F89 .H7G8 f^-^..^ o ^0 - ^^ d^ -'^J^M^^^ ^^^ ^-^ '^0' ♦ • s \ ' % ^^0^ ! 4 O CL7 ^^ *- o H o ^ ^"^ :^ %. '^jW. ^ 0' '^ 18T6, Comprising a Period of One Hundred and Nineteen Years. PREPARED BY REV. S. S. GRISWOLD, AND DELIVERED JULY 4TE, 1876. 1877. WOOD RIVER ADVERTISER PRESS, HOPE VALLEY, R. I. S^( ^y^c>-c)g^ G^^/;t;>f ^y^^.gx2,gv^ :)<^^ 1 "7 S "7 /o 7 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE TOWN OF HOPKINTON, From 17o7 to 187G, Coniprising a Perioirtlitlay ot' this Xa- tioH. One liuiKlrcd years aii'o to " an assurance to the nations of the world its capa- bility to maintain its new born nationality. Fi<»ni that day to this -Itli of July has ever lieen ol)s<'r\-eliy of a socie- ty." — "The society may he a family, a coiporati(m, a State, 2 ' ' 10 HISTOKY OF HOPKINTON. several States united hy a coimiion jxdiey, religion, race, or eivilization, or it may he the Avliole world; and, in its broad- est and absolnte nieaning-, history is the ])iograpliy of man- kind, l^nt of all societies, tlie State is that whicli acts most ]>r(»minently and constantly in directing* Imman affairs. All other social forces, religions, commercial, or literary, and all ideaSj arts, sciences, and nsages. are easily considered as concentring in it; and history is, therefore, most fre(|nently conceived with reference to the States — to the acts of gov- ernments, and the ac^ts that influence governments — and comprehenven now surrounds ns. — And yet all we are capable of knowing must be limited to this imperceptible point, unless we call in the study of historv to our assistance, which opens to ns every age and every country, keeps up a corre- spondence between us and the great men of antiquity, sets all their actions, all their achievements, virtues and faults before onr eyes; and, by the pruden! reflections it either presents, or gives us an op})ortunity of making, soon teaches ns to 1)0 wise before our time, and is in a manner far superi- or to all the lessons of the great masters. — It is history which fixes the seal of immortality of actions truly great, and sets a mark of infamy on vices wdiicli no after age can ever obliterate. — Thus history, when it is well taught be- HISTORY OF HOPKTNTOX. 11 comes {I school of morality for all mankind. It condemns vice, tlirows off the mask from ftilse virtnes, lays open pojuilar errors and jnejndices, dispels tlie delusive charms of riches, and all the vain [R>mp which dazzk's the imni»i nation, and shews, by a thousand examples, that are more availing than all reasonings whatsoever, that nothing is great and commendahle but honor ami probity." The foregoing exordium is as just as it is eloquent — as op]K)site as it is comjdete. — In the galaxy of States, especially of Xew England. IMiode Island has ever shone with undimin- ished lustr*'. Lik<' liethleheni Ephratah, though little among the thousands of Juilali, yet, out of her came forth the ruler: s(> Ivhoda. though she be small among the States, vet, from her, has come forth the Pioneer, a Ruler in civil and religions liberty, — such a Teacher as even the new world was not then |»rej»are(l to appreciate. Rhode Island was first settled in WM). by Roger Will- iams an exile from ^lassachsetts. The edict oi" banishment bears date of Se})tend»er .3rd 1(j35 and reads as follow^ — Whereas Mr. Roger AVilliams, one of the elders of the church in Salem, hath broached anefore any conviction, and yet uiaintaineth the same without retraction, it is there- fore ordered, that the said ^Ir. Williams shall (h'part out of this jurisdiccion within six weeks next ensuing, M'hich, if he neglect to perform, it shall be lawful for the Governor, and two of the magistrates, to send him to some place out of this jurisdiccion, not to return any more without license from the C'ourt. Up«)n the issuing of this bull, excommunicate by the high Court of ]\[assachusetts. Mr. Williams fled first to 8ee- konk now Rehoboth, in IMy mouth colony: — bat being 12 IILSTOHY OF HOPKIXTOX, warned l)y (}()veriior Winslow that be had •'fallen into the edge of his bound," ^Ir. Williams, after ''being- sorely tossed for fourteen weeks in a bitter winter season/' between ]*lyniouth and Seekonk, left Seekonk, on aeeount of the warning of the (Tovernor, and, exchanging salutations with the Indians embarked in a eanoe, and sailed around Fox Point u]) 1^'ovidenee river, where he hindecl in the*month of May or June 1G36. In March 1637 Sachems ( 'annoniciis and Miantonomi owners of the land upon which AVillianis nettled conveyed to him by deed the following desL'ribed tract of land as \)vv copy of said deed as follows. At Nanhiii'a'unsick the 2i of tirvst month, commonlv called March, in ye second yeare of our plantation or planting, at Moosluiusick or Providence. Memorandum, that we Cannonicus and Miantonomi, the two chief Sai'hems of Xanhiggansick, having two years since sold nnto IJoger Williams, ye lands and meadowes, upon the two IVesh rivers, called JMooshansick and Wanas«]uatuck- it, doe nowe by these presents, establish and confirm ye bounds of these lands, from ye rivers and fields, Pautuckcpit ye great hill of Nolqnonckanitt, on ye northwest and the town of Monsha])Oii*ue on ve west. As also in consideration of the many kindnesses and ser- vices, he hath continnally done for ns, both with our friends, at Massachusetts, as also at Quinickicutt and Apaum of Ply- mouth, we doe freely give, nnto liim all the land from those rivers reaching to Pawtnxet river; as also the grass and meadowes npon ye said Pawtiixet river. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands. Ye mark of (a bow and arrow) Canonicus. Ye mark of (an arrow)Miantunnomi. In Ye presence of The mark x Sotaash. The mark x Assotemeneits. HISTORY OF IIOI'KINTOX. 13 Huviug- thus rc'feiTcd as concisely as ])ossil)lc to tlie origi- nal settlement of the State Ly way of introduction I now- pass to the more direct consideration of the subject assigned !ue, viz. The History of tlie town of Ilopkinton. l*rior to the year 17.37 the town of Ilopkinton was a C(ni- stituent part of Westei'ly. Hence its history to that date will be found in connection with the history of that town; therefore it may be j>roper in this connection briefly to no- tice the settlement of Westerly. In the year 1701 a company of men })urchased (►f the col- ony of Iviiode Island five thousand and three hundred acres of land situated in what are now the towns of Westerly, Charlestown, IMchmond, and Ilopkinton. The Indian name for this tract of land was .Mistpiamucuck wliich after- wards became Musquamacott. Tlie following taken from the rec(n'ds of the colony of liiiode Island and Providence J^lantations, is the grant of the Courtj of date 1(369. "Jiee it therefore enacted by this Assembly, and by the autliority thereof that the said iidiabiiants of ^Iiisipiamacott being seated, adjoyning to Pawcatuck, alais Narragansett or Norrogansitt river on the west part, and boundary of this Collony, and within that part thereof knowne bv the name of the Kino-'s Province aforesaid, to wit : ]Mr. John Crandall, Mi'. Tobias Sanders, and all such others as now are or hereafter shall be lei>-allv admitted as freemen and inhabitants in the said place called Musquamacott, &c., shall be knowne and called by the name of AYesterly; and shall be reputed find deemed the fifth towne of this Collony, and shall have, use, and erijoy all such privilidges, and exercise all such methods and formes for the well ordering their town affairs as any other town in this Collony may use and exercise; and they shall have liberty to elect and send two Deputyes, to sitt and act in the General Assemblys of this Collony from time to time, and 14 HISTORY OF HOPKINTON. are enjoined to choose and send to the General Conrt of I'riallsj one grand jury rnan^ and one for the jury of triaLs from time to time ; and further this Assenildy^ for tlieir, the said peoples better governing themselves^ and sncli as come among them, and nntill his Majestyes pleasure he farther knowne, doc recommend the care and speciall regard or ordering and appoynting Conservattors of the peace among them tmto the Governor, Deputye Governor and Assistants of this Collony, as was hy the Governor and Council 1 hegan in the year 1665, and hath been since continued, desiring it may he still ordered and by tlie said justices renewed, and as occasion requires compleated and established, as they shall see meett; even to erecting Courts for trial of snch small matters as other particular Ccmrts in this Collony may doe in that respect." In 16S5 the King's Court of Comiiiissioners attempt<'d to subvert the colonies, annul their cliarters, and in order to consummate their act of audacity changed the name of Westerly to Haversham. But J^ie c(dony of Musquamacott hurled back defiantly in tlie face of those usnrpers, and in due process of time trod tlie name of Haversham under their feet and inscribed in letters ol blood, the name of Westerly on their banners of liberty. In 1738 the town of Westerly was divided into two townships, Charlestown and Westerly. The town ol' llich- mond was afterw ards set off from Charlestown. In 1757 the northern portion of the town of Westerly was set off and established as the town of Hopkinton in accord- ance with the provisions in the following act of the General Assembly held at Providence the 14th day of March, 1757. ''An Act for dividing the town of Westerly, and thereof making two distinct townships; one, to retain the name of Westerly, and the other to be designated and known by the name of Hopkinton. HISTORY OF HOPKINTOX. 15 Whereas a great iiunil»er of the inhabitants of the northern part »»f the town of AVesterly, preferred a petition, and represented unto this Assembly, tliat the said town being iipwanls of twenty n»iles in length, they are mueh aggrieved by reason many of tliem are obliged to travel some fifteen or sixteen miles, to get an instrument recorded; others, eighteen or twenty miles, when business calls them before the Town Council, or to attend at a Court of Justices, the greater part of the public business being at this day transacted and done in the southern parts of said town; and thereupon prayed tliat the same may be divided; nature having cut it into two jiarts, by the large river, callelace witliin the same, in order to choose and apj)oint officers necessary for managing and ccmducting the prudential affairs of said town. Pursuant to the above Act of Incorporation, the freemen of said town v;ere convened at the dwelling house of Joshua C'larke, on the Ith day (tf A[)ril 1757, for the purpose of choosing and appointing officers necessary for managing and (•oniit i" their proxv votes ibr H'eneral oflicers. Projionnded in oi'der to lie made free of tiie town, ikv., (viz.) Timothy Peckham, Daniel Ihitler, Jnn., John Stan- berry, Eba Crandall, Jun., David 1'anner, Izrael Brumbley, Benjamin Austin, Klias Lewis, Caleb Wells and Xathan Kinyon.'' '•At a town meeting held in ITopkint,on, in Kings conntx', in the Colony of Rhode Island, the twentieth day of April in the thirtieth year of he ^lajesties reign, Annoque Domwi^ 1757, by adjournment at the dwelling honse of Mr. Jedediah Davises. Voted, that Benjamin Randal, Jun., Joshua Maxson and Ephraim Hall be admitted free of this town, who have taken the oath against bribery prescribed by law. Voted, that Edward Wells be appointed at the expense of the town to make two jury boxes. Voted, that Thos. AVait be admitted free of this town. 20 HISTORY OF HOrKINTOX. Voted, tli.'it Mr. Joshua CUarke, Mr. Hozekiab Collins l>c the Deputies and lvej)reseiitatives for this town, to sitt in the General Assembly, and Election at Newport of the First AVednesday in May, next. Voted, that Mr. Joshna Clarke the first Deputy, be appointed to carry their town's proxy votes and deliver them to the Governor in open assembly, the first AVednesday in J\[ay, next. Voted, that El)enezer Burdick have an order to the Town Treasurer for the sum of six ])ounds, (dd tenor, for his service in warning- in the town the fourth of April, 1757. The hdlowing men desire to be propounded, (viz.) Rowland Robinson, William McCoon, Richmond Reynolds, ,rosej)h Reynolds, Jun., Joseph Greene, Benj. Robbins, Stephen Allen, Cliarles Bowen, William Steward, Jnn., John Latham. Voted, that this town m'^eting be disolved. John Burdick desires to be propounded. The above is a true copy of the minutes of the first and second town meetings held in this town. At the next town meeting which occurred on the 7th day of June following a vote was passed somewhat significant of an economy which might not be inapplicable to the present day. Voted that Thomas Potter the Town Treasurer be appointed to hire as much money as he thinks necessary for to pay the towns present necessities as cheap as he can at the town's expense. For the first five 3^ears the name of the Town Clerk was not signed to the records, the first time it appears as attesting the recorded minutes, was in August 31st, 1762, as follows: Pr Joshua Clarke, Town Clarke. The loyalty and bravery of the sons of Hopkinton were developed during the first year of its existence j the following vote taken from the minutes of a town meeting held June HISTORY OF HOPKINTON. 21 7tli, 17.37, shows that Hopkintou l)ore a part in the Freiu'h and Indian war. Voted, that Nathan Biirdick and Simeon Perry be ap- pointed a committee to settle the affair with Cap'n John Coon with respect to the fines where he hath impressed or drawn men to go in the expedition against Crown Point, and report at the next town meeting. From a minute found in the town record under date of July 14th, Anno Domini, 1757, we learn that the town was not unmindful of its tax paying citizens who are unfortunate, or in ill health. Voted, that David Lewis shall not he rated either in the colony rate or town rate so long as he remains in a poor state of health as he seems to be now in. SECTION 2, ABORIGINES. Before proceeding- farther with tlie iiieipieiit ^teps of the settlement of the Town, it may l)e })ertinent to recur briefly to the aborigines, who once roamed the forents of the now open meadows, cultivated farms, and manufacturing villages of the present day. But few of this Assembly perhaps, have ever seen even one of those red men of the forest. In their physique, they were a stalwart, noble race, possessing many admirable traits of character, savages though they were, all American history would be incomplete Avithout recognizing them. The Aborigines of this country were mostly of a roving character. They existed in tribes who maintained a kind of separate independency occupying at least temporarily a cer- tain tract of country. Sucli tracts were held in common for hunting, fishing, and rude planting. The red man knew little or nothing of personal property in lands. Only Sagamores, Sachems, Chiefs and leading Captains could subscribe names and give titles. The Indi- ans chief employment, and highest glory was war. Devel- opment, progress towards a higher type of manhood, seemed not inherent within him. HISTORY OF IIOPKINTOX. 23 Tliroiigh the ceiitudevS of history, though unimpeded hy foreign powers, and surrounded by all natural resources and opportunities, he utterly failed to reveal any respectable or tolerable type of civilization, Of the religion of the abori- gines, Itoger Williams says "they have plenty of gods or di- vine powers; The sun, moon, fire, water, earth, the decre, the beare, &;c." *'I brought home lately IVom the Nanhig- gonsicks, (Xarragansetts) the names of thirty-eight of their gods" They were spiritualists in the fullest sense. They had no images. In every tree, shrub, plant, in water, air, cloads, the planets, in everything the\'^ located a Deity. Accordinsf to tlieir tradition Kautantowit their chief irod made the first human pair from a stone, but, not liking them destroyed them, and made a second pair from a tree, from which last pair all mankind have descended. The Pequots believe in two great gods, Kitchtan, the author of good, and Hobamoclio the author of evil. SECTION 8. SETTLED BY THE WHITE8. ''Froiii tmditioii and family records (according- to the Rev. F. Denison) we learn that the first white man who settled in the town of Westerly (which then embraced the now town of Hopkinton, Avas John Babcock, who^ to enjoy the sweet lib- erty and peace of pnre love with lier wlio liad deserved and won his heart — Miss ^NFary Lawton — eloped from Newport with his fair bride in an open ])oat, braved the tossing sea, passed along the coast, reached the month of the Pawcatnck river, ascended the stream, landed among the painted red men, and, by their consent, pitched his cabin in the forest near Mastnxet brook, and finally became a large land hold- er as well as the head of a nnmerons and worthy family." Such was love and its romance in that age, and such will it ever be in any age. The first settler in this town was Daniel Lewis about the year 1704, He built his house on the lot now owned by the Joint Districts Nos. 2 & 4 of Hopkinton and 8 of Westerly and now' oc(;upied by the school house of the graded schools in that Joint District It is also known as the Lucy Max- son land. An excavation in the ground now marks the spot where his house stood. Says S. in his Ashaway letter "it is HISTORY OF HOPKINTOX. 25 ti singular fact tliat tlie citizens of this community (Hopkin- ton) in selecting a site for the first Academy, in the town were so united as to at once choose the lot that Daniel Lewis vselected for liis first house to stand upon. The old well from which he drew water, not many rods from his house is still in Uv^e. This Daniel Lewis was the son of John Lewis, who came from England, in company with his four brothers, at the first settlement of this county, and settled not far from the pres- ent residence of John 11. Cross, Esq., Westerly. His brothers located themselves near Boston Mass. John had seven sons. Daniel found his home in Hopkinton, Israel at Long Island, Jonathan at Richmond in this State, another at Exeter, while several remained with their father at Wes- terly. John, tlie lather of these seven sons died at Pawca- tuck, and was buiicd juvSt below the villaL'"e of AVesterly, near the road leading to Wat(di Hill. Daniel Lewis the Urst settler in that part of Hopkinton was a fuller by trade and canie*! on his business where is now the Laurel Dale mill, or very near there. He erected the first dam there, and for many years carried on a thriving business for the times. He was a firm go ahead man, hon- est in every particular and when once set upon what he con- sidered to be right was immutably fixed. He had three sons, John, Jonathan and Daniel and three daughters Mary, Dorcas and Hannah. Mr. Lewis was a member of the First Seventh Day Bai)tist Church in Hopkintcm and died in 1717, not far from fii'tv vears of ao-e. The following is a verbatim extract from the preamble of his will: "In the name of God, amen. I, Daniel Lewis, in the Colony of Rhode Island, fuller, being sick and weak in body, ])ut of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given unto God, therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body, and 26 HISTORY OF HOPKINTON. knowing* that it is appointed for all men once to die^ do make and ordain this my last will and testament — that is to say principal and first of all I give and recommend my sonl into the hands of God that gave it, and my body I commend to the earth, to be buried in a decent christian burial at the dis- cretion of mv executors, nothino- doubtino- that at the opener- al resurrection I shall receive it by the mighty power of God. As touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give, bequeathe," &c., &c. Then follows tlie several items of bequest, giving John the property at Laurel Dale, and Daniel a farm in the Tom- aquag Valley. His grave and the grave of his wife and some of the children may be seen not far from tlie road about half way from the Babcock house, (on the site of whicli the residence of Horace L. Crandall now [1876] stands) to the late residence of Deacon Elnathan W. Babcock. Sacred to the memory of this ancient family, should pre- serve these graves from being desecrated by tlie plougli- share of time. Daniel Lewis 2d, cultivated his little farm on the Toma- quag, built a dam and erected a mill for fulling cloth. The old mill is. not to l)e seen but a part of the dam remains. He had three sons Daniel, Jonathan and Maxson. Daniel Lewis 3d, settled on the Tomaquag about 20 rods from the old mill above mentioned. He was by trade a car- penter and he had two sons Daniel and Christopher. Daniel lived and died at his late residence now (1876) owned by Thomas M. Clarke who married his daughter Ann. Christo- pher held many important offices in the town one of which was that of Town Clerk, which office he held for over forty 3^ears. He lived and died in the house now owned by the widow of his late deceased son, Dea. Nathan K. Lewis. These brothers, Daniel and Christopher, were HISTORY OF HOPKINTON. 27 proiiiineiit members of the First Seventh Day Baptist Chm'ch in Hopkinton, and for many years filled Avitli great credit to themselves, and greater benefit to the ehiu-eh, the offtce of Deacons. They now rest from their labors and their works do follow them. The late Dr. Daniel Lewis was a great, great grandson of the old settler Daniel Lewis, and his son Dr. James N. Lewis of AVyoming, is the great, great, great grandson of the original settlers. In 1774, Hopkinton had two hundred and ninety-nine families ; common among whom were the names of AVells? Clarke, Lewis, Babcock, Maxson, Bm'diek and Crandall. SECTION 4. DELUSIONS AND SUPERSTITIONS. The infallibility of reasons lias not as yet attained perfec- tion. Man has imagination as well as reason, and the for- mer often usnrps the place of the latter. Delusions and su- perstitions are not confined to any age or people. Necro- mancy, demonism and spiritualism have appeared more or less in the history of the world. ''The history of any Townsliip" (says Rev. T. Denison) ''would be devoid both of a portion of its vital facts and of its instructive lessons, if no mention were made of the phan- tasies and follies, and superstitions and delusions of the peo- ple." It is a great mistake to suppose that delusions and superstitions are confined or are even most general in the do- main of religion ; they have entered into all human affairs. Even Luther, the great reformer said, ''experience has prov- ed the toad to be endowed with valuable qualities. If 3'on run a stick through three toads, and, after having dried them in the sun, appl}^ them to any pestilent tumor, they draw out all the poison, and the malad}^ will disappear. King James believed in witchcraft; and the P-iuitans cast out devils by hanging. Thousands have asserted that they have seen ghosts, been ridden by witches, and have had their fortunes HISTOEY OF nOPKINTOX. 29 told. Multitude,s luive dug for water at the tipping of a wil- low stick, or dug for gold and liidden treasures at the point- ing of a liard braneli of a divining rod; ns later victims of orednlity have gaped for revelations from the raps and tips of tables. Hopkinton was not an exception. Granxy Mott. — Near 1740, there lived in Hopkinton an old woman called Granny Mott, who hud the reputation of being a witch. 8he could ride a smooth shod horse upon the ice with the greatest speed. She once came to the house of Thomas Potter to procure work, ^h\ Potter's sdu Stephen was playing about the floor when one of the older children whispered to him to st^ck an awl in the old woman's chair. She sat immovable for hours until the family became con- vinced that slie was a witch. Ever after when she visited the house she would stand, or sit upon a chest or bed, how- ever manv chairs misfht be near. One of her neighbors was much annoyed by a flock of lieatli hens, the head one of which would fly close around him and bid defiance to his oft repeated shots, cutting a silver button from his coat he loaded his gun with it, he fired at the troublesome bird and killed it, he soon heard that Granny Mott was sick unto death ; and as her daughter who attended her refused all assistance in preparing the body for burial, (for she died) it was believed that she was shot with the silver button in the person of that bird. McDaniel. — In Hopkinton lived a little, oldXegroman, jet black, with fierce looking e3'es, named James McDaniel, his cocked hat, glaring eyes, and daring manner, won for him the reputation of kinship to the monarch of darkness. When Amos Langworthy Jun., brought liome his bride to his father's, McDaniel came and wished to fiddle, but the father, Amos Langworthy, Sen., refused, as it was against his principle to have fiddling in his house. The old negro was enraged and prophesied that he would yet be obliged to 30 HISTOKY OF HOPKIXTON". have fiddling- under liis roof. Shortly My. Lang-worthy's davi*locked rooms, derano"- ing and polluting the dishes and milk pans. On one occa- sion when liding* in great haste for a physician Mr. L. dis- mounted to open the bars, and on remounting found his bridle reins tied in knots. The SiiAKEKS. — The first shakers came to this country from England in 1774, and established themselves in the state of New York. Towards the close of the century a few were found in Hopkinton and its vicinity. The principle person among them was Joshua Birch, a man of property who lived in the house formerlv owned bv Mr. Peleo" Clarke, Sen., but now by his son Alfred Clarke, near Clarke's Falls tlien known as the Birchen Mills. This large house afford- ed accommodations for the acts of devotion to this dancing and shaking" sect. On a certain occasion 3Irs. Birch in a transport of religious excitement threw lier necklace of gold tipon the floor when the feet of the pious dancers soon re- duced it to powder. Beli)e:n:ites. — About the year 1810 or 12, there lived a man in this town by the name of John Belden who became the leader of a sect called Beldenites, among their preachers, one Morse became quite conspicuous; and hence this fanat- ical sect were called Morseites, and his name was frequently embodied in their psalmody as in the following- stanza: HISTORY OF nOPKlNTOX. 31 "Ye Morseites of Hopkinton, Keep your armor bright ; Ye Morseites of Hopkinton, Make ready for the fight. This sect held their meetings at tlie residences of Benja- min Kenyon, Libl>eus Coon and Abel Tanner. They practiced baptism and called themselves christians. These fanatics miijht have been called verv properlv relia'ions gymnasts, for in their acts of religions worshi}), they ran aronnd the chimney, dancing, barking, hooting, lea})ing, and shouting, sometimes they ran like quadrupeds upon their hands and toes. The families were very affectionate in their devotional exercises, practicing what they called the Holy Ghost kiss. One evening at Mr. Kenyon's house after Mr. Morse had preached, a ^Ir. Palmer arose and made a very and explicit confession of his numerous evil ways, whereupon Mrs. Kenyon who was sick in her bed arose in her night clothes, and, pressing through the crow d, embraced and kissed Mr. Palmer, evidently with much aff'ection, and then fell down and jjrayed in her dcshahiUc as she was. Some persons lost their strength and fell upon the floor. One Woman after falling commenced whirling around on her hip, her clothes and loose hair flying horizontally. At the close of their meetings they usually went from house to house, rousing the people from their slumbers, warning them to liee from the wrath to come. Their excesses and their lib- ertinism proved their ruin, and about the year 1815 or 16, thev struck their tent and emie'rated to Ohio. Many houses in Hopkinton were haunted by spirits from the other world or the vasty deep, strange noises were heard, lights of various hues were seen, windows were illuminated, cannon balls were heard rolling across the floor, moaning cries w^ere heard in the air, and many significant warnings of death were given ; and maidens practiced various incanta- tions in order to discover who their lovers and future hus- 32 HISTORY OF HbrKINTOK. bandn wei\i to be. But the following manifestations of Satan in 'Squire Clarke's family^ of Westerly, strnek terror througliont Hopkintonj and for years put a stop to incanta- tions and bewilderments. This singular circumstance must be given in the language of l^eacon William H. Potter of Oroton, Conn., as communicated by him to the Narragansett Weekly, in Xovember, 1860. During the Kevolutionary War, Hannah Max»on and Comfort Cottrell, two giils then staying at the house of Esquire Clarke^ of Westerly, were trying their fortunes and endeavoring to bring their V>eaux^ by throwing each, her ball of yarn into the well; and wind- ino' them oif while thev severallv repeated a verse from the O eel Scriptures, backwards. They conq)leted their charm about dusk, and went to the front door of the house, and were there standing, awaiting the arrival of their sweet-hearts, or the result of their incantations, possibly a little conscience smitten at their abuse of the verse of Scripture, but still in high spirits and bent on an innocent frolic, Mrs. Clark, the wife of the 'Squire was sick, in a bed in o)ie of the rooms. But while the thoughtless girls were standing in suspense, but in high glee, lo, they both saw a monster figure coming- up the road. It was some eight or ten feet high, and marched with a stately step, but with eyes, as tliey said, *'as bity as saucers" and breathing flames from his distended jaws. Thev saw it turn from the street and approach the house. In consternaticm, they fled frantically, and with loud screams, into the room where Mrs. Clark lay, and threw themselves upon the bed behind the sick woman, more dead than alive. Esquire Clark, who was a pious man, and not easily fright- ened, came in at the back door the moment the monster had mounted the front door step, and was glaring steadily into the house through the panes of glass over the front door. 'I'he steady, unmistakable gaze of the demon, for such they believed him to be, convinced Mr. Clark at once that spirit- HISTORY OF HOPKINTON. 33 nal weapons were alone adeqnate to combat sncli an adversa- ry. He immediately went to prayer, and the devil mean- time, left, never again reappearing to trouble the good man's lionse, or the terror stricken girls. The explanation of tliis mysterious affair was not permit- ted to be made known, for at least seventy years, and not till all the parties and their cotemporaries had passed away, a Mr. Daniel Rogers of Newport was the author of this de- ception being a great lover of fun. SECTION 5, AMUSEMENT. Amusements are as old as time, and almost as universally diffused as light. All nations, both savage and eivilized have their amusements; amusements peculiar to themselves. The pursuit of amusements is the business of childhood, and chiklhood when grown up seldom loses its relish for them. The first settlers of Hopkinton, ])uritanical, though they were in many things, had their amusements. Muster or tiaining days were special seasons of amusement and recrea- tion, at which business was generally suspended, and botli old and young went to see the traineis, to hear the fife and the drum, and to feast on molasses candv and o'ino-erbread. General or regimental and brii>'ade trainino-s would call to- gether a large portion of the population for miles around. On these occasions all, with scarcely an exception, inibil)ed freely cider, rum and cherry brandy, until story telling and social hilarity became general. Temperance consisted in not o-ettino- drunk, but a little boozv. Stated holidavs were special seasons of merr}^ making. In addition to tliese, the young people would have huskings, bush cuts, quiltings, spinning bees, and apple cuts. At all these there was some work and a good deal of fun, much of story telling, of love making, singing and joking; usually closing with fiddling and dancing. Courting, Avooing and marrying were made si^ecial occasions for mirthfulness and hilarity. Running around the chimney to kiss or be kissed as you passed the threshhold of every door was common to all household en- tertainments. SECTION 6. CIVIL HISTORY. Coiitainiiiii' exhact^ fmin tlio town records. I liere iiissort a list of the names of tlie ^Moderators, Town Clerkv^, Town Treasurers, Deputies, Senators and IJepresentatives of the town, froju its orii-ani/aTion in 17o7, to 187G a period of 119 years, The list is I believe correct, yet there may be a few errors, for it retpiired both time and patience, to.read up the records for nearly one and a quarter century. For the first iiftv years (more or less) from four to six or more town meet- ings were held one month. Hence there will ajipear in the list the names of seveial Moderators, during the same year. Date, Moderator. Town Clerk. Town Treasurer. 1757 George Bahcock, Simeon Perry, .Joshua Clarke, Dauiel McCoon, " " Thomas Potter, 1758 George Babcock, Daniel McCoon, 1759 George Babcock, 1760 " " Joshua Clarke, " '• Benj. Randall 1762 George Babcock, Benj. Randall, " " " " 1763 Georse Babcock, 1761 Hezekiah Collins, George Babcock, " " " " Benj. Randall, 36 HISTORY OF HOPKINTOX, Date, MODERATOK. Town Clerk. 1764: George Babcock, Joshua Clarke Benj. Randall, (( (1 1765 George Babcock, .( (k Hezekiah Collins, (1 (t 1766 George Babcock, t( (( 1767 Thomas Wells, (( a 1768 (( (1 John Maxson 1769 (( (( (( (( 1770 1771 1772 Joshua Clarke, Thomas Wells, Joshua Clarke, Daniel Coon, Joshua Clarke, Nathan Burdick, 1773 Joshua Clarke, (( (( 1774 (( (( Abel Tanner 1775 U (( (( <( 1776 Thomas Wells (( <( 1777 Joshua Clarke <( (( 1778 (( (( (( (( Thomas Wells (( (( 1779 (( (( (( (( 1780 (1 (( (( (( 1781 (( (1 <( (< 1782 (( (( (i (( Jesse Maxson, (( (( Thomas Wells, i ( (( 1783 John Coon, t( (( 1784 Edward Wells, (( (( 1785 Thomas Wells, (( (( 1786 (t <( (( (( Mathew Maxson, (t (( John Coon, (( (( 1787 Joseph Collins, Caleb Potter, 1788 Samuel Babcock, (( U 1789 (( (( (( (< 1790 Thomas Wells, (1 (( 1791 Samuel Babcock ^ (( (( 1792 (( <( (( (( 1793 (( (( i( (( 1794 <( (( i( (( 1795 (( (( (( (( 1796 Moses Barber, (( (1 1797 Jesse Maxson, (( (( 1798 (( <( (( (< 1799 (( <( (t (( 1800 (( (( (1 (( 1801 (( (( (4 (( Town Treasurer. Thomas Potter, Joshua Clarke, Joseph Witter, Joseph Thurston, Hezekiah Babcock, HISTORY OF HOPKIXTOX. 37 Date. Moderator, Town* Clerk, Town Treasurer, 1802 Jesse Maxson, Caleb Potter, Hezekiah Babcoek, 1803 Dr. Wm. Wilbur, " " John Wilbur, ISO-t " " *' *' Edward Wells, 1805 " " " ^' Edward S. Wells, 1806 " " ♦* " Raiuru Wells, Esq 1807 Samuel Peckham, Esq. " 1808 Daniel Babcock, *' " " 1809 Wm. Wilbur, \^l() 1' " *' '< ■" " 1811 ♦' " '< ** ■ '* '^ 1812 ♦' " '* ** Oeorge Thurston, 1813 Dea. Daniel Babcock, " " Gee. Thurston, Jr 18^4 (( (( »< <« '» «< 1815 " " " '< " " 181G Daniel Babcock, Esq. '' 18^7 << (( << << *< << 1818 «« '* Christopher C.Lewis, *' ** 1819 *' " " ** " " 1820 '* ** ** " " " 1821 «' << " ** " " 1822 " " «* ** ** *' 1823 '« •< ** ** *' *' 1824: " <* ** ** " " 1825 " '« «< ** " " 1820 " " ** ** ** *' 1827 " " " <* " ** 1828 Jeremiah Thurston, '' *' Jeremiah Thurston, 1829 " " *' *' *' " 1830 Nathan Lillibridge, " " Henrj M. Wells, 1831 Edward Barber, " " ** " 1832 " " " <* Jesse Brown, 1833 Benjamin Thurston, " *' ■" ^* 1834 " «< «< « <' " 1835 •* «« " " *' " 1836 " " ♦* *' *' " 1837 " " «< << *• *' 1838 " «' " " " " 1839 ♦« " «< " " " 1840 " ** " " ** " 1841 '« «< <« " " *' 1842 *' *« " '* " " 1843 '* «♦ «♦ " Benj. B. Thurston, 1844 Elnathan Babcock, «' " " " 1845 " " " " " ** 1846 *« «' <« *< *' "^ 1847 «< << '< " '« <* 1848 Albert Witter, " " Charles Noyes 1849 Joseph Brightman, " •' " " 1850 Joseph T. Barber " '« " " 38 HISTORY OF HOPKINTOK. Town Treasurek. Charles Noyes, Henry Wliipple, Jolin 8. Chaniplin, Edwin K. Allen Date. Moderator. Town Clerk. 1851 Benj. TLurs^on, Christopber C, Lewis, 1852 Nathan K. Lewis, 1853 " " " *' 1854 George H. Ohiey, 1855 • 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1868 Olirev B. Irish, 1861 1865 1866 William L. Clarke, 1867 George H. Olney. 1868 George H. Olney, *• •• '• " 1869 •• •• '' '^ '' " 1870 1871 Sands C. Carr, 1872 1873 Nathan L. Richmond, " " '' 1871: 1875 S. S. Griswold, " " '• " 1876 - •• '' " " '• Deputies. — The town ofllopkinton Avns firi^t represented in the (Jeneml Assembly of tlie Colony oriiliode Island and Providence Plantations held at Newport the first Wednesday in May*1757, and the first l)e])uties to that body from this Town, were Major Joshua Clarke and ]\Ir. Hezekiah Collins. The lion. Stephen Hopkins was Governor, and the Hon. John Gardner was Deputy Governor. List of the names of Deputies, Senators and Representatives to the (Jeneral Assemblv from 17")? to 1876. 1757 Major Joshua Clarke, Mr. Hezekiah Collins. 1758 Maj. Joshua Clarke, Capt. Edward Wells, Jun. 1759 INlaj. Joshua Clarke, Capt. Edwai'd wells, Jun. 1760 Maj. Joshua Clarke, Capt. Edward Wells, Jun. 1761 Maj. Joshua Clarke, . Capt. Edward Wells, Jun. 1762 Maj. .Joshua Clarke, Mr. John Maxson. 1763 ]\!aj. Joshua Clarke, jMr. John Maxson, Jun. 1764 Maj. .Joshua Clarke, Mr. John Maxson. HISTORY OF HOPJIINTON. 39 1765 Maj. Joshua Clarke, j 1787 Mr. John Maxsou. j 1766 Maj. Joshua Clarke, | 1788 Mr. Johu Maxson. | 1767 Capt. Eilward Wells, 1789 Mr. James Rhodes. 1768 Capt. EJward Wells, 17{»0 Mr. Lawtou Palmer. 1769 Mr. Thomas Wells, Jun. 1791 Mr. Abel Tanner. 1770 Mr. Thomas Wells, Jun. 1792 Capt. Abel Tanner. 1771 Mr, Thomas Wells. Jun. 1793 Capt. Abel Tanner. 1772 Mr. Thomas Wells, Jun. 1791 Capt. Abel Tanner. 1773 Mr. Zaccheus Reynolds, 179o Mr. Jesse Maxson. 1774 Mr. Thomas Wells, Jun. . 1796 Mr. Jesse Maxson. 1775 Capt. Abel Tanner, ' 1797 Mr. Thomas Wells, 3d i 1776 Mr. Johu Larkin, 1798 Mr. Thomas Wells. 1777 Thomas Wells, Esq. 1799 Mr. Edward Wells. | 1778 Thomas Wells, Esq. \ 1800 George Thurston, Esq. 1779 Mr. Abel Tanner, ! 1801 Jesse Maxson, Esq. 1780 Abel Tanner, Esq. 1802 Mr. William Coon. 1781 George Thurston. Esq. 1803 Mr. Samuel Babcock. 1782 Abel Tanner, Esq. 180-1 George Thurston, Esq. 1783 Abel Tanner, Esq. : 1805 George Thurston, Esq. ' 1784 Mr. Oliver Davis, 1806 Mr. John Brown. | 1785 Mr. Oliver Davis, ' 1807 Mr. Thomas Wells, 2d. 1786 Abel Tanner, Esq. i 1808 Thomas Wells, Esq. i Abel Tanner, Esq. Thomas Wells, 2d. David Nichols, Esq. Mr. Ross Coon. David Nichols. Esq. Geoi'ge Thurston, Esq. Geoi-ge Thurston, Esq. Mr. Oliver Davis. George Thurston. Esq. Mr. Oliver Davis. George Thurston. Esq. Moses Barber. Esq. George Thurston. Esq. Moses Barber, Esq. George Thurston, Esq. Moses Barber. Esq. George Thurston. Esq. Moses Barber, Esq. Geoi'ge Thurston. Oliver Davis. James W^ells. Jun. Hezekiah Babcock. Capt. Janies Wells, Hezekiah Babcock, Jun, Capt. James Wells, Maj. Jeremiah Thurston- Capt. James Wells, Col. Jeremiah Thurston. Hezekiah Babcock. Jeremiah Thurston, 2d. Hezekiah Babcock, Col. Jeremiah Thurston, Samuel Peckham, Esq. Dr. Amos Collins, Samuel Peckham, Esq. Dr. Amos Collins. Dr. Amos Collins. Daniel Babcock. Esq. Amos Collins, Esq. Randall Wells. Esq. Dr. Amos Collins. Randall Wells, Esq. Jeremiah Thurston. Esq. Capt. James Wells, Jun. 40 •HISTORY OF HOrKi:ffTOS", 1809 Col. Jeremiah Thurston, Dea, Alpheus Bnrdick. 1810 Col. Jeremiah Thurston, Capt. James Wells. 1811 Col. Jeremiah Thurston, Capt. James Wells. 1812 Col. Jeremiah Thurston, Capt. James Wells. 1813 Col. Jeremiah Thurston, Capt. James Wells. 1814 Col. Jeremiah Thurston, Capt. James Wells. 1815 Col. Jeremiah Thurston. Hezekiah Babcock. 1816 Capt. James Wells, Col. Edward Barber. 1817 Gov. Jeremiah Thurston, Col. Edward Barber. 1818 Jeremiah Thurston, Esq. Col. Edward Barber. 1819 Jeremiah Thurston, Esq. Col. Edward Barber. 1820 Jeremiah Thurston, Esq. Col. Edward Barber. 1821 Jeremiah Thurston, Esq. Col. Edward Barber, 1822 Jeremiah Thurston. Esq. Col. Edward Barber. 1823 Jeremiah Thurston, Edward Barber. 1824 Jeremiah Thurston, Edward Barber. 1825 Daniel Babcock. Esq. Edward Barber. 1826 Edward Barber Esq. Elnathan W. Babcock. 1827 Edward Barber, Elnathan W. Babcock. 1828 Edward Barber, Jonathan N. Hazard. 1829 Jeremiah Thurston. Esq. Elnathan W. Babcock. 1830 Elnathan W. Babcock, Josiah Witter. 1831 Gorton W. Arnold. Benjamin B, Thurston. 1832 Benjamin B. Thurston, Elnathan W. Babcock. 1833 Benjamin B. Thurston, Elnathan W. Babcock. 1834 Benjamin B. Thurston, Gorton W. Arnold. 1835 Benjamin B. Thurston, Gorton W. Arnold. 1836 Benjamin B. Thurston, Dr. Joseph D. Kenyon. 1837 Henry M. AVells, Edward Barber. 1838 Henry ]\I. Wells, Edward Barber. 1839 Henry M. Wells, Edward Barber. 1840 Edward Barber, Joseph T. Barber. 1841 Horace Thurston, Edward Barber 1842 Elnathan W. Babcock, Joseph T. Barber. In 1841, Benjamin B. Thurston and Edward Barber were elected delegates to attend a Convention to be h olden at Providence, on the first Monday in November, next, to frame a new Constitution for this State, pursuant to a reso- lution of the General Assembly, passed at their January Session, 1841. HISTORY OF HOPKINTOX. 41 Edward Barber and John H. Wells were elected Dele- i^ates to attend the above named Convention, which was adjourned to meet at Newport on the second Monday of Se])tember, next. Tlie new Constitution of the State having been ado])ted, (1843,) the town now elects a Senator and Representatives as foHows, the first named being the Senator. 1843 Josiali W. Lang worthy, Joseph T. Barber. 18-44 George Irish, Joseph T. Barber. 1845 George Irish, . Joseph T. Barber. 1846 George W. Hoklredge, Gorton W. ArnoM. 1847 George W. Holclredge, Joseph T. Barber. 1848 George W. Holdredge, Joseph T. Barber. 1849 Isaac Cundall, John M. Barber. 1850 John S. Champliu, Welcome Collins, 1851 John S. Champlin, Welcome Collins. 1852 John S. ChamiJlin, George W. Holdredge. 1853 John S. Champlin, Jonathan R. Wells. 1854 John S. Chamjdin, Harris Lanphear. 1855 Lester Crandall, Daniel L. Hall. 1856 Lester Crandall, Harris Lanphear. 1857 Daniel G. Sherman, Jonathan Larkin, 1858 Benjamin Thurston, Jonathan Larkin. 1859 Samuel N. Richmond, Thomas M. Clarke. 6 1860 Samuel N, Richmond, Thomas M. Clarke. 1861 Thomas T. Barber, Jonathan Larkin. 1862 Thomas T. Barber, Sands C. Carr, 1863 Thomas T. Barber, Sands C. Carr. 1864 Thomas T. Barber, Thomas M. Clarke. 1865 William R. Greene, William L. Clarke. 1866 William R. Greene, William L. Clarke. 1867 Charles Noyes, Samuel N. Richmond. 1868 Charles Noyes, Samuel N. Richmond. 1869 George W. Taylor, George H. Olney. 1870 George W. Taylor, George H. Olney. 1871 Edward Barber, Alanson Crandall. 1872 Edward Barber, Alanson Crandall. 1873 Edward Barber, Alanson Crandall. 1874 William L. Clarke, Benjamin Kenyon. 1875 No Election, No Election. 1876 Oliver Langworthy, Thomas H. Greene. 42 HISTORY OF HOPKINTOX. If space permitted, it would be but just to insert here, an expression of respect to the many worthy names in the list of Town Officers, Deputies, Senators and Representatives ; but they will be held in respectful remembrance by all, for their faithful service rendered. The followinof minute from the town records is transcribed as one expression of marked re- spect for one who filled the responsible office of Town Clerk for more than fort}^ years. Resolved "That the thanks of the town be given to Christopher C. Lewis, Esq., late Town Clerk of this town for the able and im])artial manner in which he has discharged the duties of said office for the last forty-one 3'ears. Resolved, That the Clerk be requested to transmit a certi- fied cop3^ of the above resolution to Christopher C. Lewis Esq.'' Mr. Lewis was firet elected in 1817 and was continuously re-elected annually till 1858 Avlien he tendered his resignation, which was accepted. During the whole period of forty-one years Mr. Lewis was present and officiated as clerk at every town meeting held, except one, when his son Deacon Nathan K. Lewis served as clerk for the day. Few men ever show such a record. There are others who have well de- served respectful notice, from the town, but, as I find no record, of any public expression, and as space is limited, their record must be made in the grateful memory of their cotemporaries and descendants. SECTION 7. MILITARY. The Town of Ilopkinton inherited largely the true spirit s>f Ibvalty and liherty. 80 long as the Mother coiintry dealt upriglitly with the Colonies so long was Ilopkinton true to lier allegiance. But when England began to invade the rights of the colonies then she as a constituent part of the State stood for her rights. By a reference to the minutes of a Town Meeting held February 10, 1774, to consider a letter from a committee ap- pointed by the Town of Newport to inspect into the impor- tation of tea into this (VJony by the East India Company subject to a duty designed for raising a revenue in America, we find the following. Voted, that Abel Tanner and Zaccheus Reynolds, Jun., Esq. be a committee to correspond with the committee at Newport or any other committee that shall be appointed by any town in the Colony relating to the above affair and that they transmit the resolutions of this town to the committee of Newport as soon as may be. Voted, by this town meeting that we will, to the utmost of our power support the measures entered into by the town of Newport. 44 HISTORY OF HOPKIXTOX. Voted^ that this town meeting be adjourned until the 17th day of this inst., and that the above committee draw up a letter on the above subject and hiy it before said meeting in order for approbation. At the adjourned meeting held Feb- ruar}" 17th, that committee submitted the following report. Grentlemen, on the receipt of your letter together with the resolves of 3'our town — our Town Coinicil immediately called a town meeting to take your request into consideration whereupon they chose us, the subscribers, a committee to correspond with you and all other committees on this conti- nent and also to signify to you the general opinion of this town, viz : That the claim of Parliament to tax America without their consent or being represented is a stretch of un- limited power, cruel, arbitrary and oppressive and subversive of our just rights and privileges which by charter we have a right to claim and expect, that the authorizing the East India Company to send tea into America subject to a duty is implicity taxing of us, if consented to and used among us, will draw along with it innumerable evils. Gentlemen, we are very sensible of the necessity of an association and firm union at so critical a juncture. — a time whose period will de- termine the fate of millions. AVe highly approve of the measures you have taken in Newport and think it our indis- pensable duty to support you in them. Although our situa- tion, not being a seaport, renders us less useful in this pres- ent cause but we mean not to be silent, nor off our guard, beino' confident that this is not the onlv evil we shall suffer if subjected to it. We are. Gentlemen, Your real friends and humble servants, Ethan Clark, John Maxson, Jr., Abel Tanner, Edward Wells, Zaccheus Reynolds, Jr. The above letter was approved and the Committee in- structed to send a duplicate copy to the committee at Newport as soon as may be; and said Committee were continued as a standing committee to correspond with the several committees HlSTOPvY OF nOPKlNTOX, 45 jipi»ointcHl by the other towiii^ in this Colony on the above subject at any time hereafter as ocoiisiou may require. As the confliet with the ^Motlter Country deepeney one majority which was afterwards reconsid- ered and lost. The dreadful note of preparation for war now reverberated through the town: and it was Voted, in Town ^leetiuii; assembled that Captain Edward Wells draw fiftv cartndi»e boxes for the use of the town and that the said AVells have at the rate of one-sixth per box for making the same, and that said boxes shall hold nine rounds each and made in a good plain manner, the covering to be sheepskin and the flaps be horseskin and that Maj. Jesse Maxson be appointed to view said boxes to see whether they are made according to agreement or not. The burden of war already began to be juiinfuUy felt and provision had to be made for the relief of many families whose husbands and brothers had either enlisted or were drafted into the Continental Army. In the mean time Tories or those who urged acquiescence to the oppressive acts of the Mother Country became so of- fensive to the Revolutionary party as to require.a strict sur- veillance and Committees were appointed to inspect their conduct. But the beo-iniiing of the end was at hand — the birthday of the Nation drew near. The roaring of the Brit- ish Lion resounded in tones of thunder on the shores of New Eno-land, the British Armv huno- like a war cloud on our horizon. The Revolutionary Patriots quailed not — but. 46 HISTOKY OF HOPKIXTO.V. in the name of the God of battles and of human rights gave their istar spangled Ijanner to the winds of Heaven. And one hundred years ago to day as the great l)ellin Independ- ence Hall in Philadelphia was about to complete its nuerid- ian stroke the thirteen united C.^olonies prochiimed them- selves an Independent Nation, amid the roaring of cannon^ and the joyous acclamations of 3,000.000 of Freemen. Thus to day, a century ago Liberty was jnoclaimed throughout the land to all the inhabitants thereof. How htting this oc- casion standino; as we do in the Centennial birthdav of our Itcpublic that, in that City of Brotherly Love where the toc- sin of Liberty rang out to the woild that a new Nation had been born — that man child of Freedom that was to rule the Despots of Kingdoms as with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces as with a i)otters vessel, how fitting that that City should be the munificent recipient of a worlds progress and improvement. And how fitting that tliis Centennial birth- day of our Republic should be consecrated by the written history of every State, County, and Town in this Common- wealth. God save the United States of America. To return to the history of Hopkinton. Hopkinton like many other towns found it somewhat difficult to raise its quota of soldiers, and hence had to resort to oftering of bounties to secure their enlistment. The bounty offered was one hundred silver dollars by the State, and fifty bushels merchantable Indian corn by the town. Hopkinton bore its part manfully during the whole of the struggle, until the Independence of the Nation was secured in 1787. Continuing the history of the war power in this town I will now pass down to the war of tlie rebelion. The inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, March 4, 1861, was made an occasion of the seceding of seven of the ■Southern States from the United States Government, and the establish- ing of a Southern Confederacy, Avhich on the 12th day of HISTORY OF HOPKINTOX. 47 •April 1861, assumed the positive fonii of rebellion against the National Government, by the bombardment of Fort Sumpter. On the fifteenth of the same month President Lincoln made a call upon the States for seventy-five thousand men, to serve three months. Rhode Island ever true to the great principles of civil liberty responded to the call of the President through Governor Sprague, on the day following the call upon the State by the President. The first llhode Island Regiment proceeded to Washington in two detachments; the first, under Colonel Ambrose E, Bnrnsile and resolution : ^'Whereas, Davis Crandall, a young man and citizen of this town, did respond promptly to the call of his country ; leaving home and friends to defend the interests we hold so dear, and after having gained the confidence of his officers and comrades, and suffered much in camp has fallen a martyr to the cause of liberty, being killed at Newbern, N. C. March 14th, 1862, while charging the enemy, therefore: 4^ aiSTORY OF HOPKINTOX. Besolved, that we deem it onr duty to commend the noble* impulse which led him to make this sacrifice for freedom, that we honor his patriotism and earnest devotion to onr cause, and that we extend to the afflicted faniily of which he was a member, our warmest sympathies with the kind assurance that we appreciate the noble conduct of this dutiful son." The above was as just as it was noble and generous. Tt W^as the outburst of. those grand jirinciples of lil)erty which has ever found a response in the patriotic bosoms of the sons of Hopkinton. The forces that were already in the field proving inade- quate to the emergency, a call for 300.000 men in addition to the 75.000 already in the field was made, and the quota that was apportioned to this town by the State was fift\^-nine men. I^he response of the town to the call of the President was expressed most generously to those brave men who came forward and offered themselves a sacrifice on the altar of their country, by providing for their families during their absence, and offering a bount3^ of $'250 to those who enlisted, which was increased to $325 to those who would serve for three years, and $300 to those serving nine months. Other bounties were offered from time to time, showing that the tow^n fully appreciated the services of her soldiers, and tliat she stood shoulder to shoulder with the grand army of the republic in putting down the rebellion. On the 9th day of April, 1865, the army of the rebellion laid down its arms and surrendered itself to the demands of Gen. Grant, thus closed the war 5 Jefferson Davis lied south- ward hoping to escape, but was overtaken at Irwinsville. Georgia, captured May 11th, and sent a prisoner to Fortress Monroe. This war cost the Union armies 300.000 men who w^ere killed in battle, or died from wound and disease, while 200.000 more were crippled for life. If the Confederate armies suffered as heavilv, the countrv lost one million able HISTORY OF HOPKINTON. 49 1m)(Hc(1 men. The I'liion delit Jaunaiy Is^t, 18G6, was ^.•^.7o0.000.()00j and at one time its daily expenses was -S.'i. 500.000. In all this stnigg-le; this immense expenditnre of life and treasure, Ilopkinton not only bore her part, but suffered. Out of the iitimber who entered the army nearly one-sixth of that number fell on the battle field or died in eonsecpience of wounds and exposiu'e. Families were made desolate because husbands, ])arents and brothers returned not from those battle fields of death. May those honored attle; not counting* their lives dear unto them while the armed hosts of the reliellion imi>eriled the liberties of their country. The followins: is a list of the names of the men who enti-rrd the service of the United States durins^ the war: Allen, Edwin R. Austin, Benjamin K. Arnold, Joseph G. Austin, James H. Barber, Gilbert M. Barber, Jesse H. (Navy.) Barber, Thomas A. Barber, Amos P. Barber, Thomas J. Baaden, Theodore. Bellamy George. Borden, Thomas B. Brown, Thomas W. D. Buddington, James E. Burdick, Welcome C. Burdick, William H. Burdick, Joseph W. Burdick, Franklin. Bai'ber, Matthew S. Burton, Joseph C. Barber, Israel A. Barber. John N. Barber, William A. Barber, Paul M. Bellamy, John. Bitgood John. Brian, Elisha. Browning, George T. Buddington, John. Burdick, Amos L. Burdick, John R. Burdick, Orrin R. Burdick, Benjamin F. Burdick, John P. (Navy.) Burton, Sanford. Burton, Horace. Brown, William. Bentley, William. Burton, Ephriam Burton William G. Bowers, Robert. 50 HISTORY OF HOPKl^^TON. Calvert, William. Capwell, Edward C. Chadwick, John W. Champlin, Stephen C. Chester, John H. Clarke, Stephen Clarke, William H. Clarke, William P. Collins, Gideon F. Collins, Charles, (Navy.) Coon, Alphonzo. Crandall, Nathan J. Cundall, Edward G. Crandall, William L. Clarke, Bradford. Covey, Eugene M. Congdon, Oliver H. Carmile, William. Carmichael, George, Jr, Chadwick, Evllyn C. Chester, Albert L. Church, Benedict G. Clarke, Henry. Clarke, Leander S. Collins, William Tyler Collins. Cranston Corey, John G. Crandall, Davis. Cranshaw, Robert. Cundall, Isaac. Church Norris L. Clarke, Joshua M. Champlin, William G. Davis, Martin. Donahue, Barney. Dervin, John. Donnelly, John. Edwards, Nathan P. Edwards, James A. Floyd, Theodore D. Fox, W. Russell. Foster, Lawton. Gardiner, Nicholas E. Gardiner, George W. Gardiner, John M. (Navy.) Gardiner, Henry C. Gardner, Charles S. Gates, Hazard R. Gavitt, Edwin T. Godfrey, Henry H. Gorton, Joel B. Gray, William R. Green, Elisha G. Green, John R. Green, Jedediah. Green, Charles B. Green, John S. Gunn, William. Gotlieb, George. Gardiner, Robert E. Gavitt, Albert L. Harvey, Samuel. Hiscox, John T. Holdredge, Charles H. Hoxie, Leonard C. HoUoway, William E. Irish, Edgar W. Jackson, Daniel B. Jackson, William H. Jacques, Peleg, (Navy.) Johnson, James. Johnson, William, Jr. Johnson Milton P. Johnson, T. Wesley. Keech, David. Kenyon, Aldrich C. Kenyon, James G. Kenyon, Abel B. Kenyon, John T. Kenyon, George C. Kenyon, Joseph J. Kenyon, Thomas R. Kinne, James. Keables, Thomas A. Keables, Andrew J. Keables, Orrin T. Lane, George F. Langworthy, George W. Langworthy, Lucius C. Langworthy, George A. Langworthy, Thomas S. Langworthy, Edmund K. Larkin, Asahel G. Lawton, John A. Lawton, George B. HISTORY OF HOPKINTON. 51 Lawton, John D. Leavens, Lewis. Lewis, John D. Lewis, George H. Lewis, Charles L. Maxson, Joel C. Monroe, William A. Moore, J. Warren. Morton, Joseph W. McCann, James. Nichols, Charles S. Nichols, George H. Noonen, William. Nesbitt, William. Newton, Eliiah P. Nichols, Charles H. Partelow, Charles. Partelow, Isaac. Palmer, Henry C. Palmer, Elisha M. Palmer, Thomas P. Palmer, William H. Palmer, Ephraim M. Palmer, Ashur M. Pcckham, Peleg E. Potter, William C. (Navy. Russell, John, llichmond, Samuel N. Richmond, George A. Richmond, Lorenzo D. Richmond, Joseph. Rathbun, Jason P. Saunders, Isaac N. Saunders, Heurv F. Saunders, Nathan H. Sisson, Dudley F. Slocum, Judson B. Spencer, William I. Stillman, Horace. Sunderland, William A. Taber, Henry W. Tanner, Thomas B. Tanner, Horace B. Taylor, Peter. Tabor, William H, Thaj'er, Charles, Thomas, George A. Thomas, .James. Tenuant, Benjamin I). Tower, John K. Vincent, Charles G. Weeks, William A, Weeks, Jerome. Weeden, Richard. Wells, George C. Wells, Horace. Wells, John D. Whitman, Stephen jNI. AVhipple, Roderick D, Woodmansee, Henry T. Wood, Albert S. Wood, Silas W. Wright, James B. Wurtien. Benjamin F. Worden. William H. Wilcox, Henry B. Worden, Charles H. Wright. Matthew P. Tlic following' is a killed or who died in Austin, Benjamin K. Burdick, Welcome C. Burdick, Benjamin F. Burdick. Joseph W. Collins, Gideon F. Crandall, Davis. Clarke, William P. Collins. Charles. list of the names of those wlio were convSe([nence (d' wosinds and exposure : Langworthy, Lucius C. Langworthy, Thomas S. Lewis, John T. Lane, George. Maxson, Joel C. Peckham, Peleg E. Saunders, Isaac N. Saunders. Henry F, Greene, Charles B, Gardiner, Geo, W. Gavitt, Edwin D, Gunn, William, Godfrey, Henry H, Greene, Jedediah. Jacques, Peleg, Kenyou, Joseph J. Thomas, George A SECTION 8. INDUSTRIAL OCCUPATIONS AGRICULTURE. — The surface of the town of Hopkiiitoii is vongh and stony, at the time of its settlement it was eo veered with a growth of stalwart trees, including oak, chestnut, walnut, locust and elm. It required indomitable energy as W'ell as strong muscles, sinewy arms and powerfni ;^trengtli to clear the soil of aged forests. But wiiat cannot man do? those sturdy pioneers of hard lal)or aneen and still are many valualflc farms in the town. In the earlier times some of the planters owned very large estates. One Hezekiah Babcock occupied eight hundred acres. Farming has been profitable to tiic land holder and a source of wealth to the town. To be sure the farmers have liaor in the fulfiluKMit of that ]irimeval curse, or ratliei' blessing, tliat in tlie sweat of man's brow lie sliould cat br<'ad, vet tlic cnbiii'c niSTOrvY OF HOrKIXTOX. Orj draw it about, ask all nianiier of questions concerning it : and all sucli as were i)rivileii'ed and lionored 1)V liavinir stepped into it, or sat in it, were looked upon a.s wonderfully smart. From this inei, a turnpike, connecting Xew London and Provioth business and travel were drawn away from the anticipated city iu Tomaquag Valley. But the introduction of travel by railroads and steand>oats fliverted the travel from this then flourishing village, and the day of travel by staging on turnpikes was ended. Yet Hopkinton City, holding within itself its own resources of [)rosperity and growth, has outlived the tremendous odds that were against it, and, by the indomitable energy, per- fj6 HISTORY OF HOPKIXTOX. Heveraiice and iiiiliit*try of itir* men of huHiness^ has never known the word "' fail.'' A.HHAWAY. — Tlik village takes* its name from tlie Asli- rtway I'iver^ winch meander*^ thronj^h the valley and empties into the Pawcatnck river jui^t Ixdow l?otter Hill. One Imndred years ago. or thereaV)ont^ a n}an named Simpson was the onlv hlacksmith in the vieinitv of what is now the villaiTc of Ashawav, His shop was on the west side of the river, and was kept np until about the year 1800, when Daniel Babcock established himself in th(> business, and erected a shop east of the river, near where the residence of A. A. Palmiter now stands. He carried on this business for some thirty or more years, doing general job work, horse and ox shoeing, &c., his sons Daniel. Jr., and Oliver at this time purchased a shop that had been built and occupied for a number of years by Mr. Nathan l*otter, which was located on the Hopkinton side of the Pawcatuck river at Potter Hill. They worked in this shop about forty years, making use of water power to do their forging, and by their skill and industry acquired for themselves a good name and abundant fortunes. Since the time, some years ago, that Daniel Babcock, Sr., gave up the business, a shop has been kept ojien on the west side of the river, at Ashawav, by ]\Ir, Wm. C. Burdick, for general job work. The industrial in- terests of Ashaway village, and its adjuncts, are invested largely in maiuifacturing. The precise date when the first factory was built has not been definitely ascertained. Mr. Isaac Cundall came there in 1816. At that time there was a factory 30x36 feet, two stories high, standing near where the present one is located at the west end of the bridge. It was owned by Ira Beynolds and the heirs of Sheffield Wells and used for the manufacture of narrow woolen goods ; the carding being done by water po^^•er, while the spinning and weaving were done by hand. The whole water power nisTORr OF iiorKiXTox. 57 was only for tlio driving of one pair of h^ingle cards in the Jiiaimfactnrt' of those goods. Siicli was tlie incipient state of inanufaetniing in 1816, l»Ht wliieli lias ex}>anded into the large, cainieions building now ocrujning the place of that little factory. In }^U), ^Ir. Peleg Almy. of rortsniouth. hoMght, at public auction, KeynohVs part of the mill and his house for fourteen hundrcfl dollars. In 1828, ^Ir. .Vliuy .S(dd this half of the pro[)erty to ^[r. Jacob D. P)abcock, his son-in-law. The dwelling house was the one now owned by the heirs of ^Ir. llabcock. In 1821, this was the only house in the village. Xot long after, the property was divided. Air. Habcock taking the east part of the mill, grist mill and the east dam ; whih' to ALr. ( "iindall was left the west dam, half the factory, and the largest |>art of the machinery. In 18 1(3, the mill was destroyed by lire. In June of the same year, the present structme, 3 1x82 feet, 3^ stones high, was erected. Campbell ^' ("o.. of AVesterly, occupied one half of it for the manufacture of woolen goods, and 8. & I). Suiith the other }>art, for several years, when T. R. Wells c\: Co. hired the whole. This mill is now operated }»y the Ashaway Manufacturing Company. Bethel. — In 1816, a small building was put up at Bethel and occupied l>v Mr. William Arnold for the manufacture of scythes, who continued the business for several years, when Mr. Zebulon Stillman came in possession of the property and used the l)uilding and power for making and repairing of wagons. In 1829, J. IJ. Babcock bought the property, enlarged the building and operated three turning lathes, &c., in the manufacturing of carding machines. After a few years, Mr. Bowse Babcock and John Knowles rented the premises and manufactured yarn, putting the weaving out among the farmers wives and daughters. In 1848, the mill was burned. The present factory was immediately built. It is 32 feet wide, 79 feet long, with basement, two stories 8 58 HISTORY OF HOPKINTOX. and attic. This mill was rented by Messrs. Aslier Bal)cock and Welcome Stillman, who filled it with machinery and manufactured woolen goods. At Laureldale there is another mill for the manufac- turing of woolen or cotton goods. This mill stands on the east side of the river. Directly oj>posite, on the west bank of the river, stand the extensive line works of II. L. Cran- dall & Co. The manufacture of lines was commenced in 1827, by Mr. Lester Crandall, one of tlic lionored citizens of this town, well known as an enterprising business man ; also a temperance, anti-slavery and Chnstian man. He died February 1st, 1876. Hope Valley. — As early, if not earlier than 1778, Hope Valley was settled by one Hezekiah Carpenter. He became the proprietor of that section of land. Mr. Carpenter built the first dam on that stream of water near where the present one now is, and erected works at that place known for years by the name of Carpenters Mills or Middle Iron AYorks. His establishment consisted of a saw mill, grist mill, fulling mill, and carding machine. He lived on what is called the Ray farm lying in a westerly direction from the village. In 1778, Carpenter gave to his daughter and her husband Par- don Crandall, the tract of land now occupied by the village ot Hope Valley and a portion of the village of Locustville. Durinof the same vear Mr. Crandall built the house now owned by the heirs of widow Sarah Arnold. In 1810, there were but two houses in this village. In that year John Godfrey, Godfrey Arnold, Gorton W. Arn- old and others purchased the larger portion of this tract, to- gether with the mills, and in the following 3^ear built the third house there, which is known as the '' big house." In 1812 they built the Arnold mill on the Richmond side of the river from lumber sawed at their mill. The machin- ery of the Crandall mill, on the Hopkinton side of the niSTOUY OF UOPKINTOX. 59 river, was made from iron laaiiiifactured at Brand's Iron Works. Tlic water privilen'e and mill upon the llopkinton side after eliani^ing hands several times^ in Mareh 1824 heeame tlu' property of Captain Gardner Nichols and Russell Thayer. Tlie mill at this time was seventy feet long, sixteen \'vi'i wide, and two stories high. ^fr. Thayer engaged in card- xmr wool and fnlling and finishing cloth, quite an extensive and lucrative business at that time. Captain Nichols com- incnced making tools for the manuiacture of woolen machin- tiv. Here was the commencement of that establishment wliich lias been enlarged to that extensive building known as the machine shop of Nichols &: Langworthy, the pride and ornamcJit of the village. In 1824 there were but six houses in the })lace. It is but due to Mr. Gardner Nichols who is now among the oldest inhabitants of the town, that we ex- press our appreciation of his mechanical genius as well as rhat of his copartners, and the firm's untiring industry and jtnulential management of their business by which they have secured success. It should be added that in the tower that lises from the top of this building is suspended a belief such sweet and fine intonation that the ear is charmed with its music whenever it is rung. In connection with this bell there is a clock of such nice adjustment that it varies not a second in its measurement of time. The first looms ever built in this town (six in number) were commenced in the spring of 1826, and completed the same year by Captain Nichols, for William A. & Edward Robinson of Wakefield, and this was the first order for machinery that the firm re- ceived. In 1835, ^Ir. Thayer sold out to Josiah W. & Joseph Langw^orthy and the firm of Nichols & Langworthy (machinists) was formed. In 1837, Nichols & Langworthy built the stone mill 70^x35 and two stories high. The up- per storv was rented to Messrs. John Olney & J. P. Arnold 60 HISTORY OF IIOPKIXTOX. for the manufacture of cotton cloth, and the lower story was used for a machine shop. The firm of Nichols & Langwortliy continued the manufacture of cotton and woolen machinery until ahout the year 18.33, when they engaged in the manufac- ture of printing presses. In 1869, they completed thelrpres- ent brick shop, :240x6-5 feet, with wing 40x00, which they tilled with new and improved tools and machinery. During this same year they commenced the building of steam en- gines and boilers, in which they have been very successful. The number of hands employed in this establishment, when in full operation, is 150. In ^lay, 1870, the firm completed and shipped two steam yachts, one for the Centennial exlii- bition and the other for excursions on Saratoo-a Lake. The dimensions of these yachts were o:2xSx32^. Capt. Gardner Nichols, the senior member and founder of the firm in 1835, was eiglity-one years old the 19th of March, 1876, and still continues a member of the firm, having filled that position for a period of forty-one years. To-day, he stands before us as one of the most aged business men in the town, with a character and reputation unblemished, unspotted and un- sullied ; and though somewhat weakened by the intirmity of years, he is a welcome and joyful participant in this Cen- tennial c elebration . Right here, as well as elsewhere, it may be well briefly to notice biographicalh' Welthan Godfrey, the widow of John Godfrey. She was one of the early proj)rietors of the vil- lage of Hope Valley, and is still a resident of the same, havino" resided there about seventv vears. She was born in Warwick, June 1781, and came to Hope Valley with her husband and children in the winter of 1810. She has always kept house, did her own work, and is in the enjoy- ment of ffood health. Few such instances of lono*evitv will celebrate this Centennary anniversary. Mrs. Welthan (Jod- frey is the oldest person (with one exception, Burdick Ken- HISTORY OF nOPKIXTOX. 61 yon at Ashvillc, who is 9G) m the town, she being 9-3 this passing June, Id connection with tins hiographv. it n»ay l>e well to men- iio]i ail iuciih'ut in the life of the late Jedediah Kenyon. aiiotlier of our aged townsmen, who has just passed away from amoug us, and become a deni/cn (»f that city whose inhabitants never sicken or die but ever live in immortal youth. Mr. Kenyon said that w lieu he was a boy he used to come from his fatiier's (wh<» lived where ^Ir. Thomas Wright now resides) down to Car]»enter's mill, through the woods, by means of marked trees, there ])eing no roads. ^V('1I might such pioneers, when in their old age they take their de}>artnre from such scenes of progress and growth as they have witnessed and nideout the year 1820 the Providence and Xew London Turnpike was com})lete(l. It ran directly through the vil- lages of L;)Custvillo and Brand's Iron Works, now Wyoming connectino- New London and Providence bv a direct stao-e route which was the ffreat thorouo'hfare of travel between those places and further east to Boston. Many of the pres- 'ent inhabitants can well remember when the stages thundered along the road, rolling up clonds of dust, at the rapid rate of three to four miles an hour. A Inxnrions mode of travel- ing that but fe\v except the wealthy could indnlge in. Xovember 1st, 1866, a new era was commenced in the historv of this villas^e and this town. ^Mr. L. W. A. Cole started a Printing Press. January 6th, 1876 the Wood River Advertiser, the first newspaper published in the town, was issued by ]\Ir. Cole. July 1st, 1874, the first reg- ular train commenced runnino- over the Wood River Branch Railroad, since which time the steam whistle is heard several times daily announcing the departure and arrival of the 62 HISTORY OF HOI'KIXTOX. trains. As early probably as the yoar 1803-4 the maiiufac- ture of iron at the upper or Brand's Iron Works also at the Middle Iron Works and also at ihc Lower Iron Works was somewhat extensively earned on and continued for quite a iiurnher of years more or less profita))le to the )iiannfaeturers. A)>ont the year 1818 Joshua Godfrey built a tannery on the lot now occupied l>y the Ivaihoad Depot where tannerin*^ and currying' was first earned on by James Hazard. In 1832 Nathan F. Chipnian moved inti^ this vicinity and forming- a copartnership with Arnold Iliscox connnenced the ukuiu- facture of leather at tlx' above named place. After a few years this company dissolved. Soon after^ Mr. (^hipman purchased a spot of land adjoining- the })resent sash and hlind factory now owned by Benjamin P. Langworthy, on which was a buildim^ and also a water power and privilege. On this site he built a tannery where he carried on an exten- sive manufacture of leather until 1860^ Avhen^ on aci-ount of a paralytic affection, he was obliged to discontinue the busi- ness. His decease took place in 1872. In passing, it is hut just to say, as a tribute of respect to the inemory of ACr. Chipman, that he enjoyed tlie confidence of the com- munitv as a man of husiness. The tanning and currviug business was continued by his son Nathan T. Chipman, until 1873, when it was discontinued altogether in the town. For several years this establishment was the only tannery in oix'iation in this iState, outside of Providence. LocusTViLLE. — The first dam and mill at this place was built in the year 1814, on Brushy Brook, by Gorton W. iVrnold, and was superintended by John Batcheler This mill, which was very small at first, was enlarged about the year 1820, by Jonathan Hazard. In 1844 or '45, it was burned down, being then owned by the heirs of Charles Low, of Providence. It was soon replaced by a larger mill, which was destroyed by fire in October, 1865. In 1806, a HISTORY OF HOPKIXTOX. 63 liirire and commodious Inick building was erected l)v Messrs. William R, Greene & Co., and is now operated by that firm. The first mill was used lV»r tiie manufacture of woolen ami the others for cotton i^oods. BAunERViLLE. — Prior t(« the year 1829, Lillibridge Bar- ber gave to his i^randson, Joseph T. Barber, a tract of land near the center of which, in 1829, Joseph T. Barber built a dam and saw mill, and thus commenced the village of Bar- biTvillc. This mill was enlarged at different times and at length was c<»n verted into a carnage factory. Somewhere abitut the year 1831 or '35, Edw. and Thos. T. Barber built the first top carriage made in the town. In 1840, the riian- ufacture of C(»tton yarn was commenced here. The original mill was built in the pine woods, nearly half a mile from «*leared land, and the story is told that Joseph Barber once <'ut a favorite pine tree belonging to his grandfather without his consent, which so aroused the wrath of the old gentle- man that in a voice of thunder he said: ^' If Joseph wants pine trees he shall have them;" and immediately inflicted a. Hnm\aavy2)u >iishmefif hy deeding to him the whole tract. In 1856, Messrs. John T. Sheldon & Co. purchased Barber- ville, madi extensive repairs and continued the manufacture of cotton goods until the 30th of August, 1869, when the mill, while in full operation, was burned. Bkaxds Ikon Works. — In 1845, Mr. Pardon Olney erected a mill at Brand's Iron AYorks, now known as Wyom- ino-. This mill was first used for the manufiicture of shin- gles. It was subsequently enlarged and converted into a cotton mill. In December, 1875, it was burned and has not been rebuilt. RocKViLLE. — The manufacturing interests of Rockville are largely dependent on water power to run their machinery. The water is furnished principally by two ponds, known as Yahorouofe, Yowofooof, or Yow<:»"hofhouo-h (neither mav be the 64 iir.sToiiv OF jioriviXTo.v, correct orthoo^iupliy. or eitLer may be) and AViiiehook ; the latter receiving tbe water of the former^ uinl altH) that of ^Tras^y pond. The water ol" (Jra^i^y pond is^ carried hy a condnit^ turning it IVoin its }iat?iral cliannel, into Yaligonge, Further back than tlic ineioory <>i' the oldest inhabitant rnn- eth, there wan a haw mil] at the dutU't of Vaii,i;"onge pond, but the fall in now used for a reservoir for tlie accomnioda- tion of tlie liockviUe ^Manufacturing ronipany; and tlie rock has been channe]ewer than the natinal drauglit, wliih* tlie dam has Iteen raised higher, thu^ making a valualile ntorage of water against a dry season. Antedating any known records, millf^ for a variety of uses were erected near the outlet of Winch- ook ]>ond. Among them were two saw mills, a grist mill, an oil null and shingle mill, and a carding and fulling mill. The last was owned by Elisha. father of Harris Lanphear, The oil mill was btirned more than sixty years ago. Below the oil mill, and nearly in front of the jjresent hoarding house, wa8 a factory built by a stock eompany, and first inn by Lewis, father of Klijah Kenyon, Mr. K. manufac- tured f*atinettt^, carded wool and dressed cloth, as custom Svork for the surrounding inhabitants. In the lower room of his factory, O, 31. Htillman manufactured his celebrated temples and other macdiinery. The factory changed owners on several oeeasions and was run at times on hire. Among the owners were Ihnlingaim & Cross, Ezra Stillman and Asahel Lanphear. The latter was the inventor of the king spinner, while living in Uockville. Oliver AVells subse- ([uently purchased the factory and during his ownership it Was burned. Th<' u))per stone factory was commenced in 1844 and was opened for spinning in August 184'5. fbniug the following autumn thirty-two looms were put in and lun. T'he Aveave shop was l)uilt in ISol for a dye house and beaming room l»ut was subsequently clianged to a weave HISTORY OF HOPKIXTOX. 65 lollop and dressing room. In the second story there are now ninety-six looms, and in tlie lower story are two sets of dres- sing- apparatus and otljer macliinery. Tlie bnilder of the cditice was Henry Champlin, of Westerly. In 184G, a cliurch was built a shoit distance north of the village, on the east side of the road leading to Exeter, hut in 1868 it was moved on to its present location east of the village. Cextkkvillk. — In 1846, T. T. & K. Barber erected a l)nilding, 84x24 feet and three stories high. Tlie building- was subsecpiently sold to James C. liaker and Alanson Bar- l)er who stocked it with machinery. After the building of the mill, a road was opened eastward, now crossing the pond 1vin<>' on either side of it. That factorv was struck bv lightning and bm'ned. The })resent factory was begun in J 86-3 by (\ ^laxson & Co., Harris Lanjihear and Alva A. Crandall ; but before it was completed, it was })urchased l»y the Rockville Manufacturing Company, and is still run by the company, operating sixty-eight looms. ^Moscow. — 'i'he factory here was built by Wm. L. Rich- mond in 1847. After changing owners several times, it was ])urchased by T. R. Wells, of Ashaway. In August 1876, it was set on fire by an incendiary and entirely consumed. Bankixo, — The first V)ank chartered in Hopkinton was at Ashaway in 1855. By request, the present cashier, Mr. ( reorge X. Langworthy, has kindly furnished the following relative to the Asliaivay Bank. — Early in the summer of 1855, the pro- [>osition to organize a bank in the village of Ashaway, was set afoot, and on June 25th, 1855, there \\as a meeting called in the counting room of T. R. Wells & Co. Jona- than R. Wells was elected President, and Jonathan L. Spencer engaged as Cashier, with instsuctions to be ready for business, July 9, 1855. In the latter part of November the bank building was completed. The first dividend of 9 66 HISTORY OF HOPKIXTOX. $2 per share was declared payable on and after the first day of Angust, 1856. On Jnly 9, 1860, ^Ir. 8pencer tendered his resia'iiation as Cashier and Nathan K. Lewis was elected in his stead. On the 8th of December, 1864, the President, J, It. AVells, was removed l>y death, and at the meeting oi' the Directors, held Decenil)er 19, 1864, Mr. John S. Champ- lin was elected President, which office he now occupies. In JMarch 1865, steps were taken for the conversion of the bank into the national svstem, and the final transfer of its property and estate was ordered August 7, 1865. Mr. N. K. Lewis continued his duties as Cashier until July 26, 1869, when, having tendered his resignation as Cashier, it was accepted. George X. Langworthy was elected Cashier on tlie 27tli of September, 1869, which office he still holds, Hopiyuifon Sarirtr/s Banli. — This bank was organized on the 5tli of July in 1870, The deposits, as per report of 1876, amounted to §239,909.59 collectively. First National Bank of Hopkinton. — The following, by request, is from Mr, J. B, Potter, the Cashier of this insti- tution : This bank was organized February 13, 1865 ; Direc- tors : Amos C4, Nichols, David L. Aldrich, Thomas T. Hoxsie, Edward Barber, Pardon K. Tefft, Samuel Phillips. George H. Olney, AVilliam K. Greene and Barber Keynolds. Amos G. Nichols was elected President ; William R. Greene Vice President ; and Joseph B. Potter Cashier. It com- menced the regular business of banking May 2d, 1865; capital stock §100,000. It has paid the stockholders, up to July 1st, 1876, 899,500 in dividends, and has a surplus of S12,512.35, . Amos G. Nichols has held the office of Presi- dent from the beo'inninof, William R, Greene held the office of Vice President until May 17, 1875, when he resigned, and Anson Greene was elected, and still holds the office, Joseph B. Potter has been Cashier from the first organiza- tion until now. Since the bank started, burglars have, at HISTORY OF HOrKIXTOX. 67 three aiik in the niii'ht time, luit without vsuccess. I'kopeuty A'aluatiox. — The following is from an old account book : Total valuation of })roperty in the town^ in 179;3, .S20S,319. Pos'i' < )fki('j:. — The subjoined h*ttei- is self-explanatory: Post Office Department, A P P O I X T M E X T OFFICE, Washixgtox, D. C, Dec. 9, 187G. S. S. Giiswolcl, Ilopkinton, Washington County, R. I. Sir: T am in receipt of your late letter, desiring to be lurnished Avitli a l)rief liistory of the post offices in your township, and in compliance with your rerpiest, 1 append herewith such information as can conveniently be o1)tained. The f^re^vhicll consumed the post office Iniilding in Decem- ber, 183G, entindy destroyed several of the earliest record l)Ooks of this office, but, )>y the ledger books of the Audi- tly during tlie spring of 1811, as the postnuister must have done some ])0stal business prior to making his (piarterly returns. The IVdlowing comprises a history of each office, as found on tlie books of the department, to wit : Hopliiiiton, AVashington County, R. T. Office probably establislied in the winter or spring of 1811. Jeremiah Thurston (first postmaster) rendered accounts 1st July, 1811. (leorge Thurston. . .Appointed postmaster 30tli June, 1814 (leorge Thurston, Jr. '' '' 7tli April, 1819 Francis B. Segar... '' '^ 12tli Feb., 1828 Joseph Spear, Jr " '' 14th Aug., 1829 Jesse Brown " '^ ' 21st June, 1841 68 HISTORY OF HOPKINTOX. Joseph Spicer Appointed postmaster, 23rd Sept., 185 1 Jesse Brown ^^ '^ 12th Dec, 1849 Henry Whipple " " 28th May, 1850 John ^y. Foster '' " 14th Oct., 1857 Wilkrd H. Brown.. '' " 13th June, 1873 who is the present incumbent. Asliawcuj, Washington County, R. I. Office established on the 26th of April, 1852. Lyman Kenyon Appointed postmaster 26th April, 1852 Isaac Cundall " " 14th Dec, 1852 Oliver B. Irish '' '' 27th July, 1861 George B. Carpenter. ^' " 18th Jan., 1866 Miss Josephine Austin " " 5th Dec, 1872 Alfred B. Burdick, 2d " '' 14th April, 1873 Miss Sarah F. Blake '' " 21st March, 1874 who is the present incumbent. HojJe Valley, A\^ashington County, R. I. Office established on the 2nd of May, 1864. John G. Arnold- .- -Appointed postmaster 2nd May, 1864 who is the present incumbent. Bockvllle, AVashington County, R. I. Office established on the 15th of February, 1849. Hiram Arnold Appointed postmaster 15th Feb., 1849 Perry B. Maxson. . . '' " 3d June, 1852 Jonathan L. Spencer ^^ " 8th Jan., 1855 Benjamin Kenyon .. . '^ " 16th Nov., 1861 Albert S. Babcock.. '' '' 19th May, 1874 who is the present incumbent. WoodviUe, Washington County, R. I. Office established on the 13th of December, 1853. Jonathan T. Hoxie.. Appointed postmaster 13th Dec, 1853 John W. Hoxie '' " 28th June, 1854 HISTORY OF HOPKIXTOX. 69 Asaliel X. Ken von . . Appointed postmaster, 25tli Sept., 1856 William C. Stanton. '' " 13tli March, 1862 William C. Palmer. " " 20tli Oct., 1864 Sanders Sisson ^^ '^ loth Jan., 1868 Joseph F. Baggs '' " 16th Nov., 1874 who is the present incumbent. The foregoing lists are believed to \)e correct, and each postmaster held the office up to the appointment of his successor. I am, sir, respectfully vour ob't serv't, James H. Mark, Actinir y'n-^t Ass't P. M. Gejieral. SECTION 9. ECCLESIASTICAL. CliritcH ►SoriETiKs. — 8al>l»;itariaii S(>iitimeiits wav first Lrouo-lit from Kng'land to tliis coiiiUry by Stcplicii Mnni- Ibrd, ill 1()()4, uiid intiodnccd to tlic First Baptist Clnnvli, ill Newport, from wliicli the HabbatariuiiH seceded and in 1671 organiz/cd tlie Urst Habhatarian clinrch in .Vnierica. A few ineniber!^ from tliiei cLnreb reinoved to Westerly aii(] tlierc org'anized a cbtindi, the first in tlie town. The organ- ization was foniH'fl u hell the town numbered but .>80 inhab- itants in I'/OS, under Jlev. John Maxson, Senior, as Pastor, 'iMiis church still exists as flic first Hojikinton Seventh Day P>aiJtist cliurch. AVith tlie settlement of Mnnrpiamacutt, a braucli of the Newport 8. 1). 1). clmrch was there established, with John Crandall, a '^Conservator (»f the Peace" as preaclier and ehler. In 1708, this braindi, which had been planted in the wilderness, became a church of itself, and was known as the "Westerly Church.'" At the date of the incorporation of the twwn of Hopkinton, Mai'ch 11, 1757, it was the only church in the town and its membership embraced a majority of the residents of the new town. It then l)ecame known as "the Church of iropkinton and places adjacent." At this time a large portion of the menil)ership were residents of Westerly and other towns. Later it becanu^ known as tlie "S. 1). B. Clmrch of Hopkinton," and when other chui-ches HISTOKY OF HOPKINTUX, 'J'l i-anic to be organized from it, in tlie same town, it reeeivevl its present name. Present membersliip of tlie cluurli. 394. The Second Seventh Day P>aptist Chiurli was coustitiitcd January 7tlu 1^3-"), l.y Ehler Mattliew Stillman. Then- were fortv-six hretliren and sisters who entered into coven- ant relations, Jnlv 24, 183.>. the Tliird v^eventh Day r.ai)tist Church of Hoplvinton was organi/ed at Rockvilh'. January 19th, 1843, a Seventh Day T.aptist Churcli was orii'.anized at Woodville. 'IMie First Baj)tist elinreh of llopkinton was or^-anized on the 2()th day of October, 1834, with twenty-three members. Previous to that year there was no sucli distinct cliurch or- ganization in Hopkinton City. A Second First Day Baptist church was constituted at Looistville December 21st, 1841, with eighteen members, mostly from the First liaptist church located at Hopkinton City.' The First Second Advent Church of Hopkinton ^\as or- o-anized in the Autumn of 186G, with a membershii) of seven which was soon increased to twenty. The ])resent mend)er- ship is about forty. The First Metliodist Episcopal Clnu'ch was organized in 184-3. Less than a mile west from Hopkinton City there are two Friends meeting houses. Previous to the visit of Joseph John Gurney, of England, to this country, the no\\- two societies of Friends were united in one congregation, hold- in o- their meeting's in the house now the most westerly. At this time the society divided, one party under the leadership of John Wilbur, a prominent minister of their denomina- tion and an honored and worthy citizen of our town. The other party were called Gurneyites. This society seems to be in a flourishinii- condition. 12 HISTORY OF HOPKINTOX. Public Schools. — The following is from tlie report of the Superintendent of schools in Hopkinton^ l)repared for the Centennial exhibition: ^' The cause of education received the early support of the first settlers of Hopkinton j audit may be appropriate to consider briefly the development of this cause from its beginnings up to its culmination in the present system of our Common Schools. Educational Facilities hcforc Establishutent of Public Schools. — The facilities for education before the establish- ment of public schools were few. At iirst private schools were kept in unoccupied rooms of dwelling houses, accom- modated with rude fixtures, not the most convenient. With- in tlie bare walls of these cold but well ventilated school- rooms were gathered the children, the youth, and the full- <>Town vouno' men and women, with their Testaments, Dil- worth's Spelling Book and Arithmetic, Murray's Third Part, slate and pencil, and two sheets of foolscap, goose quill, and ink bottle. Tu the midst of these groups of rustic scholars stood the schoolmaster, ferrule in hand, ready to rule their writing paper, or spat the hand of tlie disobedient. The three sciences commencing with an 'R,' 'Veadin, ritin, and rithmetic,' constituted their curriculum of study. Yet, with all these disadvantages, many obtained a good practi- cal education. To read the Testament, to write a fair, large hand, to cast ' interest,' and to ' cipher as far as the Rule of Three ' in Daboll's Arithmetic, was the ' ultima thule ' of scholarship in those days. Such were the facilities, and such Avas the result, prior to the appropiiation by the State of money for Public Schools. And yet mau}^ still believe, that under that system of dis- advantages more practical beneflt was gained than under the present. Most children went to school then to leani ; and as they had to i)ay their tuition, that became a strong L HISTORY OF HOPKINTOX. 73 incentive to improve their time to tlie best advantage. And nuist it not be confessed that, when the facilities of those days are compared Mith those of the present, the verdict will be more favorable to the former than to tlie latter ? Theji tlie cost of scliooling enhanced its valne, and forbade the idling of time ; while now the very opposite seems to pre- vail. Then only the substantials of education were taught, wliik^ now the substantials often give place for the mere ornamental. Then the stern rui»"ii-edness of New En^'land, that re(piired indomitable toil and untiring perseverance, was well cah'ulated to grow men and women, even from such a soil, wliik' the easy circumstances of to-day tend to efFemin- acy and indolence. ►Such were the eriation from the State of only -8329.80, and with such incipient aiTangenients as were necessarily subject to great future cliangCvS, which has now expanded into s.ich large proportions, that the State now ai)}tropriates annually more than $1,500, while the town raises an ecpial amount for the sam.' purpose, ami the Dis- tiicts raise, in addition to the above amounts from the State and town, annually from $2,000 to $3,000. Justice demands tliat a tribute of respect be i)aid to tliose honorable and honored names, who composed the first Scliool Committee, anf the gospel ministry ; that of Christopher C. Lewis, as the hontu'ed Town Clerk for over forty years ; th;it of Jesse Brown, as a worthy citi- zen, magistrate, and postmaster ; that of George H. Perry as a skillful physician, and worthy deacon of tlie Seventh- day Baptist Churcli in Ilopkinton City. The otlier members of tliat honorable School Committee, though not as publicly known, expressed the wise selection of the town in their appointment to that important office ; while every teacher of the present day will sympathize with those jiioneer school masters who first passed tlie fiery ordeal of examination unscathed and unscorched. Tlicu' Groaih and Lupvovcment. — The development of tlie school system toward a more perfect system was slow. Like all progress in human arrangements, it has required a semi-centennial season to perfect the germ into blossoms and fruit. The distance between the blade, the ear, and the full corn in the ear, is oftener measured by centuries than by years. But though of slow growth, our public schools have nuide progress in the right direction. The rough and rude houses, with slab seats, diminutive windows, and yawning 76 HISTOKY OF HOPKIXTOX, fireplaces, have given way to elegant edifices, suiTonnded with beautiful and ample play grounds, and internally con- veniently and tastefully seated with chairs and desks, and walls decorated with maps, charts, and ornamental pictures, and presiding over all is the teacher rather than the school- master. Their Present Condition. — The present condition of our Public Schools is most promising. With some three or fouj- exceptions, the school hosues are large, commodious, and well arranged inside, with modern improvements, surrounded without with ample playgrounds. The curriculum of study is enlarged, and the methods and manner of teaching greatly improved. Teachers of more enlarged and thorough educa- tion ard now employed. The graded schools are attaining a deserved reputation for good order, mild but firm discipline, thoroughness in class recitations. Corporal punishment is seldom resorted to ] and those schools which ha\e entirely dispensed with it, rank highest for good order and behavior of the pupils. The important position our Public Schools occupy, and their relation to the best interests of community, are being better understood and appreciated. The curriculum of study is becoming more comprehensive, and the examination (4" teachers now embraces a most thorough series of written questions upon nearly all branches of an academic course ; while school officers are made to feel the responsibility of their duties. It is not too much to say, that our schools are taking high rank among the public schools of the State. And while there is a spirit of conservatism among us, that may retard for a while, yet the public sentiment of a large majority is towards the highest possible attainment, the nearest approximation towards the perfect. The Subject of Sapervision. — Schools, like every other organization, need to be supervised; and few more responsi- HISTORY OF HOPKIXTOX. 77 Me rarv well furnished with the nuist improved standar, Prof. Alorton resigned his position, and was succeeded by Prof. H. C. Coon. In 1864, Prof. Coon and his accomplished ^ife resigne to an inevitabh' fate. Yet the school has done a nol)le work, and many of its students have taken hioflier and better stations iu life, and becoiuL' more useful, for its having been. Among those who have become somewhat noted, may be mentioned the name of Julia Crouch, author and public lecturer, and others, who perhaps are equally deserving of an honorable mention. But the days of Academies are ended, and Graded Schools have l»een born. In 1873, Districts No. 2 and 4 of Ho[»- kint(ui, and 8 of Westerly, resolved themselves into a Joint School District, for the purpose <»f establishing a Graded School, and the stockholders of Hopkintnn Academy gen- erously denoted their interest in it t(» said Joint District, for the above purpose. And in the Fall of 1873, was opened a Graded School in this Joint District, under the instruction of Prof, S. S. Scammel as Principal, and Miss Sarah E. Chester in the Intermediate Department, and Miss Emma E. Kenyon in the Primary Department. This Graded School now (1876) under the instructions of J A. Estee, his accomi»lislied wife, and Miss Emnui E. Kenyon, has attained a high reputation for good order and class recita- tions. Its future is full of promise. In this connection is deserving of mention the Graded School at Hope Valley. This school also has attained a deservedly high rank. Under its present corps of teachers, Prof. E. F. Lanphear as Principal, and Mrs. Joanna Dock- rey in the Intermediate, and Miss Hattie E. Frisbie in the Primary Department, this school is taking a high position. Its future also is full of promise. At Rockvile, there is a school of two o-rades. The Hiodier Department is under the instruction of Miss Sarah A. Hoxsie, and the Primary under the care of Miss Lillian Grav This school has onlv been o-raded for the last term, 80 HISTORY OF hopki:nto:n'. and therefore has not had tlie opportunity of time as yet which the other graded schools have had. It however affords sufficient evidence of the utility of the arrano^ements. The other schools, being- schools of only one grade, give proof that the cause of education in our public schools is making progress in the right direction. In conclusion, the cause of education, and especially as it stands connected ^vitli our Public Schools, is advancing. And the citizens of Hoi)kinton may congratulate themselves that its Common Schools will rank not inferior to others of this State, at the Centennial Exhi))ition. S. S. GRISWOLI), Supt. of Pnblk Schools. HoPKiXTOX, March, 1876." SECTION 10. SECRET SOCIETIES. Thp:se ixsTiTUTroNs seem to have enjoyed a prosperous existence, and it is to he jiresiimed they haA'e exerted a beneficial influence on the community as well as on their several memberships. MECHANICS LODGE, No. 14, I. (). (). F.-This lodgc was insti- tuted July 12, 1849, in the adjoining town of Richmond. In July, 1859, its location was removed to this town. In 1874, this lodge built a commodious, snbvStantial building in the village of Hope Valley, which is an ornament to that portion of the town and an evidence of the energj^ and zeal of its members. The low er part of the building is occupied for stores. The upper part, by a large and elegant liall, most tastefully and beautifully finished and furnished for the use of the lodge. This lodge has had a live working mem- l)ersliip for more than a quarter of a century and may now fairly be regarded as one of our permanent institutions. Its present membership is about eighty. NiANTic ENCAMPMENT, No. 7, I. O. o. F.-Was instituted March 22, 1869, in the village of Hope Valley. Present membership, twenty. 11 82 HISTOKT OF HOPKINTOX. CHARlTYLODGENo. 33, A. F. & A. M.— Was instituted at the village of Looustville, November 27, 1865, and now nuni - bers eifflitv-nine members. FRANKLIN ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER— Was instituted at Hoi)e Valley on the 10th day of March 1868, with twenty charter members. Present membership forty-nine. ROGER WILLIAMS LODGE, No. 2, 1. O. G. T.-Was instituted at Ashaway March 10, 1866, and for more than ten years has liad an average membership of about sixty. It now has seventy-one members and is doing good work in inducing our youth to take the pledge of total abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages. HOPE LODGE, No. 9, 1. O. G. T.— AVas instituted Xov. 19, 1866, in the village of Locustville, with forty-four charter miMu- bers, half of whom were ladies. Since its institution it has lield weekly meetings for the advancement of its main object, viz : temperance. Its present membership is sixty- five. HOWARD TEMPLE OF HONOR, No. 31-Of Ashaway, was in- stituted January 15, 1874, and now, after an existence of two and a half years has sixty -five members, more than two- thirds of whom were formerly addicted to the use of strong drink. These men are now staunch temperance members, whose influence is in favor of temperance and sobriety. Connected with this temple is a Social Temple, in wliicli ladies as well as gentlemen are admitted to membership. It has thirtv-four meml>ers. SECTION 11. BIOGRAPHICAL. The Bahcock's. — Among the woitliy inhabitants of the town, and one tliat deserves honorable mention, was Daniel Habcock. He was the son of Oliver, of Xortli 8tonino-ton, ("onn., and was born in that town August 31st, 1762. His father died when he was nine years of age and lie was left to the care of his eldest l)rother, Joshua. At the age of fourteen, a eentury ago this Centennial year, he was appren- ticed for seven years, then the shortest time allowed for that i)urpose, to Elder, also called Dr. Henry Clarke, then operating Ferry's Iron 'Works, now "Woodville. During his apprenticeship, the war of the revolution broke out, and at the age of fourteen he enlisted as a recruit to serve when wanted. When Fort Griswold, in Groton, was beseiged, ^l\. Babcock and his company started to assist the garrison, but on amv- ing at Mystic, and having been told that the garrison had, after a dreadful slaughter, suiTendered, he and his comrades "wept like children" at not being a))le to render assistance. And who could have refrained from weeping and shedding tears of holy indignation at the merciless cruelty inflicted on those noble martyrs to liberty. Not being further called into active service, he returned and served out his appren- 84 HISTORY OF HOPKINTOX. ticeship. At the age of nineteen, he commenced a Chris- tian life and connected himself with the First Sev^enth Day Baptist Church, in Hopkinton. When in his twenty-second year, he courted and married Constant I*otter, daughter of Georo-e, of Potter Hill. Early in 1784, he established a shop where the Potter Hill stone mill now stands. Here he worked at his trade for about five years, living in the house now^ occupied by Gen. William Potter. In 1790, he bought the 'Tolly'' Thomas Wells place 5 the red house corner, Avhere now is the residence of Horace Crandall, and moved there. In 1793, he hired Spaulding's Iron Works, and operated them about two years. In 1795, he returned to his home in Hopkinton and worked his farm in connection with his trade. In that red house on the corner, known as Bab- cock's corner, he continued to reside until his death in Sep- tember, 1846, aged eighty-four years. Few mem are better remembered than Daniel Babcock, and few, if any, deserves more honoraT)le mention as a manly citizen and a Christian. He served his veneration faithfullv. For manv years he filled the most important offices, conferred upon him by the gift of the people ; all of which duties he performed con- scientiously and to the satisfaction of his constituency. For more than sixty years he served as deacon. His life was one continual round of service to the people, and his house, like his heart, open to all ; a home for the friendless, a refuge for the outcast and weary. His fireside and table were a cheerful welcome to the traveler. His industry, genius, wisdom and integrity lived as a noble example to all who knew him. Being an officer when Thomas Mound, the last man hung in this county if not in this State, was arrested, he confined him in a room in liis house during a part of the trial, and until he was taken to '^ Little Rest." The room in which Mound was confined was ever after called the 'Mail." Mr. Babcock was the father of HISTORY OF HOPKIXTOX. 85 Daniel, Jr Born December 1(3, 1784 Beti^ey '* 1786 or 1787 Jacob D " Jauuary 20, 1780 Nancy '' May 9, 1791 George F " 179.3 Jacob D. Babcock was born Jannary 20th 1789. l)urini>' his chihlhood and early manhood, he was in poor healtli and not able to do mnch mannal labor, bnt was occnpied in school and mnsic teachinij from his sixteenth vear until he became of age in 1810, when he went to learn a trade, for four years, at Coventry, as machinist. In 1812, (u- in about two years from commencing his trade, he went to Massachu- setts to set ap some machines made at the Coventry shop. There he fell in with a Mr. Pert, who engaged him to go to Schenectady, X. Y. then called ^'away west", and estab- lish a shop for the manufacture of machinery. Shortly after establishing there, the war of 1812 broke out and business ])econiing very poor he enlisted in Capt. Harding's com})any, ^^to go when called," but was never called into the field. He remained at Schenectady until 1820, meanwhile conduct- ing his affairs as the depression of the times would admit. He made accpiaintance with the prominent men of the town and vicinity, among whom was the venerable Dr. Eliphalet Nott, President of Union College, who was a warm personal friend of his. He constructed the first town clock in the city, which remained in use on the old Dutch Reformed church until about 1860, when the old edifice fell before the march of improvement. In 1820, having built machinery for a cotton mill in Cornwall, Orange county, he went there to erect and start it and was induced to remain as superin- tendent of the mill. The mill was enlaro-ed to double its original capacity and was tolerably successful under his care. April 19, 1824, he was married to Elizabeth Almy, daughter of Capt. Peleg Almy, of Portsmouth of tins State, an HISTOPA' or HOPKIIVTOX, turned to Cornwall and remained till 1828 (Harriet E. born Mareli 2, 1826) when lie purchased lialf tlie property now called the Ashawav mill, and returned to liis native 8tate^ and in company with 3[r. Isaac Cundall commence(l custom carding'; also running a o-rist inill until 1831, when they divided the property, each taking one half. Soon after, he bought the property now called l^ethel^ and <-onverted it into a wo(den factory. Now comnienced a series of great trials. The temper- ance and anti-slavery movenients began to gain attention. In Boston and gome other ])laceK the subjects were being agitated, and societies ojiposed to the use of alc(di(dic drinks, and slavery, had been organized. Capt. Lester Crandall, and My. I. Cunda-11, both teetotallert*, suggested that an ad- dress be given upon the subject of temperance, by Kev. Phineas Crandall. This was like the throwing of a boml)- shell, and great excitement prevniled. .Mr. Jairus Crandall and Mr. Benjamin Totter, being at work in the wheel-pit of Mr. J. Ba))cock's mill, had a irai-tu discussion, standing up to their knees in ro/r/ water ; and but for the cw;//>// effects of the cold water, the discussion must liave burst into a Hanie. According to the luiiveisal practice oC the day, Mr. Bab- cock had furnished the "gvog," on the occasion of a W(n-king gatheriuiz-. At diuiii'r. just as ihey were taking an appetiz- ing horn, Jairus imjuired of Jacob : "What do you think of this new, temperance (piestion ?*' Jacob replied that it was a good notion and ought to go forward ; and that rum was a curse and evil.'' Jairus immediately said : " What sav you Jacob ? Let's go down and join.'' Jacol) replied that if he was serious in the proposal, and the sub- ject ought to be looked upon seriously, he would agree to do so. " AVhat say you, Ben ?" was the next inquiry. Ben, with his hand on the irlass of ruin that had been furnished Hisroiir OF HOPKiXTox. 87 him, replied, sam3\vliat liesitatiiiirly, "he'd afj^rei' to it.*' "Let's commence right here now," said Jacol), to Mhi( li Jainis assented; but Ben said: "Olil let's drink u[i what's in tlie decanter, first;" uhieh was agreed to with the understanding that they should never drink any more from tliat time. Thus was made, probably, the first tem})erance compact in that place, which soon took the name of ''IVunjK'rance "S'allev.'' The three worthies. Jacob l^abcock, Jairus (,'randall aneveraij-e : but all three were held by the mass of society as odd, stingv and fanatical, while they were often assailed for preaching heresies. But that commenced the temjieranee reform in this place. The three worthies had not passed light juda"- ment upon the evil, and they were not the men to turn back. A temperance speaker was engaged and a search was com- menced for a_place in which to give the lecture. The church doors were closed against the '^fanatics," as they were called. Acrimony and bitter vituperation was indulged in. Tax- payers objected to the school h«:/use being used for a, temper- ance lecture. To such a feeling was the excitement car- ried, that it was thought the church would act in a body against any of its members giving aid to the new move- ment. At last Mr. Cundall, of Quaker origin, opened his bouse for the lecture. Quite a number signed the pledge that evening. Among the number were Isaac Cundall, Lester Crandall, Maxson Johnson, Benjamin Potter, Jacob 88 HISTORY OF HOPKINTOX 1). Babcock and Jairus (,'raiulall. It is said that some were afraid of receiving' injury Avliile returning home from the meeting, and that inutterinirs, hootinofs, threats of rotten egg^;, tar and feathers^ ete.^ were heard from the crowd out- side^ and yet no violence was actually done^ hut those who attended the lecture were marked for the ridicule and jest of the neighborhood. The discussion took the form of a con- troversy and the talkers of the hand had to take the blows. ^Ir. Babcock, |xn'haps the principal talker of the number^ o-ifted with an easier How of words than the most of the others^ being a merchant, and his store the place where the news was summed up and compared during the evenings^ and at other leisure times, he fell into the discussicms the oftenest. Hence he became the ol)ject towards whom the opposite party. directeut solely to aid the cause. For, like all reformers, he stood far in ad- vance of the times. Yet, like every true reformer, he had faith that the great principles of human right and liberty would one day triumph. In 1S5G, he was a member of the State Republican convention under the first national call, and bv it was made chairman of the State's delegation to the First Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, June 17, 1856. He supported Fremont, after some hesitation, in the convention and at the polls But his principles can-ied this town though the victory came not. Hopkinton was the ban- ner town for "Fremont and Freedom." Then when in 1860, 12 90 HISTORY OF HOPKIXTOX. amid the mutterings of the oligarcliy, the people, convinced of the mighty power and gross wrong of slavery, and in spite of the threats from beyond i'Mason and Dixon's line triumphantly placed Lincoln in the way of the advance of that evil, he believed that victory w^as near, he said : ^'If I can only live to see slavery abolished, I shall feel as if I had not lived in vain." Of course, tlie question of union or disunion now was first, bi»t close behind that stood the slavery (piestion ; he claimed then that as the seceded States had staked their existence on that institution, by it the}^ should stand or fall, and his hope was that by some measure slavery could come to be in the way of conducting the war, so that its abolishment would become a necessity. When therefore Lincoln issued the emancipation proclamation he felt that in that instrument the great desire of his life had been accomplished, and his work done. On the memorable night of January 1st, 1863, a crowd assembled around the residence of Mr. Babcock to congratulate him in connection with the triumph that had ensued. Awakened, he arose, dressed hastily, and in response said : " Hear ye ! Hear 3'e ! Hear ye ! Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all the inhabitants thereof. Thou shalt loose the bonds of them that labor under the heavy bm'dens. Break every yoke and let the oppressed go forth. My jo}' is that I have lived to see the end of slavery. It is a surprise to me. I never until lately have expected to see it, and now I am almost amazed at the reality of it. I can leave the rest to you vounffer men." But he lived to ioin in the second victorv of the Republican party ; to mourn with one hundred mil- lions of people the death of the greatest president of the republic, and to see the final success of the union cause by the surrender at Appomattox. He died of apoplexy June 17, 1867, at the age of seventy-eight years, fully credited with the glory he won in the days when it was worth one's HISTORY OF HOrKIXTOX. 91 life to speak in favor of the reforms he fostered. His house liad loiio- been known as the home of eharitv and the gather- ing place of good men. Those who knew him will remem- ber him as a true man ; keen of appreciation, of fine sensi- bilities, of good judgement and of l)road intelligence, a friend of progress, a lover of republican institutions and a worthy son of his worthy father. Wells Family. — In a pamphlet written by Albert Wells, of Xew York, may be found the following history of the Wells family : The name of Welles was iirst obtained in Kno'land, durinc: the reign of William the Contpieror, who gave to one of his Knights the name of llichardus de Welles, whose business was to see that the King's household was supplied with bread. From this source was derived the name of Welles. The first mention made of the name in this country, was in the seven- teenth century. According to this historical record, the family of Wells trace their lineal descent from one Xathaniel Wells, a wealthy shipbuilder of London who left England to save his prop- erty from confiscation and himself from imprisonment on ac- count of his Puritanic opinions. From this ancestry we can trace the descendants of Thomas V. Wells and Edward AVells to the sixth generation. They purchased a tract of over 400 acres of land of the NaiTagansett Indians and made settlement in the wilderness which they called WellstQwn, situated about a mile from Bethel crossing over the Ashaway river, on the little bridge known as Wellstown bridge. There are many incidents connected with the various mem- l)ers of this farnilv. Amon"- them recorded is one of Mrs. Sylvia Wells, sister of Mr. Russell Wells, whose family had moved to Ohio. She returned to this country on horseback to visit her relatives, and as she was about to return to her home in Ohio, and wishing to carry back something as a 92 HISTORY OF HOPKIXTOX. memento of lier old. homestead, she selected the family look- ing glass, taking it with her oii horseback; snch a feat would be among the impossibilities of the present day. Another incident connected with this renowned family is worthy of record as showing the power of that tender passion which is so much the the main-spring of all human conduct. The females of this family, of that day, are said to l)e very beau- tiful, which may account for their having so many suitors. Mr. Thompson Wells had two daughters, named after his sisters, Sally and Lois. He built the house at Wellstown now owned and occupied by Mr. James Crandall. Sallv Wells was courted l)y Mr. Beriali Wells, of Lenox, Mass., a young man of splendid address and good manners. His attachment for her at first was very ardent and was fully reciprocated b}^ Sally. As time sped on, a year passed without his visiting her. Not hearing anything from him, she received a proposal from another lover, Mr. Linden Fuller, a teacher in the Paweatuck academy, from Wood- stock, Conn. The result of their short courtship was an en- casement of marriao'e, tho time was fixed for its solemniza- tion, and the wedding garments were prepared. After all this arrangement had been made, and the time drew near when they should be made one, who should make his ap- pearance in Wellstown but Beriah Wells, who had come down for the express purpose of renewing his engagement with his loving Sally, and taking her to Massachusetts, as Mrs. Beriali Wells. Here was a dilemma, Sally engaged to Fuller, wedding day near at hand, while the fact was, that she really loved Wells best; how was this matter to be settled f Sally's father consulted with his friends, and after much deliberation, it was thought best that these young men should be informed as to how matters and things stood ; and it was finally agreed among the several parties, that the ladv should meet the vouni:^ men with several witnesses, HISTORY OF H0PK1^'T0X. 93 and there decide wliicli slioiild have her for a wife. They met. Sheffiekl "Wells asked 'Sally, in the pressence of all, Mdiat her choice was. Without hesitation she replied: ^'Beriah AVells," he repeated the question three times, and she as many times answered as at the first. Mr. Fuller's appearance betrayed the deep ag'itation under which he was laboring in hearing her decision rendered ; and tradition says that he fainted, but his bearing towards her and all present was that of a nature which told well, that Linden Fuller was a true gentleman. After a short interval Mr. Beriah Wells came forward, and stated that, under all cir- cumstances he could not marry ]Miss Wells; he admitted that it was his fault in not visitino- or communicating witli her during the year that had passed, and as they had the time fixed for her marriage with Mr. Fuller, he feared the circumstances of the case would render his marriage with her an unhappy life for each of them. Here was a worse dilemma, Sallv's feeliniifs mav be better imagined than described. Fuller could not now feellike marrying her. So they all parted. Fuller at once dismissed his school at Pawca- tuck, and went to his home in Woodstock. Two weeks passed away, and Sally's father sent one of liis neighbors to Connecticut with instructions that he must not return with- out bringing Linden Fuller. The messenger obeyed the instructions, returning the next day. Mr. Wells spent a long time with him, and finally convinced him that it would be for his and his daughter's happiness, as well as that of the family, that they should be married. Beriah Wells was sent for. Upon his arrival, he consented at once that he and Lois, Sally's sister, should stand up with them at the wedding, and that very evening Linden and Sally were made one. The wedding passed off" finely, Fuller and Wells treating each other in the kindest manner. A few more weeks rolled away, and there was another 94 HISTORY OF nOFKlHTO'^. Aveddiiig at Wellstown. The same company assembled again, the only difference being in the fact that now Beiiah Wells was bridegroom and Lois the bride 5 Linden Fuller groomsman and his cliarming wife, Sally, bridesmaid. ''And in fact/' Beriah Avould often often say afterwards, "that Lois w'as always his choice.'' The above verifies tlie truthfulness of the old saying, "the course of true love never runs smooth.'' The historian on this occasion, is indebted for an account of the above incident, as well as for several other items of this paper, to letters from Ashaway, published in the Xarra- gansett Weeldij over the signature of "S." It ought to be mentioned that this family was noted for its musical talents, which have been passed down even to the present generation. One of their number was a manufac- turer of mnsicnl instruments. SECTION 12 POPULATION. Previous to the year 1774, tlie author of this record ha^J not been able to find any census of tlie population of the town. In 1774 it was 1,808. 1776 " 1,845 Increase in two yeari^- .- . 37. 1782 '^ 1,735 Decrease " six " 110. 1790 " 2,462 Increase '' eight " . . - - 727. 1800 '' 2,21 Q Decrease '^ ten " 186. 1810 '' 1,774 '' 'Men '' 502. 1820 '' 1,821 Increase '^ ten ^' .... 47. 1830 " 1,777 Decrease " ten ^' 44. 1840 '' 1,726 '' 'Men " 51. 1850 '' 2,477 Increase '' ten " ... - 751. 1860 '' 2,738 " 'Men " ....261. 1865 " 2,512 Decrease " five '' ... .226. 1870 '' 2,682 Increase " five " 170- From the above table we find that the population of the town increased in ninety-six years eight hundred and sca'- enty-four persons. APPENDIX. The followiniz: was received too late to he inserted in section eight, under the head of "Industrial:" Ashawcuj Savings Bank. — This bank was establishe*