F 
 
 LANDMARKS OF DEDHAM 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS 
 
 EDWARD HUNTTING RUDD 
 
Class. 
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 COPYRIGHT DEPOSnV 
 
DEDHAM LANDMARKS 
 
Lit •■/ioY of CONGRESS 
 Two Copies Received 
 
 DEC 26 1S08 
 
 „ Copyriarit fcntry 
 
 COPY Sj _J 
 
 Copyright 1908. 
 Edward Huntting Eudd. 
 
 0/ this edition 400 copies were printed from type, a?id that type 
 distributed after printing. This copy is No. O 
 
 ^A^jt^ v^^^^*^*^ '^'^^^-M. 
 
 
 Printed by 
 
 The Dedhani Transcript Printing and Publishing Company 
 
 Dedham, Massachusetts. 
 
In one volume, large octavo, uncut edges, price one dollar 
 
 I>eclhani's Ancient Landmarks 
 
 and their National Significance. 
 
 By Edward Huutting Rndd, A. B., A. M. 
 
 The Author to His Intending Subscribers. 
 
 Dedhani, ton miles from Boston, settled A. D. IG.HG and 
 oriorinally named Contentment, — is rich in Mast^achusetts place- 
 material, particularly of the colonial bc<>inniniy period. 
 
 Writers, other than himself, have occasionalh' gathered in 
 its richness and made their display. 
 
 The Town's Historical Society indeed possesses much that 
 the historian, the antiquary and the genealogic delves desire. 
 
 Nevertheless the Author feels that if certain material, 
 seemingly attractive to his particular bent of mind, already 
 printed perhaps, and yet found scattered, could be brought to- 
 gether in convenient book form, a distinct contribution, surely 
 of interest, would thus be made toward preserving an easy 
 knowledge of the town's old landmarks, to be seen to-day or 
 known to have existed. 
 
 Dedham is assured of its local fame as a Mother of Towns, 
 also as one of the first sheltering homes on American soil of a 
 considerable number of lineal names. 
 
 The descending owners of those names, near and far, 
 revere the old town, and aim to associate their forbears with 
 its history. 
 
 Others without that descending strain, later comers, have 
 made Dedham their home and have done much to strengthen 
 and uphold that noble past. 
 
 Each copy will be numbered and signed, the entire edition 
 consisting of less than 400 copies for sale, printed from type 
 afterwards distributed. 
 
^^c 
 
 % 
 
 '& 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Page, 
 
 Title Page. 
 
 The Author's Forrword. 
 
 Introduction by Joseph II. Soliday. 
 
 CHAPTER I. Powder Rock and the Permanence of 
 Pilgrim and Puritan Principles. 
 
 Chapter II. The Suffolk Resolves and the Cost and 
 Value of National Liberty. 
 
 Chapter III. The School Roulder and Tablet, and 
 Dedham's Educational Contribution to the Nation. 
 
 Chapter IV. The Avery Oak. Symbol of the Vigor 
 and Virtue of Colonial Character. 
 
 Chapter V. The Fairbanks House, and the Nation's 
 Debt to the Early New England Home. 
 
 Chapter VI. The Church of Christ as the Perennial 
 Source of National Strength and Progress. 
 
 Index. 
 
 11 
 
 21 
 
 20 
 
 37 
 
 4.5 
 
-^^ ^; i>-^-i, a* ;■■' 
 
DEDHAM'S 
 ANCIENT LANDMARKS 
 
 AND THEIR 
 
 NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE. 
 
 By 
 
 EDWARD HUNTTING RUDD. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 published by 
 
 The Dedham Transcript Printing and Publishing Co., 
 
 Dedham, Massachusetts. 
 
f^ 
 
 .S^'- 
 
 
 OUR FATHERS. 
 
 Gone are those great and good 
 Who here in peril stood, 
 
 And raised their hymn. 
 Peace to the reverend dead ! 
 The light that on their head 
 The passing years have shed 
 
 Shall ne'er grow dim. 
 
 Ye temples, that to God 
 Rise where our fathers trod, 
 
 Guard well your trust. 
 The truth that made them free. 
 Their scorn of falsehood's plea, 
 Their cherished purity. 
 
 Their garnered dust. 
 
 Thou high and holy One, 
 Whose care for sire and son 
 
 All nature fills ! 
 While day shall break and close, 
 While night her crescent shows, 
 O let thy light repose 
 
 On our free hills. 
 
 -f-JOHN PlERPONT, 1785-1866. 
 
TO MY WIFE AND CHILDREN, 
 
 whose ancestors, 
 
 namely, 
 
 John Huntting and John Dwight, 
 
 were amongst the first settlers of 
 
 Dedham, 
 
 active in church and state,both members of the Town's 
 
 historic first School Committee or Feoffees, and both 
 
 sturdy, trusty, serviceable members of Dedham, as one of 
 
 the earliest of 
 
 Puritan Settlements, 
 
 this little book is affectionatlely and gratefully dedicated 
 
 by the 
 Author. 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 The Fairbanks House .... 
 
 Powder Rock . * . . . 
 
 The Suffolk Resolves, or Tablet on Registry of 
 Deeds 
 
 The Church Green, School Boulder and Tablet 
 
 The Avery Oak ...... 
 
 The Fairbanks House ..... 
 
 The First Congregational Church . 
 
 Frontispiece '' 
 Facing page 1 -^ 
 
 21/ 
 29/ 
 39 y 
 45 X 
 
THE AUTHOR'S FOREWORD. 
 
 The sturdy, righteous character of our New England ancestry has 
 leavened our National life. How they lived and what they achieved, 
 they wrought into their local history. And local history one day 
 becomes a part of a Nation's history. 
 
 New England Towns and Commonwealths have wisely and endur- 
 ingly preserved by tablet, landmark, or monument, the deeds of their 
 earlier earnest highminded workers, under a beneficent Providence. 
 
 The author, now a resident of Dedham, cherishing a debt of grati- 
 tude, not only to his family ancestry, who helped to form and maintain 
 the Town and Church, but also to his friends and fellow citizens 
 of to-day, counts it a privilege to have gathered into one volume, 
 historical material scattered through several volumes ; moreover here 
 to emphasize the rich Past, permanently preserved by tablet, site or 
 laudmarK, of which Dedham is the rather unusual and fortunate 
 possessor. What we possess of historic value, and lasting human 
 interest we would pass on to others. 
 
 Therefore in the hope that this brochure shall awaken other con- 
 tributions, touching the history of Dedham, minute or otherwise, the 
 Author sends forth his effort to libraries and historical societies, to 
 form part of their collections according to their judgment, and to such 
 readers, local and general, as may be drawn to its contents. 
 
 Gratefully must he acknowledge complete indebtedness to Joseph 
 H. Soliday for his introduction, to J. G. Cupples and R. H. W. Dwight 
 of Boston; and to Don Gleason Hill, John H. Burdakin and Miss 
 Edna F. Calder of the Dedham Historical Society. 
 
 He is especially beholden for the hearty and practical co-operation 
 of Robert C. McQuillen of Dedham, without whose publishing instinct, 
 these pages, arranged as now, could hardly have seen light. 
 
 Edward Huntting Rudd. 
 
 The Burgess Parsonage, First Congregational Church. 
 Dedham, Massachusetts, Dec. 4, 1908. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 It was particularly fitting that the liistorical addresses contained in 
 this volume should have been first delivered from the pulpit. Good 
 citizenship has come to be considered an essential part of true religion, 
 and the serious contemplation of the deeds recorded here should tend 
 to awaken new interest and arouse new enthusiasm in the field of 
 civic duty. We are apt to journey far at a considerable expenditure of 
 time and money to visit historic scenes, and give little attention to 
 places of equal interest and significance near at hand. 
 
 The preservation and perpetuation of our government and its 
 institutions will be best insured by keeping continually before the 
 minds of tne people the wise and unselfish service of those whose efforts 
 made possible the advantages we now enjoy. As the child accepts from 
 his parents the benefit of all their care and sacrifice without any 
 particular feeling of gratitude or appreciation, so a great many of the 
 inhabitants of the State accept and enjoy the advantages of a free 
 government without any adequate conception of the debt they owe to 
 its founders. 
 
 It has been said that history must be written over again for the 
 uses of each new generation. In teaching our country's early history 
 to the present and rising generation, surrounded as they are with com- 
 forts and advantages of which our forefathers never dreamed, let 
 proper emphasis be placed upon the essential element of self sacrifice, 
 which was the dominating characteristic of those the records of whose 
 deeds have been thought worthy of preservation. 
 
 Visitors from other parts of the country comment with enthusiasm 
 upon the wonderful advantages enjoyed by the people of New England 
 in having easy access to so many places of historic interest, and one is 
 led to inquire whether these advantages are of so substantial a character 
 as to have a perceptible influence upon the lives of those who are in a 
 position to enjoy them. If the presence among us of these ancient 
 landmarks is not a continual source of inspiration, and their significance 
 an incentive to greater devotion to duty, we are missing an opportunity 
 which lies at our door. 
 
 May the recital of the heroic deeds of the fathers arouse and quicken 
 
 the interest of all those who have not fully appreciated the rich legacy 
 
 of former generations, and may they be made to feel the responsibility 
 
 and the honor of preserving the inheritance intact and passing it along 
 
 to those who shall come after them. To us much has been given ; of us 
 
 much will be required. 
 
 Joseph H. Soliday. 
 
 Dedham, Massachusetts. 
 
" The men of Dedham, even the old men, received their 
 minister's blessing and went forth, in such numbers that scarce one 
 male between sixteen and seventy was left at home." [i. e. in the 
 year 1775.]— Bancroft's "United States," Vol. IV., p. 530. 
 
 ■y 
 
POWDER ROCK 
 
 
 ■sw*!!*'****'^ 
 
 THE PILLAR OF LIBERTY SEE page 33> 
 
Dedham's Ancient landmarks 
 
 and their 
 
 INational Significance. 
 
 Powder Rock and the Permanence of Pilgrim and Puritan 
 
 Principals. 
 
 Dedham a " Puritan town." Early Leaders. Dedham the " Mother of 
 Towns." Their names. Original petitioners. Early Records quoted. 
 Powder House erected. Pilgrim vs. Puritan. Characteristics. 
 
 "Ptemove not the Ancient Landmarks which thy Fathers have set." 
 Dedham is historic ground. She has several landaiarks suggestive of 
 important history and with a national significance. As we discover one 
 after another of these historic points, we hope to give ample proof of 
 the influence which Dedham has wielded upon local and even nationa 
 life. Her contribution to early New England history, while modest, is 
 none the less valuable. The founders of Dedham were many of them 
 from the best Puritan stock. Worthington calls it "a Puritan town 
 of the best type." Comparatively few of the Pilgrim stock were 
 among the early settlers. They were sturdy, intelligent yeomen, of 
 courage, foresight and lofty endeavor. Well did they serve their fellow 
 men, because they loved and feared their God. They builded broad and 
 deep their foundations, because they emphasized character, conscience, 
 duty. Religion was their "chief end." By it they believed they would 
 most "glorify God," and they felt sure they would "enjoy Him forevei'." 
 And because they thus "made good," the nation has been made better. 
 For nearly three centuries the impact of their life and character 
 in their descendants has been unmistakably felt throughout this 
 land. Some of the founders themselves were independently strong, and, 
 for their day, were great men. Of that first group of stalwart men, 
 perhaps John Allin, Eleazer Lusher, Ralph Wheelock and John Dwight 
 loom large and remain conspicuous. But it is through their descendants, 
 as they have represented the many families from the many separate 
 towns once comprised in Dedham, that illustrious sons and daughters 
 have wielded a world wide influence. Names that have adorned the 
 pages of colonial and national history are to be found among their 
 descendants. By slightly adapting those fine lines of the Bishop of 
 Exeter, we get in verse a just characterization of our early heroes : 
 
DEDHAM S ANCIENT LANDMARKS. 
 
 "They were men ! 
 Strong and stalwart men : 
 Men whom hit^hest hope inspired, 
 Men whom purest honor fired, 
 Men who trampled self beneath them. 
 Men who made their country wreath thera 
 As her noble sons— worthy of their sires." 
 
 Dedhani is the "Mother of Towns." At least 15 towns, entire or in 
 part, have been set off from this shire town. These include Norwood, 
 Dover, Medfield, Walpole, Franklin, Wrentham, Xeedham, \Yellesle}', 
 Millis, and portions of West Roxliury, Hyde Park, Belliugham, Natick, 
 Sherborn, and recently Westwood. 
 
 The original grant of the General Court was made in 1635 to 
 19 persons, who were petitioners. These include the names of 
 Alleyne, Shaw, Morse, Dalton, Holliman, Kingsbury, Dwight, Coolidge, 
 Everett, Howard, Genere, Phillips, Shepherd, Gaye, Bartlett, Austen. 
 Rogers, Shaw.Bearestow, and three more subsequently added, making 22 
 in all. A more permanent settlement M'as effected in 1636-7. No wonder 
 they were sturdy characters, and have descendants who have helped to 
 shape our nation's best life. Their covenant was a most remarkable 
 document, in some ways like in kind to the "Maj'flower Compact." We 
 quote the first of its articles : 
 
 1. "We whose names are hereunto subscribed do, in the fear and 
 reverence of Almighty God, mutually and severally, promise amongst 
 ourselves and each other to profess and practice one truth according to 
 that most perfect rule, the foundation whereof is everlasting love." 
 
 "When men were able to fulfil the compact expressed in such a cove- 
 nant, it is not strange that they could give the name of Contentment to 
 their chosen home. This name soon gave place to Dedham, after the 
 English town of the same name, from whence some of the founders emi- 
 grated. With these words of introduction we come to the special topic 
 under discussion. 
 
 God made Powder Rock, while man sought to erect a powder house 
 in which to store the necessary ammunition for the defence of the early 
 settlers— and from attacks from the Indians. Said house was therefore 
 erected upon Powder Rock. 
 
 "On June 27th, 1650, a rate at a penny farthing per pound was made 
 for purchasing ammunition, in accordance with an order of the General 
 Court. The Town Stock is mentioned often in the Records after this 
 date. In September, 1673, the new meeting house was used for storing 
 this material, as the General Court had ordered the town to prepare 
 itself for war with the Indians. The Town Store is referred to on Feb. 
 
dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 28, 1661, but it is not until a century later that a powder house is ordered 
 to be built. It was after the French and Indian War that such action 
 was taken in regard to a Irailding for its storage." 
 
 Dedham Historical Register, Vol. 4, No. 3, i)age 9.3. 
 
 "The early settlers of Massachusetts endured many hardships and 
 suffered privations in establishing their homes and in founding a system 
 of town government. Not only were their immediate difficulties many 
 but from the outset they were obliged to be in readiness to meet a danger 
 from without. Dedham was exposed to attacks by the Indians, as well 
 as other towns along the frontier, but the village had been located in 
 such a way as to make it easy of defence against Indian hostilities. For 
 the better protection of the people of the Colony, the General Court 
 passed orders on March 22, 1630-:-3l, and April 12, 1631, respectively, as 
 follows :— 'Further.it is ordered,that eny towne within this patent shall, 
 before the 5th of April nexte, take espetiall care that eny person within 
 their towne, (except magistrates and ministers), as well serv*^ as others, 
 furnished with good & sutlicient armes allowable by the Capt or other 
 officers, those that want and are of abilitie to buy themselves, others 
 that are vnable to have them pvided by the towne, for the present, & 
 after to receive satisfaceoon for that they disburse when they shall be 
 able.' (Mass. Rec. I, 84.) 
 
 'It is likewise ordered, that eny man that findes a muskett shall 
 before the 18th day of this month (& soe alwaies after) have ready 1' of 
 powder, 20 bullets ct 2 fathom of match, under penaltie of x« for eny 
 fault.' " (Page 85.) 
 
 Later, at a General Court begun at Boston, on May 16,1634:— "It was 
 farther ordered that there shal be a watch of two a night kept in eny 
 plantacon till the next Genall Court." (Page 220.) The men who came 
 to Dedham in the following year made no exception to such action of 
 the Court. On May 11, 1637, they made provision for their future safety 
 from attack. (See Dedham Records, III., 31.) 
 
 In May, 1762, the town voted "to have the powder house builded on 
 a great rock in Aaron Fuller's land near Charles River," and Captain 
 Eliphalet Tales, Daniel Gay and Ebenezer Kingsbury were chosen a 
 committee to build the house. At the meeting in May, 1765, the above 
 named committee, not having complied with the request of the town to 
 build, two more i)ersons were joined, viz. :— Deacon Nathaniel Kingsbury 
 and Captain David Fuller, and instructed to have said house erected forth- 
 with, the same house "to be eight feet square on the outside and six feet 
 high under the plates— the materials to be brick and lime mortar." Dr. 
 Nathaniel Ames,in his diary under date of June 7, 1766, records: "Powder 
 house begun in Dedham." 
 
 In the report of the Committee on Historic Tablets and Monuments, 
 given by Messrs. Erastus Worthington, Henry O. Hildreth and Don 
 
dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 Gleason Hill, Sept. 21, 1886, we read that this Powder Rock was "a place 
 where several generations of boys and girls have delighted to resort, and 
 whither they turn, after years of absence, to view again the charming 
 landscape." 
 
 Originally the Powder House was not built in anticipation of the 
 Revolutionary War, although later it served as useful in those days. In 
 1766 there was little thought of war and less expectation of independence. 
 It was constructed to store the public ammunition in a place both con- 
 venient, safe and practical. Soon after the town was settled, its people 
 were constantly in danger from attacks from the Indians, and early they 
 discussed a storage place for the town's ammunition. In the Town 
 Records is the following entry :— "3 of 11 mo. 1652. At a general meeting 
 of the town the selectmen are desired to issue the case, concerning the 
 barrel of powder delivered to Ensign Phillips." And later:— "Assemb. 
 28.12m' 1661. Timothy Dwight is requested to procure a barrill of powder 
 to exchange that barrel that now is in the Town Store." The total ex- 
 pense involved in erecting this historic edifice amounted to £12, 6s. 4p., 
 or about $61. 
 
 Again they tell us that "the Powder House and Rock * * is better 
 known to the people of Dedham than any other spot within her borders. 
 It is not the 'stern round tower of other days,' from which bards in 
 classic lands have drawn inspiration ; neither has it been the scene of 
 any great historic event. It is a plain building, erected by plain people, 
 for a practical purpose, but little more than a hundred years ago, yet it 
 has come to be regarded as almost a sacred spotdear alike to the present 
 dwellers in the village and to the sons and daughters of Dedham scat- 
 tered throughout the length and breadth of the land." Doubtless, in 
 earlier days, if not now, it was a try sting place for hearts that beat in 
 unison. Here perhaps earnest youths and maidens have started another 
 kind of match, which has ignited powder and enkindled a flame which 
 has been seen and felt in brightening some newly established home. 
 
 Thus have we reviewed the early conditions of the founders and 
 early settlers of Dedham, and the reasons for some place for storing 
 their ammunition in times of defence from attack by Indians, and to 
 meet whatever contingencies might arise. Nature seemed to have pro- 
 vided just the strategic point in this great rock, and they were quick to 
 avail of it. On it they built their first arsenal. As we have seen, it 
 formed a central figure in their landscape then as it does now. 
 
 Across the winding Charles, 
 From this sturdy Rock of renown— 
 You discern the sloping roofs 
 Of yon quaint Old Dedham Town. 
 
 But the men of that time were of far more interest and significance 
 than the Rock. The "man behind the gun" even in that early day meant 
 
DEDHAM S ANCIENT LANDMARKS. 
 
 far more than the Powder House. The principles for which they stood 
 made possible their resistance against all invaders. Even though self- 
 preservation was for them a necessary law of nature, yet courage, 
 energy, thrift, were ingrained. Their principles were their foundation 
 stones of character. The Rock on which they early builded their Powder 
 House was a fit symbol of their character. Stability and permanence 
 characterized all their best deeds. These were they which came out of 
 great tribulations, and the virile qualities shone bright in their natures. 
 They were intrepid, fearless, undaunted. They were brave and strong 
 and sturdy. But how did they secure and retain these great and perma- 
 nent qualities of character ? Let us not forget who they were and whence 
 they came. I mean not only those of Dedham, but those of Plymouth 
 and the Mayflower, who, when the Colony cut loose from Old England 
 and erected itself into a State, became Men of Massachusetts. Nation 
 makers in very truth. Some of them set sail from Delfthaven in the 
 Mayfloioer and Speedwell, while others went in other sliips. The 
 Pilgrim was a separatist, while the Puritan was a non-conformist. They 
 remained separate in Massachusetts till 1692. "The Puritan was before 
 the Pilgrim. Not all Puritans were Pilgrims, but all Pilgrims were 
 Puritans," says Dr. Frederick B. Noble in his authoritative volume, 
 "The Pilgrims." Those who had been a part of those troublous times in 
 England, who had stood for liberty and freedom in matters of religion 
 as well as in State, and had moved from Serooby, England, into Holland 
 — these, in brief, landed at J'lymouth, and were the Pilgrims, Of these 
 ex-Gov. John D. Long once said : — " Such men make not only the true 
 Church, but the true State." The influence of the Pilgrims on England 
 before they even left for Holland was a mighty one. So, too, of the 
 Puritan. Byington, in his intensely interesting volume," The Puritan 
 in England and New England," reminds us tliat the influences which 
 moulded the Puritan party came not only from England, but from the 
 Dutch Republic and from the other Protestant nations on the Continent. 
 The English historian. Green, makes clear that which explains why 
 these Puritans of Dedham and Mass. Bay Colony were nation builders: 
 — " Puritanism ceased from the long attempt to build up the kingdom of 
 God by force and violence, and fell back on its truer work of building up 
 a kingdom of righteousness in the hearts and consciences of men." 
 Puritanism has made men serious, earnest, sober in life and conduct, 
 firm in their love of Protestantism and of freedom. The history of 
 English progress— and American, also— on its moral and spiritual sides 
 has been the history of Puritanism. "The Puritans have been mis- 
 understood. They deserve neither indiscriminate eulogy nor undeserved 
 censure. They were not religious enthusiasts nor political dreamers. 
 They are to be judged by the standards of thought of their own time." 
 Our honored Governor, Curtis Guild, Jr., has finely said that 
 
DEDHAMS ANCIENT LANDMARKS. 
 
 "free government of Plymouth, Dorchester, Massachusetts, Maine, 
 and finally of all in one, blossomed into one free Republic that has 
 become the first great Power in the world ." And every thoughtful 
 student of our early Dedham and Massachusetts history will agree with 
 Davis that "in the cabin of the Mayflower not only was the foundation 
 of republican institutions on this continent laid, but the first New 
 England town meeting was held, (of which we in Dedham are still proud 
 as one of the best legacies from our forbears), and the first elective 
 officer chosen by the will of a majority." 
 
 Thus have we seen whence they came and some of the many things 
 they achieved. Ere we finish let us recall some of their roc/b-foundation 
 principles or declared utterances. Long ago Christianity and the Church 
 was built upon the life and principles of the Man of Men. This nation 
 likewise was founded by men who incarnated those great principles in 
 their own unique way. We are indebted to various authors for these 
 great principles: 
 
 1. The Pilgrim had exalted views of God and their faith in Him was 
 profound. God was bed rock to all their thinking and a controlling factor 
 in all their actions. God's love in His Fatherhood. Brewster and 
 Robinson equally emphasized this. 
 
 2. Theirs was a positive and earnest religion. They longed to enjoy 
 Him whom they believed, hence their journeys from England to Hol- 
 land, from Holland to America. Godliness was more than gain. They 
 believed, therefore they were men of power. They were men of prayer. 
 Not meaningless or formal, but real and vital. They believed God was 
 interested in every event of their lives. Why not? So do we. Hence there 
 are millions of sturdy new 20th century Puritans and Pilgrims still 
 making this an ever glorious nation, worthy its founders. And every 
 true man to-day is eager to be worthy of these noble men. They 
 honored the Christian Sabbath. That first day on " Clark's Island" has 
 helped to keep for iisa"sane and normal" and sensible and tenable 
 Sabbath. Woe to us if we forfeit the best there was in their Sabbath. 
 
 3. They loved, lived and honored the old Bible. It had made Crom- 
 well and Cromwell's England. It could well be the book on which to 
 found a new nation. This gave them a vitalizing religion. 
 
 4. They put great stress on righteous character. Their one great 
 word was character. Another great modern leader who stands at the 
 head of the nation they founded, even Theodore Roosevelt, emphasizes 
 this same great word character to the contrast of all others. 
 
 This made them think of the State as a Divine Institution. And be 
 it said of our Dedham founders, their civic compact, by which they 
 became "freemen," was kindred in form and expression to that of 
 church membership. "The simple Mayflower document" has become 
 the vital and directing force in this nation from that day to this. 
 
DEDIIAJVr S ANCIENT LANDMATIKS. 
 
 As we close this first cliapter of loyal tribute to the founders of Old 
 Dedham, and of our fair Commonwealth as well, we can see how 
 permanent have become the principles of Pilg-rim and Puritan. 
 
 " These our sires aimed to be intelligently and consistently moral, 
 clean-living, upriglitness, trutlifulness, integrity, reaching from heart's- 
 core to linger-tip, loyalty to principle,conscience at the front, doniiuatiiig 
 conduct. No achievement so great as character. No loss so great as the 
 loss of moral standing. No humiliation equal to a lapse from virtue. 
 Honesty, fair-dealing, (the square deal), sincerity and manly decency 
 were essentials. They would neither equivocate, dissemble nor misrep- 
 resent. No lie should blister their tongue. Cheating and defraudhig 
 were not essential to accumulation. They evaded no obligations. Their 
 ideals were pure hearts and clean hands." 
 
 Surely, then, they are worthy of our respect, admiration, gratitude, 
 that we may more and more avail of their principles for the solution of 
 our problems to-day. 
 
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CHAPTER II. 
 
 The Suffolk Resolves and the Cost and Value of National 
 
 Liberty. 
 
 A fourfold study of the SuflVjlk Resolves. 
 The Resolves condensed aud (luoted. 
 
 We have thus noted the influence of Pilgrim and Puritan on 
 early Colonial life. Their principles became foundations for subse- 
 quent State and National life. The men of Plymouth Colony and 
 Massachusetts Bay Colony had much in common. As the years went 
 on, having mutual interests, they drew closer together. It was a part of 
 their life on a new continent to discuss political and other issues. The 
 famous New England town meeting resulted. In these town meetings 
 both public sentiment and public opinion began tocrystalize into greater 
 independence. Its influence as a formative and educative power in the 
 entire history of New England is beyond estimate. Of this fact we shall 
 give further proof later. 
 
 The Suffolk Resolves. Let us study them under a fourfold heading: 
 
 1. What were they ? 
 
 2. Where and by whom were they prepared? 
 
 3. What was their content ? 
 
 4. What effect did they have in hastening the Revolutionary War? 
 First. What were they? The Suffolk Resolves were a series 
 
 of statements and declarations, followed by a series of nineteen 
 resolutions, which were carefully prepared by representatives from 
 the several towns which comprised the then County of Suffolk. At 
 that date Suffolk County included within its boundaries all the present 
 Norfolk County as well as Suffolk. Not until 1793 was Norfolk County 
 set off from Suffolk County, aud Dedham was made the county seat or 
 shire town. Previous to that date Dedham was a part of Suffolk County, 
 therefore had a contributing and representative place in shaping and 
 passing the Suffolk Resolves. Great interest and value would now 
 centre about the old Woodward Tavern if we had been able to have 
 preserved it, as one of our public-spirited citizens, Mr.Charles H. Gifford, 
 has preserved and restored another old tavern and historic home, next 
 the northwest corner of Court and High Streets— the old "Norfolk Inn." 
 In a most illuminating and valuable article byDonGleason Hill, Esq., 
 entitled "The Record of a New England Town (Dedham) from the 
 passage of the Stamp Act to the Declaration of Independence," which 
 appeared in the National Magazine (a journal devoted to American his- 
 
12 dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 tory) for June, 1892, pages 160-174, the author points out how carefully 
 the acts and deliverances of Dedham town meetings were kept in those 
 important years of our early Colonial life, and shows how these acts, to- 
 gether with the accurate and trustworthy entries in the diary ot Dr.Nathl. 
 Ames, preserve for us much of the detail history which led up to the 
 Suffolk Kesolves, which in turn led to the Revolution and the Declara- 
 tion of IndependeTice. Mr. Hill quotes from Dr. Ames' diary under date 
 of August, 17G5: — "Sec^'. Oliver appointed distrilniter of stamps for the 
 Province. The country incensed against the stamp distributers and begin 
 to hang them in effigy as well as Judges of Admiralty Courts. Lieut. 
 Gov. (Thos. Hutchinson) suspected of being in favor of the 8tamp Act, 
 and has his house destroyed with some others, viz. : HoUowell and Wm. 
 Story." 
 
 This qiiotation from Ames joined with one from the Town Meeting 
 Records, shows again how events in Dedham helped to shape the 
 public sentiment of the colonists hereabout :— "Oct. 21, 1765. A town 
 meeting was called and all the articles in the warrant related to the 
 public affairs of the country." At this meeting a committee of seven 
 was chosen. Dr. Nathaniel Ames was one of this committee. The 
 Representative in the General Court was then Samuel Dexter, Esq. 
 This committee presented a draft which the town accepted. Of this I 
 quote only enough to reveal the tense feeling and awakened oppositiou 
 of the colonists: 
 
 "To Samuel Dexter, Esq. 
 
 Sir : The Freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Dedham, 
 greatly alarmed at the late burdens which the Parliament of Great 
 Britain has laid upon the Colonies, particularly at the tax imposed on us 
 by the Stamp Act, so called, and being desirous by all regular and legal 
 methods to do what lies in our power to prevent the difficulties in wliich 
 we shall be involved by the operation of the said act, if the same should 
 take place in this province, do now instruct you, that while you appear 
 at and represent this Town in the Great and General Court, you do, by 
 no means, join in any public measures for countenancing and assisting 
 in the execution of the said act. It being the sense of the town that our 
 rights as British subjects, which are founded in those that are common 
 to all mankind are by this act greatly infringed upon, and that our inval- 
 uable Charter Rights are also thereby in a great measure violated, and 
 not being sensible that this Province has by any disloyal or unworthy 
 conduct forfeited the privilege it enjoyed, we do therefore, in justice to 
 ourselves and our posterity, direct you that you be not wanting in your 
 endeavor in the General Assembly to have these rights in direct terms 
 asserted and vindicated, which being left on record will be a testimony 
 for us in future generations, that we did not tamely acquiesce in the loss of 
 our liberty, (italics ours.) * * * * As we have an unquestioned 
 
dedhaim's ancient landmarks. 1^ 
 
 risht to give yon the foregoing instructions, so we doubt not you will 
 consider it as your duty to pay all due attention thereto and strictly 
 observe the same." 
 
 A second question is of interest, viz. .-—Where and by whom were 
 the Suffolk Kesolves prepared. VVhere? We answer that on the land 
 now occupied by the new Registry of Deeds, corner of High and Ames 
 Streets, there stood an old-fashioned two and one-half storied house, 
 with a very large central chimney. In this house once lived Dr. Nathaniel 
 Ames, and it was later occupied by Richard Woodward and known as 
 Woodward's Inn. In this house the committee met, Sept. (», 1774, and 
 were instructed to prepare the Suffolk Resolves. This is Dedham's con- 
 tribution to that part of the history of those now famous resolves. 
 Three days later this convention I'econvened in Milton and completed 
 the Suffolk Resolves. The two chosen representatives from Dedham 
 who had a seat in the convention which framed these Resolves were 
 Nathaniel Sumner and Richard Woodward, but that noble patriot who 
 fell at Bunker Hill, Joseph Warren, wrote the Resolves. In this same 
 Woodward Tavern Fisher Ames was born. Thus did this old tavern 
 become doubly historic. A good picture of it is to be seen in the Dedham 
 Historical Society rooms. Fisher Ames built the house next this old 
 tavern, and this has been moved to the end of River Place, and is now 
 owned and occupied as a residence by Mr. Frederic J. Stimson, the 
 Author. His brother, Nathaniel Ames, built next to Fisher the house 
 now known as the Dr. Maynard house, one of the remaining fine old 
 specimens of Coloniiil houses, and which has recently been restored. 
 
 Still a third question to answer is:— What is the content of these 
 Suffolk Resolves'? Space permits only the essence of them.* "Whereas 
 the power, but not the justice, the vengeance, but not the wisdom, of 
 Great Britain, which of old persecuted, scourged and exiled our fugitive 
 parents from their native shores, now pursues us, their guiltless chil- 
 dren, with unrelenting severity. And whereas, this their savage and 
 uncultivated desert was purchased by the toil and treasure, or acquired 
 by the blood and valor of those our venerable progenitors ; to us they 
 bequeathed the dear bought inheritance, to our care and protection they 
 assigned it, and the most sacred obligations are upon us to transmit the 
 glorious purchase, unfettered by power, unclogged with shackles, to our 
 innocent and beloved offspring. On the fortitude, on the wisdom and 
 on the exertions of this important day is suspended the fate of this new 
 world and of unborn millions. If a boundless extent of continent, 
 swarming with milions, will tamely submit to live, move and have their 
 being at the arbitrary will of a licentious minister, they basely yield to 
 voluntary slavery, and future generations shall load their memories 
 
 *These" Resolves" will be found complete in "Life and Times of Jnseph 
 Warren." by Frothingham, page 529; also in "Jonrnals of Contmental Loa- 
 gress," vol. 1, page 32. 
 
14 dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 with incessant execrations. On the other hand, if we arrest the hand 
 which would ransack our pockets, * * * if we successfully resist 
 that unparalleled usurpation of unconstitutional power, * * * wherby 
 the streets of Boston are thronged with military executioners « * * 
 whereby the charter of the Colony, that sacred barrier against the 
 encroachments of tyranny, is mutilated and in effect annihilated. * * 
 Therefore we have resolved and ao resolve: 
 
 1. (This resolution declares the kingship of George the Third as 
 entitled to the allegiance of the British realm, and acknowledges their 
 own willing obedience to all rightful laws.) 
 
 2. Resolves it to be their duty to "defend and preserve those civil 
 and religious rights and liberties for which the fathers fought, bled and 
 died." 
 
 3. "That the late acts of the British Parliament * * * are gross 
 infractions of those rights to which we are justly entitled." 
 
 4. Resolves that no obedience is due * * * at attempts of a 
 wicked administration to enslave America. 
 
 5. "That no regard ought to be paid by the people of this country" to 
 judges^ courts, officers," etc., whose tenure of office is unconstitutional. 
 
 6. This resolve counsels patience, etc., to debtors and creditors, etc., 
 etc., in lawsuit cases growing out of disobedience to Resolve No. 5. 
 
 7. Recommends that "collectors of taxes, constables and all other 
 officers, who have public monies in their hands, retain the same * * * 
 until the civil government of the province is placed upon a constitutional 
 foundation. * * * 
 
 8. Recommends that all office holders, unfairly and unjustly ap- 
 pointed, resign before Sept. 20, 1774, and, if unwilling, they be considered 
 "enemies to this country." 
 
 9. Resolves that "the fortifications begun and now carrying on 
 upon Boston Neck," and other oppressive acts, are " justly alarming to 
 this country." 
 
 10. Relates to unfair religious conditions in Canada. 
 
 11. Recommends that the "inhabitants of the towns and districts 
 do acquaint themselves with the art of war as soon as possible," and "do 
 appear under arms at least once every week." 
 
 12. That notwithstanding the many insults from Great Britain, "we 
 are determined to act merely on the defensive so long as such conduct 
 may be vindicated by reason and the principles of self-preservation, but 
 no longei'.'^ 
 
 13. Resolved that we resent all unjust arrests. 
 
 14. Resolved that until our rights are fully restored, "we withhold 
 all commercial relations with Great Britain, et al." 
 
dedham's ancient landmarks. 15 
 
 15. That a committee be appointed * * * "to promote arts and 
 manufactures among us." The committee named was Joseph Palmer 
 of Braintree, Ebenezer Dorr of Koxbury, James Boies and Edward 
 Preston of Milton, and Nathaniel Guild of Waipole. 
 
 16. Recommends that a "Provincial Congress be called at Concord" 
 the second Tuesday of October next. 
 
 17. That we respect the findings of the Continental Congress now 
 sitting in Philadelphia. 
 
 18. Recommends that we refrain from all riots, attacks, etc., upon 
 property or person, "but, by a steady, manly, uniform and persevering 
 opposition, convince our enemies that in a contest so important, in a 
 cause so solemn, our conduct shall be such as to merit the approbation 
 of the wise, and the admiration of the brave and free of every age and of 
 every country." 
 
 19. This Resolve makes provision, in case of "hostilities" from the 
 enemy, that each town shall communicate officially by "courier" with 
 each next town. (Hence later the famous, now historic, "Paul Revere' s 
 Kide.") In addition to the Resolves it was voted "that Dr. Joseph 
 Warren of Boston and fourteen others (including Messrs. Woodward and 
 Sumner of Dedham) be a committee to wait on his Excellency, the 
 Governor, to inform him that this County are alarmed at the fortifica- 
 tions making on Boston Neck, and to remonstrate against the same, and 
 the repeated insults offered by the soldiery to persons passing and re- 
 passing into that town, and to confer with him upon those subjects. 
 Attest— Wm. Thompson, Clerk." 
 
 What effect did the Resolves have in hastening the Revolutionary 
 War? A most excellent answer is given this question by Hon. Samuel 
 r. Haven in an address delivered at Dedham in 18oG at the celebration 
 of the 200th anniversary of the incorporation of the town. In speaking 
 of the convention held at Woodward's Tavern, he used this very signifi- 
 cant language:— "Those who now or in other times shall examine the 
 journal of the earliest Congress, held at Philadeli>hia, in search of tiie 
 first recorded resolutions, to try the issue with Great Britain, if need be, 
 at the point of the sword, will find the doings of this convention entered 
 at length upon its pages, appearing as the medium through which the 
 object of their assembling was first presented to their deliberation and 
 serving as the basis of their subsequent proceedings."' Then Mr. Haven 
 adds :— "The house of Richard Woodward most of us remember. In it 
 was born Fisher Ames. Was it also the birthplace of the American 
 Revolution ?" The above extract from Mr. Haven's address showed 
 what a critical and vitally important part Dedham had in those stirring 
 events. Her sons helped inspire the Resolves. The convention met at 
 one of her historic homes to discuss the issues, and appointed a 
 committee who, three days later, Perfected and passed the Resov^ 
 Milton. To show tlie importance attached to the old house at Milton as 
 an historic landmark, I here quote the words on its tablet : 
 
Kj dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 "In this mansion 
 
 On the ninth day of Sept. 1774, at a meeting of the Delegates of 
 
 Every town and district in the Co. of Suffoll^ the 
 
 Suffolk Resolves were adopted. 
 
 They were reported by Major Gen' (Jos.) Warren, who fell in their defence 
 
 in the Battle of Banker Hill, June 17, 1775. 
 
 They were approved by the members of the Continental Congress at 
 
 Carpenter's Hall. Phihulelpliia, on the 17th of 
 
 September, 1774. 
 
 The Resolves to which the immortal patriot here gave utterance, 
 
 the heroic deeds of the eventful day on which he fell led the 
 
 way to American Independence. 
 Posterity will acknowledge that virtue which preserved them 
 free and happy." 
 
 The next step in the history of the Resolves is almost epoch making, 
 lu the journal of the Continental Congress (page 31), under date of 
 Saturday, Sept. 17, 1774, we find this:— "The Resolutions entered into by 
 the delegates from the several towns and districts in the County of 
 Suffolk, in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, on Tuesday, the 6th 
 instant," and their address to his Excellency Gov. Gage, dated the 9th 
 instant, and are as follows:— "At a meeting of the delegates of every 
 town and district in the County of Suffolk, on Tuesday, the Gth of Sept., 
 at the house of Mr.Rlchard Woodward of Deadhara.and by adjournment 
 at tbe house of Mr. (Daniel) Vose of Milton, on Friday, the 9th instant, 
 Joseph Palmer, Esq., being chosen moderator, and Wm. Thompson, Esq., 
 clerk, a committee was chosen to bring in a report to the convention, 
 and the following being several times read, and put paragraph by para- 
 graph, was unanimously voted. Then follow the Resolves, covering 
 several pages, a summary of which has been given. After the Resolves 
 had been presented to the Continental Congress, having been carried 
 thither from Boston by Paul Revere, the Congress sent a strong docu- 
 ment "To His Excellency, Thos. Gage, Esq., Capt. Gen' and Commander 
 in Chief of His Majesty's Province in Mass. Bay." The Congress taking 
 the foregoing into consideration, 
 
 "Resolved unanimously, that this assembly deeply feels the suffering 
 of their countrymen in Mass.Bay,under the operation of the late unjust, 
 cruel and oppressive acts of the British Parliament, that they most 
 thoroughly approve the wisdom and fortitude with which opposition to 
 these wicked ministerial measures has hitherto been conducted, and 
 they earnestly recommend to their brethren a perseverance in the same 
 firm and temperate conduct, as expressed in the resolutions determined 
 upon at a late meeting of the delegates for the County of Suffolk on 
 Tuesday, the 6th instant, trusting that the effect of the united efforts of 
 North America in their behalf will carry such conviction to the British 
 Nation of the unwise, unjust and ruinous policy of the present adminis- 
 tration, as quickly to introduce better men and wiser methods." 
 
 Evidently, then, the town of Dedham and her representatives had 
 an honorable part in those events which proved so significant in after 
 
DEDTIAM's ancient LANDMAItKS. 17 
 
 years. The unwritten history would doubtless show other men and 
 events of importance and influence. As we pass tlie new llegistry of 
 Deeds we shall always have a deeper sense of gratitude for the loyalty 
 and i)atriotism and cluiracter of those early citizens. We shall Hnd new 
 value to those two bronze tablets and their silent message : 
 
 "Here met on Sept. 6, 1774, 
 
 The Convention 
 
 whicli three days later at Milton 
 
 adopted the Suffolk Resolves. 
 
 They lighted the match that kindled 
 
 the mighty Conflagration of the 
 
 American Revolution." 
 
 "Here were the Birthplace and Home of 
 
 Fisher Ames. 
 
 Advocate— Pat riot— Statesman 
 
 1758—1808 
 
 The cost of the liberty wherewith we were made free was beyond 
 expression. There is no way to estimate the cost of national liberty. 
 Money does not measure it. The sacrifice of human life tells but part 
 of it. The willing contribution of the best intellect, tlie wisest judgment, 
 tlie fearless courage, the untiring devotion, the heroic faith, the unsellish 
 gifts, the loyalty to high and holy principles— here is found some of the 
 infinite cost of a nation's liberty. For a hundred and fifty years prior 
 to these Suffolk Resolves the Puritan Fathers and their descendants 
 w^ere laying the foundation for their future liberty. Lord Byron has 
 spoken my thought : 
 
 "For Freedom's battle onee begun 
 Bequeathed by bleeding sire to son, 
 Though baffled oft is ever won." 
 
 When our sires purchased our liberty tiiey only began to pay the 
 cost. We have been meeting and paying the cost ever since. Continued 
 liberty is costing us eternal vigilance, for that is always part of its price. 
 Thus do we feel with the Poet Milton : 
 
 "This is true Liberty where freeborn men, 
 Having to advise the public, may speak free; 
 Which he who can and will deserves high praise; 
 Who neither caa nor will may hold his peace. 
 What can be juster in a State than this?" 
 
 And the value of our nation's liberty is bej'ond estimate. It is one 
 of our mightiest national assets. Our American institutions are magni- 
 ficently meeting the test of a free republic. But the permanent success 
 lies wrapped up in that classic utterance inscribed on the Worcester 
 Court House:— "Oljedience to Law is Liberty." According as every 
 citizen in our fair land— every man, woman and child— will obey the law 
 
18 dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 of God and man, then we reach the truest liberty and possess abiding 
 freedom. Then can we sincerely realize the value of the words of Mrs. 
 Julia Ward Howe, in her "Battle Hymn of the Kepublic" : 
 
 "In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, 
 With a glory in his bosom that transfisures you and me. 
 As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, 
 While God is marching on." 
 
COLUMBIA. 
 
 Columbia, Columbia, to glory arise, 
 
 The queen of the world, and child of the skies ! 
 
 Thy genious commands thee ; with raptures behold, 
 
 While ages on ages thy splendors unfold. 
 
 Thy reign is the last and the noblest of time, 
 
 Most fruitful thy soil, most inviting thy clime ; 
 
 Let the crimes of the east ne'er encrimson thy name, 
 
 Be freedom and science and virtue thy fame. 
 
 Timothy Dwight, 1752-1817, 
 
 President of Yale College from 1795 to 1817, 
 
 great-great-great-grandson of John Dwight of Dedham. 
 
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CHAPTER III. 
 
 The School Eoulder and Tablet, and Dedham's 
 Educational Contribution to the Nation, 
 
 Boulder and Tablet. Puritans and Pilicrims. Emphasized Need of Educated 
 Men for Public Life. History of Dedham's First School. Dedham's 
 Claim to the Honor Substantiated. 
 
 " Wisdom is the principal thing; get wisdom. * * Exalt her, and she shall 
 promote thee. She shall bring thee to honor." "The fear of the Lord is the 
 beginning of wisdom."— Solomon. 
 
 On the Church Green, facing High Street, is a bronze tablet, inserted 
 in a fine boulder, given by Mr. William Farnsworth, and i)laced there by 
 the Commonwealth, June 17, 1898. The facts brought out by the inscrip- 
 tion upon the tablet give to Dedham one of her most signal honors. The 
 inscription reads as follows: 
 
 "This Tablet is erected by the 
 
 Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
 
 to commemorate the establishment 
 
 by the inhabitants of Dedham 
 
 in town meeting assembled 
 
 on the First of January 1644 
 
 of a Free Public School 
 
 to be maintained by general taxation. 
 
 Near this spot stood the 
 
 First School House built by the town 
 
 1649 
 
 This showed the value and emphasis our early settlers placed upon 
 education. They realized that " a free church in a free state" must have 
 its foundation and permanence in the intelligence of the people. The 
 very atmosphere was congenial to learning. A clear understanding, 
 then, of the educational conditions in various sections of New England 
 will show how natural and logical was the establishing of a free public 
 school system, supported by self-imposed taxation. 
 
 The Puritan came from the best life of England. In most cases they 
 were men and women of education and culture. They were not isolated 
 individuals. They belonged to the great Puritan party in England. 
 During the first lialf of the seventeenth century they had largely moulded 
 English public opinion. They were graduates of the English universities, 
 especially Oxford and Cambridge. In addition, the rank and file were 
 familiar with the best history, literature and theology. By ability and 
 training they were equipped to become leaders in education in the New 
 
22 dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 World and to become "founders of states." And while the men of 
 Plymouth Colonj' were not so largely representative of university life, 
 yet their leaders were men of broad and deep education :—" Governor 
 Carver; Governor Bradford, the historian of the Colony, and for thirty 
 years its enterprising and sagacious Chief Magistrate ; Governor 
 Winslow, descended from an ancient English family, a gentleman of 
 consummate address, a born diplomatist; Elder Brewster, a scholar and 
 courtier in early life, and later the influential Ruling Elder of the 
 Church."! 
 
 When in 1644 the inhabitants of Dedham, assembled in town meeting, 
 voted to maintain the first public school by taxation, there were over 
 eighty ministers in New England, most of them graduates of Oxford or 
 Cambridge. And these ministers in those early days largely shaped the 
 educational life of the community. At least they worked closely with 
 the teachers, and in the homes of the parish were a quiet moulding influ- 
 ence and power. Equally true was this in Connecticut and other sections 
 of New England. The founding of those modest colleges of learning 
 which have since become the strength and glory of New England- 
 Harvard and Yale and Dartmouth, Williams and Amherst and Brown 
 and VVesleyan and Trinity and Middlebury, and for women, Wellesley 
 and Smith and Holyoke, and many a smaller but valuable school— these 
 all attest the wisdom and foresight of the early settlers and their 
 descendants. Thomas Hooker whom Cotton Mather called "the incom- 
 parable Hooker," as the leader of the Connecticut Colony, was a man in 
 whom, says Byington, "learning and wisdom were tempered with zeal and 
 holiness." The Mathers— Richard, Samuel, Inci'ease and Cotton, the 
 last three graduates of Harvard— were among "the most learned men 
 of their time." 
 
 These are facts which easily explain why the early settlers of Dedham 
 wanted their children to have an education. It was in the very air of 
 each New England settlement. Dedham had her average proportion of 
 intelligent leaders. From the descendants of the forty-two of her early 
 settlers at the town meeting in 1644 came at least five college presidents, 
 namely :— The two Dwights of Yale, the two Wheelocks of Dartmouth, 
 and Everett of Harvard. These colleges alone have had a mighty forma- 
 tive influence upon the best life and progress of America. And who can 
 tell what influence the leaders in Dedham, as they came from Watertown 
 and elsewhere, may have had upon John Harvard, as he gave his library 
 and became the founder of Harvard College in 1636, the same year 
 Dedham was founded? 
 
 But we also have definite facts which reveal Dedham's honorable 
 place of leadership in educational marters in those days. For these the 
 writer is indebted to Rev. Carlos Slafter, Don Gleason Hill and Hon. 
 Winslow Warren. Many of these facts also appear in the third volume 
 
 1 Byingtoa'8 "The Puritaa in England and New England," p. 91. 
 
dedham's ancient landmarks. 23 
 
 of the printed records of the town of Dedluim, (pages 104-5.) On the 
 second day of January, 1642-3, fifty-one persons were present at a general 
 meeting of the town, in which the allotment of land was considered, and 
 in the record of its proceedings is the following statement : 
 
 "It was with an unanimous consent concluded that some portion of 
 land in this extended division should be set apart for i)ublic use, 'for the 
 Towne, the Church and a free schoole, viz. 40 acres at the leaste or 60 
 acres at the most.' " These faithful town fathers were one in accord on 
 this important point, that they wanted tiieir cliildren educated. Out of 
 their slender means they later voted to tax themselves to show their 
 earnest sincerity in this matter. Fortunately the Records have preserved 
 for us their names. 
 
 "1644. At a meeting the first day of the eleventh month, assembled 
 those whose names are underwritten with other the Inlial)itants of this 
 town: M-- Jn" Allen past% John Hunting Eld'-, Hen Chickering, Thos 
 VViight, Jno Thui-ston, Anthony Fisher, Jos. Fisher, Dan Fisher, Jno 
 Luson, MrKalph Wheelocke, Jno Gaye, William Eullard, John Bui ard, 
 Rob' Grossman, Hen Wilson, Jno Newton, Edw Colver, Hen Smith, 
 Nath Colborne, Nath Aldus, Hen Phillips, Sam' Morse, Dan Morse, Jno. 
 Morse, Jos. Kingsbury, Jno Dwite, Lamb. Genery, Edw. Kemp, Edw. 
 Richards, Thos. Leader, Geo. Bearstowe, Jonath Fairbanks, Mich. 
 Powell, Mich. Metcalf Juno^ Jno Metcalf, Jno. Frarey, Eli. Lusher, 
 Robt. Hinsdell, Pet. Woodward, Jno. Guyle, Rich. Evered, Robt 
 Gowinge &ce." 
 
 "The said Inhabitants, taking into consideration the great necesitie 
 of providing some means for the education of the youth in o"- s*' Tovvne,did 
 with an unanimous consent declare by voate their willingness to promote 
 that worke, promising to put too their hands to provide maintenance 
 for a Free Schoole in our said Towne. And farther did resolve and 
 consent, testifying it by voate, to rayse the summe of Twenty pounds 
 p anum. towards the maintaining or a Schoole M"- to keep a free schoole 
 in our said Town. 
 
 "And also resolve and consent to betrust the s'd 20 £ per anum & 
 certain lands in o"- Town, formerly set apart for publique use, into the 
 hand of Feofees to be presently chosen by themselves, to employ the s'd 
 20 £, and the land afors'd, to be improved for the use of the said Schoole: 
 that as the profits shall arise from the said land, every man may be 
 proportionately abated of his some of the s'd 20 £ aforsaid freely to be 
 given to the use aforesaid. And y' y^ said Feofees shall have power to 
 make a Rate for the necessary charg of improving the s'd land ; they 
 giving account thereof to the Towne, or to those whom they should 
 depute. John Hunting E''^'^ Eliazer Lusher, Francis Chickering, John 
 Dwite & Michael Powell, are chosen Feofees and betrusted in behalf of 
 the school as aforesaid." "The school thus established," says Slafter, 
 
24 pedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 "to be managed by Feofees was designed to continue seven years, as 
 will appear in the following record relating to the training ground:— 
 *1644. 4<^ 12"-o Granted to Feofees for the free schoole in Dedham for 
 the use of the s'd schoole a parcel of the Training ground so much as 
 shall be set out to thera by the towne, which said p'cel is granted from 
 this present day unto the last day of the eighth month which shall be in 
 the year 1650. Hen. Chickering. Eli. Lusher & Hen, Phillips deputed to 
 set out the s'd parcell of Land above said." 
 
 The Common near the Dexter School, bounded by High, Dexter and 
 Common Streets, is a part of the old Training Ground, and to use it as 
 a play ground for "the said school" seems to accord with the original 
 grant to Feofees. Perhaps we should call them the School Committee 
 or Trustees to-day. One, at least, of the boys of the Dexter School, 
 who now plays there at recess, is a direct descendant of two of the 
 original Feofees of 1644. While no records are preserved of their admin- 
 istration, it is fairly clear that Ralph Wheelock, the ancestor of the first 
 and second Presidents of Dartmouth College, was one of the first, if not 
 the first, teacher. Later he moved to Medfield and taught there. 
 
 Additional proof of the existence of the school in 164.5 is to be found 
 in a legacy of the will of one Henry Deengaine, a physician and one of 
 the early proprietors of Dedham. He died in Roxbury, Dec. 8, 1645. and 
 in his will "he gave the school in Dedham .3 £ to be paide out of his 
 house and lands there." The next gift recorded seems to be that of Dr. 
 Avery in 1680 of £00. This fact is recorded on the front of the fine Avery 
 School in East Dedham. 
 
 In his address at the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Free 
 School at Dedham, Jan. 11, 1895, Rev. Carlos Slafter said :— "We are 
 assembled here this evening chietly to commemorate the initiation of a 
 free school, established, controlled and supported by the freemen of 
 this town. We come here, in fact, to honor a band of pioneers in edu- 
 cational progress, who, in 1644, made a bold and successful adventure. 
 Hereafter, therefore, let the names of Lusher, Hunting, Powel, 
 Chickering and Dwight be associated and identified with the part which 
 Dedham acted in developing practically the idea of a free public school, 
 supported by general taxation." 
 
 We do not forget that Dorchester and other places have made claim 
 for the honor of having the first public school on the new continent. It 
 is quite unnecessary to enter into the merits of any controversy. In a 
 "Brief and Forensic," presented at Wellesley College, May 17, 1901, Miss 
 Helen F. Hill cites most trustworthy authorities, showing that the 
 Dedham School was the first to be entirely supported by general taxation 
 of the town. Her authorities were Dedham and Dorchester Town 
 Records; House Documents, No. 100 and 1134. N. E. Historical and 
 Geneological Register, Vol. 22, 1T68; Historical Catalogue of the Boston 
 
dedham's ancient landmarks, 25 
 
 Latin School by Henry F. Jenks; Evolution of the Mass. Public School 
 System by George H. Martin, A. M. When the tablet on the Church 
 Green, already referred to, was unveiled, June 17, 1808, addressf^s were 
 made by some of Dedham's prominent citizens. At that time Mr. I). G. 
 Hill presented the facts regarding the placing of his tablet, viz : 
 
 "In 1805, the Governor, with advice and consent of the Council, 
 appointed the " Old Colony Commission" of three persons to "inves- 
 tigate certain spots of historic interest witliin the Counties of Bristol, 
 Barnstable, Plymouth. Norfolkand, Nantucket, to collect historic infor- 
 mation and mark with bounds, monuments or suitable inscriptions 
 thereon, for the purpose of i)reserving them." After careful study it 
 was "suggested to the Commissioners that they commemorate the 
 establishment in Dedham in It54b5 of the free public school, supported 
 by the general taxation of the i)eople." This was done, as the ofiicial 
 tablet referred to indicates. The author added :— " The Dedham of 1()44 
 extended from the Roxbury to the Bhode Island line, even including the 
 distant town of Bellingham. It is a mother of towns, and I have esti- 
 mated that there are to-day (1808) over 160 schools, with nearly (5000 
 pupils, who may be considered the direct offspring of 1644,sturdy branches 
 of the healthy old oak, which is itself to-day represented by the i)resent 
 Ames School, not to mention our great college — Welleslej— for the 
 higher education of women, which has been establislied within the 
 territory of ancient Dedham." 
 
 There may be honest differences of opinion as to how great and 
 important has been the contribution which Dedham has made to the 
 educational world. We leave the facts to our readers. Let us rejoice 
 in what was given her to do and to Ije, and may her i)resent sons and 
 daughters prove worthy of the heritage which others have left to them. 
 
 There are portions of our Middle West which are even more Xew 
 England in spirit, ideals and family descendants than parts of New 
 England itself. These descendants of the Puritan have always kept 
 education at the forefront. Their contribution to national life and 
 power has been and is beyond estimate. But the greatest contril)ution 
 we can make to our nation to-day is to furnish men of strong Christian 
 character. Education without that is like an engine without steam or 
 electricity. Education of men and women of sterling cliaracter makes 
 possible the highest welfare of a nation's best life. 
 
 Perhaps Dedham's most distinguished citizen was Fisher Ames, 
 born here April 0. 1758, and died here July 4, 1808. In 1788 he was a 
 member of the Mass. Convention for ratifying the Constitution. Able as a 
 lawyer, eloquent in debate, his counsel was of su|)reme value. While 
 Washington was President, Ames took a prominent part in the National 
 Councils. On returning to Dedham a literarv life attracted him, and in 
 1804 he was called to the Presidencv of Harvard, but had to decline. 
 Men honored him for the '" brilliancy of his talents and liis private 
 virtues."— The Ames School bears his name. 
 
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 THE AVERY OAK 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The Avery Oak. Symbol of the Vigor and 
 Virtue of Colonial Character, 
 
 Dedham a poi>nlar town. Its claims. Bleiidinn- of old and ne^v. The 
 Avery Oak Tree. The Historical Society and its Founders. The Pillar 
 of Liberty. 
 
 Dedham is justly called a beautiful town. It is one of the most 
 popular of the suburbs of Boston. So near by is it to the " Hub" that 
 business men in large numbers select it for their home. As the County 
 Seat of iSTorfolk County, with its exceptional stately Court House and 
 equally distinguished Registry of Deeds, it draws men of prominence 
 and strength from all over the Commonwealth. It has the flavor and 
 atmosphere of the old— even the ancient— together with a certain inde- 
 finable home-likeness, which at once attracts people who love " old- 
 fashioned home life," plus all that modern comfort can furnish. The 
 Boston city line touches Dedham at the West Koxbury section, and the 
 broad meadows of the Charles River in a sense isolate from adjacent 
 communities lying Boston ward. The fine roads, traversing a well wooded 
 and undulating, rolling country, make it a Mecca for those who live near 
 to nature's heart, and count walking, driving and riding their common 
 and healthful pleasures. Tlirougli the public spirit of people of wealth, 
 two fine polo fields are opened to the public, spring and autumn, with a 
 Country Club of rarely fine situation, commanding a sweep of country 
 view which is unusual. A well equipped tennis club, and canoeing on 
 the Charles River give added variety. Its well-patronized Public Library 
 and valuable Historical Society give added pleasure and profit to its 
 literary and history loving citizens,while tlie churches of Christ maintain 
 all the best life of present day needs, inspired by long years of honorable 
 history. A rather remarkable climate makes the town one of unusual 
 health and vigor to its citizens. 
 
 There is also a local pride in the worthy history of the town, in its 
 men and women of quiet prominence and substantial worth. The i)nblic 
 policies of the "Town Fathers" have been wise and generous toward 
 the future growth and present day needs and comfort of its citizens. Its 
 substantial yearly growth attests the validity of its claims to an 
 unusually satisfying place in which to make one's home. Its schools are 
 noted throughout the State, and even country ; hence parents select it 
 for their children, and its older residents rejoice that they have had its 
 
30 dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 benign benefits these many j^ears. A fine old New England town. May 
 its best and finest traditions and ideals be cherished and maintained 
 alike by old and new residents. 
 
 The magnificent old trees lining her streets and adorning the yards 
 and estates of her citizens greatly add to her beauty and attractiveness. 
 Fine old elms predominate. These have been preserved because the 
 town has made careful provision through annual appropriations for 
 the efficient Tree Warden and his corps of workers, fighting insects and 
 wisely spraying and pruning. Trees, judiciously planted in early days 
 with a view to symmetry and grace in landscape effects, as well as their 
 sh^de values, have long been an asset of many New England towns. 
 The winding Charles River— named for Charles I. of England— flowing 
 picturesquely through the town, back of or facing some of our most 
 beautiful residences, shows how wise and far sighted were the early 
 settlers in selecting so attractive a spot for a town. They were not 
 wholly engrossed by the practical, but had an eye to the artistic and 
 natural scenery as well. 
 
 Among the old and beautiful trees of Dedham the Avery Oak is 
 perhaps more noted than any other tree or trees. There is no great 
 event associated with it, and yet our citizens have always cherished it 
 for its great size, its age, its relation to one of Dedham' s old families, 
 In Mann's Annals of Dedham (compiled in 1847, page 12-5,) we find one 
 of the few references to the Avery Oak: — "East Street has retained 
 this name since the origin of the town. It is a continuation of High 
 Street from Dwight's Bridge, (now the Railroad Bridge, near the site of 
 the old .John Dwight homestead), on the east side of Little River. Some 
 of the first houses erected by the settlers were located on this street. The 
 original home lots, mostly of twelve acres each, were laid out on the 
 north side of the street, abutting upon the little meadows toward the 
 west, and extending back to the waste or unappropriated lands, each 
 having a highway, four rods wide, running through the westerly end of 
 the same. An ancient oak yet stands in front of the Deacon Avery 
 house on this street. The tree is much older than the town, and 
 measures sixteen (16) feet in circumference near the bottom of the trunk. 
 Its top has been much twisted and torn by the storms of centuries, but 
 the tree is still cherished as a proud specimen of stately growth of its 
 old companions of the forest. Seventy dollars was offered for it, to be 
 used for timber in building the frigate Constitution, but rejected by the 
 owner. Several new and tasteful dwelling houses have recently (1847) 
 been erected on this street, and others are in progress." (Tradition says 
 that the tree was not sold because Mrs. Avery pleaded for its continuance 
 as a tree). It will be located to-day (1908) as adjoining the front yard of 
 No. 444 East Street. It is still a magnificent oak, stately and sym- 
 metrical, and gives promise, if cared for, of many decades, if not 
 centuries. 
 
dedtta:\['s ancient landinfauks. 31 
 
 It is surely appropriate here tliat we sliould remember that tlie 
 Avery Oak toolc its name from one of Dedliam's early illustrious 
 citizens, Dr. William Avery. lie lived in IJarkham, Berkshire, England. 
 In 1650 he came to Dedham from Boston with his wife, Milryaret. and 
 three children. Ilis descendants intermarried with some of J)edliam's 
 oldest and best families, as the " Avery Family Hook" attests.! In um 
 he was a Deputy to the General Court. He received the title of Doctor 
 and practised medicine. In 1680 he moved to Boston, and that year 
 made a noble and generous gift to Dedham in what is now called" the 
 " xVvery School." 
 
 1784 Avery School 1895 
 
 Named in memory of William Avery 
 
 of Dedham. Prominent in the affairs 
 
 of the town in ir,80 uhvh 
 
 £60 toward the suppcrt of a Latin School. 
 
 Thus the town retains not only the old oak, but, through the iiublic 
 spirited generosity of the late Henry Grin Hiidreth, the Historical 
 Society has a chair made from some limbs which blew down. Mr. 
 Mr.Hildreth, who came to Dedham in 18.52, l)ecame editor of the Dedham 
 Gazette. He became one of the incorporators of the Dedham Public 
 Library, March 24, 1871, and was a most active promoter of the 
 Dedham Historical Society, which has done so much for the preservation 
 of so much of value to this ancient town. Would that souie public 
 spirited citizen would further endow it, for enlargement both of its 
 building and its efiflciency. The first meeting of our Historical Society 
 was held on Feb. 1, 1859, and Mr. Hiidreth was chosen Secretary from 
 that date to 1875, when he was elected President, which oflice he held 
 until 1888, thus 29 years an officer. During 1888, at the time of the 
 opening of the new Public Library building, he gave the new President's 
 chair and table, made from the old Avery (J)ak and Avery House. (See 
 Volume IV., Dedham Register, April, 1893, page 89.) In 1886 the Avery 
 Oak was presented to the Dedham Historical Society by .Joseph W. 
 Clark, and it is still cared for and owned by that Society. The chair 
 made from limbs which were pruned was made after the model of the 
 chair of Jolin Eliot. The desk was made from the timbers of the Avery 
 house when it was torn down, Mr. Hiidreth personally overseeing the 
 work, and presenting chair and desk to the Society. Another citizen of 
 Dedham who was greatly interested in the Historical Society was Mr. 
 Calvin Guild, born in Dedham, May 22, 1808. "He was a great reader, and 
 was deeply interested in historical matters. It was his keen interest in 
 the study of local history that led to the formation of the Dedham 
 Historical Society. The meeting, already mentioned, to consider the 
 new enterprise, was held in Mr. Guild's office, that of the Dedham Insti- 
 tution for Savings, and he was chosen Secretary and Treasurer at the 
 
 t "Avery Family Genealogy," pages 17-19. 
 
32 dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 first regular meeting, on Marcli 10, 1859, which positions he held until 
 1867. Mr. H. O. Hildreth being Corresponding Secretary. He was greatly 
 interested in the success of the Society, and by his courtesy tlie meetings 
 were held in the same room until June 21, 1866. Later the Society held 
 its meetings in the Court House building. For 38 years Mr. Guild served 
 the First Congregational Church as a faithful Deacon and one of its 
 beloved and honored members." Dedham Register, July, 1897, page 67. 
 
 Not our Avery Oak, but another tree associates itself historically 
 with one great event in making our nation free and independent. 
 
 When the Suffolk Resolves had already played their part in making 
 more effective the action of the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, 
 then it was determined that George Washington should take command 
 of the American forces. This he did in Cambridge, July 3, 1775, under 
 the now historic Elm tree, which is marked by a tablet. The tree is in 
 front of the Shepard Memorial Congregational Church, and stands in the 
 middle of the road, and is over 300 years old. During another visit to 
 Massachusetts Washington passed through Dedham, and doubtless 
 learned of her contribution to tlie events of those days. It is not without 
 significance just here that in almost all the nations of Europe the people 
 planted trees as symbols of freedom. They were called "Trees of 
 Liberty." This was done in this country during the Revolutionary War. 
 The Jacobins in Paris are said to have planted the first Tree of Liberty in 
 1790, and the custom spread through the whole of France. During the 
 Reign of Terror thousands lost their lives under the pretext of having 
 injured a Tree of Liberty. In Paris, on the occasion of erecting a Tree 
 of liiberty, a priest was frequently conveyed to the spot for the purpose 
 of consecrating it. The Abby Gregoire has written a learned and 
 interesting treatise on this subject. See Brewer's Hand Book. 
 
 The Avery Oak carried with it the thought, and to our forbears was 
 doubtless the symbol, of liberty, freedom and substantial worth and 
 sturdy manhood. It was chosen as the centre piece for the official 
 Seal of the town of Dedham. And the history of the town shows 
 she has remained true to these early oak tree qualities. The sturdy 
 Avery Oak was and is still the symbol of the vigor and virtue of colonial 
 character. The oak was deeply rooted in God's earth. So these oaken 
 fibred colonists sent their roots deep down into the foundation character 
 of God. Into His Love and Justice, into His Sovereign Character as 
 Ruler of the World. This made mighty men of valor and vigor and 
 virtue. Both oak and colonists grew sturdier and tougher as they 
 weathered each New England winter, and grew firmly and quietly and 
 graciously as they rejoiced in the beauty and wholesomeness of the New 
 England spring and rich golden autumn. There was a graciousness with 
 their dignity, a kindliness and a kingliness of heart beneath their sturdy, 
 rigid exteriors, a gentleness and fineness which always accompanies true 
 
dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 33 
 
 souled inaniiood and resolute womanhood, an unmistakable srace and 
 ml.red culture horn of humility and innate refinement. Tliese qualities 
 many ot the Puritans and tlieir descendants possessed. 
 
 Again the oak symboliz(!s the broad and free institutions of our land 
 Ihese have been made possible because of that inborn spirit of freedom 
 and liberty which was so dear to the hearts of the colonists. Before the 
 bultolk Resolves we find influences at work in Dedham which found 
 expression among other things in the erection by the "Sons of Liberty" 
 of the Pillar of Liberty, a part of which still stands in the northeast 
 corner of the Church green, and which was once surmounted by a shaft 
 on which was a bust of William Pitt. The inscription upon this stone 
 was and is as follows* : 
 
 The I'illar of Liberty 
 erected by the Sons of Liberty 
 
 in this vicinity 
 Laus Deo Regi, et Imniunitatm 
 Autoribus q. iiiaxime Patrono 
 Pitt, qui Rempub. rvisuiu evulsit. 
 
 Faucibiis Orel. 
 Inscription of 17(JG (westerly face) 
 
 The Pillar of Liberty 
 To the honor of Wllliu Pitt Esqr 
 
 & other Patriots who saved 
 
 Aiuprica from impending slave 
 
 ry & confirmed our most loyal 
 
 affection to Kg George III. by pro 
 
 curing a Repeal of the Stamp Act. 
 
 18th March 176(5 
 
 Inscription of 176() (Northerly face) 
 
 Erected here July 22, 17()«, 
 
 by Doctr Nathl Ames 2nd 
 
 Col Ebenr Battle. Major Abijah 
 
 Draper «fr other Patriots friendly 
 
 to the Rights of the Colonists at that Day. 
 
 Replaced by the Citizens July 4, 1828. 
 
 This stone was f5rst 
 
 placed near this spot 
 
 July 22, 17«t). It supported 
 
 a Wooden column surmounted 
 
 by a bust of William Pitt. 
 
 Both column and bust 
 
 disappeared about the close 
 
 of the last century. This stone was 
 
 removed from the opposite corner in 18()6. 
 
 Inscription on the tablet of 1866. (Easterly face.) 
 
 The sentiment on this stone is unique in its expression, but this was 
 ten years before the Declaration of Independence. "The Patriots 
 evidently hoped that in the repeal of the Stamp Act all their trials were 
 ended, and that (ireat Britain's oppressive policy would be reversed." 
 But the "Sons of Liberty" had accoomplished more than thev knew. 
 The "fibre and stuff" of which they were made was symbolized in the 
 old Avery Oak. 
 
 * Proceedings 250tli Anniversary of the Town, page 175. 
 
THE OLD FAIRBANKS HOUSE 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 The Fayerbankes House and the Nation's Debt 
 to the Early New England Home, 
 
 The New England Home. Brief description of the Fairbnnk's House. The 
 Family in England and its descendants in America. The intlnence of 
 America's homes upon National life. 
 
 Home is an international fact, although some languages have no 
 word for "home." It stands for most that is gracious and sacred. It 
 is the centre from which radiates the world's best life. It is the bulwark 
 of national power and glory. Keep the home pure and godly and strong, 
 and you have kept the nation. There has always been a peculiar flavor 
 and significance to the phrase," The New England Home." The simple 
 memory of it brings new courage. It calls forth pride and gratitude for 
 sturdy forbears. It strengthens a quickened conscience. It awakens a 
 sense of nobility born of character. The New England liome is still a 
 force to be counted on and a power to be reckoned with. Despite 
 changed conditions, with the native stock lessened, it is in no sense 
 depleted. There are still fine old New England homes, from which sons 
 and daughters, of equally sturdy and christian ideals as their fathers, 
 are going forth, and the stranger within our gates, whom we call the 
 foreigner, shall feel the impact of our lives if we are true and faithful, 
 and thus we may help make of them worthy New Englanders. Whatever 
 of strong, true character our forefathers brought to their age we must 
 bring to ours. As we live so shall others be influenced by our home life. 
 As others live so shall we feel the influence of their lives. "Each for 
 all, and all for each," says Edward Everett Hale. 
 
 In the unique and picturesque Fairbanks House Dedham has one of 
 the oldest houses in New England. It is at least 244 years old, and 
 perhaps many years older. The descendants claim 1636 as date of 
 erection of the house. Owing to the family pride and devotion of 
 the Descendants of Jonathan Fairbanks, who now have an incorporated 
 national organization, the old house has been kept in a fine state of 
 preservation. Situated in one of the most beautiful sections of Dedham, 
 it is still a mecca for visitors, who rejoice to study so attractive and 
 picturesque an old homestead. Located at the corner of " The Willows 
 Road" and East Street, under broad spreading elm trees, overlooking a 
 beautiful meadow toward the west, this relic of ye ancient days well 
 deserves the enthusiastic words which visitors from far and wide bestow 
 
38 dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 upon it. Seldom is it tiiat the descendants of anj' family in America have 
 occupied the same house for two and one-half centuries. Yet "the sturdy 
 race of Fairbanks through eight generations have been born, have lived 
 and died in this quaint old house." Its primitive simplicity enables us 
 to picture more clearly than by any other house hereabouts how our 
 forefathers lived. Some of you may recall its description in a chapter 
 in Jones' " Old Colonial Homes." The gray shingled walls, tinted by the 
 brush of Father Time with the natural stain of rain drops ; the moss 
 grown shingles on the roof, in varying shades of sage and mauve ; the 
 purple shadows on the tree trunks and on the weatherbeaten clapboards, 
 make up a composition of form and color which is hard to equal. 
 
 The house is low and nestles among the tall and stately elms. Facing 
 southerly, the house stands on one of the best corner lots in the town of 
 little less than one acre. We find the house in three sections — a main 
 part and two wings, the entire length of which is 75 feet. The main or 
 middle part has a pitch roof extending down over the lean-to at the back 
 to within a few feet of the ground. Both wings are gambrel roofed. 
 An Indian arrow, once shot into the roof, long remained there, but has 
 since been replaced by a "modern one." 
 
 "Standing in front of the front door, we count eight windows, of 
 which no two are alike in size. Being irregularly placed, as well, the 
 effect is peculiar. Contrary to the usual custom, we do not find the 
 chimney and the front door exactly in the centre. Thus one of the 
 main rooms is larger than the other. The old well, where 
 formerly the well sweep hung, is just in front of the door. 
 In addition to the main chimney, we notice a small one in the eastern 
 wing. The western wing never had a chimney. Although connected 
 with the main part by a door, it stands as a separate house, being built 
 up against the older structure, as may be seen by the examination of the 
 cellar. This wing is about 175 years old now. The doorways throughout 
 the house are so low that a person of medium height can scarcely pass 
 through without bending the head. The lower front entry measures 8 
 feet in width and 3 1-2 feet in depth. From the diminutive hall five 
 doors open,— the front outside door, those opening into the rooms on 
 either side, a door to the foot of the stairway to the floor above, and 
 another to the cellar. The back wall of the upper stairway is formed by 
 the wall of the chimney, as is usual in houses of this period, and the 
 bricks have never been covered. This is unique and exceptional, if not 
 the only case. As you go into the kitchen you pass, figuratively 
 speaking, from the end of the nineteenth century to the middle of the 
 seventeenth century. No room in the house looks as old as the kitchen. 
 It is 16 feet square, and is only lighted by two long, narrow windows on 
 the front. Overhead the rafters are exposed." 
 
dedham's ancient landmarks. 31) 
 
 By whom was this interesting ohl house built? Jonathan Fairbanks, 
 the ancestor of tlie family in America wlio bear that name, came from 
 Somerby, in the Vicarage of Halifax, Yorl^shire, England, in ICiW.* The 
 family was an old one even then, as is evidenced by the many fine old 
 relics of china and furniture brought with him to this country. This 
 founder of the family first came to JJoston in 1033. For three years he 
 remained there, and then came to Dedham and built this old house. 
 Just what year it is not easy to determine, but probably not long after 
 settling here, and, as we have said, not later than 1644. Some of the 
 family descendants have even claimed 163S as the date of building. The 
 windows and furnishings came from England. Tlie frame was of solid 
 oak, and built with a thoroughness which is seldom known to-day. 
 
 This old liouse once seemed doomed to destruction, but on April 3, 
 18r>7, Mrs. H. V. Titus of Boston made an appeal in the columns of the 
 Boston Evening Transcript for funds, and the public helped to l)uy the 
 house, so it could pass into the organization of descendants. These 
 descendants are so loyal, so well organized and so devoted to the l)est 
 traditions and history of the old family that their annual fore-eat hering 
 each August l)rings their distinguished members from all sections of 
 our land. In August, 1!)07, Vice President of the United States. Charles 
 AVarren Fairbanks, gave dignity and grace to the occasion. Many of 
 this family hold positions of honor, service and promhience throughout 
 the country,— Prof. Henry Fairbanks of St. Johnsbury, Vt., one of Ver- 
 mont's foremost citizens and noble christian philanthropist ; Hon. 
 Wilson Henry Fairbanks of Warren, Mass., Commissioner to the 
 Louisiana Exhibition from Massachusetts; Hon. llufus G. Fairbanks, 
 Treasurer of the "Fairbanks Family in America"; Councillor CUiris- 
 topher Fairbanks, of England, and Hon. J. Wilder Fairbank, President, 
 Lecturer and Editor, of Boston. 
 
 Hon. Francis T. Wing, Ex-Justice of the U. S. Court, Ohio; Hon. 
 Josiah yuincy, Ex-Mayor of Boston; Hon. A. H. Lowe, Plx-Member of 
 the Governor's Council, Mass.; Hon. Andrew S. Draper, N. Y. State 
 Superintendent of Instruction; Dr. Albert Shaw, Editor Reviews of 
 Reviews, N. Y.; President W. E. Huntington, L. L. D., Jioston Univer- 
 sity; Countess Margharita De Chraporitsky, St. Petersburg, Uussia; 
 The Marchioness of Donegal, Belfast, Ireland. 
 
 What is the nation's debt to the New England home? What were 
 some of the stones they built into their foundations ? 
 
 1. Obedience to authority. Those early parents accepted the respon- 
 sibility of parenthood. The children were taught obedience because of 
 the reverence and respect they felt for those who had the right to 
 exercise authority over them. Occasionally there was evidence that 
 fear was the governing motive for obedience, but more often veneration, 
 
 * Fairbanks Genealogy, page 870. 
 
 B^^ 
 
40 dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 respect— yes, pure and genuine love— was the true anrl worth while 
 source. They had breathed that atmosphere of obedience to a consti- 
 tuted authority before they came to America's shores, and had in a sense 
 recoiled from it, and yet when right and justice and affection became 
 the inspiring motives, there was no trouble in securing obedience. 
 
 2. Yet another foundation stone of strength to the nation, which was 
 builded firm and even and plumb into the early Xew England Dedham 
 home was a high sense of duty. Conscience and duty were great words 
 then, and they are coming back to this age with a revived force and 
 meaning and value. Indeed, if there is any one single fact more than 
 another full of hope and promise in American life to-day it is the new 
 emphasis on duty. Not a cruel or relentless master, whose demands 
 must be met, but a warm, resolute insistence on the categorical ought— 
 a sense of the high and holy value of a righteous imperative summoning 
 irresistibly and gladly to the doing of a definite task gladly and well. 
 Not turning aside for so-called pleasure, because the highest pleasure 
 emanates from work well done. James Russell Lowell has given 
 significance to this thought in his fine lines: 
 
 "Thehif^h, stern featured beauty 
 
 Of plahi devotedness to duty. 
 
 Steadfast and still, nor paid with mortal praise. 
 
 But finding amplest recompense 
 
 For life's ungarlanded expense 
 
 In work done squarely and uuwasted days." 
 
 It is the just and persistent emphasis upon these two great words, 
 and the ideas and ideals which are developed by them— these two great 
 words, obedience and duty, to which a third may be added, conscience— 
 which have made our strong and honored President, Theodore 
 Roosevelt, such a power for righteousness, not only in our own land, but 
 among the nations of the earth. It was the success which our J)edham 
 and New England forbears made of the facts resulting from a right 
 interpretation and application of those words which has made it possible 
 for the men of to-day to insist on the efficient use of them in all worth 
 while works of life. And this is the call and demand for men in public 
 life to-day. Men who honor and jjreserve and illustrate in their own 
 lives the highest ideals of the American Christian home. 
 
 2. Another evident and logical source of strength to the earlyNew 
 England home was that it had its roots in the Church of Christ. The 
 worship of God was essential to the development of character and to 
 the finest fealty as citizens. The whole household was expected to find 
 its source of strength in God— and God revealed Himself not only to 
 those sturdy believers in their home, but likewise through the church. 
 Their children grew up, as a rule, in a sane, healthy, clean atmosphere. 
 The State became strong because the Church had its place of primacy in 
 the program of honorable and useful citizenship. There were then, as 
 
dedtiam's ancient landmarks. 41 
 
 now, strong virile men in civic and commercial life, who did not closely 
 identify themselves with organized religious life, but they were the 
 exception. They ought always to be the exception, not the rule. 
 
 In the history of this and every Christian nation, whenever and 
 wherever. men and families have not only supported the Church, but 
 whose lives have been rendered clean and honest and gentle and strong 
 by the healthy allegiance to the vital teachings of Christianity, there 
 has been permanent progress. There great family types and honored 
 names have been writ large and perpetuated long. Thoughtful men 
 to-day— many of them, at least— are coming to realize that the "modern 
 sports," are a poor substitute for the uplifting teachings and 
 practice, on God's own Sabbath Day, of the Church of Christ. It is 
 essential to well rounded manhood and M'omanhood. And nowhere in 
 God's word— which is a "lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path" 
 —is there warrant for substituting" sports and pleasures" for the heart 
 worship of the living God in the Church of Christ, or at home if 
 impossible to be in Church. "Them that honor me I will honor," saith 
 the Lord. And are not men coming to realize that there is no warrant, 
 either in the Bible or from history, for believing that the two may both 
 be carried on by the same person successfully to the best interests of 
 a high Christian civilization on the Sabbath? This is a l)road question, 
 and many earnest men and women are trying to solve it fairly and 
 faithfully. It is worthy of honest thought. Dedham has always main- 
 tained a Christian Sabbath. Let us guard well our heritage. 
 
 Through all differences of opinion men must be tolerant, charitable, 
 friendly, but willing to practice and advance such conduct as shall 
 square itself with God's word and man's truest need. Not because of 
 expediency, but principle. Are not men coming to believe that that was 
 tenable ground taken in Isaiah, 58: 13-14, by a man who was not only a 
 prophet but a statesman, one of the world's foremost citizens? His 
 magnificently high and fair position, if taken universally to-day, would 
 lift the individual, the State and the nation into a mightier place of both 
 happiness and power than any thus far reached. 
 
 And a final source of power in the early New England home was 
 chivalry and love. It is still the basis of abiding homes, liui a revival 
 of it is needed. Not back to Nature, but back to a more natural and 
 wholesome home life. With love and mutual confidence more in the 
 ascendant, with a happy and cheery religion, based on (Jod's fullest and 
 all-sufficient revelation of Himself to men, enthroned in every liome. 
 With work and duty as each one's high privilege ; with clean and whole- 
 some pleasure and recreation as necessary to soundness of body, mind 
 and spirit ; with fun and frolic, laughter and clean amusement and 
 games ; with books and music and art as essential companions ; with 
 tireless and willing service for one's fellow-men, "each for all, and all for 
 each" ; with willing yielding of selfish wishes where such confiict with 
 
42 dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 the happiness of any— this would give new power and efficiency to the 
 State and Nation. And it is because there are so many such homes 
 among us that life is sweet and useful. The Fayerbanks Home, unique 
 and picturesque as a relic, would be a poor substitute to the stately and 
 beautiful homes of to-day. Surely these are great and glorious days and 
 homes in which to live and " serve well our day and generation." 
 
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 THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The Church of Christ as the Perennial Source 
 of National Strength and Progress, 
 
 Dedlianrs Early Christian Settlers. Whence Came Thoy? The Spread of 
 the N. E. Church Type. Early History. The Church Message to the 
 Life of To-day. 
 
 Dedbam's early settlers were sturdy Christian men and women. The 
 Church of Christ meant everything to them. P"or its hi;>-hest teacliings 
 they had suffered and sacrificed. The mij?hty principles wliich were 
 taught and wrought in and through the church epitomized much of the 
 history of early New England. The church was the centre of their lives. 
 For liberty and freedom of worship had they come to these shores. Here 
 lies the glory of their mission. What the Church of God stood for, they 
 stood for. With them the compact or solemn covenant before God and 
 men was eciually essential in Church and State. As Dr. Bacon says:— 
 *' Our fathers formed a Church by the simple method of a covenant ; it 
 was natural that they should use the same methods in forming a »S7a<e." 
 
 In the Dedham Church Records, page 1, we read:— "Being co'e 
 together by divine p'vidence from se'rall pts of England : few of thein 
 known to one another before, it was thought meete and agreed upon— 
 that all ye inhabitants y' affected church communion or pleased to come, 
 should meet every 5'" day of ye week at severall liouses, in order lovingly 
 to discourse & consult together such questions as should further tend to 
 establish a peaceable and comfortable civill society and prepare for 
 communion in a church society." 
 
 This was in 16:37. On the 18th of November, 1(3:58, the church was 
 organized. Its work goes on to-day. 
 
 "Oh, God, beneath Thy guiding hand, 
 
 Our exiled Fathers crossed the sea; 
 And when they trod the wintry strand, 
 
 With prayer and psalm they worshipped Thee. 
 
 Laws, freedom, truth and faith in God, 
 
 Came with those exiles o'er the sea; 
 And where their pilgrim feet have trod. 
 
 The God they trusted guards their graves. 
 
 And here Thy name. Oh, God of love. 
 
 Their children's children shall adore. 
 Till these eternal hills remove. 
 
 And spring adorns the earth no more." 
 
 warn 
 
4<j dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 Even in their quiet, undaunted determination to establish a free 
 church in a free land, the Pilgrim and Puritan colonists builded better 
 than they knew. To them the church was something altogether 
 supernatural. Its nature and object was toward the highest possible 
 attainment of religious life and experience. They carefully scanned 
 each applicant for membership. They pondered long in " prayer and 
 heart-searching" when they were to select and elect a church officer. 
 
 Emerson calls these Puritan worshippers '* the idealists of England, 
 the most religious in a religious era." Byington, in "The Puritan in 
 England and New England," page 92, reminds us that the Puritan came 
 to found a New England because the Old England seemed to have lost 
 its liberties, and to lie helpless at the feet of Charles I. They came here 
 as the representatives of the Puritan party— a party which included at 
 that time a majority of the English people. It does not appear from 
 their history that religious motives had less influence with the Puritans 
 than with the Pilgrims. But the Puritans had in addition to their 
 religious interests certain political plans which they never lost sight of. 
 There were great statesmen among them as well as great theologians. 
 That portion of this party which settled Massachusetts was in sympathy 
 with the Puritan leaders in England. Dr. Edwin D. Mead, a former 
 editor of the New England Magazine, whose painstaking research in 
 England has contributed so richly to our knowledge regarding the homes 
 and persons of those who settled New England, points out to us the 
 interesting fact that the best blood and stock of England and New 
 England came from East Anglia and Lincolnshire. To this section of 
 England had also come the best blood of Holland, and brought with 
 them the textile industries and a stiffer Protestantism. Some of 
 England's greatest families came from that section. Hence we are 
 justified in realizing anew that when the God of Nations would establish 
 a new nation in which the free and untrammelled Church of Christ was 
 to be the leader and place her stamp and influence upon all the institu- 
 tions of a Free Republic, she must have the best of human hearts and 
 minds and souls with which to lay her foundations and erect her 
 superstructure. 
 
 The Dedham Church, with her two hundred and seventy years of 
 splendid history, has made, through her ministers, her officers and her 
 Christian families, an unusual contribution to the strength and stability 
 of American life. The New Englander, whose faith in God and loyalty 
 to the Church has pushed on westward, carried with him to many a new 
 community the finest possible contribution to home and civic and church 
 life. 
 
 The planting""and developing of the Western Reserve section of Ohio 
 was in and of itself— even if there were no other— a sufficient evidence 
 of the power and permanency of the Church of our New England 
 Fathers, in making new Christian communities, in founding schools and 
 
dedham's ancient landmarks. 47 
 
 colleges. Portions of the West are by ideal, by tradition, by achieve- 
 ment, more distinctly Xew England than almost any part of tlie original 
 territory. This is equally true of other sections of tlie West and South. 
 A careful study of the history and facts shows tliat the influence and 
 power of the Church of God in early Xew England was one of lier 
 greatest contributions to the strength and permanency of our national 
 Institutions. And why was this? In part because the Puritans 
 demanded such heart searching, such evidential piety, such purity of 
 motive and life, such consistency of conduct, in tliose whom they would 
 receive into the Church, that its early membership were literally 
 " picked men and women." They sifted the chaff from the wheat. Tliey 
 seemed to realize that they were sowing for large and perfect liarvests, 
 so they planted selected seed and "chose perfect kernels of living faith 
 and piety." The Church therefore stood for something. It is a i)art of 
 our Puritan inheritance that '■ the Church is something altogether 
 supernatural and different, not only in object, but in nature, from 
 anything else on this earth." "Moreover, the Puritan was not merely 
 creating a Church,— he was also shaping a civilization. We .see. as 
 it was not possible to have foreseen, what momentous issues waited upon 
 his steps. It was for him to give such an energy to the tide of civilization 
 that it should carry us, as it has, through the absori)tion of alien civili- 
 zation and barbarisms from every corner of the globe ; that it should 
 carry us through— if we are carried through— the assimilation of solid 
 masses of Africans, whole tribes of Indian savagery, and shi]) loads of 
 Mongolian vice. A stream that is to wash through and fertilize such 
 wastes must come from a height. Tlie Puritan met this need, and he 
 met it through his church. He aimed to make his church an aristocracy 
 of life and character, and he turned the church to practical account by 
 putting into its hands the public care of the community." 
 
 It is not difficult to trace, then, the rich heritage which is ours to-day. 
 If we are holding our law makers responsible to the highest sacred 
 demands of the people who are their constituencj% it is in part because 
 in early days those law makers were church members, and the Church 
 put its stamp and mark upon them. If to-day our magistrates are 
 required to be men of unimpeachable Christian integrity, it is because 
 the early New England Church did the same and passed on its responsi- 
 bility to their rightful successors. 
 
 At the 250th anniversary of the gathering of the Church in Dedliam, 
 held JSTov. 19, 1888, Rev. Joseph B. Seabury and Rev. Seth C Reach 
 delivered histerical sermons. An extract from the latter has already 
 been given. Rev. Mr. Seabury pointed out (page 15 of the published 
 proceedings) that "As the winter of 1637-8 abated, two questions 
 came before our fathers:— 'Shall we build a house of worship? Shall 
 we organize a Church ?' " Then the Dedham fathers decided that in 
 forming both Church and State a Covenant was needed, for religious 
 
48 DEDrfAM'S ANCIENT LANDMARKS. 
 
 worship cannot be divorced from a sense of civil accountability. The 
 Covenant under which they formed their Church has already been 
 quoted. " No sooner had the people covenanted together to form a bond 
 of self-government than they sought for some shelter under which they 
 might gather for the praise of Almighty God." In February, 1688, a 
 committee was chosen to frame a meeting house," to be in length m feet 
 and 20 in breadth, and between the upper and the nether sill in the aides 
 to be 12 feet." The early founders of the Dedham Church— eight in 
 
 number were "John Allin, Kalph Wheelock, Edward AUin, John 
 
 J.uson, Eleazur Lusher, John Frayry, John Huntting and Robert 
 Hindsdall. Of this number, Jolin Huntting (the direct ancestor of the 
 vi^riter) was chosen and ordained its first otRcer as Elder, and they then 
 ordained John Allin as Pastor. Since those days of simple and humble 
 beginnings a long line of godly men have ministered to the 
 Church of Christ in Dedham, carrying out the best traditions of the 
 early founders. But since those early days the Church has been given a 
 larger broader meaning. Her mission to the local community and to the 
 world has been given a far grander scope, and the work she is doing 
 touches every department of life. 
 
 In his comprehensive and searching book, "The Church and Modern 
 Life,'" Dr. Washington Gladden gives a strong summary of what the 
 modern successful Church ought to achieve. He says:— "If by means 
 of its ministrations, the community about the Church is steadily 
 becoming more Christian; if kindness, sympathy, justice, good-will, are 
 increasing in their power over the lives of men ; if business methods are 
 liecoming less rapacious ; if employers and employed are more and more 
 inclined to be friends rather than foes ; if politicians are growing con- 
 scientious and unselfish ; if enemies of society are in retreat before the 
 forces of decency and order; if amusements are becoming purer and 
 more rational ; if polite society is getting to be simpler in its tastes and 
 less ostentatious in its manners and less extravagant in its expenditures ; 
 if poverty and crime are diminishing ; if parents are becoming more wise 
 and firm in the administration of their sacred trust, and children more 
 loyal and affectionate to their parents,— if such fruits as these are visible 
 on every side, then there is reason to believe that the Church knows its 
 business and is prosecuting it with efficiency. If none of these effects 
 are seen in the life of the community, the evidence is clear that the 
 Church is neglecting its business, and that failure must be writteu across 
 its record." 
 
 Manifestly, then, there are certain requirements wdiich the Church 
 must continue to measure up to if it is to maintain its high standard 
 and be worthy of its glorious past and avail of its magnificent present 
 and rich future. The Church through her membership, must incarnate 
 more of the life, the teachings and the Spirit of the Christ, then she 
 must continue to give herself to the entire life of the community. That 
 
dedham's ancient landmarks. 49 
 
 is the message of all the great leaders in the Cimrch of every denomi- 
 nation. And there has never been a time in all the history of the 
 Church when she has done this so earnestly, so intelligently, so tire- 
 lessly, so patiently and so genuinely, as to-day. Speaking generallv, 
 most, if not all, of the great movements for the betterment of 
 humanity find their initiative and support in the Church of Christ, 
 or they can, directly or indirectly, be traced there. If in some cases they 
 are not, it is because the Church has been recr^nt to her privilege 
 and duty. f 
 
 It is likewise cause for optimism and gratitude alike that so many 
 men of affairs— leaders in commercial, professional and social life— are 
 counting it their glad and bounden duty to invest their very best of time 
 and talent and money in solving the problems of community, national 
 and international life, through the agency of the Church. We do not 
 forget that this requires sublime courage, a dedication of spirit and 
 personality like that of the Master of Men, even the great Head of the 
 Church. It means that we must countenance no unworthy class dis- 
 tinctions ; that we must not overlook dishonest or immoral conditions ; 
 that we must persistently guard against the spirit of selfish and formal 
 worldliness in the Church ; that we must tirelessly figlit against the 
 indifferentism which so saps the life of the Church. This is the Church's 
 attitude toward the negatives of life. And she will with corresponding 
 energy and wisdom give herself to the positive, practical problems which 
 increasingly tax the resources of men. Our task is world wide. It is a 
 sublime task. It has engaged the Infinite Godhead. Angels become its 
 heavenly agencies. Redeemed manhood, womanhood, childhood, are 
 engaged joyously in co-operating with God and angels in bringing in the 
 kingdom of righteousness. If there is an " unsauctified materialism," 
 let it give place to a purified, essentially true Christianity. Give the 
 Church the hearty service and loyal support she deserves. We are here 
 to help set Christendom in order,— its cities, towns, villages, its laws, 
 its literature, its science, its industries, its whole complex social life. 
 Ours is the task only because God has committed it to us. 
 
 At the head and leadership of these weak, though earnest, human 
 forces is Jesus Christ the Divine, the Son of God. His shall be the fimil 
 victory. At last He shall present to His Father and our Father a Church 
 without spot or wrinkle. Therefore let us avail of those great words of 
 St. Paul, (Phil. 2: 5-11) : 
 
 "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being 
 in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but 
 made himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of a servant 
 and was made in the likeness of men ; and being found in fashion as a 
 man,he humbled Himself and became obedient unto death,even the death 
 of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalteth Him and given 
 Him a name which is above every name ; that at the name of Jesus every 
 
50 dedham's ancient landmarks. 
 
 knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things 
 under the earth ; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ 
 is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." 
 
ERRATA. 
 Page 1.— Fifth line read principles for principals. 
 Page 32.— 27th line read Abbe for Abby. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Aldus, Nathaniel, 23. 
 
 AUeyne, original petitioner, 2. 
 
 Allen, John, see AUin, John. 
 
 Allin, Edward, 48. 
 
 Allin, John, 1, 23, 48. 
 
 Ames, Fisher, 13, 15. 
 
 Ames, Dr. Nathaniel, diary of, 3, 
 
 12; house, 13. 
 Ammunition, tax, 2; storage of, 
 
 2, 4. 
 Austen, original petitioner, 2. 
 Avery, Margaret, 31. 
 Avery, Dr. William, 24, 30, 31. 
 Avery Oak, 30,33. 
 Avery School, 24. 
 
 Bartlett, original petitioner, 2. 
 Bearestow, original petitioner, 2. 
 Bearstowe, George, 23. 
 Bible, reverence for, 6. 
 Boies, James, 15. 
 Boston Neck, 15. 
 Bradford, William, 22. 
 Brewster. William, 22. 
 Bullard, John, 23. 
 Bullard, William, 23. 
 
 Carver, John, 22. 
 
 Chickering, Francis, 23. 
 
 Chickering, Henry, 23, 24. 
 
 Chraporitsky, Countess Margha- 
 rita de, 39. 
 
 Church, power in the home, 40 
 significance to nation. 41, 47 
 devotion of early settlers to, 45 
 church of today, 29, 48 50. 
 
 Church Green, tablet, 21, 25. 
 
 Clark's Island, a. 
 
 Colborne, Nathaniel, 23. 
 
 College presidents, descendants 
 of early Dedham settlers, 22. 
 
 Colver, Edward, 2.3. 
 
 Common. 24. 
 
 Contentment, first name of Ded- 
 ham, 2. 
 
 Coolidge, original petioner, 2. 
 
 Covenant, 2. 
 
 Crossman, Robert, 23. 
 
 Dalton, original petitioner, 2. 
 De Chraporitsky, Countess Mar- 
 
 gharita, 39. 
 Dedham. "Mother of towns." 2; 
 
 made county seat, 11; magazine 
 
 article about, 11; present day 
 
 attractions of, 29. 
 
 Dedham Churcli, organized, 45; 
 2.50th anniversary of. 47; cove- 
 nant of, 48; buildmg of, 48; first 
 pastor, 48. 
 
 Deengaine, Henry, 24. 
 
 Dexter, Samuel, 12. 
 
 Donegal, Marchioness of, 39. 
 
 Dorchester, claims first public 
 school, 24. 
 
 Dorr, Ebenezer, 15. 
 
 Draper, Andrew S. 39. 
 
 Dwight, original petitioner, 2. 
 
 D wight, John, 1,30. 
 See also Dwite, John. 
 
 Dwight, Timothy, 4. 
 
 D wights, presidents of Yale, 22; 
 referred to, 24. 
 
 Dwite, John, 23. 
 See also Dwight, John. 
 
 Early settlers, character, 1, 4; 
 
 educational influence of, 22; 
 
 devotion to the Church, 45, 46; 
 
 English home of, 46. 
 East Street. 30. 38. 
 Evered, Richard, 23. 
 Everett, original petitioner, 2. 
 Everett, Edward, 22. 
 
 Farnsworth, William, 21. 
 Fairbanks, Jonathan, 23, .37, 39. 
 Fairbanks family, distinguished 
 
 members of, 39. 
 Fairbanks House. 37-39. 
 Fales. Eliaphet, 23. 
 Fayerbankes, see Fairbanks. 
 Feofees, of Free Public School, 23. 
 Fisher, Anthony. 23. 
 Fisher, Daniel. 23. 
 Fisher, Joseph, 23. 
 Frarey, John, 23. 
 Frayry, John, 48. 
 Fuller, Aaron, 3. 
 Fuller, Captain David, 3. 
 
 Gage, Thoma.s, 16. 
 
 Gay, Daniel, 3. 
 
 Gaye, original petitioner, 2. 
 
 Gaye, John, 23. 
 
 Genere, original petitioner, 2. 
 
 Generey, Lamb, 23. 
 
 Gifford, Charles H. 11. 
 
 Gowinge, Robert, 23. 
 
 Grant. 2. 
 
56 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Guild, Calvin,31. 
 Guild, Nathaniel, 15. 
 Guyle, John, 23. 
 
 Harvard, John, 22. 
 Haven, Samuel F. 15. 
 Hildreth, Henry Orin, 3, 31. 
 Hill, Don Gleason, 3, 22, 25. 
 Hill, Miss Helen F.. 24. 
 Hinsdell, Robert, 23, 48. 
 Historical Society, 29, 31. 
 Holliman, original petitioner, 2. 
 Howard, original petitioner, 2. 
 Huntting, John. 23, 24, 48. 
 Huntington, WilliamEdwards,39. 
 Hutchinson, Thomas, 12. 
 
 Indians, defenses against, 3. 
 
 Kemp, Edward. 23. 
 Kingsbury, original petitioner, 2. 
 Kingsbury, Ebenezer, 3. 
 Kingsbury, Joseph, 23. 
 Kingsbury, Deacon Nathaniel, 3. 
 
 Leader, Thomas, 23. 
 
 Liberty, cost of, 17; value of, 17. 
 
 Long, ex-Gov. John D., 5. 
 
 Lowe, A. H. 39. 
 
 Lusher, Eliazer, 1, 23, 24, 48. 
 
 Luson, John, 23, 48. 
 
 Maynard, Dr. 13. 
 
 Metcalf, John, 23. 
 
 Metcalf, Michael, Jr. 23. 
 
 Milton, Mass., Suffolk resolves 
 completed at, 13, 15; tablet, 16. 
 
 Ministers of New England, edu- 
 cational Influence, 22. 
 
 Morse, original petitioner, 2. 
 
 Morse, Daniel, 23 
 
 Morse, John. 23. 
 
 Morse, Samuel, 23. 
 
 New England home, 37, 39-42. 
 Newton, John, 23. 
 Norfolk County, 11, 29. 
 Norfolk Inn, 11. 
 
 Oliver, Sec'y, 12. 
 
 Palmer, Joseph, 15, 16. 
 
 Phillips, original petitioner, 2. 
 
 Phillips, Henry, 4, 23, 24. 
 
 Pilgrims, vs. Puritans, 5-7; in- 
 fluence on national life, 11; 
 religion of, 46. 
 
 Pillar of Liberty, inscription, 33. 
 
 Plymouth, 5. 
 
 Powder House, 2-4. 
 
 Powder Rock, 2 4. 
 
 Powell, Michael, 23, 24. 
 
 Preston, Edward, 15. 
 
 Puritans, vs. Pilgrims, 5-7; influ- 
 ence on national life, 11; educa- 
 tional influence, 21; religion of, 
 46, 47. 
 
 Quincy, Josiah, 39. 
 
 Registry of Deeds, 13, 29; inscrip- 
 tion on, 17. 
 Revere, Paul, 15, 16. 
 Richards, p]dward, 23. 
 Rogers, original petitioner, 2. 
 
 Sabbath, 6, 41. 
 
 School, Free Public, 23 25. 
 
 Scrooby, England, home of the 
 Pilgrims, 5. 
 
 Shaw, original petitioner, 2. 
 
 Shaw, Dr. Albert, 39. 
 
 Shepherd, original petitioner, 2. 
 
 Slafter, Rev. Carlos, 22, 24. 
 
 Smith, Henry, 23. 
 
 Soliday, Jos. H.,see introduction. 
 
 Stamp Act, action against, 12. 
 
 Stimson, Frederic J. 13. 
 
 Story, Hollowell. 12. 
 
 Story, William, 12. 
 
 Suffolk County, 11. 
 
 Soffolk Resolves, what they were, 
 11; where and by whom pre- 
 pared, 13; content of, 13, effect 
 in hastening Revolutionary 
 War, 15; adopted by continental 
 congress, 16. 
 
 Sumner, Nathaniel, 13. 
 
 Tablet, First Public School.21,25. 
 Thompson, William, 15. 
 Thurston, John, 23. 
 Titus, Mrs. H. V. 39. 
 Training ground, 24. 
 "Trees of Liberty," 32. 
 Town meeting, 11; origin of, 6; in 
 Dedham, 12, 23. 
 
 Vose, Daniel, 16. 
 
 Warren, Joseph, 13, 15. 
 Warren, Winslow, 22. 
 Washington Elm, Cambridge, 31. 
 Wheelock, Ralph, 1, 23, 24, 48. 
 
INDEX 
 
 57 
 
 Wheelocks, Presidents of Dart- 
 mouth, 22. 
 Wight, John Thurston, 23. 
 Wilson, Henry, 23. 
 Wing, Francis T. 39. 
 
 Winslow, Edward, 22. 
 Woodward, Peter, 23. 
 Woodward, Piichard, 13, 1.''^, lo. 
 Woodward Tavern, 11, 13, 15. 
 Worthington, Erastus, 3. 
 
2B ^^^^ 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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