 
 
266 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 queathed to the town the sum bf ^1,000, the income of 
 which, as a perpetual trust fund, is to be applied to the 
 support of the public library. 
 
 Jeremiah B. Hale was appointed postmaster, and the office 
 was removed to the town-hall building. 
 
 1882. Selectmen, George W. Kingsbury, Benjamin F. 
 Shumway, and Oliver Clifford. 
 
 West Mill Street was graded, widened, and its direction 
 in some part changed to accommodate the building of a new 
 railroad station at Medfield Junction, and the approaches to it. 
 
 The building on Main Street was hired of Thomas L. 
 Barney for a primary school-room. 
 
 1883. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, George W. 
 Kingsbury, and N. Frank Harding. 
 
 -— James Hewins, of Medfield, was Representative for the 
 ninth Norfolk district. 
 
 The first telephone line through the town was built this 
 year. 
 „- Rev. George H. Pratt resigned the pastorate of the Or- 
 thodox church, and was succeeded by Rev. Wilbur Johnson. 
 A. A. Lovell & Co. commenced the manufacture of papier- 
 mach^ goods on Railroad Street, near Canal Street. 
 
 1884. Selectmen, Benjamin F. Shumway, George W. 
 Kingsbury, N. Frank Harding. 
 
 Rev. C. C. Sewall closed his long term of service as clerk 
 
 of the town, receiving a vote of hearty thanks for the same. 
 
 Rev. J. J. Twiss became pastor of the Unitarian Society. 
 
 1885. Selectmen, N. Frank Harding, George W. 
 Kingsbury, and James Nelson. 
 
 The Turnpike Bridge was rebuilt this year ; Frairy Street 
 was widened and straightened, a wall laid on the same next 
 to Meeting-house Pond ; and the town hall was newly 
 frescoed. 
 
 The amount of the school fund was 1^3,760.20. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 26/ 
 
 Section 4 of the by-laws of the town was amended to read 
 as follows : — 
 
 All tax-bills remaining unpaid on the ijth (Jf December in each year, 
 it shall be the duty of the collector forthwith to issue a summons to each 
 delinquent ; and, if such delinquent do not pay the amount of his tax 
 within ten days after the issuing of this summons, with twenty cents 
 more for the summons, the collector shall forthwith proceed to collect 
 the amount due in the manner provided by law. 
 
 John H. Gould, of Medfield, was elected Senator from the 
 second Norfolk district. 
 
 The vote for Governor was: George D. Robinson, 134; 
 F. O. Prince, 54 ; Thomas J. Lothrop, 3 ; James Sumner, 2. 
 
 The census of 1885 makes the population of the town 
 1,594: males, 674; females, 920. Under five years of age, 
 92 : males, 50 ; females, 42. Between five and fourteen, 
 183: males, 90 ; females, 93. Between fourteen and thirty, 
 548: males, 211; females, 337. Between thirty and fifty, 
 430 : males, 181; females, 249. Between fifty and seventy, 
 243: males, 114; females, 129. Upward of seventy, 98: 
 males, 28 ; females, 70. 
 
 Number of ratable polls, 456. Voters, 381 : native, 354; 
 naturalized, 27. Not voters, 19 ; aliens, 56. 
 
 Number of dwelling-houses, 288, — all of wood. 
 
 Number of families, 345. 
 
 Number of acres of land taxed, 8,098!. 
 
 Number of horses, 212 ; cows, 425 ; other neat cattle, 65 ; 
 sheep, I ; swine, 69. 
 
 Total value of personal property, ^^308,245. Total value 
 of real estate, ^802,613. Total valuation, ;^i, 110,858. 
 
 Rate of taxation, nine mills on the dollar. 
 
 Number of persons assessed only a poll tax, 207. 
 
 1886. Selectmen, James Nelson, George W. Kings- 
 bury, and George W. Bruce. 
 
 Town clerk, Stillman J. Spear. 
 
 Assessors, William P. Hewins, William F. Guild, James 
 Nelson. 
 
 Overseers of poor, Amos E. Mason, George W. Kings- 
 bury, Eugene Bonney. 
 
268 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Treasurer, Ralph A. Battelle. 
 
 Collector, Moses H. Johnson. 
 
 Auditor, Thomas L. Barney. 
 
 Constables, George A. Morse, Jonathan G. Wight, Her- 
 man G. Crosby. 
 
 School committee, William S. Tilden, Ellen Clifford, 
 Henry F. Sawyer. 
 
 Trustees school fund, Hamlet Wight, Joseph H. Baker, 
 Ralph A. Battelle. 
 
 Board of health. Dr. John H. Richardson, Dr. Charles M. 
 Fuller, James M. Hewins. 
 
 Trustees of library, J. Herbert Baker, William S. Tilden, 
 Stillman J. Spear, Dr. John H. Richardson. 
 
 APPROPRIATIONS FOR 1 886. 
 
 Schools $3,400 
 
 Highways and bridges, 2,500 
 
 Support of the poor, 1,600 
 
 Library (besides dog tax), 100 
 
 General expenses, 1,000 
 
 Fire department, 800 
 
 Town officers 600 
 
 School text-books, 300 
 
 Toward the town debt, 1,000 
 
 Town assumed the care of all sidewalks within half a mile 
 of the town hall, so far as to keep them clear of snow in the 
 winter. 
 
 Town voted to construct a common sewer for the use of 
 the town and of all persons who might desire to enter the 
 same from a point on North Street, near where Vine Brook 
 runs under the same, to a point north-westerly of Dale Street 
 on land owned by the heirs of Daniel D. Curtis, where a 
 filtering basin was constructed. 
 
 Frank K. Bonney was appointed postmaster, and the office 
 was removed to Frost's Block on North Street. 
 
 Rev. I. H. Gilbert resigned the pastorate of the Baptist 
 church, and was succeeded by Rev. E. S. Gardner. 
 
 After the death of D. D. Curtis, which occurred in De- 
 cember, 1885, the business was continued in the interests 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 269 
 
 of his family, in connection with Messrs. Searle and Dailey, 
 till the close of the business year, June 30, 1886. 
 
 During the year, 47,863 cases of goods were sent from 
 the factory, the aggregate value of which amounted to 
 $i,o6g,yT,2. The amount paid to workmen during the year 
 was ^297,929.57. 
 
 Since July i', 1886, the business has been conducted by 
 Searle, Dailey & Co. Haskell A. Searle has been connected 
 with the straw goods business since 1855. He was with 
 Beekman of New York while Walter Janes, and afterward 
 Janes & Curtis, manufactured goods for that house, and 
 since 1870 in the firm of D. D. Curtis & Co. Granville F. 
 Dailey, a brother-in-law of Mr. Searle, in connection with 
 him was in the Beekman establishment in New York until 
 he entered the co-partnership in 1870. Edwin V. Mitchell, 
 the third member of the new firm, has been superintendent 
 of the manufactory with D. D. Curtis & Co. since 1877, and 
 married the eldest daughter of Mr. Curtis in 1885. 
 
 The enlargement of manufacturing facilities desired by 
 Searle, Dailey & Co. made necessary the erection of a boiler 
 house, new boilers, and a larger engine, which, with other 
 changes, involved the expenditure of ^25,000. 
 
 VOTERS OF MEDFIELD, LIST OF FEB. 6, 1 886. 
 
 Abell, William F. Barney, Thomas L. 
 
 Adams, Edward L. Bartz, Henry 
 
 Adams, George W. Bartz, John E. 
 
 Adams, John Z. Battelle, Ralph A. 
 
 Adams, Lewis L. Bent, David M. 
 
 Adams, Lowell Bent, Edward M. 
 
 Adams, Warren Bingham, Thomas A. 
 
 Alexander, Louis E. Bingham, Thomas H. 
 
 Allen, Alphonso L. Bingham, Walter S. 
 
 Allen, Joseph E. Bishop, Moses B. H. 
 
 Allen, Noah Blackington, Edward M. 
 
 Allen, William C. Blake, Alfred A. 
 
 Babcock, Albert J. Bonney, Eugene 
 
 Babcock, Eben G. Bonney, Frank K. 
 
 Babcock, George G. Boylan, Bernard 
 
 Babcock, Herbert W. Brennan, Michael 
 
 Babcock, Lowell Brigham, Frank A. 
 
 Baker, J. Herbert Brigham, Joseph H. 
 
 Baker, Joseph H. Brown, Henry S. 
 
 Baker, Robert W. Brown, Loring L 
 
 Barney, T. Fred . Bruce, Charles F. 
 
270 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Bruce, George W. 
 Bryant, Alonzo K. 
 BuUard, Charles 
 BuUard, Edmund 
 Bullard, Hinsdale F. 
 Bullard, John T. 
 Bullard, Lester C. 
 Bullard, William H. 
 Bunting, James R. 
 Bussey, James B. 
 Bussey, Jaazaniah 
 Cary, Gilman 
 Chamberlain, Ephraim 
 Chase, George R. 
 Chase, Perley S. 
 Chenery, Benjamin 
 Chenery, Edmund L. 
 Chenery, William 
 Cheney, Martin L. 
 Clark, Frederick M. 
 Clark, Joseph 
 Clark, Moses F. 
 Clark, Thomas S. 
 Clifford, Israel 
 Clifford, Oliver 
 Codding, Isaac B. 
 Codding, Loring J. 
 Cole, Richard E. 
 Coltman, James 
 Conger, James W. 
 Crane, George 
 Crane, William 
 Crosby, Herman G. 
 Curtis, Irving 
 Curtis, Joseph W. 
 Cushman, Jacob R. 
 Cutler, Alfred 
 Cutler, Lewis A. 
 Cutter, Frank W. 
 Danforth, Fred 
 Davis, George 
 Dawson, James H. 
 Dunn, Charles 
 Dunn, Henry J. 
 Dyer, Alison B. 
 Ellis, Edwin H. 
 Ellis, Samuel 
 Everett, William H. 
 Fairbanks, James A. 
 Fales, Gilbert D. 
 Fales, William A. 
 Fales, William E. 
 Fisher, William Q. 
 Fitts, Julius A. 
 Forbes, William 
 Freeman, Charles C. 
 
 Frost, Clinton T. 
 Franks, EUery 
 French, Reuben 
 Fuller, Charles M. 
 Garfield, Charles M. 
 Garfield, Daniel L. 
 Garfield, Martin L. 
 Getchell, Robert E. 
 Getchell, Thomas E. 
 Gilbert, Albion C. 
 Gilbert, Isaac H. 
 Giles, George F. 
 Gilley, Edward P. 
 Gilley, Fred G. 
 Gilman, Charles W. 
 Gilman, Warren R. 
 Gilmore, George M. 
 Gilmore, Marcus 
 Gilmore, Melvin 
 Gould, John H. 
 Griffin, James 
 Grover, E. Emmons 
 Grover, Ephraim O. 
 Grover, Paschal C. 
 Grover, William B. 
 Guild, Erastus I. 
 Guild, Lewis H. 
 Guild, Luther A. 
 Guild, William F. 
 Haggerty, Daniel 
 Hale, Jeremiah B. 
 Hamant, Charles 
 Hamant, Daniel D. 
 Hamant, Francis D. 
 Hamant, George D. 
 Hanly, Patrick J. 
 Hanks, George M. 
 Hanks, Henry J. 
 Harding, Henry F. 
 Harding, Lorenzo 
 Harding, Nathan 
 Harding, Nathan F. 
 Harding, William F. 
 Hardy, Joseph A. 
 Hartshorn, Moses 
 Haynes, Lowell 
 Healy, John 
 Hewins, James 
 Hewins, James M. 
 Hewins, William P. 
 Hoar, Benjamin H. 
 Hoisington, Dennis 
 Holmes, Clarence R. 
 Howe, Frank I. 
 Hutson, Herbert W. 
 Hutson, John G. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 271 
 
 Hyatt, Richard J. 
 Johnston, Jeremiah 
 Johnson, Andrew J. 
 Johnson, Joseph M. 
 Johnson, Moses H. 
 Johnson, Samuel 
 Johnson, Wilbur 
 Jordan, Alfred H. 
 Jordan, Horatio A. 
 Kennedy, Dennis 
 Keyou, Edwin J. 
 King, Thomas 
 Kingsbury, Albert D. 
 Kingsbury, Edgar W. 
 Kingsbury, George W. 
 Kingsbury, John 
 Kingsbury, Warren E. 
 Kingsbury, William 
 Landers, Ephraim H. 
 Leeds, Joseph 
 Leeds, Theodore 
 Leland, Henry 
 Lonergan, Joseph E. 
 Lovell, Albert A. 
 Lyon, William E. 
 Maker, Frank H. 
 Maker, Seth R. 
 Mann, Henry W. 
 Marsh, Theodore B. 
 Marshall, William 
 Martin, Patrick 
 Mason, Amos E. 
 Mason, Frank E. 
 Mason, Harry S. 
 Mason, John 
 McLaughlin, Alexander 
 Meany, David 
 Miller, George F. 
 Mitchell, Edwin V. 
 Mitchell, George F. 
 Morang, J. V. 
 Morrill, Fred A. 
 Morrill, George W. 
 Morse, Fred H. 
 Morse, George A. 
 Nelson, James 
 Nelson, Peter W. 
 Newell, Charles O. 
 Newell, Edward E. 
 Newell, George A. 
 Newell, John A. 
 Ord, James 
 Ord, John 
 Ord, John, Jr. 
 Osborn, George H. 
 Paige, Joseph W. 
 
 Parker, Alonzo B. 
 Parker, Henry M. 
 Parker, Roswell K. 
 Payson, Edward 
 Pember, John 
 Pember, John H. 
 Perrigo, Orion M. 
 Pettis, George E. 
 Plimpton, Charles E. 
 Plimpton, David 
 Plimpton, Melvin G. 
 Quincy, John A. 
 Rhodes, Edwin A. 
 Rhodes, Francis 
 Richards, Lewis M. 
 Richardson, Henry F. A. 
 Richardson, John H. 
 Roberts, William B. 
 Rogers, Edward J. 
 Rogers, Warren M. 
 Rourke, Martin E. 
 Russell, Charles H. 
 Sawyer, Henry F. 
 Sawyer, Horace P. 
 Sawyer, Webber 
 Schools, John 
 Schools, John H. 
 Schools, Thomas E. 
 Sewall, Charles C. 
 Sewall, Edward U. 
 Sherman, Reuben 
 Sherman, Rutilleus 
 Shumway, Benj. F. 
 Shumway, George 
 Shumway, John W. 
 Simpson, Samuel W. 
 Smith, Clark 
 Smith, Fred M. 
 Smith, George H. 
 Smith, Jeremiah R. 
 Smith, Thomas L. 
 Smith, William R. 
 Spaulding, Charles W. 
 Spear, Stillman J. 
 Stone, Nathan A. 
 Strang, Cyrus D. 
 Taber, Charles H. 
 Taber, Frank H. 
 Taber, Harrison P. 
 Thatcher, Edwin H. 
 Thayer, Elijah 
 Thurston, John Y. 
 Tilden, Eleazar P. 
 Tilden, William S. 
 Tracy, James M. 
 Tufts, Joseph D. 
 
2/2 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Turner, Charles 
 Turner, Emory H: 
 Turner, Lewis H. 
 Turner, Stephen F. 
 Twiss, James J. 
 Upham, Thomas 
 Voss, Thomas 
 Walker, Edwin G. 
 Weiker, Conrad 
 Weiker, Raymond 
 Weiker, Reynolds 
 Weiker, William F. 
 Weston, George L. 
 
 Whiting, Daniel W. 
 Wight, Francis 
 Wight, George H. 
 Wight, Hamlet 
 Wight, Henry F. 
 Wight, Henry G. 
 Wight, Herbert W. 
 Wight, Jonathan G. 
 Wiley, Lyman A. 
 Wilson, Bennett 
 Winship, George W. 
 Wood, Edward H. 
 Woods, Samuel 
 
 NAMES OF FEMALES QUALIFIED TO VOTE FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE. 
 
 Bailey, Abby 
 Cary, Catherine L. 
 Clifford, Ellen 
 Ingalls, Constantina 
 
 Morse, Susan 
 Newell, Alvira D. 
 Sewall, Elizabeth S. 
 
 TAX-PAYERS OF $25 AND UPWARD, MAY I, 1 886. 
 
 D. D. Curtis & Co., 
 George Cummings estate, 
 D. D. Curtis estate, 
 -Thomas Upham, trustee, 
 Henry M. Parker, 
 Francis D. Haraant, 
 Thomas Upham, 
 Geo. M. Smith's heirs, 
 Hannah Pfaff,* ' 
 John H. Gould, 
 Thomas L. Barney, 
 Julius A. Fitts, 
 Alonzo B. Parker, 
 Willard Harwood,* 
 J. H. Baker & Co., 
 Oliver Clifford, 
 Ellen Curtis, 
 J. R. Cushman, 
 William R. Smith, 
 Hamlet Wight, 
 Charles Dunn, 
 William Chenery, 
 Caleb Hamant's heirs, 
 John Ellis estate, 
 George E. Pettis, 
 Bradford Curtis estate, 
 Henry S. Brown, 
 Peter Nelson's heirs, 
 Jaazaniah Bussey, 
 George M. Hanks, 
 James Hewins, 
 Allen Bros., 
 
 $95340 
 632.10 
 
 521-73 
 378.00 
 186.69 
 172.39 
 159.50 
 
 13445 
 140.71 
 
 13115 
 
 129.84 
 
 1 26.69 
 
 125.46 
 
 121.85 
 
 117.08 
 
 112.57 
 
 102.38 
 
 101.59 
 
 96.01 
 
 92.14 
 
 89.99 
 
 87.05 
 
 86.94 
 
 85.05 
 
 84.95 
 
 81.17 
 
 80.02 
 
 74.60 
 
 73-3° 
 
 72.43 
 
 72.35 
 
 68.83 
 
 George H. Wight, 
 
 $65.24 
 
 Frank L Howe, 
 
 62.82 
 
 Stephen F. Turner, 
 
 61.64 
 
 Amos E. Mason, 
 
 61.53 
 
 Benjamin Chenery, 
 
 61.12 
 
 Joel Everett's heirs. 
 
 6o.go 
 
 William Kingsbury, 
 
 60.85 
 
 Samuel Ellis, 
 
 60.80 
 
 David Plimpton, 
 
 59-33 
 
 Charles C. Sewall, 
 
 58-75 
 
 James Ord, 
 
 57-65 
 
 William P. Hewins, 
 
 57-33 
 
 Dennis Hoisington, 
 
 56.08 
 
 William Marshall, 
 
 55-55 
 
 E. P. Talbot, 
 
 55-15 
 
 Bonney Bros., 
 
 54.81 
 
 Joseph M. Johnson, 
 
 5398 
 
 William Ryan, 
 
 53-45 
 
 Harrison P. Taber, 
 
 53-24 
 
 Benjamin F. Shumway, 
 
 53-19 
 
 Samuel Stubbs,* 
 
 52.66 
 
 Geo. P. Morey, Adm.,* 
 
 52.50 
 
 John J. Adams' heirs. 
 
 52.50 
 
 Abigail Cummings, 
 
 52.50 
 
 Mary F. Ellis, 
 
 52.50 
 
 Sarah F. Ellis, 
 
 52.50 
 
 Wight & Dunn, 
 
 51.19 
 
 J. B. Hale, 
 
 51.09 
 
 William S. Tilden, 
 
 50.83 
 
 George Davis, 
 
 50.72 
 
 Am. Steam Packing Co., 
 
 50.63 
 
 John Y. Thurston, 
 
 50.04 
 
 * Non-resident. 
 
MEDFIELD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 
 
 273 
 
 Jane Johnston, 
 William Q. Fisher, 
 Clarissa Upham's heirs, 
 Solomon Cohoon, 
 N.Y. & Bost. Inland R.R., 
 Clark Smith, 
 Stillman J. Spear, 
 Clinton T. Frost, 
 John Mason, 
 L. & C. Guild, 
 Richard E. Cole, 
 Noah Allen, 
 Mary A. Sewall, 
 Lorenzo Harding, 
 Charles Hamant, 
 John G. Hutson, 
 Elijah Thayer, 
 Edgar W. Kingsbury, 
 Joseph D. Tufts, 
 William F. Harding, 
 Ira Moody's heirs, 
 John T. Bullard, 
 James Hewins' heirs, 
 Wilbur Johnson, 
 Mary B. Fowle, 
 Mary Parker, 
 Sarah Bosworth's heirs, 
 Smith Gerrish,* 
 Thomas S. Clark, 
 Lowell Adams, 
 Baptist Church, 
 M. F. Clark & Co., 
 Lydia J. Perrigo, 
 Henry F. Sawyer, 
 Benj. F. Crehore,* 
 E. Chamberlain, 
 John A. Newell, 
 R. A. Battelle, 
 Alonzo K. Bryant, 
 
 $49.90 
 
 William A. Fales, 
 
 48.51 
 
 Samuel Woods, 
 
 48.30 
 
 Mary M. Fiske, 
 
 47.50 
 
 Moses Hartshorn, 
 
 46.76 
 
 Gershom Adams' heirs. 
 
 4547 
 
 Lucy Kingsbury, 
 
 45.05 
 
 Moses F. Clark, 
 
 44.00 
 
 Joseph Clark, 
 
 22.18 
 
 George H. Shumway, 
 
 42.00 
 
 Ellen Clifford, 
 
 41. II 
 
 Margaret Steele, 
 
 41.04 
 
 Katherine Lovell, 
 
 40.95 
 
 Ellis Holt, 
 
 40.90 
 
 George Fiske's heirs, 
 
 40.85 
 
 Catherine L. Cary, 
 
 40.54 
 
 Daniel P. Russell's heirs. 
 
 40-33 
 
 Laura Cutter, 
 
 40.11 
 
 Mary B. Lovell, 
 
 40.06 
 
 Nathan F. Harding, 
 
 39-54 
 
 John H. Richardson, 
 
 39-37 
 
 William C. Allen, 
 
 39.28 
 
 R. W. Sherman, 
 
 39-27 
 
 G. E. Nelson's heirs,* 
 
 39-09 
 
 Jonathan G. Wight, 
 
 39-07 
 
 Lydia A. Rowe, 
 
 38.33 
 
 John W. Shumway, 
 
 37.80 
 
 Cynthia Hamant, 
 
 37.33 
 
 Joseph H. Baker, 
 
 37.28 
 
 Seth R. Maker, 
 
 36.92 
 
 E. H. Ellis, 
 
 36-75 
 
 Edwin V. Mitchell, 
 
 36.75 
 
 Esther G. Richardson, 
 
 36.75 
 
 S. E. & L. G. Pond, 
 
 36.65 
 
 George R. Chase, 
 
 36-23 
 
 Eliza J. Richards, 
 
 35.08 
 
 S. P. Bullard's heirs, 
 
 34.87 
 
 Henry F. Wight, 
 
 34.87 
 
 George F. Giles, 
 
 34.24 
 
 
 * Non-resident. 
 
 $33-81 
 
 33-71 
 3360 
 
 33-55 
 33-02 
 33-02 
 32-98 
 32.98 
 32.66 
 32.55 
 32.45 
 32.34 
 31.72 
 
 31-50 
 3095 
 30.71 
 
 30-45 
 30.45 
 30.25 
 29.82 
 29.67 
 29.66 
 29,51 
 29.40 
 28.77 
 28.59 
 
 28.35 
 28.25 
 28.25 
 27.99 
 27.73 
 27.30 
 27.30 
 26.47 
 26.25 
 26.25 
 25.99 
 25.42 
 
STREAMS, BRIDGES, AND LOCALITIES 
 
 MENTIONED IN THE HISTORY, AND NAMES WHICH ARE 
 FOUND IN THE CURRENT SPEECH OF THE PEOPLE. 
 
 STREAMS. 
 
 Charles River. — Forms the western boundary of the town, 
 and is crossed from Medfield by five bridges. The river was 
 named for King Charles I. 
 
 Stop River. — Enters from Norfolk on the south, flows north- 
 westerly into Charles River above Turnpike Bridge. The origin 
 of the name is unknown, and it is found in the earliest records. 
 It is crossed by South, Noon Hill, and Causeway Streets. 
 
 Vine Brook. — Rises near Rocky Woods, and flows through 
 the middle of the town, and empties into Charles River, near Turn- 
 pike Bridge. It is frequently called Meeting-house Brook, but 
 the former is the name by which it was first called. It is crossed 
 by North, Short, and Main Streets. 
 
 Mill Brook. — -Enters from Dover on the north-east, flows 
 south-easterly, passes into Walpole, and empties into Neponset 
 River. Its name is derived from the fact that the first mill in 
 Medfield was built upon it. It is called upon some maps Tub- 
 wreck Brook. It is crossed by Main, Mt. Nebo, Foundry, Philip, 
 and Elm Streets. 
 
 North Brook. — Rises in Rocky Woods, a branch entering 
 from Dover ; flows through the north part of the town, and empties 
 into Charles River. It is crossed by Pine, North, Railroad, and 
 West Mill Streets. The reason for its naming is obvious. 
 
 South-plain Brook. — Rises half a mile east of the village, 
 its sources being hardly distinguishable from those of Vine Brook. 
 Indeed, it is said that, when the turnpike was built, some of its 
 waters were diverted into Vine Brook. It flows southward into 
 Stop River. It was anciently called Nantasket Brook. Its more 
 common name was evidently given it from the fact that those who 
 went to their fields at the South Plain were obliged to cross it, 
 
STREAMS, BRIDGES, AND LOCALITIES. 275 
 
 and a bridge was early constructed. It is crossed by Philip, 
 South, and Spring Streets. 
 
 Great Brook. — It rises in the low lands between Elm and 
 High Streets, flows westerly, and empties into South-plain Brook. 
 Its size hardly suggests its name. It is crossed by South Street. 
 
 Turtle Brook. — A small run of water in Dingle Dell, crossed 
 by West Street. 
 
 Saw-mill Brook. — Rises on the north side of Noon Hill, 
 flows northward into Stop River. Its waters were used to run a . 
 saw-mill at a date beyond our knowledge, and until recent years. 
 
 Boiling Spring. — A quick and powerful spring, the largest in 
 the town, half a mile south of the centre, near Spring Street. 
 The little rivulet which it supplies flows westward into Stop River. 
 
 BRIDGES. 
 
 Ellis' Bridge. — Sometimes called the Upper Bridge, over 
 Charles River, west of Noon Hill. Its name comes from the 
 Ellis family, which for many years occupied the estate to the 
 north-eastward of it. Traces of their residences are still visible. 
 It is now often called Lovell's Bridge, from a family living near it 
 on the Millis side. 
 
 Dwight's Bridge. — Over Charles River, a mile or more below 
 the former. This has been its invariable name from the first, 
 originating in the fact that the town laid out the causeway there to 
 accommodate Timothy Dwight, who owned lands in that region. 
 
 Turnpike Bridge. — Over Charles River at "The Willows," 
 on the old Boston and Hartford turnpike. In late years, this is 
 often called the "great bridge." 
 
 Brasto'w's Bridge. — Near the town farm, which was formerly 
 owned by Colonel Brastow. It is very often called Poor-farm 
 Bridge at present. The first bridge over Charles River on the old 
 county road was near this site ; and that structure, as well as the 
 one in the present location, was always spoken of prior to 1800 
 as the " great bridge." 
 
 Death's Bridge. — The northernmost of our Charles River 
 bridges, connecting Medfield with the south part of Sherborn. 
 A family bearing the name of Death long lived just beyond it, 
 which circumstance accounts for the name. 
 
 Thurston's Bridge. — The old name of the upper bridge over 
 Stop River on South Street, near Norfolk line. It was a little 
 distance above the present stone bridge. The Thurstons of Med- 
 
276 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 field very early owned land in Wrentham, then a part of Dedham ; 
 and a bridge was built for their use. 
 
 Frairy's Bridge. — Till within half a century, the name of 
 the bridge over Stop River on Noon Hill Street, near South Street. 
 John Frairy was the first owner of the meadows on the west side 
 of Stop River, at the base of Noon Hill ; and this bridge appears 
 to have been built on his account. 
 
 LOCALITIES. 
 
 Noon Hill. — The principal elevation of land in the south part 
 of the town, over which the sun appears at noon as viewed from 
 the centre. 
 
 Mt. Nebo. — A hill about a mile east of the village. The 
 first way from Dedham lay over a slope of this hill, from which, 
 as they journeyed, our pioneers might easily have viewed the land 
 of their future settlement. 
 
 Castle Hill. — A mile and a half northward from the centre 
 of the town. Its name was given it at the time the town was 
 settled, but what suggested it is not known. 
 
 Rocky Woods. — An appropriate name for the rough, ele- 
 vated, extensive tract of woodland lying along the boundaries of 
 Dover. 
 
 Cedar Hill. — South-easterly of Rocky Woods. One of the 
 most elevated points of land in this region. From the summit, 
 Boston Harbor can be seen. 
 
 Mine Hill. — About two miles east of the village and north of 
 Main Street. Certain appearances of the soil led people to sup- 
 pose that precious metals would be found there. A deep excava- 
 tion was made ; and specimens from it were sent to England for 
 examination, it is said, more than a hundred years ago. Nothing 
 of value has been obtained from it. 
 
 Planting-field Hill, or ^' The Planting Field." — A ridge of 
 land east of South Street, southward of the school-house, ending 
 at Lake Woods. The dwellers in the village quite early took up 
 lands on the slopes of this hill for tillage purposes. 
 
 Hatter Hill. — A rise of land on the Dedham road, a mile east 
 of the village. 
 
 Great Field.— The level stretch of land in the centre of the 
 town, southward from Main Street to Curve Street. 
 
 Bridge Street Plain. — The elevated plain lying north-easterly 
 of Bridge Street. 
 
STREAMS, BRIDGES, AND LOCALITIES. 277 
 
 Sear Tree Plain. — A level portion of land on the western 
 slope of Noon Hill, probably east of the present Causeway Street. 
 
 Herd-house Plain. — Frequently called Cow-pen Plain. The 
 level land a mile and a half east of the village along Main Street 
 and near the brook. This part of the town has for a long time 
 borne the unjust appellation, " the lean end." 
 
 South Plain. — The large plain on the south side of Elm 
 Street, from near South Street to Mill Brook. This land was 
 thought very valuable by the first comers, and nearly every land- 
 holder in town had a slice of it. After a few years, most of it 
 came into possession of the Adams family. 
 
 North Plain. — The field on the east side of North Street 
 stretching from Winter Street to Castle Hill. 
 
 Wheeler's Bottom. — The low land crossed by Dale Street, 
 and near its junction with Frairy Street. "The Bottom Road" 
 was the old designation of Dale Street, and it is still occasionally 
 heard. 
 
 Claypits, or " Claypit Valley." — The low fields on the east 
 side of Causeway Street, a short distance from Main Street. 
 
 North Meadows. — On Charles River, toward Sherborn. 
 
 Centre Meadows.— ^ On Charles River, north of Brastow's 
 Bridge. 
 
 Upper Broad Meadow^. — On Charles River, above Dwight's 
 Bridge. 
 
 Pine Swamp. — A large tract of wet land, mostly wooded, 
 lying between the village and Stop River. In one section of it 
 the rhododendron grows. A few Indians lived in Pine Swamp 
 during the last century. 
 
 Cheney Pond. — A meadow in Rocky Woods, the bed of a 
 natural pond which has been drained. 
 
 Burnt Swamp. — Meadow land near Norfolk line, half a mile 
 east of South Street. 
 
 ■Wildcat Swamp. — A wooded swamp abutting on Main Street, 
 three-fourths of a mile east of the centre of the town. 
 
 Rock Meadow. — A piece of meadow land in the south-easterly 
 corner of the town near Walpole line. 
 
 Hog's-trough. — A little meadow nearly surrounded by sharp 
 hills, southward of Lake Woods. 
 
 Harbor Island. — A tract of upland beyond the Claypits, 
 crossed by Causeway Street, and partly surrounded by swamp 
 land. 
 
2/8 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Devil's-foot Island.— A rocky islet in the meadow near Stop 
 River, at the south-easterly corner of Pine Swamp. It is so called 
 from several curious depressions in the rocks. 
 
 Lake Woods. — In the southerly part of the town, south of 
 Rocky Lane Street. 
 
 Jade Walk. — The region traversed by Orchard and Causeway 
 Streets, near the Upper Bridge. 
 
 Dyer's Neck. — Meadow and woodland some distance above 
 Dwight's Bridge. 
 
 Rail-tree Neck. — Near and eastward of the junction of High 
 and Granite Streets. 
 
 Dingle Dell. — Called at different times "Dingle Hole," 
 " Littlefield's Hole," " Littlefield Bottom," lies along West Street, 
 in the neighborhood of its intersection with West Mill Street. 
 
 Fern Dell. — The swamp and reservoir north of Main Street, 
 above the stone mill. 
 
 Guinea. — Lands at the terminus of Green Street. Negroes 
 formerly lived in this locality. 
 
 Goudy. — The region bearing this name is on Mt. Nebo Street, 
 midway between Main and Foundry Streets. A man of that name 
 lived there about 1750, and he had a saw-mill on the brook near 
 by. Traces of both house and mill are still visible. 
 
 Sleepy Hollow. — A considerable depression in the woods to 
 the north of the junction of Elm and South Streets. At times, 
 there is a very distinct echo in this spot. 
 
 Nantasket. — A name anciently applied to the tract of land 
 lying to the north-east of the junction of Pound and Main Streets. 
 One of the oldest grants conveys " all that pond or pulkey piece 
 of land which lyeth on the left hand of the highway leading out 
 at the place we commonly call Nantasket." The locality seems 
 to have retained this name only during the first few years of our 
 settlement. 
 
 Iron Ore. — A bed of low-grade ore in the south-east corner 
 of the town, westerly of Plain Street. In early days, a proprie- 
 torship in this " iron ore " was considered of value ; and, in the 
 division of estates, the heirs were frequently secured in their rights 
 to that property. Within the present century even, considerable 
 quantities of the ore were dug and carted to a foundry in Wrentham. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 Families of 1651 to 1850 and their Resident Descendants. 
 
 Note. — The dates in these genealogies are generally given in accordance 
 with New Style. There will be, doubtles«, some discrepancies in comparing 
 with other records, on this account. The first date appended to a name indi- 
 cates the year of birth; a second date, separated from the first by a dash, is the 
 year of death ; m., married ; and a number enclosed in parentheses following a 
 name refers to its place in the family as given in this book. The sign -j- before 
 a name shows that there is particular reference to it further on. 
 
 ADAMS. 
 
 Edward Adams, son of Henry of Braintree, born in England, 
 came to Medfield with three of his brothers about 1652, and took 
 up a house lot on Bridge Street, near the corner of Dale Street. 
 His house was burned by the Indians in 1676. He served on the 
 board of selectmen for many years; was commissioner in 1689, 
 and representative in 1692. He was in full communion at the 
 time of Mr. Baxter's settlement. In his later years, he was often 
 employed in the settlement of estates. His will mentions the 
 children of his son Eliashib, who probably died before his father. 
 Jonathan, John, and Edward, he states, had already received their 
 portion ; and he mentions by name his daughters, Lydia Daniel, 
 Sarah Turner, and Mehitable Faxon. He married, first, Lydia 
 (Rockwood, possibly), who died in 1676; second, in 1678, Abigail 
 Day of Dedham, who died in 1707 ; third, in 1710, Sarah Taylor. 
 He died in 17 16, the last of the original settlers. Children : — 
 
 t 
 
 Lydia, 1653-1731; m. in 1673 James Allen (6); second, 
 Joseph Daniels (4). 
 
 3. Jonathan, 1655. 
 
 4. John, 1657. 
 
 5. Eliashib, 1658; settled in Bristol, R.I. 
 
 6. Sarah, 1660-1747; m. in 1677 John Turner (4). 
 
 7. James, i66i ; settled in Harrington, R.L 
 
 8. Henry, 1663; m. in 1691 Patience Ellis (58), who died in 
 
 1695, leaving two children, Daniel and Hannah. Henry 
 then removed to Canterbury, Conn. 
 
28o HISTORY Oli' MEDFIELD. 
 
 9' 
 10, 
 
 II 
 
 12 
 
 13 
 
 14, 
 15 
 
 Mehitable, 1665; m. Josiah Faxon of Braintree. 
 Elisha, 1666; said to have settled in Bristol, R.I. 
 Edward, 1668; settled in Bristol; R.I. 
 Bethia, 1671-1672. 
 Bethia, 1 672-1 672. 
 Abigail, i 674-1 674. 
 Miriam, i 675-1 676. 
 
 Jonathan 2 (Edward') settled on the west side of the river, 
 beyond what is now turnpike bridge, on the estate still held by 
 descendants of the name of Adams. He was active in the forma- 
 tion of the town of Medway, and was one of the first -deacons of 
 the church there. He married in 1678 Mary Ellis (54), who died 
 in 17 17 ; second, in 1717, Mehitable, widow of Joseph Cheney (9). 
 He died in 17 18. Children : — 
 
 16. Jonathan, i 679-1 694. 
 
 17. Mary, 1681-1725; m. in 1708 Henry Smith (20). 
 
 18. Lydia, 1 689-1691. 
 
 19. Jonathan, 1696-1776; m. Dorcas Mason (10); settled on 
 
 the homestead in Medway. 
 
 John 2 (Edward') had a grant in 1682 of a building lot on the 
 west side of Charles River, " near the new mill." He married in 
 1682 Deborah Partridge (48) ; second, Susanna Breck (4). He 
 died in 1751, Susanna in 1744. Children: — 
 
 20. Edward, 1682-1742.; settled in Milton. 
 
 21. John, 1684-1759; m. Judith Bullen (12). He resided in 
 
 Medfield, apparently on the place owned by his grand- 
 father Edward, until it was sold to Jonathan Adams in 
 1732, and then removed to Medway. He held several 
 town offices. He was called in the records " cordwainer," 
 to distinguish him from others of the same name. 
 
 22. Daniel, 1686 ; resided in Medway. 
 
 23. Eleazar, 1687; resided in Medway. 
 
 24. Obadiah, 1689; m. Christiana Sandford of Mendon; settled 
 
 in West Medway. 
 
 25. Thomas, 1696; settled in Amherst. 
 
 26. Susanna, 1697 ; m. Nell Alexander, KiUingly, Conn. 
 
 27. Jeremiah, 1699; went to Brookfield. 
 
 28. Abraham, 1701 ; also settled in Brookfield. 
 
 29. Bethia, 1703; m. in 1728 Timothy Stearns of Framingham. 
 
 Left a family. 
 30.- Phineas, 1705-1756; resided in Medway; m. in 1731 Sarah 
 Kingsbury of Needham ; second, Mehitable . 
 
 31. Hannah, 1707; m. in 1730 Timothy EUis (66); second, in 
 
 1739, William Richardson. 
 
 32. Esther, 1708. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 28 1 
 
 33- 
 
 Henry Adams was a son of Henry of Braintree, and was born 
 in England in 1604. He came to Medfield with the little colony 
 of Weymouth and Braintree people who settled Bridge Street. 
 He at first took up a house lot with them, but in the summer of 
 1652 bought the mill that had been built by George Barber. He 
 built a house on the site of that now standing on Elm Street, next 
 to the brook. The mill was rebuilt in 1663-64 above the bridge. 
 Traces of it are still plainly seen. This mill, together with the 
 house, was destroyed by the Indians in Philip's war. 
 
 Besides being " Heutenant," or principal military officer of the 
 town, he was the first town clerk. He was elected as one of the 
 selectmen, and as representative to the General Court, repeatedly. 
 He had extensive grants of land in various parts of the town, and 
 was one of the petitioners for the incorporation of the town of 
 Sherborn, having bought there a tract of two hundred and fifty 
 acres, on which two of his sons settled. He married Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Moses Paine of Braintree. He was slain by the 
 Indians in the doorway of his own house on the morning of Feb. 
 21, 1676. His wife had remained at the house of Rev. Mr. 
 Wilson, and so escaped the savages ; but a few hours after their 
 attack, while in a chamber over the doorway of the house, a gun, 
 in the hands of one of the soldiers quartered here for the defence 
 of the town, was accidentally discharged below ; and the ball, 
 penetrating the floor of the chamber, mortally wounded Mrs. 
 Adams, and she died on the following night. Children : — 
 
 -I-34. Eleazar, 1644. 
 
 35. Jasper, 1647-1742; died in Sherborn, "an aged bachelor." 
 
 The lands he inherited were near the present village of 
 Holliston. The hill known as " Jasper's Hill " was said 
 to have been used by him as a spot whence signal fires 
 could be seen by his friends in Medfield. 
 
 36. Elizabeth, 1649-1727; m. in 1668 John Harding (2). 
 
 37. John, 1652-1728; called "John Adams, miller"; died un- 
 
 married. It is thought he built the mill known to exist 
 long ago near Foundry Street. 
 
 38. Henry, 1652-1653. 
 
 39. Moses, 1654-1729; m. in 1680 Mary Fairbanks; settled in 
 
 Sherborn. 
 -(-40. Henry, 1657. 
 41. Samuel, 1661 ; died prior to 1682. 
 
 34- 
 
 Eleazar ^ (Henry ') was born in Braintree. He built a house, 
 prior to 1669, on the east side of the brook, near his father. His 
 house was burned in Philip's war, and he was among those who 
 appealed for aid from the State on account of their destitute con- 
 dition. He rebuilt on the same site, and spent his life there. He 
 served the town some ten years as selectman, and was its repre- 
 
282 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 sentative in 1703. He and his wife were both in full' communion 
 at the time of Mr. Baxter's settlement, in 1697. He married Eliza- 
 beth Harding (3), who died in 1708. He died in 1.7 10. Children : 
 
 42. Elizabeth, 1672-1754; m. in 1695 Samuel Smith (18), who 
 
 settled on the homestead. 
 
 43. Eleazar, 1674-75. 
 
 40. 
 
 Henrys (Henry) had his father's place; and doubtless rebuilt 
 the house. He was nineteen years of age when his father was 
 slain, and was married at twenty-two. He was a man of promi- 
 nence in town affairs. He was the first town treasurer, chosen 
 in 1700 ; and he held the office for many years. He was also town 
 clerk for several years, served as selectman eighteen years, and 
 as representative thirteen years. He married in 1679 Prudence 
 Frairy (9), who died in 1750, "having seen the fifth generation." 
 He died in 1733. Children : — 
 
 44. Prudence, 1683-1772; m. in 1702 Joseph Morse of Sher- 
 
 born. 
 
 45. Hannah, 1685-1775 ; m. in 1703 Edward Clark (29). 
 -I-46. Thomas, 1688. 
 
 47. Jeremiah, 1691 ; m. in 1715 Rebecca, widow of John Fisher 
 
 (12); second, Elizabeth ; admitted to full commun- 
 ion 1720; dismissed to church in Medway in 1749; died 
 in 1772. 
 
 48. Elizabeth, 1694-1766; m. in 1740 Solomon Clark (19); 
 
 second, in 1756, Joseph Richardson (5). 
 
 49. Sarah, 1697-1725 ; m. Samuel Ellis (21). 
 -(-50. Henry, 1702. 
 
 461 
 
 Thomas 3 (Henry,^ Henry ■) settled near his father on South 
 Plain. The homestead is now owned by heirs of Mr. Steele. He 
 was one of the greatest land proprietors in town, and a man of 
 extremely frugal and industrious habits. He appears to have had 
 a house as early as 1715. He married Mary Ellis (19), who out- 
 lived him and died in 1778. He died in 1763. He had served as 
 selectman several years. Children : — 
 
 51. Mary, 1714-1769; died unmarried. Her will gives her 
 
 effects to children of her brother Thomas, excepting her 
 clothing, which was given to the poor of the town. 
 
 52. Hannah, 1712 ; m. in 1735 David Lovell (15). 
 -|-53. Thomas, 1725. 
 
 so. 
 
 Henrys (Henry,^ Henry-) retained the homestead. He held 
 the office of coroner in 1744, and also served as selectman several 
 
GENEALOGIES. 283 
 
 years. He married Jemima Morse (51), who died in 1785. He 
 died in 1782. Children : — 
 
 54. Amos, 1728-1775; graduated at Harvard in 1752; was min- 
 
 ister at Roxbury, Mass. 
 
 55. Sarah, 1730; m. — — Harding. 
 
 56. Elizabeth, i 732-1 733. 
 
 57. Enoch, 1732; m. in 1763 Eunice Wight (76). He was 
 
 chosen deacon in 1779, and served the town as treasurer, 
 clerk, and selectman. He lived a portion of the time 
 near the present poor-farm, in a house which stood be- 
 tween the roads. From 1764 to 1772 he lived on Green 
 Street, near where James GrifJBn's house now stands. He 
 had three children : Eunice, born 1 768, received to com- 
 munion in 1792 ; Enoch, born 1775, died 1782; and Oliver, 
 born in 1777. The family removed to Milford about 1795. 
 
 58. Elizabeth, i 736-1 822; m. in 1760 Oliver Adams of Med- 
 
 way. 
 
 59. Jemima, 1740-1814; m. in 1764 Joseph Lovell of Medway. 
 
 60. Lydia, 1741 ; m. in 1766 Deacon William Parkman of Town- 
 
 send; was dismissed to the church in Concord in 1775. 
 -|-6i. Elijah, 1743. 
 
 62. Keziah, 1747-1811; m. in 1777 Dr. Josiah Holt of Farm- 
 
 ington ; was dismissed to church there in the same year. 
 
 63. Sophia, i 749-1 826; m. in 1775 Deacon Esek Marsh of 
 
 HoUiston. 
 
 64. Henry, i 754-1 758. 
 
 53- 
 
 Thomas 4 (Thomas,3 Henry,^ Henry ') was sent to learning by 
 his well-to-do father, and was remarkable for his literary proclivi- 
 ties through life; though, in the judgment of his more prosaic 
 neighbors, he was deficient in the tact for dealing with the com- 
 mon affairs of life. He married in 1750 Elizabeth Clark (142). 
 She died in 1767 ; and he married in 1768 Sarah Harris of Wal- 
 pole, daughter of Nicolas. She died in 1826, aged seventy-four. 
 He inherited his father's homestead, and died in 1812. He kept 
 a diary of minute incidents from 1750 till the year of his death. 
 The last entry is June 29, 1812, in two words, " Kept house," writ- 
 ten in an unsteady hand. It was the beginning of his last illness, 
 and he died a few days afterward. Children : — 
 
 65. Hannah, 1751; died young. 
 
 66. Betty, i 753-1 789; unmarried. 
 
 67. Hannah, i 755-1831; the distinguished authoress. She 
 
 wrote History of New England, Letters to my Nieces, 
 Truth of the Christian Religion, History of the Jews, and 
 Dictionary of Religions. Her books were, some of them, 
 published by subscription. The Dictionary of Religions 
 went through four editions iii this country, and was repub- 
 lished in England, — a very high honor in those days, 
 when the English people scorned everything American. 
 In writing her History of New England, she lost her 
 
284 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 68, 
 69, 
 
 70, 
 
 +71 
 72 
 
 73 
 +74. 
 
 eyesight, and was 
 forced to cease liter- 
 ary labor for two 
 years. She also 
 failed to realize the 
 returns for that work 
 which might have 
 been expected, a pub- 
 lisher bringing out a 
 book at the same time 
 of similar character, 
 "though her friends 
 felt that she had been 
 grievously wronged 
 by this action, she 
 bore the injury with 
 Christian patience. 
 
 In her later years, 
 she resided in Bos- 
 ton ; and a pension 
 was settled upon her, 
 to which most of 
 the leading men of 
 the city subscribed. 
 Though a person of 
 many oddities, yet 
 she is entitled to be 
 called the pioneer of 
 feminine culture in 
 America. Her por- 
 trait was painted by Harding for the Boston Athenaeum ; 
 and she was buried at Mt. Auburn, being, it is said, the 
 first who had that distinction. 
 
 Lucy, 1758; m. in 1777 Moses Hill of Gardner. 
 
 Lewis, 1761-1835; unmarried; learned, but eccentric. 
 
 Newton, 1764-1844; left a family. 
 
 John Wickliffe, 1773. 
 
 James Harvey, 1775 ; died on the coast of Africa. 
 
 Mary, 1784-1834; m. in 1808 Amasa Fiske of Wrentham. 
 
 George Whitefield. 
 
 HANNAH ADAMS. 
 
 61. 
 
 Elijah * (Henry,3 Henry,:" Henry ') inherited the homestead on 
 mill brook. He received a commission as justice of the peace, 
 the duties of which office he performed for many years. There 
 was a certain stately formality in the transaction of business, how- 
 ever, which sometimes made him the innocent subject of jocular 
 remark. He served five years as one of the selectmen. He mar- 
 ried in 1766 Abigail Chenery (20), who died in 1824. He died 
 in 1823. Children : — 
 
 75. Sarah, i 767-1831 ; m. in 1790 Calvin Turner (68). 
 
 76. Rebecca, 1768-1838; m. in 1797 John Smith (100). 
 
 77. Abigail, 1770-1860 ; m. in 1799 Nathan Wight (no). 
 
GENEALOGIES. 285 
 
 78. Henry, 1771-1787. 
 
 +79. Elijah, 1773. 
 
 80. Elisha, 1774; resided in Dorchester. 
 
 81. Amos, 1776. 
 
 82. Prudence, 1 778-1813 ; unmarried. 
 
 83. Kezia, 1779-1779- 
 
 84. Jeremiah, i 780-1 804. 
 
 85. Joseph, i 782-1830; unmarried. 
 
 86. Elizabeth, 1784-1784. 
 
 87. Martha, i 785-1859; unmarried. 
 -|-88. Henry, 1787. 
 
 89. Charles, 1789; resided in Boston. 
 
 90. Elizabeth, 1791-1815; unmarried. 
 
 71- 
 
 John Wickliffe 5 (Thomas,* Thomas,3 Henry,^ Henry ') settled 
 on the homestead at South Plain. He was possessed of remark- 
 able mechanical skill, as well as of a good education, and became 
 one of the most useful citizens. He was a surveyor of land for 
 many years. He established in iSii, at his homestead, the brush 
 manufacturing business, a trade then little known in New Eng- 
 land ; and for a long time he conducted a thriving business. He 
 served as town clerk and treasurer, and as a member of the board 
 of selectmen for ten years. He was a successful schoolmaster, 
 also. He married in 1805 Amy Ballou of Franklin, a woman of 
 superior abilities, who died in 1826, aged forty-four ; second, in 
 1829, Grace Holbrook of Sherborn, who died in 1866. In his 
 later days, he sold the ancestral place, removed to the village, 
 and occupied the house on Main Street now owned by Miss 
 Sewall, where he busied himself, while his health permitted, with 
 mechanical work. He died in 1870, at the age of ninety-seven. 
 Children : — 
 
 91. Mary Ann, 1806-1814. 
 
 92. Amy B., 1808-1834; m. in 1830 Samuel Kingsbury, Jr., of 
 
 Walpole ; died at Brockport, N.Y. 
 53. Harriet C, 1810-1836; m. in 1834 Walter Johnson of 
 Woodstock, Conn. ; died at Brockport, N.Y. 
 -I-94. John Jay, 1812. 
 
 95. James M., 1816-1831. 
 
 96. Sarah A., 1823-1858 ; m. Joseph Andrews. 
 
 97. George W., 1826-1861 ; unmarried. 
 
 74- 
 
 George Whitefield s (Thomas,* Thomas,3 Henry,^ Henry ■), 
 after residing for some years away from town, returned in 1796, 
 and bought a homestead on North Street, now owned by Lewis M. 
 Richards. He carried on the manufacture of organs in a small 
 way for a while. He went South as a teacher, and died at Savan- 
 
286 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 nah in 1820. His wife was Polly Drown of Bristol, R.I. ; mar- 
 ried in 1793. Children : — 
 
 98. Betsey, 1 796-1 797. 
 
 99. Mary D., 1800; m. James G. Carnes. She was at one time 
 
 a teacher in the South. 
 100. Thomas, 1805. 
 loi. Lucia, iBiz ; m. James G. Carnes as second wife. 
 
 79, 
 
 Elijahs (Elijah,* Henry.s Henry ,'2 Henry) shared the home- 
 stead with his brother, on which he spent his life as a farmer. He 
 married in 1797 Lydia Smith of Walpole, who died in 1864, at the 
 age of eighty-six. He died in 1849. Children : — 
 
 102. Wyman, 1797 ; resided in Medway. 
 
 103. Kezia, 1799; m. Nathan Harding of Medway. 
 
 104. Maria, 1801 ; m. in 1827 J. F. Newell (2). 
 
 105. Lydia, 1803-1807. 
 
 106. Rebecca, 1805; m. in 1835 Cyrus Daniels of Medway. 
 
 107. Henry S., 1808-1826. 
 
 108. Charles, 1810; resided in Dedham. 
 
 109. Lydia, 1813-1814. 
 
 no. Elizabeth, 1815 ; m. in 1835 George Newell, Jr. (3). 
 -)-iii. Lowell, 1819. 
 
 112. Mary Ann, 1822; m. in 1847 Elisha Meigs. 
 
 3S. 
 
 Henry s (Elijah,* Henry,3 Henry,^ Henry ') inherited a portion 
 of the homestead, where he spent his life as a farmer. He mar- 
 ried in 1824 Elizabeth Crane of Dorchester. He died in 1858. 
 Children : — 
 
 113. Augusta P., 1825. 
 
 114. William H., 1828-1882; unmarried. 
 
 115. Walter G., 1836-1837. 
 
 John Jay^ (John W.,5 Thomas,* Thomas,3 Henry,= Henry), 
 after teaching school for a short time, went to Taunton, and estab- 
 lished himself in brush manufacturing. He soon removed to 
 Boston, where, with the business energy and mechanical talent 
 characteristic of the family, he developed and improved the manu- 
 facture, until his productions stood in the front rank. He after- 
 ward removed to New York, where he carried orf a very extensive 
 business for many years. Through all the cares and excitements 
 of life in the great metropolis, he retained the liveliest regard for 
 his native town; and, after relinquishment of active participation in 
 business, he made his summer resort in Medfield, with his father, 
 at his residence on Main Street. In 1875-76, he built an elegant 
 mansion on North Street, near Dale. Soon after its completion, 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 287 
 
 an attack of what proved to be a fatal disease occurred, of which 
 he died in 1879, while at his city residence in New York. He 
 rnarried, first, Phebe A. Allen of Amherst ; second, Mrs. Harriet 
 f . Bartlett. Children : — 
 
 116. Amy A., 1835; died young. 
 
 117. Adriana, 1837; m. Henry Savalla. 
 
 118. Alice A., 1838; died young. 
 
 Two others, Mary and Lizzie, were born after his removal from Med- 
 field, but died in infancy. 
 
 Lowell 6 (Elijah, s Elijah,4 Henry,3 Henry,:" Henry) resides on 
 a portion of the original farm, his house being a little to the west- 
 ward of the old homestead. He married in 1850 Cally F. Harts- 
 horn (21). Children: — 
 
 119. Warren H., 1854; m. in 1879 Elizabeth F. Jewett. 
 
 120. Edward L., t86o. 
 
 Daniel 6 (Dan- 
 iel, s Elisha,-! Jere- 
 miah, 3 Henry, 2 
 Henry ") was born 
 in 1779, son of 
 Rev. Daniel Adams 
 of Watertown and 
 wife Silence Wight 
 (79). He graduated 
 from Harvard in 
 1799, and was edu- 
 cated for the law. 
 In 181 1, he bought 
 a lot, corner of Main 
 and South Streets, 
 with an unfinished 
 house, now owned 
 by his daughter, 
 Mrs. Fowle. His 
 father died previous 
 to his birth, and 
 pre-natal influences 
 seem to have in- 
 duced a disposition 
 to melancholy. His 
 knowledge of law was good, though he did not often plead in the 
 courts. He married Harriet Read, born in 1794, at Claremont, 
 N.H., a grand-daughter of Thomas Mason and Mary Baxter of 
 
 DANIEL ADAMS. 
 
288 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Medfield. He served the town two terms as representative. He 
 died in 1852, his widow in 1872. Children: — 
 
 122. Daniel, 1817-1843. 
 
 123. John, 1821-1821. 
 
 124. Harriet, 1825-1844. 
 
 125. Mary B., 1832 ; m. in i860 William B. Fowle. 
 
 126. Henry N., 1835-1857. 
 
 127. 
 
 Jonathan Adams has been commonly supposed to be a son of 
 Henry of Braintree, and brother of Edward, Henry, and Peter; 
 but no mention is made of him in his father's will, and, in the 
 absence of any documentary evidence, some genealogists have 
 thought his lineage uncertain. One clause in the Medfield 
 records, however, makes it clear. In grant No. iioi, he is 
 called distinctly " the brother of Peter." He first appears in town 
 about 1658. He had no grant of a house lot. His wife, Elizabeth, 
 was, in all probability, daughter of John Fussell, who had already 
 built on Bridge Street, and with whom he lived for a few years. 
 He finally settled on the west side of the river. His house was 
 burned by the Indians in 1676, and his name appears among 
 the petitioners for aid from the General Court on account of their 
 losses. He evidently rebuilt on the same spot (now known as the 
 Joseph Adams place, in Millis) ; and he appears to have been in 
 reduced circumstances for some years, as he had his town rates 
 remitted in 1684-85. He died in 1690. Children : — 
 
 128. Elizabeth, 1666-1718; m. John Partridge (46). 
 
 129. Sarah, 1667-1758 ; m. in 1710 John Rockwood (8). 
 
 130. Infant, 1669-1669. 
 
 131. Jonathan, i 670-1 670. 
 -I-132. Jonathan, 1671. 
 
 133. Jasper, 1673-1742; unmarried. He owned a farm on Bog- 
 
 gestow Brook, which at his death was divided among the 
 heirs of his four brothers and sisters. 
 
 134. Lydia, m. in 1697 Joseph Daniel (8). 
 
 132. 
 
 Jonathan ^ (Jonathan i) inherited his father's estate, and lived 
 in East Medway till his son. Captain Jonathan, came of age, when 
 he removed to Medfield, and resided on the homestead now owned 
 by heirs of Gershom Adams. In 1732, a deed was given by " Jon- 
 athan Adams, Sen., formerly of Medway, now of Medfield," of the 
 homestead in Medway to his son Jonathan. He was appointed 
 in 1742 to administer the estate of his brother Jasper, deceased, 
 but did not complete the work on account of the fatal disease 
 which came upon him, — cancer in the face. 
 
 Jonathan Adams was the first person residing within the limits 
 of this town who is positively known to have held the views of the 
 Baptist denomination. This is stated by Rev. Mr. Gair, who wrote 
 
GENEALOGIES. 289 
 
 about the year 1776. He married in 1697 Thamazin Sheffield of 
 Sherborn, who died in 1743. He died in 1744. Children : — 
 
 135. Thamazin, 1699; m. in 1719 Joseph Ellis (15). 
 
 136. Hannah, 1702; m. in 1727 Jonathan Jones of Holliston. 
 
 -f-137. EZEKIEL, 1705. 
 
 138. Jonathan, i 709-1 804; settled on his father's home place in 
 East Medway. 
 
 137- 
 
 EzEKiEL 3 (Jonathan,^ Jonathan ') probably removed to Med- 
 field about 1736-37. The cellar of his house on Bridge Street is 
 still visible, with the well and the large willow tree near it. He 
 held the same denominational views as his father, and in 175 1 
 presented a certificate showing him to be in regular membership in 
 Mr. Bound's church in Boston. He served the town two years on 
 the board of selectmen. He married in 1728 Bethia Parker, who 
 died in 1739; second, in 1740, Lydia Lovell (22), who died in 
 1774. He was found dead in his field in 1777. Children : — 
 
 140. 5 Thamerson, 1733 ; m. in 1758 Nathaniel Smith of Natick. 
 141. 1 Sarah, 1733-1806; m. in 1778 Nathan Ellis (41). 
 
 142. Ezekiel, 1735; m. in 1770 Ruth Eames of Hopkinton; 
 
 had one son, Jasper, in 1771. 
 
 143. Bethia, 1738; probably died young. 
 
 144. Silence, 1741-1741. 
 -(-145. Nathan, 1742. 
 
 146. Gershom, 1 744-1 744. 
 -\-147. Gershom, 1745. 
 
 139 
 
 Oliver 5 (01iver,4 Jonathan,3 Jonathan,^ Jonathan ') was born 
 in Medway in 1762, and came to Medfield about 1783, having 
 bought the buildings, tanyard, etc., formerly belonging to Samuel 
 Hinsdale, located near the corner of Railroad and West Mill 
 Streets. He married in 1787 Ame Ellis (47). He sold out in 
 1798, and removed from town. Children : — 
 
 148. Orion, 178S. 
 
 149. Oliver, 1790. 
 
 145- 
 
 Nathan 4 (Ezekiel,3 Jonathan,^ Jonathan ') inherited his father's 
 house and a part of the homestead. He served as selectman for 
 several years, and was a man of superior abilities, though at last 
 intemperate. He married Margaret Cooledge (12), who died in 
 1774; second, in 1781, Abigail Bullen (44), who survived him. 
 He died in 1794. Children : — 
 
 150. Margaret C, 1774-1844; "orphaned at her birth." She 
 
 m. in 1794 Obed Ellis (106). 
 
 151. Abigail, 1782-1805; m. in 1802 Gershom Wheelock (53). 
 
 152. Nathan, i 786-1 786. 
 
 153. Lydia, i 787-1816; m. Lemuel K. Brastow (4). 
 
290 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 147. 
 
 GERSH0M4 (Ezekiel,3 Jonathan,^ Jonathan-) had a share in his 
 father's farm, and took the house west of his brother's, probably 
 owned by his grandfather Jonathan. He was a carpenter by 
 trade ; and he was one of the best in that handicraft, as well as a 
 man of great industry and remarkable physical endurance. When 
 the Endicott mansion in Boston was built, he was employed upon 
 it. He was wont to rise on Monday morning and walk to Boston 
 by starlight, arriving in season to commence his day's work with 
 the rest. At the completion of his Saturday's work, he would, 
 walk back to Medfield, reaching home about midnight. By a life 
 of such diligence and frugality, he was able to amass a very con- 
 siderable property. He married in 1778 Prudence BuUen (42), 
 who died in 18 16. He died in 1834. Children : — 
 
 154. Prudence, i 778-1 791. 
 
 155. Gershom, 1 782-1 785. 
 
 156. Edward, 1784-1784. 
 
 157. Prudence, 1786-1810; miin 1808 Charles Wight (113). 
 -I-158. Gershom, 1793. 
 
 158. 
 
 Gershom 5 (Gershom,* Ezekiel,3 Jonathan, = Jonathan ') settled 
 on his father's place, where he spent his life as a farmer. His 
 genial character is well remembered by all who knew him. He 
 married in 1813 Abigail Allen (99). He died in 1870. Children : 
 
 159. George F., 1820; m. in 1841 Martha A. Barker of Cam- 
 
 bridge. After residing in Waltham and Acton for a few 
 years, he came to Medfield in 1845, and lived on the old 
 place till about 1853, when he commenced the study of 
 medicine in Boston. After completing his course, he 
 located in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he practised till 1861, 
 when he went to the war, and was surgeon in the Sixty- 
 seventh New York Regiment. After serving three years, 
 he returned, and about 1866 established Turkish baths in 
 Boston, remaining there till 1869, when he went into a 
 similar business in St. Louis. In 1886, he returned to 
 Medfield. Has one son living, Charles F., who is a 
 physician. 
 
 160. Charles E., 1822; m. in 1848 Jane Furman; resides in 
 
 New York. 
 
 161. John Q., 1824-1873; unmarried. 
 
 162. James M., 1827-1846. 
 
 163. Robert B., 1834-1842. 
 
 164. 
 _ Peter Adams was the son of Henry Adams of Braintree and 
 
 Zn^tT"'V^.^'' ='" ^" '^^^- He came here about 1652; and 
 settled on Bridge Street, near the "Bottom road." His house 
 
GENEALOGIES. 29I 
 
 was on the west side of the street. His wife Rachel and his son 
 John came with him. His family, in 1652, is described as consist- 
 ing of three persons ; and he drew land accordingly. His house 
 was burned by the Indians, and he was one of the signers of the 
 petition to the General Court for aid. He died in 1690. Children : 
 
 165. John, m. in 1677 Dorcas Dwight, widow of Timothy. He 
 
 was here in 1 707, after which he is supposed to have re- 
 moved to Ipswich. 
 
 166. Rachel, m. in 1671 George Fairbanks (3); died 1678. 
 +167. Peter, 1653. 
 
 168. Hannah, 1655-1746; m. in 1674 John Fisher (26); second, 
 
 in 1730, Joseph Metcalf (5). 
 
 169. Mary, 1661-1704; unmarried. 
 
 170. Jonathan, i 663-1 664. 
 
 171. Ruth, 1665; was living in 1690. 
 +172. Joseph, 1668. 
 
 -(-173. Samuel, 1671. 
 
 174. Henry, 1673; probably died in childhood. 
 
 167. 
 
 Peter ^ (Peter ') at the division of his father's estate took lands 
 on the west side of Charles River, where he settled. He was 
 prominent in the organization of the town of Medway. He and 
 his wife were in full communion here at an early date, and he was 
 one of the first deacons of the Medway church. The first preach- 
 ing service in that town was held at his house, and it is said he 
 called the people together by the old drum that he had brought 
 back from the Indian wars. In 1699, he received £2 9^. 11^. for 
 his wife's keeping school. His wife is said to have been Experi- 
 ence Cook; married in 1680. He died in 1723. Children : — 
 
 175. Rachel, 1680-1758 ; m. in 1706 Samuel Hill (9). 
 
 176. Experience, 1682-1682. 
 
 177. Peter, 1684; m. in 1710 Sarah Hill (10); settled in Wren- 
 
 tham, now Franklin. 
 
 178. Joseph, 1 687-1 755; inherited the homestead, and at his death 
 
 gave it to his sister's son, Nathan Daniel, whom he " had 
 brought up from a child." 
 
 179. Catherine, 1689; m. Joseph Ellis (9). 
 
 180. Ebenezer, 1693. 
 
 181. Experience, 1696-1731 ; m. Samuel Daniel. 
 
 182. George, 1699; m. in 1723 Sarah Partridge (63) ; settied in 
 
 Wrentham. 
 
 172. 
 
 Joseph 2 (Peter') settled in Mediield at first. He "owned the 
 covenant'' in 1709, held town office in 1720, and sold his house, 
 barn, and land to James Gerauld in 172 1. The estate was bounded 
 east by Dedham line; separating it from land of John Bullard ; 
 south, by common land between the house and the county road. 
 His house stood on what is now the Dedham road, a short dis- 
 
292 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 tance east of the stone mill. After selling his place, Joseph with 
 his family removed to Canterbury, Conn. Children : — 
 
 183. Mary, 1705. 
 
 184. Joseph, 1707. 
 
 185. Rachel, 1708. 
 
 186. Hannah, 171 i. 
 
 187. Ruth, 171 2. 
 
 188. ( Abigail, 171 6. 
 189. 1 Experience, 1716. 
 
 173- 
 
 Samuel ^ (Peter ') was called " cordwainer " at the time of the 
 settlement of his sister's estate in 1704, and in the probate papers. 
 The record of his death on the town books makes him "Doct. 
 Samuel Adams." The tombstone bearing the same date makes 
 him only " Mr." He was sometimes known as Samuel, Sen. He 
 married in 1703 Sarah Sabin (7), who died in 1704; and he ap- 
 pears to have never remarried. The settlement of his estate men- 
 tions no homestead, though he had received some grants of land 
 in the north part of the town. His son-in-law, Samuel Ellis, was 
 appointed his administrator. 
 
 That he practised medicine to some extent is shown by the 
 following receipt which is preserved : — 
 
 May 4, 1720. 
 
 Received of Abraham Harding of Med'field in full for physick and visets 
 unto his father John Harding In the time of his sickness The just sum of one 
 pound and four shillings to my full content and satisfaction. I say received 
 by me 
 
 Samuel Adams of Medfield. 
 
 The following recipes of Dr. Samuel Adams have been found in 
 an old memorandum book : — 
 
 For to make a good stomach ; take Rhubarb and curants, a handful of cur- 
 ants, and beat them together very small, and then you may make a pill of them 
 as big as a wolnut tak in the morning. 
 
 Another for strangury : — 
 
 Take nine bees and put them into ber alive till they die, and drink that ber 
 in the morning. 
 
 " Dr." Adams died in 1731. Daughter : — 
 190. Sarah, 1704-1733; m. Samuel Ellis (62). 
 
 igi. 
 
 John Adams was married to Michal Bloice of Watertown in 
 1685. Nothing is known of the lineage of this John, but it is 
 probable that he was of Watertown. Bond speaks of a John 
 Adams of Medfield, who sold land in Watertown in 1692. This 
 
GENEALOGIES. 293 
 
 was at the time John, husband of Michal, was residing in this 
 town. There is no record of the death of either of them here, 
 and there is no indication of the time of their removal or the 
 place whither they went. Children : — 
 
 192. Samuel, 1685; m. in 1709 Mary Plimpton; had one son 
 
 bora here, Joshua, in 1710. 
 
 193. Mary, 1687. 
 
 194. Patience, 1690-1698. 
 
 195. Ruth. 1691. 
 
 196. Josiah, 1 693-1 694. 
 
 197. JoH>f, 1695. 
 
 198. Isaac, 1698. 
 
 199. Richard, 1699. 
 
 200. Joshua, i 701-1706. 
 
 201. Abigail, i 703-1 706. 
 
 202. Bethia, 1 705-1 706. 
 
 203. Michael, 1707. A Michael Adams was here about 1745. 
 
 204. 
 
 Darius Adams, son of George of Franklin, was born in 1770, 
 and came to this town about 1794. He married in 1796 Julia 
 Ellis (48), and resided upon her father's homestead until 18 10, 
 when he removed to Richmond, N.H., where he died in 1812. 
 His widow died at Medford in 1862. Children : — 
 
 205. Darius E., i 797-1 797. 
 
 206. Julia, 1799. 
 
 207. Obed E., 1801-1880; a merchant in Boston. 
 
 208. Simeon P., 1803-1880; a merchant in Boston. 
 
 209. Sarah, i 805-1849. 
 
 210. Oliver E., 1809-1816. 
 
 John Wadsworth Adams 7 (John,^ Andrew,5 John,4 Edward, 3 
 John,2 Edward ') was born at Barnard, Vt., in 1788. He came 
 here about 1810, and married Hannah Dean of Dover. He died 
 in 1816, his widow in 1854. He was said to be a baker by trade, 
 and at one time owned a small house on Farm Street. Daughter : 
 
 212. Elizabeth, 1812; m. in 1854 Elijah Clark of Medway. 
 
 ALBEE. 
 
 Benjamin Albee (or Alby) was a grantee in Braintree in 1640. 
 He was a carpenter by trade ; came to Mediield among the earliest 
 settlers. He was a member of the first board of selectmen, and 
 served in that office several times afterward. He was a measurer 
 of land, sealer of weights and measures, and in 1659 commis- 
 sioner. His first house lot seems to have been near Brastow's 
 
294 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD.. 
 
 bridge. Whether he built there is uncertain. He sold his estate 
 in Braintree in 1657, and about the same time seems to have bought 
 Thomas Grubb's homestead, near the corner of Main and Bridge 
 Streets. He was living there in 1660; but, in 1663, William 
 Cheney had succeeded him, and Benjamin Alby had a " new 
 house." Where it was is not easy to determine. He received a 
 grant of a house lot in Mendon in 1660. In 1662, he was one of 
 the petitioners for the town of Sherborn. A Benjamin Alby was 
 among the constituent members of the Baptist church in Swansea 
 in 1663. It is said that several members of that church lived in 
 the region of Bellingham and Mendon. After 1669, he disap- 
 pears from our records, having removed to Mendon, where he was 
 a measurer of land, and owned a grist mill which was burned by 
 the Indians. Children : — 
 
 2. John, m. in 1671 Jane Holbrook; died in Mendon in 1675. 
 
 3. James, m. in 1671 Hannah Cook ; had two children, Lydia, 
 
 1675, and John, 1678. 
 
 4. Prudence, m. in 1664 Thomas Barnes. 
 
 5. Lydia, m. in 1658 Alexander Lovel (i). 
 
 6. Hannah, m. in 1663 Samuel Wight (6). 
 
 7. Sarah, 1653 ; born in Medfield. 
 
 Asa Albee came to this town about 1770. He was born in 
 1742, but the place of his birth and his lineage have not been 
 ascertained. He married Sarah Perry (7), who died in 1800. He 
 lived on North Street, near the spot now occupied by the house of 
 Lewis M. Richards, though he sold his place some time before his 
 death, becoming so reduced in circumstances at last as to be a 
 public charge. In 1785, he was appointed sealer of weights and 
 measures, and in 1812 surveyor of lumber. He died in 1826. 
 Son of Asa and Sarah (Perry) Albee : — 
 
 9. Amos, 1772. He was a musician of some local celebrity. 
 He and his wife Judith were dismissed from the Medfield 
 church to that in Watertown in 1820. They had three 
 children here : Diantha, married in South Boston ; Sarah 
 P., born in 1808 ; and a son, name unknown. Amos Albee 
 kept school here 1 796-7-8. 
 
 ALLEN. 
 
 James Allen came to Dedham about 1637. He was a proprie- 
 tor there in 1642, and took the freeman's oath in 1647. I" the 
 will of Rev. John Allen of Dedham, he mentions his cousin, James 
 Allen of Medfield. The term "cousin" in those days signified 
 nephew. This is all the clew to his lineage thus far discovered. 
 He came to Medfield with the first thirteen settlers, and drew his 
 house lot on South Street, near where Mr. Rhodes' house now 
 stands. It is certain that he was living there in 1660; and he 
 
GENEALOGIES. 295 
 
 probably continued his residence on that spot several years later, 
 if not to the close of his life. There are some indications, how- 
 ever, that he conveyed the place to his son Nathaniel at his 
 majority, and owned another house, which he gave in his will to 
 his son-in-law, Joseph Clark, Jr. There is a tradition that a family 
 of Aliens lived near the grist mill on Spring Street. About 1653, 
 he received a grant of land, six acres, in the north part of the 
 town, bounded west by a " stony winter brook." This was near 
 the house lot afterward granted to his son Joseph, He had also 
 lands in various parts of the town and on both sides of the river. 
 He married in 1638 at Dedham Ann Guild, who died in 1673. 
 He died in 1676. Children : — 
 
 2. John, 1639-1696; probably unmarried. 
 
 3. 5 Mary, 1641-1702 ; m. in 1663 Joseph Clark (2). 
 4. 1 Martha, 1641 ; m. in 1663 William Sabin (1). 
 
 5. Sarah, 1644-1715; m. Domingo White of Lynn; died in 
 
 Medfield. 
 
 6. James, 1646-1691 ; m. in 1673 Lydia Adams (2). He had no 
 , children. His house was burned by the Indians, and he 
 
 was one of the petitioners for aid on that account. His 
 house, it is supposed, was rebuilt; but its location is un- 
 known. It was evidently in the south part of the town. 
 
 Nathaniel, 1648. 
 
 Joseph, 1652. 
 
 t 
 
 Nathaniel ^ (James ') settled on the original Allen homestead 
 on South Street. His first wife was Mary Sabin (4). William 
 Sabin mentions in his will, 1687, his grandchild, Samuel Allen, to 
 be paid a legacy by Nathaniel Allen out of a debt owed to the 
 estate by him. Mary died in 1674 ; and he was married in Boston, 
 by Governor Leverett, to Mary Frizzell in 1677. He died in 1718, 
 his wife in 1746. Both were members of the church, in full com- 
 munion in 1697. Children: — 
 
 9. Samuel, 1674; was living at time of his father's death. 
 10. Nathaniel, 1678-1760 ; was unmarried ; lived on his father's 
 place, which he gave at his death to Abijah Baker (2), who 
 married his niece. 
 4-11. James, 1679. 
 
 12. John, 1 682-1 75 1. He settled in the south part of the town, 
 
 on the estate now owned by Bonney Brothers. His 
 father had received in 1689 a grant of land on the east 
 side of the way leading to Stop River, and other mem- 
 bers of the family had also grants in that vicinity. John 
 had received his portion before his father's death. He 
 married in 1709 Mehitable Rockwood (23), and probably 
 located in the south end about that time. He was sur- 
 veyor in 1 714. He had no children, and at his death gave 
 his farm to John, son of his brother James. 
 
 13. Mary, 1685; m. in 1725 Zechariah Barber (23); and, second, 
 
 William Mann of Wrentham. 
 
296 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 14. Ann, 1687 ; m. in 1719 Ebenezer Hill of Wrentham. 
 
 15. Ebenezer, 1694; m. in 1719 Ann Hill; settled in Medway. 
 
 16. Sarah, 1697-1698. 
 
 17. Benjamin, 1701; sold his rights in his father's estate to 
 
 brother John, and settled in Lambstown in Worcester 
 County. 
 
 Joseph = (James ■) took his house lot in the north part of the 
 town, ever since known as the " Allen place." In 1673, when he 
 was twenty-one years of age, he had a grant of two parcels of 
 land ; one lying between his father's land 
 below Samuel Wight's and the road leading 
 ^Si^Mi^^ to Goodman Morse's, and the other between 
 
 lands of James Allen and Samuel Wight, 
 
 ALLEN HOMESTEAD. 
 
 bounded on the east by the 
 highway leading to Natick. 
 He was a cooper by trade, 
 though following farming 
 largely. His house and shop were erected before Philip's war ; 
 and the family tradition has it that the Indians took shavings 
 from the shop and lighted them on the floor of the house, but, 
 being upon a trap-door leading to the cellar, it fell through as it 
 burned, and the flames were extinguished. Joseph Allen's name 
 does not appear among the petitioners for aid in consequence of 
 losses. All the other buildings in that part of the town were 
 destroyed. 
 
 He married in 1673 Hannah Sabin (6). She died in 1730. 
 Joseph died in 1703. His will was not presented for probate till 
 1720, when his youngest son Nehemiah came of age. He and 
 his wife were members in full communion at the time of Mr. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 29/ 
 
 Baxter's settlement. Joseph held the office of sealer of weights 
 and measures in 1688. Children : — 
 
 -(-18. Joseph, 1676. 
 
 19. Hannah, 1679; "»• '" 1705 Benoni Twichell (8). 
 
 20. Daniel, 1681 ; settled in Pomfret, Conn. 
 
 21. David, 1683; settled in Ashford, Conn. 
 -|-22. Noah, 1685. 
 
 23. Eleazar, 1688-1759; >"■ Mary Battle of Dedham in 1712. 
 
 He settled on a tract of land, now in the southerly part of 
 Dover, that his father had purchased. His children were : 
 Eleazar, Jr., who inherited his farm; Obadiah, settled in 
 Wrentham; Samuel, who married in 1747 Abigail Smith 
 (64), and also settled in Wrentham ; Mary, who married in 
 1734 Samuel Richardson of Medway; and Esther, who 
 married Pelatiah Morse (104). 
 
 24. Jeremiah, 1690. 
 
 25. Hezekiah, 1692; after leaving Mediield, resided for a while 
 
 in Weston, and then became the owner of a large tract 
 of land in Dover. He married Mary Draper of Dedham 
 in 1722. He was dismissed from Medfield church to the 
 church in Natick in 1743. 
 .26. Abigail, 1694; m. Ebenezer Battle. 
 
 27. Nehemiah, 1699. He sold his rights in the homestead to 
 his brother Noah. Nehemiah and wife, Mary Parker, 
 were in Sherborn 1 723-1 741 ; in Sturbridge in 1745. 
 
 Note. — It is said that there were two daughters of Joseph and Hannah, of 
 whom no record is found. 
 
 Jamess (Nathaniel,^ James") settled on the west side of the 
 river, on lands received by his father's will. He married Rebecca 
 Turner (16). He died in 1739. Children : — 
 
 28. James, 1710. 
 
 -I-29. John, 171 2. 
 
 30. Sarah, m. Partridge. 
 
 31. Abigail. 
 
 32. Rebecca. 
 
 18. 
 
 Joseph 3 (Joseph,^ James ■) settled on North Street, near Dover 
 line. He married in 1701 Miriam Wight (26). He died in 1727. 
 Children: — 
 
 +33- Joseph, 1702. 
 
 34. Miriam, 1704: m. in 1732 Daniel Thurston of Marlboro, 
 
 afterward of Sturbridge. 
 
 35. MosES, 1708; went to Sturbridge. 
 
 36. Lydia, 1 714. 
 
 37. Aaron, 1715; m. Hannah ; was in Sturbridge in 1740; 
 
 lived previously in Dedham. 
 
 Noah 3 (Joseph,^ James ') had the homestead at the north part 
 of the town, buying the rights of his brother Nehemiah and prob- 
 
298 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 ably of the other heirs. He was appointed sealer of weights and 
 measures in 1714. He married in 1714 Sarah, daughter of Jon- 
 athan Gay of Needham, who was a woman, of more than ordinary 
 ability and energy. After her husband became hopelessly though 
 harmlessly insane, the entire care of the family and the manage- 
 ment of the estate devolved upon her until her sons were old 
 enough to assume the burden. Noah died in 1754; his wife, in 
 1782, at the age of ninety. Children : — 
 
 38. Sarah, 1715-1742 ; m. in 1732 Joshua Boyden (20). 
 
 39. Thankful, 1717-1760; m. in 1742 Seth Clark (74). 
 -(-40. Noah, 1719. 
 
 41. Jeremiah, 1721 ; perhaps the Jeremy Allen who lived on 
 North Street, near Dover, and died in 1777. 
 -f-42. Elijah, 1722. 
 
 43. Sybil, i 724-1 753 ; m. in 1749 Silvanus Plimpton (46). 
 -|-44. Jonathan, 1726. 
 
 29. 
 
 John 4 (James,3 Nathaniel,^ James') became heir to the estate 
 of his uncle in the south part of the town. He married in 1743, 
 before his removal to Medfield, Huldah Hill, who died in 1798, 
 aged eighty. His uncle died in 1751 ; and he came to this town 
 after that event, as the first three of his children were born in 
 Medway. He died in 1778. Children: — 
 
 45. Jesse, 1744. 
 
 46. John, 1747. 
 
 47. Hannah, 1751-1767. 
 
 48. Eliakim, 1754-1819; m. in 1779 Mary Johnson of Franklin. 
 
 He seems to have received the sympathy of the towns- 
 men in his poverty and misfortunes. In 1787, his tax was 
 abated; and he had liberty to cut wood on the town's 
 land. In 1795, he was permitted by vote of the town to 
 set a house on the town land, with the privilege of im- 
 proving a garden. The house stood on the spot where 
 that of R. A. Battelle now stands. In 1797, the town 
 voted him $15 "to help him in his present disability." 
 He had suffered the loss of an arm. The same help 
 was extended to him in subsequent years. 
 -(-49. James, 1756. 
 
 50. Mary, 1759-1821 ; unmarried. 
 
 51. Amos, 1761 ; m. in 1784 Susanna Everett. Four children 
 
 are recorded: Charlotte, 1786; Hannah, 1789; Joseph, 
 1 791 ; Charles, born in Walpole in 1801. 
 
 52. Finis, i 765-1821; unmarried. 
 
 33- 
 
 Joseph 4 (Joseph,3 Joseph,^ James ■) at the death of his father 
 came into possession of his estate. He sold in 1729 a pasture of 
 five acres to John Cutler, lying near Cutler's house. He probably 
 sold out the rest of the estate soon after, as in 1738 he and his 
 
GENEALOGIES. 299 
 
 ■wife were dismissed to the church in Sturbridge. He married 
 Abigail Gold, who died in 1727; second, Sarah Parker. Chil» 
 dren : — 
 
 53. Abigail, 1727. 
 
 54. Asa, 1729. 
 
 55. Azubah, 1731-1731. 
 
 56. Olive, 1732. 
 S7- Joseph, 1734. 
 
 40. 
 
 Noah 4 (Noah,3 Joseph,^ James ') succeedqfl to the possession of 
 the homestead. His first wife was Miriam Fisher (42), who died 
 in 1757. He married, second, in 1761 Abigail Ellis (29), who 
 died in 1764; third, in 1766, Sybil, widow of Elisha Smith (53). 
 Noah died in 1804. He was selectman in 1766-67 and 1775. 
 Children : — 
 
 --58. ASAHEL, 1744. 
 
 --59. Fisher, 1747. 
 
 --60. Silas, 1749. 
 
 61. Gad, 1751-1751. 
 
 -(-62. Nathan, 1753. 
 
 63. Miriam, 1762; m. in 1786 Lieutenant Seth Kingsbury of 
 Walpole. 
 
 -(-64. Phineas, 1764. 
 
 42. 
 
 Elijah 4 (Noah,3 Joseph,^ James') settled in the extreme north 
 part of the town, where John Newell now lives. He was a house- 
 wright by trade. He married in 1754 Sarah Morse (65), then in 
 her fifteenth year. He died in 1792, having become insane for 
 some years before his death. Children : — 
 
 65. Sarah, 1755; m. in 1778 Philip Blake of Wrentham, who 
 
 had resided in town for some years, but returned to 
 Wrentham or Franklin after his marriage. Sarah died 
 •in 179s. 
 
 66. Sybil, 1757; m. in 1781 Rufus Mann (13). 
 
 67. Catharine, 1759; m. in 1780 John Hartshorn of Walpole. 
 
 68. Thankful, i 761-1784; m. in 1780 John Bullard (46). 
 
 69. Abigail, 1771 ; m. in 1792 Noah Daniels (24). 
 
 44. 
 
 Jonathan 4 (Noah, 3 Joseph,^ James ') was a cooper by trade. 
 A maiden lady, Mary Wight (36), by her will in 1753 gave her 
 homestead to her "friend, Jonathan Allen." The place is now 
 occupied by William C. Allen. He married in 1752 Sarah Ellis 
 (70), who died in 1771; second, in 1772, Abigail Harding (45). 
 He served as selectman in 1771-73. He died in 1807. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 70, 
 
 +71 
 72, 
 
 73 
 74. 
 
 Jonathan, i 759-1 759. 
 
 Oliver, 1762. 
 
 John, m. in 1789 Amy P. Harding (71). 
 
 Olive, 1775 ;. m. in 1795 Aaron Clark (219). 
 
 Abigail, 1777; m. in 1801 Phinehas Partridge of Franklin. 
 
300 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 49. 
 
 ' James 5 (John,4 James,3 Nathaniel,^ James ') settled on his 
 father's homestead on South Street, at the foot of Rocky Lane. 
 He married in 1779 Mary Cheney (59), who died in 1825. He 
 died in 1835. Children: — 
 
 75. Nancy, 1781-1865; unmarried. 
 
 76. Polly, i 782-1855 ; m. in 1807 John Kingsbury (2). 
 
 77. Alexander, i 784-1 785. 
 -I-78. John, 1786. 
 
 79. Olive, i793»-i874; unmarried. 
 
 58. 
 
 Asahel 5 (Noah,4 Noah, 3 Joseph, = James ') was a joiner by trade, 
 and lived on Farm Street, in a house that stood a little south of 
 .B. F. Shumway's, on the west side of the road. He sold this 
 house to his brother Silas in 1776. He married in 1775 Patience 
 Richardson, probably daughter of Daniel of Medway, where she 
 died in 1792. He died in 1784. Children : — 
 
 80. David, 1777-1857; resided in Leominster. 
 
 81. Jeremiah, 1778-1862; m. Mary Kingsbury of Needham; 
 
 lived in West Newton. 
 
 82. Jonathan, 1780; drowned at Paris, Me., in 1815. 
 
 83. Patience, 1784; m. Calvin Jocelyn of Leominster. 
 
 '59- 
 
 Fisher 5 (Noah,4 Noah,3 Joseph,^ James ') inherited the estate 
 of his grandfather Josiah Fisher (32) of Dover, who had no sons. 
 He married in 1771 Rachel Smith (87), who died in 1829. He 
 died in 1842, at the age of ninety-five. Children: — 
 
 84. Miriam, i 772 ; m. Daniel Kingsbury of Walpole. 
 
 85. Abigail, 1774; m. Nathaniel Fisk of Holliston, whose son 
 
 Noah inherited the homestead. 
 
 86. Rachel, 1779; m. Daniel Mann of Dover. 
 
 60. 
 
 Silas 5 (Noah,4 Noah.s Joseph,^ James ■) was a cooper, like many 
 others of the family. He bought out his brother Asahel in 1776. 
 He married in 1772 Priscilla Plimpton (69). He sold his place 
 in 1791, and removed to Shrewsbury, where he died in 1824. 
 Children : — 
 
 87. Elizabeth C, 1773-1863; m. Ephraim Hapgood. 
 
 88. Asahel, 1775; «• Lucy Hemmenway, and, second, Mary J. 
 
 Parker, both of Shrewsbury. He died in Wisconsin in 
 1866. 
 
 89. Simon, i 777-1 785. 
 
 90. Noah, 1779-1845; resided in Shrewsbury. 
 
+9 
 
 GENEALOGIES. 3OI 
 
 62. 
 
 Nathan s (Noah,4 Noah,3 Joseph,^ James ') settled in the north 
 part of the town, where William Q. Fisher lately lived. He mar- 
 ried in 1779 Anne Smith (88), who died in 1827. Nathan served 
 on the board of selectmen in 1794 and in 1800-01. He died in 
 1848. Children: — 
 
 91. Anne, 1780-1870; m. in 1801 Quincy Fisher (51). 
 -92. Obed, 1782. 
 -93. Nathan, 1784. 
 
 64. 
 
 ■Phineas 5 (Noah,4 Noah, 3 Joseph, ^ James ') inherited his father's 
 homestead. He was a selectman in 1810, 1822; chosen deacon 
 of the Unitarian church in 1828. He married in 1787 Ruth 
 Smith, born 1769, daughter of Asa (44). She died in 1832 ; and 
 he married, secbnd, Eliza Turner of Boston. At the age of six- 
 teen, he enlisted in the Continental Army, and was at West Point 
 at the time of Arnold's treachery and the execution of Major 
 Andrd. He shared in the hardships of our army in "the Jerseys." 
 He returned at the close of the war in miserable plight, having 
 travelled the whole distance of two or three hundred miles on foot. 
 Children : — 
 
 94. Abigail, 1788- 1796. 
 
 -I-95. Joseph, 1790. 
 
 -j-96. Ellis, 1792. 
 
 97. Silas, 1795. 
 
 98. Asa S, 1797; m. Lydia Kingsbury of Walpole; second, 
 
 Martha J. Camp. Is a clergyman, and has been settled 
 in several places. 
 
 99. Abigail, 1799; m. in 181 8 Gershom Adams (158). 
 
 100. Phineas, 1801 ; graduated at Harvard College in 1825; 
 m. in 1828 Clarissa Fiske (10.) Has been principal of 
 academies at Concord and Northfield ; also, teacher of 
 Spanish in the Allen School at West Newton, 
 -l-ioi. Noah, 1801. 
 
 71- 
 Olivers (Jonathan, 4 Noah, 3 Joseph,^ James ') settled upon his 
 father's homestead. He married in 1793 Sarah Allen (177), whom 
 he very soon left a widow, dying in 1795. Son : — 
 
 -(-102. Willard, 1794. 
 
 78. 
 
 John ^ (James,5 John,4 James,3 Nathaniel,^ James ') built a house 
 on a part of his father's farm. He died before his father, who at 
 his decease gave the house and some lands to the heirs of John. 
 He married in 1817 Amanda Learned, who died in 1823 ; second, 
 in 1825, Sally Chickering. He died in 1832. His widow died in 
 1865, aged seventy. Children : — 
 
 103. Harriet, 1818-1855; unmarried. 
 
 104. Eliza W., 1819. 
 
 105. Abigail, 1820. 
 
 106. John W., 1826; resides in West Dedham. 
 
302 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 92 
 
 ObedS (Nathan, 5 Noah/ Noah,3 Joseph,^ James") bought the 
 estate formerly Elijah Allen's, now owned by John Newell, his 
 grandson. He married in 1806 Caroline Harding (69), who died 
 in 1863. He was commissioned as captain in 1812, major in 1814, 
 and lieutenant-colonel in 1815. He served the town as a select- 
 man fourteen years, as treasurer five years, and was schoolmaster 
 1804-12. He died in 1869. Children: — 
 
 107. Caroline, 1806; m. in 1832 John A. Newell of Dover. 
 
 108. Obed, 1808; m. Betsey Newell of Dover; died at Pond- 
 
 ville in 1872. 
 
 93 
 
 Nathan * (Nathan, s Noah,4 Noah,3 Joseph,'' James ') resided for 
 several years in Medfield, and at one time carried on the business 
 of butchering and of baking on the corner of North and Green 
 Streets. He was unsuccessful in both, and removed to Dedham. 
 He married Catherine Fisher (80) in 1808. Children : — 
 
 109. Catherine H., 1810; m. W. H. Spear of Plymouth, 
 no. Fisher, 1812. 
 
 111. Mary A., 181 6; m. Dr. James Aldrich of Fall River. 
 
 112. Louisa, 1819; was a teacher in Plymouth. 
 
 113. Lucy M., 1824-1852. 
 
 114. Alfred, 1827. 
 
 95- 
 
 Joseph 6 (Phineas,5 Noah,4 Noah,3 Joseph, ^ James ') was edu- 
 cated at Harvard College, graduating in 181 1. He was a Uni- 
 tarian clergyman, and was settled for many years at Northboro. 
 He married in 1818 Lucy C, daughter of Dr. Henry Ware, Sen. 
 He died in 1874. Children : — 
 
 IIS- Mary W., 1819; m. in 1840 Dr. J. J. Johnson of Northboro. 
 
 116. Joseph H., 1820; m. in 1845 Anna M. Weld of Jamaica Plain. 
 
 117. Thomas Prentiss, 1822-1868; m. in 1846 Sarah A. Lord of 
 
 Northfield. 
 
 118. Elizabeth W., 1824. 
 
 119. Lucy C, 1826 ; m. in 1857 Albert E. Powers. 
 
 120. Edward A. H., 1828; m. in 1855 Eugenia S.Teulon. 
 
 121. William F., 1830; m. in 1862 Mary T. Lambert; second, in 
 
 1868, Margaret L. Andrews. 
 
 Ellis 6 (Phineas,5 Noah,4 Noah.s Joseph,^ James-) lived upon 
 the Allen homestead, near Castle Hill. The longevity of this 
 family is something remarkable, developed through several genera- 
 tions, — " neither so wealthy as to tempt to idleness or dissipation, 
 or so poor as to debar from healthful social enjoyments and good 
 living." Death did not enter this circle of brothers and sisters 
 for the period of seventy-eight years. Neither were his children 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 303 
 
 called to mourn the 
 death of parent, 
 brother, or sister for 
 over fifty years. 
 While carrying on 
 the work of his farm, 
 h e yet interested 
 himself in all the 
 leading questions of 
 the times. He was 
 one of the first in 
 this town to advo- 
 cate anti-slavery prin- 
 ciples. Mr. Garrison 
 thus wrote of him : 
 " 1 shall always hold 
 him in remembrance 
 as one of the tried 
 and true of the old 
 ' Guard of Freedom,' 
 whose feet were 
 planted upon the 
 everlasting rock, in 
 whose daily walk 
 were exemplified the 
 patience of hope and 
 the labors of love, 
 who could make no compromise with a time-serving expediency, 
 who was ready to stand in the gap according to the exigency of 
 the hour, and whose faith and courage never faltered as to the 
 triumph of the righteous cause. That triumph he happily lived to 
 witness." 
 
 He married in 1814 Lucy Lane of Scituate. During his last 
 years, he resided with his sons at West Newton, where he died in 
 1875. Children: — 
 
 -|-i22. William C, 1815. 
 
 123. George E., 1817; m. Susan M. Treat of Waltham; resides at 
 
 West Newton. 
 
 124. Joseph A., 181 9; m. Lucy T. Burt. 
 
 125. Lucy M., 1821 ; m. in 1842 James Davis of Northboro. 
 
 126. Nathaniel T., 1823; m. Caroline S. Bassett; resides at 
 
 West Newton. 
 
 127. Fanny L., 1825-1831. 
 
 128. Abby E., 1828; m. in 1852 Charles D. Davis. 
 
 129. James T, 1831 ; m. in i860 Caroline A. Kittredge; resides in 
 
 West Newton. 
 
 ELLIS ALLEN. 
 
 Noah ^ (Phineas,5 Noah,4 Noah,3 Joseph,^ James ') settled upon 
 the place he now occupies, which formerly belonged to the family 
 
304 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 of John Wight. He married Paulina S., daughter of Ruggles 
 Whiting of Dover. Children : — 
 
 130. Lucius W., 1835-1880 ; m. in 1864 Almira F. Leeds ; second, 
 
 in 1876, May Barber. 
 
 131. Helen L, 1838. ^ r^ • , 
 
 132. Sarah P., 1842 ; m. in 1865 Jerome S. Darnels. 
 
 W1LLARD6 (01iver,5 Jonathan,4 Noah,3 Joseph,- James-) lived 
 on the place owned by his father and grandfather. He married 
 in 1818 Charlotte Hill (26), who died in 1855. He died in 1856. 
 Children : — 
 
 133. WiLLARD L, 1820-1883; resided in Milford. 
 
 134. RUEL C, 1822-1858. . 
 
 135. Oliver J., 1825 ; m. Sarah A. Wild, who died in 1863 ; sec- 
 
 ond, in 1867, Susan O. Partridge, who died in 1876. 
 
 136. Sarah A., 1827; m. Prentiss Leland of Sherborn ; second, 
 
 Phineas Willard. 
 
 137. Albert S., 1842; m. Lizzie Whitten; lives in Milford. 
 
 William C? (Ellis,^ Phineas,s Noah,4 Noah.s Joseph,- James-) 
 married Harriet Coggin of Mount Vernon, N.H., who died in 
 1865 ; second, in 1882, Abbie B. Kern. Children : — 
 
 138. William C, 1844-1885; died in the South, leaving six 
 
 children. 
 
 139. George E., 1846. 
 
 140. Charles T., 1848. 
 
 141. Harriet G., 1850-1876. 
 
 142. Nathaniel T., 1852-1872. 
 
 143. Alphonso L., 1854. 
 
 144. Francis S., 1855. 
 
 145. James F., 1858; m. in 1878 Mary E. Kern. 
 
 146. Fanny L , i860. 
 
 147. Joseph E., 1862; m. in 1886 Charlotte B. Dyer. 
 
 148 
 
 William Pitt 5 (Hezekiah,* Hezekiah,3 Joseph,- James -) was 
 born in Dover in 1777. He married in 1789 Keziah Mason (63), 
 and removed to Medfield about 1798 to live with his wife's father, 
 then in advanced age. He had an eccentric and somewhat fool- 
 ish brother-in-law, Ebenezer Mason, who assisted about the farm- 
 work. One day, in the spring of 1802, as the two were at work 
 in the field laying out manure from a cart preparatory to planting. 
 Mason became offended, and struck Allen on the head with the 
 shovel he was using. He died soon after from the effects of the 
 
GENEALOGIES. 305 
 
 blow. For this act, Mason was executed at Dedham the same 
 year. Children : — 
 
 149. Reuben, 1789; m. MaryB. Shedd. 
 
 150. WiLLARD, 1793; lived in Deerfield. 
 
 151. Martha, 1796; m. Raph Battelle of Dover. 
 
 152. Ira, 1797; m. Pamela Whitney; second, in 1837, Esther 
 
 Townsend; lived in North Providence, R.I. 
 
 153. Amos, 1799; m. Adaline Goodenough. 
 
 154. Mary, 1802; m. Uriah Brett (i); second. Deacon Capen of 
 
 Canton. 
 
 155- 
 William Allen came to Medfield, and settled on the west side, 
 about 1668. He has sometimes been called the son of James ; 
 but there is no evidence that this was the fact, and many things 
 quite positively indicate the contrary. He married in 1668 Eliza- 
 beth Twichell, daughter of Benjamin of Dorchester, who had set- 
 tled at the "Farms." Elizabeth died in 1717 ; and he married, 
 second, Abiel Barber (25), probably. He died in 1738, "aged 
 according to the best accounts upwards of 90 years,'' as the Med- 
 way records state. Children : — 
 
 156. Mary, 167 i. 
 
 157. William, 1674; died young. 
 -I-158. William, 1684. 
 
 -\-iS9- Benjamin. 
 
 160, Elizabeth ; m. in 1705 Eleazar Partridge (49). 
 
 161. Martha; m. in 1705 Daniel Thurston (26). 
 
 158. 
 William 2 (William') married in 1705 Hannah Evans (3), and 
 lived in Medfield several years, on her father's homestead, at the 
 corner of Bridge Street. He was in Wrentham in 1706; in Ded- 
 ham, 1707; in Medfield again, 1719. His wife died in Medway 
 in 1740; the following year, he sold his estate in Medfield, and 
 we lose sight of him. Children : — 
 
 162. William, i 706-1 706. 
 
 163. William, 1707 ; went to Rutland. 
 
 164. Hannah, 1715; m. Edward Cobb of Medway. 
 
 159- 
 Benjamin^ (William') married in 1696 Mary Fairbanks (10). 
 He went to Ashford, Conn., where he died; and his widow mar- 
 ried Nathaniel Gary of that place. Children : — 
 
 165. Benjamin, 1697. 
 
 166. Mary, 1698. 
 
 167. Lydia, 1700. 
 
 168. Edward, 1703. 
 
 169. David, 1705. 
 
306 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 170. 
 
 John Allen, son of Abel of Weston, born 1699, came to 
 Medfield about 1728, having bought the homestead of Jonathan 
 Boyden, Jr., on the Walpole road, now or lately owned by J. B. 
 Cram. He married in 1725 Elizabeth Hastings, who was re- 
 ceived to full communion here from the church in Weston in.1731. 
 He became a member of the Second Baptist Church in Boston 
 in 1752, and was one of the originators of Baptist meetings in this 
 town. He died of small-pox in 1764. His wife died in 1767. 
 Children : — 
 
 171. John, 1730-1752. 
 
 172. Esther, 1733; m. in 1761 Stephen Whiting of Dedham. 
 -(-173. Nathan, 1737. 
 
 174. Sarah, i 739-1 740. 
 
 175. Enoch, i 741-1778 ; ra. Jar.e ; who survived him, and m. 
 
 in 1783 Joseph Turner of Walpole. 
 
 176. Elizabeth, 1744: m. in 1766 Simeon Page of Walpole. 
 
 173- 
 
 Nathan (John) lived on the place which was his father's, which 
 he seems to have occupied in connection with his brother Enoch 
 until the death of the latter. He sold the place in 1782 to Edward 
 Cleaveland (i). He removed with his family to Walpole, where he 
 died in 1803. He married, first. Thankful Hartshorn in 1765, who 
 died in 1770; second, Rachel Carriel of Walpole. Children: — 
 
 177. Sabah, 1766; m. in 1793 Oliver Allen (71); second, in 1801, 
 
 Eneas Johnson (12); third, George Harding of Medway. 
 
 178. John, 1767. 
 
 179. Duty, 1770. 
 
 180. Thankful, 1771. 
 
 181. Esther, 1773. 
 
 182. Lucy, 1775. 
 
 ARMSBY. 
 
 Joshua Armsby first appears in Medfield records in 1704, the 
 year of his marriage with Mehitable Boyden (11). Nothing further 
 is known of him except the birth of two children. He died prior 
 to 17 15, in which year his widow married Titus. Children : — 
 
 2. Mehitable, 1705. 
 -|-3. Joshua, 1708. 
 
 Joshua == (Joshua') lived west of Noon Hill, near Norfolk line. 
 He married in 1733 Esther Cheney (28). He died in 1793. 
 Children : — 
 
 4. Huldah, 1734; m. in 1757 Benjamin Boyden of Walpole. 
 
 5. Phebe, I73S-I759- 
 
 6. Enos, 1737 ; m. in 1763 Joanna Perry; settled in Sutton. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 3O7 
 
 7. Merab, 1 740-1 762. 
 
 8. Esther, 1744; m. ia 1768 James Plimpton of Sturbridge. 
 
 9. Zadock, 1 746-1 786. 
 10. Shem, 1 749-1 777. 
 n. Adar, 1751-1825. 
 12. Molly, 1754-1829.- 
 
 +13. Matthias, 1757. 
 
 14. Joshua; graduated from Harvard College in 1773; settled 
 in Sutton. He was dismissed from the Medfield church 
 to that in Sutton in 1799. 
 
 13- 
 Matthias 3 (Joshua,^ Joshua '), during the latter part of his life, 
 resided on the Wrentham side of the line. He married in 1783 
 Unity Boyden of Walpole, who survived his death in 1799, and 
 married John Turner. Children : — 
 
 -I-15. Shem, 1783 ; born in Walpole. 
 
 16. Cynthia, 1785; m. in 1806 Obadiah Sartwell. 
 
 17. Matthias, 1787; died in Illinois, leaving four sons. 
 
 18. Molly, 1789; m. Josiah Day of Walpole. 
 
 19. Silas, 1792; said to have died while in college. He kept 
 
 school here in 1811. 
 
 20. WiLLARD, 1798 ; died in Chelsea, leaving a family. 
 
 15- 
 Shem * (Matthias,3 Joshua,^ Joshua ') married in 1805 Elizabeth 
 Perry (17), who died in 1807 ; second, Sally Farral, who died in 
 1872. He died in 1861. Children: — 
 
 21. Elizabeth, 1805; m. William Fales of Wrentham. 
 
 22. Mary ; m. Joseph Bailey (2). 
 
 BABCOCK. 
 
 Lowell Babcock was born in Sherborn in 1801, son of Colonel 
 Moses Babcock and wife, Betsey Leland. He married Thankful 
 Sanger, born in Sherborn in 1803, daughter of Benjamin Sanger 
 and wife, Olive Bullard (56). He removed to Medway- in 1835, 
 and died there in T872. Children : — 
 
 2. Adaline E., 1821; m. in 1847 Thaddeus R. Haynes, who 
 
 died in E. Medway in i860. 
 
 3. Albert H., 1823 ; resides in Charlestown. 
 -I-4. Benjamin J., 1825. 
 
 5. Olive M., 1835; m. in 1853 William S. Tilden (7). 
 -\-6. Lowell, 1837. 
 
 7. Mary A., 1843-1861. 
 
 4- 
 Benjamin J.^ (Lowell ') came to Medfield in 1841. He married 
 in 1847 Milletiah T. Johnson (14), who died in 1870; second, in 
 1871, Abby J. Colburn of Dedham. Children : — 
 
 8. Francis L., 1849; physician; resides in Dedham. 
 
 9. Albert J., 1851 ; m. in 1880 Emma L. Bruce (10). 
 
308 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 10. William A., 1857 ; m. in 1885 Carrie L. Rockwood. 
 
 11. Charles B., 1859; m. 1q 1879 Winifred C. Marvel. 
 
 12. Mary A., 1870-1870. 
 
 6. 
 
 Lowell := (Lowell') married in i8s9'Alfreda Bailey of Rumney, 
 N.H. Children: — 
 
 13. George G., i86i ; m. in 1881 Estelle A. Brown. 
 
 14. Herbert W., 1864. 
 
 15. Edward L., 1867-1879. 
 
 16. Mary A., 1876. 
 
 17- 
 Ebenezer Babcock was born in Sherborn in 1793. He mar- 
 ried in 1824 Sylvia Jennings, who died in 1830 ; second, in 1833, 
 Mary Whitney. He came to this town about 1845, where he re- 
 sided till his death in 1876. Children : — 
 
 18. Mary Jane, 1825-1869; m. in 1853 Stephen F. Turner (77). 
 
 19. Sylvia A., 1827; m. in 1856 Enoch Adams. 
 
 20. D. Elizabeth, 1830; m. in 1856 Francis Bentley. 
 
 21. Caroline A., 1834-1836. 
 
 22. Rhoda W., 1836-1836. 
 
 23. Christiana C, 1838-1840. 
 
 24. E. Granville, 1843 ; ™- "^ 1867 Clara A. Morse. 
 
 25. Annie W., 1857; m. in 1879 George F. Giles. 
 
 BAILEY. 
 
 Martin Bailey was born in Marlboro in 1788. His parents 
 soon removed to Newfane, Vt., from whence he came in 1807 to 
 Medfield. In 18 12, he married Asenath Kingsbury of Foxboro, 
 who died in 1877, aged eighty-seven. She was a member of the 
 Baptist church for sixty-nine years. He died in 1874. Children : — 
 
 2. Joseph, 1813; m. Mary Armsby(22); settled in Wrentham, 
 now Norfolk, on the homestead of her father. 
 -|-3. Martin, 181 5. 
 4.- Nancy, 1817; m. in 1836 James Chickering, and resides in 
 
 Ashland. 
 5. Asenath, 1820; m. in 1840 Charles Hutson, and resides in 
 Illinois. 
 -\-6. Francis, 1829. 
 
 7. Abigail, 1832. 
 
 3- 
 Martin 2 (Martin ■) married in 1839 Elvira Heald, an adopted 
 daughter of Captain William Felt, who inherited his estate on Main 
 Street, opposite the head of South Street. She died in i8i;6 aeed 
 thirty-eight. Children:— ^ ' * 
 
 8. Mary E., 1841 ; m. in 1868 Nathaniel Fitch; resides in 
 
 Naples, Ind. 
 
 9. George W., i8jo. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 309 
 
 Francis ^ (Martin ') was a tinplate worker by trade. He 
 married, first, Mary Taylor of Walpole, who died in 185 1 ; 
 second, Lizzie Taylor, sister of his first wife. He died in 1870. 
 Children : — 
 
 10. Herbert, 1851 ; resides in Norwood. 
 
 11. Arthur. 
 
 BAKER. 
 
 Abijah Baker, son of John of Dorchester and wife Preserved 
 Trott, was born in 1691, and came to Medfield soon after his 
 marriage with Hannah Jones. He settled on the Walpole road, 
 on the spot lately owned by heirs of Isaac Guild ; the old well 
 being still in use at the barn, near which stood the house. He 
 died in 1761, and his wife in 1776. Children: — 
 
 -)-2. Abijah, 1718. 
 
 3. Thankful, 1721 ; m. in 1742 Daniel Morse of Walpole. 
 
 4. Mary, 1724; m. in 1746 John Ellis, Jr; probably removed 
 
 to Bellingham. 
 
 5. C Hannah, 1728-1729. 
 
 6. X Elizabeth, 1728 ; m. in 1747 Bezaleel Turner (29). 
 -\-7. MicAH, 1 73 1. 
 
 8. Ebenezer, not recorded in Medfield, but mentioned in his 
 father's will ; resided in Walpole. 
 
 Abijah 2 (Abijah') was a house wright by trade, and became 
 heir to the property of Nathaniel Allen on South Street (where 
 Mr. Rhodes now lives), who was a relative of his wife. He mar- 
 ried in 1742 Esther Hill of Medway. About 1761, he sold out 
 and removed to Franklin, where he died in 1780. Children : — 
 
 9. James, 1743; settled in Franklin. 
 
 10. Silas, i 744-1 744. 
 
 -(-II. Preserved, 1745. 
 
 12. Thankful, i 747-1 833; unmarried. 
 
 13. Abijah, 1749-1824; lived in Franklin. 
 
 14. John, 1751 ; lived in Franklin. 
 
 15. Esther, 1753-1759. 
 
 16. Nathaniel, 1755-1759. 
 
 17. Esther, 1759. 
 
 7- 
 MiCAH^ (Abijah') inherited his father's homestead, where he 
 lived till about 1766, when he sold it and removed to Walpole. 
 He afterward lived for a short time in Medfield. He married in 
 1751 Abigail Streeter, who died in 1761 ; second, in 1763, Eliz-. 
 abeth Whitmore of Stoughton. He removed to Royalston about 
 1785. Children: — 
 
 18. Rebecca, 1751 ; m. in 1773 Joshua Hews (3). 
 
 19. Hannah, i 754-1 754. 
 
3IO 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 20. 
 21 
 
 22, 
 23 
 24 
 25 
 26, 
 27, 
 
 MiCAH, 1755. 
 
 Nathan, i757-i777- 
 
 Abigail, 1758. 
 
 Eltzabeth, 1763. 
 
 Rhoda, 1765. 
 
 MiCAH, 1 766 ; born in Walpole. 
 
 Hepsibah, 1 768 ; also in Walpole. 
 
 Sarah, i 777-1 778; born and died in Medfield. 
 
 Preserved 3 (Abijah,^ Abijah-) settled at first in Walpole In 
 1 78 1, he bought the estate belonging to heirs of Isaac Boyden, 
 near where C. D. Strang now lives. Two houses stood on the 
 west side of the road, and the barn on the east. This he sold in 
 1789 to Francis Hamant and John Needham. He died in 1792, 
 and his wife in 1794. Children : — 
 
 28. 
 29. 
 3°- 
 31- 
 32- 
 
 +33- 
 
 Asa. 
 
 Nahum, 1 778-1 852 ; insane and a pauper. 
 
 Preserved. 
 
 Elizabeth. . ^, , ., 
 
 Rachel ; m. Wood ; dismissed to church in Uxbridge 
 
 in 1797. 
 Amos. 
 
 33- 
 
 Amos 4 (Preserved.s Abijah,^ Abijah-) married in 1796 Abigail 
 Smith (19). His wife died in 1806, and he removed to Vermont. 
 Children : — 
 
 34 
 35 
 36. 
 37 
 38, 
 39 
 
 Electa, 1797; m. Sewall Ware. 
 
 Amos, 1798; died in Providence, R.I. 
 
 Preserved ; went to Vermont. 
 
 Abigail, 1804; m. Benoni Morse of Medway. 
 ( Thomas, 1806; died in Medway, unmarried. 
 I William, 1806; went to Vermont. 
 
 40. 
 
 Joel Baker, son of Joseph Baker and wife, Monica Gay, was 
 born in W. Dedhara in 1787. He came to this town about 18 17, 
 bought the "Thurston lot," and built the house now owned by 
 B. F. Crehore. In a shop adjoining, he carried on for many years 
 the business of a wheelwright. He married Abigail Heaton, of 
 Charlestown, N.H., who survived her husband, and died in 1873, 
 ■aged eighty-three. He died in i860. Children : — 
 
 -j-41. Joseph H., 1820. 
 -|-42. Thomas J., 1822. 
 
 43. Julia A., 1828-1863 ; m. in 1850 George W. Chenery (65). 
 
GENEALOGIES. 3 I I 
 
 41. 
 
 Joseph H.^ (Joel ') married in 1854 C. Anna Wharton of Brooks, 
 Me., who died in i86i ; second, in 1864, Mrs. Mary C. Keith of 
 Wakefield, daughter of Ralph Battelle of Dover. Children : — 
 
 44. Joseph H , 1855 ; m. in 1884 Hattie S. Dupee. 
 
 45. Robert W., 1859; ""■ '" '886 Lizzie McFeat. 
 
 42. 
 
 Thomas J.^ (Joel') married in 1851 Cynthia A. Breck (17). 
 Children : — 
 
 46. Frederick J., 1853. 
 
 47. Edward T., 1855. 
 
 48. Julia A., 1859. 
 
 49. Sarah B., 1861. 
 
 50. Moses E., 1863. 
 
 BALCH. 
 
 John Balch was born in Beverly in 1772. He married in 
 1792 Phebe Hammond of Braintree, and came to Medfield after 
 his eldest son established himself in business here. He died in 
 1849 ; his widow, in 1861. Children : — 
 
 +2. Weslev p., 1794. 
 
 3. Phebe, 1797; m. Joseph Marshall. 
 
 4. Enoch, 1799-1825. 
 -(-5. John, 1801. 
 
 6. Benjamin, 1804; m. in 1826 Chloe Smith (154); lives in 
 
 Providence. 
 
 7. Ebenezer H., 1806; m. Betsey Childs of Mendon; second, 
 
 Sarah Wood of Upton. 
 
 8. Lydia H., 1808; m. in 1831 Orin Nichols of Lowell. 
 
 9. Ellen B. H., 1812-1876; m. in 1836 George S. Mason (89). 
 10. Mary B., 1817-1840; m. George Davis. 
 
 Wesley P.^ (John ') came to Medfield when a young man, and 
 worked in a bakery, then on the corner of North and Green 
 Streets. After the failure of the proprietor, he started business 
 on his own account in a building which stood on the site of 
 J. R. Cushman's late residence on North Street. In 18 18, he 
 bought one acre of land on Main Street, and erected a house and 
 bakery on the spot now owned and occupied by Henry M. 
 Parker, where he carried on a successful business for many 
 years. He served as a selectman repeatedly, and held the office 
 of town treasurer; was an enterprising and influential citizen. 
 He married in 181 7 Rebecca Battelle of Dover, who died in 
 
312 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. • 
 
 1820; second, in 1821, Mary Baker of Dedham, who died in 1845; 
 third, Mrs. Eliza A. Brackett of Lowell. He died in 1856. 
 Children: — 
 
 11. Albert B., 1819; resides in Lowell. 
 
 12. Wesley P., 1822; resides in Boston. 
 
 13. Mary R. H., 1823 ; m. George Pettes of Boston. 
 
 14. Elizabeth C, 1828-1845. ■ 
 
 15. William A., 1849. 
 
 16. Elizabeth A., 1851. 
 
 John ^ (John ') resided in this town for several years ; after- 
 ward removed to Boston, where he died in 1868. He married 
 in 1827 Abigail Fairbanks (20). Children: — 
 
 17. John F., i 829-1 869; m. Elvira Janes (3). 
 
 18. Eliza E., 1835. 
 
 19. 
 
 Peter Balch was, without doubt, son of Deacon Samuel of Bev- 
 erly. He bought land and buildings in Medway in 17 16. Six 
 years after, he was in Medfield apparently a poll-tax payer only. 
 In 1725, he married Elizabeth Dwight (5); lived in Medway a 
 few years after his marriage, where he was deacon of the church 
 1730-32, and where three of his children were born. He returned 
 to Medfield about 1733. His oldest child died, and the youngest 
 was born here. He was a cordwainer by trade. In 1734, he was 
 chosen tithing-man, and the next year highway surveyor and sealer 
 of leather. In 1738, he was chosen deacon of the church here. 
 About 1740, he removed to Framingham, where he was a deacon 
 of the church again. He died in Framingham in 1755, aged 
 seventy. Children : — 
 
 20. Mary, i 726-1 736. 
 
 21. Elizabeth, 1729; m. Daniel Adams of Framingham. 
 
 22. Timothy, 1732-1741. 
 
 23. Sarah, 1734; m. John Pike of Framingham. 
 
 • 
 
 BARBER. 
 
 George Barber was born in England about 1615. He em- 
 barked for the New World in the " Transport " July 4, 1635, receiv- 
 ing a certificate of his conformity to the orders and discipline of 
 the Church of England from the minister at Gravesend. He was 
 accepted a townsman at Dedham in 1640. Among the names of. 
 those who were members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery 
 Company in 1646 is that of "Captain George Barber." In 1647, 
 he took the freeman's oath at Dedham. He was one of the fore- 
 most in forming the settlement at Medfield, and in November, 
 1651, made a contract with the selectmen to build a mill "for the 
 
GENEALOGIES. 313 
 
 supply of the town," which he did, locating it on Mill Brook, just 
 below where it crosses Elm Street. This mill he sold the next 
 year to Henry Adams. In 1652, he was on the committee for lay- 
 ing out highways, and to his care was intrusted the cutting of the 
 fine timber trees that grew along Vine Brook. In 1663, he "beat 
 the drum," and received from the town therefor four bushels three 
 pecks of corn. He was frequently employed in the settlement of 
 estates, and was also, for some time, the principal military officer 
 of the town. He served ten years on the board of selectmen, 
 twenty-three years consecutively as town clerk, and four years as 
 representative to the General Court. His house was on Main 
 Street, near where that of the late Bradford Curtis now stands. 
 He married in 1642 Elizabeth Clark, who died in 1683 ; second, 
 Joan, widow of Anthony Fisher of Dedham. He died in 1685. 
 Children : — 
 
 3 
 
 ^. 
 
 7 
 8, 
 
 +9. 
 
 Elizabeth, i 641 -1643. 
 
 Mary, 1643- 1643. 
 
 Mary, 1644-1700; m. in 1666 Jonathan Morse (11). 
 
 Samuel, 1647. 
 
 John, 1649. 
 
 Elizabeth, 1651-1714; m. in 1669 Daniel Morse (10). 
 
 Hannah, 1654. 
 
 Zechariap, 1656. 
 
 Abigail, 1659. 
 
 Samuel ^ (George ') settled on his father's place. He was ac- 
 cepted as a townsman in 1675, and became a very prominent 
 citizen. He was schoolmaster, representative five years, select- 
 man for thirty-one years, town clerk twenty-eight years, and was 
 chosen deacon of the church in 17 10. His house was probably 
 one of the best in the town, and we find in 1688 that the town- 
 meeting was held there. 
 
 He married in 1674 Mary Harding (4), who died in 1731. He 
 died in 1736. Children : — 
 
 11. Mary, i 675-1 676. 
 
 12. Samuel, 1678-1704. 
 
 13. James, 1680-1704. 
 
 14. Hannah, 1683-1755; m. in 1706 Joseph Richardson (5) ; 
 
 inherited the homestead. 
 
 15. Thomas, 1686-1691. 
 
 16. Mary, i 693-1 704. 
 
 John ^ (George ') settled in the north part of the town, where 
 John G. Hutson now lives. He had a house there as early as 
 1684. He, with six others, obtained in 1674 a grant on the 
 North Brook for the purpose of building a saw-mill. This mill 
 is said to have been a little distance below where the box factory 
 
314 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 and saw-mill now stand. He was married at Dorchester in 1674 
 to Abigail Badcock, daughter of Robert. He died in 1688, at the 
 age of thirty-nine. Children : — 
 
 17. John, 1676; removed to Mendon. 
 
 18. Abigail, 1679; m. Ichabod Harding (11). 
 
 19. Elizabeth, 1681 ; m. in 1699 John Death of Sherborn. 
 -(-20. George, 1684. 
 
 21. Abiel, 1689. 
 
 Zechariah 2 (George ') settled on Bridge Street, near the corner 
 of the road leading to Dingle Dell. • He owned what is now the 
 town farm, and appears to have built his house shortly after the 
 Indian war. He married in 1683 Abiel Ellis (55), who died in 
 1716. He died in 1705. Children; — 
 
 22. Benoni, 1684-1684. 
 
 -I-23. Zechariah, 1685. 
 
 24. Joseph, 1687-1770; resided in West Medway. 
 
 25. Abiel, 1691 ; m. probably William Allen (155). 
 
 26. John, 1693-1754; settled in Medway ; deacon of the church. 
 
 27. Ruth, 1695; m. in 1730 Henry Smith (20). 
 
 28. Thomas, 1698-1705. 
 
 29. Elizabeth, 1700; m. in 1722 Jonathafi Battle. 
 
 30. Mary, 1703. 
 
 Georges Qohn,^ George') inherited his father's place at the 
 north part of the town, where he spent his life. He was chosen 
 deacon of the church about 1725. He served the town as a select- 
 man, and went as representative four years. By his will, he gave 
 the estate to his daughter, she to pay to her brother John the sum 
 of twenty pounds. Deacon Barber died in 1747, his wife Ann 
 having died the previous year, aged sixty-one. Children : — 
 
 -t-31. John, 1708. 
 
 32. Ann, 1726-1813; m. in 1744 Nathan Penniman ; second, in 
 1747, Joshua Bullard (31). The Barber homestead was 
 sold in 1 751 to Robert Hinsdale (24). 
 
 23- 
 
 Zechariah 3 (Zechariah,^ George ') received his father's estate 
 in Bridge Street. In 17 17, the estate was represented as inca- 
 pable of division ; and he paid off his brothers and sisters. He 
 married in 17 17 Deborah Partridge (14), who died in 1723; 
 second, in 1725, Mary Allen (13), who survived his death in 1746' 
 and became the wife of William Mann of Wrentham. Children : 
 
 33. Zechariah, 1719-1746. 
 
 34. Deborah, i 720-1 740. 
 -(-35. Elisha, 1722. 
 
GENEALOGJES. 315 
 
 31- 
 
 John 4 (George,3 John,= George') lived here till 1739, when he 
 is said to have removed to Sudbury. It is believed that he en- 
 listed under Governor Shirley, and was killed in the expedition 
 
 against Fort Niagara. He married Hannah , and the births 
 
 of two children are recorded here : — 
 
 36. Abigail, 1736. 
 
 37. Hannah, 1737. 
 
 35- 
 
 ELiSHAt (Zechariah,3 Zechariah,^ George ■) inherited the Bridge 
 Street place, and lived upon it till about 1754, when he removed 
 to Sherborn, where he died in 1803. He married in 1751 Silence 
 Fairbanks, who died in 1804. Children: — 
 
 38. Zechariah, 1752; resided in Sherborn, perhaps also in 
 
 Warwick. 
 
 39. Deborah, 1754; m. Thomas Greenwood of Winchendon. 
 
 40. Sarah, 1756; m. Zibeori Hooker. 
 
 41. Elisha, 1758-1814; lived in Sherborn. 
 
 42. Oliver, 1763-1814; lived in Sherborn. 
 
 43. Silence, 1765. 
 
 All but the first were born in Sherborn. 
 
 BARNEY. 
 
 Thomas L. Barney was born in Newton in 18 15. He came to 
 Medfield in 1837, and having, in company with his brother, bought 
 out the stock of James H. Boyden, kept store in a building on the 
 corner of South and Main Streets, which belonged to Charles 
 Onion, who kept the post-office there at the same time. With the 
 exception of a year or two, when they were in business in Sher- 
 born, they continued till 1848. Then, disposing of their stock, 
 they commenced business in Roxbury, which continued from 1850 
 to 1856. The partnership was then dissolved, and Thomas came 
 to Medfield again ; and, purchasing the stock of goods belong- 
 ing to D. B. Farrington, he commenced storekeeping in a part of 
 the tavern building. In i860, he bought the old school-house, and 
 fitted it up as a dwelling and store, on the spot formerly owned by 
 Mr. Onion. He married in 1841 Mary M. Smith (157). Children : 
 
 2. Gertrude M., 1842-1845. 
 
 3. Thos. Frederick, 1846. 
 
 4. George L., i 852-1 852. 
 
 5. Mary D., 1857-1858. 
 
 BAXTER. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Baxter, second minister of Medfield, was the son 
 of Lieutenant John Baxter of Braintree, and was born in 1676. 
 He graduated from Harvard College in 1693, at the age of seven- 
 
3l6 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 teen. He first preached in Medfield when he was eighteen years 
 old ; and, though entirely acceptable, the people thought best to 
 wait awhile before settling him, on account of his extreme youth. 
 He received a call, however, April 26, 1694. As soon as he was 
 twenty-one years of age, he was ordained, April 21, 1697. In 
 1696, he bought the homestead of Joseph Bullard on Main Street, 
 opposite the head of Spring Street. Judge Sewall, in his Diary, 
 speaks of visiting Medfield in 1697, and says he "viewed Mr. 
 Baxter's house, and the orchard Captain Frary hath given to the 
 ministry, which lies very convenient ; a living brook running by 
 it, and through Mr. Baxter's." The orchard had belonged to 
 John Frary, Sen., and was on the spot owned by heirs of Cyrus 
 Stedman. Mr. Baxter's house lot contained ten acres, lying on 
 both sides of the way. He married Mary Fisk of Braintree, who 
 was received to church here in 1701. His salary was ;^7o for 
 several years. His first wife having died about 1710, he married 
 in 1712 Rebecca Safifin of Bristol, who died the next year. His 
 third wife was Mrs. Mercy Brigham. He, in common with other 
 wealthy citizens, owned slaves. In 1714, we find that "Mr. 
 Baxter's man Tony" was paid for ringing the bell. In 1717, the 
 salary was advanced to ;£"8o ; and in 1721 he had a monthly 
 contribution besides. The value of money was depreciating at 
 this period, owing to the large quantities of paper money that 
 had been issued. In 1725, he had ;^ioo. 
 
 In 1 73 1, he had from the town a grant of "half an acre of 
 land on the east side of the meeting-house to build a house on." 
 This was where the straw-shop now stands. He did not build 
 upon it, however, and in 1742 gave a quit-claim to the town. 
 
 In 1733, his salary was made ;£'i30 ; in 1738, ;^6o, "new 
 tenor"; in 1741,^180, "old tenor." In 1742, the town voted 
 him a salary of ;£'6o, "middle tenor," or ;^i8o, "old tenor"; 
 and he was to have a contribution " to help supply the pulpit 
 during his weakness." In 1743, his salary was to be ;^S5, lawful 
 money, or ;£'22o, "old tenor." The paper money was growing 
 worse and worse. 
 
 Mr. Baxter died of the dropsy May 2, 1745, aged sixty-nine. 
 
 He published the Election Sermon, 1727, sermons to two soci- 
 eties of young men, and other sermons, in 1729. He preached 
 the sermon at the dedication of the first meeting-house in Stur- 
 bridge, in 1733. When Governor Shute proposed to the Indians 
 that a Protestant missionary be sent to them at the eastward, 
 Mr. Baxter's name was mentioned ; and he commenced a corre- 
 spondence with the' French Jesuit, Ralle, who was then in those 
 parts. The correspondence was in Latin, and Ralle accused 
 Mr. Baxter of a want of scholarship. The Governor replied 
 that the "main qualification in a missionary to the barbarous 
 Indians was not to be an exact scholar as to the Latin tongue, 
 but to bring them from the power of Satan, who has usurped 
 possession of these parts of the world for so many ages, into the 
 kingdom of the Son of God." 
 
GENEALOGIES. 317 
 
 His real and personal estate at his death was valued at ;^i,883. 
 Besides lands in this town, he owned rights in iron works at Crack 
 Rock, in Stoughton (now Foxboro), iron works in Walpole, half a 
 farm " at a place called Tuesick in the township of Georgetown 
 at the eastward," part of a right in lands lying on Georges River, 
 and an island near Topsham, " commonly called Baxter's Island." 
 
 In his will is the following : " I devise to my beloved wife, 
 Mercy Baxter, twenty pounds a year in bills of the old tenor, 
 so long as she shall live, besides all the household goods she 
 brought to me, and whatsoever she had by her father, or former 
 husband, or sister ; and also my horse and chaise and the tack- 
 ling belonging to it, and the service of my Negro Slave, Nanny, 
 during my wife's life ; and to my Negro Slave I give her free- 
 dom at my wife's decease." He afterward adds, " It is my will 
 that upon condition my Negro woman shall not in all things 
 carry and behave herself dutifully and well towards her said 
 mistress, my wife, then she shall not have her freedom ; but I 
 give to my wife full power to sell or dispose of her for life at 
 her discretion." During his ministry, three hundred and sev- 
 enty-three persons were admitted to the church, two hundred 
 and twenty eight owned the covenant, and one thousand one 
 hundred and seventy-five received baptism. Children: — 
 
 2. Joseph, i 700-1 700. 
 
 3. Mary, 1701 j m. in 1720 John Gardner of Stow. 
 
 4. Sarah; m. in 1722 Thomas Buckminster. 
 
 5. Hannah, 1704-1796; m. in 1723 Oliver Peabody, the 
 
 preacher to the Indians at Natick. 
 
 6. Joseph, 1706; graduated at Harvard College in 1724; 
 
 taught school here 1725-27; educated as a physician, but 
 died of small-pox in 1732. 
 -(-7. John, 1708. 
 8. Thomas, 1710. 
 
 John ^ (Joseph •) lived on the place which had belonged to his 
 father. He was a prominent man in town affairs, a surveyor of 
 land, served many years on the board of selectmen, was town 
 clerk and town treasurer for a long time. He married in 1732 
 Rebecca Fisher, daughter of John (12), who died in 1796. He 
 died in 1788. He owned a house about the year 1740 in the 
 north part of the town, apparently near the spot now occupied by 
 that of the late W. Q. Fisher ; perhaps lived there till his father's 
 death. Children : — 
 
 -I-9. Joseph, 1734. 
 
 10. Nathan, i735-i73S- 
 
 n. Mary, 1737; m. in 1763 Thomas Mason (27). 
 
 12. Richard, 1740; settled in Princeton. 
 
 13. Moses, 1742; settled in Rutland. 
 +14. John, 1746. 
 
 15. Sarah, i 750-1 780; m. in 1778 Silas BuUard (42). 
 
3l8 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 9 
 
 Josephs (John,^ Joseph ■) settled at the old saw-mill place near 
 Noon Hill. He married in 1760 Mary Partridge of Medway, and 
 resided in this town till about 1779, when he removed to Prince- 
 ton. He served in the French war from Medway. Children : — 
 
 -)-i6. Stephen, 1761. 
 
 17. Rebecca, 1763. 
 
 18. Mary. 1767. 
 
 19. LucixDA, 1773. 
 
 14 
 John 3 (John,^ Joseph ') inherited the ancestral home on Main 
 Street. He had the confidence of his townsmen, and was often 
 elected to public station. He transacted law business, was one 
 of the selectmen eight years, town clerk fourteen years, treas- 
 urer thirteen years, and representative to the Legislature _ six 
 years. He married, at the age of thirty-eight. Silence Wight 
 (79), widow of Rev. Daniel Adams of Watertown, who died in 
 1817. "Squire Baxter" died in 1832. Daughter: — 
 
 20. Sarah, 1785-1866; m. Nathaniel Bosworth (i). 
 
 16. 
 Stephen 4 (Joseph, 3 John,^ Joseph') graduated at Harvard 
 College in 1788. He kept school here in 1788, and also taught 
 a singing-school with great success. It was said to be the greatest 
 local musical affair of those times. People came from the sur- 
 rounding towns to hear. Stephen afterward became a minister, 
 and was settled in Warren, Mass. He became insane, and died in 
 184.6. His wife was Elizabeth Lovell of Medway. 
 
 BISHOP. 
 
 Jonathan Parker Bishop was born in Killingly (now Putnam), 
 Conn., April 10, 1792, and was the son of Jonathan Parker Bishop, 
 a well-known physician, and Hannah (Torrey) Bishop. He came 
 to Medfield and taught the North School, when a young man. He 
 married in 1817 Eliza Harding (91), and about the year i8i8 com- 
 menced the practice of law, having been admitted to the bar in 
 another county. 
 
 From 1822 to 1834, he was in Illinois, and for short periods 
 in the State of Maine. With these exceptions, he resided in 
 Medfield until his death. He represented the town in the Leg- 
 islature in the years 1848 and 185 1, and on each occasion was 
 elected with special reference to a particular question in which 
 the town was strongly interested. In 1848, it was the question of 
 a railroad through the town by what was known as the " Pettee 
 Route," from some point on the then Boston & Worcester Rail- 
 road in Brookline, Brighton, or Newton, through the northern part 
 of Medfield to Medway, with a further line to Woonsocket in con- 
 templation. A rival route from Dedham to Walpole, and thence 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 319 
 
 to Blackstone, was 
 also projected ; 
 and the two lines 
 were in bitter 
 hostility to each 
 other, as it was 
 not then supposed 
 that two railroads 
 so near together 
 could be sup- 
 ported from the 
 intervening coun- 
 try. Both routes 
 were finally built, 
 but neither char- 
 ter was granted at 
 that session. Mr. 
 Bishop was very 
 active in the mat- 
 ter of securing the 
 first-named road, 
 and it was largely 
 by his exertions 
 that it was finally 
 built. At the ses- 
 sion of 1851, the 
 question was the 
 election of two United States senators,'^one as successor to Daniel 
 Webster. This was at the beginning of the Free Soil (which 
 afterward became the Republican) party, formed largely by a split 
 and secession from the Whigs on the question of slavery. The 
 new party formed a coalition with the Democrats on the sena- 
 torial question, with the purpose of electing one Free Soiler and 
 one Democrat, both sound on the question of slavery. There 
 was great interest in all the towns, and candidates were almost 
 invariably pledged througKout the State. Mr. Bishop was the 
 Medfield candidate of the coalition for representative, and was 
 elected. The result of the senatorial contest, the election of 
 Charles Sumner and Robert Rantoul, Jr., to the vacancies, the 
 former by a majority of one only, after twenty-six ballotings, was a 
 source of lifelong gratification to Mr. Bishop. Of the many per- 
 sons having a right to claim that his vote decided the contest, he 
 was one ; and he often referred to his presence and vote for Mr. 
 Sumner at every roll-call. He possessed much public spirit, and 
 from time to time held various town offices. He died July 10, 1865. 
 His wife survived him, and died Nov. 16, 1877. Children : — 
 
 -\-2. MosES B. H., 181 7. 
 
 3. Caroline E., 1820; m. in 1842 Silas W. Wilder; second, 
 
 Charles Jennings. 
 
 4. Mary D., 1822-1863 ; m. in 1850 John Battelle of Dover. 
 
 5. Robert R., 1834; m. in 1857 Mary H. BuUard of HoUiston. 
 
 JONATHAN PARKER BISHOP." 
 
320 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Moses B. H.^ (Jonathan P.') married, first, in 1843, Abigail 
 Torrey, who died in 1852 ; second, Eliza H._Leavens of Killingly, 
 Conn. He resides on the estate owned by his grandfather, Moses 
 B. Harding, and by Moses Bullen. Son : — 
 
 6. Elisha p., 1854-1876; m. in 1875 Abby A. Hartshorn (26). 
 
 BOSWORTH. 
 
 Nathaniel Bosworth came to Medfield from Dighton. He 
 married in 1807 Sarah Baxter (20), only heir to the Baxter estate. 
 The date of his death is unknown. She died in 1866. Children : 
 
 2. John B., i 808-1 842; musician in Uijited States service. 
 
 3. Sarah, 1810-1880. 
 
 4. Mary, 1812-1844; m. in 1841 Charles Hamant (49). 
 
 5. Nathaniel, 1815; was a gunsmith; is said to have died 
 
 in New York. 
 
 BOWERS. 
 
 John Bowers came with the Braintree and Weymouth men 
 about 1652. His house lot was near the "great bridge," the 
 site being not far from where the house belonging to heirs of 
 John F. Newell now stands. His house was burned by the 
 Indians in 1676 ; and he, with his only son, was slain on the 
 same day. His wife 'died in 1694. Children: — 
 
 -\-2. John. 
 
 3. Mary, 1646-1707 ; m. in 1676 John Metcalf (2). 
 
 4. Elizabeth, 1654-1724; m. in 1676 Michael Metcalf (3). 
 
 5. Sarah, 1663-1727; m. in 1685 Joseph Metcalf (5). 
 
 John^ (John') came with his father. He married in 1673 
 Sarah Clark (7) ; and, about this time, he appears to have had 
 a house near his father's. His house- was burned and its owner 
 slain on the day of the Indian attack upon the town. His 
 widow was married to Samuel Smith (5) (whose wife was also 
 slain by the Indians) on the first anniversary of the mournful 
 event. Son : — 
 
 +6. John, 1675. 
 
 6. 
 
 John 3 (John,^ John') was an infant when his father was killed. 
 He received a small bequest in the will of his grandfather Clark, 
 was sole heir to the estate of his father, and appears to have had 
 the benefit of all that his grandfather Bowers owned, as that 
 estate was not divided during his lifetime; but, after his death, 
 the Metcalfs put in a claim, and a division was then made. He 
 built a house in 1698-99 upon the old Bowers' estate, which had 
 
GENEALOGIES. 32 [ 
 
 lain waste during a quarter of a century. He married in 1702 
 Hannah Partridge (8), who outlived his death in 1729, and became 
 the wife of Eleazar Bullard (loi). Children : — 
 
 7. Seth, 1707-1719. 
 
 8. Hannah, 1709. 
 
 9. Sarah, 1711-1779; unmarried. In her youth, she received 
 
 the attentions of John Baxter (7), who at last left her for 
 a more aristocratic match. Her mind seems to have been 
 unsettled, as in 1741 the selectmen of the town report 
 to the court that " Sarah Bowers is distracted or non- 
 compos"; and a guardian was appointed. 
 
 10. John, 1713-1718. 
 
 11. Elisha, 1715-1775; resided on the old homestead, where 
 
 he died unmarried. 
 
 12. James, 1718-1754; resided in Medway, unmarried. 
 
 13. Mary, i 720-1 721. 
 
 BOYDEN. 
 
 Thomas Boyden came to America in the ship " Francis," from 
 Ipswich in 1634, being then twenty-one years of age. He was a 
 member of the church in Scituate in 1635. He afterward went 
 to Watertown, where he lived some years, and was made a free- 
 man in 1647. His wife Frances died in 1658 ; and in the same 
 year he married Hannah, widow of Joseph Morse (4). In 1660 
 there was a settlement of the Morse estate ; and, the eldest son 
 having received his portion, the court allowed Thomas Boyden 
 to improve the estates of the rest of his wife's children till they 
 should be of age. It was afterward agreed that Boyden should 
 have all the houses and lands, and pay to each of them, when 
 of age, the sum of ;^26 13^-. /^d. And he was to see that the 
 " sonnes " were taught to read and write. 
 
 The house which belonged to the Morse heirs, and which 
 became the Boyden homestead, was on what is now Pound Street. 
 Hannah, the wife of Thomas, died in 1676, while at her daughter's 
 house in Boston. The record of his death has not been found. 
 The records of the town show that he was chosen tithing-man in 
 1682, after which nothing more is said of him. Children : — 
 
 2. Thomas, 1639; settled in Groton. 
 
 3. Mary, 1641. 
 
 4. Rebecca, 1643. 
 
 5. Nathaniel, 1650. 
 -(-6. Jonathan, 1652. 
 
 7. Sarah, 1654. 
 
 6. 
 
 Jonathan ^ (Thomas ') was the only one of the family, as far 
 as known, who came to Medfield with the father. He was born 
 in Boston. At what date he came here is not known. The first 
 that is heard of him is his marriage in 1673 with Mary Clark (6). 
 There is no record of the settlement of his father's estate, but it 
 
322 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 seems to have been transferred to him in some way. He became 
 prominent in town affairs. He was in full communion in the 
 church prior to 1697; became captain in 17 12; was representa- 
 tive to the Legislature in 17 15. There is reason to believe that 
 his house stood near where that of John Mason now stands, in 
 
 1685. He married, second, Anne , who survived him and 
 
 died in 1735. He died in 1732. Children: — 
 
 -|-8. Jonathan, 1674. 
 
 9. Mary, 1677-1718; m. in 1697 Joshua Clap. 
 
 10. Elizabeth, 1678; m. in 1702 Nehemiah Sabin (8). 
 
 11. Mehitable, 1679; ™- 'Ji 1704 Joshua Armsby (i). 
 
 12. Thomas, 1681-1771 ; m. in 1707 Deborah Wight (30); set- 
 
 tled in Wrentham. He was the father of James Boyden, 
 who was chosen deacon of the Medfield church in 1761, 
 and who died in 1779. 
 
 13. John, 1685-1754; was in Medfield in 1711, but afterward 
 
 settled in Walpole. 
 -(-14. Joseph, 1687. 
 
 15. Sarah, 1690; m. in 1710 David Jones of Walpole. 
 
 Jonathans (Jonathan,^ Thomas '), about 1700, built a house on 
 the road leading toward Walpole, the place near the junction of 
 High and Plain Streets. He married, first, Rachel Fisher (29), 
 who died in 1712; second, Esther Thurston (22). He died in 
 1719. Children: — 
 
 16. Jonathan, 1700; m. in 1726 Mehitable Lovell (12). 
 
 17. John, 1702. 
 
 18. Marah, 1705-1705. 
 
 19. David. He, with John and Jonathan, settled in Walpole as 
 
 early as 1729. 
 -|-2o. Joshua, 1709. 
 
 21. Benoni, 1712-1712. 
 
 22. Silence, 1714-1714. 
 
 23. Seth, 1715; prominent among the early settlers of Foxboro. 
 
 14. 
 
 Joseph 3 (Jonathan,^ Thomas ») settled in the south part of the 
 town. The traces of his house can still be seen on the west side of 
 the road near Cyrus Strang's. The barn was on the east side, 
 and his cart road from his barn to the field on the hill may still 
 be readily traced. In 1718, his father deeded to him thirty acres 
 on "planting field," and half an acre with buildings on the west 
 side of the way. He married in 1713 Mary Wheeler (2), who 
 died in 1765, he having died in 1758. Children : — 
 
 24. Joseph, 1715-1715. 
 +25. Isaac, 171 7. 
 
 26. Mary, i 726-1 779; m. in 1750 Elisha BuUen. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 323 
 
 Joshua 4 (Jonathan, 3 Jonathan,^ Thomas '), after the death of his 
 father, appears to have taken up his abode with his grandfather, 
 Captain Jonathan, whose homestead he came into possession of at 
 his death. It is certain that he was living on Pound Street, near 
 South, in 1735. He was a housewright by trade, and had perhaps 
 assisted in the erection of the house. He was chosen sealer 
 of weights and measures in 1742, and on the board of selectmen 
 in 1755, 1757, and 1758. He married in 1732 Sarah Allen (38), 
 who died in 1742; second, in 1743, Sarah, widow of Isaac Che^ 
 nery (11), who died in 1748; third. Widow Rachel Bullard, of 
 Wrentham. In 1762, he deeded the homestead to his son Asa. 
 Children : — 
 
 --27. 
 
 Lemuel, 1735. , 
 
 --28. 
 
 Asa, 1737. 
 
 29. 
 
 Catherine, 1738; m. in 1759 Jonathan Adams of Medway 
 
 3°- 
 
 Sarah, i 740-1 740. 
 
 31- 
 
 MiCAH, 1 742-1 742. 
 
 32. 
 
 MiCAH, 1744. 
 
 33- 
 
 Moses, 1749. 
 
 34- 
 
 Elijah, 1751. 
 
 3S- 
 
 Joshua, 1754. 
 
 36. 
 
 Sarah, 1759. 
 
 37- 
 
 Elisha, 1 761. 
 
 25 
 
 Isaac 4 (Joseph,3 Jonathan,^ Thomas ') settled upon the home 
 place at the south end. He married in 1738 Kezia Smith (63). 
 He died at Sheffield in 1758. Children : — 
 
 38. Kezia, 1738 ; m. in 1762 Oliver Clark of Walpole. 
 
 -I-39. Joseph, 1741. 
 
 40. Hannah, i 745-1 791 ; m. in 1771 Asa Wight (90). 
 
 -I-41. Benjamin, 1743. 
 
 42. Jabez, 1 749-1 776; killed at Ticonderoga. 
 
 43. Mercy, 1750; was living in 1763. 
 
 44. Elizabeth, 1756-1846; m. in 1787 Simeon Chenery (22). 
 
 27. 
 
 Lemuel s (Joshua,4 Jonathan, 3 Jonathan,^ Thomas ') does not 
 appear to have had a permanent home, but was said to be of 
 Medfield, when he enlisted for the French war. He married in 
 1757 Mary Seaver ; second, Anna , who died in 1773. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 45. Oliver, 1758-1759. 
 
 46. Rebecca, 1761. 
 
 47. Rachel, 1762. Illegitimate; was bound out by the town 
 
 in 1769, apparently to Widow Mary Wight. See Ann 
 Cheney (41). 
 
 48. Anna, 1769; bound out by the town in 1775. 
 
324 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 28. 
 
 Asa s (Joshua,4 Jonathan,3 Jonathan,^ Thomas ') succeeded to 
 the possession of the ancestral homestead, where he spent his 
 life. He was one of the selectmen in 1788. He married in 
 1763 Priscilla Cutler (7), who died in 1827. He died in 1803. 
 Children : — 
 
 -(-49. Silas, 1765. 
 
 -(-50. Amos, 1766. 
 
 51. Sarah, 1768 ; m. in 1799 Amos Cheever of Wrentham. 
 
 52. Priscilla, 1773; m. in 1802 Squire Morse of Shrews- 
 
 bury, Vt. 
 
 53. Asa, 1 775-1 776. 
 
 54. Hannah, 1777-1848; m. in 1807 Elisha Clark (214), and 
 
 inherited her father's place. 
 
 39- 
 Joseph s (Isaac,'t Joseph,3 Jonathan,^ Thomas ') married in 
 1763 Miriam Clark (iii), and lived for several years on the place 
 where he was born at the south end. He enlisted into the French 
 war in 1759, and experienced some of the hardships of that service. 
 (See history.) In 1781, he sold out his property in Medfield, and 
 removed to Sturbridge. He was under discipline of the Medfield 
 church in 1802. Died in 1812, his wife in the following year. 
 Children : — 
 
 55. Isaac, 1764; settled in Sturbridge. 
 
 56. WiET, 1766; died in Sturbridge in 1783. 
 
 57. Joseph, 1769. 
 
 58. f Paul, 1771 ; died in Sturbridge in 1813. 
 59.1 Silas, 1771. 
 
 60. Experience C, 1775; m- in '795 David P. Lancaster of 
 Sturbridge. 
 
 41. 
 Benjamins (Isaac,4 Joseph,3 Jonathan,^ Thomas') lived with 
 his brother Joseph until the place was sold in 1781, when he re- 
 moved to Walpole, afterward to Dedham. He married Unity 
 Plimpton (51), who died in 1828. He died in 1804. Children: — 
 
 61 
 62 
 63 
 64, 
 65 
 66. 
 67, 
 
 Catherine, 1767; m. in 1801 Henry Plimpton (95). 
 
 Consider, i 769-1 769. 
 
 Olive, 1771 ; m. Joseph Guild. 
 
 Abigail, 1773; m. Thomas Clapp. 
 
 John, 1775; went to Sturbridge. 
 
 Benjamin, i 777-1834. 
 
 Jabez, 1779; died young. 
 
 Unity, i 783 ; born in Walpole. 
 
 Two other children were born in Walpole. 
 
 49. 
 
 Silas ^ (Asa,5 Joshua,4 Jonathan,3 Jonathan,^ Thomas ') settled 
 on the road leading to South Plain, at the place corner of EUm 
 
GENEALOGIES. 325 
 
 and Cross Streets. He married in 1785 Phebe Armsby of Wren- 
 tham. He died in 1841, his wife in 1848. Children : — 
 
 69. Joseph, 1787-1787. 
 
 70. LuciNDA, 1788; m. in 1812 Isaac Wellman. 
 
 71. John, 1791 ; settled in Worcester. 
 
 72. Nancy, 1796; m. Isaac Wellman, husband of her elder 
 
 sister deceased. 
 -|-73' Silas, 1801. 
 
 74. Daniel, i 802-1802. 
 
 5°- 
 
 Amos* (Asa,5 Joshua,4 Jonathan, 3 Jonathan,^ Thomas') lived 
 on South Street, at the place now owned by Mr. Barts, which his 
 father had bought in 1787. He seems to have lived in Franklin 
 at the date of his marriage and for a short time afterward. He 
 married Susanna Kingsbury of Franklin, who died in 1851. He 
 died in 1843. Children : — 
 
 75. Asa, 1789; born in Franklin; enlisted into the United 
 
 States service, from which he deserted, and suffered the 
 extreme penalty. 
 
 76. Theodore, i 792-1 862; unmarried. 
 
 77. Infant, 1 794-1 794. 
 -f-78. ( Presson, 1798. 
 
 9-r 
 
 79. l Lawson, 1 798-1 798. 
 
 73- 
 
 Silas 7 (Silas,* Asa,s Joshua,4 Jonathan,3 Jonathan,^ Thomas ') 
 settled on his father's place, where he resided till feeble health 
 compelled him to relinquish labor. He then removed to his son's, 
 in Chicopee. He married in 1825 Caroline Harding (79) who 
 died in 1877. He died in 1881. Children : — 
 
 80. Moses H., 1828; resides in Chicopee. 
 
 81. Louisa C, 1831-1873 ; m. in 1858 Moses Hartshorn (25). 
 
 82. Francis W., 1 837-1861 ; left one son. 
 
 83. Joanna L., 1839; resides in Newton. 
 
 78. 
 
 Presson 7 (Amos,* Asa,5 Joshua,4 Jonathan, 3 Jonathan, ^ 
 Thomas ') married Fanny Williams of Mansfield ; resided in 
 Ashland. Daughter : — 
 
 84. Susanna, 1823; married and resides in Ashland. 
 
 85. 
 
 James H.? (James,* James,5 James,* Thomas,3 Jonathan,^ 
 Thomas ') was born in Wrenthani in 1808. He came to Med- 
 field when a young man, and kept a store on the corner of Main 
 and South Streets. He married Mary Kendall of Lowell; went 
 
326 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 from here to Baltimore, afterward to Roxbury, Mass., and to Low- 
 ell, where he died. He was town clerk here in 1836-37. Chil- 
 dren: — 
 
 86. Frances E:, 1835. 
 
 87. James H., 1836. 
 
 88. Elizabeth R., 1838. 
 
 BRASTOW. 
 
 Beriah Brastow was born in 1751, and came to Medfield from 
 Wrentham about 1806. His wife, Jerusha Kollock, was a grand- 
 daughter of Ephraim Wheelock (36). Her brother, who was a 
 wealthy physician in the South, and who occasionally came north 
 during the summer with his retinue of colored servants, built a 
 house for his sister in Medfield, the same now used for the alms- 
 house. The Brastow family resided there for some time, and 
 from them came the name of " Brastow's bridge." Colonel 
 Brastow appears to have been a prominent citizen ; he died in 
 1824. Children: — 
 
 2. Sally; m. in 1810 Jairus Ware of Wrentham. 
 -3. Lemuel K., 1788. 
 -4. Addison, 1794. 
 
 There were also other children. 
 
 fi 
 
 3- 
 
 Lemuel K.» (Beriah ■) married Lydia Adams (153), who died 
 in 1816; second, Adelaide Cornette of Wrentham. He was a 
 deputy sheriff while he lived here. He owned the house now 
 the property of William Forbes, which he sold in 1824, and re- 
 moved to Nashua, N.H., where he died. Children : — 
 
 5. Maria, 1816-1841. 
 
 6. Adelaide C, 1822. 
 
 7. Louis C, 1825 ; resides in Wilkesbarre, Pa. 
 
 8. Sally W., 1826. 
 
 4- 
 Addison 2 (Beriah ') was a watchmaker by trade. He married 
 Mary Bullard of Sharon, who died in 182 1. He removed to Low- 
 ell, and died in 1854. Children : — 
 
 9. Addison, 1817; died in infancy. 
 
 10. Addison, 1820. 
 
 11. Mary B., 1821-1822. 
 
 BRECK. 
 
 Thomas Breck married in Dorchester in 1656 Mary Hill, sis- 
 ter of John Hill, with whom he came to the "farms" in 1658. 
 The farms were not in any organized town ; and the settlers had 
 their record of births, marriages, and deaths at Medfield. Dur- 
 
GENEALOGIES. 327 
 
 ing the first twenty years, many births were recorded of families 
 that never lived on Medfield soil. Among these is the family of 
 Thomas Breck. He died in 1723. Children : — 
 
 2. Mary, 1657; born in Dorchester. 
 
 3. Susanna, 1663-1664; recorded in Medfield. 
 
 4. Susanna, 1667; m. John Adams (4). 
 
 5. John, [671 ; m. Mehitable Morse, and had a son Jonas. 
 
 6. Bethia, 1673. 
 Nathaniel, 1682; recorded in Sherborn. 
 Samuel, 1682. 
 
 8. 1 
 
 9- 
 Joseph* (Jonas,3 John,^ Thomas'), born in Sherborn in 1741, 
 came tp Medfield, and bought the farm near " Death's bridge." 
 He married, first, Mary Fairbanks of Medway, who died, aged 
 thirty-nine, in 1788; second, in 1789, Hannah Plimpton (82), who 
 died in 1831. Joseph died in 1820. Children : — 
 
 10. Experience, 1776-1846; m. John Harmstad (r). 
 
 11. Comfort, i 779-1 807. 
 +12. Joseph, 1783. 
 
 13. Amasa, 1788; settled in Providence. 
 
 14. Silence, i 790-1 790. 
 
 15. Hannah, 1794; m. Dr. Sylvanus Plimpton (83). 
 
 Joseph 5 (Joseph,* Jonas,3 John,^ Thomas ') settled on the 
 homestead, where he spent his life as a farmer. He married in 
 1824 Sally, widow of Theodore Ware of Wrentham, daughter of 
 Jesse Daniels of Medway. He died in 1861, his widow in 1876. 
 Children : — 
 
 16. Sally D., 1825; m. in 1845 John W. Perry. 
 
 17. Cynthia A., 1826; m. in 1851 Thomas J. Baker (42). 
 
 18. Josephine M., 1830-1874. 
 
 19. Joseph L., 1837-1880; m. in 1870 Julia Mullen ;. resided 
 
 on the paternal homestead, and had one daughter, Ger- 
 trude W., born in 1872. 
 
 Luther 4 (Elijah,3 John,^ Thomas'), born in Sherborn in 1763, 
 came to Medfield, where he resided for a short time, and married 
 in 1785 Olive Clark (126). They had one son, Calvin, born in 
 
 1785- 
 
 21. 
 
 Jonathan Breck was born in Dorchester in 1762 ; in 1789 
 married Patience Dunton (2). He lived in the house at the east 
 corner of Main and Bridge Streets. He went to Union, Me., 
 about 1820. Died in 1829. Children: — 
 
 -(-22. Edward, 1790. 
 23. Benjamin D,, 1792; went to New York. 
 
328 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 24. Joseph, 1794; dealer in seeds and agricultural supplies, 
 
 Boston. He sold the old homestead, corner of Main and 
 Bridge Streets, to William Peters in 1S24. 
 
 25. Anna, 1796; m. Jacob White, Union, Me. 
 
 26. Samuel, i 798 ; resided in Brighton. 
 
 27. William, 1800; went to Southern California. 
 
 28. Margaret, 1802; died at Hope, Me. 
 
 29. Jonathan D., 1805; died in Newton. 
 
 30. Elias, 1807; lives in f'ranklin. 
 
 Edward 2 (Jonathan') married in 1816 Roxana Dean, and 
 appears to have removed shortly afterward, probably with his 
 father. He was in Union, Me., in 1820. Daughter: — 
 
 31. Ellen D., 1817. 
 
 32- 
 
 Edward Breck, hatter, brother of Jonathan (21), married 
 Sarah Vose of Milton, and resided in this town several years. 
 Children : — 
 
 33. Francis V., 1796; found dead in the field, 1823. 
 
 34. Charles, 1798; settled in Milton. 
 
 35. Sarah, 1800-1824. 
 
 36. Edwin, 1802; settled in Milton. 
 
 37. Mary D., 1804; m. Charles Adams (89). 
 
 38. James, 1807-1884; settled in Milton. 
 
 BRETT. 
 
 Uriah Brett came from Bridgewater about 1818. He married 
 Polly Allen (154). He was a carpenter by trade, and was pos- 
 sessed of musical skill, which was exercised as leader of the First 
 Parish choir and as a teacher of singing-schools. He died in 1836, 
 at the age of forty-one ; and his widow married Deacon Capen of 
 Canton. Children: — 
 
 2. Allen ; settled in Pawtucket. 
 
 3. Kingman, 1823. 
 
 4. Elizabeth, 1825-1827. 
 
 5. Mary C, 1828. 
 
 6. Elizabeth. 
 
 BRUCE. 
 
 Henry P. Bruce came to Medfield from Walpole. He was 
 a mason by occupation, which he followed here for many years. 
 He married in 1836 Miriam Fisher (68), and died in 1880. 
 Children : — 
 
 2. Robert H., i 837-1 878 ; m. in 1863 Vesta Sawyer. 
 
 3. Gustavus, 1838; m. in 1865 Elsie Cummings. 
 
 4. George W., 1841 ; m. in 1876 Sarah H. Fisher (77). 
 
 5. Catherine P., 1843-1866; m. in 1866 Walter J. Russell (8). 
 
GENEALOGIES. 329 
 
 6. John W., 1845 ; m. Mrs. Esther Niles. 
 
 7. Almira M., 1848 ; ra. in 1872 Warren F. Whittemore. 
 
 8. Charles F., 1851 ; m. in 1878 Jennie F. Smith. 
 
 9. Albert F., 1853; m. in 1881 Florence Morehead. 
 
 10. Emma, 1855 ; m. in 1880 Albert J. Babcock (9). 
 
 11. Jacob P., 1858 ; m. in 1881 Lura Small. 
 
 BULLARD. 
 
 John Bullard was at Watertown in 1636, was one of the 
 original signers of the Dedham compact, and came to that town at 
 its settlement. He took the freeman's oath in 1640, and at the 
 settlement of Medfield joined the new enterprise. He came here 
 in the fall of 1651 or the following spring. His house lot was on 
 Main Street, the estate now owned by Mr. Harwood. The original 
 house gave place to its successor, which is still standing, in 1696. 
 His wife Magdalen was received to the church in Dedham in 1639. 
 She died in 1661. He married as his second wife Widow Ellen 
 Dickerman, widow of Thomas of Dorchester. She died m 1676. 
 John Bullard was killed in 1678 "by the overthrowing of a cart," 
 as the old record has it. His will gave the homestead to his son 
 Joseph, with legacies to be paid to his son-in-law, John Partridge, 
 and daughters, Abigail Stockwell and Hannah, wife of Benjamin 
 Allen. There is no mention of any other heirs. Children : — 
 
 2. Magdalen ; m. in 1655 John Partridge (45), and died in 1677. 
 
 3. Abigail, 1641 ; m. in 1666 Quintane Stockwell; settled 
 
 in Deerfield. In 1677, about twenty of the settlers in the 
 Connecticut Valley were carried captive by the Indians to 
 Canada, among whom was Quintane Stockwell. He re- 
 turned to Deerfield after several months of hardship. An 
 account of his captivity was published in 1684. 
 -(-4. Joseph, 1643. 
 
 5. Hannah, 1645; m. in 1669 Benjamin Allen. 
 
 6. Michael, 1648; probably died young. 
 
 A son John remained in Dedham. 
 
 4- 
 Joseph ^ (John ') appears to have owned a homestead before 
 his father's death, located on the east side of the Harbor Island 
 road, a few rods from the corner of Main Street. This house 
 was destroyed by the Indians ; and he never rebuilt it, but settled 
 with his father. In 1695, he purchased and settled upon a lot of 
 land lying on what is now the Dedham road, near the corner of 
 the three towns, Medfield, Dover, and Walpole. In the following 
 year, he sold the old place ; and it came into the possession of 
 Rev. Mr. Baxter. He died prior to 1722, and his widow received 
 aid from this town for several years. The record of his marriage 
 has not been found. Children : — 
 
 +7. Joseph, 1665. 
 8. Sarah, 1667. 
 -I-9. John, 1670. 
 
330 history of medfield. 
 
 10. Samuel, 1672. 
 
 11. Rachel, 1674; m. in 1701 Benoni Morse (34). 
 
 12. Nathaniel, 1677-1753; lived near his father's place in 
 
 Dedham. 
 
 13. Solomon, 1679-1679. 
 
 14. (Hannah, 1681. 
 
 15. j Abiel, 1681. 
 -)-i6. Ebenezer, 1685. 
 
 7- 
 Joseph 3 (Joseph,^ John ■) lived in this town for some years, 
 removed to Dedham, and apparently returned. After 17 16, we 
 lose sight of him. He married in 1691 Margaret Cheney (11). 
 Children : — 
 
 17. Susanna, 1692; m. Thomas Jepharson. 
 
 18. Abigail, 1694; m. in 1717 Isaac Bolster of Brookline. 
 
 19. Jemima, 1698. 
 
 20. Margaret, 1700. 
 
 21. Solomon, 1 702-1 768; lived at Walpole. 
 
 22. Joseph, 1706; born in Dedham. 
 
 23. Tryall, 1709-1716. 
 
 24. Submit, 1711. 
 
 9- 
 Johns (Joseph,^ John>) married in 1701 Abigail Warren (4.). 
 After residing here a few years, he removed to Dedham. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 25. Thankful, 1702. 
 
 26. John, 1705. 
 
 27. Abigail, 1708; m. in 1733 Ebenezer Lyon of Needham. 
 
 28. Experience, 1710-1755; m. Ephraim Wheelock (36). 
 
 29. Elizabeth, 171 2. She, with her sister Experience, was 
 
 received to communion in the church here in 1735. 
 
 30. Josiah, 1 714. 
 
 A son Jonathan is also mentioned, though not recorded. 
 
 16. 
 
 Ebenezer 3 (Joseph,^ John ') spent his life in Medfield, though 
 where his residence was, if indeed he owned one, cannot be deter- 
 mined. He seems to have been in reduced circumstances in the 
 latter part of his life, as in the town records for 1750 we learn 
 that he had "liberty to build a small house on the town's land 
 between Nathaniel Smith's and Joshua Boyden's, near the crown- 
 er's fence, for him and his wife to live in." Whether the house was 
 built or not does not appear. There is no record of any house in 
 that locality, which was at the corner of South and Pound Streets. 
 He was admitted to full communion in 1742. He died in 1765, 
 his wife in 1763. Children : — 
 
 -I-31. Joshua, 1716. 
 
 32. Ebenezer; m. in 1742 Mary Wight (61); said to be of 
 North Ipswich. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 331 
 
 33. Joseph, 1719-1792; died at Mason, N.H. 
 
 34. Susanna, 1722; m. in 1748 William Wight (53). 
 
 35. Nathan, 1724; received to full communion here in 1742. 
 
 36. Sarah, 1728; m. in 1752 Josiah Lyon of Souhegan. 
 
 37. 5 Hezekiah, 1730; said to have lived in Wrentham. 
 38. 1 Kezia, 1 730-1 730. 
 
 39. Rachel, 1732-1775; unmarried. 
 
 31- 
 
 Joshua 4 (Ebenezer,3 Joseph,^ John') was a cordwainer by 
 trade. He married in 1741 Judith Bullen (29), and lived upon 
 her father's place, which was a little to the east of that now owned 
 by M. B. H. Bishop. Judith died in 1744; and he married in the 
 same year Olive Harding (43), who died in 1747. He married in 
 that year Anna, widow of Nathan Penniman (7). He held the 
 office of sealer of leather in 1742. His third wife was sole heir 
 to her father's estate, which was sold in 175 1 to Robert Hinsdale. 
 Joshua died in 1792, his wife in 1813. Children : — 
 
 40. Job, 1 743-1 752. 
 
 41. Rhoda, 1745-1746. 
 -|-42. Silas, 1747. 
 
 43. Judith, 1749; ™' '" '77' Eliphalet Fisher of Dedham; died 
 
 in 1796. 
 
 44. Nathan, 1754; settled at Newburgh, N.Y. 
 
 45. Anna, 1756-1843; m. Benjamin Rockwood. 
 -I-46. John, 1758. 
 
 47. Olive, 1761-1779. 
 
 48. Abigail, i 764-1 789. 
 
 49. Kezia, 1766-1842 ; m. John Sanger of Sherborn. 
 
 50. Zillah, 1 770-1 795. 
 
 42, 
 
 Silas 5 (Joshua,4 Ebenezer,3 Joseph,^ John ') bought in 1777 a 
 part of the old Smith homestead on the west side of South Street. 
 The ancient house upon it stood near where that of Moses F. 
 Clarke now stands. He afterward bought the house on the 
 opposite side of the street. He married in 1778 Sarah Baxter 
 (15), who died in 1780; second, in 1782, Thankful Adams of 
 Medway. He died in 1825, and his widow in 1848. Children : — 
 
 ji. IcHABOD, 1 780- 1 780. 
 
 52. Sarah, 1785-1828; m. in 1809 Wales Plimpton (106). 
 
 53. Ame, 1793; m. in 1826 Joseph Draper of Dedham. 
 -I-54. Moses, 1796. 
 
 46. 
 
 John s (Joshua,* Ebenezer,3 Joseph,^ John ') lived on the place 
 now owned by R. W. Sherman. He was a cordwainer by trade. 
 He married in 1780 Thankful Allen (68), who died in 1784; 
 second, in 1790, Calle Hartshorn (3), who died in 1839. He suf- 
 
332 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 fered at one time with partial insanity, but recovered, and lived 
 to old age, dying in 1845. Children : — 
 
 4-55. Elijah, 1781. 
 
 56. Olive, i 782-1 808; m. in 1803 Benjamin Sanger of Sher- 
 
 born ; second, Thomas Bigelow. 
 
 57. Thankful, 1784-1807; m. in 1806 Wales Plimpton (106). 
 
 Moses * (Silas,5 Joshua,4 Ebenezer,3 Joseph,^ John ■) settled on 
 his father's place, where he spent his life. He married in 1822 
 Elizabeth Taylor of Stoughton, who died in 183 1. He died in 
 187 1. Children: — 
 
 58. 
 
 59' 
 60, 
 61 
 62, 
 
 John T., 1823. 
 Mary, 1825-1828. 
 Elizabeth, 1826. 
 Mary J., 1829. 
 Sarah P., 1830. 
 
 55- 
 Elijah (> (John,s Joshua,* Ebenezer,3 Joseph,^ John ') was a piano- 
 forte-maker by trade, and for several years resided in Boston. 
 Afterward, he purchased a farm in the north part of the town, 
 where he lived until the death of his wife, in i860. He married 
 Mary C. Temple of Milford. He died in 1871. Children : — 
 
 -I-63. John E., 1813. 
 
 64. Elijah C, 1814-1833. 
 
 -j-65. William H., 1815. 
 
 -|-66. Hinsdale F., 1817. 
 
 67. Mary O., 1819; m. in 1843 James Draper. 
 
 68. Betsy F., i 820-1 854; m. in 1842 F. D. Richardson of 
 
 Med way. 
 
 69. Laura, 1822; m. in 1849 Bushrod W. Abbott of Lawrence; 
 
 second, F. D. Richardson. 
 
 70. Susan M., 1825. 
 
 71. George E., 1826-1835. 
 
 72. Charles C, 1828-1846. 
 
 73. Sarah J., 1829; m. in 1859 Lawson Gibbs of Ashland. 
 
 74. Ellen F., 1831-1835. 
 
 75. Abby a., 1833-1862. 
 
 63. 
 John E.? (Elijah,^ John,5 Joshua,* Ebenezer,3 Joseph,^ John ') 
 for some years worked at pianoforte-making in Boston, after- 
 ward settled in this town, where he carried on the business of 
 painting and paper hanging. He married in 1840 Eliza A. Cole 
 (23), who died in 1850 ; second, Mrs. Sarah P. Cram of Rumney, 
 N.H., who died in 1885. Children: — 
 
 76. John F., 1842-1861. 
 
 77. Albert E., 1845-1856. 
 
 78. Charles A., 1848- 1849. 
 
 79. Sarah E., 1853 ; m. in 1873 Allen P. Carr. 
 
 80. Laura A. B., i860. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 333 
 
 65- 
 
 William H.7 (Elijah,^ John,5 Joshua,4 Ebenezer.s Joseph,^ John •) 
 was a carpenter, and spent his life in Medfield and vicinity. He 
 married. in 1841 Ann Hartshorn (23). He died in 1878. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 81. Frances A., 1841. 
 
 82. William H., 1843. 
 83 Charles W., 1854. 
 
 66. 
 
 Hinsdale F.7 (Elijah,^ John,5 Joshua,4 Ebenezer,3 Joseph,^ 
 John •) married in 1839 Emily T. Thayer (4). Children : — 
 
 -I-84. George H., 1839 
 
 85. Emily M., 1841-1874; m. Charles Eastman. 
 
 86. Henrietta T., 1845; m. Frank Taylor; second, Charles 
 
 D. Johnson. 
 
 87. Mary E., 1847. 
 
 88. Ada L., 1850; m. in 1873 William H. Cook of Newton. 
 
 89. Lester C, 1852-1855. 
 
 90. Lester C, 1856; m. in i88i Maria M. Clark. 
 
 91. Elijah C, 1858. 
 
 92. Esther W., i86i ; m. in 1883 Charles La Croix. 
 
 84. 
 
 George H.^ (Hinsdale F.,7 Elijah,^ John,5 Joshua,4 Ebenezer,3 
 Joseph,^ John ') married in 1864 Laurette Richardson. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 93. Florence L., 1865. 
 
 94. Cora L., 1867. 
 
 95. George L., 1869. 
 
 96. 
 
 Eleazar Bullard was the son of Benjamin of Sherborn, born 
 in 1676. He settled in Medfield, where he was known as Lieuten- 
 ant Eleazar. He married in 1705 Sarah, widow of Eleazar Leland 
 (she was twenty years his senior), who owned the place in the 
 north end known as 'the Bishop Place. Leland died without chil- 
 dren, and gave the estate to his wife, who at her death, in 1733, gave 
 it to her second husband. He married, second, in 1734, Hannah, 
 widow of John Bowers (6). In 1748, he conveyed his homestead 
 to Moses Harding (36), who had married his niece. He died in 
 1753, without children. His second wife died in 1761. At his 
 death, he bequeathed ;^5 to the church. He served as a select- 
 man in 1722-24. 
 
 97- 
 
 Enoch Bullard came from Sharon to Medfield about 1820, and 
 remained till 1832. He is thought to be a descendant of William 
 Bullard of Dedham, a brother of John " of Medfield. After his 
 
334 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 removal from Medfield to Roxbury, he served the county as deputy 
 sheriff. ' He married in 1819 Olive Gilbert. Children : — 
 
 99, 
 100. 
 lor 
 102, 
 103 
 
 Helen M., 1820; m. Albert Richards of Sharon. 
 Frances M., 1821 ; m. Oliver H. Whittemore of Sharon. 
 Daniel W., 1824; resided in Roxbury. 
 Lucy Ida, 1826; m. Chester E. Morse of Sharon. 
 Sally A., 1828; m. George Richards of Sharon. 
 John M., born at Roxbury. 
 
 BULLEN. 
 
 Samuel Bullen (or Boleyn, according to the English spelling) 
 was atWatertown in 1636; was one of the signers of the Dedham 
 compact ; took the freeman's oath in 1641 ; owned a house there 
 in 1646. His tombstone, erected by his descendants about a cen- 
 tury after his death, declares that he was " the first European with 
 a family in this town." It is certain that his house was built prior 
 to November, 1651. It stood a few rods north of Philip Street, 
 opposite the house of F. D. Hamant. His buildings were burned 
 by the Indians ; and he removed for a while to Sherborn, and 
 became a tenant of his brother, Daniel Morse. In 1679, "Samuel 
 Bullen, late of Medfield," sent in a petition for favor as to his 
 rates, he having suffered losses in the time of the war, and having 
 been obliged to aid his " necessitous children." He returned to 
 Medfield, and rebuilt soon afterward. He was one of the select- 
 men here in 1682, and was chosen deacon prior to 1689. His 
 house was standing as late as 1798. Besides other outlands, he 
 had a " divident " on the east side of Mount Nebo, in the region 
 now known as "Goudy." He married in 1641 Mary Morse (8). 
 He and his wife both died in 1691. Children: — 
 
 +2, 
 3 
 
 tl 
 
 7 
 
 8, 
 
 +9. 
 10. 
 II 
 
 m. in 1669 Ephraim Clark (4). 
 
 m. in 1668 Benjamin Wheelock (4). 
 
 Samuel, 1644. 
 
 Mary, i 642-1 726; 
 
 Elizabeth, 1646; 
 
 John, 1648. 
 
 Joseph, 1651. 
 
 Ephraim, 1653- 1694; settled in Sherborn. 
 
 Meletiah, 1655 ; m. in 1679 Josiah Fisher of Dedham. 
 
 Elisha, 1657. 
 
 Eleazar, 1662-1662. 
 
 Bethia, 1664; m. Benjamin Colburn. 
 
 Samuel = (Samuel ■) seems to have remained in this town while 
 his father was in Sherborn, as he and his brother Joseph were 
 here in 1678. He came into possession of the old homestead at 
 his father's death. He married Experience Sabin (3), who was 
 received to communion here from the church in Rehoboth in 
 1697. He died in 1736, having outlived his wife eight years. 
 They left no children ; and the place was given to Stephen Sabin 
 (22) of Pomfret, Conn., who came to this town about 1715. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 335 
 
 John 2 (Samuel') was a housewright by trade. His house was 
 in the north part of the town, a short distance to the east of the 
 present residence of M. B. H. Bishop. The old cellar, visible 
 a few years since, has been filled up ; and an orchard has been 
 planted on the site. He had a grant of land in 1677, and proba- 
 bly built his house soon after. He married in 1683 Judith Fisher. 
 He died in 1703. Both he and his wife were in full communion 
 in 1697. He served as a selectman in 1689 and 1697. His wife's 
 death is not recorded here. Children : — 
 
 12. Judith, 1689; m. John Adams (21). 
 
 +13. John, 1691. 
 
 14. David, 1694; settled in Medway. 
 
 15. Michael, 1696-1747; settled in Medway. 
 
 16. Mary, 1699. 
 
 17. Silence, 1701-1701. 
 
 18. Samuel, i 702-1 736. 
 
 Joseph ^ (Samuel ■) was a weaver, and settled in the north part 
 of the town, on what is now Railroad Street. The place is now 
 owned in part by Mr. Lovell. He was probably located there as 
 early as 1680. He and his wife were in full communion in 1697. 
 He married in 1674 Abigail Sabin (5). He died without children 
 in 1704. At the death of his wife in 1721, the place was given 
 to David Morse (128), who had married her niece. 
 
 Elisha^ (Samuel') married in 1683 Hannah Metcalf (7), and 
 resided in Sherborn till about 1686, when he came to Medfield, 
 and settled on the place now owned by M. B. H. Bishop. His 
 wife died in 17 19. He lived till 1736, and at his death gave his 
 estate to his two sons, on condition of their paying to the other 
 heirs the sum of ;^S3o. Children : — 
 
 -1-19. Elisha, 1684. 
 
 -(-20. Samuel, 1687. 
 
 21. Jonathan, 1694-1694. 
 
 22. Jonathan, 1695 ; died in infancy. 
 
 23. Hannah, 1697-1765 ; m. in 1716 Josiah Fisher (32). 
 
 24. Miriam, 1702-1727 ; m. in 1721 Ephraim Wheelock (36). 
 
 13- 
 
 John 3 (John,^ Samuel ') inherited his father's place by pay- 
 ing ;^32 to each of his five brothers' and sisters. He married in 
 1709 Sarah Underwood, whose only child, John, died in infancy; 
 second, in 1715, Mehitable Fisher (30). In 1721, he kept a school 
 at his own house for the benefit of the children in the north part 
 
336 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 of the town ; and he served as a member of the board of select- 
 men in 1733 and 1735. He died in 1741, his wife in 1751- ^^ ^'^ 
 death, tlie place was divided. Children : — 
 
 25. Mehitable, 1716-1754; m. in 1753 Thomas Harding of 
 
 Medway. 
 
 26. John, 1718-1718. 
 
 27. Timothy, 1719-1719. 
 
 28. Kezia, 1720; m. in 1741 Seth Morse (132), who was 
 , drowned with his two boys in 1753 ; second, in 1757, Rev. 
 
 t/ Phillips Payson of Walpole. 
 
 29. Judith, 1723 ; m. in 1741 Joshua Bullard(3r). 
 
 19. 
 
 ELISHA3 (Elisha,^ Samuel') was born in Sherborn. He settled 
 in Medfield on the south side of Farm Street, near the railroad 
 crossing. The cellar of his house has been plainly visible till 
 within a few years. His father had bought the place in 1707 of 
 Joshua Wight. Elisha, Jr., was living on it as early at least as 
 1718, and came into full possession in 1735. He married in 1713 
 Lydia Ellis (14), who died in 1726; second, in 1727, Abigail 
 Mason, daughter of John of Dedham. She died in 1727 ; and 
 he married, third, in 1737, Ruth Ellis, daughter of Joseph of 
 Dedham. Elisha died in 1757, his wife Ruth in 1770. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 30. Ebenezer, 1714-1714. 
 
 31. ('Mary, 1715-1715. 
 
 32. l Martha, 1715-1715. 
 
 33. Lydia, 171 7; probably died young. 
 -)-34. Elisha, 1720. 
 
 -{-35. Ichabod, 1727. 
 
 Samuel 3 (Elisha,^ Samuel ■) settled on the paternal home- 
 stead. He married in 1721 Sarah Morse, daughter of Samuel of 
 Sherborn. He appears as one of the selectmen in 1735. He 
 died in 1749, his wife in 1764. Children : — 
 
 36. Samuel, i 722-1 736. 
 
 37. Sarah, i 726-1 736. 
 -I-38. Moses, 1731. 
 
 34- 
 
 Elisha 4 (Elisha,3 Elisha,^ Samuel') probably built the house 
 now standing on the north side of Farm Street, near the railroad 
 crossing. He married in 1750 Mary Boyden (26), who died in 
 1779. He died in 1785. Children : — 
 
 -I-40. Amaziah, 1754. 
 41. Gad, 1756-1756. 
 
GENEALaCIES. 337 
 
 35- 
 
 IcHABOD 4 (Elisha,3 Elisha,^ Samuel ') came into possession or, 
 at least, resided upon the homestead that had been his father's. 
 He died in 1801. He married in 1751 Prudence Boyden of Wal- 
 pole, who died in 1813. The old house was standing at the time 
 of her death. The Bullen estate on both sides of Farm Street was 
 sold to Nathaniel Kingsbury in 1813. Children: — 
 
 42. Prudence, 1752-1815 ; m. in 1778 Gershom Adams (147). 
 
 43. Isaiah, 1754-1754 
 
 44. Abigail, 1757-1825; m. in 1781 Nathan Adams (145); 
 
 second, in 1796, Amos Smith (198). 
 +45. Bela, 1762. 
 
 38. 
 
 Moses Bullen was a man of great intelligence and public 
 spirit. He was an ardent patriot during the Revolution, and 
 took a conspicuous part in directing public sentiment relating to 
 it. Many of the stirring resolutions passed by the town at this 
 time were from his pen. He was a member of the committee of 
 public safety in the town and of the committee of correspondence 
 with the town of Boston, a delegate to the Provincial Congress 
 held at Cambridge, and member of the General Court in the years 
 1769, 1770, 1773, 1774. 
 
 He was much given to writing upon public and political ques- 
 tions, such as the public credit and the currency, which after the 
 war was much depreciated. He was a large land-owner; and, 
 dying childless, with a view to keep his land together, and, as he 
 says, "from a regard to the sirname of Bullen, which I wish to 
 perpetuate in this town," he devised his homestead, after the 
 death of his wife Caroline, to his relative Moses Bullen and his 
 heirs forever, on condition that the same should never be sold to 
 any person except said heirs, or leased or suffered to be taken on 
 execution. This condition proved inoperative ; and, resting on the 
 legal opinion of Theophilus Parsons, then the leading lawyer of 
 the State, the property was sold, by the relative to whom it was 
 devised, to Moses B. Harding. 
 
 He was an earnest reader of books, especially those relating to 
 the questions then under discussion, — such as Church and State in 
 England, separation from the mother country, and forms of govern- 
 ment to be adopted here, — and was much interested in collecting 
 and planting rare trees and plants. He was severe in criticism 
 of opponents, and by will left to the town a sum of money in 
 depreciated currency which he possessed, remarking that this was 
 heaping coals of fire upon the heads of those who had favored 
 investing the school and ministerial funds in the same medium. 
 The inscription on his grave-stone, " He was a friend to the rights 
 of the People and the Poor," was written by himself, and well 
 describes his character. 
 
 He married in 1758 Caroline Plimpton (56), who survived him, 
 and died in 1821. He died suddenly, while at Sudbury, in 1802. 
 
338 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 40. 
 
 Amaziah 5 (Elisha,4 Elisha,3 Elisha,^ Samuel '), after the sale of 
 the homestead in 1783, removed from town. Remaining in Ded- 
 ham a short time, he finally went to Needham, where he died in 
 1828. He married in 1776 Rachel Lawrence of Wrentham. 
 Children : — 
 
 46. Joseph, 1777. 
 
 47. Mary, 1779. 
 
 48. Lydia, 1782. 
 
 49. Thaddeus, 1784; born in Dedhara. 
 
 50. Elisha. 
 
 51. Ichabod; of Walpole in 1819. 
 
 45- 
 Belas (rchabod,4 Elisha,3 Elisha,^ Samuel'), married in 1783 
 Elizabeth Hartshorn (7). He sold out here in 1791, and re- 
 moved to Roxbury. After his death, his widow returned to this 
 town, and was at last insane. She is said to have died from the 
 effects of exposure to cold in 1821. Children : — 
 
 52. Sarah, 1785 ; m. Ruggles Whiting of Dover. 
 
 53. Elizabeth, 1787; m. in 1809 Alexander Peters (26). 
 
 54. Samuel, 1789 ; said to have died in the South. 
 
 55. Prudence, 1792-1809. 
 
 CHENERY. 
 
 Isaac Chenery was the son of Lambert of Dedham. This 
 name is variously spelled, — Genery, Jennery, Chinery, or Chin- 
 nerie. When Isaac came here in the end of 1651 or early in 
 1652, he was unmarried. His house lot was on South Street, 
 between James Allen and Henry Smith ; very near the spot now 
 occupied by house of Mr. Barts, probably a little farther back, 
 as the road then ran farther west. He married in 1654 Elizabeth 
 Gamlin, daughter of Robert of Roxbury, who mentions " son-in-law, 
 Isaac Chenery," in his will. In 1659, he had a grant of two rods 
 square before his house, to dig a well in. 
 
 In 1670, Richard Ellis reports to the town of Dedham that he 
 and Isaac Chenery " Have hopes of discovering a copper mine 
 within the bounds of Wolomolopoag," now Wrentham. About this 
 time, he appears to have located just outside the town limits, in 
 Dedham. The old cellar is yet to be seen, over the brook at the 
 end of Foundry Street. There is no record of the sale of his 
 original place on South Street ; but the will of Joseph Clark, 1682, 
 speaks of land he had bought that was Goodman Chenery's. 
 Isaac made his will in 1685, being then, as he says, "living in 
 Dedham, near Medfield." His wife is not mentioned, and had 
 probably died j though there is no record of her death. In fact, 
 the record of the births, marriages, and deaths in this family is 
 very meagre, owing probably to his remoteness from Dedham. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 339 
 
 He was in full communion in the church here at Mr. Baxter's set- 
 tlement, and doubtless attended church in this town. In 1705-,- 
 Isaac Chenery, Sen., of Dedham, deeded lands to his son-in-law, 
 Eleazar Wheelock. His will was probated in 171 1, which is prob- 
 ably the date of his death, though that event is not recorded. 
 Children : — 
 
 2. Elizabeth, 1657; m. Owen. 
 
 +3. Isaac, 1659. 
 
 4. Mary, 1662-1732 ; m. Eleazar Wheelock (10). 
 
 5. Ephraim, 1664; mentioned as a non-resident in 1689; i» 
 
 supposed to have gone on the Canada expedition of 1690. 
 
 6. Deborah, 1667; m. Thomas Taft. 
 
 7. Eleazar, 1668; was living in 1789. 
 
 8. Hannah, 1671 ; had died probably before 1712. 
 -I-9. Benjamin, 1673. 
 
 Isaac ^ (Isaac ■) inherited the homestead lying part in Medfield 
 and part in Dedbam. He built a house on the Medfield side of 
 the line, traces of which can be seen near the "old fort." His 
 children were recorded in this town, and he served as constable 
 
 in 1714. He died in 1727; his wife, Rachel , in 1769, aged 
 
 ninety-five. He appears to have married late in life. Children : — 
 
 t 
 
 10. Ephraim, 1710. 
 
 11. Isaac, 1711. 
 
 Benjamin 2 (Isaac) settled in Dedham bounds, now Walpole, 
 and without doubt inherited the house that was his father's, his 
 brother having built for himself. He married Mary, widow of 
 Thomas Clap. He died in 1722 ; and his will mentions wife 
 Mary, daughters Elizabeth Clap and Hannah Chenery. His 
 widow died in 1735. Daughter: — 
 
 12. Hannah, 1705-1799; m. William Peters (i). 
 
 Ephraim 3 (Isaac,^ Isaac) bough this brother's rights in the 
 homestead in 1734. The next year he bought a part of the estate 
 belonging to William and Hannah Peters, and in 1747 the re- 
 mainder of it. He married in 1733 Hannah Smith (55), who died 
 in 1764. He died in 1775. Children : — 
 
 .+13. Ephraim, 1735. 
 
 14. Taphath, 1 736-1 793; unmarried. 
 
 15. Maria, i 738-1 81 2; m. in 1767 James Morse (66). 
 
 -16. Elihu, 1739-1807; lived on Foundry Street, at the place 
 now owned by Mrs. Snow ; selectman in 1 788. 
 
 17. Hannah, 1741-1819. 
 
 18. Samuel, i 743-1 743. 
 
340 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 19. Comfort, 1745; m. in 1766 Nathaniel Colburn of Dedham. 
 
 20. Abigail, 1747-1824; m. in 1766 Elijah Adams (61). 
 
 21. Samuel, 1751. 
 -(-22. Simeon, 1755. 
 
 II. 
 Isaacs (Isaac,^ Isaac) married in 1733 Sarah Smith (40). He 
 removed to Walpole, and in 1734 sold out his paternal estate to 
 his brother Ephraim. He died in 1742, and his widow married 
 i"n the following year Joshua Boyden (20). Children : — 
 
 23. ZiLLAH, 1734-1826; m. in 1758 Asa Clark (81). 
 
 24. Sarah, 1737; m. Eli Morse, Dublin, N.H. 
 
 25. Elonai, 1 739-1 759. 
 
 26. Chloe, 1741-1741. 
 
 27. Isaac, 1742; was a physician; settled in Holden. 
 
 13- 
 
 EPHRAIM4 (Ephraim,3 Isaac,^ Isaac) left the old homestead to 
 his brother Simeon, and in 1765 bought the grist mill on Philip 
 Street, and other lands in that neighborhood, the estate of Eph- 
 raim Cheney, deceased. He was a prominent man in the town 
 during the Revolutionary times ; held the office of selectman in 
 1771, 1772, 1773, and 1779. Dec. 10, 1775, he was commissioned 
 as captain, and raised a company here for the temporary re-enforce- 
 ment of the American army. Before this, at the Bunker Hill alarm, 
 he was ploughing out a field of corn for hoeing. He left the 
 plough in the field, and started wiA the company. His wife and 
 two little boys fijiished hoeing the corn. He did not go to 
 Bunker Hill, but served awhile at Dorchester Heights. He was 
 representative to the General Court in 1805-6. He married in 
 1766 Dinah Hamant (22), who died in 1813. He died in 1816. 
 Children : — 
 
 -)-28. Oliver, 1766. 
 
 29. Lambert, i 768-1832. 
 
 30. Damaris, 1770-1849; m. in 1801 Jason Harding (65). 
 -|-3i. Benjamin, 1772. 
 
 32. Synthe, 1 774-1 776. 
 
 33. Ephraim, 1777; settled in West Roxbury. 
 
 34. Seth, 1 779-1 780. 
 
 35- Cynthia, 1781 ; m. in 1822 Asa Fisher of Walpole. 
 -(-36. Seth, 1783. 
 
 22. 
 Simeon 4 (Ephraim,3 Isaac,^ Isaac) inherited the home place, 
 his family being the last to occupy the house before its demoli- 
 tion. He married in 1787 Elizabeth Boyden (44). He served on 
 the board of selectmen in 1796-97. His death took place in 
 1831. His wife died in 1846. Children: — 
 
 37. Isaac, 1792; m. in 1814 Martha Smith (141). He built the 
 
 house on Foundry Street now owned by Mrs. Coltman 
 He died in 1819, his wife in 1820. 
 
 38. Hannah, 1 797-1 848; unmarried. 
 
 39. Julia, 1798-1854; unmarried. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 34I 
 
 28. 
 
 Oliver s (Ephraim,* Ephraim,3 Isaac,^ Isaac •) bought in 1793 an 
 old house on Main Street, where James Hewins, Esq., now lives. 
 He was made captain in 1803. He married in 1793 Sarah Cutler 
 (15). Both died in the same year, 1832. Children : — 
 
 40. Lyman, 1793-1857. 
 
 41. WiLLARD, 1796; went to New Haven. 
 
 42. Sarah, 1797. 
 
 43. Oliver, 1799. 
 
 44. Charles, i 801-1824. 
 
 45. Hamant, 1 802-1 835. 
 
 46. Alma, i 804-1 834; m. Addison Cleaveland. 
 
 47. Hannah, 1806-1828. 
 
 31- 
 
 Benjamin 5 (Ephraim.-t Ephraim,3 Isaac," Isaac ■) resided in 
 Medway and Medfield. He married in 1791 Esther Gould of 
 Medway. He died in 1837, his wife in 1843. Children : — 
 
 48. Betsey, 1792; m. in 1813 Joseph Greenwood of Medway. 
 
 49. Esther, i 794-1 862. 
 
 50. Horace, 1796-1865; resided in Worcester. 
 
 51. Miranda, 1798-1837. 
 -j-52. Warren, 1801. 
 -(-53. Benjamin, 1803. 
 
 54. Caroline D., i 807-1 864; m. in 1822 Horace Wight. 
 -\-S5- William, 1809. 
 56. Lowell, 181 i ; m. Mary Holbrook of Sherborn. 
 
 36. 
 
 Seths (Ephraim,4 Ephraim,3 Isaac,^ Isaac ■) inherited his father's 
 estate, including the mills. He served on the board of selectmen 
 in 1821-22, 1843-44. He was also captain of the Medfield mil- 
 itary. He married in 1805 Lucretia Smith (130), who died in 
 1867. He died in 1862. Children: — 
 
 -(-57. Reuben, 1805. 
 
 58. Elihu, 1808; died in Uxbridge. 
 
 59. James M., 1809-1874; unmarried. 
 
 60. Adaline, 1812; m. in 1836 Ezra Ross of Natick. 
 -(-61. Seth, 1815. 
 
 62. Lucretia, 1817-1866; m. in 1843 Moses H. Johnson (21). 
 
 63. Martha, 1820; m. in 1846 Solon Hardy of West Cambridge. 
 
 64. A. Maria, 1823; m. in 1854 James M. Chase of West Cam- 
 
 bridge. 
 
 52. 
 
 Warren ^ (Benjamin,! Ephraim,4 Ephraim,3 Isaac," Isaac ') com- 
 menced life as a laborer, but turned his attention to the straw 
 
342 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 business, and from small beginnings developed an extensive man- 
 ufacture. He purchased the place on South Street now owned by 
 T B Hale, and constantly increased his business until a large 
 straw shop was built for its accommodation. He relinquished 
 business after his son's death, and the fine shop was destroyed by 
 fire in 1879. He married in 1823 Jael Plimpton (126), who died 
 in 1870. He died in the following year, leaving his estate to his 
 brothers. Son : — 
 
 -I-65. George W., 1827. 
 
 53- 
 
 Benjamin ^ (Benjamin.s Ephraim,4 Ephraim,3 Isaac,= Isaac -) 
 married in 1828 Orinda Daniels of Medway, who died in 1883. 
 Children : — 
 
 66. Mercy D., 1828. 
 
 67. William H., 1833 ; m. in 1858 Caroline A. Alexander. 
 
 68. Mary T., 1S38. 
 
 55- 
 
 William '' (Benjamin,5 Ephraim,-! Ephraim,3 Isaac,^ Isaac ■) mar- 
 ried in 1832 Caroline Kingsbury of Walpole, who died in 1833 ; 
 second, in 1837, Harriet Lewis. Son : — 
 
 69. Edmund, 1838; m. in 1864 Julia A. Howard. 
 
 57- 
 
 Reuben ^ (Seth,5 Ephraim,4 Ephraim,3 Isaac,^ Isaac •) inherited 
 the homestead and mills which were his father's, since owned by 
 heirs of Peter Nelson. He married in 1843 Jane Brown of Med- 
 way. He died in 1883, his wife in 1866. Children : — 
 
 70. John B., 1846-1863; killed at the battle of Gettysburg. 
 
 71. George H., 1849-1853. 
 
 61. 
 
 Seth 6 (Seth,5 Ephraim,4 Ephraim,3 Isaac,^ Isaac ■) married in 
 1838 Sophia A. Fairbanks of Sterling, who died in 1843 ; second, 
 in 1844, Eliza A. Jones of Roxbury, Vt., who died in 1853 ; third, 
 in 1856, Harriet A. Rice of Worcester, who died in 1881. Re- 
 sided in Clinton. He died in 1883. Children : — 
 
 72. Frank A., 1839-1864; killed at the battle of Cold Harbor. 
 
 73. James P., 1 842-1 863; killed at Gettysburg. 
 
 74. Sophia, 1845-1881; rn. in 1873 John Sweet. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 343 
 
 6s- 
 
 George W.7 (War- 
 ren,* Benjamin, 5 
 Ephraim,4 Ephraim.s 
 Isaac,2 Isaac) asso- 
 ciated himself with 
 his father in the 
 straw goods manu- 
 facture. He m a r- 
 ried in 1850 Julia A. 
 Baker (43), who died 
 in 1863; second, 
 in 1865, Eunice H. 
 Brown of Holliston. 
 Possessed of consid- 
 erable estate, and 
 leaving no children, 
 he bequeathed a sum 
 of money to the town 
 for the erection of a 
 town hall, which is 
 named in honor of 
 the donor. He died 
 in 1866, his widow in 
 1879. Children: — 
 
 75. Waldo L., 1851-1851. 
 
 76. Frank L., 1853-1856. 
 
 77. Waldo B., 1855-1857. 
 
 78. Robert D., 1859-1865. 
 
 GEORGE W. CHENEKY. 
 
 CHENEY. 
 
 William Cheney was the son of William of Roxbury. His 
 brother Joseph and his sister Mehitable settled in Medfield. 
 William came to town about 1662, having bought the homestead 
 originally Thomas Grubb's, lying opposite that belonging to heirs 
 of Rev. C. C. Sewall. His wife was Deborah, daughter of Deacon 
 Wiswell of Boston. The records show that an illegitimate child 
 of his was born here of Sarah Daniels, in 1666. In the will of 
 his father in 1667, we find that land in Medfield was to be given 
 him on condition that he and his wife Deborah be reconciled and 
 live together in Medfield or elsewhere, to the satisfaction of 
 Deacon Wiswell ; but not in Providence or in that jurisdiction. 
 Provided, also, that what he, the father, and Deacon Wiswell 
 stand engaged to the court for, be paid : otherwise, the bequest 
 was to go to Deacon Wiswell. William and Deborah apparently 
 became reconciled, and lived here till about 1676, then removed 
 to Dorchester. 
 
344 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 In his will, he mentions his wife Deborah and brother Joseph of 
 Medfield. He also gives Lydia Winsor ten shillings " for going 
 of errands for me in my late imprisonment." On the whole, we 
 do not receive a very favorable impression of him. His second 
 house, after the Indian war, was on the north side of Main Street, 
 near Bridge Street ; and he sold his place in 1680 to Matthias 
 Evans. Deborah survived him, and became the wife of Ebenezer 
 Williams of Dorchester. Children : — 
 
 2. Deborah, i 662-1 663. 
 
 3. William, 1664-1664. 
 
 4. Deborah, 1666. 
 
 5. William, 1670. 
 
 6. John, 1673. 
 
 7. Benjamin ; born in Dorchester. 
 
 8. Posthumous child. 
 
 9- 
 
 Joseph Cheney, brother of William, married in 1668 Hannah 
 Thurston (9). He settled probably in the east part of the town, 
 on land which had been granted to his father-in-law, lately owned 
 by Caleb Ellis. His first wife died in 1690; and he married 
 Mehitable, widow of Ephraim Hinsdale (8). Joseph Cheney's 
 will mentions daughter Mehitable Hinsdale, as well as his own 
 daughter Mehitable, wife of Jeremiah Morse. He died in 1704. 
 His widow married Deacon Jonathan Adams of Medway, and died 
 in 1725. Children : — 
 
 10. Hannah, 1669 ; died young. 
 
 11. Margaret, 1670; m. in 1691 Joseph Bullard (7). 
 
 12. Prudence, 1672-1685. 
 
 13. Joseph, 1674 ; died young. 
 
 14. Susanna, 1676-1690. 
 
 15. Mehitable, 1680-1727; m. in 1700 Jeremiah Morse (38). 
 
 16. Mary, 1683. 
 -(-i7- Josiah, 1685. 
 
 18. Prudence, 1687; m. in 1708 Gershom Lake. 
 
 19. Melitiah, 1690. 
 
 20. Hannah, 1692-1694. 
 
 21. Joseph, 1694-1718; a weaver; died unmarried. 
 -(-22. Ephraim, 1696. 
 
 23. Hannah, 1699; was living unmarried in 1720. 
 
 17- 
 Josiah ^ (Joseph ■) certainly lived on the homestead lately owned 
 by Caleb Ellis, and which was no doubt the property of his father. 
 At what time a house was built there is unknown, but probably not 
 till after the Indian war. His first wife, Hannah, died in 17 17; 
 and he married, second, Hannah, widow of Samuel Smith (27)', 
 who died in 1772. He died in 1754, having deeded his house to 
 his son Timothy. He owned a share in a saw mill near his house 
 prior to 1729. Children: — 
 
 24. Elizabeth, 1707; m. Peter Taft of Uxbridge. 
 -I-25. Joseph, 1709. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 345 
 
 26. Hannah, 171 i ; m. Taft. 
 
 27. Mary, 1713-1755; m. in 1738 Jonathan Lovell (16). 
 
 28. Esther, 1715; m. in 1733 Joshua Armsby (3). 
 
 29. JosiAH, 1724; m. in 1752 Thankful Clark (141), and settled 
 
 in Holden. 
 
 30. Ebenezer, 1725. 
 -I-31. Timothy, 1726. 
 
 32. Samuel, 1730; m. in 1766 Olive Wight (98), and settled in 
 
 Dover. 
 
 33. Simon, 1730-1755; died unmarried. 
 
 34. Rhoda, 1 734 ; m. in 1 761 Job Colburn of Dedham. 
 
 35. ( Silence, i 736-1 736. 
 
 36. \ Eliphalet, i 736-1 736. 
 
 Ephraim 2 (Joseph ') built the grist mill in the east part of the 
 town, of late owned by heirs of Peter Nelson. There was a saw- 
 mill on the brook some distance above, probably built by John 
 Adams, in which Cheney owned a share. He married in 1726 
 Ann Clark (63) ; and at his death, in 1759, he gave the grist mill 
 to his wife, together with the lower part of the house. His three 
 daughters were to have a right in the house while they remained 
 single; and at Ann's death, which occurred in 1764, the property 
 was sold. He was on the board of selectmen in 1738 and 1759- 
 Children : — 
 
 37. Sarah, 1727-1806; m. in 1762 Nathaniel Stearns (i). 
 -I-38. Levi, 1730. 
 
 39. Rachel, 1732-1750. 
 
 40. Ephraim, 1734-1749. 
 
 41. Ann, i 736-1 762. Her child, Rachel Boyden, born in 1762, 
 
 was taken care of by her eldest sister, who was paid by 
 the town for the service, until the child at seven years of 
 age was bound out by the selectmen. Perhaps married 
 Abel Guy of HoUiston, 1779, and died in 1790. 
 
 42. Hannah, 1739; mother of Abel Partridge, 1765; probably 
 
 married Daniel Wedge of Bellingham in 1774. 
 
 43. Joseph, i 741-1742. 
 
 44. Joseph, 1743; m. in 1774 Margaret Clark (178); second, 
 
 probably Sarah Day of Attleboro in 1 778. 
 
 45. Mary, i 746-1 747. ' 
 
 46. Mary, i 747-1753- 
 
 47. Ephraim, 1750; m. in 1778 Bathsheba Morse (151). Re- 
 
 moved to a distant place. 
 
 25. 
 Josephs (Josiah,^ Joseph') married in 1731 Margery Mason 
 (16), his step-mother's sister, and removed to Sturbridge. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 48. Azubah, 1731 ; m. in 1757 Benjamin Scott. 
 
 49. Bulah, 1733; m. in 1752 Ebenezer Dunton. 
 
 50. Margery, 1735. 
 
 Perhaps others in Sturbridge. 
 
346 history of medfield. 
 
 si- 
 Timothys (Josiah,^ Joseph") resided upon the old Cheney 
 homestead. He married in 1775, at the age of forty-nine, Hepsi- 
 bah Herring, who died in 1805. He served the town as a select- 
 man in 1766. He died in 1810. Children : — 
 
 51. Lucy, 1778; m. in 1795 Samuel Gilbert. 
 
 -)-52. Ebenezer, 1780. 
 
 53. Hannah, 1782; m. in 1817 Dr. Lothario Danielson (i). 
 
 -|-54. Timothy, 1784. 
 
 +55- JosiAH, 1786. 
 
 56. Joseph, 1791 ; resided in Roxbury. 
 
 38- 
 Levi 3 (Ephraim,2 Joseph >) left home and settled in Walpole, 
 whence he came with his family to this town in 1783. He was 
 for some time supported here as "a pauper of Walpole." He 
 married Mehitable Morse of Walpole, and served in the French 
 war from that town. He died in 1806. Children : — 
 
 57- 
 58, 
 
 59- 
 60, 
 61 
 62, 
 
 63 
 64, 
 
 6S 
 66, 
 
 AssE, 1752. 
 
 Abigail, 1754; m. in 1786 Holland Wood (2d wife). 
 Mary, 1755 > ™- 'i i779 James Allen (49). 
 Mehitable, 1757; m. in 1775 Holland Wood. 
 Tamar, 1759-1848; m. in 1779 Elihu Lawrence (i). 
 Aquilla, 1 761 ; m. in 1789 Hannah Merritt of HoUiston. 
 Priscilla, 1764. 
 Levi, 1765. 
 Olive, 1772. 
 
 Tryphena, 1773; perhaps married Samuel Tucker of Wren- 
 tham in 1791. 
 
 52- 
 Ebenezer 4 (Timothy,3 Josiah,^ Joseph ') married in 1806 Han- 
 nah Plimpton (119), removed, and settled in West Boylston. 
 Daughter : — 
 
 67. Mary, 1807. 
 
 Others were born after removal. 
 
 54- 
 Timothy 4 (Timothy,3 Josiah,:! Joseph ■) was a blacksmith, and 
 settled in Medfield. He built, about 1812, the house now occu- 
 pied as a residence by Mrs. Bradford Curtis ; and his shop stood in 
 what is now the easterly corner of the front yard. He sold that 
 estate in 1820, and afterward owned a house and shop on North 
 Street, the site now occupied by the house of William Chenery. 
 He married in 1811 Priscilla Plimpton (120). He died in 1846, 
 his wife in 1854. Children: — 
 
 68. Timothy, 1811-1859; unmarried. 
 
 69. Joseph, 1813 ; resides in East Walpole. 
 
70, 
 71 
 
 72 
 
 73 
 74. 
 75 
 76, 
 
 77 
 
 GENEALOGIES. 347 
 
 Lucy, 1814-1883; m. Thomas R. Kimball, Boston. 
 
 Theron, 1815-1835. 
 
 Mary, 1817; m. 184^ Stephen Temple, Augusta, Me. 
 
 Lemuel, 1819-1820. 
 
 Benjamin, 1821. 
 
 Hannah, 1823-1883; ra. Levi Sturtevant, New Bedford. 
 
 Fayette, 1824-1826. 
 
 William, i 826-1 882; firm of Silsby & Cheney, South Boston. 
 
 55- 
 Josiah 4 (Timothy,3 Josiah,2 Joseph ■) lived in Medfield and 
 vicinity, vjforking at his trade of carpentering. He married In 
 1809 Sybil Johnson, widow of Jesse (9). His wife died in 1820, 
 he in 1864. Children : — 
 
 78. Hepzibah, 1810; m. Daniel Monk of Sharon. 
 
 79. Sarah A., 1813; m. in 1834 Benjamin Hewins. 
 
 80. Sibyl M., 1816-1881 ; unmarried. 
 
 81. Miriam; m. in 1852 Milton Daniels of Medway. 
 
 JOSEPH CLARK. 
 
 Joseph Clark was one of the earliest residents of Dedham, 
 and one of the first thirteen who undertook the settlement of this 
 town. He was made a freeman in 1652, at which time he is said 
 to be of Medfield. His house was on the west side of South 
 Street, and the old cellar, near the corner of Oak Street, marks 
 the spot where he built. He served as a selectman in 1660, but 
 does not appear very frequently in town offices. He died in 
 1684; and his widow Alice, or Alse, as it was often written, died 
 in 17 10. Children: — 
 
 --2. Joseph, 1642. 
 
 --3. Benjamin, 1644. 
 
 --4. Ephraim, 1646. 
 
 5. Daniel, 1647-1676 ; received wounds from the Indians at the 
 
 time of the burning of Medfield, from which he died about 
 six weeks afterward. 
 
 6. Mary, 1649; m. in 1673 Jonathan Boyden (6). 
 
 7. Sarah, 1651-1704; m. in 1673 John Bowers (2); second, in 
 
 1677, Samuel Smith (5). 
 
 8. John, 1652-1720; m. in 1679 Mary SheflSeld of Sherborn ; 
 
 settled in Medway. 
 -I-9. Nathaniel, 1658. 
 10. Rebecca, 1660-1739; ™- in 1679 Joli" Richardson (1). 
 
 Joseph 2 (Joseph') was of age in 1663, and in that year his 
 father received a grant of a house lot for his son to build upon. 
 In 1674, the records show that he owned a house near pine swamp ; 
 and it stood near the present junction of Curve and Spring 
 Streets. He also built a malt-house near it. He married in 
 1663 Mary Allen (3) ; and her father gave him a house by his 
 
348 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 will, which was the ancient house, probably, that stood where that 
 of G. W. Kingsbury now stands. At his death, he owned, besides 
 his homestead, a house and land at " planting field," and a house 
 and land in Wrentham. He served as a selectman and represen- 
 tative. He and his wife both died in 1702. Children: — 
 
 +11. Joseph, 1664. 
 
 12. John, 1666-1691. 
 
 13. Jonathan, 1668-1690. 
 
 14. Esther, 1670; m. Thomas Thurston (11). 
 
 15. Thomas, 1672-1690. 
 
 16. Mary, 1674-1675. 
 
 17. ( Daniel, 1676-1694. 
 
 18. I Lea, 1676-1676. 
 -I-19. Solomon, 1678. 
 
 20. David, 1680-1714; m. in 1703 Mary Wheelock (33). He 
 received as his portion the house in Wrentham, now 
 Norfolk, the first homestead south of Stop River bridge. 
 He and his wife died in the same year, leaving one 
 daughter, Elizabeth, who married in 1722 Daniel Holbrook. 
 Had a numerous posterity. 
 
 2r. ( Moses, i 685-1 685. 
 
 22. I Aaron, i 685-1 751 ; settled in Wrentham. 
 
 Benjamin 2 (Joseph') was by trade a wheelwright. He mar- 
 ried in 1665 Dorcas Morse (21), and in 1668 had a grant for a 
 house lot "near the way as you go out at Nantasket." His 
 
 house was on Main Street, 
 opposite where Pound Street 
 enters it. The original well is 
 said to be still in use. He 
 was burned out by the Indians 
 in 1676, but rebuilt upon the 
 same spot. What is called 
 the " Peak House " is an addi- 
 tion subsequently made to his 
 second house, in or about 1762. 
 After the decay of the old part, 
 it was moved to its present 
 location. Its unique shape has 
 attracted much attention, and 
 it is even popularly believed 
 to be one of the original houses 
 left standing by the Indians. Benjamin was a prominent man in 
 town affairs, served on the board of selectmen seventeen, and as 
 representative two, years. He died in 1724, his widow in the 
 following year. Children ; — 
 
 23. Hannah, 1666-1757; m. in 1691 Ebenezer Mason (7). 
 
 24. Benjamin, 1668-1688; "died at the eastward." 
 
 25. Theophilus, 1670; settled in Medway. 
 
 PEAK HOUSE. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 349 
 
 26. Tabitha, 1672 ; m. in 1710 Thomas Sandford. 
 
 27. Timothy, i 674-1 676. 
 -\-28. Timothy, 1677. 
 
 29. Edward, 1679-1746; settled in Medway. 
 
 30. Ebenezer, 1682-1683. 
 
 31. Rebecca, 1684-1687. 
 -[-32. Seth, 1687. 
 
 Ephraim 2 (Joseph ') was a tailor by trade : he had his home- 
 stead near the place lately owned by Samuel Woods. His first 
 grant is described as being southward from South Plain, the road 
 then running across that plain, up the hill, and across what is now 
 High Street, and so onward to Walpole plain, then called " easy 
 plain." Ephraim had land at " esi plaine." The site of the orig- 
 inal house is yet visible on the east side of Granite Street. It 
 was not built probably till a few years after the Indian war. He 
 married in 1669 Mary Bullen (3), who died in 1726. He died in 
 1699. Children: — 
 
 33. Elizabeth, 1669; m. John Mason of Dedham. 
 
 34. Mary, 1671 ; m. Samuel Whiting. 
 
 35. Ephraim, 1673 ; probably died young. 
 
 36. Milletiah, 1674; m. Timothy Hamant (8). 
 
 37. Mehitable, 1676-1743; m. in 1703 Benjamin Allen of 
 
 Dedham. 
 -(-38. Samuel, 1679. 
 39. Noah, 1680-1704; m. in 1702 Susanna Hartshorn, had one 
 
 daughter, Abiel, born in 1704. 
 4-40. Ezra, 1683. 
 -I-41. Jeremiah, 1687. 
 
 Nathaniel ^ (Joseph ') settled on his father's home place. He 
 married in 1704 Experience Hinsdale (18). He died in 1733, and 
 his wife in 1754. Children: — 
 
 42. Nathaniel, 1705; settled in Medway. 
 
 43. ( Patience, 1706. 
 44. 1 Experience, 1706. 
 
 45. Mehitable, 1708. 
 
 46. Hinsdale, 1710-1787; m. in 1735 Ann Partridge (21); set- 
 tled in Sturbridge. 
 
 47. Moses, 1711. 
 --48. j Benjamin, 1714- 
 
 49. J Daniel, 17 14. 
 
 Josephs Qoseph,^ Joseph') was a cordwainer by trade. He 
 married in 1686 Mary Wight (11), and settled about the same 
 time in the north part of the town, very nearly where Noah Allen 
 now lives. In 1695, he held the office of sealer of leather. At 
 
3SO 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFJELD. 
 
 his father's death, he received the homestead in the south part of 
 the town, and removed thither. Captain Joseph Clark was one of 
 the prominent men of the town, built the grist-mill, and carried 
 on the manufacture of malt in an adjacent building. His wife 
 died in 1705; and he married in 1706 Abigail Smith, widow of 
 Samuel (12). He died in 1731, his wife about 1756. Children : — 
 
 50, 
 51 
 52 
 53 
 
 55 
 
 SI- 
 
 Mary, 1687-1717; m. in 1705 Nathaniel Smith (22). 
 
 Mehitable, 1690; ni. Timothy Morse (41). 
 
 Hannah, 1692; m. in 1709 John Robbins. 
 
 Esther, 1695-1774 ; m. in 1716 Ebenezer Turner (17). 
 
 Joseph, 1697. 
 
 Hephzibah, 1699-1791 ; m. in 1727 Timothy Hamant (10). 
 
 Thomas, 1703. 
 
 Abigail, 1711-1750; m. in 1730 Henry Smith (38). 
 
 ig. 
 
 Solomon 3 (Joseph,^ Joseph ') settled on the place at " planting 
 field" now owned and occupied by Thomas S. Clark. He mar- 
 ried, about 1698, Mary White. Mary died in 1740, and he mar- 
 ried in the same year Elizabeth Adams (48). Solomon served 
 three years as selectman, was one of the trustees of the State loan 
 in 1 72 1, and representative to the General Court in 1725. He 
 died in 1748. Children: — 
 
 S8, 
 
 59 
 -f6o, 
 
 61 
 -I-62, 
 
 63 
 
 64, 
 
 65 
 66, 
 67 
 68, 
 69, 
 
 Mary, 1699-17 18, 
 
 Jonathan, 1700; settled in Wrentham. 
 
 Solomon, 1701. 
 
 Daniel, i 703-1 704. 
 
 David, 1705. 
 
 Ann, i 706-1 764; m. in 1726 Ephraim Cheney (22). 
 
 Hannah, 1708-1710. 
 
 Daniel, 1710-1710. 
 
 Hannah, 171 i ; m. in 1730 Aquila Robbins, Walpole. 
 
 Sarah, 1713-1713. 
 
 John, 1715-1715. 
 
 Sarah, 1718; probably m. Daniel Clark (49) in 1736. 
 
 28. 
 
 Timothy 3 (Benjamin,^ Joseph ■) settled in Medway. He mar- 
 ried in 1700 Elizabeth Pratt (13), who died in 1702 ; second, in 
 1705, Sarah Metcalf (17). He died in 1725. Children : — 
 
 70. Timothy, 1706. 
 
 71. Sarah, 1708. 
 
 72. Beriah, 1711. 
 -)-73. Joseph, 1714. 
 
 Perhaps others in Medway. 
 
 32- 
 
 Seth3 (Benjamin,^ Joseph') inherited his father's homestead, 
 and spent his life upon it as a farmer. He married in 17 13 Abi- 
 
GENEALOGIES. 35 1 
 
 gail Metcalf (18). He died in 1756, his wife in 1788. In his 
 inventory, among other personal property, we find " two-thirds of 
 a negro man," valued at ;^2o. He was chosen town treasurer in 
 1737, and served five years as one of the selectmen. Children : — 
 
 +74- Seth, 1714. 
 
 75. Tabitha, 1717-1747; m. William Hooker (4). 
 
 76. Peter, i 719-1720. 
 
 77. Abigail, 1722-1813; m. in 1748 Nathan Plimpton (36). 
 
 78. Thankful, 1724-1809; m. in 1749 John Fisher (25). 
 
 79. Ebenezer, 1 727-1 728. 
 
 80. Ebenezer, i 729-1 729. 
 -I-81. Asa, 1730. 
 
 82. Lois, i 735-1 801 ; m. Jonathan Wight (72). 
 
 38. 
 Samuel 3 (Ephraim,^ Joseph ') settled on the home place on 
 Granite Street. He married in 1702 Sarah Pratt (12), who died 
 in 1754; second, in 1755, Mehitable, widow of John Allen (12). 
 She died in the following year. He served six years as one of the 
 selectmen. He died in 1769, and gave his estate to his grandson, 
 Ezra Smith (206). Children: — 
 
 83. Ephraim, 1703; m. in 1727 Abigail Partridge (69); settled 
 
 in Walpole. 
 
 84. Sarah, 1705; m. in 1728 Ezra Smith of Dedham. 
 
 85. Deborah, i 708-1 741. 
 
 86. Phebe, 1710-1714. 
 
 87. Rebecca, 1712-1731. 
 
 88. Mehitable, 17 14; probably m. James Rix of Upton. 
 
 89. Samuel, 1717-1718. 
 
 go. Phebe, 1720; m. in 1747 Elisha Ware of Wrentham. 
 
 •4-91. Samuel, 1722. 
 
 92. Hannah, i 724-1 748. 
 
 93. David, mentioned in his father's will, and said to be of 
 
 Medway. 
 
 40. 
 
 Ezra s (Ephraim,^ Joseph ■) was a blacksmith, and settled where 
 F. D. Hamant's cottage stands on Philip Street. He married in 
 1708 Margaret Morse of Sherborn. He died in 1739, owning 
 estate in Sturbridge, which he gave to his son Noah. His home 
 place was given to Ezra. Margaret died in 1745. Children: — 
 
 94. Noah, 1708-1 7 17. 
 
 95. Ezra, 1711-1779; a weaver by trade, and probably unmar- 
 
 ried. 
 
 96. Mary, 1715-1741. 
 -(-97. Noah, 171 7. 
 
 98. Esther, i 722-1 727. 
 -)-99. Edward, 1726. 
 
 41. 
 
 Jeremiah 3 (Ephraim,^ Joseph ') was a weaver, and settled on 
 Granite Street, toward Walpole plain. The traces of a cellar are 
 
352 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Still visible on the west side of the road. After his marriage, he 
 appears to have removed from town, as two of his children are 
 recorded in Dedham. He returned about 1720, and that is prob- 
 ably about the time .he built his house. His first wife, Patience, 
 died in 1726 ; and he married in 1728 Mehitable Morse. He died 
 in 1748. Children: — 
 
 100. Elizabeth, 171 2. 
 
 Two children, recorded in Dedham, born in 171 4 and 171 7, 
 died in infancy, 
 loi. Jerusha, 1721. 
 
 102. Patience, 1726. 
 
 103. Jeremiah, i 729-1 729. 
 
 104. Jeremiah, 1731; m. in 1752 Ruth Hancock of Wrentham, 
 
 had one daughter. Silence, born in Medfield in 1753, 
 after which the family disappears. 
 
 47- 
 Moses 3 (Nathaniel,^ Joseph •) received by his father's will a lot 
 of pasture and meadow " on the lower side of planting field," 
 with liberty to get timber from the swamp for his house and barn. 
 His house was built about 1734, and stood on South Street, very 
 near the South School-house. He removed to Sturbridge about 
 1741, and died there in 1783. His wife Elizabeth died in 1774. 
 Children : — 
 
 105. AzUBAH, 1736; m. in 1758 Michael Sanders of Sturbridge; 
 
 second, Ebenezer Fisher of Needham. 
 
 106. MosES, 1737. 
 
 107. Rhoda, 1739; m. in 1766 Jeremiah Twichell of Sturbridge. 
 
 108. Aaron, 1740. 
 
 109. Mary, m. in 1775 Seth Turner (34). 
 
 Several other children were born after the removal to Sturbridge. 
 
 48. 
 
 Benjamin 3 (Nathaniel,^ Joseph ■), with his twin brother, Daniel, 
 inherited the ancestral place on South Street. He entered the 
 army in the French war, and died at Lake George in 1756. His 
 wife Mary administered his esta.te. In 1771, Mary, iVidow of 
 Benjamin Clark, received aid from the church, here. Children : — 
 
 no. Wyatt, 1738-1760; enUsted in the French war, and died 
 near Greenbush. 
 
 111. Miriam, 1741-1813; m. in 1763 Joseph Hoyden (39). 
 
 112. Benjamin, 1743; possibly of Marlboro. 
 
 113. Mary, 1746. 
 
 114. Experience, i 748-1 772. 
 
 115. Silence, i 750-1 750. 
 
 49. 
 Daniel 3 (Nathaniel,^ Joseph ') came into possession of the old 
 place conjointly with his brother. After Benjamin's death, the 
 buildings, it would appear, were given to his heirs, and the lands 
 
GENEALOGIES. 353 
 
 to Daniel, who sold them in 1760, and removed to Walpole, where 
 he died in 1765. At his death, he owned- a few acres of land in 
 Medfield. He married in 1736 Sarah Clark, perhaps No. 69. 
 Children : — 
 
 116. Daniel, 1737; was in Walpole in 1765. 
 
 117. Sarah, 1740; m. in 1759 Joseph Ellis of Walpole. 
 
 118. Hannah, 1741. 
 
 119. Mary, 1743. 
 
 1 20. Asaph, 1746. 
 
 121. Patience, 1748; m. in 1772 Joseph Metcalf, probably. 
 
 122. Solomon, 1751. 
 
 123. Eunice, 1754. 
 
 124. Benjamin, 1756. 
 
 125. Mercy, 1759; m- in 1783 Daniel Robbins. 
 
 126. Olive, 1762; m. in 1785 Luther Breck (20). 
 
 54- 
 Joseph 4 (Joseph,3 Joseph,^ Joseph ') married in 17 18 Experience 
 Wheeler (3), and seems to have owned estate somewhere r»?.ai^the 
 present junction of Curve and Spring Streets, in which his widow. 
 Experience, had dower. He died in 1731, and his widow married 
 Daniel Wedge of Mendon. It seems that she improved her 
 dower in her old age, as the old people say that they were told in 
 their childhood that there was once a small house in that locality, 
 and that " old Pedy Wedge " lived in it. Children : — 
 
 127. Joseph, 1719-1719. 
 -(-128. Joseph, 1720. 
 
 129. Rowland, i 722-1 790; m. in 1744 Hannah Lawrence, daugh- 
 
 ter of Ebenezer of Wrentham. He settled in Sturbridge. 
 
 130. Hephsibah, 1725 ; m. in 1747 Gideon Albee of Mendon. 
 
 131. Jepthah, 1727-1736. 
 
 132. Experience, 1730. 
 
 56. 
 Thomas 4 (Joseph,3 Joseph,^ Joseph ■) succeeded to the posses- 
 sion of his father's estate, including the mill and malt-house. The 
 house stood directly in front of that now occupied by George W. 
 Kingsbury. The name of Thomas Clark may yet be traced on 
 a rock near the house, with the date 1722. In 1774, he deeded his 
 estate to his son-in-law, Asa Hamant. The Boston records of 
 1727 contain the marriage of Thomas Clark and Abigail 
 Morse (44). He died in 1776, his wife in the following year. 
 Childreh : — 
 
 133. Kezia, 1729; m. in 1747 Josiah Morse of Walpole. 
 
 134. Abigail, 1730-1819; m. Francis Cole (i). 
 
 135. Peninnah, 1734-1778; m. in 1758 Asa Hamant (24). 
 
 136. Bathsheba, 1736-1772; m. in 1757 Uriah Morse (149). 
 
 60. 
 Solomon 4 (Solomon,3 Joseph,^ Joseph ') settled in the south part 
 of the town, near the head of Noon Hill Street. Some lilacs, 
 
354 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 garden pinks, and a grape-vine yet linger to mark the spot, 
 though the house was demolished about 1812. The traces of the 
 cellar and well were obliterated a few years since. He married 
 in 1723 Mary Lovell (11). He died in 1747, and his widow mar- 
 ried in 1753 Eleazar Morse of Sherborn. Children : — 
 
 -4-137. Solomon, 1726. 
 138. (Marah, 1729-1729. 
 139. 1 Silence, 1729-1729. 
 
 140. Mary, 1730; m. in 1754 Samuel Richardson of Wrentham. 
 
 141. Thankful, 1733 ; m. in 1752 Josiah Cheney (29). 
 
 142. Elizabeth, 1734-1767; m. in 1750 Thomas Adams (53). 
 
 143. Sibyl, 1737. 
 
 144. Dyer, 1740; settled in Franklin. 
 
 145. Stephen, 1743; settled in Wrentham. 
 
 146. Cephas, 1745 ; went to Cumberland, R.I. 
 
 62. 
 
 David ^(Solomon,3 Joseph,^ Joseph •) inherited his father's place. 
 He miirried in 1728 Mary Smith (37), who died in 1770; second, 
 in the following year, Abigail, widow of John Plimpton (22). He 
 died in 1771, and by his will gave his home place to his son 
 Nathan. To the other children, he gave sums of money ^nd out- 
 lands. He served as a selectman in 1756 and 1760. Children : — 
 
 -I-147. Nathan, 1729. 
 
 -j-148. Jacob, 1732. 
 
 149. Dinah, I735-<73S- 
 
 150. Catherine, 1736; m. in 1759 Samuel Morse (58). 
 
 151. Esther, 1739-1797; m. in 1768 Silas Plimpton (63). 
 -)-iS2. David, 1742. . 
 
 153. Joses, 1744-1744. 
 
 154. Mary, 1746-1820; m. in 1771 John Fisher (47). 
 
 155. JosES, 1748-1748. 
 
 156. Solomon, 1750-1750. 
 
 157. Ichabod; not recorded, but mentioned in his father's will. 
 
 73- 
 Joseph* (Timothy,3 Benjamin,^ Joseph'), born in Medway in 
 17 13, came into possession of the estate of his grandfather, Joseph 
 Metcalf (5), now owned by John Y. Thurston. He married in 
 1732 Hannah Dwight (11). He enlisted in the French war, and 
 died at Cape Breton in 1746. He appears to have lived with his 
 grandfather some time before coming into possession of his estate, 
 as in 1736 we find the "burying ground was let to Joseph Clark" 
 for pasturage. Children : — 
 
 158 
 
 160 
 16 
 162, 
 163 
 
 Catherine, i 732-1 736. 
 
 Joseph, 1735. 
 
 Eunice, 1737-1753. 
 
 Catherine, i 740-1 764; m. in 1759 Josiah Gregory. 
 
 Mercy, i 743 ; m. Greenwood. 
 
 Patty, i 745-1 745. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 355 
 
 74- 
 
 Seth ■* (Seth,3 Benjamin,^ Joseph ') came into possession of the 
 place belonging to his father and grandfather. He built the front 
 part of the house, now owned by the heirs of Warren Hartshorn, 
 and kept an inn there for many years. He was one of the most 
 influential men in the town; served as selectman in 1752, 1754, 
 1762, and 1768: representative to General Court in 1765 and 
 1768; delegate to the Provincial Congress in 1775 ; and assistant 
 commissary in the American army in 1778. He married in 1742 
 Thankful Allen (39), who died in 1760. He died in 1805. Chil- 
 dren: — 
 
 164. Sarah, i 743-1 743. 
 -)-i65. Ebenezer, 1745. 
 
 166. Sarah, 1747-1828; m. Joseph Wheelock (41); second, Sam- 
 
 uel Sanger of Sherborn. 
 
 167. Peter, i 749-1 750. 
 
 168. Rebecca, i 750-1 758. 
 
 169. Olive, 1753-1758. 
 
 170. Sybil, 1755-1785; m, in 1785 James Tisdale. 
 
 81. 
 
 AsA4 (Seth,3 Benjamin, 2 Joseph") married in 1758 Zillah Chenery 
 (23), who died in 1826. He served as a selectman in 1777 and 
 1778, died in 1788. His homestead was in the extreme north 
 part of the town, on Railroad Street. Children : — 
 
 -I-171. William, 1758. 
 
 172. Alona, 1 760-1 787; m. in 1 786 Timothy Smith (114). 
 
 173. Rebecca, 1 765-1850; unmarried. 
 
 174. Zillah, i 772-1 772. 
 
 175. Asa, 1774; died of small-pox in 1792. 
 
 gi. 
 
 Samuel 4 (Samuel, 3 Ephraim,^ Joseph ■) settled with his father, 
 who survived him. He married in 1747 Dinah Ware' of Wren- 
 tham, and died in 1750, aged twenty-eight. His widow married 
 Seth Richardson (12). Children : — 
 
 176. Melitiah, 1 748-1 770. 
 
 177. Dinah, i 750-1 750. 
 
 97- 
 
 Noah 4 (Ezra,3 Ephraim,^ Joseph >) appears to have returned to 
 this town after residence elsewhere. He was here in 1764, living 
 on the home place on Philip Sy[eet. He sold out in 1781, and is 
 said to have removed to Athol. 
 
 There is no record of his marriage. The dilapidated old house 
 was known as " Noah's Ark." Children : — 
 
 178. iVlARGARET, 1 749-1 776; m. in 1774 Joseph Cheney (44). 
 -|-i79. Elias, 1 75 1. 
 
 180. JABEZ, 1753-1757- 
 
356 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 181. DrUSILLA, 1 754-1 755. 
 
 182. Esther, 1755-1757. 
 
 183. Jauez, 1757. 
 
 184. Lois. 1760. 
 
 185. Samuel, 1762. 
 
 gg. 
 
 Edward* (Ezra,3 Ephraim,^ Joseph ■) married in 1749 Sarah 
 Shuttleworth of Wrentham. He lived at the foot of the hill, near 
 the railroad crossing on South Street. In 1776, Edward and his 
 wife were both inoculated for the small-pox, and went to the 
 hospital, where she died. The town paid the expenses of their ■ 
 treatment. In 1782, he was adjud£;ed " non compos," and Elijah 
 Adams was appointed guardian. His outlying lands were sold for 
 his support, and he died in 1 792. Children : — 
 
 186. RuFUS, 1751 ; settled In Sturbridge. 
 
 187. Amy, 1752-1813 ; m. in 1777 George Turner (95). 
 
 188. Sarah, 1753; m. in 1773 Uriah Morse (149). 
 
 189. Mary, i 754-1 759. 
 
 190. Michael, 1757-1759. # 
 
 191. Mary, 1760; m. Hutchins. 
 
 192. Drusilla, 1 765-1 798. An old paper sets forth that, in the 
 
 year 1798, " Drusilla Clark, sister of George Turner, now 
 at his house, but recently from Boston, having spent every 
 cent to get to Medfield, asks for help from the town." 
 Her effects were sold by the town authorities for $1.50 
 after her death. 
 
 128. 
 
 Josephs (Joseph,* Joseph,3 Joseph,^ Joseph i) married in 1739 
 Elizabeth Puffer. He is called blacksmith, and inherited some- 
 thing from his grandfather's estate. In 1742, he sold out, his 
 uncle, Thomas Clark, buying most of his estate. He went to 
 Mendon, and died there about 1780. Children: — 
 
 193. JosErn, 1739. 
 
 194. Thomas, 1742. 
 
 Others were born in Mendon. 
 
 137- 
 
 Solomon s (Solomon,* Solomon,3 Joseph,^ Joseph •) settled on the 
 homestead near the junction of South and Noon Hill Streets. 
 He married in 1752 Jane Phillips of Stoughton, who died in 1772 • 
 second, in 1773, Widow Abigail Clafk. ' 
 
 He died in 1796, his widow in'i8o3. The family scattered to 
 various parts of the country. Children : — 
 
 195. Simeon, I753-I7i5- 
 
 196. Lydia, 1754; m. in 1788 Simeon Gould of Dedham. 
 
 197. Simeon, 1756. 
 
 198. Solomon, 1757. 
 
GENEALOGrES. 357 
 
 199. Elizabeth, 1759-1789; m. in 1780 Ephraim Smith (207). 
 
 200. Phillips, 1761 ; lived in Medway, unmarried. 
 
 201. Olive, 1763. 
 
 202. Jane, 1766. 
 
 203. Silence, i 774-1 774. 
 
 204. Abigail, 1775-1817; m. in 1798 Theophilus Harding of 
 
 Medway. 
 
 205. Samuel, 1777; m. in t8o6 Rachel Stone of Richmond, N. H. 
 
 He sold the house, barn, and house lot, in 1804, to Francis 
 Hamant. 
 
 147. 
 
 Nathan s (David, 4 Solomon, 3 Joseph,^ Joseph ') inherited his 
 father's place in the south part of the town. He had no sons, and 
 after his death the place passed into the hands of his brother 
 David. He married in 1760 Mary Morse (62), who died in 
 1772 ; second, in 1774, Mary Wilson. He served as a selectman 
 in 1769. He died of consumption in 1777, his widow in 1800, 
 aged seventy. Children : — 
 
 206. Eunice, 1761-1826; m. in 1782 Zimri Cleaveland (2). 
 
 207. Mary, 1765; m. in 1809 Jesse Day of Wrentham. 
 
 208. Jerusha, 1767-1851 ; m. in 1794 Ephraim Smith (207). 
 
 209. Abigail, 1769; m. in 1793 Elijah Seabury. 
 
 148. 
 
 Jacobs (David, 4 SoIomon,3 Joseph,^ Joseph") married in 1752 
 Rachel Smith (59), and settled on the place which had been owned 
 by her father and grandfather on Mill Brook, lately the property 
 of Bradford Curtis. Rachel died in 1757, and he married in the 
 same year Milletiah Hamant (26). He died in 1801, his wife in 
 1820. Selectman in 1774-75. Children: — 
 
 210. Chloe, 175s; m. in 1779 Jonathan Plimpton (81). 
 
 211. Rachel, 1759; m. in 1781 Oliver Wight (94). 
 
 212. Martha, 1761-1806; m. in 1783 Lebbeus Smith (113). 
 
 213. Pitt, 1763-1835; graduated Harvard University 1790; 
 
 settled as minister at Norton; ordained in 1793. 
 -[-214. Elisha, 1765. 
 
 215. Milletiah, i 767-1 768. 
 
 216. Sarah, 1769-1846; m. in 1790 Isaiah Smith (117). 
 -(-217. Jacob, 1774. 
 
 152. 
 
 Davids (David, 4 Solomon,3 Joseph,^ Joseph") bought in 1766 
 the homestead of Micah Baker on High Street. This he sold, 
 and bought of his brother Nathan's heirs in 1791 the homestead 
 which had been his father's. He was a cooper by trade. He 
 married Kezia Fisher (45), who died in 1776 ; second, in 1778, 
 Thankful Turner (43). He served as selectman in 1786. His 
 house was burned, with all its contents, in 1792, and the present 
 
358 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 house was built in 1793. He died in 1806, and his wife in 1827. 
 Children : — 
 
 218. Kezia, 1 769-1 772. 
 
 -I-219. Aaron, 1771. 
 
 220. Mary, i 773-1 785. 
 
 221. Kezia, 1779; m. in 1801 Artemas Murdock. 
 
 222. Thankful, 1784-1810. 
 -(-223. David, 1787. 
 
 159- 
 
 Joseph s (Joseph,4 Timothy,3 Benjatnin,^ Joseph >) lived on the 
 place which was his father's, now Mr. Thurston's. He was one 
 of the selectmen in 1774 and 1776. He married in 1757 Caroline 
 Mason (28), who died in 1830. He died in 1816. Children: — 
 
 224. Catherine, 1762-1851 ; m. in 1783 Moses Hartshorn (5). 
 
 225. Cynthia, 1764-1823 ; m. in 1792 Thaddeus Morse (78). 
 
 226. Joseph, 1 766-1 839. He m. in 1788 Hannah Morse (83), only 
 
 heir to her father's estate, which became their homestead. 
 She died in 1816; and he married, second, Elizabeth 
 Mason, of Princeton, who died in 1853. 
 
 227. Caroline, 1769-1816; m. in 1792 Abner Ellis (133). 
 
 228. Warren, 1775; died of small-pox in 1792. 
 
 165. 
 
 Ebenezer 5 (Seth,4 Seth,3 Benjamin, ^ Joseph ') remained upon the 
 old homestead. He enlarged the house in 1773, building on the 
 easterly end, and carried on the business of an innholder. He 
 married in 1770 Abigail Ellis (42), who died in 1817. He served 
 on the board of selectmen in 1784-85. In 1794, being chairman 
 of the committee of the Baptist society, he was seized for non- 
 payment of ministerial taxes, and lodged in Boston jail. The 
 fathers of the town, however, found that they had been over- 
 zealous ; and they hurried down to the city on Sunday, and got him 
 released. This is the last recorded attempt in this town to force 
 payment to the " standing order." He continued his innholding, 
 in conjunction with his son, up to the time of his death in 1810. 
 Afterward, the business was carried on by Partridge Holbrook. 
 Children : — 
 
 229. Olive, i 771-1 776. 
 
 230. Thankful, i 773-1 777. 
 
 231. Nabby, 1775-1817; m. in 1797 Isaac Pierce of Weston; 
 
 came to Medfield; and he died here in 1813, leaving two 
 daughters, Charlotte and Eliza. 
 
 232. Mary, 1777; m. in 1797 Nehemiah Adams of Franklin; 
 
 removed to Maine. 
 
 233. Olive, i 779-1 779. 
 
 234. Oliver, 1781 ; went to Union, Me. 
 
 235. Sibyl, 1787; m. Benajah Pond of Franklin. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 359 
 
 236. Ebenezer, 1789; m. in iSlo Olive Pond of Medway ; 
 
 drove the stage from Medfield to Boston, and built the 
 hall attached to the old " Clark Tavern." He was post- 
 master here from 1809 to 1818. Died in Franklin. 
 
 237. Olive, 1791-1811. 
 
 238. Seth, 1 797-1 8 1 7. 
 
 171. 
 
 Williams (Asa,4 Seth.s Benjamin,^ Joseph') located in the 
 north part of the town, where his father had lived. He married 
 in 1779 Hannah Peters (12). He received a commission as 
 captain of the military of this town in 1790, served eight years 
 as a member of the board of selectmen, and appears to have taken 
 an active interest in the affairs of the town? He died in 1825, 
 his wife in 1850. Children : — 
 
 239. Chenerv, 1779-1848; resided in Roxbury for many years, 
 
 but returned, and died in this town. 
 
 240. Olive, i 782-1 785. 
 
 241. Seth, 1786-1796. 
 
 242. Alona, 1789-1862; m. in i8o8 William Langley of Roxbury. 
 -I-243. Asa, 1793. 
 
 179. 
 
 Elias s (Noah,4 Ezra,3 Ephraim,^ Joseph ■) appears to have lived 
 in the house that had been his father's. He married in 1773 Ann 
 Thebault (7), who died in 1825. He died in 1805. Children: — 
 
 244. John, 1774; settled in Vermont. 
 
 245. Catherine, 1777-1857; died in Dedham, unmarried. 
 
 246. Alexander, i 779 ; settled in Framingham. 
 
 247. Susanna, 1782-1861; m. in 1808 Abijah Colburn of 
 
 Dedham. 
 -(-248. James, 1784. 
 
 214. 
 
 Elisha^ (Jacob,5 David,'f Solomon, s Joseph,^ Joseph') owned 
 the place on Mill Brook, formerly his father's. He married in 
 1792 Drusilla Smith (118), who died in 1804; second, in 1807, 
 Hannah Boyden (54), and came into possession of her father's 
 estate, near the junction of Pound and South Streets. About 
 1816, he exchanged his old homestead on Mill Brook for that 
 of his brother-in-law, Isaiah Smith, near the South School-house. 
 He served as one of the selectmen in 1804-05 and 1820. He 
 was chosen deacon of the old church in 1825, but resigned his 
 office in 1827, and became one of the constituent members of 
 the Orthodox church. He died in 1839, his wife in 1848. 
 Children : — 
 
 249. Sophia, i 793-1 809. 
 
 250. Katy, 1 796-1 797. 
 
 251. Hiram, i 798-1 803. 
 
 252. Katy, i 808-1 809. 
 
360 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 253. Hannah, 1810-1837; unmarried. 
 
 254. Drusilla, 1814-1858; m. in 1835 Caleb S. Hamant (43). 
 
 255. Hiram, 1817-1817. 
 
 256. Sophia, 1813-1856; m. in 1842 John Mason (92). 
 
 217. 
 Jacob 6 (Jacob,5 David,4 Solomon,3 Joseph,^ Joseph') resided in 
 Medfield till about twenty years of age, when he removed to 
 Dedham. He was captain there in 1806. Children : — 
 
 257. Cally, 1793-1878; m. in 1814 Warren Hartshorn (13). 
 +258. Jacob, 1793. 
 
 Other children were born in Dedham. 
 
 2ig. 
 Aaron 6 (David,5 David,4 SoIomon,3 Joseph,^ Joseph >) resided 
 in Medfield for a few years, and then removed to Rutland, Mass., 
 where he died. He married in 1795 Olive Allen (73). Children : 
 
 259. Nathan, 1796. 
 
 260. Horace, 1799; lived in Dedham and Rutland. 
 
 261. Olive, 1805-1819. 
 
 262. Mary, 1808. 
 
 263. Aaron, 1811; lived in Dedham. 
 
 264. MosES, 1813 ; went to the State of New York. 
 
 265. Abigail, 1816; died in Dedham, unmarried. 
 
 266. Sarah, 1818-1876; m. Nicolas Wentworth of Medway. 
 
 223. 
 
 David ^ (David,! David,4 Solomon, 3 Joseph,^ Joseph ') inherited 
 his father's place; married in 181 1 Olive Smith (132), who died 
 in 1880. He died in 1859. Children : — 
 
 267. David, 1813-1886. 
 
 268. Olive, 1815 ; m. in 1844 Luther Guild. 
 -I-269. Thomas S., 181 7. 
 
 270. William H., 1820-1822. 
 
 27r. Henry, 1823-1835. 
 
 272. Titus S., 1831-1856. 
 
 273. James W., 1834; m. in 1862 Laura Ord (5). 
 
 243- 
 
 Asa 6 (William,s Asa,4 Seth,3 Benjamin,^ Joseph ■) remained upon 
 the home place at the North End. He married in 1818 Sarah 
 Fairbanks. He died in 183 1 , his widow in 1857. Children: — 
 
 -I-274. Asa, 1 81 9. 
 
 275. Alfred, 1822-1887; resided in Walpole. 
 
 276. Mary E., 1824-1867; m. William B. Jewett. 
 -{-277. William, 1826. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 361 
 
 248. 
 
 James ^ (Elias,s Noah,4 Ezra,3 Ephraim,^ Joseph ■) was known 
 throughout this region, in the early part of the present century, 
 as a musician and instructor in dancing. He lived for several 
 years on the place that had belonged to his grandfather, John 
 Thebault, now the property of Mr. Rhodes, on South Street. He 
 kept a tavern, from 1835 to 1842, on the spot where the town hall 
 now stands ; removed to Dedham, where he kept the Phenix 
 House. He returned to this town, and died here in 1861. He 
 married in 1806 Polly Smith (131), who died in 1813; second, in 
 1816, Sally Plumb. Children : — 
 
 278. Mary A., 1810. 
 
 279. Catherine, 181 3. 
 
 280. James, 1817-1820. 
 28t. John, 1818-1820. 
 
 282. Chloe a., 1 820-1 847; unmarried. 
 
 283. Sarah E., i 823-1 847 ; m. in 1847 Calvin Merrill. 
 
 284. Laura; m. in 1851 Marcus Jewett of Claremont, N.H. 
 
 285. Abby J.; m. in 1851 Phineas A. Spencer of East Medway. 
 
 258. 
 
 Jacob? (Jacob,^ Jacob,5 David,4 Solomon,3 Joseph,^ Joseph") 
 lived on the west corner of Main and Bridge Streets. He married 
 Cynthia Morse (95). He died in 1865, his widow in 188 1. 
 Children : — 
 
 -(-286. Joseph, 1820. 
 
 287. AsAHEL P., 1823-1876; m., first, Sarah Balch; second, Anne 
 
 Cavanagh ; lived in Providence. 
 
 288. Warren, 1825 ; resides in Sublette, 111. 
 
 289. Cynthia, i 828-1 852; unmarried. 
 
 290. Julia D., 1833; m. in 1858 Joseph W. Paige. 
 
 291. Caroline A., 1838-1878; m. in 1864 John T. Curtis of 
 
 Otter Creek, 111. 
 
 269. 
 Thomas Sj (David,^ David, s David,4 Solomon, 3 Joseph,^ 
 Joseph ') lives upon the place which has been owned by five 
 generations of the family. He married in 1847 Sarah Guild of 
 Chester, Vt. Children : — 
 
 292. Frederick M., 1849; ^- ii 1873 Ida E. Hamilton. 
 
 293. Sarah A., 1850; m. in 1872 Walter Wiswell. 
 
 294. Idaletta A., 1854; m. in 1875 John F. Hamilton. 
 
 295. Selwyn S., 1856. 
 
 296. Alanson H., 1867. 
 
 274. 
 
 Asa 7 (Asa,s William, s Asa,* Seth,3 Benjamin,^ Joseph ') inherited 
 his father's place. He married in 1869 Mrs. Harriet Reney. He 
 died in 1877. Children : — 
 
 297. Asa, 1871-1873. 
 
 298. Hattie, 1873. 
 
362 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 277. 
 
 William i (Asa,^ William.s Asa,4 Seth,3 Benjamin,^ Joseph ■) 
 married in 1852 Maria A. Newell (11), who died in 1865. He 
 died in 1882. Children : — 
 
 299. Sarah J., 1856-1880. 
 
 300. Ella J. ; m in 1880 Henry D. Sewell (11). 
 
 286. 
 
 Joseph 8 (Jacob,? Jacob,^ Jacob,5 David,4 Solomon,^ Joseph,^ 
 Joseph ') married in 1849 Augusta Morse (142), who died in 1869 ; 
 second, in 1872, Ellen F. Morse (145). Children: — 
 
 301. Bertram S., 1851-1853. 
 
 302. Annie F., 1855-1886. 
 
 303. Jennie A., 1859; •"■ '" 1886 Alden H. Wheeler. 
 
 304- 
 James Clark of Lexington married Jerusha Bullard in 1730, 
 and came to reside here in 1734. He was received to communion 
 in 1747 from the Lexington church ; was dismissed to church in 
 Westminster in 1773. Children: — 
 
 305. James, 1735. 
 
 306. Jerusha, i 738-1 741. 
 
 307. Joshua, i 741-1742. 
 
 308. Nathan, 1743. A Nathan Clark was in the French war, 
 
 and died at ShefiSeld in 1760. Probably the same. 
 
 309. John, 1746. 
 
 310. Silence, i 749-1 749. 
 
 311. Silas, 1751-1757. 
 
 Two daughters, Mary and Hannah, were born in Lexington, before 
 removal to Medfield. Mary Clark married Samuel Lawrence of Weston, 
 in 1758. 
 
 CLEAVELAND. 
 
 Edward Cleaveland, son of George, was born in Walpole, in 
 1738. He married in 1760 Deborah Adams; resided in Walpole 
 till about 1780, when he came to Medfield, and bought the place 
 on the Walpole road opposite Plain Street. His first wife died in 
 1797; and he married in 1798 Betsey Perry, who died in 1825. 
 He served as selectman in 1782, 1794, and 1801. He died in 
 1830. Children : — 
 
 -)-2. Zimri, 1760. 
 
 3. ZiLPAH, 1762-1843; m. Francis Nelson. 
 
 4. Edward, 1764. 
 
 5. MiLLY, 1766; m. in 1786 Ziba Baker of Walpole. 
 
 6. Lydia, 1 767-1 863 ; m. in 1788 David Hill (23). 
 
 7. Deborah, 1769. 
 8.- Patience, 1761. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 363 
 
 9. Susa; m. in 1797 Daniel Boyden of Walpole. 
 
 10. Aquila. 
 
 +11. Bela, 1 781. 
 
 -|-I2. Adin, 1784. 
 
 ZiMRi 2 (Edward i) married in 1782 Eunice Clark (206). His 
 house was on Granite Street, near its junction with Rocky Lane ; 
 and traces of it are distinctly visible. He died in 1827, his wife 
 in 1826. Children : — 
 
 13. Eunice, 1783 ; m. in 1810 Nathan C. Morse (82). 
 
 14. Sylvia, 1784; m. in 1808 Alpheus Fisher (54). 
 
 15^ Orinda, 1786; m. in 1827 Levi Goodale of West Boylston. 
 
 16. Nathan, 1789; settled in Franklin. 
 
 17. Shubael, 1 79 1. 
 
 18. WiLLARD, 1794. 
 
 19. Lotus, 1796; settled in West Boylston. 
 -(-20. Anthony W., 1799. 
 
 21. Chloe; ra. in 1823 Amos Stearns (9). 
 
 22. Martha, 1808; m. Parkman Holt of Boylston. 
 
 Bela = (Edward '), a carpenter by trade, built the house on South 
 Street owned by heirs of Moses Bullard. He was commissioned 
 as captain in 18 14. At one time, he carried on the business of 
 butchering, but failed ; and his place was sold. He died of 
 paralysis in 1832, his family having for some time been supported 
 by public charity. His wife was Hannah Adams. Children : — 
 
 23. Albert ; went to Franklin. 
 
 24. Caroline, 1807. 
 
 25. Henry. 
 
 26. Harriet. 
 
 Another, Horace, not recorded here, born in 1812, settled in Belling- 
 ham, where he died in 1876. 
 
 Adin 2 (Edward married in 1804 Miranda Smith (140); after 
 a few years' residence here, removed to Maine. Children : — 
 
 27. Emilia, 1805. 
 
 28. Rosella, 1807. 
 
 29. Henrietta, 1810. 
 
 30. Lydia, 1813. 
 
 20. 
 
 Anthony W.s (Zimri,^ Edward ') married in 1823 Harriet Pratt, 
 who died in 1832, aged twenty-eight; second, in 1836, Mary Ann 
 Boynton, who died in 185 1. He died in 1879. Children : — 
 
 31. Laura, 1826; m. in i860 Rev. Willar<i|Brigham. 
 
 32. Angenette, 1829-1869; m. in 1848 Henry O. Noyes (i). 
 
 33. Harriet, 1S32-1832. 
 
 34. Harriet M., 1838 ; m. in 1864 Henry Guy. 
 
364 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 CLIFFORD. 
 
 Oliver Clifford, son of Samuel and Betsey (Hamlin) Clifford, 
 was born in Brookfield, Vt., in 1809, of Connecticut ancestry. 
 He came to Medfield when a young man, and in 1838 married 
 Elizabeth Mason, daughter of Joseph of Princeton, grand-daughter 
 of Thomas Mason (27) and Mary Baxter. He located in East 
 Medway, where he carried on a farm, together with the business 
 of a market man. In 1868, he removed to Medfield. He has 
 held several town offices. Children : — 
 
 2. Joseph C, 1839; ™- '" '862 Elizabeth Condi t. He served 
 
 in the War of the Rebellion, first in the 426 Massachu- 
 setts, afterward in the 5th New Hampshire Heavy Artil- 
 lery. Since 1865 he has been in the regular army, and 
 holds the rank of captain. 
 
 3. Alfred, 1845; m. in 1877 Mary Morton of St. Louis, where 
 
 he resides. 
 
 4. Ellen, 1846 ; a teacher for several years. 
 
 5. Elizabeth S., 1854-1883 ; m. in 1878 George F. Mitchell. 
 
 COLE. 
 
 Francis Cole was born in Boston in 1724. He was the son 
 of Francis Cole and wife Elizabeth Flood, grand-daughter of 
 Hannah Morse (19). He was baptized and owned the covenant 
 here in 1741, and probably came to this town as an apprentice 
 to the trade of blacksmith, as he had a blacksmith's shop in 1749, 
 which he sold to Moses Hartshorn. 
 
 He married in 1748 Abigail Clark (134). Subsequently, he 
 bought the place on Plain Street, now owned by his descendants. 
 He died in 1788, his wife in 1819. Children : — 
 
 2. Abigail, 1748 ; m. in 1767 Joseph Bacon of Sherborn. 
 
 3. Elizabeth, i 749-1 757. 
 
 4. Onesimus, 1752-1814; lived in Framingham. 
 
 5. Samuel; died in 1757. 
 
 6. Joseph, 1757-1780 ; m. in 1780 Molly Plimpton (90). 
 
 7. Samuel, i 759-1 776; killed in the Revolutionary army. 
 
 8. Elizabeth, 1762; m. in 1782 Comfort Dickerman. 
 
 9. Zerviah, 1765. 
 
 10. Kezia, 1767; m. in 1808 Amos Leland of Sherborn. 
 
 11. Hannah, 1770; m. in 1820 Asa Fisher of Wrentham. 
 -|-i2. Asa, 1773. 
 
 Asa 2 (Francis ■) settled on the homestead of his father, where 
 he spent his life as a farmer. He married in 1794 Sarah Kings- 
 bury of Foxboro, who died in 1848, aged seventy-four. He died 
 in 1840. Childrehj — 
 
 13. Asa, 1795 ; m. in 1827 Martha Ellis, daughter of Eleazar (49), 
 
 and settled in Maine. 
 
 14. Joseph, 1796; died in Maine. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 365 
 
 15. ACHSAH, 1798; m. Samuel Whitney ; second, in 1827, John 
 
 Chase ; died in Maine. 
 
 16. Francis, 1803 ; m. Abigail Gay of Walpole ; lived in Dedham. 
 
 17. Abigail, i 800-1 823. 
 
 18. Kezia, 1807-1842 ; m. Lovell Fairbanks (21). 
 
 19. Margaret, 1809-1833. 
 +20. Richard, 181 i. 
 
 21. Elizabeth, 1813-1814. 
 
 22. Erastus, 1815-1878. 
 
 23. Eliza A., 1818-1850; m. in 1840 John E. Bullar3 (63). 
 
 24. Sally-; m. 1821 Caleb Hill (27); second, Josiah Alexander 
 
 of Boston. 
 
 Richard 3 (Asa,^ Francis ') married in 1835 Margaret Hunting. 
 He died in 1882. Children : — 
 
 25. Harriet H., 1841-1861. 
 
 26. Susan F., 1844-1869. 
 
 27. R. Emmons, 1848; m. in 1875 Abby L. Turner (85). 
 
 COOLEDGE. 
 
 Peter Cooledge was born in Sherborn in 1703. He came 
 to Medfield about the time of his marriage in 1723 with Abigail 
 Wheelock (37). After the death of John Fisher, he bought in 
 1732 his place on North Street, from the brook to Green Street. 
 His shop stood on the opposite side of the highway. He was 
 received to full communion in 1724; was chosen sealer of weights 
 and measures in 1731J served eight years as selectman and 
 eighteen years as town clerk; was chosen deacon in 1753. His 
 first wife died in 1726; and he married, second, Margaret Ellis, 
 daughter of Joseph of Dedham. He died in 1792, his wife in 
 1780. Children: — 
 
 3 
 
 +4. 
 
 S 
 
 6, 
 
 7' 
 8, 
 
 9 
 
 10, 
 11 
 
 12 
 
 Peter, 1723-1724. 
 
 Mary, i 729-1 729. 
 
 Nathan, 1731. 
 
 Sarah, 1732-1732. 
 
 Peter, 1733-1 734- 
 
 Lois, i73S-i73S- 
 
 Daniel, i 738-1 738. 
 
 Peter, i 739-1 739. 
 
 Abigail, 1742-1797; unmarried. 
 
 Margaret, 1743-1744. 
 
 Margaret, 1745-1774; m. Nathan Adams (145). 
 
 4- 
 Nathan ,2 (Peter ') resided on Green Street, in a house which 
 he bought in 1762 of John Hooker. Traces of a house have 
 been visible there within a few years; some thirty rods east of the 
 corner of North Street. The house itself was removed by Bara- 
 chias Mason, and became a part of the Mason homestead, oppo- 
 
366 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 site Dale Street., He married in 1761 Mary Bacon, who, after his 
 death in 1778, became the wife of Deacon Moses Hill of Hollis- 
 ton in 1785. Deacon Hill died here in 1796, aged sixty-seven j 
 his widow in 1804, aged sixty-nine. Children : — 
 
 13. Peter, 1764; was in Watertown in 1794. 
 
 14. Sarah, 1767; died in Holliston, 1791. 
 
 15. Mary, 1772; m. in 1793 David Wiswell of Holliston. 
 
 CURTIS. 
 
 Bradford Curtis was born in Sharon in 1807. He came to 
 Medfield in 1832, and bought the estate of Timothy Cheney on 
 Main Street, where he carried on the business of butchering. 
 He married in 1833 Nancy Harmstad (2). He died in 1884. 
 Children : — 
 
 2. Ann M., 1836; m. in 1858 Walter F. Brackett. 
 
 3. John B., 1838 ; m. Elizabeth Darrah of Attleboro. 
 
 4. Laura F., 1841-1841. 
 
 5. Joseph W., 1842; m. in 1886 Willena B. Scott. 
 '''^6. George H., 1845-1859. ___—---■■ 
 
 7. Charles 1845. 
 
 Daniel D. Curtis 
 was born in Kenne- 
 bunk, Me., in 1830. 
 He was the son of 
 Bracey and Eliza 
 (Day) Curtis. At the 
 age of twenty-one, he 
 came from Maine to 
 Massachusetts. I n 
 1853, he entered the 
 employ of Walter 
 Janes of Medfield, 
 and learned the busi- 
 ness of manufactur- 
 ing straw goods. His 
 industry and busi- 
 ness capacity soon 
 attracted the atten- 
 tion of his employer, 
 and in 1856 he was 
 taken into partner- 
 ship with Mr. Janes. 
 During the continu- 
 ance of this connec- 
 tion, he entejred 
 heartily into the work of building up and enlarging the business, 
 to which he succeeded on the death of Mr. Janes, in 1867. 
 
 DANIEL D. CURTIS. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 367 
 
 A few years later, he selected as partners Messrs. H. A. Searle 
 and G. F. Dailey o£ New York City, he managing the manufactyre 
 here, while they attended to the buying of stock and selling goods 
 there. The business increased in magnitude until the production 
 amounted to a million dollars annually, employing more than 
 a thousand persons in this and adjoining towns. 
 
 Besides the business of the firm, Mr. Curtis conducted many 
 private enterprises. Business was his life ; and the heavier the 
 pressure of business, the greater seemed his satisfaction. He 
 built many houses for rental, erected and carried on the steam 
 mill on Park Street, cpnducted large farming operations, and 
 established the box manufacture on a scale that required lumber 
 to the value of |i5,ooo annually. While in the midst of these 
 extensive business operations, and meditating still further enlarge- 
 ment of them, he was suddenly stricken with paralysis of the 
 brain, and died Dec. 7, 1885. The loss of a man of such enter- 
 prise and ability, as well as of kind heart and genial disposition, 
 fell like a pall upon the whole community. He married in 1859 
 Ellen Wight (153). Children : — 
 
 George Arthur, 1862-1862. 
 
 Blanche E., 1863; m. in 1885 Edwin V. Mitchell. 
 
 Maud A., 1865. 
 
 Bracey, 1870. 
 
 Daisy E., 1875. 
 
 CUSHMAN. 
 
 Jacob R. Cushman, son of Richard and Lucy (Baker) Cushman, 
 was born in Attleboro in 1813. His father d)'ing, he came when 
 eight years old to live with his uncle, Joel Baker, in Medfield. 
 From him, he learned the trade of wheelwright, and continued 
 working for him till 1834, when he commenced on his own account. 
 From very small beginnings, he built up the carriage manufacture 
 in this town, which, under his own name and, later, in the firm 
 of Cushman & Baker, he continued till his retirement from active 
 business pursuits in 1880. 
 
 He married in 1836 Phebe H. Mason (91). In 1839, he pur- 
 chased the estate on North Street, which he occupied during the 
 remainder of his life, and on which then stood a small one-story 
 house. A carriage shop was built on the southerly end of the 
 house lot. In 1849, ^^ purchased the water privilege on Frairy 
 Street ; to this site, the business was removed, and from that time 
 largely increased. A year or two later, he built a new residence 
 on his homestead. In 185 1, he entered into partnership with 
 Joseph H. Baker, which continued till 1880. 
 
 Mr. Cushman iDecarne a member of the Baptist church in 1832, 
 and remained one of its most active members till his death ; he 
 was also a foremost man in this community in temperance and 
 philanthropy, and many persons have cause for personal gratitude 
 
368 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 JACOB R, CUSHMAN. 
 
 on account of his 
 ready sympathy and 
 his self-sacrificing ef- 
 forts in their behalf. 
 He served the town 
 i n various offices, 
 and viras representa- 
 tive to the General 
 Court in i860 and 
 1872. He was deeply 
 interested in the pub- 
 lication of the his- 
 tory of the town; and, 
 through his efforts, 
 the sum necessary 
 for the completion 
 of the illustrations 
 was obtained. By 
 his will, besides other 
 public bequests, he 
 left the sum of jioo 
 to each of the three 
 churches, to be used 
 in assisting the wor- 
 ^ thy poor of the par- 
 ish. He died in 1886. 
 
 CUTLER. 
 
 John Cutler was born in Reading in 1705. In 1728, he 
 bought the farm in the north part of the town now owned by 
 Alfred Cutler. He was a cordwainer by trade, and held for 
 several years the office of sealer of leather. He married in 1730 
 Hannah Plimpton (35), who died in 1766. In that year, he sold 
 his farm to Jesse Ellis; and in 1772 he married Kezia, widow 
 of Isaac Boyden. The year following, he bought the house and 
 barn with one acre of land on High Street, near the South School- 
 house. His second wife died in 1777, and he sold his place 
 in 1791 to Lebbeus Smith. Soon after, he made over his personal 
 property to his son and sons-in-law, and took from them a bond 
 of maintenance. He died in 1793. He was active in the forma- 
 tion of the Baptist church here. Children : — 
 
 2. Sybil, 1731-1796; m. in 1784 Asa Hamant (24). 
 
 3. Nahum, 1 733-1 733. 
 -|-4. Simeon, 1734. 
 
 5. Nathan, 1736; m. in 1764 Abigail Smith (83); had one 
 
 daughter here in 1765. 
 
 6. John, 1738; in. in 1763 Abigail Richardson of Medway. 
 
 He owned for some time the place on North Street 
 where George Davis now lives ; removed to Medway. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 369 
 
 7. Priscilla, 1740-1827; m. in 1763 Asa Boyden (28). 
 
 8. Job, 1743-1743. 
 
 9. Hannah, 1744; m. in 1767 Joshua Partridge of Med way. 
 
 10. Elisha, 1748-1748. 
 
 4- 
 Simeon ^ (John >) bought the place where George Davis now 
 lives in 1760, and sold it to Rev. Thomas Prentiss in 1771. The 
 following year, he bought back his father's old homestead in the 
 north end, where he spent the rest of his life. He served in 1783 
 and 1790 as selectman. He married in 1757 Hannah Hamant 
 (28), who died in 1766; second, Catherine Mason (30), who died 
 in 1817. He died in 1815. Children: — 
 
 11. Amy, 1758; m. in 1779 Simon Turner of Wrentham. 
 
 12. Oliver, i 760-1 760. 
 -I-13. Oliver, 1761. 
 
 14. Joseph, i 763-1 842; unmarried. 
 
 15. Sarah, 1766-1832; m. in 1793 Oliver Chenery (28). 
 
 16. Catherine, 1767-1843; unmarried. 
 
 17. Hannah, 1769 ; m. in 1794 Jason Gay. 
 
 18. Persis, 1771 ; m. in 1802 Moses Adams of Med way. 
 
 19. Patty, 1774-1843; unmarried. 
 
 20. Charlotte, 1781 ; m. in 1802 Leonard Seaver (4). 
 
 13 
 Oliver 3 (Simeon, ^ John ') lived on the north end farm which 
 was his father's. He married in 1792 Nancy Harding (64), who 
 died in 1851. He died in 1852, aged ninety-one. Children :^ — 
 
 -(-21. Oliver, 1797. 
 
 22. Nancy, i 799-1 842; unmarried. 
 
 23. Mary, 1803-1878; unmarried. 
 
 Oliver 4 (01iver,3 Simeon,^' John i) resided on the homestead, 
 and spent his life as a farmer. He married Lucy Fairbanks (40), 
 who died in 1881. He died in 1864. Children: — 
 
 24. Charles C, 1820-1879; resided in Walpole. 
 
 25. Mary B., 1822-1853 ; m. in 1848 George Dunham of Woon- 
 
 socket, R. I. 
 -f-26. Alfred, 1824. 
 
 27. Albert, 1824-1845. 
 
 28. Lucy A., 1827; m. in 1846 Benjamin F. Shumway (1). 
 
 29. Caroline A., 1830; m. in 1867 John Baldwin of Chicago. 
 
 26. 
 
 Alfreds (Oliver.^ 01iver,3 Simeon, ^ John') married in 1853 
 Adaline Spencer of Medway, who died in 1864. Son : — 
 
 30. Lewis A., 1855 ; m. in 1878 Theresa A. Flemming of Sherborn. 
 
370 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 DANIEL. 
 
 Most of the descendants of Robert Daniel of Cambridge re- 
 sided in this vicinity during our early history, and the generations 
 are here reckoned from him. Children : — 
 
 2. Elizabeth; m. Thomas Fanning. 
 
 -)-3. Samuel. 
 
 -}-4- Joseph. 
 
 5. Sarah; was here in 1666, and had a son named William 
 
 Cheney. 
 
 6. Mary, 1642; m. in 1660 Sampson Frairy(4); was slain by 
 
 Indians at or near Deerfield, in 1704. 
 
 3- 
 Samuel ^ (Robert ") came to these parts after his brother Joseph 
 settled here, and built a house on Boggestow Brook soon after 
 the Indian war. His wife was Mercy Grant of Watertown, 
 married in 1671. He died in 1695. Children: — 
 
 7. Robert, 1672; settled in Sherborn. 
 
 8. Joseph, 1677; m. in 1697 Lydia Adams (134), and settled in 
 
 Dedham (or Needham). 
 
 9. Mary, 1679. 
 
 10. Elizabeth, 1681. 
 ir. Sarah, 1683. 
 
 4- 
 Joseph = (Robert ") was accepted as a townsman here early in 
 1662, and signed the agreement. His grants were all on the west 
 side of the river. He married in 1665 Mary Fairbanks (2). His 
 house was burned by the Indians in 1676, and his name appears 
 among the petitioners to the General Court for aid. He served 
 three years as a selectman of Medfield, and in 1700 kept school 
 on the west side. His wife died in 1682 ; and he married, second, 
 Rachel Sheffield, who died in 1687. His third wife was Lydia, 
 widow of James Allen (6). He was in full communion at the 
 time of Mr. Baxter's settlement. He died in 1715. Children : — 
 
 12. Joseph, 1666; settled on the west side. 
 
 13. Mary, 1669; had a son, Henry Daniel, who lived to the 
 
 age of ninety-nine. 
 
 14. Samuel, 1671 ; died apparently prior to 1715. 
 
 15. Mehitable, 1 674-1 686. 
 
 16. Ebenezer, 1677; m. in 1701 Elizabeth Partridge (55); 
 
 second, in 1707, Mary Harding (16). 
 
 17. Elizabeth, 1679; m. in 1705 Joseph Mason (107); second, 
 
 in 1730, John Draper of Dedham. 
 
 18. Jeremiah, 1680-1680. 
 
 19. Eleazar, 1681 ; settled at Mendon. 
 
 20. Jeremiah, 1684; m. in 1713 Hannah Partridge (60). 
 
 21. Rachel, 1686. 
 
 22. Zechariah, 1687-1687. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 37 1 
 
 24. 
 
 Noah ^ ( Joseph,5 Joseph,4 Joseph, s Joseph,^ Robert ') was born 
 in 1772 ; came from Medway to Medfield, and married in 1792 
 Abigail Allen (69). He built a house on Main Street, on the 
 site afterward occupied by Dr. Sanders, which he sold in 18 15 
 to John Fairbanks, and removed from town. He died in 
 Worcester a few years afterward. Children : — 
 
 25. Jason, 1793; m. in 1816 Julia Morse (94); resided in 
 
 Worcester for a while, but returned, and died in Medway. 
 
 26. Thankful, 1796; m. Elisha Foster, Worcester. 
 
 27. Noah, 1814; resides in Medway. 
 
 28. 
 
 Moses 7 (Amos,^ Moses,5 Ezra,4 Joseph.s Jdseph,^ Robert ') was 
 born in Medway in 1813. He married Julia Fairbanks of Med- 
 way, daughter of Silas and Milly (Plimpton 122) Fairbanks ; came 
 to this town after his marriage, and died here in 1859. Daughter : 
 
 29. Millie Frances, 1849; m. in 1883 Charles C. Freeman. 
 
 DANIELSON. 
 
 Dr. Lothario Danielson was a practising physician here for 
 several years. He came from the State of New York to 
 this place about 1800 : his homestead was that now owned by 
 Charles Dunn. His first wife was Mary Ryder, a native of 
 Worcester County. She died in 1812; and he married, second, 
 Hannah Cheney (53) in 1817. ,In 1826, he sold his homestead 
 to Robert Roberts, and removed to Rochester, N.Y., about 
 1828 ; and from thence he went to Michigan, where he died. 
 His wife returned, and died in Sharon. Children : — 
 
 2. Nancy W. ; in 1823 m. Walter R. Johnson of German- 
 
 town, Pa. 
 
 3. Susan ; married and died in Michigan. 
 
 4. Mary A;, 1798-1881 ; unmarried. 
 
 5. Caroline, 1800-1806. 
 
 6. William C., i 804-1 806. 
 
 DERBY. 
 
 Elias H. Derby was the son of John Derby, of Salem. He 
 purchased in 1823 the place now owned and occupied by R. A. 
 Battelle. He married in 1829 Mary A. Allen, daughter of 
 Reuben Allen (149); he died in 1840, aged forty-four. He was 
 a graduate of Harvard in 1824; served here three years as town 
 clerk and two years on the board of selectmen. Children: — 
 
 2. Sarah E., 1S31; m. William Rogers. 
 
 3. Richard C, 1834-1862; fell at the battle of Antietam; was 
 
 a captain in the 15th Massachusetts Regiment. 
 
 4. Benjamin P., 1837-1842. 
 
3/2 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 John B. Derby was also a son of John of Salem, and was a 
 lawyer by profession. He married in 1820 Mary Townsend of 
 Dedham, daughter of Horatio (9). He came to Medfield about 
 1820, and lived on the estate now owned by the Derby heirs. A 
 separation between him and his wife took place, and he left town. 
 Mrs. Derby resided here until her death in 1880. Children: — 
 
 6. Sarah A., 1821-1837. 
 
 7. George H., 1823-1861. He graduated at West Pomt m 
 
 1846; served in the Mexican war, and was wounded at 
 Cerro Gordo; afterward captain in U.S.A. Corps of 
 Topographical Engineers. He was known in the literary 
 world as "John Phoenix." 
 
 DUNTON. 
 
 Benjamin Dunton was the son of Samuel of Wrentham, and 
 was born there in 1733. The first mention of him in the records 
 is in 1757. In the following year, he bought a house, and nine 
 acres of land adjoining, of Eleazar Ellis. It was described as 
 lying on Meeting-house Brook, bounded south by the highway, 
 and east by the burying-ground in part and by William Peters 
 in part. He married in 1763 Margaret Morse (64), who survived 
 his death in 1768, and became the wife of Adam Peters (5). 
 Children : — 
 
 2. Patience, 1765; m. in 1789 Jonathan Breck (21). 
 
 3. Margaret, i 768-1 776. 
 
 Gershom Dunton was also the son of Samuel of Wrentham, 
 and was born in 1735. He married in 1769 Tahpenes Peters (7). 
 After residing here a few years, he disappears from view. 
 Children : — 
 
 5. Ambrose, 1770. 
 
 6. William, 1772. 
 
 7. Jerusha, 1774. 
 
 8. George W., 1776. 
 
 9. Benjamin, 1781-1781. 
 
 DWIGHT. 
 
 Timothy Dwight is supposed to have been a brother of John 
 of Dedham, and to have resided there several years prior to the 
 settlement of Medfield. He was one of the first thirteen, and 
 drew for his house lot the maximum quantity, twelve acres. It 
 stretched along North Street nearly to Dale Street. His house 
 
GENEALOGIES. 373 
 
 Stood on the spot now owned by the Derby heirs. He was a 
 member of the first board of selectmen, an ofifice which he held 
 eighteen years. He was chosen representative to the General 
 Court in 1652, the first who enjoyed that honor. He was also 
 lieutenant, or chief military officer of the town. At his own 
 request, he was discharged by the General Court in 1668, "on 
 account of defective eyesight." 
 
 At the burning of the town, he was severely wounded by the 
 Indians, in consequence of which he died a few weeks afterward. 
 In his will, made in the prospect of speedy death, he gave his 
 house and barn, "if it please God that they stand," to his 
 son Timothy. His first wife, Mary, died in i658, leaving no 
 children. He married in 1669 Dorcas Watson, daughter of John 
 of Roxbury, who was born in 1639. She survived him, and 
 married in 1677 John Adams (165). Children: — 
 
 2. Timothy, 1670; probably died in childhood. 
 
 3. John, 1672; died in infancy. 
 +4. John, 1675. 
 
 JoHN^ (Timothy) was born the year his father died. When 
 he grew up, he came into possession of the homestead, and 
 married in 1696 Elizabeth Harding (13). He was a prominent 
 man in town affairs ; was chief military officer of the town ; served 
 as treasurer, town clerk for six years, selectman ten years, and 
 representative to the General Court in 174: and 1743. He died 
 in 175 1, his wife in 1758. Children: — 
 
 5. Elizabeth, 1698; m. in 1725 Peter Balch (19). 
 
 6. Timothy, 1700-17 15. 
 
 7. Dorcas, 1703; m. in 1726 Josiah Ellis of Dedham. 
 
 8. Kezia, 1 705-1 776; ra. in 1725 William Plimpton (31). 
 
 9. Sarah, 1708; m. in 1733 Moses Ellis of Walpole. 
 
 10. Sybil, 1711-1711. 
 
 11. Hannah, 1712; m. in 1732 Joseph Clark (73); second, 
 
 in 1747, Jonathan Ellis of Dedham. 
 4-12. Seth, 1716. 
 
 Seth3 (John,2 Timothy) received the estate by the will of 
 his father, and resided upon it till his death. He, like his father, 
 was active in town affairs ; held the office of town treasurer, 
 and was a member of the board of selectmen several years. He 
 married in 1740 Hannah Fisher (41). He died of small-pox 
 in 1776 : his wife died in 1792. Children : — 
 
 13. Patty, 1747 ; m. in 1777 Jonathan Metcalf (25). 
 -[-14. Timothy, 1750. 
 15. Hannah, 1753-1761. 
 
374 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 14- 
 
 Timothy 4 (Seth,3 John,= Timothy) graduated at Harvard 
 College in 1774. He was educated as a physician, and served 
 in the Revolutionary war as surgeon's mate. He is said to have 
 been a dissipated man ; and the records certainly show that his 
 character was not of an exalted type. In 1787, he was fined 
 £1 IOJ-. for breaking the meeting-house windows. He deceived 
 one woman by a mock marriage, and lived with her for some 
 time in marital relations before she discovered the deception. 
 Two children, the fruit of this union, died in infancy. He was 
 also the father of other illegitimate children. He finally married 
 Experience Fuller (10) ; sold out his share in his father's place, 
 and went to Long Island, where he died some time previous 
 to 1800, as in that year his " widow " died in Medfield. Son : — 
 
 16. Timothy, i 789-1 853 ; unmarried; came back to Medfield a 
 pauper, and was supported here till his death. 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 John Ellis was a freeman in Dedham in 1641. He married 
 in 1641 Susanna Lumber. He was one of the first thirteen of 
 the Medfield grantees ; and his house lot was on Main Street, the 
 spot now owned by Thomas Upham. His wife died in 1654; and 
 the next year he married Joan, widow of John Clapp of Dor- 
 chester. He seems to have been a leading citizen, serving as 
 a selectman for seven years. He died in 1697, and his widow 
 in 1704. Children: — 
 
 -\-2. John, 1646. 
 
 3. Susanna; m. Matthias Evans (i); died in 1724. 
 
 4. Hannah, 1651-1717; m. in 1671 Samuel Rockwood (3). 
 
 She was the first white female born in Medfield ; and 
 a fragment of her tombstone, which stated this fact, is 
 still standing in the cemetery. 
 
 5. Samuel, 1660-1684. 
 
 6. Joseph, 1662. 
 
 t 
 
 Eleazau, 1664. 
 
 John ^ (John ") settled on the west side of the river. He 
 married in 1677 Mary Herring. There is no record of her death ; 
 but in the Boston records we find that John Ellis of Medfield 
 married Mary Hill of Sherborn, in 1698. He died in 17 16, his 
 widow in 1729. Children: — 
 
 -|-8. John, 1678. 
 
 9. Joseph, 1681-1754; prominent in Medway affairs. 
 
 10. Mary, 1686; m. in 1701 Zachary Partridge (54); second, 
 
 John Barber (26). 
 
 ir. Sarah, 1687-1705; m. in 1704 Nathaniel Wight (27). 
 
 12. Hannah, 16S8; m. John Taylor. 
 
 13. Samuel, 1699-1769; inherited his father's estate in Medway. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 375 
 
 Joseph ^ (John ') by his father's will shared his father's estate 
 with his brother Eleazar, and it seems that such an arrangement 
 was made that Joseph remained at the home place on Main 
 Street. He served as a selectman seven years. He married 
 in 1688 Lydia Lovel! (4), who died in 1694; second, Elizabeth 
 Metcalf (4). He died in 1726, liis widow in 1735. Children: — 
 
 14. Lydia, 1689-1726; m. in 1713 Elisha Bullen (19). 
 
 15. Joseph, 1691-1757; m. Thamazin Adams (135); resided 
 
 in Medway. 
 
 16. John, 1694; settled on the west side of the river. 
 -(-17. James, 1697. 
 
 18. Hannah, 1699; m. in 1728 Nathaniel Fisher of Wrentham. 
 
 7- 
 Eleazar 2 (John") settled in the north part of the town, on 
 the corner between Canal and Railroad Streets. He had a house 
 there as early as r689, evidently. He married in 1687 Mary 
 Metcalf (8), who died in 1727. He served as a selectman in 1706, 
 1709, and 1718. He died in 1731. Children: — 
 
 19. Mary, 1691-1778; m. Thomas Adams (46). 
 --20. Eleazar, 1694. 
 
 --21. Samuel, 1697. 
 --22. David, 1702. 
 
 8. 
 
 Johns (John,^ John') married in 1718 Hannah Wight (37). 
 One son, John, born in 1721, died the same year. He owned 
 a place a short distance south of Pound Street, formerly Thomas 
 Thurston's homestead. The cellar of the house is yet visible: 
 the lot fronted on the "common," or training-field. He held 
 several important ofiSces in the town. His widow, who became 
 the wife of John Pratt, gave the land where the house stood 
 to the Medfield church, on certain conditions ; and it has retained 
 the name of the "church lot " to this time. He died in 1745. 
 
 17- 
 James 3 ( Joseph,^ John ■) succeeded to the possession of 
 the original place on Main Street. He married in 1720 Tabitha 
 Mason (11), who died in 1770; second, in 177 1, Hannah Jones 
 of Holliston. He died in 1776. Children : — 
 
 23. Tabitha, i 722-1 723. 
 
 24. Elizabeth, i 724-1 732. 
 
 25. Tabitha, 1728; m. Jesse French, mariner, and lived at 
 
 one time in Medway. 
 
 26. Hannah, i 729-1 737. 
 
 27. Jemima, 1732-1817; unmarried. 
 
 28. Sarah, 1734; m. Sadey Mason (26). 
 
3/6 HISTORY OF MEDFJELD. 
 
 29. Abigail, 1736-1764; m. in 1761 Noah Allen (40). 
 
 30. James, 1738-1816; adjudged "non compos" in 1777, and 
 
 liad a guardian appointed. 
 
 31. Lydia, 1740-1801 ; m. in 1764 Nathan Partridge (36). 
 
 ELEAZAR3 (Eleazar,^ John") married in 1720 Patience Evans 
 (6), only heir to her father's estate. Eleazar's father had come 
 into possession of the Benjamin Wheelock homestead in 17 18, 
 which he deeded to him in 1727, so that he owned from Bridge 
 Street to the cemetery. His wife died in 1762 ; and he married, 
 
 second, Johanna . Having no surviving children, he made 
 
 his brother's son, Nathan Ellis, his heir ; and he probably lived 
 with him on the west side of Noon Hill for several years. He 
 died in 1779. Children : — 
 
 32. Matthias, 1724-1736. 
 
 33. Matthias, i737-i737- 
 
 Samuel s (Eleazar,^ John ') remained with his father on the 
 place at the north end, and at his decease inherited it. He 
 married in 1719 Sarah Adams (49), who died in 1725. About 
 1725, he married a second wife, Abigail, who died in 1735, aged 
 twenty-eight. Scrutiny makes it probable, in the absence of any 
 record of his marriage, that this was Abigail Ellis, daughter of 
 Joseph and Sarah Ellis of Dedham, born in 1707. Her father died 
 in 172 1 ; and her mother, without doubt, married Ichabod Harding 
 of Medfield (next neighbor to Samuel) in 1725. His third wife, 
 married in 1736, was Mary Partridge (16), who survived him, and 
 became the fourth wife of Deacon Wheelock. Samuel was killed 
 by a fall into the cellar in 175 1. Children : — 
 
 +34. Oliver, 1727. 
 
 35. Abigail, 1729-1736. 
 
 36. Mary, i 731-1736. 
 
 37. Phinehas, 1 732-1 733. 
 
 38. Ichabod, i73S-i73S- 
 
 22. 
 Davids (Eleazar,^ John-) married in 1725 Rachel Partridge 
 (70), and when her father removed to Bellingham came into 
 possession of the place on the corner of North and Railroad 
 Streets. Rachel died in 1727, and in 1732 he sold the place 
 to Jonathan Wight. He married in 1729 Elizabeth Cook of 
 Needham, and removed to Bellingham, where he died about 
 1739. Children: — 
 
 39. Sarah, 1725. 
 
 40. Reuben, 1727. 
 -|-4i. Nathan, 1730. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 377 
 
 34- 
 
 Oliver 4 (Samuel, 3 Eleazar,^ John ■) lived on the place which 
 had been owned by his father and grandfather. He was a man 
 of influence in the town for many years, serving on the board 
 of selectmen fourteen years, and as representative four years. 
 He married in 1750 Mary Plimpton (55). His house, which was 
 burned a few years since, was built about 1753. He died in 
 1808, his wife in 181 r. Children: — 
 
 42. Nabby, 1751-1817; m. in 1770 Ebenezer Clark (165). 
 
 43. Oliver, i 753-175 7- 
 
 44. Obed, 1755-1757- 
 
 45. Mary, 1757-1854: m. in 1783 Simeon Pratt (25). 
 
 46. Charlotte, 1762-1844; m. in 1780 Billings Tisdale. 
 
 47. Amy, 1764-1853; m. in 1787 Oliver Adams (139). 
 
 48. Julia, 1766-1862; m. in 1796 Darius Adams (204). 
 
 41. 
 
 Nathan 4 (David,3 Eleazar,^ John ') located west of Noon Hill, 
 at " Jadewalk," so called, certainly as early as 1759, and probably 
 at the time of his marriage, about 1752. He received his property 
 from his uncle Eleazar. The family was one of the wealthiest 
 and most aristocratic in town in those days. He married, first, 
 in 175 1, Hannah Bacon, who died in 1777, aged forty-four; second, 
 in 1778, Sarah Adams (i4i)- He died in 1801, his widow in 
 1806. His estate went to his son Eleazar, only heir. Children : — 
 
 -|-49. Eleazar, 1753. 
 
 50. Silas, i 757-1 758. 
 
 51. Elizabeth, 1759-1775. 
 
 49. 
 
 Eleazar s (Nathan,4 David, 3 Eleazar,^ John") had the title 
 of Major. He served as selectman in 1784-85 and 1789. He 
 married in 1774 Abigail Holmes of Sharon, who had been a 
 hired girl in his father's family. The union proved to be most 
 unhappy, and a separation took place. About 1797, he removed 
 to Providence, and married Sarah Peters (14). They had three 
 children: Martha, who married Asa Cole (13); Elizabeth, who 
 married Moses Pratt of Wrentham ; and a son, who was drowned 
 at the age of four years. Eleazar Ellis died about 1805, and his 
 widow married James Forbes of Rutland. The divorced wife, 
 who is said to have caused the trouble, died in 1816, having been 
 supported by charity. 
 
 52. 
 
 Thomas Ellis was a brother of John (i), and came from 
 Dedham to Medfield in the end of 1651 or the beginning of 
 
378 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1652. His grant for a house lot was on North Street, the spot 
 now occupied by his lineal descendants. The estate has never 
 been out of the possession of the family. His house was evidently 
 built as early as 1653, and he married in 1657 Mary Wight (5). 
 He died in 1690, and his wife in 1693. Children : — 
 
 53. Judith, 1658; m. in 1678 Benjamin Rockwood (5). 
 
 54. Mary, 1660-1717; m. in 1678 Jonathan Adams (3). 
 
 55. Abiel, 1662-1716; m. in 1683 Zachary Barber (9). 
 -I-56. Samuel, 1664. 
 
 57. Thomas, 1666-1670. 
 
 58. Patience, 1668-1695; m. in 1691 Henry Adams (8). 
 
 59. Ruth, 1670; was living unmarried in 1697. 
 
 60. Joanna, 1677; m. in 1698 Nathaniel Rockwood (9). 
 
 56. 
 
 Samuel^ (Thomas settled on the homestead, which he in- 
 herited by paying the legacies to his sisters. He married Deborah 
 Lovell (9), as we discover by her father's will. Samuel died in 
 1 7 12, at the age of forty-eight. His wife died in 1740 
 Children : — 
 
 61. Samuel, 1694-1695. 
 
 -|-62. Samuel, 1696. 
 
 -I-63. Thomas, 1698. 
 
 64. Deborah, 1700; m. Joseph Draper of Dedham in 1725. 
 
 65. Lydia, 1702-1723. 
 
 66. Timothy, 1704-1734; m. in 1730 Hannah Adams (31); 
 
 settled in Medway. 
 
 67. Mary, 1706-1753. 
 
 68. Sarah, i 708-1 781 ; m. in 1728 Seth Partridge (27). 
 
 69. Abigail, 1711 ; m. in 1731 Jonathan of Dedham. 
 
 62. 
 
 Samuel 3 (Samuel,^ Thomas ') was heir to the paternal estate 
 by paying legacies to his brothers and sisters. He sold to 
 Timothy land in West Medway in exchange for relinquishment 
 of rights in the homestead. He sold his brother Thomas lands 
 in the extreme north part of the town, where he afterward located. 
 He married in 1724 Sarah Adams (190), who died in 1733; 
 second, in 1735, Miriam Partridge (17), who died in 1768; third, 
 in 1769, Elizabeth Rice of Dedham, who died in 1777. He died 
 in 1778. Children: — 
 
 70. Sarah, 1725-1771 ; m. in 1752 Jonathan Allen (44). 
 -)-7i. Samuel, 1727. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 379 
 
 72. Rachel, 1729; m. in 1750 Seth Marsh, and went to Stur- 
 
 bridge. 
 
 73. Peter, i 732-1 732. 
 
 74. Lydia, 1733-1737- 
 
 63- 
 
 Thomas 3 (Samuel,^ Thomas ') married in 1725 Elizabeth Morse 
 (47). He had a house at first in the north part of the town, near 
 where Alfred Cutler now lives. He sold his homestead here to 
 John Cutler, and removed to Natick, where he died in 1747. 
 Children : — 
 
 75. Kezia, 1726; m. in 1745 Daniel Chickering of Dedham. 
 
 76. Thomas, 173 5-1 768; born in Natick; m. in 1761 Mehitable 
 
 Fisher of Dedham. 
 
 71' 
 
 Samuel •» (Samuel,3 Samuel,^ Thomas ■) was the only son who 
 lived to grow up, and settled with his father, whom he outlived 
 one year. He married in 1754 Sarah Morse (123), who died 
 in 1823, aged ninety-three. He died in 1779. Children : — 
 
 77. Mary, 175 5-1 830. 
 
 78. Elizabeth, 1756-1780. 
 
 79. Sarah, i 758-1 772. 
 
 80. Lydia, i 760-1 760. 
 
 81. Lydia, i 761-1786. 
 -(-82. George, 1763. 
 
 83 Amos, i 767-1 772. 
 
 84. Sarah, 1774-1801. 
 
 85. Margaret, i 776-1845. 
 
 82. 
 
 George s (Samuel, 4 Saniuel,3 Samuel,^ Thomas ') succeeded 
 to the possession of the homestead. He kept school in 1784, 
 and afterward was a merchant in company with Johnson Mason, 
 and kept a store for several years. They also manufactured straw 
 goods to some extent. George Ellis held the office of coroner, 
 was town treasurer, and served on the board of selectmen. He 
 married in 1786 Martha Chaloner, who died in 1794, at the age 
 of thirty-six. He married, second, in 1795, Meriel Fuller of 
 Newton, who died in 1796; third, in 1797, Deborah Baker of 
 Dedham. He died in 1808, at the age of forty-five. His widow 
 survived him forty years. Children : — 
 
 86. Betsey, 1787-1863; m. in 1809 Hinsdale Fisher (79.) 
 -j-87. John, 1788. 
 
 88. Patty, 1790 ; m. in 181 5 John Baker of Dedham. 
 
 89. George, 1792; m. in 1818 Catherine Whiting, and resided 
 
 in Dedham. 
 
38o 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 87. 
 
 John ^ (George.s 
 Samuel,4 Samuel, 3 
 Samuel, 2 Thomas '), 
 when a young man, 
 drove the stage be- 
 tween Dedham and 
 Boston. He after- 
 ward came back to 
 his native town, and 
 lived on the place 
 owned by five gen- 
 erations that had 
 preceded him. He 
 served as town 
 treasurer, and for 
 six years as a mem- 
 ber of the board of 
 selectmen. He mar- 
 ried in 18 15 Mary 
 A. Cox of Dorches- 
 ter, who died in 
 1851 ; second, in 
 i86r, Esther Plimp- 
 ton (116), who died 
 JOHN ELLIS. in 1868. He died 
 
 in 1885. Children: 
 -(-90. Samuel, 1818. 
 
 91. John, 1820; graduated Harvard College 1842; died 1846. 
 
 92. ( Mary A., 1 833-1837. 
 
 93. I Martha C, 1833-1854. 
 
 go. 
 
 Samuel? (John,'' George, 5 Samuel,* Samuel,3 Samuel,^ Thomas ■) 
 married in 1845 Martha Ellis (118). Children : — 
 
 94. Emily E., 1846. 
 
 95- George H., 1848; m. in 1869 Sarah Dale, who died in 1884, 
 leaving two children, Herbert D. and Martha E. ; second, 
 in 1886, Elizabeth Shaw. 
 Edwin H., 1850; m. in 1874 Nellie E. Wheeler. 
 Jesse L. B., 1852. 
 Mary A., 1855-1870. 
 
 96. 
 
 97 
 
 98 
 
 99, 
 
 100 
 
 101 
 
 Emma, ) 
 
 Ella, y 1859-1859. 
 
 Eva, 3 
 
 105. 
 
 Jesse Ellis, son of Aaron Ellis of Dedham, was born in 1740. 
 He married Mary Harding (48), and in 1766 bought the home- 
 stead of John Cutler, in north part of the town. He sold it in 
 1772 to Simeon Cutler. His wife died in 1776, and he removed 
 
GENEALOGIES. 38 1 
 
 to Dedham. He sold out there in 1778, and went to Winchendon. 
 He married, second, Miriam Hill, daughter of Maverick Hill 
 of Ashburnham, formerly of Medway. Jesse died in 1822, his 
 widow in 1831. Children: — 
 
 106. Obed, 1768-1819; m. in 1794 Margaret C. Adams (150) 
 
 who died in 1844, leaving no children. Obed Ellis once 
 owned the estate at the corner of North and Green 
 Streets, but, failing in business, sold it in 1810 to Nathan 
 Allen, and bought a house on Main Street, which stood 
 where that of James Hewins, Esq., now stands. 
 
 107. Mary, 1776-1835; m. in 1794 William Peters (16). 
 
 There were also three children by second marriage, who left numer- 
 ous descendants in Ashburnham and vicinity. 
 
 108. 
 
 Jesse Ellis, wh^-married in 1805 Dorcas Lovell (36), was born 
 in Walpole in 1780, son of Joseph Ellis and wife Sarah Clark 
 (117). After residing here for a short time, he bought an estate 
 on Foundry Street. His wife died in 18 13, and he married in 
 1815 Elizabeth Hawes of Walpole. He died in 1846, and his 
 homestead was sold to Jedediah H. Snow. He served six years 
 on the board of selectmen. His widow died in 1870. Children : — 
 
 109. David, 1805-1807. 
 no. ( David, 1807-1807. 
 
 111. I Joseph, 1807-1807. 
 
 112. Harriet, 1808-1862; m. in 1861 John A. Turner (89). 
 
 113. Caty, 181 1 ; m. in 1835 Edmund T. Everett. 
 
 1 14. ( Joseph, 1813; resides in Bellingham. 
 115. 1 Jesse, 1813; resides in Sherborn. 
 
 116. Elizabeth H., i8i6; m. in 1843 Albert Stone of Belvi- 
 
 dere, 111. 
 
 117. Mary H., 1818-1884; m. in 1865 Edmund T. Everett. 
 
 118. Martha, 1820; m. in 1845 Samuel Ellis (90). 
 
 iig. 
 
 Seth Ellis was born in Walpole in 1778, the son of John, 
 grandson of Moses Ellis and Sarah Dwight (9). He married 
 Mary Fairbanks in 1806, and came to Medfield about 181 1. He 
 purchased the homestead of the Cheney family, lately owned by 
 Caleb Ellis. He was a member of the board of selectmen ten 
 years. He died in 1853, his wife in 1837, aged fifty-seven. 
 Children : — 
 
 -(-120. Caleb, 1810. 
 
 121. John, 1812-1864; m. in 1835 Amy A. Fisher (67); lived in 
 
 Woonsocket, R.I. 
 
 122. Hannah, 1814; m. in 1836 Daniels Hamant (45;. 
 -I-123. Franklin, 1817. 
 
 124. Moses, 1826; resides in Framingham. 
 
382 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 120. 
 
 Caleb ^ (Seth was born before his parents removed to Med- 
 field. He married in 1836 Abigail Harding (83), who died in 
 1885. After her death, he resided with his daughter in Maine, 
 where he died in 1887. Children: — 
 
 125. Infant, 1837-1837. ,. . tvt ■ 
 
 126 Julia A., 1838; m. in 1868 Robert Pope; hves in Maine. 
 
 127. Granville H., 1840; m. in 1878 Dora Pillsbury. 
 
 128. John F., 1S42-1877 ; died in California. 
 
 129. Sarah A., 1845; m. in 1878 George M. Munn of Holyoke. 
 
 123. 
 Franklin ^ (Seth ') married in 1849 Alma L. Woods, daughter 
 of Reuben and wife Pamela Smith (216). He died in 1883. 
 Children : — 
 
 130. William F., 1850; in East Greenwich, R.I. 
 
 131. Addie a., 18541 m. in 1873 Albert IVf. Stone; living in 
 
 Hanford, Cal. 
 
 132. Jennie M., 1862; m.in 1885 Dr. Samuel N. Bentley; resides 
 
 in Nebraska. 
 
 133- 
 Abner Ellis was born in 1765, and came from Medway to 
 Medfield when a boy. He married in 1792 Caroline Clark (227). 
 In 1800, he purchased a small house belonging to the town (to 
 be removed from the town's land), which stood originally near the 
 location of the wire factory. It was removed first to the opposite 
 side of the street, afterward to the Derby estate, where it is still 
 occupied as a tenement. He held various town offices ; but, after 
 his wife's death in 1816, he removed to Watertown, where he died 
 the following year. Children: — 
 
 134. Warren, 1792-1814. 
 
 -(-135. -Francis D., 1795. 
 
 136. Abigail, 1 802-1 873 ; unmarried. 
 
 137. William, 1809-1876; resided in HoUiston. 
 
 135- 
 Francis D. = (Abner ■), when a boy, went away to work in a 
 factory. He returned, and entered a store kept by Colonel 
 Mason on North Street, opposite Dale. When the store on the 
 east corner of Main and Pleasant Streets was built, he was 
 employed there ; then at Sudbury for two years. He was in 
 business on his own account at Marlow, N.H., for some time ; 
 afterward came' to Medfield, and kept the store at the corner 
 of North and Main Streets till 1842, when he sold the store 
 to Isaac Fiske. Removing to Boston, he engaged in the whole- 
 sale dry-goods trade, in which he continued until his retirement 
 from active participation in business, when he bought a residence 
 
GENEALOGIES. 383 
 
 in his native town. Though he, when a young man, embraced 
 infidel sentiments, and was recognized as a leading opposer of 
 religious efforts here, afterward for many years he was a firm sup- 
 porter of the Orthodox church, contributing largely to the erection 
 of the present church and parsonage. He married in 1818 Sarah 
 Fiske (8), who died in 1878. He died in 1882. Children; — 
 
 136. Caroline L., i 820-1 822; born in Sudbury. 
 
 137. Sarah J., 1822-1822 ; born in Marlow, N.H. 
 
 138. Ellen A., 1824; m. in 1847 Rev. Thomas Laurie. 
 
 139. Harriet N., 1826-1854 ; m. in 1850 J. R. Cambell of Boston. 
 
 140. Sarah F., 1831-1887; killed in the Bussey Bridge railroad 
 
 disaster. 
 
 141. Abby W., 1832; m. in 1857 Richard B. Smith of West 
 
 Roxbury. 
 
 142. Mary F., 1837. 
 
 EVANS. 
 
 Matthias Evans was born in Dorchester in 1644. He married 
 in 1669 Patience Meade, who died in the following year. In 1679, 
 he sold his estate in Dorchester, and bought the place in Medfield 
 that had been owned by William Cheney. The house stood near 
 the corner of Bridge Street. The farm lay along the brook, on 
 the south side of Main Street. He was a housewright by trade. 
 His second wife was Susanna Ellis (3). He died in 1684. His 
 widow survived him forty years, dying in 1724. Children: — 
 
 -\-2. Matthias, 1670. 
 
 3. Hannah ; m. in 1705 William Allen (158). 
 
 4. Ebenezer; died in 1718, probably unmarried. His estate 
 
 was divided between his mother, brother, and sister. 
 
 Matthias ^ (Matthias ") remained upon his father's place. He 
 married in 1701 Sarah Smith (19). He died in 1725, and his 
 widow married Henry Harding (10). The homestead went to the 
 only heir. Patience Ellis. Matthias served as selectman in 1714. 
 Children : — 
 
 5. Sarah, i 702-1 704. 
 
 6. Patience, i 704-1 762; m. Eleazar Ellis (20). 
 
 EVERETT. 
 
 Joel Everett, son of Pelatiah and Mary Everett, descendant 
 of Richard Everett of Dedham, was born in Westminster in 1791. 
 His mother dying when he was a child, he was brought up with his 
 uncle Amos Hawes, of Franklin. After leaving him, he engaged in 
 the manufacture of thread, and established a factory in Wrentham, 
 near North Attleboro. This business he continued till about 1850. 
 He married in 1820 Hepsia Blackinton of Wrentham. After her 
 death, he married in 1850 Hannah Ware of Medfield, widow of 
 
384 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Philander Ware, who had bought the estate on the west corner of 
 Main and Pleasant Streets, where Mr. Everett resided till the 
 time of his death, in 1881. Children : — 
 
 2. Edwin A., 1821-1821. 
 
 3. Joseph B., 1824-1827. 
 
 4. Henry J., 1827-1871; m. in 1855 Almenia C. Burr of New- 
 
 ton, Mass. He was a teacher, and he held for some time 
 the office of town clerk. 
 
 5. Charlotte F., 1829-1832. 
 
 6. Albert M., 1830; m. in 1855 Nancy Wyatt; second, Sarah 
 
 Steele. 
 
 7. Edgar B., i83'4-i834. 
 
 8. Amelia F., 1836. 
 
 FAIRBANKS. 
 
 George Fairbanks was the first settler on Medfield soil west of 
 the river. He came from Dedham about 1657, and bought land 
 near Sherborn line that had been granted to Rev. John Allen. 
 Mr. Allen's farm, lying within our limits, was reserved when our 
 grant for a township was given. This rendered Fairbanks' citi- 
 zenship doubtful. He married in 1646 Mary Adams of Dedham, 
 who survived him. He was drowned in 1682. Children : — 
 
 2. Mary, 1647-1682 ; m. in 1665 Joseph Daniel (4). 
 
 4-3. George, 1650. 
 
 4. Samuel, i 652-1 676. 
 
 5. Eleazar, 1655 ; settled in Sherborn. 
 
 6. Jonas, 1656-1676. 
 
 7. Jonathan, 1662-1719; first physician o£ Sherborn; was 
 
 drowned while crossing the river in the night. 
 
 8. Margaret, 1664; m. William Holbrook of Mendon. 
 
 George ^ (George ') inherited the homestead. He married in 
 1671 Rachel Adams (166), who died in 1678. He had a second 
 
 wife, Susanna . He was one of our selectmen in 1693, and 
 
 was prominent in the formation of the town of Medway. Children : 
 
 9. Rachel, 1672; m. Jonathan Fisher (9). 
 
 10. Mary, 1675 ; m. in 1696 Benjamin Allen (159). 
 
 11. Susanna, 1681-1681. 
 
 12. Susanna, 1682. 
 
 13. Dorothy, 1683; m. in 1713 Ebenezer Thompson. 
 
 14. Margaret, 1685-1787; m. in 1704 Jonathan Wight (22). 
 
 15. Jonas, i 688-1 690. 
 
 16. Sarah, 1690-1690. 
 
 17. George, 1694 ; settled on the original place. 
 
 18. John, 1697. 
 
 A daughter Hannah is mentioned in his will ; m. Joseph Curtis. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 38s 
 
 19. 
 
 JexHAM 6 (Jotham,s George,4 George,3 George, ^ George ') was the 
 next of this name to be found in our records. He was born in 
 Medway in 1778, and married Betsey Lovell (39) in 18031 After 
 his marriage, he removed to Medfield, and in 18 13 purchased the 
 estate on Bridge Street now owned by Perley T. Chase. He was a 
 millwright by trade. He died in 1858, his wife in i860. Children : 
 
 20. Abigail, 1803 ; m. in 1827 John Balch (5). 
 
 -|-2i. Lovell, 1806. 
 
 22. Joseph, 1810-1834. 
 
 23. Eliza, i8i5-i833'. 
 +24. James A., 1818. 
 
 25. Mary A. L., 1822-1847. 
 
 21. 
 Lovell 7 (Jotham,^ Jotham,5 George,'* George,3 George,^ 
 George ■) married Keziah Cole (18), who died in 1842. He died 
 in Medfield in 1844. His children were born in Medway 
 or Holliston. Children : — ■' 
 
 26. Abby ; m. John Wild of Somerville. 
 
 27. Sarah ; m John Bailey of Easton. 
 
 28. Margaret, 1834-1858; m. in 1854 Orlando Stevens. 
 
 29. Joseph, 1837-1862. 
 
 30. Mary ; m. Fred. Baker of Sharon. 
 
 24. 
 
 James A./ (Jotham,^ Jotham,5 George,4 George,3 George,^ 
 George'^ married in 1852 Abby H. Hill (34), who died in 1869. 
 Children : — 
 
 31. Emma J., 1853; m. in 1871 Ellery Franks. 
 
 32. f Charles E., 1859. 
 33. 1 Clara E., 1859. 
 34. Addie C, 1865. 
 
 35- 
 David Fairbanks of Needham came to this town when 
 somewhat advanced in life. He married Jemima Whitney of 
 Needham. Children : — 
 
 Lemuel, 1786-1833. The widow of Lemuel died in Med- 
 field in 1880. 
 Ellis ; died in Mansfield. 
 David; died in Melrose in 1874. 
 Nathaniel, 1799. 
 Lucy; m. Oliver Cutler (18); died 1881. 
 
 Dolly ; m. Dickerson. 
 
 Mary ; m. Bodwell. 
 
 Rebecca; m. Pearson Bemis in 1857. 
 
 36. 
 
 37 
 38 
 
 +39 
 
 40. 
 41, 
 42 
 43 
 
 39- 
 
 Nathaniel ^ (David ') came to Medfield when a boy, and lived 
 till after his marriage with his uncle Eli Smith (208). He mar- 
 
386 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 ried in 1822 Sarah Wood of Ashburnham. He resided in Medfield 
 until a few years before his death, which occurred at Walthajn in 
 1874. Children: — 
 
 44. John W., 1822; resides in Waltham. 
 
 45. David S., 1824; lives in Wakefield. 
 
 46. Sarah J., 1829-1861. 
 
 47. Mary F., 1833 ; m. in 1859 Charles C. Sewall (6). 
 
 48. Amy a., 1836-1855. 
 
 49. Henry A., 1839-1861. 
 
 50. 
 
 David Fairbanks of Sharon came here in 1809, and bought the 
 estate where the town hall stands, including a store. The house 
 he enlarged, and kept a tavern there for several years. About 
 1816, he built the house opposite the head of South Street, and 
 soon after a new store at the corner of North Street, moving away 
 the old one. He was the business man of the town, — kept a large 
 assortment of goods, carried on the manufacture of straw bonnets, 
 and run a boarding-house for his help. He also traded in real 
 estate to a considerable extent ; was on the board of selectmen for 
 two years. His wife was Mary Billings of Sharon. Lewis Fair- 
 banks, a brother of his, a carpenter, lived here a few years, built 
 the house on South Street now owned by J. B. Hale. Another 
 brother, John Fairbanks, bootmaker, also lived here, and married 
 Adeliza Wight (117). He died in 1830. Still another brother, 
 Jason Fairbanks, lived here, and a sister, Sarah, who married Asa 
 Clark (243). Lydia Fairbanks, the mother of the five, died here 
 in 1832. David Fairbanks failed in business, and removed to 
 New York. His house was sold to Captain William Felt in 182 1. 
 
 FISHER. 
 
 Joshua Fisher was the son of Anthony Fisher of Syleham, 
 Suffolk County, England, and was born in 1585. He came to 
 America in 1640, and was made a freeman in the same year. 
 He was a blacksmith by trade, and settled first at Dedham, his 
 brother Anthony having come in 1637. His first wife, Elizabeth, 
 the mother of all his children, had died ; and he married at Syle- 
 ham in r638 Anne Luson, who came with him to America. From 
 Dedham, he came to Medfield at its settlement, and drew his 
 house lot in the centre of the town, where the house of William 
 P. Hewins now stands. He was on the board of selectmen two 
 years. He was also one of the first deacons of the Medfield 
 church. He died in 1674, his wife in 1676. Children: — 
 
 2. Joshua, 1621-1672. He was the "Lieutenant Joshua" of 
 Dedham. 
 +3. John. 
 4. Mary ; m. in 1648 Thomas Battle of Dedham. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 387 
 
 John 2 (Joshua') born in England, date unknown; married in 
 1658 Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Boylston. A paper is on 
 record in which Joshua Fisher, blacksmith, and Anne, his wife, 
 make an agreement with their son John at his intended marriage, 
 giving him four acres of the home lot and other lands, stock, fur- 
 niture, half the stock and tools in the shop, he to have the entire 
 estate at the death of the parents. Elizabeth died in 1665 ; and 
 he married, second, Mary Tread way. He died in 1668 ; and in 
 his will he gave to his wife Mary a right in the house and his per- 
 sonal property. His eldest son John was to have a " dubble por- 
 tion." Children : — 
 
 5. Elizabeth, i 658-1 694; m. in 1677 John Plimpton (4). 
 
 +6. John, 1661. 
 
 7. Thomas, 1663-1663. 
 
 8. Esther, 1665-1666. 
 -I-9. Jonathan, 1666. 
 
 10. Nathaniel, 1667-1668. 
 
 6. 
 
 John 3 (John,^ Joshua ') became heir to the homestead of his 
 grandfather, which he occupied till his death, at the age of ninety- 
 four. He held the office of coroner as early as 1704; served 
 seven years as one of the selectmen ; was representative to the 
 General Court in 1720. He made a will in 1734, in which he 
 mentions his negro man, Pompey, who was to be sold, and what 
 he was sold for to be divided among the heirs. They missed the 
 opportunity of sharing in the proceeds of Pompey's sale, as he 
 died before his master. In the will, he also refers to his wife, to 
 whom he had given but little, for the reason that she had withheld 
 a certain bond from him. At the settlement of the estate, she 
 says that the bond is one she brought with her, and that her hus- 
 band had told her to keep it. The case was left to referees, who 
 decided that the estate should pay her 4.£. He married, first, 
 Mary Metcalf, in 1683, who died in 1727 ; second, in 1731, Sarah 
 Harding, probably widow of Ichabod (11). He died in 1755, and 
 his widow in 1766, aged eighty-eight. Children : — 
 
 -j-ii. Samuel, 1685. 
 
 12. John, 1687-1713; m. Rebecca Wheelock (35). He left one 
 
 daughter, Rebecca, born in 17 13, who became the wife of 
 John Baxter (7.) His widow married Jeremiah Adams of 
 Medway in 171 5. 
 
 13. Mary, 1689-1719; m. in 1703 John Turner (12). 
 -14. Judith, 1691 ; m. in 1712 Stephen Turner (13). 
 
 15. Simon, 1695-1725. 
 
 16. Elizabeth, 1697-1718. 
 
 17. Sarah, 1700; was living unmarried in 1734. 
 
 18. Hannah, 1703; m. in 1726 Jedediah Morse of Crackrock 
 
 (Foxboro). 
 
388 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Jonathan s (John,^ Joshua ■) resided in this town on the west 
 side of the river. He married Rachel Fairbanks (9). Children : 
 
 19. Rachel, 1692-1694. 
 
 20. Mary, 1696; m. James Clark of Medway. 
 
 21. Rachel, 1698. 
 
 22. Jonathan, i 699-1 699. 
 
 23. Abigail, 1701. 
 
 24. Margaret, 1704. 
 
 Samuel 4 (John. 3 John,== Joshua ') settled in Wrentham. At his 
 father's death in 1755, the ancestral place was given to him. He 
 seems to have resided here for a short time, but in 1758 he gave 
 the place to his son John. Samuel returned to Wrentham, and 
 died in 1769. His wife was Mary Rockwood (29), married in 
 1708. She died in 1763. In his will, he mentions sons Samuel, 
 John, and Nathan, daughters Bathsheba, Elizabeth, and Patience. 
 
 25. 
 
 Johns (Samuel,4 John, 3 John,2 Joshua") was born in Wrentham 
 in 17 18. He was the last of the name to inherit the Fisher home- 
 stead. He kept a small store adjoining his house. He married 
 in 1749 Thankful Clark (78), who died in 1809. His will gave 
 the estate after his wife's death to a nephew or other relative 
 in Medway. John died in 1802. He was a selectman in 1758- 
 61, and a delegate to the convention at Concord in 1779. 
 
 26. 
 
 John 3 (Joshua,^ Joshua') was born in Dedham in 1652, and re- 
 mained there until the death of his father in 1672. He then came 
 to Medfield, where he married in 1674 Hannah Adams (168), and 
 settled at first in the north part of the town, not far from Castle 
 Hill. His house was destroyed by the Indians, and he was among 
 the petitioners for relief for that cause. The location of his first 
 house is not easily ascertained : it would seem to have been near 
 the estate now owned by William C. Allen. He did not rebuild, 
 but bought the old Hinsdale homestead on North Street, where 
 William Chenery's house now stands. He was a blacksmith, and 
 built a shop near what is now the corner of North and Frairy 
 Streets. It was built on the town's land at first, but in 1684 he 
 was granted the land his shop stood on. He continued on the 
 Hinsdale place till his death in 1727. His widow married Joseph 
 Metcalf (5), and the homestead was sold in 1732 to Peter Cool- 
 edge. Children : — 
 
 27. Hannah, 1674-1726 ; m. William Partridge (5). 
 -(-28. John, 1677. 
 29. Rachel, 1680-1712; m. in 1698 Jonathan Boyden (6). 
 
GENEALOGIES. 389 
 
 30. Mehitable, 1682-1751 ; m. in 1715 John Bullen (13). 
 
 31. Joshua, 1685; settled in Walpole. 
 -|-32. JosiAi-i, 1692. 
 
 33. Abigail, 1698-1701. 
 
 28. 
 
 John 4 (John,3 Joshua,^ Joshua') was a blacksmith like most of 
 the family, and settled in the north part of the town near Castle 
 Hill. An old cellar on the farm of Geo. W. Bruce probably marks 
 the spot. A grant of twenty rods for building was made to the 
 family in 1701, — evidently in this locality. He was admitted to 
 full communion in 1710. He married in 1705 Abigail Smith (23), 
 who died in 1725. John died in 1727, a few months before his 
 father. The estate was settled in 1735. Children: — 
 
 34. Solomon, i 706-1 706. 
 
 35. Abigail, 1707-1711. 
 
 36. Sarah, i 709-171 i. 
 
 37. Abigail, 1711-1785; m. in 1731 John Plimpton (22); sec- 
 
 ond, in 1771, David Clark (62). 
 4-38. John, 1714. 
 
 39. Sarah, i 719-1756. 
 
 40. Joshua, 1725. 
 
 32. 
 JosiAH 4 (John, 3 Joshua,^ Joshua ") settled in Dedham, now Dover, 
 on the lower side of the corners near Farm Bridge. He married 
 in 1716 Hannah Bullen (23), who died in 1765. Having no sons, 
 he gave his place to his grandson, Fisher Allen (59). He died 
 about 1 78 1. Children: — 
 
 41. Hannah, 1717-1792; m. in 1740 Seth Dwight (12). 
 
 42. Miriam, 1720-1757; m. Noah Allen (40). 
 
 38. 
 John s (John,4 John,3 Joshua,^ Joshua ■) was also a blacksmith, 
 and came into possession of the paternal estate by paying the 
 other heirs their portion. He was only fourteen years of age 
 when his father died, and his uncle Josiah of Dover was his 
 guardian. His wife, married in 1736, was Dorcas Adams, daugh- 
 ter of Jonathan (19). He died in 1777, his widow in 1807. 
 Children : — 
 
 43. Abigail, 1737-1805 ; m. in 1768 Thomas Burrage of Dedham. 
 
 44. Lois, 1739-1805; m. David Lovell (25). 
 
 45. Kezia, i 742-1 776; m. David Clark (152). 
 
 46. Dorcas, 1745-1815; m. in 1768 Nathan Harding (46). 
 -I-47. John, 1748. 
 
 48. Silence, 1755-1755. 
 
 47- 
 John ^ (John,s John,4 John,3 Joshua,^ Joshua ■) was called yeo- 
 man, though his inventory included a set of blacksmith's tools, 
 
390 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 probably his father's. The estate is described as house lot forty- 
 five acres, and twenty-five acres more north-west of the highway, 
 with a blacksmith's shop upon it ; also, one-third of a saw-mill. 
 He married in 1771 Mary Clark (154), who died in 1820. He 
 died in 1790. He was one of the selectmen in 1773, 1774, and 
 1776. Children: — 
 
 +49 
 
 50, 
 
 +52, 
 S3 
 54 
 
 5S' 
 
 Luther, 1772. 
 
 Calvin, 1774-1824; resided in Boston. 
 
 OuiNCY, 1776. 
 
 John, 1779. 
 
 Nathan, 1781-1795. 
 
 Alpheus, 1784 ; lived in West Boylston. 
 
 Moses, 1787. 
 
 49. 
 Luther 7 (John,^ John,s John,4 John, 3 Joshua,^ Joshua ') was a 
 blacksmith, and lived in " dingle dell," at the homestead of his 
 wife's father. His shop stood on the road leading thence to the 
 town farm. His wife, married in 1796, was Lois Lovell (33). He 
 died in 1818. Lois married a Mr. Holbrook of Bellingham, and 
 died in 1848. Children : — 
 
 56. 
 57' 
 58, 
 
 59 
 60. 
 61 
 62 
 63 
 
 Mary, i 796-1 796. 
 
 Nathan, 1799-1825. 
 
 Czarina, 1799; m. in 1820 William Messinger of Milford. 
 
 Mary, 1800-1852; m. in 1821 Warren Plimpton (130). 
 
 Louise, 1802-1879; m. in 1819 John Grant (i). 
 
 John, 1805. 
 
 MiNOT, 1 807-1 879. 
 
 Charles P., 1809-1809. 
 
 51- 
 
 QuiNCY 7 (John,6 John, 5 John,4 John, 3 Joshua,^ Joshua ') in- 
 herited a part of his father's homestead. He was a carpenter hy 
 occupation. He married in 1801 Ame Allen (91), who died in 
 1870, having survived her husband's death forty-six years. Children : 
 
 64. Ame, 1802-1802. 
 
 65. William. 1803-1806. 
 -|-66. William Q., 1809. 
 
 67. Ame a., 1811 ; m. in 1835 John Ellis (121). 
 
 68. Miriam, 1814-1815. 
 
 69. Miriam, 1816; m. in 1836 Henry P. Bruce (i). 
 
 70. John, i 820-1 820. 
 
 52- 
 John 7 (John,* John,5 John,4 John,3 Joshua,^ Joshua') lived at 
 West Boylston when a young man, but returned and married 
 Phebe Johnson (8) in i8o6. He was a cooper by trade, and lived 
 on the place his wife inherited from her mother, now owned by 
 N. F. Harding. He died in 1841, and his wife the following year. 
 Children : — 
 
GENEALOGIES. 39 1 
 
 71. Clarissa, 1B09-1878; unmarried. 
 
 72. Amy; m. in 1833 Jonathan Gleason; died soon. 
 
 73. Mary, 1814; m. in 1837 Jonathan Gleason. 
 
 74. Abigail, 181 7-1820. 
 
 75. John, 1824; died in California. 
 
 66. 
 William Q.s (Quincy,7 John,* John,s John,* John, 3 Joshua,^ 
 Joshua i) resided on the homestead of his grandfather Nathan 
 Allen. He married in 1841 Mary L. Harding (89), and died in 
 1886. Children : — 
 
 76. Mary A., 1841. 
 
 •JT. Sarah H., 1843 ; m. in 1876 George W. Bruce (4). 
 
 78. 
 
 Obed * (Samuel, 5 Samuel, -t John,3 John,^ Joshua ■) was born in 
 Medway in 1755. His mother was Ruth Wight (60). He mar- 
 ried Catherine Hinsdale (36) in 1785, the only heir to her father's 
 estate at the north part of the town, now owned by John G. Hut- 
 son. Obed Fisher enjoyed the confidence of his fellow-citizens 
 to a large degree, and served frequently in important town offices. 
 He was six years on the board of selectmen, and town treasurer 
 for eight years. He was chosen deacon of the old church in' 
 1795, a position which he held till 1825, when he resigned. He 
 was one of the constituent members of the Orthodox church in 
 1828. His wife died in 1797, and he survived her forty-seven 
 years, dying in 1844. Children : — 
 
 -(-79. Hinsdale, 1786. 
 
 80. Catherine, 1789; m. in 1808 Nathan Allen (93). 
 
 79- 
 Hinsdale Fisher succeeded to the possession of the estate 
 as well as to the name of his grandfather Robert Hinsdale. He 
 married in 1809 Betsey Ellis (86), who died in 1863. Like his 
 father, he served often in town office ; taught school in the North 
 and South districts from 1808 to 1816 ; was on the board of select- 
 men eight years, town treasurer two years, town clerk nine years, 
 and representative to the Legislature in 1843. He was a deacon 
 in the church which his father assisted in organizing. He died 
 in 1869. 
 
 81. 
 
 Paul Fisher was the son of Joseph of Needham, and born in 
 1769. He married in 1793 Priscilla Mason (49), and lived on the 
 place that had belonged to her father. He died in 1824, his 
 widow in 1840. Children : — 
 
 82. Clarissa, 1794-1851 ; m. in 1826 Amos Mason (76). 
 
 S3. Betsey, 1798-1881 ; m. in 1827 Amos Plimpton (129). 
 
 -I-84. Caleb, 1799. 
 
 85. Caroline, 1801-1881. 
 
392 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 84. 
 
 Caleb Fisher married in 1818 Eliza Plimpton (131). He died 
 in 1828 ; and his widow married, second, Daniel Pond of Walpole ; 
 third, in 1838, Joseph Hardy. Children : — 
 
 86. Mason, 1819; resides in Fall River. 
 
 87. Henry, 1823; resides in New Bedford. 
 
 88. George, 1826; resides in Hyde Park. 
 
 FISK OR FISKE. 
 
 Benjamin Fisk married in 1674 Bethshua Morse (15). His 
 pedigree is unknown. In 1675, Daniel Morse of Sherborn asked 
 for four men to come from Medfield to help him against the In- 
 dians, two of whom were to be Edward West and Benjamin Fisk, 
 his sons-in-law, " they living in the remote part of the town, next 
 his farm." Fisk's homestead was that now owned by Mr. Taber. 
 He died in 1689, his widow in 1737. The estate passed into the 
 hands of his son-in-law Jonathan Plimpton. Children : — 
 
 2. Lydia, 1675-1675. 
 
 3. Mary, 1677. 
 
 4. Bethia, 1682-1740; m. in 1701 Jonathan Plimpton (19). 
 
 5. Benjamin, 1684. 
 
 6. Martha, 1685. 
 
 7- 
 Jonathan Fiske was born in Weston in 1774. He was a tan- 
 ner, came to Medfield about the year 1800, and bought of Oliver 
 Adams the estate on Railroad Street, with the tanyards and build- 
 ings then belonging to it, which were located near the present 
 crossing, where he carried on the tanning business. He was a 
 deacon of the old church, and served the town as selectman for 
 several years and as collector of taxes. His wife was Sally Flagg 
 of Weston, born in 1773. Deacon Fiske died in 1864, "and his 
 wife in the following year. Children : — 
 
 +9. 
 10, 
 II 
 12, 
 
 +•3 
 14 
 
 Sarah, 1800-1878; m. in 1818 Francis D. Ellis (135). 
 
 George, 1803. 
 
 Clarissa; m. in 1828 Phineas Allen (100). 
 
 Amos F., 1805-1874 ; lived at Marlow, N.H. ' 
 
 AwGAiL S., 1807. 
 
 Isaac, 1813. 
 
 Charles A., 1816-1878; resided in Cambridge. 
 
 9- 
 George ^ (Jonathan ') inherited his father's homestead, on which 
 he resided, continuing the business of tanning for some years. 
 He married in 1829 Amy P. Mann (12). He died in 1878, his 
 wife in 1881. Children: — 
 
 15. Abbie S., 1830-1862; m. in i860 Francis Goodale of Marl- 
 
 boro. 
 
 16. Anna M., 1831-1837. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 393 
 
 17. Elias M., 1834-1837. 
 
 18. Sarah B., 1836; m. in 1864 Rev. James A. Laurie. 
 
 19. Clarissa, 1839; m. in 1863 Granville S. Fletcher. 
 
 20. George M., 1842; resides at Auburndale. 
 
 21. Charles F., 1848; firm of Fiske & DeWolfe, Boston. 
 
 13- 
 Isaac 2 (Jonathan') was well known as a mercl»ant in this town, 
 having kept the store on the corner of Main and North Streets 
 for forty years. He served as representative to the Legislature ; 
 was town clerk from 1840 to 1853, and town treasurer from 1845 
 to 1880, with the exception of 1854-55. He was also the post- 
 master for many years, and filled many positions of trust besides 
 those enumerated. He married in 1837 Mary Manson of Fram- 
 ingham, and he died in 1883. Daughter : — 
 
 22. Elizabeth L., 1846-1877; m. in 1871 George S. Stone. 
 
 FRAIRY. 
 
 John Frairy was one of the founders of Dedham. He came 
 from England with his wife Prudence and one or more children, 
 and was made a freeman in 1638. He was a cordwainer by trade, 
 as we find on record a deed by which the grants of Edward 
 Alleyne were conveyed to "John Frairy, cordwinder," in 1652, 
 for the town of Medfield. He left Theophilus, who was probably 
 his eldest son, in Dedham, and came with his remaining sons to 
 this town among the first thirteen. The block of land included 
 by North, Dale, and Frairy Streets was owned by Dwight and 
 Frairy ; Dwight having the part lying along North Street, and 
 Frairy the remainder. His house, without doubt, stood not far 
 from that now owned by heirs of Cyrus Stedman. He was a 
 selectman in 165 1, 1653, 1654, and 1661. By his will, he gave 
 everything to his son Theophilus, except some small legacies to 
 other heirs, and some lands to be divided between Samson and 
 Eleazar. The house and house lot were given by Theophilus to 
 the town and church in 1695. The house was torn down a few 
 years after by vote of the town, and the proceeds were used to 
 fence the lot. This was afterward divided between the town and 
 the church, and a plan of it is inserted in the town records. 
 The church had a long, narrow piece, next to Dwight's line : the 
 town had the remainder. 
 
 John Frairy died in 1675, a few months before the burning of 
 the town. Prudence died at the house of her son Theophilus in 
 1691, " aged above ninety." Children : — 
 
 2. Theophilus. After residing a few years in Dedham, he re- 
 moved to Boston, where he became a prominent citizen 
 and a deacon of the Old South Church. He died in 1700. 
 +3 John. 
 
394 history of medfield. 
 
 -)-4. Samson. 
 
 5. Eleazar, 1639-1709; m. in 1666 Mary Graves of Hatfield, 
 
 where he settled, and left a numerous posterity. 
 
 6. Samuel, 1641 ; probably died in infancy. 
 
 John ^ (John ■), doubtless born in England, came to Medfield 
 with his father, aad in 1656 married Elizabeth, widow of Abraham 
 Harding (i), who had died the previous year leaving four chil- 
 dren, and settled on the Harding homestead. He gave bonds in 
 1665 to pay the Harding heirs their portion. He died in 1670, 
 and his estate was described as consisting of twelve acres of 
 arable land and forty-one acres of pasture and meadow. This 
 was divided among the Harding and Frairy children, and the 
 homestead afterward came into possession of Henry Harding (10). 
 There is an ancient pewter platter in possession of C. S. Fobes of 
 Portland, Me. (who is a descendant), bearing an inscription stating 
 that it was once the property of John and Elizabeth Frairy, and 
 that it was thrown into the well during the Indian wars. Children : 
 
 7. Theophilus, 1657; probably died in infancy. 
 
 8. Hannah, 1659-1682; m. in 1676 Joseph Dyer of Weymouth. 
 
 9. Prudence, 1662-1750 ; m. in 1679 Henry Adams (40). 
 
 4- 
 Samson 2 (John ■) married in 1660 Mary Daniel (6), and settled 
 in the north part of the town, apparently a little way beyond the 
 corner of North and Railroad Streets, — quite possibly at the foot 
 of the hill, where traces of a house were visible till within a few 
 years. He soon removed, however, to the Connecticut Valley, 
 and became the first white settler of Deerfield. He and his wife 
 were slain by Indians in 1704. The following children were born 
 in Medfield, and went with their parents to Deerfield : — 
 
 Mary, 1662 ; m. in i68r Jacob Root of Northampton. 
 Mehitable, 1664; m. Hezekiah Root of Northampton. 
 Susanna, 1668-1668; born in Hatfield. 
 John, 1669. 
 
 Nathaniel, 1675-1727; settled in Deerfield, where he left 
 a family. 
 
 10. 
 
 II 
 12, 
 
 13 
 
 14 
 
 FULLER. 
 
 Dr. Jabez Fuller was the son of Isaac of Middleboro, born 
 in 1723; he came to this town when a young man to practise as 
 a physician. He was received to communion here, from the 
 church in Bridgewater, in 1747. In the same year, the Boston 
 records contain the marriage of Jabez Fuller of Medfield to Eliz- 
 abeth Hilliard. In 1756, he bought the homestead of Timothy 
 Metcalf, lying in " Dingle dell." The cellar of his house is yet 
 visible. Of the two physicians then in town, one lived in Dingle 
 
GENEALOGIES. 395 
 
 Dell and the other at the last house in Medfield, on the Dedham 
 road. Dr. Fuller died in 1781, his wife Elizabeth in 1801. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 2. Jonathan, 1748. 
 +3. John, 1750. ■ 
 
 4. Elizabeth, 1752; m. in 1776 Stephen Dexter of Walpole. 
 
 5. Jabez, 1753 ; served in the Continental Army, and afterward 
 
 settled in Kingston. 
 
 6. Thomas, 1755 ; was living with his father in 1775. 
 
 7. Mary, 1758-1822. 
 
 8. Catherine, i 760-1 831. 
 
 9. Sarah, 1763; m. Clark. 
 
 10. Experience, 1766-1800; m. Timothy Dwight(i4). 
 
 John ^ (Jabez ■) bought the rights of heirs in the farm that be- 
 longed to his father. He first married, in 1784, Martha Fuller of 
 Halifax, who died in 1804; and he married in the same year 
 Hannah Lovell (32). John had served in the Continental Army. 
 He is remembered as a one-armed man. He died in 1830,- having 
 deeded his place to his wife Hannah. Prior to her death, in 
 1832, she conveyed it to her niece, the wife of John Grant. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 11. Martha, 1785-1822. 
 
 12. Nabby, 1786; probably m. in 1814 Eben S. Peabody. 
 +13. Samuel, 1788. 
 
 -(-14. John, 1792. 
 
 15. Charlotte, 1796; m. in 1819 Benjamin Colburn of Ashby. 
 
 13- 
 
 Samuels (John,^ Jabez') married in 1814 Mary Sparhawk of 
 Sherborn, who died in 1816 ; second, in 181 7, Jemima Cole. The 
 family removed to Thomaston, Me. Children : — 
 
 16. Albert, 1814. 
 
 17. Samuel, 1816. 
 
 14. 
 
 John 3 (John,^ Jabez ■) resided in this town for several years, 
 though it does not appear that he owned estate here. He married 
 Eleanor Hartshorn of Walpole ; removed to Providence, where 
 he died. Children : — 
 
 18. Lewis; resides in South Boston. 
 
 19. Henry ; was secretary to General Butler in New Orleans, 
 
 supposed to have died in the South. 
 
 20. Charles ; settled in Oxford, Mass. 
 
 21. George; was in the cabinet-making business here a few 
 
 years; afterward removed to Wrentham; died 1881. 
 
 22. Albert, 1824-1847. He was born in this town. He drove 
 
 a stage between Boston and Woonsocket. 
 
396 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 FUSSELL. 
 
 John Fussell was in Weymouth in 1640. He came to Med- 
 field with others from that place, and took his house lot on 
 Bridge Street. His house appears to have been on a little knoll, 
 near the meadows, on the farm belonging to heirs of Gershom 
 Adams, where in recent years some traces of a house have been 
 ploughed up. In 1663, his family consisted of three persons, his 
 daughter Elizabeth, who afterward married Jonathan Adams, 
 being then with him. Edith Fussell, wife of John, died in 1672. 
 The death of John is recorded as having taken place Feb. 21, 1676. 
 The History of the Indian Wars states distinctly that "John 
 Fussell, an old man, near a hundred years old, was burned in his 
 house." It has been thought that he resided with his daughter 
 after the death of his wife, and that he perished in the burning of 
 Jonathan Adams' house on the west side of the river. 
 
 GAIR. 
 
 Rev. Thomas Gair, first pastor of the Baptist church, was the 
 son of Angus and Lydia Gair, born in Boston in 1755. He was 
 converted and baptized by Dr. Stillman in 177 1. Desiring to 
 become a preacher of the gospel, he fitted for college with his 
 pastor, and entered Brown University, class of 1777. A few 
 months before his graduation, he was ordained pastor of the 
 Baptist church in Medfield, which was constituted in the same 
 year. His wife was Rebecca Proud of Providence, married in 
 1776. He remained here ten years. A contemporary describes 
 him thus : " That tall, thin figure, swayed by deep emotion, 
 riveted the attention of an attached congregation. At their 
 dwellings, they were equally delighted with the urbanity of his 
 manners and the sweetness of his temper. The depth of his 
 thoughts lost nothing in delivery by his full, well-modulated 
 voice." In 1786, he was invited to the pastorate of the Second 
 Baptist Church in Boston, but held the office there a short time 
 only, being attacked by a sudden and fatal disease, called putrid 
 fever, which grew worse day by day, until he died, April 27, 1790. 
 He was very generally loved and respected in his new pastorate. 
 At the funeral, the sum of two hundred dollars was collected for 
 the widow and her five children, to which the congregation added 
 the use of the house they then occupied. Mrs. Gair died in 1800. 
 Children : — 
 
 2. Rebecca, i 777-1 777. 
 
 3. James, 1778-1779. 
 
 4. Joseph, 1780. 
 
 5. William, 1782. 
 
 6. Thomas, 1784. 
 
 7. Rebecca, 1786; m. Mr. Russell, a retired sea-captain of 
 
 Providence. 
 
 8. Samuel Stillman, 1789-1847; born in Boston. He was 
 
 witl\ Baring Brothers, London, when in middle life. He 
 married in 1821 Elizabeth G. Wainwright. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 397 
 
 GAMMELL. 
 
 Rev. William Gammell was born in Boston in 1786, and was 
 the son of John and Margaret (Urann) Gammell. He received 
 his early education in the schools of Boston. In 1804, he united 
 with the First Baptist Church, then under the care of Dr. Stillman, 
 by whose advice he decided to enter the ministry. He studied 
 theology with Rev. William WiUiams of Wrentham, and was or- 
 dained at Bellingham in 1809. 
 
 His first settlement was in Medfield, and he commenced his 
 ministry here in 1810. At that time, although the Puritan church 
 system had been somewhat modified in its attitude toward those 
 of different belief, its claims were still quite arrogant ; and congre- 
 gations that dissented from the views of the " standing order " 
 were placed at great disadvantage. Even their right to exist was 
 by no means well established, and they were very frequently re- 
 minded that they were in the midst of a hostile public sentiment. 
 Notwithstanding these adverse influences, his ministry contributed 
 largely to the growth of the church. He gave himself assiduously 
 to his own work. He consecrated all his powers to the prepara- 
 tion of his sermons and the care of his congregation, by whom 
 he was greatly beloved. He is described as a man of fine person, 
 of winning address, and of great independence of character. 
 During his stay, the church increased, not only in numbers, but in 
 social and religious importance, it being the only Baptist church 
 in a wide circuit of towns around Medfield. 
 
 The years which Mr. Gammell spent here form the period in 
 which the benevolent societies of the denomination in New Eng- 
 land had their origin. In the formation of these, he felt a lively 
 interest and took an active part. His executive talent and apti- 
 tude for affairs were often put in requisition in these enterprises. 
 
 The only published production of his pen while a minister in 
 Medfield was a discourse suggested by the death of Mrs. W. P. 
 Balch. In 18 17 he received the degree of M.A. from Brown Uni- 
 versity, and in 1820 was elected a member of its Board of 
 Trustees. 
 
 In 1823, he accepted a call from the Second Baptist Church in 
 Newport, R.I., and the same year removed thither, where he found 
 himself in a much wider sphere of usefulness. He aided largely 
 in the establishment of free schools, till then unknown in that 
 town ; and he was highly esteemed by all classes of the population. 
 But before he had completed the fourth year of his ministry there 
 he was stricken with apoplexy, and died in 1827, aged forty-one. 
 He married in 181 1 Mary Slocomb of Bellingham, daughter of 
 Simon and Esther (Plimpton) Slocomb, and grand-daughter of 
 Job Plimpton (30). She died in 1820 ; and he married second, in 
 1822, Maria A. Madey of Dedham, who died in 1844. Children : 
 
 2. William, 1812 ; graduated at Brown University in 1831, and 
 was a professor in the same college from 1835 to 1864; 
 resides in Providence. 
 
398 history of medfield. 
 
 3 Mary M., 1814-1848. 
 
 4. Asa M., 1816; graduated at Brown University in 1841 ; re- 
 
 sides in Providence. 
 
 5. John, 1818-1877; died at Savannah, Ga. 
 
 6. Margaret, 1822-183 2. 
 
 7. Rebecca, 1825 ; resides at Warren, R.I. 
 
 8. Eliza R., 182S-1828. 
 
 GERAULD. 
 
 Dr. James Gerauld was of Huguenot extraction, and is said to 
 have been one of a family of twenty-one children who came from 
 France. Two sisters of his died here in 1748. This name is 
 variously spelled,— Gerould, Gerar, Jirauld, Jerauld, etc. He 
 came to Medfield about 1718 with his wife and two or more chil- 
 dren, and bought in 172 1 the homestead of Joseph Adams, on 
 what is now the Dedham road, a few rods beyond the stone mill. 
 It is to be inferred that he accumulated property rapidly, from the 
 fact that he was constantly buying up lands and houses. He died 
 in 1760, aged seventy-three; and, in his will, he gave to his wife 
 Martha the east end of the house and one-third of the buildings, 
 also a house near the meeting-house with one acre of land, other 
 property, including negroes, "excepting negro Cesar, who is not 
 to be sold out of the family during his life." James and Dupee, 
 " two youngest sons of my son James," are mentioned, also grand- 
 daughter Ruth Gerauld. Cesar Jero of Wrentham died about 
 1789, and Pompey Edes of Boston was his administrator. This 
 was probably the " negro Cesar," who went with Gamaliel Gerauld 
 to Wrentham. The house and land " near the meeting-house " 
 passed into the possession of the daughters Hannah and Susanna, 
 who sold a portion of it in 1765. From the description of it in 
 the deed, it must have been west of the railroad crossing on Frairy 
 Street. A house was standing in that location as early as 1704, 
 owned by Henry Plimpton. Dr. Gerauld and his wife were 
 received to occasional communion in 1750. Children: — 
 
 -\-2. James. 
 
 3. Martha; died in 1733. 
 
 4. Gamaliel, 1719; settled in Wrentham. 
 
 5. Stephen, i 720-1 785; m. Mary Smith (57), and lived in Ded- 
 
 ham 1 745-1 764; afterward removed to Sturbridge. 
 
 6. Dupee, 1723-1813 ; was a physician at East Greenwich, R.I. 
 
 7. Mary, 1725; m. in 1758 Jacob Spalding; settled at Provi- 
 
 dence. 
 
 8. Joanna, i 728-1 786; unmarried. 
 
 9. Susanna, i 730-1 770; unmarried. 
 
 James 2 (James') : nothing farther is known of him than what is 
 stated in his father's will. Children : — 
 
 -|-io. James. 
 
 11. Dupee; supposed to have settled in Rhode Island. 
 
 12. Ruth (probably); m. in 1769 John Salmon of Walpole. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 399 
 
 James 3 (James,2 James ■) was also a»physician, and succeeded 
 to the estate and the practice of his grandfather. The date and 
 place of his birth are unknown, and the only clew to his identity 
 is the reference in the will of the old doctor, and a tradition that 
 the second Dr. Gerauld was not a son, but some other relative of 
 the first. His wife was Susanna Green of Providence, married in 
 1771, died in 1792, aged forty-one. He seems to have married 
 a second wife, with whom and his daughter Mary he was baptized 
 in 1801. Dr. Gerauld was moderator at town-meetings, delegate 
 to the Convention at Cambridge in 1779, surgeon of the brigade 
 in 1794, and served as a selectman six years. He died in 1802. 
 Children : — 
 
 13. James, 1773-1805; was a wild youth. Many are the stories 
 
 among the old people about " Jim Gera'." He asked help 
 from the town during the last year of his life. Sowed 
 "wild oats," and reaped a crop of the same. He had 
 sold his rights at his father's death to the other heirs. 
 
 14. Susanna, 1775 ; m. in 1797 Seth Wheelock (48). 
 
 15. Patience, 1777; lived with Mrs. Tristam Burgess, a rela- 
 
 tive in Providepce ; died there at advanced age. 
 
 16. Samuel G., 1779; administrator on his father's estate; 
 
 was called " mariner " ; died at Valparaiso in 1812. 
 
 17. Patty, 1782. 
 
 18. Horatio, 1786. In 1808-9-10, he taught school in Medfield. 
 
 In 1807, he signed a receipt for $15 "in part of a subscrip- 
 tion made by the good people of Medfield to assist me 
 under my present difficulties, late sufferings, and dis- 
 tresses." What the nature of his trouble was does not 
 appear. 
 
 19. Mary, i 790-1 790. 
 
 GILMORE. 
 
 Marcus Gilmore, son of Andrew and Hannah (Makepeace) 
 Gilmore, was born in Wrentham in 1797. He was a carpenter by 
 trade, and came to Medfield about 1839. His first wife, Eliza 
 Messinger, died about 1823 ; and he married, second, in 1824, 
 Atarah Smith (135). He bought the house on South Street, near 
 Elm, by the railroad crossing, where he resided until his death in 
 1865. Mrs. Gilmore died also in 1865. Children: — 
 
 2. Eliza M., 1823-1856; m. in 1848 William R. Tibbetts. 
 
 3. Helen R., 1825; m. in 1848 Waldo Daniels of Franklin. 
 
 4. Abigail S., 1827-1859; unmarried. 
 
 5. Marcus, 1829; m. in 1855 Abbie Hayford of Medway. 
 
 6. William M., 1832; m. Anna Hoyt of Kingston, N.H., his 
 
 present residence. 
 -(-7. George M. 
 
400 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 7- 
 
 George M.^ (Marcus O^vas born in 1835, and married in 1863 
 Augusta N. Reed. Children : — 
 
 8. Nellie F., i 864-1 875. 
 
 9. Carrie M., 1867; m. in 1885 Walter L. Smith. 
 
 10. Charles R., 1869-1875. 
 
 11. Albert E., 1876. 
 
 GLOVER. 
 
 Henry Glover came from England about 1640. The record 
 of his baptism is at Rainhill, Chester County, in 1603. He had 
 land granted to him at Dedham, but joined the founders of Med- 
 field, and took a house lot on North Street, opposite Pine. He 
 had a wife Abigail. No children are recorded here. He built 
 a house, as we find by the inventory of his estate. He lived to 
 occupy it but a short time, as he died in 1655. He saw only 
 the rude beginnings of the new settlement. His widow probably 
 removed from town. 
 
 GRANT. 
 
 John Grant was from York, Me. Being a carpenter, he came 
 here at first to work upon the house that was built for Colonel 
 Brastow. He married in 18 19 Louisa Fisher (60), who came into 
 possession of the Fuller homestead in " Dingle dell." He died 
 in 1868, aged seventy-two. His wife died in 1879. Children : — 
 
 2. Mary A., 1820-1844 ; m. in 1843 James M. Ward of Newton. 
 -(-3. William M., 1822. 
 
 4. Louisa, 1825 ; m. in 1846 Joseph W. Legalle of Dedham. 
 
 3- 
 William ^ (John ') married Rosilla Garfield of Waltham, 'who 
 died in 1856. He resides in California. Children : — 
 
 5. Ellen G., 1847. 
 
 6. Susan M., 1850. 
 
 7. Mary A., 1856-1857. 
 
 GROUT. 
 
 John Grout, blacksmith, was born in Sudbury in 17 19. He 
 married in 1752 Sarah Mason (32), and lived here from 1742 till 
 1759. His shop was on the west side of North Street, near Dale 
 Street. His wife Sarah died in 1765 ; and, after two subsequent 
 marriages, he died in Sherborn in 1796. Children : — 
 
 2. 
 
 Nathan, 1753, 
 
 3- 
 
 Silas, 1755. 
 
 4- 
 
 Elias, 1757. 
 
 5- 
 
 Sarah, 1759. 
 
 6. 
 
 Olive, 1761. 
 
 7- 
 
 Royal, 1763. 
 
 8. 
 
 Bela, 1765. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 40[ 
 
 GRUBB. 
 
 Thomas Grubb took the freeman's oath in 1634. Till 1652, 
 he lived in Boston. At that date, he was accepted as a townsman 
 here. His house lot was on the brook, near the corner of Main 
 and Bridge Streets, his land being mostly on the south side of the 
 way. The brook went by the name of " Grubb's brook " years 
 afterward. He was a man of some note, a commissioner at least; 
 served as a selectman in 1655. He left town about i66o, 'and 
 his place was sold to William Cheney. A Thomas Grubb, shop- 
 keeper, probably the same, died in Boston in 1673, leaving his 
 property to the church in Boston, they to take care of his " poor 
 wife and son." 
 
 HAMANT. 
 
 Francis Hamant is said to have come from Dedham, though 
 there is no trace of him in the records of that town. When the 
 house lots were taken up on South Street, Francis received his in 
 that location. For some reason, he did not build his house there, 
 but secured a small spot near the brook, where his house was 
 erected some time subsequent to November, 165 1, and prior to 
 June, 1653, — probably during the summer of 1652. The home- 
 stead has never been out of the possession of his descendants, 
 and is now owned and occupied by F. D. Hamant. This is the 
 only case of the kind among the first thirteen settlers. 
 
 He died in 1692, and his wife Sarah in 1708. Children : — 
 
 3 
 4 
 S 
 6. 
 
 7 
 +8, 
 
 9 
 
 John, 1653. 
 
 Sarah, 1655 ; m. in 1674 John Weeks. 
 
 Mary; m. in 1674 Michael Wilson of Wrentham. 
 
 Hannah, 1660. 
 
 Samuel, 1663. 
 
 Elizabeth; m. Jeremiah Morse (24); died in 1733. 
 
 Timothy, 1667. 
 
 Abigail ; m. in 1708 Jonathan Lawrence (15). She received 
 
 of her brother the year of her marriage the portion due 
 
 from her father's estate. 
 
 John ^ (Francis ■) had by his father's will a lot of land at " plant- 
 ing field " ; and, soon after, the town granted him a small spot 
 "where his siller now stands." Later, he had another grant, 
 "where his house stands." In 1702, a road is spoken of as being 
 "near John Hamant's house, by his line over a stony brook 
 toward rail-tree neck." The land which he received from his 
 father was to go to Timothy, his brother, in case he should die 
 without heirs. He died unmarried in 1708. His house stood; 
 evidently, not far from that now owned by George D. Hamant on 
 High Street. Perhaps the old cellar near by marks the spot, but 
 it is uncertain. 
 
402 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 8. 
 
 Timothy 2 (Francis ■) owned the farm and house that had been 
 his father's. He married in 1696 Milletiah Clark (36). He was 
 chosen town treasurer in 1703, and held that office for several 
 years. He died at Arrowsick in 17 18; and his widow probably 
 married, as second husband, William Partridge (5), and died in 
 1747. Children: — 
 
 10. Timothy, 1699. 
 
 11. Samuel, 1701. 
 
 12. Milletiah, 1704; m. in 1728 Michael Metcalf of Medway. 
 
 13. Mehitable, 1706-1727. 
 
 14. Abiel, 1708-1783; m. in 1734 Joseph Smith (46). 
 
 * 
 
 Timothy 3 (Timothy,^ Francis ■) was the successor on the old 
 homestead. He married in 1727 Hepsibah Clark (55). Town 
 office seemed to await him, commencing, as was customary even 
 in those days, with that of hogreeve, about the date of his mar- 
 riage ; after which he served as a selectman five years, and as 
 treasurer for the same length of time. He died in 1774. His 
 wife survived him, dying in 1791. Children: — 
 
 15. Mehitable, 1728-1814; unmarried. 
 
 16. Elias, 1 730-1 730. 
 
 17. Timothy, 1731-1731. 
 
 18. Seth, 1 733-1 77 1 ; settled in Sturbridge. 
 
 19. Patience, 1735- ; m. in 1762 Moses Smith (43). 
 
 20. Timothy, 1736-1813 ; settled in Medway. 
 
 21. Basmath, 1738; m. Nathaniel Walker of Sturbridge. 
 
 22. Dinah, i 739-181 3; m. in 1766 Ephraim Chenery (13). 
 -(-23. Francis, 1741. 
 
 Samuel 3 (Timothy,^ Francis ') was a housewright by occupation. 
 He shared with his brother in the paternal estate, but sold out his 
 share in 1736, and bought of the heirs of Samuel Smith the place 
 now owned by George D. Hamant. He married in 1728 Hannah 
 Partridge (probably 26). Samuel died in 1755, his widow in 1780. 
 Children : — 
 
 -. -I-24. Asa, 1729. 
 
 25. Sybil, 1731-1807; m. in 1751 Elisha Smith (53) ; second, in 
 
 1 766, Noah Allen (40). 
 
 26. Melitiah, 1732-1820; m. in 1757 Jacob Clark (148). 
 
 27. Sarah, i 734-1 768. 
 
 28. Hannah, i 736-1 766; m. in 1757 Simeon Cutler (4). 
 
 29. Samuel, 1738; settled in Sturbridge. 
 
 30. J Peter, i 740-1 740. 
 
 31. J John, 1740-1740. 
 
 32. j Joseph, 1741-1741 
 
 33. I Benjamin, 1741-1741. 
 
 34. Job, 1742; settled in Sturbridge. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 4O3 
 
 23- 
 
 Francis -t (Timothy,3 Timothy,^ Francis ■)> having paid off his 
 brother Samuel, became the sole owner of the ancestral place, 
 where he spent his life. He married in 1771 Mary, daughter 
 of Hon. Jeremiah Daniels of Medway. He died in r8o8, his wife 
 Mary in 1826. Children: — 
 
 35. Mercy, 1771-1868; m. in 1795 Moses B. Harding (72). 
 
 36. Timothy, 1774-1847; m. in 1798 Priscilla Turner (67): His 
 
 father set off a farm for him, and built a house upon it 
 in i8o6. He died without children,, and gave the place 
 to the nephew of his wife, Luther Guild of Chester, Vt. 
 +37. Daniels, 1777. 
 
 38. Seth, 1 784-1 8 1 2. 
 
 24. 
 
 Asa 4 (Samuel,3 Timothy,^ Francis") married in 1758 Peninnah 
 Clark (13s), and took up his abode with his wife's father, who had 
 no sons. In 1774, he received from him a deed of the farm,- 
 house, barn, grist-mill, malt-house, and other buildings. At this 
 time, his mother, now a widow, resided on the old place on High 
 Street. After her death in 1780, Asa purchased of the other 
 heirs their rights in that place, and settled his son Asa upon it. 
 He remained with his son Charles at the Clark place. Peninnah 
 died in 1778 : and he married in 1784 Sybil Cutler (2), who died 
 in 1796. He died in i8to. Children: — 
 
 39. Peninnah, 1759; m. in 1783 Levi Daniels of Medway. 
 
 40. Charles, 1761-1832 ; succeeded to the possession of the 
 
 estate at the grist-mill, which is now owned by George 
 W. Kingsbury. He married Zilpah Turner (53) in 1807, 
 but left no children. He was chosen sealer of weights 
 and measures in 1795, and served on the board of select- 
 men eleven years. Clark Smith, his sister's son, became 
 sole heir to his property. Zilpah died in 1846, aged 
 eighty-three. 
 -{-41. Asa, 1763. 
 42. Atarah, 1765-1856; m. in 1782 Titus Smith (ill). 
 
 37- 
 Daniels s (Francis,* Timothy,3 Timothy,^ Francis.') was the 
 next to come into possession of the original Hamant place. He 
 married in 1804 Nancy Partridge of Walpole, who died in 1815; 
 second, Patty Turner of Walpole. He served as selectman in 
 1815-16. He died in 1854, his wife in 1862. Children: — 
 
 -)-43. Caleb S., 1805. 
 
 44. Francis, 1807-1817. 
 -]-45. Daniels, i8ri. 
 
 41. 
 
 Asa s- (Asa, 4 Samuel,3 Timothy,^ Francis') was settled by his 
 father upon the place on High Street. He married in 1804 Polly 
 
404 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Draper of Dedham, who survived his death in 1843, and married 
 John Clark of Medway. She died in 1862, aged eighty. 
 Children : — 
 
 46. Hannah, 1805; m. John Gould of Walpole. 
 
 47. Emeline, 1807-1811. 
 
 48. Polly D., 1810; m. in 1832 Daniel P. Russell (2). 
 -{-49. Charles, 181 2. 
 
 +50. Daniel D., 1815 
 
 51. Lydia a., 1817; m. in 184X William D. Rowe (i). 
 
 43- 
 
 Caleb S.6 (Daniels.s Francis,4 Timothy.s Timothy,^ Francis') 
 located near his father, and owned the house at the corner of 
 South and Philip Streets. He became a large owner of real 
 estate. He married in 1835 Drusilla Clark (254), who died in 
 1858. He was killed on the railroad crossing at East Somerville, 
 in 1873. Children: — 
 
 52. Nancy A., 1837; m. Frank Colburn of Dedham. 
 
 53. William, 1840-1866. 
 
 54. Abbie, 1842; m. Thomas Trow of Hudson. 
 
 45- 
 Daniels 6 (Daniels,s Francis,-! Timothy,3 Timothy,^ Francis') 
 lived on the original homestead. He married in 1836 Hannah 
 Ellis (122). He occupied a place on the board of selectmen for 
 nine years, and held various town offices. He died from the 
 effects of a surgical operation in 1874. Children: — 
 
 55. Mary J., 1837; m. in 1872 William R. Smith (172). 
 -[-56. Francis D., 1839. 
 
 57. Julia A., 1842-1869; m. in 1865 William R. Smith (172). 
 
 49. 
 
 Charles ^ (Asa,s Asa,4 Samuel,3 Timothy,^ Francis ') was en- 
 gaged for many years in the profession of teaching ; more recently, 
 in insurance, as an auctioneer, and in transacting various legal 
 business. He married in 1841 Mary Bosworth (4), who died in 
 1844; second, Harriet J. Hunt of Medway. Children: — 
 
 58. Mary B., 1843; m. in 1863 Willard Harwood of Boston. 
 
 59. Alice E., 1850; m. in 1885 Henry W. Austin. 
 
 50. 
 Daniel D.^ (Asa,5 Asa,4 Samuel,3 Timothy,^ Francis •) married 
 in 1841 Cynthia Harding (84). For several years after his mar- 
 riage, he resided at the north part of the town on the place that 
 had belonged to his father-in-law, but more recently at the Ha- 
 mant Place on High Street. Children : — 
 
 -|-6o. George D., 1S42. 
 61. Marietta, 1844-1853. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 4OS 
 
 56. 
 
 Francis D.7 (Daniels,^ Daniels,s Francis,* Timothy.s Timothy,^ 
 Francis') lives on the estate owned by his first Medfield ancestor, 
 one of the very few estates that have remained to this time in 
 the original name. He married in 1865 Eliza M., daughter of 
 Jeremiah R. Smith (161). Children : — 
 
 62. Gertrude C, 1866. 
 
 63. Nettie F., 1869. 
 
 64. Daniels, 1873. 
 
 65. Mary E., 1879. 
 
 66. Francis, 1881. 
 
 60. 
 George D.7 (Daniel D.,* Asa,5 Asa,* Samuel,3 Timothy,^ Fran- 
 cis ■) lives on the place which Samuels bought in 1741, and which 
 has been in possession of the family since that time. He married 
 in 1869 Jennie A. Esty of Canton. Children : — 
 
 67. Marietta A., 1870. 
 
 68. George D., 1872. 
 
 69. Daniel R., 1881. 
 
 HARDING. 
 
 Abraham Harding was in Braintree in 1648, and in 1653 sold 
 his homestead there, after which he lived in Medfield. He is 
 supposed to have been a son of John Harding of Weymouth. 
 His house lot was on Bridge Street, where Mr. Chase now lives. 
 He lived but a short time after coming here, dying in 1655. His 
 widow married in 1656 John Frairy, Jr., and, after Jiis death, 
 Thomas Dyer of Weymouth. She died in 1678. Children : — 
 
 -)-2. John. 
 
 3. Elizabeth; m. in 1667 Eleazar Adams (34). 
 
 4. Mary, i 653-1 731 ; m. in 1674 Samuel Barber (5). 
 -f-5. Abraham, 1655. 
 
 John 2 (Abraham') married in 1665 Hannah Wood, daughter of 
 Nicolas, of "the farms." She died in 1667, and he married in 
 1668 Elizabeth Adams (36). It is probable that he lived on the 
 Bridge Street place till the Indian war, when all the houses in 
 that quarter were destroyed. In 1677, he had a grant of "a small 
 spot of land near Samuel Rockwood's house," which was appar- 
 ently the nucleus of the Harding homestead on Railroad Street. 
 He was a deacon of the old church, a selectman sixteen years, 
 representative two years. He died in 1720, his wife in 1727. 
 Children : — 
 
 6. Hannah, 1666-1667. 
 
 7. Abraham, 1667-1670. 
 
 8. John, 1669-1670. 
 
406 history of medfield. 
 
 9. John, 1671-1672. 
 
 -f-io. Henry, 1673. 
 
 -j-ii. ICHABOD, 1675. 
 
 12. Elizabeth, i 678-1 758; m. in 1696 John D wight (4). 
 
 -I-13. Abraham, 1683. 
 
 14. Hannah, 1686-17 18. 
 
 5- 
 Abraham ^ (Abraham ■) settled on the west side of the river. 
 He married in 1677 Mary Mason (3), who died about 1694 ; sec- 
 ond, Sarah , who died in 1741. He died in 1734. Children : 
 
 15. Mehitable, 1684. 
 
 16. Mary, 1687-1725 ; m. in 1707 Ebenezer Daniel (16). 
 
 17. Elizabeth, i 689-1 708. 
 
 18. Abraham, 1691; m. in 1715 Ruth Wight (31). 
 
 19. Thomas, i 692-1 754; deacon of Medway church. 
 
 20. John, 1694 ; settled in Medway. 
 
 21. Sarah, 1696; m. George Fairbanks. 
 
 22. Samuel, i 698-1 780. 
 
 23. Hannah, 1700. 
 
 24. Lydia, 1701 ; m. in 1728 Ephraim Partridge (i8). 
 
 25. Bathsheba, 1 704-1 722. 
 
 26. Isaac, i 706-1 779. 
 
 27. Elizabeth, 1708. 
 
 28. Joseph, 1711 ; settled in Wrentham. 
 
 Henrys (John,^ Abraham') came into possession of the 
 original Harding place on Bridge Street. He was living there 
 in 1722, and probably much earlier. His house was burned April 
 24, 1749.- (See Penniman.) He married in 1698 Mary Allen, 
 who died in 1723, aged forty-eight; second, in 1726, Sarah, widow 
 of Mathias Evans. He died in 1764, and gave his estate to his 
 daughter. Thankful Penniman, and her heirs. From his settle- 
 ment, we learn that Asa Boyden made his coffin, Amos Plimpton 
 dug his grave, Benjamin Hews "toled the bell," and David Wight 
 furnished three pints of rum for the funeral. His widow died 
 in 1769. Children: — 
 
 29. John, i 699-1 699. 
 
 30. Mary, 1701 ; m. in 1720 Samuel Chickering. 
 
 31. Thankful, 1703-1794; m. in 1722 James Penniman (i). 
 
 32. (Abigail, 1713-1713. 
 33. 1 Henry, 1713-1713. 
 
 II. 
 Ichabods (John,2 Abraham') settled in the north part of the 
 town, near the spot now occupied by the residence of R. W. 
 Sherman. He married in 1699 Abigail Barber (18), said to 
 be of Milton at that time. Her mother's relatives resided there. 
 She died in 1713; and he married, second, in 1725, Sarah Ellis, 
 probably widow of Joseph of Dedham, who had died in 1721. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 407 
 
 Her maiden name was Heminway. Ichabod died in 1730, and 
 his widow married John Fisher (6). John and Sarah separated, 
 for a while at least ; and, at her death, she was buried by the 
 side of her daughter, wife of Samuel Ellis (11). Children: — 
 
 34. John, i 704-1 704. 
 
 35. Benoni, 1 707-1 707. 
 
 13- 
 Abrahams (John,^ Abraham') inherited his father's place. 
 He served in town offices frequently ; was a trustee of the loan 
 in 172 1, and a selectman for eight years. He was also prominent 
 in affairs connected with the settlement of Sturbridge, though 
 he never removed thither himself. He married in 1706 Mary 
 Partridge (10). He died in 1741, his wife in 1749. Children : — 
 
 -f-36. Moses, 1707. 
 
 37. Mary, 1709-1709. 
 
 38. Elisha, 1711-1784; graduated at Harvard College in 1 745 ; 
 
 ordained minister at Brookfield in 1749. 
 
 39. John, 1 713; settled in Sturbridge. 
 
 40. Caleb, 1714; settled in Sturbridge. 
 
 41. Stephen, 1717-1717. 
 -|-42. Simon, 17 19. 
 
 43. Olive, 1722-1747 ; m. in 1744 Joshua Bullard (31). 
 
 44. JABEZ, 1 726 ; settled in Sturbridge. 
 
 36. 
 Moses 4 (Abraham,3 John,^ Abraham') married in 1735 Mary 
 Bullard, daughter of John of Medway. Her father's brother, 
 Eleazar Bullard, died without children; and in 1748 Moses 
 Harding and his wife Mary became owners of the estate. He 
 served as selectman in 1749, 1755, and 1756. He died in 1777. 
 His wife, who was one of the constituent members of the Baptist 
 church, died in 1799, aged eighty-three. Children : — • 
 
 Abigail, 1736-1822; m. in 1772 Jonathan Allen (44). 
 
 Nathan, 1738. 
 
 Henry, 1740. 
 
 Mary, 1743-1776; m. Jesse Ellis (105). 
 
 Oliver, i 753-1 757. 
 
 Olive, 1758-1758. 
 
 Oliver, i 760-1 763. 
 
 AS' 
 +46. 
 +47. 
 
 49, 
 50 
 51 
 
 42. 
 
 SiM0N4 (Abraham,3 John,^ Abraham") remained upon the 
 homestead. He married in 1741 Patience Sabin (17), who died 
 in 1751 ; second, in 1752, Mary Gardner, probably of Sherborn, 
 who survived him, and married Caleb Leland of Sherborn in 
 1775. Simon died in 1768. He had held the office of selectman 
 in 1753, 1764, and 1765. Children: — 
 
 52. Sybil, i 742-1 763. 
 
 53. Elizabeth, 1744; m. in 1773 Henry Daniel of Medway. 
 
408 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 54. 
 
 55 
 56. 
 
 S7 
 +58, 
 
 59' 
 60, 
 61 
 62, 
 63 
 
 Phebe, 1746; m. in 1771 Abner Mason (38). 
 
 Olive, i 748-1 757. 
 
 Sarah, i755-i757- 
 
 Sarah, i7S7-i759- 
 
 Abraham, 1760. 
 
 Anna, 1761. 
 
 Mary, 1763. 
 
 Ichabod, 1 765-1 765. 
 
 Sybil, 1767-1852; unmarried. 
 
 Sarah, i 769-1844; m. in 1794 Jonathan Wight (108). 
 
 46. 
 
 Nathan s (Moses,'* Abraham, 3 John,^ Abraham ') married in 
 1768 Dorcas Fisher (46). His father had bought of Josiah Par- 
 tridge the farm in the extreme north-east part of the town now or 
 lately owned by John Newell, and Nathan settled upon it. He 
 died in 1808, his wife in 1815. Children : — 
 
 64. Nancy, 1769-1851 ; m. in 1792 Oliver Cutler (13). 
 
 -(-65. Jason, 1772. 
 
 66. Mary, 1774-1858; m. in 1817 Silas Adams of Medway. 
 
 -f-67. Oliver, 1776. 
 
 68. John, 1779; settled in Dover. 
 
 69. Caroline, i 783-1863 ; m. in 1806 Obed Allen (92). 
 
 47- 
 Henry 5 (Moses,-* Abraham,3 John,^ Abraham >) inherited his 
 father's estate, formerly Eleazar Ballard's. He married in 1766 
 Kezia Plimpton (60). He died in 1793, his wife in 1828. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 70. Eleazar B., 1 766-1 773. 
 
 71. Amy p., 1768 ; m. in 1789 John Allen (72). 
 -I-72. Moses B., 1771. 
 
 73." ICezia, 1775-1852; m. in 1801 Dr. Elias Mann (7). 
 
 58. 
 
 Abraham s (Simon,4 Abraham,3 John,^ Abraham •) inherited the 
 ancestral place. He married in 1783 Hepsibah Prentiss of Sher- 
 born, who died in 1842, aged eighty-four. He died in 1844. 
 Children : — 
 
 74. Elizabeth, 1784; m. in 1804 Horatio Adams of Medway. 
 •JS- Charlotte, i 785-1 789. 
 -I-76. Simon, 1790. 
 
 77. Charles, i 793-1 854; m. in 1821 Sally Walker, who died in 
 1824. He served two years as selectman, and four years 
 as town treasurer. 
 
 Jason 6 (Nathan,5 Moses,4 Abraham,3 John,^ Abraham') in- 
 herited his father's place in the north-east part of the town, where 
 
GENEALOGIES. 4O9 
 
 he spent his life. He married in 1801 Damaris Chenery (30), 
 who died in 1849. He died in 1855. Children : — 
 
 78. Nabby, 1 802-1 802. 
 
 79. Caroline, 1803-1877; m. in 1825 Silas Boyden (73). 
 
 80. Moses, 1804-1805. 
 
 81. Joanna, 1808; m. in 1830 George M. Smith (139). 
 
 82. Louisa, 1810; m. in 1836 Aurelius Tisdale. 
 
 83. Abigail, 1813-1885; m. in 1836 Caleb Ellis (120). 
 
 84. Cynthia, 1815; m. in 1841 Daniel D. Hamant (50). 
 
 67. 
 
 Oliver 6 (Nathan,s Moses,-! Abraham,3 John,^ Abraham >) mar- 
 ried in 1808 Sarah French, daughter of Benjamin of Dedham. 
 He died in 1822, his widow in 1877, aged ninety-six. Children: 
 
 -I-85. Nathan, 1809. 
 
 86. Henry, 1811-1881; m. in 1842 Mary Russell (4); had one 
 
 son, Joseph H., born in 1847. 
 
 87. Sarah, 1812; m. in 1841 William Forbes. 
 
 88. Joseph, 1814; resides in Weymouth. 
 
 89. Mary L., 1817; m. in 1841 William Q. Fisher (66). 
 
 90. Hannah, 1820; m. Amos W. Shumway. 
 
 72. 
 
 Moses B.* (Henry,5 Moses,4 Abraham, 3 John,^ Abraham ■) was 
 an active and prominent citizen of the town. He was named for 
 Moses Bullen, and was brought up in his family, though not related 
 to him. Being of unusual thrift and enterprise, he bought for 
 $5,000 of Moses Bullen, of Medway, the homestead estate left 
 to the latter by Moses Bullen [see Moses Bullen] while without 
 means to pay for it, and during the following year sold off enough 
 timber, wood, and outlying land to pay for the whole. He pur- 
 chased a lot of land in the middle of the town, lying along what 
 • is now Pleasant Street and including the spot on which the Sec- 
 ond Congregational or Orthodox meeting-house now stands. He 
 built the house on the west corner of Main and Pleasant Streets 
 and also the building on the east corner, originally designed 
 as a store, with shops above for tailor, shoemaker, barber, etc. 
 He was among the persons prominent in coming away from the 
 old church and in the formation of the Second Congregational 
 Church, though never a church member himself. He and Noah 
 Fiske owned the store at the corner of Main and North Streets, 
 and finished off a hall in the upper story of the building for the 
 use of the new society, who worshipped there for some time. Af- 
 terward, when the society desired a permanent meeting-house, he 
 was largely instrumental in having it erected upon the present 
 location, which was a part of his land, contributing freely to the 
 purpose. He was a man of very pronounced views, was a strong 
 an ti- Federalist, and afterward a stanch Democrat, opposed to the 
 Hartford Convention, and in favor of the war of i8i2_. He was a 
 
4IO HISTORY OF MEDFJELD. 
 
 man of simple habits, and much respected ; was often called by 
 his middle name; and "Squire Bullen Harding" is often men- 
 tioned by elderly people. He married in 1795 Mercy Hamant 
 (35). who outlived him ; and died in 1868, at the age of ninety-six. 
 He died Sept. 7, 1850, aged seventy-nine. Daughter: — 
 
 91. Eliza, i 797-1 877; m. in 1817 Jonathan P. Bishop (i). 
 
 76. 
 Simon 6 (Abraham, 5 Simon,4 Abraham, 3 John,^ Abraham ') suc- 
 ceeded his father in the possession of the homestead in connection 
 with his brother. He married in 1812 Polly Pratt, daughter of 
 Daniel. He died in 1862, his wife in 1879, aged eighty-nine. 
 Children : — 
 
 92. Eleanor, 1812. 
 4-93. Lorenzo, i8i6. 
 
 94. Angenette, 1824; m. in 1847 Parley Caswell. 
 
 85- 
 Nathan? (Oliver,^ Nathan,5 Moses,4 Abraham,? John,^ Abra- 
 ham ') married in 1841 Mary Harmstad (4). Of her father he 
 had learned his trade of brush-making, which he followed for 
 many year-s. The brush factory stood on the spot since occupied 
 by his residence. His wife died in 1884. Children : — 
 
 95. Nathan F., 1843 ; m. in 1869 Jennie Robie of Andover, N.H. 
 
 96. John H., 1847; m. in 1871 Mary C. Ewer of Sandwich. 
 
 97. Mary E., 1851 ; m. in 1870 Josiah F. Chase. 
 
 93- 
 Lorenzo 7 (Simon,^ Abraham, 5 Simon,* Abraham, 3 John,^ Abra- 
 ham ') resides upon the place where five generations before him 
 have lived. The estate has never been in the possession of any 
 but the Harding family. He married in 1838 Hannah C. Kent 
 of Ashford, Conn. Children : — 
 
 98. Maria C, 1839. 
 
 99. Amanda, 1840. 
 100. Emma, 1849. 
 loi. H. Frank, 1854. 
 
 HARTSHORN. 
 
 Moses Hartshorn came to Medfield from Walpole as an ap- 
 prentice. In 1750, he bought of Samuel Boyce forty rods of land, 
 with a house and blacksmith's shop upon it. This place has re- 
 mained in the Hartshorn family till the present time. He married 
 in 1751 Elizabeth Smith (67), who died in 1782. He served five 
 years as a member of the board of selectmen. He died in 1776. 
 Children : — 
 
 2. Elizabeth, 1753 ; died in infancy. 
 
 3. Calle, 1755-1839; m. John Bullard (46). 
 
GENEALOGIES. 4I I 
 
 4. Elizabeth, 1757-1758. 
 -|-5. Moses, 1759. 
 
 6. Obed, 1761-1843; m. in 1790 Sarah Wight (109); lived in 
 
 Dover. A son of his, Obed, died here in 1880. 
 
 7. Elizabeth, i 763-1821 ; m. in 1783 Bela BuUen (45). 
 
 8. Sarah, i 765-1 776. 
 
 9. Caty, i 768-1 852; m. in 1791 Johnson Mason (44). 
 
 Moses ^ (Moses •) inherited his father's place. He is known as 
 " Captain Moses." He married in 1783 Catherine Clark (224), 
 who survived him, dying in 1851. He died in 1826. Served as 
 a selectman five years, — 1799-1803. Children : — 
 
 10. Clarissa, 1784; m. in i8o6 Joshua Murdock. 
 
 11. Charles, i 786-1 788. 
 
 12. Catherine, 1788-1789. 
 -f-13. Warren, 1790. 
 
 14. Catherine, 1792-1860; m. in 1816 Samuel Johnson (17). 
 4-15. HosEPH, 1794. 
 
 16. J Hannah, 1794-1880; unmarried. 
 -I-17. Charles, 1797. 
 
 18. Francis, 1800-1810. 
 
 19. Moses, 1803-1803. 
 
 13- 
 
 Warren 3 (Moses,^ Moses ') was a blacksmith by trade, and 
 bought in 18 14 a part of the estate which had belonged to Eben- 
 ezer Clark, and which is still owned by his heirs. He married 
 in 18 14 Cally Clark (257). He died in 1870, his wife in 1877. 
 Children : — 
 
 20. Catherine, 1815. 
 
 21. Cally F., 1831 ; m. in 1850 Lowell Adams (iii). 
 
 15- 
 
 Joseph 3 (Moses, = Moses ") became sole heir of his uncle Joseph 
 Clark (226). He married in 1820 Lucinda Ellis, daughter of 
 Joseph of Dedham, who died in 185 1. He died in 1866. Served 
 on the board of selectmen in 1838 and 1839. Daughter: — 
 
 22. Caroline L., 1831 ; m. in 1854 Francis S. Wight (166). 
 
 17- 
 
 Charles s (Moses,^ Moses ') inherited the place owned by his 
 father. He married in 182 1 Ann P. Holbrook. He died in 1878. 
 Children : — 
 
 23. Ann, 1822; m. in 1841 William H. Bullard (65). 
 
 24. Clarissa, 1823; m. in 1843 Nathaniel H. Cheney. 
 -|-25. Moses, 1827. 
 
412 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 2S- 
 
 Moses 4 (Charles,3 Moses, == Moses ■) married in 1853 Abby L. 
 Howard, who died in 1855 ; second, in 1858, Louisa C. Boyden 
 (81), who died in 1873 ; third, in 1876, Hannah Curtis. Daughter : 
 26. Abby A., 1855; m. in 1875 Elisha P. Bishop (6). 
 
 HARMSTAD. 
 
 John Harmstad was born in Philadelphia in 1780, son of 
 Martin and Nancy Harmstad. He came to this town when a 
 young man, to work at his trade of brush-making, or rather to 
 assist Artemas Woodward in establishing that branch of business 
 here. He married in 1808 Experience Breck (10), and setup his 
 trade on his own account. His shop stood where the house of 
 Nathan Harding now stands ; and he lived in a part of the house 
 owned at present by N. F. Harding, which he bought in 181 1. 
 He died in 1846, and his wife in the same year. Children : — 
 
 2. Nancy, 1808 ; m. in 1833 Bradford Curtis (i). 
 
 3. John, i8io-i8io. 
 
 4. Mary, 1811-1884; m. in 1841 Nathan Harding (85). 
 
 5. Joseph B., 1814; m. in 1846 Elizabeth A. Standen; second, 
 
 in 1864, Frances C. Story of Syracuse. 
 
 6. Laura, 1816-1855; m. in 1843 William P. Hewins (3). 
 
 7. James L., 1818-1885 ; m. in 1843 Abby Stearns of Newton, 
 
 and had two children 
 born here : Henry C, 
 in 1844; and Georgi- 
 ana, in 1845. 
 
 HEWINS. 
 
 Dr. James Hewins 
 was born in Sharon 
 in 1782. He was of 
 the fifth generation 
 from Jacob of Dor- 
 chester (Joseph,4 
 Ebenezer,3 Joseph,^ 
 Jacob '). Graduated 
 at Harvard College 
 in 1804, studied med- 
 icine with Dr. Rich- 
 ardson of Medway' 
 and Dr. Jeffries of 
 Boston, and was a 
 practising physician 
 in this town for about 
 forty years. He came 
 here in 1807 ; pur- 
 __ chased in 181 1 the 
 DR. JAMBS HEWINS. F 1 s h e T Bstatc o n 
 
GENEALOGIES. 4I3 
 
 Main Street, opposite South. He married in 1814 Mary Peters 
 (24). He died in 1846, his widow in 1876. Children: — 
 
 2. James M., 1816. 
 -(-3. William P., 1819. 
 
 William P.^ (James ■) married in 1843 Laura Harrastad (6), 
 who died in 1855; second, in 1859, Margaret E. Wight (159). 
 Children : — 
 
 -\-4. James, 1846. 
 
 5. Mary F., 1848-1877; m. in 1875 George F. Mayhew. 
 
 '~' James 3 (William P.,= James ') was educated at Amherst College 
 and Harvard Law School ; studied law also with Hon. R. R. 
 Bishop, and was admitted to the bar in Boston. He married 
 in 1865 Jane G. Stedman (8). Children : — 
 
 William P., 1866. 
 Laura, 1867. 
 Edith E., 1870. 
 Mary A., 1872. 
 James, 1873. 
 Amy S., 1880. 
 
 HEWS. 
 
 Benjamin Hews appears in town as early as 1749. Not much 
 is known of him except that he was in straitened circumstances. 
 The town allowed him to build a small house to live in upon the 
 town land : it stood near the east corner of Dale and Frairy 
 Streets. In 1758, the town assisted him by granting him £2. In 
 1760, he had £6. He died in 1773, and the family disappeared 
 from town a few years afterward. The house remained on the 
 original spot till 1800, when it was sold to be removed. It stood 
 some years on the west side of Frairy Street, when it was again 
 moved, and now stands in the yard belonging to the Derby heirs. 
 Children : — 
 
 2. Joshua, i 749-1 749. 
 
 3. Joshua, 1750; m. in 1773 Rebecca Baker (18). In 1775, he 
 
 hired the town land for five years, which is the last men- 
 tion of him, except his serving in the army in 1 777. 
 
 4. Moses, 1752; Revolutionary soldier. 
 
 5. Alpheus, 1753. 
 
 6. Zephaniah, 1755; m. in 1778 Grace Connoly. He served 
 
 in the Revolutionary war. 
 
 7. Hannah, 1757. 
 
 8. Benjamin, 1759; joined the Continental Army at Fishkill, 
 
 in [778. 
 
 9. Lydia, 1 761-1762. 
 
414 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 HILL. 
 
 John Hill, son of John of Dorchester, came to " the farms " 
 west of Charles River about 1658. Hannah, wife of John, died 
 in 1690; and he appears to have married a second time, as at his 
 death, in 17 18, he left a widow Elizabeth. Children : — 
 
 -\-2. Samuel. 
 
 3. Abigail, 1658; m. in 1678 Hopestill Leland. 
 
 4. John, 1661-1738; m. Hannah Rockwood (11). 
 
 5. Mary, 1662; m. in 1698 John Ellis (2). 
 
 6. Eleazar, 1664. 
 
 7. Johnson, 1666. 
 
 Samuel = (John '), born in Dorchester, probably ; settled in Med- 
 field, now East Medway, near Sherborn line. He married in 1679 
 Hannah Twichell (4). "Deacon Hill " died in Medway in 1723. 
 Children : — 
 
 8. Samuel, i 680-1 680. 
 
 -(-9. Samuel, 1682. 
 
 10. Sarah, 1684-1747; m. in 1710 Peter Adams (177).. 
 
 11. Ephraim, 1688; m. in 1715 Hannah Sheffield; settled in 
 
 HoUiston. 
 
 12. Jonathan, 1691. 
 
 13. Hannah, 1694; m. in 1715 Thomas Harding (19). 
 
 14. Maria, 1696. 
 
 15. Dorothy, 1698; m. Jeremiah Hall. 
 
 16. Lydia, 1701. 
 
 17. Rachel, 1703. 
 
 g- 
 
 Samuel 3 (Samuel,^ ^hn ■) settled in Medfield, west side. He 
 married in 1706 Rachel Adams (175). He died in 1755, his wife 
 in 1758. Children: — 
 
 18. Samuel, 1707. 
 
 19. Joshua, 1709. 
 
 20. Rachel, 1711 ; m. Malachi Bullard. 
 
 21. Experience, 1713. 
 
 22. Ebenezer, 1 716. 
 
 23. 
 David s (Caleb,4 John,3 John,^ John ■) was born in Sherborn in 
 1765; married in 1788 Lydia Cleaveland (6). After the birth of 
 the first child, the family removed to the State of New York, where 
 the rest of the children were born. After a few years, they re- 
 turned to Medfield. David died in 1820. His widow married 
 Nathan Turner of Walpole, and died in 1863. Children : — 
 
 24. Caleb, 1789; died young. 
 
 25. Calvin ; m. Betsey Bowker ; second, Lydia Adams. 
 
 26. Charlotte, 1797-1858 ; m. in i8i8 Willard Allen (102). 
 -(-27. Caleb, 1800. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 415 
 
 28. LYDiA;m. in 1824 Joseph Prince of Boston; second, Jesse 
 
 Newell of Dover; third, James Buntin. 
 
 29. CoRiNA C. C. Went to Nashua, N.H. 
 
 30. Harriet, 1791-1877; m. Ezra Leland. 
 
 31. Horace, 1796-1878; m. in 1823 Sophia Baals of Medway. 
 -4-32. David, 1801. 
 
 33. Hiram, settled in Medway. 
 
 27. 
 Caleb 6 (David, s Caleb,* John,3 John, ^ John') married in 182 1 
 Sarah Cole (24), who survived him, and married Josiah W. Alex- 
 ander of Boston in 1833. Caleb died in 1824. Daughter: — 
 
 34. Abby H., 1824-1869; m. in 1852 James A. Fairbanks (24). 
 
 32- 
 
 David* (David,5 Caleb,4 John,3 John,= John")was born in New 
 York. He lived for some years in Boston, but returned to 
 Medfield, where he died in 1875. He married Ann P. Blight. 
 Children: — 
 
 35. Eliza A., 1827-1851 ; m. in 1846 Eliphalet E. Kinsman. 
 
 36. Harriet E., 1829; m. in 1855 Charles W. Reeves. 
 
 37. Edwin W., 1838-1856. 
 
 38. Mary W., 1841 ; m. in 1866 William F. Abell. 
 
 HINSDALE. 
 
 Robert Hinsdale came to Dedham in the first or second year 
 of its settlement. He was a freeman in 1639, and held town office 
 the same year. He was among the first thirteen who took up 
 house lots at Medfield ; and his homestead was on North Street, 
 the spot being now known as the Deacon Cummings place. The 
 original well is still in use. In 1652, he had already built a house ; 
 and in 1655 he had a small piece of land granted to set his house 
 on, probably at his "farm," which was described as lying on North 
 Brook, east of the road leading to North meadow. This corre- 
 sponds with the farm now owned by John G. Hutson and adjoin- 
 ing lands. In 1659, he purchased a bell, and "brought it up for 
 the use of the town." The town, a year or two afterward, bought 
 it of him, and gave him a grant of forty-six acres of land near 
 what is now Collins' mill in Millis. Soon after, he built a mill 
 there, which was undoubtedly burned by the Indians in 1676. 
 The " place of Hinsdale's mill " is mentioned in the records. He 
 was a member of Medfield's first board of selectmen, and held 
 the bflfice six years. He removed from Medfield to the Connecti- 
 cut valley, exact date unknown; but we find in 1669 that his 
 homestead on North Street was in the possession of his son-in- 
 law Daniel Weld, and in 1671 the remainder of his lands here was 
 
 disposed of. The first wife, J^n , died, date unknown ; 
 
 and he married, second, Elizabeth, the widow of John Hawkes. 
 Robert, with three of his sons, was slain by the Indians in 1675 
 
4l6 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 at Deerfield ; and his widow in 1683 married Thomas Dibble of 
 Windsor. Children : — 
 
 -)-2. Samuel. 
 
 3. Barnabas, 1639-1675;- was in Hadley as early as 1666, in 
 
 which year he married Sarah, widow of Stephen Taylor. 
 He was killed at Bloody Brook, and left several children 
 in Deerfield, where he last resided. 
 
 4. Gamaliel, 1642; m. in 1672 Rachel Martin, who died in 
 
 1679. One son John died young. Gamaliel owned a 
 house in this town. His grant of one-fourth of an acre 
 seems to have been on the south side of P'rairy Street, 
 near the present railroad crossing. It is known that a 
 small house was standing there in 1704. There is no 
 record of his death; but in 1689 the town paid Joseph 
 BuUard (next neighbor) 6s. for " tending Gamaliel Hins- 
 dale," which was without doubt in his last sickness, as 
 there is no further mention of his name. 
 
 5. Mary, 1644; m. in 1664 Daniel Weld; removed to the 
 
 Connecticut valley. 
 
 6. Experience, i 646-1 676; m. in 1672 Mary Hawks, and set- 
 
 tled in Deerfield. He was one of the guides at the 
 " Falls fight," and is thought to have been slain there. 
 
 7. John, 1648-1675 ; killed at Bloody Brook. 
 -1-8. Ephraim, 1650. 
 
 9. Elizabeth; m. in 1657 James Rising. 
 
 2. 
 Samuel 2 (Robert") married in 1660 Mehitable Johnson; re- 
 moved to the Connecticut valley about 1666, and settled first at 
 Hadley. Afterward, he removed to Deerfield, and was killed at 
 Bloody Brook. Children : — 
 
 10. Mehitable, 1663 ; m. Obadiah Dickinson. 
 
 11. Mary, 1665-1738; m. in 1685 Thomas Sheldon. 
 
 12. Ann, 1666. 
 
 13. Sarah; m. iii 1692 Samuel Janes of Northampton, and was 
 
 murdered with her husband and three children by the 
 Indians in 1704. 
 
 -I-I4. SAMUEL. 
 
 15. Mahuman, 1673; said to have- been the first white male 
 
 child born in Deerfield. He was taken captive by the 
 Indians in 1709, but returned, and died in Deerfield in 1736. 
 
 16. John; thought to have been a son of Samuel, as a single 
 
 man of that name died in 1705. 
 
 8. 
 Ephraim 2 (Robert-) married in 1676 Mehitable Plimpton (7). 
 He resided in Deerfield and Hatfield, as the state of the country 
 would allow, and died in 1681. His widow returned to Medfield 
 soon after with her two little girls, and in 1691 married Joseph 
 Cheney (9), who in his will mentions his " daughter Mehitable 
 Hinsdale." Children : — 
 
 17. John, 1677 ; probably died in infancy. 
 
 18. Experience, 1679-1754; m. in 1704 Nathaniel Clark (9). 
 
 19. Mehitable, 1681 ; m. in 1706 Nathaniel Wight (27). 
 
GENEALOGIES. 417 
 
 14. 
 
 Samuels (Samuel,^ Robert') was probably born after the 
 removal, as he is not recorded here. He evidently married 
 Susanna Rockwood (12), though no record has been found. 
 He died in Sherborn in 1694, and his widow became the wife 
 of Deacon Ebenezer Thompson of Medway. Son : — 
 
 +20. Samuel, 1694. 
 
 Samuel 4 (Samuel,3 Samuel,^ Robert') became heir to the 
 estate of his grandfather Samuel Rockwood.' In a deed given 
 in 1719, as well as in his will of 1728, he calls him distinctly his 
 grandson ; and he made him his sole heir. He carried on the 
 tanning business, and seems to have been in prosperous circum- 
 stances. He married in 1719 Abigail Gay, daughter of Jonathan 
 of Needham. He died, without leaving a will, in 1731; and his 
 widow married Jonathan Metcalf (16). Children: — 
 
 21. Susanna, 1721 ; m. in 1743 Nathaniel Smith (50). 
 
 -|-22. Samuel, 1722. 
 
 23. Mahuman, 1 724-1 727. 
 
 -)-24. Robert, 1726. 
 
 25. Abigail, 1728; m. in 1745 Joseph Marsh. 
 
 26. Mary, 1730; m. Hide. 
 
 Samuels (Samuel, 4 Samuel,3 Samuel,^ Robert') was only nine 
 years old when his father died, and was placed under a guardian. 
 When he came of age, he took the homestead, and paid oiiE the 
 heirs. He seems to have been improvident ; and the estate 
 gradually slipped from his hands, until poverty took its place. 
 He married in 1744 Esther Fisher of Wrentham, where he 
 probably resided for a time. Esther died in 1773; and he 
 married in 1.777 Abigail Searls, who survived him, and lived in 
 a little hovel that remained upon the old spot till her death in 
 1820. Both were supported largely by charity. He died in 1787. 
 Children : — 
 
 27 
 28, 
 29. 
 30. 
 31 
 32 
 33 
 34. 
 
 Kezia, I74S-I7S7- 
 
 Esther, 1747; in. in 1770 Joseph Turner of Dedham. 
 
 Calle, 1 749-1 757. 
 
 Chloe, 1 75 1. 
 
 Abigail, i 752-1 759. 
 
 Mahuman, i 754-1 757. 
 
 Samuel, i 756-1 757. 
 
 Kezia, i 758-1770. 
 
 24. 
 
 Robert s (Samuel,-* Samuel,3 Samuel,^ Robert ') was a house- 
 joiner by trade, and lived during the early part of his life in 
 Medway. In 175 1, he bought of Joshua Bullard and wife the 
 
4l8 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 place, that had been her father's, now owned by John G. Hutson. 
 He married in 1753 Thankful Penniman (3). He held various 
 town offices, — was sealer of weights and measures, coroner, and 
 four years on the board of selectrhen. He died in 1782, his 
 widow in 1820. Children: — 
 
 35. Samuel, 1754-1754- 
 
 36. Catherine, i 755-1 797; m. in 1785 Obed Fisher (78), who 
 
 became heir to the estate. 
 
 37. Gregory, 1764-1767. 
 
 HOISINGTON. 
 
 Dennis Hoisington was born at Windsor, Vt.; in 18 16. He 
 came to this town in 1841, and in the firm of Goddard & Hoising- 
 ton commenced the manufacture of tin ware in a shop formerly 
 owned by Artemas Woodward, near the Orthodox church. In 
 1843, they bought the building formerly used as a Baptist meeting- 
 house, where they continued their business till 1849. After the 
 dissolution of the firm, Mr. Hoisington carried on the business by 
 himself. He married in 1846 Sarah S. Knapp of Cumberland, 
 R.I. Children : — 
 
 2. Walter D., 1847. 
 
 3. Anna D., 1857-1859. 
 
 4. Charles S., 1861. 
 
 HOOKER. 
 
 Henry Hooker married Elizabeth Hilliard in Boston in 1708. 
 He was here as early as 17 13, one child, at least, having been 
 born elsewhere. Hooker's house was in the north part of the 
 town, on Pine Street : the site of it is still visible. His first wife 
 died in 1762 ; and he married, the following year, Widow Phebe 
 Anchor, probably of Medway. No record of his death has been 
 found. A Widow Hooker died in Sturbridge in 1795, aged ninety, 
 probably widow of Henry. Children : — 
 
 2. Henry; supposed to be of this family; married in 1733 
 
 Maiy Parker of Needham. In 1756, Henry Hooker of 
 Medfield married Mary Bullard of Dedham ; removed to 
 Sturbridge. 
 
 3. John, 1713 ; m. in 1740 Martha Partridge of Medway, where 
 
 he resided till about 1760, when he removed to Medfield. 
 In 1762, he sold his place on Green Street, and removed 
 to Rutland. He had served in the French war from Med- 
 way, but in 1 779 was cared for by this town. 
 -\-4. William, 1716. 
 
 5. Philip, 1718. 
 
 6. Samuel, 1725-1746; died at Cape Breton. 
 
 4- 
 William^ (Henry) married Tabitha Clark (75), who died in 
 1747; second, in 1750, Abigail Evans of Dedham, who died in 
 
GENEALOGIES. 4I9 
 
 1803. He owned for a while the place where Mr. Rhodes now 
 lives, on South Street, which he sold in 1762 to John Thebault. 
 The same year, he sold land adjoining his father, at the north part 
 of the town. He owned a small house near Castle Hill from 
 1798 till 1803, when he removed to Franklin, where he died in 
 1806, aged ninety. Children : — 
 
 7. Philip, 1742-1760; was a soldier in the French war. 
 
 8. Tabitha, 1744; m. Oliver Chickering in 1772. 
 
 9. ZiBEON, 1751 ■; m. Sarah Barber (40) ; resided in Sherborn. 
 
 10. Mary, 1753. 
 
 11. Catherine, 1755. 
 
 12. Abigail, 1758. 
 
 13. William, 1761. 
 
 14. Philip, i 764-1 783. 
 
 15. Oliver, 1768. 
 
 16. Lucy ; m. Elisha Broad. 
 
 HUTSON. 
 
 John G. Hutson, son of Thomas B. and Elizabeth (Morse) 
 Hutson, was born in Concord in 1824. He came to Medfield in 
 1833, and lived with Deacon Hinsdale Fisher. He married in 
 1856 Emeline Howard of Leicester, who died in 1885. Deacon 
 Fisher having no children, in 1866 Mr. Hutson succeeded to the 
 possession of his farm, tendering him a life support. Children : — 
 
 2. Sarah E., 1857; m. in 1879 Jervis E. Horr of Boston. 
 
 3. Herbert W., 1858. 
 
 4. Dexter H., 1863-1863. 
 
 JANES. 
 
 Walter Janes was born in Dedham in 1802. In the earlier 
 part of his life, he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Boston. He 
 married in 1824 Lucretia Richardson of Billerica, who died in 
 1833 ; second, in 1835, Evalina Smith (199). After his second 
 marriage, he resided in this town, and was frequently employed as 
 a teacher of public schools. In 1853, he established a manufac- 
 tory of straw goods, which business, under his own name, and 
 afterward in the firm of Janes & Curtis, he continued to the time 
 of his death. His second wife died in 1856 ; and he married, 
 third, Catherine Guild of Rockingham, Vt. He owned the house 
 on North Street, east side, near the brook ; and his business was 
 conducted in a building which stood on the. site of the present 
 straw-shop. He held the office of postmaster from 1853 to 1862. 
 He died in 1867. Children: — 
 
 2. Lucretia R,, 1826-1879; m. in 1848 Henry S. Brown. 
 
 3. Elvira, 1827 ; m. John F. Balch (17). 
 
 4. Margaret R., 1829. 
 
 5. Charles W., 1858. 
 
 6. William H., i860. 
 
 7. Carrie B., 1865. , 
 
420 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 JOHNSON. 
 
 Dr. Return Johnson probably came to Medfield about 1679. 
 He married Mary Johnson at Andover in 1673 ; took the oath of 
 allegiance there in 1678. In 1680, Medfield granted to Return 
 Johnson " that land formerly granted to Joseph Warren on condi- 
 tions." It lay on the east side of North Street, opposite Dale 
 Street, where Mr. Pfafl's mansion now stands. The " conditions " 
 were that Warren should clear it of bushes in four years, which it 
 seems he failed to do. He was, as far as known, the first resident 
 physician. His wife Mary was a member of the church in full 
 communion at the time of Mr. Baxter's settlement. He died in 
 1707. The death of his widow is not recorded, but was probably 
 about 1713. Children: — 
 
 2. Mary ; married, first, Arnold, by whom she had one 
 
 daughter, Mary, who became the wife of Thomas Mason 
 (12); second, Captain Samuel Sadey. In 1710, Mary 
 Sadey of Chelmsford bought all the interest of the other 
 heirs in Dr. Johnson's estate, where she afterward resided 
 with her husband. She died in 1763. Captain Sadey 
 died in 1 744, aged sixty-four. 
 
 3. Elizabeth, 1681; m. Jeremiah Plimpton (20); went to 
 
 Canterbury, Conn. 
 
 4. Jemima, 1683; tti. John Pelton in 1704; settled in Canterbury. 
 
 5. Sarah; m. in 17 10 John Allen. 
 
 6. Roger, 1696-1697. 
 
 Joseph Johnson was from Holliston, born in 1731. He 
 married as second wife, in 1780, Kezia, widow of Jesse Pratt (22). 
 For a few years, they lived out of town, where some of the 
 children are recorded; afterward came to Medfield, and lived 
 on the place that had belonged to Pratt, now owned by N. F. 
 Harding. He was received to full communion here from the 
 church in Holliston in 1795. He died in 1805, his wife in 1800. 
 Children : — 
 
 8. Phebe, 1782-1842; m. in 1806 John Fisher (52). 
 
 9. Jesse, 1784-1805 ; m. in 1805 Sibyl Corson, by whom he had 
 
 one child, which died in infancy. His widow afterward 
 married Josiah Cheney (55). 
 
 10. Eleazar, 1787. 
 
 11. Kezia, 1795. 
 
 Eneas Johnson was a son of Joseph (7), by first wife, Mercy 
 Cozzens of Sherborn, born in Holliston in 1769. He married 
 in 1801 Sarah, widow of Oliver Allen (71); died in Holliston 
 in 1805. Son: — 
 
 +13. Oliver, 1802. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 421 
 
 13- 
 
 Olivers (Eneas,^ Joseph ■) was a harness-maker by occupation, 
 and lived in Medfield. He married in 1825 Hannah Cass of 
 Mendon. He died in 1835, ^^^ widow in 1845. Children : — 
 
 14. MiLLETlAH T., 1826-1870; m. in 1847 Benjamin J. Bab- 
 
 cock (4). 
 
 15. Nathan A., 1829; resides in Norwood. 
 
 16. Sarah A., 1835-1848. 
 
 17- 
 Samuel Johnson was from Ashford, Conn., born in 1784. He 
 was a stage-driver on the Boston and Hartford turnpike for some 
 years. He married in 18 12 Betsey Fisher of Medway, who died 
 in 1814; second, in 1816, Catherine Hartshorn (14). He bought 
 in 1822 the tavern of David Fairbanks, where the town hall now 
 stands, which he kept till shortly before his death. He served 
 as selectman eight years. He died in 1840, his widow in i860. 
 Children : — 
 
 18. Sarah A., 1812; m. in 1834 Sabin Smith (156). 
 
 -I-19. Samuel, 1814. 
 
 20. Catherine, 1818-1838. 
 
 -[-21. Moses H., 1820. 
 
 22. Betsey, 1822 ; m. in 1846 Alfred E. Sloan of Syracuse, N.Y. 
 
 -(-23. Ralph, 1827. 
 
 /" 19. 
 
 Samuel ^ (Samuel ') married in 1838 Frances Thayer of Win- 
 chester, N.H., who died in 1883. He died in 1885. Children : — 
 
 24. Samuel, 1842; m. in 1878 Euphrosina L. Tubbs. 
 
 25. Catherine, 1844-1848. 
 
 26. Joseph M., 1850; m. in 1874 Ellen M. Woods (7). 
 
 27. Francis T., 1852. 
 
 ■\ 
 
 Moses H.^ (Samuel') married in 1843 Lucretia Chenery (62), 
 who died in 1866 j second, in 1867, Emma F. Berry of Malone, / 
 N.Y. Children:— ^ 
 
 28. Lucretia M., 1845. 
 
 29. Moses H., 1847-1848, 
 
 30. Catherine E!, 1 849-1 850. / 
 
 23- 
 Ralph 2 (Samuel") married in 1854 Emeline Reed of Nashua, 
 N.H. He died in 1882. Children : — 
 
 31. Emeline F., 1856. 
 
 32. Flora B., 1862-1864. 
 
 33. Charles W. R., 1869-1875. " 
 
422 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 KINGSBURY. 
 
 Amos Kingsbury, born in 1759, son of Nathan of Walpole, 
 came to Medfield, and married in 1785 Molly, widow of Joseph 
 Cole (6) and daughter of Amos Plimpton (48), at whose home- 
 stead he resided. His first wife died in 18 13; and he married, 
 second, Mary Richardson of Billerica, who died in 1835, aged 
 sixty-one. He married, third, the widow of Stephen Tilden (i), 
 in 1836. He died in 1842. Children: — 
 
 -\-2. John, 1785. 
 
 3. Henry R., 181 7-1834. 
 
 4. Martha E., 1819-1835. 
 
 John 2 (Amos') married in 1807 Polly Allen (76). He lived 
 on the place at Noon Hill, now owned by Mr. Holt, where he 
 spent the most of his life. He died in 1863, his wife in 1855. 
 Children : — 
 
 --5. Amos p., 1808. 
 
 --6. James A., 181 o. 
 
 --7. William, 1812. 
 
 --8. John, 18 14. 
 
 --9. Horace, 1817. 
 
 5- 
 Amos P.s (John,^ Amos-) came into possession of the house 
 and estate of his uncle John Allen (78). He married, first, 
 Almira Williamson of Marshfield, who died in 1849, ag^d forty- 
 two; second, in 1850, Lucy, daughter of Chenery Clark (2^0). 
 He died in 1882. Children : — 
 
 -f 10. George W., 1838. 
 II. Francis W., 1852-1856. 
 
 James A.s (John,=' Amos') inherited the homestead of his 
 grandfather James Allen (49), whose name he bore. He married 
 Mary A. Morse of Wrentham ; died in 1867. Children : — 
 
 12. Allen Alonzo, 1840-1862; was killed in a charge upon 
 
 a rebel earthwork at Yorktown, Va., April 26, 1862. 
 
 13. Herbert A., 1844. 
 
 14. Clarence, 1848. 
 
 15. Leandine a., 1854; m. in 1871 Frank G. Rhodes. 
 
 7- 
 Williams (John,^ Amos') inherited the estate of his grand- 
 father on Main Street. He married in 1842 Caroline Knapp 
 of Woonsocket. Children : — 
 
 16. Sarah E., 1843. 
 
 17- W. Edgar, 1848 ; m. in 1880 Isabel F. Whiting of Franklin. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 423 
 
 8. 
 
 Johns (John,^ Amos') married in 1843 Caroline Ward of 
 Weston. Son: — 
 
 18. Warren Eddy, 1856; m. in 1881 Mary Southard. 
 
 9- 
 Horaces (John,^ Amos') married in 1840 Elizabeth M. Bird. 
 Children : — 
 
 19. Infant, 1840-1840. 
 
 20. Martha E., 1842; m. Joseph Morse. 
 
 -|-2i. George W., 1845-1865; enlisted in the army, and died 
 of disease contracted in camp. 
 22. Ellen F., 1848; m. Joseph Richardson. 
 
 George W.4 (Araos P.,s John,^ Amos') married in 1859 Olive A. 
 Smith (164). Children: — 
 
 23. Allen A., 1865. 
 
 24. Waldo E., 1868. 
 
 LANE. 
 
 Isaac C. Lane, son of Benjamin and Lucy (Stetson) Lane 
 of Scituate, was born in Sudbury in 1806. He married in 1832 
 Harriet Morse of Walpole. He resided in Waltham till 1852, 
 when he purchased the place in the north part of the town 
 formerly owned by Joseph Perry and by Amos Wight, at which 
 he lived till his death in 1880. Children : — 
 
 2. Mary H , 1834-1851. 
 
 3. Sarah E., 1835-1873. 
 
 4. Lucy A., 1838; m. in 1864 John W. Lincoln. 
 
 5. Albert C, i 843-1 845. 
 
 LAWRENCE. 
 
 Elihu Lawrence, probably son of John of Wrentham, born 
 in 1754, came from Walpole to this town in 1782. He bought 
 an old house in the south part of the town, where Mr. Quincy now 
 lives. His wife was Tamar Cheney (61). He died in 1817, his 
 widow in 1848. Children : — 
 
 2. George A., 1779. 
 
 3. Levi C, 1781, 
 
 4. Patty, i 783-1810. 
 
 5. Elihu, 1785. He owned a house west of Long Causeway 
 
 in 1813. 
 
 6. Delany, 1787. Her intention of marriage with George Bird 
 
 of Boston was recorded in 1808. 
 
 7. Araminta, 1789. 
 
 8. RoxA, 1792-1816; died at the birth of a child, named 
 
 Roxanna Wight. 
 
424 « HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 9. Polly, 1795-1873; tn. in 1836 George Newell (i). 
 
 -f-io. Timothy, 1797. 
 
 11. Aruilla, 1799-1833. 
 
 1 2. Caty. 
 
 13. Richard; removed to Maine. 
 
 10. 
 Timothy^ (Elihu ') married in 1841 Maria Lane. Daughter: — 
 
 14. Susan, 1841 ; m. in i866 David Allison of Groton. 
 
 IS- 
 
 Jonathan Lawrence was the son of Peleg of Groton and 
 wife Elizabeth Morse (22), and was born in 1679. He married 
 in 1709 Abigail Hamant (9). Soon after 1720, the "widow 
 Abigail Lawrence" received a grant of a small piece of land 
 at " rail-tree neck." The house must have been near the South 
 School-house, not far from the Walpole road. Abigail died here, 
 but the date of her death is obliterated. Son : — 
 
 16. Jonathan, 171 2; born in Natick; married in 1738 Hannah 
 Robbins of Walpole. He lived on his mother's place for 
 a few years. In 1748, he had leave "to cut a few trees 
 near Samuel Hamant's that shade his land." About 1761, 
 he sold his land to Asa Hamant and his house to Samuel 
 Smith. Four children are recorded: Jonathan, 1739; 
 Abigail, 1742; Mary, 1745-1749; William, 1748. He is 
 said to have gone to Nova Scotia, where he died; and 
 his widow Hannah returned to Walpole, where she was 
 supported by the town. 
 
 LOVELL. 
 
 Alexander Lovell came to Medfield with the colony of 
 Weymouth and Braintree men about 1652. Nothing is known 
 of him previously. He was a single man when he camfe, and was 
 married to Lydia Albee (5) in 1658, by Magistrate Atherton of 
 Dorchester. She died in 1661 ; and he married, second, it has 
 been said, Lydia, daughter of Hopestill Leland. His house lot 
 was on Bridge Street, near that now owned and occupied by 
 Charles Russell. He had a grant of a piece of land to build his 
 house upon in 1658; also, of "sedar timber to shingle it." He 
 died in 1709, his wife in 1700. He was one of those who were 
 burned out by the Indians in 1676. His will, made in 1701, 
 states that he was at that time eighty-two years of age. Children : 
 2. Alexander, i66o-i66i. 
 
 t: 
 
 Lydia, i 664-1 664. 
 
 Lydia, .1665-1694; m. in 1688 Joseph Ellis (6). 
 
 Sarah, 1667 ; m. in 1700 Samuel Gary of Woodstock. 
 
 Nathaniel, 1669-1669. 
 
 Alexander, 1671. 
 
 Nathaniel, 1672. 
 
 Deborah, 1675-1740; m. Samuel Ellis (56). 
 
GENEALOGIES. 42$ 
 
 7- 
 
 Alexander ^ (Alexander ') retained possession of the old home- 
 stead on Bridge Street. It is described in his father's will as 
 containing seventeen acres, lying on both sides of the way, the 
 house being on the north side. He married Elizabeth, daughter 
 of Joseph Dyer of Weymouth and wife Hannah Frairy (8), who 
 received by her father's will all his lands in Medfield. She died 
 in 1747, aged sixty-seven. Alexander gave the homestead to his 
 son David, and mentions, with his other children, "my poor 
 daughter Deborah." What occasioned the expression is unknown. 
 In 1700, he bought one-half of a saw-mill on North Brook of 
 Eleazar Ellis. He died in 1751. Children: — 
 
 10. Hannah, 1702; m. in 1737 David Smith (47). 
 
 11. Mary, 1704; m. in 1723 Solomon Clark (60). 
 
 12. Mehitable, 1706; m. in 1726 Jonathan Boyden (16). 
 
 13. Joseph, 1708; dismissed to Medway church in 1748. 
 
 14. Rachel, 1710-1778; m. in 1735 Nathaniel Eames of 
 
 Framingham. 
 -(-15. David, 1712. 
 
 16. Jonathan, 1714; m. in 1738 Mary Cheney (27); settled 
 
 in Holden. 
 
 17. Lydia, 1718-1755 ; m. in 1736 James Plimpton (23). 
 
 18. John, 1 720-1 723. 
 
 19. Deborah, i 724-1 792. 
 
 8. 
 
 Nathaniel 2 (Alexander') had built a house before his father's 
 death, and it stood near the site of the present almshouse. He 
 married in 1696 Abigail Davis, according to the Dedham records ; 
 but, in our records, his wife is constantly called Elizabeth. By his 
 will, he gave his estate to his son Hopestill. His death occurred 
 in 1 73 1, that of his wife in 1744. Children : — 
 
 20. Elizabeth, 1698; ra. Hartshorn. 
 
 21. Michael, 1700; settled in Medway. 
 
 22. Lydia, i 703-1 774; m in 1740 Ezekiel Adams (137). 
 -I-23. Hopestill, 1711. 
 
 24. Nathaniel, 171 5-1 736. 
 
 IS- 
 
 David 3 (Alexander,^ Alexander ') lived on the original Lovell 
 
 place on Bridge Street. He married in 1735 Hannah Adams (52), 
 
 who died in 1736. Her child died the same year. His second 
 
 wife was Hannah Harding of Medway, married in 1738. She died 
 
 in 1785 ; and he married a third wife, Silence , who died in 
 
 1793. David served as selectman in 1757, 1758, and 1762. He 
 died in 1807, aged ninety-five. Children: — 
 
 -I-25. David, 1739. 
 
 26. Nathan, 1 743-1 760; died at Ticonderoga. 
 
 -(-27. Dyer, 1749. 
 
 28. Alexander, i 754-1 756. 
 
426 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 23. 
 
 H0PESTILL3 (Nathaniel, 2 Alexander') married in 1747 Lydia 
 Metcalf of Medway, and in the following year was dismissed 
 to the church in Medway, where he lived for a few years. His 
 house is said to have been burned in 1753, whether in Medfield 
 or Medway is not stated. After that, he lived in this town, on 
 the spot where his father had lived before him. He died in 1776. 
 His wife Lydia married, as her second husband, Jonathan Day 
 of Dudley, and died about 1782. Hopestill was drafted into 
 service in the French war from Medway. Children : — 
 
 29. Nathaniel, 1 747-1 824; settled in Medway. 
 
 30. MosES, 1750-1755; born in Medway, but died after the 
 
 family returned to Medfield. 
 +31. MoSES, 1756. 
 
 25. 
 
 David 4 (David,3 Alexander,^ Alexander ') lived in Dingle Dell, 
 at what is now called the Grant place. He married Lois Fisher 
 (44), who died in 1805. He died in 1802. Children : — 
 
 32. Hannah, 1766-1832 ; m. John Fuller (3). 
 
 33. Lois, 176CK1848; m. Luther Fisher (49); second, Hol- 
 
 brook of Bellingham. 
 
 34. Olive, 1771 ; m. in 1793 Timothy Hill of Sherborn. 
 
 35. Nathan, 1773-1790. 
 
 36. Dorcas, 1776-1813; m. in 1805 Jesse Ellis (108). 
 
 27. 
 Dyer 4 (David,3 Alexander,^ Alexander ■) inherited the original 
 homestead. He married in 1774 Abigail Chickering. He died 
 in 1818, his wife in 1829, aged eighty. Children: — 
 
 37. 5 Abigail, 1775 ; m. in 1799 Alexander Fames of Framingham. 
 
 38. ■} Mary, i 775-1 866; unmarried. 
 
 39. Betty, 1778-1860; m. in 1803 Jotham Fairbanks (19). 
 
 40. Charity, 1781-1856; m. in 1806 Arnold Russell (i). 
 
 31- 
 Moses 4 (Hopestill,3 Nathaniel.^! Alexander-) succeeded his 
 father in the possession of what is now the town farm. His house 
 and barn were set on fire and consumed in July, 1796. He 
 remained in town a few years after this, serving as a selectman 
 in 1798. He rebuilt his house and barn, though not precisely 
 where they originally stood. He is said to have removed to 
 Medway. His wife was Mary Chickering, married in 1781. 
 Children : — 
 
 41 
 
 42, 
 
 43 
 
 44, 
 
 45' 
 46, 
 
 Lydia, 1782. 
 Moses, 1784. 
 Horatio, 1786. 
 Timothy, 1788. 
 Joseph, 1794. 
 Mary A., 1800. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 427 
 
 47- 
 
 HoPESTiLLS (Nathanie],4 Hopestill.s Nathaniel,^ Alexander') 
 was born in- Medway in 1782. He came to Medfield, and bought 
 in 1824 the place now owned by William Forbes, where he lived 
 till the time of his death in 1850. His wife was Prudence Clark, 
 daughter of John of Sherborn. She died in 1874, aged eighty-six. 
 They left no children. 
 
 LOWTHAIN. 
 
 Dr. Thomas Lowthain died here in 1749. This is all the in- 
 formation given of him in our records, except that he was born 
 in Pereth, Cumberlandshire, England. The probate records of 
 Suffolk County speak of him as a physician, and recently of Pen- 
 rith, Cumberland County, Great Britain. His inventory includes 
 some personal property and implements necessary in his profes- 
 sion, but no real estate. How long he had been here is unknown. 
 No tradition of him among the oldest people has been discovered. 
 
 MANN. 
 
 Richard Mann was born in 171 1, son of Samuel of Wren- 
 tham ; recorded in Dorchester, and came to Medfield about 1739. 
 In the same year, he bought a small piece of land at the corner of 
 South and Main Streets, — two rods in width on Main Street and 
 two and a half rods on South Street. On this he built his sad- 
 dler's shop. In 1753, he enlarged his purchase by twenty links 
 on Main Street and thirteen rods and a half on South Street. 
 He married Sarah Sabin (15), who died in 1748. He survived 
 her forty-three years, but never remarried. Children : — 
 
 2. 
 
 Elias, 1 741-1746. 
 
 
 3- 
 
 Olive, i 742-1 758. 
 
 
 4- 
 
 Zephaniah, 1744- 
 
 I74S- 
 
 S- 
 
 Sabin, 1745-1747. 
 
 
 +6. 
 
 Sabin, 1747. 
 
 6, 
 
 Sabin 2 (Richard') resided with his father until 1777, when he 
 bought of Samuel Morse the place now owned by W. R. Smith. 
 He kept a tavern there for some years, and became a large owner 
 of real estate. Was captain of a company in Colonel Wheelock's 
 regiment in the Continental Army. He married in 1775 Hannah 
 Plimpton (76), who died in 1782. His second wife was Mary 
 Stearns of Attleboro, married in 1785. He died in 1800, and re- 
 quested to be buried in the lot back of the house, as he said, to 
 watch Charles Hamant when he took toll at his grist-mill, near by. 
 His widow died in 1819. Children : — 
 
 -I-7. Elias, 1778. 
 
 8. Olive, i 780-1 780. 
 
 9. Sarah, 1781-1834; m. in 1795 Walter Bradford from Reho- 
 
 both. He resided here till 1808. " 
 
428 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 7- 
 
 ELIAS3 (Sabin,^ Richard') graduated at Harvard College in 
 1800, and studied medicine. He practised a few years in this 
 town, living at the place his father had owned. He was said to 
 be a young man of promise, but died in 1807, at the age of 
 twenty-eight. He married in 1801 Kezia Harding (73), who sur- 
 vived him fifty-one years, dying in 1858. The family retained 
 possession of the homestead for many years, after which it was 
 sold to Benjamin Chenery. Children : — 
 
 10. Anna, 1801- 1881 ; m. in 1829 Noah Fisk of Dover. 
 
 11. Hannah, 1803-1871 ; unmarried. 
 
 12. Amy, 1805-1881 ; ra. in 1829 George Fiske (9). 
 
 13- 
 
 RuFus Mann was born in Wrentham, in 1755, son of Ezra. 
 He was a blacksmith by trade, and while he lived in this town 
 owned various pieces of real estate. In 1782, he sold the estate 
 at the corner of Main and South Streets, which had previously be- 
 longed to Richard Mann, to David Onion. It is described as 
 containing one-fourth of an acre, with a house and barn. In 
 1790, he sold a blacksmith shop to Oliver Cutler, which he had 
 built on or near the place owned by his father-in-law. He married 
 in 1781 Sibyl Allen (66). After 1814, the family resided out of 
 town. Children : — 
 
 14. Sarah, 1782; m. in 1807 Daniel Everett of Foxboro. 
 
 15. Rodney, 1784; died at Buenos Ayres in 1826. 
 
 16. Susanna, 1785 ; m. in 1812 Timothy P. Whitney of Wrentham. 
 
 17. Harvey, 1793. 
 
 18. Jerould Newland Ezra, 1796; jailer at Dedham. 
 
 19. George; went to Dedham. 
 
 MARSHALL. 
 
 Jacob Marshall was the son of Jacob, who was of French 
 descent. He was born in Natick in 1795. His mother was Mary 
 Morse (107). He married Mary Gay, daughter of Joel Gay and 
 Priscilla Wheelock (49). He resided in Medfield during the latter 
 part of his life, dying in 187 1. His wife died in 1870. Children : 
 
 2. Harriet, 1829-1851. 
 
 3. Mary J., 1832-1850. 
 -(-4. William, 1838. 
 
 5. Olive Frances, 1840-1877; m. in 1863 William W. Pratt. 
 
 4- 
 
 William ^ (Jacob •) married in 1864 Mary A. Rowe (2). In the 
 firm of Clark & Marshall, he has been engaged for several years 
 in the manufacture of bonnet wire in Medfield. Children : — 
 
 6. William R., 1865. 
 
 7. Henry E., 1872. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 429 
 
 MASON. 
 
 Thomas Mason, son of Robert of Dedham, is said to have come 
 over with his father from England. He came here about 1652, 
 and took his homestead where Amos E. Mason now lives. He is 
 mentioned in 1653 as having a house ; and he married in that year 
 Margery Partridge, sister of John and William. She died in 17 11. 
 "Margaret Stacy, relict to Thomas Mason," willed property to 
 her son Ebenezer Mason. When the town was burned by the 
 Indians, Thomas Mason's house was destroyed ; and he, with two 
 of his sons, was killed, it is said near the spring in the meadow 
 opposite the house. His wife and the other children had fled to 
 the garrison probably. Children : — 
 
 2. John, 1655-1677 ; killed in the Indian wars "at the eastward, 
 
 under Captain Swat's command." 
 
 3. Mary, 1657; m. in 1677 Abraham Harding (5). 
 
 4. Thomas, 1660-1676; killed by the Indians. 
 
 5. Zechariah, 1662-1676; killed by the Indians. 
 
 6. Mehitable, 1665-1692; m. in 1685 Thomas Thurston (11). 
 -{-7. Ebenezer, 1669. 
 
 7- 
 Ebenezer ^ (Thomas ') was the only male member of the family 
 remaining after the Indian war. He married in 1691 Hannah 
 Clark (23). Served as a selectman seven years, was quarter- 
 master in 1716, representative to General Court in 1730. He 
 died in 1754, and his wife in. 1757. Children: — 
 
 8. Hannah, 1692-1772; m., first, Samuel Smith (27); second, 
 
 Josiah Cheney (17). 
 
 9. Mehitable, 1693; m. Deacon John Pratt (15), and died in 
 
 1745- 
 ID. Dorcas, 1695-1778; m. Jonathan Adams (19). 
 II. Tabitha, 1 697-1 770; m. James Ellis (17). 
 --12. Thomas, 1699. 
 --13. Ebenezer, 1701. 
 -14. (Zechariah, 1702. 
 
 15. 1 Mary, 1702; m. in 1728 Daniel Smith (36); second, 
 
 Hawes of Walpole. 
 
 16. Margery, 1704-1776; m. in 1731 Joseph Cheney (25). 
 
 17. Eliphalet, 1 706-1 706. 
 
 18. S Jemima, i 707-1 747. 
 
 19. I Kezia, 1707; m. in 1736 Joseph Baker of Sturbridge. 
 
 20. Joseph, 1711-1711. 
 
 Thomas 3 (Ebenezer, ^ Thomas ') settled in the north-east corner 
 of the town, the site of the house being still visible. He married 
 in 1772 Mary Arnold, daughter of the wife of Samuel Sadey, and 
 appears to have built his house at about the same date. He was 
 selectman in 1743, 1748, and 1757. He died in 1789, his wife in 
 1798, aged ninety-five. Children: — 
 
 -[-21. Barachias, 1723. 
 22. Olive, 1724-1807; m. Joseph Morse (57); second, William 
 How of Nova Scotia. 
 
430 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 23. Lois, 1726; m. in 1756 Nathaniel Smith of Natick; died 
 
 I7S7- 
 
 24. Thomas, i 728-1 732. 
 
 25. Joseph, i 729-1 729. 
 
 26. Sadey, 1730; m. Sarah Ellis (28); settled in Princeton. 
 
 27. Thomas, 1733; m. in 1763 Mary Baxter (11), and settled 
 
 in Princeton. A son of his, William, was a clergyman 
 at Bangor. Another son, Thomas, was minister at 
 Northfield, Mass. 
 
 28. Caroline, i 736-1 830; m. in 1757 Joseph Clark (159). 
 ■4-29. Silas, 1740. 
 
 30. Catherine, i 743-1 81 7; m. Simeon Cutler (4). 
 
 13- 
 
 Ebenezer 3 (Ebenezer,2 Thomas ■) settled on the place lately 
 owned by heirs of Charles Newell. He married in 1725 Dorothy 
 Morse of Sherborn. He became a member of the Second Baptist 
 Church in Boston in 1751, and, with. his wife, was among the 
 constituent members of the church here. He died in 1787. 
 Children : — 
 
 +31 
 32^ 
 33 
 34' 
 35 
 36. 
 37. 
 
 +38 
 
 Asa, 1727. 
 
 Sarah, i 729-1 765; m. in 1752 John Grout. 
 
 HuLDAH, 1731-1733- 
 
 Hannah, i 733-1 780; unmarried. 
 
 Azubah, 1 734-1819; unmarried; supported by the town. 
 
 Ebenezer, 1737-1757 ; soldier in the French war. 
 
 HuLDAH, 1739. 
 
 Abner, 1741. 
 
 14. 
 
 Zechariah 3 (Ebenezer,^ Thomas ') lived upon the original 
 homestead. He married in 1733 Sarah Rich, who died in 1790, 
 aged eighty-one. Zechariah died the same year. Children : — 
 
 39. Zechariah, i 733-1 743- 
 
 -1-40. Amos, 1735. 
 
 +41. John, 1738. 
 
 42. Margery, 1744-1813 ; m. in 1789 John Mason of Dover. 
 
 43. James, 1750-1750. 
 
 Barachias 4 (Thomas,3 Ebenezer,:" Thomas ■) graduated at 
 Harvard College in 1742 ; married in 1767 Love Battle, widow 
 of Jonathan of Dedham and daughter of Mark Whitney of Hop- 
 kinton. He became heir to the estate of his grandmother Mary 
 Sadey, where Mr. Pfaff's mansion stands on North Street. He 
 was a surveyor of lands ; taught school in Reading in 1747, after- 
 ward in this town, 1763-83. He also taught singing-schools. 
 Served the town as a selectman five years, and was an innholder 
 here. He died in 1795, his wife in 1802. Children : — 
 
 -I-44. Johnson, 1767. 
 45. Arnold, 1770-1837. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 43 1 
 
 29. 
 
 Silas 4 (Thomas,3 Ebenezer,^ Thomas') inherited the place that 
 his father had owned. He married in 1762 Priscilla Wheelock 
 (46), who died in 1834, aged ninety-two. He died of small-pox 
 in 1792. He served as a selectman in 1789. Children: — 
 
 46. Chloe, 1 762-1 836 ; m. in 1785 Uriah Harding of Medway. 
 
 47. Sibyl, i 763-1 834; m. in 1784 John Thompson. 
 
 48. Lois, 1766; m. in 1789 William C. Fisher of Wrentham. 
 
 49. Priscilla, 1768-1840; m. in 1793 Paul Fisher (81). 
 
 50. Thaddeus, 1772; went to State of New York. 
 
 51. Martin, 1775-1796; was a blacksmith. 
 
 52. Experience, i 778-1 796. 
 -I-53. Ephraim, 1780. 
 
 54. Silas, 1784; m. Betsey Smith of Dedham; settled in 
 
 Brookfield, Vt. 
 
 55. Abigail, 1786; m. Johnson; second, Willard; 
 
 died in Hubbardston in 1876. 
 
 31- 
 
 Asa 4 (Ebenezer,3 Ebenezer,^ Thomas') married in i755"Beriah 
 Fisher of Wrentham. He seems to have lived for some years 
 in Dover, then Dedham. In 1777, he bought his brother's share 
 in the estate of his father, and removed to it. He was killed 
 by a fall in his barn in 1803. His wife died in the following year. 
 Children : — 
 
 56. Beriah, 1 756-1 825 ; declared non compos in 1804. 
 
 57. Ebenezer, 1 757-1 802 ; hanged for the murder of his brother- 
 
 in-law, William P. Allen. 
 
 58. Abigail, 1759; "n- '"^ ^7^2 Samuel Fisher of Dedham. 
 
 59. Eunice, 1762; m. in 1785 Samuel Molton ; second, John 
 
 Adams. 
 
 60. Esther, 1764-1852; m. in 1788 Timothy Harding of Med- 
 
 way. 
 
 61. Asa, 1766; m. in 1789 Hitty Mason of Dover; went to 
 
 Barre. 
 
 62. Sarah, 1768-1843; m. in 1793 Lemuel Herring of Dover. 
 
 63. Kezia, 1770-1849; m. in 1789 William P. Allen (148); 
 
 second, in 1808, David Cleaveland of Dover; third, 
 
 Crane of Canton. 
 
 64. Amos, i 773-1 776. 
 
 65. Nathan, i 778-1 798. 
 
 38. 
 
 ABNER-t (Ebenezer,3 Ebenezer,^ Thomas') married in 1771 
 Phebe Harding (54), and, on selling out to his brother, removed 
 to East Medway, near Sherborn, to the place since owned by his 
 descendants. He died in 1825. Children: — 
 
 66. Alpheus, 1772; settled in Medway. 
 
 6t. Simon H., 1774; inherited his father's estate. 
 68. Olive, 1776-1795. 
 
432 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 69. Persis, 1779; m. Joseph Daniels of Sherborn. 
 
 70. Walter, 1781; unmarried. 
 
 71. Horatio, 1784; died young. 
 4-72. Abner, 1786. 
 
 40. 
 
 Amos * (Zechariah,3 Ebenezer,^ Thomas '), in connection with 
 his brother, was heir to the homestead of his grandfather. In 
 1769, he bought his brother's portion. He married in 1777 
 Priscilla Morse (127), who died in 1824. He died two years 
 later. Children: — 
 
 73. Priscilla, 1778; m. in 1808 Gershom Wheelock (23). 
 
 74. Olive, i 780-1867; unmarried. 
 
 75. Kezia, 1783-1875 ; m. in 1821 Abner Mason (72). 
 4-76. Amos, 1787. 
 
 41. 
 
 John 4 (Zechariah,3 Ebenezer,^ Thomas ■) married Mercy Penni- 
 man (6), and settled on her father's place on Bridge Street, now 
 owned by Perley Chase. In 1794, he sold his homestead, and 
 removed to Shrewsbury, where he died in 1829. His wife died 
 the same year. Children : — 
 
 77. Gregory, 1773 ; lived in Shrewsbury; died in 1846. 
 
 78. John, 1775; settled near Worcester. A son of his was 
 
 of the firm of Ruggles, Nourse & Mason. 
 
 79. Sarah, i 778-1 843 ; m. Nathaniel Brigham of Boylston. 
 
 44. 
 
 Johnson s (Barachias,* Thomas,3 Ebenezer,^ Thomas ') came 
 into possession of his father's estate on North Street. He married 
 in 1791 Catherine Hartshorn (9). He was commissioned as 
 captain in 1800, lieutenant-colonel in 1803. He served as town 
 clerk nineteen years, 1803-182 1, as treasurer one year, as a mem- 
 ber of the board of selectmen three years, and as representative 
 to General Court in 1842. At the beginning of the century, he 
 was engaged in mercantile business in company with George 
 Ellis, and kept a store on North Street, opposite Dale. He 
 manufactured straw goods, and went with them to New York. 
 This journey was considered a great and perilous undertaking. 
 Before starting, the minister was called in to offer prayers for 
 success and safe return. He died in 1856, his wife in 1852. 
 Children : — 
 
 -f-So. Lowell, 1792. 
 
 81. LuCRETiA, 1793; m. in 1822 Eliab Tucker of Walpole. 
 
 82. UoHNSON, 1796-1882; resided in Louisville, Ky. 
 
 83. j Arnold, 1796-1817. 
 
 84. Timothy B. ; m. in 1821 Alma Harding; resided in Cin- 
 
 cinnati. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 433 
 
 53- 
 
 Ephraim 5 (Silas, 4 Thomas,3 Ebenezer,^ Thomas ') married in 
 1804 Polly Smith, daughter of Isaac of Walpole Corner; second, 
 Polly Bennett. Removed to Hubbardston. Children : — 
 
 85. Adeline, 1806; m. David Hoyt, Rochester, N.Y. 
 
 86. Mary ; m. George Conant of Dedham. 
 
 72. 
 
 Abner 5 (Abner,4 Ebenezer,3 Ebenezer,^ Thomas ') married in 
 1807 Mehitable Andrews of Dorchester, who died in 1820; sec- 
 ond, Kezia Mason (75). He lived for many years at the place in 
 the north part of the town now owned by the Steam Packing Com- 
 pany. He served the town as treasurer six years, and as a select- 
 man three years. He died in 1846, his widow in 1875. Children : 
 
 87. Abner, 1807-1864; Baptist clergyman; settled at West 
 
 Medway and elsewhere. 
 
 88. Samuel A., 1809-1874; lived in Holliston. 
 -{-89. George S., 1810. 
 
 90. Eliza A., 1812-1842; m. in 1837 Jeremiah R. Smith (161). 
 
 91. Phebe H., 1815 ; m. in 1836 Jacob R. Cushman (i). 
 
 76. 
 
 Amos s (Amos,4 Zechariah,3 Ebenezer,^ Thomas ') continued in 
 possession of the ancestral place. He married in 1826 Clarissa 
 Fisher (82), who died in 1851. He died in 1865. Children : — 
 
 94 Amos E., 1826; m. in 1857 Charlotte Hall of Eden, Vt. 
 
 95. C. Adelaide, 1830-1850. 
 
 96. W. Frank, 1834 
 
 So. 
 
 Lowell ^ (Johnson, 5 Barachias,4 Thoraas,3 Ebenezer,^ Thomas '), 
 known in his boyhood as one whose ruling passion was music ; and 
 he spent the first twenty years of his life, as he himself tells us, 
 chiefly in playing on all kinds of musical instruments within his 
 reach. When eighteen years of age, he led the parish choir ; and 
 he was also the leader of a band, playing the clarinet. In 1812, 
 he journeyed with horse and wagon to Savannah, Ga., arriving 
 there with only ten dollars in his pocket. He found work in a 
 store by day, and began teaching music evenings, soon after his 
 arrival. He became a member of the Presbyterian church there, 
 and the leader of its choir, as well as superintendent of the first 
 Sunday-school ever gathered in Savannah. In 18 17, he came 
 north ; was married to Abigail Gregory of Westboro, and returned 
 to Savannah, where he was for several years teller in a bank, and 
 became more widely known as teacher of music and leader of 
 choral societies. In 182 1, he published his first singing-book, 
 • T^e Handel and Haydn Society's Collection. Though compiled 
 in Savannah, it found a publisher in Boston; and in 1827, at 
 
434 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 the urgent request 
 of musical friends, 
 Lowell Mason left 
 Savannah, and took 
 up his residence in 
 Boston. At this 
 time, he was induced 
 to investigate the 
 Pestalozzian system 
 as applied to teach- 
 ing music, and after 
 due trial adopted it. 
 Soon after, he set 
 on foot a movement 
 for the instruction of 
 children in singing, 
 which resulted in the 
 introduction of musi- 
 cal instruction into 
 the public schools. 
 He was conductor 
 of the Handel and 
 Haydn Society, and 
 in connection with 
 George J. Webb es- 
 tablished the Boston 
 Academy of Music, 
 the first regularly chartered music school in this country. He 
 visited Europe in 1837, as well as subsequently, in the interests 
 of his profession ; and in 1855 ^^ received the degree of Doctor 
 of Music from the Uni\ersity of New York, it being the first in- 
 stance of the conferring of such a degree by an American college. 
 He had been director of music in Dr. Alexander's church, New 
 York, since about 1853. 
 
 His declining years were spent in Orange, N.J., where he died 
 in 1872. His musical publications, forty or more in number, 
 had a wide popularity; and of his most popular church music- 
 book, Carmitia Sacra, more than five hundred thousand copies 
 have been sold. His tunes are yet sung in every State of the 
 Union, as well as in other lands. 
 
 . Dr. Mason was, without doubt, the foremost man of his time 
 in raising the popular standard of music in this country. He 
 revolutionized the methods of teaching. He furnished a better 
 class of tunes for church use to supplant the whimsical music 
 that originated in colonial times. By his labors in the Boston 
 Academy of Music, at conventions, and at teachers' institutes, he 
 educated a great number of teachers, and awakened an enthusiasm 
 in singing among the people. By these means, he contributed 
 more than any other one man to the later development of the 
 musical art in America, 
 
 LOWELL MASON. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 435 
 
 89. 
 
 George S.^ (Abner,5 Abner,* Ebenezer,3 Ebenezer,^ Thomas ') 
 married in 1836 Ellen B. Balch (g). He died in 1866, his wife 
 in 1876.. Children: — 
 
 97. George W., 1838; resides in New York State. 
 
 98. Henry F., 1840-1872. 
 
 92. 
 
 John (• (Abner.s Abner,4 Ebenezer,3 Ebenezer,^ Thomas ') 
 married in 1842 Sophia Clark (256). She died in 1856; and he 
 married, second, Martha, widow of Aaron Smith (185). Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 99. John C, i 844-1 856. 
 100. Mary E., 1846. 
 loi. Albert 15., 1848. 
 102. Harry S., 1862. 
 
 103. 
 
 Robert Mason, son of Robert of Dedham, was accepted as 
 a townsman here in 1653; and he had a grant of "six acres 
 upland and a little meadow adjoining to it lying east beyond the 
 lot of Thomas Wight." This was between Pine and Green 
 Streets. In 1658, Robert had leave from the town to take "sedar 
 timber " to make shingles for his house. He married in 1659 
 Abigail Eaton of Dedham. The house of Robert Mason was 
 destroyed by the Indians in 1676. He died in 1700, his wife 
 in 171 1. Children: — 
 
 104. Abigail, 1660. 
 
 105. Mary, 1662 ; died in infancy. 
 
 106. John, 1666. 
 -I-107. Joseph, 1669. 
 
 108. Judith, 1671. 
 
 109. Mary, 1674; was living unmarried in 1709. 
 
 no. Hannah, 1676; m. in 1701 Samuel Partridge (53). 
 
 107. 
 
 Joseph ' (Robert ') inherited the homestead, where he spent 
 his life. He married in 1705 Elizabeth Daniel (17). He died 
 in 1728, and in 1730 his widow married John Draper of Dedham. 
 Children : — 
 
 111. Lydia, 1707; was living in 1728. 
 
 112. Elizabeth, 1709; m. Ebenezer Knap prior to 1735. 
 -(-113. Joseph, 1714. 
 
 114. Abigail, 1716. 
 
 113. 
 Josephs (Joseph,== Robert") was styled "cordwainer," and he 
 succeeded to the possession of the estate by paying £4. to each 
 of his three sisters. Joseph sold outlands to Elijah Allen in 1754, 
 
436 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 and not far from this time removed to Sturbridge with his entire 
 family. He married Sarah Sanders of Walpole in 1739. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 115. Mary, i 739-1 796. 
 
 116. Oliver, 1741. 
 
 117. Thankful, 1744; m. Lemuel Sanders of Sturbridge. 
 
 118. Eunice, 1745-1810; m. Comfort Johnson. 
 
 119. Richard, 1747 ; settled in Belchertown. 
 
 120. Simeon, 1750. 
 
 121. Jacob, 1753. 
 
 Several others by a second marriage were born in Sturbridge. 
 
 METCALF. 
 
 John Metcalf was the son of Michael, and was born at Nor- 
 wich, England, in 1622. Michael Metcalf was a dornik weaver, 
 and fled to this country from persecutions, which he thus de- 
 scribes : — 
 
 "I was forced, for the sake of the liberty of my conscience, 
 to flee from my wife and children, and go into New England ; 
 taking ship for the voyage, Sept. 17, 1636, being by tempests 
 tossed up and down the seas till the Christmas following, then 
 veering about to Plymouth in Old England : in which time I met 
 with many sore afflictions. Leaving the ship, I went down to 
 Yarmouth in Norfolk County, whence I shipped myself and 
 family to come to New England; sailed April 15, 1637, and 
 arrived three days before midsummer following, with my wife and 
 nine children, and a servant." 
 
 In a postscript, he alludes again to the troubles he sustained 
 at the hands of Bishop Wren and the Chancellor, in consequence 
 of which he was driven from his family : " Sometimes my wife did 
 hide me in the roof of the house, covering me with straw." The 
 boyhood of John Metcalf was spent among scenes like these. 
 The family settled at Dedham, and John married in 1647 Mary 
 Chickering. He came to this town about 1652, with his wife and 
 three children. His house stood near the site now occupied by 
 that of John Y. Thurston. He served on the board of selectmen 
 six years, and had the title of commissioner in 1682. He died 
 in 1690, his wife in 1698. Children : — 
 
 -|-2. John, 1648. 
 
 -(-3. Michael, 1650. 
 
 4. Elizabeth ; m. Joseph Ellis (6). 
 
 -\-S- Joseph, 1658. 
 
 6. Experience, 1661-1730; m. Isaac Wheeler (i). 
 
 7. Hannah, 1664-1719; m. in 1683 Elisha Bullen (9). 
 
 8. Mary, 1668-1727 ; m. in 1687 Eleazar Ellis (7). 
 
 John 2 (John ■) married in 1676 Mary Bowers (3). He settled 
 in " Dingle dell," near the road leading to Centre Meadow. He 
 
GENEALOGIES. 437 
 
 had a house there as early as 1682. He served as a selectman 
 five years, and was representative to the General Court in 1704-5. 
 His wife, his son, aged twenty-three, and his daughter, aged 
 twenty-seven, all died in 1707, leaving him alone. He married 
 in 1708 Sarah, widow of John Plimpton (4). Both died in the 
 same year, 1738; and the estate was given to Jonathan Metcalf, 
 his nephew. Children : — 
 
 9. Mary, 1680-1707. 
 
 10. John, 1681-1682. 
 
 11. John, i 684-1 707. 
 
 Michael ' (John') married in 1676 Elizabeth Bowers (4). On 
 the same day, the two brothers married the two sisters. In 1682, 
 he bought the Rockwood homestead on Bridge Street, a little way 
 north-west of where Charles Russell now lives. He died in 1691, 
 leaving five children, the eldest but eleven years old. Their 
 uncle, Isaac Wheeler, was appointed their guardian. Elizabeth 
 died in 1724. His first house was burned by the Indians in 1676. 
 Children : — 
 
 12. Michael, 1680; settled in Medway. 
 
 13. Sarah, 1683; m. in 1715 Daniel Saunders. 
 
 14. Samuel, 1684-1740; settled in Medway. 
 
 15. Elizabeth, 1686. 
 -)-i6. Jonathan, 1690. 
 
 Joseph ^ (John '■) inherited the home place near the cemetery. 
 He was sexton for many years. He married in 1685 Sarah 
 Bowers (5), the third brother to the third sister. In 1702, he was 
 a selectman. His first wife died in 1727; and he married in 1730 
 Hannah, widow of John Fisher (26). He died in 1741 ; and, 
 having no sons, he gave his homestead to Joseph Clark (73), his 
 grandson. His widow died in 1746. Children: — 
 
 17. Sarah, 1686; m. in 1705 Timothy Clark (28). 
 
 18. Abigail, 1694-1788; m. in 1713 Seth Clark (32). 
 
 Jonathan 3 (Michael,^ John ') inherited his father's place in 
 Bridge Street, and also his uncle John's place in " Dingle dell." 
 He resided on Bridge Street, evidently. He conveyed the 
 " Dingle dell " property to Timothy, son of Samuel of Medway, 
 who sold it in 1756 to Dr. Jabez Fuller, rights being reserved 
 for Jonathan, during his lifetime, in the fruits of the orchard. He 
 married, first, Elizabeth Plimpton (17), who died in 1725 ; second, 
 in 1733, Hannah, widow of Benjamin Plimpton (39). She died 
 
438 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 in 1744. His third wife was Abigail, widow of Samuel Hinsdale 
 (20). He died in 1758, his widow in 1777. Children : — 
 
 19, 
 20. 
 21 
 
 22, 
 
 23 
 
 24 
 
 +25 
 
 Sarah, i 722-1 736. 
 
 Elizabeth, 1725-1763; m. in 1742 Joseph Plimpton (37). 
 
 Hannah, 1734-1734- 
 
 Hannah, i 736-1 736. 
 
 John, i 739-1 740. 
 
 Seth, 1741-1742. 
 
 Jonathan, 1744. 
 
 25. 
 
 Jonathan 4 (Jonathan,3 Michael,^ John ■) inherited his father's 
 estate principally, and appears to have resided in Bridge Street 
 until his marriage with Patty Dwight (13) in 1777, after which 
 he lived on the place which had been her father's, on Frairy 
 Street, now owned by the Derby heir^. He served two years as 
 a selectman, and was town clerk and treasurer four years. He 
 was the village storekeeper in 1784; died in 182 1. Children: — 
 
 26. Dwight, 1778-1857; was a merchant in Baltimore. 
 
 27. Patty, 1779; died unmarried. 
 
 28. Jonathan, 1782; said to have been educated at college. 
 
 29. Charles, i 783-1 819; insane and a pauper. 
 
 MOQUET. 
 
 Francis Moquet is first mentioned in 1720, when he was 
 warned out, according to the custom then in respect to all 
 strangers, good or bad. In 172 1, he married Elizabeth Symms, 
 and was residing here the following year. This name is variously 
 spelled, sometimes Mooket and Muckit. Barry says that he kept 
 an inn in Framingham as early as 1729. In 1737 and 1738, 
 Francis Moquet of Framingham, innholder, sold property to Dr. 
 James Gerauld of Medfield. Elizabeth, wife of Francis Moquet, 
 died at Medfield in 1756. Francis was in Stow and Sudbury 
 in 1754, in a condition of poverty. In 1760, Francis Moquet died 
 at Castle William. He was said to be of Medfield. His inventory 
 contained no real estate. 
 
 The name Muckit clung to the town for some years. A piece 
 of land on the west side of Frairy Street has had that name for 
 a long time. This suggests that Francis may have owned or lived 
 in a house that is known to have stood there, and which was 
 afterwards owned by Dr. Gerauld. 
 
 MORSE. 
 
 Samuel Morse was born in England in 1585. He came to 
 America in 1635, bringing his wife Elizabeth and seven children 
 with him. They lived first at Watertown, but after a short time 
 went to Dedham. When the settlement of Medfield was projected, 
 he cast in his lot with the new town. He did not have a house 
 
t 
 
 GENEALOGIES. 439 
 
 lot assigned him, but his inventory includes a " house and 
 materials to finish the same." His will gives everything to his 
 wife Elizabeth, by her to be given to the heirs at her decease. 
 He died in 1654, and his wife probably in 1655. Children: — 
 
 2. John, 1611-1657; merchant tailor in Boston. 
 
 3. Daniel, 161 3. 
 
 4. Joseph, 1615. 
 
 5. Abigail ; m. Daniel Fisher of Dedham. 
 
 6. Samuel; m. Mary BuUen; said to have died in 1688, at the 
 
 eastward. 
 
 7. Jeremiah ; went to the eastward. 
 
 8. Mary ; m. in 1641 Samuel BuUen (l). 
 
 3' 
 Daniel = (Samuel ■) was a member of the church in Watertown, 
 from which he was received to the Dedham church in 1643. His 
 house lot in Medfield, where he was among the first thirteen, lay 
 south of Pound Street. He was one of the selectmen in 1655, 
 1656, and 1657. He was present at town-meeting early in 1658, 
 after which he removed to " the farms," where he had bought 
 a large tract of land. He attended church at Medfield after his 
 removal, as the town in 1670 granted him liberty to build a horse- 
 shed for Sabbath use. He was one of the founders of Sherborn. 
 He died in 1688, his wife in 1690. Children : — 
 
 9. Obadiah, 1639-1704; m. in 1666 Martha Johnson. He was 
 
 deacon and first town clerk of Sherborn. 
 
 10. Daniel, 1640-1702; m. in 1669 Elizabeth Barber (7). 
 
 IT. Jonathan, 1643-1727; m. in 1666 Mary Barber (4). 
 
 12. Lydia, 1645-1722 ; m. in 1668 Ephraim Wight (7). 
 
 13. Bethia, 1648-1717; m. in 1665 John Perry (i). 
 
 14. Mary, 1650-1736; m. Edward West. 
 
 15. Bethshua, 1653-1737; m. in 1674 Benjamin Fisk (i). 
 
 16. Nathaniel, 1657-1728; settled in Sherborn, as did all his 
 
 brothers. His daughter Dorothy was the wife of Eben- 
 ezer Mason (13). 
 
 17. Samuel, 1661-1704. 
 
 Joseph 2 (Samuel') came from Watertown to Dedham in 1637. 
 He married in 1638 Hannah Phillips. He lived for some time at 
 Dorchester, where his family remained while he was building a 
 house at Medfield and commencing the cultivation of his land. 
 He died in 1654, before his place here was in readiness for the re- 
 moval of his family. His inventory is in two parts, — that part 
 which he had at Medfield consisted of house lot, house, barn, and 
 materials to finish the same, and the crop of corn on the land. 
 That part at Dorchester consisted of cattle, crops, furniture, tools, 
 etc. The family removed to Medfield in 1654, and in 1658 his 
 widow married Thomas Boyden (i). When her eldest son Samuel 
 came of age, his portion was set off; and Boyden took all the 
 
440 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 houses and lands remaining, he to pay to each of the heirs £2^ 
 I3J-. \d. Hannah died in 1676, at the house of her eldest daughter 
 in Boston. Children : — 
 
 -|-i8. Samuel, 1639. 
 
 19. Hannah, 1641 ; m. in 1667 James Flood of Boston. 
 
 20. Sarah, 1643; m. in 1661 Nathaniel Lawrence of Groton. 
 
 21. Dorcas, 1645-1725 ; m. in 1665 Benjamin Clark (3). 
 
 22. Elizabeth, 1647-1715; m. in 1608 Peleg Lawrence of 
 
 Groton ; died in Medfield. 
 
 23. Joseph, 1649-1718; settled in Sherborn. 
 -(-24. Jeremiah, 165 i. 
 
 25. The eighth child probably died young. 
 
 18. 
 
 Samuels (Joseph,^ Samuel ') had a portion of his father's and 
 of his grandfather's estate. He is known to have had a house in 
 1663, which stood on a little knoll a short distance east of the 
 junction of Main and Pound Streets. It was burned by the In- 
 dians in 1676, and was never rebuilt. The cellar is yet visible. 
 His second house stood near where that of John Ord, Jr., now 
 stands; and the well is still in use. In 1705, Lieutenant Samuel 
 Morse kept school in Medfield. In 1706, he was granted the right 
 to flow for his fulling mill " near the cowpens." This was the 
 site of the stone mill lately owned by Mr. Crehore. He served six 
 years as one of the selectmen, and as representative to the Gen- 
 eral Court in 1707. He married in 1665 Elizabeth Wood, who 
 died in 1682 ; second, in 1684 Sarah Thurston (12), who died in 
 1688. He died in 1 7 18. Children: — 
 
 26. Samuel, 1665 ; m. first Abigail ; second, in 1724, Hannah 
 
 Whiting. 
 
 27. Elizabeth, 1668; m. John Darhng of Mendon. 
 
 28. Hannah, 1669-1669. 
 
 29. Hannah, 1670-1670. 
 
 30. Ruth, 1672-1716; unmarried. 
 
 31. Joseph, 1674-1676. 
 -I-32. Joshua, [677. 
 
 33. Eleazar, 16S0. 
 
 34. Benoni, 1682-1704; m. in 1702 Rachel Bullard (11); left 
 
 two daughters: Rachel, born 1702, who married Benjamin 
 Rockwood of Grafton; and Abial, born 1704, who married 
 Ebenezer Littlefield of HoUiston. 
 
 35. Solomon, 1684-1704. 
 
 36. Sarah, 1686; m. Isaac Bullard of Sherborn. 
 
 24. 
 Jeremiah 3 (Joseph,^ Samuel ■) married Elizabeth Hamant (7), 
 and settled in the south part of the town, at the place now owned 
 by William R. Smith. He is said to have been a wheelwright 
 by trade. The homestead is described as consisting of a house 
 and shop with land adjoining, lot on the other side of the way 
 
GENEALOGIES. 44I 
 
 with the barn on it, and orchard. He died in 17 16, his wife 
 in 1733. Children: — 
 
 37. Elizabeth, 1678-1678. 
 
 38. Jeremiah, 1 679-1 724; m. Mehitable Cheney (15). He was 
 
 living in Medway in 171 5, afterward settled in Oxford. 
 
 39. Elizabeth, 1681 ; adjudged non compos in 1766. 
 
 40. Mary, 1685-1760; m. Henry Lelahd of Sherborn. 
 
 41. Timothy, 1687-1765; settled in Walpole. 
 
 42. Benjamin, 1692-1756; settled in Wrentham. 
 -I-43. Samuel, 1694. 
 
 44. Abigail, 1696; m. in 1727 Thomas Clark (56). 
 
 45. Jedediah, 1700; settled in Foxboro. 
 
 46. John, i 704-1 768; m. in 1728 Judith Star; settled in 
 
 Wrentham. 
 
 32- 
 
 Joshua + (Samuel, 3 Joseph,^ Samuel') inherited his father's 
 estate, to which he probably added very considerably. He was 
 an innholder, owned a corn-mill, also a saw-mill. He had a " new 
 dwelling-house," by which is meant the house that stood on the 
 place now occupied by Jeremiah Johnston. He married in 1699 
 Elizabeth Penniman, daughter of Samuel of Braintree, born in 
 1675, who died in 1705 ; second, Widow Mary Paine of Braintree, 
 who died in 1747. He was largely interested in the settlement 
 of Sturbridge, and the meetings of the first proprietors were held 
 at his tavern. He served as representative to the General Court 
 six years; died in 1749. Children : — 
 
 47. Elizabeth, 1701 ; m. in 1725 Thomas Ellis (63). 
 
 48. Zipporah, 1702; m. in 1722 Samuel Smith of Needham. 
 
 49. Samuel, 1 703-1 770; settled in Uxbridge. 
 
 50. Mary, 1707; m. Lovell of Worcester; second, 
 
 Walker of Brookfield. 
 
 51. Jemima, 1709-1785; m. Henry Adams (50). 
 -(-52. Joshua, 1710. 
 
 -(-53. Eliakim, 1712. 
 
 54. Ruth, 1716-1806; m. in 1735 Simon Plimpton (34). 
 
 55. Ebenezer, 1718-1801; graduated at Harvard College in 
 
 1737; was a physician, and pastor of the church at 
 Shrewsbury, ordained in 1743. 
 
 56. Lydia, 1 719-1738. 
 
 57. Joseph, 1721; m. Olive Mason (22). He died in Nova 
 
 Scotia; and his widow married Major William How, 
 after whose death she returned to Medfield, and died 
 in 1807. 
 
 43- 
 Samuel 4 (Jeremiah,3 Joseph,^ Samuel ■) inherited his father's 
 homestead at the south part of the town. He was a blacksmith 
 by trade, and married in 1716 Sarah Star, who died in 1722. He 
 then married Abigail Fisher of Dedham. He died in 1756, his 
 widow in 1767, aged seventy-three. Children: — 
 
 -(-58. Samuel, 1718. 
 59. Sarah, i 719-1723. 
 
442 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 60. Bathsheba, 1 721-1750 ; m. in 1746 Seth Richardson (12). 
 
 61. Abigail, i 728-1 797 ; m. in 1758 Eliakim Morse (53). 
 
 62. Mary, 1731-1772; m. in 1760 Nathan Clark (147)- 
 
 63. William, i 736-1 736. 
 
 64. Margaret, 1737-1816; m. in 1763 Benjamin Dunton; 
 
 second, in 1769, Adam Peters (4). 
 
 65. Sarah, i 740-1 807 ; m. in 1754 (age 14) Elijah Allen (42). 
 
 52- - 
 
 Joshua s (Joshua,4 Samuel,3 Joseph,^ Samuel ') inherited the 
 " farther house," with lands adjoining, in the east part of the 
 town. He became a member of the Second Baptist Church in 
 Boston in 1752, and was one of the largest subscribers toward the 
 building of a meeting-house in this town in 1771. He married in 
 1733 Mary Partridge. He died in 1773, his wife in 1778. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 -}-66. James, 1735. 
 
 67. Catherine, 1737 ; m. in 1760 David Wight (71). 
 
 68. Olive, 1739; m. in 1765 Stephen Draper of Dedham. 
 
 69. Hannah, 1742; m. in 1767 Jabez Baker of Dedham. 
 
 70. Jacob, 1745 ; m. Mary Kingsbury of Newfane, Vt. He went 
 
 to Princeton. 
 
 53. 
 Eliakim 5 Qoshua,4 Samuel,3 Joseph,^ Samuel') inherited the 
 original homestead, where he resided during his life. He married 
 in 1758 Abigail Morse (61). He served three years on the board 
 of selectmen. The house now standing on the estate was built by 
 him about 1750. He died in 1803, his wife in 1797. Children : — 
 
 71. Abigail, 1760-1845; unmarried. 
 -j-72. Eliakim, 1762. 
 
 73. Mary, 1763-1849; unmarried. 
 
 74. Lucy, 1766-1805; m. in 1803 Ichabod Everett of Boston. 
 
 75. Catharine, i 768-1 850; unmarried. 
 
 58. 
 
 Samuel s (Samuel,4 Jereiniah,3 Joseph,'' Samuel ') married in 
 1759 Catherine Clark (150). In 1777, he sold his place, formerly 
 his father's, and removed to Hubbardston. He served here sev- 
 eral years as selectman, also as representative. Children : — 
 
 76. Samuel, 1759; n*- Esther Woodward of Newton. 
 
 77. William, 1761-1830; died at Saratoga. 
 -(-78. Thaddeus, 1763. 
 
 79. Catherine, 1765-1824; m. Silas. Wheeler of Hubbardston. 
 
 80. Sarah, 1767; was a pauper at Hubbardston, supported by 
 
 this town. 
 
 81. JoseSj 1770-1851; received an injury at a "raising," from 
 
 which he lost his mental faculties.. In 1816, he was 
 brought to Medfield for support. 
 
 82. Nathan C, 1779; m. in 1810 Eunice Cleaveland (13); went 
 
 to Warwick. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 443 
 
 66. 
 
 James^ (Joshua,s Joshua,4 Samuel,3 Joseph,^ Samuel ') inherited 
 the place in the east part of the town on the Dedham road. He 
 bought his brother Jacob's rights in 1777. He married in 1767 
 Maria Chenery (15). He died in 1802. Children: — 
 
 83. Hannah, 1768-1816; m. in 1790 Joseph Clark (226). 
 
 84. ( Paul, i 770-1 770. 
 
 85. I Silas, i 770-1 770. 
 
 86. Joshua, i 773-1 773. 
 
 87. Rebecca, 1774-1777. 
 
 72. 
 
 Eliakim 6 (Eliakim,5 Joshua,4 Samuel, 3 Joseph,^ Samuel ') con- 
 tinued the occupancy of the original homestead. He was a 
 member of the board of selectmen six years. He married in 1796 
 Olive Wheelock (51). His death occurred in 1814. His widow 
 survived him forty-five years, dying in 1859. .Children: — 
 
 88. Olive, 1797-1826; m. in 1817 William Richards. 
 
 89. Abigail, 1799- 1799. 
 -I-90. Eliakim, 1800. 
 
 91. James, 1803-1870; resided in Maiden. 
 
 92. Lucy, 1807. 
 
 93. Mary, 1810. 
 
 78. 
 
 Thaddeus^ (Samuel,5 Samuel,4 Jeremiah, 3 Joseph,^ Samuel') 
 married in 1792 Cynthia Clark (225), and inherited her father's 
 estate, now owned by John Y. Thurston. He died in 1848, his 
 wife in 1823. Children: — • 
 
 94. Julia, 1792; m. in 1816 Jason Daniels (25). 
 
 95. Cynthia, 1797-1881 ; m. Jacob Clark (258). 
 
 96. Caroline, 1800-1878; m. in 1821 Clark Smith (134). 
 
 97. Hannah, 1802-1863; unmarried, 
 
 98. Catherine, 1804-1857; m. in 1829 John A. Turner (89). 
 
 t 
 
 go. 
 
 ■■^Eliakim? (Eliakim,^ Eliakim, s Joshua,4 Samuel,3 Joseph, ^ 
 Samuel') lived on the ancestral place. He married in 1824 Mary 
 Baker of Dover, who died in 183 1 ; second, in 1838, Almira Howe 
 of Shrewsbury. He died in 1871. Children: — 
 
 99. Eliakim, 1826-1871 ; unmarried. 
 
 100. Edward S., 1830; resides in New York, 
 
 loi. Mary B., 1840. 
 
 102. Louisa, 1841. 
 
 103. Elizabeth P., 1852 ; m. in 1873 John Ord (2). 
 
 104. 
 
 Peletiah 5 (David,4 Joseph,3 Joseph,^ Samuel ') was born in 
 Natick in 1722; married in 1749 Esther Allen, daughter of 
 
444 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Eleazar (23). He was an innholder in Natick in 1759 ; afterward 
 lived in Medfield for some years in an old house that stood where 
 F. D. Hamant's cottage now stands. Esther died in 1774. His 
 second wife was Lydia Glazier of Lancaster, married in 1777. 
 She died in 1794. He removed to Natick in 1801, where he died 
 in 1810, having been blind for a considerable time before his 
 death. Children : — 
 
 105. Esther, 1753-1805 ; m. in 1773 Eleazar Perry (14). 
 
 106. David, 1 756-1 830 ; left a family. 
 
 107. Mary, 1759; i"- Jacob Marshall. 
 
 108. 
 
 Josephs (John,^ Samuel •), born in 1640, came to Medfield, and 
 settled near Death's Bridge. In 1668, he had a grant of four 
 acres "near his house lot." How early he had a house built 
 there is uncertain. He married in 1668 Priscilla Colburn. His 
 death occurred in 1689. His widow died in 1731. Children: — 
 
 109. John, 1669-1669. 
 
 no. Joseph, 1671-1732. He was the first native of this town 
 who graduated at Harvard College, which he did in 
 1695. He taught school in Dedham in the same year, 
 afterward in what is now Weston in 1701. He also 
 preached there till about 1706; afterward he removed 
 to Dorchester " new village," now Canton, where he 
 became the first pastor. 
 
 111. John, 1673-1694. 
 
 112. Priscilla, 1675; m. in 1692 Benjamin Grant. 
 
 113. Maria, 1677; m. Nathaniel Heaton. 
 
 114. Moses, 1679-1733. ' 
 
 115. Deborah, 1681-1750; m. in 1701 William Rider. 
 
 116. Israel, 1683-1766; m. in 1736 Hannah Mills. 
 -I-117. Nathaniel, 1685. 
 
 118. Aaron, 1688 ; settled in Sherborn or HoUiston. 
 
 117. 
 Nathaniel ■( (Joseph,3 John,^ Samuel') inherited his father's 
 homestead. He married in 1720 Sarah Cooledge of Sherborn, 
 who died in 1776, aged eighty-one. He died in 1778. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 119. John, 1721-1814; m. Elizabeth Perry of Sherborn, widow 
 
 of Edward W. ; lived in Dover and Medfield. 
 
 120. Eli, 1722; settled in Dublin, N.H. 
 
 121. Caleb, 1725-1729. 
 
 122. Daniel, 1727-1731. 
 
 123. Sarah, i 729-1 823; m. in 1754 Samuel Ellis (71). 
 
 124. Caleb, i 732-1 733. 
 
 125. Joseph, 1734; sold the homestead subsequent to 1782, and 
 
 removed to Shrewsbury. 
 
 126. Abigail, 1736-1824; m. in 1770 Henry Bullard. * 
 
 127. Priscilla, i 740-1824; m. in 1777 Amos Mason (40). 
 
GENEALOGIES. 445 
 
 128. 
 
 David4 (Ezra,3 John,^ Samuel') was born in Dedham in 1683; 
 married in 1705 Experience Sabin (g). He was received to com- 
 munion here from the church in Dedham in 1708, and inherited 
 the estate of Joseph Bullen (6), his uncle by marriage. The 
 place was in the north part of the town, and is now owned by Mr. 
 Lovell. He was a maltster, and his malt-house stood in the field 
 some little distance from the road. David was chosen deacon 
 in 1746. At his death, his estate passed into the hands of his 
 son-in-law, Daniel Perry. He died in 177 1, his wife in the same 
 year. Children : — 
 
 129. Joanna, 1707-1730; m. in [729 John Wilson of Dedham. 
 
 130. David, 1710-1790; settled in Sturbridge. 
 
 131. Hannah, 1712; m. Seth Wight (58). 
 -I-132. Seth, 1714. 
 
 133. John, 1 71 7-1782; settled in Sturbridge. 
 
 134. Kezia, 1 71 9-1 73 1. 
 
 135. Peter, 1723; was dismissed to the Sturbridge church 
 
 in 1754; said to have settled in Tyringham. 
 
 136. Thankful, 1724-1809; m. in 1758 Daniel Perry (6). 
 
 132. 
 Seth 5 (David,4 Ezra,3 John,^ Samuel') married in 1741 Kezia 
 Bullen (28). He, with his two boys and John Carpenter, were 
 attempting to cross Charles River on horseback, returning home 
 from Medway. A heavy shower had occurred since they crossed 
 in the early part of the day, and the river was swollen to that 
 degree that all four were drowned. In Thomas Adams' diary 
 for that year, 1753, he says he attended the funeral of Seth 
 Morse, his two sons, and his man, — " the most awful solemnity 
 of the kind which I ever attended or perhaps ever was in Med- 
 field." His widow married in 1757 Rev. Phillips Payson of 
 Walpole. Children : — 
 
 137. OziAs, 1743-1753- 
 
 138. Asaph, i745-i7S3- 
 
 These two were drowned with their father. 
 
 139. Judith, 1748; was living in 1771. 
 
 140. Seth, 1752-1753. 
 
 141. 
 Adam 7 (Adam,6 Samuel,5 Samuel,* Samuel,3 Daniel,^ Samuel') 
 was born in Natick in 1797 ; married Ann Cheney of Sherborn. 
 He died in 1865, his widow in 1874. Children : — 
 
 142. Ann Augusta, 1826-1869; m. in 1849 Joseph Clark (286). 
 
 143. George A., 1837; m. in 1849 Susan M. Walker of Hart- 
 
 ford, Vt. 
 
 144. Joseph H., 1840 ; m. in 1864 Maria S. Daniels of Holliston. 
 ^145. Ellen F., 1842; m. in 1872 Joseph Clark (286). 
 
 146. Edward F., 1844. 
 
 147. Frank E., 1845-1864; killed at Deep Run, Va. , 
 
 148. Louisa, 1848; m. in 1868 James Gardner. 
 
446 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 149. 
 
 Uriahs (Josiah.s Jeremiah,4 Jeremiah,3 Joseph,^ Samuel') 
 married in 1756 Bathsheba Clark (136). He lived at the place 
 on Elm Street now or lately owned by Tracy and Hanley. His 
 wife died in 1772, and he married in 1773 Sarah Clark (188). 
 He sold his place to Preserved Baker in 1780, and became 
 reduced in circumstances, until at last he was supported by the 
 town. He died in 1815. Children: — 
 
 150. Jeremiah, 1756-1758. 
 
 151. Bathsheba, 1759; ■"■ '" "77^ Ephraim Cheney (47). 
 
 152. Jeremiah, 1761. 
 
 153. Jemima, 1765. 
 
 154. Silence, i 768-1 768. 
 
 155. Erastus, 1770-1770. 
 
 156. Sally, 1774. 
 
 157. Mary, 1775. 
 
 158. Uriah, i 777-1 780. 
 
 159. Nabby, 1780. 
 
 160. Lucretia; birth not recorded; was blind, and a pauper; 
 
 died in 1809. 
 
 NEWELL. 
 
 George Newell was born in 1769, son of Ebenezer of Dover. 
 His children were born in Needham. His wife Hannah died in 
 1834, aged sixty-one ; and he married, second, in 1836, Polly 
 Lawrence (9). He lived on Causeway Street, near its junction 
 with Noon Hill Street. He died in i860, his widow in 1873. 
 Children : — 
 
 -\-2. John F., 1797. 
 
 3. George; m. in 1835 Elizabeth Adams (no). Removed to 
 
 Med way. 
 
 4. Mary, 1798-1835; unmarried. 
 
 5. Hannah ; unmarried. 
 
 6. Horace. 
 
 7. gustavus. 
 
 8. Mary A., 1837-1867; m. Walter Whiting. 
 
 John F.^ (George ■) was born in Needham ; came to this town, 
 and in 1827 married Maria Adams (104). He bought the place 
 on Bridge Street, near West Street, originally known as the 
 Bowers place, where he resided until his death in 1856. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 9. John F., i 831-1886; died in Chicago, leaving a familv. 
 
 10. Abigail W., 1832-1S61 ; m. in 1848 Emery A. Willey. 
 
 11. Maria A., 1834-1865; m. in 1852 William Clark (277). 
 
 12. Lydia S., 1837; m. in 1857 Thomas L. Smith. 
 
 13- 
 Charles Newell was the son of Jesse of Dover, born in 1794. 
 He married in 1836 Mary A. Partridge, daughter of Bernard of 
 
GENEALOGIES. 447 
 
 Oakham, and settled on the farm in the north-east part of the 
 town previously owned by heirs of Asa Mason. He died in 1872, 
 his wife in 1886. Children : — 
 
 14. Mary Abigail, 1837. 
 
 15. Martha M., 1839. 
 
 16. Charles A., 1 843-1 844. 
 
 17- 
 John A. Newell, son of John A. Newell of Dover and his wife 
 Caroline Allen (107), married in 1863 Diana E. Willard. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 18. Willard A., 1865. 
 
 19. Warren E., 1868. 
 
 Eleazar a. Newell, son of Jesse and Pamela (Cleaveland) 
 Newell, was born in Dover in 1827. He worked in this town 
 when a young man, and in 1852 married Mary Elizabeth Thayer 
 of Concosd. He lived in Needham from his marriage till 1857, 
 when he removed to Elmira, N.Y. Returning in 1862, he lived 
 in Dover till 1870. He then bought the place on Farm Street 
 formerly owned by Nathaniel Kingsbury. He died in 1880. 
 Children : — 
 
 21. Edward E., 1853; m. in 1882 Florence Pember of Walpole. 
 
 22. I. Freeman, 1854-1878. 
 
 23. Jesse S., 1861-1886. 
 
 NOYES. 
 
 Henry O. Noyes, son of Otis and Nancy (Cummings) Noyes 
 of Dedham, was born in 1826. He was a carpenter by trade; 
 worked in this town when a young man, and in 1848 married 
 Angenette Cleaveland (32). He lived for some years on East 
 Main Street, at the place now owned by Julius A. Fitts, afterward 
 on Bridge Street, where Mr. Chase now lives. He died in 1868, 
 his wife in 1869, both of consumption, of which disease several of 
 their children have since died. Children : — 
 
 2. Henry A., 1849-1852. 
 
 3. Fanny J., 1851. 
 
 4. Walter W., 1854. 
 
 5. Angie L., 1856-1877. 
 
 6. Laura C, 1859-1863. 
 
 7. Cora P., 1862-1863. 
 
 8. Emily L., i 864-1 880. 
 
 9. Charles H., 1867-1868. 
 
 ONION. 
 
 David Onion was the son of Samuel of Dedham, and was born 
 in 1758. He is said to have been a carpenter by trade. He 
 bought in 1782, of Rufus Mann, the estate on the west corner of 
 
448 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Main and South Streets, one-quarter of an acre, with a dwelling- 
 house and barn. He married in 1785 Caroline Morse, daughter 
 of Joseph (57). It appears that he was in Medfield when quite 
 a young man, as he was hired in 1776 to go into the army at 
 New York. He served again in 1778, and in 1780 went with 
 the new levy of six months' men to re-enforce the Continental 
 Army. He died in 1819, his wife Caroline in 1848, aged eighty- 
 five. Children : — 
 
 2. WiLLARD, 1786-1820; followed his father in store-keeping 
 
 on the corner; was postmaster 1818-20. 
 
 3. David, i 788-1827. 
 
 4. Charles, 1796-1852; was a watchmaker, and had a shop on 
 
 the lot now occupied by the Baptist church. He after- 
 ward kept store where his father and brother had pre- 
 ceded him, until J. & T. L. Barney took the business in 
 1837. He served as town clerk in 1838-39, was a promi- 
 nent Freemason, and was postmaster from 1823 to 1852. 
 
 ORD. 
 
 John Ord was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in i8og. He mar- 
 ried in 1836 Marion Heatlie, of Edinburgh, and in the same year 
 came to Boston. His wife followed in 1837. They came to this 
 town in 1838. Children: — 
 
 2. John, 1837; m. in 1873 Elizabeth P. Morse (103). 
 
 3. James, 1838-1840. 
 
 4. M. Eliza, 1839; m. in 1881 Edward Vinton. 
 
 5. Laura, 1841 ; m. in 1862 James W. Clark (273). 
 
 6. James, 1843. 
 
 7. Agnes S., 1847; m. in 1867 Henry J. Daniels. 
 
 8. Margaret J., 1857. 
 
 PARKER. 
 
 Blake Parker, son of Benjamin and wife, Anna Ames, was 
 born in Southboro in 1809. He married Mary Clark of Framing- 
 ham; came to this town in 1833, and drove a stage-coach between 
 Medfield and Woonsocket. After that line was given up, he drove 
 from Medfield to Walpole, and subsequently to Dedham. He 
 died in 1871. Children: — 
 
 2. Alonzo B., 1832; m. in 1857 Anna D. Knapp of Cumber- 
 
 land, R.I. 
 
 3. Ann Eliza, 1833; m. in 1853 Lewis Hartshorn of Water- 
 
 town. 
 
 4. George F., 1836; resides in Milwaukee. 
 j. Francis D., 1839.-V- 
 
 -6. Henry M., 1840. ^ 
 
 7. Ellen M., 1845; m. in 1881 George L. Plimpton-(i 53). 
 
 8. Herbert, 1846. r v jj; 
 
GENEALOGIES. 449 
 
 Henry M.= (Blake >) married in" 1865 Charlotte A. Wight (165), 
 who died in 187 1 ; second, in 1875, Maria L. Hall of Johnson, Vt. 
 Children : — 
 
 9. Nellie D., 1866. 
 
 10. Grace M., 1870. 
 
 ir. Harry L., i 876-1 885. 
 
 12. Mary L., 1883. 
 
 PARTRIDGE. 
 
 William Partridge, brother of John, came here probably from 
 Dedham, and was a single man at the time. His house lot was 
 on North Street, where the house of the Misses Wight now stands. 
 He married in 1654 Sarah Price, who died in 1656 ; second, in 
 the same year, Sarah Colburn. He died about 1692, aged 
 seventy. He gave by his will one-half his estate to his wife 
 Sarah, and the remainder to his sons John and William. John 
 dying in 17 19, without family, and his part of the estate being 
 divided among the other six children, it soon passed out of the 
 family name. Sarah died in 17 16. Children: — 
 
 -\-2. Nathaniel, 1660. 
 
 3. John, 1662-1 719. 
 
 4. Elisha, 1665 ; probably died in infancy. 
 +5. William, 1669. 
 
 6. Priscilla, 1672-1738; m. Joseph Plimpton (18). 
 
 7. Sarah, 1674-1763; m. in 1702 Ephraim Wight (25). 
 
 8. Hannah, 1677-1761; m. in 1702 John Bowers (6); second, 
 
 Eleazar BuUard (loi). 
 
 9. JosiAH, 1 680-1 705. 
 
 10. Mary, 1682-1749; m. in 1706 Abraham Harding (12). 
 
 Nathaniel 2 (William '), weaver, had a house at the time of his 
 father's death, which seems to have been not far from where the 
 North School-house now stands. He married in 1686 Lydia 
 Wight (23). He served as town treasurer in 1709-10, as select- 
 man in 1708 and 1713, and kept school in 1713 and 1722. He 
 gave his estate by his will to his son Edward. He and his wife 
 both died in the same year, 1741. Children : — 
 
 11. Lydia, 1687 ; m. in 171 7 Nathaniel Smith (22). 
 
 12. Nathaniel, i 689-1 713. 
 
 13. Elisha, 1691-1712. 
 
 14. Deborah, 1694-1723; m. in 1717 Zechariah Barber (23). 
 
 15. Sarah, 1698. 
 
 16. f Mary, 1700-1762; m. in 1736 Samuel Ellis (21). 
 17. 1 Miriam, i 700-1 768; m. in 1735 Samuel Ellis (62). 
 
 18. Ephraim, 1702; settled in Med way. 
 
 19. Ruth, 1704; m. in 1730 Timothy Tingley of Attleboro. 
 
450 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 20. JosiAH, 1706; went to Mendon. 
 
 21. Anna, 1708; m. in 1735 Hinsdale Clark (46). 
 -(-22. Edward, 1710. 
 
 23. Nathaniel, 1715-1719. 
 
 5- 
 William ^ (William ■) had his homestead on Green Street, near 
 where Mrs. Kennedy now lives. He married, first, Hannah 
 Fisher (27), who died in 1726; second, Militiah, probably widow 
 of Timothy Hamant (8). He died in 1750, his wife in 1747. 
 Children : — 
 
 24. William, 1695; settled in Walpole. 
 
 25. Joseph, i 699-1 705. 
 
 26. Hannah, i 702-1 780; m. in 1728 Samuel Hamant (11). 
 -(-27. Seth, 1706-1768. 
 
 28. Mary, 1709; received ^50 from the estate in 1750. 
 
 Edward 3 (Nathaniel,== William ■) married in 1733 Sarah Jones. 
 In 1746, he sold his place to John and Jonathan Wight; and in 
 1748 he and his wife asked dismission to the second church 
 in Wrentham, now Franklin, where they probably located. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 29. Elisha, 1734-1787; went to Thomaston, Me. 
 
 30. Asa, 1736. 
 
 31. Edward, 1738. 
 
 32. Simeon, 1741. 
 
 33. Silas, 1744. 
 
 27. 
 
 Seth 3 (William, ^ William ') succeeded his father on Green 
 Street. He married in 1728 Sarah Ellis (68), who died in 1781. 
 He died in 1768, leaving a large and a small dwelling-house. 
 The large one, doubtless then new, is probably the house now 
 standing on that estate. Children : — 
 
 34. Olive, i 733-1 733. 
 
 35. Seth, 1735-1736. 
 
 36. Nathan, 1737-1805; retained possession of the homestead. 
 
 He married in 1764 Lydia Ellis (31), who died in 1801 ; 
 second, in 1802, Jane, widow of Joseph Plimpton (75), 
 who died in 1845, aged eighty-six. He left no children. 
 -f-37. Abel, 1739. 
 
 37- 
 
 Abel 4 (Seth,3 William,^ William ') sold out his rights in estate 
 to his brother Nathan in 1769. He was said to be the father 
 of an illegitimate son, Abel, in 1765, by Hannah Cheney (42). 
 He had a wife Miriam, who died in 1799, after having been sup- 
 
GENEALOGIES. 45 1 
 
 ported by the town. Abel was at last supported by the town, and 
 was found dead in a field near Pine Swamp in 1814. Children : — 
 
 4-38. Oliver, 1766. 
 
 39. Miriam, 1768-1816 ; m. in 1793 Asa Wight (90). 
 
 38. 
 Oliver 5 (Abel,4 Seth,3 William,^ William') married in 1794 
 Catherine Knowlton of Sherborn. In 1799, he appears to have 
 been living with his uncle Nathan on Green Street. In 1807, he 
 bought a small house which stood near Castle Hill. He died in 
 1831. His widow married in 1841 Jeremiah Smith (121), and 
 died in 1855. Children: — 
 
 40. Nathan, 1794. 
 
 41. Seth, 1 796- 1 806. 
 43. Seth, 1807-1829. 
 
 43. Sally, 1811-1830. 
 
 44. Cyrus, 1814-1835. 
 
 45- 
 John Partridge is first mentioned here in 1653. He took up 
 his house lot on the corner now owned by Hamlet Wight, embrac- 
 ing land on both sides of the way. He married in 1655 Magdalen 
 Bullard (2). Her father specified a legacy to his son-in-law, John 
 Partridge. The Indians burned his house and barn in 1676, with 
 twenty bushels of corn, ten or eleven head of cattle, and two 
 horses. His wife died the following year. He survived till 1706. 
 He was chosen clerk of the market in 1672. Children: — 
 
 +46. 
 
 47. 
 48, 
 
 +49. 
 50 
 51 
 
 52, 
 
 +53. 
 +S4 
 
 John, 1656. 
 
 Hannah, 1658; m. in 1679 Joseph Rockwood (7). 
 
 Deborah, 1662; m. in 1682 John Adams (4). 
 
 Eleazar, 1664. 
 [ Abiel, 1 667-1 667. 
 [ Experience, i 667-1667. 
 
 Rachel, 1669-1717; m. Theophilus Clark (25). 
 
 Samuel, 1671. 
 
 Zechariah, 1674. 
 
 46. 
 
 John ^ (John ^) settled in what is now East Medway soon after 
 the Indian war. In 1682, he sold the place on Bridge Street 
 which had belonged to his wife's father to Michael Metcalf. He 
 kept school on the "west side" in 17 10, was active in the forma- 
 tion of the town of Medway, was on the committee to secure a 
 minister for the new town in 17 14, and afterward deacon of the 
 church there. He married in 1678 Elizabeth Rockwood (6), who 
 died in 1688; second, Elizabeth Adams (128), who died in 1718; 
 third, in 1721, Hannah Sheffield. He died in 1743. Children: — 
 
 55. Elizabeth, 1679-1706; m. in 1701 Ebenezer Daniel (16). 
 ^6. Mary, 1681 ; m. in 1706 Ebenezer Lawrence of Wrenthara. 
 
452 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 57. John; mentioned in his father's will; probably the John 
 
 who received a grant for building in 1701, and who 
 married in 1708 Anna Pond, and settled in Franklin. 
 
 58. Bexoni, 1687-1769; m. in 1709 Mehitable Wheelock (29). 
 
 59. Jonathan, 1693; m. in 1717 Elizabeth Learned of Framing- 
 
 ham; was in Medway in 1720; thought to have settled in 
 Rutland. 
 
 60. Hannah, i 696-1 751 ; m. in 1713 Jeremiah Daniel (20). 
 
 61. Deborah, 1698; m. Israel Keith of Uxbridge. 
 
 62. James, i 700-1 769; m. in 1729 Kezia BuUard; lived in Med- 
 
 way. 
 
 63. Sarah, 1702; m. George Adams (182). 
 
 64. Stephen, 1706-1742; died in Medway. 
 
 49. 
 
 ELEAZAR2 (John') inherited his father's homestead. In 1720, 
 he bought a large tract of land in Bellingham, and removed there 
 not long after. The old place seems to have come into the 
 possession of his son-in-law David Ellis, who sold it in 1732 
 to Jonathan Wight. Eleazar married in 1692 Elizabeth Smith 
 (17), who died in 1704; second, in 1705, Elizabeth Allen (160), 
 who died in 1733. He died in 1736. Children: — 
 
 65. Eleazar, 1693; m. in 171 5 Sarah Taylor; settled in Walpole. 
 
 66. Joseph, 1695; probably died in infancy. 
 
 67. Elizabeth, 1696. 
 
 68. Job, 1698; m. in 1724 Abigail Thompson; settled in 
 
 Wrentham. 
 
 69. Abigail, 1700; m. in 1727 Ephraim Clark (83). 
 
 70. Rachel, i 702-1 727; m. in 1725 David Ellis (22). 
 
 71. Silence, i 704-1 704. 
 
 72. Joseph, i 706-1 770; settled on his father's place in Belling- 
 
 ham. 
 
 73. David, 1708. 
 
 74. Phebe, i 709-1 709. 
 
 7S- Benjamin, 1713; settled in Bellingham. 
 76. Zechariah, 1720. 
 
 53- 
 Samuel = (John ■) settled on the west side ; was active in the 
 formation of the new town, of which he was one of the first board 
 of selectmen ; afterward deacon of the Medway church. He 
 married in 1701 Hannah Mason (no), who died in 1750. He 
 died in 1752. Children: — 
 
 78. Hannah, 1702; m. Fisher. 
 
 79. Thankful, 1703. 
 
 80. Samuel, 1704. 
 
 81. Ebenezer, 1706. Ebenezer and Samuel appear to have set- 
 
 tled in Franklin. 
 
 82. Abigail, 1707. 
 
 83. j Benjamin, i 709-1 709. 
 84. 1 Silence, i 709-1 709. 
 
 85. Mehitable, 1710; m. Grant. 
 
 86. Joshua, 1713. 
 
 Perhaps others are recorded in Medway. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 453 
 
 54- 
 
 Zechariah^ (John ') settled in Medway. He married in 1701 
 Mary Ellis (10). He died in 1716, and his widow became the 
 wife of John Barber (26). Children : — 
 
 87. Mary, 1702; m. Benjamin White of Dudley. 
 
 88. Magdalen, 1704; m. David Daniel in 1723. 
 
 89. Sarah, 1706; m. Joseph Green. 
 
 90. Zechariah, 1709. A Zechariah was dismissed to the church 
 
 in Uxbridge in 1745. 
 
 91. Asa, 1 71 2-1 734. 
 
 92. Phebe; probably born in Medway; m. WiOiam .Smeed of 
 
 upper Ashuelot. 
 
 PENNIMAN. 
 
 James Penniman was born in Braintree in 1695, son of Samuel. 
 He married in 1722 Thankful Harding (31), and lived with his 
 father-in-law on Bridge Street, at the place now owned by Perley 
 Chase, which he' afterward inherited. He was one of the select- 
 men in 1746. The house in which he lived was burned in 1749; 
 and he sent the following petition to the General Court, June 10 
 of .that year : — 
 
 "The petition of James Penniman of Medfield humbly 
 sheweth, — 
 
 "That whereas on the 24th of April last the dwelling-house 
 belonging to my honored father-in-law, Mr. Henry Harding and 
 I wherein we dwell with our families was consumed by fire, and 
 a considerable part of our goods consumed therein, and I was at 
 that time possessed of and in my chest in my house upwards of 
 one hundred pounds (old tenor) in bills of public credit, whereof 
 was sixty-one pounds and four shillings in bills of public credit 
 of the province of Mass. Bay in New England, all which I 
 lost, it being consumed in said fire. Also my said Father-in-law 
 lost as he testified and I doubt not but was consumed in said fire 
 one bill of public credit of said province it being eight pounds, 
 and my daughter. Thankful Penniman lost one bill of public 
 credit of sd province it being six pounds (all old Tenor) all which 
 amounts to seventy-five pounds and four shillings (old Tenor) all 
 which we have no reason to doubt was consumed in said fire : 
 therefore it is my humble request that your Excellency and your 
 Honours will be pleased to order that the same be made good and 
 paid out of the Province treasury to us respectively." 
 
 James Penniman. 
 Henry Harding. 
 Thankful Penniman. 
 
 These signers made oath to losing their money by the fire. 
 Nathaniel Eames of Framingham testified that he bought a yoke 
 of oxen of James Penniman in April, 1749, and paid him in money 
 of old tenor. 
 
454 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 "Ordered, that the petitioners be paid i8£ i6j-. in consideration 
 of their loss." 
 
 James died in 1767, his widow in 1794- Children : — 
 
 2. James, i 725-1 804; m. in 1750 Abigail Clark of Medway, 
 
 where he spent his life ; served in the French war from 
 Medway. 
 
 3. Thankful, 172S-1820; m. in 1753 Robert Hinsdale (24). 
 
 4. Mercy, 1731-1731- 
 
 5. Henrv, 1732. 
 
 6. Mercy, 1740-1829; m. John Mason (41). 
 
 7- 
 Nathan Penniman was received to communion from the 
 church in Medway in 1743. In 1744, he married Anna Barber 
 (32), by whom he had one child, Silas, born in 1745, died the 
 following year. Nathan also died in 1746, and his widow became 
 the third wife of Joshua BuUard (31). 
 
 PERRY. 
 
 John Perry, from Roxbury, married in 1665 Bethia Morse (13). 
 He settled in what became Sherborn ; and the following of his 
 children were recorded here, as this was the nearest town : — 
 
 2. John, 1667. 
 
 3. Nathaniel, 1671. 
 
 4. 5 Samuel, 1674. 
 
 5. ( Joseph, 1674. 
 
 6. 
 
 Daniel 4 (Joseph,3 Joseph,^ John ■) was born in Sherborn in 
 1724. After the death of his first wife, Mary, in 1756, he married 
 in 1758 Thankful Morse (136), and at the death of her father 
 came into possession of his place in the north part of the town. 
 Daniel Perry was doubtless one of the most influential men in the 
 town during the Revolutionary period. He was received to com- 
 munion from the Sherborn church in 1775, and was chosen deacon 
 in 1779. He served nine years as a member of the board of 
 selectmen, and eight years as representative. He was also Judge 
 of the Court of Common Pleas. He died in 1804, his widow in 
 1809. Children: — 
 
 7. Sarah, i 748-1 800; m. Asa Albee (8). 
 
 8. Joseph, 1750-1784; m. in 1781 Keturah Turner. The 
 
 house lately owned by I. C. Lane was built by his father 
 for him at his marriage. His widow married in 1788 
 Aaron Leland of Sherborn. 
 
 9. Abigail, 1751 ; said to have married Thomas Russell. 
 
 10. Martha, 1754; m. in 1780 Henry Holbrook of Wrentham, 
 
 who resided here for a few years. 
 
 11. Mary, 1759; was dismissed to a church in Boston in 1809: 
 
 was a teacher. 
 
 12. Olive, 1761-1850; unmarried. 
 
 13. Lavinia, 1764-1842 ; m. in 181 1 Amos Wight (104). 
 
GENEALOGIES. 455 
 
 14. 
 
 Eleazar 4 (Samuel, 3 Samuel,^ John ■) was born in Natick in 
 1750. He married in 1773 Esther Morse (105), who died in 
 1805 ; second, Bathsheba Clapp. He went to Douglas, wliere 
 he lived for a few years ; removed to Medway, thence to this town 
 about 1782, and in 1786 bought of Seth Turner the place near 
 the South School-house on South Street. This he sold in 1796 
 to Aaron Smith, and bought the place near the bridge on the road 
 to Norfolk. The site of the house is yet seen on land belonging 
 to Bonney Brothers. He died in 1830, his widow in 1861. 
 Children : — 
 
 15. Hannah, 1776-1855; m. in 1792 Stephen Tilden (t); second, 
 
 in 1836, Amos Kingsbury (i). 
 
 16. Ruby, 1779-1812. 
 
 17. Elizabeth, i 785-1 807; m. in 1805 Sham Armsby (15). 
 
 18. Rebecca, i 790-1863; m. in 181 1 Jacob Pond of Wrentham. 
 
 19. Elbridge G., 1811-1847; ra. in 1833 Abigail Whitney; 
 
 died in Roxbury, where he held several offices under the 
 city government. 
 
 20. Ruby E., 1814 ; m. in 1866 John Battelle of Dover. 
 
 21. Elizabeth, 1816; m. Timothy Guy of Dedham. 
 
 PETERS. 
 
 William Peters was born in Andover in 1704, son of Samuel, 
 and grandson of Andrew. He is called cordwainer; married in 
 1729 Hannah Chenery (12). She was sole heir to her father's 
 estate, which was sold to Ephraim Chenery ; and they removed 
 to Medfield. In 1757, William Peters bought a place now em- 
 braced within the westerly part of the cemetery. Here he lived 
 till 1781, when he sold it to Benjamin Callander, and went to 
 reside with his son Adam. He died in 1788, his widow in 1799. 
 Children : — 
 
 2. Joseph, 1729; settled in Mendon. A daughter of his, 
 
 Abigail, died here in 1829. 
 
 3. Benjamin, 1731. 
 
 4. Mary, 1732 ; m. in 1757 Hezekiah Allen of Dedham. 
 +5. Adam, 1734. 
 
 6. Eve, 1737 ; m. in 1759 John Pepalow. 
 
 7. Tahpenes, 1740; m. in 1769 Gershom Dunton (4). 
 
 8. Andrew, 1742; settled in Mendon. 
 -f-9. Jethro, 1744. 
 
 10. Nathan, 1747; living in 1788. 
 
 11. Finis, 1749; m. in 1784 Daniel Gookin of Dedham. 
 
 S- 
 
 Adam ^ (William ') was a tanner, and had a tan-yard near where 
 
 the brook crosses Main Street, west of the burying-ground. His 
 
 house was near where that lately owned by Rev. C. C. Sewall now 
 
 stands. He married in 1758 Olive Plimpton (49), who died in 
 
456 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1768; second, in 1769, Margaret, widow of Benjamin Dunton (i)- 
 He died in 1813, his widow in 1816. He served in the Revolu- 
 tionary war, and was afterward captain in this town. Children : 
 
 12. Hannah, 1760-1850; m. in 1779 William Clark (171)- 
 
 13. Amy, 1762-1762. 
 
 14. Sarah, 1767; m. Eleazar Ellis (49); second, James Forbes 
 
 of Rutland. 
 
 15. Amy, 1770; m. Amasa Baker, North Yarmouth, Me. 
 4-16. William, 1772. 
 
 17. Olive, 1774-1776. 
 
 18. Samuel, 1776-1799; died at sea. 
 
 19. Oliver, 1779; settled in Providence. 
 
 20. Margaret, i 783-1 785. 
 
 9- 
 Jethro 2 (William ■) was a worker in leather, and settled in 
 Northboro, after residing here for some time. He married Rachel 
 Fairbanks, who died in 1792. He was town clerk in 1800, 1801, 
 and 1802. Children: — 
 
 21. Rachel; died in 1786. 
 
 22. Peter; died in 1789. 
 
 23. Peace; born in 1783. 
 
 16. 
 
 William 3 (Adam,^ William ') succeeded his father in the home- 
 stead and the business of tanning. He married in 1794 Mary- 
 Ellis (107). He received a captain's commission in 1805 ; was on 
 the board of selectmen in 1805, 1813, i8i8, 1819, 1822, and 1824; 
 representative in 1838. He died in 1843, ''''^ wife in 1835. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 24. Mary, 1794-1876; m. in 1814 Dr. James Hewins (i). 
 
 25. Amy, 1802-1S72; m. in 1S23 Rev. Charles C. Sewall (i). 
 
 26. 
 
 Alexander 4 (Moses,3 Joseph,^ William ') married in 1809 Eliza- 
 beth Bullen (50). He resided in this town for several years, 
 having bought the Fisher estate, which he sold in 181 1 to Dr. 
 Hewins. He removed from town about 1820. A sister of his, 
 Mary Peters, died here in 1876. Children : — 
 
 27. Joseph, 1810 
 
 28. Prudence B., 1813-1820. 
 
 29. Sarah B., 1816. 
 
 30. Elinor, 1818. 
 
 PLIMPTON. 
 
 John Plimpton, tailor, came over with the party headed by 
 Winthrop. In 1640, he was in Roxbury, apprenticed to Mr. 
 Alcock. In 1643, he was received to the church in Dedham, and 
 was also made a freeman. The following year he was married to 
 
GENEALOGIES. 457 
 
 Jane Damant or Damon, sister of Deacon John Damon of Read- 
 ing, and a step-daughter of John Eaton of Dedham. In 1652, 
 the town of Medfield gave him leave to fell trees upon the brook 
 "*to use about his house." His house lot was on Main Street, 
 where William Kingsbury now lives ; and his field was on the 
 south side of the street, opposite the house. Spring Street now 
 runs through it diagonally. His valuation in that year was .£^46. 
 In 1669, he had increased it to £27,?,. 
 
 In the spring of 1673, he emigrated to Deerfield; and, when 
 Philip's war began, he was chief military officer there. In 1677, 
 he, with Stockwell and Dickinson, three women and fourteen chil- 
 dren, were captured and carried prisoners to Canada. Though 
 most of this party were afterward ransomed, it is believed that 
 John Plimpton was burned at the stake by the savages when near 
 Chambly. His widow afterward returned to this vicinity, and in 
 1679 married Nicolas Hide. 
 
 2. Hannah, 1645; ™- iii 1665 Nathaniel SutclifCe(i); second, 
 
 Samuel Harrington of Deerfield. 
 
 3. Mary, 1648-1736; m. in 1671 Nathaniel Johnson of Marlboro. 
 -(-4. John, 1650. 
 
 5. Peter, 1651-1717; settled in Marlboro. 
 -\-6. Joseph, 1653. 
 
 7. Mehitable, 1655-1725; m. in 1676 Ephraim Hinsdale (8); 
 
 second, in 1691, Joseph Cheney (9); third, in 1717, 
 Jonathan Adams (3). 
 
 8. Jonathan, i 657-1 675; killed at Bloody Brook. 
 
 9. Eleazar, 1659-1660. 
 
 10. Eleazar, 1661 ; probably died in infancy. 
 
 11. Lede, 1 662-1 662. 
 
 12. Jane, i 664-1 664. 
 
 13. Henry, 1665-1669. 
 
 John 2 (John") was one of the one hundred and ten men who 
 were mustered in three hours in the streets of Boston, as volunteers 
 under Captain Mosely for the relief of Swanzey and Rehoboth in 
 1675. He was with that celebrated company at Swanzey, at 
 Mount Hope and Pocasset, through the fighting in Plymouth 
 County and in the Nipmuck country. About the last of August, 
 they scoured the country as far as Concord, N.H., thence to 
 Hadley, arriving four days before the disaster at Bloody Brook. 
 Hearing the sound of that fight, Mosely's men hastened to the 
 scene, and at once charged upon the Indians with tremendous 
 bravery, cutting down all within reach. The Indians fled to a 
 swamp, whither the English followed, and fought and hunted 
 them there till they were compelled to seek safety in the distant 
 forest. Shortly after, in the attack on Hatfield, Mosely's men did 
 tremendous fighting. When the Narragansett campaign was 
 organized and Mosely's company was mustered at Dedham, John 
 Plimpton's name was in the list. He went through that fearful 
 struggle, and appears to have escaped unhurt; though the com- 
 
4S8 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 pany lost, in killed and wounded, nineteen men. In the spring 
 of 1676, he was again in service under Lieutenant Sweat; and,_ in 
 the summer and fall, he with a few kindred spirits was scouring 
 the woods about here for traces of Indians, two of whom were 
 taken and delivered over to the authorities at Boston. In the two 
 succeeding years, he was back and forth between Medfield and 
 Deerfield, and in 1678, in company with John Partridge, brought 
 the news of the return of the captives to Deerfield. 
 
 He married in 1677 Elizabeth Fisher (5), who died in 1694 ; 
 second, in 1696, Sarah Turner (8). He lived on the original home- 
 stead. Sergeant John was for four years a member of the board 
 of selectmen. He died in 1704, and his widow became the wife 
 of John Metcalf (2). Children : — 
 
 +14. John, 1680. 
 
 -i-15. Henry, 1684. 
 
 i6. Sarah, 1700-1706. 
 
 17. Elizabeth, 1702-1725; m. Jonathan Metcalf (16). 
 
 Joseph = (John') had a grant in 1 681 'of "nine or ten rods 
 of land to build upon, lying on the right hand of the road leading 
 to harbor island, on the south side of that hill." Not long after, 
 he had another grant of "a lot bounded by a way leading to 
 harbor island on the south, by the way leading to Bridge St. on 
 the north, by land of Gershom Wheelock on the west, and coming 
 almost to a point eastwardly." This was without doubt the corner 
 opposite the cemetery, where he probably built his house. In 
 1690, he bought the house and land belonging to the heirs of 
 Gershom Wheelock, which was a short distance south-west of his 
 own. He married in 1675 Mary Morse. At his death in 1702, 
 his estate comprised two houses and a barn, besides a share in a 
 saw-mill. His widow died in 1717. Children : — 
 
 +18. Joseph, 1677. 
 -j-19. Jonathan, 1680. 
 
 20. Jeremiah, 1683; m. Elizabeth Johnson (3); settled in 
 
 Canterbury, Conn. 
 
 21. Mary, 1692; m. in 1709 Samuel Adams, Jr. (probably 192). 
 
 14. 
 
 Johns (John,^ John") lived on the original homestead, although 
 the estate seems never to have been fully settled in his day. He 
 married in 1707 Susanna Draper, who survived his death in 1730, 
 and married Stephen Sabin (10), and, third, Joseph Plimpton (18). 
 Children : — 
 
 -)-22. John, 1708. 
 
 23. James, i 709-1 785; settled in Foxboro ; m. in 1736 Lydia 
 
 Lovell(i7). ^ 
 
 24. Daniel, i 721-1778; settled in Sturbridge, where he became 
 
 one of the most prominent citizens, held the office of 
 colonel, and many town offices in Revolutionary times. 
 
 25. Elizabeth, 1726-175 7. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 459 
 
 15- 
 
 Henrys (John,^ John') received by his father's will a small 
 house and a parcel of land on the north side of the brook, on what 
 is now Frairy Street, besides outlands and one-fourth of a saw-mill. 
 He located finally in the north part of the town, and his house 
 stood on Pine Street, near where that recently built by David 
 Plimpton now stands. He married in 1706 Mary Smith (24), who 
 survived his death in 1731, and in 1732 became the wife of Jabez 
 Pond of Dedham. Children : — 
 
 26. Mary, i 707-1 782; m. in 1735 John Wight (47), 
 
 '27. David, i 708-1 731. 
 
 28. Sarah, 1711-1798; m. in 1732 Jonathan Wight (46). 
 
 -I-29. Henry, 17 14. 
 
 30. Job, 1718-1797; settled in Medway. 
 
 18. 
 
 Joseph 3 (Joseph,^ John ') appears to have inherited and lived 
 upon the place that had belonged to his father, opposite the 
 cemetery. He married in 1699 Priscilla Partridge (6), who died 
 in 1738. The following year, he married Susanna, widow of 
 Stephen Sabin, formerly wife of John Plimpton. He served the 
 town as a member of the board of selectmen six years, and as 
 representative to the General Court in 1720 and 1731. He died 
 in 1740. Children : — 
 
 +31 
 32 
 33 
 
 +34. 
 35 
 
 +36. 
 
 +37 
 38 
 
 William, 1700. 
 
 Joseph, i 702-1 71 2. 
 
 Priscilla, 1704-1746; m. Deacon Ephraim Wheelock (36). 
 
 Simon, 1707. 
 
 Hannah, 1708-1766; m. in 1730 John Cutler (i). 
 
 Nathan, 1711. 
 
 Joseph, 1713. 
 
 Amy, 1715-1782; m. in 1735 Ebenezer Dorr of Boston. 
 
 19. 
 Jonathan 3 (Joseph,^ John ') married in 1701 Bethia Fisk (4), 
 and settled upon her father's farm in the north part of the town, 
 now owned by Mr. Taber. He was a member of the board of 
 selectmen eight years, town treasurer two years, and representative 
 to the General Court in 1738, 1739, 1740. He died in 1749, his 
 widow in 1750- Children : — 
 
 39. Benjamin, i 703-1 73 i ; m. in 1725 Hannah Smith (31); was 
 
 in Dedham in 1729. 
 
 40. Martha, 1710-1788 ; m. in 1740 Timothy Guy. 
 
 41. Jonathan, 1712-1712. 
 
 42. Jonathan, 1714-1741. 
 
 43. EzEKiEL, 1716-1740. 
 
 44. Silence, 1718-1718. 
 
 45. Bethia, 1720; m. in 1750 James Golding of Sherborn. 
 -I-46. SiLVANUS, 1722. 
 
460 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 22. 
 
 John 4 (John,3 John,^ John ■) followed in the line that retained 
 possession of the original Plimpton homestead. In 1739, he 
 settled the estate of his grandfather, who had died thirty-five 
 years before. He married in 1731 Abigail Fisher (37), and died 
 in 1756. His widow in 1771 became the wife of David Clark (62). 
 Children : — 
 
 47. John, i 732-1 754. 
 4-48. Amos, 1735. 
 49. Olive, 1737-1768; m. in 1758 Adam Peters (5). 
 • 50. Abner, 1743-1S14; settled in Sturbridge ; afterward re- 
 moved to Vermont. 
 
 51. Unity, 1747-1828; m. Benjamin Boyden (41). 
 
 29. 
 
 Henry 4 (Henry,3 John,^ John ') appears to have resided upon 
 the place that was his father's, at the north part of the town. 
 He was a selectman in 1759-60. Soon after this, he removed 
 to Boston ; and in 1763 Henry Plimpton of Boston, wharfinger, 
 deeded certain property. He returned to this town some years 
 after. In 1776, Henry Plimpton was of Medfield. He married 
 in 1734 Anna Pond, who died in 1750 ; second, in 1750, Abigail 
 Bacon of Dedham. A third wife, Mehitable, died in 1797, aged 
 seventy-six. Henry died in 1804. Children : — 
 
 52. Anna, 1735. 
 -I-53. David, 1738. 
 
 31- 
 
 William 4 (Joseph, 3 Joseph,^ John ') was a clothier by trade, 
 and in 1724 received a grant from the town of a right to build a 
 dam across the brook near the meeting-house for the purpose of 
 a fulling-mill. This house stood on Main Street, east corner of 
 Short Street. He married in 1725 Kezia Dwight (8). He served 
 as a selectman in 1735. In 1753, he became a member of the 
 Second Baptist Church in Boston. He died in 1770, and his wife 
 in 1776. Children: — 
 
 54. Abigail, 1726-1776; m. in 1750 Jesse Pratt (19). 
 
 55. Mary, 1728-1811 ; m. in 1750 Oliver Ellis (34). 
 
 56. Caroline, 1731-1821 ; m. in 1758 Moses BuUen (38). 
 
 57. William, 1732-1781 ; settled in Sturbridge; afterward re- 
 
 sided in Boston where he was an innholder. 
 
 58. Gershom, 1735; settled in Sturbridge. 
 
 59. Amy, 1737-1762; m. Jonathan Allen. 
 
 60. Kezia, i 740-1828; m. in 1766 Henry Harding (47). 
 
 61. Frederick, 1743-1832; settled in Sturbridge; said to have 
 
 gone from there to De Kalb, N.Y. 
 
 34- 
 Simon 4 (Joseph,3 Joseph,^ John ■) was a housewright, and lived 
 on the place opposite the cemetery. He married in 1735 Ruth 
 
GENEALOGIES. 46 1 
 
 Morse (54). He was a surveyor of lands ; surveyed in Medway in 
 173s ; and in 1737 "Mr. Plimpton of Medfield" was called upon 
 to fix the location of the meeting-house in Wrentham, west pre- 
 cinct, now Franklin. He died in 1798, his wife in 1806. Children : 
 
 62. Tamar, 1736; m. in 1757 Timothy Clark of Medway. 
 
 +63. Silas, 1738. 
 
 64. Priscilla, 1 740-1 746. 
 
 65. AsAHEL, 1 743-1 744. 
 
 66. AsAHEL, 1 745-1772; died in Boston; said to be a shop- 
 
 keeper. 
 
 4-67. EZEKIEL, 1748. 
 
 68. Oliver, i 750-1 752. 
 
 69. Priscilla, i 753-1 834; m. in 1772 Silas Allen (60). 
 
 70. Oliver, i 757-1 764. 
 
 36. 
 Nathan + (Joseph, 3 Joseph,^ John ■) was a weaver, and owned a 
 house on North Street, near Main Street. He had a dye-house 
 adjoining, with a right to drain the same through a ditch in Mr. 
 Wheelock's land into the brook. He was one of those who appear 
 to have been dissatisfied with the settlement of Rev. Mr. Town- 
 send, and with others charged the parish church with breach of 
 covenant. For this, he was forbidden to come to the communion 
 or to take part in the action of the church ; although the church 
 voted " that Nathan Plimpton be requested to tune the psalm as 
 heretofore." From this, it may be inferred that he was of a musi- 
 cal turn. He never returned to the old church, but was largely 
 influential in the formation of the Baptist church in this town. 
 He married in 1747 Abigail Clark (77), who died in 1813. He 
 died in 1 78 1. Daughter: — 
 
 71. Priscilla, 1748; m. Rev. Samuel West of Needham, after- 
 
 ward pastor of the Hollis Street Church, Boston. 
 
 37- 
 Joseph 4 (Joseph,3 Joseph,^ John ') appears to have spent the 
 last years of his life on the west side of Noon Hill, probably 
 where traces of an old residence are found on the road leading 
 from Norfolk to the upper bridge over Charles River. Two un- 
 married daughters were living there in the early part of this cen- 
 tury. In 1741, he bought property near the corner of Main and 
 Bridge Streets, where he seems to have been living in 1766. He 
 married in 1742 Elizabeth Metcalf (20), who died in 1763. He 
 died in 1773. Children : — 
 
 72. Sarah, i 742-1810. 
 
 73. nosEPH, 1745-1745. 
 
 74. J Benjamin, 1745-1745. 
 -(-75. Joseph, 1746. 
 
 76. Hannah, 1749-1782; m. in 1775 Sabin Mann (6). 
 
 -\-y7. Benjamin, 1752. 
 
 78. Elizabeth, i 755-1837. 
 
 79. Phebe, 1 760 ; m. in 1 784 John Day of Walpole. 
 
462 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 46. 
 
 SiLVANUS 4 (Jonathan,3 Joseph,^ John ■) inherited the homestead 
 of his father on Canal Street. He was styled Captain Silvanus, 
 and seems to have been a man of some note in town affairs, 
 serving on the board of selectmen in 1761, 1779, and 1780. He 
 married in 1749 Sibyl Allen (43), who died in 1753; second, in 
 1755, Hannah Phipps of Sherborn. He died in 1796, his widow 
 in 1829, aged ninety-eight. Children: — 
 
 80. Sarah, i 750-1 844; m. in 1790 Eleazar Wheelock (38). 
 
 81. Jonathan, 1752; m. in 1779 Chloe Clark (210); lived for 
 
 a while in Medway, afterward in Shrewsbury and 
 Boylston. 
 
 82. Hannah, i 756-1 831 ; m. in 1789 Joseph Brack (9). 
 
 83. Silvanus, i 757-1837; graduated at Harvard College in 
 
 1780, and settled as a physician in Woburn. 
 
 84. Augustus, 1 759-1 850 I unmarried; inherited the homestead. 
 
 85. Sibyl, i 762-1848; unmarried. 
 
 86. Persis, 1 765-1822. 
 
 87. Caroline, 1767-1816; m. in 1795 John Cheever of 
 
 Wrentham. 
 
 88. Mary, 1771-1860 ; m. in 1796 Lovet Peters of Westboro. 
 
 89. LucRETiA, 1773: m. in 1799 William Phipps of Dedham. 
 
 There was also a son John, not recorded here, born 1775 ; died 1852, 
 in Southboro. 
 
 48. 
 
 Amos 5 (John,4 John,3 John,^ John ■) was the last of the Plimpton 
 name to possess the original homestead on Main Street. He was 
 on the board of selectmen in 1782 and 1786. He married in 1756 
 Mary Guild of Walpole, who died in 1800, aged sixty-five ; second, 
 Widow Mary Breck of Sherborn. He died in 1808, and his 
 grandson John Kingsbury canie into possession of the place. 
 Children : — 
 
 go. Molly, 1758-1813; m. in 1780 Joseph Cole (6); second, in 
 1785, Amos Kingsbury (i). 
 
 91. Elizabeth, 1761-1766. 
 
 92. John, i 763-1 765. 
 
 93. Amos, 1770-1800." 
 
 94. Mercy, 1772-1850; m. in 1795 Aaron Smith (178). 
 
 53- 
 David s (Henry,4 Henry,3 John,^ John ■) resided on his father's 
 homestead in the north-east part of the town. He married in 1761 
 Sarah Wight (73). He died in 1826, his wife in 1834, aged 
 ninety-nine. Children : — 
 
 -[-95. Henry, 1762. 
 96. Elzaphan, 1764-1819; m. in 1788 Sally Hunt, and settled 
 in Shrewsbury about 1792. 
 -I-97. David, 1768. 
 
 98. Sarah, 1774-1817; m. Daniel Chickering. 
 
 99. Anna, 1779-1803; m. in 1803 Calvin Chickering. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 463 
 
 63- 
 
 Silas 5 (Simon,4 Josepli,3 Joseph,^ John') bought in 1783 the 
 old saw-mill place at Noon Hill, where he appears to have lived 
 until his father's death. In 1805, he sold that place to his son-in- 
 law, Enos Smith, and came back to the homestead opposite the 
 cemetery. He married in 1768 Esther Clark (151), who died 
 in 1797. He died in 1818. Children:— r 
 
 100. Olive, 1770; m. in 1793 Dr. Seth Smith (116); second, 
 
 Joshua Stetson of Walpole. 
 lor. Ruth, 1772; m. in 1793 Silvanus Adams of Medway. 
 
 102. Amy, 1774; m. in 1797 Enos Smith (200). 
 
 103. Hannah, 1776; m. in 1796 Samuel Bullard of Sherborn; 
 
 second, in 1801, Eliakim Adams of Medway. 
 
 104. Katy, 1777; m. in 1805 Jeremiah Boyden of Walpole. 
 -j-106. Wales, 1782. 
 
 107. JoSEEH, 1784-1856; settled in Walpole. 
 
 67. 
 
 EzEKiEL 5 (Simon,4 Joseph,3 Joseph,^ John ■), known as "Captain 
 Zeke," was a land surveyor and an active man in town affairs. 
 In 179s, he was employed by the town to make copies of the 
 original land grants, with indexes to the same. He was repre- 
 sentative to the General Court in 1799. He married in 1779 
 Esther Boyden of Walpole. He lived, for a while at least, on the 
 west side of Noon Hill. He died in 1817, his wife in 1824. 
 Children : — 
 
 108. Oliver, 1780-1797; died at sea. 
 
 109. Charlotte, 1781 ;.m. in 1803 Andrew C. Dorr of Boston, 
 no. Sibyl, 1782-1828; m. in 1807 Zechariah Lovell of Medway. 
 
 111. Simon, 1784. 
 
 112. AsAHEL, 1 786- 1 788. 
 
 113. Lulu, i 787-1 789. 
 
 114. AsAHEL, 1790; settled in Medway. 
 
 115. SuLA, 1794-1878; m. in 1818 James Dupee of Walpole, 
 
 afterward of Boston. 
 
 116. Esther, i 796-1 868; m. in 1851 John Ellis (87). 
 
 Besides these, Alexander, not recorded here, born 1790, died in 
 Sumatra, 1818. 
 
 75- 
 Joseph s (Joseph,-* Joseph, 3 Joseph,^ John ') married Widow 
 Jane Basteen, daughter of John and Leah Mansell of Scituate, 
 who survived his death in 1801, and became the wife of Nathan 
 Partridge (36). Children : — 
 
 117. Joseph, 1790-1855; m. Mary Plimpton of Shrewsbury; 
 
 second, Catherine Newton ; lived in Boylston and Med- 
 field ; left several children. 
 
 118. Hannah, 1793-1853 ; m. in 1827 Philander Ware of Frank- 
 
 lin, and removed to Medfield about 1839, living at the 
 corner of Main and Pleasant Streets. She married, 
 second, in 1850, Joel Everett (i). 
 
464 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 77- 
 
 Benjamins (Joseph,4 Joseph,3 Joseph,^ John') lived for a 
 while on the place that had been his father's. About 1797, he 
 removed to Marlboro, N.H. He married in 1784 Milly Rhodes 
 of Walpole, who returned to Medfield, and died in 1837, aged 
 seventy-three. Children : — 
 
 119. Hannah, 1784; m. in 1806 Ebenezer Cheney (52). 
 
 120. Priscilla, 1785-1854; m. in 1811 Timothy Cheney (54). 
 
 121. Mary, 1787; m. William Richards. 
 
 122. Milly, i 790-1 S73; m. Silas Fairbanks of Medway. 
 
 123. Julia, 1792-1867; m. in 1840 Samuel W. Dudley of Boston. 
 
 124. Si-iubael, 1 795-1836; lived in Arlington. 
 
 125. Jonathan M., 1797-1866; settled in Ohio. 
 
 126. Jael, 1805-1870; m. in 1823 Warren Chenery (52). 
 
 95- 
 Henry ^ (David, s Henry,* Henry,3 John,== John ') married in 
 1792 Lois Smith of Walpole, born in 1766, daughter of Henry (75). 
 He lived on the Walpole road, at the place lately owned by heirs 
 of Isaac Guild, from 1791 to 1806. His wife died in 1800; and 
 he married, second, in 1801, Catherine Boyden (61). He died 
 in Sturbridge in 1842. Children: — 
 
 127. John, i 792-1 826. 
 
 138. Eunice, 1793; m. in 1814 Nathan Pond of Walpole; second, 
 in 1818, Daniel Pond, brother of her first husband. 
 -I-129. Amos, 1795. 
 -j-130. Warren, 1796. 
 
 131. Eliza, 1798; m. in 1818 Caleb Fisher (84); second, in 1831, 
 
 Daniel Pond ; third, Joseph Hardy. 
 
 132. Andrew, i 800-1 800. 
 
 .133. JABEZ, 1802-1877; lived in Sturbridge. 
 134. Isaac, 1804-1840; lived in Sturbridge. 
 
 97- 
 David 6 (David,5 Henry,* Henry,3 John,= John ') succeeded his 
 father on the home place. He married in 1792 Hannah Richard- 
 son (15). He died in 1837, his wife in 1843. Children: — 
 
 +135 
 136. 
 
 137' 
 138 
 
 139 
 140, 
 
 +141 
 
 Leonard, 1792. 
 Hannah, 1794-1801. 
 Charlotte, i 796-1 870. 
 James R., i 798-1 827. 
 Hannah, 1803-1806. 
 William, 1807; lived in Walpole. 
 David, 181 i. 
 
 106. 
 Wales « (Silas,5 Simon,* Joseph,3 Joseph,^ John ■) lived on the 
 estate by the cemetery, and had charge of burials for a long time. 
 He was commissioned as captain in 1810; served on the board 
 of selectmen in 1811, 1819, and 1826. He married in 1806 
 Thankful Bullard (55), who died in 1807, with her only child. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 465 
 
 He married, second, in 1809 Sarah Bullard (52), who died in 
 1828; third, in 1829, Lucy Morse of Walpole, who died in 1849. 
 He died in 1851. Children: — 
 
 142. Caroline, 1811-1831. 
 
 143. Olive, 1814-1817. 
 
 144. Sarah, 1815-1861 ; m. in 1836 Josiah A. Blake of Medway. 
 
 145. Catherine, 1816-1855; m. Fred. Newell. 
 
 146. Olive, 1819; m. Captain George Newell, Framingham. 
 
 147. William, 1822; lives in Oregon. 
 • 148. Simon, 1823 ; lives in Oregon. 
 
 149. Silas B., 1826; lives in Oregon. 
 
 150. Amy, 1 827-1 828. 
 
 iji. Lucy C, 1832; m. in 1857 Orson D. Young, Oregon. 
 
 152. Frank W., 1833-1863; died in the army, Twenty-eighth 
 
 Wisconsin Regiment. 
 
 153. George Lowell, 1836; m. in 1881 Ellen M. Parker (7). 
 
 154. Charles Fred., 1840; went to Oregon. 
 
 129. 
 
 Amos 7 (.Henry,^ David, 5 Henry,4 Henry,3 Johnj^^ John ') married 
 in 1827 Betsey Fisher (83). He died in 1852, his widow in 
 i88i. Daughter: — 
 
 155. Adaline M., 1829; m. WiUiam M. Smith, who died in 1881. 
 
 I30- 
 Warren 7 (Henry,^ David, 5 Henry,4 Henry,3 John,^ John •) 
 married in 182 1 Mary Fisher (59), and lived upon a part of her 
 father's estate in Dingle Dell. His wife died in 1852, and he 
 married in 1857 Mary A. Maynard. He died in 1880. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 156. Lois, 1821 ; m. in 1847 William R. Williams. 
 
 157. Betsey, 1823 ; m. in 1850 Reuben E. Fisk of HoUiston. 
 
 158. Edmund O., 1827-1878; m. in 1848 Mary E. Fuller of 
 
 Boston, who died in 1851. Two children were born here, 
 who died in infancy. He married second, in 1857, Lois 
 Hayden of Marlboro. 
 
 159. Andrew F., 1829; m. in 1868 Catherine Waite of Milford. 
 
 160. Mary L., 1832; m. in 1852 Rufus L. Chandler; second, 
 
 George Rice ; third, in 1863, F. A. Wiley of Westboro. 
 
 161. Warren H., 1835; m. in 1859 Lucy Campbell. 
 
 162. John L., 1837; m. in 1866 Marion Hayes of HoUiston. 
 
 163. Harriet M., 1840-1876; m. Albert Cleale of Sherborn. 
 
 164. Abby L., 1858. 
 
 135- 
 Leonard 7 (David,* David,5 Henry,4 Henry,3 John,^ John ■) 
 married in 1819 Sarah T. Lane of Scituate. After a residence 
 of a few years in Medfield, he removed to Walpole ; died in 1873. 
 Children : — 
 
 165. Henry R., 1820 ; furniture dealer in Boston. 
 
 166. Joanna L., 1822 ; m. in 1845 Henry Clark. 
 
466 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 167. James A., 1824-1825. 
 
 168. Sarah E., 1S26-1856. . 
 
 169. James L., 1828 ; furniture dealer m New York. 
 
 170. Mary A., 1830. 
 
 171. Hannah E., 1833. 
 
 172. George L., 1835-1854. 
 
 173. Francis M., 1837-1838. 
 
 141. 
 
 David 7 (David,^ David,5 Henry,4 Henry,3 John == John ■) 
 married in 1840 Eunice M. Ware of Walpole, who died in 188 1. 
 Children : — 
 
 174. David E., 1843-1881. 
 
 175. Elizabeth, 1845; m. in 1862 William F. Guild. 
 
 176. Caroline L., 1846; m. in 1877 John J. Demerritt. 
 
 177. Frederick W., 1850. 
 
 178. 
 
 George 1 (Ziba,6 Ziba.s James,4 John.s John,^ John ■) was born 
 in Sharon in 1808. He married in 1830 Mary Tolman of Sharon, 
 where he resided until his death in 1867, after which the family 
 removed to Medfield. Children : — 
 
 179. George P., 1831-1833. 
 
 180. Mary J., 1832-1887; m. in 1852 Jeremiah B. Hale. 
 
 181. George H., 1834-1857. 
 
 182. Josephine, 1836. 
 
 183. Frances E., 1838; m. in 1858 Samuel I. Monk, who died 
 
 in 1859; second, in 1865, George R. Braman. 
 
 184. Eunice T., 1840; m. in 1863 Charles F. White. 
 
 185. Charles P., 1843. 
 
 186. Walter S., 1845-1845. 
 
 187. Melvin G., 1848. 
 
 188. Sarah H., 1851-1857. 
 
 PRATT. 
 
 John Pratt was the son of John of Dorchester. He came to 
 Medfield in 1655, and was accepted as a townsman. John settled 
 on the place that had belonged to Henry Glover, who died in 
 165s, on North, opposite Pine Street. He married in 1661 
 Rebecca Colburn of Dedham ; died in 1707. Children: — 
 
 2. Rebecca, i 662-1 682. 
 
 3. Mary, i 663-1 743 ; ra. in 1687 Samuel Wight (15). 
 -\-\. John, 1665. 
 
 5. Samuel, 1668-1674. 
 
 6. Hannah, 1670; m. John Eaton, probably of Reading. 
 
 7. Timothy, 1672-1672. 
 
 8. Nathaniel, 1673-1674. 
 
 9. Priscilla, 1674; m. in 1700 Samuel Bushnell of Say- 
 
 brook, Conn. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 467 
 
 10. Joseph, 1677-1677. 
 
 11. 5 Mehitable, 1678-1678. 
 
 12. 1 Sarah, 1678-1750; m. in 1702 Samuel Clark (38). 
 
 13. Elizabeth, 1682-1702; m. in 1700 Timothy Clark (28). 
 
 14. Deborah, 1684-1706; m. in 1703 Henry Smith (20). 
 
 4- 
 John 2 (John ■) settled in Reading. He married in 1691 Sarah 
 Batchelder, who died in 1751, aged eighty. He died in 1744. 
 Son : — 
 
 +15. John, 1692. 
 
 Five other children settled in Reading. 
 
 15- 
 John 3 (John,^ John ') was a joiner by trade. He came from 
 Reading to Medfield, perhaps in early life, to live with his grand- 
 father. At all events, he inherited his estate. He married in 
 17 17 Mehitable Mason (9). She died in 1745; and he married 
 second, in 1746, Hannah, widow of John Ellis (8). He was 
 chosen deacon of the old church in 1746. He died in 1753, his 
 widow in 1760. Children: — 
 
 16. Sarah, 1718-1746; m. in 1740 Seth Wight (58). 
 
 17. Mehitable, 1721 ; m. in 1745 Daniel Sanders of Walpole. 
 • 18. John, 1725; said to be of Reading in 1760. 
 
 -I-19. Jesse, 1727. 
 20. Hannah, i 729-1 748. 
 2t. Elizabeth, 1731 ; m. in 1763 Rev. Nathan Webb. 
 
 ig. 
 
 Jesse 4 (John,3 John,^ John ') possessed his father's homestead. 
 In 1756, he bought the town's land lying between his house and 
 Dale Street, twelve acres. There seems to have been a house on 
 the north-east side of the street in his day, besides the one in 
 which he lived. He married in 1750 Abigail Plimpton (54), who 
 died of small-pox in 1776. He died in 1770. Children: — 
 
 -(-22. Jesse, 1751. 
 
 23. Shubael, 1753-1816; was a physician. 
 
 24. John, i 756-1 757- 
 -[-25. Simeon. 
 
 26. John, 1761. 
 
 27. Abigail, 1764. 
 
 22. 
 
 Jesses (Jesse,* John, 3 John,^ John-) married in 1774 Kezia 
 Allen of Dedham ; inherited the house on the north-east side of 
 th^ way, on the spot now owned by N. F. Harding. He died 
 inNi776, leaving one son, Ira, who in 1798 married Elizabeth 
 Break of Sherborn, where he settled. Kezia, widow of Jesse, 
 married in 1800 Joseph Johnson (7), who came to Medfield, and 
 
468 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 lived in the house that had belonged to the Pratt family. The 
 old house west of the road seems to have disappeared in 1798, but 
 the barn still remained. 
 
 25- 
 
 Simeon s (Jesse,4 John,3 John,^ John ') inherited a portion of 
 the original homestead on the west side of the road, which he 
 disposed of, and removed from town. He was living in Sudbury 
 in 1793, and died in 1802. He married in 1783 Mary Ellis (45), 
 who returned to MedHeld, and died here in 1854, aged ninety-four. 
 Children : — 
 
 28. Polly, 1784-1805. 
 
 29. Horace, i 786-1808. 
 
 30. John, i 788-1 789. 
 
 31. John, 1790-1812. 
 
 32. Shubael, 1792-1816. 
 
 33. Abigail, 1796-1817. 
 
 PRENTISS. 
 
 Thomas Prentiss was the son of Rev. Joshua Prentiss of Hol- 
 liston, and was born in 1747. He graduated from Harvard 
 College in 1766, and studied theology with his father. He began 
 to preach in 1769; and in May, 1770, he received a call to settle 
 in Medfield at a salary of ;^7i gs. ^d., and an encouragement 
 of ;£'i6o. He was ordained Oct. 31, 1770, and was married the 
 same day to Abigail Bigelow of Weston. 
 
 The following year,, he bought of Simeon Cutler the place 
 on North Street, now owned by George Davis, which was his 
 homestead during life. His wife died in 1786, leaving no chil- 
 dren; and in 1789 he married Mercy, daughter of Dr. John Scollay 
 of Boston. His salary being insufficient for the expenses of his 
 family, he not only adopted a very simple style of living, but 
 usually had four or six lads in his family to fit for college. He 
 was a member of several religious and charitable associations, and 
 was a man of influence in the Congregationalist churches of this 
 region, often preaching on occasions of public interest. Fifteen 
 printed discourses of his are mentioned. No portrait of him 
 is known to exist. He is described in old age as having hair 
 as white as snow, which he wore in long, natural curls on his 
 shoulders. He died in 1814, his widow in 1841. Children: — 
 
 2. Mary, i 790-1 849; m. in 181 7 Rev. Rufus Hurlbut of 
 
 Sudbury. 
 
 3. Abigail, 1791-1848; m. in 1822 Jeremiah Baker of West 
 
 Dedham. 
 
 4. Thomas, 1793-1817; entered Harvard College at the age 
 
 of fourteen, graduated in 1811. In 1812, he taught the 
 Brookline grammar school ; was licensed to preach* in 
 1814, and in 1817 was settled first pastor of the Harvard 
 Church in Charlestown, where he died of typhus fever 
 a few months afterward. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 469 
 
 5. Elizabeth, 1794; m. in 1835 Israel Trask of Beverly. 
 
 6. Catherine, 1796-1833; m. in 1828 Dr. Thomas Stearns of 
 
 Sudbury; taught school here in 1818. 
 
 7. Henry, 1798-1839; graduated at Harvard College in 1817; 
 
 settled as a physician in- Gloucester; taught school here 
 in 1818. 
 
 8. John, i 799-1861; graduated at Harvard in 1818; taught 
 
 school here in 18 17; became president of Baltimore Col- 
 lege, and in his last years he resided at a place near 
 Baltimore, which he named Medfield. He was killed by 
 a railroad accident, while going to procure the discharge 
 of a minor son of his who had been inveigled into the 
 rebel army. 
 
 9. Mercy S., 1801-1877; m. in 1840 George Davis, and 
 
 inherited the homestead. 
 10. William, 1803-1834; graduated at Harvard in 1825. He 
 was a teacher in Baltimore, where he also studied law ; 
 came to Boston for a surgical operation, and died in 
 the hospital. 
 
 RICHARDS. 
 
 Lewis M. Richards, son of Calvin and Lucinda (Leland) Rich- 
 ards, was born in Dover in 1823. After serving time and working 
 at the trade of blacksmithing for a few years in Medway, about 
 1845 he came to Medfield to work in Partridge's fork factory. 
 He married in 1846 Eliza J. Harding, daughter of Theophilus and 
 Mary of Medway. Since 1872, he has been a dealer in coal and 
 wood. Children : — 
 
 2. Ella, 1847; m. in 1865 William Crane. 
 
 3. Emma F., 1850-1851. 
 
 4. Mary Frances, 1853-1873; m. in 1875 William Bowers. 
 
 5. Addison M., 1858-1879; m. in 1879 Ella A. BuUard of 
 
 Walpole, who died in i88o. 
 
 6. Emma L., 1863. 
 
 RICHARDSON. 
 
 John Richardson was the son of John of Watertown. He 
 was at Wells in 1673, but it is supposed that the unsettled state 
 of the claims in that part of the country and the hostility of the 
 Indians induced him to seek settlement in this direction. The 
 first we hear of John is in September, 1676, when he is credited 
 with a month's service in the Medfield garrisons. In 1678, he 
 had a grant from the town of land on the west side of the river; 
 and in 1679 he married Rebecca Clark (10). He died in 1697, 
 and his widow became the wife of John Hill. Children : — 
 
 2. John, 1679-1759; m. Esther Breck of Sherborn; was a 
 
 prominent citizen of Medway. 
 
 3. Elizabeth, 1681 ; died prior to 171 1. 
 
 4. Daniel, 1685-1747; settled in Medway. 
 -(-5. Joseph, 1687. 
 
 6. Mehitable, 1689; died prior to 1711. 
 
 7. Rebecca, 1697; m. in 171 2 Eleazar Hill. 
 
470 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 5- 
 
 Joseph ^ (John ') settled on the east side of the river. He mar- 
 ried in 1706 Hannah Barber (14), the last survivor of her father's 
 family and sole heir to the estate on Main Street now owned by 
 heirs of Bradford Curtis. His wife died in 1755 ; and he married 
 Elizabeth, widow of Solomon Clark (19), who died in 1766. He 
 died in 1768. Children: — 
 
 9' 
 10, 
 
 +11 
 +12, 
 
 13 
 
 14, 
 
 Joseph, 1707. 
 
 Mary, 1708- 1774; m. in 1745 Thomas Wight (24). 
 
 Samuel, 1713-1811 ; settled in Wrentham. 
 
 James, 171 5. 
 
 Seth, 1719. 
 
 Ebenezer, 1722. 
 
 Peter, i 723-1 748. 
 
 James 3 Qoseph,^ John ') came into possession of the Thurston 
 homestead, where James Hewins now lives. He married in 1768 
 Hannah Clapp of Walpole, daughter of Stephen, who died in 1776 ; 
 second, in 1785, Bathsheba Richardson of Medway. He was a 
 member of the board of selectmen in 1758. He died in 1790. 
 Children : — 
 
 15. Hannah, i 769-1 843; m. in 1792 David Plimpton (97). 
 
 16. James, 1771-1858; graduated at Harvard College in 1797; 
 
 taught school here in 1 791-1794; settled as a lawyer in 
 Dedham ; was a delegate from that town to the conven- 
 tion for revising the constitution in 1816. He married 
 Sarah E. Richards of Dedham. 
 
 Seth 3 (Joseph,^ John ') inherited the home place of his father. 
 He married in 1746 Bathsheba Morse (60), who died in 1750; 
 second, in 1751, Dinah, widow of Samuel Clark (91). About 1770, 
 he removed to a place called New Rutland, and the following year 
 asked for a letter of dismission from the Medfield church. He 
 was recommended as one who, notwithstanding his dissent in 
 opinion, had exhibited a Christian temper and conversation. The 
 house which he had occupied, said to have been built in 1735, was 
 moved fn 1780 to the corner of North Street, where, having been 
 remodelled, it is still occupied as a residence. Children : — 
 
 17. Silas, 1748; m. Silence Daniels of Medway, and went 
 
 to Rutland district, now Barre, afterward to Chester- 
 field, N.H. 
 
 18. Bathsheba, 1750; probably died in infancy. 
 
 19. Bathsheba, 1752. 
 
 20. Paul, 1754. 
 
 21. Peter, 1755. 
 
 22. Jonathan, 1758. 
 
 23. Seth, 1760. 
 
 24. George, 1762. 
 
 25. Charles, 1765. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 47 1 
 
 26. 
 
 Moses s (Moses,* Moses,3 John,^ John ') was born in Medway in 
 1778. He married Patty, daughter of Dr. Aaron Wight (78). He 
 bought in 1803 the estate of Dr. James Gerauld, where he kept 
 a tavern for some years. He served as a selectman six years. 
 His wife died in 1854; and he married, second, Rebecca Harts- 
 horn of Dover. He died in 1859. Children : — 
 
 27. Abigail, 1804-1855; m. Simeon Richardson (29). 
 
 28. Martha, 1806; m. Warren Colburn of Dedhatn. 
 
 29. 
 
 Simeon s (Simeon,* Moses,3 John,^ John ') was born in Medway 
 in 1799. He marrie'd Abigail Richardson (27), removed to Med- 
 field, where he woiked at his trade as a cooper. He built the 
 stone house in the easterly part of the town, lately destroyed by 
 fire, was a member of the board of selectmen in 1843 ^.nd 1844. 
 His wife died in 1854, and he married in 1856 Huldah Harlow. 
 He died in 1874. Children : — 
 
 30. MosES, 1822; resided in Dedhatn. 
 
 31. 5 Mary, 1835-1871. 
 
 32. ( Martha, 1835; m. in 1857 Chapman S. Ricker. 
 
 33. Emma F., i860. 
 
 ROBERTS. 
 
 Robert Roberts was born in Plymouth in 1800. During his 
 early years, the family resided in Boston, and were possessed of 
 large wealth. At his majority, he came into possession of a fort- 
 une of $200,000. In 1824, he married Adaline Rowe, daughter 
 of James, of Boston. A year or two afterward, he purchased the 
 homestead of Dr. Danielson in Medfield, and removed hither. 
 The place is that now owned by Charles Dunn. Though naturally 
 genial and having good abilities, together with affable manners, his 
 early years were marked by habits of dissipation ; but during the 
 latter part of his life this was entirely reformed. His first wife 
 died in 185 1 j and the following year he married Helen M. Brown, 
 grand-daughter of Dr. Sanders (i). He then sold his p\g.ce and 
 removed to the Sanders homestead, which he improved, and, in- 
 deed, substantially rebuilt. He died in 1872. 
 
 ROCKWOOD. 
 
 Nicolas Rockwood was the son of Richard of Braintree. His 
 house lot was on Bridge Street, a little westward of where Charles 
 Russell now lives. His first wife, Jane, died in 1654, and he mar- 
 ried in 1656 Margaret Holbrook. She died in 1670; and in 1675 
 he married Silence Duntling, who died in 1677. He was burned 
 out by the Indians in 1676. The house was rebuilt, and it was 
 
472 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 deeded to his son-in-law, John Partridge. Nicolas, in 1678, ex- 
 changed land on this side for a grant west of the river ; and it is 
 probable that after the death of his third wife he lived with one 
 of his sons on the west side. 
 
 The estate of Nicolas included no houses. He died in 1680. 
 This name is often spelled Rocket in the old records. Children : 
 
 --3. Samuel. 
 
 4. JOSIAH. 
 
 5. Benjamin, 1651. 
 
 6. Elizabeth, 1657-1688; m. in 1678 John Partridge (46). 
 
 7. Joseph, 1659; m. in 1679 Hannah Partridge (47), who had 
 one child, Hannah, in 1680, and died the same year. 
 Joseph died in Swansea in 1693. 
 
 -(-8. John, 1662. 
 
 9. Nathaniel, 1665-1726; m. in 1698 Joanna Ellis (60); set- 
 tled in Wrentham. 
 10. Isaac, 1677-1677. 
 
 Samuel 2 (Nicolas ') was a tanner by trade. In 1667, his father 
 secured a grant of " four acres, bounded east by the brook, taking 
 in the brook at the north-east corner, being granted for the en- 
 couragement of his son Samuel to set up the business of tanning, 
 a cartway to lie through the end next to the brook." This tanyard 
 was near the crossing on Railroad Street. He married in 167 1 
 Hannah Ellis (4). He was on the board of selectmen in 1709, 
 1710, 1712, 1714, and 1715; chosen deacon in 1710. His first 
 wife died in 1717; and he married in the following year Sarah 
 Haws of Dedham, widow of Nathaniel. He died in 1728, and 
 gave his estate to his grandson Samuel Hinsdale (15). Children : 
 
 11. Hannah, 1673-1730; m. John Hill (4). 
 
 12. Susanna, 1675-1712; m. Samuel Hinsdale (14); second, 
 
 Ebenezer Thompson. 
 
 13. Samuel, 1677-1684. 
 
 14. Abigail, 1679-1696; m. in 1696 Joshua Wight (13). 
 
 15. Eleazar, 1681-1693. 
 
 16. Patience, 1682-1683. 
 
 17. Joseph, 1686; probably died young. 
 
 18. Deliverance, i 689-1 692. 
 
 JosiAH 2 (Nicolas •) settled on the west side of the river. He 
 married in 1677 Mary Twichell (3), who died in 1699 ; second, in 
 1703, Sarah, widow of Samuel Wheelock (5). He died in 1728. 
 Children : — 
 
 19. Israel, 1677-1704; was a soldier. 
 
 20. John, 1679. 
 
 21. Mary, 1681-1762; m. in 1711 Samuel Turner (18-). 
 
 22. Bethia, 1683; m. in 1712 William Burgess. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 473 
 
 23. Mehitable, 1686-1763; m. in 1709 John Allen (12); sec- 
 
 ond, in 1755, Samuel Clark (38). 
 
 24. Hannah, 1691 ; died young. 
 
 25. Joanna, 1693; m. Gershom Wait of Sutton. 
 
 26. Hannah, 1696 ; m. Joshua Whitney of Uxbridge. 
 
 Benjamin 2 (Nicolas') went as a soldier to the eastward in 
 Philip's war. July 4, 1677, "Ben: Rockett of Medfield " is re- 
 ported wounded at Salem, — " two shots in thigh." 
 
 In 1742, being then ninety-one years of age, he sent a petition 
 for aid to the General Court : — 
 
 "Benjamin Rockwood, Sen., of Wrentham, on account of being 
 twice wounded in the eastward about the time of Philip's war, 
 and having taken a sudden cold, he was sent to Salem for the 
 cure of his wounds, and his recovery. He was there a quarter of 
 a year before he could be removed home, and had never fully re- 
 covered, but was left in habitual ill state of health, and was de- 
 pendent on others." He had received no pay, and was supported 
 by his eldest son-in-law, William Mann, Sen., and asks a grant of 
 unappropriated land for William Mann. The said Mann testifies 
 " that his father Rockwood is a man of verity and truth, and that 
 his statement can be confirmed by his aged Medfield acquaintance 
 where he was born." His neighbors in Wrentham also send a 
 statement that they " verily believe that his ill state of health was 
 occasioned by the hard service that happened to him at Blackpoint 
 under command of Capt. Swet." The court granted him £4 a 
 year during life. He married in 1678 Judith Ellis (53), having 
 settled in Wrentham somewhat earlier. He is said to have been 
 the man who discovered the trail leading to Indian Rock. He 
 was one of the constituent members of the Wrentham church. 
 He died in 1747. Children ; — 
 
 27. Bethia, 1679; m. William Mann of Wrentham. 
 
 28. Judith, 1680. 
 
 29. Mary, 1683-1763 ; m. in 1708 Samuel Fisher (11). 
 
 30. Patience, 1686. 
 
 31. Hezekiah, 1 688-1 689. 
 
 8. 
 
 John ^ (Nicholas ') settled on the west side. He married in 
 1688 Bethia Twichell. He was constable in 1709, and sealer of 
 weights and measures the next year. He was also the first town 
 clerk of Medway. His children are recorded here. He married, 
 second, in 1710 Sarah Adams (129). He died in 1746. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 32. Bethia, 1689; m. in 171 1 Daniel Lawrence. 
 
 33. John, 1690-1706. 
 
 34. Joseph, 1 692-1 774; settled at Oxford. 
 
 35. Samuel, i 695-1 754; m. Mary White of Mendon; lived in 
 
 West Medway. 
 
474 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 36. Benjamin, 1697; m. Rachel Morse; went to Grafton. 
 
 37. Deborah, 1700. 
 
 38. Hezekiah, 1 702-1 757; settled in Medway on the homestead. 
 
 39. John, 1706; m. in 1733 Hannah Fisher of Dedham ; settled 
 
 in Hopkinton. 
 
 ROWE. 
 
 William D. Rowe was born in Boston in 18 12. He lived in 
 this town while a boy with his brother-in-law, Robert Roberts. 
 In 1841, he married Lydia A. Hamant (51), and resided for 
 a year or two in Dedham, after which, for several years, on the 
 estate which had belonged to her father on High Street. In 
 1850, he built the house east of the cemetery. He died in 1884. 
 Daughter : — 
 
 2. Mary A., 1843; m. in 1864 William Marshall (4). 
 
 RUGGLES. 
 
 Josiah Ruggles of Dover came from Medway to Medfield 
 about 1799. He lived for some time in a house that stood on 
 the west side of Frairy Street, nearly opposite the wire factory. 
 It is not known that he owned real estate here. He married in 
 1793 Susan Newell. Children : — 
 
 2. Joseph, i 798-1 873; m. Betsey, daughter of James Forbes 
 
 of Rutland, who died in 1864, aged fifty-eight. 
 
 3. Mary, 1800. 
 
 4. John, 1802. 
 
 5. Thomas, 1804-1859; left one daughter, Mary E., born 1849. 
 
 6. John, 1807-1808. 
 
 7. Obed, 1813. 
 
 RUSSELL. 
 
 Arnold Russell was born in Sherborn in 1778. He was the 
 son of Thomas Russell and wife, Abigail Perry (9). Thomas was 
 living in Medfield in the year 1783. Arnold married in 1806 
 Charity Lovell (40), and inherited her father's homestead on 
 Bridge Street. He died in 1853, his wife in 1856. Children: — 
 
 -|-2. Daniel P., 1807. 
 
 4-3. Arnold, 1809. 
 
 4. Mary, 1811 ; m. in 1842 Henry Harding (86). 
 
 5. Harriet, 1816; m. in 1864 Nathaniel Bird of Walpole. 
 
 Daniel P.^ (Arnold ■) lived on the Lovell place on Bridge 
 Street. He married in 1832 Polly Hamant (48). He died in 
 1875. Children: — 
 
 6. Abigail L., 1834; m. in 1883 John Clark of Medway. 
 
 7. Charles H., 1836; m. in 1874 Rhoda Clark of Medway. 
 
 8. Walter, 1843-1867; m. in 1866 Catherine Bruce (s). 
 
GENEALOGIES. 475 
 
 3- 
 
 Arnold 2 (Arnold'). He married Margaret ; died in 
 
 i860. Children : — 
 
 9. Harriet E., 1843 ; m. in 1862 Lewis Golding. 
 
 10. William, 1.844. 
 
 11. George L., 1847. 
 
 12. Francis H., 1850. 
 
 13. Joseph P., 1853. 
 
 14. Edmund O., 1858-1861. 
 
 SABIN. 
 
 William Sabin was one of the original settlers of Rehoboth, 
 and a man of considerable property and influence. His first wife 
 died about 1660 ; and he married, second, Martha Allen (4) in 
 1663. He had twelve children by the first marriage, and eight by 
 the second. He died in 1687. We trace the following of his 
 children : — 
 
 -\-2. Benjamin, 1646. 
 
 3. Experience, 1648-1728; m. in 1672 Samuel Bullen (2). 
 
 4. Mary, 1652-1674; m. Nathaniel Allen (7). 
 
 5. Abigail, 1653-1721 ; m. in 1674 Joseph Bullen (6). 
 
 6. Hannah, 1654-1730; m. in 1673 Joseph Allen (8). 
 
 Benjamin ^ (William ') was in Rehoboth till the Indian troubles 
 in 1676 caused him' to remove to Roxbury. In 1686, he pur- 
 chased a tract of land at Woodstock, afterward Pomfret, Conn. 
 He married, first, Sarah Policy ; second, Sarah Parker. We trace 
 the following among his children : — 
 
 7. Sarah, 1679-1704; m. in 1703 Samuel Adams (173). 
 
 -\-8. Nehemiah, 1681. 
 
 9. Experience, 1686-1771; m. in 1705 David Morse (128). 
 
 -|-io. Stephen. 
 
 8. 
 
 Nehemiah 3 (Benjamin,^ William') married in 1702 Elizabeth 
 Boyden (10). 7a 1705, he received a grant of land for a house 
 which was near Mt. Nebo, evidently at the place called " Goudy." 
 About 1716, he removed to Pomfret, Conn. He died in 1746. 
 In Medfield, he had four children : — 
 
 11. Abigail, 1703. 
 
 12. Sarah, 1709. 
 
 13. Elizabeth, 1711. 
 
 14. Nehemiah, 1713. 
 
 10. 
 
 Stephens (Benjamin,^ William') kept school here in 1716. 
 The next year, then said to be late of Pomfret, Conn., he bought 
 ten acres of land of his uncle, Samuel Bullen, who had married his 
 
476 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 father's sister. In 1720, Samuel gave him the homestead, he to 
 give him life maintenance. The same year he was chosen town 
 treasurer. In 1721, he kept school again. He married in 1718 
 Elizabeth, daughter of John Mason of Dedham. She died in 
 1730 ; and he married Susanna, widow of John Plimpton (14), 
 who survived him, and married Joseph Plimpton (18). At his 
 death, he owned a farm-house besides his dwelling-house, which, 
 from the various references to it, we are quite sure was that 
 formerly owned by his brother Nehemiah. He owned also an 
 Indian boy, valued at £g. He died in 1737, and the estate 
 passed into the hands of his son-in-law, Richard Mann. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 15. Sarah, 1718-1748 ; m. Richard Mann (i). 
 
 16. Elizabeth, 1720-1744 
 
 17. Patience, i 722-1 751 ; m. in 1741 Simon Harding (42). 
 
 18. Phebe, 1725-1745. 
 
 19. Stephen, 1727-1744. 
 
 32. Abigail, 1729; probably died young. 
 
 SALISBURY. 
 
 William Salisbury was born in Brattleboro, Vt., in 1783. He 
 early went to Derby Line, Vt., where he married Sarah Pettis, 
 who died about 18 10. While at Derby Line, he was postmaster, 
 also tavern and store keeper, besides running a farm. He married 
 in 1814 Mary Holland of Walpole, N.H., and in 1829 removed 
 to Groton, Mass., whence he removed to Medfield in 1841. He 
 bought the place on Elm Street of John W. Adams, where he 
 resided until his death in 1857. His wife died in 1856. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 2. Sophia E., 1802-1882; m. Ephraim Parsons of Derby Line ; 
 
 second, in 1841 Benjamin F. Lindsay of Winchester, 
 Mass. 
 
 3. William H., 1804-1868; resided in Sharon, Mass. 
 
 4. Eliza, 1808-1877 ; m. Foster Lamson of West Randolph, Vt. 
 
 5. Sarah, 1810-1885; m. in 1832 P. G. Prescott of Groton, 
 
 Mass. 
 
 6. Mary H., 1815-1849; m. Jesse A. Strangq, St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 7. Harriet L., 1817-1843 ; died at St. Charles, Mo. 
 
 8. Charles P., 1819-1883. 
 
 9. Stella L, 1820-1821. 
 
 10. Stella L., 1823-1860; died at Marlboro, Mass. 
 
 11. Ellen A., 1825; m. in 1851 Levi L. Stevens of Marlboro- 
 
 one son, Waldo L, born in Medfield, 1852. 
 
 12. Ann M., 1827; resides in Marlboro. 
 
 SANDERS. 
 
 Daniel C. Sanders was born in Sturbridge in 1768 His 
 father and mother were botlj of Medfield stock, though residents 
 of Sturbridge before their marriage. His father was Michael, son 
 
GENEALOGIES. 477 
 
 of Daniel Sanders, who married in 1715 Sarah Metcalf (13). His 
 mother was Azubah, daughter of Moses Clark (47). His father 
 died of consumption in 1773, and his mother married Ebenezer 
 Fisher of Needham, and removed to that town in 1775. 
 
 He was fitted for college by Rev. Samuel West of Needham, 
 and graduated from Harvard in 1788. In 1789, he was made 
 preceptor in the Cambridge High School. He studied theology 
 with Dr. Prentiss of Medfield, taught the North School here in 
 1790, and was licensed to preach in the same year by the Dedham 
 Association. His first sermon was preached at Medfield. He 
 married Nancy, daughter of Dr. Jabez Fitch of Canterbury, Conn. 
 He was ordained as pastor of the church in Vergennes, Vt, in 
 1794. In 1798, he preached the Election Sermon. He resigned 
 his pastoral charge to assume the presidency of the University of 
 Vermont, to which he had been elected in 1800, and received the 
 degree of D.D. from Harvard College in 1809. In 1814, the 
 buildings being occupied by the American troops, his family left 
 Burlington May 14, the British flotilla appearing before the town 
 and bombardment being expected. 
 
 He came to Medfield in September, and was installed here in 
 the following spring. In 1817, he preached the Artillery Election 
 Sermon in Boston. He was a member of the convention for 
 the revision of the constitution in 1820-21. He preached on many 
 occasions of public interest, and several of his addresses were 
 printed. The first historical sketch of the town was prepared by 
 him, and delivered as a sermon in 1817. After the division of the 
 church and the organization of the Orthodox Congregationalist 
 church, he signified his readiness to withdraw from the pastoral 
 relation ; and on May 24, 1829, his ministry ended. 
 
 He continued to reside in town, however, his homestead, which 
 he bought in 1818, being that now owned and occupied by 
 Henry S. Brown; and he filled many positions of trust in town 
 affairs. He was representative to the General Court in 1832, 
 1833, 1834, and 1835, was a member of the board of selectmen 
 repeatedly, and prominent on the school committee for several 
 years. He died in 1850, and his wife in the same year. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 2. Laura H., 1798-1870; m. in 1818 David S. Brown of New 
 
 York. 
 
 3. Miranda W. ; m. in 1822 Amos Parker of Concord, N.H. 
 
 4. Henry F., 1804-1835; was a physician. 
 
 Besides these, one son and four daughters died in childhood. 
 
 SEAVER. 
 
 Joshua Seaver and his wife Hannah were residing in this town 
 as early as 1769. Both she and her husband in 1797 were dis- 
 missed to the church in Hartland, Vt. He was here again, how- 
 ever, in 1802. He does not appear to have been an owner of 
 
478 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 real estate. Hannah died here in 1812. In 1827, Joshua was a 
 pauper, and died in 1837, aged ninety-five. Children : — 
 
 2. Thomas, 1769. 
 
 3. Mary, 1770. 
 -)-4. Leonard, 1777. 
 
 5. Samuel, 1780; m. in 1807 Lucy Murdock; kept the store on 
 the corner of North and Main Streets, and was the first 
 postmaster of Medfield, serving from 1807 to 1809. He 
 appears to have removed to Medway and to Walpole, 
 where he died in iSzt. 
 
 Leonard^ (Joshua') married in 1802 Charlotte Cutler (20). 
 In the same year, he bought one-half of the Cooledge house on 
 North Street. He died in 1832. Children : — 
 
 6. Eliza, 1803. 
 
 7. Charlotte, 1804. 
 
 8. William, 1806; m. Sally Fisher; lives in Ashland. 
 
 9. Charles, 1808. 
 10. Leonard, 1810. 
 
 SEWALL. 
 
 Rev. Charles C. 
 Sewall, youngest 
 son of Hon. Samuel 
 Sewall, of Marble- 
 head, was born in 
 1802. He was edu- 
 cated at Exeter 
 Academy and Bow- 
 doin College. He 
 taught school in 
 Medfield and in 
 Dedham, where he 
 afterward studied 
 theology with Dr. 
 Larason ; was o r- 
 dained as pastor of 
 the First Unitarian 
 Church in Danvers 
 (now Peabody) in 
 1827. He resigned 
 in 1841, and two 
 years after removed 
 to Medfield, where 
 
 he resided till his 
 
 death in 1886. He 
 married in 1823 
 Children : — 
 
 REV. CHARLES C. SEWALL. 
 
 Amy Peters (25), who died in 1872. 
 
 2. Mary A., 1S25-1829. 
 
 3. Elizabeth S., 1827. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 479 
 
 4. Mary A., 1829. 
 
 5. Rebecca P., 1831-1855. 
 
 6. Charles C, 1834; m. in 1859 Mary Fairbanks (47). 
 
 7. Ellen F., i 836-1 858. 
 
 8. William P., 1839-1860. 
 
 9. Edward U., 1843; 
 
 10. Alice O., 1847. 
 
 11. Henry D., 1850; m. in 1880 Ella Clark (300). 
 
 SHEPPARD. 
 
 John Sheppard of Braintree was probably one of those who 
 were intending to come to Medfield at its settlement, but died in 
 1650. His widow Margaret and her children came here with the 
 rest of the Braintree people, and had a grant for a house lot on 
 Bridge Street, a little way from the corner of Main Street. The 
 spot is not easily identified. Margaret died in December, 1675. 
 Children : — 
 
 2. Samuel; died in 1641 at Braintree. 
 
 3. Hannah; m. in 1656 Thomas Holbrook; died in 1668. 
 
 4. Elizabeth; m. in 1661 John Warfield (i). 
 
 5. Samuel ; inherited the homestead. The house was burned 
 
 by the Indians in 1676, but he seems to have rebuilt it and 
 to have lived here a short time afterward. In a few years, 
 he removed to Mendon, where he died in 1690. 
 
 Dr. Timothy Sheppard is said to have come here from Sher- 
 born and to have practiced in his profession a few years. He 
 bought the estate of John Green, on Main Street, now owned by 
 Miss Sewall, which he sold in 1793 to Artemas Woodward of 
 Brookline, and removed to Hopkinton. Children: — 
 
 7. Mary, 1788. 
 
 8. Elizabeth, 1790. 
 
 9. Anna, 1793. 
 
 SHUMWAY. 
 
 Benjamin F. Shumway was born in Dover in 1823, son of 
 John Shumway and Abigail Wight, daughter of Amos (104). He 
 came to this town in 1840, and succeeded Nathan Wight (109), his 
 uncle, in the possession of the place on Farm Street. He married 
 in 1846 Lucy A. Cutler (28). Children:' — 
 
 2. Nathan W., 1848. 
 
 3. Benjamin F., i 850-1 850. 
 
 4. Albert C, 1851. 
 
 SMITH. 
 
 Henry Smith came from England in 1637, bringing his wife 
 Elizabeth and his two eldest sons. He settled in Dedham, where 
 he was burned out in 1641, as we learn from the records of that 
 
480 HISTORY "OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 town. He came to Medfield in 1651-52, and took up his house 
 lot on South Street, at the foot of Mr. Wilson's field. He seems 
 to have had the confidence of his townsmen, as he served them on 
 the board of selectmen thirteen years. His wife Elizabeth died 
 in 1670. He died in 1687. Children: — 
 
 -j-2. John. 
 
 -(-3. Seth. 
 
 4. Daniel, 1639. 
 
 -{-$. Samuel, 1641. 
 
 6. Joseph, 1643-1661. 
 
 John 2 (Henry), with wife Lydia, was in Dedham in 1660. 
 Afterward, he came to Medfieldj and owned a house on the south 
 side of a road running east and west, probably Canal Street. 
 The location is difficult to fix, — possibly not far from the place 
 now or lately owned by the Bishop heirs. In 1686, he signed a 
 quitclaim to all part in his father's estate ; and in his father's will, 
 1687, he is mentioned as being of Taunton. He sold rights to 
 Eleazar Bullard, who lived in the locality above referred to. In 
 1692, John Smith was at town-meeting here again. Two years 
 after, Lydia, wife of John Smith of Marlboro, sold land in this 
 town near road leading to Sherborn. Nothing further is known. 
 Children : — 
 
 7. John, 1660. Being a non-resident, he in 16S9 received a 
 
 grant of land in Medfield. In 1690, he enlisted for the 
 expedition to Canada; and he made a will, giving to his 
 friend, John Fisher, Jr., " all the wages and share of 
 plunder that shall fall to him." The will was probated 
 in 1694. 
 
 8. Lydia, 1660; mentioned in her grandfather's will. 
 
 9. Henry; died in 1673. 
 
 3- 
 Seth ^ (Henry ') was doubtless born in England. He married 
 in 1660 Mary Thurston (7). It would seem that Seth had a house 
 near his father's, which his father by his will confirmed to Seth's 
 heirs after his death. He died in 1682, five years before his 
 father. Children : — 
 
 10. Seth, 1662; died young. 
 
 11. Samuel, died in 1662. 
 +12. Samuel, 1665. 
 
 13. Seth, 1669. He and his brother Joseph had their father's 
 
 homestead. But Joseph died; and Seth, who is called 
 " cordwainer," went to Boston as early as 1692, died 
 there in 1724, leaving a family. 
 
 14. Joseph, 1673-1692. 
 
 15. Elisha, 1679; m. in 1701 EUzabeth Wheelock; had one 
 
 son, Seth, born in 1701. He sold out in that year, and 
 removed, probably to Lancaster. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 48 1 
 
 5- 
 
 Samuel 2 (Henry) inherited his father's house lot and build- 
 ings. He married in 1669 Elizabeth Turner (2). When the 
 Indians made their attack upon the town, Elizabeth took her 
 youngest child, then a year and a half, in her arms, and ran 
 toward the fort. When a little way from the house, the savages 
 overtook her, and killed her by a blow on the head. The child 
 was thrown on the ground, stunned, and left for dead, but recov- 
 ered consciousness, and, when found, had crept to the dead body 
 of its mother. One year from that day, Samuel married Sarah, 
 widow of John Bowers (2), who had also been killed by the In- 
 dians. He died in 1691, his widow in 1704. Children: — 
 
 16. Elizabeth, i 670-1 671. 
 
 17. Elizabeth, 1671-1704; m. in 1692 Eleazar Partridge (49). 
 -|-i8. Samuel, 1674. 
 
 19. Sarah, 1678-1769; m. in 1701 Matthias Evans (2); second, 
 in 1726, Henry Harding (10). 
 
 -|-2o. Henry, 1680. 
 
 21. Daniel,. 1 682-1 704. 
 
 -[-22. Nathaniel, 1684. 
 
 23. Abigail, 1686-1725 ; m. in 1705 John Fisher (28). 
 
 24. Mary, 1688; m. in 1706 Henry Plimpton (15); second, in 
 
 1732, Jabez Pond of Dedham; third, in 1750, Joseph 
 Wight. 
 
 25. Prudence, 1691 ; m. in 1711 Joseph White of Mendon. 
 
 Samuels (Seth,^ Henry) settled on the place now owned by 
 Geo. D. Hamant on High Street. He married Abigail Turner 
 (9). He died in 1694, at the age of twenty-nine; and his widow 
 in 1706 married Capt. Joseph Clark (11). Children : — 
 
 , 26. Mary, 1690. 
 
 -I-27. Samuel, 1693. 
 
 IS. 
 
 Samuel 3 (Samuel,^ Henry ■) married in 1695 Elizabeth Adams 
 (42), who was the only surviving heir to her father's estate on the 
 east side of Mill Brook, now owned by heirs of Bradford Curtis. 
 At the time of his reception to communion in the church, he pre- 
 sented the following experience, which was preserved in writing 
 among the papers of Mr. Baxter, and is copied from the Old 
 Parish church records : — 
 
 " When I was young God did wonderfully preserve me when my 
 mother was knoct in head by the Indians. I was in her arms. 
 I had no hurt by them. 1 desire to give God alone the praise 
 of it. I was brought up in the nurture and feare of the Lord : 
 I was often put in minde what a miserable state and condition 
 I was in by nature and that I must forever perish without an 
 intrest in Jesus Christ, and as I grew up my grandfather would 
 
482 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 be putting me in minde what God had done for me and tould 
 me it was not for nothing that God had thus preserved me and 
 would have me Consider of it and Indeavour to love God and serve 
 him : my father would be often putting me in mind of my duty 
 to git alone to pray to God and tould me what comfort he found 
 in meditating on God. Afterward hiring at Dedham with William 
 Aline, his holy exampeles and good instructions was no smal help 
 to me and hearing of Mr Clap preach much concerning the duty 
 of secret prayer did a littel quicken me in that duty, but notwith- 
 standing the many helps which God afforded me, through the 
 wickedness of my own heart and the temtations of Satan I was 
 ready to be carles of dutys and too often neglect them : but soon 
 after it pleased God to take away my father by death which was 
 a sore blow to me. His last words to me weare feare God and 
 keep his commandments and beware of evil company. I thought 
 that God was angry with me for my disobedience. I was troubled 
 that I had been no more obedient to him. I took delight in read- 
 ing the word of God and endeavoured to plead God's promis that 
 he would be a father to me, but afterwards I was ridy to forgit his 
 last wQfds and so run into evil company too often on the Saboth 
 day night. I hope God hath given me to see the evil of it. Con- 
 sidering of my sins, both original and actual sins, I was ready to 
 dispaire of the mercy of God. I was troubled about my condition 
 and was afraid God would not pardon such agravatd sinner as 
 I had been but that place was some support to me, Isaiah 1:18; 
 Come now and let us reason together saith the Lord though your 
 sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow though they 
 be red like crimson they shall be as wool : and hearing Mr Baxter 
 from these words 4 iohn : 10: iesus answered and said if thou 
 knewest the gift of God and who it is that saith to thee give me 
 to drink thou wouldest have asked of him and he would have 
 given the living water, wherein was showed that the Lord iesus 
 Christ would very freely and liberaly give living waters to all those 
 that^ have the knowledge of him and did ask for them. I was 
 afraid that I had not a right knowlidge of Christ. I indeavored 
 to seek unto Christ that he would bestow thos living waters upon 
 me and was incouraged in reading a sermon preached from these 
 words iohn 6-37 and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast 
 out, but I was redy to go in my own strength and trust in my own 
 ritiousness. I found it hard work to come out of myself and 
 rest upon Christ alone for salvation: that place come to mind 
 philipians 3: 9 — and be found in him not having mine own 
 ritiousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith 
 of Christ the ritiousness which is of God by faith. 
 
 " I have had many desires to inioy Christ in all his ordinances 
 but I was afraid that I was not fit and should receive no benefit 
 thereby: that place come to minde mathew 12 : 20 a brused 
 reed shall he not break and smoking flax shall he not quench till 
 he send forth judgment unto victory. I thought that though I 
 was weak yet I would go unto Christ and cast myself down at his 
 
GENEALOGIES. 483 
 
 feet and though he should slay me yet would I trust in him : those 
 invitations in isaiah 55 : i ; ho, every one that thirsteth come ye to 
 the waters and he that hath no money come ye buy and eat yea 
 come buy wine and milk without money and without price — 
 revelations 22 : 17 and the spirit and the bride say come and let 
 him that heareth say come and let him that is athirst come and 
 whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely, weare 
 a greate incorragement to me ; and hearing Mr Baxter from these 
 words 2 Cori 5:21 for he hath made him to be sin for us who 
 knew no sin that we might be made the ritiousness of God in him 
 wheare he showed that God hath made his son iesus Christ who 
 was never gilty of any sin a sacrifice for us that we might be made 
 the retiousness of God in him and was shown that it was the duty 
 of all who have any good grounds to believe that they have an 
 intrest in the retiousness of Christ to come unto the table of the 
 Lord. I hope God hath begun a good work in my soul. I do 
 offer myself to this church and desire your prayers that God would 
 enable me to be sincere herein. 
 
 "Samuel Smith." 
 
 He was afterward chosen deacon of the church, and filled 
 many stations of trust in the town, serving twenty-one years on 
 the board of selectmen, nine years as town clerk, and some time 
 as town treasurer. He was also a representative to the General 
 Court. He died in 1742, his widow in 1753. Children : — 
 
 -|-28. Eleazak, 1696. 
 
 29. John, 1699-1699. 
 
 +30. Samuel, 1700. 
 
 31. Hannah, 1703-1744; m. in 1725 Benjamin Plimpton (39); 
 
 second, Jonathan Metcalf (16). 
 
 32. Elizabeth, 1705-1785; m. in 1727 Nathaniel Cutler of 
 
 Medway. 
 
 33. Jonathan, i 708-1 708. 
 
 34. Elisha, 1710-1710. 
 
 35. Lydia, 1712-1795; unmarried; cared for by the town. 
 
 Henrys (Samuel,^ Henry ■) settled in the south-east part of 
 the town, on what is now Plain Street. His father had land " on 
 the way leading to Rock Meadow" ; also, a "farther field " in the 
 same locality, which was given to Henry. He married in 1703 
 Deborah Pratt (14), who died in 1706; second, in 1708, Mary 
 Adams (17), who died in 1725 ; third, in 1730, Ruth Barber (27). 
 He served on the board of selectmen in 1737 ; died in 1743. 
 Children : — 
 
 36. Daniel, 1706-1750; settled in Walpole. 
 
 37. Mary, i 709-1 770; m. in 1728 David Clark (62). 
 -(-38. Henry, 1711. 
 
 -(-39. Jonathan, 1714-1784. 
 
484 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 40. Sarah, 1717-1748; m. in 1733 Isaac Chenery (11); second, 
 in 1743, Joshua Boyden (20). 
 
 -|-4i. Benoni, 1725. 
 
 42. Ruth, 1730; m. in 1752 Samuel Turner (38). 
 
 43. Moses, 1732; settled in Walpole. 
 
 44. Asa, 1 740 ; settled in Walpole. 
 
 Nathaniels (Samuel,^ Henry) bought out the other heirs to 
 his father's homestead on South Street. He married in 1705 
 Mary Clark (50), who died in 1717 ; second, in the same year, 
 Lydia Partridge (11). He sold his estate in 1755 to his son 
 Elisha, and removed, apparently, to Sturbridge. Was adjudged 
 non compos in 1761, "by reason of old age and decay of his 
 senses." Children: — 
 
 45. John, i 706-1 707. 
 
 46. Joseph, 1707; m. in 1734 Abiel Hamant (14); settled in 
 
 Sturbridge. 
 
 47. David, 1711-1760; m. in 1737 Hannah Lovell (10). 
 
 48. Jesse, 1714. 
 
 49. Nathaniel, 1715-1716. 
 -I-50. Nathaniel, 171 7. 
 
 51. Lydia, 1721-1773 ; m. in 1744 John Marsh, Sturbridge. 
 
 52. Deborah, i 723-1 787; m. in 1745 Daniel Plimpton (24); 
 
 second, in 1779, Aaron Allen. 
 -(-53. Elisha, 1726. 
 54. Mary, 1729-1729. 
 
 27. 
 Samuel 4 (Samuel.s Seth,' Henry') lived on the place which 
 was left him by his father. He married Hannah Mason (8). 
 Dying in 17 19, at the age of twent3'-six, he left three daughters ; 
 and his widow became the wife of Josiah Cheney (17). The heirs 
 sold the estate to Samuel Hamant (i i). Children : — 
 
 SS- Hannah, 1715-1764; m. in 1733 Ephraim Chenery (10). 
 
 56. Jerusha, 1716; m. David Morse (130). 
 
 57- Mary, 1720; m. in 1743 Stephen Gerauld (6). 
 
 28. 
 
 ELEAZAR4 (Samuel,3 Samuel,^ Henry') settled on his father's 
 place east of Mill Brook. He married in 1729 Sarah Turner (21). 
 He died in 1768, his wife in 1763. His estate came into the 
 possession of his son-in-law, Jacob Clark. Children: — 
 -f58. John, 1730. 
 
 59. Rachel, i733-i7S7 ; m. in 1754 Jacob Clark (14S). 
 
 60. Marv, 1736; m. in 1769 Joseph Morse (125). 
 
 61. Sarah, 173S-1763. 
 
 62. Dorcas, i 741-1757. 
 
 30. 
 Samuel 4 (Samuel,3 Samuel,^ Henry) settled near the corner 
 of South and High Streets, a lane running northward from that 
 
GENEALOGIES. 485 
 
 point a few rods to the house. The cellar was filled up a few 
 years ago. He was living there certainly as early as 1733. He 
 served six years, at least, on the board of selectmen. He died in 
 1763, his wife Silence in 1778. Children : — 
 
 63. Kezia, 1 722-1 777; m. in 1738 Isaac Boyden (25); second, 
 
 in 1772, John Cutler (i). 
 
 64. Abigail, 1724; m. in 1747 Samuel Allen of Wrentham, son 
 
 of Eleazar (23). 
 -I-65. George, 1726. 
 
 66. Silence, 1728 ; m. in 1750 John Turner. 
 
 67. Elizabeth, i 730-1 782; m. Iq 1751 Moses Hartshorn (i). 
 
 68. Samuel, i 732-1 778; probably unmarried. He inherited 
 
 the homestead. 
 
 69. Hannah, i 732-1 732. 
 
 70. Abel, 1734, living in 1763. 
 -|-7i. Seth, 1736. 
 
 38. 
 Henry 4 (Henry,3 Samuel, = Henry") married in 1730 Abigail 
 Clark (57); removed, and settled in Walpole. Children: — 
 
 72. Seth, 1731. 
 
 73. Abigail, 1732. 
 
 74. Samuel, 1734. 
 
 75. Henry, 1735. 
 
 76. Hannah, 1737. 
 ^^. Maria, 1740. 
 
 78. Amos, i 742-1 763. 
 
 79. Sarah, i 744-1 754. 
 
 80. AzuBAH, 1747. 
 
 39- 
 Jonathan^ (Henry,3 Samuel,^ Henry ') inherited and lived upon 
 the homestead on Plain Street. He married in 1735 Abigail 
 Wilkinson of Walpole. He died in 1784, his wife in 1773. 
 Children : — 
 
 81. Mary, 1737. 
 
 82. Jonathan, i 739-' 743- 
 
 83. Abigail, 1740-1766; m. in 1764 Nathan Cutler (5). 
 
 84. Sibyl, 1743; m. in 1770 Joseph Dean of Dedh^m. 
 +85. Jonathan, 1745. 
 
 86. Phebe, 1747 ; m. in 1768 Asa Ellis of Dedham. 
 
 87. Rachel, i 749-1829; m. in 1771 Fisher Allen (59). 
 '88. Amy, 1754-1827; m. in 1779 Nathan Allen (62). 
 
 41. 
 
 BEN0NI4 (Henry,3 Samuel,^ Henry') had a portion in the 
 
 ancestral estate, and a house of his own. He married in 1746 
 
 Mary, daughter of John Taylor and wife Hannah Ellis (12). 
 
 Benoni died in 1752, and his wife in the same year. Children : — 
 
 89. Nathan, 1747. 
 
 90. Benoni, 1749. 
 
 91. Daniel, 1752. 
 
486 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 50- 
 
 Nathaniel 4 (Nathaniel,3 Samuel,^ Henry) married in 1743 
 Susanna Hinsdale (21); removed to Sturbridge. Children: — 
 
 92. Mahuman, 1744. 
 
 93. Nathan, 1746. 
 
 Other children born at Sturbridge. 
 
 53- 
 ELISHA4 (Nathaniel,3 Samuel,^ Henry-) came into possession 
 of the original Smith homestead on South Street. He married 
 in 175 1 Sibyl Hamant (25), who, after his death in 1760, became 
 the wife of Noah Allen (40). His place, a portion of which is 
 now owned by Mr. Barts, was sold to Moses Hartshorn in 1774, 
 and again to Asa Boyden in 1,787. Children : — 
 
 94. Sibyl, 175^-1812; m. in 1786 Gilbert Corson of Medway, 
 
 and left one daughter, who became the wife of Jesse 
 Johnson (9), and afterward of Josiah Cheney (55). 
 
 95. Olive, 1761 ; m. in 1780 James Holbrook of Wrentham. 
 
 58. 
 John s (Eleazar,4 Samuel,3 Samuel,^ Henry ') was heir to his 
 grandfather, John Turner, and lived upon his homestead, now 
 owned by Stephen F. Turner. He married Jemima Fales of 
 Walpole, who died in 1822, aged eighty-eight. He served as 
 a selectman in 1764 and 1765. He died in 1802. Children: — 
 
 96. Eleazar, 1755-1836; a man of great mechanical ingenuity, 
 
 and inventor of several valuable machines. He never 
 gained, however, much pecuniary benefit from his labors. 
 He lived in Walpole; m. in 1793 Polly Parmenter of 
 Framingham. 
 
 97. Hannah, i 756-1830; unmarried. 
 
 98. Dorcas, 1759; '">• i"^ ^79^ Jesse Chickering of Dover. 
 
 99. Jemima, 1760-1848; unmarried. 
 
 100. John, 1763-1843; m. in 1797 Rebecca Adams (76). As he 
 had no children, he made Stephen Turner (71) his heir. 
 
 loi. Peter, 1765-1834; lived in Walpole; m. in 1795 Nelly 
 Parmenter of Framingham. 
 
 102. Joel, 1767-1829; settled in Paxton. 
 
 103. David, 1768-1857. He married in 1808 Hannah Draper 
 
 of Dedham. His homestead was that now owned by 
 Mr. Ashley, on High Street. 
 
 104. Sarah, 1769-1848; unmarried. 
 
 105. Mary, 1774-1846; unmarried. 
 
 106. Rachel, 1780-1 781. 
 
 6S- 
 Georges (Samuel,4 Samuel,3 Samuel,^ Henry) received from 
 his father, during his lifetime, some portion of his estate. He 
 was a constable in 1752, and a surveyor in the south part of the 
 
GENEALOGIES. . 487 
 
 town. In 1761, he was living on what is now Elm Street, at the 
 place owned at present by Hanley & Tracy. In 1778 and 1779, 
 he lived in the house belonging to the town on Frairy Street. He 
 married in 1751 Mercy Metcalf of Wrentham. The family re- 
 moved, and settled in Vermont. George is said to have died in 
 1798. Children: — 
 
 107. Eliphalet, 1751. 
 
 108. Susanna, 1753. 
 
 109. George, 1755. 
 no. Silence, 1757. 
 
 -(-III. Titus, 1759. 
 n2. Lydia, 1775. 
 
 Two sons were born in Wrentham: Rogers, 1761 ; Samuel, 1764. 
 
 71- 
 Seths (Samuel,4 Samuel,3 Samuel,^ Henry) married in 1759 
 Drusilla Lyon of Walpole, daughter of Peter Lyon. He lived for 
 some time after his marriage at the place on High Street now 
 owned by Mrs. F. H. Phelps, which he sold in 1773 to John 
 Cutler. The house was probably built by him. After that, he 
 owned the house where Moses F. Clark's now stands, and sold it 
 in 1777 to Silas Bullard. After his brother's death in 1778, he 
 evidently settled on the place where his father had lived before 
 him. He died in 1786, his widow in 1816. Children : — 
 
 -f-113. Lebbeus, 1760. 
 
 114. Timothy, 1761; m. in 1786 Alona Clark (172), who died in 
 
 1787. She left one child, who died the following year. 
 He removed to Brookfield, and married in 1789 Thankful 
 ■Rice. 
 
 115. Sarah, 1764; m. in 1790 Jesse Walker of New Salem. 
 
 116. Seth, 1766; was a physician in Holland, Mass. 
 4-117. Isaiah, 1769. 
 
 118. Drusilla, 1771-1804; m. in 1792 Elisha Clark (214). 
 
 119. Abigail, i 775-1 806; m. in 1796 Amos Baker (33). 
 
 85- 
 Jonathan s (Jonathan,4 Henry,3 Samuel,^ Henry ') lived on the 
 old place on Plain Street. He married in 1769 Mercy Day 
 of Walpole. He was chosen deacon of the Unitarian church 
 in 1828. He died in 1836, his wife in 1830. Children : — 
 
 120. Synthe, 1770 ; m. in 1797 Aaron Guild of Walpole. 
 -(-121. Jeremiah, 1772. 
 
 122. Abigail, 1774; m. in 1800 Aaron Wight (131). 
 
 123. Daniel, 1776-1779. 
 
 124. Mary, i 780-1 780. 
 
 125. Mary; m. in 1805 Hartshorn Chickering of Dover. 
 
 126. Sarah, 1785; m. in 1805 Benjamin Guy of Dover. 
 
 127. Jonathan, 1789-1790. 
 
 128. Jonathan, 1791-1820. 
 
488 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Titus ^ (George,5 Samuel,4 Samuel,3 Samuel,^ Henry) married 
 in 1782 Atarah Hamant (42). He died in 1805, aged forty-five. 
 His widow died in 1856, having lived in widowhood fifty-one 
 years. Children : — 
 
 129. Titus, i 783-1 789. 
 
 130. LucRETiA, 1785-1867; m. in 1805 Seth Chenery (36). 
 
 131. Polly, i 787-1813 ; m. in 1806 James Clark (248). 
 
 132. Olive, 1790-1S80; m. in 1811 David Clark (223). 
 
 133. Asa, 1 792-1 793. 
 -I-134. Clark, 1795. 
 
 135. Atarah, 1797-1865 ; m. in 1824 Marcus Gilraore (l). 
 
 136. Thomas, 1799-1878; m. in 1825 Eliza Wadsworth of Dover; 
 
 inherited her father's place on the Dedham road, where 
 he carried on the business of brush-making. 
 
 137. Abigail, 1801-1829. 
 
 138. Titus, 1803-1843; m. in 1832 Abigail Burrill of Roxbury; 
 
 was a carriage-maker, and worked at his trade in this 
 town for several years. He had one daughter, Abby. 
 -(-139. George M., 1806. 
 
 113- 
 
 Lebbeus s (Seth,5 Samuel,4 Samuel, 3 Samuel,^ Henry ') bought 
 in 1 79 1 of John Cutler the house that his father had built. He 
 married in 1783 Martha Clark (212), who died in 1806; second, 
 in 1807, Lois Hall of Raynham. Lebbeus had some local 
 celebrity as a singing-master. He resided in Dedham in his later 
 years, dying in 1828. Lois died in Boston in 1864, aged eighty- 
 seven. Children : — 
 
 Miranda, 1784; m. Adin Cleaveland (12). 
 Martha, 1791-1820; m. in 1814 Isaac Chenery (37). 
 Esther, 1793 ; m. in 1817 Pitt Muzzey. 
 L. Washburn, 1808. 
 
 Ellen A., 1810; m. Daniel Ham of Boston. 
 Edwin A., i8io; m. in 1840 Deborah M. H. Williamson. 
 ' Emeline, 1813. 
 Ad ALINE, 1813-1839. 
 
 117. 
 Isaiah 6 (Seth,5 Samuel,-* Samuel, 3 Samuel,^ Henry) came into 
 possession of the homestead near the South School-house, where 
 he lived till- 1816, when he exchanged farms with his brother-in- 
 law, Elisha Clark, and went to live at the place on Elm Street 
 now owned by heirs of Bradford Curtis. He married in 1790 
 Sarah Clark (216). He died in 1823, his wife in 1846. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 4-148. Samuel, 1790. 
 
 149. Hannah, 1793; m. in 1817 Daniel Draper. 
 
 150. Sally, 1795; m. in 1816 Johnson Mason (82). 
 
 151. Seth, 1797-1820. 
 
 152. Drusilla, 1800-1821. 
 
 153. MiLLY, 1 802-1 809. 
 
 154. Chloe, 1805-1837; m. in 1826 Benjamin Balch (6). 
 
genealogies. 489 
 
 155. Clarissa, 1808-1830. 
 
 156. Sabin M., i8ii ; m. in 1834 Sarah A. Johnson (18). 
 
 157. Mary M., 1816; m. in 1841 Thomas L. Barney (i). 
 
 Jeremiah 6 (Jonathan,5 Jonathan,4 Henry,3 Sainuel,^ Henry) 
 succeeded to the possession of the homestead, and married in 
 1799 Anna Russell of Sherborn, who died in 1837; second, 
 Catherine, widow of Oliver Partridge (38). He died in 1853. 
 Children : — 
 
 158. Harriet, i 799-1805. 
 
 159a. Daniel, 1801-1843. 
 
 159*. Anna, i 804-1 874; m. in 1836 Asa Holbrook. 
 
 160. Mary, 1807-1837; unmarried. » 
 
 -|-i6i. Jeremiah R., 181 i. 
 
 162. Harriet E., 1816-1844; unmarried. 
 
 134- 
 Clark 7 (Titus,6 George,5 Samuel,4 Samuel, 3 Samuel,^ Henry) 
 became heir to his uncle, Charles Hamant (40), the place now 
 occupied by Geo. W. Kingsbury. He married in 182 1 Caroline 
 Morse (96), who died in 1878. Children : — 
 
 163. Hannah, 1829-1875 ; unmarried. 
 
 164. Olive A., 1839; m. in 1859 George W. Kingsbury (10). 
 
 139- 
 George M. 7 (Titus,^ George,5 Samuel,* Samuel,3 Samuel,^ 
 Henry) married in 1830 Joanna Harding (81). He died in 1883. 
 Children : — 
 
 165. J. Harding, 1832-1870; was a merchant in Milford. 
 
 166. Angelina E., 1835. 
 
 148. 
 Samuel 7 (Isaiah,^ Seth,5 Samuel,4 Samuel,3 Samuel,^ Henry ') 
 married in 1815 Waitstill Richards from Washington, N.H., who 
 died in i860, aged sixty-six. Children : — 
 
 167. George, 1816-1885; resided in West Roxbury. 
 
 168. Harriet, 18 [8. 
 
 169. Sarah, i 820-1 876; m. Edgar Needham. 
 
 170. Fanny, i 824-1 844. 
 
 161. 
 Jeremiah R.7 (Jeremiah,^ Jonathan, 5 Jonathan,* Henry,3 
 Samuel,^ Henry ■) married in 1837 Eliza A. Mason (90), who died 
 in 1842; second, Christiana Bigelow of Charlton. Children: — 
 
 171. Infant, 1837-1837. 
 
 172. William R., 1838; m. in 1865 Julia A. Hamant (57), who 
 
 died in 1868; second, in 1872, Mary J. Hamant (55). 
 
 173. Abner M., 1840-1841. 
 
 174. Eliza M., 1842; m. in 1865 Francis D. Hamant (56). 
 
 175. Harriet Mary Anna, 1848; m. in 1874 Melvin L. Willard. 
 
490 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 178. 
 
 Aaron s (Moses,4 Henry,3 Samuel,^ Henry ■) was born in Wal- 
 pole in 176s, and came to Medfield about 1782. He married in 
 179s Mercy Plimpton (94), and bought the place on South Street 
 near the South School-house. He died in 1841, his wife in 1850. 
 Children : — 
 
 179. Susanna, 1795-1813. 
 
 180. Patience, 1799; m. in 1823 Royal Blake of Wrentham. 
 
 181. Mary P., 1800; m. White; lived in State of New 
 
 York. 
 -j-i82. Alpheus B., 1802. 
 
 183. Lucy, 1804-1884; m. in 1825 James Wood, Walpole ; 
 
 second, in 1863, John Ward well of Providence. 
 '184. Elizabeth, 1806; m. Jonathan Petts of Ashburnham. 
 185. Nancy, 1808-1879; m. Stearns Tarbox in 1831 ; lived in 
 Stoddard, N.H. 
 -|-i86. Aaron, 181 5. 
 
 Alpheus B.* (Aaron, s Moses,4 Henry,3 Samuel, = Henry •) 
 married in 1826 Eliza Dill of Eastham, and the same year bought 
 the place on High Street near the South School-house. He died 
 in 1840, his wife in 1869. Children : — 
 
 187. Lucretia T., 1828-1884; m. Isaac Seaver of Westminster. 
 i88. James A., 1833. 
 
 1 86. 
 
 ■ Aaron 6 (Aaron,5 Moses,4 Henry,3 Sarauel,^ Henry) settled on 
 his father's place, removed the ancient house, and built that now 
 standing there. He afterward removed to the village, and built 
 where Moses F. Clark now lives. He married Martha M. Page 
 of Stoddard, N.H. He died in 1851. Children: — 
 
 189. Horace, i 840-1 840. 
 
 190. Martha Rosine, 1841 ; m. in 1865 Abner H. Wenzel; sec- 
 
 ond, George T. Higley of Ashland. 
 
 191. James Birnky, 1845; resides in Dedham. 
 
 igz. 
 
 Asa Smith was born in 1772, came from Needham to Medfield 
 about 1800, and settled on Granite Street, near High Street, 
 where he worked at the trade of blacksmith. His wife was 
 Thirza Cranch, married probably in Needham. He removed to 
 Walpole, where he died at a great age. Children : — 
 
 193. Emory; died in United States service many years ago. 
 
 194. RoxANA ; m. in 1822 Reuben Clap of Foxboro. 
 
 195. Roland. 
 
 196. Caroline; m. in 1824 William Carrol of Walpole. 
 
 197. Louisa; m. in 1827 Metcalf Smith of Walpole. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 49 1 
 
 ig8. 
 
 Amos 6 (Henry,5 Henry,4 Henry,3 Samuel,^ Henry) was born 
 in Walpele in 1762. He came to Medfield, and in 1796 married 
 Abigail, widow of Nathan Adams (145), and lived upon the 
 Adams place on Bridge Street. She died in 1825 ; and he mar- 
 ried, second, Elizabeth, widow of Ebenezer Clapp of Walpole, 
 after which he lived on Main Street at the place now owned by 
 Thomas Upham. He died in 1838. Daughter: — 
 
 199. EVALINA, 1797-1856; m. in 1835 Walter Janes (i). 
 
 Enos 6 (Henry,5 Henry,4 Henry,3 Samuel,== Henry '), born in Wal- 
 pole in 1771, married in 1797 Amy Plimpton (102), and lived for 
 several years on her father's place by the saw-mill, Noon Hill. 
 He afterward removed to Walpole,where he died in 1861. Children : 
 
 201. Esther, 1798; m. Jonathan Adams of Medway. 
 
 202. Royal, i 799-1852 ; settled in Walpole; died in California. 
 
 203. Amy, 1803-1803. 
 
 204. Olive ; m. Adams of Medway ; second, William Fales 
 
 of Wrentham. 
 
 205. Arnold ; went to Medway. 
 
 There were also three others not recorded here : Edwin, who went to 
 Milford, N.H. ; Amy, who married Willard Ellis of Medway; and 
 Catherine. 
 
 206. 
 
 Ezra Smith was the son of Ezra of Dedham, who married Sarah 
 Clark (84), and was born in 1728. He was a descendant of Asahel 
 Smith of Dedham. Whether Asahel was a relative of Henry ' is 
 unknown. 
 
 He married in 1757 Rachel Clark, daughter of Ephraim (83) ; 
 and they became heirs to the estate of their grandfather Samuel 
 Clark, the place on Granite Street lately owned by Samuel Woods. 
 He died in 1785, his wife in 1808. Children : — 
 
 -I-207. Ephraim, 1758. 
 
 -|-2o8. Eli, 1762. 
 
 209. Daniel, 1763; settled in Fitzwilliara, N.H. 
 
 210. Ezra, 1768-1841 ; unmarried. 
 
 207. 
 
 Ephraim s (Ezra,-* Ezra,3 Joseph,^ Asahel ') was in the Conti- 
 nental Army. He was one of Major Andrd's guards. He also 
 served in guarding the Burgoyne prisoners for three months. He 
 married in 1780 Elizabeth Clark (199), who died in. 1789 ; second, 
 Terusha Clark (208). He resided with his father for some years, 
 received a commission as captain in 1792, and as major in 1800. 
 In 1802, his brother Eli, having become discouraged in New 
 Hampshire, came back to the homestead ; and Ephraim ' ex- 
 
492 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 changed prospects with him, living se/eral years in that State. 
 He returned to this place, however, and remained till about 1820, 
 when he went to Vermont, where he died in 1839. His widow 
 died in 1851. Children: — 
 
 211. Elizabeth, 1781 ; m. Gilman Heath, Vermont. 
 
 212. Rachel, i 783-1 784. 
 
 213. Rachel, 1785-1870; m. in 1805 Isaac Harding of Medway; 
 
 settled in Binghamton, N.Y. 
 
 214. Lucinda, 1787; m. Philip Charter, Newfane, Vt. 
 21 j. Catherine, i 795-1 796. 
 
 216. Pamela, 1797-1841; m. Reuben Woods of Colerain. 
 
 217. Ephraim, 1800-1870; settled in Westminster, Vt. 
 
 218. Simeon, i 802-1 882; unmarried. 
 
 2ig. Catherine, 1804-1884; m. in 1827 Eleazar P. Tilden (4). 
 
 220. Olive, 1807-1879; m. Eaton Whiting of Dedham. 
 
 221. Nathan C, 1811-1840; unmarried. 
 
 222. Fanny, 1814; m. Whitney Whitaker, Brattleboro, Vt. 
 
 208. 
 
 Eli 5 (Ezra,4 Ezra,? Joseph,^ Asahel >) served three years in the 
 Continental Army. He married in 1787 Thankful Chamberlain 
 of Walpole; second, in 1805, Mary C. Whitney of Dedham. He 
 _went soon after his first marriage to Fitzwilliam, N.H., but was 
 not successful there, and came back to his father's farm in 1802, 
 where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1835, leav- 
 ing no children. His widow died in 1853, aged eighty-three. 
 The homestead passed into the possession of Nathaniel Fairbanks. 
 
 STEARNS. 
 
 Nathaniel Stearns was from Douglass, and came to this town 
 about 1759, to tend the mill for the widow of Ephraim Cheney 
 (22), and in 1762 married her eldest daughter, Sarah. When the 
 mill was sold, Stearns located in the easterly part of the town, 
 where Joseph Hardy now lives. He died in 1774, his widow in 
 1806. Children: — 
 
 -\-2. Nathaniel, 1763. 
 
 3. Sarah, 1765; m. in 1800 Abel Partridge of Ward, probably 
 son of Abel of Medtield. 
 
 Nathaniel ' (Nathaniel ■) lived on the place referred to as be- 
 longing to his father. He married in 1791 Mary Turner (63). 
 He was chosen deacon of the old church in 1825, but resigned 
 in 1827, and became one of the constituent members of the Ortho- 
 dox church ; died in 1848. Children : — 
 
 4. Nabby, 1793; m. Joseph Ingles of Mendon. 
 
 5. Nathan, 1795-1826; m. in 1816 Susan Aiken; died at 
 
 Exeter, N.H. 
 
 6. Mary, 1796; probably died young. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 493 
 
 7 
 8 
 
 +9. 
 
 10, 
 
 II 
 
 12, 
 
 Rebecca, 1797; m. in 1830 Joel Boyden of Mendon. 
 
 Sarah, 1799; m. in 1819 Reuben Taft of Mendon. 
 
 Amos, 1801. 
 
 Keziah, 1803-1822. 
 
 Lucy, 1804; m. in 1824 Lyman Darling of Mendon. 
 
 Nancy, 1808; m. in 1828 William D. Ingles of Mendon. 
 
 Amos 3 (Nathaniel,== Nathaniel-) married in 1823 Chloe Cleave- 
 land (21); removed to Worcester. Children : — 
 
 13. WiLLARD C, 1826. 
 
 14. Cordelia, 1828-1828. 
 
 15. Chloe E., 1831. 
 
 STEDMAN. 
 
 Cyrus Stedman was a descendant of Thomas of Scituate 
 (Cyrus,7 John,6 John,s Thomas,4 Thomas,3 Thomas,^ Isaac '),, and 
 was born in Holliston in 1808. About 1836, he bought the place 
 on Frairy Street still owned by his heirs ; also, the mill privileges 
 opposite, where he worked at his trade of gunsmith and general 
 mechanic. He married in 1832 Mary Jordan of Grafton, Vt. ; 
 died in 1865. Children : — 
 
 2. Joseph, 1835 ; is a physician at Jamaica Plain. 
 
 3. Mary E., 1837; m. in 1858 John W. Stewart, who died in 
 
 1859. 
 
 4. Harriet J., 1838; m. in 1871 Barna S. Snow. 
 
 5. Jerusha M., 1840; m. in 1863 William R. Rice. 
 
 6. Eliza R., 1842 ; m. in 1870 Bennett Wilson. 
 
 7. Laura, i 844-1 854. 
 
 8. Jennie G., 1845 ; m. in 1865 James Hewins (4). 
 
 9. Cordelia J., 1848; m. in 1870 Ephraim Chamberlain. 
 
 SUTCLIFFE. 
 
 Nathaniel Sutcliffe married Hannah Plimpton (2) in 1664. 
 Three years afterward, he was living in a house that stood appar- 
 ently on the southerly side of the road leading to Harbor Island. 
 He went to Deerfield as early as 1673; was killed at the "Falls 
 fight" in 1676, and his widow married Samuel Harrington. His 
 Medfield place was, without doubt, sold to Joseph Bullard (4), 
 who was living there in 1675. The house was burned by the In- 
 dians, and appears never to have been rebuilt. Children : — 
 
 2. Hannah, 1665. 
 
 3. Judith, 1669. 
 
 4. Nathaniel, 1672. In 1715 Nathaniel Sutcliffe of Durham, 
 
 Conn., sold land in Medfield, said to have been received 
 of Joseph Bullard. 
 
494 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 THAYER. 
 
 Amos Thayer was the son of Benjamin of Mendon, born in 
 1774. He married Milletiah Wales of Franklin in 1797, and in 
 1822 removed to Medfield. He bought the estate at the corner 
 of North and Green Streets, where he, in connection with his 
 sons, carried on the business of butchering till about 1839. He 
 died in 1846, his wife in 1852. Children : — 
 
 -\-2. Otis W., 1798. 
 -|-3. Elijah, 1802. 
 
 2. 
 Otis W. == (Amos ") was born in Mendon, and about 1823 joined 
 his father in purchasing the estate on North Street, and continued 
 with him in business till his death. He married in 1820 Sena 
 Thayer of Mendon. He died in 1837, ^^^ widow in, 1880. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 4. Emily T,, 1821 ; m. in 1839 Hinsdale F. BuUard (66). 
 
 5. Tyler, 1822 ; carpenter and builder in Norwood. 
 
 6. Emeline, 1825. 
 
 7. H. G. Otis, 1829; resides in Norwood. 
 
 8. Sena E,. 1831 ; m. in 1851 John W. Jewett, Claremont, N.H. 
 
 9. Esther H., 1834-1860; m. in 1855 Hamlet Wight (152). 
 
 3- 
 Elijah ^ (Amos ') was also born in Mendon, came to Medfield 
 with his father, and in 1824-26 kept the store on the corner of 
 North and Main Streets. Afterward, he carried on the business 
 of butchering, and kept the tavern at Medway Village. After 
 his brother's death, he removed to Medfield, and entered into 
 business with his father, and succeeded to the possession of 
 his estate. He married in 1826 Mary Heminway of Providence, 
 who died in 1886. He died in 1887. Children : — 
 
 10. Henrietta, 1827-1845. 
 
 11. Olive W., 1831-1854; m. in 1852 Orson D. Young; left one 
 
 daughter, Olive B., born in 1854, who in 1877 married 
 John A. S. Monks. 
 
 12. Charles E., 1833-1837. 
 
 THEBAULT. 
 
 John Thebault was born in France of a wealthy family ; but, 
 becoming a Protestant, he was obliged to fly from home, and went 
 first to England, where he probably learned his trade of weaver. 
 He is said to have come to America about 1735, and he was in 
 Medfield as early as 1741. His first wife, Mary, died in 1749; 
 and he married in the following year Abigail Allen of Dedham. 
 In 1761, he bought a house on South Street where Mr. Rhodes 
 now lives. He was one of the constituent members of the 
 Baptist church. His second wife died in 1790, aged seventy-nine j 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 495 
 
 and in his old age he was left in poverty. In 1798, the town gave 
 him $30 toward his support. In 1804, the house that was John 
 Thebault's is mentioned, " now owned by Joanna and Magdalen 
 Thebault." He died in 1807. Children: — 
 
 2. Mary; died in 1742. 
 
 3. John, 1741-1742. 
 
 4. Mary, 1743; m. in 1773 Joseph Rhodes, Jr., of Stoughton- 
 
 ham. 
 
 5. Magdalen, 1745-1826; unmarried. 
 
 6. Joanna, 1747-18 18. 
 
 7. Ann, 1749-1825 ; m. in 1773 Elias Clark (179). 
 
 THURSTON. 
 
 John Thurston, aged thirty-six, and wife Margaret, aged 
 thirty-two, from Wrentham, England, sailed for New England 
 in the ship "Mary Anne," in 1637. Two children came from 
 England with them. The family settled at Dedham, but came 
 to Medfield among the first, and had a house here in 1652. The 
 homestead was near, that now owned by James Hewins, with 
 a field opposite. He very early owned land in what is now 
 Norfolk or Wrentham, as fn 1655 he had leave to make a bridge 
 over Stop River " from his meadow in Dedham bounds." This 
 was no doubt the old bridge on the road from Medfield to 
 Wrentham : it bore the name of Thurston's Bridge for years 
 afterward. He frequently served in town offices : in 1652, he was 
 on the committee for laying out the necessary highways ; in 1658, 
 he was to make the seats about the table in the meeting-house ; 
 in 1661, he was to assist in the delicate and important work of 
 seating persons in the meeting-house ; in 1675, he was engaged 
 to keep a school for los. a week, or ys., if paid in money. He 
 also served on the board of selectmen eight years. He died in 
 1685, his wife having died in 1662. ^ Children : — 
 
 -j-2. Thomas, 1633 ; baptized in Wrentham, England. 
 
 -(-3. John, 1635; baptized in Wrentham, England. 
 
 4. Joseph, 1639; settled at Jamaica, L.I. 
 
 5. Benjamin, 1640 ; settled in Boston ; was one of the 
 
 founders of the Old South Church in 1669; died of 
 small-pox in 1678; ensign under Captain Hull in Philip's 
 war. 
 -\-6. Daniel, 1646. 
 
 7. Mary ; m. in 1660 Seth Smith (3). 
 
 8. Judith, 1648; m. in 1666 Jonathan Treadway. 
 
 9. Hannah, i 650-1 690; m. in 1668 Joseph Cheney (9). 
 
 Thomas 2 (John') was admitted as a townsman in 1653, and the 
 town granted him a house lot next to his father's. This place 
 afterward appears to have come into the hands of his brother 
 Daniel; and he bought in 1662 the homestead of Daniel Morse, 
 
496 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 southward of Pound Street. He had married in 1655 Sarah, 
 daughter of Thomas Thaxter of Hingham. He held the ofi&ce of 
 captain, and was also a surveyor of lands. The town of Sherborn 
 employed him in 1675 to lay out lands there. His house was 
 burned by the Indians in 1676, and two of his children were 
 mortally wounded at the same time. In 1680, the town granted 
 him " ten or twelve rods of land at the west end of his house lot 
 to build a house on." The cellar of that house is still visible, 
 but there are no known traces of the first one. A school was kept 
 by him in 1684 and in 1699. He was a selectman for ten years, 
 and town clerk six years. He died in 1704, his wife having died 
 in 1678. Children : — 
 
 -(-10. John, 1656. 
 
 11. Thomas, 1658-1713; settled in Wrentham. 
 
 12. Sarah, 1662-1688; m. in 1684 Samuel Morse (18). 
 
 13. Mary, 1665. 
 
 14. Margaret, 1668-1676; died of wounds from the Indians. 
 
 15. Elizabeth, 1671. 
 
 16. Samuel, 1674-1676; died of wounds from the Indians. 
 
 17. Margaret, 1678. 
 
 3- ' 
 John (John ') remained on his father's homestead. He was 
 chosen deacon in 1699 ; representative to the General Court in 
 1697 and 1702. He married in 1660 Mary Wood, daughter 
 of Nicolas of Sherborn, who died in 1726. He died in 1712. 
 Children : — 
 
 18. Mary, 1665-1744; unmarried. 
 
 19. Mehitable, 1667-1749; m. in 1690 Eleazar Ellis of Ded- 
 
 ham. 
 
 20. Hannah, 1669. 
 
 21. Bethia, 1672. 
 
 22. Esther, 1674-1755; m. in 1713 Jonathan Boyden (8); 
 
 second, John Turner (12). 
 
 23. John, 1677-1751 ; m. in 1723 Sarah Pierce; gave the place 
 
 to his nephew, Josiah Ellis. 
 
 24. Benjamin, 1680-1704. 
 
 Daniel = (John ■) appears to have lived on the place east of 
 his father's. He died in 1683, his wife Mary in 1680. His 
 inventory contains house, barn, and other real estate. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 25. Daniel; died in 1674. 
 -|-26. Daniel, 1674. 
 27. Benjamin, 1678-1680. 
 
 Johns (Thomas,^ John-) was called blacksmith. He lived 
 in town for some years, probably at the place now owned by 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 497 
 
 Mr. Barts, which he sold in 1727. In 1722, he is said to be of 
 Rehoboth . Children : — 
 
 28, 
 29, 
 30' 
 31 
 32 
 33 
 34 
 3S 
 
 Sarah, 1691. 
 Hannah, 1693. 
 Bethia, 1695. 
 Jabez, 1697-1697. 
 Rebecca, 1698. 
 Mehitable, 1700. 
 Phebe, 1702. 
 Jane, 1704. 
 
 These were born in Medfield. There is said to have been a son 
 David, probably born in Rehoboth. 
 
 a6. 
 
 Daniels (Daniel,^ John') is mentioned in his grandfather's 
 will, his father having died in early manhood. He probably lived 
 on the place that had been his father's, though no traces of 
 a house there have been known to exist within the recollection 
 of living men. There was evidently no house standing there 
 in 1766. He married in 1699 Experience Warren (3), who died 
 in 1704; second, in 1705, Martha Allen (161). In 1727, Daniel 
 Thurston sold half a dwelling-house and barn, with house lot 
 bounded south-east by the highway and north-west by the brook. 
 He is said to have removed to Marlboro. Children : — 
 
 -(-36. Joseph, 1700. 
 
 37. 5 Daniel, 1702; of Marlboro in 1732; in Sturbridge in 1737. 
 
 38. I Increase, i 702-1 702. 
 
 39. Diana, i 707-1 707. 
 
 40. Martha, 1709. 
 
 36. 
 
 Joseph 4 (Daniel, 3 Daniel,^ John') was here as late as 1732. 
 In 1740, he was dismissed to church in Westboro. He married 
 Dorothy Frizzell of Marlboro. Children : — - 
 
 41. Amariah, 1729. 
 
 42. Experience, 1731. 
 
 TILDEN. 
 
 Stephen Tilden was of the fifth generation from Elder 
 Nathaniel of Scituate, — Stephens (Stephen,4 David,3 Stephen,^ 
 Nathaniel'). He was born in Stoughton in 1764; lived, when 
 a young man, in Roxbury, engaged in market gardening. In 
 1792, he married Hannah Perry (15), and resided in Medfield for 
 a few years ; then for a short time in Wrentham ; returning to this 
 town. About 1810, he bought the house that had belonged 
 to Elihu Lawrence, and which stood on the site of that now owned 
 by Mr. Quincy, in the south part of the town. He died in 1828, 
 
498 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 his widow marrying, second, Amos Kingsbury (i). She died in 
 1855. Children : — 
 
 2. Polly, 1794-1854; m. in 1818 Abner Fairbanks of Sharon. 
 
 3. Esther M., 1801-1874; m. in 1823 Lowell Fisher. 
 4-4. Eleazar p., 1804. 
 
 5. Elizabeth P., 1807; m. in 1830 Chauncey Cloyes. 
 
 6. Infant, 1810-1810. 
 
 4- 
 
 Eleazar P.^ (Stephen ') married in 1827 Catherine Smith (219), 
 who died in 1884. Son : — 
 
 7. William S., 1830; m. in 1853 Olive M. Babcock (5). 
 
 TOWNSEND. 
 
 Jonathan Townsend was the son of Rev. Jonathan Townsend 
 of Needham, born in 1721. He graduated at Harvard College 
 in 1741 ; was chosen by the Medfield church in 1745 as colleague 
 with the pastor, Mr. Baxter signifying his assent in writing, and 
 was ordained October 23 of the same year. He married Sarah 
 Allen of Newton, who died in 1766. At least two sermons of 
 his were published: one, in 1749, on the subject, "Children 
 included in the Abrahamic Covenant : A Caveat against Strife 
 among Christian Brethren"; the other, in 1759, a sermon of 
 thanksgiving for the reduction of Quebec by the forces under 
 General Wolfe. The next year he received an appointment as 
 chaplain in Colonel Bagley's regiment, and served in the garrison 
 at Louisburg. 
 
 In 1769, he was formally dismissed from the pastoral office. 
 He continued to reside in town until 1776, when, attending a 
 friend unexpectedly affected wilh small-pox, he took the disease, 
 was carried to a hospital in Dedham, died, and was buried there. 
 His house was on Frairy Street, and is now owned by the Derby 
 heirs. Children : — 
 
 Jonathan, 1751. 
 
 William, i 753-1 753. 
 
 Sarah, 1754-1836. 
 
 William, i 755-1 763. 
 
 Gregory, i 758-1 763. 
 
 George, i 760-1 787. 
 
 Mary, i 761-1787. 
 
 Horatio, 1763. 
 
 Gregory, 1766-1840; unmarried; built and lived in the 
 house on North Street, opposite Frairy Street. He 
 bought the lot of the Cooledge heirs in 1800. 
 
 +9. 
 10, 
 
 9- 
 
 Horatio 2 (Jonathan ■) graduated at Harvard College in 1783. 
 After residing here a few years, he removed to Dedham, where 
 he spent his life as a lawyer. He married Anstis Green, daughter 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 499 
 
 of Nathaniel of Boston. He died in 1826, his widow in 1850, 
 aged eighty-five. Children : — 
 
 11. Mary, i 797-1 880; m. in 1820 John B. Derby (5). 
 
 12. LucRETiA, 1 798-1 880. 
 
 13. Horatio, 1799; died in South America. 
 
 14. Sarah, 1801-1869; m- in 1854 Ezra Williams of Washing- 
 
 ton, D.C. 
 
 TURNER. 
 
 John Turner came from Roxbury here, and was a member 
 of the Roxbury church. He was among the original thirteen who 
 formed the settlement at Medfield, and his house lot was on South 
 Street, near Curve Street. His first house was on the west side 
 of the street, but was occupied only a few years. In 1665, he had 
 leave to dig a well on the common land. Two years after, he had 
 leave to dig a cellar on the side opposite his house ; and in 1668 
 he was permitted to have " the spot where his siller stands to set 
 his house on." This was near the present corner of South and 
 Philip Streets. He brought with him his wife Deborah, and 
 probably three children. He served five years as a member of 
 the board of selectmen. Deborah died in 1676, and a wife Alice 
 died in 1680. He died in 1705. Children: — 
 
 2. Elizabeth, 1647-1676; m. in 1669 Samuel Smith (;). 
 
 3. Deborah, 1649; ™- i" '668 Jabez Tatman, Roxbury. 
 -|-4. John, 1651. 
 
 -\-S. Isaac, 1654. 
 
 6. Mary, 1658; m. Parker of Newton. 
 
 7. Samuel, 1661-1685. 
 
 8. Sarah, 1663-1738; m. in 1696 John Plimpton (4); second, 
 
 John Metcalf (2). 
 
 9. Abigail, i 667-1 750; m. Samuel Smith (12); second, Joseph 
 
 Clark (II). 
 10. Hannah, 1670-1752; unmarried; died in Walpole. 
 
 John ^ (John ') settled in the south part of the town, on the old 
 road that led from South Plain through the woods to Stop River. 
 In 1669, his father had a grant of a piece of land on the top 
 of a hill to the left of the cartway ; and there John had a house 
 of his own as early as 1680, the cellar of which is yet to be seen 
 on land belonging to Stephen F. Turner. He married in 1677 
 Sarah Adams (6). After his father's death, he sold his part 
 in the original place near Philip Street to Isaac Wheeler of 
 Dedham. He died in 17 10; and his inventory includes house, 
 barn, shop, and house lot of eighteen acres, the road running past 
 the north end of the house from the waste lands to South Plain. 
 His widow died in 1747. John was said to be a soldier in 
 Mosely's company. Children : — 
 
 II. Deborah, i 679-1 679. 
 -(-12. John, 1681. 
 
500 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 13. Stephen, 1684; m. in 1712 Judith Fisher (14), and settled 
 on what is known as the Ford place in Wrentham, now 
 Norfolk. 
 
 -|-i4- Edward, 1688. 
 
 ■j-15. Ebenezer, 1693. 
 
 5- 
 -Isaac 2 (John-) married in 1682 Rebecca Crafts, and had 
 a portion of his father's homestead, with whom he appears to 
 have lived. He died in 1694, eleven years before his father; and 
 his widow in 1708 married John Rockwood. His heirs sold their 
 share of the old place to Isaac Wheeler. Children : — 
 
 i6. Rebecca, 1682; m. James Allen (11). 
 
 17. Elizabeth, 1684. 
 
 -(-18. Samuel, 1686. 
 
 19. Isaac, 1688. 
 
 20. Philip, 1689. 
 
 12. 
 
 Johns (John,^ John-) lived on the farm "to the southward 
 of south plain," now on High Street, owned at present by 
 Stephen F. Turner. He built a house some distance nearer the 
 present road, traces of which are still pointed out. He married 
 Mary Fisher (13), who died in 1719; second, Esther, widow of 
 Jonathan Boyden. He died in 1757, having survived all his 
 children ; and his grandson, John Smith (58), came into possession 
 of his property. Children : — 
 
 21. Sarah, i 709-1 753; m. in 1729 Eleazar Smith (28). 
 
 22. Mary, 1711-1733. 
 
 23. (.John, 1714-1714. 
 
 24. (Miriam, 1714-1714. 
 
 14. 
 
 Edward 3 (John,^ John-) sold his rights in his father's estate 
 to his brother John in 1741. About the same time, he appears 
 to have bought the place of Moses Clark on South Street, near 
 the South School-house. He married in 1745 Mercy Wight (38), 
 he being then at the age of fifty-seven, and she forty-three. 
 Edward Turner was a very prominent man in town affairs for 
 many years, — constable (or collector) in 1733, on the board of 
 selectmen for eleven years, and moderator at the town-meetings. 
 He died in 1774; and his estate was given to his nephew, Seth 
 Turner (34). His widow died in 1783. 
 
 15- 
 Ebenezer 3 (John,^ John-) lived on the Walpole side of the 
 line, near the south-easterly corner of the town of Medfield. He 
 married in 1716 Esther Clark (53), who died in 1774. He died 
 in 1759. Children : — 
 
 25. Ebenezer. 
 
 26. Esther ; m. in 1 742 Zachary Partridge (90 ?). 
 
GENEALOGIES. 5OI 
 
 27. John ; perhaps of Sturbridge. 
 
 28. Joseph. 
 4-29. Bezaleel. 
 
 30. Edward, i 728 ; lived in Walpole. 
 
 -I-31. Abner, 1730. 
 
 32. Elisha, 1 733 ; lived in Walpole. 
 
 33. Keturah, 1735; m. John Cleaveland, 1761. 
 +34. Seth, 1738. 
 
 18. 
 
 Samuel 3 (Isaac,^ John ') settled in the extreme southerly part 
 of the town, near the bridge on the road leading to Norfolk. His 
 house was built under the brow of the hill, west of the road, on 
 land now owned by Bonney Brothers. He married in 171 1 Mary 
 Rockwood (21). Samuel served as highway surveyor in 1718, as 
 one of the selectmen in 1733. A new house had been built on 
 the place prior to 1752, and he in that year deeded it to his son. 
 The traces of that house are distinctly visible at present. He died 
 in i7SS» his wife in 1762. Children: — 
 
 35. Mary; m. John Varney of Medway. 
 
 36. Rebecca, 171 5. 
 
 37. Rachel, 1720. 
 -[-38. Samuel, 1724. 
 
 29. 
 
 Bezaleel 4 (Ebenezer,3 John,^ John") married in 1747 Elizabeth 
 Baker (6), and settled in the extreme south-east part of the town, 
 the site of the house, which was burned about 1770, being still 
 shown in the woods. It was not rebuilt, and the family located 
 on the Walpole side of the line. He died in 1787. Children : — 
 
 39. Elizabeth, 1748. 
 
 40. Bezaleel, 1749; ™- i" "^TT^ Mary Thompson of Wrentham. 
 
 41. Joel, 1751. 
 
 42. C Hannah, i7S3-i757- 
 
 43. 1 Thankful, i 753-1 827 ; m. in 1778 David Clark (152). 
 
 44. Nathan, 1757; inherited his father's place in Walpole. 
 
 45. Hannah, 176(3. 
 
 46. Lois, 1762. 
 
 47. Asa, 1765. 
 
 48. Finis, 1767. 
 
 49. Silence, 1769. 
 
 31- 
 ABNER4 (Ebenezer,3 John,^ John ■) married in 1754 Abigail 
 Smith of Walpole. He lived for a while in Medfield, but finally 
 inherited and lived on the ancestral place. Some of his children 
 are here given. He died in 1807. Children : — 
 
 50. Sarah, i7S5-i757- 
 
 51. David, 1756. 
 
 52. Abigail, 1759. 
 
 53. ZiLPAH, 1 763-1846; in. Charles Hamant (40). 
 
502 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 34- 
 
 Seth4 (Ebenezer,3 John,^ John-) married in 1775 Mary Clark 
 (109). After the death of his uncle Edward, he came into posses- 
 sion of the place near the South School-house, which he sold in 
 1786 to Eleazar Perry (14), and removed from town. Children : — 
 
 54. Edward, 1776; is said to have been a clergyman. 
 
 55. Mary, 1779-1783- 
 
 56. Experience; died in 1783. 
 
 38. 
 SAMUEL4 (Samuel, 3 Isaac,^ John') married in 1752 Ruth 
 Smith (42); lived in the "new house" his father had deeded 
 to him, and bought the rights of his sisters in the estate. He 
 died in 1784, and in 1796 the place was sold to Eleazar Perry (14). 
 Children : — 
 
 57. Sarah, 1753 ; m. in 1792 Jeremiah Tucker of Wrentham. 
 
 58. Jacob, 1755 ; m. in 1783 Lois Boyden of Wrentham ; second, 
 
 in 1790, Miriam Morse of Wrentham. Jacob Turner had 
 a house on the road south side of Noon Hill in 1793. 
 
 59. AzuBAH, 1758 ; m. in 1778 Jesse Day of Wrentham. 
 
 60. Keziah, 1 760 ; m. Moses Frost, Chester, Vt. 
 
 61. Samuel, 1761; m. in 1789 Lucinda Guild of Wrentham; 
 
 settled at Chester, Vt. 
 
 62. Ruth, 1764-1841 ; pauper. 
 
 63. Mary, 1765; m. in 1791 Nathaniel Stearns (2). 
 
 64. Enos, 1 768-1 796; aided by the town. 
 
 65. Ketorah, 1770; m. Alanson Guild, Chester, Vt., father of 
 
 Luther Guild, who afterward settled here. 
 
 66. Zillah, 1773; m. Richard Guild, Chester, Vt. 
 
 67. Priscilla, 1 776-1865; m. in 1798 Timothy Hamant (36). 
 
 68. 
 
 Calvin 5 (Ichabod,4 Stephen,^ John,^ John') was born in 
 
 Wrentham in 1761. He came to Medfield, and married in 1790 
 
 Sarah Adams (75). He died in 1846, his wife in 1831. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 69, 
 70. 
 
 +71 
 72, 
 
 73 
 74. 
 7S 
 76, 
 
 Sally, 1790. 
 
 Obed, 1 792-1 829; lived in Med way. 
 
 Stephen, 1794. 
 
 Joseph, 1797- 1797. 
 
 Susanna, i 798-1 874; m. Harding Partridge, Medway. 
 
 Calvin, 1800-1877; lived in Mendon. 
 
 John, 1802; settled in Dixfield, Me. 
 
 Martha ; m. Elijah Cady, Hampton, Conn. 
 
 71- 
 
 Stephen ^ (Calvin,5 Ichabod,4 Stephen,3 John,= John ■) became 
 
 heir to his uncle, John Smith (loo). He married in 1820 
 
 Susanna, daughter of Elisha Adams (80), who died in 1879. He 
 
 was one of the constituent members of the Orthodox church, of 
 
GENEALOGIES. 5O3 
 
 which he was afterward chosen deacon. He died in 1885. 
 Children : — 
 
 +77. Stephen F., 1823. 
 
 78. John S., 1825-1878. 
 
 79. Francis A., 1 827-1 831. 
 
 77- 
 
 Stephen F.7 (Stephen,'' Calvin,5 Ichabod,4 Stephen,3 John,^ 
 John ■) married in 1853 Mary J. Babcock (18), who died in 1869 ; 
 second, in 187 1, Abbie F. Lewis. Children : — 
 
 80. Lavella J. F., 1854. 
 
 81. Arthur S., 1857-1869. 
 
 82. Mary Addie, 1865. 
 
 83. 
 
 Charles F.? (Obed,^ Calvin,s Ichabod,4 Stephen,3 John,^ 
 John") was born in Medway, and married EUza Fairbanks of 
 Medway. Children : — 
 
 84. Harriet E., 1846-1852. 
 
 85. Abby L., 1850; m. in 1875 R. Emmons Cole (27). 
 
 86. Charles F., 1851-1853. 
 
 87. Emery H., 1854; m. Lydia A. Elder of Lewiston, Me. 
 
 88. Marian M., 1863-1879. 
 
 89. 
 
 John A.^ (John,5 Ichabod,* Stephen,3 John,^ John ■) was born 
 in Wrentham in 1802 ; married in 1829 Catherine Morse (98), and 
 inherited her father's homestead, now owned by John Y. 
 Thurston. He was an esteemed and useful citizen : served as 
 sexton for many years. His first wife died in 1857 ; and he 
 married in 1861 Harriet Ellis (112), who died in 1862. He died 
 in 1864. Children : — 
 
 90. J. Addison, 1833. 
 
 91. Thaddeus M., 1838. 
 
 92. Eliza C, i 844-1 855. 
 
 93- 
 
 George Turner was a deserter from the British army during 
 the Revolutionary war. He is said to have been gardener to the 
 Duke of Argyle before entering the army. He came to Medfield, 
 and hid in what is called " Cheney Pond " woods until it became 
 safe for him to be seen abroad. He married in 1777 Amy Clark 
 (187), and lived on the place that had belonged to her father 
 on South Street, just beyond the brook. The family soon became 
 a public charge, and the town received J67 yearly from the State 
 for their support. He continued to be a State pauper till the 
 
504 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 time of his death in 1824, at the age of eighty-three. His wife 
 died in 1813. Children: — 
 
 94. Hannah, 1776 ; was the mother of Sally Fisher in 1804. 
 
 95. William, 1778. 
 
 96. Margaret, 1780; perhaps m. Jonas Pike of Sturbridge. 
 
 97. Lucy, i 782-1868. 
 
 98. George, i 785-1866. 
 
 99. Amy, 1 787-1876. 
 100. Polly, i 793-1854. 
 
 WALLACE. 
 
 Alfred Wallace, son of Alfred and Milly Wallace, was born 
 in Medway in 1805. He came here when young, having been 
 brought up in the family of Shem Armsby (15), and worked here 
 many years as a carpenter. He married in 1829 Drusilla Walker, 
 daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Smith 115) Walker of New Salem, 
 who had lived from childhood in the family of Johnson Mason 
 (44). About 1850, he built for himself the house on North Street, 
 which (since enlarged) is now occupied by William F. Harding. 
 Five years later, he removed to Boston, where he died in 1885, his 
 wife having died in 1880. Children : — 
 
 2. Clara S., 1832; m. in 1857 Moses Shatswell of Salem; re- 
 
 sides in Boston. 
 
 3. William H., 1835; is a salesman in Boston. 
 
 4. Abbie W., 1840; m. in i860 Oscar F. Cory; second, in 1883, 
 
 G. W. Slocomb of Holliston. 
 
 5. Charles E., 1843-1862; died at Savage Station, Va., in 
 
 hospital, a prisoner of war. 
 
 6. Jerome B., i 845-1 860. 
 
 WARE. 
 
 James Ware was born in Wrentham in 1785, son of Elias and 
 Deborah Ware. His wife was Eliza, daughter of Joseph Pope of 
 Boston. He came to Medfield about 1828, and commenced keep- 
 ing store in the building on the east corner of Main and Pleasant 
 Streets, which he continued for several years. After relinquish- 
 ing business, he continued to reside on the same spot till his death 
 in 1865. His wife died the same year. Children : — 
 
 2. James, 1819; m. Annie R. Sneeden of Boston. 
 
 3. Paschal P. P., 1820; m. Lucy D. Lewis of Everett. 
 
 4. Emily, 1822. 
 
 5. Joseph O., 1826; m. Harriett C. Lewis of Boston. 
 
 6. Addison P., 1829; m. Sarah B. Sanderson of Springfield. 
 
 7- 
 
 Herman Ware was born in Wrentham in 1801, son of Heze- 
 
 kiah Ware and Abigail (Boyden) Ware. He came to Medfield in 
 
 1842, and lived on Elm Street, at the old house beyond Mill 
 
 Brook. In 1853, he and his son removed to a new house on 
 
GENEALOGIES. 50S 
 
 South Street. He married in 1828 Ruth Whiting of Wrentham, 
 who died in 1871. He died in 1883. Children : — 
 
 8. Susan E., 1829; m. in 1851 Frederick H. Wight of Dover. 
 
 9. Charles H., 1832-1870; m. in 1862 Susan E. Sanders of 
 
 Milford. 
 10. Sarah E., 1834-1850. 
 
 WARFIELD. 
 
 John Warfield came to Medfield when a young man, and was 
 here as early as 1654, in which year he was appointed to "burn 
 the woods." He married in 1661 Elizabeth Sheppard (4). 
 She died in 1669, and he married in the same year Peregrina 
 Wheelock (6), who died in 1671. His third wife was Hannah 
 Randall. He had a house on Bridge Street, said to be on the 
 side of the way opposite the meadows, perhaps the same that 
 belonged at first to the Sheppard family. Warfield removed to 
 Mendon in 1685, where he was the first schoolmaster and a dea- 
 con of the church. He died in 1692. Children : — 
 
 2. John, 1662. 
 
 3. Elizabeth, 1665. 
 
 4. Ithamar, 1676. 
 J. Ephraim, 1679. 
 6. Elihu, 1682. 
 
 Other children were born in Mendon. 
 
 WARREN. 
 
 Joseph Warren had a grant of land in 1667, and owned a 
 house as early as 1673. That house was burned by the Indians 
 in 1676, and his case is specially referred to by Mr. Wilson in his 
 letter to the General Court. He lived somewhere to the south- 
 ward of Castle Hill, perhaps near the present Pine Street. A lot 
 of land in that locality long went by the name of the "Warren 
 lot." He married in 1668 Experience Wheelock (9). He died in 
 1 7 18 J and the homestead came into the possession of his son-in- 
 law, Eleazar Wight. Children : — 
 
 2. Relief, i 670-1 740; m. Eleazar Wight (12). 
 
 3. Experience, 1672-1704; m. in 1699 Daniel Thurston (26). 
 
 4. Abigail, 1674; m. in 1701 John BuUard (9); died prior to 
 
 1722. 
 
 5. Rebecca, 1677'; m. Peter Randall. A Rebecca Randall 
 
 died here in 1740. 
 
 6. Joseph, 1680-1699. 
 
 7. Mehitable, 1684; m. in 1703 Gershom Brigham. 
 
 8. Mary, 1689; m. in 1707 Joseph Lawrence. 
 
 WHEELER. 
 
 Isaac Wheeler was the son of Richard of Dedham, and wife, 
 Elizabeth Turner. In 1708, Isaac bought the house which had 
 
506 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 been the property of John Turner, and which stood near the 
 corner of South and Philip Streets. In 1720, he bought out the 
 remaining heirs to the Turner estate, which lay along the north 
 side of Curve Street. He came to Medfield several years earlier ; 
 was a carpenter. His wife was Experience Metcalf (6). Isaac 
 and his wife both died in 1731. Children: — 
 
 2. Mary; m. in 1713 Joseph Boyden (14). 
 
 3. Experience ; m. Joseph Clark (54) ; second, Daniel Wedge 
 
 of Mendon; died 1774. 
 
 4. Richard ; settled in Worcester. 
 -\-5. Isaac, 1698. 
 
 6. Abraham, i 700 ; said to have settled in Worcester. 
 
 5- 
 Isaac ^ (Isaac ■) married Sarah Lawrence, daughter of Ebenezer 
 of Wrentham. He lived on the place that had been his father's 
 till 1755, when he sold it to Seth Clark, removed from town, and 
 settled in Rutland, where descendants still live. Children : — 
 
 7. Isaac, i73S- 
 
 8. Sarah, 1738. 
 
 9. Mercy, 1740. 
 ro. Rhoda, 1744. 
 
 11. Abraham, 1746. 
 
 12. Jacob, 1749. 
 
 13. Ede, 1751-1755- 
 
 WHEELOCK. 
 
 Ralph Wheelock, " the founder of Medfield," was born in 
 Shropshire, England, in 1600. He was educated at Clare Hall, 
 Cambridge. He was a dissenting preacher, and came from 
 England when the tide of persecution ran highest. It is said he 
 often preached after coming to this country, though never a settled 
 minister. He came from Watertown to Dedham at the time of 
 its settlement, and was active in the formation of the church 
 there ; was a freeman in 1639. I" 1642, he was appointed a local 
 magistrate and " clerk of the writs." In 1645, he was authorized 
 to "solemnize marriages" in that town. 
 
 His house lot was the first granted in Medfield, and was at the 
 corner of Main and North Streets, the site lately owned by Elijah 
 Thayer. The twelve acres in his lot included the spot where the 
 house stood on the north side of Main Street, from North to Short 
 Street, and also a field opposite, extending along what is now 
 Pleasant Street. His house was built in the latter part of 1651 
 or beginning of 1652. He was a member of the first board of 
 selectmen in 1651, and served four years afterward. In 1653, he 
 was chosen to take up a collection for Harvard College. In 1655, 
 the first school was established; and Ralph Wheelock was the 
 schoolmaster. He was deputy, or representative to the General 
 Court, for several years, and held almost every office of importance 
 
GENEALOGIES. 507 
 
 in the gift of tlie town ; was the magistrate here, and was com- 
 missioned to perform the marriage service within the bounds of 
 Medfield and Mendon. He died in 1683, his wife Rebecca in 
 1680. Children : — 
 
 -\-2. Gershom. 
 
 3. Mary; m. in 1661 Joseph Miles ; went to Shrewsbury. 
 
 4-4- Benjamin, 1640. 
 
 -i-5. Samuel, 1642. 
 
 6 Peregrina; m. in 1669 John Warfield (i); died in 1671. 
 
 7. Rebecca; m. John Crafts of Roxbury in 1654. 
 
 8. Record, 1644; m. in 1672 Increase Ward of Shrewsbury. 
 
 9. Experience, 1648; m. in 1668 Joseph Warren (i). 
 -|-io. Eleazar, 1654. 
 
 Gershom 2 (Ralph') was in the list for Mr. Wilson's rate 
 in 1657, and probably came of age about that time. He married 
 Hannah Stodder, daughter of John of Hinghara, in 1658. In 
 1663, he had liberty from the town to cut "200 sedar plank" in 
 the common swamp. His house stood on the Harbor Island road, 
 a short distance south-west of the present residence of Charles 
 Hamant. He rung the bell and swept the meeting-house in 1674, 
 for which the town paid him £2 15^-. The next year, he assisted 
 in thatching the meeting-house. His house was burned by the 
 Indians in 1676, and it appears to have been rebuilt on the same 
 spot. He died in 1684, and in 1690 his heirs sold the homestead 
 to Joseph Plimpton. Children: — 
 
 12. Hannah, i 659-1 659. 
 
 13. Samuel, i 660-1 660. 
 
 14. Hannah, 1661. 
 
 15. Samuel, 1664; settled in Marlboro; afterward in Shrews- 
 
 bury. 
 
 16. John, i 670-1 684. 
 
 17. Joseph ; settled in Lancaster. 
 
 18. Timothy, i 673-1 761; seems to have been incapable of 
 
 taking care of himself. In 1699, * special town meeting 
 was called to see about Timothy Wheelock. Voted " to 
 pay out of the town treasury to John Arnold, prison- 
 keeper, ,to take the best and most prudent care of 
 Wheelock.'' In 1749, Joseph Wheelock of Lancaster 
 deeds lands to Ephraim Wheelock of Medfield "for 
 taking care of my brother, Timothy Wheelock." He died 
 in Medway. 
 
 4- 
 Benjamin 2 (Ralph') married in 1668 Elizabeth Bullen (4), and 
 is mentioned as having a house in the same year. It stood near 
 where that of heirs of Mr. Sewall now stands. Perhaps the foun- 
 dations of a chimney that were unearthed there a few years ago 
 belonged to Benjamin Wheelock's house. In 1669, he received a 
 small grant of land " between his house and the brook, taking in 
 
508 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 some part of the brook." He left Medfield, and settled in Men- 
 don about 1685. Children : — 
 
 19. Elizabeth, 1671. 
 
 20. Mary, 1674. 
 
 21. Abiel, 1676. 
 
 22. Benjamin, 1678. 
 
 23. Obadiah, 1685. 
 
 5- 
 Samuel 2 (Ralph-) married at Rehoboth in 1678 Sarah Ken- 
 rick. He inherited the original Wheelock estate on the corner 
 of North Street. He died in 1698, and his' widow married in 
 1703 Josiah Rockwood (4). The place passed into the possession 
 of his brother Eleazar. Children : — 
 
 24. Sarah, 1679-1716; m. in 1700 Henry Guernsey. 
 
 25. Samuel, 1680-1698. 
 
 26. Rebecca, i 681-1682. 
 
 27. D ROD at, 1 684- 1 684. 
 
 28. Mercy, 1685; died young. 
 
 29. Mehitable, 1689; m. in 1709 Benoni Partridge (58). 
 
 30. Thomas, 1691-1691. 
 
 Eleazar 2 (Ralph") married in 1678 Elizabeth Fuller of Re- 
 hoboth. She died in 1689 ; and he married, second, Mary 
 Chenery (4), who died in 1732. The first notice of him in the 
 town records is in 1676, when he killed four wolves. He removed 
 to Mendon soon after his marriage. He was a surveyor of land 
 there in 1681. He distinguished himself as a hunter of wild 
 beasts while living in Mendon. Afterward, returning to Medfield 
 about 1701, he purchased of Grindal Rawson the Wilson home- 
 stead, where the town hall now stands. He also became owner 
 of the original Wheelock estate on the west corner of North 
 Street. Captain Wheelock was selectman in 1720, and was a 
 prominent man in town affairs. He died in 1731. Children: — 
 
 31 
 32 
 
 33 
 34' 
 35 
 
 +36, 
 37 
 
 Elizabeth, 1678. 
 
 Ralph; settled in Windham, Conn.; was the father of 
 
 Eleazar Wheelock, founder of Dartmouth College. 
 Mary, 1686-1714; m. in 1703 David Clark (20). 
 Eleazar, i 690-1 705. 
 Rebecca, 1692; m. John Fisher (12); second, in 1715, 
 
 Jeremiah Adams of Medway. 
 Ephraim, 1697. 
 Abigail, i 699-1 726; m. in 1723 Peter Cooledge (i). 
 
 36. 
 Ephraim 3 (Eleazar,^ Ralph ') owned the ancestral corner as 
 well as the Wilson place. He was chosen deacon of the church 
 in 1738, and was a prominent man in town affairs. He married 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 SO9 
 
 first, in 1721, Miriam Bullen (24), who died in 1727; second, in 
 1729, Priscilla Plimpton (33), who died in 1740; third. Experience 
 Bullard (28), who died in 1755 ; fourth, Mary, widow of Samuel 
 Ellis (21), who died in 1762 ; fifth, in 1766, Elizabeth Colburn of 
 Dedham, who died in 1775. Mary, his fourth wife, gave in her 
 will £S to be improved for the use of the public schools, and £ki 
 6s. 8^. for the use of the ministry. The old field that was Mr. 
 Wilson's, lying between South and Pleasant Streets, had the first 
 piece taken out of it in 1739, when Deacon Wheelock sold five 
 rods on the corner of Main and South Streets to Richard Mann 
 to build a Sadler's shop upon. Ephraim died in 1785. Children : 
 
 38. Eleazar, 1724-1812; was called "Master Wheelock," as 
 
 he was schoolmaster here 1756-1775. He married in 
 1790 Sarah Plimpton (80), and lived on the original Wheel- 
 ock homestead, corner of Main and North Streets. The 
 ancient house was torn down in 1 780. Having no chil- 
 dren, the estate was given to the nephew of his wife, 
 Simon Plimpton, son of Jonathan (81). 
 
 39. Ralph, 1726; settled in Sturbridge. 
 
 40. Abigail, 1730; m. in 1752 Lemuel Kollock. 
 -I-41. Joseph, 1732. 
 
 -(-42. Ephraim, 1733. 
 
 43. Moses, i 736-1 736. 
 
 44. Moses, 1737-1801 ; settled in Westboro. 
 
 45. Ichabod, 1 740-1 740. 
 
 46. Priscilla, 1743-1834; m. in 1762 Silas Mason (29). 
 
 41. 
 
 Joseph* (Ephraim,3 Eleazar,^ Ralph') kept school in 1763; 
 married in 1770 Sarah Clark (166). He owned a part of the saw- 
 mill at Noon Hill as well as various lands in that vicinity, which 
 he sold in 1769 to Joseph Plimpton ; was a selectman in 1767 and 
 1770. He removed to Sherborn, where he lived several years ; 
 died in 1787, and his widow married Samuel Sanger of Sherborn 
 in 1789. Children : — 
 
 47. Joseph, i 770-1 770. 
 -I-48. Seth, 1772. 
 
 There were several other children not recorded here : Clark, who was 
 lost at sea; Sally, born in 1778, died in 1802; Ebenezer, born in 1781, 
 died in Sherborn in 1844; and Thankful, born in 1782. 
 
 42. 
 
 Ephraim* (Ephraim, 3 Eleazar,^ Ralph') served four years in the 
 French and Indian war, was a captain at the siege of Louisburg. 
 He was a colonel in the Revolutionary war, commanded a regi- 
 ment in the Continental Army, and was at Ticonderoga and 
 Crown Point. He married in 1767 Mary Clapp of Walpole, 
 daughter of Stephen, who died in 1808. After this, he sold his 
 estate in Medfield, and lived with his son Gershom in Shrewsbury, 
 
JIO HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 till 1824, when he returned, and lived here with his son Oliver till 
 his death in 1826. Children : — 
 
 49. Priscilla, 1768; m. in 1789 Joel Gay of Walpole. 
 
 50. Oliver, 1770-1831; m. in 1798 Elizabeth Newell of Sher- 
 
 born. He kept a store on the east corner of North Street 
 which he sold in 1809, and bought in 1819 a small house 
 at the westerly end of the cemetery. His widow died in 
 1844. 
 
 51. Olive, i 773-1859 ; m. in 1796 Eliakim Morse (72). 
 
 52. Mary, i 776-1 776. 
 -(-53. Gershom, 1779. 
 -|-54. Samuel, 1781. 
 
 48. 
 Seth 5 (Joseph,4 Ephraini,3 Eleazar,^ Ralph') married in 1797 
 Susanna Gerauld (14). The family removed to Warwick. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 55. Sally, 1798. 
 
 56. Susanna, 1800. 
 
 57. Joseph, 1802. 
 
 58. Martha J., 1807. 
 
 59. Mary, 1809. 
 
 53- 
 Gershom s (Ephraim,4 Epliraim,3 Eleazar,^ Ralph >) married in 
 1802 Abigail Adams (151), who died in 1805 ; second, in 1806, 
 Priscilla Mason (73), after which he removed to Shrewsbury. 
 He died in 1855, his wife in 1845. Children : — 
 
 60. Nathan A., 1804-1852; died in Shrewsbury. 
 
 61. Margaret, i 805-1 805. 
 
 Several children of the second marriage were born after removal. 
 
 54- 
 Samuel s (Ephraim,4 Ephraim,3 Eleazar,^ Ralph ') married in 
 1804 Betsey Wight (112). In 1809, Samuel and his wife were dis- 
 missed to the churchdn Greensboro, Vt. Children ; ^- 
 
 62. Ephraim, 1805. 
 
 63. Elias M., 1807. 
 
 WHITING. 
 
 Nathaniel Whiting was the son of Nathaniel of Dedham, born 
 in 1644. He married Joanna Gay, daughter of John of Dedham, 
 in 1664. The first notice of him in Medfield is in the records of 
 (666, when he was paid for killing a wolf. The first grant of 
 land he received here was a small piece " joining the south-east 
 corner of his house lot." The location of his house is not easily 
 determined ; but it was probably on North Street, not far from 
 Pine Street. He had been one of the subscribers to the college, 
 and in the report of collections it is stated that he had been burned 
 
GENEALOGIES. 5 1 1 
 
 out by the Indians. In 1676, Joanna Whiting of Medfield was 
 appointed administratrix on the estate of her husband, Nathaniel 
 Whiting. Inventory includes real estate in Medfield. No house 
 mentioned here. Probably it was never rebuilt. 
 
 A brother of his, Samuel Whiting, was in Medfield from 1681 
 to 1690. Another brother, Timothy, was here in 1682, but was 
 in Dedham afterward. His widow Joanna married John Ware 
 of Wrentham in 1680. Children : — 
 
 2. Joanna, 1665. 
 
 3. Nathaniel, 1667 ; a Nathaniel was in Medway 1714. 
 
 4. John, 1669^1669. 
 
 5. Samuel, 1671. 
 
 6. Hezekiah, 1673. 
 
 WIGHT. 
 
 Thomas Wight is said to have come from the Isle of Wight to 
 this country, bringing his wife Alice and three sons. He was at 
 Watertown in 1636, came to Dedham in the early days of that 
 settlement, and was made a freeman in 1640. He was one of the 
 original thirteen who settled in Medfield ; and his house lot was 
 on what is now Green Street, a short distance east of the corner 
 of North Street. He removed his family here in the latter part 
 of 1652, and is first mentioned in the records in 1653 ; was men- 
 tioned as deacon of the church in 1667. He served nineteen 
 years on the board of selectmen. His wife died in 1665; and 
 he married Lydia, widow of James Penniman, sister of the 
 "Apostle" Eliot. Thomas died in 1674, his wife in 1676. 
 Children : — 
 
 2. Henry; remained in Dedham. 
 
 -I-3. John. 
 
 -(-4. Thomas. 
 
 5. Mary; m. in 1657 Thomas Ellis (52). 
 
 -\-6. Samuel, 1639. 
 
 -[-7. Ephraim, 1645. 
 
 3- 
 
 John ^ (Thomas') was of age when his father came to Medfield, 
 and was one of the original thirteen. He was the first of that 
 number to be called away by death. His house lot was next 
 his father's on the north-east. He died in 1653, and a daughter 
 Abiel was born on the ist of January following. His widow 
 in 1655 married Isaac Bullard of Dedham, who in 1667 was 
 appointed guardian of Abiel, "daughter to the late John Wight." 
 She had several grants of land from this town. There is nothing 
 further known in regard to her. 
 
 Thomas 2 (Thomas') was accepted as a townsman in 1658. He 
 lived on Green Street, east of his father's place. He was burned 
 
512 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 out by the Indians in 1676, and was in circumstances of great 
 need, as is shown by his petition to the General Court. He mar- 
 ried Mehitable Cheney, sister of William and Joseph. He died 
 in i6go. Children: — 
 
 t 
 
 9. Mehitable, 1663. 
 
 10. Thomas, 1665. 
 
 11. Mary, 1667-1705 ; m. in 1686 Joseph Clark (11). 
 
 12. Eleazar, 1670. 
 
 13. Joshua, 1679. 
 
 Samuel == (Thomas ') settled in the north part of the town 
 as early as 1673. The site of his house can yet be seen on the 
 west side of North Street, near the house of W. C. Allen. He 
 was burned out by the Indians in 1676, but rebuilt, apparently 
 upon the same spot. He married in 1663 Hannah Albee (6). 
 Both were in full communion at the time of Mr, Baxter's settle- 
 ment. He died in 1716, his wife in 1723. Children: — 
 
 14. Hannah, 1664-1664. 
 
 -j-ij. Samuel, 1665. 
 
 16. Hannah, 1667; m. John Thompson. 
 
 17. John, 1670; probably died young. 
 
 18. Nathaniel, 1672-1675. 
 
 19. Benjamin, 1674; mentioned in his father's will, 1710. 
 
 20. Abiel, 1676; m. Randall. 
 
 4-21. Joseph, 1679. 
 
 -|-22. Jonathan, 1682. 
 
 Ephraim 2 (Thomas ') inherited his father's homestead on 
 Green Street. He married in 1668 Lydia Morse (12); died in 
 1723, his wife in 1722. Nathaniel Partridge and Thomas Boyden 
 protested against the will " of our honoured father, knowing him 
 to be a religious, good man, but not capable to make a will these 
 seven years last past." Children : — 
 
 23 
 24, 
 
 26. 
 
 +27 
 +28, 
 
 29 
 
 30. 
 31 
 
 Lydia, 1669-1741 ; m. in 1686 Nathaniel Partridge (2). 
 
 Esther, 1670. 
 
 Ephraim, 1672. 
 
 Miriam, 1675 I m- in 1701 Joseph Allen (i8). 
 
 Nathaniel, 1678. 
 
 Daniel, 1680. 
 
 Bethia, 1683; m. in 1708 Malacbi Bullard (105). 
 
 Deborah, 1685-1764; m. in 1707 Thomas Boyden (12). 
 
 Ruth, 168S; m. in 1715 Abraham Harding (18). 
 
 Eleazar 3 (Thomas,^ Thomas') inherited his father's home- 
 stead on Green Street. He married Relief Warren (2), who at 
 her father's death came into possession of his homestead. She 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 513 
 
 died in 1740 ; and he deeded the Warren place to his son Thomas, 
 together with half the homestead. He died in 1747. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 +34. Thomas, 1697. 
 
 35. Eleazar, 1701 ; went to Mendon. 
 
 13- 
 Joshua 3 (Thomas,^ Thomas ') was a minor when his father 
 died; and Joseph Clark, his brother-in-law, was appointed his 
 guardian. In 1696, he married Abigail Rockwood (14), a youthful 
 couple, each being seventeen years of age. She died the same 
 year ; and he married in 1699 Elizabeth Spowell, by whom he had 
 a daughter Elizabeth, born here in 1703. His house was on the 
 south side of Farm Street, a little east of the railroad crossing. 
 He sold it in 1708 to EUsha Bullen ; removed to Windham, Conn., 
 where a son Joshua was born in 1708, and where he died in 1762. 
 
 15- 
 Samuel 3 (Samuel, ^ Thomas '), called Sergeant Samuel, built 
 a house opposite his father's, near where that of W. C. Allen now 
 stands. He was a weaver by trade ; served on the board of 
 selectmen in 1707 and 1728; married in 1687 Mary Pratt (3), who 
 died in 1743. He died in 1745, giving his homestead to his two 
 daughters. Children : — 
 
 36. Mary, i 689-1 753 ; bought out her sister's rights in the 
 
 homestead, and at her death gave it to "her friend, 
 Jonathan Allen " (44). 
 
 37. Hannah, 1691-1760; m. in 1718 John Ellis (8); second, 
 
 in 1746, John Pratt (15). 
 
 Joseph 3 (Samuel,^ Thomas ') inherited the homestead of his 
 father. His wife lilercy died in 1725. In 1729, he sold his 
 place, and removed to Bellingham. He died in 1758. Chil- 
 dren : — 
 
 38. Mercy, 1702-1783; m. in 1745 Edward Turner (14). 
 
 39. Joseph, 1705-1792; settled in Bellingham. 
 
 40. Samuel, i 707-1 708. 
 
 41. Rebecca, 1729. 
 
 42. Kezia, 1712-1717. 
 
 43. Elnathan, 1716-1761; pastor of the Baptist church in 
 
 Bellingham. 
 
 44. Martha, 1718. 
 
 45. Kezia, 1725; m. Ebenezer Holbrook of Mendon in 1748. 
 
 Jonathans (Sadiuel,^ Thomas") married in 1704 Margaret 
 Fairbanks (14),- 1*4, settled in the north-west part of the town, 
 on the road to Death's Bridge. The cellar is still visible near the 
 
514 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 railroad crossing. He died in 1779, aged ninety-seven, his wife 
 in 1787, aged one hundred and three. Children: — 
 
 4-46. Jonathan, 1705. 
 
 -|-47. John, 1708. 
 
 48. Samuel, 1711; was living in 1779. 
 
 49. Phebe, 1 713; m. in 1740 Eleazar Allen, Jr. 
 
 50. Asa, 1 71 5-1 742. 
 
 51. Benjamin, i 720-1 800; died a pauper; m. in 1776 Lydia 
 
 Draper of Dedham. 
 
 52. Aaron, i 722-1 736. 
 -)-53. William, 1725. 
 
 54. Margaret, 1729; m. in 1753 Joseph Fisher of Wrentham. 
 
 25- 
 Ephraim 3 (Ephraim,2 Thomas ') settled in the north part of 
 the town, at the place now owned by B. F. Shumway on Farm 
 Street. He was living there certainly as early as 1722, and 
 probably some years before. He married in 1702 Sarah 
 Partridge (7). He died in 1744, his widow in 1763. Children : — 
 
 55. Stephen, i 703-1 706. 
 
 56. Sarah, 1706; living unmarried 1743. 
 
 57. Seth, 1 707-1 708. 
 +58. Seth, 1709. 
 
 59. Caleb, 1711; he inherited his father's place, but died un- 
 
 married in 1777, and gave his estate to his nephew, 
 Nahum Wight. 
 
 60. Ruth, 1713 ; m. in 1740 Samuel Fisher of Medway. 
 
 61. Mary, 171 7; m. in 1742 Ebenezer Bullard (42). 
 
 27. 
 
 Nathaniels (Ephraim,^ Thomas') married in 1704 Sarah 
 Ellis (11), who died in 1705; second, in 1706, Mehitable Hins- 
 dale (19). He settled on the west side of the river, and was 
 in Medway a few years. In 1741, he and his three sons were 
 in Killingly, Conn. Children : — 
 
 62. Mehitable, 1707. 
 
 63. Eliphalet, 1 71 1. 
 
 64. Levi, 1712-1797; settled in Killingly, Conn. 
 
 65. John ; and others born after removal. 
 
 28. 
 
 Daniels (Ephraim,^ Thomas') inherited the original Wight 
 place on Green Street. He married in 1721 Lydia Eastes (said 
 to be daughter of Matthew of Dover, N.H.), who died in 1740 
 He died in 1744. Children: — 
 
 -\-66. Peter, 1722. 
 
 67. Bathsheba, 1 723-1 760. 
 
 68. Ephraim, 1729; m. Abigail Upham in 1752. 
 
 69. Dinah, i 732-1 736. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 5 I 5 
 
 34- 
 
 Thomas 4 (Eleazar,* Thdmas,^ Thomas') married in 1745 
 Mary Richardson (9). He inherited and lived on the place that 
 had been his father's on Green Street, which in those days was 
 called "Wight's Lane." He died in 1757, his widow in 1774. 
 His estate consisted of a house lot with buildings and other lands, 
 among which was the " Warren lot." Son : — 
 
 70. Lemuel, 1746. He married in 1765 Elizabeth Ware of 
 
 Wrentham. Four years later, he had removed thither, 
 and sold the house lot to Moses Hartshorn. It still bears 
 the name of " the Wight piece." A Lemuel Wight died 
 in Foxboro in 1821. 
 
 46. 
 J0NATHAN4 (Jonathan,3 Samuel,^ Thomas') bought in 1732 
 of David Ellis the old Partridge estate, at the corner of North and 
 Railroad Streets, with a piece of "plow land" on the east side 
 of the road. In 1746, he bought the buildings and a part of 
 the land belonging to Edward Partridge's estate adjoining him 
 on the north. He married in 1732 Sarah Plimpton (28). He was 
 a carpenter by trade; served as a selectman in 1747 and 1752. 
 He died in 1781, his widow in 1798. Children: — 
 
 71. David, 1733-1822; m. in 1760 Catherine Morse {6^); kept 
 
 a public house in Med way from 1766 to 1774, when he 
 removed to Sturbridge. 
 4-72. Jonathan, 1734. 
 
 73. Sarah, i 736-1834; m. in 1761 David Plimpton (53). 
 
 74. Simeon, i 737-1 737. 
 
 75. Lois, 1 738-1831. 
 
 76. Eunice, 1740-1817; m. in 1763 Deacon Enoch Adams (57). 
 
 77. ( MoSES, 1 741-1742. 
 -I-78. I Aaron, 1741. 
 
 79. Silence, 1743-1817; m. in 1777 Rev. Daniel Adams of 
 Watertown ; second, in 1784, John Baxter (14). 
 -|-8o. MosES, 1745. 
 
 81. Thankful, 1747-1824; m. in 1799 James Perrigo of 
 
 Wrentham. 
 
 82. Simeon, i 750-1 777; was a surgeon in the navy, and was 
 
 killed in the Revolutionary war. He left children in 
 Woodstock, Conn. 
 
 83. Henry, 1752-1837; graduated at Harvard College in 1782; 
 
 taught the North school here 1781-82; was ordained 
 pastor at Bristol Jan. 5, 1785. 
 
 84. Job, 1 754-1 809; graduated at Harvard College in 1784; 
 
 was a home missionary in Western New York. 
 
 47- 
 John 4 (Jonathan, 3 Samuel, ^ Thomas') lived on North Street, 
 at the place now owned by Noah Allen. The house and land had 
 belonged to Mary, first wife of Captain Joseph Clark : it fell to 
 
Sl6 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 her daughters, the wives of Nathaniel Smith and Timothy 
 Hamant in 1732, who doubtless sold it soon after to John Wight, 
 as he appears to have been living there about that time. In 1746, 
 he bought a part of Edward Partridge's homestead lying near him. 
 In 1762, he bought the saw-mill which stood near the present 
 railroad junction. He married in 1735 Mary Plimpton (26). He 
 died in 1770, his widow in 1782. Children: — 
 
 +85 
 86. 
 87 
 89. 
 
 +90. 
 
 91 
 92, 
 
 John, 1736. 
 
 Aaron, i 737-1 737. 
 
 Jabez, 1 738-1 740. 
 
 Abigail, 1741. 
 
 Asa, 1742. 
 
 Molly, 1747- 1748. 
 
 Mary, 1752 ; m. in 1772 Seth Wight (100). 
 
 53- 
 William 4 (Jonathan,3 Samuel,^ Thomas ') was living with or 
 near his father on Canal Street in 1756. In 1759, he sold "one 
 half the home place now occupied by father Jonathan Wight " to 
 John Wight, Jr. He removed to Natick. He married in 1748 
 Susanna Bullard (34), who died in 1807. Children : — 
 
 93. Margaret, 1749. 
 
 -I-94. Oliver, 1753. 
 
 95. Abner, 1756. 
 
 96. Rhoda, 1758. 
 
 A son Jabez was born in Natick. 
 
 58. 
 Seth 4 (Ephraim,3 Ephraim,^ Thomas') married in 1741 Sarah 
 Pratt (16), who died in 1746; second, in 1751, Hannah Morse 
 (131). In 1736, Jonathan Mason of Dedham sold his place to 
 Seth Wight of Medfield. He seems to have lived here with his 
 brother, however, on Farm Street. He died in 1780; served on 
 the board of selectmen in 1754 and 1761. Children : — 
 
 97- Joel, 1741-1S24; went to Dublin, N.H.; afterward lived 
 
 in Sherborn. 
 98. Olive, i 743 ; m. in 1 766 Samuel Cheney (32). 
 -|-99- Nahum, 1745. 
 -)-ioo. Seth, 1753. 
 loi. Sarah, 1758. 
 
 66 
 
 PETER4 (Daniel,3 Ephraim,^ Thomas') was the next successor 
 to the original homestead on Green Street. He married in i7c-> 
 Mary Barber of Medway, daughter of Joseph (24). He was 
 hying here m 1762 ; but in that year he appears to have exchanged 
 his place in Medfield with John Hooker for a place in Medway, 
 to which he probably removed at once. Hooker sold the Wight 
 
GENEALOGIES. 517 
 
 place the same year to Nathan Coolidge. Peter died in 1800 
 in Medway. Children : — 
 
 102. Daniel, 1753-1800; m. Polly Puffer of Wrentham in 1781. 
 
 He died at South Brimfield, now Wales, Mass. 
 
 103. Dinah, 1758; m. in 1781 Jonathan Frost of Westboro. 
 
 72. 
 
 Jonathan 5 (Jonathan, 4 Jonathan, 3 Samuel,^ Thomas ') built the 
 house now owned by George Wight. He was chosen deacon 
 of the old church in 1804. His wife was Lois Clark (82), who 
 died in 1801. He died in 1830. Children: — 
 
 104. Amos, 1760; m. in 1790 Hannah Morse, daughter of John 
 
 (1T9). She died in 1793. He had two daughters, — Han- 
 nah, who married Jonathan Battelle, and Abigail, wife 
 of John Shumway. He resided in Dover until after his 
 marriage with Lavinia Perry (13) in 1811, when he came 
 to Medfield, and lived at the place recently owned by 
 I. C. Lane. He died in 1845, his wife in 1842. 
 
 105. Nathan, 1762-1764. 
 
 106. Sarah, i 764-1 864; m. in 1790 Obed Hartshorn of Dover. 
 
 107. Margaret, 1767-1849. 
 -)-io8. Jonathan, 1769. 
 
 109. Nathan, 1772-1850; m. in 1799 Abigail Adams (77). His 
 place was that now owned by B. F. Shumway. 
 
 78. 
 Aaron 5 (Jonathan, 4 Jonathan, 3 Samuel,^ Thomas') enlisted in 
 the French and Indian war, and was very sick in New York State. 
 One of his brothers went to see him, but did not know him he was 
 so much emaciated. He said, " Are you my brother ? " He said, 
 "Yes, what there is left of me." He was nursed by a squaw 
 whom he called his Indian mother, and years afterward went to 
 see her. He became a physician, and settled in Medway. In 
 1776, he had a small-pox hospital. He died in 1813, his widow 
 in 1833. 
 
 80. 
 
 Moses s (Jonathan,4 Jonathan, 3 Samuel, ^ Thomas ■) settled on 
 his father's place, but sold it in 1807 to Jonathan, his brother. 
 He married in 1780 Sarah Tolman of Needham, who died in 1833, 
 aged seventy-three. He was one of the constituent members of 
 the Orthodox church ; died in 1829. Children : — 
 
 111. Elizabeth, i 781-1782. 
 
 112. Betsey E., 1783; m. Samuel Wheelock (54). 
 -I-113. Charles, 1784. 
 
 114. Henry, 1787-1811 ; died in Havana. 
 
 115. Moses, 1791-1811 ; died in Havana. 
 
 116. Polly; m. in 1812 William Chapell. 
 
 117. Adaliza, 1797; m. John Fairbanks. 
 
 There is said to have been Sarah, also, born in 1799. 
 
5l8 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 85- 
 
 Johns (John/ Jonathan,3 Samuel,^ Thomas ■) married in 1762 
 Elizabeth! Reed of Sherborn. In 1770, he was said lo be of 
 Monadnock No. 3. In 1772, he and his wife were dismissed to 
 the church in DubHn. Children: — 
 
 118. Elizabeth, 1763. 
 
 119. Jabez, 1764. 
 
 120. Miriam, 1766. 
 
 go. 
 
 Asa 5 (John, 4 Jonathan,3 Sarauel,^ Thomas ■) succeeded to pos- 
 session of his father's estate, including the saw-mill. He married 
 in 1771 Hannah Boyden (40), who died in 1791 ; second, in 1793, 
 Miriam Partridge (39), who died in 1816. He died in 1808. 
 Children : — 
 
 121. Hannah; died in 1789. 
 
 122. Hannah, 1794; m. in 181 7 Hosea King of Newfane, Vt. 
 
 123. Mary, 1796. 
 
 124. Asa, 1 799-1800. 
 
 125. MiRiAia, 1800-1819. 
 
 94. 
 
 Oliver 5 (William,4 Jonathan,3 Samuel, ^ Thomas ') married in 
 178 1 Rachel Clark (211). He lived in Medway at one time, and 
 it is not known that he ever owned real estate here. Children : — 
 
 126. Oliver, 1782; m. Betsey Russell of Sherborn, who died in 
 
 1816, leaving four children. The family removed from 
 town. 
 
 127. Shubael, 1785; IB. Clarissa Williams. One son, Addison, 
 
 was born here in 181 3. 
 
 gg. 
 
 Nahum s (Seth,4 Ephraim,3 Ephraim,^ Thomas ■) inherited the 
 estate of his uncle Caleb Wight on Farm Street. He married in 
 1771 Hannah Hill, who died the following year, leaving a daughter 
 Hannah, who, being sick, was received to communion in the Med- 
 field church in 1789. His second marriage in 1778 was with 
 Abigail Bullard of Sherborn. They removed to Westford in 1799. 
 Children : — 
 
 128. Sally, 1781. 
 
 129. Walter, i 782-1 785. 
 
 130. Caleb, 1786. 
 
 Another, Hannah, is said to have been born in 1798. 
 
 Seth 5 (Seth,4 Ephraim,3 Ephraim,^ Thomas') married in 1772 
 Mary Wight (92). He removed to Dover in 1773, and died in 
 1799. Children: — 
 
 131. Aaron, 1773; m. in 1800 Abigail Smith (122), and settled 
 
 in Medway. 
 
 132. Caleb, 1775; m. Vinci Morse of Sherborn. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 
 
 SI9 
 
 133. Oliver, 1777; m. Mary Russell of Sherborn. A son of 
 
 his, Horace, lived in this town, and died in 1868. 
 
 134. Mary, 1780; died about 1870. 
 
 135. Nabby, 1783. 
 
 136. Clarissa, 1785; m. James Mann of Dover. 
 
 137. Asa, 1788; m. Sibyl Holbrook of Sherborn. 
 
 138. Cynthia, 1790. 
 
 139. Arnold, 1793. 
 
 140. Charlotte, 1795. 
 
 108. 
 Jonathan 6 (Jonathan,! Jonathan, 4 Jonathan, 3 Samuel,^ 
 Thomas') married in 1794 Sarah Harding (63). He served as a 
 selectman in 1815, 1816, 1820, and 1824. He died in 1850, his 
 wife in 1844. Children : — 
 
 t 
 
 141. Sally, 1794-1850; unmarried; taught school in 1813. 
 
 142. Jonathan, 1796. 
 
 143. Orion, 1799. 
 
 144. Mary, 1805-1830; unmarried. 
 
 US- 
 Charles 6 (Moses,5 Jonathan,4 Jonathan, 3 Samuel, ^ Thomas') 
 married Prudence Adams (157), who died in 1810; second, in 
 18 14, Lydia Morse of Medway. He is said to have been the 
 inventor of the machine for turning lasts. He removed from 
 Medfield to Boston. 
 Children : — 
 
 145. 
 
 146. 
 147. 
 
 148. 
 
 149. 
 
 Adams, 1808- 
 1814. 
 
 Charles, 1810. 
 
 Henry; has 
 descendants 
 in New York. 
 
 Ann Maria; 
 m. William 
 Warren. 
 
 Moses ; an ar- 
 tist. 
 
 142. 
 
 Jonathan? (Jon- 
 athan, 6 Jonathan, s 
 Jonathan, 4 Jona- 
 than, 3 Samuel, 2 
 Thomas ') came into 
 possession of the 
 place which had 
 been owned by his 
 uncle, Moses Wight, 
 on the corner of 
 North and Railroad 
 Streets. He mar- 
 ried in 1824 Cla- 
 
 JONATHAN WIGHT. 
 
520 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 1-issa, daughter of Alexander Eames and wife, Abigail Lovell (37). 
 He died in 1854, his widow in 1880. Children : — 
 
 ISO. Clarissa M, 1826; m. Willard P. Plimpton of Newton. 
 
 ICI. TONATHAN H., 1828-1829. ,, , ,. j 
 
 152. Hamlet, 1830; m. in 185s Esther H. Thayer (9), who died 
 
 in i860 ; second, in 1863, Lucy J. Hall. 
 
 153. Ellen, 1837 ; m. in 1859 Daniel D. Curtis (8). 
 
 143- 
 Orion 7 (Jonathan,^ Jonathan.s Jonathan,4 Jonathan,3 Samuel,^ 
 Thomas ■) owned the place which was his father's, now George H. 
 Wight's. He married in 1826 Charlotte Adams of Medway. He 
 served six years as a member of the board of selectmen, and in 
 various other town offices. He died in 1869, his widow in 1879, 
 aged seventy-four. Children : — 
 
 154. Mary J., 1827; m. in 1851 Frank Colburn of Newton. 
 
 155. Harriet A., 1828-1830. 
 
 156. Henry F., 1829; m. in 1857 Frances Snell. 
 
 157. Eliza A., 1831 ; m. in 1855 Emery A. Wheeler, who died 
 
 in 1878. 
 
 158. George H., 1832; m. in 1866 Mary R. Adams of Medway. 
 
 159. Margaret E., 1833; m. in 1859 William P. Hewins (3). 
 
 160. O. Laprelette, 1835-1855. 
 
 161. Sarah H., 1837. 
 
 162. Jonathan G., 1838; m. Jennie Muirhead. 
 
 163. Harriet H., 1840. 
 
 164. Charlotte A., 1842-1871 ; m. in 1865 Henry M. Parker (6). 
 
 165. Frederick E., 1848; m. in 1886 Ellen K. Springer. Lives 
 
 in Natick. 
 
 166. 
 
 Francis S.** (Seth,7 Aaron,^ Seth,5 Seth,4 Ephraim,3 Ephraim,^ 
 Thomas-) was born in Bellingham in 1831. He married in 1854 
 Caroline L. Hartshorn (22). Children : — 
 
 167. Joseph H., 1855. 
 
 168. Mary B. A., 1857; m. in 1880 Henry J. Dunn. 
 
 169. Carrie L., 1864. 
 
 170. Jennie F., 1866. 
 
 WILSON. 
 
 John Wilson, first minister of Medfield, was son of John 
 Wilson, first minister of Boston. He was born in England in 
 September, 162 1, and came to New England with his father on 
 his second voyage. He graduated in the first class at Harvard 
 College in 1642, was admitted to the First Church in Boston in 
 1644, and was made a freeman in 1647. After preaching several 
 years, he was invited to assist Rev. Richard Mather of Dorchester, 
 and was ordained as his "coadjutor" in 1649. He was mentioned 
 by a writer of that time as "the gracious and godly. Mr. Wilson, 
 pastor to the church in Dorchester." He preached there two 
 
GENEALOGIES. 521 
 
 years, and in December, 1651, removed to Medfield, where, be- 
 sides performing the duties of physician and schoolmaster, he 
 was minister nearly forty years. 
 
 Hutchinson says he was held in "high esteem." Mather re- 
 lates that when a child "he fell upon his head from a loft four 
 stories high into the street, from whence he was taken up for 
 dead, so battered and bloody and bruised with his fall that it 
 struck horror into the beholders ; but his father had a wonderful 
 return of his prayers in the recovery of his child both unto life 
 and unto sense, insomuch that he continued unto old age a 
 faithful, painful, useful minister of the gospel." 
 
 He married Sarah, daughter of Rev. Thomas Hooker of Hart- 
 ford, Conn. His house lot was where the town hall now stands, 
 the house itself covering a portion of the ground on which that 
 building stands. His home field opposite the house embraced the 
 land lying between South and Pleasant Streets, nearly as far as 
 Oak Street. A church having been formed here, Mr. Wilson was 
 ordained Oct. 12, 1652. The town voted him a salary of ;^8o 
 for the first year, and £^0 annually thereafter. Mr. Wilson was 
 actively interested in everything relating to the welfare of 
 the church and the town. In the Indian war, his house was 
 a hospital for wounded soldiers, and a retreat for refugees from 
 Mendon and other places. 
 
 It is said that the first known instance of prayer at a funeral 
 was when " Mr. Wilson, of Medfield, prayed with the company 
 before they went to the grave," at the burial of Rev. William 
 Adams of Roxbury in 1665. Lechford, who wrote in 1642, says : 
 "At burials, nothing is read nor any funeral sermon made, but all 
 the neighborhood, or a good company of them, come together by 
 the tolling of the bell and carry the dead solemnly to his grave, 
 and there stand by him while he is buried. The ministers are 
 most commonly present." 
 
 On the Sunday just one week before his death, we are told he 
 " preached both forenoon and afternoon, fervently and power- 
 fully." Judge Sewall, in his Diary, says: "Mr. Wilson died on 
 Sabbath day, Aug. 23, 1691, at about three o'clock P.M., seventy 
 years of age wanting a month. . . . The greater part of his church 
 were present to behold and lament his removal from them." His 
 widow remained in this town for a few years. Judge Sewall was 
 here in September, 1697, and tells us that he called upon Mrs. 
 Wilson. She was living in Mendon in 1702, probably with her 
 youngest daughter, the estate here having been sold in 1701 to 
 Eleazar Wheelock, who transformed it into an inn. No stone was 
 erected to Mr. Wilson at the time : that now standing in our 
 cemetery was placed there by Silas Plimpton at his own expense, 
 he being then an old man, and, as he thought, the only one then 
 living who knew "for certainty the spot of burial. 
 
 Mr. Wilson preached the Artillery Election Sermon in 1668, 
 but it is not known that he published anything. 
 
523 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 WILL OF REV. JOHN WILSON. 
 
 I John Wilson Senior, Pastor to the Church of Christ in Medfield 
 in New England, being at present under a due sense of the prevailing 
 infirmities of old age and accounting it my duty to set my house in 
 order, that if God shall please to call me out of this life, my dearly 
 beloved wife and whole family may be so left to enjoy what God hath 
 given me of this world's goods as that no trouble may ensue thereabout 
 after my decease, being at present of sound understanding through 
 God's goodness do make, constitute, ordain and appoint this instrument 
 to be my last will and testament, hereby annulling and making void 
 to all intents and purposes all and every writing or former wills under 
 hand and seal, or by word of .mouth any way crossing or contradicting 
 this instrument. 
 
 Imprimis: I do hereby will and resign my precious soul into the 
 hands of my most gracious God and merciful Father through Jesus 
 Christ, who gave it, in hopes of a blessed and happy resurrection 
 at the last day ; and my body to decent burial ; willing that all my 
 just debts and funeral expenses be paid by my executrix hereafter 
 named with all convenient speed. 
 
 Item, I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife, the faithful 
 companion of my youth and old age, all my estate in movaljles whether 
 in cash, plate, stock or household stuff, of what kind or nature soever, 
 not only for her use and improvement for her' life, but also to be 
 willed away and disposed of by her according to her will and pleasure. 
 
 Item, I do hereby give and bequeath to my said beloved wife Sarah 
 Wilson all my housing, lands, orchards, meadows and other divisions 
 of lands either granted to me by the town of Medfield, or purchased 
 therein by me, saving such as I shall hereafter dispose of to my grand- 
 child Thomas Weld, to be to her sole use, benefit and improvement 
 during her natural life, together with the annuity of ten pounds per 
 annum, during her life to be paid to her, or her assigns in such manner 
 and form as I shall take care and make provision for hereafter. 
 
 Item, I give and bequeath to my beloved son John Wilson all my hous- 
 ing, land and meadows situate lying and being in Braintree, with all the 
 stock, utensils, privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging to 
 be to him and his heirs forever, he, his heirs or assigns, performing 
 the conditions of my gifts hereafter mentioned in this my will ; 
 
 1st. That he my said son John his heirs or assigns shall pay the 
 aforementioned annuity of ten pounds per annum to his beloved and 
 tender mother or her order, in such manner and form as my tenant 
 hath been obliged to make payment of his rent according to 
 
 2dly. That he my son John his heirs or assigns shall pay such 
 parts of the legacies which 1 shall hereafter give and bequeath to 
 my other children as I shall appoint him to pay. 
 
 Item; I give and bequeath to my beloved son John Wilson the 
 one third part of all my library to be to him and his heirs forever. 
 
 Item ; I give and bequeath to my beloved grandchild Thomas Weld 
 all that my one hundred and forty-seven acres of land which lieth in 
 Medfield, New Grant, with that my nineteen acres of land partly 
 upland and partly meadow granted to me by the town of Medfield, 
 bounded Northerly with the land of John Thurston Jr., Southerly with 
 waste land. Easterly by Boggastow brook and Westerly with waste 
 land, together with that eight acres and a half, and six and thirty 
 rods of woodland granted to me by the town of Medfield the loth 
 of ye 1 2th month, 1667, with ye one third part of my library, to be 
 
GENEALOGIES. 523 
 
 to him immediately after my decease and to his heirs forever, always 
 provided, 
 
 1st. That if my said grandchild shall not live to twenty-one years 
 of age, then I will and bequeath the whole I have given him to be 
 equally divided between my two daughters Sarah Torrey and Susannah 
 .Rawson or their heirs. 
 
 2nd. That whereas upon ye marriage of my daughter Elizabeth 
 Wilson to my son-in-law Mr. Thomas Weld, I gave to her to the value 
 of fifty pounds and was always doing for her whilst living, I do hereby 
 will that the aforesaid legacy given to my said grandchild Thomas 
 Weld shall include within it the twenty-five pounds which my 
 Honored Father willed to my late daughter Elizabeth now with God, 
 and that if he shall or any other on his behalf shall endeavor ye 
 recovery of said legacy, then so much shall be deducted from what 
 I have here bequeathed and willed to him. 
 
 Item; I do hereby give and bequeath to my dearly beloved son 
 and daughter Grindall and Susannah Rawson all my housing, lands, 
 orchards, meadows and other lands granted to me by the town of 
 Medfield or therein purchased, lying and being in Medfield, excepting 
 what I have willed to my beloved grandchild Thomas Weld above, 
 to them and their heirs forever immediately after the decease of my 
 dearly beloved wife, together with twenty-five pounds being a legacy 
 left to my daughter Susannah by my Honored Father Mr. John Wilson 
 deceased in his last will and testament, which twenty-five pounds 
 I do will and appoint my son John Wilson or his heirs to make 
 payment of within five years after ye decease of my beloved wife, 
 five pounds per annum to them their heirs or assigns till ye whole 
 be paid. 
 
 Item I I do will and bequeath to my beloved son-in-law Mr. Grindall 
 Rawson, in right of his wife, ye one third part of my library to be 
 to him and his heirs forever. 
 
 Furthermore whereas I have formerly made sale of certain parcels 
 of lands in Conneclicut Colony in the town of Farmington to sundry 
 inhabitants there, my will is that if any of my children shall go about 
 to molest my grantees of what I have sold them, and have received 
 payment for, or shall refuse to do and perform what may be legally 
 demanded of them for ye full confirmation of any such sale made to 
 them and their heirs, then so much shall be deducted out of their 
 estate hereby bequeathed to them as shall make good my said sales 
 and indemnify such my grantees, or any person or persons therein con- 
 cerned. 
 
 Item; If any of my legatees shall go about to vex each other 
 concerning what I have willed to them, then he or they so doing shall 
 thereby forfeit his or their part or portion given in this my last will and 
 testament, and his or ye part so forfeited shall go unto, and be equally 
 divided amongst the rest who shall be and rest contented with what 
 I have allotted to them. 
 
 Item ; Whereas I have formerly given to my daughter Sarah now 
 the wife of Mr. Josiah Torrey, upon her marriage to the late Mr. Paul 
 Batt, a full portion equal to, if not exceeding what I now give to my 
 other daughters, yet as a further manifestation of my most endeared 
 love to her, I do give and bequeath unto her or her heirs five pounds 
 in or as money to be paid out of my estate within one twelve month 
 after my decease. 
 
 And to conclude this my will, I do hereby appoint and constitute my 
 faithful and beloved wife Sarah Wilson my sole executrix to this 
 my last will and testament. 
 
524 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 
 twentieth day of August, 1691. 
 
 Signed sealed and acknowledged to be ye act of ye person sub- 
 scribing in presence of 
 
 John Thurston Senr. 
 
 John Thurston Jr. John Wilson Senr. 
 
 and a seal. 
 
 Sarah, widow of Rev. John Wilson, is said to have died about 
 1715, probably at Mendon. Children : — 
 
 2. John, 1649; died young. 
 
 3. Sarah ; m. Mr. Paul Batt of Boston, by whom she had two 
 
 children in Boston and one at Medfield. She married, 
 second, Mr. Josiah Torrey, by whom she had five children. 
 
 4. Thomas, 1652-1652. 
 
 5. Elizabeth, i 653-1 653. 
 
 6. Elizabeth, 1656-1687; m. in 1681 Rev. Thomas Weld of 
 
 Dunstable. 
 -|-7. John, 1660. 
 
 8. Thomas, i 662-1 662. 
 
 9. Susanna, 1664-1748; m. in 1683 Rev. Grindall Rawson of 
 
 Mendon. 
 
 John 2 (John') is first .mentioned in our records in 1678, when 
 he received bounty on a wolf. In 1685, he was employed to teach 
 school. It was proposed about that time to settle him as a clergy- 
 man with his father. The town refused to do this, but voted him 
 liberty to preach sometimes, and take for pay what might be given 
 in a free contribution. When he preached of a Sunday, he was 
 permitted by vote to take two days out of his school for prepara- 
 tion. After his father's death, it was proposed to give him a call, 
 but this the town voted down. He seems to have been unsuc- 
 cessful as a preacher. In 1697, we find the name of Mr. John 
 Wilson, Physician, in the list of those in full communion here. 
 He settled in Braintree on the ancestral place, where he practised 
 his profession until his death about 1727. He took a wife, Sarah, 
 about 1685, but of what family she was has not been ascertained. 
 The first three births in his family were in Medfield. Children : 
 
 10. John, 1686-1713; graduated at Harvard in 1705. 
 
 11. Elizabeth, 1689; m. Low. 
 
 12. Roger, 1691. 
 
 13. Edmund, 1695. 
 
 14. Sarah; m. John Marsh of Braintree in 1701. 
 
 15. Alice; m. Moses Belcher. 
 
 16. Mary; m. in 1728 Gregory Baxter. 
 
GENEALOGIES. 525 
 
 WOODS. 
 
 Samuel Woods from Stoddard, N.H., came to this town in 
 1841, having purchased the old Smith homestead on Granite Street. 
 He married in 1838 Diana Lowell. Children: — 
 
 2. Samuel D., 1839-1856. 
 
 3. Sarah D., 1841 ; m. in 1862 Willard Holbrook; second, 
 
 George Mansfield of Southbridge. 
 
 4. Susan I., 1845. 
 
 5. Lowell S., 1846. 
 
 6. Franklin A., 1848; m. in 1871 Myra Bartlett of Sunder- 
 
 land; resides in Milwaukee. 
 
 7. Ellen M., 1850; m. in 1874 Joseph M. Johnson (26). 
 
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS 
 
 Recorded in Medfield, 1651-1850, not included in the Fore- 
 going Genealogies. 
 
 BIRTHS. 
 
 Aldridg, Seth, s. of Jacob and Huldah, 1679. 
 
 Archer, Benjamin, s. of Benjamin Archer and Sarah Shuttleworth, 1702. 
 
 Archer, Jonathan, s. of Benjamin and Rebecca, 1733. 
 
 Archer, Benjamin, " " 1735- 
 
 Arculas, John, s. of James and Patience, 1789. 
 
 Arculas, Sarah, d. of James Arculas and Sarah Newman, 1797. 
 
 Bacon, Sarah A., d. of William and Melinda, 1828. 
 
 Balycy, Henry K., s. of Thomas and Abigail, 1777. 
 
 Bardens, James, s. of James and Mehitable, 1718. 
 
 Bardens, Mehitable, d. of " " 1720. 
 
 Bardens, Elizabeth, " " 1722. 
 
 Bass, Abigail, d. of Thomas and Sarah, 1667. 
 
 Bass, Samuel, s. " " 1669. 
 
 Batt, Sarah, d. of Paul and Sarah, 1678. 
 
 Bigelow, Julia A., d. of Solomon and Julia, 181 5. 
 
 Bigelow, John R., s. " " 1818. 
 
 Bigelow, William T. " " 1820. 
 
 Bignal, Mark, s. of Richard and Abigail, 1 704. 
 
 Blake, Martha, d. of Philip and Sarah, 1778. 
 
 Blake, Martha, " " 1780. 
 
 Blake, Josiah, s. " " 1782. 
 
 Boyce, Esther, d. of Samuel and Esther, 1745. 
 
 Boyce, William, s. " " 1747. 
 
 Boyce, Mary, d. " " 1749. 
 
 Bradford, Hannah, d. of Walter and Sarah, 1796. 
 
 Bradford, Stephen S., s. " " 1797. 
 
 Bradford, Olive, d. , " " 1799. 
 
 Bradford, Mary A. " " 1804. 
 
 Bradford, Phebe, " " 1810. 
 
 Brown, Walter J., s. of Henry S. and Lucretia, 1849. 
 
 Cairns, Isabel M., d. of James and Mary, 1829. 
 
 Callender, Abigail, d. of Benjamin and EHzabeth, 1 777. 
 
 Callender, Hepsibeth, " " 1780. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. 527 
 
 Calley, Peter, s. of Peter and Ruth, 1670. 
 
 Calley, Margaret, d. " " [675. 
 
 Chickering, Calvin, s. of Oliver and Tabitha, 1778. 
 
 Chickering, Polly, d. of David and Sarah, 1793. 
 
 Chickering, Charles, s. " " 1798. 
 
 Chickering, Eliza H., d. of Wid. Sarah, 1809. 
 
 Chickering, Sarah, d. of Calvin and Anna, 1803. 
 
 Chickering, Calvin H., s. " " 1808. 
 
 Chickering, Oliver, " " 1810. 
 
 Chickering, Anna, d. of Calvin and Nancy, 1804. 
 
 Chickering, William H., s. " " 1813. 
 
 Chickering, Mary, d. of Hartshorn and Mary, 1806. 
 
 Chickering, Abigail, " " 1810. 
 
 Chickering, Cyrus, s. of Daniel and Caroline, 181 2. 
 
 Chickering, James, s. of Daniel and Orpha, 1821. 
 
 Cobb, Jemima, d. of Edward and Hannah, 1736. 
 
 Cobb, David, s. of David and Adelaide, 1832. 
 
 Colburn, Artemas, s. of Job and Rhoda, 1761. 
 
 Coller, Hannah, d. of Phinias and Hannah, 1734. 
 
 Coller, Ezekiel, s. 
 
 Connelly, John, | s, 
 
 Connelly, William, j 
 
 Connelly, Rebecca, d. 
 
 Connelly, James, s. 
 
 Connelly, Mary, d. 
 
 Connelly, Grace, 
 
 Connelly, Richard, s. 
 
 Connelly, Peggy, d. of William and Margaret, 1772. 
 
 Connelly, John, s. " " I774- 
 
 Connelly, Elizabeth, d. " " 1778. 
 
 Connelly, William, s. " " 1781. 
 
 Crane, Alice, d. of Benjamin and Ellena, 1670. 
 
 Craven, Olive, d. of John Craven and Joanna Thebault, 1779. 
 
 Danielson, Loisa, d. of Dr. Lothario Danielson and Sibyl Clark, i8i6. 
 
 Davis, Elizabeth, d. of Thomas and Elizabeth, 1768. 
 
 Davis, Mary L., d. of George and Mary, 1839. 
 
 Davis, William P., s. of George and Mercy, 1843. 
 
 Davis, Mary C, d. " " 1846. 
 
 Davis, Fanny L., d. of Warren and Fanny, 1839. 
 
 Davis, Amelia, " " 1843- 
 
 Dean, John W. A., s. of Faxon and Polly, 1816. 
 
 Dean, Hannah A., d. " " 181 7. 
 
 Deo, Paul, s. of Abel and Anna (French neutrals), 1763. 
 
 Dewing, Charles, s. of Joel and Mary, 1835. 
 
 Dixon, Silence, d. Richard and Lydia, 181 5. 
 
 Dixon, Lydia, " " 181 7. 
 
 11 
 
 
 I 
 
 736. 
 
 of John 
 
 and El 
 
 izabeth 
 
 I74S- 
 
 
 
 
 I74S. 
 
 
 
 
 1747 
 
 
 
 
 1749 
 
 
 
 
 1751. 
 
 
 
 
 I75S- 
 
 
 
 
 1 759- 
 
528 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Dixon, Enoch M., s. Richard and Lydia, 1820. 
 
 Dorr, Samuel A., s. of Ebenezer and Abigail, 1775. 
 
 Draper, Ellis, s. of Joseph and Polly, 1819. 
 
 Draper, Mary, d. " " 1821. 
 
 Draper, Joseph, s. " " 1823. 
 
 Draper, Francis, " " 1825. 
 
 EUenwood, Olive G., d. of Aaron and Clarissa, 1816. 
 
 Eveleth, Mary L , d. of Daniel and Mary, 1836. 
 
 Foley, John, s. of John and Anna, 1778. 
 
 Foley, Silence, d. " " 1780. 
 
 Foley, James, s. " " 1781. 
 
 Foley, Christopher, " " 1784. 
 
 Force, Benjamin, s. of Benjamin and Jemima, 1721. 
 
 Force, Timothy, " " 1723. 
 
 Force, Solomon, " " 1725. 
 
 Force, Mary, d. " " 1727. 
 
 Freeman, Ebenezer, s. of Anna Plimpton, 1770. 
 
 Gardner, Mary, d. of Edward and Mary, 1734. 
 
 Gardner, Hannah A., d. of James W. and Altamira, 1832. 
 
 Gardner, Mary L. " " 1835. 
 
 Gay, Joseph W., s. of Joel and Priscilla, 1789. 
 
 Gay, Polly, d. of Jason and Hannah, 1795. 
 
 Gay, Hannah, " " 1798. 
 
 Gay, Jason, s. " " 1800. 
 
 Gay, Luther, " " 1803. 
 
 Gay, George, " " 1805. 
 
 Gay, Timothy, " " 1808. 
 
 Gleason, Mary E., d. of Jonathan and Amy, 1834. 
 
 Gleason, Francis E., s. " " 1835. 
 
 Gleason, Amy, d. " " 1840. 
 
 Goddard, Ellen E., d. of Alonzoand Elizabeth, 1845. 
 
 Goddard Alonzo A., s. " " 1847. 
 
 Goodwin, Charles H., s. of Joseph and Sarah, 1828. 
 
 Goodwin, James H.' " " 1837. 
 
 Goudy, Alexander, s. of James and Mary, 1741. 
 
 Goudy, Mary, d. '■ " 1744. 
 
 Grant, Priscilla, d. of Benjamin and Priscilla, 1693. 
 
 Grant, Martha, d. of Simuel and Eliza, 1879. 
 
 Grant, Sarah J. " " 1820. 
 
 Grant, Harriet, " " 1822. 
 
 Grant, Andrew J., s. " " 1824. 
 
 Grant, Adeliza, d. " " 1825. 
 
 Green, Daniel, s. of Warrick and Mary, 1783. 
 
 Green, Polly, d. " " 1787. 
 
 Green, David, s. " " 1789. 
 
 Green, William, s. of Newport and Phillis, 1785. 
 
.MISCELLANEOUS BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. 529 
 
 Green, Parmelia, d. of Newport and Phillis, 17S9. 
 
 Green, Johnson, s. of Samuel and Rachel, 1822. 
 
 Green Catherine B., d. " " 1825. 
 
 Guernsey, Sarah, d. of Henry and Sarah, 1701. 
 
 Guernsey, Samuel, s. " " 1703. 
 
 Guernsey, Betty, d. " " 1705. 
 
 Guernsey, Mary, " " 1707. 
 
 Guernsey, Thankful, " " 1712. 
 
 Hart, Luther, s. of William and Nancy, 1776. 
 
 Hayford, Susan E., d. of John and Cynthia, 1836. 
 
 Hayford, Marion L. " " 1839. 
 
 Hayford, Ellen M. '• " 1842. 
 
 Hayford, Emma L. " " 1845. 
 
 Higgins, Deborah, d. of William and Deborah, 1738. 
 
 Higgins, William, s. " " 1739. 
 
 Higgins, Lucretia, d. " " 1741- 
 
 Hixon, Ebenezer, s. of Ebenezer Hixon and Rachel BuUard, 1752. 
 
 Holbrook, Nathaniel, s. of Thomas and Hannah, 1658. 
 
 Holbrook, Thomas, " " 1659. 
 
 Holbrook, Eleazar, " " 1660. 
 
 Holbrook, Patience, d. of Thomas and Margaret, 1669. 
 
 Holbrook, Hopestill, s. " " 1671. 
 
 Holbrook, Henry, s. of Henry and Martha, 1781. 
 
 Holbrook, Henry, " " 1786. 
 
 Holbrook, Joseph P. " " 1787- 
 
 Hooker, John, s. of Mary Hooker, 1774. 
 
 Hooper, John, s. of Thomas and Elizabeth, 1 708. 
 
 Horton, Eunice, d. of William and Mercy, 1838. 
 
 Hubbard, Mary W., d. of Dr. Levi and Lucetta, 1838. 
 
 Ingley, Harriet A., d. of William and Nancy, 1845. 
 
 Jepherson, William, s. of Thomas and Susanna, 171 7. 
 
 Kendall, James B., s. of Rev. James and Maria, 1834. 
 
 Kimball, George A., s. of George and Martha, 1837. 
 
 Kimball, Mary F., d. of John E. and Lucy, 1838. 
 
 King, George, s. of Samuel and Sarah, 1779. 
 
 King, Harriet, d. of Hosea and Hannah, 181 7. 
 
 Knap, Elizabeth, d. of Ebenezer and Elizabeth, 1736. 
 
 Legalle, Mary A., d. of Joseph and Louisa, 1847. 
 
 Legalle, George E., s. " " 1848. 
 
 Legalle, Sarah L., d. " " 1849- 
 
 Legalle, Elizabeth E. " " 1850. 
 
 Leland, Hopestill, s. of Henry and Margaret, 1655. 
 
 Leland, Experience, " " 1656. 
 
 Leland, Ebenezer, " " 1657- 
 
 Leland, Eleazar, " " 1660. 
 
 Leland, Mary E., d. of Dr. P. W. and Pamela, 1831. 
 
530 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Leland, Phineas W., s. of Dr. P. W. and Pamela, 1833. 
 
 Loring, Hannah, d. of Rev. Horatio and Hannah, 1835. 
 
 Lyon, Polly, d. of Ebenezer and Hannah, 1775. 
 
 Lyon, Zadoc, s. " " 1783- 
 
 Manly, Salome, d. of Joseph " and wife," 1823. 
 
 Marsh, Joseph, s. of Joseph and Sarah, 1718. 
 
 Marsh, Asa, " " 1726. 
 
 Marsh, Thomas, " " 1728. 
 
 Marsh, Eli, " " I73i- 
 
 Marsh, John, s. of John and Martha, 1720. 
 
 Marsh, James, " " 1723- 
 
 Marsh, Sybil, d. of John and Lydia, 1744. 
 
 Marshal, Ebenezer, s. of Jacob and Mary, 1786. 
 
 Marston, John R., s. of John and Mary, 1816. 
 
 Marston, William F. " " 1820. 
 
 Masstick, Otis, s. of William and Zerniah, 1786. 
 
 Miller, Morgiana M., d. of Joseph and Patty, 1829. 
 
 Miller, Charles A., s. of John and Sarah, 1842. 
 
 Miller, Mary E., d. " " 1844. 
 
 Miller, Ellen, " " 1847. 
 
 Morice, Joseph, s. of Richard and Jane, 1732.* 
 
 Morice, Richard, " " 1734. 
 
 Muzzy, Esther M., d. of Pitt and Esther, 1818. 
 
 Muzzy, Martha C. " " 1819. 
 
 Newell, Francis, s. of Joseph and Sally, 1802. 
 
 Pettee, James, s. of Sibyl Corson, 1791. 
 
 Phillips, Emma A., d. of Rev. Daniel W. and Elizabeth, 1844. 
 
 Pickering, Cynthia A., d. of Cyrus and Cynthia, 1839. 
 
 Pickering, Benjamin, s. " " 1841. 
 
 Pickering, Hannah, d. " " 1844. 
 
 Pierce, Herbert A., s. of Amos and Mary, 1848. 
 
 Prince, Joseph H., s. of Joseph and Lydia, 1829. 
 
 Rawson, Edward, s. of Grindal and Susanna, 1683. 
 
 Reed, Josiah, s. of John and Sibyl, 1767. 
 
 Robbins, Hannah, d. of John and Hannah, 1 709. 
 
 Robbins, Priscilla, " " 1710. 
 
 Robbins, John, s. " " 1713. 
 
 Robinson, Sarah J., d. of Rev. Charles and Sally, 1845. 
 
 Robinson, Charles C, s. " " 1849. 
 
 Rodman, Mary E., d. of Charles and Mary, 1842. 
 
 RoUet, George, s. of Franz and Mary, 1841. 
 
 RoUet, Elizabeth, d. " " 1843. 
 
 Sanders, Sarah, d. of Daniel and Sarah, 1715- 
 
 Sawin, George W., s. of Pharez and Hannah, 1822. 
 
 Sawin, Mary M., d. of Lewis and Emeline, i84[. 
 
 Sawin, Emeline, d. of Lewis and Betsey, 1844. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. 53 1 
 
 Sawin, Herbert, s. of Lewis and Betsey, 1845. 
 Shuttleworth, Benjamin, s. of Vincent and Elizabeth, 1678. 
 Shuttleworth, Elizabeth, d. " " ,670. 
 
 Shuttleworth, Maria, " " 1683. 
 
 Shuttleworth, Vincent, s. " " iggc, 
 
 Shuttleworth, Ebenezer, " " 1688. 
 
 Shuttleworth, John, s. of Vincent and Sarah, 1720. 
 Stanley, William F., s. of William and Caroline, 1834. 
 Stephens, William, s. of Mary Hooker, 1777. 
 Taylor, Oliver, s. of Daniel and Anna, 1755. 
 Temple, Ellen M., d. of Marshall and Mary, 1824. 
 Temple, Alonzo B., s. of Lowell and Mary, 1832. 
 Temple, Mary A., d. " " 1837. 
 
 Thompson, Ebenezer, s. of Ebenezer and Susanna, 1698. 
 Thompson, Susanna, d. " " 1700. 
 
 Thompson, Eleazar, s. " » 1702. 
 
 Thompson, Abigail, d. " " 1704. 
 
 Thompson, Mehitable, " " 1710. 
 
 Thompson, Joseph, s. of John and Hannah, 1698. 
 Thompson, Jonathan, '* " 1700. 
 
 Thompson, Benjamin, " " 1703. 
 
 Thompson, Martha, d. " " 1705. 
 
 Thompson, Lemuel, s. of John and Sibyl, 1785. 
 Thompson, Sibyl, d. " " 1787. 
 
 Thompson, Harriet, " " 1789. 
 
 Thompson, Willard, s. " " 1792. 
 
 Tisdale, Peter, s. of James and Sibyl, 1785. 
 Tread way, Lydia, d. of Jonathan and Judith, 1667. 
 Twichell, Abiel, d. of Benjamin and Marie, 1663. 
 Twichell, Seth, s. of Benoni and Hannah, 171 1. 
 Twichell, Hannah, d. " " 1713. 
 
 Ward, Increase, s. of Increase and Record, 1673. 
 Warland, Robert H., s. of John and Mary A., 1833. 
 Webb, Walter, s. of Walter and Sally, 1803. 
 Wedge, Daniel, s. of Daniel and Experience, 1736. 
 Wedge, Jepthah, " " 1737. 
 
 Weeks, Martha, d. of William and Mary, 1716. 
 Weeks, Sabiah, " " 1718. 
 
 Weld, Mehitabel, d. of Daniel and Mary, 1669, 
 Weld, Anna, " " 1672. 
 
 Wellman, Emalus, s. of Isaac and Nancy, 1816. 
 Wellman, Emeline, d. " " 1818. 
 
 Wellman, Edmund, s. " " 1820. 
 
 Wellman, Emily, d. " " 1821. 
 
 White, Eliza J., d. of Rev. Charles and Charlotte, 1847. 
 Whiting, Joanna, d. of Nathaniel and Joanna, 1665. 
 
532 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Whiting, Nathaniel, s. of Nathaniel and Joanna, 1667. 
 Whiting, Samuel, " " 1671- 
 
 Whiting, Hezekiah, " " 1673. 
 
 Whitney, Hannah, d. of Joshua and Hannah, 1710. 
 Whitney, Joshua, s. '" " I7i2- 
 
 Whitney, Joshua, s of Joshua and Jemima, 1 769. 
 Wilder, Eliza H., d. of Silas and Caroline, 1846. 
 Williams, Elizabeth, d. of William and Lois, 1848. 
 Wilson, Sarah, d. of Michael and Mary, 1675. 
 Wilson, Mary, " " 1678. 
 
 Wilson, Asa, s. of Asa and Polly, 1814. 
 
 Wilson, Hannah, d. " 
 
 " 1816. 
 
 Wilson, Pliney, s. " 
 
 1819. 
 
 Wilson, Samuel, '• 
 
 " 1823. 
 
 Wilson, Lowell G., ' 
 
 1825. 
 
 Wilson, Willard, 
 
 " 1827. 
 
 Wiswall, Sarah C, d. of David and Mary, 1800. 
 Wood, Jonathan, s. of Nicolas and Mary, 1651. 
 Wood, Mehitabel, d. " " 1655. 
 
 Wood, Abigail, " " 1657. 
 
 Wood, Bethiah, " " 1660. 
 
 Wood, Eleazer, s. " " 1662. 
 
 Wood, Asa C, s. of Holland and Mehitabel, 1781. 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 Adams, Moses, and Mary Fairbanks, 1680. 
 
 Aldridge, Jacob, and Hulda Thare, 1675. 
 
 Hardens, James, and Mehitabel Clap, 171 7. 
 
 Barrows, James, of Boston, and Elizabeth Adams, of Medway, 1836. 
 
 Bartlett, Joseph, of Walpole, and Elizabeth Cassidy, 1833. 
 
 Bass, Thomas, and Sarah Wood, 1660. 
 
 Blake, Seth, of Dover, and Mary A. Brooks, 1837. 
 
 Blodgett, William, of Holliston, and Sarah Hunting, 1841. 
 
 Boyden, Jonathan, of Walpole, and Phebe Robbins, of same, 1780. 
 
 Boyce, Samuel, and Esther Hastings, 1744. 
 
 Bullard, Seth, of Walpole, and Joanna Lewis, of Dedham, 1761. 
 
 Bullard, Willard, and Harriet Thompson, 1812. 
 
 Carpenter, John, and Rachel Turner, 1776. 
 
 Clap, Ebenezer, and Mille Blake, both of Walpole, 1778. 
 
 Clap, James, and Elizabeth Herring, of Dover, 1795. 
 
 Clark, Daniel, and Elizabeth Gould, both of Medway, 1748. 
 
 Clark, Oliver, and Hannah Davis, of Medway, 1794. 
 
 Clasp, William, and Mary Tisdale, both of Weymouth, 1843. 
 
 Clayes, Josiah, of Framingham, and Eunice Look, 1775. 
 
 Cleaveland, George, and Sarah Cobb, both of Walpole, 1770. 
 
 Cobb, David, and Adelaide M. Ware, 1831. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. 533 
 
 Colburn, John, and Experience Leland, 1674. 
 
 Colburn, Benjamin, and Abiel Fisher, 1685. 
 
 Cook, Samuel, and Lydia Wight, 1681. 
 
 Curtis, Joseph, and Mary Bullen, 1 740. 
 
 Day, Jeremiah, and Rebecca Whittemore, both of Walpole, 1778. 
 
 Day, Joseph, and Lucy ElHs, both of Dedham, 1778. 
 
 Day, Ebenezer, of Walpole, and Adah Boyden, of Wrentham, 1796. 
 
 Draper, Charles, of Dover, and Nancy Everett, 1821. 
 
 Dunbar, Simeon, and Olive Craven, 1799. 
 
 Ellis, Ebenezer, and Sarah Evans, 1750. 
 
 Ellis, Ezekiel, of Medway, and Lydia Lawrence, 1783. 
 
 Eveleth, Daniel, and Mary H. Stevens, 1835. 
 
 Farrett, William, and Mary Dailie, 1681. 
 
 Farrington, Josiah, and Thankful Boyden, both of Wrentham, 1792. 
 
 Felch, Stephen, and Hannah Fisher, both of Walpole, 1 754. 
 
 Fisher, Leonard, and Betsey Ware, both of Wrentham, 1792. 
 
 Fisher, Joel, of Walpole, and Sally Everett, 1818. 
 
 Forrest, Emanuel, of Newton, and Mary Edwards, of Walpole, 1833. 
 
 Frizzell, Asa, of Walpole, and Betsey Perry, 1830. 
 
 Gardner, Edward, and Mary Jones, 1734. 
 
 Gardner, James, and Altemira E. Fiske, 1831. 
 
 Gay, Phiijehas, of Dover, and Mary Chickering, 181 7. 
 
 Green, Warrick, and Mary Dego, 1 783. 
 
 Guild, Nathaniel, and Rebecca Hart, both of Walpole, 1 767. 
 
 Guy, Martin, and Adeline Bailey, 1834. 
 
 Hall, Josiah, and Cally Boyden, both of Walpole, 1 779. 
 
 Harding, Thomas, and Abigail Twichell, 1754- 
 
 Harding, Seth, of Medway, and Mary Learned, 1805. 
 
 Hartshorn, Fisher, and Zerviah Boyden, both of Walpole, 1779. 
 
 Haslop, Thomas, and Mary Stimpson, 1820. 
 
 Hixon, Isaac, and Elizabeth Harding, both of Medway, 1788. 
 
 Holbrook, Thomas, and Margaret Bowker, 1668. 
 
 Holbrook, Samuel, and Maria Perce, 1675. 
 
 Holbrook, Luke, of Bellingham, and Mercy Pond, 1751. 
 
 Holbrook, Amos, of Bellingham, and Melitiah Hayward, of Medway, 1 773. 
 
 Holbrook, Samuel, and Lois Fisher, both of Wrentham, 1795. 
 
 Horton, William H., and Mercy J Flynn, 1837. 
 
 Howard, Samuel, and Mehitabel Thompson, 1666. 
 
 Jones, David W., of Boston, and Mary C. Newell, 1831. 
 
 Johnson, Julius L., and Betsey Ware, 1844. 
 
 Johnson, Charles, of Wrentham, and Milla F. Wood, of Franklin, 1828. 
 
 Kingsbury, Nathaniel, and Lavina Morse, of Sherborn, 1816. 
 
 Kittredge, Peter, and Susanna Fuder (colored), 1 791 . 
 
 Knowlton, Daniel, of Natick, and Hannah Davis, 1839. 
 
 Lacroix, William, and Jemima Bullard, both of Medway, 1826. 
 
 Leland, Hopestill, and Abigail Hill, 1678. 
 
534 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Leland, Nathan, of HoUiston, and Meribah Gay, of Dover, 1803. 
 
 Linkon, Oliver, of Taunton, and Ruth Hall, of Walpole, 1763. 
 
 Lovett, James, and Hannah Taylor, 1668. 
 
 Lyon, Ebenezer, and Hannah Wood, 1775. 
 
 Marsh, John, and Martha Hartshorn, of Dedham, 171 9. 
 
 Marsh, John, and Lydia Smith, 1744. 
 
 Meuls, Samuel, and Mary Twichell, 1684. 
 
 Miller, Joseph, and Patty Fisher, 1825. 
 
 Mitchell, John, of Philadelphia, and Susanna Cunningham, 1776. 
 
 Morse, Timothy, and Mehitable Robbins, 171 5. 
 
 Morse, Obadiah, of Walpole, and Bethia Ruggles, of Wrentham, 1 729. 
 
 Morse, Uriah, and Elizabeth Metcalf, 1731. 
 
 Morse, Jeremiah, and Experience Ware, 1762. 
 
 Morse, Timothy, of Stoughton, and Lydia Fisher, of Wrentham, 1764. 
 
 Morse, Jotham, and Abigail Gregory, both of Walpole, 1773. 
 
 Morse, Jotham D., and Lydia F. Whiting, 1837. 
 
 New, James, and Mary Shuttleworth, 1720. 
 
 Parker, Solomon, and Mary Whitney, of Natick, 1792. 
 
 Partridge, Job, and Abigail Thompson, 1724. 
 
 Pond, Elihu, and Polly Boyd, both of Franklin, 1784. 
 
 Pratt, Joseph H., and Eliza H. Morse, 1848. 
 
 Quant, John F., and Mary Worsley, both of Wrentham, 1785. 
 
 Randall, John, and Maria Aldridg, 1667. 
 
 Sawin, Lewis, and Betsey Wood, 1843. 
 
 Sayls, William, of Smithfield, and Phebe Tufts, 1817. 
 
 Shuttleworth, Vincent, and Sarah Macany, 1720. 
 
 Sparrowhawk, Timothy, of Natick, and Lydia Gay, 1746. 
 
 Stone, George, and Betsey Patts, 1816. 
 
 Stratton, Frederick, of Boston, and Mary A. Cleveland, 1833. 
 
 Taylor, Hopestill, and Mary Lovett, 1668. 
 
 Taylor, William, and Marie Johnson, 1671. 
 
 Thare, Jonathan, and Elizabeth French, of Mendon, 1680. 
 
 Titus, Nehemiah, and Anna Barden, both of Wrentham,! 755. 
 
 Turner, Elisha, and Esther Woodsworth, both of Walpole, 1759. 
 
 Turner, Edward, and Hannah Fisher, both of Walpole, 1763. 
 
 Twitchell, Benjamin, and Marie White, 1683. 
 
 Whiting, Seth, and Susanna Harding, i8n. 
 
 Whitney, Jonathan, and Susanna Fairbanks, 1701. 
 
 Whitney, Jesse, of Framingham, and Rebecca Newell, 1818. 
 
 Wight, Arnold, of Dover, and Dolly Graves, of Ashburnham, 1827. 
 
 Williams, Joseph, and Susanna Lawrence, 1710. 
 
 Wilson, Jered, and Cate Lawrence, of Franklin, 1784. 
 
 Woods, John, of Ashburnham, and Rebecca Draper, 1831. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. 535 
 
 DEATHS. 
 
 Andrews, Almira, w. of William, aged 25, 1841. 
 
 Antelony, Ann (found dead), 17 71. 
 
 Arculas, Hannah, w. of James, 1795. 
 
 Ashton, Nancy, 30, 1838. 
 
 Bigelow, Isaac, 1777. 
 
 Bigelow, William, 13, 1834. 
 
 Bigelow, Solomon, 66, 1841. 
 
 Blake, Martha, d. of Philip and Sarah, 1 779. 
 
 Boyce, Mary, 1772. 
 
 Bran, Lucy, 85, 1837. 
 
 Brooks, Joseph (Indian), 1760. 
 
 Burrill, Elethera, 30, 1839. 
 
 Carpenter, John (drowned), 1 753. 
 
 Corson, Wid. Sibyl, 181 2. 
 
 Challener, Edward, 1785. 
 
 Cleaveland, Alma, w. of Addison, 30, 1834. 
 
 Colby, Eliza, 29, 1832. 
 
 Collar, Elizabeth, d. Phinehas and Hannah, 1736. 
 
 Connolly, Elizabeth, w. of John, 1760. 
 
 Connolly, William, 81, 1826. 
 
 Connolly, Peggy, 95, 1840. 
 
 Cook, Nathan, 1747. 
 
 Cooper, John (killed by Indians), 1676. 
 
 Crosby, Mary, of Billerica, 1721. 
 
 Daniels, Mrs., 78, 1842. 
 
 Dorr, Lieut. Jonathan, 1776. 
 
 Downs, Thomas, of Boston (burned), 1806. 
 
 Draper, James, of Dover, 1789. 
 
 Drown, Rhoda, 100, 1834. 
 
 EUenwood, Olive G., d. of Aaron, 1820. 
 
 EUenwood, Charles, 1839. 
 
 Felt, William, 77, 1843. 
 
 Felt, Rachel, wid. of William, 87, 1846. 
 
 Fiske, Nathaniel, 1727. 
 
 Flagg, Lucy, 60, 1841. 
 
 Foley, Silence, d. of John and Anna, 1780. 
 
 Freeman, Edward, 53, 1827. 
 
 Garrett, Cornelia, 17, 1848. 
 
 Gay, Eunice, w. of Ichabod, of Dedham, 1838. 
 
 Goudy, John, s. of James and Mary, 1744. 
 
 Gould, Keziah, 76, 1842. 
 
 Green, John, 1781. 
 
 Green, Warrick (native of Africa), 1815. 
 
 Green, Newport, 1816. 
 
J 
 
 536 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Green, Daniel, 40, 1824. 
 
 Green, David, 37, 1826. 
 
 Green, Thankful, d. of Warrick, 49, 1847. 
 
 Green, Mary, wid. of Warrick, 1849. 
 
 Handy, Hannah, 25, 1825. 
 
 Harding, Oliver, s. of Elijah and Sarah, 1754. 
 
 Harding, Hannah, w. of Elias, 1805. 
 
 Harding, Elias, 1820. 
 
 Harding, Capt. Nathan M., d. at sea, 24, 1822. 
 
 Harding, Timothy, 84, 1849. 
 
 Hart, Miss , 57, 1840. 
 
 Helyer, Thomas, of Boston, 1752. 
 
 Herring, Hepsibah, w. of Peletiah, 1779. 
 
 Herring, Samuel, husb. of Sarah, 1795. 
 
 Hews, Hannah, w. of Joshua, 1756. 
 
 Hill, Mary, 1776. 
 
 Holbrook, Nathaniel, s. of Thomas, by fall of a tree, 1677. 
 
 Holbrook, Henry,- s. of Henry and Martha, 1784. 
 
 Holbrook, Alice, w. of Partridge, 69, 1842. 
 
 Horner, Hannah, wid. of John, 1778. 
 
 Horton, Bathsheba, 76, 1843. 
 
 How, John, of Roxbury, 1828. 
 
 Howson, Asa (drowned), 24, 1827. 
 
 Hunt, Margaret, 1800. 
 
 Jackson, Edward (slain by Indians) 1676. 
 
 Jackson, James (drowned) 1804. 
 
 Jackson, Wid. Sarah, 70, 1831. 
 
 Jones, Henry P., 42, 1846. 
 
 Kingsbury, Samuel, of Walpole (drowned), 1767. 
 
 Kingsbury, Jemima, w. of Nathaniel, 1814. 
 
 Kingsbury, Nathaniel, s. of Nathaniel, 27, 1831. 
 
 Kingsbury, Mrs. Lavina, 72, 1833. 
 
 Kingsbury, Wid. Lydia, 78, 1835. 
 
 Kingsbury, Nathaniel, 97, 1846. 
 
 Lane, Fanny, 30, 1825. 
 
 Lane, Wid. Lucy, 68, 1833. 
 
 Leland, Eleazar, husb. of Sarah, 1703. 
 
 Lemoyne, Wid. Anna, 1749. 
 
 Lemoyne, John F., 1750. 
 
 Linkhorn, Wid. Hannah, 1751. 
 
 Loring, Hannah, w. of Rev. Horatio, 28, 1835. 
 
 Lyon, Wid. , 1 776. 
 
 Merrill, Calvin A., s. of Calvin and Sarah, 1847. 
 Miller, Morgiana M., d. of Joseph and Patty, 1848. 
 Mills, Ira, of Needham (by accident), 1808. 
 Monk, Josiah, s. of Daniel, 3, 1837. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. 53/ 
 
 Morice, Richard, s. of Richard and Jane, 1734. 
 
 Morse, Timothy, of Walpole, 1765. 
 
 Morse, Betty, d. of John, 1810. 
 
 Morse, John, 1814. 
 
 Morse, Mary A., of Walpole, 22, 1825. 
 
 Morse, Joseph, of Walpole, 24, 1830. 
 
 Peppelow, John, husb. of Eve, 1793. 
 
 Peppelow, Hannah, 74, 1838. 
 
 Perigo, Hannah, 34, 1832. 
 
 Pierce, Isaac, 1813. 
 
 Pond, Catherine, 1778. 
 
 Quincy, Nancy, d. of Henry and Eunice, 1777. 
 
 Reinolds, Sarah, w. of Nathaniel, of Boston, 1663. 
 
 Robbins, Benoni, 1731. 
 
 Robinson, Diantha, w. of Rev. Charles, 1843. 
 
 Robinson, Sally, w. of Rev. Charles, 40, 1849. 
 
 Sawin, Pharez, husb. of Hannah, 31, 1824. 
 
 Sawin, Emeline, w. of Lewis, 30, 1841. 
 
 Scollay, Mercy, 84, 1826. 
 
 Seabury, Mary A., d. of Elijah and Abigail, 1799. 
 
 Shuttleworth, Elizabeth, w. of Vincent, 1680. 
 
 Shuttleworth, Elizabeth, w. of Vincent, 1694. 
 
 Shuttleworth, Vincent, Sen., 1719. 
 
 Shuttleworth, Vincent, 1744. 
 
 Slocomb, Simon, 73, 1844. 
 
 Tailor, Jane, 1675. 
 
 Thompson, Daniel, 1760. 
 
 Thompson, Lemuel (in the army), 1766. 
 
 Thompson, Lemuel, 68, 1852. 
 
 Tillinghast, Betsey, 63, 1834. 
 
 Tillinghast, Elizabeth S., 1840. 
 
 Tisdale, Emily, 1836. 
 
 Twichell, Lois, 1779. 
 
 Wagner, John, 24, 1841. 
 
 Ware, Philander, 53, 1 841. 
 
 Ware, Abigail, wid. of Hezekiah, of Wrentham, 1847. 
 
 Whiting, Roger (suicide), 1808. 
 
 Whitney, Leonard, 32, 1825. 
 
 Wilder, Eliza H., d. of Silas and Caroline, 1847. 
 
 Williams, William (slain by Indians), 1676. 
 
 Wood, Mary, w. of Nicolas, 1662. 
 
 Wood, Nicolas, 1669, 
 
 Wood, Jonathan (slain by Indians), 1676. 
 
 Woodward, Charles, 59, 1839. 
 
 Woodward, Mehetibel, w. of Artemas, 1837. 
 
 Woodward, Artemas, 1839. 
 
INDEX TO HISTORY. 
 
 Academy Hall, afterward Masonic 
 
 Hall, 210. 
 Academy, Miss M. A. Adams', 223. 
 Acadians, 142-144, 152. 
 Adams Avenue laid out, 257. 
 Adams, Henry, mill burned, 88. 
 Agreetaent o£ the settlers of the town, 
 
 37, 38- 
 Allen, Rev. John, grant to, 25. 
 Allen, Joseph, house fired, 86. 
 AUeyne, Edward, grant to, 25, 42. 
 AUeyne's grant purchased by town, 58. 
 Almshouse, 148. 
 Ammunition, town stock of, in. 
 Anti-pedobaptists, 139, 157. 
 Appearance of country in early days, 
 
 26, 27. 
 Appropriations of 1886, 268. 
 Aqueduct, ancient, 207. 
 Arms brought to church, 29. 
 Army rations in Revolutionary times, 
 
 173- 
 Assessors, first chosen, 105. 
 
 Bachelors' Row, 61. 
 
 Bank bills of Province Treasury, 1 24. 
 
 Baptists, first meetings, 140. 
 
 to have use of school-house, 
 
 156, 158. 
 church organized, 168. 
 first meeting-house, 158, 224. 
 second meeting-house, 236, 
 
 262. 
 church centennial, 263. 
 church history, 263. 
 Battle's store, 190. 
 Bay Colony, patent of, 18. 
 Bay Path, the, 19. 
 
 Baxter, Rev. Joseph, settled, 105-107. 
 Bell, first in Medfield, 67. 
 frame to hang, 92. 
 belfry built, 141. 
 
 not to be rung without permis- 
 sion, 169. 
 recast, 201. 
 Bicentennial of burning of the town, 
 
 262. 
 Bills of public credit, 124. 
 Births, first record of, 50. 
 Births, marriages, and deaths 1651- 
 1875 copied and arranged, 264. 
 
 Blackbirds, bounty on, 70. 
 
 Black Swamp, list of proprietors, 112. 
 
 Boggestow, 24. 
 
 Boggestow Pond, battle near, 89. 
 
 Boiling Spring, 275. 
 
 Boot Manufacturing Company, 243. 
 
 Boston, Hartford & Erie Railroad, 254. 
 
 Bottom road laid out, 76. 
 
 Boundaries of town's land near centre, 
 
 239- , 
 Bounds, 60. 
 
 Boxing trees for turpentine, etc., 117. 
 Boys' seats in the meeting-house, 129. 
 Brastow's Bridge, 275. 
 Brick school-house at north end, 202. 
 Bridge, first, over Charles River, 42. 
 fired by Indians, 86. 
 first, over North Brook, 74. 
 over South Plain Brook, 
 
 72. 
 over Stop River toward 
 Wrentham, 63. 
 Bridges, list of, 275. 
 Bridge Street Plain, 276. 
 Brush manufacture, 208, 211. 
 BuUard, widow, only pauper 1725, 128. 
 BuUen, Samuel, petition for aid, 97. 
 Bunker Hill alarm, 165. 
 Bunker Hill Monument subscribers, 
 
 225. 
 Burned houses, Philip's war, 84. 
 Burning of Curtis & Co.'s boarding- 
 house, 262. 
 Burning the woods, 26, 60-62, 68. 
 Burnt Swamp, 277. 
 Burying-place laid out, 49. 
 
 let for pasture, 71, 106, 132. 
 By-laws of the town, 250, 267. 
 
 Canada soldiers, 1775-76, 165, 168. 
 
 Canal, 213. 
 
 Cannon, signal, 86. 
 
 Canoes, forbidden, 67. 
 
 Carriage manufacture, 244, 249. 
 
 Castle Hill, 276. 
 
 Castle Hill road laid out, 134. 
 
 Castle tax, 75. 
 
 Catechizing the children, 219. 
 
 Cedar Hill, 276. 
 
 Cemetery enlarged, 239, 264. 
 
 Cemetery improved, 241. 
 
INDEX TO HISTORY. 
 
 539 
 
 Census of 1885, 267. 
 Centre Meadow, 277. 
 Centre Meadow road laid out, 133. 
 Centre School, roll of 1820, 222. 
 Charitable contribution, 224, 225. 
 Charity, public, first, 103. 
 Charles River, 274. 
 
 Charles River, named and first de- 
 scribed, 17. 
 Charles River to be cleared, 68. 
 Charles River Branch Railroad, 242. 
 Charles River Railroad, 243, 244. 
 Chemical fire extinguishers, first, 265. 
 Cheney Pond, 277. 
 Chickatabot, 21. 
 Chickering's road laid out, 132. 
 Church, council, 137. 
 
 discipline, 194. 
 dissatisfaction in, 136, 137. 
 land, 71. 
 
 lot (Frairy's) sold, 217. 
 members of 1697, 108. 
 
 of 1815, 215, 216. 
 non-resident, 114, 116. 
 organ, 205. 
 records found, 224. 
 voted first to keep records, 133. 
 Clark's (James) tavern, 231. 
 Clay-pits reserved for public use, 41. 
 Clay-pit valley, 277. 
 Cobb's store, 220. 
 Collector, first, 41. 
 College subscription, 94. 
 Colonial life, 28. 
 Colored folks' seats in meeting-house, 
 
 209. 
 Committee to manage affairs, 36. 
 of correspondence, 163. 
 to report disloyal persons, 
 163. 
 Common, corner North and Dale 
 
 Streets, 129. 
 Common lands, nine hundred acres 
 
 laid out, 123. 
 Common on South Street, 73. 
 Compulsory support of parish minis- 
 ters, 139, 157, 158. 
 Continental Army, Medfield soldiers 
 
 in, 178. 
 Contribution in aid of Boston, 1774, 
 
 164. 
 Cordwainers, 31. 
 Coroner, first, 1 13. 
 Cottage Street laid out, 252. 
 County, new, petitions for, 130, 133. 
 division of, 175, 191. 
 tax of 1759, 143- 
 Cross Street laid out, 146. 
 Curve Street laid out, 139. 
 
 Daniel, Joseph, leave to build mill, 
 
 102. 
 
 Death of the last of the original set- 
 tlers, 121. 
 Death penalties in the colony, 32. 
 Deaths among original settlers, 61, 62. 
 Death's Bridge, 275. 
 Deaths, first record of, 59. 
 Dedham, settlement and original ex- 
 tent, 22, 23. 
 
 surrenders jurisdiction, 46. 
 
 to receive ^50, 36. 
 
 " villadge," 34. 
 Deer, to be preserved, 133. 
 Devii's-foot Island, 278. 
 Dingle Dell, 278. 
 
 Division of the town proposed, 1 18. 
 Documents, public, 18 12, 212. 
 Door, sash, and blind manufacture, 
 
 235- 
 Drafting for Revolutionary Army, 176. 
 Drake's book, extracts from, 88. 
 Draper's mill, 218. 
 Drum, beating the, 69, 99, 100. 
 D wight's Bridge, 275. 
 Dwight's Bridge, first mention, 67. 
 Dwight's Causey laid out, 67, 68. 
 Dyer's Neck, 278. 
 
 Eastward, war with Indians at, 94. 
 Election Day sports, 195. 
 Ellis' Bridge, 275. 
 Elms on Main Street, 189. 
 Elm Street laid out, 57. 
 Embargo of 1808, 208. 
 "Emperor " and his marshals, 231-233. 
 Engine-house, first, second, 231, 245. 
 Excelsior Hook and Ladder Com- 
 pany, 264. 
 Exemption from ministerial taxes, 186. 
 Exemption of Continental soldiers,i66. 
 
 Faculty tax, 195. 
 
 Fairbanks' tavern, 210. 
 
 Families, number of, in 1722, 125. 
 
 " Farms," the, 24. 
 
 Fast riding, 1672-73, 74, 75. 
 
 Female teacher, first, 109. 
 
 Fences, regulations about, 60. 
 
 Fern Dell, 278. 
 
 Fine for not sending Representative, 
 
 135- 
 
 Fme for travellmg without arms, with- 
 out leave, 28. 
 
 Fire, contributions for sufferers by, 145. 
 
 Fire-engine, 229, 245. 
 
 Firemen, list of, in 1854, 245. 
 
 Fish in Charles River, 135. 
 
 Fish-way, 182. 
 
 Food of the colonists, 31. 
 
 Forests, open, 26. 
 
 Forts in Indian times, 84. 
 
 Fourth of July celebration, first notice, 
 198. 
 
S40 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Fourth of July celebration of 1820, 220. 
 Frairy homestead given to town and 
 
 church, 105, 106. 
 Frairy's Bridge, 60, 276. 
 Frairy Street, 156, 229. 
 Framingham & Mansfield R.R., 258. 
 Freemasons, Cassia Lodge, 225. 
 Freemen, 32. 
 French wars, men drafted 1704-06, 
 
 113. I'S- 
 French war, 1722, men raised, 125. 
 
 I7SS. 142, 144, 146. 
 
 French neutrals (Acadi- 
 ans), 142, 143. 
 Fulling mills, 114, 127. 
 Funeral cloth and bier purchased, 130. 
 Funeral of Rev. Joseph Baxter, 136. 
 
 Gair, Rev. Thomas, i68, 185. 
 Garrison houses, 29, 84. 
 Gibbs, Captain, 81. 
 
 Grand Army of Republic, Post 1 17, 258. 
 Granite Street, 122, 131, 134. 
 Grant from Dedham, 34, 35. 
 Grants by the colony, 24, 28. 
 Grants by towns, 28. 
 Grant, west of the river, old, 34, 35. 
 Grant, west of the river, new, 65. 
 Great blow, 217. 
 Great Bridge rebuilt, 181. 
 Great Brook, 274. 
 Great field, 276. 
 Great gun, the, 76, gi. 
 Great sickness, the, 205. 
 Goudy, 278. 
 
 Goudy road laid out, 128. 
 Goudy's mill, 128, 135. 
 Governor, fixed salary for resisted, 131. 
 Guide-boards, first, 193. 
 Guinea, 278. 
 
 Gunpowder, distributed by the colony, 
 29. 
 
 Hall, public, proposed, 249. 
 
 Hand corn-mills, 30. 
 
 Harbor Island, 277. 
 
 Harvard College, 29, 30, 59, 71. 
 
 Harvard College, subscription to, 1675, 
 
 76. 
 Hatter Hill, 276. 
 Hay-fork manufacture, 236. 
 Health, board of, first, 245. 
 Hearse, first, 201. 
 Hearse-house, first, 204. 
 Heating meeting-house, first, 226. 
 Hemp, raised by the Indians, 17, 19. 
 Herd-house Plain, 277. 
 Herd-walks, 30, 60, 68, 73, 98. 
 Heretical opinions in the colony, 20. 
 High Street laid out, 131, 141. 
 Highways, first, 42. 
 Highway work in early days, 62. 
 
 Hinsdale's mill, place of, mentioned, 92. 
 
 Historical sermon, Sanders', 218. 
 
 History of Baptist Church, 263. 
 
 History of New England, let to read- 
 ers, 218. 
 
 Hog's trough, 277. 
 
 Holbrook's tavern, 207, 209. 
 
 Hook and Ladder Company formed, 
 263. 
 
 Horse reeves, 157. 
 
 Horse-shed at meeting-house, first, 109. 
 
 Horse-thief Detecting Society, 202. 
 
 House lots of original proprietors, 43, 
 
 47. 48, 57-59- 
 Houses of the colonists, 30. 
 Hubbard's book, extracts from, 82, 85, 
 
 88. 
 Huckleberry Hill road laid out, 139. 
 
 Immigration, the great, 23. 
 Incorporation of Medfield, 46. 
 Indian titles to be extinguished, zi. 
 Iron ore, 278. 
 Iron ore first taentioned, 65. 
 
 Jacobs, Captain, 82, 87. 
 Jadewalk, 278. 
 Jadewalk road, 6g, 143. 
 James-the-printer, 86, 
 Janes & Curtis, firm of, 251, 
 Johnson, Dr. Return, first physician, 
 
 97, 99- 
 Jojjnson's tavern, 213, 231. 
 Josias Wampatuck, his claims, 22, 100, 
 
 Id. 
 Jurors, list of, first mention, 134. 
 
 Killed at burning of town, list of, 85. 
 King Philip's war, 79-92. 
 
 Ladder at the meeting-house, 75. 
 Ladder, every man to have, 67. 
 Lake Woods, 278. 
 Lancaster burned out, news of, 81. 
 Lands, desire of colonists for, 20. 
 given to all settlers, 28. 
 how divided, 28. 
 of Chickatabot, 21. 
 or houses not to be let or sold 
 without permission, 74. 
 " Lattin tongue " to be taught, 144. 
 Law books distributed, 1660, 66. 
 Leading way to the swamps, 1 16. 
 Letter for aid, Feb. 14, 1676, 81. 
 Letter from the town of Boston and 
 
 i^eply. 159, i6o- 
 Lexington alarm, the, 165. 
 Library, first, 183. 
 
 second, 228. 
 
 present public, 259, 266. 
 Line between Sherborn and Medfield, 
 99. 
 
INDEX TO HISTORY. 
 
 S4I 
 
 Line between Wheelock's and town 
 
 land, 151. 
 Live stock kept in town, 1784, 181. 
 Localities, table of, 276. 
 Long Causey, made a town way, 105. 
 Lots drawn for location of land, 58. 
 Lyceum of 1782, 177. 
 Map of the town, 191, 243. 
 Market women, 197. 
 Marriage, first recorded, 61. 
 Marriage, first by a minister, loi. 
 Masonic Hall purchased by town, 240. 
 Mason, Lowell, rescue from drown- 
 ing, 206. 
 Massachusetts, native productions, 17. 
 Massachusetts River, 17. 
 Meadows laid out, 58. 
 Meadows overflowed, 193. 
 Medfield, name, how selected, 36. 
 Medway line, change desired, 120, 134. 
 list of founders of, 120. 
 set off, 1 19. 
 Meeting-house, first, 59,62,63, 65, 70, 76. 
 of 1706, 114, 115. 
 of 1706 remodelled in 
 
 1725, 127. 
 of 1706 repaired, 135, 
 
 147. 
 of First Parish remod- 
 elled, 236. 
 persons placed in the, 
 130. 
 Meeting-house Pond, 130, 193. 
 Meetings for political study, ig6. 
 Mendon abandoned, 79. 
 Metacom, 79. 
 Military officer, first, 59. 
 Mill Brook, 274. 
 Mill, the first, 49, 50. 
 sold, 56. 
 
 removed, 65, 66, 6g. 
 Mill near "the Willows," 128. 
 Mill, new, burned, loi. 
 Mill on Boggestow Brook, 88. 
 Mills burned by Indians, 84. 
 Mine Hill, 276.' 
 Ministerial fund, 141, 146. 
 Ministerial taxes, abated, 197. 
 Ministerial taxes, imprisonment for, 
 
 192. 
 Minute-men, 1774, 164, 
 Monaco, or "one-eyed John," 88. 
 Morton's description of country, 26. 
 Mount Nebo, 276. 
 Mount Nebo, Indians seep on, 83. 
 Mount Nebo Street laid out, 258. 
 Murder, first in Medfield, 202. 
 Musical instruction provided, 203, 220, 
 224* 
 
 Nail factory, 214. 
 Nantasket, 278. 
 
 Narragansett expedition, 80. 
 Natick dam, first mentioned, 125. 
 
 complaint of, 135. 
 
 subsequent mention, 140, 
 
 141, 145. 193. 209. 239- 
 Natick Indian claims Medfield land, 
 
 74- 
 
 New county, petition for, 131. 
 
 New grant, 65. 
 
 New meeting-house desired, 1703, 113. 
 
 Newspapers in Revolutionary times, 
 170. 
 
 New York & Boston Railroad, 253. 
 
 New York & New England Railroad, 
 254. 
 
 Nine o'clock bell, 190. 
 
 Ninth Norfolk Representative Dis- 
 trict, 262. 
 
 Non-importation agreement, 1 57. 
 
 Noon Hill, 276. 
 
 Noon Hill, Indians seen on, 83. 
 
 Noon Hill Street laid out, 67, 134. 
 
 Noon Hill woods road laid oul-, 151. 
 
 Noon houses, 124, 131, 132, 134, 137. 
 
 Norfolk County incorporated, 191. 
 
 North and Farm Streets laid out, 
 
 131- 
 North Brook, 274. 
 North Meadows, 277. 
 North Plain, 277. 
 North schools consolidated, 256. 
 Notice, Indian, on the bridge, 86. 
 
 Oakes, Captain, 81, 82, 87. 
 
 Oak Street laid out, 265. 
 
 Oath, town officers', 185. 
 
 Oldham's journey to Connecticut 
 
 River, 19. 
 Old men not taxed, 123. 
 Old road discontinued, 259. 
 Old road from Dingle Dell to Great 
 
 Bridge, 145. 
 Old road from Philip Street to Ded- 
 
 ham road, 128. 
 Old road from the mills to Elm Street, 
 
 149. 
 Old tenor and new tenor bills, 133. 
 Old-time college graduation, 211. 
 Onion's Post-office, 219. 
 Orchard Street widened, 243. 
 Ordinary, or public house, Wheelock's, 
 
 "3- 
 
 Orthodox Congregationalist chapel 
 built, 260. 
 
 Orthodox Congregationalist church 
 and chapel burned, 263. 
 
 Orthodox Congregationalist church or- 
 ganized, 227. 
 
 Orthodox Congregationalist church re- 
 built, 264. 
 
 Orthodox Congregationalist meeting- 
 house built, 230. 
 
542 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Papier-mache goods manufacture, 
 
 266. 
 Parish and town separated, 213, 215. 
 Park Street laid out, 265. 
 Pastor, first, 48. 
 Pauperism in 1827, 227. 
 Paupers, mode of supporting, 203, 219, 
 
 231- 234- 
 
 Periods, three, in New England his- 
 tory, no. 
 
 Petition for aid granted, 98. 
 
 for country land, 122. 
 for the Sturbridge grant, 128. 
 of the town, after the burn- 
 ing, 91. 
 of twenty-four persons burned 
 out, 93. 
 
 Pews in place of short seats, 132, 137. 
 
 Philip, King,. 79. 
 
 Philip, death of, 90. 
 
 Philip Street, easterly end laid out, 
 240. 
 
 Philip's wife and child sold into slav- 
 ery, 90. 
 
 Philip's war, cost of, to the colony, 90. 
 
 Phipps' expedition, Medfield soldiers 
 in, 103. 
 
 Physician, first, 97. 
 
 Pine Street laid out, 132. 
 
 Pine Swamp, 277. 
 
 Placing persons in meeting-house, 116, 
 121. 
 
 Plain Street laid out, 131, 246. 
 
 Planting-field, 276. 
 
 Planting-field road, 190. 
 
 Plastered houses, 30. 
 
 Pleasant Street laid out, 242, 265. 
 
 Pomham, defeat and death of, 89. 
 
 Post-ofRce established, 206. 
 
 Post from Boston to Hartford estab- 
 lished, 75. 
 
 Potash works, 147. 
 
 Population in 1660, 67. 
 
 Population and valuation in 1663, 169. 
 
 Pound built, 62. 
 
 by the meeting-hou^e, 133. 
 
 referred to, 194. 
 
 removed to High Street, 254. 
 
 Pound Street laid out, 132. 
 
 Powder house, 148, 155, 160, 249. 
 
 Powder magazine in the meeting- 
 house, 129. 
 
 Prentiss, Rev. Thomas, called, or- 
 dained, 157. 
 
 Property destroyed at burning of the 
 town, 88. 
 
 Proprietors of common lands, 121, 122. 
 
 Prosecution of the town for lack of 
 school, 125. 
 
 Public house, first mention, 64. 
 
 " Putnam Greys," 237. 
 
 Pynchon, William, his purchase, 22. 
 
 Railroad, Boston & Providence, 229. 
 Railroad Street laid out, 139. 
 
 straightened 257. 
 Railroad train, first, 253. 
 Railroad, Woonsocket to Boston, 233. 
 Rail-tree Neck, road to, 113. 
 Raising the meeting-house, 188. 
 Rattlesnakes, 122. 
 Rebuilding after Philip's war, 92. 
 Records from 1649 '° '755 copied, 265. 
 Records from i860 to 1874 burned, 252. 
 Regulations for division of town 
 
 lands, 39. 
 Religious awakening, 134. 
 Representative, first, 59. 
 Representative's instructions, 151, 153, 
 
 154, 162, 166, 170, 174. 
 Representative's pay, 127. 
 Retrospect, a self-gratulatory, 1 54. 
 Revision of State Constitution, 222, 
 
 223. 
 Revolutionary soldiers, list of, 178, 179. 
 Revolutionary spirit of the town, Ijo. 
 Road between Medfield and Mendon 
 
 built, 72. 
 Road from Medfield to Dedham, 123. 
 Road from South Plain to Stop 
 
 River, 61. 
 Roads, old, list of, discontinued in 
 
 1856, 248. 
 Road to Harbor Island, 69. 
 Rock Meadow, 277. 
 Rockwood, Benjamin, wounded at the 
 
 Eastward, 94. 
 Rocky-lane Street, 126. 
 Rocky Woods, 276. 
 Roxbury as shire town, protest against, 
 
 2X2. 
 
 Sadey's tavern, 127. 
 
 Safe for town's use, first, 243. 
 
 Sagamore John, 21. 
 
 Sawin's store, 220. 
 
 Saw-mill at Castle Hill, 183. 
 
 Saw-mill at Noon Hill, 149. 
 
 Saw-mill Brook, 275. 
 
 Saw-mill, Ephraim Cheney's, 138. 
 
 Saw-mill, to be built, 1673, 75- 
 
 School committee, first, 212. 
 
 School districts, 142, 144, 186, 199. 
 
 School districts abolished, 257. 
 
 School, first in Medfield, 62. 
 
 at north and south ends, 122. 
 
 none kept, town presented, 120. 
 
 supported in part by tuition, 
 
 100. 
 
 School fund, 147, 160, 172, 195, 215, 
 
 223, 224, 225, 239. 
 School-house, Centre, 67, 71, 144, 210, 
 252. 
 North, 129, 130, 145, 202, 
 242. 
 
INDEX TO HISTORY. 
 
 543 
 
 School-house, South, 129, 130, 145, ig6, 
 
 229, 246, 262. 
 Schoolmaster, first, 62. 
 Schoolmaster's recommendation, a, 1 26. 
 School Street laid out, 243. 
 School time divided, 130, 142. 
 Scouting party from Medfield, 90. 
 Sealer of leather, 105, 195. 
 Sealer of weights and measures, first, 
 
 62. 
 Sear Tree Plain, 277. 
 Seating the meeting-house, 33, 67, 73, 
 
 139- 
 Seat-lids in meeting-house, 188. 
 Selectmen dine at town's expense, 64. 
 Settlement of Medfield, 34. 
 Sewall, Judge, extracts from, ici, 107. 
 Sewer, common, 268. 
 Shad and alewives, 135. 
 Sheep, first mention, 74. 
 Sheep, marks recorded, 132. 
 Sherborn "farms," 24, 64, 65. 
 Sherborn line, 98. 
 Shire town, petition, 241. 
 Shoes for the colonists, 31. 
 Short Street laid out, 241. 
 Signals for danger from Indians, 24. 
 Signers of the agreement, 38. 
 Slavery in the colony, 32. 
 Slaves, baptism of their infants, 134. 
 Sleepy Hollow, 278. 
 Small-pox among Indians, 22. 
 Small-pox hospital, 167, 170, 190. 
 Smith, Captain John, description of 
 
 coast, 17. 
 Soldier's burial, first, in civil war, 254. 
 Soldiers in civil war, list of, 253, 255, 
 
 256. 
 South Plain, 277. 
 South Plain Brook, 274. 
 South Plain laid out, 60. 
 South Street, original location, 49. 
 Spring Street laid out, 259. 
 Stage coaches, 204. 
 
 State Conslitution, 1778, 1780, 173, 174. 
 Steam mill on Park Street built, 262. 
 Steam Packing Company, 264. 
 Stocks, a pair of, for Medfield, 63, 76. 
 Stockwell, Quintin, a letter from, 97. 
 Stop River, 274. 
 Store, corner North and Main Streets, 
 
 first, 194. 
 Stove-pipe making in 1826, 226. 
 Straw manufacture, 1801-1840, 201, 
 
 210, 220, 228. 
 Straw works, Warren Chenery's, 241, 
 249. 
 Jeremiah B. Hale's, 257. 
 Walter Janes', 244, 245. 
 D. D. Curtis & Co.'s, 263. 
 Searle, Dailey & Co.'s, 
 269. 
 
 Streams of water, 274, 275. 
 Street boards, first erected, 252. 
 Streets, list of, 247. 
 Streets named, 246. 
 Sturbridge incorporated, 133. 
 Sunchemug, John, arrested, loi. 
 Sunday-school, first, in Medfield, 218. 
 Suffering in South Carolina, contribu- 
 tion for, 177. 
 Support of the town's poor, 238. 
 Surplus revenue of 1837, 234. 
 Surveyor of bread, 195. 
 Surveyor of lumber, 195. 
 Swine, regulations concerning, 60, 63. 
 
 Tan-yard, first mention, 73. 
 Tavern at the east end, 205. 
 Tavern at the south end, 189. 
 Taxes, charged with being illegal, 
 
 138. 
 Tax-payers of 1886, $25 and upward, 
 
 272. 
 Tax, State, remonstrance against, 145. 
 Tea, license to sell, 177. 
 Telephone, first, 266. 
 Thatched roofs, 30. 
 Third meeting-house, old parish, 183- 
 
 186. 
 Thurston's Bridge, 275. 
 Timber on Broad iSleadow Island, 
 
 123. 
 Timber trees on Vme Brook, 27. 
 Timber trees to be preserved, 45, 70. 
 Tithing-men, 129. 
 Tomb, receiving, built, 239. 
 Town clerk, first, 47. 
 Town clock, first, 201. 
 Town clock, new, 252. 
 Town hall bequest, 256. 
 
 site purchased, 257. 
 first built, 259. 
 burned, 260. 
 rebuilt, 261. 
 Town history, committee on, 1855, 
 
 246. 
 Town house, proposition for a, 242. 
 Town-meeting, annual, established, 61. 
 Townsend, Rev. Jonathan, settled, 136. 
 Treasurer, first, in. 
 Tree-planting, 197. 
 Trees planted on East Main Street, 
 
 225. 
 Turner, Captain, 87. 
 Turpentine, pitch, and rosin, 117. 
 Turnpike Bridge, 275. 
 Turnpike built, 202, 204. 
 Turnpike laid out as a county road, 
 
 231, 234. 
 Turtle Brook, 275. 
 
 Upper Broad Meadow, 277. 
 Upper-gallery, 145, 151. 
 
544 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Vagrants and thieves, 182. 
 Valuation of 1652, 51-56- 
 
 of 1660, 67. 
 
 of live stock, 1650, 40. 
 
 of live stock, 1830, 229. 
 Vine Brook, 274. 
 Vote for governor, 1885, 267. 
 Voters of 1886, 269. 
 
 Ware's store, 220. 
 
 Washington's obsequies, 200. 
 
 War, French, 1745, 138. 
 
 War, French, 1755, 142'. 
 
 War of 1812, 212. 
 
 Watches taxed, 217. 
 
 Watch kept through the country, 29. 
 
 Weavers, 31. 
 
 Wedding outfit in 1763, 148. 
 
 West Mill Street changed, 266. 
 
 West Street laid out, 99, 235. 
 
 Wheeler's Bottom, 277. 
 
 Whipping, 32. 
 
 White, Rev. John, attempt to settle, 
 
 104. 
 Wife punished by husband, 32. 
 
 Wight, Samuel and Thomas, petitions, 
 
 95, 96. 
 Wildcats, 31, 130, 132. 
 Wildcat Swamp, 277. 
 Wilson, John, Jr., attempt to settle, 
 99, 100, 104. 
 ^ Wilson, John, Jr., kept school, 98. 
 ' Wilson, Mrs., settlement with, 112. 
 Wilson, Rev. Mr., house opened for 
 wounded, 88. 
 letters to governor, 
 
 81, 87, 96. 
 petition for the 
 
 destitute, 95. 
 receipt in full, 102. 
 Winter Street laid out, 141. 
 Wire factory, 260. 
 Witches, 104. 
 Wolves, 3t, 71, 102. 
 Women and men to sit apart, 116. 
 Women voting, first, 265. 
 Woodlands laid out, 72. 
 Work-house, 143. 
 Wrentham bounds, 75. 
 
INDEX TO GENEALOGIES. 
 
 Adams, 
 
 Albee, . 
 
 Allen, . 
 
 Armsby, 
 
 Babcock, 
 
 Bailey, 
 
 Baker, . 
 
 Balch, . 
 
 Barber, 
 
 Barney, 
 
 Baxter, 
 
 Bishop, 
 
 Bosworth, 
 
 Bowers, 
 
 Boyden, 
 
 Brastow, 
 
 Breck, . 
 
 Brett, . 
 
 Bruce, . 
 
 Bullard, 
 
 Bullen, 
 
 Chenery, 
 
 Cheney, 
 
 Clark, . 
 
 Cleaveland, 
 
 ClifEord, 
 
 Cole, . 
 
 Cooledge, 
 
 Curtis, 
 
 Cushman, 
 
 Cutler, 
 
 Daniel, 
 
 Danielson, 
 
 Derby, 
 
 Dunton, 
 
 Dwight, 
 
 Ellis, . 
 
 Evans, 
 
 Everett, 
 
 Fairbanks, 
 
 Fisher, 
 
 Fiske, . 
 
 Frairy, 
 
 Fuller, 
 
 Fussell, 
 
 Gair, . 
 
 Gammell, 
 
 Gerauld, 
 
 Gilmore, 
 
 Glover, 
 
 27.9 
 293 
 294 
 306 
 
 307 
 308 
 
 309 
 3" 
 
 3t2 
 
 315 
 
 318 
 320 
 320 
 321 
 326 
 326 
 328 
 328 
 329 
 334 
 338 
 343 
 347 
 362 
 
 364 
 364 
 365 
 366 
 
 367 
 368 
 370 
 371 
 371 
 372 
 372 
 374 
 383 
 383 
 384 
 386 
 
 392 
 393 
 394 
 396 
 396 
 397 
 398 
 399 
 400 
 
 Grant, . 
 Grout, . 
 Grubb, . 
 Hamant, . 
 Harding, 
 Hartshorn, 
 Harmstead, 
 Hewins, . 
 Hews, 
 Hill, . . 
 Hinsdale, 
 Hoisington, 
 Hooker, . 
 Hutson, . 
 Janes, . . 
 Johnson, . 
 Kingsbury, 
 Lane, . . 
 Lawrence, 
 Lovell, 
 Lowthain, 
 Mann, . . 
 Marshall, 
 Mason, 
 Metcalf, . 
 Moquet, . 
 Morse, 
 Newell, . 
 Noyes, 
 Onion, 
 Ord, . . 
 Parker, 
 Partridge, 
 Penniman, 
 Perry, . . 
 Peters, 
 Plimpton, 
 Pratt, . . 
 Prentiss, . 
 Richards, 
 Richardson, 
 Roberts, . 
 Rockwood, 
 Rowe, . . 
 Ruggles, . 
 Russell, . 
 Sabin, . . 
 Salisbury, 
 Sanders, . 
 Seaver, 
 
 400 
 400 
 401 
 401 
 405 
 410 
 412 
 41Z 
 
 413 
 414 
 
 415 
 418 
 418 
 419 
 419 
 420 
 422 
 423 
 423 
 424 
 427 
 
 427 
 428 
 429 
 436 
 438 
 438 
 446 
 
 447 
 447 
 448 
 448 
 
 449 
 453 
 
 4S4 
 
 456 
 466 
 468 
 469 
 469 
 471 
 471 
 474 
 474 
 474 
 
 476 
 476 
 
 477 
 
546 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 PAGB 
 
 Sewall 478 
 
 Sheppard, . . ■479 
 
 Smith, .... • -479 
 
 Stearns, 49^ 
 
 Stedman 493 
 
 Sutcliffe, 493 
 
 Thayer 494 
 
 Thebault, 494 
 
 Thurston, 495 
 
 Tilden, 497 
 
 Townsend, 49^ 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Turner, 499 
 
 Wallace, S°4 
 
 Ware S°4 
 
 Warfield, S°S 
 
 Warren, S°S 
 
 Wheeler, JoS 
 
 Wheelock, S°6 
 
 Whiting, S'O 
 
 Wight, 5" 
 
 Wilson .520 
 
 Woods, 525 
 
INDEX 
 
 To THE Names of those who have Intermarried with 
 Medfield Families. 
 
 Abbot, Bushrod W., 332. 
 Abell, William F., 415. 
 Adams, Charlotte, 520. 
 Adams, Daniel, 312, 515. 
 Adams, Deborah, 362. 
 Adams, Dorcas, 389. 
 Adams, Eliakim, 463. 
 Adams, Enoch, 308. 
 Adams, Hannah, 363. 
 Adams, Horatio, 408. 
 Adams, Jeremiah, 387, 508. 
 Adams, John, 431. 
 Adams, Jonathan, 323, 344, 491. 
 Adams, Lydia, 414. 
 Adams, Mary, 384. 
 Adams, Mary R., 520. 
 Adams, Moses, 369. 
 Adams, Nehemiah, 358. 
 Adams, Oliver, 283. 
 Adams, Silas, 408. 
 Adams, Silvanus, 463. 
 Adams, Susanna, 502. 
 Adams, Thankful, 331. 
 Aiken, Susan, 492. 
 Albee, Gideon, 353. 
 Aldrich, James, 302. 
 Alexander, Caroline A., 342. 
 Alexander, Josiah, 365. 
 Alexander, Nell, 280. 
 Allen, Aaron, 484. 
 Allen, Abigail, 494. 
 Allen, Benjamin, 329. 
 Allen, Eleazar, Jr., 514. 
 Allen, Esther, 443. 
 Allen, Hezekiah, 455. 
 Allen, John, 420. 
 Allen, Jonathan, 460. 
 Allen, Kezia, 467. 
 Allen, Mary A., 371. 
 Allen, Phebe, 287. 
 Allen, Samuel, 485. 
 Allen, Sarah, 498. 
 Allison, David, 424. 
 Ames, Anna, 448. 
 Andrews, Joseph, 285. 
 Andrews, Margaret L., 302. 
 Andrews, Mehitable, 433. 
 
 Anchor, Phebe, 418. 
 Armsby, Phebe, 324. 
 
 Arnold, , 420. 
 
 Arnold, Mary, 406, 429. 
 Austin, Henry W., 404. 
 
 Bacon, Abigail, 460. 
 
 Bacon, Hannah, 377. 
 
 Bacon, Joseph, 364. 
 
 Bacon, Mary, 3^6. 
 
 Badcock, Abigail, 314. 
 
 Bailey, Alfreda, 308. 
 
 Bailey, John, 385. 
 
 Baker, Amasa, 456. 
 
 Baker, Deborah, 379. 
 
 Baker, Fred, 385. 
 
 Baker, Jabez, 442. 
 
 Baker, Jeremiah, 468. 
 
 Baker, John, 379. 
 
 Baker, Joseph, 429. 
 
 Baker, Mary, 312, 443. 
 
 Baker, Ziba, 362. 
 
 Balch, Sarah, 361. 
 
 Baldwin, John, 369. 
 
 Ballou, Amy, 285. 
 
 Barber, Mary, 516. 
 
 Barber, May, 304. 
 
 Barker, Martha A., 290. 
 
 Barnes, Thomas, 294. 
 
 Bartlett, Harriet T., 287. 
 
 Bartlett, Myra, 525. 
 
 Bartlett, Walter F. (misprint), 366. 
 
 Bassett, Caroline S., 303. 
 
 Basteen, Jane, 463. 
 
 Batchelder, Sarah, 467. 
 
 Batt, Paul, 524. 
 
 JBattelle, John, 318, 455. 
 
 Battelle, Ralph, 305. 
 
 Battelle, Rebecca, 311. 
 
 Battle, Ebenezer, 297. 
 
 Battle, Jonathan, 314, 517. 
 
 Battle, Love, 430. 
 
 Battle, Mary, 297. 
 
 Battle, Thomas, 386. 
 
 Baxter, Gregory, 524. 
 
 Beals, Sophia, 415. 
 
 Bemis, Pearson, 385. 
 
548 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Bennett, Polly, 433. 
 Bentley, Francis, 308. 
 Bentley, Samuel N., 382. 
 Berry, Emma F., 421. 
 Bigelow, Abigail, 468. 
 Bigelow, Christiana, 489. 
 Bigelow, Thomas, 331. 
 Billings, Mary, 385. 
 Bird, Elizabeth, 423. 
 Bird, Nathaniel, 474. 
 Blackinton, Hepsia, 383. 
 Blake, Josiah A., 465. 
 Blake, Philip, 299. 
 Blake, Royal, 490. 
 Blight, Ann P., 415. 
 Bloice, Michal, 292. 
 Bolster, Isaac, 329. 
 Bowers, William, 469. 
 Bowker, Betsey, 414. 
 Boyden,. Benjamin, 306. 
 Boyden, Daniel, 363. 
 Boyden, Esther, 463. 
 Boyden, Jeremiah, 463. 
 Boyden, Joel, 493. 
 Boyden, Lois, 502. 
 Boyden, Prudence, 337. 
 Boyden, Unity, 307. 
 Boylston, Elizabeth, 387. 
 Boynton, Mary A., 363. 
 Brackett, Eliza A., 312. 
 Bradford, Walter, 427. 
 Braman, George R., 466. 
 Breck, Elizabeth, 467. 
 Breck, Esther, 467. 
 Breck, Mary, 462. 
 Brigham, Gershom, 505. 
 Brigham, Mercy, 316. 
 Brigham, Nathaniel, 432. 
 Brigham, Willard, 363. 
 Broad, Elisha, 419. 
 Brown, David S., 477. 
 Brown, Estelle A., 308. 
 Brown, Eunice A., 343. 
 Brown, Henry S., 419. 
 Brown, Jane, 342. 
 Buckminster, Thomas, 317. 
 Bullard, Abigail, 518. 
 Bullard, Ella A., 469. 
 Bullard, Henry, 444. 
 Bullard, Isaac, 440, 511. 
 Bullard, Jerusha, 362. 
 Bullard, Kezia, 452. 
 Bullard, Malachi, 414. 
 Bullard, Mary, 326, 418. 
 Bullard, Mary H., 318. 
 Bullard, Rachel, 322. 
 Bullard, Samuel, 463. 
 BuUen, Elisha, 322. 
 BuUen, Mary, 407, 439. 
 Buntin, James, 415. 
 Burgess, William, 472. 
 Burr, Almenia C, 384. 
 
 Burrage, Thomas, 389. 
 Burrill, Abigail, 488. 
 Burt, Lucy T., 303. 
 Bushnell, Samuel, 466. 
 
 Cady, Elijah, 502. 
 Cambell, J. R., 383. 
 Camp, Martha J., 301. 
 Campbell, Lucy, 465. 
 
 Capen, Dea. , 305. 
 
 Carnes, James G., 286. 
 Carr, Allan P., 332. 
 Carriel, Rachel, 306. 
 Carroll, William, 490. 
 Cass, Hannah, 421. 
 Caswell, Perley, 410. 
 Cavanagh, Anna, 361. 
 Chaloner, Martha, 379. 
 Chamberlain, Ephraim, 493. 
 Chamberlain, Thankful, 492. 
 Chandler, Rufus L., 465. 
 Chapell, William, 517. 
 Charter, Philip, 492. 
 Chase, James M., 341. 
 Chase, John, 365. 
 Chase, Josiah F., 410 
 Cheever, Amos, 323. 
 Cheever, John, 462. 
 Cheney, Ann, 445. 
 Cheney, Mehitable, 512. 
 Cheney, Nathaniel H., 411. 
 Chickering, Abigail, 426. 
 Chickering, Calvin, 462. 
 Chickering, Daniel, 379, 462. 
 Chickering, Hartshorn, 487. 
 Chickering, James, 308. 
 Chickering, Jesse, 486. 
 Chickering, Mary, 426. 
 Chickering, Oliver, 419. 
 Chickering, Sally, 301. 
 Chickering, Samuel, 406. 
 Childs, Betsey, 311. 
 Clapp, Bathsheba, 455. 
 Clapp, Elizabeth, 491. 
 Clapp, Hannah, 470. 
 Clapp, Joan, 374. 
 Clapp, Joshua, 321. 
 Clapp, Mary, 339, 509. 
 Clapp, Reuben, 490. 
 Clapp, Thomas, 324. 
 Clark, Abigail, 356, 454. 
 Clark, Elijah, 293. 
 Clark, Elizabeth, 313. 
 Clark, Henry, 465. 
 Clark, James, 388. 
 Clark, John, 474. 
 Clark, Lucy, 422. 
 Clark, Maria M., 333. 
 Clark, Mary, 448. 
 Clark, Oliver, 323. 
 Clark, Prudence, 427. 
 Clark, Rhoda, 474. 
 
INDEX TO INTERMARRIAGES. 
 
 549 
 
 Clark, Timothy, 461. 
 Cleale, Albert, 465. 
 Cleaveland, Addison, 341. 
 Cleaveland, David, 431. 
 Cleaveland, John, 501. 
 Cloyes, Chauncey, 498. 
 Cobb, Edward, 305. 
 Coggin, Harriet, 304. 
 Colburn, Abby J., 307. 
 Colburn, Abijah, 359. 
 Colburn, Benjamin, 334, 395. 
 Colburn, Elizabeth, 509. 
 Colburn, Frank, 404, 520. 
 Colburn, Job, 345. 
 Colburn, Nathaniel, 340. 
 Colburn, Priscilla, 444. 
 Colburn, Rebecca, 466. 
 Colburn, Sarah, 449. 
 Colburn, Warren, 471. 
 Cole, Jemima, 395. 
 Conant, George, 433. 
 Condit, Elizabeth, 364. 
 Connoly, Grace, 413. 
 Cook, Elizabeth, 376. 
 Cook, Experience, 291. 
 Cook, Hannah, 294. 
 Cook, William H., 333. 
 Cooledge, Sarah, 444. 
 Comette, Adalaide, 325. 
 Corson, Gilbert, 486. 
 Corson, Sibyl, 420. 
 Cory, Oscar F., 504. 
 Cox, Mary A., 380. 
 Cozzens, Mercy, 420. 
 Crafts, John, 507. 
 Crafts, Rebecca, 500. 
 Cram, Sarah P., 332. 
 Cranch, Thirza, 490. 
 Crane, Elizabeth, 286. 
 Crane, William, 469. 
 Cummings, Elsie, 328. 
 Curtis, Hannah, 412. 
 Curtis, John T., 361. 
 Curtis, Joseph, 384. 
 Cutler, Nathaniel, 483. 
 
 Damant, Jane, 457. 
 Daniel, David, 453. 
 Daniel, Henry, 407. 
 Daniel, Samuel, 291. 
 Daniels, Cyrus, 286. 
 Daniels, Henry J., 448. 
 Daniels, Jerome S., 304. 
 Daniels, Joseph, 432. 
 Daniels, Levi, 403. 
 Daniels, Maria S., 445. 
 Daniels, Mary, 403. 
 Daniels, Milton, 347. 
 Daniels, Orinda, 342. 
 Daniels, Silence, 470. 
 Daniels, Waldo, 399. 
 Darling, John, 440. 
 
 Darling, Lyman, 493. 
 Darrah, Elizabeth, 366. 
 Davis, Abigail, 425. 
 Davis, Charles D., 303. 
 Davis, George, 311, 469. 
 Davis, James, 303. 
 Day, Abigail, 279. 
 Day, Jesse, 357, 502. 
 Day, John, 461. 
 Day, Jonathan, 426. 
 Day, Josiah, 307. 
 Day, Mercy, 487. 
 Day, Sarah, 345. 
 Dean, Hannah, 293. 
 Dean, Joseph, 485. 
 Dean, Roxanna, 327. 
 Death, John, 313. 
 Demerritt, John J., 466. 
 Dexter, Stephen, 395. 
 Dickerman, Comfort, 364. 
 Dickerman, Ellen, 328. 
 Dickinson, Obadiah, 416. 
 Dill, Eliza, 490. 
 Dorr, Andrew C, 463. 
 Dorr, Ebenezer, 459. 
 Draper, Daniel, 488. 
 Draper, Hannah, 486. 
 Draper, James, 331. 
 Draper, John, 370, 435. 
 Draper, Joseph, 331, 378. 
 Draper, Lydia, 514. 
 Draper, Mary, 297. 
 Draper, Polly, 404. 
 Draper, Stephen, 442. 
 Draper, Susanna, 458. 
 Drown, Polly, 286. 
 Dudley, Samuel W., 464. 
 Dupee, Hattie S. 311. 
 Dupee, James, 463. 
 Dunham, George, 369. 
 Dunn, Henry J., 520. 
 Duntling, Silence, 471. 
 Dunton, Benjamin, 442. 
 Dunton, Ebenezer, 345. 
 Dyer, Charlotte B., 304. 
 Dyer, Elizabeth, 425. 
 Dyer, Joseph, 394. 
 Dyer, Thomas, 405. 
 
 Eames, Alexander, 426. 
 Eames, Clarissa, 519. 
 Eames, Nathaniel, 425. 
 Eames, Ruth, 289. 
 Eastee, Lydia, 514. 
 Eastman, Charles, 333. 
 Eaton, Abigail, 435. 
 Eaton, John, 466. 
 Elder, Lydia A., 503. 
 Ellis, Abigail, 376. 
 Ellis, Asa, 485. 
 Ellis, Eleazar, 496. 
 Ellis, John, Jr., 309. 
 
SSo 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Ellis, Jonathan, 373. 
 Ellis, Joseph, 353. 
 Ellis, Josiah, 373. 
 Ellis, Lucinda, 411. 
 Ellis, Margaret, 365. 
 Ellis, Moses, 373. 
 Ellis, Ruth, 336. 
 Ellis, Sarah, 406. 
 Ellis, Willard, 491. 
 Esty, Jennie A., 405. 
 Evans, Abigail, 418. 
 Everett, Daniel, 428. 
 Everett, Edmund T., 381. 
 Everett, Ichabod, 442. 
 Everett, Susanna, 298. 
 Ewer, Mary C, 410. 
 
 Fairbanks, Abner, 498. 
 Fairbanks, Eliza, 503. 
 Fairbanks, George, 406. 
 Fairbanks, John, 517. 
 Fairbanks, Julia, 371. 
 Fairbanks, Mary, 281, 326, 381. 
 Fairbanks, Rachel, 456. 
 Fairbanks, Sarah, 360, 386. 
 Fairbanks, Silas, 464. 
 Fairbanks, Silence, 315. 
 Fairbanks, Sophia, 342. 
 Fales, Jemima, 486, 
 Fales, William, 307, 491. 
 Fanninp, Thomas, 370. 
 Farral, Sally, 307. 
 Faxon, Josiah, 280. 
 
 Fisher, , 452. 
 
 Fisher, Abigail, 441. 
 Fisher, Asa, 340, 364. 
 Fisher, Beriali, 431. 
 Fisher, Betsey, 421. 
 Fisher, Daniel, 439. 
 Fisher, Ebenezer, 352, 477. 
 Fisher, Eliphalet, 330. 
 Fisher, Esther, 417. 
 Fisher, Hannah, 474. 
 Fisher, Joan, 313. 
 Fisher, Joseph, 514. 
 Fisher, Josiah, 334. 
 Fisher, Judith, 334. 
 Fisher, Lowell, 498. 
 Fisher, Mehitable, 379. 
 Fisher, Nathaniel, 375. 
 Fisher, Sally, 478. 
 Fisher, Samuel, 431, 514. 
 Fisher, William C, 431. 
 Fisk, Nathaniel, 284, 300. 
 Fisk, Noah, 428. 
 Fisk, Reuben E., 465. 
 Fiske, Amasa, 284. 
 Fitch, Nancy, 477. 
 Flagg, Sally, 392. 
 Flemming, Theresa A., 369. 
 Fletcher, Granville S., 393. 
 Flood, James, 440. 
 
 Forbes, Betsey, 474. 
 Forbes, James, 377, 456. 
 Forbes, William, 409. 
 Foster, Elisha, 37 1 . 
 Fowle, William B., 288. 
 Franks, Ellery, 385. 
 Freeman, Charles C, 371. 
 French, Jesse, 375. 
 French, Sarah, 409. 
 Frizzell, Dorothy, 497. 
 Frizzell, Mary, 295. 
 Frost, Jonathan, 517. 
 Frost, Moses, 502. 
 Fuller, Elizabeth, 508. 
 Fuller, Martha, 395. 
 Fuller, Mary E., 465. 
 Fuller, Meriel, 379. 
 Furman, Jane, 290. 
 
 Gamlin, Elizabeth, 338. 
 Gardner, James, 445. 
 Gardner, John, 317. 
 Gardner, Mary, 407. 
 Garfield, Rosilla, 400. 
 Gary, Nathaniel, 305. 
 Gary, Samuel, 424. 
 Gay, Abigail, 365, 417. 
 Gay, Jason, 369. 
 Gay, Joanna, 510. 
 Gay, Joel, 510. 
 Gay, Mary, 428. 
 Gay, Sarah, 298. 
 Gibbs, Lawson, 332. 
 Gilbert, Olive, 334. 
 Gilbert, Samuel, 346. 
 Giles, George F., 308. 
 Glazier, Lydia, 444. 
 Gleason, Jonathan, 391. 
 Gold, Abigail, 299. 
 Golding, James, 459. 
 Golding, Lewis, 475. 
 Goodale, Francis, 392. 
 Goodale, Levi, 363. 
 Goodenougb, Adaline, 305. 
 Gookin, Daniel, 455. 
 Gould, Esther, 341. 
 Gould, John, 404. 
 Gould, Simeon, 356. 
 
 Grant, , 452. 
 
 Grant, Benjamin, 444. 
 Grant, Mercy, 370. 
 Graves, Mary, 394. 
 Green, Anstis, 498. 
 Green, Joseph, 453. 
 Green, Susanna, 399. 
 
 Greenwood, , 354. 
 
 Greenwood, Joseph, 341. 
 Greenwood, Thomas, 315. 
 Gregory, Josiah, 354. 
 Guernsey, Henry, 508. 
 Guild, Aaron, 487. 
 Guild, Alanson, 502. 
 
INDEX TO INTERMARRIAGES. 
 
 5SI 
 
 Guild, Ann, 295. 
 Guild, Catherine, 419. 
 Guild, Joseph, 324. 
 Guild, Lucinda, 502, 
 Guild, Luther, 300. 
 Guild, Mary, 462. 
 Guild, Richard, 502. 
 Guild, Sarah, 361. 
 Guild, William F., 466. 
 Guy, Abel, 345. 
 Guy, Benjamin, 487. 
 Guy, Henry, 363. 
 Guy, Timothy, 455, 459. 
 
 Hale, Jeremiah B., 466. 
 Hall, Charlotte, 433. 
 Hall, Jeremiah, 414. 
 Hall, Lois, 488. 
 Hall, Lucy J., 520. 
 Hall, Maria L. 449. 
 Ham, Daniel, 488. 
 Hamilton, Ida E., 361. 
 Hamilton, John F., 361. 
 Hammond, Phebe, 311. 
 Hancock, Ruth, 352. 
 Hapgood, Ephraim, 300. 
 Harding, Alma, 432. 
 Harding, Eliza J., 469. 
 Harding, Hannah, 425. 
 Harding, Isaac, 492. 
 Harding, Nathan, 286. 
 Harding, Stephen (misprint), 306. 
 Harding, Theophilus, 357. 
 Harding, Thomas, 336 
 Harding, Timothy, 431. 
 Harding, Uriah, 431. 
 Hardy, Joseph, 392, 464. 
 Hardy, Solon, 341. 
 Harlow, Huldah, 471. 
 Harrington, Samuel, 457, 493. 
 Harris, Sarah, 283. 
 
 Hartshorn, , 425. 
 
 Hartshorn, Eleanor, 395. 
 Hartshorn, John, 299. 
 Hartshorn, Lewis, 448. 
 Hartshorn, Obed, 517. 
 Hartshorn, Rebecca, 471. 
 Hartshorn, Susanna, 349. 
 Hartshorn, Thankful, 306. 
 Harwood, Willard, 404. 
 Hastings, Elizabeth, 306. 
 
 Hawes, , 429. 
 
 Hawes, Elizabeth, 381. 
 Hawks, Mary, 416. 
 Haws, Sarah, 472. 
 Hayden, Lois, 465. 
 Hayes, Marion, 465. 
 Hayford, Abbie, 399 
 Haynes, Thaddeus R., 307. 
 Heald, Elvira, 308. 
 Heath, Gilman, 492. 
 
 Heatlie, Marion, 448. 
 Heaton, Abigail, 310. 
 Heaton, Nathaniel, 444. 
 Heminway, Sarah, 406. 
 Hemmenway, Lucy, 300. 
 Hemmenway, Mary, 494. 
 Herring, Hepzibah, 346. 
 Herring, Lemuel, 431. 
 Herring, Mary, 374. 
 Hewins, Benjamin, 347. 
 
 Hide, , 417. 
 
 Hide, Nicolas, 457. 
 Higley, George T., 490. 
 Hill, Ann, 297. 
 Hill, Ebenezer, 296. 
 Hill, Eleazar, 469. 
 Hill, Esther, 309. 
 Hill, Hannah, 518. 
 Hill, Huldah, 298. 
 Hill, Mary, 326, 374. 
 Hill, Miriam, 381. 
 Hill, Moses, 284, 366. 
 Hill, Timothy, 426. 
 Hilliard, Elizabeth, 394, 418. 
 
 Holbrook, , 426. 
 
 Holbrook, Ann P., 411. 
 Holbrook, Asa, 489. 
 Holbrook, Daniel, 348. 
 Holbrook, Ebenezer, 513. 
 Holbrook, Grace, 285. 
 Holbrook, Henry, 454. 
 Holbrook, James, 486. 
 Holbrook, Jane, 294. 
 Holbrook, Margaret, 471. 
 Holbrook, Mary, 341. 
 Holbrook, Sibyl, 519. 
 Holbrook, Thomas, 479. 
 Holbrook, Willard, 525. 
 Holbrook, William, 384. 
 Holland, Mary, 476. 
 Holmes, Abigail, 377. 
 Holt, Josiah, 283. 
 Holt, Farkman, 363. 
 Hooker, Sarah, 521. 
 Hooker, Zibeon, 315. 
 Horr, Jervis E., 419. 
 How, William, 429, 441. 
 Howard, Abby L., 412. 
 Hovfard, Emeline, 419. 
 Howard, Julia A., 342. 
 Howe, Almira, 443. 
 Hoyt, Anna, 399. 
 Hoyt, David, 433. 
 Hunt, Harriet J., 404. 
 Hunt, Sally, 462. 
 Hunting, Margaret, 365. 
 Hurlburt, Rufus, 468- 
 
 Hutchins, , 356. 
 
 Hutson, Charles, 308. 
 
 Ingles, Joseph, 492. 
 Ingles, William D., 493. 
 
S52 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Janes, Samuel, 416. 
 Jennings, Sylvia, 308. 
 Jepharson, Tliomas, 329. 
 Jewett, Elizabeth, 287. 
 Jewett, John W., 494. 
 Jewett, Marcus, 361. 
 Jewett, William B., 360. 
 Jocelyn, Calvin, 300. 
 Johnson, Charles D., 333. 
 Johnson, Comfort, 436. 
 Johnson, J. J., 302. 
 Johnson, Martha, 439. 
 Johnson, Mary, 298, 430. 
 Johnson, Mehitable, 416. 
 Johnson, Nathaniel, 457. 
 Johnson, Walter, 285. 
 Johnson, Walter R., 371. 
 Jones, David, 321. 
 Jones, Eliza A., 342. 
 Jones, Hannah, 375. 
 Jones, Jonathan, 289. 
 Jordan, Mar^, 493. 
 
 Keith, Israel, 452. 
 Keith, Mary C, 311. 
 Kendall, Mary, 325. 
 Kenrick, Sarah, 508. 
 Kent, Hannah C, 410. 
 Kern, Abbie, 304. 
 Kern, Mary E., 304. 
 Kimball, Thomas R., 347. 
 King, Hosea, 518. 
 Kingsbury, Asenath, 308. 
 Kingsbury, Caroline, 342. 
 Kingsbury, Daniel, 300. 
 Kingsbury, Lydia, 300. 
 Kingsbury, Mary, 300, 442. 
 Kingsbury, Samuel, Jr., 285. 
 Kingsbury, Sarah, 280, 364. 
 Kingsbury, Seth, 299. 
 Kingsbury, Susanna, 324. 
 Kinsman, Eliphalet E., 415. 
 Kittredge, Caroline A., 303. 
 Knap, Ebenezer, 435. 
 Knapp, Anna D., 448. 
 Knapp, Caroline, 422. 
 Knapp, Sarah, 418. 
 Knowlton, Catherine, 451. 
 Kollock, Jerusha, 325. 
 Kollock, Lemuel, 509. 
 
 La Croix, Charles, 333. 
 Lake, Gershom, 344. 
 Lambert, Mary T., 302. 
 Lamson, Foster, 470. 
 Lancaster, David P., 324. 
 Lane, Lucy, 303. 
 Lane, Maria, 424. 
 Lane, Sarah T., 465. 
 Langley, William, 359. 
 Laurie, James A., 393. 
 Laurie, Thomas, 383. 
 
 Lawrence,. Daniel, 473. 
 Lawrence, Ebenezer, 451. 
 Lawrence, Hannah, 353. 
 Lawrence, Joseph, 505. 
 Lawrence, Nathaniel, 440. 
 Lawrence, Peleg, 440. 
 Lawrence, Rachel, 338. 
 Lawrence, Samuel, 362. 
 Lawrence, Sarah, 506. 
 Learned, Amanda, 301. 
 Learned, Elizabeth, 452. 
 Leavens, Eliza H., 319. 
 Leeds, Almira F., 304. 
 Legalle, Joseph W., 400. 
 Leland, Aaron, 454. 
 Leland, Amos, 364. 
 Leland, Caleb, 407. 
 Leland, Ezra, 415. 
 Leland, Henry, 441. 
 Leland, Hopestill, 414. 
 Leland, Ly3ia, 424. 
 Leland, Prentiss, 304. 
 Leland, Sarah, 333. 
 Lewis, Abbie F., 503. 
 Lewis, Harriet, 342. 
 Lewis, Harriet C., 504. 
 Lewis, Lucy D., 504. 
 Lincoln, John W., 423. 
 lyindsay, Benjamin F., 476. 
 Littlefield, Ebenezer, 440. 
 Lord, Sarah A., 302. 
 
 Lovell, , 441. 
 
 Lovell, Elizabeth, 318. 
 Lovell, Joseph, 283. 
 Lovell, Zechariah, 463. 
 Lowell, Diana, 525. 
 Lumber, Susanna, 374. 
 Lyon, Drusilla, 487. 
 Lyon, Ebenezer, 330. 
 Lyon, Josiah, 330. 
 
 Madey, Maria A., 397. 
 Mann, Daniel, 300. 
 Mann, James, 519. 
 Mann, William, 295, 473. 
 Mansell, Jane, 463. 
 Mansfield, George, 525. 
 Manson, Mary, 393. 
 Marsh, Esek, 283. 
 Marsh, John, 484, 524. 
 Marsh, Joseph, 417. 
 Marsh, Seth, 378. 
 Marshall, Jacob, 444. 
 Marshall, Joseph, 311. 
 Martin, Rachel, 416. 
 Marvel, Winnefred, 308. 
 Mason, Abigail, 336. 
 Mason, Elizabeth, 358, 364, 476. 
 Mason, Kitty, 431. 
 Mason, John, 349, 430. 
 Mayhew, George F., 413. 
 Maynard, Mary A., 465. 
 
INDEX TO INTERMARRIAGES. 
 
 553 
 
 McFeat, Lizzie, 311. 
 Meade, Patience, 383. 
 Meigs, Elisha, 286. 
 Merrill, Calvin, 361. 
 Merritt, Hannah, 346. 
 Messinger, Eliza, 399. 
 Messinger, William, 390. 
 Metcalf, Joseph, 353. 
 Metcalf, Mercy, 487. 
 Metcalf, Michael, 402. 
 Miles, Joseph, 507. 
 Mills, Hannah, 444. 
 Mitchell, Edwin V., 367. 
 Mitchell, George F., 364. 
 Molten, Samuel, 431. 
 Monk, Daniel, 347. 
 Monk, Samuel I., 466. 
 Monks, John A. S., 494. 
 Morehead, Florence, 328. 
 Morse, Benoni, 310. 
 Morse, Caroline, 448. 
 Morse, Chester E., 333. 
 Morse, Clara A., 308. 
 Morse, Daniel, 309. 
 Morse, Dorothy, 439. 
 Morse, Eleazar, 354. 
 Morse, Eli, 340. 
 Morse, Hannah, 517. 
 Morse, Harriet, 423. 
 Morse, Jedediah, 387. 
 Morse, Joseph, 282, 423. 
 Morse, Josiah, 353. 
 Morse, Lucy, 405. 
 Morse, Lydia, 519. 
 Morse, Margaret, 351. 
 Morse, Mary, 458. 
 Morse, Mary A., 422. 
 Morse, Mehitable, 346, 352. 
 Morse, Miriam, 502. 
 Morse, Rachel, 474. 
 Morse, Sarah, 336. 
 Morse, Squire, 323. 
 Morse, Vinci, 518. 
 Morton, Mary, 364. 
 Muirhead, Jennie, 520. 
 Mullen, Julia, 327. 
 Munn, George M., 382. 
 Murdock, Artemas, 358. 
 Murdock, Joshua, 411. 
 Murdock, Lucy, 478. 
 Muzzey, Pitt, 488. 
 
 Needham, Edgar, 489. 
 Nelson, Francis, 362. 
 Newell, Betsey, 302. 
 Newell, Elizabeth, 510. 
 Newell, Fred, 465. 
 Newell, George, 465. 
 Newell, Jesse, 415. 
 Newell, John A., 302. 
 Newell, Susan, 474. 
 Newton, Catherine, 463. 
 
 Nichpls, Orin, 311. 
 Niles, Esther, 328. 
 
 Owen, ■ 
 
 . 339- 
 
 Page, Simeon, 306. 
 Page, Martha M., 490. 
 Paige, Joseph W., 361. 
 Paine, Elizabeth, 281. 
 Paine, Mary, 441. 
 
 Parker, , 499. 
 
 Parker, Amos, 477. 
 Parker, Bethia, 289. 
 Parker, Mary, 297, 418. 
 Parker, Mary J., 300. 
 Parker, Sarah, 299, 475. 
 Parkman, William, 283. 
 Parmenter, Nelly, 486. 
 Parmenter, Polly, 486. 
 Parsons, Ephraim, 476. 
 Partridge, Abel, 492. 
 Partridge, Harding, 502. 
 Partridge, Joshua, 369. 
 Partridge, Margery, 429. 
 Partridge, Martha, 418. 
 Partridge, Mary, 318, 442. 
 Partridge, Mary A., 446. 
 Partridge, Nancy, 403. 
 Partridge, Phinehas, 299. 
 Partridge, Susan O., 304. 
 Payson, Phillips, 336. 
 Peabody, Eben S., 395. 
 Peabody, Oliver, 317. 
 Pelton, John, 420. 
 Pember, Florence, 447. 
 Penniman, Elizabeth, 441. 
 Penniman, Lydia, 511. 
 Pepalow, John, 455. 
 Perrigo, James, 515. 
 Perry, Betsey, 362. 
 Perry, Elizabeth, 444. 
 Perry, Joanna, 306. 
 Perry, John W., 327. 
 Peters, Lovet, 462. 
 Pettes, George, 312. 
 Pettis, Sarah, 476. 
 Petts, Jonathan, 490. 
 Phillips, Hannah, 439. 
 Phillips, Jane, 356. 
 Phipps, Hannah, 462. 
 Phipps, William, 462. 
 Pierce, Isaac, 358. 
 Pierce, Sarah, 496. 
 Pike, John, 312. 
 Pike, Jonas, 504. 
 Pillsbury, Dora, 382. 
 Plimpton, James, 307. 
 Plimpton, Mary, 293, 463. 
 Plimpton, Willard P., 520. 
 Plumb, Sally, 361. 
 Policy, Sarah, 475. 
 Fond, Anna, 452, 460. 
 
SS4 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Pond, Benajah, 358. 
 Pond, Daniel, 392, 464. 
 Pond, Jabez, 459, 481. 
 Pond, Jacob, 455. 
 Pond, Nathan, 464. 
 Pond, Olive, 359. 
 Pope, Eliza, 504. 
 Pope, Robert, 382. 
 Powers, Albert E., 302. 
 Pratt, Harriet, 363. 
 Pratt, Moses, 377. 
 Pratt, Polly, 410. 
 Pratt, William W., 428. 
 Prentiss, Hepsibah, 408. 
 Prescott, P. G., 476. 
 Price, Sarah, 449. 
 Prince, Joseph, 415. 
 Proud, Rebecca, 396. 
 Puffer, Elizabeth, 356. 
 Puffer, Polly, 517. 
 
 Randall, , 512. 
 
 Randall, Hannah, 505. 
 Randall, Peter, 505. 
 Rawson, Grindal, 524. 
 Read, Harriet, 287. 
 Reed, Augusta N., 400. 
 Reed, Elizabeth, 518. 
 Reed, Emeline, 421. 
 Reeves, Charles W., 415. 
 Reney, Harriet, 361. 
 Rhodes, Frank G., 422. 
 Rhodes, Joseph, Jr., 495, 
 Rhodes, Milly, 464. 
 Rice, Elizabeth, 378. 
 Rice, George, 465. 
 Rice, Harriet A., 342. 
 Rice, Thanliful, 487. 
 Rice, William R., 493. 
 Rich, Sarah, 430. 
 Richards, Albert, 333. 
 Richards, George, 333. 
 Richards, Sarah E., 470. 
 Richards, Waitstill, 489. 
 Richards, William, 443, 464. 
 Richardson, Abigail, 368. 
 Richardson, Bathsheba, 470. 
 Richardson, F. D., 331, 332. 
 Richardson, Joseph, 423. 
 Richardson, Laurette, 332. 
 Richardson, Lucretia, 419. 
 Richardson, Mary, 422. 
 Richardson, Patience, 300. 
 Richardson, Samuel, 297, 354. 
 Richardson, William, 280. 
 Ricker, Chapman S., 471. 
 Rider, William, 444. 
 Rising, James, 416. 
 Rix, James, 351. 
 Robbins, Aquila, 350. 
 Robbins, Daniel, 353. 
 Robbins, Hannah, 424. 
 
 Robbins, John, 350. 
 Robie, Jennie, 410. 
 Rockwood, Benjamin, 330, 440. 
 Rockwood, John, 500. 
 Rockwood, Lydia, 279. 
 Rogers, William, 371. 
 Root, Hezekiah, 394. 
 Root, Jacob, 394. 
 Ross, Ezra, 341. 
 Rowe, Adaline, 471. 
 Russell, Anna, 489. 
 Russell, Betsey, 518. 
 Russell, Mary, 519. 
 Russell, Thomas, 454. 
 Ryder, Mary, 371. 
 
 Sadey, Samuel, 420. 
 Saffin, Rebecca, 316. 
 Salmon, John, 398. 
 Sanders, Daniel, 437, 467. 
 Sanders, Lemuel, 436. 
 Sanders, Michael, 352. 
 Sanders, Sarah, 436. 
 Sanders, Susan E., 505. 
 Sanderson, Sarah B., 504. 
 Sandford, Christiana, 280. 
 Sandford, Thomas, 349. 
 Sanger, Benjamin, 332. 
 Sanger, John, 331. 
 Sanger, Samuel, 355, 509. 
 Sanger, Thankful, 307. 
 Sartwell, Obadiah, 307. 
 Savalla, Henry, 287. 
 Sawyer, Vesta, 328. 
 Scollay, Mercy, 468. 
 Scott, Benjamin, 345. 
 Scott, Willena B., 366. 
 Seabury, Elijah, 357. 
 Searls, Abigail, 417. 
 Seaver, Mary, 323. 
 Seaver, Isaac, 490. 
 Shatswell, Moses, 504. 
 Shedd, Mary B., 305. 
 Sheffield, Hannah, 414, 451. 
 Sheffield, Mary, 347. 
 Sheffield, Rachel, 370. 
 Sheffield, Tamazin, 289. 
 Sheldon, Thomas, 416. 
 Shumway, Amos W., 409. 
 Shumway, John, 517. 
 Sloan, Alfred E., 421. 
 Slocomb, G. W., 504. 
 Slocomb, Mary, 397. 
 Small, Lura, 328. 
 Smeed, William, 453. 
 Smith, Abigail, 501. 
 Smith, Betsey, 431. 
 Smith, Ezra, 351. 
 Smith, Jennie F., 328. 
 Smith, Lois, 464. 
 Smith, Lydia, 286. 
 Smith, Metcalf, 490. 
 
INDEX TO INTERMARRIAGES. 
 
 SS5 
 
 Smith, Nathaniel, 289, 430. 
 Smith, Polly, 433. 
 Smith, Richard B., 383. 
 Smith, Ruth, 301. 
 Smith, Samuel, 441. 
 Smith, Thomas L., 446. 
 Smith, Walter L., 400. 
 Smith, William M., 465. 
 Sneeden, Annie R., 504. 
 Snell, Frances, 520. 
 Snow, Barna S., 493. 
 Southard, Mary, 423. 
 Spalding, Jacob, 398. 
 Sparhawk, Mary, 395. 
 Spear, W. H., 302. 
 Spencer, Adaline, 369. 
 Spencer, Phinehas A., 361. 
 Spowell, Elizabeth, 513. 
 Standen, Elizabeth A., 412. 
 Star, Judith, 441. 
 Star, Sarah, 441. 
 Stearns, Abby, 412. 
 Stearns, Mary, 427. 
 Stearns, Thomas, 469. 
 Stearns, Timothy, 280. 
 Steele, Sarah, 384. 
 Stetson, Joshua, 463. 
 Stevens, Levi L , 476. 
 Stevens, Orlando, 385. 
 Stewart, John W., 493. 
 Stockwell, Quintane, 328. 
 Stodder, Hannah, 507. 
 Stone, Albert, 381. 
 Stone, Albert M., 383. 
 Stone, George S., 393. 
 Stone, Rachel, 357. 
 Story, Frances C, 41Z. 
 Strange, Jesse A., 476. 
 Streeter, Abigail, 309. 
 Sturtevant, Levi, 347. 
 Sweet, John, 342. 
 Symms, Elizabeth, 438. 
 
 Taft, , 345. 
 
 Taft, Peter, 344. 
 Taft, Reuben, 493. 
 Taft, Thomas, 339. 
 Tarbox, Stearns, 490. 
 Tatman, Jabez, 499. 
 Taylor, Elizabeth, 331. 
 Taylor, Frank, 333. 
 Taylor, John, 374. 
 Taylor, Lizzie, 309. 
 Taylor, Mary, 309, 485. 
 Taylor, Sarah, 279, 416, 452. 
 Temple, Mary C, 331. 
 Temple, Stephen, 347. 
 Teulon, Eugenia, 302. 
 Thaxter, Sarah, 496. 
 Thayer, Frances, 421. 
 Thayer, Sena, 494. 
 Thayer, Mary E., 447. 
 
 Thompson, Abigail, 452. 
 Thompson, Ebenezer, 384, 417, 472. 
 Thompson, John, 431, 512. 
 Thompson, Mary, 501. 
 Thurston, Daniel, 297. 
 Tibbetts, William R., 399. 
 Tingley, Timothy, 449. 
 Tisdale, Aurelius, 409. 
 Tisdale, Billings, 377. 
 Tisdale, James, 355. 
 
 Titus, , 306. 
 
 Tolraan, Sarah, 517. 
 Tolman, Mary, 466. 
 Torrey, Abigail, 319. 
 Torrey, Josiah, 524. 
 Townsend, Esther, 305. 
 Townsend, Mary, 372. 
 Trask, Israel, 409. 
 Treadway, Jonathan, 495. 
 Treadway, Mary, 387. 
 Treat, Susan M., 303. 
 Trow, Thomas, 404. 
 Tubbs, Euphrosina L., 421. 
 Tucker, Eliab, 432. 
 Tucker, Jeremiah, 502. 
 Tucker, Samuel, 346. 
 Turner, Eliza, 301. 
 Turner, Elizabeth, 505. 
 Turner, John, 307, 485. 
 Turner, Joseph, 306, 417. 
 Turner, Keturah, 454. 
 Turner, Nathan, 414. 
 Turner, Patty, 403. 
 Turner, Simon, 369. 
 Twichell, Bethia, 473. 
 Twichell, Elizabeth, 305. 
 Twichell, Jeremiah, 352. 
 
 Upham, Abigail, 514. 
 
 Varney, John, 501. 
 Vinton, Edward, 448. 
 Vose, Sarah, 327. 
 
 Wadsworth, Eliza, 488. 
 Wainwright, Elizabeth G., 396. 
 Wait, Gershom, 473. 
 Waite, Catherine, 465. 
 Wales, Milletiah, 494. 
 
 Walker, , 441, 
 
 Walker, Drusilla, 504. 
 Walker, Jesse, 487. 
 Walker, Nathaniel, 402. 
 Walker, Sally, 408. 
 Walker, Susan M., 445. 
 Ward, Caroline, 423. 
 Ward, Increase, 507. 
 Ward, James M., 400. 
 Wardwell, John, 490. 
 Ware, Dinah, 355. 
 Ware, Elisha, 351. 
 Ware, Elizabeth, 515. 
 
556 
 
 HISTORY OF MEDFIELD. 
 
 Ware, Eunice M., 466. 
 Ware, Hannah, 383. 
 Ware, Jairus, 302, 325. 
 Ware, John, 511. 
 Ware, Lucy C., 302. 
 Ware, Philander, 463. 
 Ware, Sally, 327. 
 Ware, Sewall, 310. 
 Warren, William, 519. 
 Watson, Dorcas, 373. 
 Wedge, Daniel, 345, 353, 506. 
 Weeks, John, 401. 
 Weld, Anna M., 302. 
 Weld, Daniel, 416. 
 Weld, Thomas, 524. 
 Wellman, Isaac, 324. 
 Wentworth, Nicolas, 360. 
 Wenzel, Abner H., 490. 
 West, Edvpard, 439. 
 West, Rev. Samuel, 461. 
 Wharton, C. Anna, 311. 
 Wheeler, Alden H., 362. 
 Wheeler, Emery A., 520. 
 Wheeler, Nellie E., 380. 
 Wheeler, Silas, 442. 
 Whitaker, Whitney, 492. 
 White, Benjamin, 453. 
 White, Charles F., 466. 
 White, Domingo, 295. 
 White, Jacob, 327. 
 White, Joseph, 481. 
 White, Mary, 350, 472. 
 Whiting, Catherine, 379. 
 Whiting, Eaton, 492. 
 Whiting, Hannah, 440. 
 Whiting, Isabel F., 422. 
 Whiting, Paulina, 304. 
 Whiting, Ruggles, 338. 
 Whiting, Ruth, 505. 
 Whiting, Samuel, 349. 
 Whiting, Stephen, 306. 
 Whiting, Walter, 446. 
 Whitmore, Elizabeth, 309. 
 Whitney, Abigail, 455. 
 Whitney, Jemima, 385. 
 Whitney, Joshua, 473. 
 Whitney, Love, 430. 
 Whitney, Mary, 308. 
 
 Whitney, Mary C, 492. 
 Whitney, Pamela, 305. 
 Whitney, Samuel, 365. 
 Whitney, Timothy P., 428. 
 Whittemore, Oliver, 333. 
 Whittemore, Warren F., 328. 
 Whitten, Lizzie, 304. 
 Wight, Frederick H., 505. 
 Wight, Horace, 341. 
 Wight, Joseph, 481. 
 Wight, Patty, 471. 
 Wild, John, 385. 
 Wild, Sarah A., 304. 
 Wilder, Silas W., 319. 
 Wiley, F. A., 465. 
 Wilkinson, Abigail, 48. 
 Willard, Diana E., 447. 
 Willard, Melvin L., 489. 
 Willard, Phinehas, 304. 
 Willey, Emery A., 446. 
 Williams, Clarissa, 518. 
 Williams, Ebenezer, 344. 
 Williams, Ezra, 499. 
 Williams, Fanny, 325. 
 Williams, William R., 465. 
 Williamson, Almira, 422. 
 Williamson, Deborah M. H., ^ 
 Wilson, Bennett, 493. 
 Wilson, John, 445. 
 Wilson, Mary, 357. 
 Wilson, Michael, 401. 
 Wiswell, David, 366. 
 Wiswell, Deborah, 343. 
 Wiswell, Walter, 361. 
 
 Wood, , 310. 
 
 Wood, Alma L., 382. 
 Wood, Elizabeth, 440. 
 Wood, Hannah, 405. 
 Wood, Holland, 346. 
 Wood, James, 490. 
 Wood, Mary, 496. 
 Wood, Reuben, 492. 
 Wood, Sarah, 311, 386. 
 Woodward, Esther, 442. 
 Wyatt, Nancy, 384. 
 
 Young, Orson D., 465, 494. 
 
ERRATA. 
 Page 366, for Walter F. Brackett read Walter F. Bartlett. 
 Page 306, for George Harding read Stephen Harding.