MAId}AR4] liSTC{][EEl (DA\&H]i?E]l ®hc ^uoxAs of (^xUxA. Qm\nm of §ipmucfe, futgumat mA iSiosrapIjtral Sfertrfjrs anti Notes, 1630—1890. IHanncrs antj jFasljions of tfje Kimt, IHars BcMitt jFreclanli. itiuisittatcd with Steel (fHngrabings. iUbanji,!.!.: Soel JHunseirs Sons. 1894. f1^ 5 Copy. J ^ /it-,. 7 CONTENTS. NIPMUCK HISTORY. Chapter I. Lady Mary Armyne 5 Sketch of the Nipmuck Country ... 5 Chapter II. Records from the Royal Historical Society, London 14 Chaptp^r III. Hassanaraisset 25 Rev. John Eliot visits Worcester.. 28 Story of Julia Jaha 31 Christianized Towns 35 Chapter IV. Sketch of Rev. .John Eliot 3G A letter from John Duuton to Rev. Dr. Samuel Annesly, in London. 39 Sketch of Hon, Robert Boyle 44 Chapter V. Philip's War 48 Mark's Garrison 50 New Braintree 51 Description of Narragansett Fort. . 54 Mrs. Rowlandson's Removes 55 Chapter VI. Col. Church's Narrative 70 Chapter VII. Gov. Mayhew's Sketch of Philip's War 81 A Letter to Sir Henry Vane 85 Gov. Winthrop's Journal 87 Rev. Roger Williams in London ... 88 A Letter from Holland 91 A Poem. Mrs. L. H. Sigourney. . . 93 Chapter VIII. Huguenot History, 1515-1547 94 Chapter IX. Huguenot History, 1547-1559 100 Chapter X. Huguenot History, 1589-1685 108 Chapter XI. Colonial History 122 Chapter XII. The Huguenot's Farewell 134 The Edict of Nantes 135 The Huguenots in Boston 137 The French Settlement in Oxford. .141 Old French Mill 143 Chapter XIII. King William's War, 1689 146 Daniel Allen, Representative 147 Rev. Daniel Bondet in Boston 149 Mrs. Butler's Reminiscences 151 Woodstock Records 155 Jausen Massacre 157 The Departure of the Huguenots from Oxford 159 Chapter XIV. Resettlement of Oxford by the French 163 Records from Royal Historical So- ciety 165 Letter from the Archbishop of Can- terbury 167 Letter from the Lord Bishop of London 167 Commerce of Oxford in 1700 169 A Petition to Gov. Bellemont 171 Chapter XV. Bernon's Contract 173 Bernon's Letter to Gov. Dudley ...175 Bernon's Grants of Land 177 Bernon's Deed to Mayo, Davis and Weld 179 Deed of Gov. Dudley to Bernon...l81 Bernon's Petition to the King 183 Records of English Settlement 187 II CONTENTS. Rev. Dr. Holmes' Visit to Oxford .189 Capt. Humphrey's Ileminiscences .191 French Churchyard >....193 French Families in Oxford 195 Chapter XVI. French Gardens 196 Letter from Mrs. L. H. Sigourney.199 French Gardens continued 201 French Fort 207 ENGLISH HISTORY. Chapter XVII. The Annals of Oxford 215 Richard Rogers 228 Sketch of Sumner Barstow, Esq. . . .229 Chapter XVIII. Notable Old Houses 235 Chapter XIX. Roads and Milestones 253 Chapter XX. Taverns and Post-Offices 2G5 Chapter XXI. Churches 285 Chapter XXIL Schools and Libraries 308 Richard Rogers and school-house.. 308 Chapter XXIII. Manufactui-es and Old Fashions . . . .329 Chapter XXIV. The Inter-Colonial Wars 348 Chapter XXV. Revolutionary War 360 Chapter XXVI. War of 1812 395 Mexican War 399 The Civil War 404 Chronological Review of the Civil War 413 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND NOTES. Gabriel Bernon, the Founder of the French Settlement in Oxford. ...418 Letter from Hon. Zachariah Allen to M. de AV. Freeland 427 The Same 428 Huguenot Ancestry by Ex-Gov. Dyer, Providence, R. 1 429 Letter of G. Bernon Dyer to Mrs, Freeland 434 Tourtelotte Ancestry 435 Faneuil 436 Butler and Davie 439 Reminiscences of James Butler.- • .442 Sigourney and Germaine 446 Letter of Hon. Martin Brimmer . . .447 Daniel Johonnot 4.i2 Francis Le Baron, M.D 457 Bowdoin 458 Hon. Alexander DeWitt (with por- trait) 460 Sternes DeWitt 462 Ancestry of William Makepeace. . .463 William Earl 464 Freeland 465 Campbell, Rev. John 468 John Campbell 470 Duncan Campbell, Esq 470 John Campbell, M.D., of Putney, Vt 471 Alexander Campbell, M.D., of Put- ney, Vt 471 Major Archibald Campbell of Ox- ford 472 Alexander Campbell, M.D., of Ox- ford 473 Edward Raymond Campbell, M.D. , of Westminster, Vt 473 Alexander Campbell, M.D., of Rocliingham 473 Rev. Archibald Campbell, Stock- bridge, Vt 473 Capt. William Campbell 474 John Campbell, Otsego Co., N. Y..475 Funeral Sermon of Rev. John Campbell 476 Rev. John Campbell's Memorial as the Executor of the Will of Richard Williams, Esq 477 Daniel Campbell, M.D 479 The Sedgwick Papers 479 Reminiscences of Miss M. B. Camp- bell of Charleston, S, C 481 Letter from William Campbell (Captain), Trees bank House.... 483 Letter from the Duke of Argyle...487 Douglas Peerage of Scotland 487 Lilley 489 Capt. Thomas Sternes of Worcester. 491 Mrs. McClellan, widow of General Samuel McClellan of Woodstock, Ct 493 Hon. William Jennison of Worces- ter 494 Peter Goulding, Esq 496 Towne and Harris Ancestry 498 Wolcott 501 Edward Kitchen .502 Judge Wolcott of Salem 503 Gov. Roger Wolcott of Connecticut, Conquest of Louisburg in 1745, in command of Colonial force 505 John Freake of Boston, a Descrip- tion of the Family Portraits 506 Edward Hutchinson of Boston, sub- sequently of Oxford 507 Peter Papillon, a Description of his Mansion House in Boston, and Wardrobe 509 The English Branch of Papillon Family oil Learned and Alverson 513 Davis on IV BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND NOTES. Shumway 518 Gilbert, Ancestry of, Hartford, Ct..522 Col. Thomas Gilbert of Taunton, Mass 524 Rossiter 525 Crane 527 Amidowu 527 Rawson 530 Bondet, Rev. Daniel 533 Moore and Barton 540 The Birds of Passage 546 NOTES. NTPMUCK CHAPTERS. An Indian deed 549 A letter from Lord Belleniont to the Lords of Trade, London 550 Keekamoochaug 551 A notification from James the Printer 552 The oldest bouse in the Narragan- sett 552 Canonchet 553 Capt. Prentice and his troops in the Narragausett 554 HUGUENOT CHAPTERS. Lawson's travels 558 Note of Mary Queen of Scots leav- ing France .558 A letter from Bishop Hall to Rev. Dr. Primrose, 1629 559 A letter from Rev. Dr. Primrose of London to Bishop Hall 560 A letter from Bishop Hall to Lord Edward Earl 561 William of Nassau in 1579 561 A description of the Massacre of Paris by the Duke of Sully, after- ward prime minister to Henry IV. of France 562 Sir Philip Sydney 562 King Henry IV 563 The age of the Fronde 563 Marquise de Scvigne 563 Ren6 Grignon 564 Walloon Country 546 " The Olde Mill " 564 Three Historic Oaks 565 Huguenot Memorial Society 566 Monuments at the ruins of the French fortifications 566 ENGLISH CHAPTERS. The mill estate at Augutteback pond 571 Law respecting frontier towns ....573 Changes in the town boundaries... 573 Incorporation of Webster 573 The Old Connecticut road 574 The New Connecticut road 574 Bay Path 574 Ancient fashion of an Ordination in Church 575 Funeral ceremonies of Lady Andros 576 Adams' army 577 The Freake lands ■ 578 English Trading House 579 A letter of Anthony Sigourney from the army 580 Disbandmeut of the i-egiment at Oxford, 1800 581 Maj.-Geu. Hamilton's visit to Ox- ford 581 Washington's Funeral 583 Capt. Jeremiah Kingsbury's Caval- ry Company 583 Schools 587 Dame School 588 Schools in Old Colony Time 589 Massachusetts Ordinance, 1647 591 Distinguished Educators: Mrs. Emma Willard, Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, Mrs. L. H. Sigourney 592 Slavery in Oxford 596 Proclamation for an English Settle- ment in Oxford 603 Proprietors' Records 604 Grand Proprietors' Lots ...605 An Ancient Record from London. .608 Hobart Grant 609 The Roxbury School Grant 610 Campbell Grant 611 North Gore Lands 012 ERUA TA. A petition of Rev. James Laborie on page 164 not completed until page 168. Page 15, for'$12,000 read £12,000. Page 20, for Ruper read Xuper. Page 252, for Miller read Mellen. Page 263, for Leonard read Learned. Page 195, Daniel Allen, an English gentleman, was chosen by the government a representative for New Oxford to the General Court at Boston. eal.'\ " Sealed and Delivered " in Presence of " I. Bbrtrand Dutuffeau " Tho Dudley." On the back of the original paper is the following : " Within named Caleb Church do ingage and promis to find the stones and laye them on to make mele at my one costs and charge for the which m"^ Bernon doth ingage and promis to The Old French Mill. 14 5 paye for the same one and twenty pounds in corent mony for the same to be concluded when the mill grinds " Boston May : y« 20 : 1689 " Richard Wilkins Caleb Church " Edmond Browne Gabriel Bernon." lSeai:\ L s: d " Sor the mill in first the sum of forty pounds 40 : 00 : secondly for the stones of the said one and twenty pounds 21 : 00 : forthely for an addition to the house six pounds 6 : 00 : (sic) 67: 00: Two receipts from Mr. Church : " Received one third Part of the within mentioned sume of forty well is Thirteen Pounds six shillings and Eight Pence two thirds in money and one third in Goods by me " Caleb Church." " More I have received fifty three pounds tirteen shillings wich the above said sum are in all the sum of sixty and seven pounds in full following our s** bargain Boston : 4 february 1689-90 received by my " Caleb Church." " Peter Basset in witness " Gabriel Depont present." — Bernon Papers. — Dr. Baird. 19 146 The Records of Oxford. CHAPTER XIII. Intercolonial Wars. 1. King William's War, 1689. The French settlement is established at Oxford. The inhabitants are located on their plantations. Rev. Daniel Bondet is their minister; he so states in a letter to Lord Corn- bnry, and accompanied these French Protestants to New Oxford. The mills are being erected for the convenience of the in- habitants. When in 1689 King William's war was declared in the colonies it continued nearly eight years, and was the cause of the French inhabitants abandoning the settlement of New Ox- ford, it being unsafe to remain tVum the hostility of the Indians. ]Vl^ Dan'. Bondet's Representations referring to N. Oxford, July 6'^ 1G91. He mentions it as upon " an occasion which fills my heart with sorrow and my life of trouble, but my humble request will be at least before God, and before you a solemn protesta- tion ag.iinst the guilt of those incorrigible persons who dwell in onr place. "The rome [rum] is always sold to the Indians without order and measure,. . . .insomuch that according the complaint sent to me by Master Dickestean with advice to present it to your honor. " The 26 of the last month there was about twenti Indians so furious by drunkncss that they fought like bears and fell upon one c-alled remt'S. . . . , w ho is ai)pointed foi' preaching the gospel amongst them he had l)een so much disfigured by his worlds that there is no hope of his recovery. If it was j^our pleasure to signitie to the instrumens of that evil the jalosie of your athoreti and of the publique tranquilit}^ you would do great good maintaining the honor of God, in a Christian habita- Daniel A lien , Representative. 1 47 tion, comfortino^ some honest sonls wlik-h being incompatible with such abominations feel every day the burden of affiixion of their lioiiorable perigrination agijjravated. Hear us pray and So God be with you and prosper all your just undertakins and applications tis the sincere wish of your most respeetuous servant. " D. BONDET, " minister of the gospel) in a '' French CoMi^regation at JSew Oxford." 1693 is the date of the following record : " Andre Sigourney aged of about fifty years doe affirme that the 2S day of nouenib'' last past he was with all of the village in the mill for to take the rum in the hands of Peter Canton and when they asked him way (why) hee doe abuse so the In- dieus in seleing them liquor to the great shame and dangers of all the company, hee s** Canti>n answered that itt was his will and that he hath right sue to doe and askini; him further if itt was noe hiin how (who) make soe many Indieans drunk he did answer that hee had sell to one Indian and one squa the valew of four gills and that itt is all uj^on w*'*' (which) one of the company named Ellias Dupeux told him that hee have meet an Indian drunk w*=^ (which) have get a bott (le) fooll (full) and said that itt was to the mill how sell itt he answered that itt may bee truth. " Andre Sigournat." " Boston, Dec. 5, 1693." The original document is in the possession of the Hon. Peter Butler. Quincy, Mass. — Huguenot Emigration to America, vol. 2, p. 273. In 1693 Daniel Allen was chosen representative from New Oxford to the General Court at Boston. Mr. Allen's name is found in the list for 16'J3, as from this place. In this county Lancaster, Mendon and Oxford were repre- sented. 148 TJie Records of Oxford. Oxford having been granted by tlie Provincial government tlie privileo;e of representation was made liable to taxation. In 1694 a moderate assessment was made and sent with an order for its collection, to the "Constable of the French Plantations." The following was sent in reply to this order : [ Andrew Sigourney to Sir William Phipps^ etc.'] " To His Excellency Sik William Phipps, Kn't Capt. General and Governor in Chief of their Majesties' Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, AND TO THE HoNORABLE CoUNCIL " : " The humble petition of Andreiv Sigourney^ Constable of the French Plantation^ " Humbly Sheweth iinto Your Excellency and to Your Honors, that your petitioner received an order from Mr. James Taylor Treasurer for collecting eight pounds six shillings in our plantation for Poll money, now whereas the Indians have appeared several times tins Summer, we were forced to garri- son ourselves for three months together and several families fled, so that all our Summer harvest of hay and corn hath gone to ruin by the beasts and cattle which hath brought us so low that we have not enough to supply our own necessities many other families abandoning likewise, so that we have none left but Mr. Bondet our minister and the poorest of our plantation so that we are incapable of paying said Poll unless we dispose of what little we have and quit our plantations. Wherefore humbly entreat this Honorable Council to consider our miseries and incapacity of paying this poll, and as in duty bound we shall ever pray."* * Mass. Archives, C, 503. — Payment was not enforced. We find an act later, " abating, remitting and forgiving " taxes from this place to the amount of thirty-three pounds and six shillings, — Province Laws, 698, p. 341. Rev. Daniel Bondet in Bostoji. 149 This paper without date is endorsed, Read Oct. 16, 1694. — Mass, Archives, 0, 502. Mr, Sigoiirnev's declaration " The Indians have appeared several times this summer, we were forced to garrison our- selves for three months together, and several families fled." This statement reveals the cause of the decline and final ex- tinction of the settlement. Not long after the date of this petition, Rev. Mr. Bondet retired from the New Oxford settlement, and became a resi- dent of Boston. He left his plantation of two hundred acres of land, which he and his heirs never claimed. The Society for Propagating the Gospel Among the In- dians of New England was incorporated b}'^ Parliament in 161:9. It was this society that appointed the Rev. Daniel Bondet to preach to the remaining Nipmuck Indians in the Indian town of Manchaug (Oxford village), where he com- menced his labors with both the French and these natives in 1687. At this time Major Robert Thompson, the fii'st named in the grant for Oxford, was President of the Society. " During this summer of 1694, a daughter of Mr. Alard, one of the refugees in the settlement of Oxford, on leaving her home, near the lower mills, accompanied by two younger chil- dren of the family, was murdered by some roving Indians, and the younger children were made prisoners, and taken to Que- bec, Several months must have elapsed before the parents knew the fate of their children who were captured," — Note, Bernon Papers, The following sketch is a transcript from an interesting and valuable paper, entitled : Note. — Andrew Sigourney, Constable (Connetable), an ancient offi- cer only second to the crown of France, formerly the first military officer of the crown. — See Constable Montmorency. 1 50 The Records of Oxford. " A Memoir of the French Frotestaxts who Settled at Oxford, Massachusetts, 1687, by Rev. Abiel Holmes, D. D., OF Cambridge, Mass., Cor. Sec't Mass. Hist. Sooiety." " Every thing concerning tins interesting colony of exiles has hitherto been learnt from tradition, with the illustrations de- rived from scanty records, and original manuscripts. Many of these manuscripts, which are generally written in the French language, are in tlie possession of Mr. Andrew Sigourney,* of Oxford, and the rest were principally procured by Mr. Sig- ourney for the compilation of this memoir." "Mr. Andrew Sigourney is a descendant from the first of that name who was among the original French settlers of Ox- ford. To his kindness I am entitled for nearly all my materials for this part of the memoir. After giving me every facihty at Oxford, in aid of my inquiries and researches, he made a jour- ney to Providence for the sole purpose of procuring for me the Bernon papers, which he brought to me at Cambridge. These papers were in the possession of Philip Allen, Esq. (Governor Allen, of Providence, a descendant of the 13ernon family), and who has indulged nie with the MSS. to the extent of my wishes." Rev. Abiel Holmes, D. D., visited Oxford, Mass., in April, 1817. He writes: " I waited upon Mrs. Butlerf, who obligingly told me all she could recollect concerning the French emigrants." " Mrs. Butler was the wife of Mr. James Butler, who lives *Andrew Sigourney (Captain), son of Anthony Sigourney, of Boston, •was born in Boston, Nov. 30, 1752. Note. — Capt. Sigourney made his journey to Providence in a one- horse chaise, and subsequently to Cambridge, in the same manner of traveling. tMrs. Butler was the daughter of Anthony Sigourney of Boston, and was b. in Boston, March 23, 1741-2. Mrs. Butler s Reminisceiices. 151 near the First Church in Oxford;^ and when I saw her, was in the seventy-fifth year of her age. Her original name was Mary Sigourney. She was a granddaughter of Mr. Andrew Sigour- ney, who came over when young with his father (Andrew Sigourney, 1st, from France). Mrs. Butlek's Keminiscences. Her grandmother's mother (the wife of Captain Germaine), died on tlie voyage, leaving an infant of only six months (who was the grandmother of Mrs. Butler) and another daughter, Marguerite, who was then six years of age.f "The information which Mrs. Butler gave me, she receiv^ed from her grandmother, Mrs. Mary (Germaine) Sigourney, who lived to the age of eighty-tlireo years, and from her grand- mother's sister. Marguerite (Germaine), married to Captain de paix Cazeneau, who lived to tlie age of ninety-five or ninety- six years, both of whom resided and died in Boston. Eeminiscknces of Mrs, Mary (Gf;rmaine) Sigourney of Boston, as Given to Mrs. Bdtler. " The refugees left France in 1684, or in 1685, with the utmost trepidation and precipitancy. The great grandfather of Mrs. Butler (Captain Germaine), gave the ftimily notice that *The church on the north common. Note. — Mrs. Butler in her interview with Rev. Abiel Holmes, D. D., narrates facts relative to the Germaine ancestry in leaving France, and not of the Sigourney family. fin an ancient French prayer-book of the Sigourney family, published 1641, there is the record of Marguerite (Germaine) Cazeneau's birth, viz. : Aunt Casno, born ye 12 Decemb. 1671. Mother Sigourney (Mary Ger- maine), ye 2 March, 1680. In 1686, at the time of Mrs. Germaine's death, leaving an infant, Mary Germaine, the grandmother of Mrs. Butler, was six years of age, and her sister, Mrs. de Paix Cazeneau, was fifteen years of age. 152 The Records of Oxford. they must go. Thej came off with secrecy, with whatever clothes they could put upon the children," and left without waiting to partake of the dinner which was being prepared for them. When they arrived at Boston they went directly to Fort Hill, where they were provided for, and there continued until they went to Oxford. Mrs. Butler's account was entirely verbal, according to her recollection. Mrs. Butler stated the " French built a fort on a hill at Ox- ford, on the east side of French river." She also stated another fort and a church were built by the French in Oxford. Dr. Holmes writes : " Mrs. Butler lived in Boston until the American Revolu- tion, and soon afterward removed to Oxford. Her residence in both places rendered her more familiar with the history of the emigrants than she would have been, had she resided exclu- sively in either. She says they prospered in Boston after they were broken up at Oxford. Of the memorials of the primitive plantation of her ancestors she had been very observant, and still cherished a, reverence for them." In 1817, very soon after my visit to Mrs. Butler, I received a letter from her husband, expressing his regret that she had not mentioned to me Mrs. Wheeler, a widow lady, the mother of Mr. Joseph Cooledge, an eminent merchant in Boston. Her maiden name was Oliver (Olivier). She was a branch of the Germaine family, and related to " Old Mr. Andrew Sigourney," Note. — French Families. — Mrs. Butler named as of the first emigrants from France, the following families : Bowdoin and Boudinot came to Boston; could not say whether or not they came to Oxford. Bouyer, who married a Sigourney. Charles Germaine, removed to New York. Olivier did not know whether this family came to Oxford, or not; but the ancestor, by the mother's side, was a Sigourney. Note. — Bouyer married Marie Anne, daughter of Daniel Johonnot, and Susanne Sigourney Jansen, who was daughter of Andrew Sigour- ney, Sr. Mrs. Biitlers Reminiscences. ~ 153 in whose family she was brought up, and at whose house she was married.* Mrs. Butler supposed she must be between eighty and ninety years of age, and that being so much older than herself, she had heard more particulars from their ances- tors. But on inquiry for Mrs. Wheeler, in Boston, I found that she died a short time before the reception of the letters. How much do we lose by neglecting the advice of the son of Sirach ? "Miss not the discourse of the elders; for they also learned of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn un- derstanding, and to give answer as need requireth." Db. Holmes Continues Mrs. Butler's Keminiscences. " Mrs. Johnson (Jansen) the wife of Mr. Johnson (Jansen), who was killed by the Indians in 1696, was a sister of the first Andrew Sigourney.f " The husband, returning home from Woodstock while the In- dians were massacreing his family, was shot down at his own door. *Mrs. Marguerite Wheeler was the daughter of Antoine and Mary Sigourney Olivier (French refugees). She was born at Annapolis, Nova Scotia, November 6, 1726. She was married three times; in her first marriage to Joseph Cooledge of Boston; in her second marriage to Capt. Israel Jennison of Worcester, a son of Peter Jennison and a nepliew of Hon. William Jennison; after Mr. Jennison's death she was married to the Rev. Joseph Wheeler, who was a member of the Provincial Congress in 1774; removed to Worcester in 1781, where he was register of the Probate Court till his death in 1793. Mrs. Wheeler died in Bos- ton, at her son's house, Mr. .Joseph Cooledge, 1816, aged 90 years. Note. — Captain Israel Jennison died in Worcester, September 19, 1782. Mr. Joseph Wheeler died in Worcester, 1793. tMrs. Susanna Johnson (Jansen) was the daughter of the first Andrew Sigourney and sister to Andrew Sigourney, Jr., who rescued her from the Indians. It was early evening when the massacre of the Jansen family occurred ; Mrs. Jansen was anxiously awaiting the return of Mr. Jansen from Woodstock. The names of the three unfortunate children of Jean Jansen who were massacred by the Indians were : Andr6 (Andrew), Pierre (Peter), Marie (Mary). Jean Jansen was a native of Holland, but of French extraction. 20 154 The Records of Oxford. " Mr. Sigoiirnev, hearing the report of the guns, ran to the house and seizing his sister carried her out of a hack door and took her over French river, which thej waded through, and fled towards Woodstock, where there was a garrison. The Indians killed the children, dashing them against the jambs of the fire-place." From Woodstock Records. "The inhabitants were aroused at the break of day by the arrival of the fugitives with their heavy tidings. The news of the massacre spread through the different settlements, filling them with alarm and terror. The savages might at any moment biu-st upon them. Tlieir defenses were slight, ammu- nition scanty, their own Indians doubtful ; the whole popula- tion, men, woiiii n and children, hastened wnthin their fortifica- tions. Posts were at once dispatched to Lieu ten ant-General Stoughton, commander of the Massachusetts forces, and to Major James Fitch at Korwich, The day and night were spent in watching and terroi-, but before morning the arrival Note. — The chimney base of the Jansen house is still preserved in Oxford at the Memorial Hall, as a relic of the massacre of the Jansen family. The name of Jansen is, in the Boston Records, Jeanson. A memorial stone has been erected on or near the site of the dwelling on the old Dudley road, on land belonging to the late Charles A. Sig- ourny, Esq., of Oxford. Tradition states Captain Andrew Sigourney visited yearly the site of the Jansen house to mark the ruins. Note. — ''Mrs. Shumway, living near the Jansen house, showed Mrs. Butler the spot where the house stood, and some of its remains. "Col. Jeremiah Kingsbury, fifty-five years of age (1817), had seen the chimney and other remains of that house. " His mother, aged eighty-four years, told Mrs. Butler that there was a burying place called ' the French Burying Ground,' not far from the fort at Mayo's Hill. She herself remembered to have seen many graves there." Mrs. Shumway was the wife of Peter Shumway whose ancestor was a Husuenot from France. Woodstock Records. 155 of Major Fitcb, with his brother Daniel, a few Enghsh sol- diers, and a hand of Peqiiots and Mohegans, somewhat allayed apprehensions, '^o enemy had been seen, but it was rumored they had divided into small companies, and were lurking about the woods. "It was proposed to leave a sutficient number of men for the defense of Woodstock, and send others to range for the marauders. The Wabquassets eagerly welcomed Major Fitch as their friend and master, and offered to join the Mohe- gans in their congenial service. The Woodstock authorities would gladly have employed them, but could not supply them with ammunition according to the laws of Massachusetts. To refuse their offer at this critical juncture, or to send them forth without ammunition, might enrage and forever alienate them, while conciliation and indulgence might make them the firm friends and allies of Woodstock. Under these circumstances, Major Fitch took the responsibility of employing and equip- ping these Indians ; calling tliem all together he took their names, and found twenty-nine fighting men, twenty-five native Wabquassets, and four Shetuckets, married to Wabquassets. "Eighteen Wabquassets and twenty-three Moiiegans then sallied out together, under Captain Daniel Fitch, to range through Massachusetts, with a commission from Major Fitch, as magistrate and military officer, asking all plantations to which they might come for supplies and accommodations. Scarcely had they gone forth when four strange Indians were discovered at the west end of the town, but whether enemies or not they could not tell. At evening a scout from Provi- dence arrived, being the captain with fourteen men, who had been out two days northward of Meudon and Oxford, but made no discovery. Captain Fitch and his men were equally unsuccessful, and the invading Mohawks effected their escape uninjured." Note.— Miss Larned'a History of Windham County. 156 The Records of Oxford. " It is stated on the intelligence of those outrages, and the appearance of hostile parties near Woodstock, Major James Fitch marched to that town. On the 27th a party was sent out of thirty-eight Norwich, Mohegan and Nipmuck Indians, and twelve soldiers, to range the woods toward Lancaster, un- der Captain Daniel Fitch ; on their march they passed through Worcester, and discovered traces of the enemy in its vicinity." A Lettek from Captain Daniel Fitch to the Rt. Hon. William Stoughton, Esq., Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief, etc. " Whereas we are informed of several persons killed at Ox- ford on Tuesday night last past, and not knowing what danger might be near to Woodstock and several other fron- tiers toward the western parts of the Massachusetts province, several persons offering volunteers, both English and Indians, to the number of about fifty (concerning which the bearer, Mr. James Corbin, may more fully inform your honor), all of which were willing to follow the Indian enemy, hoping to find those that had done the late mischief : In prosecution whereof, we have ranged the woods to the westward of Oxford, and so to Worcester, and then to Lancaster, and were freely willing to spend some considerable time in endeavoring to find any of the enemy that may be upon Merrimac or Penicook rivers, or any where in the western woods; to which and we humbly request your Honor would be pleased to encourage said design, by granting us some supply of provisions and ammunition; and, also, by strengthening us to any thing wherein we may be short in any respect, that so we may be under no disadvantage or discouragement." They may further inform your Honor that on tlie Sabbath day coming at a place called Half Way Kiver, betwixt Oxford and Worcester, we came upon the fresh tracks of several Indians, which were gone towards Wor- cester, which we apprehend were the Indians that did the late Jansen Massacre. 15^ damage at Oxford, and being very desirous to do some ser- vice that may be to the benefit of his Majesty's subjects, we humbly crave your Honor's favorable assistance. "Herein I remain your Honor's most humble servant, accord- ing to my ability. Daniel Fitch." " Lancaster, 2>\st August^ 1696. " Not far from Oxford, in the village of the Wabquassets, a clan of the Nipmuck tribe, near New Roxbury, or Woodstock, lived an Indian known to the English as ' Toby,' who was distinguished among his more sluggish and pacific people for a restless, scheming disposition. Toby is now the 'great man or captain ' among these Nipmuck Indians." "On Tuesday, the twenty-fifth of August, 1696, Toby, with a party of Indians, toward evening approached the ' French houses ' at New Oxford. The habitation of Jean Jansen was situated on what has ever since been known to the English as Johnson's plain." " Toby leaving his residence, is sometimes piivately among his relatives at Woodstock, and at hunting houses in the wilderness." " But his activity in the service of the Canadian enemy is greater than ever. At one time, he appears at a meeting of the Canada Mohawks with their brethren among the Five Na- tions, and tells them if they will ' but draw off the friend In- dians from the English,' they can ' easily destroy ' the New England settlements." Note 1. — Huguenot Emigratiou to American. Dr. C. W. Baird, vol. II. Note. — "January 29, 1700, Governor Winthrop, of Connecticut, in correspondence with Governor Bellemont of New York, referred to it as an occurrence to be remembered, and the friendly Mohegans wlio met in council at New London, spoke of Toby as the Indian 'tliat had a hand in killing one Jansen. One Toby the principal instigator who had a particular hand in killing one Jansen. ' " Documents relative to the Colonial History of the State of New York. Vol. IV., pp. 612-620. 158 The Records of Oxford. "At another time he is in Norwich, Connecticut, bearing a belt of wampum to the loyal tribes, inviting them to join in a general uprising."* Reminiscences of Mrs. Maky Germaine Sigoukney, as given TO Mrs. Mary Sigourney Butler. Immediately following the massacre, the Huguenots decided to abandon the settlement in New Oxford. Early on the morning of their departure, the different families bade adieu to their homes and plantations ; the doors of their dwellings were closed, and the narrow diamond casements were darkened by the heavy inside shutters, and their homes with their gar- dens, orchards and vineyards were again to be deserted for new homes, leaving their harvests and vintage unharvested. *" The lufoi'uiatiou of Black James, taken from his own mouth on Feb. the 1st, 1699-1700: " That he being in the woods a hunting, came to a place near Masso- muck to a great Wigwam of five fire places and eleven hunting Indians; he went into the Wigwam towards one end of it, and saw an Indian w'^'' seemed to hide himself, he turned himself towards the other end of the Wigwam, and met there a man called Cawgatwo, a Wabquasset Indian, and he asked if he saw any strange Indians there; he said I saw one I did not know; then Toby came to him, and another stranger and Caw- gatwo told him that was Toby ; he said he would go away to-morrow, they bid him not go away, for to-morrow they should discourse; the next morning they went out and called this James and i)id him come and see the Wampom they had gathered; he asked what that Wampom ■was for, they said it was Mohawk's Wampom; the Dutchman had told them that the English had oi'dered to cut off all Indians, and thej' had the same news from the French, and therefore wa are gathering and send- ing Warajjom to all Indians, that we may agree to cut off the English; and Cawgatwo told this James that Toby brought that Wampom and that news from the Mohawks; then he went home and told his own company, and desired them to send Word to the Mohawks and Nihan- ticks of this news." (Information respecting a rumored rising of the Indians. Docu- ments, etc., Vol. IV, pp. 613-616.) The Departure of the Huguenots. 159 The refugees repaired to their chapel for a matin service; they then retired to the little chiirchjard in front of the chapel to take leave of the graves of their friends. In imagination one can picture the little groups as they departed in a silent pro- cession and moved onward over the forest paths toward Boston. Nothing can be added to this simple narrative of Mrs. Mary Germaine Sigourney who was herself one of the refugees and whose reminiscences have been treasured so sacredly by her descendants. Mary Germaine, born in France in 1680, must have been at this time sixteen years of age, and her sister, Mrs. Marguerite (Sigourney) Cazeneau, twenty-five years of age. The Deserted House. Life and thought have gone away Side by side, Leaving door and windows wide: Careless tenants they ! All within is dark as night : In the windows is no light ; And no murmur at the door, So frequent on the hinge before. Close the door, the shutters close Or thro' the windows we shall see The nakedness and vacancy Of the dark deserted house. Come away; no more of mirth Is here or merry-making sound. The house was builded of the earth, And shall fall again to ground. Come away; for life and thouglit Here no longer dwell; But in a city glorious — A great and distant city have bought A mansion incorruptible. Would they could have stayed with us ! Tennyson. A French document signed in Boston, September 4, 1696, by the princijml French planters of " new oxford," shows that Mrs. Jeanson and her brother, Mr. Sigourney, had returned i6o The Records of Oxford. from Woodstock, to whicli place tliey had fled on the night of the massacre, August 25th, and, also, the abandonment of the French plantations in New Oxford, and the return of the French inhabitants to Boston. The first record we find of the French refugees after leav- ing New Oxford is the following certificate, signed in Boston, September 4, 1696, O. S. Nous sousignes certiffions et ateston que Monsr. Gabriel Bernon non a fait une despence [depense] considerable a new oxford pour faire valoir la Ville et encourager et ayder les hab- itans. et quil [qu'il] a tenu sa maison en etat jusques a ce que en fin les Sauvages soient venus masacrer et tuer John John- son et ses trois enfens [enfans] Jet que netant [n'etant] pas soutenu il a ete oblige et forse d'abandoner son Bien. en foy de quoy lui avons signe le present Billet, a Baston le 4® Sep- tembre 1696 :* Jermons Baudouin Benja fanetjil Jaques Montieb Nous attestons ce qui est desus et f marque [est] veritable. X marque de pais oazaneau MoussET Entien [Ancieu] V marque de Abraham Sauuage Jean Rawlings Ancien * marque de la vefue de Jean Jeanson P. Chardon Charle Germon Entien *NoTE. — We subscribe, certify and attest that Mr. Gabriel Bernon has been at a considerable expense at New Oxford for to make valuable the village, and to encourage, aid the inhabitants, and that he held his house and estate until the time the Savages came and massacred and killed John Johnson and his three children, and not being protected he was obliged and forced to abandon his goods. In faith of which we have signed the present bond. Bastan,* the 4th September, 1696. * The French orthography of Boston. French Records. i6i Nous certiffions que ce sont les marques de personnessusdites. DaillI; Ministre Baudodin Jacques Montier Barbut Elie Dupeux Andre Sigournat Jean Maillet Jean Millet Ant. Nous declarons ce que dessus fort veritable ce que Jolm Johnson et ces trois en fans ont ete tue le 25® Auost [Aout] 1696 : en foy de quoy avons signe. MoNTEL Dupeux I. B. Marque de Jean baudouin Jacques Depont Philip [obscure] Jermon Rene Grignon Je connais et le soy d'experiance que Mr. Gabriel Bernon a fait ses efforts pour soutenir uotre plantation, et y a depance pour cet effet un bien considerable. Bureau L'aine [the elder or senior] Peter Canton We underwritters doe certifie and attest that Mr. Gabriel Bernon hath made considerable expences at New oxford for to promote the place and incourage the Inhabitants and hath kept his house until the s*^ 25*^ August that the Indians came upon s'J Plantation & most barbarously murthtred John Evans John Johnson and his three childrens. Dtieed Bastan 20th Septemb. 1696. John Usher Wm Stoughton John Butcher Increase Mather Laur Hammond Charles Morton Jer. Dummer Nehemiah Walter minf Wm. Fox. Translation. ''By original manuscripts, dated 1696, and at subsequent periods, it appears that Gabriel Bernon, merchant, of an an- 21 1 62 The Records of Oxford. cient and noble family in La Rochelle, was the president of the PVench plantation in Oxford, and expended large sums of money for its improvement. An original paper in French, signed at Boston, Sept, 4, 1«)96," by the principal French planters, certifies this fact in behalf of Mr. Bernon ; and sub- joins a declaration that the massacre of Mr. Johnson [Jansen] and of his three children by the Indians was the unhappy cause of his losses, and of the abandonment of the place. Fkom an Ancient Record of 1697. All the places are named between ISew York and Boston " where travelers could find entertainment for man and beast." And over this forest path all the French refugees traveled from Oxford via Boston, to New York, and New Rochelle, N. Y. "From New York to Boston it is accounted 274 miles, thus, viz. : From the post-ofiicc in New York to Jo. C'lapp's in the Bowery, is 2 mile [which generally is the baiting place, where gentlemen take leave of their friends going so Icng a journey], and where a parting glass or two of generi^ais wine " If well applied, make tiieir dull horses feel One spurr i' the head is worth two in the heel." From said CUipp's (lis tavern was neir the corner of Bayard street), to half-way house, 7 miles; thence to King's bridge, 9; to old Shute's at East Chester, 6 ; to New Rochel Meeting- Ilouse, 4; to Joseph Norton's, 4; to Denham's, at Rye, 4; to Knap's, at Ilorseneck, 7 ; to Belben's, at Norwalk, 10 ; to Burr's, at Fairfield, 10 ; to T. Knowles' at Stratford, 9 ; to AndrewSan ford's, at Milford, 4 ; to Capt. John Mills', at New Haven, 10 ; to the widow Frisl lie's at Branford, 10 ; to John Hudson's, at Guilford, ; to John Grissil's, at Killinsworth, 10 ; to John Clarke's, at Sealu-ook, 10; to Mr. Plum's, at New London, IS; to Mr. Sextan's, 15 ; to Mr. Pemberson's, in the Narragansette country, 15; to the Freuchtown, 24; to Mr. Turnip's, 20; to Resettlement of Oxford. 163 Mr. Woodcock's, 15; to Mr. Billings' farm, 11; to Mr. White's, 6 , to Mr. Fisher's, 6 ; and from thenc-e to the jjreat town of Boston, 10, where many good lodgings and accommo- dations may be had for love and money." Cn AFTER XIV. Resettlememt of the Fkench in Oxford — Intercolonial Waks. II. Queen Anne^s War. At the close of King William's War, the peace of Eyswick, in 1697, was of short continuation. In 17»'2, England was eno-ao-ed in war with France and Spain, and the American colonies were interested in what was called Qnecn Anne s War. In 1699 there was a resettlement of French Protestants at New Oxford, with the Rev. James Laborie for their minister. Queen Anne's War soon commenced. This war between Eng- land and France greatly exposed the New England colonies to increased Indian irruptions and barhari'ics. And this war caused the dispersion of the second French settlement in New Oxford. An ancient record of this settlement is the petition of the " Inhabitants of the town of New Oxford," by James Laborie, their minister, dated October 1, 1699." {•James Laborie " Ton Els Eccellencie and ton the Honorable Council.^^] " My Lord and most Honorable Council : " Mr. Bondet, formerly minister of this town, not only satis- fied to leave us almost two years before the Indians did com- mit any act of hostility in this place, but carried away all the 164 TJte Records of Oxford. Ixjuks whieli lii'l lieeu i>:iven fovtlieuse of the plantation, with the acts and jnipers of the village, we most humbly supplicate your Excellency and the most Honorable Council to oblic^e Mr. Eondet to send back again said books, acts, and papers belong- ing to said i^Iantation." '* The inh.abitants, knowing that all disturbance that hath been before in this plantation, have happened only in that some people of this plantation did give the Indians drink witliout measure, and that at present there is some continning to do the same, we most humbly supplicate your Excellency, and the Honorable Council to give Mr. James Laborie, our minister, full orders to hinder those disturbances which put us in great danger of our lives. The said inhabitants complain also against John Ingall, that not only he gives to said Indians drink with- out measure, but buy all the meat they bring, and goes and sell it in other villages, and so hinders the inhabitants of putting up any jirovisions against the Winter. "We most humbly suppli- cate your Excellency and most Honorable Council to forbid said Jolm Ingall to sell any rhoom, and to transport any meat out of the plantation that he hath bought of the Indians, be- fore the said inhabitants be provided." ROVAL HlSTORICAI. SoCIETY, 11 ChANDOS StKEET, ) Cavendish Square, W., 28, 6, '84. f DfCAH Madam — At last I am able to send you all the in- formation that is probably now to be had here about M. Bondet. The " Society for the Propagation of the Gospel," to which you refer, is now known as the " New England Company, * Note. — Mr. Bondet was the minister of the church and public clerk, and the custodian of the records. The records of the French settlement in Oxford, are not to be found with French records in Boston. They were doubtlessly sent to England bv Mr. Bondet. Records from Royal Historical Society. 165 London,'' whose history 1 huvc the pleasnre to send yon by book post. The secretary of the company (Ur. Venning) has been kind enongh to make a most carefnl search throngh the papers of the company, but only, 1 regret to say, with small result, as all the papers of the company between the years 1685 and 1G96 inclusive, were destroyed by fire many years ago. The only notice he has found is in the minutes of a meeting held 17th Feb., 1698 : "A letter from Richard, Lord Bellemont, to the governor, being read, relating to a proposal of providing five itinerant ministers to preach the Gospel to the Five Nations of the Indians, " Ordered, That Monsieur Bondet (recom?nended by Mr. John Ruick) be one of the said five ministers, and that the other four be sent from Harvard College in Cambridge, to be chosen by the Commissioners there. And that the said five ministers dwclHng in and preaching to the inhabitants of those Five Nations have cSGO per annum allowed them out of the stock of the Company in New England." With many regrets that I am able to add so little to your knowledge of M. Bondet, I remain, dear madam. Very faithfully, yours, P. Edward Dove. Mrs. Mary de W. Freeland. Lambeth Palace, S. E., ) 13 March, 1884. \ Madam — I am directed by the Archbishop of Canterbury to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 20 Feb. His Grace desires me to inform yon that he believes the So- ciety for the Propagation of the Gospel have no records prior to the establishment of the Society. 1 66 TJie Records of Oxford. For information as to records, prior to that date, it niit^lit be advisable for yon to apply to Profe:*sor Baird of New York, or to S. AV. Kershaw, Esq., M. A., Librarian Lambeth Palace. I am, madam, Yours faithfully, Montague Fowlek, Chaplain. Mk8. Mary de W. Freeland. A Lkttkr from the Lord Bishop of London. London House, ) St. James' Square, S. W., v March 22, 1884. ) Madam — I have much pleasure in forwarding to yon the en- closed extract from Bishop Compton's Registry. Yon will observe that Daniel Bondet was ordained Deacon h Priest on the same day. No less than 27 Frenchmen were ordained by the Bishop of London between P'eb. 28, 1085, & August 2(5, 1686, and all of them were made Deacons and Priests at the same time. This is not the case with the English Clergymen ordained at the same period. They remained for some time in the Diaconate. I infer therefore that the French Clergy were ordained for service abroad where they would not have an opportunity of obtaining Priest's Orders ; and it is probable that they did not officiate in England. Note : — Lambeth Palace, S. E., ) 11 June, 1884. ( Dear Madam — I am directed by the Archbishop of Canterbury to thank you for your letter of the 16th inst., and to send you the enclosed autograph. I am, dear madam, Yours faithfully, MANDEVILLE B. PHILLIPS, Asso. Secretary, Mrs. M. de W. Freeland. Letter from the Lord Bishop of Lofidon. 167 You have I understand received from tlie Secretary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel all the information they have in their office respecting Mr. Bondet and I fear that there are no further records of him in England I am Madam Yr obedient Servant J. London. Mrs. Mary de W. Fkeeland, Documents Received fkom the Lord Bishop of London. Extract from Bishop Compton's Register of tlie Names of Persons ordained by him ; preserved in the registry of the See of London. A Latin copy of the ordination of Rev. Daniel Bondet was enclosed in the Lord Bishop of London's letter and the copy certified by the Sub-Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral. A translation. 13 day of April 1686 On this day Daniel Bondet of France was admitted to holy orders as Deacon and Priest by the above written Lord Bishop. The Lord Bisliop above written is the Reverend in Christ, Father Henry, Bishop of London by divine authority. FuLHAM Palace, ) June 30, 18b4. ) Mrs. M. de W. Freeland : The Bishop of London is very sorry that he cannot give Mrs. Freeland any information about records of the "Lords of Trade" or as to the office in whit-h they are likely to be found. lie has no doubt that the See. of the Soc. for Propagation of the Gospel, will give Mrs. Freeland any information he can if he be applied to but he has of course very little spare time. 1 68 The Records of Oxford. " James Laborie in this particular most humbly supplicate your Excellency and the most Honorable Council to give him a peculiar order for to oblige the Indians to observe the Sab- bath Day, many of the said Indians to whom the said Laborie hath often exhorted to piety, having declared to submit them- selves to said Laborie's exhortations if he should bring an or- der with him from your Excellency, or from your honorable Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Stanton, or the most Honorable Council. "Expecting these favors, we shall continue to pray God for the preservation of your Excellency, and the most Honorable Council, etc. James Laborish." This petition is indorsed " L re, written 1st Xbr 99 with a proclamacon for the observance of the Lord's Day inclosed." MoNsiEUK Laborie to the Earl of Bellemont. " At New Oxford, this Vlth June, 1700. " My Lord : "AVhen I had the honor to write to your Excellency, I did not send ^ow the certificate of our inhabitants with reference to Monsieur Bondet, for the reason that they were not all here. I have at length procured it, and send it to your Excellency. As to our Indians, I feel myself constrained to inform your Excellency that the four who came back, notwithstanding all the protestations which they made to me u])on arriving, had Note. — Same year " His Excellency also acquainted the board that by express from New Oxford that he had received a letter from Lieu- tenant Sabin of Woodstock,'' "concerning the Indians who had gone eastward." — Council Rec, 94. Advised and consented that his Excellency issue fortii his warrant to Mr. Treasurer, to pay forty shillings unto John IngaU, sent with an ex- press from Oxford bringing the news." February 7th, 1699.— Council Rec, 95. Commerce of Oxford in 170G. 169 no other object in returning than to induce those who had been faithful to depart with them. Thej have gained over the greater number, and to-daj they leave for Penikook — twenty- live in all — men, women and children. I preached to them yesterday in their own tongue. From all they say, I infer that the priests are vigorously at work, and that they are hatching some scheme which they will bring to light so soon as they shall find a favorable occasion." Earl of Bellemont to the Lords of Trade, London (July 9, 1700). " Mons. Labourie is a French minister placed at New Ox- ford by Mr. Stoughton, the Lieutenant-Governor, and myself, at a yearly stipend of £30, out of tlie corporation money ; there are eight or ten French families there that have farms, and he preaches to them. * * * " The Indians about the town of Woodstock and New Oxford, consisting of about forty families, have lately deserted their houses, and corn, and are gone to live with the Penicook In- dians, which has much alarmed the English thereabouts, and some of the English have forsaken their houses and farms and removed to towns for better security. That the Jesuits have seduced these forty families is plain. * * * Mr. Sabin is so terrified at the Indians of Woodstock and New Oxford quit- ting their houses and corn, that he has thought fit to forsake his dwelling and is gone to live in a town. All the thinking people here believe the Eastern Indians will break out against the English in a little time." The Commerce of Oxford Nearly Two Hundred Years Ago. In 1700, during the time of the return of the French refu- gees to the settlement of Oxford, " from time to time wagon Note. — Pennacook was the name of an Indian settlement at the present site of Concord, N. H. 22 1 70 The Records of Oxford. loads of dres?ed skins were sent down to Providence, to be shipped to Bernon (who was residing- in Newport) for the sup- ply of the French hatters and glovers in Boston and New- port," quite a contrast to transportation by railroad of the pres- ent time. " Several of the French Protestants in Boston were engaged in the manufacturing of hats. They were sup}.)lied with peltries for tbis purpose by Bernon, wbo received the dressed skins from his ' Chamoiserie' at Oxford, and forwarded them to Peter Signac, John Baudouin and others in Boston, as well as to Jolm Julien, who jnirsued the same business in Newport. " A cargo shipped in August, 1703, to his agent Samuel Baker, comprised otter, beaver, raccoon, deer and other skins, valued at forty-four pounds." The dressing of chamois skins, and the making of gloves, were among the arts in which the Huguenots excelled. " Hat making was among the most important manufactories taken into England by the refugees. In France, it had been al- most entirely in the hands of the Protestants. They alone possessed the secret of the liquid composition which served to prepare rabbit, hare and beaver-skins ; and they alone supplied the trade with fine Candebec hats, in such demand in Eng- land and Holland. After the Revocation, most of them went to London, taking with them the secret of their art, which was lost to France for more than forty years. " It was not until the middle of the eighteenth century, that a French hatter, after having long worked in London, stole the secret the refugees had carried away, took it back to his country, communicated to the Paris hatters and founded a large manufactory." * A record from the French church in Boston, dated June 29, * History of the French Protestant Refugees, from the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes to Our Own Days. Charles Weiss. Vol. I, book III, Chapter III. A Petition to Gov. Bellemont. 171 1702, signed by Peter Cbardon and Eene Grignon. The French Protestants of Boston, in a" petition to Governor Belle- mont, to the Council and Assembly of Representatives, then in session in Boston, for aid in support of the Gospel ministry among them. (We) "have borne great charges in paying taxes for the poor of the country, and in maintaining their own poor of this town and those of New Oxford, who by occasion of the war with- drew themselves, and since that they have assisted many who returned to Oxford in order for their re-settlement." (They) " have recourse to this honorable Assembly, which God has established for the succour of the afflicted, especially the faith- ful that are strangers." Gov. Dudley to (Boston, July 7th, 1702) Mr. Gabriel Ber- non, in reply to his petition for aid in the protection of his property against the Indians. " Herewith you have a commis- sion for captain of New Oxford. I desire you forthwith to re- pair thither and show your said commission, and take care that the people be armed, and take them in your own house, with a palisade, for the security of the inhabitants ; and if they are at such a distance in your village that there should be need of an. other place to draw them together in case of danger, consider of another proper house, and write me, and you shall have orders therein. " I am, your humble servant, "J. Dudley." The resettlement of French Protestants in Oxford, is named in the Council records. In the summer of 1703, soldiers were sta- tioned here for the protection of the inhabitants from the Indians. "An accompt of wages and subsistence of thirteen soldiers, whereof one a sergeant, posted at Oxford and Hassanamisco in Note. — In 1702. the Indians were conspiring to attack the settle- ment. Lieut. Tobin of Woodstock reported to the Massachusetts Coun- cil, April 9, 1702: " That the Indians were plotting mischief, and that he had ordered a garrison to put in repair and a military watch kept." 172 Tlic Records of Oxford. tlie sniniiier past, was laid before the board and there examined and stated the whole sum, with other incidental charges amount- ing to forty pounds, fifteen shillings, three and a half pence. "^^ Ordered paid Dec. 24th, 1703." — Council Rec, 509. In 1704 Bernon had transactions in business with people in New Oxford. CHAPTER XY. ^ J. Dudley to G. Bernon. " Boston, 20^A May, 1707. " Sr : I am very unhappy in my affayres at Oxford, both with your Coo])er & the negro Tom. I must desire you to take other care of your alfayres than to improve such ill men that disquiet the place, that I have more trouble with them than with seven other towns. If you do not remove them yourself, 1 shall be obliged to send for the Negro & turn him out of the place, & I understand Cooper is so criminal that the law will dispose of him. I pray you to use your own there not to Destroy or Disturb the Governour or your best friend, who is, Sr., your humble servt., "J. Dudley. " Send an honest man and he shall be welcome. I pray you to show what I write to Mr. Grignon." " To Mr. Gabriel Bernon, Newport, Road Hand." Mr. Bernon soon makes an engagement with new tenants. Note 1. — In 1704, James Laborie left Oxford, and was in October established over the French church in New York. A final abandon- ment of the settlement ensued, and no further record of its history is to be traced. Note 2. — The accounts of the Chamoiserie show that Oxford con- tinued to be occupied by the French until 17(t4. Bernon^s Contract. 173 Agreement between Gabriel Bernon and Oliver and Na- THANAEL CoLLER. " Know all men by these presents that I Gabril Bernon hath baro-ind with and let vnto Oluer Coller and Nathanel Coller my howse and farrae at new oxford Called the olde mill; with four Cowes and Dalfes the which said farm and Cowes I have let for five years upon the conditions as foloweth that they brake up and monnure and plant with orchod two Acers and half of land with in the s*^ Term of Fine and also to spend the remain-part of their time to work upon the other lands ; and all that is soed dow now to ly to English grass and at the end of fine years for s"^ olner Coller and Nathanel Coller for them to resine up peceble posestion of the s" hous farm and four Cowes and Calves and half the increes to the s^ Gabril Bernon or his heirs or asigns the s"^ two Acers and half of land ly a boue the spring on the side of the hill ; and for tliare in Conrigment I haue let them one pare of oxen for one year, the which s'^ oxen they must Deliuer to me at s*^ term ; and in case the oxen be lost they must make them good ; Exsept by the enemy. " to the performence of this oar bargin we have heer unto set our hands in the presents of us memerandom they have ingaged to brak up half one Acer of land evere year and to pay the three first yers six shilling p year and two last years to pay tweny shilling p " The mark of X Oluer Coller year and we have " The mark of — Nathanael Coller ualled the s'^ four Cows at tw pounds " Joseph Twichels "Thomas Allerton'' 174 The Records of Oxford. G. Bernon to Gov. Dudley. Providence, 1st March., 1710. Translation. " Mr. Dudley your son told me the last time I had the honour to see him, that it was your Excellency's design to re-es- tablish New Oxford : as it also appears through the public news. " I hope your Excellency will be so good as to take into con- sideration the fact that Mr. Hoogborn has done his utmost to ruin my interest in the said Oxford. " He has caused Couper to abandon the old mill, and Thomas AUerton [to leave] my other house, threatening that he would hinder them from haying, and [declaring] that I had no power to settle them. When I made complant of this to him he told me that he would drive me from the place, myself. "Samuel Hagburn was one of the thirty English settlers, and was the first named in the deed of Dudley, etc., to them. In 1726 an entry was made of an extract from his will, on the records of the Congregational Church, by which, although not a member of it, he bequeathed to it the sum of fifty pounds." For that I have been treated, after spending at the said Oxford more than fifteen hundred pistoles [and] the better part of my time during more than twenty years possession. " Should it please your Excellency to examine the case you will find that I have chief had at heart the furtherance of your Excellencies wishes. I have been found singularly attached to your person, more than to all else that I have had in the world. " It is notorious that the said Mr. Hoogborn, your brother, has caused the planks of my granary to be torn up ; that he has conveyed them elsewhere, and that by his orders the oxen that I was reserving to be fattened have been put to work." By this record, notwithstanding Dudley's censure of Coo- per, he remained in occupancy of the farm called the " Old Mill," and that he and the Collers had been dispossessed by Hagburn. G. Ber 110)1 s Letter to Dudley. 175 Bernon thus relying upon his possession to ownership of the lands which were occupied iiy his tenants without convey- ance by deed. G. Bernon to the Son of Gov. Dudley. "Sir: ''October, 1720. " I would entreat you to assist me in petitioning his Excel- lency and the General Assembly, inasmuch as the inhabitants of New Oxford oppose my rights to lands. "The Court and Government can confirm my title, and then I can dispose of what I have there, and pay my debts, and have wherewithal to help myself ; and thereby ease my mind and body, which is now more than the Pope can do. "Tiie above said inhabitants oppress me as I can make it appear by Maj. Buor, who would have bought tny plantation. The inhabitants told him not to do it; — that my title was nothing worth, that they also pretended that they would dis- pute my title with Mr. Dudley and Mr. Thompson. They also abused me in a very outrageous manner in Maj. Buor's presence ; as he states in his certificate, which I make bold to send to you enclosed in this. " Epliraim Town, John Elliott, and John Chamberlin, for whom I have advanced considerably to uphold my said planta- tion, will not pay n.e what they owe me. Besides, the loss of my servant, who was drowned, was fifty pounds loss to me. These men, and one Josiah Owen, my last tenant, hugger-mug- ger together to cheat me of a hundred pounds in cattle and movables that I had upon the place, so that I am not able to advance any more. " I see myself about ruined by this oppression and malice. Sir — you are perfectly acquainted with the affairs at New Oxford, and I do not understand things as well as I would. Therefore I intreat of you. Sir, to help me. Your charity and generosity are (so to speak) interested in it. I -^6 The Records of Oxford. ^ " I am so hard driven by iny dunning creditors — the masons and carpenters and others that I employed to build my house in Providence, that I know not what to do : and, besides my wife now lying in, six or seven children implore my compas- sion, which makes me implore that of Government, and yours. Sir, that my title may be confirmed, after a possession of 36 years, so that I may sell it. Within 30 years I have laid out on it £200, for which reason my family did slight me, as well as my best friends. I have always been protected by Mr. Dudley, your honored father, who always thought as 1 did, that I might sell it, and not be in any wise molested. But I don't know whether it won't be a mistake. Indeed, one cannot always forsee the events of things, often hid from the wisest. But this I see, — the Evil one still reigns, and God suffers it, to try his children. " My great desire is to keep myself in the fear of God, and to love my neighbor, and to seek lawful means to maintain my family. My great age of nearly eighty years does not dispense me of this duty. I address myself to you with all humility to assist me, that J may be assisted by the Governor. Such a testimony of your love and favor will rescue me, to terminate my days in America, or to return once again to Europe. Surely my staying or going depends upon the action of the Assembly. But be it as it will. Sir, as an honest, well-minded man ought, I pray for the government, and all the faithful in Christ, " Gabkiel Bernon. " From my chambers at Mr. Harper's, "adjoining unto Judge Sewalls, Oct. 1720." "In Sept., 1714, it was voted that ' the committy shall take care to notify Mr. Gabriel Bernon to come and join us in set- tlino- division lines between us and him.'* Again in Oct., 1718, a similar vote was taken." f * Prop. Rec. 3. t Ibid. 27. Bcriioi{s Grants of Land. 177 " But there was a good reason why this matter was not at- tended to by Bernon. The complicated nature of the case is shown in his deed from Dudley and company. Du Tufteau, at the bejzinnino; of the settlement had 'elected' seven huu- dred and fifty acres, which were deeded to him and Bernon jointly. Afterward, to Bernon, seventeen hundred and fifty acres were granted, which were deeded to him in his own right, and also to Bondet were deeded two hundred acres.* These grants were all embraced in one plat and conveyed as a whole. "We have no intimation of a mutual division, and without this, no power but a court conld give to either of the grantees an indisputable right to a single acre which should be set off and located. "Another point which is shown in the deed, added to the complications, namely; that a very valuable portion of the land taken up and occupied by Du Tuffeau and Bernon, jointly, was not included in the conveyance. This was a long triangu- lar tract of nearly five hundred acres, lying between Bernon's land, as deeded, and the land of the village proprietors. Its westerly line ran over the high land between the site of the fort and Bondet hill, and continuing in a course north, thirteen degrees east, crossed the present Sutton road at the fork, about three-fourths of a mile easterly of Main street. This line is called in the town records, 'Bernon's line,' and has been marked on the western boundary of the estate now known as the Ebenezer Rich farm, by permanent division fences to the present day. " On this tract were the fort and the grounds around it, where Bernon had expended considerable money, and the upper mill site. It also enclosed some of the best farming lands within the limits of the town. Of course Bernon was anxious to re- tain it, but he could plead possession only, as ground of owner- * There is no proof that Bondet ever had possession of this grant or received any benefit from it. 23 1/8 The Records of Oxford. sliip. In conveying his property he followed the deed he had received from Dudley and company, and did not include the disputed tract. " Du Tuffeau having died before the autumn of 1720, Ber- non applied to the probate court of Suffolk county for a letter of administration on his estate, as chief creditor. This was granted Dec. 5th, and he was enabled in due course of law thereby to take possession of the twenty-tive hundred acres as sole owner. Negotiations with Thomas Mayo, Samuel Davis and William Weld, all of Roxbury, soon followed, and a sale of the tract was made to them early in the spring of 1721, for twelve hundred pounds, current money of New England.* " On March 27th, 1721, at a meeting of the village proprie- tors to hear what the ' Gentlemen which signifie that they have bought Mr. Bernon's farm, have to be communicated to the inhabitants and proprietors of Oxford village,' and to 'act as shall be thought best to come at their own rights : ' — " ' Voted and chose Dea. John Town, Benoni Twichel, and * The quantity of laud sold was twenty-five hundred acres, and the description in the deed is as follows: "Beginning at a walnut tree marked S. D., standiug at the southwest corner of Mauchaug, and thence running west, fifteen degrees south, three hundred and fifty-two perches, from thence to be set off by a line to be drawn parallel to the utmost easterly line bounds of the said Oxford village and township, as far as will complete the full quantity of twenty-eight hundred and seventy- two acres." Of this were reserved one hundred and seventy-two acres of meadow in one piece which Dudley gave to the village. But the two hundred acres for Bondet's farm are not mentioned. A provision in it required the annual payment of forty shillings quit-rent to Dudley, etc. This deed was dated March 16th, 1720-1, and is recorded in Suf. Co. Rec, XXXV, 119. It is said that Weld, coming to see the premises in the spring after the snow had gone, was dissatisfied, and soon after sold his share to Davis. "Thomas Mayo never came to Oxford, but his son John did, and Samuel Davis came in 1738 or 9, probably the latter." Berjions Deed to Mayo, Davis & Weld. 179 Isaac Learned ' to act as a committee to establisli the line be- tween the said farm and the village, and instructed them to 'improve' John Chandler, Esq., as surveyor, " The report of this committee, dated April 11th, 1721, was accepted at a meeting of the proprietors, Sept. 2 1st, 1721. In accordance with its terms, a portion of land at the north end of the Bernon tract was released to the village, and the triangular plat which had been in dispute was yielded to the purchasers. " John Mayo, son of Thomas, made a home on the height near the fort, and died there, and his descendants continued to occupy the premises for many years. Davis chose for his dwelling, a spot nearly half a mile northerly from the fort, on the farm now known as the Nathaniel Davis place, where he died.* " The facts in connection with the delivery of the deed to Bernon are remarkable. It will be remembered that it was drawn May 24rth, 168S, probably upon the completion of the contract to settle the thirty families. There was in it, how- ever, a consideration which had not been rendered, namely, the building of a grist mill, for which reason it was not at once de- livered. A little less than two years passed, the mill was built, and Bernon had Church's receipt for the same. Two days after the date of this receipt, we find two of the grantors acknowledging the deed before a magistrate — but still it was not delivered. Years passed; the first colony flourished a while and became extinct — the second colony began and continued five years and was abandoned — for nine years afterward the planta- tion lay waste. Then the thirty English families came in and laid the foundations of a permanent settlement. Bernon gave np his right in the mills, and gave the valuable stones and irons for the benefit of the new colony. At last, after his hopes and * Persons living in Oxford well recollected the leaden sash and the small diamond panes of glass of the old windows of this ancient house of Samuel Davis, which many years ago gave place to more modern ones. I So TJie Records of Oxford. expectations had been again and again disappointed, and lie had grown old, and become unable for lack of means to assist the settlement further, on Feb. 5th, 1716, nearly twenty- eight years after the deed was written, it was acknowledged by Dudley, and passed over to him." "Six days afterward, Feb. 11th, 171C, he conveyed the property for a thousand pounds to James Bowdoin,* who held it until ^larch 16th, 1720-1, when he re-conveyed it to Bernon,f who the same day executed the deed to Mayo, Davis and Weld." * Suf. Rec, xxxi, 79. \ " This conveyance was made by returning the deed he had received, ■with an indorsement upon it in legal form, signed, sealed, and wit- nessed by John Mayo, Samuel Tyler, Jr., and acknowledged before John Chandler, Justice of Peace." — Ibid. Deed, Dudley, etc., to Bernon. "This indenture made the 34th day of May A. D. 1G88 * * * be- tween Joseph Dudley of Roxbury, William Stoughton of Dorchester * * * Esqs. Robert Thompson of London * * * Merchant, Daniel Cox of London aforesaid. Doctor in Physick, and John Black well of Boston * * * Esq. on the one part and Gabriel Bernon of Boston aforesaid, Merchant on the other part — Witnesseth " Whereas Isaac Barton, [Bertrand,] G-entleman, hath heretofore had the allowance [of said parties of the first part] to elect and make choice of 500 acres of land * * * within * * * the southeast angle of [a tract of land called New Oxford village] to and for the use of him the said Barton and the said Gabriel Bernon, * * h: and whereas since the electing of the said 500 acres, he [BetrandJ hath proposed that he may have 250 acres more of said land * * * to the use afore- said ; and he the said Gabriel Bernon that he may have 1750 acres more of the said lands, * * * adjoining to the said 500 acres to and for the the use of said Gabriel Bernon, his heirs and assigns — " Now these presents witness that [the above named parties of the first part] as well for and in consideration that the said Gabriel Bernon liath undertaken and by these presents doth undertake and engage within twelve months after the day of the date of these presents at his own proper cost and charges to erect build and maintain a Corn or Grist Mill in some convenient and fitting place within the said Deed of Gov. Dudley to Bernon. i8i By another paper in the MS. Collection, it appears that Mr. Bernon petitioned the King in council for certain privi- leges, which indicate the objects to which the enterprise of this adventurer was directed. It is entitled, " the humble Petition of Gabriel Bernon of Boston in l^ew England." It states : town of Oxford for the use of the inhabitants of said town and village [unto which mill * * * g^id inhabitants shall be obliged] at all times forever hereafter to make their suit as also for and in con- sideration of the sum of 5 shillings * * * paid by said Bernon * * * and the rents and convenants hereafter mentioned * * * [the parties of the first part] do grant bargain sell and confirm to the said Isaac Barton and Gabriel Bernon * * * all that tract * * * of 500 acres * * * elected as aforesaid by said Isaac Barton, to hold to them the said Isaac Barton and Gabriel Bernon * * * and all that and those 250 acres more desired by said * * * Barton as aforesaid, and 1750 acres more desired by the said Gabriel Bernon ad- joining to the said 500 acres * * * -within the southeast angle of Oxford village * * * as foUoweth * "'= * "Beginning at a walnut tree marked (S. D.) standing at the west angle of Manchaug — and thence running W. 15° S. 352 perches, and from thence to be set off by a line to be drawn parallel to the utmost easterly line and bounds of the said Oxford village =>= * * as far as will complete the full quantity of 2873 acres * * * so that if the said line shall not extend unto and include and take in the utmost wes- terly part of the said 500 arces **•-;= gaid Barton elected for him- self and the said Gabriel Bernon * * * the 'said 500 acres shall nevertheless be included * * * within the * * * 2872 acres aforementioned * * * the whole quantity of 2872 acres shall be set out accordingly whereof the forementioned 500 acres and 250 acres more desired by the said Isaac Barton to be jointly held and enjoyed by them the said Isaac Barton and Gabriel Bernon * * * also 1750 acres more thereof to be held and enjoyed by him the said Gabriel Bernon [his heirs and assigns for their use and behoof] and 200 acres more thereof to the use of Daniel Bondet, his heirs and assigns forever. " Excepting and reserving to [said parties or the first part] 173 acres of meadow land * * * in one entire parcel and adjoining unto the lands of Manchaug aforesaid [in such place as they may choose.] " And providing [the parties of the first part or any two or more of 1 82 The Records of Oxford. " That being informed of your majesty's pleasure, particularly in encouraging the manufactory of Rosin, Pitch, Tarr, Tur- pentine, etc., in New England, in which manufactory your Petitioner has spent seven years time and labor and consider- able sums of money and has attained to such knowledge and perfection, as that the said comodities made and sent over by him have beene here approved of and bought for your Majesty's stores ; your Petitioner's seal and affection to your Majesty en- couraged him to leave his habitation and affairs (being a mer- chant) and also his family to make a voyage to England on purpose humbly to propose to your Majesty in how great a measure and cheap price the said Navall stores may be made them resident in New Enpjland may lay out over such lands] such com- mon paths or ways * * * as they shall judge necessary or commodious for the said [township or village.] Yielding and paying tlierefor yearly and every year on the 24th of March at or in the Town house of Boston aforesaid, unto [said parties of the first part] or to their certain attorney deputy or agent by them * * * appointed to receive the same, the annual rent of 40 shillings current money of New England. * * * And the said Gabriel Bernon for himself his heirs and assigns * * * doth convenant, grant and agree with [the parties of the first part] that he [or his heirs or assigns] will well and truly pay or cause to be paid to the said [parties of the first part] the said yearly rent [as aforesaid] and that in case of non-payment thereof or any part thereof [it shall be law- ful for the parties of the first part to] enter said premises and distrain and the distresses there found from time to time to lead carry away sell or dispose at such rates as they can get for the same * * * and with the proceeds imburse and satisfy themselves [for all arrearages and charges] rendering the overplus (if any be> to him the said Gabriel Ber- non * * * " And that in case of his the said Isaac Barton and Gabriel Bernon deserting or relinquishing the said lands [or there shall not be found on said premises sufficient goods] for satisfying within any twelve months after the same shall grow due, this present grant and all the matters and things therein contained shall thenceforth cease, determine, and be ut- terly null and void, and the lands * * * shall revert * * * unto [the said parties of the first part] and shall and may lawfully be by Bernons Petition to the King. 183 and broui^lit into any of your Majesty's kingdomes to the great promotion and advantage of the Trade and Commerce of your Alajesty's subjects of New England, all which is most evident by the annexed paper." He prays his Majesty to take the premises into consideration, and to grant him his royal patent or order for providing and furnishing his Majesty's fleet with the said stores under the con- ditions his Majesty in his royal wisdom should think fit, or otherwise to except him out of any patent to be granted for the said man u factor}', that he, may have liberty to go on and con- tinue in the said manufactory in any part of New England." This paper is indorsed: "Pcticon of Gabriel Bernon." them entered upon, possessed and enjoyed as in their former estate " [The parties of the first part] convenaat and agree with said Isaac Bartron and Gabriel Bernon their heirs and assigns [that they the said Bartron and Bernon performing the afore named acts faithfully as speci- fied, mayj Iiavc hold and enjoy the premises hereby granted against [said parties of the first part] or any other person or persons lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof =t= * * by, from or under them or any of them. "In witness whereof the said Joseph Dudley, William Stoughton, Rob- ert Thompson, Daniel Cox and John Blackwell have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written. Joseph Dudley and a seal, William Stoughton and a seal, John Blackwell and a seal. Feb 6th 1690 William Stoughton Esq. and John Blackwell, Esq. acknowledge this instrument to be their voluntary act and deed. *' Before Sam>. Sewall AssHt "Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us by Joseph Dudley, William Stoughton and John Blackwell, Daniel Allen, Richard Wilkins, Jno. Herbert Howard, Suffolk etc., Boston 5th of February 1716. " The Hon. Joseph Dudley Esq., personally appeared before me the Sub- scriber one of his Majesty's justices of the Peace in Said County, and did acknowledge this Instrument to be his free act and deed. "Samuel Lynde — February 5th 1716. '' Received and accordingly entered and examined. "John Ballantyne Regr." Suffolk Co. Rec. XXX, 268. 1 84 TJic Records of Oxford. "Paplers qui regarde deux voyages de Londre pour les affaires a fabriquer des Resme. Exarane le premier Octobre 1719." By a statement of G. Beriion, intended to prove liis claim upon the plantation, it ap])ears tliat he considered " the Tlan- tation of New Oxford " indebted to him for 2,500 acres of land, besides the amount of expenses laid out by him upon the place. This claim appears to have been made about the year 1717, or 1720; for on his account there is a charge of interest " for above 30 years." The statement alleges that 500 acres of the plan- tation were "granted by their excellencys Mr. Dudley and Mr. Stoughton to Isaac Bertrand Du Tuffeau and Gabriel Bernon in the year 1G87," and that 250 acres were "granted since, making in all 750 aikers ; " and that " their excellencys Mr. Dudley and Mr. Stoughton did grant to the said Mr. Bernon for his own use alone 1750 aikers more, which makes in all 2500 aikers, which Mr. Bernon justly claims, upon which he hath built a corn miln, a wash leathern miln and a saw miln, and laid out some other considerable expenses to improve the town of E'ew Oxford, as he has made appear by the testimonys of several worthy gentlemen whose names he has hitherto sub- joined." By a plan of Mr. Gabriel Bernon's land in Oxford, taken in 1717, it appears, that it measured 2,672 acres, "exclusive of Mr. Daniel l^ondet's of 200 acres, and out of said 2672 acres must come out 172 acres of meadow in one entire piece, which Mr. Dudley and Compa. give to the village." The tract of land " within this Plan " was estimated by the selectmen of Oxford " to be worth one.thousand pound; " and this valuation was certitied by them on the plan, 11 January 1716-17. Signed Richard Moore, Benoni Twitchel, Isaac Larned. An- other certificate was given on the same paper by the selectmen of Mendon, concerning the justness of the above valuation, add- Bcr noil's Petition to Gov. Shutc. 185 ing, " that we know nothing but the said Bernon hath been in the quiet possession of said land for or nere thirty years." Signed Tlioinas Sanford, Robert Evans, Jacob Aldrich. November, 1720, Bernon made application for reimburse- ment of money expended upon the French settlement. ' ' The Honorable Petition of GABiiiEXi Bernon op New Oxford, IN New England. "To his excellency Samuel Shute, and to his Majesty's council, and house of representatives in General Court assembled, Gabriel Bernon, one of the most ancient families in Rochelle, in France, begs of your excel- lency and honor graciously to assist him in his great necessity, and that your excellency and honors would be pleased to take into your wise con- sideration ; that your petitioner, upon the breach of the edit of Nantes, and the persecution of France, fled to London ; upon his arrival Tefferau, Esq., treasurer of the Protestant Churches of France presented your petitioner to the honorable, the Society for the propogating of the Gospel among the Indians in New England ; of which Mr. Thompson, the Governor, offered to instal him in the said Society, and offered him land in the government of the Massachusetts Bay, whereupon one Isaac Bertrand du Tuffeau desired your excellency's and honors peti- tion ' to assist him, the said Bertrand du Tuffeau, to come over to New England, to settle a plantation for their refuge ; ' which he did, by ad- vancing unto the said Tuffeau the sum of two hundred pounds sterling ; and since three hundred pounds eight shillings and ten pence ; which with the exchange and interest from that time would amount to above one thousand pounds. The said Isaac du Tuffeau being arrived at Bos- ton, with letters of credit from Major Thompson and your humble peti- tioner, delivered them to his late excellency Joseph Dudley, Esq., and the honorable William Stoughton, Esq., deceased, who did grant to the said Du Tuffeau seven hundred and fifty acres of land for the said peti- tioner at New Oxford, when he laid out or sj^ent the above said money. Further more, the said Du Tuffeau did allure your excellency's and hon- or's petitioner, by exciting of him by letters to come to Boston, as he can show. The said Du Tuffeau's ' being (through poverty) forced to aban- don the said plantation, sold his cattle and other moveables for his own particular use, and went to London, and there died in a hospital.' Your excellency's and honor's petitioner being excited by letters of the said Tuffeau's shipped himself, his family, and servants, with some other 24 1 86 The Records of Oxford. To prove his claims on the plantation of New Oxford Bernon gives the testimonies of several worthy gentlemen whose names he has hitherto subjoined : The four elders of William Fox Governor Usher the French Church Benj. Faneuil William Stoughton Mousset ] Daillie minis- P. Jermon Increase Mather mtre Kawling I tre of the Jacques Montier Charles Morton mtre Cbarden ( French Paix Cazancau Jer. Dummer Babut J Church. Abraham JSauvagee. Nehemiah Walter minr. Jacques Dep)au John Butcher Jean i>eaudoin Laurence Hammond Rene Grignon Phellipe Emgerland By the Inhabitants of New Oxford Montel Ober Jermon J. Dupen Jean Maillet Capt. Jermon Andre Segourne Peter Cante Jean Milleton Bercau Ca6ini Peter Canton Elie Dupeu &c, " The Widow Leveufe Jean Johnson of which her husband and three chil- dren was kil and murder by the Ingeu." families, as can be made to appear; and paid to Captain Fayle, and Captain Ware, passage for above forty persons. Your excellency's and honor's petitioner being arrived at Boston, presented letters from Major Thompson, afore mentioned to the above said Dudley and Stoughton, Esqrs. who were pleased (besides the seven hundred and fifty acres that were granted to Bertrand du Tuffoau and your humble petitioner,) to grant to your petitioner one thousand seven hundred and fifty acres of land more; and for a more authentick security, his late Excellency and Honor ■was pleased to accompany me to New Oxford, to put me into possession of the said two thousand five hundred acres of land, which I have peace- fully enjoyed far better than these thirty years last past, having spent above two thousand pounds to defend the same from the Indians, who at divers times have ruined the said Plantations, and have murdered men, women, and children. " Your excellency's and honor's petitioner does now most humbly repre- sent, that the inhabitants of New Oxford, do now dispute my right and title in order to hinder me from the sale of the said plantations, which would put me to the utmost extremity, being now near eighty j'ears of age, and having several children by my first wife, and so seeing children Records of English Settlement. 187 " Kecords from tlie English Settlement May 13th 1713. " Surveyed for Joseph Chamberlin sen'' Round the great house 40 acres being a home lott in Oxford; and four acres and one Kood in it being allowed for a highway going through * * * surveyed by John Chandler Jun. approved and established by order of the original proprietors provided he pay for the bettering of his lott by former Improvement and building. " By John Chandler who made such an agreement at the be- ginning." — Village Rec. 13. Joseph Chamberlin's house lot in the English settlement of Oxford, was on the French Plantation of Rev. Daniel Bondet and subsequently in the English settlement it came into the possession of the descendants of Thomas Mayo. Joseph Chamberlin's choice of a house lot is the fii'st on re- cord, being by estimation the most valuable.* " Oxford the 4 of february 1714 Joseph Charabbarline siuer of my children — I have since married an English women, by whom also I have several children, all which have dependance (under God) for a subsistence on me, after I have spent more than ten thousand pounds towards the benefit of the country; in building ships, making nails, and promoting the making of stuffs, hats, and rosin etc. '' Your petitioner, therefore, doth most humbly beg your excellency and honor's compassion and that you would graciously be pleased to grant me such titles as may confirm to me and mine the said two thousand five hundred acres of land without any misunderstanding, clear and free from any molestation either from the inhabitants of the said New Oxford. or any pretensions of tlie above said Bertrand du Tuffeau, so that I and mine may either dispose of, or peaceably and quietly live upon, the said plantation of New Oxford ; and your petitioner shall ever pray for, and devote himself to your government, beging leave to assure you, that he is, may it please your Excellency's and Honor's your most Dutiful and Obedient Servant. ,, ^ .,^ " Gabriel Beunon." *The Oxford records state that in 1713, when the English settlement was commenced, there were French orchards and a house once belonging to the Huguenots, which were regarded by the English as improvements 1 88 The Records of Oxford. House loute bein iiponn boundetliel* so caled, bounded on the nourest with a stake and a hape of stons ronneing a hundred and twenty rodes soourlj on burnnnn linef to a black oke run- ning westerly sixty rods to a stack and a hepe of stones then ronning nurarly on hundred rods to a stack an Hepe stones foust named * ■'• * provided he pays as tow men shal judge is beater than other lots in sd village." Ibid.f . " The highway which passed through this plantation was Woodstock ' great trail ' which passed from Johnson [Jansen] plain north easterly over Bondet hill near the ' great house ' which stood on its eastern slope." A large hollow in the earth now marks the site of the " great house" which was once the home of Rev, Daniel Bondet. Mr. John Mayo who was a native of Oxford, and lived near the place said it was used as a tavern in the second French set- tlement or early in the English town history. In by-gone time the old Boston road or old Connecticut road was the thoroughfare in a quiet way from Boston to the Con- necticut towns. It entered the town from what was afterward the Sutton road, passing near the mills of Ebenezer D. Rich, and from this point entering the road which afterward passed the farm house of Samuel Davis, and continued on until the foot of the French to the plantations, for which those who came into possession of them were required to make a suitable compensation to the village corpora- tion. "Jan. 25th 1714 Voted that Ebbenezar Humphry should have the orchard joining to the South west corner of his home lot making allow- ance to the Town in money to full of what tow men shall judge it to be Ttorth." — Oxford Records, p. 69. There are vestiges of this Huguenot orchard still remaining; some very ancient trees with hollow trunks are said to have been standing in the English settlement. * Rev. Daniel Bondet's Hill (plantation.) t Gabriel Bernon's boundary line. Rev. Dr. Holmes' Visit to Oxford. 189 fort hill was reached, and then, when near the house of late John Majo in the first English settlement, designated as near the site of a French house, about one-half mile distant from the French church and churchyard, here the road entered a broad Indian path known as the "Woodstock trail," passing near the resi- dence of the late John Hurd and entering the highway near the late Peter Shumway's residence, and continued to Wood- stock. The present highway from these points is nearly on the paths of the old Connecticut road and Woodstock trail, " It was voted * '^ * in Nov. 30, 1714 that the com- mitty shall begin to lay out meddow att East End of the great raeddow, from thence to the meddow on Elliat's mill brook, from thence to the croth of the Reveir so down strame the Ee- veir; to the line from thence to bundits meddow." [Bondet's meadow.] Remains of the French Fort. Dr. Holmes writes : " My first visit to Fort Hill in Oxford was 20th April, 1819. " Mr. Mayo, who owns the farm on which the fort stands, believes that his grandfather purchased it of one of the French families ; and Mr. Sigourny, of Oxford, writes it was bought of his ancestor, Andrew Sigourny.* " I measured the fort by paces, and found it 25 paces by 35 within the fort ; on the outside I discovered signs of a well, and, on inquiry, was informed that a well had recently been filled up there. " On a second visit to the fort, in September of the same year, 1819, I was accompanied, and aided in my researches, * The ancestor of Mr, Mayo purchased the estate of Gabriel Bernon, the president of the French settlement. The ancestor of Capt. Sigourny had taken this plantation as his estate and resided at the fort while in the settlement, as the keeper of the French garrison— Bernon— could not give a deed to Sigourny, as he had not re- ceived a conveyance of the land by a deed at that time. 1 90 TJie Records of Oxford. by the Rev. Mr. Drazer, then a professor in our University, who went over from Worcester, and met me by agreement in Ox- ford. We traced the lines of the bastions of the fort. " We next went in search of the Johnson place, memorable for the Indian massacre in 1G96. Mr. Peter Shumway, a very aged man, of French descent, who lives about thirty rods dis- tant from it, showed us the spot. It is at a considerable dis- tance from the village, on the north side of the road to Dud- ley,* and is now overgrown with trees. We carefully explored it, but found no relies. " The last year (1825) I called at Mr. Shumway's. He told me that he was in his ninety-first year ; that liis great grand- father was from France ; and that the plain on which he lives is called 'Johnson's Plain.' French Chiiech-Yaiid. "While Mr. Brazer was prosecuting our inquiries concerning a second fort and a church that had been mentioned to me by Mrs. Butler, he received a letter (1819) from Mr. Andrew Si- gourny, informing that Captain Humphrey, of Oxford, says his parents told him there was a fort on the land upon which he now lives, and also a French meeting-house, and a burying- ground, with a number of graves ; that he had seen the stones that were laid on the top of them, as they lay turf, and that one of the graves was much larger than any of the others ; that they were east and west, but this, north and sonth ; and that the Frenchman who lived in this place, named Bourdine, had been dead but a few years." f " In May, 1825, 1 visited Captain Ebenezer Humphrey, and * The north side of the "old road" to Dudley, which passed Mr. Shumway's residence. t The flat stones were placed on the ground to preserve them from the molestations of wild beasts. The small fort and orchard were north of the church. Capt. Humphrey s Reminiscences. 191 obtained from him satisfactory information concerning the plan of this second fort, and the meeting-house, and the bnrying- ground. " Captain Humphrey was in his eighty-fourth year. He told me that his grandfather was from England, and that his father was from Woodstock, and came to Oxford to keep garrison (in the second French settlement). He himself now lives where his father lived, aljout half a mile south-east from Oxford vil- lage. His house is near a mill, standing upon a small stream that runs on the left near the great road leading to Norwich. " About fifty or sixty rods from his house he showed me tlie spot where the fort stood, and near it the lot upon which were the meeting-house and burying-ground. No remains of either were visible. He pointed to an excavation of the earth, where, he said, was a well, which had been tilled up. It was at the place of the fort, and had been, probably, within it. " In the lot there were apple trees, which, he told me, he heard his father say, ' The French set out.'* "The field was under fine cultivation, but I could not forbear to express my regret that the memorial of the dead had not been preserved. " He said an older brother of his had ploughed up the field, and it was in this state when it came into his possession. He told me that one of his oldest sisters said she remerahered the old horseblock that stood near the French meeting-house. " He said he had seen the blood on the stones of the Johnson (Jansen) house ; and that Mis. Johnson on the night of the massacre went to Woodstock. "Bourdille t(so he pronounced it) lived near the brook which * The remains of the apple trees were visible in 1854 on the fort lot. His father must have been a competent witness, for he was seventy years old when he told him this, and he himself was then twenty years of age. tThe same as Bourdillon. 192 The Records of Oxford. runs by his house. The land of Captain Humphrey, upon which were a French fort, church and burying-ground, lies near the foot of Mayo's hill, on the summit of which stood the great fort, whose remains are still to be seen." * It was stated by the late Capt. Andrew Sigourny that Mrs. Andrew Sigourny, Sr.. who came from France, was buried in this church-yard, as was Mr. Jansen and his three children. Capt. Humphrey stated that he recollected twenty graves in the French burying-ground. Mr. Ebenezer Humphrey of Oxford, a grandson of late Captain Humphrey, and a resident proprietor of the landed estate of Captain Humphrey, in 1890 states that his grandfather informed his father " that the French church was on the north side of the extremely small church-yard," and to enter the church the narrow avenue of access passed through the church-yard as in European countries. The locality of the church-yard is still pointed out by Eb- enezer Humphrey. Mrs. Adaline D. E. Moffat, a lineal de- scendant of Captain Humphrey (a grand-daughter), is the only person now living to whom Captain Humphrey pointed out the grave of Jean Jansen as the one placed north and south in the Fi-ench burying place. In the English settlement it was designated as the " giant's grave," his three children being placed at the foot of his grave, and is so designated' at the present time. A few years since there was an old road that passed nearer to the French church-yard than the present road as it now *Dr. Holmes writes of this interesting place : " We feel reluctant to take leave without some token of remembrance, beside the mere reci- tal of facts, some of which are dry in detail, while many others are but remotely associated with it. " Were any monumental stone to be found here, other memorials were less necessary. Were the cypress, or the weeping willow, growing here, nothing might seem wanting to perpetuate the memory of the dead." French Churchyard. 193 passes to the fort. This old road entered the hmd of Ebenezer Humphrey in the lowlands, not far from a large oak tree, now standing (1890). It can be easily pointed out by the proprietor. This road was closed several years since as not required for travel. The old road is thus described : " A waylaid out from the four rod way to bcnieraanne lands home lot, begining att a wihite oake tree on the lowlands on ye Southwardly Sideof thefrinch burying place, from thence marked on the North sid to ne- lands home lot ; said way is tow rods wide february the sixt on 1713-4." — Village Record. There is no authentic description of the French church and church-yard in "new oxford " excepting the one given by Captain Humphrey to Rev. Abiel Holmes, D. D.,and also the lo- cality of the church with its church-yard as pointed out by Cap- tain Humphrey to his descendants. "The large stones said to have been a part of the foundation of the building as seen within the memory of persons now living is erroneous, the stones having been excavated by the Humphrey family." The church and church-3'ard lot of land can still be traced by the division wall or stone foundation of a fence separating it from the small fort lot containing an orchard and well as placed by Arthur Humphrey for cultivation, which fact Dr. Holmes so much regretted in his interview with Captain Humphrey. The lauded estate belonging to the late Captain Humphrey has remained in the family since the English settlement of the town in 1713, his father being the original proprietor and is now owned and occupied by Ebenezer Humphrey, the fourth in descent from the first of the name.* In confirmation of Benjamin Knecland's first lot of land * Ebenezer Humphrey, a lineal descendant of Captain Humphrey, and the present owner of this estate, which has been in the possession of his ancestors since 1713, induced by an antiquarian interest, opened one of the graves, as plainly indicated by the dimensions, but found only the earth, which gave indications of what had been once a grave. 25 1 94 The Records of Oxford. taken in Oxford, and the old road leading to his homestead, a deed siven bv Marvin Moore to Ebenezer Humphrey, in 1796, contains the following item : " One tract of land in Oxford containing by estimation four acres be it more or less laid out southward from the house lot Benjamin Nealand (Kneeland) first took up in Oxford at a place called the stony runs it being in lew of meadow in said lot bounding southwardly on a four rod high-way going estward from Ebenezer Humphreys house to Thomas Ilunkins* bounded part on said Humphrey land west and Northwardly and est- wardly on said Hunkins land however else bounded. "f At the French fort in Oxford there was a bridle-path winding down through the French orchard to the church and mills, and entering on to the Woodstock trail and the"trading-house, or, as they were then styled, " the trucking-house," and to the dwell- ings of other refugees in the valley wnthin view of the fort. There are still to be seen traces of bridle-paths and cart- ways which have long since gone into disuse. Many old paths abandoned, of which only the faintest tradi- tion and slightest trace remain of those silent highways. The natives had no roads; they had trails or paths to suit their convenience ; they were quite well defined wiien the English colony came to this section of country. There were tracks throuo-h the forest from one Indian settlement to another, from the seacoast to the Connecticut valley. In 1630 the ¥/abquas- set Indians had visited Boston, passing over the Woodstock trail. The roads in those days were only bridle-paths, or, as they were called, " bridle-roads, " through the forest, unfenced and ungraded, and were indicated by marked or hewn trees and stones. The land-holders whose land bounded on these highways * The Stony run remains with its boundary wall the same as anciently at the present time. iKnown as once the Harwood farm. FrencJi Families in Oxford. 195 or through whose land these rude highways passed, were allowed to raaintaia bars or huge gates across them to prevent their cattle from straying, as there was a great scarcity of fences. There were formerly gates to pass thi-ough leading to the residence of the late John Mayo at the French fort. The Kames of Huguenot Families who Made a Settlement AT New Oxford. Benjamin Faneuil. Jean Boudoin. Montel. I. Dupeux. Capt. Jermon [Germain]. {Charles [Germain], Ober Germon [Germain]. Pierre Jermon [Germain]. Francois Bureau, I'aine. Elie Dupeux. Jean Martin. Andre Sigournais, Sr. Andre Sigournais, Jr. j Jean Mallet, anc. j [amien] [Elder] in the French church. Peter Canton. M. Alard. M. Bourdille [Bourdillon]. Rene Grignon. Jean Jansen. Caj)t. de Paix Cazeneau. Isaac Bertrand Du Tuffeau. Rev. Jaques [James] Lab- orie.* Rev. Daniel Bondet. Jean Machet. Elie Boudinot. Daniel Johonnot. Jean Papineaux. Daniel Allen. Gabriel Du Pont. Jacques Du Pont. ♦ Jacques Laborie of Cardaillac, Province of Guyenne, completed the study of theology iu the Academy of Geneva March 13, 1688 (Livre du Rectuer). He was ordained in Zurich Oct. 30, 1688, and went to England; he ar- rived at the time of King William's coronation ; he obtained a license from the Bishop of London, for teaching grammar and catechising in the parish of Stepney. He officiated in several of the French churches of London for nine or ten years, and then, iu 1698, came to America. After a residence for some time in the French settlement in New Oxford as a clergyman over the French church, and engaged as a missionary among the savages in the vicinity, he went to New York, and was the minister of the French Reformed church in that city for two years, Oct. 15, 1704, to August 25, 1706. After this he engaged in the practice of ig6 TJie Records of Oxford. Elie Boudinot was a wealthy French merchant of Marans, in France, known in liis own country as Seigneur de Cressy. His name and title arc found written on the fly leaf of a book in the possession of one of his descendants. Gabriel Bernon, President of the settlement ; Isaac Bertrand Da Tuffeau was the Magistrate of the Frencli settlement of New Oxford, being appointed by the General Court on the twenty-first day of June, 1G89, to be " Commissioner for the Towne of New Oxford to have Authority for Tryall of small Causes not exceeding forty shillings, and to act in all other matters as any other Assistant may doe, as the Lawes of this Colony direct.-' Da Tuffeau was from Poitiers, the principal town in the province of Poitou. When in Oxford he was married to Demoiselle Rochefou- cauld, a lady descended from one of the most noble families in France. CHAPTER XVI. Fkench Gardens. There are French gardens, vineyards and orchards of which we have descriptions that carry us far back to those da^^s of the Huguenots leav^ing France. "The Huguenots were acknowledged to be the best agricul- turists, wine growers, merchants and manufacturers in France. medicine and surgery, and about the year 1716 settled in Fairfield county, Connecticut, as a pliysician, occasionally assisting the Church of England missionary ; he married Jeanne de Ressignier, in a second mar- riage Abigail Blacklach, August 29, 1716, and died about 1731, leaving two sons, James and John, both of whom became physicians. Note. — Bernon resided in Boston. French Gardens. 197 No heavier crops were grown in France than on the Huguenot farms in Beam, and the south-western provinces. The slopes of the Aigoul and the Epernon were covered with their flocks and herds. The valley of the Yaunage was celebrated for its richness of vegetation, and was called by its inhabitants the 'Little Canaan.' ^^ * * The diligence, skill and labor with which they subdued the stubborn soil and made it yield its increase of flowers and fruits, and corn and wine, bore wit- ness in all quarters to the toil and energy of. the men of the religion." — Smiles'' History of the Huguenots. Disosway in his " Huguenots in America," states : " The differ- ent parts of the country to which they came were greatly bene- fited by the introduction of their superior modes of cultivation of the soil, and of different valuable fruits which they brought from France. * * * When Charles II, in 1680, sent the first band of French Protestants to South Carolina his principal object was to introduce into that colony the excellent modes of cultivation which they had followed in their own country." In 1709 Lawsou in his " Journal " gives us pictures of the Huguenots in their scattered settlements in South Carolina, and states " their lands presented the aspects of the most cultivated portions of France and England." Tradition states that the plantations of the French hahitans of New Oxford were cultivated with such care and taste that the whole settlement presented to view one beautiful garden. There is found at the ruins of the French fort in Oxford, which was once the plantation of Andre Sigournais, in the French settlement of 1687, remains of a vineyard, orchard and garden.* * The following fact was communicated to the writer of the Memoir of the French Protestants, Rev. Dr. Holmes, by the late Capt, Andrew Sigourney, of Oxford, Mass., who was born in Boston 1753: " A bill of lading, dated London, March 5, 1687, of a variety of Mer- chandise, etc., shipped on board the ships John and Elizabeth, mentions 198 TJie Records of Oxford, On a second visit to the fort, in September of the same year (1819), we " were regaled with the perfumes of the shrnbbcrj, and the grapes tliere hanging in chisters on the vines, planted bj the Huguenots above a century before." "Grape vines, in 1819, were growing hixuriantly along the line of the fort ; and these, together with currant bushes, roses, and other shrubbery nearly formed a hedge around it. There were some remains of an apple orchard. The currant and asparagus were still growing there. These, with the peach, were of spontaneous growth from the French plantation ; the last of the peach trees was destroyed by the memoi-able gale of 1815," as stated by Mr. Mayo, the landed proprietor. Mrs. Lee, the author of the " Huguenots in France and Amer- ica " writes of the French garden of Andrew Sigourney : " The narrative of Mr. John Mayo (given to her in 1828, when he was eighty-one years of age) is perhaps the most graphic. He says the fort of the French was near my house ; it inclosed about a quarter of an acre and was about square. There was a very considerable house, with a cellar, well, etc., within the fort. There was a garden outside the fort, on the west, containing asparagus, grapes, plums, cherries, and a bed of gooseberries. There were probably more than ten acres cultivated around the fort ; some of the apple trees and pear trees are still standing, also the currant bushes and cinnamon rose bushes, asparagus, etc." among the rest, 'two chests of vine plants, marked X 5 X,' and were to be delivered to Mr. Daniel Stading, or Petre il Sailes " (of Boston for the French settlement of New Oxford). The bill of ship lading was on a half sheet of paper, large size, of a thick course quality of paper and much discolored by time. It was folded in a small square form. Some years since, on the decease of Capt. Andrew Sigourney, of Oxford, his executor, Capt. William Sigourney, found the ship lading bill of these same vines and fruit trees. The bill was afterward destroyed, with other French papers, by fire. Letter of L. H. Sigonrncy. 199 A portion of the garden was devoted to herbs, roots, medici- nal sweet mint, and remnants still remained of blood root, Sol- man's seal and some others, Yerj little remains at the present time of this once lovely French flower garden, vineyard and orchard (having passed into the hands of the restoi*er) — a remnant of the cherry trees which had replanted themselves, the frnit retaining its rich flavor, but in size resembling the wild cherry. These cherry trees formed a lovely trellis fur the grape vines, bnt unfortunately they were destroyed ; with these vines clusters of asparagus, stray hop vines and rose trees, had formed a French garden and vineyard for two centuries. Mr. Mayo stated to Dr. Holmes : " Every thing here is left as I found it." The descendants of Mr. Mayo shared in his refinement of taste. " The flower thereof falleth and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth." A Letter from the Late Mrs. L. H. Sigourney. Hartford, Sept. 30th, 1856. My Dear Miss De Witt : On returning from a little visit to my daughter I found your box of delightful Huguenot grapes awaiting me. Their fragrance betrayed them ere the casket was fully opened. This sentiment of remembrance on your part was indeed very kind, and I earnestly thank you. Does it require much stretch of the imagination to depict that saintly group who for "righteousness sake," left the vine-clad hills of la belle France, and sought among these shaded valleys, " afaitii's pure shrine ? " Your own ruined fort is peculiarly rich and graphic in its de- lineations, especially so to us, who regard the ancestral name of Sigourney with respect and affection. 20O Tlic Records of Oxford. 1 hope this Ilnguenot vine may long flourish ; I have pressed some of its dusters into a little wine, thinking tliat the most enduring form in which they could he treasured. Should it succeed well, I shall hope yon will taste it with me, when it attains its maturity, the next year. I trust your loved mother and sister are well. I often think of you as a peculiarly happy family not to have been severed and tossed about, as so often hapipens "amid the chances and changes of this mortal life." Please remember me affectionately to them, and believe me, Very sincerely your friend, L. H. SlGOUKNET. An Ex pract from a Letter of Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes TO Mrs. Freeland, Dated Beverly Farm, June, 18S1. " I remember my father's visit to Oxford, and the enthusiasm with which he explored the traces of the French Pilgrims. I have not forgotten, either, my own visit many years ago to the fort and the scenes of the massacre by the Indians, and how I looked for the rose bushes and the grape vines which my father had seen, and of which Mrs. Sigourney had sung. There is no town in New England which can show more interesting localities than Oxford. The French exiles rested there, as a flight of tropical birds might alight on one of our New England pines, and one can hardly visit the places that knew them without looking for some relics of their sojourn as he would hunt for an empty nest or a painted feather after the bird has flown." Rev. Dr. Abel Holmes states: " In the year 1822 a letter was also received from a lady, well known in our literary community, enclosing a poetical tribute to the memory of the Huguenots of Oxford, which is not less worthy of her pen, than of her connexion.* Her mar- riage with a worthy descendant of one of the first French fami- * L. Huntly Sigourney. French Gardens. 201 lies that settled in Oxford fairly entitled her to the subject which her pen will perpetuate, should the Memoir be forgot- ten. A leaf of the grape vine was enclosed in the letter which has this conclusion : ' We received great pleasure from our visit to Oxford, and as we traced the ruins of the first rude fortress erected by our ancestors, the present seemed almost to yield in reality to tiie past. I send you a leaf from the vine, which still flourishes in luxuriance, which, I am sorrj' to say, resembles our own natives of the woods a little too strongly. Something beside, I also send you, which savours as little of the Muse's inspiration, as the vine in question does of foreign ex- traction ; but if poetical license can find aftinities for the latter, I trust your goodness will extend its mantle over the infirmity of the former. ' " An Extract from the Poem of L. H. Sigouknet, Received BY E.EV. Dr. Holmes. "The savage arrow scath'd them, and dark clouds Involved their infant Zion, yet they bore Toil and affliction with unwavering eye Fix'd on the heavens, and firm in hope sublime Sank to their last repose. Full many a son Among the noblest of our land, looks back Through Time's long vista, and exulting claims. These as his Sires."— L, H. S. Mrs. Lee writes : " The Huguenots, after their return to Boston (from Oxford), gratified their taste in the cultivation of rare and beautiful fruits and flowers. Vestiges long remained of their cultivated and refined tastes." And adds, " A friend of mine, now no more, the honored and regretted Daniel Sar- gent, Esq., told me, he perfectly recollected 'fine gardens pointed out to him when a boy, as having belonged to the Huguenots.' " — Mrs. Lee, ii, 68. There were the rich and luxurious French gardens of Daniel Johonnot of Boston, and of his son Zachariah Johonnot, rival- 26 202 TJie Records of Oxford. \vl^^ gardens of India in splendor, whicli weie cultivated through their wealth to remind them in s-weet memories of the lo\elj home^ of theii' ancestors in sunny trance. The beautiful garden of Daniel Johonnot was by his "will" bequeathed to his son Andrew as a choice inheritance, and again by him bequeathed to his son Andrew. These aai'dens were ornamented with flowers and shrubs of exquisite varieties and choice fruit trees, and were for many years remembered by the inhabitants of Boston. And the gardens of Zachariah Johonnet were afterward in- herited by his son Peter. These gardens are said to have been filled with rare fruit trees, beautiful flowers and shrubs from the "dear fatherland." Tradition states that every tree, shrub and flo\ver cauie from France, and that these gardens extended in length entire streets. There was also the spacious garden appurtenant to the rich mansion of Andrew Fanenil* in Boston ; he had acquired a taste for flowers which he gratified in one immense French garden, containing seven acres of laud, interspersed with choice fruit trees. The garden was of such loveliness that it w'as styled an "Eden of beauty." Choice tropical fruits were cultivated in hot-houses, the first of their kind in New England. "The deep court-yard," says Miss Quincy, in her memoir of her mother, " ornamented by flowers and shrubs, was divided into an upper and lower platform by a high glacis, surrounded by a richly wrought railing, decorated wMth gilt balls." f The terraces, which rose from the paved court behind the house, were supported by massive walls of hewn granite, and were ascended by flights of steps of the same material. *The residence of Andrew Fancuil was on Treamount St. (Treraont St.), opposite the King's chapel and its church-yard. On the death of Andrew Fancuil, it became tlie home of his nephew, Peter Faneuil where he lived and died. t Memoir of the Life of Eliza S. M. Quincy, p. 88. FrencJi Gardens. 203 One of the ornaments of this tasteful garden was a summer- house which resembled an eastern pagoda, and from the little spire which surmounted it, there glittered and whirled about in olden times a gilded grasshopper, for a vane in imitation of the one upon the Royal Exchange in London. This summer- house from its elevated situation commanded a lovely view, and for many successive decades of years the J oh on net and Faneuil gardens were remembered for their choice fruits and flowers as things of seslhetic beauty. At the commencement of the sixteenth century, there lived in a small castle near Gap, in Dauphiny, the noble family of Farel. — History of France^ M. Guizot, Among the French gardens, vineyards and orchards there is a description of an orchard at the ancient home of William Farel in France, which d'Aubignu has so quaintly and beauti- fully described : "In these Alpine solitudes, three leagues from the town of Gap, in the direction of Grenoble, not far from the flowery turf that clothes the tableland of Bayard's mountain, on the extended plain, stood a house of the class to which in France the appellation of 'gentilhommiere'* is attached (a country gentleman's habi- tation). It was surrounded by an orchard which formed an avenue to the village — there lived a family bearing the name of Farel, a family of long-established reputation, and as it would appear, of noble descent. In the year 1489, at a time when Dauphiny was suffering from oppression, a son was born in this modest mansion, who received the name of William Farel." f * Some of the Huguenots were termed " geutilliomme " (gentlemen). In old France " gentilhomme " meant much more than "noble;" a man's ancestors must have been noble for at least three generations, else he dared not assume that envied designation of which the King himself was proud, considering it amongst his highest honors to be called "pre- mier gentilhomme de France (the first gentleman of France). t John Calvin, in writing of William Farel, dwells upon tlie disinter- estedness of his character, and speaks of him as a man of such noble birth. 204 The Rccoj-ds of Oxford. " Grenoble to Gap, distant a quarter of an hour's journey from the last post-house, and a stone's throw to the right from the high road, is tlie site of the house which belonged to the father of the Farel still pointed out. Though it is now occu- pied by a cottage only, its dimensions are sufficient to prove that the original structure must have been a dwelling of a su- perior order. The present inhabitant of the cottage bears the name of Farel." A description of the modern French garden of the late Charles Sigoui'ney, Esij-t of Hartford, Ct., who was a lineal descendant of Andrew Sigourney, who came from France, and was in the French settlement of Oxford, and afterioard 'became a resident of Boston. Mrs. Sigourney describes her beautiful home with its lovely rose gardens : "The mansion was environed by an extensive lawn, whose curving gravel walks were adorned with shrubbery, and spacious gardens, one of which stretched downward to the fair river that girdled the domain, from which it was protected by a mural parapet. One of the most unique features of scenery was a grove sloping rather precipitously to the borders of the same graceful stream, traversed by winding paths, and shaded by lofty trees. On its margin, and partially sustained by the trunk of a strong oak that bent over the water, a rustic recess with two or three seats, called the Hermitage, had been constructed. It was approached by a kind of Avilderness path through the lawn grounds (where every thing grew as it pleased, yet pleased to grow gracefully). * * * An adjoining eminence was crowned by a summer-house, on whose vane, which was in the form of an arm and hand with a pointing finger, was the classic inscription, ' Ut ventus vita,' — our life is as the wind, our do- main was beloved by the flowers. French Gardens. 205 " Roses of everj line and variety cast their perfume upon the air ; the clematis threw over the piazzas its rich masses of ce- rulean blue ; brilliant woodbines and trumpet honeysuckles spanned the arching gate- ways, or clung to the trellises of the summer-house ; the alternate white and purple lilacs bowed their heads over the avenue alloted to them, as if in close consulta- tion ; the neighboring lilacs bent back their listening petals ; on the border of the gravel walks the gorgeous coxcomb flaunted, the peony and lupine advanced their pretensions ; the pansy lifted its deep eye of intelligence, and the arbor-judea waved its pendulous banner when the slightest zephyr claimed homage. " (Birds, fearing no shaft of the fowler, peopled the boughs, and made a paradise of song.) (A. line of foot-bridges with their passing groups, rendered picturesque its adjacent lowlands, where were groups of little ones, who amassed daisies and king- cups, or gadded after the bright-winged butterfly.) Garden seats were placed in different positions, so as admirably to re- veal the charms of nature and art which were here combined, the velvet lawn, the stream that at one point exhibited a slight cascade, and at another seemed to have a lake-like termination. The trees which were scattered here and there seemed instinct with the spirit of grace ; and methought I had never beheld such enchanting moonlights as fell through their chequering branches." Fain would I bear away, And keep the changeless picture in my heart Of those fair woods and waters, — summer dress'd And angel-voiced, until I lay me down On the low pillow of my last repose.— X. H. Sigourney. On leaving the village street in Oxford in a southerly direc- tion to visit the site of the ancient French gardens and ruins of the fortification, you will take the first road on your left hand ; it is now known by a guide-board as "Huguenot avenue." 2o6 TJie Records of Oxford. " A high way laid out Feb. 6th 1714* by the Select men beginning att the Eiglit rod way on the southwardly sid of an orciiard neer the old millf running over the old mill brook to a rock on the East of said Brooke, from thence marked on the northwardly side with mark trees tel it coms to barnon's:}: land neer the North East corner of Joseph Chamberlin seneor's home lot (In the French settlement the home lot of Rev. Daniel Bondet) said way being four rods wide." Soon a view is presented of the site of the French fort, situ- * Village Rec, p. 132. t French Mill of Gabriel Bernon. J Gabriel Bernon's laud. There was once a large orchard planted by the Huguenots on the nortli-west corner of the way four rods wide as it entered the Eight rod way, and within the present century the remains of anotlier orchard of apple trees was to be seen, and it is said vestiges of these old trees are now to be found on the late Capt. Humphrey estate. The rock over the brook remains the same partly concealed under the bridge, and a modern mill is now seen on the site of one of the old French mills of Gabriel Bernon. The ancient site of the Humplirey house is passed on your left hand, shaded by its ancient elms and a memorable oak. The descendants of Capt. Humphrey continue still in the possession of this ancient estate. There wastlieold path or road leading to the French church-yard enter- ing at the oak tree in the lowlands, and now, if tlie traveler should inquire his way, he is told by some obliging countryman " to rise a holler, keep straight along until you reach the top of a hill,'' and he pursues the wind- ing highway. He soon passes on the left hand an eminence, the site of the ancient French church and church-yard. The valley below the church, shaded by dark plumy pines, and the site of the lower fort (as it was called), built to protect the French refugees during church service and the burial of their dead, and then is passed on the left the opening of tiie old Boston road, as it was called two hundred years ago the "Kenecticut road,'' and then on the Woodstock trail i)e passes on his right hand the site of the Rev. Daniel Bondet's plantation and its high round top hill, known at the present day as " Bondet's hill," and soon on his left hand he pursues his way on a slope of the French orchard of some five acres of land, once belonging to Andrew Sigourney as a part of his plantation. Frc7ich Fort. 207 ated pleasantly in a close of ten acres of cultivated land crown- ing the height of the plantation. There was once a vineyard on the south side of the fortification, the grape-vines of which caressed tlie rmie palisade, and supplied wine to the refugees (it is said the French have wonderful proclivities for the grape vine). The hop vine and the ro^e tree had their share of cul- ture in the garden on the west side of the fort, and thus the fort appeared to rise from this garden of roses and vines. Within the site of the French fortifications there is still to be discovered the outline of the small cellar of the garrison- house. On the south side of the palisade was the vineyard ; outside of the fort, un the north side of the garrison-house, there was a stone chimney, and its uncouth wide fire-place, a part of which is still standing, and the ancient well is still pre- served. There are now to be seen the ancient stone steps ascending a terrace from the garden, leading to the house on its north-westerly limits, just as they were in position when the settlement w^is abandoned, not having the misfortune to have passed into the hands of the restorer. At the base of the terrace, west of the fort, was the garden, and the orchard lying westerly of the garden. "The main block house was thirty feet long and eighteen feet wide, with a doubled wall cellar twenty-four feet long by twelve feet wide and about six feet deep. The inner wall supported the floor beams ; the outer wall, three feet from this, was made of heavy boulders on a foundation about three feet deep, and supported the logs forming the walls of the house." A covered stone drain seventy feet in length, constructed when the fort was built, is still to be seen in good preservation. " At the south-west corner of the cellar a flight of stone steps have been unearthed, which led to the cellar of this block- house. On clearing out the debris and rubbish at this point, three or four of the original benches, or offsets, cut in the hard 2o8 The Records of Oxford. earth, for laying the steps when the cellar was bnilt, were found as distinct as if just made." The fireplace was in the middle of the north side of the house. It was nearly ten feet wide at the opening of the jambs, and admitting logs eight feet long at the back. The broad foundations (one hundred square feet) supporting it and its chimney, almost wholly outside of the house, gave ample room for those huge logs and for an outside oven. There was but this one fireplace to this old garrison-house. There was no annex attached to this block-house of any de- scription. Mr. John Mayo remembered the garrison-house, as his ancestors had purchased this estate of M. Gabriel Bcrnon. Mr, John Mayo, in his description of the French garrisou- honse (as he well remembered it in good preservation when his father resided on the French plantation), informed Mrs. J. P. Davis, his granddaughter, that the port-holes were only on the south side of the house, as there was lying southerly of the garrison-house at some little distance a line of forest running easterly and westerly, forming as it were a boundary', and from this point the Frencli must have feared an invasion of the Indians. The Oxford Foet. Notes on its construction, etc. The French plantations of Rev. Daniel Boudet and Andre Sigournay were not included in the large tract of land pur- chased by Gabriel Bernon of Dudley and others. The French made a first settlement in (New) Oxford in 1687. A garrison- house was erected on the plantation of Sigournay, and lie was the Commandant of the fort. He planted a vineyard, orchard, and cultivated a garden of much beauty, composed of shrubs and rose trees which he obtained from France. Tliis garrison- liouse remained until after the English settlement in 1713. The site of its ancient cellar is still to be seen, with its immense stone chimney foundations and fireplace, with the remains of that French Fort. 209 once lovely vineyard, orchard and garden, and these were the only relics to be seen on the site of the French fort in 1884. This fortified garrison-house was surrounded only by a palisade of logs and earthworks. It is conjectured by some that " the fort was built of stone, the walls some four feet high, banked with earth and topped with logs, and having a ditch surrounding it, with perhaps a stockade beyond," and that certain outlines of the fort are indicated " by the solid stone foundations, three feet in thickness and just covered by the sod enclosing the whole area." There is no record or reliable tradition to sup- port these theories. The only explanation that can be given of this view of these fortifications is the following : The large area of land now sur- rounding the site of the French fort was in ancient times com- posed of several small lots of land. One of these parcels, lying south of the ruins of the fort, was separated by a wall of stone running east and west near the vineyard, which was outside of the fort. This was rebuilt several times by the Mayo family during the 130 years of their residence on the farm, and every time removed three or more feet south of the old wall; and besides, this wall intersected another wall at right angles, running south and north, which extended from the highway boundary wall. What is now thought to be the site of an old ditch surrounding tlie fort is only the appearance of the ground from whence was removed one of these former walls. The last of these old walls was removed some 50 years since. All the debris of these old walls was deposited in the French vineyard, under the vines and among the shrubs and rose trees of the French garden. This accounts for the supposed fortifi- cation wall of " some three feet in thickness and just covered by the sod." When this supposed discovery was made there was no vestige of a wall standing. The wall now placed is a modern wall just erected in imitation of what was in imagina- tion supposed to be the original wall of defense. 27 2 1 o The Records of Oxford. It also appears that there were no stone walls three feet in thickness around the "French garrison-house" as a defense against the natives, the first French settlement having been abandoned in August, 1696, and a second French settlement made in Oxford in about 1699, and continued until 1704, only 17 years after the first fort was erected. Gabriel Bernon, the President of the " French habitants," peti- tioned Governor Dudley for protection against the natives. Gov- ernor Dudlejjin reply to his petition,dated July 7,1702,wi'ites : — " Herewith you have a commission for Captain of New Oxford. I desire you forthwith to repair thither and show your said commission, and take care that the people be armed, and take them in your own house with a palisade, for the secur- ity of the inhabitants ; and if they are at such a distance in your village that there should be need of another place to draw tliem together in case of danger, consider of another proper house, and write me, and you shall have order therein. " I am your humble servant, "J. Dudley." In Lincoln' s " History of Worcester " is found the description of a garrison-house of this period, 1675-1713, in Worcester : — " On this road (Marlborough to Brookfield) south of the fording place, was erected at a very early period, one of those edifices called block or garrison-houses, and denominated on the records ' the old Indian fort.' " The structure for defense against the tribes prowling in the forests, so far as specimens have survived the waste of time, or description been preserved b}'' tradition, had great uniform- ity in construction. They were built of timbers, hewn on the sides in contact with each other, firmly interlocked at the ends, and fastened together with strong pins. They were generally square and two stories in height. The basement was furnished with a single thick door of plank. The walls were perforated with narrow loop-holes for the use of FrencJi Fort. 21 1 musketry against an approaching foe. A ladder, easily drawn up if the lower floor was forced, ascended to the next room, which projected two or three feet over on each side, having slits for infantry, and wider port-holes for cannon. The gentle slope of the roof afforded an elevated position to overlook the surrounding country, and was sometimes crowned with a little turret for an observatory. These watch-towers, impervious to ball or arrow, were of abmidant strength to resist an enemy un- provided with artillery, and might defy any attack except that by fire on the combustible materials. To these wooden castles, in the infancy of the country, the inhabitants repaired on the alarm of danger, and found ample protection within the rude fortresses, seldom reduced by the savage, of too tierce tem- perament to await the lingering progress of a siege. Lincoln mentions " another of these fortresses of logs " for the protec- tion of Quinsigomond (Worcester), and then " The third of these wooden castles was on the new Connecticut road north of Lincoln Square, affording shelter to the traveller and de- fending the mills on the stream." In the " Memorial History of Boston ■ ' is a description of tlie fortification of Charlestown, " which was begun as early as 1630, when a fort was built on the top of Town Hill, with pali- sadoes and flankers made out, which was performed at the direction of Mr. Graves by all hands, men, women and chil- dren, who wrought at digging and building till the house was done. The fort was maintained at great expense, and was fos- tered by the colony because of its importance." The works were abandoned just previous to 1700. The fortifications are described in New York city as existing in 1700 or about that time. " The city lies crowded below Wall Street with only a path stretched out along Chatham Street and the east side. A line of crumbling palisades and earthworks extending originally from river to river, still fenced Wall Street from the open beyond." 212 The Records of Oxford. Dr. Holmes visited Oxford in 1 817 and had an interview witli Mrs. Mary Sigoiiruey Butler, who lived in Boston until the American Revolution and soon after removed to Oxford. Dr. Holmes states " of the memorials of the primitive plan- tation of her ancestors she had been very observant, and still cherished a reverence for them." Mr. John Mayo, who re- sided at this time on the plantation of her ancestor, Andrew Sigourney, Captain Humphrey, Mr. Peter Shumway, who was of French extraction, Mrs. Kingsbury* and her son. Col. Jeremiah Kingsbury, had rendered Mrs, Butler every assist- ance in her researches. They were all persons of great in- telligence and respectability, and were living on the landed es- tates of their ancestors adjacent to the French fort, and all lived to be more than 90 years of age, with the exception of Col. Kingsbury, who was more than 80 years of age. These persons had never seen any stone fortifications around the French fort, in the English settlement of 1713. In 1720 Thomas Mayo of Roxbury purchased the plantation on which was the French fort. This estate continued in the Mayo family for some 130 years. If there had been stone forti- fications or walls four feet in height and three feet in thickness around the fort, would there not have been some remains ? In 1819 Mr. Mayo informed Dr. Holmes : " Every thing here is left as I found it." Notes. A new modern cellar wall has been laid in imitation of the ancient cellar wall,t which quite destroys its interest as a relic * The widow of Capt. Jeremiah Kingsbury. tMrs. J. P. Davis of Worcester, a lineal descendant of Mr. John Mayo, recollects the old walls which stood on the southerly side of the ruins of the French fort. In 1884 the remains of the two walls wei-e to be seen, which formed a salient angle. These walls had been built in the English settlement in making divisions of land. French Fort. 213 of the past. Its ancient outline was all that was desirable to preserve, witli its foundation of an ancient stone chimnej and fire-place. The safety of the garrison-house would not have permitted an ell attached to the house. The house may have extended beyond the cellar wall. There was hut one chimney attached to this garrison-house, and that was built outside of the house on its north side. There was but one chimney to houses of that period, and to some modern houses of only 100 years ago one chimney of huge dimensions was deemed sufficient. There were no ovens ; all was done in kettles or in the ashes, excepting a stone oven, in the chimney outside of the house. Some few relics have been found, of which there is no proof of their ever belonging to the French, as the cellar was used by the Mayo family for the place of all refuse for more than 100 years. There could not have been any old pottery belonging to the French. They confined themselves to utensils made of pewter and wooden ware, excepting some few who had brought from France small articles of silver plate. Andre Sigournay is said to have brought from France a small silver pitcher concealed with other valuables on his person, which was of great service to his family in their flight. The pitcher is now in the posses- sion of Charles Sigourney Burnham of New York, a grandson of the late Charles Sigourney of Hartford, Conn. Then still descending into the valley a tiny river is seen dis- appearing altogether from view, then reappearing, yet flowing ceaselessly, with trees skirting its bank, in all their varied shades of color. The river, fringed with tall grass and meadow flowers of blue gentian and the clematis with its fluffy blossoms, with graceful bends loses itself in the rich river meadow lands, and flows into the French river. This river had strength sufficient to turn the wheels of the French mills, and could be heard as it tumbled into the mill-race. 214 The Records of Oxford. On its banks were the mills and rustic French dwellings, with casement windows aglow with brilliant blossoms, encircled with orchards, vineyards and parterres of flowers dotting the whole vallej, which must altogether have presented a most ro- mantic landscape of loveliness, stretching far into the valley, through which passed the rude bridle-paths and foot-trail which led the refugees to the mills, church, church-yard, and other French plantations in the valley. The remains of the ancient bridle-path can be traced on the Harwood farm, so called, to the fort, and extending to the site of the French church and church-yard. ^ On the right hand of the Sutton road, one mile distant from the village street, is the site of one of the French mills of Gabriel Bernon. " In the midst of a small meadow which is skirted by wooded nplands, and in midsummer is so overhung and shut in by trees and wild undergrowth as to be hidden from the casual observer. Here the substantial dam, some sixty feet in length, both wall and embankment, stands almost entire — a deep trench to con- vey the water from the pond to the mill-wheel, a distance of seventy -five feet, is distinctly to be seen — the position of the mill can be fixed — and the waste-way, running from the wheel about one hundred feet to the stream below, seems to have been but recently made, so little has it been obstructed. " In this retired spot, the kindly hand of natui'e has protected and preserved the handiwork of the Huguenots, as it has been kept in no other locality in Oxford. The place is full of iur terest to the antiquary, and is well worth a visit, not only for its associations, but for its quiet, picturesque beauty." The views from the French fort present quiet pastoral scenes of exquisite loveliness, environed in the distance by enchanting forest hills; and from the hill sides there is a long extent of beautiful vista, and beyond are distant hills, with Wachusett mountain seen fading away in a fainter blue. The A nnals of Oxford. 215 The river winding its silvery way, and its flowery meadows remain the same in view as in tlie days gone by, and tlie ripple and rnsh of the water-way is now the only sound in this en- chanting valley, for the " old French mills " have long since fallen to decay. There is seen the same hazy distance of mountain landscape gilded with the same bright sunshine as when the refugees gazed upon this new wilderness home. " But as generations of men conje and go these old ruins look down on many changes." To-day there is seen in the distance the village street with its churches, rising among them the tower of the Episcopal church, very different in its architecture from the rude French chapel of two hundred years ago, whei*e preached the Rev. Daniel Bondet, ordained at Fullam palace by Bishop Compton of Lon- don. CHAPTER XYII. The Annals of Oxford. In 1713 at the close of Queen Anne's war was the settlement of English families commenced in Oxford, the required number of thirty families being obtained. The settlement was made in the good old colony time, when we lived under the queen " when queues were long and patches large." Richard Moore, Esq., Lieut. John Town and Col. Ebenezer Learned were gentlemen, then good servants to the queen, and were enhancing her most gracious Majesty's interests by endeav- oring to increase her government by the settlement of Oxford. "Oxford was made a town May 16, 1683. Li the year 1693 a particular act passed empowering Oxford to send a representative to the ' General Court ' as appears by the records in the Secretary's office of this Commonwealth."* * Whitney's History of "Worcester County, Mass, 2 16 TJie Records of Oxford. In 1694 an assessment of taxes was made and sent with an order for its collection, to the constable of the French planta- tion, Andrew Sigournev. The grant for Oxford was made 1681-2. Mr. John Gore of Roxburj made the survey, and a return of the same being presented to the " General Court," it was ac- cepted, and on May 16, 1683, they granted the plantation and it received the name of Oxford, after a city of that name in Eng- land, and was at that time a town in Suffolk county.* The grant for Oxford had a great prospect of success with such efficient guardians to watch over its interests as Dudley and others of high position in the colony. Dudley thought the locality of the Oxford grant " capable of a good settlement, with its western part, including many hills, and its eastern section was set apart for a village, being more attractive because of its plains and meadows.f These plains ex- * " Towns were made when there were few, or no inhabitants in them, and when a sufficient number of people had settled in them, a special resolve of court passed to empower them to meet and choose their town officers." "But in a later date they have been incorporated, named and em- powered to hold town meetings by the same act." July 31, 1716, Town meeting. Richard Moore chosen moderator, voted in y' affirmative yt Lt. John Towne and Insn Ebenezer Learned should go to ye Court to search ye Records to see what may be found concerning Oxford being granted for a Township, also to petition the General Court if we may be made a town if it be needful. — Oxford Records. May 28, 1718. At Great and Gen. Court of Assembly for ye province of ye Massachu- setts Bay in New England held at Boston on ye 28 day of May 1718. On the petition of John Towne Selectman of the town of Oxford June 18, 1718, Read and ordered that a tax may be levied upon the lands of non-residents to enable them to build a meeting-house and settle a minister. t Now the town Charlton. The A mials of Oxford. 217 tend three miles north and south, the soil of which is a warm sandy loam, and the Nipmuck coiintiy was famed for its Indian corn." Major Gookin said of Manchang (Oxford), " It is situated in a fertile country for good land." The natural meadows bordering the rivers which ran on either side the plains, were considered the most valuable of all the lands, on account of the quantity of hay they yielded.* Another attraction presented to the minds of Dudley and Stoughton, favorable for a settlement of the Oxford grant, was that this location was easy of access. The old Bay road from Boston to Springfield crossed this part of the Nipmuck county, afterward known as the ISTew Ox- ford settlement, in its northern part, and the old Comiecticut road passed through its southern section. "I gave New Roxbury the name of AVoodstock, because of its nearness to Oxford, for the sake of Queen Elizabeth and the notable meetings that have been held at that place bearing the name in England." — Diary of Judge Sewall of Boston. In the time of the Oxford settlement all varieties of animals common to the New England forests were to be found in the woodlands of Oxford. Deer, wolves, wild cats and bears were game for the hunters, and fish abounded in the small lakes and rivers, affording means of subsistence. Deer were numerous and were quite an article of traffic. * " The artificial pond in the eastern part of Oxford, called ' Robinson's pond,' covers what was one of the finest meadows in the vicinity, which has been known from the first history of the town as " Mendon meadow," as Mendon people came here yearly to cut the hay before the settlement of the town . "As late as at the commencement of the present century, it was a custom every spring, at a certain time, to open the waste-gates at the mill near the south end of the plain, and draw the water from the meadows above, that the crops of hay might grow and be harvested." 28 2 1 8 The Records of Oxford. One of the town ofKcers chosen anniTally was a " deer reeve " to protect the deer ; these officers were chosen until near the close of the last century.* Bears were not uncommon in the settlement of Oxford. The last bear in the town was killed by Samuel Davis and John Dana. Mr. Davis resided on the farm now owned by James Lovett, and the adjoining farm was the residence of Mr. Dana. Both of these farms are near to a swamp, long known as " Bug swamp." Each of these projDrietors had a corn field near the swamp, and adjoining to each other. Before harvesting, the owners were decided that they were suiiering in their corn, by the depredations of some bear con- cealed in the swamp, which was a most unfrequented place, and its solitude and silence had favored the bear to select the trunk of some hollow forest tree, as they both climb and de- scend trees with great agility, for his den, or in some natural cavern among rocks. Mr. Davis, and his neighbor Mr. Dana, decided to appoint a morning, at the early hour of 2 o'clock, to meet and watch for the bear. Mr. Dana was first, upon the time appointed, and soon sighted the bear, and fired his single-barreled heavy shot- gun, which wounded the bear. Dana at once sought his safety by refuge in the swamp. The bear came toward him, and * In 1793 Capt. Amasa Kingsbury and Josliua Merrian were the last deer reeves chosen by the town. Among the early punishments found on the court record of Worcester county, 1748, one having in his possession the flesh of a deer, killed contrary to law, was fined fifty shillings, one -half to the King, and half to tlie informers, which was paid with costs. Tradition states at Ballard's grain mill (now Howarth's) that wolves were common. On a winter morning seven wolves were counted on the ice of Angretteback pond. At the farm of Mr. John Larned, west of the river, in the south-west part of the town, the family would be awakened many a time by the cry of the wolves from the highlands near their home. The A nnals of Oxford. 219 when almost within hugging distance, rose on his haunches to throw himself upon Dana, who, perceiving his situation, had gathered in his hands and arms mud and decayed roots, which he threw into the face of the bear, who stopped very leisurely to wipe with his paws the mud from his eyes. Mr, Davis had heard the report of Dana's gun, and arrived at this critical moment, armed with his shot-gun, and fired upon the bear, which now fell dead in a heap before them. In the History of the Huguenots in France and America, Mrs. Lee, quoting from the manuscript of Mr, John Mayo, of Oxford, narrates : " I heard Joseph Rockwood, who served in the fort, tell of having got lost in the woods when out for the cows. He heard at a distance the cries of wild beasts, and ascended a tree for safety. He was surrounded during the night by half-famished howling wolves.* A Record o:e: Tkottblesome Birds. In a warrant for a town meeting, dated Feb. 19, 1791 : " 6th. To see if the town will bid a bounty on the heads of crows that shall be killed within said town by the inhabitants for the year ensuing or act thereon as the town shall think proper. By order of the Selectmen. — Samuel Harris^ Town Cleric,. " March 7, 1791, at a town meeting; voted, a bounty on the heads of crows, viz., for each old crow one shilling a head, and for each young crow four pence per head, that shall be killed within this town by the inhabitants thereof within one year." The keeping of sheep in those days was quite an item of profit to the land-holders. All sheep were marked by their owners and entered on record in the town. Among many * Joseph Rockwood was in the English settlement of Oxford, and his plantation was near the French fort, and subsequently was included in the farm lands of John Mayo. 220 The Records of Oxford. others : " Eev. Elias Dudley marks his sheep with a Swallow Tail on the right ear." — May 11, 1793. " Mr. James Butler's marking stamp for his Beasts is a capital ' B ' thus ' B ' " (painted black or red) — January 6, 1795. In some instances in marking animals humanitj'^ was forgotten. " Lt. John Ballard Marks his cattle and Sheep with a crop off the left Ear and the right Ear split of each creature " — De- cemr. 1st 1792. Mrs. Kingsbury (the widow of (]apt. Jeremiah Kingsbury) narrated, when in her youth and residing with her father Jona- than Ballard, whose plantation and corn mill included a part of the landed estate of John Nichols, in later time known as Howarth : The Ballard family, were greatly annoyed by the Indians. When gathering peas and other vegetables from their garden they were obliged to protect themselves with fire-arms. If in any manner they returned to the house leaving the basket, on returning to the garden the basket and peas were gone. Governor Hutchinson in his history of Massachusetts writes an item in the history of Oxford: " August 6, 1724, four In- dians came upon a small house in Oxford, which was built under a hill. They made a breach in the roof, and as one of them was attempting to enter, he received a shot from a courageous woman, the only person in the house, who had two muskets and two pistols charged, and was prepared for all four, but they thought tit to retreat, carrying off the dead or wounded man." Tradition states the woman placed a feather-bed in the chim- ney and with a fire and the smoke prevented them from enter- ing the house. The name of this heroine is not preserved, neither the site of her humble dwelling. Cattle were often taken from the English settlement by the Indians. When looking for cows at pasture fire-arms were re- quired. The Amials of Oxford. 221 Peter Papillon of Boston died in 1733. (John Wolcott of Salem his son-in-law Administrator of his estate, Boston Feb. ye 11th, 1734). The stock of creatures, etc., on the Farm at Oxford amounted to £85. 11. 0. as by Inventory lodg'd in ye Registrs. Office and which are still on sd Farm to be deducted out of ye first In- ventory of £1033. 9. 6i One Mare now at Oxford £12. 0. 0. One can imagine the English planters as they arrive from various settlements in Oxford village, with their wagons con- taining household goods and pack-horses overburdened, with their cattle and other domestic animals soon following. The pioneers in a new settlement at that period encountered many hardships, to build their lug cabins, make roads and lay rustic bridges over the small rivers, as well as the labor of sub- duing the soil. The first houses were rude structures, with roofs covered with thatch. In a few years houses of a better order began to appear; they were built with two stories in front and sloped down to one in the rear " leanto style " the windows were small and opened outward on hinges; they consisted of very small diamond panes of glass. The frames of the houses were of heavy oak timber showing the beams inside. These rustic homes all had immense fire-places, where the blazing fire of huge back logs gave cheerfulness to the whole apartment dur- ing the long winter evenings, children and servants sitting in the chimney corners, with a high-backed settle on one side for older people. But for the great blazing fire that was constantly burning in the wide chimney, the family room of the farm-house would have been gloomy. Then there was the floor so neatly sanded, the spinning-wheels and reels were a part of the furniture, and to the children of the family an amusement, as the spinning on a large wheel made a cheery whirring sound as 222 The Records of Oxford. though making woolen garments were the most deliglitful thing possible. The young people studied their arithmetic and grammar by the dim light of a candle, and for amusements they played "Blind-man's buff" and "Come Philander, let us be a march- ing, " with many other games but long since forgotten. Then there were the harvest parties and the quilting parties enlivened with a cup of tea that gave social pleasures.* But all these fashions have seen their day " as the family hearth and the great iron crane hangs rusty on its hinges and groans rheu- matically when wakened from its long slumbers." The cry of the chimney-sweep is no longer heard in the village street. f The ancient mile stone at " Sigouruey's corner " states the distance of Oxford from Boston to be fifty-three and one-half miles. The \'illage street is a mile and a half in length and more than one hundred feet broad, and almost its whole length is presented at one view. * January 1, 1770. " They are not much esteemed now who will not treat high and gossip about. Tea has now become the darling of our women. Almost every little tradesman's wife must sit sij^piugtea for an hour or more in a morning, and it may be again in the afternoon, if they can get it, and nothing will please them to sip it out of but china ware, if they can get it. They talk of bestowing thirty or forty shillings upon a tea equipage, as they call it. There is the silver spoon, silver tongs and many other trinkets I cannot name." — Coffin's " History of Newbury. ''"' Tea kettles in ancient times held about a pint. fWhittier writes : " A remarkable custom brought from the old country, formerly prevailed in the rural districts of New England. On the death of a member of the family, the bees were at once informed of the event and their hives dressed in mourning. This ceremonial was supposed to be necessary to prevent the swarms from leaving their hives and seek- ing a new home." This antique fashion is continued in some of the country villages within ten miles of Worcester at the present time. It is still regarded as a matter of policy to prevent the bees from deserting their hives. The old way of telling the bees was for the master or mistress to ap- The Annals of Oxford. 223 The street was silent from noise of carriages in those days ; only a few pedestrians were seen on the highway, with now and then a person passing on horseback, with occasionally a lady seated upon a pillion on the same horse. The broad highway was lined with flocks of gabbling geese, which marched up and down the street in search of mud pools, to the terror of all small children, and this fashion continued long into the present century. proach the hives and rap gently upon them. When the bees' attention was thus secured, say in a low voice that such a person, mentioning the name, was dead. Another way of telling the bees was for the mistress or some one in her place to drape tlie hives in black, at the same time softly humming some mournful tune to herself. Telling the Bees — Whittier. "Just the same as a month before, — The house and the trees, The barn's brown gable, the vine by the door, — Nothing changed but the hives of bees. Before them, under the garden wall. Forward and back, Went drearily singing the chore-girl small^ Draping each hive with a shred of black. Trembling, I listened ; the summer sun Had the chill of snow : For I knew she was telling the bees of one Gone on the journey we all must go ! Then I said to myself, ' My Mary weeps For the dead to-day : Happly her blind old grandsire sleeps The fret and the pain of his age away.' But her dog whined low ; on the doorway sill, With his cane to his chin, The old man sat ; and the chore-girl still Sung to the bees stealing out and in. 224 TJic Records of Oxford, Josiah Wolcott, Esq., at this time was the owner of a pleasure carriage (a square top chaise) and also of a one-horse chair, both vehicles dating back before 1776. Onlj a few of the country gentry kept a chair or chaise, which was only *' tackled" on Sundays, or occasionally for a journey.* The present time affords in the town facilities for traveling by railroad, a contrast to the former time. In 1715, two years subsequently to the English settle- ment, BernoD gave the stones and irons of the grist-mill to Daniel Elhot on condition a mill should be built in a specified time.f And the song she was singing ever since In my ear sounds on; — * Stay at home, pretty bees, fly not hence ! Mistress Mary is dead and gone !'' * A copy from a note-book of Josiah Wolcott: 1776 May 23 Mr. Joshua Turner To chaise to Scituate 72 miles at 16 y" mile 5 — 8 To chais to Worcester 11 miles 16 y« mile 2 Settled £.8.4.6. t \_Qoii. Dudley to G. Bernon.] RoxBURY, A2)r. Qth, 1715. " Sir : " We are now in a way to thrive at Oxford, and I particularly thank you for what you have done toward a grist-mill in the village, by giving the mill stones to Daniel Elliot, conditionally that the mill should be built to serve the town within a prefixed time, which is now past and nothing done . I desire you to write to him to go forward immediately, so as to finish the mill presently to the satisfaction of the Inhabitants, or tliat you will order tlie said mill and Irons to be given to sucli other per- son as will go forward in the work, that they may not be starved the next winter. "I pray you take effectual order in the matter. " I am your humble servant, " J. Dudley. " To Mr. Gabriel Bernon, Narraganset." The Annals of Oxford. 225 In his reply, Bernon says he has " ordered Daniel Elliot to finish the crist-mill at Oxford or to let the town have the two mills-town, to set the mill in a convenient place," — " it will be a great blessing to strive [thrive] after so much distorbance." * Col. Ebenezer Learned of North Oxford built a dam and saw-mill on his estate previous to 1728. This mill was run until 1859 when factories were erected in its place. The old grass-grown Charlton road, the northerly boundary to the church-yard near the south common, was once the traveled way to Ballard's grain mill ; at a later date a lovely highway was made to the mill from the south Charlton road, terminating in a broad wooded avenue, which passes the site (intersecting with the old road) of this ancient mill, and is unequaled by any in the town for good taste and rural beaut}'-, and yet all is arranged for utility ; even the stone watering trough is a thing of beauty and humanity. The winding avenue is bordered by the forest trees in all their natural gracefulness, fringing the lake even to the water's edge.f The late Sterens De Witt and subsequently the late George Hodges, Esq., were both much interested in preserving all its natural scenery. * January 25, 1714, " Voted at a lofel town meten that Danel Elact should build a greust mel for the town use." — Oxford Records. "May 20, 1715, at a town meeting It was also voted to choose two per- sons to go to Daniel Elliot and discours with him consarning building ye corn mill to see whether he will go on with ye corn mill and accom- plish it in a reasonable time. Richard Moore and Benony Twichel were chosen for sd work." Eliot built the mill on Eliot Mill brook near the crossing of the stream and Worcester road, near the Hawes place adjoining the north cemetery. t March 11, 1754. Voted " to accept of a highway 2 rods wide begin- ing at the eight rod highway (now Main Street) Running west by the South side of Dr. Holden's House running up on the said Holden's line to the North West corner of the burying place from thence straight to 29 226 The Records of Oxford. Mr. Thomas Davis, in 1747, built a grist-mill- on the river passing through his estate, where is situated the mill known formerly as belonging to Ebenezer D. Rich. The old French mill was located near this site on the same landed estate once belonging to Gabriel Bernon, the President of the French plantation. Mr. Thomas Davis had received this large and valu- able estate from his father, Mr. Samuel Davis, of Roxbury, Mass., subsequently a resident of Oxford . Improvements in the present time include the item of sav- ing labor. In the olden time to many of the houses in the first settlement of Oxford, would be attached a small shop, with a chimney in one corner, where the father and sons would be en- gaged in the winter season only in manufacturing shoes, with occasionally apprentices. This would form the entire establish- ment. The last shop that recalls those primitive days was located on the late Josiah Russell place. A great contrast is now noticeable in modern improvements to these isolated little shops of domestic industry. Large manufacturing establishments have su^Derseded them, controlled by wealthy owners, who not only supply all that is required for home consumption but make large exporta- tions to foreign markets, thus affording employment to many most estimable inhabitants of New England towns and vil- lages. But finally the carding-machines, the fulling-mills, the clothier's shop and the spinning and weaving at the farm-house were banished from sight, being superseded by manufactur- ing by machinery. The two manufacturing villages west of the village street and North Oxford, with its long stretch of the foot of the hill by Mr. Manning's fence from thence as will be most convenient near or in the road now trod to the bridge by Mr. Ballard's above his mill dam." This road and the Qiiaboag laue were the only roads to the south part of Charlton and Sturbridge for many years. TJie A nnals of Oxford. 227 villages on the Freneli river, with the town of Webster, are now to be seen in the places of these few solitary mills. In Oxford, Charlton and adjacent places in the southern part of Worcester county, before baoking had become common, Ebenezer Davis, Esq., of Charlton, and his brother. General Jona- than Davis, of Oxford, became the private bankers of the people who had occasion to secure loans of money. Ebenezer Davis, it is said, did not invest in large amounts; he loaned in small sums to hundreds of individuals in Charlton and vicinity. Through the influence of General Jonathan Davis, of Oxford, the Oxford Bank was incorporated in 1823, and for the first ten years he was its president. It was changed to a National bank in 1865. He was succeeded by Richard Ohiey, Esq., a gentleman of wealth and great influence, from Providence, R. I., John Wetherell, Esq., Hon. Alexander De Witt, and in more modern times, by Charles A. Angell, Esq., and other distinguished gentle- men.* Fronting on the south-east corner of the south common there was a little gray school-house, itself " toeing the highway, " with its two chimneys, with its capacious hearths for log fires of a win- ter's day. The benches were of the rudest style, instruments of torture, being very narrow and straight backs. For many years this little country school house, with small high windows of diamond glass, graced the corner of the village common, weather stained with time, its decayed sills and warped clap-boards " crumbled from its moss-flecked sides." This first school-house in the town occupied the site of the present residence of Mr. Charles Lamb, and for many years re- * The late Mr. James Freeland, of Sutton, once engaged in commerce with Canada en route for Montreal through the eastern section of New York State, ascertained that the entire site of tlie present city of Utica could be purchased on very favorable terms. He communicated with Ebenezer Davis, Esq., but failed to interest him in a partnership where so large a fortune could have been attained. 228 The Records of Oxford, mained fronting iipoD the common. Tradition states some of its timber is still preserved in the house of Mr. Lamb.* "Beside yon straggling fence that skirts the way, With blossom'd furze, unprofitably gay. There in liis noisy mansion, skilled to rule, The village master taught his little school. A man severe he was and stern to view ; I knew him well, and every truant knew ; Well had the boding tremblers learned to trace The day's disasters in his morning face ; Full well they laughed with counterfeit glee At all his jokes, for many a joke bad he; Full well the busy whisper, circling I'ound, Conveyed the dismal tidings when he frowned. Yet he was kind, or if severe in aught. The love he bore to learning was his fault. The village all declared how much he knew, 'Twas certain he could write and cipher too : Lands he could measure, terms and tides presage, And e'en the story run — that he could gauge ; In arguing, too, the parson owned his skill, For e'en though vanquished, he could argue still, While words of learned length and thund'ring sound, Amazed the gazing rustics ranged around ; And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew, That one small head could carry all he knew. But past is all his fame. The very spot Where many a time he triumphed, is forgot." Mr. Kichard Rogers was the first teacher of a school in Oxford, date 1740. He was the most accomplished teacher of his time, not only in English and Latin, but noted for his un- rivaled penmanship. In those days a master had no need of a pen wiper, for they wiped their pens on the hair under their wigs. *The benches and the black walnut ferule used in the first schools in Oxford were brought to Sutton by the widow of Mr. Rogers on her third marriage to Isaac Dodge. The relics were to be seen a few years since. The Annals of Oxford. 229 Town meeting July 29, 1714, voted to build a meeting-house thirty feet square, and to set the house on the west side of the highway near Twitchell's field. This first church was located near the north-west corner of the south common, separated from the church-yard by the Charlton road, as afterward called, the church fronting on the common. The churches in New England at this time exhibited a pe- culiar combination of severe plainness. The eastern boundary of the church was the Worcester road, at present opening from the common; as it appears by records of the town the location of the road was anciently. " Tradition states in 1748 when a new church was erected Col. Ebenezer Learned gave the land and ' commons ' around it (now known as the old north common), one and one-half miles south from his residence," and one mile north of tlie south common. The old square church on the north common was built in the center of the twelve thousand acres of land comprising the township of Oxford at that period in the history of the town. " A.nd the cliurch was at the court end of the town," and had the appearance of once being colored a dingy yellow brown, with three doors in the porch entering on the east and west sides, and south front, with corner pews in the gallery for slaves and negro servants. March 5, 1749, voted to sell the old meeting-house at a ven- due to the highest bidder, and Moses Gleason bid S.'o^. 0. 0, and it was sold to him accordingly. Note. — Sumuer Baston (Barston), Esq., a native of Uxbridge, Mass., was the first cashier of the Oxford Bank, a gentleman of great natural endowments and of much refinement, with most affable manners. He had received his education at Brown's University. He became a lawyer of distinction and was highly respected in the county as a gentleman of integrity and candor. He liad received the appointment of Brigade Inspector with the rank of Major. He had also been a candidate for Representative to Congress. 230 The Records of Oxford. Oct. 14, 1751, voted that the selectmen shall inquire after the glass of the old house and give account thereof to the town. In 1752 it was again sold with the church land to Dr. Jabez Holden.* There was a tything-man, whose duty it was to maintain or- der during the church service, to drive dogs from the church and to watch over the boys and young people. At anj mis- demeanor the tything-man would give a sharp rap with his long black staff and levelled like a musket at any offender. This church had a porch bulging out, with its old-fashioned square wall pews and squeaking seats turned upon hinges. The great feature of this church, especially in the eyes of chil- dren, was the huge sounding board above the pulpit, and then their fears should it fall upon the minister's head. The body of the house was filled with long seats or pews opening from the center aisle of the church, with a little shelf-like table on hinges at the head of the pew. The pulpit was high and narrow. When the clergyman entered the church the people remained standing while he ascended the pulpit staircase. In the old churches there were no fire-places, and it was be- fore the days of stoves, furnaces or steam were used for heat- ing them. The women carried tiny foot stoves, filled with coals from their own fire-side ; then between the church services tliey would have leave to replenish them from the friendly hearths of their friends near the church or at the village hotel. The male members would frequent the hotel or old store opposite the common and obtain their "flip" or "gin slings" and then return to the church service. On Sunday morning, a rude picture is presented, as these habitans of the new settlement are seen passing over the com- mon to church, some on horseback sini>:ly, others double with * Some of the timber of this church is still retained as a relic in the Town Hall of Oxford. The Annals of Oxford. 231 saddle and pillion, the wife on the pilhon behind her husband, with majbe a little child in her arms, with a small boy on be- hind, holding on by the crupper. They aU dismounted on the horse-block in front of the church. Qnaint old figures toiling up to the church could be dis- cerned as far as the eye could reach, by the old cocked hat, or many-caped great-coat. The ladies had lovely bouquets of pinks, with some sweet green mint or roses attached to their persons, of a Sunday morning in the summer. During the winter these ladies, many of them, were conspicuous from their fine scarlet broadcloth cloaks and rich sable muffs. The bearskin muff was more common. For on a Sunday the people put on their best rilothes. As wealth increased broadcloth and silk began to take the place of home spun. The old " meeting-house " and all its surroundings were finally sold at auction, the horse-blocks removed, and all lost to view excepting the lovely common ; even the ancient elms with age have disappeared. A new church was erected in 1829, fronting on the South Common. From the settlement of the town by the English in 1713 there was only one church till 1793. The LJniversalist church was completed as a place for ])nblic service. The society had been formed in 1785. In 1836 the Baptist church was erected at North Oxford. In 1840 the Methodist Episcopal church was erected. In 1843 it was enlarged by a donation from the late Jonathan Sibley, Esq. A new church has subsequently been erected. St. Eoche Catholic Church is located on Main street opposite the South Common ; it commands a fine view. The present site was purchased in 1867 of John O'Shea. Since then the grounds have been improved and extended by additional valu- able land purchased of Mr. Peter Butler, of Quincy, by Mr. 232 The Records of Oxford. Shea, and transferred by him to Et. Rev. P. T. O'Reilly, Bishop of Springfield. In 1852 Rev. Napoleon Mignault was placed in charge of this mission by Rt. Rev. John B. Fitzpatrick, Bishop of Bos- ton. Previous to this service was held in private houses ; sub- sequently the present church was erected. In 1858 Rev. James Quann was appointed rector by Bishop Fitzpatric. The reverend gentleman is a native of British America, is of kindly manners and esteemed by all classes in society. He remained in charge until 1886, when Oxford was erected into a parish by Bishop O'Reilly of Springfield, and a resident clergyman appointed. More recently a beautiful rectory with ornamented grounds has been purchased of John E. Kimball, Esq., of Oxford, and and is now comprised in the church estate. Grace Church (Protestant Episcopal) is beautifully located on east side of Main street on the northern portion of the Samuel Hagburn estate, one of the plantations in the first set- tlement of Oxford. The church rectory is imbedded in its cultivated grounds. The corner-stone was laid with ceremonies September 20, 1864. It was first occupied October 8, 1865. On November 16, following, it was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Manton Eastburn, D. D. " The whole edifice, externally and internally, is harmonious and elegant. It is an architectural ornament such as few country villages possess." The building is of dark stone. At the time of the settlement of Rev. Mr. Campbell in Ox- ford, 1721, all was not luxury and ease. Indians were lurking about. The peace of Utrecht was broken in 1722. As late as August 21, 1723, in the neighboring towns, clergymen carried arms to defend themselves during the church service. It is to be regretted that Mr. Campbell did not leave any diary with allusion to the passing events of this time, and about his journey to Boston in 1722, when he went to be married to The Annals of Oxford. 233 Miss Wheatlj. They came to Oxford with two saddle horses. We can trace the Rev. Mr. and Madame Campbell on their bridal route, entertained by the clergymen on whom they called, by the journey of Dr. Parkman, of Westborough, in 1723, the clergyman of that place. He writes that he rode to West- borough from Boston on horseback, leaving Watertown, his first watering-place, at half-past twelve, and reaching Westborough at dark. Eeturing to Boston, after he had secured his invitation, he stopped at Hopkinton, where he visited the clergyman and fared sumptuously on roast goose, roast pea-hen, baked stuffed venison, beef, pork, etc. " After dinner," he adds, " we smoked a pipe and read Gov. Shute's memorial to the king." Town meeting October 7, 1718, there is found a record stating, that a messenger was chosen to fetch us ye minister Rev. John McKinstry (to accompany him on horseback to Ox- ford, as was the fashion of the time), Mr. McKinstry, being in Worcester, and a graduate from Edinburgh university. One can easily picture the person of Rev. Mr. McKinstiy as he entered Oxford village; his countenance is surmounted by the large round white wig, with its depth of curls, the three- cornered, smartly-cocked hat with its broad brim with loops at the side. The nice white necktie or white hneu scarf, the end falling loosely on his breast (changed for church service for bands and surplice), his black velvet or satin breeches with the silver knee and shoe buckles, his black silk stockings, the long coat with large buttons and the long waist coat with its deep pockets and fair ruffles falling over his hands. This style of dress marked the clergyman of olden time. As in ancient fashion a committee was chosen by the town to confer with a clergyman as to what manner he would choose to come into town, and to wait on him accordingly. 30 234 '^^^'^ Records of Oxford. There is no mention made of any escort being provided to accompany the clergyman into town until after the settlement of Rev. Ebenezer Kewhall in 1823, on his marriage to Miss Sarah Clarke, a niece of Prof. Stuart of Andover. On the day of their arrival a party of ladies and gentlemen from Oxford proceeded with their fine carriages (yellow-bodied chaises) and fleet horses to the town of Grafton, twelve miles distant, to there wait at the hotel the arrival of the clergyman and his bride ; then, as their escort, to accompany them to their pleasant home previously made ready for their reception. As the hue of carriages entered the village they met many people much to the surprise of the bride dressed" in their Sun- day best," as on a gala-day, and the people seemed to be all hurry- ing in one direction. At the head of the village street the white gateway at the parsonage was opened for the reception of the party and groups of people were ready to welcome them to their new home. They were ushered into the house, every apartment furnished, for the furniture had arrived from Boston the week previously, and the ladies of the parish had given every direction for its arrangement. The party were soon invited to the tea-room for a five o'clock tea with every delicacy suitable for the occasion. Mrs. Newhall writes, " They were our first people " and " this was our first home, for Mr. Newhall had been in- vited to a parish in the most beautiful country town in all New England."* In 1832 the south part of Oxford, taken to form the town of Webster, which contained much of the most valuable water power within its limits, reduced Oxford in her territory and commerce. * Mrs. Elizabeth Stewart Phelps (a cousin of Mrs. Newhall), in her "Sunny Side," published many years since, gives a part of this descrip- tion as an illustration of the sunny side in a clergyman's life. Notable Old Houses. 235 The new town has increased to great poi3ulation, and in its large manufacturing establishments has become a second Man- chester, while Oxford is left in a state of quietude and of great beauty and as a country town, ever having been a place of cultivated society. In historic incidents Oxford is not to be sur- passed by any town in New England. CHAPTER XYIII. Notable Old Houses. In the English settlement of Oxford there were several garrison-houses in the town for the protection of the inhabitants from an attack from the Indians. The house of Col. Ebenezer Learned in the north section was garrisoned (the house is still standing). There was a garrison at the house afterward known as the Josiah Eussell place and the house of Ebenezer Humphrey.* The house of Col. Ebenezer Learned of North Oxford is one of the most ancient mansions now remaining in Oxford. " Ox- ford May ye tenth, 1714, laid out to Ebenezer Learned his house lot at or near a place called ye uper fall's." The house is still in good preservation (1890). "A part of tlie old house is of a more modern construction, having been enlarged many years ago to accommodate his son, Capt. Jeremiah Learned, on his marriage. The interior of the house is modelled in the English heavy massive style of the last century." Col. Learned died in 1772 At his decease in his " will " he places Madame Learned under the care of his son, Capt. Jeremiah Learned, his son affordino- her "every thing ne cessary and convenient for her according *Garrison-houses were nothing more than common dwelling-houses surrounded by palisades, and furnished with a supply of fire-arms and ammunition. ^^236 The Records of Oxford. / /* to her rank and circumstances, '■•■ and mj black man Mingof to ^"^ fj^' ^ wait upon her during their natural lives." o^ y'*^ O*^** An ancient house is still to be seen near the Eliott Mill ■^ /"*■ - — brook, once the home of Julia Daily. J A*' In the town records is the following : ^^y " May 20, 1765. The town's house that Mrs. Bixbee lives "^ in it was voted to sell at a vendue and said house was accord- ingly sett up at a vendue and Capt . James Griffin bid fifty- three pounds old tenor which was the Highest and it was struck off to him accordingly." This house was one of the old gar- rison-houses in the first settlement of the English in the town, and is known in the present century as the residence of the late Josiah Russell. In ancient time the house was said to be haunted by a treasure being supposed to be buried in the cellar which had been obtained by robbery. It was said everj'- night at midnight a man could be heard digging in the cellar, as Capt. Reading, a retired sea captain had once been a resident on the estate. From an old tomb-stone is the following inscription, " Lieut. James Griffin of Gen. Shirley's regiment died Nov. 17, 1769." This house was once the home of Rev. William Phipps, a * Ebeuezer Learned's lot is allowed by me as to the quntity of 40 acres and the place of being taken up and I Establish him an Inhabitant in Oxford Village. Witness my hand May ye tenth, 1714. JOHN CHANDLER. John Towne, Abiel Lamb, Benoney Twiciiell, Committee. t Mingo was an African slave — his shoes of the largest size. His spoon and his block, on which he used to sit in the corner of the deep fireplace in the old west room of the house, were preserved until a few years since in the family. His place in the chimney-corner was to at- tend Madame Learned's wood fire. — Eeminiscences of Martha E. Stone. Notable Old Houses. 237 retired clergyman of Douglas, who liad married Mrs. Abigail "Walker, the widow of Mr. Asa Walker of Sutton, a lady pos- sessed of a good dower in a rich landed estate. Mrs. Abigail Phipps, widow of Wm. Phipps, Esq., died July 31, 1820, aged 92 years. It was once the home of Peter Shumway, 2d, October, 1791, who came to Oxford on Joshua Chandler's rio;hts. In the settlement of Oxford the Indians were observed to be lurking about Mr. Hudson's plantation. The family w^ere fearful of an attack, and for safety went to the garrison -house, which was on the site of the late Josiah Russell estate, and re- mained for two weeks. On the Hudson place there was a native apple tree of sweet apples, of which fruit the Indians were very fond. This tree was the favorite resort of one Indian in particular, who often regaled himself with the fruit. A part of the decayed trunk of the . tree is still to be seen (1880) embedded in a wall, as stated by the late Mr. Joseph Hudson. There is no ancient house of more interest than the Hudson house. The home of the late Captain Humphrey, which tradition states once belonged to Gabriel Bernou. The house by some is called "Bowerwood, " so beautifully is it environed by majes- tic elms and one ancient oak tree that dates back to the French and English settlements and still spreads its branches to shade the traveler. Capt. Humphrey stated to Dr. Abiel Holmes on one of his visits to Oxford that his father kept the garrison-house in the French re-settlement of Oxford. There were soldiers from Woodstock stationed in Oxford. It is a tradition that he also kept a garrison-liouse in the Eng- lish settlement. The descendants of Captain Humphrey have been in possession of this estate since the first English settlement, 238 The Records of Oxford. and many of the French annals of the town have been preserved bv tliis family that otherwise would have been lost in history. Capt. Humphrey was in the Revolutionary War and also his brother Arthur Humphrey. No gentleman was more respected in his time than Capt, Humphrey, both in chm-ch and town history. He lived to a very advanced age and his descendants honor his memory. The house of the late Jasper Brown is an ancient house, and- was in its time built in a very superior style. It was in olden time the home of Duncan Campbell, Esq., for many years, from 1748-1778, and afterward of James Butler. The house is wainscotted very beautifully ; a Iniffet ornaments the parlor. The house stands with extensive lands on the west side of the old North Common. " It is covered with the same shaved clap- boards, held by the same hand-wrought nails that were attached to it at the time of its erection.'"^ The ancient money coffer, inlaid in the wall on the west side of the south-east room, is still to be found. The Charlton road, which now passes the house on its north side, formerly was located on the south side of the house. On the south side of the north common at the opening of the Sutton road, there is one of the most ancient houses in the town. It was laiown for a long time as the home of the late Dr. David Holman, for many years a physician of Oxford. This ancient house is surrounded with much interest. It still retains remnants of its former style; a parlor buffet is preserved, and its ancient rich staircase remains as a relic of the past. The house is * This old mansiou, and every house of any pretension, had its " cock loft in the steep gable roof " for its house slaves or negro ser- vants. And then the huge old chimney passing through this spacious attic was found convenient for all the requisites of turning the spit for roasting the meats in the kitchen. The services of the " Jack " were of great utility before mechanical improvements rendered them unnecessary by better methods of turning the spit. Notable Old Houses. 239 pleasantly located, being retired some little distance from the Worcester road by an avenue, the lovely old common on one side and a once small orchard in front giving a very picturesque aspect to this antique house. The ancient residence of Mr. Ira Merrimon, at the present time, was formerly the home of Dr. Daniel Fiske. The situation of the house has ever been attractive on an elevated site over- looking the " Oxford lake," but formerly known as " Towne's pond," a name given in honor of the family of that name, as the lake was a boundary of their plantations."^ It is said Dr. Daniel Fiske was a gentleman possessed of great refinement. On the lake he had pleasure boats, which added to the landscape picture, and on the south side of his mansion were terraces stretching one after another into the valley. These terraces were filled with rich border flowers and choice herbs, which have now unfortunately disappeared from rustic gardens. The residence of Mr. John Mayo commanded, from its site near the ancient French fort, a beautiful view of the valley be- low and the mountains in the distance. Here was an old-fash- ioned garden, with old-time fashioned flowers and sweet herbs, with choice peach trees. The flowers were arranged with great neatness. The house of Mr. Mayo, with antique garden and flowers, and its lovely views of surrounding scenery, rendered it the most beautiful spot in the county. Mr. Mayo looked out upon the same quiet valley and wooded hill-sides for nearly ninety years. In the warm spring days Mr. Mayo would be seen sitting on the lawn with a book before him, for he was fond of reading or watching the bees, for in those days there were attached to almost every farm-house garden bee-liives ranged on the sunny side of a wall. * Jacob Towne was the ancestor of General Towne, of Charlton, and Col. Sylvanus Towne, of Oxford. 240 The Records of Oxford. (The ancient farm-house and the site of the French garri- son-house were formerly approached from the village street by two huge gates, one near the entrance of the old Boston road on the Woodstock trail, as it was then designated, and the second gate above, as the farm-house was more nearl}' approached.) The house of Mr. Samuel Davis of Roxbnry, who came to Oxford soon following its first settlement, is in the style of an English farm-house. The site of this ancient house was selected with much taste. From its height of situation it commands an extensive view, not only of the valley lands, with the village of Oxford, but distatit views of great beauty. The windows of the house were originally small and opened outward on hinges. They consisted of very small diamond panes of glass set in leaden casements. The Samuel Davis house was the last known to have this style of windows in the town. Mr. Samuel Davis had pur- chased a large tract of land in Oxford of Mr. Gabriel Bernon, a French gentleman who possessed a large plantation. On a large landed estate, situated on the Boston road about two miles from the village street, was the mansion-house of Edward Davis, Esq., and subsequently of his son General Jonathan Davis. The house was built in the style of an English hall. It would appear to have been originally of a brown shade of stone color, with its narrow windows heavily and richly set. The house was ornamented with a terrace in front. There was an air of home comfort and indescribable hospitable aspect about the whole mansion. The interior of the house is richly wain scotted. The south-east parlor, with its sunny aspect, made it a most charm- ing room, and an old buffet was one of the attractions in ancient time. It contained the silver and the daintiest china possible. In this rich wainscotting in one of the apartments (a tiny room) there are delightful little cupboards and small drawers and over the chimney piece and in the sides of the room of the out of the way corners. Notable Old Houses. 241 Such Clipboards and drawers are all unknown to modern houses. If a visitor arrived on a winter's day, the hall door opened into a pleasant sunny square room with a cheerful fireside in full view, which not only presented warmth and cheerfulness, but the comforts and luxuries of a country gentleman's home of more than a hundred years ago. The comfortable kitchen with its enormous chimney and hearth of stone, upon which the embers were rarely if ever ex- tinguished, and at its side the high-backed settle, the cupboards and dressers resplendent with pewter, and so it appears the home of Edward Davis, Esq., possessed every thing that ever mod- ern aestheticism could suggest for a country home. On the marriage of his son, General Jonathan Davis, who succeeded his father as the owner of this valuable landed estate as utilityrequired, the mansion was enlarged but its archi- tectural beauty was lessened as being strictly an English hall. Those quaint old homes are being preserved and all the fashions restored. There is an effort at the present time in the fashion of country residences to have them a perfect reproduction of the best colonial type of architecture, and the landscape gardening has been made to harmonize with it. " One of the most charming features is the profusoin of old- fashioned flowers, which were so dear to the hearts of our grandmothers, which have never been surpassed in real beauty by their more pretentious successors with botanial names to give them fashion." The visit of General Lafayette to Worcester is included in the annals of Oxford. "General Jonathan Davis of Oxford received an invitation from Judge Lincoln to be present at the reception of Gen. Lafayette in Worcester and to extend tlie invitation to his townsmen." 31 242 The Records of Oxford. The morning of Sept. 3, 1824, was pleasant, and the drive promised an agreeable time. Soon after breakfast General Davis, accompanied bj several of his friends, all in fine carriages, "the rich one-horse chaise with a yellow body,'' and stylish horses. But the old Revolutionary soldiers had set out early on foot or in any conveyance at hand to be there to welcome one whom they so well remembered.* Town meeting, May 21, 1751, voted to build a house for Mr. Rogers, to live in as long as he is our school-master, on the town's land neer to the meeting-house.f Sixteen feet long and sixteen feet wide, besides convenient room for a chimney, voted ♦The visit of General Lafayette to Worcester, September 3, 1824, was the occasion of an enthusiastic demonstration of popular favor. The arrangements were in the charge of a committee of citizens, whose chair- man was Judge Levi Lincoln (afterward governor) who entertained the General at his own house. He was met at West Boylston by a company of cavalry under Capt. James Estabrook, and at the town-liue by the committee of arrangements. Judge Lincoln met him in a barouche drawn by four gray horses at Clark's tavern, a mile or two from the town. A regiment of light infantry, under Lieut. Col. Ward, was added to the escort. At the entrance to Dr. William Paine's estate, on Lincoln street, an arch of flags was erected over the street ; another over Court Hill, decorated by the ladies of the town. " The children of the public schools were arranged on each side of Main street, and threw bunches of laurel before the carriage of Lafayette. Another arch of flags was erected on Main street near the Worcester Bank. On the arrival of the procession at Judge Lincoln's house, the Judge in behalf of the committee of arrangements, delivered an address of wel- come, to which the General replied. A very noticeable part of the honors rendered to General Layayette was connected with the veterans of the Revolution, who had assembled from town and country villages, and formed a line of soldiers in the grounds of the Lincoln mansion house, and as he entered, every soldier extended his hand for a welcome to one they had known and honored on the field of battle. The General returned the greeting with much emotion, addressing them as ' my comrades in arms.' " tin 1753 this church was removed. Notable Old Houses. '^243 thirteen pounds six shillings and eight pence to defray the charge of building said house. Jeremiah Shtjmwat, James Hovet, Duncan Cambell, Committee. This cottage for Mr. llogers was located on the north-east corner of theSouth Common fronting south. In later times Mr. Rogers' house was known as a part of the Wolcott mansion, it being the small house attached to the north-east corner of the mansion, used for slaves or colored servants in the family. The ancient well, near the highway to the Wolcott mansion, with its scooped out Indian mortar which in olden 'time was used for daily bathing was a well belonging to the town and attached to the house of Mr. Rogers. Yery near to the house of Mr. Rogers was the Wolcott mansion fronting on the south common. This house was erected in 1749 (it is said) for the residence of Duncan Campbell, Esq., on his marriage to Elizabeth, the daughter of Thomas Sterne, of Worcester. On the marriage day, accompanied by twelve ladies and gentlemen on horseback as an escort, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell arrived at their home and commenced house-keeping. In 1750-1 Josiah Wolcott, Esq., a gentleman, came to Oxford to take possession of his Freake andPapillon estates. He mar- ried Isabella, the daughter of Rev. John Campbell, and pur- chased this estate of Duncan Campbell. This Wolcott home was in its time an elegant residence, con- structed with much style, the paneled wainscotting very rich and elaborate, its long narrow windows with hoods or cowls, as they were termed, over windows and doors. In the spacious parlor there was a deep fireplace, ornamented with blue and white Dutch tiles, representing scenes from sacred history. On the parlor walls were rich French hangings, representing belle and beau of the past century, the portraits of the ancient 244 The Records of Oxford. Freake and AV^olcott families, painted in the court style of Charles II, portraits also of the Kitchen family, with an ancient portrait of Judge Wolcott with a huge wig, deep ruffles, and in a red velvet mantle, all these portraits representing persons, as the town records state, of land proprietors of Oxford. A curiously carved buffet, tilled with choice Eastern china and heavy silver plate, of such a quantity that an inventory was demanded by government, and is still preserved as a relic. " And y® sconce a hanging candle stick with a heavy plate glass mirror to reflect y^ rays," graced the walls of the elegant old parlor. Rich antique furniture ornamented the apart- ments. And in the hall were hung funeral hatchments. " A silent intimation that the rich have been ^"emptying their house and replenishing their sepulchres." The Earl of Loudoun when he visited the Rev. John Camp- bell was also entertained at the Wolcott mansion.* The town had sold the church land on the South Common to Dr. Holden, a residence fronting on the common, and is named in the records of Oxford. It was also the residence of * 1771, Monday, March 11. In town meeting, among other items. " To know the minds of the Town relating to a strip of laud lying be- tween the Revd. Mr. Joseph Bowman's (and) Josiah Wolcott Esqrs. land being part of the old Road between their Houses and to do and act thereon as the town shall think proper. '' Voted and granted to the Revd. Mr. Joseph Bowman part of the eight Rod Highway between his house and Josiah ^ Wolcott, Esqr's., which has not heretofore been granted away about four Rod wided to the cor- ner of said Mr. Wolcott's Wall extending North as liis Board fence now stands about sixteen Rods from the Revd. Mr. Bowmans South East cor- ner (both residinces fronted south on the south common)."— ^(^Mn Records, p. 144. It would appear by this conveyance of land that the road, in place of passing on the east side of the residence of Josiah Wolcott, was first on the west side where the street is now located. The highway on the east side is still continued as a private street. Notable Old Houses. 245 Rev. Joseph Bowman. It was a superior bouse iu its time, and a part of it is still to be seen, tbougb removed from its former site. This bouse was tbe home of several distinguished families. Erasmus Babbitt, Esq., a son of Dr. Babbitt of Sturbridge, or Brookfield, was a lawyer. He was educated at Harvard University, and on his marriage to Mary, a daughter of Thomas Saunders of Gloucester, he became a resident of Ox- ford, and occupied this ancient mansion. Mary Eliza Babbitt, one of his two daughters, married Elkaliau Cushman, and his eldest child was Charlotte Saunders Cushman, the celebrated actress. Erasmus Babbitt was a captain in the army under Col. Rice, stationed in Oxford, in the fall and winter of 1798- 1799. It is said Capt. Babbitt died in service during the British war with the United States, in 1812-1815. It was also at one time the residence of Major Archibald Campbell, a gentleman distinguished in his time. Afterward the old mansion became the home of Mr. John Torrey, of Frank- lin, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Torrey were much esteemed in society. Of five sons, two became distinguished lawyers ; the eldest son, Ebenezer, was educated at Harvard University, studied law in the office of John Shepley, Esq. Mr. Torrey became distin- guished in his profession. ^In 1849 he was one of the five senators elected at large from Worcester county, and was one of a com- mittee on banks and banking. Hon. Rufus Torrey also was educated at Harvard University. At Mr. Torrey's decease the Mobile Register named him as one of the most estimable gentlemen of southern Alabama ; he was judge of the County Court of Monroe county ; he was chosen to represent the twenty- first district in the State Senate ; he died at Claiborne, Alabama, September, 1882. Harriet, the eldest daughter of John and Sally Richardson Torrey, married Lewis Shumway. Sally R., the second daugh- ter, married Jonathan Dudlej' of Sutton. On Sept. 13, 1824, " the ladies of Oxford presented an elegant standard to the 246 The Records of Oxford. ' Oxford Invincibles,' commanded bj Capt. Andrew Sigonrney, Jr. ; the standard was presented to Ensign B. Franklin Camp- bell by Miss Sally R. Torrey. Miss Torrey's address to the soldiers of the ' Light Infantry ' was published in the county newspapers and greatly applauded for its merit, Mr. Camp- bell's reply was quite noted for its gallantry and patriotism. Mr. Campbell closed his address with this sentiment : 'Then, with a soldier's devotion, we would offer the trophies of our arms and the affection of our hearts, a sacrifice to the holy shrine of female virtue.' " The ancient school-house on the common was abandoned for other localities in different parts of the town, and this an- cient building became an English trading-house in Oxford. It was owned by Josiah Wolcott. There are ancient store accounts still preserved, showing its trade to have been of European and India goods. Yarious kinds of cloth and taffeta are named as items. Then a mug of flip, Bohea tea and other commodities were sold to patrons. This trading-house was continued for thirty years or a longer time. Tradition states that John Wolcott was the proprietor of a store on Sigonrney corner 1782-1793. A store was established in Oxford at the close of the Revolutionary War. It was attached to the residence of James Butler, opposite the North Common. Mr. Butler and his brother in law, Captain Andrew Sigonrney, were asso- ciated in the business of this countrj^ store, which was filled with home-made cloths, linen, tow and woolen fabrics, shoes, with shoe and knee buckles, gentlemen's hats, for such was the demand that a manufactory of hats was included as an item of commerce, as well as the manufacturing of potash; wooden ware was also represented in spinning-wheels, and there were candle sticks and warming-pans, sugar, molasses and tobacco, with cod- fish. Madeira wine and Jamacia rum were articles of trade, in- cluding Bohea and extra Hyson teas. Notable Old Houses. 247 There were European and India goods, with various small commodities. They were the first to introduce cotton in this section of the country, at one dollar per pound. Long before Samuel Slater of England had established his mills for manufacturing cotton cloth in Oxford. In ancient time cotton was mixed with flax for domestic fabrics. Specimens of this cloth were taken to Worcester to the calico printing establishment of the Stowells,* and returned to Oxford as dress ffoods. There are fragments of these prints still treasured by some of the descendants of the Sigourney family. In 1793, or previously, Mr. Butler remained sole proprietor. Mr. Sigonrney removed to the village street, and was located in a store on the corner of the Sutton road. To the tourist who now passes through the town it pre- sents very little of the appearance that it would a century since. Its lovely lakes still glitter in the bright sunshine. The quiet French river glides along through the green meadows as in days gone by. Kev. Peter Whitney, a quaint historian who visited Oxford one hundred years ago, narrates, 1793: "There are two or three stores of European and India goods and in the town there are all the common artificers, tradesmen and mechanics." (The people being land proprietors.) "There are within Oxford limits three grist-mills, six saw-mills, and two clothiers' works. There are also in the town potash works." Webster was then a part of Oxford. The residence of Rev. John Campbell was situated a little distance from the South Common, on the Worcester road. After * From the newspaper items of Worcester, January 5, 1793 : " The weavers shop of Cornelius and Peter Stowell was burned. Loss £300. "They also carried on calico printing and fancy dyeing." In 1793 : " Messrs. Stowel by whom the clothier's business in all its branches is carried on to pei-fection. They dye fine scarlet and deep blue colors."— Whitney's History. 248 I The Records of Oxford. passing the little bridge over the brook there was an avenue to the mansion, with its gambrel roof. The house was superior in its style of building, and its location possessed many attractions, and was regarded as foreign in its style like houses in Scotland. A modern house has been erected on its site. It was for many years the residence of Nathan Hall, and his descendants still retain the estate. On the west side of Main street the next ancient site of a house was on the estate of the late Sternes De Witt. This estate was the plantation of Nathaniel Chamberlain and once the home of the Hamlin family, who removed to Maine. Then it passed into the possession of Mr. James Gleason. The old house was a small square house located just in front of the present mansion. The only attraction of the situation was a fine landed estate beautifully located, with ancient trees. Near the center of Main street, on the corner of the Charl- ton road, was the old " red tavern." It is said to have been in its day a good and sufficient house, with a large chimney in its center giving fire-places to the apartments, fit in all respects for a house of entertainment, with stables of large accommodations for the time. The old house consisted of a large south-east square room, a staircase and a room of a smaller size fronting east on the village street. This large square room, with a small entry and staircase, with a large kitchen annexed, formed the south front on the Charlton road. The house was afterward enlarged with other apartments. The large soiTth-east room was the " entertaining-room " so called, for in the north-west corner was the bar, where were displayed the mugs for flip, the keg of beer, gray earthen crocks with sugar and various wines, with Jamaica rum to tempt the traveler or lounger to much dissipation. It is said landed estates were lost and won at this bar for a " mug of flip and a song," and many widows and orphans sufl^ered severely for its existence. The first post-office was in this tavern. The Notable Old Houses. 249 landed estate of the old tavern included the site of the present hotel. This old red tavern was erected in 1760 by Dr. Alexander Campbell. In 1773 Ezra Bowman became the proprietor and made many improvements ; he remained until 1782. The next old mansion was on the site of the present house of Dr. Cushman. It was anciently the residence of Mr. John "Walker, an English gentleman. It was a notable house with its "gamber ruff " (gambrel roof ) and its deep lawn upon the street, and its landed estate in back lands, adjacent to the residence, and at the present time it is noticeable for elegance. Its ancient northern boundary included the Town Hall ; it was bounded southerly by Quaboag lane, two rods wide, being a road to Charlton and Sturbridge. Mr. Walker married Mary, daughter of Duncan Campbell, Esq. The house was richly furnished with antique furniture, the walls were adorned with family portraits from England. This valuable estate passed into the Russell family, and was afterward owned by Jonathan Sibley, and then followed by Thomas Nichols as owner of the estate. The mansion-house of Abijah Davis, Esq., was the last resi- dence in Oxford which was built in English style with rich wainscotting. It is beautifully located on South Main street, once a part of the Hogburn estate. The landed estate was very valuable and is so considered at the present time. The house was erected 1795. Col. Rice, while in Oxford, occupied for his quarters the residence of the late Abijah Davis, Esq. It is said " he lived in great style and that Madame Rice required many servants and much waiting upon herself, and that she was dressed in rich silk gowns and her best wig every day." During the administration of John Adams a detachment of the United States army, consisting of several regiments of in- fantry, was stationed in Oxford under the command of Col. Nathaniel Rice of Sturbridge from October, 1798, to June, 1800. 32 250 The Records of Oxford. On the east side of Main street there was an ancient house on or near the site of the residence of the late William Sigourney. On the corner of Main street and the Sutton road was the trad- ing-house or store of Capt. Andrew Sigouray, Sen. Afterward, on the same site, was erected a new store for his son, Capt. William Sigourney, and in modern times was a post-office, but one hundred years ago there was no post-office in Oxford. On the left-hand entrance to the Sutton road near the store was the quaint old mansion of Andrew Sigourney, Sen. Opposite the store, on the right hand of Main street and on Sutton road, was an old house on the site of the present brick house, once the residence of Andrew Sigourney, Sen. This part of Main street has ever been known as Sigourney corner. On the east side of Main street, on the site of the present Protestant Episcopal church, there was a house pleasantly situated and roomy ; it presented many attractions with its pleasant garden. The last house on the east side of the main street was that of Dr. Alexander Campbell, a gamhrel roof, fine old mansion, occupying a site in the rear or on the east side of the mansion of the heirs of the late Israel Sibley. A cottage has been erected on the site of Dr. Campbell's house. The estate originally had extensive grounds in front, reaching to the street, with large elms as shade trees. These grounds are now included with the residence of the Sibley heirs. The last house on the main street, west side, was the residence of Richard Moore, Esq. This residence was at the south end of what was called the "village street." This ancient house, belong- ing to the Moore family, was in its day a substantial mansion, built in the style of an English hall, its gables being on the north and south, fronting on the street, but extending westerly, giving a south front, and like every house in those times served as a sundial, for at mid-day the sun shone square upon the south front, and for many years in modern times a leaden sundial was seen attached to one of its south window-sills. Notable Old Houses. 251 The broad street door opening into one of its apartments was rich and much ornamented in its architecture, as were the houses of the gentry ; in its different apartments were large broad-breasted chimneys, occupying space sufficient for a good- sized apartment, with large open fire-places, and then there was in these pleasant rooms rich wainscotting. The house com- manded a southern landscape of its own landed estate with a narrow lawn and lovely garden.* This landed estate was a part of the Samuel Hagburn plantation, and was bounded northerly by Quaboag lane. The house was large and elegant. It was the home of Kichard Moore, Sen., in his declining years, and also of his son Richard, and also of Marvin, son of Richard. The giant oak which anciently overshadowed the Moore res- idence still stands on the lawn as a sentinel on duty and a landmark to direct the traveler. It was a tree of great size and age two hundred years ago, and from one decade of years to another has shaded many groups of children in their childish sports. The old oak could tell many stories of those who have played beneath its shade, and grown old and passed away.f '* I swear by leaf, and wind, and rain. And hear me with thine ears, That I circle in the grain Five hundred rings of years. " And I have shadowed many a group Of beauties that were born In tea-cup times of hood and hoop, Or while the patch was worn." — Tennyson. * In New England tall English clocks were uncommon; few were im- ported, but soon came into general use. In some English church-yards there were sundials of stone and a sundial over the door of a south front on old English churches. t The late Honorable Ira Moore Barton of Worcester, Mass., often visited the Moore place as the home of his ancestors. The Moore family were originally of Scotch extraction, tracing back their ancestry to the time of William the Conqueror. 252 The Records of Oxford. Timothy Harris removed to Oxford in 1733, from Water- town, having purchased the old Huguenot mill at the south end of the village street in Oxford, on the road to the French Fort, owned in the French settlement by Gabriel Bernon. This mill lot was once the plantation of Jonathan Tillotson, a planter in the English settlement. Mr. Harris and his descendants retained this estate for one hundred and fifty years. There was an ancient house on this estate which was regarded with interest into the present cen- tury. A small house with a half acre of land on Main street nearly opposite the Town Hall was the home of Abner Miller, the sexton of the village. There is a tradition that a gentleman resided here as a recluse, boarding at the Ked Tavern, and was always engaged in writing. He had received many services from Abner Miller, and on leaving town he placed his house and land in the care of Mr. Miller until his return ; he never appeared and Miller held the estate. On the Red Tavern estate north on the site of the Town Hall was a small cottage which was erected by the heirs of Dr. Alexander Campbell, who died at his home east of Israel Sibley's house January, 1785, for his widow, who survived him until March, 1816, she having relinquished her dower to favor the heirs in the rich old gambrel-roofed mansion situated easterly of the present estate of the late Israel Sibley estate. Roads and Milestones. 253 CHAPTER XIX. E.OADS AND Milestones. Milestones. The old milestone on Lincoln street, Worcester, is of red sandstone, with the following inscription : 42 Miles from Boston 50 to Springfield, 1771. By a Provincial enactment made in Governor Hutchinson's time, this milestone was one of many placed in the year 1771 along on the " New Connecticut road," which way was after- ward called the " post road " from Bostor) to New York and Albany. This road left Boston for Marlborough thence to Quinsigamoud (Worcester) and then to Brookfield and so on to Springfield. In the history of the town of Northborough, once a part of Marlborough, it is stated " The oldest vestige of pioneer life still in existence is doubtless the great road to Worcester, as it is called." Originally this road in 1672 was only a pathway or trail through the forests, when Marlborough was a frontier settle- ment with its garrison house. After leaving Marlborough there was no habitation on the Boston road to Springfield until the garrison house was reached at Quabaug (now Brookfield) with the exception in Quinsigamoud (Worcester) of a little Indian town of huts on Pakachoag Hill, the highlands of which reach the town of Auburn. On or near the site of this Indian town is now located " Holy Cross College." 254 TJie Records of Oxford. This Indian town is described by Gookin : " This village Ijeth about three miles south of the new roadway that leadeth from Boston to Connecticut; it consists of about twenty families. This town is situated upon a fer- tile hill and is denominated from a delicate spring of water that is there." Settlement of Worcester. "A tract of land eight miles square was purchased of the Indians for twelve pounds lawful money. The deed bears date July 13, 1674." Dec. 2, 1675, Increase Mather writes: "This day all the houses in Quonsukamuck (Worcester) were burned by the Indians." "At what is West Brookfield, near to the south-west end of Wickabaug Pond, on a knoll below the junction of the waters of the pond with Quabaug river, stood Mark's garrison." Quabaug (Brookfield) became the established English bridle path between the Bay and the Connecticut. " The single horseman or a cavalcade of riders and pack horses was a com- mon sight to the Indians." The Old Connecticut road had in a manner ceased to be used as the most traveled path to Con- necticut and was already displaced by the New Connecticut road. The Old Connecticut road was the inland trail of Massachu- setts of which we have the most ancient account. From Cambridge it proceeded to the south-east part of Marlborough, then passed to Hassamamisett (Grafton, a part of the township of Sutton) and thence to Oxford near the French fort, Wood- stock and so on to Springfield. It is stated that in the autumn of 1630 the chief of the Indians of Wabquasset, now Woodstock, visited the English governor at the Bay to establish a trading house, and this Indian trading expedition brought this forest path to the knowledge of the English, who made it their way to travel to the Connecticut Valley. Roads and Milestones. 255 John Oldham followed this old Connecticut path in 1633, odging in Indian towns all the way. A well-defined trail from Mount Hope and the Narraganset conntrj, known as the Providence path, intersected the Old Connecticut path in or near Woodstock, Another trail, known as the Nipmnck path, came from Norwich to the same point of junction. From here a branch track proceeded to the north-west into Sturbridge, where it separated, one track going westerly past the lead mines, and on to Springfield. Miss Ellen D. Larned, the author of the History of Windham County, writes of this "Connecticut path:" "This rude track became the main thoroughfare between the two colonies, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Hundreds of families toiled over it to reach homes in the wilderness. The fathers of Hartford and New Haven, ministers and governors, captains and commissioners, government officials and land speculators, crossed and recrossed this forest path." There were milestones placed all the way along this " Old Connecticut road" from Boston to Springfield. On the southerly front of the site of the house of Col. Woodbury in Sutton stands the queen of all milestones ; it is of red sandstone, five feet in height, two feet wide and eight inches in thickness, with this inscription : 1 48 ML To Boston 1771 B W Col. Bartholomew Woodbury of Sutton was the proprietor of a country inn which was with a fine landed estate situated on this " Old Connecticut road." Col. Woodbury offered the commissioners, who were directing the sites of the milestones, if they would make the last mile a little less than its limit, 256 The Records of Oxford. placing it near to his liouse, that it might attract travellers, he would be at the expense of erecting the milestone, and that it should excel all others en route from Boston to Springfield on this same Old Connecticut road. At every country inn there was a horse block for the con- venience of travellers on horseback — a gentleman in the saddle, may be, and a lady on a pillion behind him. Ladies of high position had a separate horse with a side-saddle, and were escorted by a gentleman or a servant, and to avoid the gaze of travellers wore masks of black velvet, as was the fashion of the time. Lons since the brown house, with its huge cobble stone chimney and oven outside the house, has passed away and only its stately milestone with its companion, the horse block, covered in the summer time with greenery and flowers, remain to mark the site of the " Wayside Inn." There is one notable milestone in Oxford on this Old Connecticut road where the Sutton road enters tlie village street. It stands on Sigourney corner and was erected by Josiah Wolcott, a resident of Ox- ford, with this inscription : 53i Miles to Boston J & W 1771 Milestones were anciently placed along the roads in eastern countries. It is said by travellers at the present time in Palestine they may be seen here and there in that country. Milestones were once common in England, viz., the roads leading from London to the large towns. " 'Tis such an easy walk, so smooth and straight, The second milestone fronts the garden gate." — ' ' RetireTnmt, ' ' Cowper. Roads and Milestones. 257 The Bay Path. In 1673 this highway was estabhshed for the use of the country leading from Watertowu as the nearest and best way to Marlborough and thence to Quabaug (Brookfield). This new path left the " Old Connecticut path " at " Happy Hol- low" (now in Way land) and passed through Marlborough, Worcester, Oxford in its northern section, Charlton on to Brookfield where it parted, one branch following the old trail or Old Connecticut road to Springfield, and the other leading on through Ware and Belchertown to Hadley. The late Hon, Salem Towne, of Charlton, stated that re- mains of the " Old Bay road " were still to be seen lying in the western valley lands of Charlton ; vestiges of this " Bay road " are still remaining in Oxford on the Old North Charlton road. The " Old Bay path " is beautifully described by Dr. Holland in his romance of that name. " It was a path marked by trees a portion of the distance, and by slight clearings of brush and thicket for the remainder. No stream was bridged, no hill graded, and no marsh drained. The path led through woods which bore the mark of centuries, over barren hills that had been licked by the Indian's hounds of fire, and along the banks of streams that the seine had never dragged." Note. — In July, 1675, Epbraim Curtis was engaged to conduct ' ' Uncas bis six men " from Boston home. He says, ' ' I conducted [them] safly while I com in sight of Webquesesne new planting fielde, first to Natuck, from thenc to Marelborrow, thenc to Esnemisco, thenc to Mumchogg [Oxford], thenc to Chabanagon komug, thenc to Mayenecket, thenc over the river to Seneksig, while wee cam nere to Wabaquasesn wher they were willing that wee should leve them." — Ma&s. Arch., Ixvii, 214. The old ^Connecticut road or Woodstock path, now the road to Webster, was long since trod by the Connecticut pioneers, Huguenots, and many others. The Shumway house was on this Old Connecticut road. 33 258 The Records of Oxford. " It is wonderful what a powerful interest was attached to the Bay path, tlie rough thread of soil, chopped by the blades of a hundred streams, was the one way left open, through which the sweet tide of sympathy might flow. Every rod had been prayed over by friends on the journey and friends at home. If every traveller had raised his Ebenezer as the morn- ing dawned upon his trusting sleep, the monuments would have risen and stood like milestones." The late Mr. Samuel Mayo, whose ancestors were in the English settlement of Oxford, stated that the old Connecticut road or Boston road passed near to the French fort in Oxford and could be traced for a considerable distance, it being on the Indian great trail to Woodstock, Ct., passing by or very near the resi- dence of late John Hurd. This old Connecticut road passed near to the mills known for many years as owned by Ebenezer Kich, and then near the residence of Samuel Davis. " In 1656 the road or bridle-path from Boston to Hadley was to Marlborough, then to Brookfield, the nearest settlement west, and then on to Hadley meadows, guided by blazed or marked trees through the wilderness, to Brookfield in the road of Con- necticut. " The Old Bay path or road crossed the Quaboag at Brookfield, following somewhat the course of this (river), and " Chicuppee to Indian Orchard, thence to Agawam (Springfield)."* *In 1674 Major Gookin states iu naming Hassanamesit [Grafton] : " It is near unto the old road way to Connecticut." The most direct route from Grafton to Woodstock, Ct., is through Oxford. On a plan dated April 1, 1713, iu the Massachusetts Archives, of a grant of land to Jethro Coffin, located in Northbridge, there is laid down easterly and westerly, a line designated as the "French road " (to Oxford). — Plans and Grants, i, 240. Marlboro Records, May 21, 1688. There is mention made in view of a line of division between the western and eastern jjarts of the town. " To be made by a line at the cart- way at Stirrup-Brook, where Conecti- Roads and Milestojies. 259 From the Sutton Records is the following reference to the Oxford road through Sutton : " The road from Oxford to Marl- borough, beginning at the farms,* so returning upon the point of compasse to the meeting-house hill, thence to the north side of Elisha Johnson's house to Cold-spring brook, six rods wide from the heads of the proprietors' ^lotts — laid out March, 1716, by Nathaniel Brewer, Jonathan Draper, Eleazur Daniels." Elisha Johnson's cabin was situated very near the place now occupied by Samuel Prescott. In 1T13 old roads in the English settlement of Oxfoi'd : " A way laid out by the select men beginning att a white oake tree coat way now goeth over " (uow within the limits of Northborough, a part of Marlborough). In 1717 this division line was one of the boundary lines of the town of Westboro. • This way was called in the old records '' the great trail, " as plainly indicating that it was originally the Indian path — (which passed the French fort in Oxford to Woodstock). March 30, 1683. There is a record of a petition for a bridge across the "Medfield river." The court grant the petition. " Whereas, the way to Kenecticut now used, being very hazardous to travellers, by reason of one deep river that is passed fower or five times over, which may be avoided as is con- ceived by a better and nearer way, it is refered to Major Pynchon to order the said to be laid out and well marked." — Mass. Col. Rec, v, 391. "Quaboag lane" in Oxford, once an Indian trail to Brookfield, which forded the river near the stone arch bridge entered the Eight-rod way from the west, bounding the north side of the estate of late Abijah Davis, formerly a part of the plantation of Samuel Hagburn. In 1711 there is a record of land of Major Fitch included in Windham County, Ct., in the northern part of the county where the " Connecticut path " is designated as entering the town of Thompson, near the middle of its northern boundary-line and near to where the "Frenchtown river,'' as there named, enters the town. This Connecticut path it would appear must have been on the westerly side of Chanbunagunganiaug pond and this would indicate that its course was through Oxford . * " Manchaug Farms " (West Sutton). 26o The Records of Oxford. on Jonson's plain near Woodstock path running northwardly marked on the west sid to ueland's feald on the great plain by the old mill place, from thence marked on the East sid by staks and trees tel it corns to the brooke on the Northwardly sid of peter Shum way's frame of his house, from thence on the West sid of the swamp to and by the ends of the house lots of John Town and Daniel Eloit Juner sd way being Eight rods wide laid out fnbrnary the sixt 1713-4" — Ibid.; 1 Village Rec. This " way " included the present Main street. May 24, 1716, at a town meeting legally warned Eichard Moore, chosen moderator voted in y® affirmative y* there should be a east bridg built ouer y^ brook in y^ Eight Rod highway y® brook commonly called y^ mill brook. May 24, 1716, voted y' there shall be a bridg made passabal for horses ouer y* brook by Jonathan Tillotsons on the four rod way to the fort. May 24, 1716, voted also y* there shall be a bridg built ouer y® brook in y* highway near Ollouer Collers on the Sutton road. The Record of Mr. campbcls petison to y* proprietors of ox- ford village : oxford, march 16'^ 1723. Gentlemen : Whereas I haue for the benefit of Trauellers and Inhabit- ants Turned tlie eight rod highway opposite to my house and the two rod highway that Leads to the great meadow ; the eight rod highway is Shortened about ten or eleuen rods and the other about so maney as allso it hath saved the making of a bridge of some considerable charges and therefore I humbly Request that you would be pleased to accept of the Turning of the aboue Said ways at your next meeting. JOHN CAMPBELL, At a proprietors meeting March 19"\ 1723, in oxford uillge the queston being put whether Mr. Campbell's Request Should be Granted which was voted in the afirmatiue. Roads and Afilestoftes. 261 March 11, 1759. " To accept of the county road 4 rods wide from the stone bridge by the Rev. Mr. Campbell's land then through a corner of Mr. Campbell's land and also through Mr. Duncan Campbell's land that he bought lately of Mi'. Joseph Eocket straight into the county road west of the barn on said land allowing said Duncan Campbell liberty to shut up four rods of the eight rod road against Dr. Holden's and Mr. Mellins." Town meeting May 20, 1765, voted to accept of a Bridle road from Mr. William Browns to Mr. John Town's house instead of an open one ; upon consideration that Isaac Town will make and maintain two suitable gates, one at each end of said Road.* French river, so called by the English, runs through the town. Tlie river runs about three-quarters of a mile west of the great road that leads over Oxford plain, and falls into the Quine- bang in the town of Thompson, in Connecticut. Rev. Dr. Holmes writes : In passing the bridge which is at a considerable distance below the village of Oxford (on the Webster road), seeing a boy near the bridge I asked him, " What is the * In 1808, to facilitate travel and for the more rapid communication by- mail, the Providence and Douglas turnjjike was made through what at that time was almost a dense forest. Another turnpike, which was a continuation of this Providence road, extended from Douglas to Oxford and for many years it was the most direct traveled route from Providence to Oxford and the towns in the vicinity. It passed through a large tract of land in the Douglas woods, including the Streeter farm, so called. This '* Gore turnpike " through the woods was built in 1826. The terri- tory lying west of Douglas previously to this date was known as " Ox- ford South Gore, '' now Webster, and a road crossing the turnpike in the south part, of the town as the " Gore road !" There were toll-gates on the turnpike road ; each person on horseback or with a chaise was required to pay twelve and a half cents at these gates. At about the close of the last century the Boston and New York turni^ike passed through this section of country. There was an immense amount of travel over this road during the War of 1812 from all of the eastern towns. 262 The Records of Oxford. name of tliis river?" "French* river," he replied. "Why," I asked, "is it called French river?" "I believe," said he, " there was some French people once here," — pointing up the stream. The Eight-rod way, so named in the English settlement of the town, commenced south at the junction of the present Thompson and Webster roads at the farm long known as the Jonas Leonard estate, passing northerly over Johnson's Plain, the Great Plain and Towne's Plain, including the Daniel Eliott mill estate on the north. Upon the Eight-rod way were located mostly the plantations of the English in their settlement of Oxford. On the Great Plain south was the plantation of Samuel Hagburu on the west side ; it reached northerly to Quaboag lane ; on the easterly side from the Hnguenot mill estate on its northern boundary to the Episcopal church, including the site of a house north of this church. Thomas Gleason, a gentleman who possessed wealth, was an original proprietor of a plantation on the south-east corner of Main street and Sutton road, now known as Andrew Sigourney corner. This plantation bounded on the south the Samuel Hagburn estate. The Gleason estate extended on the Sutton road to the brook. Oliver Coller's plantation was on the north-east corner of Main street and the Sutton road ; on the Sutton road it extended to the brook and northerly on Main street to the plantation of Joseph Rockwood — which included the Josiah Wolcott estate and joined the estate of Rev. John Campbell. Nathaniel Chamberlain's plantation extended from the South Common to the estate of Benjamin Chamberlain, which included the site of Memorial Hall, Old Red Tavern and extended south to Quaboag lane. *This river was called French river in the early English settlement. It is named as a boundary in Rev. John Campbell's " Will." The Indian name of the French river was the Maanexit. It might ever have been retained by the English as a memento of the Nipmuck Indians. Roads and Milestones. 263 Towne's Plain — John Towne, one of the original proprie- tors of Oxford, resided on a part of liis plantation which ad- joined the North Common, at the present time, 1890, known as the estate of Joseph Stephens. John Towne conveyed this estate to his son Jonathan, who gave the estate to his son John, who was a Captain in the War of the Revolution. Ephraim Towne, son of John Towne, Sen., owned the estate west of the North Common, and with his brotlier Jonathan, known at present as the estate of late Joseph Brown. Jonathan Towne conveyed to Duncan Campbell in 1748, who erected the present house. Israel Towne was the proprietor of the estate opposite Towne's pond, known once as the Dr. Daniel Fiske estate, later as the estate of Ira Merriam. In 1749 a road from Jacob Towne's into the old Charlton road north of Towne's pond. In 1736 the Court of Sessions ordered a cart bridge to be built over the river in the North gore " on the road to Oxford." The road easterly of the North Common to Sutton was made prior to 1750. In 1788 a road was made to Sutton past the Lovett farm. In 1803 a road from present Howarth north to Charlton road was accepted. July, 1817, from Nichols' mill east and south by the pond to Charlton road ; a cart road with bars and gate had been estab- lished prior to this date. * » r ri.<-..ii. 1791 a road to Charlton from Gen. Le^nafd's west, two rods wide, at present time discontinued. March, 1731, a road from the Eight-rod way on (Towne's Plain) north side of Towne's pond, past the little cedar swamp and crossing the river at Joseph Brown's place, discontinued in 1819. May, 1793, from North Common west to the bridge inter- secting the old road to Charlton, north of Towne's pond, con- tinued to the present time. 264 The Records of Oxford. A road to Charlton was laid out and completed in 1785 from Lieut. John Nichols', on the Sturbridge road, near the present school-house in the Buifum district, easterly over the river at the present stone bridge, entering the Main street near the tavern at the center. An old record states, " began four rods south of the house of Ezra Bowman inn-holder on westerly to a popple in Qua- boag or town road, thence west to the river and Coburn's land, thence on near John Nichols' house." " Coming home from Worcester on Tuesday night my horse fell with me and hurt me so that I cannot be at Worcester this court. You will take care of the road with Maj' Upham if he is needed. You can inform the court that the Town of Oxford maintains seven Bridges over the same river, [French] and this not of any service to the Town, it is thought that it will cost the Town Two hundred pounds if it is accepted. There is one Bridge within less than a hundred rods, there is one other Bridge that is to be built over the same river to come to Town from Elijah Leonard's and that part of the Town it is thought a great burden if it is accej)ted aa the bench is very thin it may be left to put it to August. You can inform the court that the Town are very unanimous in opposing it. " from yours to serve " Oxford, June IS^*^ 1797. SILYANUS TOWN. " Maj"" John D. Dunbak." Taverns and Post-offices. 265 CHAPTER XX. Taverns and Post-offices, Daniel Eliott was the first inn-holder in Oxford, 1714, at the extreme north end of the village, near the crossing of the Eliott mill brook and Worcester road and the Hawes estate, which includes some of the Eliott place. In 1715 the second tavern was that of Richard Moore, who was licensed on the Samuel Hagburn estate, which he had purchased, subsequently owned by Dr. Alexander Campbell as a residence, late Israel Siblej' estate. The house was located a little distance easterly of Main street. For forty-five years it was the hotel of the village. In 1734 Elijah, son of Richard Moore, succeeded his father and con- tinued until 1760. Moses Marcy was licensed in 1736 as a tavern-keeper in Ox- ford, at the most westerly part of the town, now Southbridge. " Worcester S S Anno R R^ Georgij Secundi nunc Magnse Britaniae Franciae et Hiberniae Octavo. Att a Court of Generall Sessions of the peace begun and held at Worcester within and for the County of Worcester on The Second Tuesday of August being the thirteenth day of Said month Annoq Dom 1734" — " Tavern Keepers and Retailors Lycenced y* year Ensuing & y* gave bond." Oxford Elijah Mooke Inholdr 1735 " A list of Tavern Keepers and Retailors Lycenced by this Court & y® names of the Suretys." 34 266 The Records of Oxford. Oxford Mr. Elijah Moore; Capt. Moore principall, Suretjs Capt. Flagg & Joe: Crosby. Mr. Moses Marcy principall — Siiretys Capt. Flagg & J no. Stacy New Medficld. 1636 " A list of Inbolders and Ketailors lycenced by this Court with y® Names of their Suretys each principall Recognized in fifty pound and Each Surety in Twenty five pounds. " The following persons are Inbolders unless Retailor is added to there names." OXFOKD Mr. Elijah Moore, Capt. Moore principall Suretys Danl New- ball Joe Crosby. Capt. Moses Marcy Capt. Flagg principall Suretys Jno Harwood Joseph Dyer. To keep a tavern " a convenient sign was to be set out at the most conspicuous " place to give notice to strangers. There was a tall stafi in front of the South tavern which swung aloft in the wind tlie creaking sign board. In days away back in the history of the town this hotel was a noted resort, when public meetings, dances, balls and other assemblies of a political, social and business character were usually held in such public houses, and being then famed for athletic games, for the excel- lency of its flip and punch. It was the gathering place of con- vival spirits in Oxford and the country around in its vicinity. As for the bar-room itself it was usually filled with village loungers. Samuel Campbell it is said was the proprietor and landlord of this hotel some years. In the olden time before daily papers and mails were established, the neigbbors used to gather at the village tavern to learn the news from travelers, and find out about the markets by teamsters from Boston. Col. Sylvanus Learned, on bis return home from the Revolu- tionary War, after a long service, received $1,500 in Continental Taverns and Post-offices. 267 money, which one day in the tavern he sold for a mug of flip. CoL Learned considered his payment as worthless and made this disposal as to its value. It is related that upon a time a " professional " from a dis- tance having heard of Samuel Davis,* known in all the region as a wrestler, came to town to try a match with him. " News of the affair quickly spread through the village, and a large company assembled at the old tavern on the plain to see the sport. Mr. Davis, who was not personally known to his opponent, kept a little in the back ground, and when the match was "called," his brother Elijah, who was a stalwart man, stepped forward, and grappling with the champion, after some\vhat a lengthened contest, was thrown. Samuel, who had watched closely his antagonist for the purpose of learning his game, now walked into the ring, saying : " I am the man you came to Oxford to wrestle with," and very soon demonstrated his superiority."f " In 1777 Agreeable to an act of court entitled, ' An act to prevent monopoly and oppression,' "Inn-holders for a meal of victuals of their best kind not to exceed Is. 6d, and of com- mon kind 8d, flip made of the best New England rum pr. mug 8d. and made from West India rum not to exceed lOd." " For lodging a single person over night, S^d. For keeping a horse 24 hours Is. 3d.":|: * Mr. Davis, of Oxford, it is said, was noted as a person of great mus- cular strength. In person he was tall and broad-breasted, possessed of a fine personal appearance, and was ever fond of all athletic games — in which he excelled. His residence was on the landed estate now owned by Charles Lovett. t History of Samuel Davis of Oxford and his Descendants. + M*" Dunbar. Dr. To Breakfast, 4 6 Dinner, 5 • 7 Supper, 1 1 268 The Records of Oxford. Major Dunham of Col. Nathan Rice's* Regiment, then quar- tered in Oxford, delivered an address in January, 1800, to the soldiers. Free Masons and citizens of Oxford, on receiving the announcement of the death of General Washington, who died at his residence at Mount Vernon, Dec. 14, 1799. The people assembled with crape on their arms, followed by a company of militia with muffled drums. This military and Masonic funeral procession was formed on Oxford plain, includ- ing Col. Rice's Regiment, and proceeded as far as the old North To Lodging 1 4 Grog Wine 3 Punch Servants Horses 9 Seat in Stage to £17 4 Received Payment, 1794, March 29, Ephraim Mower. (Capt. Ephraim Mower's tavern was at the corner of Mechanic street, near the spot where Clark's Block now stands, in Worcester.) *In Oxford, October, 1798, a detachment of the United States Army, consisting of four regiments of Infantry under the command of Col. Nathan Rice, was stationed in Oxford on the high land west of the vil- lage street, afterward known as Camp hill. A number of the officers of this army had their headquarters at the two hotels. It is said at the old tavern on the north common that the " money coffer " used by them is still to be seen in the south-east room. Soldiers for disobedience were fastened to the staff which supported the south tavern sign, and received a severe punishment at this whipping-post. The high land west of the village street, occupied by Col. Rice's Regi- ment, long retained the name of Camp hill as having been the place of the soldiers' encampment. Opposite this height of land, on the south side of the road leaving Oxford, there are the remains of a ditch made by the soldiers as a punishment for their misdemeanors. Taverns attd Post-offices. 269 Common. A coffia was borne on a bier and surmounted by a funeral urn.* " Lt. Everett, 5 Mass. Eeg. : " General Washington presents his compliments to Lt. Everett, and requests the favor of his company at dinner tomorrow, 3 o'clock, Tuesday. ''Answer if you please." This note of invitation is now in the possession of Leonard E. Thajer, a lineal descendant of Col. Everett. It is said that the soldiers in the army stationed in Oxford in the years 1798, 1799 and 1800 introduced much dissipation into the town. At the tavern on the village street the barroom was so crowded evenings with soldiers calling for their mug of flip, that the bar-keeper was obliged in taking the red heated logger head from the fire, to brandish it before him to permit himself to enter the bar. The sale of wine and brandy was immense, and that a large income from it was derived by the proprietor is not to be doubted/ ' At the north tavern there was no bar at this time, and it was no place sought as a resort for the soldiers. It ap- pears there was no bar in this hotel until after the year 1820. There was an ancient store attached to this hotel on the north side, where Madeira wine was sold, with bi-andy and Jamaica ram. If any guests wished for the wine, etc., they were fur- nished from the store or cellar. There was much boiling, roasting and baking going on in the tavern before the " muster." The militia trainings, too, made lively days at the village *The following item is found in the "Worcester Spy, dated June 18, 1800: "On Tuesday the 10th inst, Gen. Alexander Hamilton and his suite arrived at Oxford to settle the business relative to the discharge of the troops stationed there ; and on Friday last he passed through this town on his way to Boston." 270 The Records of Oxford. tavern, and then the old-fasliioned muster (or military review) which came in September, the mustering of all the com- panies of soldiers in a regiment or brigade for a general training. At sunrise the drums were beating. The general reviewed the soldiers and the military review ended in a sham fight. Each company endeavored to be first on parade to go through with its manoeuvres in presence of an admiring crowd of spectators, the fifes playing " Yankee Doodle " and " On the road to Boston," tunes which had animated the hearts of the soldiers of the Revolution. The uniforms were blue coats with red ' facings and bright buttons, white pantaloons, caps with tall white plumes tipped with red. The annual muster (or regimental training) was a great oc- casion for these military reviews. The companies, infantry and light artillery, riflemen, grenadiers and cavalry or troopers and artillery, with their cannons, assembled together and became the center of attraction. Military ofiicers retired from service wel- comed the review by their presence. Men and boys followed them on the public roads. Horse jockeys, gingerbread carts, peddlers of every description, with showmen with wax figures, monkeys and bears, enlivened the day, and all became as a grand carnival. These scenes of gayety sometimes were for two days continued. In Oxford the ground chosen for this military review was selected on the estate of late Andrew Sigourney near the corner of Main street and Sutton road in a large field adjoining his brick mansion house, bounded northerly by the Sutton road. In Sutton the large fields of the late James Free- land's farm were selected. It is said military trainings were then common in all the country towns. Much rivalship was manifested by the towns to see which could produce the best-drilled, uniformed, armed and equipped companies. The regimental musters or reviews were scenes of great public festivity and enjoyment. Taverns and Post-offices. 271 One can picture a village tavern at nightfall. There had arrived travelers on horseback with portraauteans made of leather, or as substitutes long sacks woven of coarse red and green yarn, with leather tops and bottoms, called saddlebags, into which all their luggage however minute or bulky had been packed. Ladies as well as gentlemen traveled in this fashion, with side saddles, and children were transported through the coun- try in the same manner, sitting on pillions (little cushions stuffed with feathers) attached to the saddle, with one hand holding to the crupper of the saddle and one clinging to the person in front of them by means of a scarf attached to the waist of the rider, or sometimes when the pillion is occupied by a lady the children are placed in front of the gentleman. Most ladies traveled on horseback, and ladies made long journeys in this way, riding alone or with a friend or servant who was himself on horseback and usually well armed, for the roads were not always safe. In front of the tavern there stood great carts filled with spinning-wheels for country trade, wagons filled with com- mon household furniture, and all things necessary for a new settlement, peddler's carts of every description, and stock drovers, for that old house once swarmed with guests, but its day is done, and its old " green, spindle-backed arm chairs " have become things of the past. The old tavern well on the opposite side of the Charlton road still remains.* Formerly there were more public-houses in the country villages than at the present time. Travelers then had their * A few years since the daughter of Samuel Campbell (the innkeeper) revisited Oxford, having been absent over forty years. She said when upon the street she drank water from this old well; that it was all that would recall Oxford to lier memory as existing in her childhood, so great had been the change upon the village street, and this well bad supplied the village school. 2 72 The Records of Oxford. town private carriages of some description, and sought the hos- tality of the village tavern. There would be seen at its open door at noon or at evening a blue or red painted coach belonging to some family of wealth, low hung and broad wheeled, with its colored coachman, or a stout, large, square-top chaise containing some stylish gentleman, and maybe accompanied by a lady journeying to some distant part of the country. The chaise in these days was called a " hahnsura kerridg." The last square-top chaise that was seen in Oxford belonged to Charles Sigourney, Esq., of Hartford, Ct., who visited the place with Mrs. Sigourney many years since. The hai*ness was silver mounted and attracted, it was said by the villagers, more attention than the distinguished guests. Have you heard of the wonderful one boss shay ? We are told they were made of " the strongest oak that could not be split nor bent nor broke." *' For the wheels were just as strong as the thills, And the floor was just as strong as the sills, And the panels just as strong as the floor, And the Whipple tree neither less nor more. And the back cross bar as strong as the fore, And the spring and axle and hub encore." Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes. Before the Revolution there were vehicles used in Boston at an early date resembling " English road carts," which made so much racket by rattling and pounding through the streets they were called " homespun thunder carriages."* * In Oxford in olden time there were very few of these vehicles. On Sunday, or some special occasion, Edward Davis, Esq., appeared in a " one hoss shay " and also his townsmen, Josiah Wolcott, Esq., and James Butler, all attracting much observation. There was a prejudice against them as tliey repi-esented certain caste distinction of long ago. It is said that a worthy man in Worcester took an elderly friend of his to church in his chaise. He had just arrived at the church door when a prominent citizen of the upper class of that period thus accosted him, Taverns and Post-offices. 273 Prior to the Eevolution is styled ancient time, and very few if any, private coaches were uged in tliis country. All travel was contined to horseback riding, and the equipments were styled the furniture of the horse. When Gen. Washing- ton received his family coach from London it was spoken of as an item of interest throughout the country. Coaches were not common at this early date. It M-as not uncommon for travelers in these day to take their own provisions with them, and to request the hostess of an inn to furnish them in the waiting-room with cooking uten- sils to prepare their luxuries for the table. The tea and coffee, with pickled or spiced meats, old fashioned, nice bread, w^ould soon be served and with rich pies, cakes and preserves, gave to all an appearance of comfort. The landlord was com- pensated for this trouble in the settlement of the bill or for any extras furnished to his guests. The horses of travelers were stabled, the private coachman and the driver of a freight team ordered and superintended all for the comfort of their tired animals, many times furnishing their own grain. At this time most inland freight was carried by horses, and then there was excitement at the village inns when the stage coach carrying the mails and passengers would ■with a veliemence of protest that made his shirt ruffles quiver: " Fine times we are coming to, fine times, Mr. E , when mechanics ride to meeting in chaises." But in the jDresent time mechanics and artisans enjoy all there is of the luxuries of life, and through their skill and energy we all share them and to them Worcester owes her unrivalled success in population and wealth. Very soon these gentlemen with their " pleasure carriages, " as they were termed, were followed by General Learned and Joseph Hudson, There are those of Mr. Hudson's descendants that can at the present time recall in their early childhood seeing Madam Hudson in her " square-top chase" riding down Long hill [Federal hill] with her milk white horse noted for his fat and sleek condition the country around. 35 2/4 The Records of Oxford. roll by at regular intervals, then the only vehicle of public conveyance, and stage loads stopping to dine. But the rail- roads of the present time have diverted all this travel and busi- ness into new channels. The stage coaches have left the high ways. Sometimes in the depth of winter there would be much excitement at the village inn by the arrival of a sleigh- ing party for the evening dance and sometimes by travelers in sleighs journeying to visit their friends in the new settle- ments of Vermont and other parts of northern New Eng- land. This old South Tavern of Oxford for more than one hundred years was the center of all communication with the outside world and the life of the neighborhood. Here the balls and the junketings of the olden time were held in an apartment being lighted with candles which would have ordinarily furnished only a dim light if not for the ample chim- ney with its cheerful wood fire. Here were assembled the young ladies with dresses of ex- tremely short waists, and hair dressed a la Grecque, with their low stately courtesy. And the young gentlemen in silk stockings with shoe and knee buckles, their queues laced with ribbons, and with rolling coat collars and high shirt collars half covering the face. These balls were of frequent occurrence. There was the election ball in May. The Thanksgiving ball, the Christmas ball, and one on St. John's day, when the tables were in rustic bowers, then the Masonic lodge figured largely, and on the settlement of a new clergyman an ordination ball would be announced. The gentlemen will please choose their partners. There was bowing and eourtesying and the dancing commenced, minuets, reels and jigs went on. Taverns and Post-offices. 275 " But from the parlor of the inn A pleasant murmur smote the ear, Like water rusliing through a weir: Oft interrupted by tlie din Of laughter and of loud applause, And in each intervening pause, The music of a violin. '' Before the blazing fire of wood Erect the wrapt musician stood ; And ever and anon he bent His head upon his instrument, And seemed to listen, till he caught Confessions of its secret thought, The joy, the triumph, the lament, The exultation and the pain ; Then by the magic of his art. He soothed the throbbiugs of liis heart, And lulled it into peace again." — Longfelloio. It would appear that a tavern in Oxford occupied the site or was the south part of the present residence of the late Jasper Brown, Esq., at the junction of one of the ancient roads to Charlton, with the Boston road through Marlborough and Worcester to Connecticut, which being en 'route one mile nearer Worcester, interrupted much of the patronage of quiet travelers from Boston to Connecticut. " As ancient is this hostelry As any in the land may be, Built in the old Colonial day, When men lived in a grander way, With ampler hospitality : "A kind of old Hobgoblin Hall, Now somewhat fallen to decaj^. With weather stains upon the wall, And stairways worn, and crazy doors, And creaking and uneven floors, And chimneys huge, and tiled and tall. 2/6 The Records of Oxford. " Round this old-fashioned, quaint abode, Deep silence reigned, save when a gust, Went rushing down the country road, And skeletons of leaves and dust, A moment quickened by its breath, Shuddered and danced their dance of death. And through the ancient oaks o'er head Mysterious voices moaned and fled." — Longfellow. The Tlme and Manner of Traveling and Sending Coiimdni- cati0n8 from boston to suttojj in 1746 as contrasted with THE Same in 1890. From Records of Sigourney Family, Anthony Sigourney of Boston, was married to Mary Waters of Salem, April 11, 1740. Mrs. Sigourney was an invalid from consumption. Her physician named change to the country hoping for her recovery. Mrs. Si- gourney left Boston for Sutton where resided her brother, Richard Waters. She soon became too ill to venture a return to Boston. She survived until winter, 1746. Previously to her decease a message was despatched to Boston to acquaint Mr. Sigourney with the circumstances. No answer was received. The roads were impassable from the deep he ivy snows. The funeral services were postponed for two weeks or more, until it was decided there could be no longer any delay from the absence of Mr. Sigourney. During the services he arrived. Having been unable to proceed from saddle-horses furnished him, he had walked most of the distance from Boston to Sutton, by the aid of snow-shoes or rackets. Mrs. Sigourney was buried in the burying-ground belonging to the Waters, Goff and Putnam families, in Sutton, no head-stone, only stone marks. James Davie Butler on leaving Oxford and becoming a resi- dent of Rutland, Yt., in the year 1787. His tirst journeys to and fro were on horseback with a bag of silver on the pommel of the saddle, but he soon accomplished his journeys by driving a pair of horses in this new section of Taverns and Post-offices. 277 country as it was then termed. He was a merchant of the town for fifty years. " Honored Sir — After Due respect to you and your family this opportunity presents itself though (unexpectedly) to inform you that we are all well & throu the protection of a mersefull God we have been so for a year past. " I have nothing metearial to write at present we have not heard aney inteliageable acount from you since we left oxford & I wish you to write a letter & leve at Cambels for M'^ Cudworth to fetch to me. " That we may know wheather you are all alive or not. We remember our love to our honored mother & all the family & our friends in general. So we Remain 3'our afectionate &c. " Jacob Glysson.* "Greenbush, December 21, 1805. " 4 miles north of the village of Troy. " N. B. — We live within 200 yards of the church where we can have Dutch and English preaching a very steadey set of people to go to meeting and the quer of it is we can have our children Baptized for two shillings per head. But I chuse to keep that money to pay the school master for they go stedy and learn well. They all Kemember their Love to cousins. Traveling West in 181T. Anthony Butler, son of James Butler of Oxford, Mass., in a series of wayside letters to his brother James of Rutland, Vt., * Jacob Gleason, son of Dr. James Gleason, of Oxford South Gore, born July, 1768, died at Stockton, N. Y., October, 1812, married Mahatable, daughter of Joseph Hudson. Their address, " On the Grants in New York State. "Mrs. Gleason, born 1770, died at Stockton, 1871. On leaving Greenbush, K Y., he removed with his family to the "Holland Purchase," a part of the Chatauqua county, south-western part of New York . 278 TJie Records of Oxford. describes his travels en route from liis landed estate a few miles distant from Rutland to Cincinnati. The outfit consisted of two large wagons, one single wagon and five horses. Mr. Butler with his family leaves his home in Vermont Sept. 30, 1817, and arrives at Cincinnati, November 14, after traveling fifty-six days. Three of his letters were mailed at Montgomery, Orange Co., N. Y., Oct. 10, Loudonn, Franklin Co., Pa., Oct. 23, and Pittsburgh, Nov. 12. In his letter from Loudoun Mr. Butler states: " The reason for pro- ceeding so far south is to cross the Alleghany Mountains on a turnpike." He adds, " Our horses are in good style." In crossing Laurel Ridge, three miles up and four miles down, he found no house, and camped on the summit. In his own words " built a fire against a log, daughters dismayed, night dark and rainy, both dogs on the watch till morning." " De- scending the Laurel Ridge, the roads from the heavy rain were almost impassable, the loose rock worn by wagon wheels and horses' feet 10 or 12 aud perhaps 15 feet. One horse path three feet lower than the other — at times the hoi-ses going frantic with rao-e. We descended without accident and reached a tavern before night. " In the vicinity of Pittsburgh, the horses requiring rest, we changed our mode of traveling at Pittsburgh to proceed on to Cincinnati. I purchased a boat for $60, with a deck, fireplace, and other conveniences large enough for to transport ourselves, wagons and horses, and was so fortunate as to secure a good pilot (a man who had been a ship carpenter and a seaman on board a man of war), and we arrived safely at Cincinnati 500 miles from Pittsburgh." Anthony Butler was a Mason, and thus writes: "In the neighborhood of Pittsburgh I became acquainted with John Grove, the landlord at whose public house we were entertained, T showed him the certificate which Captain Lord had handed me from the Royal Arch Chapter. lie went into the city and Taverns and Post-offices. 279 on his return told me there were $300 in Pittsburgh at my ac- ceptance, and quarters for me and my family in some of their best houses, if I would accept the favor, as my traveling ex- penses were considered very great. I accepted with thanks the kindness of the gentlemen (Masons) of Pittsburgh, but as- sured them I had provided for an expensive journey and for winter quarters, and would in the spring receive remittances from Vermont to purchase a landed estate in the State of Ohio. PoST-HoUSES AND PoST-RlDERS. ' ' Hark ! 'tis the twanging horn ! " "He comes, tlie herald of a noisy world, With spatter'd boots, strajip'd waist, and frozen locks, News from all nations lumbering at his back, True to his charge, the close-pack'd load behind. Yet careless what be brings, his one concern Is to conduct it to the destined inn ; And having dropp'd the expected bag pass on." — Cow^nr. Reminiscences of the Late Archibald Campbell. Oxford became a post-town in 1801. Samuel Campbell was the first " post-master " of Oxford. The post-house was at the hotel on the corner of the Charlton road and the village street (the present site of the brick store). Major Archibald Campbell was the second post-master, at his residence on the site of tlie present Episcopal church, Main street. William Sigourney was Maj. Campbell's deputy of the office. One small left-hand drawer in an ancient English desk devoted to the purpose, contained all the letters, papers and mail matter of the Oxford post-house. Maj. Camj^bell was succeeded by William Sigourney. The post-house was then removed to the old tannery on the Sutton road near the bridge, occu23ying the currying room. The post-office was then removed to a new store on Sigourney corner, and Capt, William Sigourney was the post-master for many years. 28o The Records of Oxford. " In olden time the post was carried bj a messenger pro- vided with a spare horse, a liorn and good portmantles." " In 1704, the only post on all this continent was that which went east from New York so far as Boston, and west to Phila- delphia." " The mails were conveyed from one town to another by the postman who traveled over the hills and through the valleys on horseback, and made known his approach once a week to each post-village by the winding of a huge horn, which was always carried ready for use." The weekly post-rider, when he came by, was sure to tarry at the village inn a sufficient time not only to distribute whatever papers and letters (and few and far between they were) which he might have to leave there, but also to report such rumors as he might have collected by the way ; "for post haste" was with him by no means a descriptive term. In government dispatches, the landlord at the village tavern had the first and surest news in days when armed horsemen did the work now performed by railroad and telegraph. Eager with impatience everybody rushed for the news to the village tavern, and there with a bowl of punch or a mug of flip listened to the last report left behind by some galloping rider, waiting for a fresh steed to take him for a new relay. Mr. Campbell states, Major Daniel Mansfield, it is said, was the first regular mail carrier from Worcester through Millbury, Sutton, Oxford, and Dudley on to Ashford, Ct., about the years 1810-12. Previously to this time letters were sent from Worcester in packets to the towns in the vicinity by reliable parties, who were requested to forward them to the inn of the town, and there they were distributed or left to persons to whom they were addressed en route. So slow was the news in reaching Oxford of what transpired in the outside world, that in 1813, when Washington was burnt, Taverns and Post-offices. 281 some ten days elapsed before the news was received. William Eaton, a sheriff, arrived at the hotel and gave the intelligence. Mr. Campbell, then a child, listened to the announcement. In 1815 the glad tidings of peace between Great Britain and the United States were received throughout the country with acclamations of joy. Heralds on horseback with government des- patches were welcomed by loud peals of bells whenever they entered towns or villages. The citizens of Oxford were wit- nesses to the scene of the government despatch sent from Washington to Boston passing through Dudley and on the old Dudley road to Oxford. The horse who bore the rider and despatches was covered with foam and blood, and as he reached the several towns en route for a relay bringing the news he sounded his horn and cried with a loud voice " Peace — Peace — Peace !" Tidings of this treaty reached the United States little more than a month after the battle of New Orleans.* Abner Cooper was one of the early post-riders between Worcester and Oxford. " When Cooper the post-carrier weekly arrived in Oxford on horseback with saddle bags containing the weekly papers & (letters) from Worcester, on reaching Towne's pond, a little passed the residence of Dr. Daniel Fiske nearly opposite an oak tree near the potash mound he would sound his horn that people of the north vilage might arrive at the inn and receive the news." Mr. Cooper's card in the Worcester Spy : "Abner Cooper informs his friends that April next his quarter ends." An elderly lady being inquired of respecting posting letters in the olden time, replied " We only sent communications to *From the Worcester 5p?/, Wednesday, February 15, 1815: " When the news of peace reached this town Monday last, it was re- ceived by all with the utmost transports of joy, " 36 282 TJie Records of Oxford. our friends, or letters of business by reliable persons who were travelling to that section of country where they resided, and of course waited a long time for letters in return." * h\ these days stage coaches were used, but a greater speed was reached by those who traveled " post," as it was called ; that is, by relays of horses that were frequently changed . The President's message was conveyed in this manner, ex- press riders affording great interest to the inhabitants of the several towns through which it passed. Among the last of these village excitements in Oxford. The bearer of the " President's message " had failed of his relay at his last stopping place (Dudley), and proceeding on the old Dudley road before reaching Oxford, his horse, already over driven, was becoming exhausted. When a mile from the village hotel, near the residence of the late Peter Shum- way, he observed a farmerf leading with a bridle a very able nice horse crossing the road, intently observing the move- ments of the express sans ccrhnonie. The rider came along- side, and leaped upon the farmer's horse and was with his spurs soon out of sight with his fresh relay. As soon as the farmer recovered from his consternation he pursued and found his own horse safe at the hotel with a sufficient remuneration. It is said the arrival and departure of the Boston mail coach in Oxford was the event of the day more than one half century ago. The driver always wound his horn on the Boston road just after passing the bridge east of the street. The coach was known to be approaching about sunset by the bugle horn in the distance. As heralds of the approaching coach a group of children would be seen about sunset on the vil- lage street or a deep lawn, all at once exclaiming, " There comes the Boston coach ! Don't you see it on the Sutton road ? " as the four horses and the great lumbering vehicle are outlined against * Late Mrs. Francis Sibley of Oxford, aged 93 years iu 1884. fLate Jonas Learned. Taverns and Post-offices. 283 the green hedge that borders the old Boston post-a-oad on either side of the liighwaj. The coach soon ascends " Sigourney hill," as the rising of the gronnd after crossing the little bridge whs called in those days. And the panting horses with distended nostrils rush forward at full speed, the driver sounds his horn for to give notice of his expected arrival at the post-office and the village inn to have all in readiness, and cracks his whip, tightens his grasp on the reins, and with loud clattering of hoofs and rumbling of wheels, the heavily-laden coach with its passengers passes Sigourney corner, burying the brick mansion house beneath a dusty cloud. The country people gathered at the tavern to see the cum- bersome vehicle as it came swinging around at the entrance of the Sutton road with the horses galloping in coach horse fashion. After a short stop for passengers, mail, or may be for a little refreshment "from mine host," the horn tooted loudly, and away the heavy old-fashioned yellow stage coach jolted and swung along the level street, with the driver so friendly to all persons he passed. Though the arrival of the coach from Boston was an occur- rence three times during the week, returning on the alternate days, the excitement attending its arrival never lost its charm for old or young. Many years have now passed away since the mail coaches were to be seen in the village streets. They were drawn by four horses. Sometimes a change was made en route of coaches and coachmen, as well as of horses. The coachmen were usually men of very obliging dispositions. They would go out of their way to bear a message to some shop or dressmaker for to please their lady patrons or leave a newspaper. They did much of the business that is now done by the express companies. One lady relates that when she was traveling in the moun- tains of Vermont the coachman would gather her wild flowers, 284 TJie Records of Oxford. and bronglit her some petted raccoons or " Vermont kittens," as he termed them, for her amusement at tlie pubh'c house when waiting for a fresh relay. The Norwich and Worcester raih-oad is unlaid. The citizens of this quaint village may be seen at early evening waiting at the post-office for tlie arrival of the Boston mail coach to re- ceive their weekly newspapers and letters. Daily papers were not to be found in inland country towns. Yery few persons in Oxford received a newspaper in those days by the post-man. The Boston News-Letter was the paper most read in the country before the War of the Kevolution, for modern time is said to have commenced with the Revo- lution. In this paper, " All valuable Real Estate and Slaves were advertised for sale, with the deaths of noted person- ages, and Servants, Runaways, or Goods Stole or Lost may have the same inserted at a reasonable Rate; from Twelve Pence to Five Shillings, and not to exceed : Who may agree with Nich- olas Boone for the same at his shop, next door to Major Davis's; Apothecary, in Boston, near tlie Old Meetinghouse." '' All persons in Town and Country may have said News-Let- ter Weekly upon reasonable terms, agreeing with John Camp- bell Post Master, (Boston,) for the same." In Revolutionary time and afterward the Massachusetts Spy was the newspaper most appreciated throughout the country. An advertisement in the Boston News-Letter., in August, 1742 : " A negro woman to be sold by the printer of this paper; the yQ.v^ best negro woman in town, — who has had the small-pox, and the measles, — is as healthy as a horse, — as brisk as a bird, and will work like a beaver." " At last tlie flouudering carrier bore The village paper to our door." '' Welcome to us its week old news." " Its corner for the rustic Muse, Its monthly gauge of snow and rain, Churches. 285 Its record, mingling in a breath The wedding knell and dirge of death, Jest, anecdote and love-lorn tale, The latest culprit sent to jail: Its hue and cry of stolen and lost, Its vendue sales and goods at cost, Aud traffic calling loud for gain." — Whittier. CHAPTER XXI. Churches. The first town meeting, July 22, 1713. By warrant from John Chandler, Esquire, one of her Majesty's justices of the peace for the county of Suffolk, for the choice of town officers. It was then voted that three persons should be chosen for selectmen for the present year. Chose John Town, \ " BenoniTwitchel, I Selectmen. " Joseph Chamberlain, ) " John Town, For Town Clerk, " Thomas Huskins, " Constable, " Oliver Collier, " Highway Surveyor, " Abiel Lamb, " Tything-Man.* All of whom were sworn before John Chandler, justice of peace. *The office of Tything-men was conferred only on those persons who were of most respectable character, and such as possessed great dignity of manner ; their badge of office was a long black staff. They were ex- pected to be constant attendants at church, and to see that all persons who were in attendance should be seated before the church service com- menced. All traveling and labor were prohibited by law ; and that he would also, by virtue of his office " have an eye " upon all absentees from church. Tything-men were chosen in Oxford for the benefit of the people into the present century. 286 The Records of Oxford. In the record of town officers there were tjthing-men, deer- reeves, " clerk of the market." It is difficult to conceive of the necessity of a clerk of the market in a place where none pur- chased and few sold any commodities, and yet these various offices were filled for a great many years after the incorpora- tion of the town. Another officer who was chosen annually for many years, but though a State officer, is now discontinued, was a " warden." The only explanation of this office '' that coming from England the English wished to maintain the same customs here as at home." Town Meeting, November 19, 1713, Yoted : "That John Towne, Samuel Hageburn and Benjamin Chamberlain, should be a committee to lay out a Minister's lot and burying- place." Town Meeting, July 29, 1714, Yoted : " That each lot man shall pay his equal proportion of ten shillings a Sabbath, for a quarter of a year, to Mr. John James, for his preaching with us." July 29, 1714, Voted : " to build a meeting house thirty feet square, and to set the house on the west side of the high- way, near Twitchell's field. At a Great and Gen. Court of Assembly for y' province of y' Massachusetts bay in New England begun and held at bos- ton on y' 28 day of may 1718. On the petition of John Towne select man of the Town of Oxford in behalf of y' said town In the hous of Representativ^es June the IStli 1718 Red and ordered that y' select men or assessors, of y' Town of Oxford be Impowered to Levy a tax upon y' lands of y' non Resident proprietors In the said Town after the Rates of twenty Shillings p annum on Each Thousand acres during the whole term of five years next after this present Session That so the Inhabitants may be Enabled to build a meeting house and settle a minister Chiu'chcs. 287 among Them and the money so arising shall be applied accord- ingly and no otherwise. In Council Read and concm'red Consented to Sam. U. Shute a True Copy as of Record Examined p J. WiLLAED Seci'y. Rage 18 of Record. From the Oxford Records, March 2, 1719. Voted that if the Rev. Jolm McKinstry dos continue preaching the Gospil and settle with us yt he shall he an Equal Proprietor with the rest of the inhabitants of Oxford vilkixe. May 27, 1719. Yoted to give to Mr. McKinstry sixty pounds sallery and fifty pounds in building and fencing and breaking up ground and labor and 100 acres of land. Mr. McKinstry, however, did not comply with the invita- tions, tradition states, to the great disappointment of the peo- ple. Rev. John McKinstry, a native of Scotland, joined a com- pany of Scotch emigrants from the north of Ireland and ar- rived in Boston in the summer of 1718. Mr. McKinstry is said to have been a gentleman of a supe- rior education, and of great natural endowments, with refined manners and of a genial temperament of character. He became the clergyman of the church in Sutton and subsequently of East Windsor, Ct. He had graduated at Edinburgh University and received a diploma. A Translation. " Be it known to all whom it may concern, that we the Pro- fessors of the University of Edinboro' of King James, testify that this youth John ]\IcKinstry, of Ireland, after having com- 288 The Records of Oxford. pleted tlie study of philosophy and human literature with the integrity and modesty of manners which is becoming an in- genious youth, has graduated with us, and is entitled to all the privileges which the course of discipline and the custom of this Academy, is accustomed to confer. And now with the con- sent of the Faculty and teachers of this college he is declared a Master in the liberal Arts, and entitled to all the privileges which are wont to be conceded to the Masters of the Good Arts, of which fact, that there may be greater faith, we the distinguished governors. Teachers and Patrons of Wie Univer- sity of Edinburgh have placed our signatures this -ith Calends of March, 1712." Datum Edinburgi. JOH. GOODALL, L. S. P. RoBERTDS Henderson, B. & Acad. ab. Archivi. GuLiEL Hamilton, N. S. P. GuLiELMUs Law, P. P. GuLiELMUs Scot, P. P. ROBERTUS StOUAOL, P, P. Col. Drumond, P, P. Ja. Gregory, Math. P. May 1720, att a town meeting. " They voted that Mr. John Campbell, should be treated with in order to settlement." "Then voted Mr. Israel Town, who resided on the Dr. Eisk farm, opposite Towne's pond, should entertain the minister." Rev. John Campbell, the first clergyman of the church in Oxford, was from Scotland, having graduated at Edinburgh University. At a Town meeting in May, 1720, Mr. John Campbell's arrival in Oxford is first mentioned. At the above date Ebenezer Learned is authorized by a vote of the town to make an engagement with Rev. John Campbell, for to remain with them as their clergyman for one or two months. Churches. 289 July 15, 1720, a committee of five, of which John Town was chairman, was chosen and instructed to make definite proposals to Mr. Campbell in reference to his settlement. The committee presented the following report : In the name of the inhabitants of the town : 1st. We called the Rev. John Campbell to be our minister. 2d. "We promised to the said Mr. Campbell £60 salary. 3d. That the Rev. Mr. Campbell himself, his heirs, and as- signs have freely given them the lot already laid out for the first minister of Oxford, with the rights thereunto belonging, and one hundred acres joining the above, if it can be had ; if not when it can be conveniently had. 4th. That we will give the said Mr. Campbell one hundred pounds settlement in work, as reasonable as others have work for the money in Oxford ; twenty-five pounds of it to be paid quarterly as shall be directed by Mr. Campbell, provided he shall be willing to live and die with us in the work of the ministry. Rev. Mr. Campbell's Answer to the Selectmen of Oxford. Gentlemen, I have had your call and proposals before me and upon mature deliberation I accept of your call and pro- posals to me as propounded and hereby promise to be willing to continue with you in the work of the ministry as the Lord shall enable me, provided you continue a ministerial people. Oxford, Angust I'ith, 1720. JOHN CAMPBELL. In September, 1720, Lieut. John Towm, Abiel Lamb, Samuel Barton and Joseph Wiley, gentlemen, united in their influence to establish a Church of Christ in Oxford, making an appoint- ment to meet on Thursday, October 27, at four of the o'clock post meridian, at the house of Israel Town. 37 290 The Records of Oxford, In 1Y20 the town authorities of Oxford applied to the asso- ciation of ministers for their advice respecting Rev. John Campbell as a clergyman. The association replied : Woodstock, September 7, 1Y20. " We the subscribers, having had acquaintance with the Rev. Mr. Campbell now of Oxford, do approve of him as a minister endowed with ministerial accomplishments. We hope and be- lieve that, by the blessing of Heaven, he will serve to the glory of God and the spiritual edification of souls, in the place where Divine Providence shall fix him in the gospel ministry. (Signed.) JOSIAH DWIGHT. JOSEPH BAXTER. JOHN SWIFT. ROBERT BRECK. JOHN PRENTICE. JOSEPH DORR. " To the select men of Oxford. The church" was organized Jan. 20, 1720, O. S., with the following members : John Town and wife, Israel Town and wife, Benj. Chamberlain and wife, Benony Twitchell and wife, Isaac Learned and wife, Joseph Wiley and wife, John Corains and wife, Samuel Barton and wife, Absolem Skinner, David Town and wife, Ebenezer Learned and wife, Nat. Chamberlain and wife, Philip Amidown and wife, Thomas Gleason, Jr., and wife, Abiel Lamb and wife, Collins Moore and wife. * This church adopted no creed at its formation. In the early history of our country articles of belief were promulgated by the higher ecclesi- astical bodies, and the Cambridge platform served most of the Congre- gational churches until near the close of the last century, when, on ac- count of a diversity of opinions, articles of faith in the form of a creed were then introduced to be assented to by those becoming members of the church. Churches. 291 The ordination services of Rev, John Campbell were March 1, 1721, and vt^ere as follows : Introductory prayer, by Rev, Joseph Dorr, of Mendon. Sermon, by Rev. John Prentice, Lancaster, Ephs, vi, 18-19. Prayer before the Charge, by Rev, Josiah Dwight, of Woodstock. Charge, by Rev. Joseph Baxter, of Medfield. Prayer after Charge, by Rev. Joseph Breck, Malborough. Right Hand of Fellowsliip, by Rev. John Swift of Fram- ingham. Benediction, by Rev. John Campbell. The first church in Oxford was located on the north-west corner of the south common, the old Charlton road separating it from the burying-ground. It fronted on the south toward the common. It was thirty feet square ; had double or folding doors in front ; the pulpit was on the north side of the house op- posite the doors which opened into the aisle of the church ; the gallery extended on the east and west sides. The seats in the area of the church were of rude construction, with backs, those upon the east side for ladies, and those upon the west side for gentlemen ; this was a Puritan fashion of New Eng- land. January, 1722-3, " Yoted in ye affirmative that Capt. Rich- ard Moore may build and have set up a pew on ye west side of ye pulpit of about six foot square for the benefit of himself and his family." * * * Feby 11 1722-3, At a town meeting legally warned voted to grant a pew to be made for Mr. Campbell and dispose of other places for pews First voted in the aflirmative yt Mr. Campbell may build and set up a pew of y' East side of y pulpit from y pnlpit to y middle or senter of ye post under y gallery beam extending to y' corner of y' deacons seat to be done at y charge of y town. 292 The Records of Oxford. March 29, 1724, At the town meet in "^ it was voted that Eng'^ Ebenezer Learned should have a Room in the East cor- ner of tlie meeting-house joyning to Mr. Campbell's pew for a pew for him and his family in the meeting house and he is to finish it in the year. March -i 1734, Voted yt Capt Ebenezer Learned shall have ye pew on the Easterly part of y meeting house behind ye wo- man's seats for Toon (ten) pound paying his equal propor- tions towards finishing said meeting house sd pew adjoyning to the duble doors. Marcii 4 1734, Voted that Mr, Samuel Davis shall have ye pew on the Westerly sid of ye meeting house adjoyning to the duble doors he paying toon pound and his equal proportion towards finishing sd meeting house. May 16, 1726, At a legal town meeting, Capt. Ebenezer Learned was chosen to go to ye General Court, at a petition Requesting that the lauds of ye non-resident proprietors, may be taxed, to inable us to support ye Gospel ministry amongs us. Oxford, September 4th 1732, " Then Received in full for my sallery from the beginning of my Settlement at Oxford, in y' work of ye Gospels, there to the first of May, one thousand seven hundred and twenty-seven in conformity, to a vote passed by the said Town of Oxford," March 6, 1726-7, per me. John Campbell. The duty of the sexton in olden time was not only to take charge of the church, keep it swept, have the key in his posses- sion, but to take care of the cushion for the desk. August 29, 1728, Voted " to take so much of the Interest money belonging to y' town to procure a cushion for the pulpit. Capt. Earned, to be intrusted with the commission." March 4, 1734. Voted yt Capt. Richard Moore, shall have Liberty to inlarge his pew at his own charge and bearing y cost of turning y pulpit stair-case if Mr. Campbell be wilhng, and make a door for y deacons seat. Churches. 293 March 4, 1734, Yoted Lieut. Isaac Learned, shall have y pew at the North East corner of the meeting-house, joyning to Mr. Campbells pew, paying four pound and bearing his pro- portion towards finishing said meeting-house. August 25, 1743, the town voted to build a new meeting- house, which was erected 1747. July 13, 1748, Voted that the Town shall Build Two Pews one on Each Side the Broad Alley, one behind the men's seats and the other behind the women's seats to accommodate the Gentlemen that have had their Land Taxed towards Building of our New meeting-house, when any of them shall come to our meeting. Yoted that there shall be two pews more built to take up the rest of the room behind the seats to the alleys at each end of the seats to be disposed of by the town. In front of the pulpit were four long narrow pews, two for the deacons, the others for aged persons. The gallery extended round three sides of the church, leaving the high pulpit on the north side ; seats back of the galleries in the corners of the church were devoted to slaves or colored servants. August 22, 1748, Voted Richard Moore, Jun, Collector to gather the tax laid on the non-resident Proprietors lands in Oxford, towards building our new meeting-house by an act of the General Court. May 17, 1750. Voted one hundred and ten ounces of silver and other money equivalent, to it for the Rev. Mr, Campbell's sallery for this present year. Sept. 14, 1752, Voted to choose a committee to Dignify and prize the Pews. Mr. David Baldwin, Mr. Duncan Campbell, Mr. Benjamin Davis, Committee Men to Dignify and Prize the pews. The person who paid the highest tax had the first choice, and so in succession. In many places other than money considera- tions had influence in "dignifying" the pews. 294 The Records of Oxford. Sept. 14, 1752 (N. S.), Voted to accept the report of the committee that was chosen to Dignify and prize the Pews. Kov. 17, 1752, Voted that the pew next to the Pulpit on the East side shall be the minister's pew. Then those that were the highest in the Rates for their Real Estate towards building our meeting-house in Oxford proceeded to draw their pews, and Col. Ebenezer Learned being highest in said Rates, chose No. 3 price £52 16s. It is believed that the term " dignify," as here used, was to give the preference in the selection of pews to those persons most distinguished in public affairs, and for their liberality in furnishing the means for the erection of the church and the support of public worship. The " pew spots," as they were called, that is, places where pews might be, were thus disposed of as the society had digni- fied them. In the Town Warrant, Oct. 4, 1748 — To see how the town will dispose of the Pew Spots in the said meeting- house. In these old-fashioned churches the people were not allowed to make their selection of seats. A committee was chosen to assign seats to the worshippers " according to estate and age annually." This arrangement of seats was termed " seating the meeting-house." March 20, 1764, Voted and chose Edward Davis, Esquire, (Capt.) Ebenezer Learned and Mr. Josiah Wolcott, committee to treat with the Rev*^. Joseph Bowman concerning his settling with us and to lay the votes and grants of the church and Town before him in view for his consideration and to give us his answer in due time, and the said committee are impowered to make some further proposals to the said Mr, Bowman con- cerning his settlement and sallary and report to the town the next town meeting. 24 September 1764, Voted in the Affirmative to Add Sixty Six Pounds thirteen Shillings and four Pence to a former Grant made to Rev. Mr. Joseph Bowman on the 20'*" Day of March Churches. 295 1764, of One Hundred and Thirty-three Founds Six Shillings and Eight pence making in the whole Two Hundred Pounds to be Paid, the one-half within One year after his settling with us, in case he accepts of our Choice of him to be our Minister and settle with us, March 20, 1764, voted & chose Edward Davis, Col. Ebenezer Learned, Josiah Wolcott, a committee. Warrant October 1, 1764. To grant Money to defray the cost and charge of the ordinations or installment of the Rev'd Mr. Joseph Bowman to the Pastoral Office among us October 15, 1764.* Rev. Joseph Bowman remained the clergyman of this church until August, 1782. In 1791, April 17, Rev. EHas Dudley ucceeded the Rev. Joseph Bowman. ^ Rev. Mr. Dudley retired from being the clergyman March 6, 1799. Dr. Emmons of Franklin preached the sermon at the ordination of Rev. Mr. Dudley. His residence while a clergyman in Oxford was the mansion of the late Dr. David Holman. In the present century there may have been connected with this church no clergyman more distingnished than Rev. Horatio Bard well, D. D-, who was established over the church in 1836 and so continued for many years. He died in Oxford May 5, 1866. His memory is spoken of " as a precious legacj^ to his church." He received his ordination as a clergyman at Newburyport June 21, 1815, and on the following October 23 he sailed for India in the ship Dryad, and on his arrival in India he became a resident of Bombay, and remained as an American mission- ary in India until 1821, when he returned to this country. While in India, Dr. and Mrs. Bardwell received many kind * October 15, 1764. Edward Davis, Esq., and Deacon Thomas Davis undertook to provide Entertainment for the Council that are to install the Rev. Mr. Joseph Bowman to the pastoral office among us without making it a public charge to the towu. 296 The Records of Oxford. attentions from the English residents and from the officials of government. At one period during his home in India he was most honor- ably invited to take the place of a rector in the English Episco- pal church, which for a limited time he filled with much accept- ance to his English friends. Mrs. Bardwell was a lady of a superior education, as could be discerned in her conversation, and in her extensive correspondence. Her description of her Eastern life, as associated with English residents as well as the poor natives of the countryj was in her recital as a picture pre- sented to the view. And like Mrs. Sherwood of England her description was to remain in a life long memory. One can easily follow Mrs. Bardwell in her Indian home, plainly dressed in white muslin, as ladies in India are obliged to dress from the climate, on her veranda, surrounded by a group of native children, teaching them their daily Bible lessons. On the return of Dr. and Mrs. Bardwell to America they de- parted from India with regret and with many kind services rendered them from the English governor.* Two merchant vessels left India for Boston at the time of Dr. and Mrs. Bardwell's passage being engaged. One ship was lost at sea, and was so reported, and left much uncertainty as regarded the safety of Dr. and Mrs. Bardwell. On their arrival in port they hastened to their home in Andover. An escort * Dr. Bardwell was married in 1815 to Rachel, daughter of Simon For- bush, of Andover. Dr. Bardwell in his manners was courteous and affable, and was styled a gentleman in English society while abroad, as well as one who was distinguished in his judgment and views of the affairs of state govern- ment, and with all these endowments he was more distinguished for his most devout Christian life, and as a clergyman he was possessed of large and liberal views toward all evangelical Christians. The Book of Common Prayer used by Dr. Bardwell in India is still cherished as a relic by Miss Ellen Paine, once a communicant in his church at Oxford, now Mrs. Gilchrist of McGregor, Churches. 297 was at once offered to accompany them to their friends, who proceeded in advance, and announced the safe arrival of tlie ship and then the safety of Dr. and Mrs. Bardwell and chikl, and their immediate arrival that morning to the parents of Mrs. Bardwell. 20 May 1765, Voted that Lient. John Nichols and Mr. Ed- ward Raymond, shall each of them have the Liberty for two persons to sit in the Pew on the West side of the Broad Alley in onr Meeting-House that was granted to the non Resident Gentlemen that had their nnimproved lands Taxed towards Building our Mceting-House Each of them paying three Pounds old tenor pr year as long as they enjoy said privilege and to give place to any of Said Gentlemen if they should come to our meeting. That Mr. Josiah Wolcott shall have liberty to use and im- prove the pew on the East side of the broad alley in our meet- ing-house tilling the said pew. May 10 1767, Then that behind the woraans Seats next to the Broad Alley was set up and Lieut. John Nichols bid twelve pounds eight shillings lawful money which was the highest and it was struck off to him accordingly and he paid two dol- lars down. To see if the town will grant liberty to Rev. Mr. Hill and Mr. Amos Shuraway and Mr. James Butler and Doct. Daniel Fisk, to take up the two hind seats in the mens and womens body seats and build them four pews for their use and their heirs forever or act thereon as the town shall think proper. By order of the select men. SAMUEL HARRLS OxFOKD May 21 1781. Tovm Clerk. July 19, 1781, At a Town Meeting, received the Report of the committee chosen for the sale of the j)ev^ ground in the mens and womens body seats, and voted to accept said Report which is as follows : 38 298 The Records of Oxford. JSTo. 1, on the woinans side of the broad alley, sold to Mr. Anthony Sigoiirny, for 20^ hard dollars. No. i, on the men's side of the broad alley, sold to Mr. James Butler, for 20 hard dollars. Ko. 3, on the womans side, on the east side, sold Mr. John Dana, for 17 hard dollars. No. 4, on the west side of the men's seats, sold to Mr. Jesse Jones for 16^ hard dollars. Yoted tliat the money comin,^^ by the sale of the four pews as before mentioned be applied for the support of the soldiers families and the poor of the town. In olden time in the churches of New Encrland the sermon was made the principal feature of the service. The Scriptures were not read in the cluirehes until the early part 'of the last century, and not always were prayers offered in tlie churches. As early as 1699, however, Rev. Mr. Coleman of Boston read the Bible in his church, and he even repeated the Lord's prayer, after an introduction of one of his own. " But many were strongly prejudiced against his innovations." Reading of the Scriptures in the service of New England churches on the Sabbath, is comparatively modern. It was con- sidered in ancient time as partaking too much of the formality of the English church — in many churches not introduced until the middle of the last century. The Ratio Disciplinae says that in 1726, that " the practice of reading the sacred volume was observed in many churches without giving offence." The church in Medford, in 1759, " voted to read the Bible in the congregation." How early reading of the Scriptures in the church in Oxford was adopted, there is no record.* * With things that have had their day daring these long sermons, in some churches, there was an hour-glass standing on tlie desk to guide the clergyman, and which would claim the attention of his hearers for one ChiircJies. 299 It does not appear from any record in Oxford wlien the in- troduction of instrumental music became a part of the chnrch service, or the change in tlie mode of singing caused any disquietude in the church, even when the pitcli-pipe was sounded. Before the close of the last century the New England ver- sion of Psalms and Hymns was the only sacred poetry that was allowed admittance into most of the churches. These were read, line by line, by one of the deacons, when another set the tune, in which the whole congregation were expected to unite. In England there was annexed to the Book of Common Prayer the version of Sternhold and Hopkins. The first metri- cal version of the Psalms in English appeared in 1549. "Thomas Sternhold a court poet, translated 51 Psalms." John Hopkins a clergyman, 58. The other contributors were, principally, William Whyting- ham. Dean of Durham, and Thomas Korton, a barrister. This version, enlarged, was annexed to the Book of Common Prayer, and was in general nse until 169G.* hour. In front of some pulpits was a socket for the hour-glass. An hour-glass was also in the library of the minister, to guide him in pre- paring his sermons. One of the duties of the sexton was to keep and turn the glass. * The New England version, or better known as the Bay Psalm Book, was made in 1640, and was the work of Revs. Thomas Weld, John Eliot and Richard Mather, and continued in use for more than 100 years, and was succeeded by the collection of hymns by Dr. Watts, nearly at the close of the last century. Tate and Brady's collection followed Sternhold and Hopkins' version, and was generally used in the Episcopal church in America and other churches in this country. The church in Oxford made use of this collection. There are still copies to be found which were used in church service in Oxford. 30-^ The Records of Oxford. " Some of the clcr^Yincn rittemptcd a reform in sin£:iu<>- — and tlie notes, fa, sol, la, were by some considered blaspliemoiis." "The new way of singing will make the young people disor- derly, and if they go to singing school they will be having frolics." In the Oxford church those who could sing sat in the "sing- ers' seats." The leader, Mr. Ludden, gave out the tune and the pitch, the singers sounded their parts, bass, tenor, alto and treble, fa-la-sol-fa " singing a fugning tune, one part following another, till all seem to be lost in a labyrinth of melody, but coming out right at last." In 1T80, many persons objected to new tunes being sung in the churches and were offended at the innovation and absented themselves from church service. At what time a chance was made from singing by the congregation to a choir in Oxford does not appear, but previously some one had been chosen to line the hymn when it was sung.* Before the Revolution the hymns were ''lined," the clerk of the church standing in front of the pulpit reading a line and the congregation singing it, and then reading another, and so on through the hvmn. * At a meeting in the north parish of Sutton, Feb. 4, 1768, "It was proposed that, if it would not be grievous to any of the Bretlireu, a Hymn out of Dr. Watts' sliould be sung at the communion, and if it would be grievous to any they were desired to speak." "After three or four hymus being read that were pertinent for that purpose no objections appeared, but several spoke agreeable." — From an old town record in the nortli parish of Sutton. In 1743 Rev. John Campbell, of Oxford, wrote, "Using Hymns, so as almost to have superseded tiie Psalms of David and other spiritual Songs. This is a manifest "Violation and reproach of the Wisdom and Law of God. . . . I am far from thinking that the good Gentleman [Dr. Watts] whose hymns are mostly used by our giddy Zealots ever intended that composure of his should ever supersede tlie Psalms of David." — CamijlelVs I'reaiiae. Churches. 301 And then on Sunday, standing in the singers' seats, with a bass-viol to keep them making music that thrilled and delighted tlie congregation. There was great opposition to viols and violins in the churches. As the years passed not only the viols and violins, but flutes, bugles, horns, clarinets, bassoons and trombones were used as a part of sacred music.'^ Funeral Service. In 1730, a Boston newspaper, in speaking of a funeral, says, " Before carrying out the corpse, a funeral prayer was made by one of the pastors of the old church, which, though a custom in the country towns, is a singular instance in this place, but it is wished may prove a leading example to the general practice of so decent and Christian example. During the first half of the last century there was often great parade made at funerals, particularly by those of the rich. Gloves, gold rings, hat-bands and mourning scarfs were fre- quently presented to those gentlemen in attendance. Near friends acted as bearers, carrying the body on a bier on the shoulders, there being relays as occasion required in the pro- cession (in some places males and females did not walk toa'ether, but those of the sex of the deceased walked nearest to the re- mains). Officers with staffs and mourning badges accompanied the procession. This custom has until very recently been continued in some of the country towns in this county. The town of Sutton * To the time of Lutlier the psalms of the Bible were mostly used by Christians in devotional service. Among the earliest was, "Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations," written by Moses. Clement of Alexandria was an ancient writer of hymns. In the eleventh century, Bernard de Morals, monk of Cluni, made great addi- tions to sacred jjoetry. A translation from his works is a hymn, than which no more beautiful has been written, "Jerusalem the Golden." Then followed the sweet hymns of Thomas a Kempis, Luther and Clement Marot. 302 TJie Records of Oxford. may be named as one of the last of those towns retaining this tribute of respect. Oxford Town Records, April 4, 1796. In Town meeting voted that the selectmen provide a wheeled carriage to convey the dead to burial. Previous to this date all funeral processions, whether on foot or on horseback, the dead were conveyed on a bier with relays if tlie distance required. Mrs. Eunice (Turner) Eastman's funeral was one of the last in Oxford where the mourners were on horseback, two horses abreast. The funeral service was at the old church on the north common, and a daughter of James Butler was buried in the same manner. The gentleman to whom she was engaged to be married preceded the parents on horseback unaccompanied. Rings were presented to the near friends of the deceased in memory of the departed. A lady described the funeral of Mrs. Eunice (Turner) East- man, as the procession wound its way among the tall elms over the north common to the church. It was a cold, gloomy day in December; heavy clouds hung low down in the sky ; the air filled with snow. Though the lady were a child sitting at her nursery window, in a deep wide gable of an ancient house, she received her first impressions of death from viewing the sable procession on that mournful day and tiie measured tread of the horses' hoofs, for there were no carriages following the coffin on the bier, borne by bearers. All the mourners were on horse- back two in hie. The church-yard near the south common then a common stone wall enclosed its ground — iif ty years ago it was choked with briars and fat weeds. One has to look very carefully to discover those old graves. Their dust should be respected. Sometimes the only inscriptions are the initial letters and the year rudely carved. Then there was the poor corner where were the graves of the friendless. In many old cemeteries before the year 1700, the head-stones seldom had any name or date. These stones were the common Churches. 303 brownstone. In instances a cliisel had cut tlie initial letters of the name of the one entombed. In the seventeenth century hour-glasses were used as a device on tomb-stones, with this inscription : " As this glass runneth, go man's life passeth." Upon some ancient head-stones in the burying-gronnd would be rudely cut the old man Time, with an hour-glass clutched in one hand and a scythe in the other. Angels bloM'ing trum- pets •with open books, or a skull and cross-bones, would be seen on other head-stones. * An old record Dec. 1, 1808, It being Thanksgiving Mr. Andrew Sigourney presented the Congregational Chh & So- ciety by the hand of KeV Mr. Moulton with a large elegant Gilt Bible & Psalm Book to be kept for the use of the desk in the north meeting house in Oxford ; on the receiving of which the Chh & Society voted their thanks to Mr. Sigourney the Donor, f * October 24, 1771, It was granted 3 pounds to buy a new Burying cloth. — Town Kecords, Oxford Town Eecords, May, 14, 1798, At a Town-meeting "Mr. An- drew Sigourney, came into the meeting and presented tlie town witli a velvet funeral pall, upon receiving his present the town voted him thanks.'' flu families of distinguished birth in these days escutcheons were placed upon the coffin, and hatchments were himg in the mansion house of the deceased. "Escutcheons with rings and kid gloves were given to near friends, and in some instances suits of mourning, and relatives and servants were put in mourning. Tenants and dependents received gloves as well as intimate friends with their invitation to the funeral ceremony. Gloves were also given to pall-bearers, and sometimes orjihans of a surviving parent, deceased, following first after the corpse, were accompanied by a waiting maid and a negro servant. Both were put in mourning as usual." In an ancient charge of funeral expenses, 11 dozen gloves "for funeral" £20-6-11. Letchford, writing in 1641, says, " At burials nothing is read, nor any funeral sermon made, but all the neighborhood, or a good company of 304 TIlc Records of Oxford. In these days and into the present century it was regarded as a breach of etiquette, a downright inhospitality, not to offer wine to the guests, particularly when the minister called. Even at a funeral the bearers must " take a drink" before they removed their coffined neighbor from his own earthly home. Marriages in olden time in Oxford were announced by the publication of marriage by banns, or a notice of the intended marriage was posted on the church door or in some other pub- lic place. In about 1750, a statute of the twenty-sixth year of George II enacted that "the ])anns should be regularly published three successive Sundays in the church of the pari&h where for the time residing. Archbishop Seeker, the primate between 1758 and 1768, originated the arrangement of special licenses. During Cromwell's protectorate, the "Little Parliament of 1653, declared that marriage was to be merely a civil contract ; forbade the use of the ' Book of Common Prayer,' and inter- dicted the clergy from performing any of the otfices of the church under severe penalties." The parties professed in the presence of a justice of the peace their mutual desire to be married. them, came together by tolling of the bell, and carry the dead solemnly to his grave, and then stand by him while he is buried. The ministers are most commonly present. " On the return from the grave a liberal entertainment was served at which wines and intoxicating liquors, pipes and tobacco were liberally provided." The cause of tem})erance has made wonderful progress dur- ing the last half century. " Fifty years ago," says a clergyman (Rev, Dr. Patton of New Haven, Ct.), "funerals were set at three o'clock in tlie afternoon, and the procession did not move until four; the intervening time was spent in drinking. A great many persons went to funerals then. They went early, and did not leave until the funeral started." In 1713, Judge Sewall has this record in his diary: "The four churches (in Boston) treated their ministers." CJiurclics. 305 Usually the proclamation was made in the market place by the bellman. This act contiimed until 1658, when persons were allowed to adopt the accustomed rites of religion if they preferred them. The earliest canonical enactment on the subject of mairia_2"e banns in the English church, is said to have been made by the Synod of Westminster or London in 1200, which ordered that no marriasfc should be contracted witliout banns thrice published in the church, unless by tlic special authority of the bishop. Formerly the betrothal ring was worn as at the present time, on the left hand on the finger next to the least. It is said that women wore the wedding ring upon the left hand, because that hand is a sign of inferiority or sub- jection. During tlie time of the coinmonwealth the Puritans en- deavored to abolish the use of the wedding ring, for the reason it was of pagan invention. It is now required that a wedding ring should be used at a marriaire in the English church. The rubric directs that " the man shall give unto the woman a ring. ■''" ^' * And the priest taking the ring shall deliver it to the man, to put it upon the fourth linger of the woman's left hand. During tlie reigns of George I and Grt3orge II, the wed- ding ring, although placed upon the usual finger at the time of marriage, was sometimes worn on the thumb, in which position it is represented in the portrait of Madam Elizabeth Freake, still a relic retained by her descendants in the Sigourney family of Oxford.* * A wedding ring worn upon the thumb dates back to the reign of Charles II. Anciently a ring was used in betrothals rather than at weddings. The man placed a ring on the finger, which is at the present day pre- 39 3o6 The Records of Oxford. At carlj English weddinfijs money was thrown over the lieads of the bride and bridegroom and distributed at the church door. The Wardrobe Accounts of Edward II state this fashion of the time: "In the tenth year of his reign money to the vahie £2 10s. was thrown over the heads of Oliver dc Bor- deaux and the Lady Maude Trussel, during the solemnization of their nuptials, at the door of the chapel within the park of Woodstock, by the King's order." No wedding could be com- plete without the marriage benedictions of a priest, hence the bridegroom was called a Benedict. The giving of gloves at weddings is a very ancient fashion. Ben Jouson, in his play of the " Silent Woman," makes Lady Haughty say, " We see no ensigns of a weddiug here, no char- acter of a bride ale ; where be our skarves and our gloves?" Arnold, in his " Chronicle," in 1521, refers to an inquiry to be made at the visitation of ordinaries to churclies, namely : "Whether the curat refuse to do the solenmysacyon of hiwful matrymonye before he have gyfte of money, hoses or gloves. " Pepys in his " Diary" under date 5th July, 1GG3, says he was at a wedding and had two pairs of gloves like the rest of the visitors. It is still the custom to give white gloves to the guests at marriages. "Bride favors were formerly worn by gentlemen in their hats, or on their breasts or arms, for several weeks. They con- sisted of a large knot of ribbons of various colors. White ribbons were favorites for these adornments. Missonsays, 'When the eldest son of M. de Overkercpie marry'd the Duke of Ormond's sister, they dispersed a whole inundation of those little favors. served for the beuedictions of marriage ; a man who wished to pledge his faitli as tlie future husband of a woman. In England the ancient marriage ritual recognized the practice of of- fering money. Tlius in the Salisbury Missal. "Tlie man be enjoined to say: ' Wyth this rynge y the weddc, and thys gold and selvir the geve and with all my worldly catel I thee endowe.' " Churches. 307 " Notliini^ niece, who married Governor Robbins. The remains of Mr. Hutchinson were placed in the Wolcott family vault. " The old-fashioned blank-book — its paper yellow with age — at the ' Ladies Academy,' Dorchester, July 20, 1803." One- half of the book is taken up with sections, as they are called, describing the "Use of Globes." And the fine, large, clear handwriting, the exact definitions of globes, spheres, properties ,!t^ 3 1 8 TJie Records of Oxford. of spheres, climates, circles, declinations and ascensions, together with the perfect spelling, make me believe that the child of thirteen received excellent instruction at the " Ladies Academy." — " Recollections of my Mother," by Susan Inches Lesley. The school books in these primitive days were few. The reading of the Bible, especially the Psalter, and the stndy of the catechism, with Dilworth's spelling book. Then there was the sum book, of magic interest in the study of arithmetic. Grammar when mastered Latin was studied. Many assert tliat the learning of the catechism trained the memory. Tlie effort to understand gave vigor to the mind, precision to habits of think- ing and clearness of expression. As an educating expedient, it has been followed by notliing superior in all the excellent com- pendiums of mental or moral science nsed in school. In later times clergymen of the town visited the schools and heard the recitations fi'om the catecliism. Dr. Emmons of Franklin, the noted divine of the last century, it appears, was the last to discontinue this practice in the schools of New England, continuing the same into the early part of the present century. It is said in the present century Dr. Emmons was not in favor of establishing Sunday-schools in the churches, preferring the practice of catechising the cliildren at the village school. It is said the first Sunday-school in Franklin, Mass., " was estab- lished almost under the protest of Dr. Emmons" — as he be- lieved many who were taught the catechism in the village schools would not be included in a Sunday-school for instruc- tion. One of his pupils, still living (1885), states that M'hen Dr. Emmons entered the school-room all the pupils arose from their seats and bowed to him, or made their manners (as then styled), he wavino; his hand and bowini>; to them. As soon as he was seated the pupils resumed their seats ; the different classes were called out to stand before him while he sliould (piestion them from the catechism. They all bowed to liim at the commence- Schools and Libraries. 3 19 ment of the lesson, and again at the close of their examination. After offering prayers in the school the scholars arose while he took his leave of them in the room. These visits to the scholars were made on Satnrday every month. Mrs. Alexander De Witt, one of his pnpils, states his manner of catechising the children in the village schools. After they had repeated the words of the catechism, Dr. Emmons would inquire : " Well, Polly (my little maid), let me hear if yon un- derstand what you said respecting the commandments of God." Again he would to another pupil say, " Repeat to me the eighth commandment. Now, my little man, do you under- stand the meaning of this connnandment, to respect your neigh- bor's property ? " Does this commandment allow you to take apples from his orchard, or in any way to take his property without his con- sent ? " One can easily picture Dr. Emmons as he entered the school-room to catechise the children, and with what awe and respect he was received by the pupils, with his tri-cornered cocked hat held in his hand extended, dressed in a plain black suit with a very long coat and knee-breeches, and black stockings. Knee and shoe buckles set off his dignified person. It is said he wore his hair long in early life and at a later date his hair fell between his shoulders in a ribbon-bound queue, which fashion of dressing the hair followed the powdered wig. Dr. Emmons never changed his style of dress, though he lived into this century. In the ancient north parish of Sutton and what is now known as the " Old Millbury Common," February 28, 1779, a vote was passed to the effect that all youth under the authority of parents and masters of the congregation (in that parish), should be catechised four times a year by the pastor (Rev. Mr. Chaplin). 320 The Records of Oxford. Madame Campan. Madame Campan, a Catholic lady of France, was a French writer upon education in the last century. She resided at the court of Louis XVI. Iler writings were honored by the French Academy. She was at the head of the French bureau of education. A translation from the French : " In parish schools there sliould be most assiduous care in the moral education of the young." "Eeligion, so pow^erful over all hearts, and morals, which ought to rule all our thoughts, our affections and our conduct, is the indispensable basis of this particular system of instruc- tion. It is very essential to stifle at an early period the germs of vice in the young. — Extract from the Memoirs of Madame Campan^ French edition. Madame Campan states that " all sliould receive the rudi- ments of an education, reading, writing and a knowledge of fio-ures, with a strict moral instruction to all classes of society. " And then a separate course of education should be pursued with the different positions in society — those intended for a professional life should direct their pursuits in learning to that end, and others to mercantile life or as soldiers or artisans" or to cultivate landed estates. " In the brilliant pensionnet of St. Germain, in the beau- tiful establishment d'Ecouen, these reflections were often pre- sented to my mind. I was still more impressed when I lived in the quiet retreat of a little village, how incomplete was the system of education. A moral instruction and religion will teach a child to respect the authority of his parents and teacher, to respect the laws of his country and to respect the property of his neighbor. The youth should continue to learn the history of the Old and New Testament ; that all the words of the Gospel be graven in their hearts as much as in their ScJiools and Libraries. 321 memory, and follow the instructions of the catechism of their church." To the yoiiUL;' : One cannot repeat too often this ancient and useful maxim : " Idleness is the mother of all vices, false- hood, robhery and other crimes." A respect for the property of others is a tie of all society; all would be confusion and lost in the world without this respect of that which does not belong to oui'selves. Madame Campan gives an illustration : Cartouche, the famous ro])ber of the seventeenth century. He was educated in a college of Paris but he had profited b> his studies only to increase his deceptions and vices. He finished his cireer by becoming an assassin, and by being condenmed to be broken alive 8wr la place de Greve a Paris. Cartouche had occupied the attention of all France by the pains the police had to secure the arrest of his person. When he ascended the scatiold,his hands pinioned behind his Itack, he had a calm air. Several of the attendants of the ex- ecutioner surrounded him ; he requested to speak to the vast multitude of people ; his request was granted. One of the at- tendants cried with a loud voice, " Cartouche wishes to speak to the assembly." In an instant a most profound silence reigned in the place. The criminal advanced to the extreme edge of the scaffold and made the following confession : " I die penitent," said he to the assembly. "1 wish to ren- der my death useful to the fathers of families and to the in- structors of youth. Parents, tutors and instructors, fulfill your duties in a watchfulness over the morals of the youth. At the age of seven years my parents placed me at a college. " There was at the gate at the entrance of the college where I was educated a dealer of fruits and sweet-meats. My first robbery was a plum. I took one in going out to walk. In re- turning I took a second. Unhappy and fatal day. My inex- perience hindered me from seeing the first step taken to the 41 322 TJic Records of Oxford. scaffold. I eontinned my petty larcenies for several months withont being discovered. My second robbery was that of a roasted pullet exposed for sale at a cook shop near the col- lege. I soon had courage to rob silver. I took six livres from my preceptor, then a louis. I evaded his suspicion. My va- cation arrived ; I went to the country seat of my father, and I robbed him of twenty -five louis of gold. He would have had me 2)laced in the house of correction of Saint Lazare. I evaded him, I wandered in the country, I slept in a forest, and I became con- nected with robbers, and in my robberies with this band of brigands, and thus I became an assassin, hoping to shun justice." Madame Campan enjoins humanity to be taught. It is a necessity to take the life of animals. But all should be regarded in mercy. But to make animals suffer, or to take lives to be amused with their sufferings is an atrocious wickedness, and even without taking their lives it is verj' blameable to make animals suffer by barbarous games. "Fly from them; they are the school of the greatest cruelty." In Oxford, many years ago, the study of natural history was introduced into the village school near the old north com- mon in Oxford. Now it is introduced into schools in Europe. Monsieur de Sailly gave notes of " Teaching Kindness in School.'' From the mirror that he presented to our view we saw the reflection of his own character, as that of one possess- ing extreme refinement of mind blended with humanity as one of its crowning Christian elements. We would hope that our whole system of school education might be modelled from Prof, de Sailly' s outline of instruc- tions, as impressions made on the mind during the first four- teen years of life are said to mould the character. Illustration. " The RedhreastP — One quiet summer's day a redbreast was seen to be hovering near the porch of an ancient New Schools and Libraries. 323 England school-room, while the teacher and her pnpils were engaged in their daily routine of lessons. The attention of the children became riveted to the movements of this strano-e little visitoi". The teacher for a brief interval indulged their chil- dish pleasure, and showed her own sympathy by requesting them to unite with her in giving the redbreast their protection, for in this kind act they would have an illustration of the kindness she had taught them when giving to them lessons from " Natural History." The redbreast became the protege of the school. She made her nest near to the old porch, where it could be easily reached by the children, and yet she was un- harmed. The confidence which this little bird appeared to place in her new friends was shown l)y her coming daily to the porch for food, and then bringing her young family witli her to partake of their share. A lovely picture is thus presented : a group of children listening to words of humanity, with the redbreast and her young birds sharing the lesson. The children, from the time they became interested in this pet bird, were more gentle and affectionate to each other. Humanity taught them other right principles. They became more kind in their care of domestic animals, abandoning the practice of robbing birds' nests and destroying small birds. They were made sad by the suffering of animals, and suffered themselves by any act of cruelty done them. The results of this branch of humane education were of a most pleasing character. These young children went forth from the " village school-room " to excite their parents and others to compassion for the poor brute, and with them to love humanity.* M. de W. F. * The teacher of this school (the Late IMrs. Sternes DeWitt) gave in- struction for some years to the same pupils, and the same redbreast re- turned from year to year for protection. 324 The Records of Oxford. Early Lessons in Humanity. When I was a little girl and lived with nij father and mother and sister in our home in the country, we had every thing lovely around ns; there was our pleasant tiower garden with its rich horder lluweis that my mother so much loved ; at the bottom of the garden, an arbor covered with honeysuckle and trellises with gi-apevines. Whenever this lovely picture of the liome of my childhood returns to my memory, the sweet les- sons of Christian faith and humanity taught by my mother, remain, never to be forgotten. They were so blended, the one with the other, that hunumity seemed a basis of all excellence. We were not taught that humanity was the only religion, or all of the Christian faith, but we w^ere taught that humanity was a part of the Christian life, and that an act of cruelty, whether to a poor child on the street, or to any brute, was dis- pleasing to God, for every creature shared in His kind care. An English divine has said that every brute should be made more happy by having a Christian master. At this pleasant country home I was allowed to go to the village academy to recite my Latin lessons. One day, as the school-boys were go- ing to a green lield to linish a large map of the world, that the teachers permitted them to sketch on the ground, a |)art of the turf being left to form the land picture, and the part removed to represent the water, I heard one boy say to another, " Let's have a squiri'el hunt," and then produced from one of his pockets a squirrel. It looked so forlorn and hapless that I at once Would have taken it to my heart. I hesitated to speak to them of their cruel sport, and I remained standing in silence. All the lessons of my mother came to my mind ; 1 conld speak to no one my childish thoughts, my dislike to go alone to a public play-gi'ound lor boys only, foi" I never had brothers of my own. Lhit the school recess would soon be ended, and the squirrel must be saved, even if it met the scorn and rude laugh Schools and Libraries. 325 of the whole schooh Away I hastened over the rough stone stiles, regardless of my nicely plaited white dress and the smooth curls of my hair; reaching the play-ground with a dis- ordered dress and flushed face, I stood before the large group of boys and begged the life of the squirrel. My request was granted by all the boys in one voice, " Give her the squirrel." One boy came forward and presented to me the poor little half-starved creature. I was fearful at first to take it, but soon managed to fold it in my dress for safety, and then where to place my prisosier became a question of great interest to ni}'' mind, as a child. I passed on with rapid steps from field to meadow, until I came to some shade trees and water, and then I gave my captive its liberty, returning to tlie school-room just in time to save me from tardiness, I was made happy, in the one thouglit tliat my care for one of God's creatures would re- ceive the approbation of my mother. M. dk W. F. Church Libeart, A church library was the first public library established in Oxford. Rev. Mr. Campbell writes, in 1743 : " The Honorable J udge Dudley devised this liberal thing and sedulously promotes it among gentlemen. The Donors' Names are in a Catalogue of the IJooks in ' Perpetuam Doni memoriam.' I very will- ingly embrace this opjiortunity to present my humble thanks to our o-enerous i>euefact(^rs who have made a collection of Books for the use of the incninbeut minister of this L^arish." JOHN CAMPBELL. These books included specimens of costly book-making, ponderous volumes. Treatises on the Christian faith, books of sermons and commentaries, A Scripture Coniinentary, London Edition of I')24, was "the gift of the Rev'd Mr. Benjamin Wadsworth, for the use of the Church or Parish Library of Ox- ford in the County of Suffolk, 1719." Mr. Wadsworth was the minister of the First Church in Boston, once the President 326 TJic Records of Oxford. of Harvard University. A volume entitled " Hexaphla " or conunentary on Romans. " Ro.xbury, 3'' Jnly 1736. For the use of the Parish Library in Oxford, New England, the Rev. Mr. Canibel being tlie minister. Given by Paul Dudley. A sermon written by VViiliain Morice, Esq., given by Paul Dudley. An Ex]->osition of the Psalms, a large folio in Latin, given by Rev. Dr. Colman of Boston. A volume of Sermons by Samuel Hieron, (iriven by Samuel Taylor of Boston. " Social Library," of Oxfoi'd, dates back to the time of the Revolutionarj'^ War. Its founders were General Jonathan Davis, Di'. Stephen Barton and Josiah Wolcott, Esq., with other intluential persons in the town — a most valuable institu- tion of the last century and during the commencement of the present century in Oxford.* Tlie Catalogue was as follows: British Album, Brown's Elements, Barclay's Apology, Chesterfield Abridged, Clark's Travels, 3 vols., Canjpbell's Narrative, Dean's Hnsbandi-v, Dialogue of Devils, Domestic Encyclopsedia, 5 vols., Domestic Cookery, Encyclopaedia, IS vols., Franklin's Works, Female Biography, Goldsmith's Works, 6 vols., Grandpre's Voyage, Holmes' Sketches, 2 vols.. The Hive, Herriot's Travels, Heathen Gods, Indian Wars, Locke on the Understanding, 2 vols.. Life of Washington, 5 vols.. Paradise Lost, Memoir of Cumberland, Modern Europe, Prideaux' History of the Bible, -i vols., Parent's Friend, Pope's Works, 4 vols., Parke's Travels, Por- tcus' Evidences of Christian Religion, Relly's Works, 2 vols., Rights of Women, Rambler, 4 vols., Rollin's Ancient History, 8 vols., Robertson's America, 2 vols., Seneca's Morals, Self * In 1839. Judge Barton, tlieu of Worcester, presented to tlie library four large supplementary volumes of the British Encyclopsedia with a volume of plates. In his accompanying note, addressed to Mr. Peter Butler, he says: "In tendering it to your Association I shall only make a smalt but grateful return for the ])leasnre and benefit derived in the days of my boyhood from their useful librarj'. '' Schools and Libraries. yi'j Knowledge, Shakespeare, 6 vols., Spectator, 8 vols., Tlie Task, Tliompson's Seasons, Telemaclius, 2 vols.. Thinks 1 to Myself, Vicar of Waketield, Views of Religion, Whitney's History of Worcester County, Mr. Williams' Letters, Winchester's Let- ters. The names of the proprietors were as follows : James Butler, Peter Butler, Lemuel Crane, Jonathan Davis, Rufus Davis, Abijah Davis, Nehemiah Davis, Stephen Davis, Jon- athan Davis, Jr., Williaui T. Fisk, Asa Harris, Samuel Harris, Jonas Hartwell, Bradford Hudson, Jeremiah Kingsbury, Samuel Kingsbury, Stephen Kingsbury, Sylvanus Learned, Abisha Learned, William Lamsoii, John Mayo, Richard Moore, Thomas Meriam, Jotham Meriam, John Pratt, John Put- nam, Amos Rich, Joseph St(me, William Sigourney, Samuel Ward. The share of Asa Harris was purchased by Sterues De Witt. Society Library. Li 1792, the church voted an approj^riatiou of £30 from the Hagburn fund toward a new library. Rev. Mr. Dudley, the minister with Captain Elisha Davis, John Dana, Esq., and Captain Ebenezer Humphrey, were de- puted to purchase books. The following gentlemen not connected with the church be- came members: John Ballard, Jonas Eddy, Lemuel Crane, Anthony Sigourney, Simeon Kingsbury, Ebenezer Shumway, Jr., Jesse Stone, of Ward, Allen Hancock, Amos Shumway, Jr., Joseph Hurd, Daniel Kingsbury, Ambrose Stone, Jr., Sylva- nus Town. In 1796, Sigourney sold his share in the library to Elias Pratt. A prudential committee of five gentlemen was chosen an- nually to manage the institution, and for the first twenty years, 328 The Records of Oxford. Ebenezer Learned, Elislia Davis, Samuel Ilai'ris, Lemuel Crane, John Ballard, Ebenezer Humphrey, Joseph Ilurd, Joshua Turner,. John Dana, constituted this committee. In 1825, the church voted to replenish the library, and the name was chano'ed from " Society Library " to " Second Social Library." Among the valuable additions to the library were Scott's Bible, 6 vols., Rollin's History, several vols., Silliman's Travels, 3 vols., Massillon's Sermons, Kimpton's History of the Bible. The titles of works first produced were : Gibbon's Abridg- ment, 2 vols., Robertson's America, 2 vols., Guthrie's Gram- mar, Morse's Grammar, Dodd's Thoughts, Fordyce's Sermons, Paley's Philosophy, Citizen of the World, 2 vols., Blackstone's Commentaries, 4 vols., Webster's Essay, Paradise Lost, JMight Thoughts, Beatlie's Evidences, Beattie's Moral Science, Stack- house's History of the Bible, 6 vols.. The Task, Edwards on the Will, Jennyn's View, Mason's Self Knowledge, Watts' Death and Heaven, Ramsay's History, Doddridge's Rise and Progress, Child's Friend, 2 vols., Minot's Lisurrections, Keats' Pelew Islands, Vicar of Wakefield, Edwards on Sin, Edwards on Redemption, Gardiner's Life, Blair's Sermons, 2 vols., Bos- ton's Distinguished Characters, Edwards on the Affections, Edwards against Chauncey, The Spectator, 8 vols., Dodd- ridge's Sermons, Christian Theology, Pilgrim's Progress, Martin's Grammar, Newton on the Prophesies, 2 vols., Seneca's Morals, Hopkins on Holiness, Edwards on Virtue, American Preacher, 3 vols., Butler's Analogy, Price's Disserta- tions, Hervey's Meditations, Bigelow's Tour, 2 vols., Mil- lot's Elements, 5 vols., Locke's Essay, 2 vols., Ferguson's Astronomy. Some of the entries on the records of fines are quite sugges- tive of the olden time, as when Mr. Lemuel Crane "greased Blackstone ; " Peter Shumway " dropped tallow on the Ameri- can Preacher;" Silas Eddy "dropped tallow on and burnt Manufactures and Old Fashions. 329 Stackhonse;" John Dana, ''a drop of the candle on book;" Amos Slnunway " blurred (snuff) Josephus." Fines for tallow drops were common. Free Public Library. Judge Barton's will, dated 1 June, 1867, contained the fol- lowing : " One thousand dollars to the inhabitants of the town of Oxford, my native place, toward establishing a Free Public Library in that town, as an inadequate return for the kindness and patronage of their Withers in my early professional life." This gift was formally accepted by the town in April, 1868. In November, 1869, on the report of a committee appointed in the preceding April to consider the subject, it was voted to organize a town library under the provisions of the State laws. In 1870 the library was established. CHAPTER XXIII. Manufactures and Old Fashions. Until 1530 all spinning was done by the distaff" and spindle, but in that year a nuiu in Germany invented the spinning- wheel. Queen Elizabeth directed that laws should be passed in England to encourage manufacturing. In the early settlement of New England every farmer kept a flock of sheep for the wool, and when the wool shearing, came round after it was washed and carded, then it was spun and woven into cloth. The farmer's wife or house-maid took the wool and dyed it in the dye-pot standing in the corner of the fire-place, and when not in use this dye-pot was covered and answered for the pur- pose of a seat for children or servants. 42 330 The Records of Oxford. There was the carding of wool by hand into rolls, spinning then on a largo wheel, walking to and fro through the long and weary days, turning the wheel with one hand, and holding the thread with the other. Then the yarn was reeled into skeins, dyed and washed, and put upon the warping-bars, and into the loom. Then each thread of the warp must be drawn through the "harness'' and through the "reed;" then the shuttle was thrown backward and forward, and the thread beaten in by the " lathe." The flax had been spread upon the green sward to decay dur- ing the rains of autumn. It had been bound in bundles ready for the breaking in a winter's day. It was pulled, dried and swingled by the farm laborer, but the farmer's wife or house-maid combed, spun, wove and bleached until the white linen was ready for family use, and when of extra fineness the linen sheets were packed away in lavender in huge chests for the marriage gift to some young maiden of the household. When the wardrobe and household linen of a maiden were completed the lover requested the domine to come and marry them. The mothers and daughters of the farmer or their maids toiled all the day wielding the hand-cards, throwing the shuttle or wliirling the wheel, and then the carding, spinning, dying and weaving. And there was the weaving of linen for the household, the making of linsey-woolsey for gowns, or of all wool cloth for men's garments. Linsey-w^oolsey was a fabric made of wool and linen. Por- tions of the wool in yarn were dyed in colors and plaid, and striped cloths were thus manufactured for female dress, for every lady wore home-spun clothing. The spinning-wheel was set to humming at an early hour of the day. Manufactures and Old Fashions. 331 Children in olden time were trained in industrious habits; they could wind the quills and turn the reels, while the matrons and daughters or the maids accomplished their " day's work" at the loom or spinning-wheel. The weaving-room with all its comforts was the apartment in the farm-house resorted to by the children of the family. The quill-wheel, by which the shuttle-spools were bound with filling, was an attraction. Any woman who could spin, weave and embroider was con- sidered quite a treasure in those days away back in the first set- tlement of New England ; then the old loom made such a busy sound in the farm-house and cottage for " the farmer's wife or her maids used to run races in ' spinnin ' ' and a weavin,' ' for all were master hands at spinnin.' " Then these industrious persons of a long afternoon (for they dined at an early hour) or of a long evening, for five o'clock teas were fashionable in these days, would spend a considerable piece of time together over their spinning-wheels "for folks spent a heap o' time spinning in these days." It is not known when the first fulling-mills were set up in Oxford, nor in the country, but they date far back into the last century. For many years in passing through the country towns and villages, one would see standing there deserted mills. The fulling-mill in its day became a necessity to the domes- tic manufactures, for it was impossible to full the cloth at the farm in as finished a style as desirable. Then came the clothier's shop where the fulled cloth was dressed by teazles and shears (fixed on cylinders). Then there was nuich attention given to the dying the fab- rics, and among the favorite colors which were the fashion of the time a century since were deep blue, brown, snuff color or butternut, and a shade of wine color. The clothiers felt an ambition in their business and gave a o-ood appearance to the cloth that was sent to them for dress. 332 TJie Records of Oxford. About the same time cardiug-macliines, or mills run by water, were established in the country towns. Loads of fleeces went from the farm-houses to the mills and came back handsome rolls, but still the spinning and weaving were done at the farm l)y the farmer's wife or house-maid on the old-fashioned wheel and hand-loom. Samuel Slater's object in establishing mills in Oxford (this interior part of the country) was to introduce his yarn for weaving into cloth. The means for effecting this improvement in manufacturing was to consign large quantities of yarn to the country traders, and they introduce the same to the weavers of the farm-house to be woven into cloth. It was considered a great acquisition in families to obtain this yarn for weaving. Until about the years 1808 to 1810 the manufacture of yarn into cloth was then only done in families upon the hand- loom and in such quantities as domestic necessity i-equired. Tiie mode of weaving yarn into cloth by water power had not at this time been discovered. The farmer raised flax for summer use and bedding, and kept sheep for the product of wool for winter clothing. This flax and wool were spun into yarn and woven into cloth at the various farm-houses. These weavers had i)y necessity become skilled in the use of the hand-wheel and the hand- loom. The old life fashion went out of Oxford with the hand-looms. This business continued from 1812 to 1823. The manufac- ture of cotton into yarn was commenced in 1813. The power- loom introduced in 1814 did not supersede the hand-loom in this connection until about ten years later. But the carding, spinning and weaving in families for domestic purposes was not displaced by the power-loom for many years after the factories had ceased to emjiloy the hand-loom for weaving their yarn. The weaving of woolen yarn by the manufacturers of wool cloths by the hand-loom was continued Ma?mfact7tres and Old Fashions. 333 till about 1823, when it was abandoned by substituting the power-loom for weaving these fabrics. In 1814 was com- menced in Oxford the making of broadcloths. In 1812, Samuel Slater had established himself in what was then Oxford,* and Oxford mechanics were employed by him. New enterprises claimed to utilize this experience, and so Ox- ford mechanics became the leaders in the new direction of labor and kept it until the wooden wheels were superseded by the iron wheels now in use. Samuel Slater had introduced spinning by power on machines he had made like those he had been familiar with in England. From this beginning, at about 1800, conmenced themill-wright's business. Oxford was " the town of mill wrights ; almost every mechanic in the place was a mill-wright." " Israel Sibley by his energy and capability and business enterprise was at the head of the mechanic? of which Oxford was the great center. He was the central ligure among these skilled workmen of the town, who did more than any other to win and retain his reputation." Edward Howard, an Englishman, had commenced the manu- facture of woolen goods in Oxfoi'd, now Webster, in the interest of Samuel Slater the cotton manufacturer. " Young Sibley was employed in the fitting up of the estab- lishment, the arrangement of the machinery. Howard did not like some of the mills in use in this country, especially the 'crank fulling-mills.' They used a better mill in England, and they made the best cloth there of any nation on the globe, so he tried to describe to young Sibley how it was made and how it worked. Of course the young mechanic did not understand much of the process of finishing woolen goods, but he could see how a machine could be made to effect the result, and at Howard's suggestion he undertook to build one. The result was after some alteration a success in erecting an entirelj' new * Now Webster. 334 The Records of Oxford. mill, and one that was destined to be the standard mill of his time. "Had he patented his invention there would have been a fortune in it, as it was, he was contented to let the public have the benefit of the mill without incumbrance. " The invention of the fulling stocks and fulling-mill began Sibley's successful career as a mill wright and his prominence as a master of mechanics in the country." Israel Sibley acquii-ed a competency and retired from busi- ness with an income from his estate. He purchased a fine landed estate, located on the village street, with a pleasant old mansion house, presenting many attractions, near the site of where once was the residence of Dr. Alexander Campbell. lie married Miss Davis, the granddaughter of Elijah Davis, Esq., and he became one of the influential men of the town. He was a stockholder, and for a series of years a director, in the Oxford Bank. He held important town offices, and represented the town in the Legislature. " He was quiet and unpretending in his manners and style of life. He was a man of few words, but of great executive ability, and hardly realized the power lie was in the community, and how much he contributed to the prosperity of the town and the advancement of its in- terests." In the ancient farm-houses of Oxford there was a large square chamber which was distinguished as the "weaving-room," with its south and south-western windows, which lengthened the hours of the day, and thus favored industry, as the mistress or maid sprung the shuttle and heaved the beam. This apartment presents itself as a picture of the past. The roomsin old-fashioned houses were of medium height wlien com- pared with the present fashion. They were styled " low- browed," the huge chimney giving a tire-place in a corner of this weaving-room. A wood fire added t<> its cheerfulneps and comfort. Manufactures and Old Fashions. 335 Then there were such piles of flamiel and linen sheet- ing, with table-cloths and toweling and coverlets, woven in a variety of patterns of foreign damask, showing great artistic skill. Then there were the various kinds of cloth and grades need- ful for family use, heavy woolen cloth for men's wear in the winter, and tow cloth for summer, woolen stuff, linsey woolsey and ginghams for women and children. There was also great attention given to weaving carpeting, the warp being spun wool of various colors, and the woof made of cast-oft" winter clothing as a matter of economy, or remnants purchased of the tailors or tailoresses, cut in narrow strips and colored black or butternut brown. These carpets were of great simpKcity, but were in good taste. They were closely copied from Venetian carpeting, which was considered priceless for country wear, and then they were durable in their colors and were a combination of beauty and utility. Coverlets very artistically woven are still preserved as relics, also bed and table linen, domestic chintz, embroidered or plain, for bed hangings, flannel and woolen fabrics. For coverlets there were regular patterns for weaving. " Summer and winter" was a favorite. Miss Eebecca Mayo, of Oxford, was a person of no ordinary character or ability. Iler presence was commanding, with a noticeable depth of character, not only by her powers of mind, but by her taste for embroidery and every feminine accomplish- ment of her time. Miss Eebecca was known to all the community— " such dainty linen as came from her hand, so firm in its texture and then so fine and white." " She had watched the flax in its blue blos- soms when it flrst appeared, she had wound its fibre on the dis- taff and spun and woven every thread herself, she had spread the web to bleach, and when all was completed it was laid away in the great store-chest." 336 The Records of Oxford. Bounlillon, the Ilugncnot named by Captain Humphrey, who remained in New Oxford after the re-settlement of the French, had abandoned the place. A tradition of the Mayo family states he was employed by the English in printing the domestic fabrics used as dress goods for the English families. Mrs. L. H. Sigonrney narrates that in her own warbrobe were included articles of dress of choice domestic fabrics woven at her country home at Norwich, Ct., wliich she had in her extreme youth worn with more satisfaction than she had since worn brocades, as court costume at presentations of royalty. Mrs. Sigourney at her own elegant mansion in Hartford, Ct., introduced the spinning-wheel as a gratification to Mr. Sigour- ney and to her own refined taste. Mrs. Oldboro, the nurse of her children, in days long since, in leisure hours, engaged herself at the spinning-wheel. Before the Revolution there was little ambition for success in manufacturing extending beyond home consumption in the colonies, as it was the policy of the British government to sup- press manufacturing in all its branches beyond its own require- ments in the colonies. But one of the great advantages of the Revolution was claimed the commencement of an industrial as well as a political inde- pendence. During the time of the war of the Revolution Madam Wash- ington's influence in society as to style of dress was of severe plainness. It is said two of her dresses were of cotton, striped with silk, and entirely of domestic manufacture, for in her own home the spinning-wheels and looms were kept constantly going and her dresses were many times woven by her own waiting-maids. Tradition states General Washington at his first inaugura- tion wore a full suit of fine clothes, manufactured by his own household. Mamifactures and Old Fashions. 337 Before the war it appears, by an order sent to his agent in London, that General Washington was an admirer of nice ar- ticles of dress for a lady's wardrobe. Washington was ever mindful of the happiness of those de- pendent upon him. He had no children of his own, but he was devotedly attached to the children of Mrs. Washington by her tirst marriage. At one time he sent to Mr. Cory, his agent in London, a long invoice of various matters needed for the lar^e establishment at Mount Yernon. The list ends with "six little books and ten shilKngs of toys for Master Custis, six years old," and " a fashionably-dressed baby, worth ten shillings, and ten shillings of other toys," for Miss Patty, aged four. On the arrival of the ship which contained these goods there must have been much excitement of the household over the unpack- ing of the welcome gifts; the childish ecstasy of Miss Patty over her London doll must have been extreme, as well as the pleas- ure of Madame Washington over an addition to her wardrobe, viz. : the " salmon-colored velvet, with satin flowers," and the " cap, kerchief, tucker and ruffles of Brussels or point, proper to wear with the same." And then the rejoicing of the children, white and black, over the pound of barley sugar and the fifteen pounds of rock candy which were included in the same list. Rock candy was then esteemed a sovereign remedy for a cold, and was also often used to sweeten tea and coffee. The Fashions of Dress in the Eighteenth Century. The ladies wore caps, long stiff stays, and high-heeled shoes. Their bonnets were of satin or silk, and usually black. Gowns were extremely long waisted, with tight sleeves, an- other fashion was, very short sleeves, with an immense frill at the elbow, leaving the rest of tlie arm naked. A large flexible hoop, three or four feet in diameter, was for some time quilted in^the hem of the gown. A long, round cushion, stuffed with 43 338 The Records of Oxford. hair or cotton and covered witli black crape, was laid across the head, over which the hair was combed back and fastened. It was the fashion for ladies to wear necklaces when in dress. Some of these necklaces were composed of pearls, to which a gold locket would be attached — and others were simplj gold beads, thirty-nine in number, about the size of a small pea. In olden time, in full dress, ladies' shoes were made of satin and damask or of rich brocaded silk, the same as their dresses, with high wooden heels, afterward cork heels. The shoes were generally fashioned with straps with large silver buckles, which was the fashion of those days for ladies as well as gentlemen. For a more common article of shoes various stuffs were in use, such as leather, woolen cloth, shal- loon and russet. Though the people raised their own flax and wool, and made their own cloth, gentlemen universally purchased a suit of English broadcloth, and ladies purchased a rich brocade or an India chintz for a gown on grand occasions. Sheep-skins and buck-skins were dressed and made into breeches, as they were then styled, and were of nice quality, and worn by gentlemen. Gentlemen, in those daj's, wore hats with broad brims, turned up into three corners, with loops at the side; long coats with large pocket folds and cuffs, and without collars. The buttons were commonly plated, but sometimes of silver, often as large as half a dollar. Shirts had bosom and wrist rutfles, and all wore gold or silver shirt buttons at the wrist, united by a link. The waistcoat was long with large pockets ; and the neckcloth or scarf of fine white linen, muslin or figured stuff, broidered, and the ends falling loosely on the breast. The breeches were usually close, with silver buckles at the knees, with long gray stockings, which on holidays were exchanged for black or white silk. Manufactures and Old Fashions. 339 Boots with broad white tops, or shoes with straps and large silver buckles, completed the costume of a gentleman. Clergy- men when in dress wore black silk stockings. All gentlemen who had reached the age of twenty-live or thirt^^-five years had two wigs ; one for Sunday and one for ordinary every -day wear. The Sunday wig was very expensive and elaborate. The hair was shaven closely, that the wig might be fitted to the head. The dress wig sometimes rose a foot above the head and came down on either side the head to the waist. All elderly people who wore wigs usually removed them in the church daring service, and supplied their place with a plain linen cap, or one knit of cotton or linen and of woolen in the winter; a small tassel on the top of the cap was the only orna- ment; clergymen when they made visits on their parishioners, removed the wig and hung it upon the pegs or heavy nails on the paneling of the walls ; when leaving the cap was laid aside and the wig resumed its place. Coat, vest, knee-breeches, of the long-waisted, single-breasted, large pocket-flapped kind were counted style in those days. They were made of snuff- brown silk of the quality of Mrs. Vi- car Wakefield's wedding gown, that was bound to wear well. Three-cornered cocked hats, plum-colored, crimson, green and purple velvet coats, embroidered waistcoats, buckles, powdered wigs and pig-tails, all were the going fashion previous to the Revolution. But these fashions were now waning. Soon after the War of the Revolution the fashion of wearing wigs by gentlemen was discontinued, though some elderly gentlemen wore them till the commencement of the present century. Gentlemen wore their hair in a queue, the front hair being brushed straight over the forehead. Tailors and tailoresses went from house to house to make the clothing for men, with their shears and long pockets. The 340 TJie Records of Oxford. coarse tow cloth was made into rough but durable clothing for workiugmen. Simplicity in dress, manners and equipage characterized these New England homes until quite a number of years after the Revolutionary War. As wealth increased broadcloth and silk began to take the place of home-spun. Woolen and linen fabrics constituted the clothing. A silk dress then lasted a life-time and descended as an heir-loom from mother to daughter. Furs were quite common as there were 80 many wild animals. Bear skin muffs were the fashion. Strips of the bear skin were sewed alternately to silk or linen goods, as the skins were too heavy to be used as a whole. Black and white fox skins were in great demand and line sets of European sable were common. The visit of Lady Washington was noticed in the newspapers and one of her 2'eceptions described. " Most of the ladies were arrayed in gorgeous brocade and taffeta luxuriously displayed on hoops with comely bodices laced around that ancient armour, the stay, disclosing most perilous waists, and with sleeves that clung to the arm as far as the elbow, when they took a graceful leave in ruffles, their hair all drawn back over cushions and falling in cataracts upon the shoulders, in shoes with formidible point to the toe and high tottering lieels painfully cut in wood, with their tower built hats crowned with tall feathers." In a gentleman's style of dress the ruff gave place to the fashion of the falling collar, which began to increase in size as extravagantly as the ruff had done, until it was as big as a cape, made of the most expensive lace that could be woven. On the restoration of the Stuarts, Charles II and his court resumed the lace collar, but of more moderate dimensions. Gradually the collar became limj)er and limper until it disap- peared, and a wisp of lawn, linen or lace took its place, and when tied loosely in a knot it was quite a graceful fashion, but Manufactures and Old Fashions. 341 little by little the plain collar became the style with all its numerous changes of fashion. During the time of the protector the Round Heads were as well known by their cropped hair and severe simplicity in dress as the Cavaliers had been by the extravagance of their attire. Their rich low collars were doomed to oblivion, and a plain piece of turned-down hnen was adopted by the Puritans. Samuel Slater* may be regarded as the founder of the town of Webster, as through the introduction of his manufacturing estabhshments of cotton and woolen fabrics, its population has been increased and its commercial celebrity has been established. On young Slater's arrival in New York, he sought the patronage of Moses Brown of Providence, R. I. , a gentleman ex- tensively known in the country, and finally secured a partner- ship in business with Mr. Almy, the son-in-law of Mr. Brown. He was styled the father (or founder) of the cotton manu- facture of the United States. In October, 1791, some of the yarn first spun, and some of the cotton cloth first made from his yarn in America, was sent to the secretary of the United States to be preserved in the Treasury department. In the year 1832 the town of Webster was formed from the towns of Dudley and Oxford with the territory of Oxford, known for many years as " Oxford South Gore," and another tract belonging to the Pegan Indians (a remnant tribe of the Nipmucks), which they had received from the town of Dudley for their relinquishment of certain rights to land located on * Samuel Slater was a native of Belper, Derbyshire, England. He left for London September 1, 1789. On the 13th sailed for New York, and, after sixty-six days, arrived in that city. When ready to sail he des- patched a letter by the post to his mother, informing her he had left England for the United States, thus avoiding the parting scene. His father died when he was but fourteen years of age. Samuel Slater was born June 28, 1768. He died in Oxford (now Webster) April 20, 1835. 342 The Records of Oxford. Dudley hill, which was part of the land known formerly as 'Black, James & Co.'s Grrant," surveyed to them in 1684. This reservation was equal to about five miles square, made by the ancestors of these Indians in their deed procured by Hon. William Stoua;hton and Joseph Dudley, agents of the colony.* Througli the introduction of both cotton and woolen manu- facture its chief prosperity and population has been introduced. It is a subject of historical interest to ascertain by what means Mr. Slater became acquainted with the water-power at this place. Mr. James Tiffany, of South Brimfield (now Wales), in Massachusetts, in often visiting Providence and Pawtucket, formed an acquaintance with Samuel Slater and his cotton manufacture at Pawtucket. Mr. Slater became interested in the young sons of Mr. Tiffany who were well educated for the time. Mr. Tiffany recognizing Mr. Slatei''s superior business talents, requested him to take his sons and educate them for a mercan- tile position. On the father's recommendation alone Mr. Slater consented that one of the sons should be sent to him on trial. Soon after the eldest, Lyman, made his appearance at Paw- tucket, and soon proved himself to be all the fond father had recommended, and became a favorite in Mr. Slater's family. Bel a, a second son of Mr. Tiffany, soon followed his brother in Mr. Slater's care, and proved himself capable and satisfactory in the performance of the trust confided to him. * " Six years after the close of the war, Eliot could claim but four towns in the State." One of these was Chaubunagungamaug (now Webster).— Drake, 179. Rev. John Eliot, 1688, gives the name of the large pond as " Chabana- kongkomun." The nearest approach to a translation of the word is found in a collection of the Connecticut Historical Society (documents) by I. H. Trumbull, and was given as "The boundary fishing place," as the lake formed the boundary between the jSIipmucks and Mulhekaas, and was resorted to by both nations. Mamifactiires and Old Fashions. 343 Mr. Slater to ejffect his plans, raannfacturing establishments were to be erected in the country; he had made inquiry as to some suitable locations, when his friend Tiffany described to him the valuable water-power afforded by the outlet of the Chabanakongkomun pond.* Mr. Tiffany, in his journeyings to and from Pawtucket and Providence, passed and repassed this outlet, which at that time was the principal way of travel, the more direct roads having since been opened for travel. With the recommendation of this water-power by Mr. Tif- fany, Mr. Slater despatched young Titiany, then in his employ, in May, 1811, who, liaving examined the premises, writes Mr. Slater as follows: Franklin, May 27, 1811. Mr. Samuel Slatek : Dear Sir. — I was very much disappointed when I arrived at Mr. Rnd's in Uxbridge, for I had no information of the cause why you were not there. True the letter came Friday night, but through mistake, being brought after I had retired, was put into the post-ofhce, and when I returned on Sunday morn- ing (having been up to the pond), it was taken out of the oiBce, and fortunately I found it ; but I thought it best to pursue the intended journey, by which I could in some measure satisfy myself, which is as follows : Buildings — Large two-story house unfinished inside, built for two families ; grist-mill with two run of stones, tolerably good ; a very good saw-mill, and a trip-hammer shop in good repair, 11 with about 13 or 14 acres of land, one-half of which is swamp of very little value, and the rest not very good. With regard to water and fall, there is no doubt enough to * Lake Chabanakongkomuu is a beautiful lake which extends over an area of 1,200 acres of land. The shores and its heavily wooden islands add much to the beauty of scenery. 344 '^f^^ Records of Oxford. answer any purpose we should want, and so situated that a mill may be erected with as little expense as in any place I have seen; it is convenient to the road, and I believe quite secure from inundation. The principal objection, in my opinion, is that it is the most benighted part of the globe, 4 miles from Oxford, 3 from Dud- ley, 6^ from Thompson, where the corners of the three towns intersect each other. Terms are as follows : Four thousand dollars are the lowest terms ; one thousand dollars down, in two years one thousand more, and then one thousand yearly until balance is paid or if at. the expiration of one year the residue is paid that is the three thousand dollars, a deduction of one hundred will be made, which I consider no object. I have the refusal at the above stipulation until the 20th of June, but he said it would oblige him if we could determine soon, as two men were ex- pected to look at the place the 20th instant, who had seen it before and solicited him to join them and erect a mill but he said he preferred to sell right out, as a farm life would be most agreeable to himself and family, and says that if I will sell my farm he will look at it, and did it suit him, give a fair price, which will be some advantage to me, because it will almost pay him for the privilege. There is a farm adjoining the mill site of about 220 acres of land, a dwelling-house and barn, for sale, for about $3,000, which, if it should be wanted, may be had, and which may be worth very near that money. If you feel desirous to have the place, you will please write me, for 1 told him he should hear from me within that time, one way or the other. Your obedient servant, Bela Tiffany. This valuable water- power afforded by the outlet of Chabana- kongkomun lake was purchased by Samuel Slater. Manufactures and Old Fashions. 345 With Mr. Slater's approval of purchasing this water-power and some adjoining lands, the purchases were made in Mr.Tif- fany's individual name; bought of three different parties — 9^ acres in two parcels, of Elisha Pratt, for the consideration $3,700. [^'One of these parcels of four acres contained a dwelling-house and barn, grist-mill and saw-mill, a trip-hammer shop, coal- house, and an old building formerly a grist-mill. The date of this first is " January 6, 1812," and, as expressed in this deed, the land was located partly in each, Dudley and Oxford. The second purchase was 203 acres, situated in the towns of Dudley and Oxford, bought of Asa and Samuel Robinson, with the buildings, for the consideration of $3,500, by deed dated " January 28, 1812." A third lot was bought of Josiah Kingsbury, of 56 acres, with a dwelling-house, and clothing-mill thereon, for the con- sideration of $1,800, by deed dated "May 4, 1812." The three purchases contained 268^ acres of land, with the aforesaid buildings and mills, giving the entire control of the outlet and water-power connected with the large pond before named, were secured, for the total sum of $9,000. Mr. Bela Tif- fany sold to Samuel Slater five-sixths of all this estate at the pre- cise cost to him, $7,500, making a joint-interest to be held in common and undivided, he reserving one-sixth for himself. This deed is dated "11th of December, 1812," and witnessed by Samuel A. Hitchcock and Lorin Tiffany, who were at that time there acting in the capacity of clerks for Slater & Tiffany. The cotton-factory, known as the " Green mill," was erected during the year 1812, and the manufacture of cotton into yarn was first begun here in 1813. It appears that the dye and bleaching buildings were built at the same time, and placed under the care of Mr. John Ty- son from England, who, it appears, held a joint interest in the business. Mr. Tyson continued connected with the dye-house 44 34^ The Records of Oxford. business from seven to eight years — his health became im- paired, and after one or more voyages to Bermuda for relief, he died of consumption August 2, 1821. In about 1814 Samuel Slater commenced the woolen manufac- ture. At this time was commenced the making of broadcloths under the charge of Edward Howard, who came from England. Edward Howard it is said or believed \vas among the first — if not exclusively so — to introduce the manufacture of Ameri- can broadcloth. Mr. Slater's business here had been confined to the water- power connected with the Chabanakongkomun pond, at the East village, but this year, 1821, associated with Mr. Howard, he made a location upon the French river, now known as the South village. Messrs. Slater & Tiflfany, besides the management of the cotton manufacture and dying and bleaching business, a store was added, and thus further purchases of real estate continued. The great depression in the cotton manufacture which followed the close of the war between Great Britain and the United States, December, 1814, consequent upon the large importation of English manufactures, caused Mr. Tiffany to sell all his in- terest in this business to Mr. Slater. The date of deed '* No- vember 27, 1816." Mr. Bela Tiffany, after retiring from his partnership with Mr. Slater, entered upon the commission sale of American cot- ton and wool manufactures in Boston and New York, and after retiring from business he became a resident of Southbridge, became interested in forming the Southbridge bank, and many public improvements. He died June 29, 1851, aged 65 years. July 18, 1821, Edward Howard bought land of "William Wakefield and Gibbs Dodge, executors of Solomon Wakefield. Another tract of William Wakefield. And a third tract from David Wakefield, and a fourth tract, a wood lot ; bought of Daniel Mansfield a tract of land. Manufactures and Old Fashions. 347 This embraced several mills and buildings, where the woolen works are now located. The business was now conducted here in the name of Slater & Howard. Slater & Howard purchased tracts of additional land. Slater & Howard purchased the village factory estate, Nov. 6, 1824. Dana A. Braman, William M. Benedict and Jason Waters. Together with the village factory, dwelling-houses and the water privilege belonging to the cotton, woolen and linen manufacturing company, reference being had to the deed of Samuel Waters, and others to above village factory company. Tillage Factory Sale. To this estate was added additional purchase, in which was included the Peter Pond wood lot of about twenty acres, on the west side of French river. The style of this firm was Slater & Howard. January 2, 1829, Edward Howard sells to Samuel Slater of Oxford, George B. Slater and Horatio Nelson Slater, his one undivided half of the property of the woolen manufacturing company. This includes all the water power supplied by the French river within the limits of Webster. " It may be said that Bela Tiffany, John Tyson and Edward Howard were the chief managers in executing the plans of Mr. Slater, in founding the principal business of Webster, and that which furnishes its chief prosperity and growth as a town." It appears that after the Revolutionary War Rev. Samuel Waters and other Baptist clergymen preached occasionally. In 1790 the east part of the town was the principal place of hold- ing services. In 1798 a reorganization of this church took place in the east part of Dudley, which subsequently became the town of Webster, and Solomon Wakefield was ordained as their minister. Its principal members were Joseph Wakefield, Will- iam Wakefield, Paul Robinson, Silas Robinson. 348 The Records of Oxford. CHAPTER XXIY. The Inter-Colonial Wars. I. King WilliarrCs War. There is found, dated April, 1690, a quaint old agreement among the " Bernon Papers." Gabriel Bernon,* the president of the Huguenot settlement of Oxford, enters upon an agreement with one Jean Barre, a fellow refugee, promising to furnish him with " one fire-lockmuskett of three pounds valeu, one pis- toll of twenty shillings price, one Carthuse Boxe of three shillings one hatchet of two shillings," and other necessaries, besides three pounds in money, " for his now intended voyage on Board the good shipp called the PorJcepine, Capt. Ciprian Southack, commander, now bound to sea in a war farcing voyage." Captain Southack was a Boston skipper, who became noted at a later day for his success in breaking up piracy. The " good ship Porcupine " belonged to the fleet that was then getting ready to sail from Boston harbor, under Sir Wil- liam Phipps ; and the " war farcing voyage " in question was the expedition for the capture of Port Royal, in Nova Scotia, which Massachusetts sent forth \A the spring of the year 1690, preliminary to the enterprise thin on foot for the conquest of Canada. The expedition for the capture of Port Royal was thor- oughly successful, and it awakened eager hopes in Boston for the more important undertaking of which this was but the first step — the attack about to be made upon Quebec. None were more keenly interested in these movements than the newly-arrived Huguenots in Boston, During King William's War in 1690, in the winter, most of * Gabriel Bernon, the founder of Oxford, Mass. The Inter-Colonial Wars. 349 the frontier settlements in Maine and New Hampshire were de- stroyed by the French and Indians, and in other parts of the country. Sir William Phipps commanded 'a small fleet from Massa- chusetts Bay, and captured the old French settlement of Port Royal in Nova Scotia, Rev. Grindal Rawson* went as a chaplain with the fleet, " re- ceiving his appointment from the Governor, confirmed by both houses, July 31, 1G90," to accompany the general and forces to carry on the worshipping of God in that expedition." A translation of a letter written in French in 1691 : "Our fleet," wrote Benjamin Faneuil, in great glee, on the 22d of May, to Thomas Bureau in London, " which we sent out from here to take Port Royal, has sent back a ketch, which has arrived this day, with news of the taking of the place. On capitulation they have seized six ketches or brigantines, loaded with wine, brandy and salt, together with the governor and seventy soldiers, and have demolished the fort. They have also taken twenty-four very fine pieces of cannon and thirty barrels of powder. We expect them hourly. Our fleet, which was composed of six vessels, one of which carried forty guns, will be re-enforced with a number of strong ships, and will be sent with twelve hundred men and some Indians to take Canada. I hope it will succeed." f In 1696 Gabriel Bernon, son of the refugee, was engaged in trade between Boston, Portsmouth and Port Royal with Charles de La Tour, who resided at Port Royal. De La Tour, in November or Deceuiber of that year, " was arrested when about to proceed from Portsmouth to Acadia * Rev. Grindal Rawson was the son of Edward Rawson (Secretary of State) and the ancestor of John Rawson, who became a resident of Oxford (now Webster) in 1774. t Sir William Phipps commanded this fleet, and it is said returned to Boston, having " obtained considerable booty." 350 The Records of Oxford. or Nova Scotia — just then under British rule — and his sloop was condemned as a lawful prize, under charge of having vio- lated one of the provisions of the oppressive navigation laws, as well as a recent enactment of the colonial legislature of Massachusetts, that prohibited all commerce between that colony and Nova Scotia. This enactment, which had been in- spired by the suspicion that the French — then at war with England — obtained supplies at Port Eoyal, bore very heavily on the Acadians, who depended so greatly for subsistence upon their dealing with New England." " You can well see," wrote young Bernon to his father, then in England, "from the manner in which this people treat us, that it will be impossible for us to hve any longer among them without strong recommendation to the governor, who is expected soon. They commit the greatest possible injustice toward the inhabitants of Acadia ; for whilst they assume to take them under their protection, they pass laws that condemn them to perish with cold and hunger ; and if they do any thing contrary to the interests of the English, they punish them as subjects of the king of England."— Bernon Papers* II. Queen Anne^s War. The peace of Ryswick did not long continue. In 1702 Eng- land declared war against France and Spain, and the American colonies were engaged in the contest called in America Queen Anne's War. After continuing eleven years this was closed by a treaty made in 1713 at Utrecht, a town in Holland. III. The Spanish War. In October, 1739, after some quarter of a century had passed, England and Spain were engaged in war with each other. During the contest England called upon her American colo- nies to furnish soldiers to aid an English fleet, and in captur- * Huguenot Emigration, vol. 1, p. 140. The Inter-Colonial Wars. 351 ing Spanish settlements in the West Indies. Four thousand men were furnished from the colonies. The enterprise terminated disastrously to the English, and but a few hundred men ever returned to their homes. There is no record of men furnished for this war.* IV. King George! s War. The Spanish "War of 1739 had merged into King George's War. The capture of Louisbnrg, situated on the island of Cape Breton, from the French, was the most important event of this war, as it commanded the entrance to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In the summer of 1745 it was taken by an army from New England under command of Sir William Pepperell of Maine, aided by an English fleet that sailed from Boston. King George's War ended in 1748 by the treaty of Aix-la- Chapelle. The French held a strong line of posts from the St. Lawrence to the mouth of the Mississippi. Tlie French were strongly alhed with the Indians, and announced their claims by nailing to the trees and sinking in the earth leaden plates bearing the arms of France. This State contributed forces to the army which laid siege to Louisburg. Oxford and the neighboring towns shared in the excitement which prevailed in the colonies. April 7, 1745 : " This day is a fast day to implore of God his mercy and smiles on our expedition to Cape Breton against Louisburg, the stronghold of the French on that island." July 18 : A public thanksgiving was held "on ye occasion of ye taking of Cape * Ebenezer Waters, son of Richard Waters, Esq. , formerly of Salem, subsequently of Manchung farm, adjacent to Oxford, now in Sutton, was on this expedition under Admiral Vernon, and died at Cuba. At his decease a valuable gun belonging to him was returned to his friends, and is still retained as a relic with a descendant of the Waters family. ■?52 The Records of Oxford. Breton." On the return of the army to Boston the soldiers were received with transports of joy. French and Indian War. Early in the spring of 1755 General Braddock landed in Virginia with two British regiments. He had been appointed commander-in-chief of all the forces in the provinces. Four expeditions were planned. These were to be sent against Fort Duquesne, Nova Scotia, Crown Point and Niagara. The force which went against the French on the Ohio was led by Braddock himself. Colonel Washington acting as an aide-de-camp. The British general was ignorant of Indian warfare, yet too self-confident to heed the prudent counsels which Washington gave him. When within a few miles of Fort Duquesne, his army was surprised July 9 by a small party of French, with their Indian allies, and routed with terrible slaughter. Braddock was mortally wounded. Capt. Ebenezer Learned, a son of Lieut.-Col. Ebenezer Learned of Oxford, in 1756, with his company of soldiers, marched to the seat of war, and as a part of Col. Ruggles' regi- ment was in camp Sept. 9 at Lake George. At this time in Oxford there were two companies of militia, commanded, respectively, by Edward Davis and Samuel Davis, brothers, from both of which soldiers were furnished in a new company under Capt. Learned. While preparations for the northern expedition were in pro- gress Col. Chandler wrote to the authorities at Boston as follows : " Worcester, April 22, 1756. " The bearer, Capt. Ebenezer Learned, is to have command of a company of men in Col. Ruggles' regiment, and as guns and stores will be wanted for his company he will engage to bring them up if you please. * * * What Learned engages to do will be faithfully done." * * Massachusetts Archives, LXXV, 536. Tlic Inter-Colonial Wars. 353 The following are the names of soldiers from Oxford : Ebenezer Learned, captain ; ElishaRich (Sutton), lieutenant; Elijah Towne, sergeant. Privates: Joseph Baker, Solomon Smellige, Ebenezer Davis, John Barnes, Elijah Curtis, Heze- kiah Eddy, Samuel Manning, Jonathan Eddy, Isaac Learned, Jr., Calei) Barton, Jr., Stephen Shuraway, Samnel Baker, Josiah Kingsbury, Jr. Philip Richardson's company, August, 1750, in Ruggles' regiment: Enoch Jones, sergeant; Noah Mclntire; Philip Mclntire ; Captain Dresser, Charlton District. Tradition states that R.ev. John Campbell was styled " Old Col. Campbell " at this time, and was much interested in Capt. Learned and his soldiers who left Oxford to join Col. Ruggles' regiment stationed at Lake George, and personally had ably seconded Capt. Learned by his knowledge of the science of military tactics. Mr. Campbell was called " as great a swordsman as he was a gownsman." He was also a proficient in fencing. Fort William Henry taken August 3, 1757. Marquis de Montcalm laid siege and compelled its garrison to surrender. The prisoners were pi-omised safe escort to the English fort, held by Gen. Webb, but the savages fell on them as they be- gan their march, and the FVench officers were unable to pre- vent them from being plundered, and some of them were massacred. The militia of Massachusetts hastened to their rescue. August 10. Detachments from the two Oxford companies marched as far as Sheffield, one hundred and five miles, and were out sixteen daj^s. First detachment, date of roll, August 18: Edward Davis, captain ; John Edwards, lieutenant ; Jeremiah Learned, ensign ; Jedediah Barton, sergeant ; Joseph Edw^ards, sergeant ; John Town, sergeant ; Phinehas Ward, corporal ; Moses Town, cor- poral ; Alexander Nichols, Jacob Comitis, Ebenezer Eddy, 45 354 'Tl'-'^ Records of Oxford. John Wiley, William Eddy, Joseph Pliillips, Jr.. Israel Phil- lips (" detached and sent to Stoekbrid.^e "), Daniel Fairfield, John Duncan, Hezekiah Merriam, Jr., Jonathan PhiUips, Silas Town, Saninel Lamed, Ebenezer Gale, Jr., Joseph Gleason, Samuel Eddy, Jr., Elisha Gleason, Moses Gleason, Jr., Joseph Goprgins (" detached and sent to Stockbridge"), Josiah Wol- cott, Aaron Parker, Edmund Town, Joseph Pratt, Jesse Pratt, Nathan Shumway, David Pratt, privates. The second detachment : Samuel Davis, captain ; John La rned, captain ; Elisha Davis, sergeant; John Nichols, ser- geant; Amos Shumway, sergeant; William Parker, sergeant; Jeremiah Shumway, corporal; John Davis, corporal; Thomas Town, Isaac Larned, Jonas Coller, John Shumway, William Nichols, John Bartor., Jonathan Fuller, Iciiabod Town, Joseph Pratt, Jr., Stephen Jewett, Joseph Davis, Benjamin Hudson, John Marvin, Isaac Town, Adams Streeter, Arthur Humphrey, Peter Shumway, Joseph Kingsbury, Jeremiah Kingsbury, Roger Ainidown, Abijah Harris. Zebulon Streeter, John Dana, Samuel Manning, John Watson, John Robbins, John Coburn, John Shumway, Jr., William Coniins, William Learned, Joseph Wilson, John Moore, privates. The company were mounted and marched under (Japt. Davis to Springfield, and thence to Sheffield under Capt. Larned. In October, 1757, Capt. John Larned with twenty-nine men, of whom twelve were of Oxford, called the " Minute Expedi- tion," marched as far as Westtield, being out from October 20 to November 11 — three weeks and two days. Roll : John Larned, captain ; Jonathan (?) Nichols, heuten- ant; Jacob Cummins, sergeant ; Jeremiah Shumway, corporal ; Joseph Davis, John Duncan, Ebenezer Fish, Nathan Moore, Ebenezer Eddy, William Lamb, John Nichols, Elijah Larned, Arthur Humphrey, privates. A roll of Capt. Joshua Meriam, North Gore, September 26, 1758, gives: Joshua Meriam, captain; Uriah Stone, clerk; The Inter-Colonial Wars. 355 Isaac Hartwell, Robert Meriam, Hezeziali Eddy, Elijah Cur- tis, Ebenezer Lock, Paul VVheelock, Wheelock, Jonas Hammond, Ebenezer Hammond, John Thompson, David Wheelock, corporal ; Neliemiah Stone, corporal ; Jesse Smith, Elijah Stoddard, Aaron Thompson, Uriah Ward, Simon Morj, Zenas Morj, Asa Jones, Malachi Partrige, Peter W n, Joseph Parker, Job Weld. These were in service 1757, marched to relieve the province forts, went to Sheffield, were out eight days and returned. Sheffield, August 15, 1757. Capt. Merriam — Upon fresh advice from Gen. Webb your further Proceeding on your march a]3pears innecessary, and the Exigency of the affairs of many of your Company urge their Return home. Yon are hereby ordered to march them to ye country Gore, all except Zenas Morey, and Discharge them unless you Receive Counter orders afterwards, for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant. Gard'r Chandler, Major. Feb. 6, 1760. Capt. Jeremiah Learned' s company includes the following : Jeremiah Learned, captain ; Jonathan Holman of Sutton, lieutenant ; William Lamb, Samuel Learned, Reu- ben Barton, corporals ; David Pratt, Jr., Thomas Eddy, Ed- ward Davis, Jr., Hezekiah Meriam, Jr., Samuel Manning, Jr., Ebenezer Lamb, privates. All of Oxford. This company, most of the members of which were from Charlton and Sutton, was in 1760 at Ticonderoga. Other Oxford men, known to have been in the service, were : Israel Whitney, in Cape Breton expedition, 1745 ; Jonas Gleason, Cape Breton expedition, January, 1752; William Campbell, in Louisburg expedition, 1758 ; Naphtali Streeter, 1759 ; Richard Rogers, 1760 ; Edmund Barton, Samuel Call (Jacob and Josiah Towne, sons of Jonathan Towne, were at 356 The Records of Oxford. Fort Edward 1755 ; Jacob died at, Fort Edward, and was buried in the woods by his brother Josiah. John Streeter died November, 1756, at Sheffield), Benjamin Davis (Lieut. Samuel Jennison, 1756, not from Oxford). On a roll of Oa])t. McFarland's company, February 3, 1761 : Abijah Gale, Micah Pratt, Abraham Pratt, Nathaniel Smith, Reuben, son of Oliver Shumway, William Lackey and Joseph Goggins. All of Oxford. 1758. A return of men enlisted in John Chandler's regiment for the invasion of Canada, under Gen. Amherst : John Boyle, Elijah Town, Abraham Pratt, William Lackey, sergeant ; Joseph Goggins, Moses Town, Solomon Comings, Samuel Streeter, Abijah Gale, John Duncan, Nathan Moore, David Towne, John Ballard, Abel Levens, Peter Shumway, Jonathan Phil- lips, Elijah Larned, Richard Moore, 3d, Zebulon Streeter. All of Oxford. In 1759 the following men of Oxford were enlisted in the expedition against Crown Point : Samuel Davis, Capt. John Learned, Capt, Elisha Davis, Sergt. John Nichols, Sergt. Amos Shumway, Sergt. Wm. Parker, Sergt. Jeremiah Shum- way, Corp. John Davis, Corp. Ebenezer Learned, Elijah Town, John Wiley, Jr., Hezekiah Eddy, Jonathan Eddy, Stephen Shumway, Caleb Barton, Jr., Ebenezer Davis, Samuel Mann- ing, Solomon Smiledge, Isaac Learned, Jr., John Barnes, Wm. Simpson, George Alverson, Caleb Barton, Peter Shumway, Elisha Blandin, Francis Blandin, Jonas Blandin, Ezekiel Col- ler, Solomon Cook, Ebenezer Robbins, Joseph Philips, Josiah Kingsbury, Joseph Bacon, Elisha Ward, Arthur Daggett, Elijah Kingsbury. On a roll of Capt. NewhalTs company, Leicester, are Joseph Goggins, Joseph Kingsbury, Israel Phillips, Zebulon Streeter, All of Oxford, Joseph Goggins was in Capt. White's company, and served through the campaign. The hitcr-Colonial Wars. 357 July, 1758, Canada surreiiJeied. A large fleet aided tlie army of Gen. Amherst, who was sent to capture Loiiisburg. The fortress was won by the English, The whole island of Cape Breton was reduced, for Louisburg, the key of the Canadas, was taken. In July, 1759, Niagara yielded, and a few weeks later Ticonderoga was surrendered and Crown Point abandoned. September 13, Gen. Wolfe's victory at Quebec. September 6, 1760, Gen. Amherst assembled a large force before Montreal, and two days later French dominion in Canada ended, and " all that magnificent structure which the genius of Champlain and the patient labors of the French Jesuits had devotedly raised, vanished." In 1755 the expedition against Acadia, or Nova Scotia, cap- tured the French forts in that province, and the entire country east of the Penobscot became subject to the British authority. But this success was disgraced by cruelty. Several thousands of these French colonists were accused of disloyalty to the English, and were driven on board ships by British soldiers. These unfortunate people were taken from their homes, and many were separated from their friends never to meet again. These French prisoners were scattered throughout the colo- nies. Many families came to Worcester county, and some were consigned to Oxford and other towns. On June 2, 1757, Duncan Campbell of Oxford represented to the General Court " that the selectmen of Newton bound out to him five cliildren of some of the late inhabitants of Nova Scotia ; that on his placing them at Worcester their parents fol- lowed them there, and as the result they all went away." Ask- ing allowance, on which was voted him 42 shillings, 3| pence. In November Mr. Campbell presented another memorial set- ting forth that : " Last May session [hej preferred a petition to the honorable court that £17, 13s. 4d. might be allowed [him] for transporting from Cambridge to Oxford and keeping some 358 The Records of Oxford. French neutrals, * * * from which [lie] hath never re- ceived any profit or service, they refusing to work — that upon said petition said court was pleased to allow [him] no more than 42s. 3^d. — that the honorable board have sent your peti- tioner's servants to the town of Dedham, and so he is deprived of any service from them until this time, notwithstanding the great expense he was put to in maintaining them. * * *" He prays he may be allowed the remainder of his account, ** or that he may have an order from the honorable court to take th(tse that were bound to him from Dedham and compel them to work." The chief item in his bill was for boarding the family at Capt. Thomas Sterne's, Worcester. Upon this petition, on March 20, 1758, in the House of Representatives, £5, Os. and 4 pence were ordered paid, but the council non-concurred. On August 26, 1757, a warrant was drawn to pay from the treasury of the colony £15, fis. 6d. to the selectmen of Oxford for the support of " French from Nova Scotia sent there." A family named LeBlanc came to Oxford. Supplies from March 10, 1758, to May 24, 1759, were furnished them by Dr. Alexander Campbell, for which he sent a bill of £21 to the Leo'islature. From May, 1759, to March, 1760, Edward Davis, Esq., provided for them at an expense of £18. This family, father, mother and nine children, later removed to Brinitield. A petition had been sent to his excellency, the governor- general of the province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, and to the honorable gentlemen of the council, that in these French families parents and children should not be separated. " That houses be provided for each family, so they may keep together." After the close of the war, in the first regiment, Worcester county militia, March, 1763, were officers from Oxford as fol- lows; Edward Davis, major; First Oxford Co., Elisha Davis, captain ; John Nichols, lieutenant ; William Larned, ensign ; The hit er- Colonial Wars. 359 Second Oxford Co., Jeremiah Learned, captain ; Jedediah Bar- ton, lieutenant; John Towne, Ji'., ensign. In 1771: Edward Davis, major ; First Oxford Co., Elisha Davis, captain ; Ephraim Ballard, first lieutenant; William Watson, second lieutenant; Thomas Towne, ensign; Second Oxford Co., Joseph Phillips, captain ; Samuel Eddy, lieutenant ; Isaac Putnam, ensign. JSToTE. — Province of the Massachusetts Bat. pence: [seal] Spencer Phips. Esq. , Ideutenant- Governor and Commander-in- Chief, in and over His Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay, New England, etc. To Samuel Davis, Gentleman, greeting: By virtue of the Power and Authority, in and by His Majesty's Royal Commission, to Me granted, to be Lieutenant-Governor over His Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay aforesaid, and Commander- in-Chief during the Absence of the Captain-General, I do (by these Presents), reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty Courage and good Conduct, constitute and appoint You, the said Sam- uel Davis, to be Second Lieutenant of the Foot Company in the Town of Oxford, under the command of Lieut. -Col. Ebenezer Learned, in the the first Regiment of Mihtia in the County of Worcester, whereof John Chandler, Esq., Colonell. You are, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Second Lieutenant in leading, ordering and exercising said Company in Arms, both inferiour Officers and Soldiers, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline; liereby commanding them to obey you as their Second Lieutenant, and yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from Me, or the Comraander-in-Cliief for the Time being, or other your Superiour Officers for His Majesty's Service, according to Military Rules and Discipline, pursuant to the Trust reposed in You. Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms, at Boston, the Eighth Day of November, In the Twenty-Sixtli Year of the Reign of Hie Majesty, King George the Second, Annoq Domini, 1752. S. Phips. By Order of the Honourable tlie Lieutenant-Governor. I. WiLLAKD, Secretary. 360 The Records of Oxford. Note. — Brigadier-General Learned of Oxford, and Col. Jonathan ITo'- man of Sutton, had botli been veterans in the British service in Canada during the "French War-" It is said that General Learned and Colonel Ilolman suffered much while in this service, particularly in the vicinity of Lake George and Ticonderoga. Holman and Learned each retired from service in the French and Indian War with a commission of Major. In the French and Indian War Capt. Ebenezer Learned was appointed by the Crown to weigh out the gold and silver bullion to make pay- ments to the soldiers. CHAPTER XXy. Revolutionary War. The Stamp Act was passed by the Parliament of England in 1765. The Assembly and people of Massachusetts, being regarded by the authorities of England as most active in their disloyalty to their sovereign, two regiments were sent to Boston. The troops arrived in the autumn of 1768, and landing, marched into town with offensive parade. The following ancient account exhibits the sentiments of the people of Boston on their arrival: "On Friday, Septr. 30th, 1768, the Ships of War, Armed Schooner, Transports, etc., came up the Harbour and Anchored round the Town; their cannon loaded, a spring on their Cables as for a regular Siege." "At noon on Saturday, October the 1st the fourteenth and twenty- ninth Regiments a detachment from the 59th Regt. and train of Ar- tillery witli two pieces of Cannons landed on the Long Wharf; there Formed and Marched with Insolent Parade, drums beating, tifes play- ing, and Colours flying up King Street. Each soldier having received 16 rounds of Powder and Ball." The fleet consisted of ships Beaver, Senegal, Martin, Olascow, Mermaid, Roinneij, Launcestoii and Bonetta. Revolutionary War. 361 'The wharf at the right or north of Long wharf is Hancock's wharf; the north battery is shown at the extreme right. The dedication in the lower right-hand corner is as follows: To the Earl of Hillsborough, His Majest'. Ser. y of State for America. This view of the only well Plan'd Expedition formed for supporting ye dignity of Britain and chastising ye insolence of America. Humly Inscrib'd. A view was taken of part of the town of Boston in New England and British ships of war landing their troops 1768. Engraved, printed and sold by Paul Revere, Boston.''' In September, 1774, the report of various disturbances in Boston aroused the whole country. Powder stored in Cam- bridge by the patriots was removed to Boston by a detachment of troops under orders from Gov. Gage. The people imme- diately rushed out in great excitement loudly denouncing the act and demanding the restitution of the powder. "In the clamor and confusion a report was somehow started that the British fleet and garrison had commenced hostilities, and swift-footed messengers caught this rumor, and hurried with it in various directions. It was afterward asserted that this story was sent out by patriot leaders for the express pur- pose of showing the British government the temper and spirit of the colonies. If this were so they gained their end. The rumor flew on three great traveled routes, gaining in flight." " Southward, it came to Esquire Wolcott of Oxford, who forthwith posted his son John Wolcott, off to Boston, 'to learn the certainty,' but receiving further confirmations of the great news at Grafton, the young man turned back, and took it straightway to Curtis' tavern in Dudley. One Clark, a trader, caught it up and hurried it on to his father in Woodstock. * One of these engravings (now very rare) is in the possession of George W. Sigourney, Esq., a descendant of Capt. Andrew Sigourney of Boston, afterward of Oxford. 46 3^2 The Records of Oxford. Capt. Clark in liot haste bore it on to Captain Keyes of Pom- fret, and he at 11 a. m., Saturday, Sept. 3, brought it to Col. Israel Putnam. Hitherto the news had gone from mouth to mouth like the highland war cry : ' Boston our Boston is in need ! Speed forth the signal : patriots, speed.' " But now Putnam gave it a more tangible form by scrawl- ing off the following to Capt. Aaron Cleveland of Canterbury : " ' Captain Clkveland. — Mr. Keyes has this a. m. brought us the news that the Men of War and troops began to fire on the people of Boston last night at sunset, when a post was sent im- mediately off to inform the country. He informs that the artil- lery played all night, that the people are universally (rallied from Boston) as far as here in arms, and desires all the as- sistance possible. It (alarm) was occasioned by the country people's being robbed of their powder from (Boston) as far as Framingham, and when found out the people went to take the soldiers and six of our people were killed on the spot, and several were wounded. Beg yi)u will rally all the forces you can and be on the march immediately for the relief of Boston and the people that way. — I. P.' " ' Fast as hoof could fly ' this was carried to Cleveland, countersigned by him, and sent by ex]>ress 'along to Norwich and elsewhere.' Reaching Norwich at 4 p. m., it was for- warded by Capt. John Durkee, at New London. It was in- dorsed by Richard Law, Nathaniel Shaw, and Samuel Parsons, and hurried on to New Haven and New York. " Gaining credence and fresh signatures at every stopping place it speeded southward ; and at nine o'clock Tuesday morn- ing, just seventy hours from Pomfret, it was laid before the Conti- nental Congress, just assembling in Philadelphia. Thus from Boston to Pennsylvania the whole country had been aroused. From the great centres the news had spread in every quarter. Revolutionary War. 363 The hour of conflict had come. Boston was attacked and all were siunmoned to her relief. Never was rallying cry more effective. Coming from Putnam and endorsed by prominent and responsible men, it was everywhere received and obeyed. " ' To arms,' was the quick response, and thousands hurried to the rescue. A thousand men took up arms in the three lower counties of Delaware, twenty-thousand were reported en route in Connecticut. The summons coming on Sunday it liad the effect of putting that Puritan Colony ' into alarm and motion on the Lord's day.' Col. Putnam's missive was read publicly in most of the congregations, and furnished the text for many a stirring exhortation. "In many of the more distant towns the messenger brought the tidings to the meeting-house in the midst of divine service, and worthy members of the church militant left the sanctuary for the battle-field. Even ministers were said, to have left their pulpits for the gun and drum, and set off for Boston.' In Norwich, Putnam's letter was ' printed off, and circulated through the town in hand bills,' and on Sunday morning over four hundred men, well armed and mostly mounted upon good horses, started for Boston under command of Major John Durkee. "Two hmidred ardent volunteers, well armed and mounted, left Windham at sunrise, and bodies of men were despatched from all the other towns of Windham County. Putnam hav- ing sent the despatch, set out himself with four comrades for the scene of action, and had proceeded as far northward as Douglas when he heard ' that the alarm was false and Massa- chusetts forces returning.' He immediately turned back and after a sixty-mile ride reached home at sunrise, and ' sent the contradiction along to stop the forces marching or rallying ' " The Norwich troops were met seven miles from their town with the intelligence via Providence that the report was with- out foundation. The Windham men marched on to Massachu- 364 The Records of Oxford. setts line before receiving counter tidings. This revelation that tlie great mass of the people were ready to take up arms whenever occasion called them greatly cheered the patriot leaders, and stimulated them to farther resistance."* The report of this uprising excited much interest at home and abroad " Words cannot express," wrote Putnam and his committee in behalf of live hundred men under arms at Pom- fret, " the gladness discovered by every one at the appearance of a door being opened to avenge the many abuses and insults which those foes to liberty have offered to our brethren in your town and province. But for counter intelligence we siiould have had forty thousand well equipped and ready to march this m .rniiig. Send a written express to the foreman of this com- mittee when you have occasion for our martial assistance." The rapid transmission of the news was considered very re- markable. On Nov, 12 it reached England and the report on its reception there comes back to New York on January 20. Oxford in the Revolution. The proceedings of Oxford during tlie Revolution are a rep- resentation of the acts in other towns in the State. In almost every town there was a " Committee of Correspon- dence, Inspection and Safety," whose office was to give infor- malion of the proceedings of the American Congress, the state government and that of other towns. September 29, 1774, the people of Oxford resolved, " That we ever have been, and will be true and loyal subjects of our most gracious Sovereign George III, King of Great Britain, so long as we are permitted the free execution of our charter rights." At the same meeting, Yoted, " Dr. Alexander Campbell and Capt. Ebenezer Learned to attend the Provincial Congress, at * History of Windham County, by Miss Ellen Douglas Learned. Revolutionary War. 365 Concord, on the second Tuesday of October next, or at any other town in the province that shall be agreed upon." The Continental Congress, which was then in session at Philadelphia, resulted in the publication of a " Bill of Rights," which was submitted to the people. One article of high practi- cal importance w\as the " Non-Importation Compact." They agreed, and associated themselves and their constituents, under the sacred ties of virtue, honor and the love of liberty, not to import or use any British goods after the 1st day of December, 1774, particularly the article of tea. Committees were to be appointed in every place to see that this agreement was observed, and those who violated it were to be denounced as enemies to the rights of their country.* Of the great men who composed this Congress, Lord Chatham remarked in the British Parliament as follows : " That, though he had studied and admired the free states of antiquity — the master spirits of the world — yet, for solidity of reasoning, force of sagacity, and wisdom of conclusion, no body of men could stand in preference to this Congress ; in the presence of their own peculiar difficulties did not forget the cause of suffering humanity, but made, wnth other resolutions, one by which they bound themselves, not to be in any way concerned in the Slave Trade." * In November a meeting was called "to hear some Resolves of the Grand Congress,'' and also of the Provincial Congress, and act thereon. At this meeting Edward Davis was moderator. Adjourned to Decem- ber 16. "Then met" and voted "that the Province Tax in the hands of the Constables be paid into the town treasury, and the town will pro- tect said Constables," and chose Lieut. William Campbell, Daniel Phil- lips and Lieut. Samuel Eddy a committee of inspection to see that the association of the Continental Congress be duly observed. These arti- cles of association were adopted in Continental Congress October 24, 1774. By them the members, for themselves and their constituents, "under the sacred ties of virtue, honor and love of country," agreed not to import or use English goods, not to import or purchase slaves, 366 The Records of Oxford. January 12, 1775, Yotod and chose Col. Ebenezer Learned to meet with the Provincial Congress at Cambridge on the first day February next, or sooner if needed. March 6, 1775, At the town meeting, Yoted, That there shall be ten stands of fire arms fixed with bayonets provided by the Select men at the cost of the town and kept for those men that are not able to find themselves arms. " Yoted that we will in all reasonable ways and means whatso- or tea brought from the East Indies, but to encourage the growing of ■wool and the raising of finer breeds of sheep, to favor frugality, economy and industry, and promote agriculture, the arts and manufactures among the people; to discourage dissipation, horse-racing, gaming, shows, etc., to wear no mourning for deceased friends excepting crape on the hat, or black ribbons and necklaces for ladies, and to furnish no gloves at funerals ; to take no advantage of a scarcity of an article to raise the price thereof, and to withdraw fellowship and patronage from all who did not adhere to the scales of prices which might be adopted. They also recommended that in every State, county and town commit- tees be appointed to see that these articles be observed. On June 29, 1775, Provincial Congress sent to the towns for army supplies thirteen thousand coats, which had been promised, one each to tlie eight-months' soldiers. On August 30 the selectmen sent to public stores five shirts, five pairs of breeches and nine pairs of stockings. On October 16, thirty-seven coats. "As thro' want of flax we could not send our proportion of shirts, etc., but we have a prospect of getting our proportion of coats sometime in October, that was set upon Oxford." "We have provided thirty-seven coats, containing one hundred and thirty-nine yards and one-half — making thirty-seven coats, 4s. per coat, £7. 8s. Total value, £47. Is. O^d. The average price of cloth was about 5s. per yard. James Brown, the tailor, cut tliese coats and made twenty. Supplies in the line of shoes, stockings, shirts, etc., could not be had on contract as at the present day. Requisitions were tlierefore made for them on the towns as for men. Some orders sent to Oxford were : January 20, 1777, fourteen blankets; June 17, 1778, shoes, stockings and shirts — twenty-eight eacli; June, 1779, slioes, stockings and shirts — twenty-eight each ; May, 1780, shoes, stockings and sliirts — twenty each and ten blankets; June, 1781, shoes, stockings and shirts — nineteen each. Revolutionary War. 367 ever strive to maintain our Charter Rights and privileges in all constitutional measures even to the risque of our lives and prop- erty/' May 24, 1775, At a town meeting, chose Edward Davis, Esquire to meet with the Provincial Congress at Watertown on May 31, for six months as their representative. 1775, The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Oxford duly qualilied to vote and act in Town affairs are hereby Required in His Majesty's Name to meet at our Meet- ing-house in Oxford on Mondy the 20th day of March current at one o'clock afternoon. (The last warrant issued in his Majesty's name.) October 12, 1776, The style of notice is changed. "The freeholders, etc., are notified and vrai-ned, in the name of the Government of the people of this State, to meet," etc. Oct. 12, 1776, is the date of the transition from the town's allegiance to the King of Great Britain to the new government of the State, appears. Before the intelligence had reached the town of the Declara- tion of Independence at Philadelphia, July 4, July 8, 1776, Voted : " To advise our representative in the General Court, That if the honorable Congress should, for the safety of the colonies, declare themselves independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain, to concur therewith; and the in- habitants of this town do solemnly engage with their lives and fortunes, to sustain this measure." In 1777, " The town voted to add to the bounty offered by the American Congress and this State, the sum of £14 to each man who shall enlist in the town as a private soldier for three years, or during the war, before an}' draft be made." At the same meeting, it was voted " to raise £1,000, to be assessed on the polls and real estate in the town, to complete the quota of soldiers now sent for to reinforce the Continental army." 368 The Records of Oxford. In 1778 the town voted "concurrence with the articles of confederation proposed by the American Congress " and at the same meeting voted to pay £800 into the State Treasury. August 25, 1779, the town cliose Ebenezer Learned, Esq., and Ezra Bowman, delegates to the State convention at Cambridge, to act in forming a constitution of government for this State, j 20 Day of October, 1779, Voted to impower the Treasurer of the Town of Oxford to borrow a sum of money not exceed- ing Four Hundred Pounds for the supply of the soldiers fami- lies, and other necessary charges arising in the Town. November 8, 1779, Voted that Samuel Harris, Town Treas- urer be empowered to Borrow a further Sum of Money not exceeding Three Hundred Pounds on the same condition and Manner, and for the ends as is expressed in the vote of the 20th of October Last. March 6, 1780, Tlie Town voted and chose Capt. John Nichols, Capt. Elias Pratt a committee to Supply the Soldiers' Families, and that their expenses shall be made good when they receive their pay of the Town. March 5, 1781, Chose a committee to provide for the poor, and the soldiers families, viz. Capt. John Nichols, Ephraim Rnssell, Lt. Levi Davis. Supplementing the diiferent installments of aid afforded to the families of soldiers in 1780. The town voted to provide 5960 pounds of beef for the army, August 27, 1781. Voted and granted Ninety pounds hard money for to pur- chase the beef required of this time by a resolve of the General Court, passed June 22, 1781. The Committee, Ezra Bowman, Heuben Lamb, John Dana, Amasa Kingsbury. May 13, 1774, General Thomas Gage, the newly-appointed English Governor, arrived in Boston and occupied the town with four regiments of British soldiers. April 19, 1775, Gov. Gage sent a detachment of British Revolutionary War. 369 soldiers to destroy the military stores at Concord ; and on their way occurred the battle of Lexington, from which the opening of tlie Revolution may be dated. During the early night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere made ills now famous ride. Before day-break, that memorable day- break of Wednesday, the 19th of April. Wednesday, April 19, 1775, Somewhere about nine o'clock A. M. the Watertown committee started Israel Bissell to convey the news through the country. At noon he entered Worcester shouting, " To arms, to arms, the war is begun ! " He had ridden thirtj'-six miles ; his white horse bloody with spurring, and exhausted, fell as he reached the church door (the old south cliurch on the common). Immediately another was pro- cured, the Watertown desjDatch was indorsed and Israel Bissell was off again, due south for Brooklyn, Connecticut, thirty-eight miles more. This for some reason, he only reached at eleven the next moi'ning. But General Putnam quiekl}' heard the news, left his plow in the furrow, and he too was off. Norwich, twenty miles more, was reached at four o'clock p. m. New London (thirteen miles) at seven p. m. Here he had also reached the Boston post-road, by Provi- dence ; but the British had stopped the exit from Boston, and he must carry his news to Saybrook (twenty miles more) in order to meet the New York rider. At four a. m. of Friday he was there. It is one hundred and thirty-seven miles to New York. A new rider now mounts (quite possible the veteran Hurd whose route it was). That same day at noon he was at Branford, seven miles from New Haven. At eight o'clock p. M., on Saturda}', Jonathan Sturges signed this des- patch at Fairfield; Sunday the twenty-third at noon, Isaac Low signed it at New York and at four v. m. forwarded it to Philadelphia.* * This f5rst Revolutionary despatch is now in the Historical rooms at Philadelphia. 47 370 The Records of Oxford. The intelligence of the breaking out of hostilities was imme- diately followed by circulars from the Massachusetts committee of safety, calling out the militia. April 20. One addressed to the towns urged them " to hasten and encourage by all means the enlistment of men to the army," to send them forward without delay. "Our all," it reads, " is at stake. Death and devastation are the certain consequences of delay. Every moment is infinitely precious. An hour lost may deluge your country and entail ]>erpetual slavery upon the few of your posterity that may survive the carnage." Before thirty days had passed after the battle of Lexington, Oxford and the towns in the immediate vicinity had raised a full regiment of ten companies, all volunteers, and they were on the march to the battle-tield. In 1775, soon following the battle of Lexington, Colonel Ebenezer Learned, with his regiment, reported for service at Cambridge, and with Colonels Prescottand Warren, was ordered to join General Thomas at Koxbury, where they arrived more than two months before "Washington came to take command of the army. May, 1775. The following enrollment and organization of the reo-iment of Col. Ebenezer Learned is from Force's Archives, Vol. 11, 4:th series, p. 823 : "Col. Learned's regiment: J. Danforth Keys, Lieut. Col- onel ; Jonathan Hollman, Major ; Barrister, Adjutant Captains : Peter Harwood, Adam Martin, John Granger, Joel Greene, Samuel Billings, William Campbell, Arthur Daggett, Nathaniel Nealey, Samuel Curtis, Isaac Bolster. Lieutenants Asa Danforth, Abel Mason, Matthew Gray, David Prouty, Barnabas Lean, Reuben Davis, Jonathan Carrier, Salem Town, Samuel Learned, John Hasel ton. Ensigns: Ben jamin Pollard, Benjamin Felton, Stephen Gorliam, Thomas Fisk, John How- ard, William Powdry," Revolutionary War. 371 "In Provincial Congress, Watertown, May 23d, 1775. " Resolved that commissions be given to the officers of Col. Learned's regiment agreeable to the above list." Soon after the arrival of Col. Learned's regiment at Roxbury occurred the famous battle of Bunker Hill, " all of which it savsr a part of which it was," although it was not actually engaged in the tight on the hill. It formed a part of the right wing of the army, under the command of Gen. John Thomas, which was stretched round from Dorchester, through Roxbury, to Bos- ton line, to prevent the enemy from breaking through and making a flank movement. This regiment enlisted for eight months ; from May 1, 1775, till January 1, 1776. The regiment was in service in and around Boston. When their time expired the men were regu- larly discharged. The battle of Bunker Hill took place June 17, 1775. In the victory to the Americans the British were dispirited, who had boasted that a few regiments could conquer the whole country.* Gen. Washington left Philadelphia June 2 1, 1775, to assume command of the American army at Cambridge. At New York he received news of the battle of Bunker Hill. At Brookfield, July 1, he was met by a company of horsemen from Worcester, commanded by Capt. James Chad wick, who escorted him into town. Dec. 10, 1775, "On Sunday last the lady of his excellency General Washington, and the lady of General Gates, with their attendants, passed through this town (Worcester) on their way to Cambridge." General Washington, as commander-in-chief arrived in Bos- ton July 2, 1775, after the battle of Bunker Hill, and * There is at the Town Hall in Oxford a canaon ball of tweuty-four pounds weight, brought by Col. Ebeuezer Learned as a relic from the battle-field of Bunker Hill. 372 TJie Records of Oxford. reached Cambridge, tlie headquarters of the American army. He found there a large body of Provincials not accustomed to disciplined warfare, destitute of arms and ammunition. He at once commenced organizing the soldiers and subjecting them to mihtary service. And the Provincial allies became the Continental Army. Washington erected a line of batteries frotn Winter Hill near Mystic river, through Cambridge, Brookline and Roxbury as far as Dorchester Heights. He held the British forces be- sieged in Boston until March, when they set sail for Halifax and the war was transferred to other States. Thomas and Jonathan Amory with Peter Johonnot who have at the earnest entreaties of the inhabitants through the Lieutenant-Governor, solicited a flag of truce for this purpose. John Scolley, Timothy Newall, Thomas Marshall, Samuel Austin. This paper was received at the lines at Roxbury by Ool. Learned who carried it to headquarters ; and in return, the next day, wrote to tlie messengers as follows : Roxbury, March 9, 1776. Gentlemen: — Agreeably to a promise made to you at the lines yesterday, I waited upon his excellency General Wash- ington, and presented to him the paper handed to me by you from the selectmen of Boston. The answer I received from him was to this effect : " That, as it was an un authenticated paper, without an address, and not obligatory upon General Howe, he would take no notice of it." I am with esteem and respect, gentlemen. Your most obedient servant, Ebenezer Learned. To Messers Amory and Johonnot. Revolutionary War. 373 Tiie British co'.iiinander was now reduced to the aUernative of either dislodging "Washington's forces or the evacuation of the place. The British General, Lord Howe, then resolved to evacu- ate the towns without delay. He coniuienced very early in the morning of Sunday, March 17th, the embarkation of his army. About nine o'clock the garrison left Bunker Hill. Two men were sent forward to reconnoitre, found the fortress was left in charge of wooden sentinels, and immediately gave the joy- ous signal that it was evacuated. A detachment soon took possession of it. General Putnam ordered another detachment to march forward and take posses- sion of Boston, while the remainder of the troops returned to Cambridge. Meanwhile General Ward arrived with about five hundred troops from Roxbury, under the immediate command of Col- onel Ebenezer Learned of Oxford.* Col. Learned, accompanied by a crowd of loyalist refugees, marched in through the deserted gates, having unbarred them with his own hands. After the evacuation Learned, with his command, remained about two weeks on the highlands south of the town, where he could observe the movements of the British fleet. On March 20 Gen. Greene issued the following order: "Col. Learned is directed to man six whale boats every night while the enemy remain in the harbor, whose duty it is to row about and make discoveries of any movement of the enemy, that the garrison may be apprised thereof." On April 2 Learned and his regi- ment were relieved from duty at Dorchester Point, and were soon after ordered with the main body of the army to the defence of New York. As soon as the British fleet had put to sea, the American army proceeded by divisions to Nesv York, where it arrived April 14. The disastrous affair of Long Island, August 27. * Army Record. 374 T^^^^ Records of Oxford. Washington withdrew his forces from the island April 28, at night. Soon afterward he removed his army to Harlem Heights in the northern part of New York island. Washing- ton was obliged to evacuate New York on Sept. 15, then to Kingsbridge the army moved toward White Plains, and here took place the battle of White Plains. Washington then changed his position. Fort Washington on York island was taken and its garrison made prisoners. Washington then re- treated to New Jersey. Then followed the battles of Prince- ton and Trenton. In July, 1777, Gen. Howe embarked his forces and proceeded against Philadelphia. Sept. 10, the battle of Brandywine was fought and the Americans defeated. Sept. 26, 1777, Lord Howe entered Philadelphia with his army. While the British were in the possession of Philadelphia Washington endeavored to cut off their supplies for the army. Washington then distributed his soldiers into winter quarters at Yalley Forge. In June, 1778, the British evacuated Phila- delphia, the position being considered dangerous by the posi- tion France was about to take in the war. At the siege of Yorktown, Sept. 28, to October 9, 1781, Lord Cornwallis surrendered. After the battle of Bunker Hill Col. Learned received in- juries at Roxbury which disabled hiui from service for a time. In April, 1777, he was commissioned a Brigadier-General in the northern army.'^ The Batile of Bemis Heights, Sept. 19, 1777. General Gates made preparations for resistance. Brave offi- cers and determined soldiers in high spirits were gathered around him, and the latter were hourly increasing in numbers. The counsels of General Schuyler and the known bravery of General Arnold were at his command and he felt confident of victory, aided by such men as Poor, Learned, Stark, Whipple, * From Boston Records. Revolutionary War. 375 Paterson, Warner, Fellows, Baily, Glover, Wolcott, Bricketts and Tenbroeck with their full brigades. General Arnold resolved to do what he conld with those under his command, which consisted of General Learned's brigade and New York troops. Arnold led the van of his men and fell upon the foe. By voice and action he encouraged his troops, but the overwhelming numbers of the enemy for a time repulsed them. It was now three o'clock in the afternoon ; for an hour the Americans had disputed the ground inch by inch, but the crushing force of superior numbers pressed them back to their lines. Both armies retained their position until October 7. The British general determined to make one more trial of strength with his adversary. Neilson in describing this battle of September 19, says: " Toward the close of the day Gen. Learned's brigade and another regiment were })rincipally engaged on a rise of ground, west of the cottage (Freeman's), with the British grenadiers and a regiment of British infantry, and bravely contested the ground till night." On September 26 Gen. Gates issued the following: " The public business having so entirely engaged the Gen- eral's attention that he has not been properly at leisure to return his grateful thanks to Gen. Poor's and Gen. Learned's brigades, to the regiment of Riflemen, Corps of Light Infan- try, and Col. Marshall's regiment for their valiant behavior in the action of the 19th inst., which will forever establish and confirm the reputation of the Arms of the United States." The Battle of Saratoga.* The following account of this brilliant affair of October 7, * Sir Edward Creasy, "M. A.,!in a book published in London, in 1872 and entitled the Fourteen Decisive Battles of the World, from Marathon to Waterloo, singled out the battle of Saratoga as the decisive battle of the Revolution. 376 The Records of Oxford. 1777, is given in Thatcher's Military Journal, published in New York at the time. *' I am fortnnate enough to obtain from our officers a particu- lar aeconnt of the glorious event of the 7th inst. " The advanced parties of the two armies came into con- tact at two o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, and immediately displayed their hostile attitude. The Americans soon ap- proached the royal army, and each party in defiance awaited the deadly blow. The gallant Colonel Morgan at the head of his faraons rifle corps, and Major Dearborn, leading a detach- ment of infantry, commenced the action with such intrepidity, that the works were carried and their brave commander Colonel Breyman was slain. " The Germans were pursued to their encampment, which, with all the^eqnipageof the brigade, fell into our hands. Night- fall ])ut a stop to our brilliant career though the victory was most decisive, and it is with pride and exultation that we re- count the triumph of American bravery. " This was indeed a signal victory." The troops of Poor and Learned marched steadily up the gentle slope of the eminence on which the British grenadiers * and ])art of the artillery under Ackland and Williams were stationed, and true to their orders not to fire until after the first discharge of the enemy, pressed on in awful silence towards the batallions and batteries. Arnold assaulted the works occupied by the light infantry under Earl Balcarras, and at the point of the bayonet drove the enemy from a strong abatis, through which he attempted to force his way into the camp. He was obliged to abandon the effort, and dashing forward to the right flank of the enemy, exposed to the cross fire of the contending armies, he met Learned's brio-ade advancing to make an assault upon the British works at an opening in the abatis between Balcarras' light infantry * The grenadiers were the flower of the British army. Revolutionary War. 377 and the German right flank defense under Col. Breyman. The Germans, who fled, flnding the assault general, threw down their arms and retreated to tlie interior of the camp, leaving their commander, Col. Breyman, mortally wounded. Burgoyne en- deavored to rally the panic-stricken Germans. Perscmal differences with Gates had led to Arnold's removal from command since the battle of the 19th., and he had remained in camp, and though without any regular command, Arnold was the animating spirit in the last conflict. Gates sent an aid to recall him. " But Arnold, keeping out of the way of the mes- senger, placed himself at the head of one brigade, and then another, and led them on with a reckless daring, to attack the enemy, with good judgment and undaunted courage. The British line was already breaking as he entered the field. Under his impetuous assaults with Patterson and Glover's brig- ades, and then w'ith Learned'e, the enemy gave way everywhere in confusion."* The Hessians received tlie first assault of Arnold's brigades upon the British centre with a brave resistance, but when upon * "Arnold rode to the front of Learned's brigade, which had been so recently under his command, and dashed into the fight. He was cheered as he rode past, and like a whirlwind the regiments went with him upon the broken British lines. Fraser fell mortally wounded in this assault, and swiftly behind the half-crazy volunteers came Ten Broeck with a force nearly double that of the whole British line. That line was now in full retreat. Phillips and Reidesel, as well as Burgoyne, in person exhibited marvellous courage in an hour so perilous, but nothing could stop Arnold; wheresoever he found troops he assumed command, and by the magnetism of his will and passion he became supreme in daring endeavor. With a part of the brigades of Patterson and Glover he assaulted the intrenchments of Earl Balcarras, but was repulsed. To the right of Balcarras the Canadians and Royalists were posted under cover of two stockade redoubts. There again Arnold met Learned's brigade, took the lead, and with a single charge cleared these works, leaving the left of Breyman's position entirely exposed." — Notes of Gen. Carrington. 48 3/8 The Records of Oxford. a second charge he dashed furiously among them at the head of his men, they broke and fled in dismay. Gen. Fraser was killed. Burgoyne now took command in person, but could not keep up the sinking courage of the men. The whole line gave way and fled precipitately within the intrenchments of the camp. At length " the Americans press forward with renewed strength and ardor, and compel the whole British line, com- manded by Burgoyne himself, to yield to their deadly tire, and they retreat in disorder. The German troops remain firmly posted at tlieir lines; these were now boldly assaulted by Briga- dier-General Learned and Lieutenant-Colonel Brooks at the head of their respective commands. '' Here General Leai-ned, mounted on his powerful horse, which at first refused to proceed, was forced by soldiers on with his rider through the opening of the abatis filled with the dead and wounded."* Gen. Wilkinson, who was Gates' adjutant, and on the field, Bays : *' About sunset I perceived Gen. Learned advancing tt»ward the enemy with his brigade in open column * * * when I rode up to him. On saluting this brave old soldier he in- quired, ' where can I put in with most advantage f ' I had particularly examined the ground between the left of the Ger- mans and the light infantry, occupied by provincialists, from whence I had observed a slack fire. I therefore recommended to Gen. Learned to incline to his right, and attack at that point ; he did s«) with gre;it gallantry ; the provincialists aban- doned their position and fled ; the German flank was by this means uncovered ; tliey were assaulted vigorously, overturned in five minutes and retreated in disorder, leaving their com- mander, * * * Breyman, dead on the field. The night *ReiniDi8cence8 of David Stonfe, who was in service under Qen. Learned. Revolutionary War. 379 was now closing in. The victory of the Americans was decisive." Before dawn Bnrgoyne removed the whole of his armj' camp and artillery, meditating a retreat to Fort Edward. On the morning of the 8th of October the Americans took possession of tile evacuated British camp. Burgoyue on the 9th of Octo- ber quietly retreated to Saratoga. Gates followed the enemy. Morgan, Poor and Learned threatened their rear on the west. Burgoyne sent a flag of truce to the American commander. Extracts fkom a Letter of Rev. Joseph Bowman of Oxford, DATE October 23, 1777, to Brigadier-General Learned, " In ye Northern Army." " The most particular accounts, yt we have had of affairs in your quarter yt we could depend upon have been in your let- ters to Mrs. Learned, one of which was published in ye Wor cester Paper; viz yt wliich gave an account of an action of y 19th of Sept. I do not know how it is, but seems yt our print- ers have no correspondence in y Army & consequently few particulars and those collected from one, and another, are vague and uncertain & sometimes unintelligible and some accounts contradicted by others so yt we knew not what to believe. "Most of ye intelligence tliat I rely upon has come from you by y way of Mrs. Learned this summer ; and I hope you will continue to give as circumstantial an account of things as you can as I shall still hope to gain some knowledge by yt means thro' her kindness, even tho' you should not write to me in particular which would be peculiarly acceptable if you could find leisure time enough for such a thing, amidst a multitude of care and Business which I know must lie upon your hands your family and friends here are all well. Sylvanus has got Bravely again and thinks of Returning to you soon please to give my love to all our oxford Friends with you when you shall see them, and you may tell them that their Friends here 380 The Records of Oxford. are all well it has been remurkably healthy with us this summer past and fall hitherto ye season has been good and very fruitful we have plentiful crops (thro Divine goodness) tho' every thing is excessive dear our privateers bring in many prizes tho' not so many as they ilid last year from ye Southward we have had various reports since ye battle at Brandywine sometime yt General How has got Philadelphia at others that he has not. "yt action of y 19th of Sept. you gave us ye most particular account of than any yt we have had but yt of y 7th Instant, your account is general & short, I was about to have added something further, but having just now received authentic in- telligence of a most important Event viz ye surrender of ye whole British Army commanded by General Burgoyne to ye American forces 1 therefore stop short to congratulate you on this most singular, important and happy Event may all our hearts be tilled with a grateful sense of ye Divine goodness in this nost interesting affair and may we have grace to ascribe unto ye Lord of Hosts ye God of Armies all ye praise and glory yt is Due to His Great Name and may we never forget His Benefits." Note. — Gen. Learned's Letter. "Stillwater, Sept. 25, 1777. " Ou Thursday the 18th instant marched about 4 miles at 5 o'clock A. M. in order to attack the enemy on the right flank on their march ; but they not marching according to expectation prevented our doing any thing of considerable consequence. " We attacked a small party about 60 or 70 rods from the enemy's front, killed some, said to be five or six, took and sent in tliat day, as I was informed after my return, 36 prisoners. We all returned about sunset, without the loss of one man killed or wounded. "The next day (September 19th), we were early alarmed, being in- formed the enemy were on their march towards our Camp. Agreeable to a result of Council of War, the Riflemen and Infantry from the left of our army went and attacked the Enemy's right Wing, or rather their front guard about 5 minutes before one o'clock. The enemy gave way, Rci'ohitiofiary War. 381 we took some prisoners. The enemy reinforced, wliicli cmised iis to do the same; which was alternately done by the enemy and on our part of the Army till the battle became almost General between the Enemy and our Division. "I was ordered to send out one Regiment at first, and the rest in suc- cession, except the last. — I then received orders to march to the attack. We marched on briskly and came up to the Enemy's right wing, which was endeavoring to surround our left. A most severe fire lasted till the cover of the night prevented further action. We went back to our camp, and the enemy have encamped near the ground wliere the battle was fought. We are near neighbors. Our lines and those of the enemy are but about a mile and a quarter from each other. Both armies are fortifying, but time only can determine the further event. The effect of this battle is that we have lost two Lieut. -Colonels killed, with a number of other officers of different ranks. In the whole our killed, wounded iind missing are about 318. By the best accounts the enemy's loss, killed and wounded, amounts to a thousand. These are facts. Capt. Wiley is wounded. Our army are in high spirits. We took eighty on the day of battle. P. S. — On the day of battle, and since, two of our Captains were taken Prisoners, also one Lieut, and 27 privates. This is an exact ac- count of the Prisoners sent by Burgoyne to Gen. Gates, each man's name specified in the list." Note. — In the Massachusetts Sj^y of October 16, 1777, Isaac Pratt gave notice that he was about to start for the army, and would carry letters and bring returns at one shilling postage. General Learned was esteemed a brave and humane soldier. He survived the Revolution about twenty years, and was much honored after his retirement from the army. It is said that in personal appearance General Learned was tall and strongly built, being six feet and two inches in height, " his frame being capable of enduring great fatigue. His countenance expressed gentleness and calmness, and yet there were depicted dignity and command. He was endowed by na- ture with a sound judgment and discerning mind. " His step and bearing were peculiar to himself, his tread was 382 The Records of Oxford. heavy aud ineabured. In convensatioii all were impressed with awe ill his presence. General Learned was a judge of a horse and rode a very good one in his army campaigns. In the Revolutionary War he rode a high- mettled young black iiorse of wonderful endurance. His fine appearance on horseback, with his calm courage, and with the peculiar tread of the horse was ever recognized by the soldiers in the distance." In the War of the Revolution, Captain Jeremiah Kings- bury's company from Oxford was included in Colonel Jona- than Holman's regiment, Massachusetts Fifth, or tiie Sutton regiment. Capt. Jeremiah Kingsbury's company. Col. Jonathan Hol- man's regiment, Providence, January 20, 1777, roll : Jeremiah Kingsbury, captain ; Silas Town, lieutenant ; Jonas Pratt, Levi Davis, Jonas Eddy, Allen Hancock, sergeants; William Hudson, John Pratt, Amos Shumway, Ebenezer Shumway, corporals ; Zaccheus Ballard, John Rawson, Joseph Kingsbury, John Allen, John Larned, Josiah Shumway, Curtis Dixon, Sampson Marvin, John White, Amos Wakefield, Thomas Wolcott, Jesse Gleason, Nathan Pratt, Reuben Eddy, Jona- than Coolidge, Elisha Town, Sylvanus Learned, Jesse Pratt, Jesse Merriam, Samuel Stone, Joseph Sparhawk, Aaron Par- ker, Jonathan Merriam, Jonas Davis, Benjamin Hovey, Wil- liam Lamb. Time in camp, forty-three days. A detachment of this company was again in service when the " Militia " marched to reinforce Gen. Gates' army. Sept. 27, 1777, the following men from Oxford were members of Capt. Jeremiah Kingsbury's company and Colonel Jonathan Holman's regiment : Jeremiah Kingsl)ury Capt., John Ballard, Lieut., Ebenezer Coburn, Sergt., Ilaynes Learned, Sergt., Jonas Eddy, Corp., Allen Hancock, Corp., John Learned, Aaron Parker, Joshua Pratt, Joseph Rock wood, Joshua Merriam, William Nichols, Nathan Pratt, John Rawson, Ambrose Stone, Jonas Davis, Revolutionary War. 383 David Stone, Ambrose Fitts, Amos Shnmway, Anthony Si- gourney. The following served nine months in 1778, in Captain Jeremiah Kingsbnry's company and Colonel Holman's regi- ment : Jeremiah Kingsbury, Capt., Eleazer Stockwell (or Stowell), David Chamberlain, Uriah Carpenter. The regiment was then honorably discliarged from service.* The following men belonged to the com])any commanded by Capt. William Campbell in Col. Ebenezer Learned' s regiment, and marched to Cambridge April, 1775 : William Campbell, Capt., Thomas Fish, Lieut., Jolm Campbell, Sergt., Sylvester Town, Seigt., James Learned, Corp., Abner Shnmway, Drum., Abraham Mansfield, Timothy Sparhalk, Paul Thurston, Samuel Baker, John Fessenden, Josiah Eddy, Moses Kneeland (or Knowland), Negro Will, Moses Coburn, Jonathan Marsh, Thomas Bogle, Frost Rockwood, Daniel Sabins, John Hudson, Thomas McKnight, Jason Collar, Arthur Humphrey, David Dana Town, James Hambleton Parker, John Conant, William Bogle, William Foster, Richard F^errars. * Another regiment was soon organized, called the Massachusetts Fifth or Sutton regiment, composed of men coming from Sutton, Oxford, Sturbridge, Charlton and Dudley, including adjacent lands, and placed under the command of Col. Jonathan Holman of North Sutton. The following entry is found in the journal of the Massachusetts Council, Feb. 7, 1776: "In the House of Representatives: The house made choice by ballot of the following gentlemen for field officers of the Fifth Regiment of IMilitia, in tlie county of Worcester, viz. : "Jonathan Holman of Sutton, Colonel, Daniel Plympton, Lieut.- Colonel, William Learned of Oxford, First Major, Jacob Davis of Charlton, 2nd Major. 'In council: Road and concurred.' This regi- ment was known and styled as the Sutton regiment.'' "The Sutton regiment was included in the army of Gen. Wash- 384 ^/oi-al, died July 31, 1775 ; Daniel Griffith, Isaac Pratt, Joseph Streeter, Moses Town, Elias Town, John Mellen, Samuel Learned, Phinehas Allen, Benjamin Edw^ards. In Capt. Healey's company, 1775, William Moore, sergeant, transferred from Craft's company, Curtis Dixon, Aaron Wake- field, Amos Wakefield. In Capt. Green's company, October, 1775, Asa Meriam, 49 386 The Records of Oxford. Samuel Stone. At Dorchester, 1775, for three months, in Dike's regiment, Richardson's company, Ebenezer Fish, Sam- uel Kingsbury. In Tyler's regiment, Ferrer's company, December, 1776, Daniel P'isk. The following enlisted early in 1777 for three years or dur- ing the war; Benjamin Wakefield, Josiah Eddy, corporal, John Hudson, corporal, Joseph Cody, corporal, Peter Shum- way, drummer, Moses Knowland, Richard Moore, William Jordan, David Town, all in Capt. Moore's Co. In Webb's company, Sylvanus Learned, sergeant, Noah Harkins, sergeant, John Harvey, David Manning. Jesse Stone, of Oxford, was captain of a company which marched on the "Bennington Alarm," and was out from July 19 to August 29, 1777. There were no Oxford men in the ranks. The following served three months in 1776 in the company commanded by Jonathan Carriel and Colonel Josiah Whitney's regiment : Sampson Marvin, Corp., Wm. Jordan, Jedediah Blaney, Richard Moore, Moses Town, Elislia Town, Amos Put- nam, Moses Knowland, Elisha Livermore served as a bombardier three months in 1776 in Captain William Todd's and Colonel Craft's artillery regiment. Nathaniel Wyman, in the same year, served a little over a month in Captain Aaron Guild's company and Colonel Whitney's regiment. The following served in Dorchester in 1778 in Captain March Chase's company in Col. Nathan Sparhawk's regiment : Jesse Hill, Isaac Anibell, David Smith. The following were drafted in 1778: Jonathan Fuller, John Jewell, Eleazer Stowell. The following served six months in 1779 in Captain Thomas Fish's company and Col. Nathan Tyler's regiment in Rhode Island : Thomas Fish, Captain, Ebenezer Coburn, Lieut., Abisha Shumway, Jacob Weeks, Samuel At wood. Revolutionary War. 387 The following served six months in the Continental army 1780: Thomas Walcott, Samuel White, James At wood, Samuel Wiley, Elisha Town, Jacob Nichols, Jacob Winslow, Moses Baker, Joseph Atwood, Benjamin Turner, Noah Dodge, David Town, Samuel Kelly. The following served three months in 1T81 in Capt. Keuben Davis' company and Col. Luke Drury's regiment : William Tucker, Corp., John M. Jewell, James Atwood, Ebenezer Stone, Phinehas Jones, Jonas Cummings, Lemuel Cudworth served in Rhode Island in 1781, in Captain Joseph Elliot's company and Colonel William Thomas' regi- ment. The following enlisted in 1781 to serve three years in the Continental army : Sylvanns Learned, Sergt., Noah Hoskins, John Harvey, David Manning. Besides the above the following Oxford men were in the service at various times : Nathan Atwood, Elijah Shumway, John Brown, Benjamin Rider, Adams Sulley, William Stowell, Cupp Donnings, William Lewis, John Quick. Leicester, December y^ 27, 1781. This may certify that I have received from the town of Ox- ford their full Quota of Men to fill up the Continental army. Seth Washburn, Superintendent. (From the original receipt recorded per Samuel Harris, town clerk.) From the Oxford Town Records. Capt. Fish discharge resignation and Reccommendation. May it please your Honor. I should take it as a favor if you could give me a discharge from the Service as I think myself much injured in my Rank as I can neither have what I think is my rank nor even a board of Gentlemen to sit to settle a dispute of Rank between Capt. 388 The Records of Oxford. Webb and I both of one Regiment tliougb I have requested it of Col. Shepard commanding tlie Regiment and at this time the Brigade to which we both belong. T. Fish, Caip. Col. Shepard, Reg. Providence, June 15, 1779. To the Honorable Maj.-Gen. Gates, Head-Quarters, Providence, June 17, 1779. Capt. T. Fish being desirous to Quit the service is hereby discharg'd the Army of the United States of America by order of Maj.-Gen. Gates. Isaac Peirce, A. D. Camp. The Names of Soldiers in the Continental Army from Oxford near the close of the War. Richard Moore, Jedediah Adams, Zaclieus Ballard, Josiah Eddy, William Foster, John Florey, John Fessenden, Jesse Forsyth, Adonijah Gleason, John Hudson, William Jordan, Moses Knowland, Sylvanus Learned, Samuel Putney, Ebenezer Robbins, Peter Shnraway, David Scanning, William Stuart, Moses Town, David Town, Jr., Samuel White. George Robinson, son-in-law of Gen, Learned, was in his brigade, and was killed at the battle of Saratoga. Reuben Robinson was also in the service, and died of fever in 1776. Joseph Kingsbury was drafted in 1777, and Samuel, his son, went in his stead, and was in the Saratoga l^attles. Josiah, sou of Jeremiah Kingsbury, joined the army at six- teeu years of age in 1775, and served till the close of the war ; was acting quarter-master under Arnold at West Point, and ensign when discharged. Others were as follows: James Hovey Davis, Samuel Jen- nison, lieutenant and quartermaster of Nixon's brigade at Sara- toga battles; David, son of John Barton, sick at Richmond Revohitionary War. 389 after Coruwallls' surrender; William, son of Benjamin Kddy, Parley, son of William Eddy, six months ; Jacob Fellows, Abijali, son of Abijah Gale, Brewer's regiment, died in ser- vice ; Jesse Gale, his brother, killed March 24, 1780 ; Ileze- kiali Lamed, marched from Upton on Lexington Alarm; Abi- jah Conant, son-in-law of Capt. John Nichols, went as servant to Nichols, died in service; John Twichell, Gideon Sibley, from Sutton, on Lexington Alarm; Abijah and Elihu, sons of David Thurston, in the same company, and both killed in the same battle August, 1777; Jedediah Adams, seven months in Wiley's company, killed ; Phinehas Bai-ton, Capt. John Nich- ols, joined the army 1777; Andrew Sigourney, in battle at White Plains and others, commissary, with rank of captain; * Anthony Sigourney, in same regiment ; Nathan Atwood, Eli- jah Shumway, John Bowers, Benjamin Rider, Adams Sully, William Stowell, Joseph Phillips. On September 29, 1777, Ezra Bowman was appointed by the Legislature adjutant of the Fifth regiment and entered the service, continuing until April, 1781, at least. A reinforcement for Gates, in service from August 1 to November 29, 1777, was commanded by Abijah Lamb, under Col. Gushing. Abijah Lamb, captain ; Ebenezer Humphrey, Sylvanus Towne, lieutenants; Elijah Larned, Arthur Hum- phrey, sergeants ; Dana Towne, Timothy Sparhawk, corporals ; Thomas Baker, Jonathan Coolidge, Jason Coller, Ebenezer Davis, John Fitts, Joseph Hurd, Isaac Larned, Jonathan Merriam, Samuel Stone (commissary), Elias Towne, Isaac Larned, Jr., privates. This reinforcement was in the Saratoga battles. Tradition states that Isaac Larned was bombardier in Capt. Todd's artillery company in 1776. Capt. Ebenezer Humphrey, Col. Jacob Davis. Company * Col. Holman's regiment. I 390 The Records of Oxford. marched July 30, 1 780, to Jlliode Island "on the alarm." Ebenezer Humphre}', captain ; Levi Davis, lieutenant ; Joshua Turner, 2d lieutenant ; Joseph Hurd, Ebenezer Humphrey, Jr., John Campbell, Amos Shumway, sergeants ; Benjamin Simraway, Jonathan Coburn, David Stone, Samuel Stone, corporals ; Samuel Cudworth, lifer ; Philip Ammidown, Eze- kiel Coller, Thomas Campbell, Solomon Covel, Jonas Davis, Simon Gleason, Nathaniel Hamlin, Jonathan Harris, Gideon Hovey, Jeremiah Kingsbury, Reuben Lamb, John Nichols, Jonas Pratt, Thomas Parker, Nathan Pratt, Ebenezer Red- ding, Moses Powell, Timothy Sparhawk, Josiah Shumway, Sylvanus Towne, Archibald Todd, Ambrose Stone, privates. Isaac Lamed was in this expedition — in another company. Time of service about thirteen days. Learned to Gen. Washington. "Sir, with regret I must humbly represent my case, Being so indis- posed in body that I am absolutely rendered unfit to serve the much in- jured and distressed publick with the alacrity and usefulness I could wish, or the importance of the cause requires; yet my hearty and great- est wish is tliat your Excellency may receive renown, and the United Colonies' arms still be distinguished with success and victory, and in God's own time every worthy member in the struggle return to and en- joy his own habitation in peace. But at present must request to absent myself from the Army in the manner your Excellency shall prescribe; and if it should be thought most expedient I should be dismissed the Continental service, if my past conduct is equal, should pray I may be dismissed with honor and supported home. In obtaining this I sliall have fresh instances of your Excellency's favor; and lay me under new obligations ever to remain your very humble servant. Ebenezer Learned." Addressed To the Hon. His Excellency, Geo. Washington, Esq. Col. Ebenezer Learned on April 2, 1777, received his ap- pointment from Congress of brigadier-general. He accepted Revolutionary War. 391 the offer, and soon joined the northern army under General Schuyler. His first service under his new commission was at Fort Edward, whence he proceeded to Fort Ticonderoga, where he secured and removed valuable stores before that fort was taken by Burgojne in his progress southward. On July 8, 1777, he was in command at Fort Edward, at which date he addressed the following to Gen. Schuyler : " Hon"* and Dear S': " I have the agreeable Tidings that our Men at Fort Ann are full of Resolution to Defend the Place and I am Supplying every Request from there yesterday after Noon the Enemy appeared in sight our People out and attacked them and Drove them 3 miles — Saw them carrying off Dead & Wounded — the Enemy consisted of Hessians, Canadians, & Indians we had 1 man Killed 3 Wounded — "From Fort George we are informed that the Enemy have made ap- pearance 7 miles from there on an island— 3 bateaux and 1 canoe — and Since we are drove to the great Necessity to Defend ourselves in this bare handed and confused Situation we are struggling to do it in the best manner we can. Have but very little Artillery and that un- mounted — but very little lead Balls — but very few Tools for fortifying — no Tents more but few Kettles &c &c — but in the midst of these Diffculties we find the great Importance of Defending this last security of our Country which God Grant we may never give up though at Pres- ent are very Defenceless — I would ask your Particular Orders and ad- vice in this Critical Time — I have made all Dispatch to remove the most valuable stores from Fort George not with any Design to leave it — but find the Necessity to save what few Medicines &c we have left. " This moment received from Fort Ann: the Enemy made an attack very near the Fort drove our People into the Fort — have heard no more " S' your very Humble Serv' "Eben» Learned B. : G. Hon'* Gen' Schuyler. "This moment heard there were a firing on Lake George we had boats sent down «&c." Fort Stanwix was saved, and Arnold and Learned marched to the Hudson. 392 The Records of Oxford. "During their absence the battle of Bennington had been fought, and Scliuyler Imd been superseded by Gen. Gates. Burgoyne was preparing for an advance on Albany, and to oppose his progress iVrnold and Koscinsco had selected a posi- tion to fortify called Beinis' Heights, a rise of ground pecu- liarly appropriate for the purpose, lying between the river (near wliicli was the highest portion) and Saratoga Lake, about six miles from it. On this ground, on the 19th of September, occurred the first of two hard-fought battles, and from the best evidence we have, Arnold was a leading spirit in the day's contest, and Learned, who commanded the centre brigade, acted a very important part under him. Washington to Heath. The next mention we find of him is in a letter of Gen. Washington to Gen. Heath at Boston, bearing date January 9, 1778, at Valley Forge, which contains the following: " I beg you will carefully forward the enclosed letters to Brigadiers Glover and Learned. Tliey contain orders for them to join their re- spective brigades, with which they are much wanted." Gen. Heath rej>Iied, saying these letters had been forwarded as requested. Upon the receipt of Wasiiingtoii's order Learned proceeded to Boston and laid open his case to Gen. Heath, who, on Feb. 7, 1778, wrote as follows to Gen. Washington: {Extracts from. Gen. Heath's Reply.'] Brig. -Gen. Learned called upon me a day or two since and requested that I would transmit your Excellency the enclosed certificates, and rep- resent his prenent state of health. He has proposed to resign his com- mission, but the Hon. Mr. Hancock and myself have persuaded him to delay for the present, as in a summer campaign he may render his coun- try essential service. He is anxious to know your Excellency's pleasure. On February 27, 1778, Gen. Washington replied as follows: "Considering Gen. Learned's ill state of health, I think his resigna- Revolutionary War. 307 tion had better be accepted of, more especially as from the nature of his complaint it does not appear that he can ever be able to bear the fatigues of a campaign. I would therefore advise him to make his resignation, with the reasons for so doing, to Congress, who are the proper Ijody to receive it." Gkn. Lkarned's Letter to Gen. Washington. UTVT tr a r, " BoSTON, .^^/;-C^ 12, 1778. " Most Hon'' Pk. : "I have served in this warfare since the beginning as a Col. of a Regt. till May 1776 when by indisposition by reason of certain fatigues in the army I found myself unequal and resigned the service. " Since I recovered a little the Honorable the Continental Congress on the second day of April 1777 appointed me to the command "of a Brig.-Gen'. "I immediately took the field, i)roceeded to Fort Edward, and at the evacuation of Ticonderoga had great fatigue in securing the remains of our stores that way. Directly on that marched my brigade to the relief of Fort Stanwix. " Immediately on return we had the satisfaction of reducing Bur- goyne's army with much fatigue and was personally and brigade^in the severe but victorious actions of Sept. 19 and Oct. 7, and after that army was imprisoned we took a forced March to Albany to stop the progress of the enemy that way. "All which brought on my former difficulties and by the advice of Doct. Potts I took a furlough of Gen. Gates to retire from the army till I was well; the receipt of which with my surgeon's certificate I have enclosed. "And I find I am quite unequal to act vigorously in my country's cause in the field and to eat the Publick's bread and not do the service I am not disposed. And I think I am better able to serve in a private or civil than in a military character. "All of which considered I think it my duty to myself and my fam- ily, and country to pray your Honor the Congress to discharge me from the service. "And I shall remain as before " Your Honor's "Very Humble Serv't. "Ebenezer Learned, B. : G " 50 394 'rf^^ Records of Oxford. In Congress, March 24, 1778, it was resolved that this resig- nation be accepted. Note. — The Saratoga battle-field, in 1885, still retains relics to recall the memories of scenes enacted on its site in the War of the Revolutiou. " The breastworks wiiich surrounded Reidesel's Brunswickers, and at the south-eastern extremity of which the Hanau artillery, under Capt. Fausch, was placed (enclosing an area of, perhaps, twenty acres), are yet easily traced, being still two, and in some places five feet high; and in the midst of a dense wood is seen the old camp well used by this portion of Burgoyne's array. "A large portion of the British camp, after the action of the 19th, was on the site of tliat battle. "The house which was the headquarters of Generals Arnold, Learned and Poor, before, during and after the two actions, is still standing in excellent preservation. "The 'Ensign House,' which received a portion of Burgoyne's wounded, together with the tall Dutch clock, which ticked off the num- bered minutes of tlie dying, still remain. " Among other souvenirs of similar interest, may be mentioned the ' Lovegat House ' of Coreville, in which Burgoyne and his staff rested for one night, both on the advance and on the retreat, and which is rendered additionally interesting from its having been the starting point of Lady Ackland, wlien, accompanied by Parson Brudewell, she set out in a frail boat, and in the midst of darkness and a cold autumnal storm, to rejoin her husband, then lying wounded in tlie American camp. The house remains exactly as it was at the time of Burgoyne's visit, and with the same old poplar standing in the door-yard." War of 1812. 395 CHAPTER XXYI. War of 1812; Mexican War; The Civil War. The war of 1812 was caused by aggressions upon the com- merce ol" the United States, and the impressment of seamen from American vessels by tb.e English. The American gov- ernment decided to declare war against England, June 18, 1812. General Henry Dearborn was commander-in-chief. The war of 1812 continued until the battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1815. In 1813 the Americans planned to invade Canada with three armies. The Army of the West, comnianded by General William Henry Harrison, was collected near the western end of Lake Erie. The Army of the Centre, under General Dear- born, was at Sackett's Harbor and on the Niagara frontier. The Armj^ of the North assembled on the shores of Lake Champlaiu, wiili General Wade Hampton as commander. Abijah, son of Dr. Daniel Fisk, died in 1813, of camp fever at Greenbush ; John, son of George Alverson, killed in battle ; J. Prentice, son of Levi Lamb, died in service; Sylvanus, son of Col. Sylvanue Towne, in regular army on western frontier, from 1800 to 1820, returned and died in Oxford ; David Wait served at Fort Warren; Tisdale Atwood and Hovey Bounds, wounded at Queenstown ; Russell Wiiite and George Blandin died in service ; Jesse Priggs, Rufus Briggs, William Stiles, Edward Shumway and Joseph Lamb, musician, Capt. John Butler during the war of 1812 served in the regular army. The Army Register (p. 107) sets him down second lieutenant, August 14, 1813, and on March 17, 1814, first lieutenant, in the Twenty-fourth infantry. His captain was Robert Desha, and his colonel, E. P. Gaines. He was stationed at Fort Osage, Jackson Co., Missouri, founded 1808, 300 miles up the river and near the present 39^ Tlie Records of Oxford. si to of Kansas City. It is described by Brackenbridge in 1811. (Louisiana, p. 217.) Penned in by Indians, his command had no rations but, potatoes, while buffaloes were rovintj l)efore their eyes. They were at last obliged to bni'u the fort and escape down the river in boats. Among his other stations were St. Charles, Bellefontaine and Fort Chirk. In January, 1814, he was acting adjutant at Newport, Ky., keeping guard over 4(>0 British prisoners. lie writes from Detroit, May 14, IS 14, that he had marched thither from Newport across the State of Ohio ; that 400 regulars were in Detroit, and that 400 militia had just pushed on to establish a post ninety miles above. His force reaching St. Joseph, July 20, destroyed it, and also British stores at St. MaryV, arriving at Mackinaw, July 26. On August 4, 900 Americans landed, were attacked by Indians in thick bushes, and fought tliere forty n)inutes, losing 87 killed or wounded ; they returned to their boats. In Lieutenant Butler's company the captain, Desha, was shot through the thigh, the third lieutenant, Jackson, and six pri- vates were killed ; Butler's own sword belt was cut by a bullet. General Cullum's account of the action is as follows (p. 200): " Aug. 4. Our land force attempted an attack from a height in the rear of the fort, which resulted in a shar]> conflict, chiefly with Indians in a thick wood, and the retreat of our troops." Capt. Butler in his person was not a large man, but of un- common strengtli and agility. In youth he was a celebrated wrestler. Durin*' the war there were conflicts on the ocean. The sloop- of-war Hornet, Captain James Lawrence, compelled the British brig Peacoclc to strike her colors after an engagement continuing but fifteen minutes. Lawrence was promoted to the command of the Chesapeake. James Butler Sigourney of Boston was a sailing master in the United States Navy ; entered as midshipman, March — , 1809 ; was a favorite pupil of Lawrence, on board the Wasp. Was sailing master of the Nautilus War of i8i2. 397 when captured, June 16, 1812; was curried to flalifax, June 28, by tlie Shannon; he soon came back to the States, and was invited to the same station on board the Hornet, by his old master, but was unable to accept, because the Hornet sailed before his excliange was ratified by our government. He was ordered to the southern station and com- manded the scliooner Asp. July 14, 1813, he was attacked in the Potomac by three British barges, which he successfully repelled, but an hour afterward was overpowered by a force of fifty men, in five boats, who boarded, exclaiming, no quarter. Of the Asp's crew, twenty-one in all, some threw themselves overboard; the rest (except two) were put to death. Sigourney kept his station, and was cut down when only three men were left on deck, one of whom begged in vain for quarter. — Boston Gazette, August 9, 1813. On the 1st of Jane, 1813, Lawrence, with his vessel ill- equipped and ill-manned, put to sea from Boston, to engage the British frigate Shannon, which, with a well-disciplined crew, was lying off the harbor inviting au attack. The action was short, but very furious. In a few minutes the Chesapeake became exposed to a raking fire, and her chief officers were killed or wounded. Then the enemy boarded her and hauled down the colors. Lawrence, after he was mortally wounded, gave his last heroic order: "Don't give up the ship." This was the most memorable sea-fight of the year. Perry's victory on Lake Erie, in capturing British vessels, was a great achievement. General Harrison hastened to profit by this victory of Ferry on Lake Erie. Embarking his troops on board of Perry's fleet, he crossed to Canada. Harrison pursued the enemy and overtook them, October 5th, waiting to give battle. He charged upon the English, broke their ranks, and caused them to surrender. The savages made a brave resistance, but Tecumseh*, their leader, was soon slain, and they were forced to take flight. The victories of Perry and Hari-ison brought the war to an end on the north-western frontier. * Tecumseh was a noted Indian warrior; he was chief of the Shawnees and had taken part against the Americans in many conflicts. 398 TJie Records of Oxford. Owen Qninn, in flie war of 1S12, a native of Ireland, had been impressed into the British service when at his home in Ireland, in early youth. His recollections of that home were of his mother standing at the gate of her cottage taking her last leave of him, as he was iiurried away, with the sound of drum and life, to join in the Peninsula war in Spain. He fought against the French, was stationed at the Straits of Gibraltar, and from his tall fignre lie was a grenadier while in service. In 1813 his regiment was ordered froin Spain to the United States to fight against the Americans. Owen Qniim was in the British blockade on the Atlantic coast, wliich was stationed at the Penobscot river in Maine. While on board of the British man-of-war he was detailed to go on shore to collect wood for the ship. While on shore he fled to the American camp, was pursued as a deserter, but just escaped being made a prisoner and shot. In sympathy for American liberty he enlisted in the United States service to the end of the war. He knew by deserting he lost all hope of his pension from the British government, as he was promised, if he were disabled or retired with an honorable dis- charge from service. He became a resident of Oxford (now Webster). He died in Sutton, Mass., December, 1871, aged 82 years. Captain William Googings of Oxford, it is said, was a native of Maine, born in 1768; in his youth went to Nantucket, where he continued for thirty two years a sailor and whaleman ; later in the merchant service, and became part owner and cap- tain of a vessel. In the war of 1812 his vessel, with a valu- able cargo, of which he was also part owner, was captured by French privateers, and he was taken to France. A few years after his return he came to Oxford, and resided in a cottage on the old Charlton road near the river, west from the north com- mon. Captain Googings died June, 1832. The Mexican War. 399 Clone of the War. In December, 1814, a fleet of over 10,000 troops arrived from England to capture JNew Orleans. On the 8th of Janiiiry, 1815, the British, under Sir Edward Pakenham, made -aw attack upon the intrencliments a few miles below New Orleans, Ijut failed of success^ — General Jackson obtaining a great victory for the Americans in this engagement. The war had now continued for more than two years and a half before the battle <»f New Orleans. A treaty of peace was signed at Ghent, in Belgium, Decem- ber 21, 1814, by American and British Conmiissioners. News traveled slowly in these days. TuE Mexican War. President Polk's administration wms most notable by the war with Mexico, which resulted from the annexation of Texas. Permitting Texas to join the Unicn was received l\y the Mexicans as an act of hostility. While war was impending. General Taylor received orders from government to advance into Texas with a body of Ameri- can troops to repel a threatened invasion of the Mexicans. In August, 1845, he formed his camp at Corpus Christi, just within the boundary of the disputed territory. The early part of the following year, having received orders to advance, he moved to the Rio Grande, opposite Matamoras. Now on the east bank of the river, he commenced building a fort (Fort Brown). Before arriving at the Rio Grande he established at Point Isat)el a place of deposit for supplies. May 8, on returning from Point Isabel, he met General Arista with the Mexican army, and gained a victory over the Mexicans on the plains of Palo Alto. The next day. May 9, General Taylor advancing again met the Mexicans at Resaca de la Palma, and totally defeated them. On the 18th of May 400 TJie Records of Oxford. Taylor crossed the river Rio Grande and took possession of Matamoras. In a few months General Taylor moved his army of aboat 6,H00 men against Monterey, and on the 24th of September, after a siege of four days and a series of assaults, the city was surrendered to the Americans. In January, 1847, a large part of General Taylor's best troops were withdrawn to aid General Scott, who had been ordered to invade Mexico by way of Vera Cruz. Santa Anna, general-in-chief of the Mexican forces, collected 20,000 troops, and made an attack upon Taylor and Wool in a narrow mountain-pass, near the plantation Buena Vista. The battle commenced in the afternoon of the 22d of February, 1847, and continued the next day till night, when Santa Anna retreated. This victory terminated the war in that part of the country held by Taylor's forces. From this time the Mexicans made efforts to resist the invasion which General Scott was to make to the very centre of her power. General Scott had landed his army near Vera Crnz, March 9, 1S47, and soon had com})letely invested the city. After a furious bom- bardment of four days from the army and fleet, Vera Crnz and the strong castle San Juan d'Ulloa surrendered. A few days afterward Scott began Iiis march toward tlie city of Mexico. At the mountain-pass of Cerro Gordo he met Santa Anna, who had collected another army. On the ISth of April the Americans totally routed the Mexicans. The victors continued their march to Pueblo, which was surrendered by the Mexicans. The fortified camp of Contreras, twelve miles south of Mexico, was assaulted and carried. This success was followed by the brilliant victory of Clieru- busco. On the 8th of September General Worth led his col- umn against the forces of the enemy in a strong stone struc- ture. "The battle fought on that day was the most bloody of the war, but the position was won." Five davs later the Americans stormed the rock and castle The Mexican War. 401 of Chapultepee, the last stroiif^ defense of tlie capital, and routed the whole Mexican army. Septemher U, IS-tT, the Americans entered the city of Mexico and raised the "stars ami stripes" over the national pal- ace. The fall of the cajjital was the close of the war. Tiie United States o;ained bj their brilliant victories in Mexico a large teri-itory stretching to tlie Pacific coast. A treaty was concluded in February, 184S, aii., Simon Carson, Corp., Horace P. Howe, corp., Anthony Mnr])hy, eorp., John Toomey, corp., Nathaniel Viall, corp., Joseph H. Williams, Corp., Andrew B. Yeomans, corp., Oscar L. Guild, musician, Charles A. Bacon, Matthew Brennan, Patrick Brennan, Samuel A. Clark, Daniel Cobb, Otis Cobnrn, Edward Cud- worth, F. L. Kirby, Leander T. Kirhy, James H. Davis, Horatio C. Dodge, Caleb F. Dudley, James Duffy, Frank Dupre, John Eckersley, Joseph E. Fellows, Patrick Feiglian, Herbert N. Fuller, Joseph M. Green, George W. Gunsfon, Joseph E. Haskell, John W. Humphrey, James Hilton, Joseph Jennison, Thomas King, Edward Lovel}-, Edwin E. Rindge, George O. Raymond, Jerome P. Southwick, Bernard Schmidt, Felix Sherbino, Edwin A. Martin, Julius N. Bellows, Josiah C. Brown, Daniel Y. Childs, John Dore, Amos P. Newton, Jr., William Robbins, Albert Foskett, George Bacon, William Ronan, Leonard E. Thayer, Albeit S. Moffitt, Margins E. Steere, Timothy Moynahan, Anthony Murphy, William Y. Woodbury, Alexander Thompson, Thomas Thompson, Samuel Thompson, John Tully,— Mac Lynch. Battles in which Company E, Fifteenth Regiment, Massachu- setts Yolunteers was engaged. Ball's Bluff, Oct. 21, 1861 ; Siege of Yorktown, April 5 to May 5, 1862 ; Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862 ; Savage Station, June 29, 1862 ; White Oak Swamp, June 80, 1862 ; Glendale, later, same day ; Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862; Yienna, Sept. 2, 1862, on letreat from Fairfax; South Mountain, Sep. 14, 1862; Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862; Fredericksburg, Dec. 11 to 16, 1862; second Fredericksburg, May 34, 1863 ; Gettysburg, July 2, 3, 4, 1863 ; Bristow Sta- tion, Oct. 14, 1863; second Bull Run, Oct. 15, 1863; Mine Run or Locust Grove, Nov. 27, 28, 29, 1863; Wilderness, May 5 to 9, 1864 ; Laurel Hill, May 10, 1864 ; Farna Hill, The Civil War. ^07 May 11, 1864; Spottsjlvania, May 12, 13, 18, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 3 to 11, 18(i4; before Peten^bur^, June 18 to 22, 1864. Gen. George B. McClellan, who Iiad just conducted a suc- cessful campaign in West Virginia, was summoned to Wash- ington to take command of the troops on the Potomac. This arn)y soon became iin.nensely strong, but made no general ad- vance until the next veir. Some months were spent in organ- izing and disciplining the grand army. On the 1st of Novem- ber McClellan succeeded tlie aged chieftain, Scott, as goneral- lu -chief of the armies of the United States. In the antumn a severe action took place at BalPs Bluff on the Potomac, above Washington, liearly two thousand [Jnion troops sent across the river from the Maryland side by Gen fetone, the commander in that vicinity, were defeated in a bat- tle, October 21, with licavy lo.s. Col. Baker, a national sena- tor rom Oregon, and the leader of the expedition, was among the killed. ^ Joseph Jennison, J.-., and James Hilton were killed ; Ber- nard B. Vassall, lieutenant, prisoner; John M. Norcross, Na- thaniel A. Viall, Joseph H. Williams and Patrick Moore (both wounded), corporals; privates Amidon, Daniel Cobb, Ooburn, Thomas Conroy, William Conroy, Geo. P. Davis, Wi ham M. Davis, Dockhan., Duffy, Eckersley, Emerson, J^eilows, Jeighan (wounded), Mclntire, McKinstry, Moffit (wounded), Moynahan, Phipps (wounded), Vernon R Eindge, fechmidt were taken prisoners ; 5 officers, 22 privates ; total, 27. 1 .e number of men of the regiment who crossed was about b^{>, ot tliese only one half returned. McClellan moved forward toward Richmond, and establish- ing h.s base of supplies at White House, on the Pamunkey, threw the left wing of his army across the Chickahominy, a m'-^' o7T^lT ^'''"' "" '^^'^ '^^''^^- Tl^is wing was attacked iVLay .1, 1862, near Fair Oaks and Seven Pines. The battle 4o8 TJic Records of Oxford. lasted part of two days, and at its close the Confederates fell back to liicliaioiid. The loss was very severe on each side. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, the Confederate commander, was severely wounded, and Gen. Robert E. Lee was afterward as- sif^ned to command in his place. McClellan had been expectin;^ to be re-enforced by McDow- ell, who was at Fredericksburg, in command of over forty thou- sand men. To keep the way open for McDowell to join him, he liad sent forward a column under Gen, Fitz-John Porter, who routed a body of the enemy at Hanover Court House, four days before the battle of Fair Oaks. But a bold enter- prise performed by the Confederate Gen. Jackson, popularly known as "Stonewall" Jackson, prevented the junction of McDowell and McClellan. On Jnly 1, 18^2, occurred the battle of Malvern Hill, the last of the Richmond battles, in which the Confederates were repulsed at every point. The Fifteenth Regiment was en- gaged, but the loss was small. The fighting continued during seven days, known as the Seven Days before Richmond, ending in a bloody repulse of the Confederates at Malvern Hill. The other principal bat- tles had been fought at Mechanicsville. September 17, was fonght the great l)attle of Antietam, which raged from dawn till dark, and left both armies greatly shattered ; but Lee was forced to recross the Potomac. This was one of the great battles of the war. Each army numbered about one hundred thousand men, and the contest continued from morning till night. During tlie night the Con- federates retreated. In this struggle the Fifteenth lost heavil3\ The casualties in Company E were : killed, Serg. Amos H. Shumway (l)uried on the field) ; Alfred W. Davis, died of wounds Sept. 22 ; John H. Curran, James H. Davis, Alexan- der Thompson, Conrad Amptaeur, Charles H. Wheelock, with many wounded. The Civil War. 409 OnjDecember 13, 1862, occurred the first battle of Fredericks- burg (Gen. Burnside being in command), in which the Fifteentli was eniraored. The Confederates foui^ht beliind intrench- ments and t!ie Unionists in tlie open fiehl, with great loss. One, Edwai'd Lovely, wounded, and one, Emory F. Bailey, missing, in Company E. A note (in Company E Records), dated December 11, says : " Regiment marched across the river to Fredericksburg — in active service till the 16th — then ordered to old camp near Falmouth." On the 3d crossed to Fredericksburg and joined, under Gen, Hooker, in the second attack on the Confederate works. Fail- ing in the attempt, it reerossed the river the same night, and for four days acted as picket guard and snpp(»rt of a battery near the river, " On the 8th, " moved back to the hill oppo- site the Lacy House," where an encampment was made, con- tinuing about five weeks. 1863. In Virginia, Gen, Hooker superseded Burnside, and was severely beaten at Chancellorsvillc (May 2, 3) by Lee, who soon after set out for a second invasion of the loyal States. General Meade superseded Hooker, beat Lee in the great and decisive battle of Gettysburg (July 1, 2, 3), and pursued him into Virginia. In a Spy editorial, July 23, 1804, occurs the following:* Gen. Lee, thinking the Union lines weakening, precipitated upon their left center his reserve of eighteen thousand of his best troops, intending to sweep the field. The Union veterans were equal to the emergency, met the assault with coolness and bravery, forced back the attacking column, and decided the fortunes of the day. *The next day (July 3) the battle was renewerl. The shock was terri- ble. Late in the afternoon, when the rebel lines showed signs of waver- ing, the colors of the Fifteenth were ordered (by Gen. John Gibbon) to advance. The remnant of the regiment rallied to their support, and as if by one impulse the wliole line pushed forward with a shout and car- ried the position. Tlie rebel army was defeated." 52 4IO The Records of Oxford. Of Company E, privates Geo. W. Cross and Michael Fl^-nn were killed, and Capt. Prince, Corp. Antbon}^ Murphy and Owen Tonar, Eobert Lnsty and Thonaas King, privates, wounded. Flynn was on detached service in a Rhode Island battery, and is said to have been among the bravest. 1863. The Federals, under Rosecrans, were defeated at the Chickamanga (September 19 and 20), and besieged in Chat- tanooga. The siege was raised, and the enemy thoroughly de- feated by Grant in a three days' battle, beginning November 23. Soon after the Confederates were repulsed before Knox- ville by Burnside. Gen. Meade still held command of the Army of the Poto- mac, which had the task of conquering Lee's army. Lient.- Gen. Grant had his head-quarters with the Army of the Poto- mac, and took the general direction of military affairs. This army cro8sed the Rapidan, May 4, 1864, and the next day Lee hurled his heavy columns upon it, in the region known as the Wilderness.* There a terrific battle raged for two days, at the close the Confederates withdrawing behind their in- trenchments. These were too strong to be assaulted. Grant, *0f the battle of the Wilderness, a recent writer has said: " It was the most strange and indescribable battle in history. A battle which no man saw, and in which artillery was useless. A battle fought in dense woods and tangled brake, when manoeuvre was impossible, where the lines of battle were invisible to the commanders, and whose position could only be determined by the rattle and roll and flash of musketry, and where the enemy was also invisible." Another says: " Nothing can be stranger or more diflicult to understand and picture mentally than tliis death grapple between 200,000 men in virtual dark- ness, this desperate struggle, costing from 12,000 to 15,000 lives, fought out without perception on either side of the entities that were moving rifle-trigger and gun-lock. The firing was guided wholly by the flashes of the opposing volleys. No men were to be seen. Yet death was everywhere. In no battle of the war could the courage of the combat- ants have been so severely tried as here."-— iV. Y. Tribune, June 22, 1888. TJie Civil War. 411 resolving to go on, therefore made a flank movement, but again found his foe before him at Spottsylvania, where the rival armies had a long, fierce struggle. Another flank movement was followed by a fight at the I*^orth Anna, and another by the bloody Federal repulse at Cold Harbor. When- ever Grant made a flanking advance, Lee fell back rapidly, and behind breastworks again confronted him. The great battles of the Civil War were Gettysburg, Spott_ sylvania. Wilderness, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Chickamauga, Cold Harbor, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Shiloh, Stone River and Petersburg. Gettysburg was the greatest battle of the war ; Antietam the bloodiest. The largest army was assembled by the Confederates at the seven days' fight; by the Union, at the Wilderness. On the 5th and 6th of May was fought the battle of the Wilderness, with many losses and no decided advantage to either side. On the 9th, after three days' hard fighting, the Confederates retreated with 13,00(» loss. On the 11th and 12th occurred the battle of Spottsylvania, when 4,000 Con- federates were captured. General Wilson, with thirteen thousand horsemen, sent out by General Thomas, was making a great raid through the heart of Alabama, capturing cities, and destroying railroads and other property useful to an enemy. General Stoneman, from East Tennessee, was also making a great raid with cavalry in South-western Virginia and the western part of North Carolina. General Sheridan, with near ten thousand troopers, burst- ing through the Shenandoah Valley, had fallen again upon the little army of Early, and captured most of it. Then he de- stroyed the canal west of Richmond, and tore up the railroads north of the city. Sweeping around easterly, he joined the Union army before Petersburg. Grant opened the final campaign on the 29th of March. 412 The Records of Oxford. On tbe morning of that day'-he set in motion strong columns of his arnij to pass around the end of tiie intrenchments south-west of Petersburg, so as to get to the enemy's rear. Fighting began on the same day, and on tbe Ist of April, Sheridan, in command of these flanking columns, tboroughl}- defeated part of Lee's army, at the cross-roads called Five Forks. Eai'ly in tbe next morning Grant made a general assault U})on tbe whole line of intrenchments before Petersburg, and carried it, driving tbe Confederates to tbeir inner works. Jefferson Davis and bis Cabinet fled from Tlicbmond. Lee's army abandoned} tlie cities which they had so long and so bravely defended, and hurried westward, aiming to unite with Jobnston's army in North Carolina. April 3 the Union troops occupied botb Petersburg and Richmond. Tbe saddest story of all the war is tbat wiiich tells of the cruel treatment of Union prisoners in the South. We would not here describe, if we could, the terrible sufferings whicb the captives bad to endure in Libby prison, on Belle Isle, and above all, in tbat great prison-pen at Andersonville, from beat, cold, hunger, from diseases which should have been prevented, and from outrages committed by brutal guards. Note. — The goverument sent expeditious for the capture of Fort Sumter aud .Charleston. Early in April, 1863, Admiral Du Pont, with a fleet of iron-clads, assailed the defenses of Charleston Harbor, but he was soon obliged to retire. Afterward land and naval forces, under General Gillmore and Admiral Dahlgren, attacked these defenses. In July Gillmore seized part of Morris Island, and tried to take Fort Wagner, on the other part, by storming it, but failed with sad loss. By a siege, the Confederates were at lengtli forced to abandon this fort. Fort Sumter was bombarded aud made a heap of ruins, but the garrison still held it, and Charleston also withstood the long siege, although Gillmore threw shells into the city from Morris Island. NoTK. — The 1st of February, 1865, saw Sherman again on the march. Moving northward, he easily brushed aside the small bodies of the The Civil War. 413 enemy which offered any annoyance, and on the 17th occupied Columbia, the capital of South Carolina. On the same day Charleston was aban- doned by its garrison, whose safety was now threatened by Sherman's movements. On the following day, February 18, Gillmore's troops raised the national flag over Fort Sumter, and took possession of the city. The Civil War. Chronological Bevicw. "Lincoln became president in 1861. He entered upon a second term in 1865, but, April 14, was assassinated, and Vice-President Johnson succeeded to the presidency. " During these administrations the most formidable rebellion known to history was subdued, and slavery in the United States was abolished by an amendment of the Constitution. 1861. "The Rebels attacked Fort Sumter, and compelled Major Anderson to evacuate it, April 14. The president called for troops. Jefferson Davis offered to commission privateers, and a blockade of the southern ports was established. Four more slave States joined the Confederacy. "The Federals, in Virginia, were disastrously defeated at Bull Run (July 21), and in the autumn at Ball's Bluff. In West Virginia, General McClellan, in July, gained victories over the Confederates at Rich Mountain and Canick's Ford, and before the end of the year that region was nearly cleared of armed Confederates. "In Kentucky, the Confederates, in September, seized and fortified Columbus, and the Union troops, under General Grant, then occupied Paducah. " In Missouri, Lyon captured a camp of disloyalists near St. Louis, in May, but lost the hard-fought battle of Wilson's Creek (August 10). " On the Atlantic coast the Federals captured the Confederate works at Hatteras Inlet (August 29), and those at Port Royal Entrance, November 7. " Mason and Slidell were taken from the British steamer Trent. 1862. " The Federal government prohibited slavery in the territories, abol- ished it in the District of Columbia, and authorized the enlistment of colored troops. "In the West, east of the Mississippi, the Federals gained a victory at Mill Spring (January 19); captured Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, and occupied Nashville ; were victorious, under General Grant, at Shiloh 414 The Records of Oxford. (April 6 and 7), and, under General Halleck, compelled the enemy to evacuate Corinth (May 29). In autumn, the Federals, under General Rosecrans, defeated the enemy at luka, and at Corinth. The Confed- erates fell back after the battle of Perryville (October 8), and at Mur- freesboro' they were beaten by General Rosecrans in a three days' battle, which began December 31. "West of the Mississippi, a Union victory was won at Pea-Ridge (March 7 and 8), and nine months afterward, another at Prairie Grove. " The Confederate posts on the Mississippi, as far as Vicksburg, suc- cessively yielded to the Federals, and Admiral Farragut opened the river from its mouth to New Orleans (April 25), of which city General Butler took military possession. "On the Atlantic coast General Burnside and Commodore Golds- borough captured Roanoke Island, and before the end of April nearly the whole coast of North Carolina was at the mercy of the Federals, who also had reduced Fort Pulaski. The Confederate ram Merrimack after a day's havoc among the Union vessels in Hampton Roads (March 8), Avas driven back to Norfolk by the 3Ionitor. "In Virginia, the Army of the Potomac, under McClellan, compelled the Confederates to evacuate York town, beat them at Williamsburg, repulsed them near Fair Oaks and Seven Pines (May 31). Meanwhile Stonewall Jackson drove the Federals from the Shenandoah Valley, and then joined General Lee before Richmond. Lee then, in a seven days' campaign of almost constant lighting, raised the siege of the Confed- erate capital, pursuing McClellan to the James, where the latter repulsed the Confederates, with great loss, at Malvern Hill (July 1). The Con- federates next moved against the Army of Virginia, commanded by General Pope, and, after a series of conflicts, beginning at Cedar Mountain and ending at Chantilly (September 1), compelled Pope to fall back within the defences of Washington. Lee next invaded Maryland. McClellan gained a victory over him at South Mountain, and by the great battle of Antietam (September 17) forced the Confederates, who had meanwhile captured Harper's Ferry, back to Virginia. Burnside superseded McClellan, and was badly defeated, at Fredericksburg (December 13). "During the summer the Sioux War broke out. It was suppressed the next year. 1863. " President Lincoln signalized the opening of the year war by issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. "In Virginia, General Hooker superseded Burnside, and Avas severely beaten at Chancellorsville (May 2, 3) by Lee, who soon after set out for The Civil War. 415 a second invasion of the loyal States. General Meade superseded Hooker, beat Lee in the great and decisive battle of Gettysburg (July 1, 2, 3), and pursued hira into Virginia. " Vicksburg was surrendered to General Grant (July 4), and a few days later Port Hudson to General Banks. "The Federals, under Rosecrans, were defeated at the Chickaraauga (September 19 and 20), and besieged in Chattanooga. The siege was raised, and the enemy thoroughly defeated by Grant, in a three days' battle, beginning November 23. Soon after the Confederates were repulsed before Knoxville by Burnside. 1864. " Among the earlier events were the expedition to Meridian, the Fort Pillow massacre, the Red River expedition, and a Federal defeat at Olustee, Florida. "Grant was appointed to the chief command of the Union armies, and, crossing the Rapidan with the Array of the Potomac (May 4), met the enemy in bloody conflicts in the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania, the North Anna, and Cold Harbor. Then crossing the James (June 14), joined by Butler from Fortress Monroe, he laid siege to Petersburg and Richmond. The Confederates made a third invasion of Maryland. They were soon obliged to retreat, but hovered near the Potomac till General Sheridan, in a brilliant campaign, ending in the victory of Cedar Creek (October 19), closed the war in the Shenandoah Valley. "In the west. General Sherman made his famous march to the sea. Setting out (May 6) from Chattanooga, he fought heavy battles, the severest being at Resaca, Dallas, and Kenesaw Mountain, and captured Atlanta (September 2) ; then sweeping through Georgia to the sea, he carried Fort McAllister by assault, and took Savannah (December 21). Meanwhile the Confederates had been successfully resisted at Franklin, and disastrously routed at Nashville (December 15 and 16) by General Thomas. " In June the notorious privateer Alabama was captured. In August Admiral Farragut won a victory in Mobile Bay. 1865. "Fort Fisher, North Carolina, was captured (January 15). Sherman swept northward through South Carolina; drove the Confederates from Columbia; compelled them to evacuate Charleston; then pressing for- ward into North Carolina, beat them at Averysboro' and at Bentonville, and entered Goldsboro' (March 23). April 3, the Union troops occupied both Petersburgh and Richmond. Before the end of May all the Southern army surrendered. ^itd llotcs. The Records of Oxford. Bernon, the Founder of the French Settlement in Oxford. In 1685 Gabriel Bernon, the rich merchant of La Rochelle, in the height of persecution was imprisoned for some mouths. A memorial of his imprisonment is still i^reserved by oue of his descendants, a Frencli Psalter* of minute size presented to him 1)y a fellow prisoner in the tower of La Lanterne. On his release from imprisonment he escaped from France to Holland. Esther Le Roy, his wife, endeavored to accompany him, but was arrested in the attempt, but afterward with her children, rejoined him in Holland. Bernon's goods were seized October 13, 1685. His imprisonment ex- tended from this date to May, 1686, as shown in a document dated La Rochelle, 10 May, 1686, giving the condition of his affairs on his release. A portion of his estate was transmitted to his bankers in Amsterdam. He left Holland with his family in February, 1687, for London. Gabriel Bernon was married to Esther, daughter of Francois Le Roy of La Rochelle. In a little packet (among the manuscripts of Gabriel Bernon) sealed with the Bernon arms, is enclosed the following paper: "Esther Le Roy was born the 9th of September, 1652, between 2 and 3 o'clock in the morning. She was baptized in church on the 10th of the following November by the Rev. Mr. Flaug ; godfather, my brother-in- law; godmother, Olive Cosse, cousin german to my wife." (This little manuscript would appear to be written by the father of Esther Le Roy). Soon after his arrival in New England, he was engaged in the manu- facture of various naval stores for exportation to England. His success in this manufacture attracted a government agent, who had been sent over by the Earl of Portland to ascertain what advantages existed in the American Colonies for supplying the royal fleet with these articles. Mr. Bernon proceeded at once to England, in 169^, hoping to obtain from the English government a patent for the manufacture of such naval stores. He was well received in London by Lord Portland and by Lord Carmarthen, president of the royal council. He succeeded in securing a contract with the government for a certain number of years. Bernon made a second visit to Loudon in December, 1696. The fol- lowing spring he returned to Boston, in company with Governor Belle- mont, "to whom he had been introduced and strongly recommended, while in England, by the Earl of Galway and other distinguished persons. Lord Bellemont entered heartily into his plans for the encouragement of colonial products, and urged upon the royal council the expediency of *0n the heavy silver clasp of the book are the initials "T. D." of the original owner. Biographical Sketches. 410 appoiutiug Beruou to superintend the manufacture of uaval stores." "It was brought again and again to the notice of the Lords of Trade (but without success.)" Meanwhile, as early as 1692, Beruon's indomitable energies were en- gaged with Faneuil and Louis Allaire in the commerce with Pennsylvania and Virginia, exporting goods to England and the West Indies, in part- nership with other Boston merchants ; and joining Charles de la Tour in the peltry trade with Nova Scotia. He was interested in the manu- facture of nails, in the making of salt, and in building and purchasing of ships.* After a residence of nine years in Boston, Bernon leaves Boston in 1697, for Newport, K. I., where he remained some years. Madame Bernon died at Newport, June 14, 1710, aged 56 years. And her grave- stone is still to be seen in the old church-yard at Newport. He then removed to Providence, and subsequently to Kingstown, but in 1718 he returned to Providence. For a short time after the death of Madame Bernon he resided at Newport, and then commenced making investments, by purchases, in the Narragansett country, with a view to residing in No. Kingstown. The ruins of his house still remain. In these days the great road for travel from Boston to New York followed the shore, and was sometimes known as the Peqnot path, and Wickford as Updike. Newtown and Tower Hill were two of the principal places of business. Bernon purchased of Ludowick Updike a wharf lot at Wickford, built a wharf, a warehouse and a sloop. While in Kingstown he was active in support of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, of which the noted Dr. James McSparrau was rector. Bernon was elected one of the vestry of St. Paul's, in 1718. A letter addressed by Richard Coote, Earl of Belleraout, to Mr. Bernon, dated New York, November 23, 1698 C Bernon papers, translation from the French) : "Sir: I am sorry to learn that you have left New England for the purpose of residing in Rhode Island. Mr. Campbell told me the news, which afflicts me much, since I had desire to cultivate all possible friend- ship with you when I shall arrive at Boston. "I am ashamed for not having written you sooner, but, I assure you, it has not been for want of esteem, but solely from having been continu- ally occupied by the alTairs of ray government. If you tind occasion to come and establish yourself here in this town, I shall do all I possibly can for your encouragement. *It would appear that Bernon, like other refugees who were "men of estates" in France, received remittances from La Rochelle, through his correspondents. 420 The Records of Oxford. "I shall not forget the recommendation of you by the Count of Gal- way ; and I am truly and strongly disposed to respond to it by all good offices. I shall be very glad to see you here, for the purpose of con- versing with you upon certain affairs which relate to the service of the King. "I am, with true esteem and friendship, "Your very humble servant, "Bkllemont. "For Mr. Bernon, a French merchant, Rhode Island." Bernou was truly a loyal subject to the crown of England and it was with displeasure he viewed the French Protestants of New York uniting with the opponents to Governor Bellemout's policy. Mr. Bernou accepted Governor Bellemout's invitation and visited New York the following March, and was received with great courtesy and every mark of consideration. Extracts from Charles W. Baird, D.D.'s History of the Emigra- tion OF THE Huguenots. Gabriel Bernon was born at La Rochelle, France, April 6, 1644. He was descended from a family of great antiquity in Burgundy, "tracing its lineage to the earliest centuries of the French monarchy." The Bernons of La Rochelle possessed an independent claim to nobility, for they had furnished several mayors to the city, and according to ancient usage, this office conferred much rank upon the occupant and upon his heirs forever. Gabriel Bernon was hereditary register of La RochoUe. For many generations the family had been of high position in rank and of large estates. In the sixteenth century they are mentioned as contributing for the ransom of the sons of Francis I., held as hostages by Spain after the battle of Pavia ; and as sending a sum of money to Henry IV. by the hands of Duplessis Mornay, to assist him in gaining his crown.* The Bernons of La Rochelle were among the first in that city to em- brace the Reformed religion. The branch of the family to which Andr6, the father of Gabriel, be- longed, was distinguished (1542) as that of Bernon de Bernonville, a designation which was borne by his elder brother Leonard. Another branch known as the Bernons de la Bernoniere, seigneurs de rislean, was also attached to the Protestant faith. *The Bernon arms are "d'azur A un chevron d'argent surmonte d'un croissant de m^me, accompagne en chef de deux 6toiles d'or, et en pointe d'un ours pas- sant de mSme."— Filleau. Biographical Sketches. 421 Andre Bernon, the father of Gabriel Beruon, was a merchant of La Rochelle; died some years before the Revocation. He was living at the time of Gabriel's marriage, when he signed the marriage contract, 23d August, 1673. His wife, Susanne Guilleraard, was then already de- ceased.* "The name de Bernon is found in the year 1191, in the list of families who had representatives in the crusades to the Holy Land." Transplanted into various provinces of western France, the family originated in Burgundy, a younger branch of the house of the Counts of Burgundy, resting this belief upon the name, which was borne by several of these princes, from the year 895, and upon the conformity of its armorial bearings with those that were borne at an early day by the Counts of Macon. From the fourteenth century, and beginning with Raoul de Beruon, the house of Bernon possesses all the documents necessary to establish its filiation. t "The house of Bernon has formed alliances with some of the most illustrious families of the kingdom ; it has rendered military services that have not been without distinction ; and it counts among its mem- bers superior officers of the greatest merit, both military and naval. "It has had several chevaliers of the order of Saint Louis."— Livre d'Or de la Noblesse de France. According to the pedigree traced by M. Henri Filleau, Raoul Bernon " who served with distinction in the wars of his time," married Char- lotte de Talmont, and had a son Nicolas, chosen mayor of La Rochelle in 1357. Jean, son of Nicolas, was chosen mayor in 1398. Jean Thomas, son of Jean, founded the two gentilehoramieres, or manors, of "Bernoniere" and " Bernonville." The former derived its name from a small chateau in the province of Poitou (now in the department of Vendee), and the latter from a chateau on the island of Re Jean-Thomas. Left a son Andre, who had two sons, Pierre, sieur de la Bernoniere et ITslean, and Jean. The latter, Jean, second son of Andre, had a son Andre. M. Filleau has not followed out the line of descent through Jean and Andre, the younger branch of the family. But from this point the line of descent is traced by M. Crassou as fol- lows : Andre Bernon married Catharine du Bouchc in 1545. Their son L6onard married Francoise Carre in 1578, and had two sons, Jean, sieur de Bernonville, and Andrfi. The younger, Andre, married (1) Jeanne Lescour, and (2) Marie Papin in 1605, and had two sons, Leonard, sieur *Bernon papers, MS. t M. Henri Filleau. Dictionnau'e historiquc et g6nealogique des families de I'ancien Poitu. 422 The Records of Oxford. de Bernonville, and Andre, to whom reference is made, and who was the father of Gabriel Bernon, the refugee.— (Geoealogie de la famille Bernon, a La Rochelle, dressge par M. Joseph Crassou, 1782. Translation. It appears by an act of 1524, that the house and manor of Pomeraye at Perigny was possessed by Peter Bernon; this house and manor belongs at the present time [1782] to Mary Susanne Bernon, " the lady of the manor," a widow in line of one of his descendants. The family of Bernon is found registered with the families of Poitou. It is said the name of Bernon occurs in " Froissart's Chronicles." Gabriel Bernon, born 16i4, in April, fourth son of Andre, had reached the age of 41 at the time of the Revocation. His accounts show a very extensive commerce with the principal towns of the provinces,— Poitiers, Limoges, Angpuleme, Niort, Chatellerault, Loudun and other places, —and a foreign trade with Martinique, St. Christopher, Cayenne and St. Domingo. In Quebec he had been styled the principal French merchant, and as having rendered great service to the colony. " It is a pity," wrote de Denonville (the Governor of Canada), " that he cannot be converted, as he is a Huguenot ; the bishop wants me to order him home this autumn, which I have done, though he carries on a large business, and a great deal of money remains due to him here." The daughters of Andre and Suzanne Guillemard Bernon were Esther, who resided in England; Jeanneton, m. Jean Allaire; Eve, m. Pierre Lanceau; Suzanne, m. Paul de Pont; and Marie, m. Benjamin Faneuil. There were five sons, Andre, Gabriel, Samuel, Jean and Jacques. Andr6, the eldest son, was a wealthy banker; Samuel and Jean, the second and third sons of Andre Bernon, renounced the Protestant faith —Samuel, sieur de Salins, had changed his faith long before the Revoca- tion, in 1660, shortly after his marriage to Marie, daughter of Samuel Cottiby, pastor of a church at Poitiers, in Poitou, who abjured Protes- tantism. Samuel Bernon resided at Poitiers in Poitou, having acquired a large fortune in European and American commerce. Jean, educated in the Protestant faith, became a pastor of the Reformed church of Saint Just near Marennes in the province of Saintouge, but at the Revo- cation he abjured Protestantism; he is now known as Jean, sieur do Luneau, and resided in Marennes, or the parish of Saint Just, possess- ing an estate. He died in or before the year 1714.* * Samuel Bernon continued to be engaged in commerce with Canada, and is spoken of as the merchant who carried on the most extensive business. Among the few French prose writers who preceded Francis I. and who are Biographical Sketches. 433 The residence of Gabriel Beraon in Providence, near Roger "Williams' spring, is thus described in an historical sketch of the life of Gabriel Bernon, M.S., by the late Hon. Zachariah Allen, LL.D. : " Hon. Gabriel Bernon built a house somewhat after the French style, with a bold jet arching over the street. The house was framed of wood, two stories in front and three in the rear, and for that early day was doubtless one of the best structures in the town. The spring which attracted the attention of Roger Williams, and allured him to turn the prow of his canoe toward it, is well remembered by the writer. It gushed forth from the earth in a copious stream that flowed into the adjacent river." The location of Bernon's ancient home in Providence is perfectly well remembered. It was on the plot of ground of the original "Roger Williams' spring," on the west side of North Main Street, and next north of his great-grandson Governor Philip Allen's residence. Almost directly opposite Bernon's house, on the east side of Main Street, was the mansion of Roger Williams, next to which, though at a later day, was King's Church, now St. John's, on the corner of Main and Church Streets. An aged lady of Providence perfectly recollected Mr. Bernon, and had spoken of him to her daughter, who was living in 1844, aged eighty- three years. Bernon was described as "a man of very gentlemanly manners and as wearing a scarlet coat trimmed with gold lace," and the ladies of his family wore very "superb brocades." Bernon is represented as slight, tall and very erect in liis person, with a commanding appearance, blended with most courtly manners, for which "the descendant of the princely house of Burgundy" was distin- guished. Extracts from a letter which Gabriel Bernon received from his brother Samuel Bernon, dated Poitiers, Sept., 1714 : "You may have heard of the death of our playmate and cousin of Bernonville. Thus of the Bernon name, the males of our family are the only ones remaining in the world. Our sister, Fran^oise Esther, who named as great historians is Froissart, who was interested in all the events and personages of his day. At one time Froissart " fell in at Pamiers with a good knight, Messire Espaing of Lyons who had been in all the wars of the time and managed the great affairs of princes. They set out to travel together, Messire Espaing telling his comrade what he knew about the history of the places whereby they passed, and Froissart taking great care to ride close to him for to hear his words. Every evening they halted at hostels where they drained flagons full of white wine as good as the good canon had ever drunlv in his life, then after drinking, as soon as the knight was weary of relating, the chronicler wrote down just the substance of his stories."— History of France, M. de Guizot. 424 The Records of Oxford. complains much of you, is in good health, as well as our sister-in-law, and Andrew Bernon, her son. Andrew has a numerous family, and all of its members arc wealthy, as well as Mr. du Petit Val, and our nephew, De Pont.* "I have four grown daughters and a boy who has gone through his course of philosophy at Paris, whom I have recalled to this place to make him pursue law studies; my eldest daughter I married six months ago to a very houoi*able man of one of the best families of this country, whose name is Mr. De la Chaize Peraut, who has a good estate, and is a gentleman. I have three left, who will easily marry, as they are fine looking girls." Newport, Rhode Island, in 1706, was much engaged in commerce with the West Indies at this period. Tradition states that Gabriel, the only son of Gabriel Bernon by his first marriage, embarked for the West Indies in a vessel under the command of one Captain Tripe, which was lost during a snowstorm on leaving the bay and all on board perished. Gabriel Bernon was much interested "in the formation of the first three Episcopal churches in Rhode Island, — Trinity Church in Newport, St. Paul's Church in Kingstown, and St. John's Church in Providence." "In the summer of 1724 — in his 81st year — he crossed the ocean for the purpose of representing to the Bishop of London and the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, the necessities of the congregation in Providence, and the importance of sending a compe- tent minister to that thriving town." Family tradition states while in Loudon Mr. Bernon was presented at the Court of St. James. There in his peaceful home he is represented as teaching his young English wife and children "the devotional verses he had composed in his native tongue, corresponding with Dean Berkley at Newport, and inditing his (Christian) reflections upon "Thomas a Kempis " and " Drelincourt's Consolations." Bishop Berkley in a letter to Mr. Bernon, written in French (after thanking him for his beautiful prose and his belle po6sie), writes, "Your reflections on the events of this world show a very laudable zeal for religion and the glory of God." Indeed, thi'ough all his trials, and they were many, Mr. Bernon uniformly sustained the character of a Christian gentleman. In his own words, it was his most fervent desire to sustain himself in the fear of God. From a Boston newspaper dated February 19, 1735-6 : "Obituary notice of Gabriel Bernon, one of the founders of the Oxford Colony in Massachusetts, and afterwards a settler of the Narra- gansett country of Rhode Island." *Andr6 De Pont. Biographical Sketches. 435 " He was decently buried under the Epis. ch., in Providence & a g't concourse of people attended his funeral to whom the Rev. Mr. Brown preached an agreeable sermon from the 39th Psalm 4th verse, "Lord make me to know mine end & the measure of my days what it is that I may know how frail I am." In a "Will" of Gabriel Bernon dated February 10, 17ii7-8, proved in Providence, Feb. 10, 1735-6, and there recorded, he mentions his first marriage and his children by that marriage who survived him, viz. : Mary Tourtelot, Esther Powell, Sarah Whipple and Jaue Coddlngton ; and also his second marriage, to Mary Harris, and four small children by that marriage, viz. : Gabriel (who died young), Susanne, Mary and Eve (a most exemplary Xtian young lady who died unmarried and was buried in St. John's Church-yard), and Mary in Providence. Sarah Bernon was married to Benjamin Whipple of Cumberland, R. I., Nov. 11, 1722, the descendants of whom still reside at Cumberland and North Providence. Jane Bernon was married to Col. William Coddiugton of Newport, who was the Governor of Rhode Island. Newport, R. I., 3la\j 30, 1713. Esther, daughter of Gabriel Bernon, was married to Adam ap Powell.* Adam ap Powell was a Welchman. He died at Newport, Dec. 29, 1725, and was there buried, aged 51 years. Madame Esther died Oct. 20, 1746, at South Kingstown, and was buried at Tower Hill, R. I., in a deserted church-yard, aged 69 years. Elizabeth, their daughter, born at Newport, April 8, 1719, was married to Reverend Samuel Seabury of New Loudon, Conn., whose son Samuel, by a former marriage, was the first English bishop in America. Elizabeth became his stepmother when he was five years old. She died Feb. 6, 1799, aged 87 years. f Esther, the second daughter of Adam and Esther ap Powell, born in Newport, May, 1718, was married, October, 1738, to James Helme, chief justice of the Superior Court of Rhode Island. Judge Helme died at South Kingstown, March 22, 1764. In the Narragansett Country the purchasers set aside three hundred acres of the best land as a glebe for a church, and in 1707 the church of St. Paul's was erected in Kingstown, the tradition is that much of the wood furnishing for the interior of this church was brought fully finished from England, and Queen Anne in her sympathy sent to the church a silver christening bowl. In the old church records are found the names * From Trinity Church Records, Newport. tMrs. ap Powell resided first at Newport, R. I., then at Tower Hill, half a mile west of Allen's house and store, about two miles southwest of Wickford, North Kingstown afterward, with her daughter, Mrs. Helme, at Tower Hill. 426 The Records of Oxford. ot Bemon, Potter, Gardiner, Helme, Arnold, Coddington, Stcart and nuuiT other names of distinction who were members of the Chnrch of England and were settled preiion? to the year 1700 in the King's Prov- ince or Xarragansett Conntrr. This chnrch is the oldest Episcopal Church edifice in New England. Among its ancient chnrch records a carious and obsolete entry is of the '-gossips" at a christening. "March 31st, 1771. Mr. Fayer- weather baptized a male child of Mr. Beajamin Xason, by the name of Elisba. the gossips being ilr. Bowyer, Mr. Jefferson and the grand- Ctther." It is the old Saxon word for sponsor, and is so used by all old English writers. Beaomont and Fletcher say in the - Noble Gentleman," " m be a gossip. Beauford, I hare an old apostle spoon." Tradition states that there are still diaries that hare been preserved which refer to Xarragansett hospitality. There were no taverns at this date. The distinguished WUIiam Ellery. wrote in 1777, '• October 22nd. Bode to Judge Greenes at Warwick and dined, and reached .Judse Pot- ters at Kingstown, in evening." With the entry in his diary for the 23d, 24th and 25th. - Weather Lowering." On the 26th he wrote, '= Weather still lowering, and unfit for journeying. Good Quarters in a storm takes of its force and renders it less disagreeable. So remain at Judge Potters." On the 30th Mr. Ellery took his leave, and Judge Porter rode with him several miles, as was the fashion of the time. -Judge Sewall mentions in his diary as an extreme discourtesy that in one instance no one rode with him when he left as the guest of a friend. In the year 1712, at Providence, Bercon was united in a second mar- riage to Mary, the daughter of Thomas Harris and grandniece (or grand- danghter) of William Harris, who accompanied Roger Williams in the settlement of Providence, and landed with him at What-cheer. Mr. Bemon sent to England for a clergyman of the English church to perform the marriage ceremony. In relation to Mr. Bemon's family by his second marriage, in the records of the Narragansett church is the fol- lowing entry: July 11, 1721, baptized Marj- and Eve Bemon. Mr. Bemon had at this time a daughter Mary by his first marriage still living. Bemon is now represented by the descendants of a numer- ous family of daughters, who may be traced in some of the most distin- guished families of Rhode Island. The children of Gabriel Bemon and his second wife, Mary Harris, were Gabriel, Susanne, JIary and Eve. Gabriel died young. Eve, the third daughter of Gabriel Bemon, baptized July 11, 1721, died, unmarried; in 1775. Mary, daughter of Gabriel and Mary Bemon, bom April 1, 1719, mar- ried Gideon, a brother of Joseph Crawford: she died Oct. 1, 1789. They , -_.^ i- . . ,: . .:_.: r:i^i» iTid ilso xjj^. S-:!: :iv»-i I>^TT-5 ,"'ei:r'ie5. Fr^." -- ' ? - f il^i? had sexen sons si - - - - - CunilT cf Mr?, y ' -: . - : remoT- Sri>i^_. i: .; J : -. i; •: -.-:.-::: !"^:- laganseTt couiiirT in the : - ; Old S»- PaaTs in ITlt foaneen mll^^ froni Waiei.; -. . ; _£ "was ssniad 'xO Jotserl . : ^ . . _ in ProTidence.. Auffost 2o, 17S4. Jc>5epii -was ibe *os oi" WiZism Crair- ioi>i and gr^r ^- - ; ^ ; :^ ;:—';-' :" " :- : -- - ' - Tf:: ?: :::z ancesiTT. She died rirrUiTT IS- 1: - - _ -;ii je^iJ^- J :>;:.. - - sance Crawford iiad n:::ie . . zrire^T of ^b>rr ^ June 25. ITSi*. was znarrled. Ji_-irT, i77>, :o Z April 4. ISSl, sg^ed sixTT-ore T-;^5. ?i: :!:rr. S: _ sis cMIdi^n : I-Tdia, Acs. 1 *.i. From this marriasre are _.-,- - Alien and Hon. Zachsiriaii Allen, LLJ)., lamilT. Th; - • .? of ^^:^i::?^^^sle. trace their . Extract fscm Lettess or x^^.'^. ^aCh.jlkt\h Aij_e>* to M. ps W. ••Pkotipkxce- /k*?. lSi?l. "Mt srandfaxher Crawfoni marrieHi Snsasne Ber::o2, the danchwr i^f GsbiieL who was St^ years old ax tbeiisie of hei death. She resiesabered her feiher, and I rcr..fT:.-er her weL; so that as mj aire of >? j-ears. these lives date ; first fonnding of P^OTideI>^? in liS^t;. This illustrates how ,..._;..elT receni is ihe first sertleraeEX of Xew England. Gabriel Bemon is buried imdex Sx. John's Chnreh in Pivvi- dence, where his remains I hare cansed xo be imeircd in a xomb wixh ss inscriptioa; and ia the chnrch our faaailv hare >'>:ned jo hare ms^i? a large bronze tablet, with suitable inscriptions. When t : . : ? Providence this might interest you, perhsps. "Tour suirsestion of meeting so22e of the Hagsenot descei:.;^.:::* for a reunion at the scene of the arsriert settlement is very pleasant ; for it will add to the inteixist of the c. . > shich will be nearly a bs-cejatenmal celebration. "With r?5ard I rer-.v. "Tours truly. "Zachakiah Aujk.^' 428 llie Records of Oxford. "Providence, JulySOth, 1881. " Mrs. Mary de Witt Freeland : " The ancient sword of Gabriel Bernon, now in the possession of (Master) Philip Allen of Providence. "It was received from his daughter, Susannah (Bernon) Crawford, by ray brother, Gov. Philip Allen, and by hira at his death given to his son, Charles B. Allen, who gave it to his son, Philip Allen. He carried it with hira to add interest to the celebration on meraorial day at (Ox- ford) the very spot where it had been worn at the fort. I remember this sword when it was liept in a drawer of the chamber where I slept while a child, more than seventy-five years ago. The authenticity of the sword, as belonging to Mr. Bernon, is further confirmed by the Sewall Papers, 1707, vol. ii., page 262, in Mass. Hist. Coll., vol. vi., fifth series, in the following words : Judge Sewall records, " As I came from Charlestown Lecture I met Mr. Bernon in Sudbury Street; he turn'd from me and would not have seen me; but I spoke to him. Quickly after I saw Col. Vitch in the Council Chamber, and said to him, Mr. Bernon is in town, as I told you he would. I observed him at Sir Charles's Muster, when he went around with a sword by his side among the governor's attendants."* Probably the reason for his turning away from Judge Sewall was disgust for him in condemning the women to be hung in Salem for witchcraft, which he did do. Bernon's sword is in tue possession of his descendants, bearing the date on the blade the figures "14 14" It is said this date is the same with that of one of the wars of the house of Burgundy, from which the Bernons clairaed to be descended. Delfius relates that "in 1414, John the Intrepid came to Burgundy, with twenty thousand horse, and reduced all the fortified of Tonnerre and gave them to his son Philip." "The Hon. Zachariah Allen, LL.D.. son of Anne Crawford, who mar- ried Zachariah Alien, and grandson of Susanne, daughter of Gabriel and Mai"y Bernon, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, September 15, 1795, and died in that city, March 17, 1882, in the eighty-seventh year of his age. He was graduated in 1813 at Brown University, and subse- quently pursued a course of study in law and medicine. He was married in 1817 to Eliza Harriet, daughter of Welcome Arnold, Esq., of Provi- dence." Hon. Zachariah Allen, LL.D., was President of the Rhode Island Historical Society. * Tn 1709, Judge Sewall in his Diary mentions Mr. Bernon : "I observ'd he was at Sir Charles' Muster, and went round the Body with his sword by his side, followed by the Govrs. Attendants." Biographical Sketches. 429 Extracts from Huguenot Ancestry by ex-Gov. Dyer, Providence, R. I. On October 26, 1843, Gov. Dyer arrived at Havre accompanied by Mrs. Dyer and his sister. " On the succeeding day we took our depart- ure for Paris via Rouen, remaining there sufficient time for visiting its far-famed cathedral and other places of interest, after which we resumed our seats in the diligence for Paris, where we arrived October 27th. " All of our early childhood had been cheered and brightened by our honored and endeared mother's narratives of her life and uninterrupted associations with her grandmother, Esther Tourtellot, who was the great-granddaughter of Gabriel Bernon, who resided in the gambrel- roofed brick house, which stood, until within a few years, near the junction of Benefit and North Main Streets, the old elm tree now remain- ing there being in her grandmother's yard. I will not hazard the sup- position of its being planted by her, as I do not know its origin. I think now that my mother's ready acquiescence in my younger sister's absence from home, was the hope and wish that we might by some favorable circumstance be known by, and associated with, the members of her grandmother's family then living in Bordeaux and La Rochelle, which I had promised should be faithfully and as extensively accom- plished as time, health and other circumstances would possibly allow. " I arranged with the Hon. Henry Ledyard, at Paris, Charge d'Aflfivires, in the absence of our minister (his father-in-law, Gen. Lewis Cass, who was then in the United States), for my presentations at the King's reception for gentlemen, early in December. " We arrived at Bordeaux early on the day we left Paris, after a most interesting diligence ride through Orleans. We passed through many old walled towns, under the portcullis, to the entrance, through narrow streets, lighted by lanterns suspended by ropes across them. "Before leaving Paris, I was fortunate in securing the services, as courier and travelling servant, of Joseph Henner, a man of an agreea- ble personal prestige and manner. He was of superior education, and more than ordinarily familiar with several languages. The next day, with Henner, we thoroughly searched Bordeaux for some representa- tive of the Tourtellot family, but could not find any person or recognize the name in the place. My next object of research was the Bernon family at La Rochelle. " We left the next morning for that quaint, old, highly interesting place. When leaving home, my mother gave me the history of the Huguenot ancestry which she had received from her grandmother. It was in English, but Henner's ability and intelligence most satisfactorily translated it into French. 43° The Records of Oxford. "At breakfast the next morning I told Henner to inquire of the waitress and landlady if they knew of any family by the name of Bernon in the place. They promptly replied, ' Yes.' There was Madame la veuve Bernon, living at No. — , Rue . The name of the street and number I have forgotten. " After arranging my papers and toilet very critically, Henner and I started out on our most interesting and exciting mission. We readily found the place, and ringinir the bell, it was answered by a very comely and neatly dressed maid in the peculiar Normandy costume and cap. We inquired if Madame Bernon was at home. She very hesitatingly assented. Henner, as instructed, told her to say to her mistress that a young American gentleman, a descendant of Gabriel Bernon, wished to see her. The girl rapidly returned and said her mistress did not wish to see the gentleman, and to inform him that there was no property of any kind remaining undisposed of. " As she was closing the door, Henner said : ' My master is a gentle- man "rentier," travelling for pleasure, with sufficient resources. He does not wish to inquire for any property, but only to see the members of his ancestor's family now living. His wife and sister are now in Paris, and he is to return immediately for preparation for his presenta- tion to the court next week.' This information was communicated to madame, who requested us to call again at four o'clock that afternoon. "I should have said that my companions were so interested in this quaint old city that they preferred a thorough investigation of it rather than to accompany me in the questionable success of seeking for old family representatives and associations. "Punctually at four o'clock I was at the house again, and was form- ally, with great civility and ceremony, ushered into the parlor, where I met a very fine looking lady, of about fifty years of age, I should sup- pose, rather short and stout, with as bright complexion and cheerful countenance as one of twenty-five or thirty. As a companion there was a gentleman, probably seventy years of age, who was introduced to me as Dr. . I soon realized that his presence was as a counsellor and advisor in any result that might succeed our interview. I understood sufiicient French to know what passed between them. In order to relieve them from any restraint or embarrassment, I told Henner to ask her if my papers had been examined. She replied yes, and they were incorrect. She ordered her servant to bring from its lockup receptacle her husband's lengthy genealogy in French, and referring to it, she observed to her counsellor, that it declared a Gabriel Bernon went to America and died there, leaving no posterity. I told Henner to call her attention to other parts of the paper, and she would find a correct account of his family, and to say to the doctor that it was a very natural Biographical Sketches. 431 mistake to make in the difficulty and infrequency of being able to com- municate with his family in France, if there was no emergency requir- ing it. He very readily assented to Henner's explanation, and called madame's attention to it, and other parts of the paper's correctness. I had with me also from my mother, a seal representative of the Bernon coat of arms, and asked for hers. It was brought, with a lighted candle and sealing wax, which the doctor took and very expertly made several impressions of each. Again madame denied any similarity of the one to the other. The doctor said : ' You are very much mistaken, madame ; it is precisely the same,' and pointed out critically the designation of each. "With that peculiar French shrug of the shoulders she exclaimed : ' Mon Dieu, is it possible? ' I told Heuner to repeat to them the infor- mation he had given to the maid in the morning, of my personal posi- tion and intended court presentation. He, the doctor, seemed perfectly satisfied with all that occurred. After an hour had passed, unwilling to trespass further upon their courtesy, time and attention, or to make any intrusive inquiry as to their own personal history, I retired, making proper acknowledgment for their kind and courteous manner of my reception and somewhat protracted interview. " As I was passing to the door, she expressed her gratification at see- ing me, and gave me as a souvenir the copy of the French genealogy which had been the subject of the consideration. It was printed on the thickest and strongest paper, of ordinary foolscap form, but quadruple in its size. The type was in ordinary form, but nearly as large as capi- tals. They very kindly informed me that another family connected with Gabriel Bernon resided elsewhere in La Rochelle, and advised me seeing them. I told her I would call upon them the next day at twelve o'clock, noon. '• At the hour appointed and place mentioned, Henner and myself were present, and found a family of three ladies, sisters, nearly con- nected with Gabriel Bernon; two being maiden ladies, the other, Madame Steinman, who was confined to her bed with a very severe illness, which eventually proved fatal. I was much impressed and gratified on being informed that Madame Bernon and the doctor had notified this family of my presence and identity, in recognition of which, I was invited into Madame Steinman's sick chamber, upon the walls of which was suspended the original of the portrait now in possession of my son, Gabriel Bernon Dyer. "Madame Steinman told me of her having a son residing in New York. I was also informed by the ladies that Baron de Bernon was then living in the Chateau Guillemard, in Bourbon-Vendee, whom they had also informed of the presence of an American descendant of Gabriel Bernon, whose identity could be satisfactorily confirmed. In a short 432 The Records of Oxford. time after this I received a kind and courteous invitation to visit him, in which he advised me of the route and time it would require for me so doing. He had been likewise made aware of my wife and younger sister being then in Paris awaiting my return for our presentation at court within a short time. This I assigned as the necessity of my declining his kind invitation. "After his receipt of my inability of seeing him at his chateau, I received a most characteristic letter with proposals of marriage between his son of suitable age, and my sister, stating that his son would suc- ceed him as the inheritor of his titles and estates. He inquired rather minutely what dowry my sister would bring with her, offering to dupli- cate it for the benefit of the young people. "This was a most unexpected issue of his courtesy and our corres- pondence, and one somewhat difficult of proper action. My reply was expressive of the great honor he had done my family in his proposal. I assured him of its being most gratefully appreciated by all interested, and expressed the great reluctance I felt in communicating to him the inability of my family to regard it with approval. As my sister was the only member at home with my parents, who were somewhat advanced in life, her separation from them would create the most pain- ful emotions; and I was apprehensive that much more serious results would be realized in her leaving them under any circumstances, especially those then existing. The time and distance of any inter- change of communication or visiting to and from home were too great and difficult, if not hazardous, and necessarily attendant upon the separation which the acceptance of his proposal would require; my reply, that I should be unable to visit him, terminated our corres- pondence. " I should have stated that my most courteous reception and gratify- ing recognition by the Bernon ladies were due, in a great degree, to the kindness of Monsieur Paul Louis Armand Auboyneau, a graduate of Brown University in 1799, to whom all my papers and pretensions had been submitted by the last-named family. As a student at Brown University he had been a frequent guest and visitor to my mother's family. His recollections of her as Miss Frances Jones were vivid and highly flattering, as he referred to her personal appearance, manners and address. He fully verified all that I had said or done in the matter under consideration, and, as expressive of it, requested my presence at his family gathering, at dinner or tea, the next day. The former I declined, apprehensive of its formality in my limited ability for the maintenance of the conversation usually connected with that entertain- ment. At the tea-table I was introduced to his family, and passed the most delightful evening in giving him the most recent information of Biogra-phical Sketches. 433 his former friend and associates, of many of whom he had not heard since his graduation, half a century previous (forty-four years). "As he recalled many of them, it was a sad reply I had to make (' dead, sir'). Of their families I could say more. On my return home, I sent to him the last tax-book, Providence Directory, and the annual and triennial catalogues of Brown University. " To return to the Bernon ladies. As one of the maiden sisters accompanied me to the door, I referred as delicately as I could to the inexpressible pleasure which some souvenir of their kindness would give my family at home. She promptly apprehended my meaning, and asked if I had particularly noticed the portrait in the sick sister's cham- ber. I replied I had been so engrossed with the presence of those about me that I had not. She led me back to the room and pointing to the portrait said : ' There is our most valuable souvenir of the past.' Any further reference to it would have been inappropriate and ill-advised, although when at Monsieur Auboyneau's I expressed a wish for a copy of it. I asked him if such a request would be intrusive or unwelcome. He replied : ' I will see and let you know.' Soon after our return home the copy was sent through his and their generous kindness, without cost of any kind to me. Soon after its receipt Madam Steinraan's death occurred, of which formal notice was sent to ray family, that they might be present at her obsequies. With this notice of her death and the invitation was inclosed a lock of her hair. "These recognitions of our connection with Gabriel Bernon and his family were as gratifying, if not affecting, as had been my personal interviews. In all of my intercourse with the difl'erent families I had referred to our frequent adoption of the Bernon names, my maternal grandmother being Esther Jones, and this was also the name of one of my mother's sisters. My grandmother's brother was Bernon Dunn ; my mother and an elder sister were named Frances, from Francois Le Roy, Gabriel Bernon's father-in-law; another, Esther, and my son, Gabriel Bernon, concludes the list. An account of the two court receptions, and of further travels in Italy, etc., would be interesting, but irrelevant to this paper. In closing, however, I offer a tribute to the hallowed and endeared memory of one who, through the entirety of a protracted, active and unusually eventful life, was the expressive possessor and most faithful exponent of the highest, brightest, purest and best attributes of an exalted Christian character. And whatever meritorious distinction my family may have, or can acquire, as descend- ants of such an honorable and distinguished ancestry, is also due to the direction and control of a mother of the most exalted quality of charac- ter that could adorn and elevate humanity; my family and myself sor- 434 ^'^^^ Records of Oxford. rowfully realizing tliat iu ' tliis wide world's space, there is, indeed, one vacant place.'" Mrs. Freeland : My Dear Madam.— Your favor of the thirteenth ult., addressed to my father, has been duly received, and as he has commissioned me, by reason of continued ill-health, to furnish what information we may be able to give you concerning our Gallic ancestors, I hasten to answer your request. My parents were second cousins prior to their marriage, and I am thus doubly descended from the Bernon and Tourtelot families. Through the union of Esther Tourtelot and Samuel Dunn, we are descended from the families which you mention in your letter, and the relationship to which I alluded as existing between my parents arose from two of their daughters (Esther aud Anne Dunn) marrying respect- ively Thomas and William Jones. The younger brother was Governor of our State for several years in the early part of this century, and was my mother's grandfather, his only surviving daughter, Harriet Dunn Jones, having married the late Thomas Hoppiu. Thomas Jones was father of my father's mother and she became the wife of the first Elisha Dyer in the year eighteen hundred. Through his grandparent am I descended in nearly the same course and in the same number of genera- tions from Roger Williams, the founder of our State. We have the coat of arms of Bernon and Tourtelot families. We have also a portrait of Marie Sara Bernon, a niece of Gabriel Bernon, who married Paul de Pont, and who was in La Rochelle during the siege of 1661. My father, ex-Gov. Elisha Dyer, obtained this painting in eighteen hundred and forty-four."* I am, dear Mrs. Freeland, Yours respectfully, G. Bernon Dyer. Providence, R. I., ./wne 1, 1881. *The portrait, three-fifths length of Madame de Pont, is described as repre- senting a very beautiful lady, a brunette, possessing extreme dark brown hair, with soft brown eyes; the figure is a full bust, pale complexiou, heightened by a delicate tint of color ; her dress is of the court style of the seventeenth century. Her frizzed hair appears to be carelessly held in place by a heavy piu of gold with a head like a very small comb set with pearls, a veil of lace covering her head, and a mantle of the same material falling around her arras, giving to the figure an appearance of a floating drapery of lace. In the portrait of Madame de Pout there is a close resemblance in style to that of the Countess de Grignon, the daughter of the Marquise de S6vign6, who was married to the Count de Grignon in 1669, as is shown in an ancient paint- ino- by Mi"nard or Petitot, noted artists of the time, only the frizzed hair of Countess de Grignon is held apparently in place by a plain lieavy pm of gold, to which is fastened on the left side a bouquet, and her neck is encu'cled with a pearl necklace. Biographical Sketches. 435 TOURTELOT. Abraham Tourtelot from Bordeaux, France, married Marie, daughter of Gabriel and Esther (Le Roy) Bernon. (So stated in a deed executed June 1, 1699.— Suffolk Deeds, Boston, lib. xix., fol. 179.) He joined the Narragansett colony, and after its dissolution removed to Roxbury, Massachusetts. Children of Abraham* and Marie (Bernon) Tourtelot: Gabriel, born Sept. 24, 1694; Esther, born June 12, 1696; Abraham, born 1698. In the Suffolk County Probate Records, No. 1618, Boston, Massachu- setts, there is on record an administrator's bond, showing that there were two brothers, Abraham and Benjamin Tourtelot, who Avere born in Bordeaux, France. Benjamin died on the passage in the ship Friend- ship, to Boston from London. Abraham administered upon the estate, which consisted principally of merchandise. The brothers were asso- ciated as merchants. Abraham Tourtelot came with his three sons. Jacob, Moses and Johnf are recorded with that of Gabriel Bernon in Latin, in a charter or patent from King James II., giving a list of names of French refugees who accompanied Bernon from London to Boston.— Lib. 14, fol. 212. The foregoing Patent was recorded this 20th of July, 1688, at the Desire of Mr. Gabriel Bernon, one of the Partys therein mentioned by Mr. Tho. Dudley, Clr.— Early Suffolk Deeds, by John T. Hassan. Abraham, son of Abraham and Marie (Bernon) Tourtelot, and brother of Gabriel Tourtelot, owned a landed estate in Gloucester, R. I., iu the county of Providence. * Abraham Tourtelot removed with Bernon, hia father-in-law, to Newport, Rhode Island. In the autumn of 1686, some forty French families made a settlement in Rhode Island, having purchased of the Athcrton Company, England, and remained some five years. The ownership of lauds in the Narragansett counties purchased of this company was proven involved. The site is still t^ointed out iu the town of East Greenwich, Rhode Island. fThe names of Abraham Tourtelot's sons are given in act of naturalization, James Moses, James Thomas and John. The broad seal of England is appendant. Tradition states that Esther, the daughter of Abraham and Marie (Bernon) Tourtelot, married a gentleman by the name of Harding of Newport, Rhode Island; also, Marie (Bernon) Tourtelot survived her husband and resided with her sou Abraham Tourtelot at Gloucester, Rhode Island, to the close of her life. Tradition states, the graves of mother and son are still pointed out by some of the descendants, though there are no inscriptions on the rude headstones. Tradition states, that Gabriel the sou of Abraham and Marie (Bernon) Tourtelot, resided at Newport, Rhode Island, and sailed from that place, as master of a vessel, with his son, and both were lost at sea. 436 The Records of Oxford. In a family Bible of William Tourtelot, a sou of Abraham Tourtelot, Jr., there is the following record of his father : Abraham Tourtelot, born in 1698. In the Colonial Kecords of Khode Island Abraham Tourtelot Is admitted freeman May, 1722. Abraham, the second son of Abraham Tourtelot, who came from Bordeaux, France, was married llrst to Lydia Ballard; in a second mar- riage, Jan. 29, 1743, to a Mrs. Corps, whose name prior to her first marriage was Hannah Case. In a third marriage to Mrs. Williams, a widow lady. Children of Abraham and Lydia (Ballard) Tourtelot: Mary, born March 20, 1721, who married a gentleman by the name of Mitchell; Lydia and Esther (twins), born Jan. 24, 1723. Lydia married Thomas Knowlton. Esther married Samuel Dunn and resided in Boston. Abraham, born Feb. 27, 1725, married a Miss Harris, and resided in Thompson, Ct. ; Jonathan, born Sept. 16, 1728, married a Miss Williams, and resided in Scituate, R. I. ; Benjamin, born Nov. 30, 1730, married a Miss Ballard, and resided in Vermont; Sarah married John Inman. Children of Abraham Tourtelot by second marriage : Stephen, who died young of the small-pox; William, who married Phoebe Whitman of Providence, and resided in Gloucester, R. I. ; Jesse, married Freelove Angell, and resided in Mendou, Mass., and died in Sutton; Daniel, married Urena Keech; resided and died in Gloucester, R. I.; Anne, married a Mr. Jones, in a second marriage Ebenezer White, and died in Providence, R. I., at a very advanced age. Faneuil. Benjamin Faneuil, a Huguenot in the Oxford French settlement, was the father of Peter Faneuil of Boston. Pierre, a brother of Benjamin Faneuil who married Marie the sister of Gabriel Bernon, married Marie De Pont. He was the father of two daughters and of Benjamin, Jean and Andrew Faneuil who left La Rochelle, France, at the Revocation and went to the Colonies. First Report of the Record Commissioners, p. 154. The names of Benjamin, John, and Andrew Faneuil are in a list headed " Boston, Feb. 1, 1C91. List of persons of the French nation admitted into the Colony by the Governour and Council." Printed in Sewall's Papers. Marie Jeanne, eldest daughter of Peter Faneuil, was married to Jacques Bernon of Bernonville. This Bernon branch was of the family of Leonard Bernon, a son and daughter of Jacques and Marie. Jeanne Bernon deceased without issue. Pierre, a son of Benjamin and Marie (Bernon) Faneuil, married Esther Allaire. "Francois Burean of La Rochelle, France, came to America in 1688, Biographical Sketches. 437 bringing with him his wife Anne, two sons and two daughters. He was the brother of Thomas Burean, one of the principal French merchants of London, 'living near y« Savoy great gate in the Strand.' Francois, who invariably signed himself Burean I'ainfi, joined the settlement in Oxford, and upon the breaking up of that colony removed to New York." Anne, the daughter of Francois Burean, became the wife of Benjamin Faneuil in 1699 and the mother of Peter Faneuil of Boston. Benjamin Faneuil died in New York, 1719, aged 50 years. Jean died at La Rochelle, June, 1737. Andrew died in Boston, February, 1737. Peter Faneuil was born at New Rochelle in New York, June, 1700; his father died when he was eighteen, and subsequently he came to Boston. His uncle, Andrew Faneuil, who died in February, 1737-38, appointed him his executor and residuary legatee. This large fortune came from his uncle. "Last Monday the Corpse of Andrew Faneuil, Esquire, whose death we mentioned in our last, was honorably interred here," says the Boston News-Letter of February 23, " above 1,100 persons of all Ranks, besides the Mourners, following the Corpse ; also a vast number of Spectators were gathered together on the Occasion, at which time the half-minute guns from on board several vessels were dis- charged. And 'tis supposed that as this Gentleman's Fortune was the greatest of any among us, so his funeral was as generous and expensive as any that has been known here." The nephew did not long enjoy this ample wealth. He died in about Ave years, after a short illness, — Feb. 3, 1742-43, — leaving no will; so that his whole property went to his brother, who had been disinherited by Andrew Faneuil, and to his four sisters. Peter Faneuil was a shrewd, careful, and energetic business man, fond of display, and fond of good living. Two or three weeks after his uncle's death he wrote to one of his correspondents in London : "Send me, by the very first opportunity for this place, five pipes of your very best Madeira wine, of an amber color, of the same sort which you sent to our good friend DeLancey, of New York." And he adds : "As this wine is for the use of my house, I hope you will be careful that I have the best. I am not over fond of the strongest sort." About the same time he wrote to his New York correspondent : " Send me by the first conveyance the pipe of wine, having none good to drink." A fort- night later he renewed the order, directing his correspondent to send " by the first good opportunity the best pipe of wine that you can pur- chase." And a month afterward, when he had received it, he wrote : "The wine I hope will prove good; comes in very good time, there being none good in town." In another letter he wrote for " the latest, best book of the several sorts of cookery, which pray let be of the largest character, for the benefit of the maid's reading." A fortnight 438 The Records of Oxford. after his uncle's death he wrote to London : " Be so good as to send me a handsome chariot with two sets of harness, with the arms, as enclosed , on the same, in the handsomest manner that you shall judge proper, but at the same time nothing gaudy." Along with these requests are specific instructions for the management of his business, and sharp demands for the payment of any debts due to him. One illustration of this charac- teristic is all that need be given : In 1738-39, about a year after Andrew Faneuil's death, he wrote to one of his correspondents, a merchant at Barbadoes : " I have been very sur- prised, that, ever since the death of Captain Allen, you have not advised me of the sale of a horse belonging to my deceased uncle, left in your hands by him, which I am informed you sold for a very good price ; and I am now to request the favor you would send me the net proceeds, with a fair and just account for the same, in sweetmeats and citron water : your compliance with which will stop me from giving some of my friends the trouble of calling you to an account there. I shall be glad to know if Captain Allen did not leave a silver watch and some fish, belonging to a servant of mine, with some person of your island, and with who. I ex- pect your speedy answer." This energetic demand for an account of sales and a payment of the proceeds produced the desired effect, though the West India merchant very naturally complained of the tone of Faneuil's letter. A little more than two months afterward the latter acknowledged the receipt of the account of sales and a box of sweet- meats; and in answer to his correspondent's complaints of the " unhand- some style" of the previous letter, he added : " I must own it was not in so soft terms as I sometimes make use of; but at that juncture I really thought the state of the case required it, not having heard anything to be depended upon concerning the horse in dispute, either if he was dead, sold, or run away; upon either of which, I presumed the common com- plaisance, if not honor, among merchants might have entitled either my uncle in his lifetime, or myself after his decease, to some advice at least. I had indeed transiently heard here you had kept him, which in some measure prest my writing you on that head." Only one other letter need be mentioned, as characteristic of a social condition which ceased to have a legal existence in Massachusetts one hundred years ago. In a letter written in February, 1738-39, now in the Library of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and printed in the Proceedings of that Society for August, 1864, he directs his correspondent to purchase from the pro- ceeds of a sale of fish, "for me, for the use of my house, as likely a straight negro lad as possibly you can, about the age of from 12 to 16 years; and if to be done, one that has had the small-pox, who being for my own service, I must request the favor you would let him be one of as tractable a disposition as you can find, which I leave to your pru- Biographical Sketches. 430 dent care and management; desiring after you have purchased him, you would send him to me by the first good opportunity, recommending him to a particular care from the captain." Peter Faneuil by the gift of Faneuil Hall to the town identified his name with the history of Boston. At the time of its ei'ection there were no market-houses in the town. The result was that 367 votes were cast in favor of accepting the gift and 3(50 against its acceptance. There was much opposition in Boston agaiust the system of market-houses by those who preferred the fashion of hawking provisions through the streets. Faneuil Hall is a permanent memorial of the Huguenots in Boston, and, with the exception of a few crumbling grave-stones, it is the only visible monument of their residence in Boston. But it is impossible not to recognize the services which descendants of these Huguenots, or those connected with them by marriage, have rendered to this com- munity. Faneuil did not live many months after the completion of his hall • and it was remarked at the time that the first annual town-meeting held within its walls, March 14, 1742-3, was the occasion for the delivery of an eulogy on Faneuil by John Lovell, master of the Latin School. A tablet at the Faneuil tomb is surmounted by an hour-glass. Butler and Davie. James Butler, the son of James and Elizabeth (Davie) Butler, of Bos- ton, became a resident of Oxford in 1780. Mr. Butler was the perfect type of an English country gentleman. His large-hearted hospitality was noticeable in his time, inviting all his personal friends, and indeed all with whom he was acquainted, to partake of a glass of Maderia wine on Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays, and his drives about the country in a large, square-top chaise, distributing half-crowns for any service rendered to him. He often called on his friend, Mr. John Bush of Worcester. The old Bush house in its day was an elegant mansion on Main street. Mr. Butler was not only distinguished for his wit, but for his agreeable manners as a gentleman. James Butler was town treasurer in 1786. In 1794-1796 and 1809 he represented the town in the Legislature. James, son of James and Elizabeth (Davie) Butler, married, May 18, 1763, Mary, daughter of Anthony and Mary Waters Sigourney of Boston. James Butler, the father of James Butler of Oxford, in the War of the Revolution was a Loyalist. It is said he was a favorite among the British ofiicers in Boston. Sabine, in his work on American Loyalists, 440 The Records of Oxford. page 189, states: "James Butler, in 1776, embarked at Boston for Hali- fax, with the British Army." His son James was urged by him to seek a refuge in the British Provinces. "He is said to have been saved from such a flight through the influence of his wife, Mary Sigourney, who had a great dread of any pioneering analogous to that of her Huguenot grandmother in Oxford a century before." In 1774, the Port bill destroyed the commerce of Boston. Mr Butler was then residing on Prince street; the house was brick, originally of two stories, opposite Snow Hill street and near Thatcher, in going east from Salem street. He decided to leave Boston, and engaged passage for himself and family on board a British vessel, through the captain's leniency he took the family on board his ship. Mr. Butler entertained the captain with punch from the ancient family punch-bowl. They left Boston Sunday evening of August 6, 1774, for the Kennebec river. "They arrived at Arrowsic Island on Thursday. This island is seven miles below Bath and opposite Phlppsburg and near a rocky and bushy blufi" called Squirrel Point." Before leaving Boston their pewter plate was buried in the cellar of the house, which they found on their return, with their house and furniture, unharmed. All silver plate, rich brocade dresses, and articles of linen and wearing apparel were removed with them. In 1850 the white cottage on Arrowsic Island, near the shore, which Mr. Butler and his family had occupied four years, was still to be seen, and on an eminence was the mansion of Mr. Butler, his kinsman and landlord, who owned the island and had rented them the cottage at a yearly rent of £4. In 1780 Mr. James Butler purchased a landed estate in Oxford, Massa- chusetts, of Silvanus Town, Esq., for £4,500. The estate was situated, with its mansion house, opposite the old North common, the south front of the house on the old Charlton road. Afterward this road was changed to pass on its north side. This same estate had been conveyed by Dun- can Campbell, Esq., to Silvanus Town, June 22, 1778. Their Children. Mary", b. March 4, 1764; d. 1847, in Rutland, Vt. James Davie", b. Oct. 5, 1765 ; ra. Rachel Harris ; d. in Rutland, Vt., 1843. Anthony-, b. Oct. 8, 1767; m. Jerusha Hill; d. 13 March, 1847. Elizabeth", b. Feb. 9, 1771; m. Jeremiah Kingsbury; d. 28 Aug., 1830. Hannah% b. Dec. 5, 1771; d. 6 Feb., 1792. John', b. July 4, 1773; m. Sarah Fiske; d. 25 Sept., 1824. Peter", b. Dec. 16, 1774; m. Mehitable Corbin; d. Dec, 1856. Sarah", b. Sept. 29, 1776 ; m. Jeremiah Kingsbury. Biographical Sketches. 441 Celia", b. April 25, 1779 ; m. Archibald Campbell. James', d. 20 Dec, 1827, ait. 87. Mary, wife, d. 14 April, 1823, ajt. 81. James, the son of James and Mary Sigourney Butler, born in Boston, 1765, and afterward resided with his parents in Oxford, Mass. In June, 1787, James Davie Butler visited Rutland, Vermont, accompanied by his kinsman. Col. Holman of Sutton, Mass. In August of the same year he again visited the place with his father, and decided to make Rutland his future home. The education of James Butler in his childhood appears to have been directed by Master Tileston, at the North Writing School in Boston, and subsequently other masters, until he had acquired a superior education for his time. He was a merchant in the town for fifty years until his death, June 3, 1842. He had been a member of the State Council. He represented Rutland in the Vermont Legislature for several years. He married Mrs. Rachel Harris Maynard, the mother of two daughters, Laura and Eliza, whom he educated with great care, placing them at the celebrated boarding-school of Misses Beach and Saunders, at Dorchester, Mass. Both of these young ladies died in early youth. His own daughter, Mary Sigourney, was placed with Madame Emma Willard, of Troy, N. Y., in 1823-4. She received instruction in music, dancing, French and drawing, and became a most accomplished young lady of her time. She was married to Horace Greene, M. D., of Rutland^ and afterward of New York. His son, James Davie Butler, received a university education and also studied in Germany some months at the universities of Jena, Halle and Berlin, and finished his education by extensive travels.* Anthony Sigourney Butler, the second son of James Butler, born in Boston, resided in Rutland, Vermont, subsequently Pittsford, Vermont. In 1817 he left Vermont and secured a large lauded estate in Oxford, Butler County, Ohio. He married Jerusha Hill; children— Mary, Han- nah and James. Captain John Butler was the third son of James and Mary Sigourney Butler, born in Boston, July, 1773, married Sarah, daughter of Dr. Daniel Fiske of Oxford. He died September 25, 1824, in Oxford; chil- dren— Celia, Susan, Mary. John Butler resided in Rutland, Vermont, subsequently in Spencer, Massachusetts. (See Army Records.) Peter Butler, youngest son of James and Mary Sigourney Butler, was *Among the interesting descriptions of Prof. Butler's travels are "Naples and its Neighborhood," "Visits to Pompeii," "The Architecture of St. Peter's," "The Ceremonies of Holy Week," "Provincial German Life," "Alpine Wan- derings," "European Peculiarities," with "Visits to English and French Pro- vincial Towns." 442 The Records of Oxford. a merchant and resided on a landed estate near the North common in Oxford. He was courteous and of kindly manners, and was extensively known for his hospitality and as a gentleman of Christian principle and of superior mental endowments. Among the reminiscences of the past he is named as the gentleman before whose residence there were so many visitors in tine equipages waiting at the ancient gateway of his mansion house. He married Mehitable Corbin, the step-daughter of Captain Allen Hancock. Rejiiniscences of James Butler of Oxford, Born in Boston, 1739, WHO Married Mary, Daughter of Anthony Sigourney op Boston. "Stephen Butler of Boston, my ancestor, was born, 1620, in Kilkenny, Kilkenny County, Ireland; a younger branch of the Butlers of Ormond. The county of Kilkenny became possessed mostly of this family. The father of Stephen was killed in battle in Ireland. Stephen Butler died in Boston, 1695. "The word Ormond is said to mean in Irish, East Munster. The Ormond family, through the Irish chief, Butler, is traceable to a Walter, who came to England with the Conqueror, and in 1086 was owner of estates in Lailand, Lancashire. This "Walter came from Glanville near Caen. His arms were a chief indented." According to John O'Hart's "Irish Pedigrees," the ancestors of the Butlers, came from Normandy to England with William the Conqueror; their original name was Fitz- Walter, from Walter, one of their ances- tors, who came to Ireland with Henry II., 1172. The office of chief butler was conferred on him, as his duty was to attend the coronation of the kings of England, and present them with the first cup of wine. From the office of butlership of Ireland, the name of Fitz-Walter was relinquished for that of Butler. John Butler, captain in the 65th Bengal Regiment, who in 1845 pub- lished in Sibsagor, Assam, "Memoranda" on his Butler Ancestry. Walter, a young Ormond, left Kilkenny and arrived before 1628 in Hampshire, some fifty miles from London, and became a landholder, and his estate was transmitted down, generation after generation, whose line is traced by Captain Butler into the present century. Mrs. Mary Butler, the mother of Stephen, had married in England Benjamin Ward ; by this second marriage she had one child, a daughter Mary, who in the year 1652 was married to William Halloway, who was from Taunton or Marshfield, Mass., 1650. Mrs. Mary Butler Ward was a resident of Boston in 1635; she died July, 1667. Mrs. Mary Butler Ward in her "Will" made a bequest to Rev. John Biographical Sketches. aa-j Wilson; he was the minister of the first church in Boston, which was on State street on the site of Brazer's Building, also for the poor of the church of Boston, four pounds. "Unto my much honored friends. Major Generall John Leverett and JVIr. Peter OUiver, my Ancient and neere neighbors always helpfull to me [Three] pounds a peece to buy them a ring." "I bequeeth all the rest of my Estate both reall and personall in Houses, landes, wharfes, goods and Household stufl^e to my son Steplien and his heirs and the children of my daughter Mary Halloway and their heirs." Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Ward of Boston, in the year 1637-8 were the proprietors of twelve acres of land northwest of Muddy River. In a list of flfty-two persons to whom "great allotments" were assigned So in the Book of Possessions, 1645, which is made up of the original en- tries of the recorded divisions of land, is found the name: "B. Ward one house and about one acre on the north side of Fort Hill, and south of the marsh." Stephen Butler was a soldier in King Philip's War, in 1675 August 12, as a soldier in Captain Lathrop's company. He was charged at Hatfield Is 9d for a pouch and belt, being one of 13 members of the same company who were furnished with supplies at the same time On the eighteenth of the next month 71 persons of that company were killed by Indians at Muddy Brook. On Dec. 10 of the same year his name appears among the troops under Maj. Appleton, and he was cred- ited as having £3 18s, then his due. About a week afterward, Dec 19 this force stormed the strongest fort of the Narragansetts. James, the son of Stephen and Jane Butler, born August, 1665, mar- ried Grace, the daughter of Andrew Newcombe of Boston. James Butler died 1689, aged 24 years. Among the items of his estate were the following: Plate and coin; negro boy and girl; house and land in Boston ; house, barn and land in Worcester; musket and arms. Previ- ous to 1682, forty acres of land had been allotted him in Worcester. James, the son of James and Grace Newcombe Butler, born August 1688, married, 1710, Abigail, daughter of John and Elizabeth Eurtiss! James Butler died 1715, aged 27 years. The house and land of James Butler adjoined those of Thomas Jackson, a distiller, who had married Grace, the sister of Mr. Butler. Extracts from the James Butlek Inventory, 1715. House lot £100, Negro woman Dinah £39, silverware £26 I8s 2d, one- sixth of sloop Mary £16, 1 bay mare, 1 red cow, 1 heifer and calf £17, pewter and brass ware £16 6s, table-linen £13 7s, 4 suits clothes and 444 The Records of Oxford. riding coat £17 4s, sheet and pillow biers £28, clock and two tables £12 16s, chairs, lookiug-glass and tables £13 18s, curtains, bedstead, quilt and blankets £17, green curtains, bed bolster and pillows £26, other items amount in all to £510 10s. lOd. About two years afterward the administrators returned an additional amount of moneys, viz. : £777 4s 6d. The estate ever remained unsettled. Among the charges made by the administrators of moneys paid out by them were the following : — Funeral charges £12 14s, widow's mourning £5 3s lOd, nursing the widow £1 5s, calash hire and expenses of carrying the widow to Salem £1 6s 6d, waaes of Hannah Simpson for keeping house £18 19s.* James, the son of James and Abigail (Eustiss) Butler, born in 1713, Dec. 4; his mother died Dec. 16, eleven days after the birth of her sou James. He was educated by his uncle, Thomas Jackson, who was his guardian. James Butler married in 1739, May 17, Elizabeth, daughter of Humphrey and Hannah (Geduey) Davie. She died in February, 1740, at the birth of James, her only child, James Butler of Boston, afterward of Oxford, Mass. Boston, 10 FeVy, 1795. This may certify that James Butler was baptized on the 17th day of Feb'y 1740, by the Rev'd Mr. Gray, one of the Pastors of the New Brick Church. Attest. John Lathrop, Pastor. Mr. Butler was placed during his infancy with his aunt Tileston, Ave miles out of town (Dorchester). Afterward he was placed under the care of his uncle Jackson in Boston. Bartholomew Gedney of Boston was appointed guardian of Elizabeth Davie when she was fourteen years of age. The Edmund Quincy house is one of the most ancient mansions in New England. The antique parlor has on the walls the quaint French hangings, which tradition says were hung there in 1775, in honor of Dorothy Quincy's approaching marriage to Governor Hancock. The Edmund Quincyt house at Quincy has for many years been the home of Peter Butler, Jr., Esq., who sustains the hospitalities of its former occupants, and also of his ancestor. Sir John Davie. *Jamcs Butler's second wife was Mary, daughter of William and Mary (Gard- ner) Bowditch of Salem. tJudge Sewall in the description of a journey made by him in March, 1712, from Plymouth, where he had been holdina; court, to Boston, notes the fact "that owing to the very hard rain storm which prevailed when he reached 'Braintry,' the day and I were in a manner spent, and I turned into cousin BiograpJiical Sketches. 445 This notable brook reflects the ancient mansion, with its shrubbery and forest trees, forming one landscape picture of grent beauty. "Socially, Mr. Butler was one of the most delightful men we have ever had among us, and especially as a host in his own home. The unique house at Quincy which he occupied as a residence for so many years was one of the most interesting in this country. It was about 250 years old and was kept in perfect condition. It was furnished in sympathy with its architecture and its history. Mr. Butler's numberless mementos of Mr. Webster, whose intimate friend he was for many years, his large collection of rare books and innumerable souvenirs from friends made it one of the most entertainlug places of historical interest that the country has possessed." The family of Davie is of remote antiquity in the county of Devon, being established there since the Conquest. It is of Norman descent, but from the residence of its ancestor at an old mansion formerly known by the name of Wey, the tirst sirname adopted in England was " de la Wey," and the first of the de la Weys mentioned in the family pedigree had coat armor which has ever since continued without variation to be borne by his descendants, although their sirnaraes have been at difierent times written de la Wey, de Vie, Davie and Dewey. From William de la Wey lineally descended John Davie (fourth son of Robert Davie, Esq., of Crediton, by the daughter and heir of John Bardolph, Esq., of Titchfleld), who had the honor to be three times the mayor of the city of Exeter, and was celebrated for his hospitality. During the first mayoralty of John Davie, in 1584, Don Antonio, King of Portugal, having been driven from his kingdom by Philip, King of Spain, landing at Plymouth, thence removing to Exeter, was received with his whole suite by the mayor, and sumptuously lodged and enter- tained for a considerable time, while he sojourned there at the magis- trate's expense and in his own house. John Davie, mayor of Exeter, England, married Julian, daughter of William Strode, Esq., of Neunham, Kent, and had issue: I. John, his successor. II. William, who had a son William who succeeded his cousin. III. Humphrey, a merchant of London, married and had John, 5th Baronet. At the decease of John Davie he was succeeded by his only son, John Davie, Esq., of Greedy, created a baronet in 1641. The family seat is Greedy Park, Crediton, Devonshire. Quincey's, where I had the pleasure to see God, in His Providence, shining again upon the persons and atl'airs of the family, after long and distressing sick- ness and losses. Lodged in the chamber next the Brooke." 446 The Records of Oxford. Coat of Arms.— At. a cliev. gu. betw. three mullets pierced Sa. Crest M paschal or Holy lamb ppr. Motto "Auspice Christo."— Exeter. Mary, daughter of John Davie of Exeter, married Humphrey, a Lon- don merchant. The lineage of Sir John Davie, his heraldic emblazonries and the like, may be found in Burke's Peerage of England. John Davie, who came to New England, became a resident of Groton, Mass., in 1G62. His oldest son, John, graduated at Harvard University in 1681, and became a resident of New London, Ct., but was recalled to England and became a baronet in 1713. He presented Yale College his library on his departure. See New London, Caulkins. Humphrey, a second son of John Davie, of Groton, became a resident of Dorchester, Mass., and a merchant of Boston. He married Hannah, daughter of William and Hannah (Gardner) Gedney of Salem, Mass. He died 1718. Elizabeth, daughter of Humphrey and Hannah Davie, was married to James Butler Feb. 15, 1739. James, the son of James and Elizabeth (Davie) Butler, married Mary, daughter of Anthony Sigouruey of Boston.* SiGOURNEY AND GkRMAINK. " Beverly Farms, Mass., July 7, 1880. " My dear Madam : " I am much obliged to you for your kind and interesting letter. It is only the other day that I was asked for information about the Sigourneys by Mr. C. C. Smith, who is to furnish the chapter on the 'Huguenots in Boston' in the great Memorial History of Boston, soon to be published, but I could give him no help and can I fear give you but little. *John Gedney, born in 1603, admitted to the church in Salem, November, 1637; died in 1688. John, his sou, lost at sea. William Gedney, his son, born in 16G8; married in IGUO Hannah Gardner. Their daughter, Hannah Gedney, married Humphrey Davie. Humphrey Davie came from London 1C62 and married Mrs. Sarah Gibbons, the widow of James Richards of Hartford, Ct., a lady of large estate, as she claimed the lands of the " Dutch House of Good Hope," now Hartford, Ct. See Ancient Records of Hartford. He left a son Jobn by a former marriage who married Elizabeth, daughter of James Richards of Hartford, Ct., aud resided in New London, Ct. Gov. Gardner Saltonstall of Connecticut (his brother-in-law having married Jerusha, a daugliter of James Richards) describes him being attorney to Sir John Davie of Creedy Co., Devon. Humphrey who was brother of the barouet was born 1073 iu Hartford, Ct. Biographical Sketches. 447 " The only one of my family wlio could recollect my great-grandmotlier, Mrs. Susannah Sigourney Brimmer, was my aunt, Miss Eliza Brimmer, and she only slightly. She remembered as a child that a Frenchwoman used to come to see the old lady, and that they talked French together. As Mrs. S. S. B. was boru some years after the Sigourneys came over this shows that they must have held to the use of their own language among themselves, and the Huguenots doubtless did for many years hold very closely together. After 1720 many, perhaps all of them, applied to the provincial legislature for an act of naturalization and obtained it ; but the act was disallowed by the King in Council as an infringement of his prerogative. My great-grandfather, Martin Brim- mer, who had come out from Germany in 1720, and found none of his own countrymen here, joined the Huguenot colony and afterwards mar- ried into it. He applied to be naturalized in a postscript to their petition. " I have not much of value in the way of family portraits on that side — of my grandfather Martin only a black silhouette ; of his brother Herman there is a poor portrait; of my father two unsatisfactory portraits and a good bust. The latter has been photographed and I will send you a copy if you would like it. I have no recent likeness of my- self and am moreover not distinguished enough for such good company. The best portrait I know of any descendant of Andrew Sigourney is that of Samuel Dexter by Stuart. I have a copy of it, said by his sou to be a better likeness than the original, which has been copied for the War Dept'nt at Washington, and which you have seen engraved on the 50-cent pieces, fractional currency. Perhaps it could be photographed to advantage. "If you have any information bearing especially on the Colony in Boston, such as lists of names of families composing it, &c., I am sure Mr. C C. Smith (24 West St., Boston,) would be glad to have it, and to reciprocate with anything within his reach. " I am much obliged for your kind invitation, and if I have the oppor- tunity, should be glad to see Oxford and the memorials of the Sigourneys which you mention. "Very truly and resp'ly yours, "Martin Brimmer." "Mrs. M. DeW. Freeland." Children of Andrew Sigourney, 2nd. Andrew, born in France, 1673, married Mary Germain, also born in France, 1680. He was a distiller in Boston ; was one of the proprietors 448 The Records of Oxford. of the French Church in South Latin School Street, being one, with others, who executed a deed, conveying the same to another society. Died in 1748. Mary, his wife, died March 20, 1763-4. Children of Andrew- and Mary (Germaine) Sigourney. Andrew,^ b. in Boston, Jan. 30, 1702. Married by Rev. 'Andrew Le Mercier, October 7, 1731, Mary Rouchon (an only daughter of John Ronchon, wlio died 1761), died Nov. 4, 1762. Will dated June 13, 1760. Recorded in Sufiblk, Dec. 10, 1762. Lib. 61, folio 125. Mary his wife died 28th Feb., 1772. Susannah,^ b. in Boston, Dec. 27, 1704. M. by Rev. Andrew Le Mercier, Oct. 24, 1726, Martin Brimraer, who was born 1697, at Osten, 16 Ger- man miles from Hamburg, in Germany. Died, Feb. 18, 1793. Peter,^ b. in Boston, March 1, 1706. Died, 1738. (Dec. 16, 1738. Suffolk Probate, lib. 34, folio 93, administration was granted to Elizabeth Green, widow, on estate of Peter Sigourney ; but nothing beyond appears.) Mary,^ b. In Boston, Aug. 1, 1709. M. by Rev. Andrew Le Mercier, Feb. 20, 1734, John Baker, who came from Jersey or Guernsey, died Sept. 27, 1774. Charles,' b. in Boston, April 27, 1711. Died, unmarried, Dec. 8, 1751. Anthony,^ b. iu Boston, Aug. 17, 1713. M. by Rev. Andrew Le Mercier, April 10, 1740, Mary Waters, of Salem, afterward married widow Elizabeth Breed (maiden name, Whittemore). Died, 1761. Will dated Aug. 7, 1761. Recorded in Suffolk, Oct. 2, 1761, lib. 59, folio 148. Elizabeth, his wife, died at Oxford, May 18, 1804, fe. 88. Daniel,^ b. in Boston, Nov. 17, 1715. M. by Rev. John Webb or Peter Thatcher, 1735, Mary Varney (daughter of James and Jane [Tudor] Varuey, who was born 14 Jan., 1711) ; afterward, about 1745, m. Joanna Tileston; afterward, on Feb. 13, 1780, m. Rebecca Tileston, sister(?) of Joanna. Died July 7, 1787. Joanna, the second wife, died in Boston, Sept. 19, 1770, «. 53. Rebecca, his wife, died in Maiden, Jan. 14, 1807, a;. 88. Rachel,^ b. March 5, 1717-8. Died Sept. 20, 1719. Hannah, =* b. in Boston, Feb. 27, 1719. M. by Rev. Andrew Elliot, D.D., June 23, 1748, Hon. Samuel Dexter (son of Rev. Samuel Dexter of Dedham), b. 16 March, 1726. Died Nov. 6, 1784. Andrew Sigourney (will made 1736, May 20th, proved July 5, 1748. Attest A. H. Ward). Aged and infirm, I give to Mary, ray beloved wife, one-third part of all my personal estate, also one-third part of my real estate during her natural life ; to my son Andrew of Boston, mariner, one hundred pounds above ray other children. Biographical Sketches. 449 Debts to be deducted out of my estate and my wife's share. Then the balance to be divided into seven equal parts, and one of them to be given to each of my children and their heirs, viz. : Andrew, Susannah Brimmer, Mary Baker, Charles, Anthony, Daniel, Hannah Sigourney. That part of my real estate that I have given to my wife for life, I give, after her decease, to my said children in seven equal parts. As to the one-third part of the personal estate which I gave my wife, I would have her dispose of it as she pleaseth. My wife, my son Andrew and my brother Daniel Johonuot are to be my executors. Andrew Sigourney. [skal.] Witnesses : Thomas Baker. Robert Breck. Owen Harris. In [1822] Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sigourney of Hartford, Ct., visited Oxford, Mass., and were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. James Butler, and of Mrs. Butler's brother, the late Captain Andrew Sigourney. Mrs. L. H. Sigourney writes : "A visit to this fair scenery many years since was rendered doubly interesting by the conversation of an ancient lady of Huguenot extraction, though she had numbered more than four score winters her memory was perfectly retentive, while her clear black eye, dark complexion and extremely expressive countenance, displayed some of the striking characteristics of her ancestral clime, mingled with that beauty of the soul which is confined to no nation, and which age cannot destroy. "Mrs. Butler had derived many legends which she had treasured with fidelity and related with simple eloquence. Truly, the voice of buried ages spoke through her venerated lips. "This was the same Mrs. Butler, formerly Mary Sigourney, whose reminiscences the late Rev. Dr. Holmes, the learned and persevering annalist, has quoted in his 'Memoirs of the French Protestants.' "L. H. Sigourney." Mary Sigourney was educated with her cousin, Elizabeth Brimmer, who afterward was married to Henderson Inches, Esq., by their grand- mother, Mrs. Mary Germain Sigourney, both of her granddaughters re- siding with her, the mother of Mrs. Butler dying when she was two years of age. Mrs. Butler may be pictured as she was long remembered, as residing in a rich, old-fashioned mansion house, with its wide, heavy gable, fronting an ancient common, on which was a rustic church, which being shaded partly with elms, added to its quaint beauty. The parlor was 450 The Records of Oxford. richly wainscoted, with its long, narrow windows of extremely diminu- tive panes of glass, giving a southern landscape view with a cheerful sunlight to give lovely, sunny rooms, and its curious buffet garnished with old china and silver. There were rich, leather bottomed antique chairs of various patterns, including a huge easy chair, once the favorite of Mary Germain Sigour- ney, and where for many years she reclined as an invalid.* There was a tall, narrow mirror without sconces, the bridal gift of her cousin, Mrs. Inches, and lovely pictures adorned the walls, and in the summer the par- terre of flowers on which the parlor opened added to its attractions, for the windows were curtained with tall spikes of hollyhocks, one of the rich border flowers. On a winter's day Mrs. Butler would be seen in her easy chair by a bright, cheerful wood fire, knitting with a book before her. Her insep- arable companion was a delicate little girlf with fair complexion and bright flaxen hair, ensconsced in her tiny easy chair at her side, either engaged in reading or in embroidery, while listening to her grandmother's tales of the sufl'eriugs of her ancestors in leaving their pleasant home in France, or some other historic lore. Thus the little orphan lived under the sweet influence of her grandmother, and so bright were the days of her childhood that its brightness remained in her memory through her life. "The rich beneflts derived from friendship between infant inex- perience and saintly wisdom, are incalculable." "L. H. SiGOURNEY." Children of Anthony and Mary (Waters) Sigourney. Mary, b. March 23, 1741-2; m. May 18, 1763, James Butler of Boston. She died April U, 1823, in Oxford. Susannah, died young. Peter, b. Dec. 8, 1745; m. by Rev. John Lathrop, May 30, 1767, Celia Loring. He died June, 1823, in Boston. In a second marriage, with Elizabeth Breed, Andrew and Anthony. Andrew, son of Anthony and Elizabeth Breed Sigourney, was born in Boston Nov. 30, 1752; married July 26, 1787, Elizabeth, daughter of Josiah Wolcott, Esq., of Oxford. Andrew Sigourney died at Oxford. Mass., April 16, 1838, aged 89 years. Mrs. Elizabeth Sigourney died at Oxford, March 20, 1829, aged 67 years. Andrew Sigourney and his brother Anthony were nearly taken prison- ers at the retreat from New York in 1776. They were in the battle at ♦The ancient chair is now in the possession of Peter Butler, Esq., Quiucy, Mass. fLate Mrs. Sterues De Witt of Oxford. Biographical Sketches. 451 White Plains and other engagements. Andrew obtained a commission as Commissary, with rank of Captain. In 1784 he was a resident of Oxford, Mass., and became wealthy in commerce. Anthony, a son of Anthony and Elizabeth Breed Sigourney, born May 12, 1751 ; married by Rev. Ebenezer Chaplin of Sutton, June 23, 1774, to Ruth, daughter of Abel Chase of Sutton, Mass.; in a second marriage, to a lady by the name of Phillips. Anthuuy Sigourney of Oxford re- moved in 1797 to Stratton, Vt., where Mrs. Ruth Chase Sigourney died Jan. 17, 1802. A reminiscence of Mrs. Mary (Gcrmaine) Sigourney. Capt. Gerraon [Gerraaine] when he left his mansion house in La Ro- chelle, locked the door, taking the key with him as a memento of his home— hastening with his family on board a vessel for England. The Germaine family were from La Rochelle, France. Captain Ger- maine (sometimes written Gerraon or Jerraon) was of a Roman Catholic family of high position, being a younger brother of Count Germaine. He left France at the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and arrived in Boston during the summer of 1686. Captain Germaine and his two daughters. Marguerite and Mary, with his three sons, Charles, Ober and Peter, left Boston, and were included in the French settlement in Oxford in 1687. His son, Charles Germaine, of Oxford, became a resident of New Rochelle, N. Y. The Sigourney family were in the first French settlement of Oxford, but were not included in the resettlement of the French in Oxford. Mrs. Mary (Sigourney) Butler and her brothers, Capt. Andrew and Anthony Sigourney, became residents of Oxford at the close of the Revolutionary War. 1681, the British envoy residing in Paris, had kept his government informed of the proceedings of Louis XIV. against his reformed subjects. The "terrible edict" of June, 1681, at length decided Charles II. to issue a royal proclamation July 28, 1681, promising letters of denization under the great seal of England to all "distressed Protestants" " who by reason of the rigors and severities which are used towards them upon the account of their religion, shall be forced to quit their native country, and shall desire to shelter themselves under his Majesty's royal protection, for the preservation and free exercise of their religion." There has been as yet no authenticated record found of the time when Andrew Sigourney and his family, accompanied by his nephew, Daniel Johonnot, of seventeen years of age, left France and arrived in Eng- land, and no record of the marriage of Andrew Sigourney, Sr., only records of three children with certainty, viz. : Andrew, Susauno and Mary. 4^2 TJic Records of Oxford. Tradition states the name of Mrs. Sigourney to have been Charlotte Pairan. The late Capt. Andrew Sigourney of Oxford, born in Boston, stated that Mrs. Sigourney, Sr., who came from France, died in Oxford, and was Iniried in the French burying-ground of that place. The family of Sigourney is found registered with the families of Poitou, 1681. "The Sigourney family bore the name of a locality in the province of Poitou." " ' Sigouruais,' now a hamlet of some eight hundred inhabitants, in the department of La Vendee, four miles from Chatonnay. Near by is the chateau de Sigournais."* Tlie grave-stone of Andrew Sigourney* stands in the "Granary" burial-yard, and bears the following epitaph : — ANDREW SIGOURNEY, Died, Apkil 16th, 1727. Aged 89. Andrew,'^ the son, born in France, married Mary Germaine. Susanne, born in France, married Jean Jansen, who was massacred, with his three children, by Indians at Oxford, Massachusetts, August 25, 1696. She was afterward married, April 18, 1700, to her cousin, Daniel Johounot of Boston, by Rev. Samuel Willard of the Old South Church. Dauiel Johonnot died in Boston, 1748, aged eighty years. Mary, a daughter of Andrew Sigourney, was married to Antoine Olivier in Boston previously to the year 1712. f Daniel Johonnot. Daniel .Johonnot was born in France in 1668, and arrived in Boston via England 1686, and in 1687 accompanied his uncle, Andre Sigournais, to the Oxford settlement. In 1696 he became a resident of Boston. The Site of the First Residence of Daniel Johonnot. A part of the "edifices" now remains standing opposite the site of the Green Dragon Tavern. This is said to have been his mansion house. The distill house was near the mill-pond. ♦That Andrew! Sigourney, the ancestor, may have had other children with him besides the above Andrew^ and Susan2 is very probable. There are records extant of a Samuel Sigourney as having married Mary Dunbar, Dec. 1, 1723 ; also of a SharJotte Segaruec:', as married to Peter Holman (or Holton), May 2G, 1719, both by Andrew Le Mercier, the pastor of the French Church, but nothing after the marriage records has been discovered or is linown. tSee records of the Olivier family Bible in the Historical Society, Boston, presented by Elisha Sigourney, Esq., Boston. Biographical Sketches. 453 The last purchase of real estate made by Daniel Johonnot, was of Thomas Wade, guardian of Wra. Ballantine, minor, a bricli house now in possession of widow Bouyer (his daughter), bounded north- erly on Marlborough street and upon Thomas Flagg and Robert Pettishall. Consideration, £12,000, old tenor. This estate is now 156 Washington street, directly opposite the Proviuce House, and near the Old South Church. It is now held by one of the descendants of Mary Anne (Jo- honnot) Bouyer. At the time of Mr. Johonnot's death it was occupied by his grandson. It must have been his last residence, as in the inven- tory it is described as being In possession of Mr. Daniel Bouyer. On the west line and rear of this land stood the distillery of Mr. Johonnot; on the east. Long lane, now Federal street, were several wooden stores and a garden in the rear between the stores and the distill house ; on the south-west corner where tlie Catholic church now stands were the store-houses, well-room, etc., which he occupied until his death. The business was then continued by his son Andrew, and subsequently by his grandson of the same name. Daniel Johonnot was engaged in mercantile affairs as is seen in a few of his advertisements in the Boston Neios-Letter of that day : "A convenient Dwelling house in Pond Street, next door to the French Doctors, to be let. Inquire of Daniel Johonnot, Distiller, near the Star Tavern, June 11, 1724." "Lately brought in very good Yorlv Flour, also six great guns and four large Anchors. To be sold by Daniel Johonnot at his house, near the sign of the Buck in Marlborough street. June 26, 1726." Children : Zacharie, b. January, 1701 ; Susanne, b. April, 1702; Daniel, b. March, 1704, d. 1721; Andrfi, b. June, 1705; Marie Anne, b. August, 1706; Francois, b. November, 1709. Daniel Johonnot died in 1748 ; his wife Susanne was living till after 1731, as her name appears on a date at that time. The above record of the births of the children of Daniel and Susanne Sigourney (Jausen) Johonnot, is taken from a French Bil)le, Amsterdam edition of 1700, now in the possession of one of tlieir descendants. "He bequeathed to Rev. Andrew Le Mercier £50 old tenor and the sum of £50 old tenor to the poor to be distributed among them as my execu- tors shall think proper. Residue of his estate to his three sons, Zachery , Andrew, Francis, and the children of Mary Anne Bouyer. My further will is that my Distill House, with copper pumps, still, and all other utensils and appurtenances thereof, the garden adjoining thereto, to- gether with the way leading to the street (Long lane) shall go to my son Andrew, and be reconed to him as a part of his quarter." 454 The Records of Oxford. Will dated May 29, 1748. Approved July 1, 1748.* Zachariah Johounot, the eldest son of Daniel Johonnot, was first married to Elizabeth Quincy, who died during the War of the Revolu- tion, 1777; and in a second marriage to Margaret, daughter of Rev. Andrew Le Mercier, minister of the French Protestant church in Boston. He was a merchant; his residence and store were in Orange street at the south part of the town. His distillery on Harvard street, directly opposite to his dwelling. At the bottom of the same street was his wharf, a wooden distillery house and storehouses. Mr. Johonnot died in 1784, aged 84 years. His will, dated March 1, 1784 : To his son Peter (^then in England) he bequeathed his mansion house, store adjoining, yard and garden "as the same is now fenced in," his large silver salver, two pair of silver candle-sticks, silver snuffers, snuff dish, etc. "And to Cesar, formerly my negro servant, now a freeman, I bequeath £50 lawful money, to be paid to him by my executors within twelve months after my death." There is much of interest in regard to the family of Johonnot in the records of the Hollis street church, Boston, Mass. "Dec. 20, 1761, Zachariah Johounot, Esq., presented to the Hollis Street church, a large silver basin for Baptisms." And on March 29, 1773, he presented a large and costly silver flagon for the Communion Table (to the same church). Will of Zachariah Johonnot, proved April 20, 1784. Inventory, May 18, 1784, Suffolk Records, lib. 83, Peter Bouyer, one of the executors. Peter, son of Zachariah Johounot, married Katherine, daughter of Hon. William Dudley, son of Governor Joseph Dudley. He was mar- ried by the Rev. Matthew Byles. Charlotte, a daughter of Zachariah Johonnot, was married to her first cousin, Peter Boyer. The mansion house and store and beautiful gardens of Zachariah Johounot were burned in the great fire, April 20, 1787. The house was unoccupied. The estate was subsequently sold to Dr. Elijah Dix; he erected an elegant brick mansion on the site. Peter was a loyalist, an addressee of Gov. Gage in 1775, and one of the committee with Thomas and Jonathan Amory, March 8, 1776, to communicate, etc., etc. *A11 of the Johonnot family arc buried near the Franklin Monument in the Granary church-yard on Tremout street, near the graves of their ministers, Daile and Le Mercier, and also near to Sigourney, Bouyer and others; their antique gravestones now stand erect, and mark their resting-place. Biographical Sketches. 455 Peter Johonnot, the loyalist, was chosen by the citizens of Boston to communicate with Gen. Howe to take measures to avert the impending destruction threatened by him in case his array should be molested while evacuating the town. Mr. Johonnot died in Loudon, August 8, 1809, at the advanced age of 80 years. Mrs. Johonnot died in Boston, June 28, 1769. No issue. Andrew, son of Daniel and Susanne Johonnot, was born in Boston, 1705; he married Susanne, daughter of Antoine and Mary (Sigouruey) Olivier. He was a distiller and succeeded his father in business on Long Lane, 1748, and he himself was subsequently succeeded by his son Andrew. His residence was on Pond Street, now Bedford Street. A part of his building is standing on corner of Washington Street. He bequeathed to his wife Susannah one-third part real estate during her life, all his plate, jewelry and household furniture forever, and the use and improve- ment of all the rest of his estate, real and personal, until his children all reached 21 years of age. The descendants of Andrew, the son of Daniel Johonnot, are not only descended from Susanne, the daughter of Andrew Sigourney, Sr., who came from France, but from his daughter Mary, who was married to Antoine Olivier, whose daughter Susanne became Mrs. Andrew Johonnot.* Children of Andrew and Susanne Johonnot : Mary, born in 1730; Daniel, about 1732; Andrew, 1735, died without issue; Francis, died single; Susannah, born 1738; Margaret, 1740; Martha, 1760, died in 1774, single; William, born 1752; Elizabeth in 1764; Olivier, 1765, and the other children died in infancy. Margaret was married by Rev. Henry Caner, of the King's Chapel, to Dimond Morton, July 3, 1767, he died about 1790. Susanne (Olivier) Johonnot, daughter of Antoine and Mary (Sigourney) Olivier of Boston, was born July 12, 1713, died in Boston, Jan. 23, 1774, aged 61 years. f * There is an ancient jewelled ring of Mrs. Andrew Johonnot, being marked with her name, which she retained until her death. From the style of the ring and its size it would indicate that it once belonged to a gentleman. In the will of Andrew Johonnot he bequeaths his jewelry to Mrs. Johonnot. Mr. Johonnot died June 1, 1760, aged 55 years. The ring is now in the possession of a lineal descendant of Andrew Johonnot. t There is a French Bible, including a prayer-book, in the Sigourney family, said by the late Charles Sigourney, Esq., of Hartford, Conn., to have belonged to Susanne (Sigourney) Johonnot. On a blank leaf is the following writing : •'Botof Wm. H.Sumner with pew No. 137, Brattle Street Church, April, 1830. A. Johonnot. 45^ The Records of Oxford. Lazarus Le Baron, a native of Barbadoes, became a resident of Boston ; he was married to Susanna, the daughter of Andrew and Susanne (Olivier) Johonnot, Boston, by the Rev. Dr. Caner of King's Chapel, March 3, 1767. Mrs. Johonnot was born in 1738; died August 10, 1774, aged 36 years, leaving Susanne, an only child of seven years of age in 1774-1775. Soon after the decease of Mrs. Le Baron, Mr. Le Baron removed with his daugliter Susanne, born Dec. 1, 1767, to Sutton, Mass., where he purchased a landed estate. Susanne was married to Dr. Stephen Monroe of Sutton, Sept. G, 1790. Dr. and Mrs. Monroe both died in Sutton. Their children were : Margaret Neuson, who was married to Jonas L. Sibley, Esq., of Sutton, a gentleman distinguished in his time, educated at Brown University, and became a U. S. Marshal; Mary married Jacob March, a physician; a third daughter was married to March, a merchant; and a daughter who married Charles White, and in a second marriage Edward Clarke. Mr. Le Baron was a gentleman of wealth and high position in society, extremely aristocratic in the opinion of the public, but at the same time was possessed of a very affable manner and could adapt himself to all classes of persons. He did not, with the time, change the fashion of his dress, but retained his small-clothes of fine cloth in the English court style, with long hose and silver knee and shoe buckles. He also wore a three-cornered hat, assuming the appearance of a gentleman of the preceding century. In late years of his life, Mr. Le Baron would refer to the parting scene with his mother — the vessel in the harbor waiting to sail — and all made ready for his departure, his mother, in the place of his attendant, dressed his hair in heavy curls falling on his shoulders — as was then the fashion for boys of his age — her tears falling at the time attracted his attention and sympathy, as the mother feared it was the final parting with her son.* "By which last presented to Charles Sigourney, Hartford, in Boston, July 11, 1849." On one of the margins of the book is found the name of And^ Johonnot. The volume is now in the possession of Charles Sigourney Burnhara of New York, a grandson of the late Charles Sigourney of Hartford. * Children in those days, when in full dress, wore tunics, as styled, of rich brocaded silk in plain colors made with plaits to fit the person frpm the throaty in form of a yoke, and left flowing in front, with full ruflles falling from neck and hands, and with a small three-cornered hat made the costume. In the Sigourney family there are dresses of this description still retained as relics. Biografhical Sketches. 457 During I^no William's War on Board a French Privateer. Dr. Francis Le Baron from Bordeaux, France, a surgeon in the French navy, arrived in Plymouth about the year 1694. He is named in the Plymouth Records. He died August 8, 1704, aged thirty-sis years. His gravestone in Plymouth on the " Ancient Hill," is still in good preserva- tion. From a copy of his will and inventory of his estate, it appears he was a gentleman possessed of wealth in those times. He was married to Mary Wilder of Hingham, September 6, 1695. He left three sons, James, Lazarus and Francis. Lazarus, son of Dr. Le Baron, after finishing his university educa- tion, studied medicine In New York, and resided in Plymouth ; his family included nine sons and five daughters. His eldest son, Lazarus, after finishing his course of education, chose medicine as his profession; he became a resident of Barbadoes, West Indies, where he married Margaret Neusome. May 11, 1775, Mr. Le Baron was, in a second marriage, united to Plan- nah Chase. June 3, 1783, he was married to Mary Chase, and in 1802, he was married to Mary Woodbury. She died August 28, 1837, aged seventy-two years. He died November 30, 1827, aged eighty-three years. Hannah, daughter of Lazarus and Hannah (Chase) Le Baron, was born in Sutton, January 22, 1776. She was married to Captain Israel Putnam, April 24, 1796. Captain Putnam was a gentleman of high po- sition, and was said to have lived in advance of other country gentlemen of his time. Children of Mary Anne Johonnot, who married James Bouyer : Daniel, Peter, Susanne, James and Peter. Susanne was married to Andre Olivier, born Sept. 20, 1724. Daniel had two daughters, Elizabeth and Katharine ; they both were married to Joseph Cooledge of Boston, who was a merchant of great wealth. The mother of Mr. Cooledge was Marguerite, daughter of Antoine and Mary (Slgourney) Olivier, born in Nova Scotia, Nov. 8, 1726. In a second marriage to Mr. Jennison of Worcester, and in a third marriage to Joseph Wheeler of Worcester. Marguerite Olivier was educated by Andrew Sigourney, 2nd, and resided in his family. Children of Antoine and Mary Sigourney Olivier. 1712, Sept. 3, Jean is born, presented for baptism by his father and his aunt Susanne Johonnot. 1713, July 12, Seuzeon (Susanne) is born, presented ))y the same; was married to Andrew Johonnot. 1715, Feb. 15, Antho is born, presented by his uncle Daniel Johonnot, and his aunt Mary Sigourney. 458 The Records of Oxford. 1716, Antho dies. 1716, Feb. IG, Marie born, presented by her father and mother. 1717, April 16, Jeanne (Jane) born, presented by her uncle and aunt Sigourney. 1717, Jean dies. 1719, March 20, Daniel is born. 1720, August 20, Jeanne born. 1721, Sept. 14, Anne born. 1721, Sept. 21, Anne dies. 1722, August 29, Jeanne born. 1723, Dec. 13, Marianne born. 1724, Sept. 20, Andrfi born. 1725, Sept. 18, Gillaoume (Guillaurae, William) is born. 1726, Nov. 8, Marguerite born. 1727, Dec. 31, Anne born. 1731, June 15, Elizeabet (Elizabeth) is born. Eight of these children were born in Boston, the remaining seven in Nova Scotia. From the names of these children presented in baptism, and their relatives, it is evident that Susanne Johounot w.as the aunt of Olivier's children and that Daniel Johounot was their uncle, and also that Andr6 Sigourney and Mary his wife were uncle and aunt. The wife of Antoine Olivier was Mary, a sister of Susanne Sigourney Johounot and Andre Sigourney, 2nd. Mrs. Mary (Sigourney) Olivier was a daughter of Andre Sigournais, Sr. Antoine Olivier left Boston in 1721, and became a resident of Annapo- lis, Nova Scotia; the family or a part of the same returned to Boston.* BOWDOIN. In a petition of Pierre Baudouin to Governor Andros for one hundred acres of land in Casco Bay, now Portland, — "A son Excellance, Mon- sieur le gouverneur en chef de la nouvelleEngleterre" — Pierre Baudouin represents in his flight from the kingdom of France, he had lost almost the entire estate which he possessed. He prays therefore to be ex- empted for a few years from taxation, having been obliged to sell some of his efiects at a sacrifice in order to pay for the survey of land. *An ancient "French Bible," once belonging to Antoine Olivier (Anthony Oliver), was presented by Elisha Sigourney, Esq., of Boston, to the Boston Athenwum, July, IslO. "The Bible is a thick-set, chubby quarto In two volumes. It bears the marks Of diligent and reverential use ; not even a pencil-mark has profaned its sacred pages." in this Bible there is a record of Antoine Olivier's numerous family. Biographical Sketches. 459 Benjamin Bowdoin was engaged with Gabriel Bernon in the commerce of Oxford in the second settlement. He afterwards left Boston and re- moved to Virginia. Gabriel Bernou conveyed his estate in Oxford to James Bowdoin, a brother of Benjamin Bowdoin, in 1716, which was in the care of Bowdoin until 1720. "Fleury, in his Histoire Eclesiastique, Edit. 1779, gives an account of nineteen eminent persons from the 'Conipte de Flanders,' A. D. 862, to Baudouin, Jurisconsnlte, A. D. 1561." The Baudouin family ancestry can be traced to Baldwin, king of Jerusalem, who died in 1118, and his remains were deposited in a church on Mount Calvary. Governor Andros issued a warrant, dated Oct. 8, 1689, to the deputy surveyor, authorizing and requiring him to lay out one hundred acres of vacant land in Casco Bay for Pierre Baudouin. "Before the warrant was executed, however, Pierre Baudouin had obtained possession of a few acres of land on what is now the high road from Portland to Vaughan's Bridge, a few rods northerly of the house of the Hon. Nicho- las Emery. A solitary apple tree and a few rocks, which apparently formed the curbing of a well, were all that remained to mark the site of this original dwelling-place of the Bowdoins in America."* "At the period of the Revocation, one of its branches took refuge in Prussia, another fled to the Netherlands, and a third escaped to Eng- land." Pierre Baudouin [Bowdoin] of Boston on leaving France took refuge in the city of Dublin, Ireland. He then obtained an eligible position in the Royal Customs, but was finally induced to come to America and make a settlement in Casco, now Portland, in Maine in 1687. From Portland he removed to Boston with his family. He died in Boston, September, 1706, and his wife Elizabeth died August 18, 1720. He left two sons James and John, and two daughters Mary and Eliza- beth.! The Baudouin family, whose name in Boston has been changed to Bowdoin, were descended from one of the most ancient and honorable families in La Rochelle, France. Its diflerent branches were known by designations taken from the numerous seigneuries which they possessed. They were descended from Pierre Baudouin ccuyer, sieur de la Laigne, who married the daughter of Jean Bureau, mayor of La Kochellc, in 1448. The Baudouins were conspicuous in La Rochelle for their Protestant *The Life and Services of James Bowdoin, by Robert C. Winthrop. tNew England Historical and Genealogical Register, vol x. pp. 76-79. 460 The Records of Oxford. faith. "Several members of this family distinguished themselves by their services to the Protestant cause during the civil wars."* James, the son of Pierre Baudouin [Bowdoin], was a merchant of Boston greatly distinguished. He was a member of the Colonial Coun- cil for several years, and left the largest estate, it is said, that had ever been possessed by one person in the province. His son, Governor James Bowdoin, was an eminent statesman and patriot. Entering upon public life at the age of twenty-seven, he took a prominent part in the opposition to the encroachments of the crown during the period preceding the Revolution. Not long before the rupture with England, he was president of the council of government. The convention that assembled in 1779 to form a constitution, chose him as its presiding officer; and at the close of the war he was elected lieuten- ant-governor of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, and succeeded Hancock as governor. James, the governor of Massachusetts, was born August 7, 1726, died November 5, 1790. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Erving. Governor James Bowdoin had two children by his last marriage. His son James married Sarah, a daughter of William Bowdoin and died without issue. His daughter Elizabeth married Sir John Temple, first British Consul-General to the United States, and had two sons, Sir Grenvllle and James, with two daughters. James, the only son of Gov. James Bowdoin, was very noticeable for his elegant scholarship, and for his refined and literary taste. He was appointed by the government of the United States plenipotentiary to the court of Madrid. He was also the munificent patron of the college that bore his name. Elizabeth, who married Thomas L. "Winthrop, Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, and Augusta, were the daughters of Sir John Temple and Lady Elizabeth. Hon. Robert Charles Winthrop is the youngest of the children of Thomas L. Winthrop and Elizabeth Temple. Hon. Alexander DkWitt. At the age of fifteen years obtained a clerkship with the Merino Man- ufacturing Company in Dudley, where he remained some four years. While there he was frequently sent abroad (although but a youth, but manly in appearance and deportment), to secure sales of manufactures, and sometimes extended his travels through the Southern States. In the year 1818 he became a resident of Franklin, Mass. ; during the following year he formed business connections with Dr. Nathaniel Miller. [An incident of his childhood in New Bralntree gives a picture of his life. He had a contest on a certain occasion with a schoolfellow as to the occupa- * Huguenot Emigrations, vol. i., p. 280. Biographical Sketches. 461 tion of a favorite seat in the schoolhouse. The teacher on beiujj appealed to decided that tlie one beins first at school the next day should have it. Alex- ander went home, told his mother of the case, and returning to the school- house established himself in the coveted seat and there spent the night. Very early in the morning his competitor arrived, but only to find himself preceded by his rival.] Previously to becoming a resident of Franklin he had decided to become interested in the fur trade and to proceed at once to Mackinaw, the great central station of the Northwestern American Fur Company. While a resident of Franklin he commanded one of the militia companies of that town, and was afterwards colonel of the 3rd regiment in the 2nd brigade. In 1826 Col. DeWitt became a resident of Oxford, Mass. In 1830 he was elected by the town of Oxford as a Democratic Repre- sentative to the General Court, and was continued in that office six jears.* In 1842, 1844, 1850 and 1851 he was elected Senator to the Massachusetts Legislature. In 1853 and 185G he was a member of con- ventions held for amending the Constitution of the State. He was for four years Representative for Worcester, South District, in Congress (in the years 1852, 1854, 1856 and 1857). In 1857 he was the American candi- date for Lieut. -Governor of Massachusetts. For many years he was engaged in railroad improvements, banks, insurance companies and other corporations, either as president or director. Hon. Alexander DeWitt, the son of Benjamin and Olivia (Campbell) DeWitt, was born iu New Braintree, Mass., April 2, 1798; died in Oxford, Mass., Jan. 13, 1879. Alexander DeWitt was married June 5, 1820, to Mary, daughter of William Makepeace, Esq., of Franklin, Mass. [Copy.] Feb. y^ 13, 1787. Mr. Benjamin Witt (DeWitt) of New Braintree & Mrs. Olivia Campbell were married by A. Campbell. (Charlton) "recorded marriage iu Worcester County Records," 1788. Olivia was the daughter of Duncan Campbell, Esq. (son of Rev. John Campbell of Oxford). After her marriage she resided in New Braintree until 1793, when they became residents of Oxford, at an ancient house on tlie site of the present Episcopal Church, which was at that time the estate of her brother Samuel Campbell. They returned to New Brain- tree, where Mr. DeWitt died April 17, 1818. Mrs. DeWitt was re-married to Daniel Bacon of Charlton and died Feb. 5, 1848, at Franklin, Mass. Children of Benjamin and Olivia Campbell DeWitt Sternes : Sophia, Mary m. Amos Thompson of New Braintree, Hollis m. Sarah Harris of Oxford, Archibald m. Martha Fisher of Franklin, Susan m. Rufus Harris *In the years 1833 and 1834 he opposed the measures of the general govern- ment in the removal of the deposits from the United States Bank, in that it was a violation of contract, an agreement having been made to continue the deposits in that institution a stated period and which period had not expired. This severed for a time his connection with the Democratic party. 462 The Records of Oxford. of Oxford, Alexander, Nancy m. Horace Smith of Leicester, Elizabeth m. Jonas Bacon of Charlton.* Benjamin DeWitt, b. Aug. 15, 1750, at Brookfleld, son of Lieut. John DeWitt, whose landed estate in Brookfleld is since known as the Samuel Cheever place. John de wit, the ancestor of Benjamin DeWitt was, from Holland, but of French extraction, the name originally " de vit." He was a resident of Salem or Lynn in 1630. where he died Dec. 2, 1675. His son, John DeWitt of Lynn, married Elizabeth Baker, June, 1676. His son, John 3d, born 1679, married Mary Dane; resided in Marl- borough 1707, and Ipswich. Lieut. John, son of John and Mary Dane, came to North Brookfleld, 1744. Children of Lieut. John DeWitt of North Brookfleld : Benjamin; Ivory; Stephen; Joseph; Mary, ra. May, 1755, Ebenezer Tidd of New Braintree; Sarah, ra. 1777, Francis Stone of Brookfleld. Benjamin DeWitt was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was detailed as one of the guard at the execution of Major Andre. Sternes DeWitt in 1823 purchased a large landed estate with the water-power and mills once owned by Lieut. John Nichols, who came from Londonderry, Ireland, and a part once included in the estate of Peter Papillon, one of the original proprietors of the land. In 1824 Mr. DeWitt gave a deed of three undivided fourths of this estate to his three brothers, HoUis, Archibald and Alexander DeWitt. In 1826 the second landed estate in which Sternes DeWitt and his brother Alexander became interested with other gentlemen associated with them in what was known as the Nipmuck Country, included the Augutteback mill property and fine woodlands, which they most care- fully preserved in all their natural beauty, leaving groups of trees on the banks of the Maanexit or French Riyer. This property was once the Peter Papillon estate. At the pre>ent time known as Howarth. Stearns DeWitt, son of Benjamin and Olivia (Campbell) DeWitt, b. Dec. 22, 1787, at New Braintree, Mass.; died Nov. 29, 1848, at Oxford; m. Dec. 24, 1815, Hannah, dau. of Anthony Sigouruey Butler of Rut- land, Vt.f Children : Mary, who was married to Capt. Freeman Free- land of Sutton, March 5, 18G2. He was son of James Freeland of Sut- ton, and grandson of Dr. James Fieeland. Elizabeth, who died Sept. 27, 1856. Mr. DeWitt was a gentleman of much influence, but did not aspire to public ofl^ce, was extensively known in the county and was quite noted for his fondness for flue horses. He was much esteemed in his life and for his many benefactions. In his person he was of medium height, stout, of a florid countenance, with blue eyes, dark brown hair, quite * Reference, New Braintree Town Records. fSee Campbell, Butler, Davie, Sigourney and Germaine records. Biographical Sketches. 463 like an English gentleman; possessed of afl'able and agreeable manners, with a pleasing address. He was distinguished in commerce, manu- factures and banks. Note. William Makepeace, b. 17G3, was from Norton, being the son of the fifth in lineal descent of that name. When he was but fourteen years of age he served as a soldier for the defence of Rhode Island. He afterwards served in several campaigns in the Revolution ; subsequently he went a voyage to Aux Cayes on the Island of St. Domingo in the West Indies ; on his return he was married to Mary, daughter of Peter Whiting of Franklin. Mr. Makepeace then purchased a large landed estate and mills in Franklin. He was eugaged In all objects of public utility in town and parish, he was often selected to fill important offices of trust, and from his wealth and position had much influence. He was a justice of the peace for the County of Norfolk. At one time he was captain of the celebrated artillery company raiseil in the towns of Franklin, Belliugham, Medway, Wrentham and Walpole. Mr. Makepeace died at Oxford, March, 1855, age 91. ANC153TRY OF William Makepeace. In 1037, in a book of " Boston Possessions," it was agreed that Mr. Thomas Makepeace should have a house plot and garden place. " The 25 of the seventh month Sept. 1637 the Court direct that Thomas Makepeace have one house and garden bounded with Jeremy Hutchiu southeast, William Wilsou south the street westerly and the lane northerly." This house and garden were in Han- over Street near Court Street. Thomas Makepeace was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, being one of the original members. " He was a gentleman of consequence and of wealth." He had resided in Dorchester. "The 25 day of ye 5 month 1641, Record, Mrs. Elizabeth Mel- lowes, but now y wife of Mr. Makepeace of Dorchester, was granted Ire of Recommendation in Dorchester. Thomas Makepeace had the title of ' Mr.' in the church." " The 25 day of the 1st month called March, 1G39, Further at this meeting it appeared by a writing dated the first day of August, 1633, that Mr. John Underbill hath surrendered unto Mr. Thomas Makepeace of Dorches- ter his house in Boston with an hundred acres of upland ground at Muddy River and ten acres of meadow or marsh ground there ; his share of woodlands in the islands with a garden at the house and another behind Mr. Parker's house to the quantity of half an acre and somewhat more; and also near half an acre upon the Fort Hill, for sum of one hundred pounds." 1G41, June 14, Thomas Makepeace being one of the proprietors of two patents of large tracts of land. " The Dover and the Swampscot Patents embracing in them from the Sea-side (near where Portsmouth now is) and covering the said land by the ryver unto the Fulls of Quamscot," which includes what is now Dover, N. H.; was one of the five patentees who petitioned the "General Court" to have patents and the jurisdiction over the people dwelling within the limits come under the government of Massachusetts which was granted. Thomas Makepeace. Robert Saltonstall. George Willys. William Whiting. Edward Holyoke. 464 The Records of Oxford. In 1654 Thomas Makepeace was in the Narragansett expedition against the Indians, for which he received pay from the treasury of the Massachusetts Bay. Thomas, the oldest son, returned to England, as appears by the will of Thomas Makepeace: "I give and bequeath unto Thomas Makepeace mrai eldest sonn beyond the seas vizt. the house and land in England he being the heir to it which he hath long possessed." His estate in Boston was given to his son William, who afterwards became a resident of Norton. In the Makepeace ancestry it states Lawrence Washington of Gray's Inn, the Mayor of Northampton 1532-1545, had granted to him Sulgrave Manor in 1538 by Henry VIII. Lawrence, the son of Lawrence Washington, was knighted, whose only daughter, Elizabeth, married Robert Shirley, Earl of Ferrers. Robert, an uncle to Elizabeth, inherited Sulgrave Manor and sold it to his nephew, Lawrence Makepeace. Coat of Arms of Thomas Makepeace: Az on a sesse, betw. two Leopards pass or. Three crosses crosslet fitcht'e Crest, a Leopard pass reguard, or, reposing his foot on a shield gee charged with a cross crosslet fitch6e. Motto, Spero. William Earle, born March 24, 1787, married Sophia, daughter of Benjamin and Olivia (Cami)bell) DeWitt, was the son of Col. Robert^ Earle of New Braintree, Mass., William,-' John,3 William,'- Ralph. 1 Col. Robert Earle was born at Dartmouth, now Westport, Mass., Sept., 1757. He married Mary, daughter of Thomas and Abigail Corey. Col. Earle removed to New Braintree in 1S14, and died in 1833. He was commissioned a captain in 17S1, afterward major in the regiment in which George Chighorn was colonel and lieut.-colonel aliout 1799. He was a justice of the peace and deputy sherift" of Bristol County, a gentleman of wealth and a man of marked energy. He was a grand juror and town treasurer of Westport. It is said he was a gentleman of fine appear- ance with agreeable and courtly manners. Col. Earle was the lineal descendant of Ralph Earle' of Portsmouth, R. I., who died in 1G98. His name is found at Newport in 1638. There is a record of him as having joined a " troope " of cavalry. He was afterwards captain of the troop. Ralph p]arlei claimed the lands of the "Dutch House of Good Hope" (now Hartford, Ct.), and commenced a lawsuit therefor against Richard Lord and James Richards of Hartford, possessors of the Dutch land, about 1667. " Earle affirmed be had purchased the land of one Underbill in 1653 and paid him twenty pounds sterling for it." There are many papers upon the subject in the archives of Connecticut. The family of Earle is very ancient, it can be traced to a Saxon ancestry. "In the time of Henry II., who was crowned 1154, Henry de Erie was Lord of Newton of Beckington in the County of Somerset. See Dictionary of Landed Gentry of Great Britain and Ireland." " John de Eriegh then paid five marks for the scutage of his lands at Beck- ington." " In the time of Edward II., who was crowned 1307, they were Lords of the Manor of Somerton Parva, also called Somerton Erleigh in the County of Somerset which they held by grand Sergeancy, a King's Chamberlain— and in the reign of Edward III., who was crowned 1327, they held lands in the same Biographical Sketches. 465 County by service of pouriug water on the King's hands on Easter or Christ- mas-day." The three counties, Dorset, Somerset, and Devon, adjoin each other and Exeter is the chief city of Devonshire. In these counties were many branches of the Earles. There are monuments of persons of the name in Exeter Cathe- dral. Kalpli Earlei came from Exeter to New England. There is mention made in the ancestry of Ralph Earle of a coat of arms. "I remember the horse's head only," said an ancient branch of the family. Several branches of the Earle family in England had on their coat of arms the crest a " nag's head " erased sable maned or. The ancient coat of arms in the possession of Ralph Earlei had the same crest. " A branch of the Somerset Erles settled in the County of Devon in the time of Edward III., John Erie holding lands of Ashburton twenty miles from Exeter. From the elder son of John Erie, who first settled at Ashburton, County of Devon, there are many lines of the Erles, all springing from a com- mon ancestry with him. Freeland. Mr. James Freeland in March, 176G, became a resident of Oxford. He was chosen a town warden in 1769 of Oxford. Mr. James Freeland married in Hopl «' nis ''The Sedgwick Papers." Dr. Daniel Campbell's second marriage was with Elizabeth Sed-wick a niece of Judge Sedgwick of Stockbridge, and whose home wa in his family at the old Sedgwick mansion-house. The correspondence of the 480 The Records of Oxford. Sedgwick family witli IVIrs. Campbell on the death of Dr. Campbell gave manifestations of friendship and deep sympathy.* Extracts from Sedgwick Papers. In a letter from Miss Catharine, the daughter of Judge Sedgwick, to Mrs. Campbell, dated from Woodbourne, June 27, 1847, Miss Sedgwick writes : "I have lived long enough to feel the ties of iilood and early associa- tion strain closer over my heart than any other; and as our ranks are dreadfully thinned we must look aud see that the new generation do not fall apart. " Our old place at Stockbridge, my dear cousin, though it has under- gone some few changes to keep up with the progress of civilization which you know contracts flre-places and makes shrunken the ample dimensions of the old kitchen. " Blinds are before the ever-open windows of olden time, an embow- ered porch and bay-window now take the place of the old ' stoop ' and there is a general air of good taste and precise cultivation combined with a filial reverence ' for the place' that my sister has in a degree that is unusual for one who has been married into a family instead of being her l)irthplace. " My eyes, my dear cousin, have given me much trouble and I sufl'er from writing this, but I could not forego answering your kind letter and giving details of old friends." A letter written by Mrs. E. G. Miner, a daughter of Dr. Daniel Camp- bell, in October, 1861, to Miss C. M. Sedgwick and forwarded to her through Miss Sedgwick's friend, Hon. Josiah Quincy of Boston, Mass., who writes to Mrs. Miner, Nov. 6, 18G1: "I have just received yours of the 28th. My removal to town prevented my going to the Quincy post-oftice at an earlier period. " Miss Sedgwick is at Lenox. I have written to her and enclosed your letter, which I have no doubt will give her great pleasure. She is the sole survivor of her imhiediate family aud will derive great satisfaction from your sympathetic remembrance of the departed." ''Nov. 24, 1861. " My Dear Cousin :— So I am happy to call you, and happy in feeling that you have given the value and permanency to the tie of blood which afl'ection can alone give it. I feel richer since I have received your let- ter—richer by the discovery of a treasure (not perishing). My father's house is occupied by the widow of my eldest brother, and that aud his *The Sedgwick papers were forwarded by Mrs. E. G. Miner of Canton, N. Y. Mrs. Miner is the daughter of Dr. Daniel Campbell, a son of Capt. William Campbell, born in Oxford; grandson of Rev. John Campbell. BiograpJiical Sketches. ^Sr place (every foot of which is dear-sacrecl in my eyes) is preserved in exact order, and embellished by the cultivated taste of my sister, and I may add consecrated by her virtues and hospitality. I am sittin- in the room in which I was born, in the room once joyous with the sound of many voices long since silent. The • tender grace ' of those days -one from me forever. It is my melancholy part to be the survivor of my family. I cannot forget the blessing God gave me in them, nor the unspeakable faith in our reunion. •'Your mother, my dear Mrs. Miner, was for many years a member of that family, and tho' she was the cotemporary of my sisters who were married when I was yet a child, I have a perfect recollection of those days, made more vivid by her repeated visits after she ceased to be a member of the family. It was a great satisfaction to me to hear from you, of her affectionate remembrance of us, of the tranquillity of her latter years and of the peace of her departure. " I trust that if you or your children ever come to Berkshire you will let me, if my eyes are not too dim, see you, and if they are there is vet that cordial grasp of the hand that has the magnetism of the heart in it JJ^^'i r" ""^ '"^' ^''- ^'"'' '■^'' >°«Pi""g your children with a kindly affection for me." Reminiscences of Mrs. Mary B. Campbell, Charleston, S. C. My Dear Celia :_The greatest difficulty, however, is the meager- ness of what in past times I have been able to gather of our ancestor I would gladly aid you, and our kind friend. Dr. Bardwell, in a research that had interested me from a child. The more I have examined the more convinced have I become that there is scarcely anything remain- ing that deserves to be called historic details of the first minister of Oxford. I am more and more inclined to think he did not intend there should be anything to gratify curiosity respecting his early life and the causes of his coming to this country. He intended the mists of oblivion with which increasing years enshrouds the past, should settle upon events that saddened his whole life. "I remember several intelligent persons who had received his teach- ings, who delighted to repeat the little traditions of his sayings and doings. * "The most profound veneration for his memory lingered about the scene of his ministerial labors, and I was taught to look with reverent afiection upon his tomb, but in all there are no answers to the questions one naturally asks respecting him. " My grandmother could give little anecdotes of his gentle but firm sway over his household, his constant affection to her as his daughter- 482 The Records of Oxford. in-law, his tender rebuke, when once she expressed pleasure that an act of justice, that bore heavily upon her husband came from him and not her father, as he said ' Betty, have I ever failed in a father's love to you or my son? It was not kind to make that distinction.' "On one occasion he was rendered almost unfit for pulpit efl'ort by hearing of the boyish indiscretion and fault of one of his sons. " She told rae, in person he was large, not very tall, but portly, with a heavy brow and penetrating black eyes; his deportment was usually grave but cheerful." Of his ancestry and early years very little is known. It is the belief of his descendants that it was his firm purpose that they should remain a mystery. It is said on the best authority, that on a certain time his son John wished to visit Scotland to get information concerning the family but was decidedly opposed by his father, who refused to give letters when asked. " The North of Scotland " was the nearest his best friends could attain to a knowledge of the place of his birth. Doubtless he studied at the University of Edinburgh, but there is mystery even here, for the catalogue of that institution embraces no graduate of the name between 1700 and the time of his coming to America. The date of his arrival at Boston, given on his tombstone, was 1717. The gen- erally accepted opinion among his descendants was that he was a politi- cal refugee, having espoused the failing cause of the Stuarts in the con- test of 1715 — that he was a relative of Lord Loudoun who, when in authority in America, made an official visit to Boston and on his way from New York stopped at Worcester and with a single attendant made a friendly visit at Oxford, spending the night with Mr. Campbell and passing on the next day to Boston. It is said on good authority that Loudoun on that occasion declared his kinship with Mr. Campbell.* Circumstances indicate that he was educated at the Edinburgh Univer- sity. The sadness almost any allusion to his early life threw over him, had taught his family to avoid the remotest reference to it. He seemed to inspire all who came under his influence with awe, but with a degree of confiding love that forbade suspicion that his silence could come from any cause but the feeling that it was unmanly and unchristian to dwell upon crushed hopes and disappointed ambition, that could not stimulate to the life-work of his retirement. It was no secret that he loved the fallen Stuarts, and the date of his coming to this country renders it probable that he took a part in the rising of 1715, that made him too obnoxious to the House of Hanover *The people of the town seem to have been aware that their minister was a proscribed man, watched all movements with solicitude, and were prepared to x-esist by force any attempt at his arrest. Biographical Sketches. 483 to be safe at home. He became an exile for that love, and sought hap- piness and usefulness by devoting hinaself to the best interests of the rural people in a widespread parish, to whom for many years he was medical and legal as well as spiritual adviser. (It was a common impression and very likely true, that he devoted himself to the ministry after his coming to this country, and with a special direction of educa- tion to the profession.) Some said Campbell was his mother's name, not his father's. Of that I know nothing ; and yet as a preacher he was popular. A very aged lady delighted to talk of his eloquence and the crowds that were wont to till the " new church " to listen to him. The printed vohime of his sermons does not give the impression of a preacher that would attract the young for ten or fifteen miles around, though sound in theology, I believe. When it was known Lord Loudoun was to pass through Oxford for the purpose of making Mr. Campbell a visit, tlie fears of the people were excited lest there was a secret purpose to carry him off, or in some way to visit upon him the displeasure of his sovereign, and they made preparations for his defense. Mr. Campbell assured them there was no ground for their fears from Lord Loudoun; that he was bound to him by ties of kindred and friendship too close to admit of hostile inten- tions. Still the people were secretly prepared, but, as the event proved, for no use but to show their attachment to their pastor. Lord Loudoun Avith a single attendant was the guest of " Squire Wolcott," Mr. Camp- bell's son-in-law and neighbor, and as my informant said, the damask curtains were put up and the room was put in state to receive the guest. Mr. Campbell's house stood where Mr. Hall's now stands. He could see what passed at the Wolcott house. He left his house " in full dress, his wig carefully arranged," to welcome Lord Loudoun. ... He went to meet him. The little stoue l^ridge between the two houses over which the railroad now passes was pointed out as the spot where the two friends embraced and wept, and held each other with that cordial grasp which such affection and such a life-long separation would call out. They supped and passed the night together uninterrupted by the presence of others, and the next morniug they parted. Lord Loudoun went to his duties. Mr. Campbell's spirits were much depressed, though he evidently made a great effort to rally and to continue his usual routine of labor cheerfully. This visit is a historical fact and occurred, I think, on the occasion of Lord Loudoun's visit to Boston to confer with the governors of the New England provinces and of Nova Scotia. It can be easily ascertained by referring to the papers in the Antiquarian rooms at Worcester. These few traditions and facts are all I can give you. 484 The Records of Oxford. In 1757, during the month of January, a military council composed of Lord Loudoun and the governors of the New England provinces and of Nova Scotia was held at Boston. I remember the new church of which Mrs. Kingsbury spoke as the "old church,"* standing where the town-house now stands. A curious old sounding-board, suspended over the pulpit, excited my childish fears and interest not a little. The high square pews were surrounded by a kind of paling that tempted the fingers to twist them and make a squeaking noise to the annoyance of their elders. When the congregation rose in prayer, the seats turned up on hinges and were too often let fall with a most disa- greeable noise. Your Uncle James and I delighted in hunting bats from the high old pews in the gallery intended for the few negroes then held in Oxford as servants. Note. — " January 17, 1757, Lord Loudoun passed through Worcester on his way to Boston." He was accompanied by an escort. He arrived in Virginia, July, 1756, having sailed from Enghmd, May 17. Ue returned to England at the close of the following year. Lord Loudoun having served in various departments of army life in Scotland, previous to the year 1755, was appointed Colonel of the 60th, or Royal American regiment, in December of that year, which was to be raised in Virginia, over which province he was appointed Governor in 1756, where, also, he became commander-in-chief of all his Majesty's forces in North America. He sailed in May for America and arrived in July, 1750. Lord Loudoun was advanced to the position of a Lieutenant- General in January, 1758, and recalled to England, which gave general satisfaction to the colonies. In 1763 he was appointed Governor of Edinburgh Castle, and in April, 1770, became Colonel of the Third Regiment of Scotch Guards, and General in the army. He died unmarried at Loudoun Castle, Ayrshire, April 27, 1782, aged eighty-seven. " Mr. Boswell and Dr. Johnson, Saturday, 30th October, 1773, set out toward Ayrshire. I sent Joseph on to Loudoun with a message, that if the earl was at home. Dr. Johnson and I would have the honor to dine with him. Joseph met us on the road and reported that the earl 'jumped with joy,' and said, ' I shall be very happy to see them.' " We were received with a most pleasing courtesy by his lordship, and by the countess his mother, who in her ninety-fifth year had all her faculties quite unimpaired. This was a very cheering sight to Dr. John- son, who had an extraordinary desire for a long life. Her ladyship was sensible and well informed, and had seen a great deal of the world. * In 1860 the old town-house was located on the north common. Biographical Sketches. 485 The lord had held several high offices, and she was sister to the great Earl of Stair." * John Campbell, Earl of Loudoun, was much interested in the worli of the Reformation in Scotland; he had many fears that he might be on this account accused of treason and executed, but he died from disease in a most Christian manner at Edinburgh, March 15, 1652. His son. Sir James Campbell, who succeeded him was in sympatliy with his father in the Reformation. He was the father of Hugh, Earl of Loudoun, Col. John Campbell of Shankston and of James of Lawers. After his father's death he suffered much for the Reformation and was obliged to leave Scotland, and died an exile in Leyden. " Treesbank House, Kilmarnock, 16 January, 1876. " Madam: " On receipt of yours of the 23rd August, 1875, my father, Col. Campbell, at once wrote to me and requested me to give you any infor- mation in my power. Absence from home, however, not being able to have access to my books and other reasons quite beyond my control have rendered it impossible for me to answer your enquiries sooner. I hope that this will account for my apparent lack of courtesy. "The Rev'd John Campbell, to whom you refer as mentioned in Boswell's ' Life of Johnson,' was brother to my great-grandfather James Campbell of Cessnock. The said John Campbell was 'Minister' of Riccartown and died there in 1761. The following is an extract from his brother's (elder) pocketbook (in my possession) recording it: « Revd. Mr. John Campbell Miur of Riccartown my Broyr Died very suddenly of a' plethory upon yr morning early (as supposed being found dead in bed) of the third day of Aprile 1761 and buried upon the 6th yr after. Marked James Campbell.' It is a curious coincidence that he should have died the same year as your ancestor, but they could not possibly have been identical as the one never left the country and lies at Riccartown in the family vault. The interest attached by Dr. John- son to his collection of books arose merely from the fact that it was a large and most valuable and in those days almost unequalled one. He left them all to his elder brother (my direct ancestor). Many were afterwards destroyed by fire, but those that escaped are still in my father's library here. I am writing these lines in the room in which Dr. Johnson slept when on his way here. "I believe your ancestor to have been Colonel John Campbell of Shankston. If, however, this is the case he must have been more than 71 years of age at the time of his death I should suppose, and this *The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., by James Boswell, vol. 1, p. 454, 486 The Records of Oxford. is not improbable as the family is very long lived. My reason for believing in this identity is the disappearance of said John Campbell from a family history where the minutest details of all the other mem- bers are chronicled. I believe he must have got into political troubles and have been obliged to fly the country. The visit of the Earl Loudoun (his nephew?), a proud aud austere man who was unlikely to have visited a private individual merely because his name was Campbell, would thus also be accouuted for. But the most cogent reason of all is that Sir John Campbell of Lawers (afterwards 1st Earl of Loudoun) had only txfjo descendants named ' John,' viz. : John 4th Earl of Loudoun and John Campbell of Shankston. All you write of the relations of Glenlyon, Lawers and Loudoun is quite correct and shows that your traditions are true. If your ancestor was John Campbell of Shankston his heirs of line can claim the E;iridom of Loudoun and all the baronies granted in 1633 to Sir John of Lawers, but the estates are ' proscribed,' i. e., having been held without challenge for upwards of 40 years the right of the present possessor can no longer be disputed. They are held by the present Earl of Loudoun of the Hastings family to wliich they went by the mari'iage of Flora Campbell, only child of the 6th Earl, to the Earl of Moira, afterwards Marquess of Hastings. If you can fol- low up the clue I have given you and prove the identity of your ancestor there can be no doubt of the claim of his heirs of line, for although your ancestor dying before John, 4th Earl, could of course, never have claimed the titles and estates, and having no exact account of who he was, his descendants never did so when the succession opened to them. Yet the fact remains that they must succeed before the heirs of their ancestor's younger brother. I thiuk you will understand it by referring to the annexed pedigrees. "My father is the representative of the original house of Loudoun, for although the estate went to the granddaughter of the first baron by marriage to Sir John of Lawers yet tlie chieftainship of the house remained with the heir male of the family, the first baron's cousin, Sir Hugh Campbell of Cessnock, my direct ancestor. All branches acknowl- edge my father as chief of the House of Loudoun, as you will find by referring to Burke's ' Armory County Families' aud ' Robertson's History of Ayrshire,' wherein he is styled 'Chief of the Campbells of Loudoun and Cessnock.' I annex pedigrees and will be very glad to hear that this reaches you in safety. A century ago there seems to have been no stigma attaching to illegitimate branches of great houses (in many cases peerages being granted to them), so you will have thoroughly to sift all the evidence. The House of Loudoun has several branches of this kind here possessing large estates. You will understand. Madam, that I find Biog'7-aphical Sketches. 4S7 it necessary to caution you on this point, disagreeable tliough it is to me to do so. I am, Madam, " Your obedient servant, " W. H. CAMPBELL, Captain." " Mrs. M. de "W. Fkeeland." PEDIGREES. In 1620 Sir John Campbell of Lawers, eldest sou and heir of Sir James Campbell of Lawers, married Margaret Campbell, co-heiress of Hugh, 1st Baron Campbell of Loudoun. They had (with daughters) two sons, James, who succeeded, and George died unmarried. James, 2nd Earl (his father having been created Earl of Loudoun, Baron Faryman, etc., in 1633), married Lady Margaret Moutgomery. They had three sons: 1st, Hugh, who succeeded; 2nd, Col. John of Shankston; 3rd, James, afterward Sir, and to whom his father left the estate of Lawers. Hugh, 3rd Earl, married Lady Margaret Dalrymple and died in 1731. They had one son, John, who succeeded (and two daughters). John, 4rth Earl, a distinguished military commander. [Visited Rev. John Campbell at Oxford]. He died unmarried in 1782, when his estate and titles devolved upon James Mure Cauipbell (sou of his Uncle Sir James). He succeeded as 5th Earl and had an only child. Flora, who took the estates by marriage into the "Hastings Family," where they still remain. A Letter from the Duke of Argyll. A letter from the Duke of Argyle to Dudley M. Campbell, Esq., of Oneonta, N. Y., in respect to the lineage of Rev. John Campbell : "Oneonta, Oct. 4, 1890. " Mrs. Freeland : " Regarding the Duke of Argyll's letter, I received a very kind reply. It was written in the Isle of Skye, where he was on a yachting cruise. Among the things he says regarding such a work as yours, ' I am always glad to hear of such steps being taken, especially at this time. When cadets or younger sons of our elder families went to the colonies in the last century little record was kept of them here, and they generally keiU hut little record of themselves: "He closed by saying that 'Douglas' Peerage of Scotland' is an authority and a work full of historic interest. He says the family traditions which you have are undoubtedly true." According to Sir Robert Douglas this family of Campbell descends from Sir Duncan Campbell, Lord of Lochow, progenitor of the Dukes 48S The Records of Oxford. of Argyll. Sir Duncan of Lochow was the first of his family who assumed the title of Argyll. He left two sons, the younger of whom was Sir Colin of Glenorchy, created 2nd Lord Campbell and Earl of Argyll by James II. in 1453. Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy was ancestor of the house of Bred- albane in Perthshire. Note. " In the twelvth century Sir Gillespick le Camile, a Norman knight, accompanied William the Conqueror to England and made his way north and wedded Eva, heiress of Macaillan or MacCallum More, the representative of a long line of Highland chieftaius who owned Lochow and other fair spots in the western Highlands. The next in direct descent from Gillespick was his son Duncan, who attained the title of Lord Campbell, which form the old Norman name Camile, pronounced by the Scotch lowlanders ' Cavvmil,' had by that time assumed, and his grandson Colin was created Earl of Argyll in 1457. Fifty-four years afterwards his son Archibald was killed at Flodden's fatal field, " ' Where shiver'd was fair Scotland's spear, And broken was her shield.' " Gillespick Campbell of Norman descent, Lord of Lochow, Sir Colin, a chief of considerable prowess, termed ' More,' i. e.. great, was knighted in 12S0. He had five sons, the second, Sir Donald, ancestor of the Earls of Loudoun, and the eldest, Sir Niel of Lochow, a staunch adherent of King llobert Bruce, and after the battle of Bannockburn he was a commissioner to negotiate a peace with the English. He was one of the great barons of parliament that met at Ayr, April, 1315, to determine the successor to the crown of Scotland." Rev. John Campbell appears to have allied to the Lochnell branch of Camp- bell. Archibald Campbell of Lochnell, known as Laird of Lochuell, 11th in descent, is descended from Alexander Campbell, who was a son of Hon. John Campbell, who was 2d son of Colin, 3d duke of Argyll, who married Lady Jane Gordon, daughter of Alexander, 3d Earl of Huntley and Duke of Gordon. The name of Alexander is now first used in Campbell ancestry. Coat of arms of Lochnell : Boarshead coupcd with Gordon, supporters Lion and Swan. Jura Branch of Campbell. The Campbells of Jura are a junior branch of Lochuell, descended from Duncan Campbell, 2nd son of Alexander. Duncan Campbell was grandson of Hon. John Campbell, 2nd son of Colin, 3d duke of Argyll. The Campbells of Jura are heritable keepers of Craignish Castle, a view of which is seen by tourists off the coast of Scotland. The coat of arms the same as Lochnell. John Cameron of Lochiel, Inverness Co., he is called John McEwen, joined Earl Marr 1715, for which he sufi'ered attainder and forfeiture. He married Isabella, the sister of Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochnell. Archibald, his son, joined in the Rebellion of 1745 and was executed. The above Duncan had three sons, John his successor, Archibald and Alex- ander who died unmarried. Above Duncan born in 159G, died 1695. John Biographical Sketches. ^gn married 1st a daughter of Donald Campbell, 2nd, Mary, daughter of Hector McLean. The McLeans were in the Rebellion of 1715, John his son by last marriage married his cousin, the daughter of Colin Campbell of Lochnell, by whom he had an only son Archibald. The father, John, died 173G, a<^ed 95 years. Archibald died in 1764. He had four sous, Duncan, Archibald, who succeeded him, Alexander and John Cameron. The present Duke of Argyll failing of lineal heirs, John of Lochnell branch of Campbell is his successor to titles and entailed estates. Branch of Glenlyon Campbell. Archibald Campbell, 2nd son of Sir Duncan Campbell, of Glenorchy the ancestor to the house of Bredalbane, was of Glenlyon, and from him Camp- bells of Glenlyon are descended. The Campbells of Glenlyon failinc^ of a male heir the estate was in female line, a daughter married Peter Garden" who took the name of Garden Campbell. The history of the family may be found under the name of Gordon. The Campbell's of Glenlyon were noted in the Rebellion of 1715.— Russell's Modern Europe. The Campbells of Glendawrl were distinguished in the Rebellion of 1745 Dr. Archibald Campbell of the house of Glenlyon was executed for treason' The Campbells of Kinlock, Perthshire, were descended from John Campbell' 3d son of Alexander Campbell from Hon. John Campbell, 2nd son of Colin' 3d Duke of Argyll. Taymouth Castle in Perthshire is held by Earl of Bred' albane. Lillet. " Dr. Ebenezer, son of John and Abigail, of Dudley, b. 25 Au'^ 1734 studied with Dr. Alexander Campbell. [In Nov., 1767, Dr. Campbell brought a suit against him, he being then of Dudley, declaring that ' for three years previous to 1 April, last, he boarded the defendant and taught him the profession, art and practice of medicine,' etc.] He m (1) 12 Nov., 1762, Abigail Morris of Dudley, resided at Woodstock in 1784 and 1790, came when past middle age to Oxford, having bou<-ht in 1799 a bouse near the North Common." * Dr. Lilley was esteemed a skillful physician, but he mostly devoted himself to his estate. In the olden time his ancient house, frontin- on the county road, was very noticeable, being separated by an orchard, which added to its attractions. Mrs. Lilley died Dec. 9, 1806. Dr. Lilley removed to the southern part of Oxford and died 1812. Of modern date it was the home of the late Dr. Holman. "Theophilus, merchant of Boston, bought in 1770 the Moore estate formerly Hagburn's, on the east side of the main street, where he was a trader, exceptionally entitled ' Mr.' on the tax list, sold in 1772 soon returned to Boston. In 1774 he bought a farm in Brookfleld. In'court at Worcester, Sept., 1781, a complaint was made against him as an ' absentee,' that he had fled to Halifax and adhered to the King of 490 The Records of Oxfoi'd. Great Britain, etc., and the fact stated that he had died at Halifax on the previous first day of Jan., owning said farm at Brookfleld and shop for merchandise. The charges were sustained and said property confiscated to the State. August term of court, 1790, at Worcester, John Lillie of Boston, administrator of estate of Theophilus, late of Boston, had a case. In Dec, 1790, his widow Anne, of Halifax, execu- trix of his will, had also a case in court." Mary, daughter of David and Mary (Stockwell) Lilley, was married Sept. 27, 1831, to B. Franklin, son of Maj. Archibald Campbell of Oxford, in ancestry from Duncan Campbell, Esq., of Oxford, son of Rev. John Campbell of Scotland. — See Campbell ancestry. David ^ [David, 2 David'], of Sutton, b. Oct. 17, 1773, m. June 10, 1795, Mary, daughter of Araos and Phobe (Wright) Stockwell of Sutton. It is said Mr. Lilley was a gentleman of more than ordinary endow- ments of mind and of superior personal appearance. At one period of his life he was associated with the late James Freeland of Sutton in commerce with Canada. Mr. Freeland chartered vessels and crews on the St. Lawrence river for transportation with very favorable success. Mr. Lilley resided on the estate that in 1801 he received from his father, which included a large tract of land, once the estate of Samuel Davis of Roxbury, who had purchased a part of this French plantation of Gabriel Bernon in Oxford. Mr. Lilley's estate was wholly in the Beruon pur- chase. He died Jan. 10, 1815, aged 41. Mrs. Mary (Stockwell) Lilley died in Boston, Sept. 9, 1862. A lady much respected by her friends and the community in which she resided. David Lilley (2) m. Sept. 23, 17G2, Elizabeth, born Jan. 11, 1745, dau. of John and Abbie (Chase) Gibbs. Mrs. Elizabeth (Gibbs) Lilley lived to a very advanced age. The residence of Mr. John Gibbs in Sutton was an ancient house on the Worcester road near Major Daniel Tenney's estate, it continued to be known for very many years as the Gibbs house. Joseph Sibley married 16 April, 1761, Abbie, daughter of John and Abbie (Chase) Gibbs, who was born Oct. 24, 1742. Gibbs, a son of Joseph Sibley, married Hannah, daughter of Asahel and Mary (Brownell) Rice. Tradition states the daughters of the Gibbs family were very beautiful. Martha, a daughter, born in 1791, was placed at Miss Thayer's boarding-school in Oxford, .Miss Thayer being a celebrated educator of young ladies — she married Charles Sabin. Jane Walton, born in March, 1810, married Sir Curtis Miranda Lamp- son, Bart., a son of Mr. Wm. Lampson of New Haven, Vermont. They were married in 1827 in New York, to which place Mr. Gibbs Sibley had removed. In 1866, when the Atlantic Cable was completed, Sir Curtis was offered and accepted a baronetcy in acknowledgment of his great service in that enterprise through to completion. Biogj'apJiical Sketches. ^ 491 Sir Curtis Lampson has two sons and two daughters, one of the lat- ter, a lady of culture, was married to Mr. Frederic Locliyer, a well known English gentleman of letters and of the world, whose "Vers de Society" have been republished in this country. Mr. Lockyer is also a writer of prose, as a contributor to Blackwood's Magazine and other English literature. Sir Curtis and Lady Lampson have a seat at Raw- fant in Sussex, England. He is a naturalized British subject. — iVew York World, History of Sutton. David Lilley (1) of Sutton, m. May 25, 1736, Anna, dau. of Daniel and Sarah (March) Chase. Anna was born at Newbury, Nov. 13, 1713. Daniel Chase of Newbury became a resident of Sutton, the dale of which cannot be ascertained, married Sarah, a daughter of Geo. March, March 26, 1733. He resided at Pleasant Falls. Mr. Chase's mill is in the town records as the first mill at the Falls. This settlement in the town appears to have been a part of his father's estate at Pleasant Falls, and that he was "a proprietor to one-half of the mill and privilege of y water," etc. "This was the farm, mill and privilege of Pleasant Falls." A most beautiful residence with lovely views which added to its quiet scenery. In Dec, 1740, Samuel Chase and other gentlemen purchased of Benja- min Cowing a tract on Half-Way river "with y privilege of y« river for building dams and flowing as they shall see fit." This was " y« water privilege" at the Amory Village in Sutton, now Millbury, and its first occupancy. Samuel Chase continued in Sutton till the close of the war with France. In 1776 or 1777 Daniel Chase and his son Samuel and grandson Dudley became almost exclusive proprietors of the town of Cornish on the Connecticut river, New Hampshire. Samuel Chase married Mary Dudley. lie was commissioned as a magistrate and was "judge of y court for y" County of Cheshire." He died at a very advanced age. A part of Dudley's family were born at Cornish. Dr. Hall of Sutton states that in August, 1768, Dudley Chase received a letter from the church in Sutton to the church in Cornish. His family was distin- guished. Salmon became a lawyer in Portland, Me.; Baruch became captain, lawyer and judge; Dudley a lawyer and IT. S. Senator; Philander a bishop of the Episcopal Church in the State of Ohio. Sternes. Isaac Sternes came to America it is said with Gov. Winthrop and Sir Richard Saltonstall in 1680, and became a resident of Watertown, Mass., near Mount Auburn. He came from the parish of Nayland iu Suffolk, England. Capt. Thomas Sternes of Worcester was the son of John and Judith Sternes and the grandson of Charles Sternes, 1654, of Watertown, Mass., who married Rebecca, daughter of John and Rebecca Gibson of Cambridge. Thomas, the 492 The Records of Oxford. son of John Sternes, was baptized May 11, 1701. Isaac Sternes of Watertown calls Charles Sternes his kinsman and leaves him a legacy. Captain Thomas Sternes was the executor of the will of his father-in- law, Hon. William Jennison. In his own will, dated Feb. 20, 1770, he mentions his wife Mary, his sons William and Thomas, daughters Eunice, Abigail Fullerton, Sarah Warland, Lucy Hubbard, Mary Ray- mond, Lydia Campbell and Martha Stevens. William, son of Thomas Sternes, married Sarah Adams. Capt. Thomas Sterns of Watertown m. Sarah . Children : Sarah m. Warland; Lucy m. Elisha Hubbard of Hatfield. In a second mar- riage, Dec. 29, 1729, Mary, daughter of Hon. William Jennison of Worcester. Children : Elizabeth, m. January, 1749, Duncan Campbell, Esq., of Oxford; Mary m. Edward Raymond, resided in Oxford; Lydia m. Dr. Alexander Campbell of Oxford; Abigail d. April, 1746; Samuel; Martha m. 1761, Capt. Simon Stevens of Charlestown, N. H. ; Abigail m. Nov., 1766, Nathan Fullerton, the son of Captain Edward Fullertou of Boston, Mass. In a second marriage, July, 1781, Captain John Stowers, son of Richard Stowers of Maiden, Mass. Eunice, b. 1750, m. FoUansbee. She was remarried to General Samuel McClcllan of Woodstock, Ct. In October, 1728, a grant of land in Worcester was made to Thos. Sterne. In 1732 an additional grant was made to him of " 3 tens acres of land." From an old record: "Thomas Sternes be one of a Com'«« to Con- sider upon y Petition of Dan' Gookin Esq', and view y° undivided land in the south part to se when the said Petitioners can be accomodated with a building place and return to the next meeting." Arms of the Sterne family. Or, a chevi'on between three crosses flory sable. Crest, a cock starling proper. This ancient coat of arms formerly belonged to the Sterne family when residents of the old Sterne mansion at Watertown. It is the same as that borne by families of the name of Sterne in the counties of Bucks, Cambridge, Hertford and Suffolk, England, and also by Richard Sterne, Archbishop of York, descended from the Sterne family of Nottinghamshire. Capt. Sterne's landed estate in Worcester was situated on Main and Elm streets, including land lying westerly of Main street, known as recently the estate of Gov. Lincoln, where he had erected an antique, rich mansion on the site of what is now known as the Lincoln House. In olden time this house of the Sterne family was known as the " King's Arms Tavern." As early as 1732 this tavern was kept by Capt. Thomas Sterne, and after his death, in 1772, by his widow, Mary Sterne, who remained there till her death, in 1784. Before the Declaration of lude- Biographical Sketches. 493 pendence was passed it was the resort of loyalists of the town, and the place where they prepared and signed the famous protest of 1774. July 22, 1776, a select company of the inhabitants of Worcester repaired to this tavern and demanded the sign on which was emblazoned the royal arms should be talien down and burned in the street, all of which the proprietor cheerfully complied with. In 1786 the " Sun Tavern," near Elm street, where the Lincoln House now stands, and was kept by Capt. John Stowers. Before the Revolution it was called the King's Arms. Capt. Stowers had married Mrs. Abigail FuUerton, a widow lady, the daughter of Capt. Thomas Sterne. Inscription on a tombstone in the cemetery on Worcester Common : " Capt. Thomas Sterne; died Jan. 16, 1772, aged 76 years." His epitaph : "The grave is mine house. I have made my bed in the darkness. I have said — Corruption, thou art my father — to the worm, thou art my mother and sister. Job xvii. 13, 14." Epitaph : " Mary Sterne, wife of Capt. Thomas Sterne, died July 19, 1784, aged 77 yrs." Epitaph : "Beneath this stone Death's prisoner lies, The stone shall move, the prisoner rise, When Jesus with Almighty word. Calls his dead saints to meet their Lord." Cemetery on Worcester Common. Epitaph : Mrs. Martha Stevens. " Let the green leaf press gently o'er her dust, There rest in hope till Christ shall bid it rise At the great resurrection of the just To meet the Saviour from the opening skies." Abigail, b. Oct., 1747; m. Nov. 17, 1766, Nathan FuUerton, the son of Captain Edward FuUerton of Boston, Mass. Nathan FuUerton d. Feb., 1776. Children, b. in Worcester: Edward, b. Sept., 1767; Thomas Sterne, b. August, 1770; Nathaniel, b. Sept., 1775. The last named resided in Chester, Vt. ; lived to an advanced age ; in 1870 he was the president of the bank at Bellows Falls at 95 years of age. Eunice, b. 1750, m. when quite young FoUausbee of Worcester. Child : one daughter, Mary, who died aged 2 years. In a second marriage to General Samuel McClellan of Woodstock, Ct. Mrs. McClellan died at Putney, Vt., Nov. 7, 1839, aged 89 years. A portrait of Mrs. McClellan and little Mary Follansbee is still retained by her family friends. It is said to have been painted by Copley. It is a most beautifal picture of 3, 494 The Records of Oxford. beautiful woman. The portrait is two-thirds in length, life size. Mrs. McClellan is dressed in rose colored brocaded silk with sundry little loops of black velvet ribbon, her lovely brown hair is profusely pow- dered, and a soft, fairy-like white lace veil shadows her figure; little Mary is clasped in her arms, dressed in white, but her face is hidden from view, for Mary had died, and the mother, being inconsolable, endeavored to assuage her grief by having the picture taken in niemo- rlara of her child. In all her travels the picture was her companion, with two immense travelling trunks, painted black, very long and nar- row, filled with linen, composed her luggage, with a case lined with velvet containing her silver plate. One of the travelling trunks a few years since was lodged in the garret of her residence in Putney, as well preserved as when laid aside by her housekeeper, for rummaging was in those days forbidden to children. Her parlor for many years after her death retained its rich, high-backed chairs and stately old mirror, with various other articles of antique furniture. Nathaniel FuUerton d. in Worcester, Feb. 16, 1777, aged 38 years. Below the inscription on his tombstone is the name of " Mary Raymond." Nathaniel may have been the brother of Nathan Fullerton. Mrs. x\bigail (Sterne) Fullerton in a second marriage, July 20, 1781, to Captain John Stowers, son of Richard Stowers of Maiden, Mass. Captain John Stowers died in Putney, Vt., 1821, aged 71 years. Mrs. Stowers died Feb., 1832, aged 80 years. Mary, daughter of Capt. John and Abigail Stowers, born Feb. 7, 1793, married Mr. Ryan, residence, the ancient house of Mrs. McClellan. Hon. William Jennison. Hon. William Jennison of Worcester was the son of Ensign Samuel and Judith (Macomber) Jennison of Watertown. Mr. Jennison died in 1701, and a grandson of Robert Jennison, who was a native of Col- chester, England, and died in Watertown in 1690. Hon. William Jenni- son was a resident of Sudbury, married Oct., 1673, Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Gouldiug, Esq., of Boston, subsequently of Worcester and Sudbury. Children: one son and five daughters. Mary, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Goulding) Jennison, married Capt. Thomas Sterne of Worcester. Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Thomas Sterne of Worcester, was married to Duncan Campbell, E^^q., of Oxford. Lydia, daughter of Capt. Thomas Sterne, was married to Dr. Alexander Camp- bell of Oxford. Mary, daughter of Capt. Thomas Sterne, married Edward Raymond of Oxford. In 1732, at the August term of the court of General Sessions of the Peace, measures were taken for the erection of a court-house in Worces- ter. Judge Jennison gave the land for the site of the court-house, and BiograpJncal Sketches. 405 the first court-house was erected in 1733 near the site of one of the present court-houses. The location has ever been styled " Court Hill," and if any other use were made of the land the title should revert to his heirs. An old record states, one item : "To keep the brush cut leadino- on Court House Hill." ■ " Judjre Jennison's residence was near the court-house in Worcester. His landed estate being in this part of the town, his ancient house was located nearly on the site of the present residence of Hon. J. Wolcott Wetherell. Judge Jennison was one of the first judges of the " Court of Common Pleas " in Worcester. This court was a county court and was composed of four judges appointed by King George I. Epitaphs from the cemetery on Worcester Common. Inscription on the tombstone of William Jennison, his epitaph reads as follows : " Here lies buried y^' body of William Jenison, Esq'. He was born at Watertown, April y" 17"', 1676, who died Sep'"' y- lO^i., 1741, in ye 66 year of his age. " He was one of y« Judges of r Inferiour Court for y« county of Worcester." Epitaph: "Elizabeth Jenison wife of William Jenison, Esqr. died December 2, 1756, aged 86 years." Note. This burying-ground was formerly at the east end of the Common and in use from 1730 to 1795. In the first settlement of Watertown were the two brothers William and Robert Jenison (by later usage written Jennison) . The prefix of " Mr " wis placed to the name of William Jenison. He was a member of the Artillery Co. in 1637 and also a captain of the " Train baud." It appears by Winthrop Capt. Jenison had been a resident of Bermuda. For a view of the character and worth of Capt. Jenisou see Winthrop ii., 176. About 1645 Capt. Jenison returned to England. In his will Robert Jenison of Watertown mentions son Samuel and his grandsons William and Robert. His brother is styled William Jenison of Colchester, Co. Essex, Old Eno-l-uid' in 1657 by his brother Robert. " ' William Jenison, when a resident of Watertown, in 1636 commanded one of the companies to avenge the murder of Mr. John Oldham by the Penuot Indians of Block Island. Thoresby, in his Diary, speaks of Sir Ralph Jennison of Newcastle, in 1681 and of Walworth Hall, " a delicate seat of the Jeunisons," near Peirce Brid-e' The niece and heiress of Sir Matthew Jennison married Sir Samnel Gorden' who was created a baronet in 1764. ' The following is an extract from a Historv printed in London, 1682 • " We must not forget how Mr. Thomas Jennison, a Jesuite, and then in New-ite (though dead since), endeavored to frighten his brother, Mr. Robert Jennison for prosecuting his discovery by charging him in a letter he wrote to him' with the blood of an innocent man, and a kinsman." 496 The Records of Oxford. This Robert Jennison it appears was a Gentleman of " Gray's Inn," who bore testimony in 1(578 in concurrence to the existence of a plot to murder King Charles II., set fire to London and elevate the Duke of York to the throne. Thomas Ward in the sixteenth century published a poem entitled, " Eng- land's Reformation," recounting the persecutions, as he regarded them, suf- fered by the Catholics and the secularization of the abbeys and other religious houses under Henry VIII. In this connection he says, " The learned abbot Farringdon, and Commissary Peterson, John Beck, abbot of Colchester, and Jennison renowned in war, were put to death," etc. This last gentleman he adds " was a Knight of Malta." GOULBING. The name of Goulding occurs frequently in the annals of the colonies, and is not without some distinction in English history. " The death of Captain Goulding, commander of the ship Diamond, on board which he was killed April 10th, 1665, in a victorious engagement with the Dutch, qualified the joy felt at the victory in the frivolous court of Charles the Second." " Capt. Roger Goulding of Rhode Island, master of a vessel, rendered such eminent services in Philip's war as to receive recognition and sub- stantial reward from the authorities of Plymouth Colony." Coat of arms of the Goulding family : Az, a cross voided betw. four lions pass-qu. Crest, A lion sejant sa supporting with the dexter foot an escutcheon or. North, New her bar, Co. Kent, confirmed 1772. Peter Goulding, Esq. Peter Goulding, Esq., came from Eugland and resided in Boston in 1665. "He acted as an attorney in the court of sessions. He was prosecuted and fined for charges that he had divulged against the court and clerk of Suflblk County." The occurrence not improbably disgusted him into a resolve to remove from Boston. He subsequently resided in Sudbury and Worcester. In 1G94, when the settlement of Worcester was abandoned, he removed to Sudbury and died in 1703. Elizabeth, a daughter of Peter Goulding, was married to Judge William Jennison of Worcester. From a record: "This lot Resigned by Crane and Satisfaction given him and is now granted to peter Golding of Boston." This grant of land resigned by Benjamin Crane to Peter Goulding was made in 1675. Peter Goulding besides his town right, which he had purchased of Thomas Hall, he owned 3,020 acres in Hassanaraesit, now Grafton. From Records of the Proprietors of Worcester. In 1665 the General Court ortlered that a committee should explore the country and report concerning the advantages for a settlement. May 15, 1067, a new committee was appointed. biographical Sketches. 497 "A place about 10 miles westward of Marlborrow . . . called Qiiandsicamond ponds aud to make rreport ... if the place was capable to make a [plaot] ation." Answer was returned October, 1G6S. " For a plantation Quansika- mud now called wocester." " lieiug uearre midway beetwene Boston and Spriugfeild about one [daysj ioyruy from either." In 1668 the Court directed " That due carre be taken by the Said comittee, that a good ministerr [of] God's word be placed therre, as Soone as may bee, that Such people [as may] tlierre bee planted may not Hue like lambs in a large place." It was not until the year 1673 that the proprietors effected a settlement. The claim of the Indians was now to be settled. A tract of laud eight miles square was to be purchased of the Indians, the consideration being twelve pounds lawful money. The deed bears date July 13, 1GT4. " That land for a cittadel of about half a mile Square Shal be layd out on the fort River for house lotts to those who shall at their (thir) first Setliug build & dwel thcron aud make it their certyne place of abode for their families : to the end the inhabitants may Settle in a way of defence as inioyued by law. Boston Aprill 24 1684. By the Committee for the plantation of QuansicUamon [worsterr]." In 1686, " Granted & laid to Peter Goulding of . . . Six planting lotts c[ontaining] ten accers each lot; scituate & lying in the village [Worcester] attbrsaid : rist one of the Said lotts being ten acers . . . the otherr five being fifty [acres] formerly granted ... of medow also 5 accers of land for a pasture lot lying [near] his house lot in the cittadel And also his due propor- tion [of lands] for farme lotts in the Said plantation." In 1694 this settlement of Worcester was abandoned. The city of Worcester is thus described as a village called Quonsigamog in the middle way between Marlborough and Quaboag, Brookfield [frontier towns] , consisting of about six or seven houses. The natives who inhabited Quinsigamoud (now Worcester) were of the Nipmuck tribe. The principal settlement of these Indians was on a hill in the south part of the town, extending into Auburn, and called by them Bocachoag or Pakachoag. Sagamore John's wigwam stood on the borders of a lake, the site of which is still pointed out in Ward (now Auburn). Wigwam Hill on the eastern shore of Quinsigamoud was a favorite resort of the Indians on account of wild game and fish abounding in this vicinity. Kecords of Worcester : " Worcester ffeb 7 1714 By order of Hon : 1679. ' ' Most dear Bro. R. " I hope in a seven night after this kisses your hand [to be with you]. I intimated some w' to my father about Mr. Russells motive, and I think he has now gotten iucurajmi^ enough from our Sister M. to write to F . I shall without persuasion leave it to your Pru- dentiall Judicatures to in- or dis-Courage, as far as may be-come 504 T'he Records of Oxford. causes by Councill, I know not to add, but wishing you Much prosperity & longevite, " Subscribe " St. yo"" very Lo" Bro"" "Jos: WOLCOTT " Pray present my harty Love to my good Sister." Judge Wolcott to his brother Henry. " Salem Decern'' primo 1693. "I have sent herewith a gold hat band for your selfe, and a lawt handlsercher for my Good sister, wch I request her to accept as a Remembrance of her that boath made and wore it.* " I firmly purpose to See you in the Spring. " Dei Gratia " I am " Yc assured Lo Bro"^ & Servant " J. Wolcott." The Wolcott family is of great antiquity. Its coat of arms : Shield ; Argent a cheveron ermined between three chess Rooks. Crest A Bull's Head erased argent, armed or, ducally gorged, lined and ringed of the last. Motto: " NuUins addictus jurare in verba magistri." "To think and decide for one's self." Bearing the name of Wolcott. There is a record of Heury y fifth king of England playing a game of chess with one of the Wolcott family. Henry Wolcott, who came to New England in 1628, was the second son of John Wolcott of Tolland, Somersetshire, England. " Henry y" son of John Wolcott was baptized in Lydiard, St. Lawrence, the VI of December 1578." Henry Wolcott was the ancestor of the Wolcott family of Connecticut and of Salem and of Oxford, Mass. The family records of this branch of the Wolcott family are traced back to 1505. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Saunders of Lydiard, St. Lawrence. As the record states " this happie pair were married Jan'y 1606." He came to New England in 1628, and in the year 1630 brought over his family to avoid the persecutions against dissenters during the reign of Charles I. He remained at Dorchester until 1635. "No sooner were buds, leaves and grass so green that cattle could live in the woods," when Henry Wolcott removed with his family, Rev. John Maverick and many of the members of the church of Dorchester, to Connecticut, and founded the town of Windsor. He was a gentleman of education and wealth; here he became a magistrate and assisted in 'Penelope (Curwen) Wolcott. Biogi'apJncal Sketches. 505 originating the plan for the government of the Colony of Connecticut. He died May, 1655. Henry Wolcott, by the decease of his eldest brother, Christopher Wolcott of England, became heir to the family estates in England, including Galdon Manor and the ancient mills belonging to the estates. In 1640 he visited England. Extract from a letter of John Wolcott, his brother: "Christopher Wolcott of Galdon Manor is dead — and that he died without any will and Galdon Manor and the Mill is (yours). He writes my son has not returned from the Indins [Indias]. To my loving brother Hennary Walcutt dwelling in Windsor." Galdon Manor (the mill belonged to the Wolcott estate) is a curious specimen of ancient architecture, it is in a dilapidated condition. Henry Wolcott died May, 1655. In his will he gives his estates in England to his eldest son Henry, who is styled a planter at Windsor, Ct. Mrs. Elizabeth Wolcott died July, 1655. Over the graves of Henry and Elizabeth Wolcott of Windsor there is an arched monument of brown sandstone: "These both dyed in hope." Extract from his will: "I give unto my son Henry all that is due unto me from him on accompt on my booke, my ring that I seale with & my best sword, pistoUs, & brass gunn." For two and a half centuries the identiiied signet ring (H. W.) has come down to the family as a legacy from the successive Henrys. Henry Wolcott, who accompanied his father from England, made a settlement at Dorchester and afterward at Windsor, Ct., 1635, was heir to Galden Manor. He married Sarah, daughter of Thomas Newbury. He received many offices of honor. He died July, 1680. He left his estate in England to his son Henry, who died without male issue. It afterwards reverted to his two daughters, Mrs. Allyn and Mrs. Chauncey, at his decease. It is said the mill belonged to the Wolcott estate more than three hundred years ago, and the house belonging to the mill. On a silver tankard and cup of Governor Roger Wolcott of Windsor, Ct., which are still in the family, on each there are etched copies of the shield of the Wolcott arms, and the same etched shield is engraved on a tombstone. On two valuable communion cups of silver which Gov. Wolcott ordered from England and presented to the church in South Windsor, Ct., there are engraved only the initials of his own name and his wife, R. W. 1756, S. W. 1756. Governor Roger Wolcott of the Colony of Connecticut was born in 1702. He was a nephew of Judge Wolcott of Salem ; gained great dis- tinction in the Connecticut Colony; was Lieut. -Governor and aftex'ward Governor for several years, and was at the conquest of Louisburg in 1745 in command of the Col. force. New London, Ct., April 1. Gen. Wolcott arrived and was welcomed 5o6 The Records of Oxford. with salutes from the fort and sloop Defence. His tent was pitched on the hill, at the northeast corner of the burial-place. On Sunday the 7th Mr. Adams preached to the General and soldiers, drawn up on the meet- ing-house green. On the 9th the commissions were published with imposing ceremonies. The eight companies were arranged in close order on the green, and the throng of spectators around the hill. Through them Gen. Wolcott, supported right and left by Col. Andrew Burr and Lieut. -Col. Simon Lothrop, marched bareheaded from his tent to the door of the Custom House, where the commissions were read. The troops embarked Saturday, April 13th. The next day the fleet sailed. The Defence carried Gen. Wolcott and 100 men, he arrived April 30. June 17 the city of Louisburg capitulated. Gen. Wolcott was in the Revolutionary War at the battle of Saratoga. A description of the dress of an officer of his rank under the royal government may not be uninteresting. He frequently rode on horse- back and never appeared in public only in full dress. " He wore a suit of scarlet broadcloth. The coat was made long, with wide skirts, and trimmed down the full length in front with gilt buttons, and broad gilt vellum button-holes two or three inches in length. The cuffs were large and deep reaching nearly to the elbows and were ornamented like the sides of the coat, as were also the pocket lids, with gilt vellum button-holes and buttons. The waistcoat had skirts and was richly embroidered. Ruffles at the bosom and over the hands were of lace. He had a flowing wig with a three-cornered hat witli a cockade, and i-ode slowly and stately a large black horse whose tail swept the ground. A set of gold buttons of Gov. Wolcott are stillin the family." Among the tomb-stones in the Granary Burial Ground, Treraont Street, Boston, there is found one at the tomb of John Frcake, on which is engraved the coat of arms of the Freake family, who resided at Courtney, County Dorset. Mr. Freake, an English gentleman, was a merchant of Boston, Mass. He was a brother of Thomas Freake of Hauniugton, Wiltshire, England. He was known in Boston as early as 1670. He died on board a ship in Boston harbor from an explosion of powder, it being a part of the cargo. The vessel had just arrived from Virginia. Mr. Freake with several gentlemen were on board inspecting the merchandise when the explosion took place, May 4, 1675. The vessel was destroyed. Mr. Freake was less than forty years of age at the time of his death. Family tradition states that he was the owner of the ill-fated ship. Mr. Freake was permitted the prefix of " Mr." as a title of respect, not being in general use. Mr. Freake was married to Elizabeth, the daughter of Col. Thomas Clarke, an English gentleman, May 28, 1661. Their children were: Mary, Elizabeth, Clarke, John, Biographical Sketches. 507 Jane Mehetabel, Thomas, and Mary, born May 26, 1674, married Judge Josiah Wolcott of Salem. There are portraits of Mr. John and Madam Elizabeth Freake, three- fouiths length, painted in oil, still in the possession of lineal descen- dants.* Madam Freake is very beautiful in her person, she is dressed in a brocaded silk with stomacher bertha, and a white pinner as a head- dress. She has In her arms the infant Mary, who was one year old when her father died, she was the grandmother of Josiah "Wolcott, Esq., of Oxford. The dress of Mr. Freake is in the fashion of a court dress in Charles II. 's reign. The portraits were painted some time during 1674-75. They are in rich Florentine frames. Mrs. Freake remarried Hon. Elisha Hutchinson of Boston. Edward Hutchinson, Esq., of Boston, died at Oxford, May, 1806, aged 76 years, his remains were entombed in the family vault of Josiah "Wolcott. He died unmarried. Edward Hutchinson left Boston for a retired life in the country. He gave his fortune to his nephew, Lieut. - Governor Robbins. Mr. Hutchinson was born in Boston, Dec, 1729, he was educated at Harvard University, where he graduated in 1748. It is related that Mr. Hutchinson wrote the English language with great purity and was not without a taste for poetry. On the margins and blank leaves of some of the volumes of his library there were elegant translations from Latin into English, a proof of his superior scholarship. "While a resident at Oxford he occupied apartments, during his last years, at the ancient Jonathan Pratt mansion, and with his gentle horse and square canvas top chaise with its large round window in the back of the top, a most clumsy affair of an ancient carriage, he would be seen taking his drives all about the country making collections of wild flowers, as he was fond of botany, and also gathering specimens of birds and insects as a naturalist. The ancient Pratt mansion house is situated near the North Oxford railroad station and is a relic of the past of great interest. Mr. Hutchinson in his choice of Oxford as a home was influenced by his relative and friend, Josiah Wolcott, Esq., whose father was his cousin. Hon. Elisha Hutchinson of Boston, a most distinguished gentle- man, in a second marriage was united to Mrs. Elizabeth Freake, the widow of Mr. John Freake of Boston ; his son Edward by this marriage was the father of Edward Hutchinson of Oxford; Sarah unmarried, and Elizabeth who was educated in England and married Rev. Nathaniel Robbins of Milton. Elisha Hutchinson's son Thomas, by his first raar- * Col. J. "Wolcott Wetherell of Worcester. 5oS The Records of Oxford. riage, was the father of Thomas Hutchinson, Royal Governor of Massa- chusetts. Edward Kitchen, Esq., of Salem, Mass., was a merchant of great wealth. The Town Records of Oxford name him as a land proprietor, though he was a non-resident. The land he held was a part of the land of Thomas Freake of England, as Mrs. Kitchen was a daughter of Hon. Josiah and Mary Frealie of Salem, the sister of John Wolcott and aunt of Josiah Wolcott of Oxford. The portrait of Mr. Kitchen appears to have been painted in extreme early youtii, with brown natural hair, he is richly dressed in a blue sillc coat with a muslin neck baud with a wide hem carelessly fastened at the neck. John Kitchen of Salem came from England in 1640. His son of Robert, the father of Edward, was a mer- chant and ship-owner of Salem. Robert, a brother of Edward, died while a student at Harvard University, Cambridge, Sept. 20, 1716. There is a grace and refinement in the portrait of Mrs. Kitchen as well as of great beauty of person. She is taken life-size, one-half length, holding on her haud a pet bird. She was tlie mother of two children, Robert, who died in infancy, and of Mary, who died at the age of seven years, Oct. 28, 1738. The grief of the disconsolate mother was so intense that she faded and died of consumption. " Here lyeth interred tlie body of Mrs. Freake Kitchen, wife of Edward Kitchen, Esq. and daughter of Hon. Josiah Wolcott Esq. who departed this life Jan. 27 1746 A. E. 84 years." Epitaph: " Here lies buried the body of Edward Kitchen, Esq., who departed this life August 17 1766 A. E. 66 yrs."— A copy from his tomb-stone in the old North burying-grouud on the hill Salem, Mass. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen are in the possession of Andrew Wolcott Sigourney of Oxford, Mass. Peter Papillon. Peter Papillon was a resident of Boston, in 1679 removed to Bristol, R. I., where he died. Mary, born in Bristol, R. I., 1680, a daughter of Peter and Joan Papillon, and a son Peter, born in 1681, who became a resident of Boston. In 1723 £100 was ordered by the State authorities to be paid to Peter Papillon, captain of the ship '■'■Flying Horse" to be distributed to seamen who enlisted under him to pursue the pirate [Low] off the coast, 9 June, 1722. [Gen. Court Rec] 1720, April 25, Vol. 35, pp. 18-19. "J. Blackwell to Peter Papillon a tract which fell by lot to John Blackwell, the father (late of Boston), in the town of Oxford, within the Nipmuck country, containing 6,000 acres, also a lot near the above cont. 1,714 acres, or in all 7,714 acres, the latter formerly belonged to Dan. Cox, London, farther title to same tract Blackwell to Papillon, consideration £300." Biographical Sketches. 509 The Papillon Family. Dr. Baird thought them descended from the Huguenot family of the name in Avranches, Normandy, which had suffered severely from perse- cution. "Whitmore, in " Sewall's Diary," I'efers to Mr. Papillon of Lon- don, a distinguished person in his day, of great wealth. Peter, the emigrant, of Boston in 1679, supposed to have been his descendant, removed about 1681 to Bristol, where he died; date of inventory 26 Nov., 1697. His widow Joan, 23 March, 1700, was granted by a special act of legislature leave to sell real estate for her support, she having " several small children." Judicial Courts had then no power to author- ize the sale of lands of minors. [Prov. Laws, VI., 73.] Peter, Jr., known as Captain, was a Boston merchant and held a high social posi- tion. He died 1733 and was buried " under arras." His widow Kathe- rine and son-in-law John Wolcott, Esq., of Salem, were appointed administrators 10 May, 1733. Among his effects were " a farm in the Huguenot settlement at Oxford," and a mansion house on Bennet Street, Salem. His widow died a few months later. Capt. Richard Williams of Boston married, Dec, 1735, Martha, daughter of Capt. Peter Papillon. Subsequently they became residents of Oxford on a part of the Papillon estate, located in the southwest part of the town. The mansion house was large and roomy, with a long roof in the rear, lean-to style, descending to one story; the house went to decay long ago. Capt. Williams died in 1751. One son, Jeffrey Bedgood, born 1748, and two daughters survived him. Mrs. Williams married John Ballard of Boston, who was the guardian of her children, An inventory of the estate of Capt. Peter Papillon, late of Boston, merchant, deceased. These papers were presented by Prof. Raphael Pumpelly of Newport, R. I., who is a lineal descendant of Peter Papillon of Bristol, R. I. 1735, Sept. 18. John Wolcott, surviving adminst. (the personal estate of Peter Papillon not sufficing by £1760. 9. 9i to pay debts and being empowered to sell real estate to pay debts) sells to Joseph Williams, shopkeeper, for £350 the lot on Bennet St. (Boston). 1736, Aug. 19. J. Wolcott of Salem, surviv. administ. of Peter Papillon to Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., sells for £1000 the lot and house bounded on North end by Moon St. and on N. E. by passageway leadiug to Mr. Hutchinson's garden, 58 x 66. MS. received from Prof. Pumpelly. The mansion house of Peter Papillon in Boston appears to have been in plain English style of that time. One entered the house by a large apartment, the door from the street opening into this room which was styled "y" Hall." The walls of which were ornamented with pictures 5IO Tlie Records of Oxford. and an eight-day clock and case. A large fire-place with its brass- headed dogs and with fire shovel and tongs gave an air of cheerful- ness to the apartment, with a chimney glass and pair of small sconces, rich cane chairs with a small tea table and its furniture. A punch bowl and 2 china bowls with 2 decanters and " a walnut ovel table." "In the House there is named a Hall & its furniture with the Hall chamber, parlor, parlor chamber, y Long Kitchen or Breakfast room with its chamber and in this room were kept the Sunday books Except- ing a large Bible for the Familys use aud in this room was exhibited all the pewter ware aud six brass candlesticks with snufl'ers, 1 warming pan, 1 oak oval table & 1 looking glass & y^ Back Kitchen & Garret (the servants and slaves lodged in the garret). " In y« back Kitchen were many articles of brass ware also of copper & Belmettle, Brass Kettles of 3 sizes value £18. 1. 6. 1 Brass porridge pot 1. Bel mettle skillit do small 3. 1 Wind up Jack & Spit 9. 1 old pull up Jack &c. &c. The wrought Plate amounting to £212. & y Rest of y* Goods & Furniture were equally divided among the Four Daughters except 2 Silver Porrengers & 2 Spoons & some small Bediug & Cloathiug w^'' Mad'" desired might be given to her Relations Storey & Alsop families." "His LiNNEN & Cl-OATHS." Among the linen are the items : 4 Muslin necks & 2 Caps, included in all, 10 thin Jackitts & 13 p' britches 1 Black suit, £8. 1 Light Silk Jackit G p"^ Silk Stockings 2 pr. new silk stockings "With many coats & cloaks added to the inventory with other numer- ous articles. 1 Silver watch & chain £16 0. 0. 1 Sea Chest 1. o. 0. 1 Fuzee* (short gun) £3. lo. 0. 6. 0. 3. 0. 0. 0. 10. 0. 12. 6. £10. 10. 0. 4. 0. 0. £2 0. 0. £3 0. 0. £5. 0. 0. *Peter Papillon's short gun was used by him on board the government ships against piratical vessels. There is the following item in the will of Rev. John Campbell of Oxford, who died in 1T61, viz. : "I give and bequeath to my grandson John Wolcott my gun which was his great-grandfather Papillon's gun, aud which I pur- chased out of ye estate of Capt. Richard Williams, to be kept for him in the hands of my executors till he arrives at lawful age, then to be delivered to him Biogj'aphical Sketches. 511 1 Saddle, Bridle & Portmanteau £3. 10. 0. 1 leath'' Chaise for y« Family use not apprized. A Lott of Laud in Beunet Street 40 foot front £280. 0. 0. The Mansion house & Land thereto belonginaj £1200. 0. 0. An extract from "Memoirs of Thomas Paplllon of England," by A. F. W. Papillon, Major, 1887: "Peter Papillon, a younger paternal uncle of Thomas Papillon of England, it is worthy to mention that in 1670 a namesake resided in Boston, United States, who was ancestor of a family of good position now in New England named Pumpelly, to a member of which the author is indebted for the fact. The corruption of the name began (in England) . . . being found in the Harleiau MSS. as ' Pampelion and Pompelion.'" David, the son of Thomas Papillon, Captain of the Koyal Guards, born in France, 1581, was brought with two sisters, Anne, born 1573, and Esther, born 1576, to England in 1588 by his mother (Jeane viene de Pierre). The vessel which brought them was wrecked on the coast of Kent, near Hythe; the mother was drowned. The father was still living in France, as was Thomas the eldest son, also a daughter Elizabeth, who married Monsieur Breton of Havre de Grace. Peter, a third sou, the date of whose birth is not given, came to Eng- land and was educated by his brother David, and became a French silk merchant, whether in France or England does not appear. He married Susanna, daughter of John Hersent of Southampton. At this date Peter disappears from the history of the Euglish branch of the Papillon family. English Branch of Papillon Family. David Papillon, who was taken to England by his mother in his child- hood, was a military engineer and architect. From 1642 to 1646 he was treasurer of Leicestershire. At one time he resided at Putney (Roe- hampton House), and afterwards at Lubenhara, Leicestershire, he built a mansion house, " Papillon Hall," which was suited for defence, not long since it was surrounded by a moat. It is still called "Papillon Hall." He translated several works from English into French. "The family tradition of the Papillon family of England claims con- nection with Antoiue Papillon." — Memoirs of Thomas Papillon. Antoine [Anthony] Papillon of Papillon, a gentleman of France, was of a highly cultivated mind, an elegant scholar of his time, the protege of Marguerite d'Angouleme, friend of Aimet Maigret and Erasmus. or to his order." This short gun, worth £3. 10. 0., is the same gun named in the inventory of Capt. Peter Papillon's estate. Mrs. Richard Williams and Mrs. John Wolcott were daughters of Peter Papillon, Jr. 5i2 The tlecords of Oxford. Antoine Papillon, was joint almoner with Michel d'Aranch to Marguerite d'Angoulerae, the sister of Francis I., under whose protection he and others did much to extend the Reformation in Dauphine and Lyonnais, and through the influence of Marguerite Francis I. appointed him Maitre de Uequetes to the Dauphin. Marguerite's influence was lessened by the captivity of Francis I. His friend, Airaet Maigret, the Domini- can friar, had influenced him to translate from the German into French " Monastic Vows," by Martin Luther. Antoine Papillon was exiled and not long after was found dead, as was supposed from poison. " Almaque Papillon of Dijon, France, was born in 1487 and died in 1559. He was the intimate friend of Clement Marot, who with Beza, composed the metrical version of the Psalms, which was set to music by Claude Goudinel, and had much influence in promoting the Reforma- tion in France."* " At Papillon's request, Marot sought and obtained for him the post of Valet de Chambre to Francis I., which he himself already held. Both Marot and Papillon were with Francis at the battle of Pavia (1525) and were taken prisoners with him." Marot wrote of Papillon : " Voila les pleurs et regret que je fais Pour mon ami, les parfait de parfaits." "Behold my tears and regrets made For my friend, the perfect of perfect." Thomas Papillon of Dijon, France, was the Valet de Chambre and Captain of the Royal Guard to Henry IV. of France and thrice his ambassador to Venice. He died in Paris in 1608. He was descended from an old French family of Tours, but the family was established at Dijon in 1321. The father of Thomas Papillon was a victim of the massacre in Paris, August 24, 1572, that memorable anniversary of St. Bartholomew's Day. It appears that Papillon was in Paris in honor of the marriage of King Henry IV. and that he was in his suite. The Papillon family was one of the most distinguished in France, tracing their ancestry to a very remote date. Thomas, born in 1723 at Roehampton House, the son of David Papillon of England, was a merchant of London. He joined the East India Company. In 1673 he was elected a member of I'arliament for Dover. He received a second election. He was also twice elected a member of Parliament for London, 1695 and 1698. In Oct., 1689, he was chosen Alderman of London, which honor he declined though the * Baird's History of the Rise of the Huguenots. biographical Sketches. 513 Common Cryer brought a gown with the Lord Mayor's orders to invest him. In 1666 Thomas Papillon had purchased Acrise Place in Kent, it was some twelve miles from Canterbury and very near Wingham, the seat of his friend, Sir Henry Oxenden, Bart., whose brother, Sir George, was Governor of Bon»bay. Acrise Place is situated in a lovely shaded vale, made extremely beautiful by its quietude and natural scenery. This ancestral hall was the home of the descendants of Thomas Papillon for many generations. In August, 1689, Papillon was placed on a commission of five by the King for the disbursement of £1,000 a month in the relief of French refugees, the other commissioners being the Bishops of London and Salisbury, Mr. Hampden (a Commissioner of the Treasury and after- wards Chancellor of the Exchequer), and Sir John Mordent. The King first ordered the outlay and Parliament confirmed it. — Memoirs of Thomas Papillon. Thomas Papillon died in London, May 5, 1702, he was buried in the family vault at Acrise, May 21, "and though none were invited to his burial, yet his own children and grandchildren attended him with twelve coaches to Greenwich, when only four continued the journey, design- ing it to be private; but on Broughton HIU they were met by a number of horse, and some gentlemen's coaches, and conducted to Canterbury; the next day the same company attended with them, and at Barham Downs they were met by a greater from Dover." " Above three hundred rings were distributed and nearly as many pairs of gloves; and five shillings a piece were sent to all the Freemen of Dover." Thus passed from earth Thomas Papillon, the christian gentleman, greatly admired for his excellence.— Memoirs of Thomas Papillon. Learned. William Learned's name is found in the Church Records of Bermond- sey parish, England, from 1612 to 1623, as his children here received baptism and died; Isaac, the son, only survived, he accompanied his parents to America. William Learned and his son Isaac, the first of the name in this country, are identified with the William and Isaac of Bermondsey parish. There are no other entries of the name in the records of Bermondsey parish than those which are given above. The late Col. Joseph L. Chester of London spoke of the name as what he called the mystery, and hoped some day to find a solution. The name is not found in the directories of the present day, either of London or of the counties in England ; or in the poll lists, or indexes to county histories. 514 The Records of Oxford. In the parish records of Bermondsey, County of Surrey, England, are found the following: A marriage license was granted by the Bishop of Loudon, June 4, 1612, for James Hull, of the city of London, gentleman, and Ann Larned, spinster, daughter of Larned, deceased. This Ann may have been a sister of William. These are the only traces of the name which have thus far been found in England, either of an earlier or of a later date. Col. Josepii L. Chester has examined his own MSS. collections from Parish Registers (some 110 folio volumes containing about 400 pages each); the calen- dars of wills in the General Registry, from 1383 to 1700; the various lists of names at the Public Record office, the British Museum and Herald College, without finding the name. The name does not appear in the army lists of the civil war period, though that of Learner does. Col. Chester has also examined, with the same want of success, the lists of wills in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, the calendars of the local registries covering Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Berk^hire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and the portion of Kent included in the diocese of Rochester, and the parish registers of Ware and the indexes at the Public Record office; the registers of the oldest Dissenting churches, and of the old French churches, now deposited in the office of the Registrar General, and many other lists of names. In the lists of the French emigrants who were naturalized the name is not found ; nor is any found which is like it. Nor was there any French name in England, at the date of the Bermondsey records, which could be translated into Learned. In the "Early Suffolk Deeds," by John T. Hassam, there is found a long list of Huguenot names, included with them is that of Lernoult. Some have supposed it to be the French name of Learned. The name of Learned in many instances anciently terminated differently, as in some instances Learner, Lerne, Learn and Larned. The name of Learned, with all its varied orthography, is traced to the French words of Savoir, Savant, Su (Sue). " Un Savant, a learned man." The Eng- lish name of Learned in the French language is " Sue." Isaac* (William'), was born Feb. 25, 1623, in Bermondsey parish. County Surrey, England, and accompanied his parents to New England. He married in Woburn, July 9, 1056, Mary, daughter of Isaac Sternes of Watertown. In April, 1652, he removed to Chelmsford. From the records of the First church of Charlestown, Mass. " 1632, 10 mo., day 6, William Learned and Goodith, his wife were admitted." This name Goodith is said by Rev. Samuel Sewall not to be a corrupt spelling of Judith, but an old English name from the Saxon, Goditha. BiograpJiical Sketches. ^\<^ But in the Charlestown Records there is a list of such as were inhabi- tants of the town in 1630 " unto whom planting lots were given," and among them his name is in the record. In lb'40 William Learned (spelled by the clerk Lernedt) with others formed the first church in Woburn. Here he received six acres and a half for a house lot and farm in meadow, and the residence, being sixty acres, " the one halfe in forest field and the other halfe in playne field." He died March 1, 1646; he was born 1590. Isaac, ^ Isaac, ^ William,' was born Sept., 1655, married July, 1679, Sarah, daughter of John and Sarah Warren Bigelow of Watertown. He resided in Framingham near a beautiful lake of o6 acres, still called for him Learned's pond. He was a soldier in Capt. Davenport's company at the Narragausett fight and was wounded in 1679. Lieut. Isaac* Larned was a gentleman of good estate, he was a land surveyor and much in public life, receiving the respect of the inhabitants and the several offices offered for his acceptance. He resided on Jansen's plain, near the ruins of the Jansen house in the French settlement. Isaac* of Framingham married, Nov., 1706, Sarah, daughter of John and Elizabeth Woolson How. His home lot was the plantation sub- sequently so long in the possession of the Peter Shumway family; here Isaac Darned resided and died May 20, 1753. In 1752 he had given a deed of his farm to his son Isaac, ^ Jr., who in 1755 exchanged farms with his brother-in-law, Jeremiah Shumway, who at that time was tfie owner of the Josiah Russell place, so called. In April, 1766, Isaac Larned sold the estate to Lieut. James Griflin. Isaac* Learned had purchased in May, 1718, of William Dudley 250 acres of land " near the south boundary of Oxford Village." The south- west corner thereof being at the entrance of the stream from the Great Pond into the river. In Dec, 1735, he gave a deed to his son Isaac^ of 120 acres " in the south part of Oxford." This embraced the farm occu- pied by Isaac, ^ John,® Johu,^ and his descendants successively to the present time. Jolm« Larned, son of Capt. John Larned, was John L. 3d while Capt. John Senior lived, until he died, April, 1796. After that time another John is called 3d on Oxford records. He was then known as " Over the River John." Lieut. Isaac Learned and his brother, Col. Ebenezer Learned, were in the first English settlement of Oxford, 1713. They were both gentlemen of French ancestry. The names of their descendants are found iu the Inter-Colonial wars as well as in the war of the Revolution.— See Army Records. Col. Ebenezer Learned also purchased 300 acres of land in the County Gore. He bequeathed to his eldest son, Ebenezer, 400 acres upon 5i6 The Records of Oxford. Stony river, now known as the French river. His homestead estate contained some 1,000 acres. He was the largest landholder in Oxford. He built mills on his estate previously to 1728, the ancient mills have long since disappeared and flourishing manufactories occupy their sites. His wife was designated as Madam Learned and tradition speaks of her as a woman of superior endowments. Col. Learned died March, 1772. Gen. Ebenezer,^ Ebenozer,*' Isaac, ^ Isaac,- William.' He married Jerusha Baker of Oxford. The first residence of Gen. Ebenezer Learned was about one mile north of liis father's, situated on the brow of Pros- pect hill range, known at the present time as the Turner place. On his return home from the northern army he erected a mansion house on the Leicester road about three-fourths of a mile southwest from this resi- dence, his son Col. Sylvanus Learned succeeded him and it subsequently became the residence of Abishai Learned, Esq., a son of Col. Sylvanus Learned. From the Oxford records : Lady Jerusha, the consort of General Ebenezer Learned, died Feb. 22, 1799. He married second, Eliphal Put- nam of Worcester. Gen. Ebenezer Learned died April 1, 1801. Hayncs Learned, son of General Ebenzer Learned, in 1807 received an appointment from the United States government to superintend fortifi- cations at St. Mary's, Georgia. Col. Sylvanus Learned was a son of Gen. Ebenezer Learned and in 1776, at the age of sixteen, went as an aid to his father in the Revolu- tionary army. David Learned, son of Gen. Ebenezer Learned, was a resident of Livermorc, Me., married, March IG, 1788, to Mary Heard of Oxford. He was high sheriff of the County of Oxford at its organization in 1805, and through his influence it was named after his native town. He after- wards rose to be a brigadier general. He went to New Orleans; his health became impaired and he died on his return passage to Boston, May 11, 1811. He was of medium height, compact, symmetrical figure, manly countenance, a deep toned voice and winning manner. In 1759 George Alverson was with the soldiers in Oxford Avho were enlisted in the expedition against Crown Point. Rufus Alverson, son of George,' was a young gentleman of superior endowments, removed from Oxford to Montreal, where he found many friends and by whom he was much esteemed and caressed for his education, accomplishments and moral excellence of character. He died suddenly Nov. 17, 1809. Among the relics found preserved by the father of this son were the following : For attendant during days of sickness. For expenses prev- ious to interment, medical attendance. For sexton's bill for chaplain. Fees recording interment, &c. To printer's bill for funeral cards. Biographical Sketches. 517 The letter announcing the decease of young Alverson was addressed to his father, Worcester, the nearest post-office, to be forwarded by a private mail carrier to Oxford. Rufus Learned, son of Gen. Ebenezer Learned, married, May 3, 1791, Mary, daughter of Ebenezer Humphrey; resided on his father's landed estate in Oxford; died Jan. 17, 1803. His widow married his brother, Col. Sylvanus Learned. Children : Ruth, born Oct. 12, 1793, married, Oct. 12, 1815, George Alverson, Jr., of Oxford. Jeremiah* (Ebenezer,'' Isaac, ^ Isaac,- William'), born Jan., 1733, mar- ried Elizabeth Hunt of Littleton, Dec, 1756; he married second, Mary, widow of Dr. Green of Thompson, Ct., who died Sept. 2, 1793; he mar- ried third, Oct. 7, 1793, Dorothy, daughter of Dr. Stephen and Dorothy (Moore) Barton, and he married fourth, Esther, widow of Dr. Weaver of Thompson, Ct. Capt. Learned died June, 1812, aged 79 years, Capt. Learned was a lieutenant and captain in a company of rangers in the French and Indian war. He was at Fort Edward and Fort William Henry, with his brother. Major Ebenezer Learned. " Mr. Jeremiah Learned has presented the town of Oxford a powder horn worn by his grandfather, Jeremiah Larned, in the old French war. It is inscribed 'Jeremiah Larued his horn. Lake George, July 4, 1756.'" Hannah, daughter of Isaac^ and Sarah (Bigelow) Learned of Fram- ingham, married Obediah Walker of Marlborough, son of Thomas and Martha (How) Walker, and grandson of Thomas and Mary Walker of Sudbury. — Barry, p. 430. Obediah Walker became a resident of Sutton; a large landed estate. His son Asa married Abigail . They had twelve children and his estate at his decease was inherited by his son Asa. Mrs. Walker was remarried to Rev. William Phipps of Douglas and resided in Oxford. Mrs. Phipps died July 31, 1820, aged 92 years. Davis. William Davis, son of William of Roxbury, born June, 1704, purchased land in Oxford, 1724. In 1739 and for several years after he was an inn- holder, owned the Benjamin Chamberlain plantation on the west side of Main street, extending from Quaboag lane (a road to Sturbridge) which bounded the late Abijah Davis estate, northerly, including the ancient tavern property, to Nathaniel Chamberlain's estate, or what was since known as the James Gleason land. It is now impossible to state whether the present Dr. Cushman place or the site of the old red tavern, corner of Main street and Charlton road, was the site of his residence. Samuel Davis, born June, 1681 at Roxbury, descended from William Davis of Roxbury, the lineage being John, son of William and Elizabeth 5iS The Records of Oxford. H., married, 1669, Mary, daughter of Edward Devotion of Roxbury John, born October, 16-13, died March, 1705. She died February, 1683. William Davis, the ancestor of Samuel of Roxbury and subsequently of Oxford, is said to have been of Welch extraction, born 1617, and that he left Wales in the year 1635 and died August, 1683. He resided in Rox- bury from 1642 until his decease. A seal representative of the coat of arms of the Davis family of Caermarthon, South Wales, establishes the identity of the two families in ancestry. Samuel Davis became a resi- dent of Oxford in 1729, where he died, April, 1760. He married, June, 1709, Mary, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Child) Chamberlain, of Rox- bury. She died, February, 1731, at Oxford. Samuel Davis was remarried, October 13, 1731, at Roxbury, to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Faxton) Weld. He died August 9, 1786, at Oxford, aged 91. Her mother was the daughter of Thomas and Debo- rah (Thayer) Faxton, and was born at Braintree. Child of Mary Weld born at Oxford : John, born November 30, 1732, succeeded his father to his estate. In 1720 Samuel Davis, with his brother-in-law Thomas Mayo, and Joseph Weld, whose sister he afterward married, purchased of Gabriel Bernou, then of Kingston, R. I., his French plantation in Oxford village, then in Suffolk county, for the sum of twelve hundred pounds. Mr. Samuel Davis on becoming a resident of Oxford was much esteemed as a gentleman and held many offices of honor from the town. His residence was on the highlands east of the village street. Shumway. Peter Shumway, born in 1678, who made a settlement in Oxford 1713, was the son of Peter and Frances Shumway of Topslield, Mass. The first record we have of Peter Shumway of Topsfield is in 1675, when he enlisted on Dedham Common as a soldier in the great Narragansetf. fight, and with others was told " if he would play the man" that he should have a " land bounty." From Topsfield Town Records : "Peter Shumway and Mariah Smith both of Boxford* ware married on y 11th day of February 1700-1." "She was daughter of Robert and Mary B. Smith, 1677, Dec. 18." — Church Records, Topsfield. Baptisms: "Peter Shumway, his Oliver, May 10, 1702; Jeremiah Mar. 21, 1703; David, Dec. 23, 1705; Mary, May 9, 1708; Samuel, April 22, 1711; John, Aug. 16, 1713." [These children probably came to Oxford with their parents in 1713. Three others, Jacob, Ilepzibah and Amos, were born in Oxford.] * Boxford joins Topsfield on the west, and while they lived in Boxford they still continued their connection with the Topsfield church. Biographical Sketches. 510 "To THE Honorable Spencer Phips Esq Lieut Governor and Com- mander IN CmEF IN AND OVER HIS MaJESTIE'S PROVINCE OF THE Massachusetts Bay in New England : The Honorable Council AND House of Eepresentatives in General Court Assembled : "The Memorial of Peter Shumway of Oxford most humbly sheweth that whereas your humble memorialist did many years ago prefer a petition to the Honorable General Court of this Province praying that as he is the legal heir and representative of Peter Shumway of Topsfleld who was a long time in the service of this Country and particularly in the Narragansett war, and talking the Indian fort there which he in said petition proved by living testimonies and which he believes the Honora- ble John Chandler and others worthy members of this Honorable Court do yet remember, "And whereas your aged, decrepid and poor memorialist hath never yet received any gratuity, or reward in land or otherwise for his father's services and suflerings as many others have done, your most humble memorialist again most humbly prayeth this Honorable Court in their wonted goodness and compassion would make him a grant of some piece of Country land for said services, or otherwise as iu their great wisdom they [see] fit : which will oblige your most humble memorialist — as in duty bound will ever pray. "(Signed) Peter Shumway. "March 23, 1749-50." —Mass. Arch., XLVI., 212. This paper is iu the handwriting of Kev. John Campbell of Oxford. The flrst vote recorded on the proprietors' booi^s of Oxford is dated, " September 13 1713; voted: That Peter Shumway shall come in as an inhabitant of Oxford on the rights of Joshua Chandler." Peter Shumway was a surveyor of highways March 5, 1716. "January 25 1716-17 voted in y affirmative that Peter Shumway shall be an associat with y Grantees in oxford village upon y Right of Joshua Chandler as it was voted Sept'"^ry« 13 1713." Peter Shumway kept a garrison house. It would appear that Peter Shumway came to this country in 1662. " To the honoured Governor, deputy Governor and Maiistrates of the Massachusetts Colonie — the petition of John Tonton of Rochell in France, Doctor Chirurgion, in behalfe of himselfe and others. Humbly shewing, that whereas your petitioner with many other protestants, who are inhabitants in the said Rotchell, (a list of whose names was given to the said honoured Govur) who are for their religion sake, outted and expelled from their habitations and dwellings in Rotchell 520 'The Records of Oxford. France* aforesaid, he, your said petitioner humbly craveth, for himselfe and others as aforesd, that they may have liberty to corae heather, here to inhabit and abide amongst the English in this Jurisdiction, and to follow such honest indeavours & ymploymts, as providence hath or shall direct thera unto, vyhereby they may get a livelihood and that they might have so much favour from the Govmt. here, as in some measure to be certayne of their residence here before they undertake the voyage, and what priviledges they may expect here to have, that so accordingly as they find incoridgmt for further progress herein, they may dispose of their estates of Rotchell, where they may not have any longer contin- uance. Thus humbly craveing you would be pleased to consider of the premisses, and your petitioner shall forever pray for your happinesse." " 15(8) 1G62 The Deputyes thinke meete to graunt this pet, our honble magistes consenting thereto. William Torrey." " Consented to by y magists. Edw. Rawson Secret, cleric." Massachusetts, Archives, Vol. X. p. 208. In 1661 an old provision of the royal decree for the reduction of the city of La Rochelle, after the siege, hitherto unexecuted, was brought to notice, and carried into effect. This article prohibited all persons professing the "Pretended Reformed Religion" from being admitted as inhabitants of La Rochelle, unless they had resided there previously, and before the landing of Buckingham from England, sent to relieve the city in July, 1627. The article was now confirmed by a civil ordinance, and in the month of November it was proclaimed with sound of trumpet through the streets of La Rochelle. Fifteen days were allowed to those whom it might concern for their removal from within the city limits, and warn- ing was given that in case of disobedience they would assess a heavy fine, to be enforced, if necessary, by means of distraint and public sale of their effects. Peter"* Shumway of Oxford, born in 1735, stated to Rev. Abial Flolmes, D.D., in 1825, that his great-grandfather, Peter Shumway, came from France and was a Huguenot. All persons who bore the name of Shum- way in Oxford, into the present century, were known by the name of Jermer, the orthography of the name of " Germaine." W. T. Shumway of Webster recalls that his father was known by the name of Jermer, and so received the daily salutations of his friends. In the Huguenot settlement of Oxford, in 1687, Capt. Germaine and his sons are known on the records of the French settlement of Oxford as Germon, Jermon or Jermer, with the exception of Charles, who removed from Oxford to New Rochelle, N. Y., he retained the name of Germaine. * The list of names is not found with this record. Biographical Sketches. 52 1 In regard to the French extraction of the Shumway family there has been much interest for the hist half century as to the origin of the present form of the name, as Shumway is not a French name, neither can it be identified as English or German. The name has evidently been transformed as have been many names of the Huguenots in this country and in Europe. The name of Germaine is known only in Pari- sian French while the name in Provincial French is Germon, Jermou or Jermer, as in Canada. The name of Shumway is not found in lists of Huguenot exiles copied from Boston Suffolk Records, South Carolina and New York Records, in Agnew's French Protestant Exiles, London, 1871. The author of that book introduces lists of Huguenot refugees during the reigns of Charles II., James II., William and Mary, and William III. Copies from the Patent Rolls. The Camden Society Lists are from copies belonging to the late Mr. Peter Levesque. The Cam- den Society volume, entitled Lists of Foreign Protestants and Aliens Resident in England, 1618-1688, edited by William Durant Cooper, London, 1862. Amos Shumway, the youngest son of Peter, who came from Topsfield to Oxford in 1713, and grandson of Peter the Huguenot, resided ou Long Hill, near the farm of William Hudson, in Oxford. Mr. Shumway died May, 1818, aged 06. In conversation with the family of the late Rodolphus Edson he stated to them the original French name of Shumway was Germaine.— A remi- niscence of the late Bradford G. Edson, who recently deceased, aged 91 years. The landed estate of Peter Shumway, the son of Peter the Huguenot, included the Josiah Russell place. He married second, Feb., 1740, Mary Dana. Jeremiah, son of Peter* of Oxford, married Experience, the daughter of Isaac Earned. His residence was with his father, in 1755 he exchanged his estate with his brother-in-law, Isaac Earned, Jr., and resided on Jansen plain, near the site of the Jansen house. His son Peter succeeded him on his estate and subsequently it became the resi- dence of his grandson, Peter Shumway. Jeremiah Shumway removed to Long Hill and there died. Solomon, son of Jeremiah,^ born Feb. 19, 1747, married, Nov., 1768, Dorothy Howard of Killingly, Conn., and became a resident of that place. Jeremiah, a son, born 1780, married, 1803, Huldah, a daughter of Luke Upham of Thompson, Conn. Hammond, their son, married Roby T. Newall; resided at Thompson. William T. Shumway, their son, of Webster, merchant; and Solomon, deputy sherifl" of Webster. David, son of Peter' of Oxford, in 1733 purchased one-fiftieth of the grant for the towil of Stui-bridge, where he resided and became a gentleman of influence. He was baptized Dec, 1705; died May, 1796, aged 91 years. 522 The Reco7'ds of Oxford. Lieut. Samuel Shumway, son of Peter' of Oxford, baptized April, 1711, became a resident of Sturbridge, married Sarah, daughter of Isaac Larned of Oxford. He died Sept., 1800, aged 89 years. Oliver Shumway, a son of Peter' of Oxford, received from his father an estate on Long Hill, married Sarah Pratt, daughter of Jonathan Pratt, married second Elizabeth Holman of Sutton. Mrs. Elizabeth (Holman) Shumway taught a dame school. Jacob Shumway, son of Peter,' resided on Long Hill. John, son of Peter' of Oxford, married Mary Dana, made a settlement in Oxford, southwest of the North Common, on a plantation of 50 acres presented to him by his father. The original house was west of an ancient house, still to be seen (1893), opposite to the late Josiah Rus- sell estate. This landed estate was once the residence of Phinehas Dana, subsequently the home of Rev. William Phipps, where he died, long known as the Solomon Walker farm. John Shumway died Jan., 1810, aged 96. Lieut. Jonathan Davis of Oxford married, May 7, 1815, Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin and Betsey Gilbert of Brooklyn, Ct. Benjamin Gilbert was a lineal descendant of Jonathan Gilbert of Hartford, Ct. Jonathan Gilbert, " a brave and honest gentleman," "a Devonshire man," a bachelor landholder, was a resident of Hartford, Ct., in 1645. He mar- ried Mary, a daughter of John White. In a second marriage to Mary, a daughter of Francis Colraan, by her first marriage to Hugh Welles, one of the founders of Hartford. Mrs. Gilbert was the niece of Rev. and Hon. Tliomas Welles, Governor of Connecticut, who died at Hart- ford, January, 1660, aged 62 years. This Welles family was a branch of the noble family of Welles in Lincolnshire, who were barons of the realm. About 1640 Mr. Gilbert arrived from England and was a resident of Dor- chester, Mass. The Dorchester, Taunton and Connecticut Gilberts were of one ancestry. Both families had intermarried with the Rossiter family, dis- tinguished in England and in the colonies. Mr. Gilbert by grants of the General Court and by purchase had acquired large tracts of land. In 1653 he received a grant of land " at the common landing place in the little meadow [at Hartford] to set up a ware- house," which afterward became a station for considerable conmierce, in which Mr. Pynchon, of " up the river," Springfield, was largely inter- ested, and imported many goods from abroad, as associated with Mr. Gilbert. In March, 1653, a special warrant was granted to him as marshal "with power to rayse such considerable forces as he sees meete" for the arrest of parties. He was engaged in the trade and coasting busi- Biographical Sketches. 533 ness of the young colonies and was collector of the customs at Hart- ford. In 1654 the Coramissioners of the English colonies appointed Jonathan Gilbert a messenger to Ninigrete, the chief of the Narragansetts. Mr. Gilbert being familiar with the Indian language was an interpreter between the Indians and the English government. He rendered im- portant service in the subsequent Indian wars and difficulties, by his facility in their language and his resolute bravery. Gookin states that, "Uncas, a principal Sachem, lived at or about Pequot, now called New London, he was hostile to his neighbors the Narragansetts." Gilbert was engaged in these perilous negotiations. In August, 1661, " The Court granted to Mr. Gilbert a farm in Hart- ford to y<= number of 300 acres of vpland and 50 Acres of meadow pro- vided it be not preiuditiall to any other plantation." After this period he was for several years elected to the office of "Marshall "and was occasionally a representative to the legislature, but his chief attention was given to the improvement of his estate and the care of his family. In Nov., 1659, Mr. Gilbert was appointed to compel the payment from the Farraington Indians of the annual sum which was due from the two years past, "amounting to the full summe of eighty faddome of wam pum," " well strunged and merchantable." This was in satisfaction for damages from a fire occasioned by them. Jonathan Gilbert died Dec. 10, 1682, aged 64. Mrs. Mary (Welles) Gilbert died July 3, 1700, aged 74. Their gravestones are in the old burying-ground at Hartford. Mr. Gilbert in his will gives ten pounds to his grandchild, John Rossiter (his daughter Mary married John Rossiter, the eldest son of Dr. Brayen Rossiter), and also his grandson, Andrew Belcher. Andrew Belcher of Boston, "the most oppulent merchant of his time," had married Sarah, a daughter of Jonathan Gilbert of Hartford, Ct., July, 1670. Mr. Belcher was born in Cam- bridge, Mass., 1(147, was of Boston 1677, died 1717, aged 70 years. Hon. Jonathan, a son, was born 1681, graduated at Harvard University 1699, was Governor of Massachusetts and New Hampshire 1730-1741, Governor of New Jersey 1747-1757, died in August, 1759. Captain Blackwell of England, a member of Parliament, who Avas a large proprietor of land in Oxford, Mass., obt;iiued a separate grant (date 1686) of laud which afterwards became a part of the town of Pomfret, Ct., when incorporated 1713. This large estate Blackwell had named Mortlake, the name of the place a few miles out of London, where Gen. Lambert of Cromwell's army had resided, the father-in-law of Blackwell. Capt. Blackwell's heirs conveyed this valuable estate of Mortlake to Gov. Jonathan Belcher. From \.'hQ ''Independent Advertiser r Boston: "AVe hear from Burlington in New Jersey, that his Excellency Jonathan Belcher, Esq., Governor of the 524 The Records of Oxford. Province, was married there on the 9th day of this month (October, 1748) to Mrs. Teal, a lady of great merit and a handsome fortune." Thomas, a son of Jonathan Gilbert by his second marriage to Mary Welles, chose a maritime life, influenced by his brother-in-law, Andrew Belcher, who frequently visited the Connecticut river with his vessels for trade. Gilbert soon commanded one of his ships. The remains of Capt. and Mrs. Mary (Trowbridge) Gilbert rest in the Granary burial-ground in Boston. Note. In an old record, 1093, is found the marriage of Jonathan Dowse and Elizabeth Gilbert. Note. The Dows or Dowse family in America, descendants of Lawrence Dows [of Charlestown, Mass., 1640]. "In IGOS the worshipful Sir John Gilbert, ended his life July 5, and was brought from London to his mansion house at Compton the IGth of the same month and buried in Maridon church July 19. He practiced arms agreeably to the brave spirit of his ancestors. Was held an Expert and soldier even in his younger years wherein he expired and was taken away when he gave not only hope but full assurance of great sufficiency to do his prince and country service." " Sir John and his younger brother, Capt. Rawley Gilbert, were nephews to Sir Humphrey." The family of Gilbert is very ancient, "It is written on the Roll of Battle Abbey, T. Gilbard." [Thomas Gilbert.] " The name is found in the conqueror's book of survey amouEj the Tenures of Devon." Greeu- way, the ancient seat of the Gilberts or Jilberts of knightly rank. " The county of Devons says at Marledon on the river Darte is a chapel built by the ancestors of the Gilberts," " who have an ancient monu- ment there; one of them lieth in the church with his wife, their propor- tions cut into stone." It is said this family of Gilbert were remotely of the same ancestry of Sir Humphrey Gilbert. " From Thomas Gilbert of Compton many stems of the old stock branched off." About 1604 John Gilbert left Compton and settled at Blechington, County of Essex. In 1609 to John Gilbert of Woodford, Essex were confirmed these arms : Ar. on a chev, betw. three leopards faces sa, as many roses or. Coat of arms of the Gilbert family of Devonshire: Ar on a chev sa three roses of the first. Crest a dolphin, naivant embowed. Col. Thomas Gilbert, born 1715, at Taunton, sou of Nathaniel and Hannah (Bradford) Gilbert, descended from John Gilbert of Dorches- ter, then Taunton, the lineage being Thomas of Taunton married Jane Rossiter; Thomas, Jr., of Taunton, married Anna Black; Nathaniel, born 1683, at Taunton. John Gilbert was from Devonshire, Eng. He was in New England previously to 163G, though his name is not men- tioned by Hottou in his book of arrivals. He represented Taunton to Biographical Sketches. 525 the Great and General Court in 1639. Winnifred, his wife, survived him. Col. Gilbert ou the maternal side was in lineal descent from William Brad- ford, the second Governor of Plymouth Colony, from Austerfield, England. In the first settlement of Taunton, with other gentlemen, is included the name of John Gilbert, Senior, with his two sons, John and Thomas, and Hugh Rossiter, whose daughter, Thomas, son of John, Senior, mar- ried. This was the first marriage of the Taunton and Connecticut Gilberts with the Rossiter family. Thomas Gilbert in 1651 was elected to the General Court from Taunton, in 1G53 he went to England where he died in 1676. Jane, his wife, remained at Taunton, where she received the news of his decease. Mr. Edward Rossiter sailed from Plymouth, England, March 20, 1630. He had been chosen in London an assistant, Oct. 20, 1629, when Win- throp was first chosen Governor and Johuson, Saltonstall, Dudley, Endicott and thirteen other assistants of the Colony of the Massachu- setts Bay, N. E. He had a good estate in the County of Somerset or Devon. He died in Oct., 1630. "His early removal was a great aflliction to the Colony." Dr. Bray or Bryan Rossiter or Rocester of Guilford, Ct., arrived in Boston in 1630. It would appear he was a brother of Edward. He was for a time a resident of Windsor, Ct., and the first town clerk, 1639. It is said that the son of Mr. Edward Rossiter, Assistant to the Colony, lived at Combe, England, at the time he came to this country, and his grandson lived at Taunton, S. Somerset. Thomas Rossiter came to this country 1633, was of Taunton 1643. Hugh of Dorchester Mass. Bay 1635. Col. Gilbert in 1745 as a captain fought under Sir William Pepperell at the famous seige of Louisburg. He was in the French war of 1755 under Brig.-Gen. Ruggles. Col. Gilbert was with the victorious forces that took possession of Crown Point after Gen. Amherst had subdued Ticonderoga. At Lake George Baron Dieskan led the French army against the English forces. Col. Williams who commanded the regiment of which Gilbert was Lieut. -Col. was slain and the latter became its commanding office. Maj. John Burke in his journal while at Lake Sacrament, now Lake George, Sept. 11, 1755, giving an account of the battle of Lake George, he mentions the arrival of several oflicers, among them the name of Col. Thomas Gilbert. Previously to the commencement of the Revolutionary vpar Gen. Gage knowing the services of Col. Gilbert to England in the French war requested him to rally the loyalists of New England to be true to King George the Third. Gilbert knowing his position to be hopeless 526 The Records of Oxford. repaired to Newport and went on board the Bose, an English vessel whose commandant it is said received him most graciously. From Newport he proceeded at once to Boston, where he was received with honor by the English officers. The British Admiral feared for the safety of his vessels ; lie communicated with Lord Howe the necessity to evacuate. The English troops then boarded the fleet and sailed for Halifax. From his loyalty to George III. Gilbert left his home and a large estate, but his losses were more than restored to him by the mother couutry. His subsequent home was on the river St. John, New Brunswick. In 1784, Mrs. Mary Gilbert in a letter written to her friends in New England is dated from Gilbert's Point, St. Mary's Bay. His possessions received from the King were mostly in Sun bury and Queen's Counties. Col. Gilbert's sons were in sympathy with him and retired to the British Provinces. Col. Gilbert is named as the father of the distinguished and wealthy family in Nova Scotia. He died in 1796 aged 82 years. Extract from the will of Col. Thomas Gilbert, dated Oct. 29, 1795, Gagetown, Province of New Brunswick: " 2dly. I give and bequeath to my Eldest son Thomas Gilbert of Burton in the county of Suubury and Province aforesaid Esq. all the Island called Majors Island laying in the River St. John on which he now dwells ... I also Give and Bequeath to ray said son all the Land and Buildings which I have Either by Grant or Purchase which I have and hold in the Province of Nova Scotia, he to have and Hold the same Lands, his heirs and assigns forever. "Thirdly I give and bequeath to my second sou Perez Gilbert of Gagetown in Queens County afore s'd all the Island called Grimos Island with all the lands on Grimos neck with all the high upland." He also gives to his third son, Bradford, of the City of St. John, all his lands in the township of Sheffield and other tracts of valuable lauded estate. Col. Gilbert's possessions received from the King were mostly in Sunbnry and Queen's Counties. Several of the descendants of Thomas Gilbert have been members of the English Parliament. Col. Thomas Gilbert was of a distinguished English family of the County of Devon and was remotely allied to the family of Sir Humphrey Gilbert. Tradition states that it was on account of his ancestry as well as for his loyalty that King George III. extended to him so liberally his protection. There is a letter of Col. Thomas Gilbert bearing date, " Gagetown, Province of New Brunswick, 25th July, 1795, signed your great-grand- father, Thomas Gilbert, in the 81st year of his age." This letter was addressed to Ephraira Gilbert Edson, his great-grandson, and is in the possession of his heirs. Biographical Sketches. 527 Lemuel Crane, Esq., of Berkley, a landholder and lawyer, became a resident of Oxford in 1780. He was married, Dec, 1759, to Bathsheba, daughter of Col. Thomas Gilbert. Mr. Crane in the Revolution was a loyalist in favor of King George III. In Oxford he purchased the landed estate of Darius Chase of Freetown, who had the estate of Anthony Sigourney, which is situated two miles distant from the old North Common. The mother of Mr. Crane became a resident of Oxford. Mrs. Hannah (Adams) Crane was a very superior lady and possessed with a refined taste. She was extremely fond of needlework and wrought lace and embroidery with ease, and when quite elderly she would be seen with her needlework passing from window to window of her apartment to avail herself from any ray of the parting sunset. She died in Oxford and was buried in the churchyard near the South Com- mon. Tradition states Mrs. Hannah (Adams) Crane was in lineage of the same ancestry as Henry Adams from England, who became a resi- dent of Braintree, now Quincy. The Braintree or Quincy branch of the Adams family are descended from John Ap Adam of England, Baron of the Realm, who was from 1296 to 1307 summoned to Parliament. The family is of Welsh origin and the prefix " Ap " signifies the son of Adam. The Welsh form of Ap Adam fell into disuse in the 15th century being anglicized to Adams. The arms of Henry Adams of Braintree : Argent, on a cross Gules five Mullets or. Crest : Cut of a Ducal Coronet, or a demi Lion attVonte gules. " In the uper part of a Gothic window on the south east side of Tiden- ham Church near Chopston Eng. The name of Johes Ap Adam 1310 in old English, and Arms as above are still (1851) to be found beauti- fully executed in stained glass of great thickness and in perfect preser- vation." — Notes of C. F. Adams, Jr. Amidown. It was during the siege of La Rochelle that many of these Huguenots escaped to England, among whom was the ancestor of the family of Aimedoune. Roger Aimedoune of England, being in sympathy with the Puritans, embarked among the first colonists for a new colony in New England, so found Massachusetts. He arrived at Salem, then known by its Indian name of Naumkeag. Roger Aimedoune thus became the ancestor of all of this name in America. He subsequently removed from Salem to Weymouth, then to Boston, where the birth of their daughter Lydia is recorded. Then he 528 The Records of Oxford. removed to Rehoboth, then in Plymouth colony, where he died in 1673. Then his descendants became, among others, the early planters of Mendon, and from thence to Oxford. On the Church Records, at its formation, January 18, 1721, Philip Amidown and his wife are included as communicants. He died in Oxford. Among the early records of Oxford is found the birth of a daughter of Philip and Ithama Amidown, viz. : Hannah, born Feb. 2, 1718, also Henry Amidown married Millatia Cheeny March 31, 1718. There is also the record of the marriage of Benjamin Chainberlin, Jr., one of the first landed proprietors of Oxford, to Mary Amidown, July 8, 1728. The original name of Aimedoune has been changed by the descendants "to Amidon, Aiuadon and Amidown. However spelled, the name is traced to Roger Aimedoune." — Holmes' Amidown. Philip, a descendant of Roger Amidown, came from Mendon to Oxford, 1717. He was a gentleman of good estate and was much esteemed and interested In public affairs. Jeremiah Amidown married Elizabeth Martin of Douglas, Feb., 1769. Children of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Martin) Amidown: Mary Bathsheba, Elizabeth, Lucy, Isaac, Mary, born August 29, 1773, mar- ried Elihu Harwood, Lois, Sarah, Jeremiah, born March 31, 1779, Samuel, Lurania, born Feb., 1786 ; she was married to Lyman Wetherell, April 2G, 1807. Jeremiah, born March 31, 1779, removed to Charlton, married Abigail Harwood, Oct. 7, 1801. Jeremiah Amidown died May 31, 1812. Elizabeth, widow of Jeremiah Amidown, died Oct. 10, 1826. Samuel Amidown married Lucy Humphrey Aug. 28, 1809. Lyman Wetherell was born in Dudley — see Dudley Records. The family trace their ancestry to Rev. William Wethei-ell of Scituate, who was established there as a clergyman in 1658 and died in 1684. Elihu Harwood of Sutton married Mary or Molly, daughter of Jere- miah and Elizabeth Amidown, April, 1795, of Oxford. Child, Elihu. The ancestors of Elihu Harwood of Sutton were from Salem, Mass., some of whom had become land proprietors in Sutton on its first settle- ment. In 1725, in the Sutton Records, the name of Col. Jonathan Harwood is noticeable as a gentleman of high position. The town of Sutton voted that the school land be all sold, reserving the 30-acre lot, and that the money should be put out for the benefit of a school forever. Colonel Harwood entered his dissent against the school land being sold. David and Solomon Harwood of Sutton and Oxford were of the same ancestry in Sutton and Salem. Reubeu Harwood was the son of Solomon Harwood ; he was married to Hannah Hurd. Biographical Sketches. 529 At the close of the Revolution, in 1783, it became necessary for the confederated States of America to devise plans for a revenue to pay the debt incurred by the war and to meet the current expenses of govern- ment (there being then no system by duties or imposts upon the foreign merchandise imported into the country). A resort to direct taxation, or a system of internal revenue, in some respects like the present one following the late Rebellion, was adopted. The records of the Senate in Massachusetts show that on the 10th of February, 1783, it was ordered that Ephraim Starkweather and John Baron, Esqs., be a committee to collect, sort and count the votes for a collector of excise for the county of Worcester, who reported that the whole number of votes was eigh- teen, and that Caleb Amidown, Esq., of Charlton, was unanimously elected. He was continued in that oflice until after the revenue system was established by imports under the Constitution, about ten years. The Hon. Emory Washburn, late Governor of Massachusetts, in a historical sketch of Leicester Academy refers to Caleb Amidown as a benefactor to that institution. He was engaged by the government in the confiscated estates of the refugees of the Revolution as a surveyor. " For many years he was a member of the Legislature, and as such was a warm supporter of the government during the ' Shays Rebellion,' as it was called. " Among other responsible ofiices he was called to fill was that of an excise master for the County of Worcester, after the close of the Revo- lution." The late Hon. Salem Town, of Charlton, ever mentioned Caleb Amidown with great respect. Gen. Town had served as a surveyor in various towns of Worcester county under Caleb Amidown, who was extensively known in that respect. Through his services as surveyor and conveyancer a large portion of the most ancient deeds of land in the towns of this vicinity, Charlton, Dudley, Oxford and Sturbridge, are found in his handwriting in clear and concise drafts and fine specimen of penmanship. Philip Amidown and wife, of Oxford, were the grandparents of Caleb Amidown, Esq., of Charlton, who was grandfather of Holmes Amidown and the late Hon. Ebeuezer Amidown, the cousins of Holmes Amidown. Ebenezer Davis, Esq., born in Oxford, Sept. 18, 1737, became a resident of Charlton. He was married, Jan. 10, 1802, to Mrs. Hannah (Sabin), widow of Caleb Amidown of Charlton, now South- bridge. She died March 20, 1820. Maj. Calvin Amidown, the son of Caleb Amidown, was married to 53o The Records of Oxford. Deborah, the daughter of Ebenezer Davis, Esq., of Charlton. Mr. Amidown was one of the executors of the estate of Ebenezer Davis, Esq, Major Amidown was a man of character, intelligence aud enterprise; justice of the peace, major of militia; one of the leading men in the management of the Poll parish, at which is now Southbridge, from 1801 to the incorporation of that towu in 1816, and was efficient in procurinir the act of the Legislature establishing the town ; was its representative in the Legislature in 1821. Of him Hon. Linus Child wrote : "To his energy and enterprise more than to any other single individual was the town of Southbridge indebted for the commencement and vigorous prosecution of the business of the cotton manufacture and other important business enterprises which have contributed so much to the prosperity of the town." Major Amidown was boru in Charlton, June 21, 17G8; died Jan. 5, 1825.* Rawson. " At a Generall Cou't of Eleccons held at Boston 22"' of May, 1650 : — Edward Rawson, gent., was chosen Secretary." Secretary Rawson removed from Newbury to Boston, his residence was on Rawson's lane, and here he died, August, 169.3, aged 78. This lane bore his name until near 1800, and was then changed to Bromiield street. Here he owned some acres of land, which bordered on the common. Edward Rawson came to New England in the year 1G36 or in 1637 and became a resident of Newbury in the colony of Massachusetts Bay. He was a grantee of that town. Edward Rawson was a communicant in the First Church in Boston. Rev. John Wilson was the clergyman. The record says he was one of twenty-eight members who left the First Church and formed the Old South Church in Boston in May, 1669. Grindal Rawson, son of Edward Rawson, graduated at Harvard Uni- versity, 1678. He studied divinity, preached his first sermon at Med- field. He subsequently became the clergyman of Mendon, Mass. He married Susanna, daughter of Rev. John Wilson of Medtleld and the granddaughter of Rev. John Wilson, first minister of Boston. He died February, 1715. His sou John Rawson^ resided in Uxbridge, Mass. John Rawson ■• and his son Joseph were residents of Webster. Secre- tary Edward Rawson's mother was Margaret, the sister of Rev. John Wilson. * Samuel Davis and his Descendants. Biographical Sketches. 531 At the Herald's College or College of Arras for several hundred years is the Rawson family. It is composed of an escutcheon, representing an old knightly shield, the lower half sable, the upper half azure; in centre of the shield a castle, with four towers in gold ; crest, a raven's head, black; bearing on the neck drops of gold, one and two; erased, on a wreath ; in the beak a ring of gold. The motto underneath, "Laus Virtutis Actio," "The deed of bravery is its own praise." The most remote ancestor of Edward Rawson, Secretary of the Colo- ny of Massachusetts Bay, who has been traced, is Sir Edward Rawson, who lived in the reign of one of the Henrys, he is said to have been of "great military skill." Edward Rawson's letter to Lord Arlington :— "Right Honourable Sir, "His Majesty's Gracious Letter, directed to the Govouruer and Council, Dated, yee 22d Day of February 1G65, was received and communicated to yee Court 17 of July, 1666. "We do thankful acknowledge his Grace, in Forwarding of our danger by the French and Dutch Nations, and to be prepared for our defence, while according to our weak ability, we have been endeavoring to fortify the coast of Canida. The Council Genrall of Novis Scotia and St. John's who has concluded it is not at present feazeble as respects our boundry line, I will say however in respect of the difficulty and impossi- bility of a land mark over the Rocky Mountains and claimed by your Mnjesty's Government, is about four hundred miles, as the line drawn through straight, as you have expected. "His Majesty's Declaration of War against France is enclosed. It was Solemnly published through this Land by the Sound of Trumpet. We have been subject to some Loss, also to some advantage by the French and Dutch, about Shipping abroad; and in our smaller vessels upon our coast, and have taken two or three vessels, to a considerable value— Whereupon some of Ours: by Commission from our hands: lately have taken Three or Four, other Fishing Ships upon the coast of the Canidas; for the future we shall endeavor by the assistance of God to Proceed and defend the Hounourand interest of his Majesty's and the English Nation, in these parts, not to give you further trouble at present in protecting us. " Boston in New England 24 Oct. 16G6. "My " Lord " Your very "Humble Servant "Edward Rawson." 532 The Records of Oxford. Edward Rawson was born in Gillingham, Dorsetshire, Eoftland, April, 1615. He was married in England to Rachel, daughter of Thomas Perne and granddaughter of John Hooker, who married a sister of Edmund Grindal, "the most worthily renowned Archbishop of Canterbury " in the reign of Queen Elizabeth.* Edmund Grindal, the first Bishop of London after Queen Elizabeth's succession to the Crown, Bishop of York and the isecoud Archbishop of Canterbury, was born about 1519, in or near the parish of St. Bees, in Cumberland. December 21, 1559, Grindal, B. D., being forty years of age, was consecrated to the see of London and installed the 23rd. "Now did Sir Gilbert Dethick, Kn't, principal King of Arms, honor the Bishop with a blazon of arms, to be made use of in all his sealed letters and instruments." "Shortly after his elevation we find him preaching at various times before the Queen, and at St. Paul's cross; and on one of these occasions, March 3d, 15G0, there was a mighty audience, for the people were greedy to hear the gospel." Queen Elizabeth was prejudiced against the Puritans. She issued orders for the suppression of their meetings, and expressed her displeas- ure to Grindal at the number of preachers licensed in his province, "urg- ing that it was good for the world to have few preachers ; that three or four might suffice for a county, and that the reading of the homilies to the people was enough." Against this the venerable prelate remonstrated in decided terras, and, in conclusion, exhorted her to remember that she was a mortal creature, and accountable to God for the exercise of her power. An order of the Star-chamber followed, and the Archbishop was sequestered from the exercise of his jurisdiction, and confined to his house six months. In 1568 " when the See of York was vacant, Dr. Hutton, the Dean, wrote to Cecil, the Secretary, suggesting the qualifications the occupant should have; that he should be a teacher, because the country was igno- rant; a virtuous and godly man, for the country was given to sift such a man's life; a stout and courageous man in God's cause, for the country otherwise would abuse him and yet a sober and discreet man, lest too *The family relation which existed between Edmund Grindal, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the earliest ancestors of Edward llawsou may not be uninter- esting. Edmund Grindal was the successor of Bonner in the bishopric of Lon- don. "Not willing to proceed to extremeties against the Puritans, he involved himself in dissensions with Parker, the then Primate of England. His friend and itatron Cecil, foreseeing that trouble might ensue, gladly seized the occasion of withdrawing him from the controversy, by transferring him to the bishopric of York, in 1570." Biographical SketcJies. 533 much righteousness should harden the hearts of some that by fair means might be mollifled, &c. "And such a Bishop likewise as was both learned himself and also loved learning; that that rude and blind country might be furnished with learned preachers. And all these qualities he reckoned centred in Grin- dal for, as he added, ' such a man was the Bishop of London known to be.'" Archbishop Grindal was buried according to his desire, in the chancel of Croydon Church. On the south side of the communion table, against the wall is his efflgy in stone. It is in a recumbent position, vested in his canonical robes with his hands in the posture of prayer. He died in 1583, aged 63. Archbishop Grindal was revered for the primitive virtues of probity, sincerity and godly zeal. It was these characteristics which caused him to be celebrated in Spenser's " Shepherd's Calendar," in which he is des- ignated by the name of "Algriud," being a transposition of the syllables of his name. BONDET. The Rev. Daniel Bondet was born in 1652 ; was educated at Geneva. He was descended from a noble family in France, his mother being a daughter of Philippe Nautonnier, Sieur de Castelfranc. He espoused a most virtuous lady of a ducal family in France. Of him Quick wrote : "This gentleman preaches in three languages unto three several- nations, 'English, French and Indian.'" Mr. Bondet was a gentleman of education, refinement and great strength of character. — Agnew's Prot. Exiles from France, 11, 164. On the revocation of the Edict of Nautes he fled from France to Eng- land in early life, being only thirty-three years of age ; here he received holy orders from the Right Rev. Henry Compton, Lord Bishop of Lon- don, and soon after accompanied the French emigrants who arrived at Boston in the summer of 1686, and subsequently to New Oxford in 1687. The French Protestant clergy educated at Geneva were distinguished for their learning. Governor Burnet of New York, the son of Bishop Burnet of England, was much censured for his partiality to the Hugue- nots. But being a gentleman well educated he could appreciate their merits and their refinement of manuers. Rev. Daniel Bondet in a letter to Lord Cornbury, dated 1702, states that he accompanied these French Protestants to the Oxford settlement from England, 534 The Records of Oxford. [D. Bondet to Increase Mather.'] "New York, the 10 Jan., 1697-8. " It is an old and innocent custom to use words of congratulation at the revolution of the year; we are as travellers in the world, and the use * * * to the fellow-travellers * * * quid ni in curriculo vitce. We are well come then so far, and be the Almighty pleased to attend the remaining of your travel with His protection and blessing. Grace be with you, and with peace upon your family, and upon the land which you are serving so graciously. " Also the same I wish heartily to your fellow laborers in the ministry at Boston, to whom I present my respect, commending my person and labors to their Godly remembrances. "I have writ to his Honor Mr. Stoughton for to receive the annual subvention assigned to rae from the corporation of which your honora- ble court hath assured the coutinuation in my need. I shall not repeat here that your * * * reverence hath already heard from me, if I have any kind and comforting word to expect from your reverence, I pray you direct it to the Rev. Mr. Selyns, your worthy friend the minister of York. I remain with a true and sincere respect of your reverence the most humble and obliged servant. "Daniel Bondet." [Addressed, "For the Reverend Master Increase Mather, President of the College and Mr. of Divinity, Boston."]* [Z>. Bondet to Lord Cornbimj, 1702.] "My Lord. "I most humbly pray your Excellency to be pleased to take cogni- zance of the petitioner's condition. I am a French Refugee Minister, incorporated into the body of the Ministry of the Anglican Church. I removed about fifteen years ago into New England, with a company of poor refugees, to whom lands were granted for their settlement, and to provide for my substance I was allowed one hundred and live pieces per annum, from the funds of the Corporation for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Savages. I performed that duty during nine years with a success approved and attested by those who presided over the affairs of that Province. The murders which the Indians committed in those countries caused the dispersion of our company, some of whom fell by the hands of the barbarians. " I remained after that two years in that Province expecting a favora- ble season for the re-establishraent of affairs : but after waiting two years seeing no appearance and being invited to this Province of New *Mas8. Arch., Ivii., 59. Biographical Sketches. 535 York by Col. Heathcote who always evinces an affection for the public good and distinguishes himself by a special application for the advance- ment of religion and good order by the establishment of churches and schools, the fittest means to strengthen and encourage the people, I complied with his request, and that of the company of New Rochelle in this Province where I passed five years on a small allowance promised me by New Rochelle, of one hundred pieces and lodging, with that of one hundred and five pieces which the corporation continued to me until the arrival of my Lord Bellemont, who, after indicating his will- ingness to take charge of me and my canton, ordered me thirty pieces inlihe Council of York, and did me the favor to promise me that, at his journey to Boston, he would procure me the continuation of that stipend that I had in times past. But having learned at Boston through M. Nanfan, his Lieutenant, that I annexed my signature to an ecclesiastical certificate which the churches and pastors of this Province had given to Sieur Delius minister of Albany, who had not the good fortune to please his late lordship, his defunct Excellency cut off his thirty pieces which he had ordered me in his Council at York, deprived me of the Boston pension of twenty-five pieces, writing to London to have that deduction approved and left me during three years last past in au extreme destitution of the means of subsistence. "I believe, my Lord that in so important service as that in which I am employed, I ought not to discourage myself, and that the Providence of God which does not abandon those who have recourse to His aid by well doing, would provide in its time for my relief. "Your Excellency's equity, the affection you have evinced to us for the encouragement of those who employ themselves constantly and faithfully in God's service, induce me to hope that I shall have a share in the dispensation of your justice, to relieve me from my suflering, so that I may be aided and encouraged to continue my service in which by duty and gratitude I shall continue with my flock to pray God for the preservation of your person, of your illustrious family, aud the pros- perity of your government. "Remaining your Excellency's humble and most respectful servant. " Daniel Bondet." The first French church, du St. Esprit, at New Rochelle in 1692-3, was constructed of wood and stood close to the old Boston post-road. The French church, du St. Esprit, had two doors, behind which boxes were placed to receive the contributions of the people. At the conclu- sion of the services the minister would add, " Souvenez vous les pauvres" (Remember ye the poor), upon which, every person on going out the church, dropped a copper into the box. The next morning the 53^ The Records of Oxford. poor gathered for their share of the money. A large loaf of bread would be purchased for four coppers, so that this money supplied the poor for one week. They had also, a piece of land forty paces square for a church-yard to bury their dead.* Rev. David Bonrepos, D.D., was the first French minister of New Rochelle, N. Y. In the common apartments of the houses of the French refugees at New Rochelle, the mantelpiece was furnished with Dutch tiles, con- taining chiefly the history of the New Testament and the Parables. The children were taught by these tiles on Sunday evenings the Bible history. Among the pew-holders at New Rochelle in 1708, there is the name of Benjamin Faneuil, and, also, of Alexandre Allaire. A new church was commenced at New Rochelle in 1710, built of stone, only one story in height and very plain in its appearance. The society's abstracts say : That Mr. Bondet's congregation at New Rochelle, has a competent number of communicants, and meets for divine service, not only on Sabbath days, but all others appointed by the church.— New York MSS., from archives at Fulham, vol. i., pp. 216, 217. (Hawks.) " In consideration of the great learning and piety of Monsieur Bondet, they have augmented his salary, 1711-12, from £30 to £50." Oct. 17, 1716, The Hon. Col. Nicholson was pleased at his parting to leave in the hands of Rev. Mr. Vesey, rector of the church in New York, a bill of £20 to be distributed among the ministers of the Province, who being in convention in New York, it was decided that the gift should be disposed to Mr. Bondet. Mr. Bondet to the secretary. New Rochelle, Oct. 17, 1716. I was remitting my pretension to the gift to procure glass to our church, which Mr. Vesey liked very well. — New York MSS., from archives at Fulham, vol. i., pp. 512, 513. The Wlll of the Rev. Daniel Bondet. " In the name of God, Amen. The four and twentieth day of Mai'ch, one thousand seven hundred and twenty-two, I Daniel Bondet, minister of the Gospel, of New Rochelle, being sick in body but of good and perfect memory, thanks be to Almighty God, and calling to remem- brance the uncertain state of this transitory life, and that all flesh must *In the rear of the present church at New Rochelle is the old burial-place of the French refugees. biographical Sketches. c;27 yield unto death, when it shall please God to call ; do make, constitute, ordain and declare this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following; Revoking and Annulling by these presents, all and every Testament and Testaments, Will and Wills heretofore by me made and declared, either by word or writing, and this is to be taken only for my last Will and Testament, and none other. And first, being penitent and sorry from the bottom of my heart, for all my sins past, most humbly desiring forgiveness for the same, I give and commit my soul unto Almighty God, my Saviour and Redeemer, in whom, and by the merits of Jesus Christ, I trust and believe assuredly to be saved and to have full remission and forgiveness of all my sins, and that my soul with my body at the General Day of Resurrection shall rise again with joy, and through the merits of Christ, seek and pass in possess and Inherit the kingdom of Heaven prepared for his Elect and Chosen. And my body to be buried in such a place where it shall please my Executors hereafter named to appoint.* " And now for the settling of my Temporal Estate, and such Goods, Chattels and Debts as it hath pleased God far above my Deserts to bestow on me. I do order give and dispose of the same in manner fol- lowing; that is to say. First I will that all those Debts and duties that I owe in Right or Conscience to any manner of person or persons what- soever, shall be and truly contested and paid or ordained to be paid within convenient time after my decease by my Executors hereafter named. "Item— I give bequeath and constitute for my only heirs Lieutenant Oliver Besley, Jan., of New Rochelle; desiring him after my decease to come and take possession of all my Goods chattels and debts with obli- gations which is belonging to me, with a Negro Woman called Toinetta, Ready Money, Plates, Jewells, Rings, Household Stufl", Apparels, Uten- sils, Brass, Pewter, Bedding and all other of my substance whatsoever moveable or immoveable. "Item— I do give to Bety Cantin one obligation from Peter, which is now in the hand and possession of her Father, Jean Cantin, and that she shall have from this present time and hereafter, lawful for her to receive *"His mortal remains were interred beneath the chancel floor of the old church. " Daniel Bondet died sometime in September, 1722, aa:ed sixty-nine years, having been nearly twenty-six years minister of this church. " As he lived greatly beloved he died greatly lamented." In 1717 Mr. Bondet writes the secretary of the society of the death of Jane Bondet, his wife, Nov. 12, 1717. " God having crowned the hardships of her pilgrimage with an honorable end." £J3S The Records of Oxford, the said Due, Debt or Interest to her proper use or benefit without molestation hereafter from any body whatsoever. "Item — I do give to Judith Robinseau, a little Negro Girl, named Charlotte, for her proper use and benefit vpithout molestation hereafter from any l)ody whatsoever. "Item — I do give to the use of the Church of New Rochelle all my Books. "In witness I have put my hand and seal, this twenty-fourth day of March, 1721-2. " Daniel Bondet." [seal] Sealed and signed in presence of us. Isaac Merciek, Aman Guyons, Ceaseu F. Suire. A letter from Rev. James Laborie to Earl Bellemont. This letter, bearing date June 17, 1700, was referred to Col. Heathcote, who after inves^tigatiou reported that Bondet's representations were in the main true, and that he was in New Oxford aboui. eight years, during which time, as appeared by a certificate of Lieut. -Gov. Stoughton, Increase Mather and others, "he with great faithfullness care & industry dis- charged his duty both to Xtians and Indians, and was of unblemished reputation."* Moore and Barton. "January y 24 17{f. The Proprietors upon an adjournment from December the 25 : 1716 being meet together adjourned y" Meeting to January y 25 1716 The Proprietors Being meet January y" 25: 17}? Voted in y affirmative that Capt Richard Moore shall be an associat with the grantors in Oxford village upon y Right of m' Samuel Hag- bourn " — Oxford Records. *Samuel Hackburn or Hagborn from tlie Bay Colony, son of Samuel of Rox- bury, was distinguished in the first settlement of the English in Oxford; his mother had married second Gov. Thomas Dudley. On the decease of his father Mr. Hagburn received a handsome estate; in 1709 he was at Oxford looking after the interests of his half-brother, Gov. Joseph Dudley. He was the first in the list of grantees; his phintation east side of Main street em- braced the meadows on Mill brook and quite an extent of lands improved by the Huguenots, with several houses. In August, 1714, he removed from Oxford; after the settlement of the Englisli he became a resident of Taunton, and died in 1725. From his relation to Dudley he appears to have done much in planning the settlement of Oxford, the soliciting of persons who became residents, laying out of public ways, etc. He selected for his plantation one of the best locations in the village; erected for the time an elegant residence and for many years it remained noticeable for its gambrel roof and extensive front lawn reaching to Main street, shaded with fine elm trees. Biographical Sketches. 539 The Hagburn estate was on the east side of South Main street and included the land from the mill property to the land owned in the origi- nal plautalion of Thomas Gleason and in more modern time of Andrew Sigourney, Sen. The Hagburn estate embraced the original estate of the heirs of the late Israel Sibley and also included the site of the Episcopal Church and its original land on the north to Thomas Glea- son's estate. The present residence of the Sibley heirs is very near the site of the old mansion of Samuel Hagburn ; afterwards known for many years, until 1760, as the tavern of Richard Moore or of his son Elijah, and subsequently as the residence of Dr. Alexander Campbell. Nov. 22, 1750, at the time Richard Moore, Jr., deeded his part of the Hagburn estate, east side of Main street, to his brother Elijah, the latter quitclaimed to Richard, Jr., 60 acres on the west side of the village street. The residence of Richard Moore, on the west side of the main street, shaded its lawn by the still famous old oak, was roomy and elegant for the time. It is said it was built by Richard Moore, Sen., and was occupied by himself and his son Richard, and both died here. Marvin, the son of Richard, Jr., succeeded to the estate in Jan. 19, 1776, and it was the home of his family until his decease, and then his heirs in Feb., 1815, ceased to be the owners of this estate and Samuel Smith became the resident and removed the old mansion for one more modern. Richard Moore, Esq., of Needham, in ancestry was descended from John and Elizabeth of Sudbury in 1643. Jacob, their son, born in 1645, married Elizabeth Locker and was the father of Richard, who married Mary, daughter of Samuel and Mary Collins of Middletown, Conn. Richard Moore, Jr., married Mary, daughter of Col. Ebenezer Learned of Oxford, June 16, 1741. Marvin, son of Richard Moore, Jr., succeeded his father as an heir to his estate. Abijah, son of Richard Moore, graduated at Yale 1726. " So far as known the only resident of Central Massachusetts to receive a degree under the first charter." He was a physician at Middletown, Conn. Richard Moore, Jr., in 1750 removed from the Hagbjrn estate to his father's house, the west side of the street at the old oak, at the decease of his father he became heir to the estate. He was deputy sheriflf several years. He died Dec, 1782. Rulh, a daughter of Richard M'jore, married, April, 1774, Gen. Salom Towne of Charlton. William, born June, 1752, became a captain in the Revolutionary war, married Martha, daughter of Duncan Campbell, Esq. He died Aug. 6, 1819. William, son of Richard Moore, Jr., marched in Capt. Crafts' cavalry company on Lexington Alarm, was later captain in the U. S. army. Richard, son of Marvin Moore, married, May, 1812, Senath, daughter of Samuel Hartwell, Esq. She married second, Samuel Smith, a deputy 540 The Records of Oxford. sheriff, a gentleman extensively known in the county of Worcester, who purchased the estate of Marvin Moore and it became his residence for many years. Jonathan, a son of Elijah Moore, ^ was graduated 1761 at Harvard, after which he was for two years there a teacher of Greek and Hebrew. He became a clergyman. Elijah, son of Elijah Moore,' married Jemima, daughter of Josiah Kingsbury. He removed to Oneida Co., N. Y. Ebenezer, son of Elijah,^ married Sarah, a daughter of Nathan Moore, resided at Vassalboro', Me., had a large landed estate and was bailiff to Gov. Bowdoiu iu town affairs. He died April, 1817. Barton. Capt. Stephen Barton, son of Dr. Stephen and Dorothea (Learned) Barton of Oxford, " at twenty one" joined a body of recruits for the wars of the western frontiers, then menaced by the Indians. They marched on foot from Boston via Philadelphia, then capilol of the nation, to Detroit, Mich., the then extreme western frontier, a wilder- ness full of Indians. "The main army lay at Detroit under the com- mand of 'Mad' Anthony Wayne, ' whose worshipfuU soldier young Bar- ton became," serving under untold hardships for three years as a non- commissioned, acting and commissioned officer. On his discharge he marched home with other officers, taking their way along the line of upper Ohio and central New York, both wildernesses. But upon strik- ing the Genesee and Mohawk valleys they were so charmed by the country that they selected and purchased large tracts of land, as nearly as can be ascertained, located somewhere in the vicinity of Rochester. I could sincerely wish it had been a few miles further south and he had reserved it for his children, but it was later sold as so remote from civilization as to be considered useless property." — Reminiscences of Clara Barton. Capt. Stephen Barton resided at North Oxford, married Sarah, daughter of David and Sarah (Treadwell) Stone. Mrs. Barton is said to have been a lady pos-sessed of great personal attractions. He was a geutleraau of much force of character, strong physique, a clear intellect, quick wit, and integrity and manly firmness which rendered him a leader among his fellow-citizens, a charitable and kindly disposition. He was often in town office. He was a warm patriot and at the beginning of the Civil war declared his belief that Lincoln should have called for 200,000 instead of 75,000 men. He was a Royal Arch Mason and was buried with the honors of the order. Capt. Stephen Barton was a very influential citizen, possessed of great strength of character and a culti- I Biographical Sketches. 541 vated mind from general reading and travel. His army life was a record at its time of his patriotism. William Stone of Waltham married Mrs. Esther (Gale) Haven of "Water- X town. She had a son Dayid, born Dec., 1750, at Waltham, who after her second marriage took the name of Stone. William and his son David came 1775 to Oxford and resided on Rocky Hill. David Stone was a soldier in the Revolutionary war under Gen. Learned and present at Burgoyne's surrender. Joseph, son of David and Sarah (Treadwell) Stone, married Martha, daughter of Capt. Jeremiah and Dolly (Barton) Learned. Hon. Ira Moore Barton, in ancestry a lineal descendant from Richard Moor, Esq., was born in Oxford, 1796, graduated at Brown University in 1819, studied law with Gov. Lincoln in Worcester, and was at the Law School connected with Harvard Univei'sity, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1822. He was noticeable as a gentleman of great refinement of manners. He represented Oxford in the State legislature for the years 1830, 1831 and 1832, a State Senator in 1833 and 1834, and in this latter year was appointed one of the commissioners for revising the statutes. In 1834 he removed to Worcester. In 1836 was appointed by Gov. Everett as Judge of Probate and retained the office eight years, when he resigned and resumed the practice of law. He was chosen a Presidential Elector in 1840. He died July, 1867. Miss Clara Barton. April, 1861, was the commencement of the Civil war of the U. S. The first regiment of troops, the Old Massachusetts Sixth, that fought its way through Baltimore brought friends of her childhood and youth, the brigades of New Jersey brought friends, the same a solid phalanx and the storming legion of old Herkimer. Miss Barton writes to her friends : " They formed and crowded around me. What could I do but go with them or work for them and my country? I went into direct service of the sick and wounded troops wherever found for four years." Miss Barton's father was devoted to a military life, hence his daughter's inherited love for all things pertaining to array life. Her father amused her often by arranging imaginary battlefields and troops of soldiers, and she once remarked, "I had no end of camp material, but no dolls — I never had one." Miss Barton went to the station to meet the brave boys of the Massa- chusetts Sixth and bound up their wounds received as they came through Baltimore. She was the only woman who served through our Civil war with neither pay nor commission, first going back and forth on the Potomac boats taking the men as they came from the battle- field with blood and mud dried upon their persons and getting them 542 The Records of Oxford. ready for the hospitals, and afterwards doing a similar service in the camps. Sensitive and womanly in the highest degree she shrank from the criticism involved by such a course, but even in the roughest ranks she found her womanhood a perfect shield. A charge of cavalry rush- ing wildly on to an encounter would grasp the bridle with one hand and doff their caps to her with the other. Four years were spent in hunting up missing soldiers, and then, as she modestly put it, she "told war stories for lecture bureaus." Nature at length rebelled against the severe strain, and one night she stopped in the middle of her story unable to go on. After a year's rest in Switzerland she found herself in the midst of the Franco-Prussian war, and voluntarily became a prisoner in order to minister to the wants of the soldiers. She was at the siege at Mentz and of Paris, and a hundred days before Strasburg, first with the German and then with each army in her labor of love. Clara Barton was the youngest child of Capt. Stephen Barton of Oxford, Mass., a non-commissioned officer under Gen. Anthony Wayne. Miss Barton's early education was received principally at home under the direction of brothers and sisters. Subsequently she finished her education by a very thorough course of study at Clinton, N. Y. She afterwards perfected herself in the study of art, belles-lettres and languages. Miss Barton is styled the Florence Nightingale of America. She was never engaged in hospital service, her chosen labors were on the battle-field, from the beginning until the wounded and dead were attended. Her supplies were her own and were carried by govern- ment transportation. For nearly four years she endured the exposures of soldier life, in action always side by side with the field surgeons, and this on the hardest fought fields;* exposed at all times, but never *The battle of Cedar Mountain, the second Bull Run, Fairfax, Chantilly, Antietam, Falmouth, Fredericksburg, the siege of Charleston, Fort Wagner, the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, and at Fredericksburg after these battles, the siege of Petersburg, the Mine, Deep Bottom, Point of Rocks, and in front of Richmond until the breaking up of the Southern prisons called her to Annapolis to meet the starving prisoners sent there, received more or less the benefits of her eflbrts. Toward the close of the war a search was instituted for missing soldiers, numbering probably 80,000. At her request, made in July, 1865, and with President Lincoln's sanction, the Secretary of War sent to Andersonville an expedition under her direction to identify the graves of dead soldiers, and by means of Dorrance Atwater's "Death Record" 13,000 soldiers' graves were found, a large cemetery enclosed, laid out and adorned, graves put in order and head-boards erected, thus giving rest to many anxious ones at the North who knew not the fate of their missing friends, and enabling families to draw needed and well deserved pensions. Biographical Sketches. 543 wounded. She made her work one of humanity alone, bestowing her charities and her care indiscriminately on the blue and the gray. All unconsciously to herself she was carrying out to the letter in practice the grand and beautiful principles of the Red Cross of Geneva (of which she had then never heard). In 1869 Miss Barton was in Switzerland at the breaking out of the Franco-Prussian war, and immediately tendered her services on the battle-fleld of Woerth, under the auspices of the Red Cross of Geneva. The Grand Duchess of Baden, daughter of the Emperor of Germany, invited Miss Barton to aid her in the establishment of her hospitals, a work which occupied several months. She proceeded to the Court of Carlsruhe, where she remained until the fall of Strasburg. Miss Barton entered the city with the German army, organized a labor system for poor women, conducting the enterprise herself, employing remunera- tively a great number, and clothing over 30,000. She entered Metz with hospital supplies the day of its fall, and Paris the day after the fall of the Commune. From Paris she went to other cities in France. Miss Barton in a letter to a friend gives this account when in Germany of a visit to Emperor William. " Three years ago while in attendance at an international conference the honored pleasure of a meeting with his Majesty the Emperor of Germany, had been given me, a dispatch informed me that a like honor again awaited my presence in Baden Baden. Trunks were packed, adieus made, and the mid-day train of the following day took us in time for the appointed hour. Whoever has visited the interior of the ' New Castle,' the Baden Baden palace of the Grand Duke, and has been shown through its tasteful apartments, rich in elegance, tradition and history, will require no further reminder of the place where the interview would be given. This was as well the birth-day of the Crown Prince, and iu tender, patei'ual sympathy on the painful affliction resting upon a life so treasured, and for the great anxiety of the German people, his Majesty the Emperor would pass a portion of the day with the beloved daughter and sister, the Grand Duchess, at the castle; and, in honoring memory of the occasion, the halls were thronged with visitors who came to manifest both respect and sympathy. " At half past one o'clock we were ushered in at the great castle doors by their attendants in livery of ' scarlet and gold,' the national colors of Baden, our damp wraps removed, for it was in pouring rain, and after a half hour's sitting by a cheerful fire, among paintings which quite called one out of personal consciousness, we were escorted to the grand reception and drawing rooms to the centre of a magnificent apartment with no occupant but ourselves, by another door one saw 544 '^^'^ Recoi'ds of Oxford. the Emperor surrounded by guests who paid formal respects. Scores of visitors with coaclimen in richest livery had entered while we waited and registered titled names on the open pages. At length his Majesty turned from the group about him and, taking the arm of the Grand Duchess, entered our apartment. It was difficult to realize all his ninety years as he advanced towards us with even and steady, if no longer elastic, tread. He approached with cordially extended hand, and in his excellent French expressed satisfaction for the meeting. * In the name of humanity he was glad to meet and welcome those who had labored for it.' In recalling the earlier days of our acquaintance, her Royal Highness, the Grand Duchess, alluded tenderly to the winter in Strasburg, 1870-71, which I had passed among its poor and wounded people after the siege, and selecting two from a cluster of decorations which I had worn in honor of the present occasion, drew the attention of the Emperor to them. The one he knew, it was his own, presented upon his seventy-fifth birthday; the other he had never seen, it was the beautiful decoration of the 'German WaflTengenossen,' the 'Warrior Brothers in Arms of Milwaukee.' It was puzzlingly familiar, and yet was not familiar. There was again the Iron Cross of Germany, but it was the American shield, the American eagle surmounting the arms for defence; and the colors of Germany, the red, white and black of the empire, uniting the two. His Majesty gazed upon the expressive emblem, which, with no words, said so much, and turning enquiringly to the Grand Duchess as if to ask, ' Does my daughter understand this?' The explanation was made that it was from His Majesty's own soldiers, who after the German-Franco war had gone to the United States and became citizens and this device declares by its shield they are American citizens and true to the land of their adoption, so by its Iron Cross they were still German ; and by the colors of the native land for which every man had offered his life and risked it, they bound the old home to the new and by the American eagle and arms, surmounting all, they were ready to offer their lives again if need be in defence of either land. The smile of the grand old Emperor as he listened had in it the ' well done 'of the benignant father to a dutiful and successful son. 'And they make good citizens?' he would ask. 'The best that could be desired,' I said, 'industrious, honest and prosperous, and. Sire, they are still yours in heart, still true to the fatherland and its Emperor.' The ear had caught in its kindly tones ' God be praised, for it is from Him, I am his, of myself I am nothing. He makes us what we are. God is over all.' We stood with bowed heads, while those slowly spoken earnest holy words from that most revered of earthly monarchs fell upon us like a benediction. At length His Majesty gave his hand ^ Biographical Sketches. :^Ar to both of us in a parting adieu and walltton road, and on Main street nearly to the site of the Episcopal church, being the estate of Thomas Gleason, an original proprietor. Upon the street door of this Sigourney mansion was a hinge knocker, as at this time it was the fashion. Upon the doors of the gentry were great brass knockers ornamented with griffin heads or with the American eagle. It is said Wolcott occupied the northeast corner of this estate, con- taining h. acre, for a trading house from 1767 to 1795, and that this trading house was once the ancient school-house and that its ruins were on the land when conveyed to James Gleason. Mr. Wolcott was engaged in trade for more than 40 years in Oxford. Another beautiful relic of the ancient Wolcott mansion was the beaufet which was built into the wall of the parlor, and upon the interior of the gracefully curving top is carved a shell-shaped " Sunbui'st," whose rays run down to the top shelf. The shelves themselves are narrow and curiously carved and serrated, and all of the most unusually suitable shape for displaying to advantage the old heirlooms of china and glass which are contained within the cupboard. 580 The Records of Oxford. A letter from Anthony Sigourney, Jr., of Boston, subsequently of Oxford, who was in the company of Capt. Jeremiah Kingsbury in Col. Holman's regiment, as was also his brother, Andrew Sigourney : Harlem, September 26, 1776. "We have very narrowly escaped with our lives, for the British Men of War came upon each side of us and kept a continuing firing and we had to march through the midst of them. They landed their men about eleven o'clock, and we being tired out marching with our knapsacks, we were obliged to retreat. "We were just out of the shipping then the Regulars came out of the woods and fired upon us (a main) . We lost four men out of our company and a great many lost their knapsacks and all they had they were so beat out with marching. "I saved all my things and Andrew his. Such a day no body ever saw. We retreated about seven miles from where we were stationed and then we made stand. This was Sunday, the fifteenth of September, and on Monday they followed upon us again, and our men being in high spirits stood there and fought them there four hours and our men drove them two or three miles, all in the open field and they have been peaceable ever since. There was considerable loss on both sides. There were no Ox- ford (men) lost but are pretty well. "We have fared very hard since we came up here. I have not had my clothes ofl' ever since for we have expected them out upon us. "Mr. Sigourney states he has sold some of his clothing. We have nothing to shelter us but the clouds and neither have had since we have been here, but they talk of building barracks for us. Now we do not draw any bread but fiour and so make dough-boys and boil them in the pot and bake them in the ashes. The Regulars have taken the city of New York but since they have had it, it got a fire and burnt a great part of it up, it burned all one night and a part of the next day. "The Hessians give no quarter to our men, and we none to them." A second letter, dated November 2, 1776, from Mr. Sigourney to Mrs. Sigourney : "We have had a smart battle. Our regiment was in the front. We had one killed and some wounded in our company. I had a slight wound in my hand but now almost recovered. "We had no breastwork to defend us, but all in the open field, and there was such a cloud of them, and but few of us, that they drove us half a mile, and the balls did fiy merrily. "Andrew is well and remembers his love to you all. He wishes his own love to his mother, and kind regards to Mr. Hovey and family." English Chapters. 581 Andrew Sigourney was associated with James Butler in an English trading house at Oxford from 1784 to 1787, then he removed to Oxford Plains on his marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of Josiah Wolcott, and resided in an ancient house on the Sutton road near his store on the northeast corner of the Sutton road and Main Street. This old trading house was removed to a site more easterly on the Sutton road and a new store erected in its place. Andrew Sigourney's trading house con- tinued from 1787 to 1816. Early in 1800 recruiting was suspended. "Brigade Orders, Camp at Oxford, 20 March, 1800. " Extract of general Orders from the Adjutant General's office, dated 11 Mar., 1800. "Agreeably to instructions from the department of War the recruiting service as far as relates to 12 Regiments of Infantry and six troops of light dragoons directed to be raised by act of Congress, 16 July, 1798, is for the present suspended. "All officers on recruiting service will join their regiments. The offi- cers of the 14th, 15th, and 16th regiments will govern themselves accord- ingly and repair immediately with the troops under their respective commands to the Brigade Head Quarters at Oxford. "By order of the Commandant, "J. Dunham, " Acting Inspector of Brigade."* DiSBANDMENT. On 20 May, 1800, the United States Senate passed a resolution, nem' con., the House of Representatives concurring, to disband the " Provis- ional Army" on or before the 15th of June following. This action applied to the infantry regiments from the fifth to the sixteenth inclusive. Early in June preparations were made here for compliance with this vote. On the 11th the Boston Centinel contained the following : — "Maj.-Gen. Hamilton, we learn has been at Oxford for some time, to give the necessary directions for the preservation of the public stores in consequence of the disbandment of the army." The visit of Gen. Alexander Hamilton to Oxford on the occasion of the disbanding was a memorable event, as will be seen by the following letter written at Oxford and sent from Providence to the Centinel, in which it appeared on 21 June : — "Oxford, June 13. "On Tuesday last Maj.-Gen. Hamilton with his suite arrived at this place, and on the succeeding day he reviewed the Brigade under the *Adv. in Boston Centinel. ^82 TJic Records of Oxford. command of Col. Rice. Ou this occasion the troops performed their manceuvers with that exactness and activity which manifested attention in the men and superiority in the officers. The General expressed an unequivocal approbation of the discipline of the army and beheld with pleasure the progress of subordination and attention to dress and de- corum. On Thursday the General made a public dinner to which all the officers of the Brigade and several gentlemen of the permanent army were invited. A convenient colonnade was erected for the purpose, over which the flag of the United States was displayed, and during the entertainment the air was filled with martial music from a new formed band and from a large collection of drums and fifes. Hilarity and joy pervaded the guests . . . but when they drank to the memory of Washington ! and a parting sentiment was given by Gen. Hamilton a burst of extreme sensibility sufl'used every cheek and demonstrated the agitation of every bosom. "But Friday was reserved for a more prominent display of the passions of the human mind. At 7 o'clock in the morning the Brigade was formed into a hollow square when the General addressed his fellow-soldiers in a speech of about half an hour in length. On this occasion the troops were moved, not merely on account of this last interview with their General, but by the impressive sentiments which fell from his lips, enforced by the most charming eloquence and pointed diction. I cannot give even an epitome of this address. Suffice it to observe that he inculcated sen- timents suitable for directing the conduct of the army subsequent to its retirement into private life— such sentiments as awakened and I trust will keep alive the patriotism of the officers and men : and induce them again, at the call of l^ieir country to make new sacrifices for its defence. "This day he sets out on a visit eastward." The Centinel of 18 June contained the following :— "Maj.-Gen. Hamilton and his suite arrived in town on Saturday from Oxford. Tomorrow a public dinner will be given him at Concert Hall." This dinner was a grand aflair, and many of the leading men of Boston joined to do honor to their illustrious guest. Among the toasts given were the following :— "The late disbanded Armij,— may we respect them for the services they would have performed had our insidious Friends presented a bayonet instead of an olive branch." ''The Atlantic Ocean,— what God hath separated let not man put to- gether." English Chapters. 583 "Washington's Funeral. An impressive episode in the story of tliis "Army" was the funeral service in honor of George Washington. On 8 Jan., 1800, by order of Col. Rice, the following appeared in the Massachusetts Spy :— " FUNERAL HONORS AT OXFORD. " Oxford, Jan. 4, 1800. "Mess. Thomas & Son. "The President having directed that Funeral Honors should be per- formed at the several Military stations throughout the United States to the Memory of our late beloved highly venerated and most illustrious COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF whose talents as an officer and virtues as a man had placed him above all praise, I have directed that the same be performed at this post on Wednesday the Fifteenth instant. "Confident that the most poignant grief for so great a National Calamity hath pervaded every part of our country, and particularly the citizens of this vicinity, and that it would afford them consolation to unite with us in performing these sad rites, I request that through your paper information may be given thereof. The Clergy— the Society of the Cincinnati and Officers of the late Army— Officers civil and military —Citizens in general are invited to attend : and it is hoped with the usual badge of mourning on the left arm. "The procession will be formed precisely at 11 O'clock and proceed to the Meeting-house where it is expected divine worship will be performed ; after which it will proceed to the place representing that of interment, and the ceremonies performed agreeable to the instructions therefor. "It is requested that seasonable information may be given by the Commanding Officers of such Volunteer Corps and Uniformed Companies of Militia as will attend on the occasion. "N. Rice, "Commandant of the 14th Regiment and Commanding Officer at Oxford." The Spy of 22 Jan., 1800, contained tlie following:— "On Wednesday the 15th inst. Funeral Honors were paid by the troops stationed at Oxford to the memory of their illustrious leader General GEORGE WASHINGTON. At day break 16 guns were fired from the left of the Cantonment by a company of Worcester Artillery, commanded by Capt. Ilealy : at sunrise another gun was fired, which was repeated each half hour through the day. At 11 O'clock the troops having been formed, moved from their parade by platoons and formed in the Main Street : a company of Cavalry under the command of Capt. [Jeremiah] Kingsbury formed on their left, the whole commanded by Maj. Walker 584 The Records of Oxford. of the 14th Regiment and two companies of Artillery under the orders of Major Andrews on their right. Thus formed, at 12 O'clock, the Hearse, covered with a black velvet Pall bearing an Urn shrouded with black crape and accompanied by the Pall Bearers in mourning and with white scarfs, was received by the troops with presented arms, the drums beat- ing a march while it passed slowly in front to the left : the Officers and colors saluting as it passed ; from the left it was borne back to the cen- tre where it halted and received the salute of all the Officers and colors alone. It was then removed to its place in the procession, which then moved, by the left, in the order following, the music playing a Dead March : Company of Cavalry. 16th, 15th and 14th Regiments of United States troops. Artillery. Band of Music. Drums and fifes of the Brigade. [Drums covered with crape and muflled.] Clergy. Orator and officiating Clergyman with white scarfs. Pall Bearers, Capt. Balch. Maj. Jones. Maj. Winslow. BIER Bearing the Urn, covered as before mentioned, a ' W in gold cipher on the Urn, and a laurel wreath running spi- rally from the base to the top. The General's Hat and Sword placed at the head of the Bier, which was borne by four Sergeant Majors. THE GENERAL'S HORSE Pall Bearers, Capt. Tillinghast. Maj. Lynde. Col. Hunnewell. Covered with black properly caparisoned, boots reversed, led by two servants in livery. Col. Rice, Commandant, As chief mourner— with staff. Officers of the Army with badges of mourning. Civil Staff of the Army. Members of the Society of the Cincinnati and Officers of the late Army. English Chapters. 585 Brethren of the ' Morning Star,' 'Fayette,' 'Meridian Sun' and ' Olive Branch' Lodges in the following order : Tyler With a drawn sword, the hilt covered with crape. Two Tylers, do. Two Stewards "With white staves, the tops covered with crape tied with white Kibands — black and white tassels. Brethren of the several Lodges. Secretaries of the Lodges With the records covered with crape. Treasurers, bearing charters covered with crape. Junior Wardens. Senior Wardens bearing their columns covered with crape. Past Masters. Three Master Masons walking triangularly with the three candlesticks covered with crape, lights extinguished. Three Masons walking triangularly, each bearing a staff, the head of which was covered with crape and a white silk cord— black and white tassels. On each staff hung a pendant of white silk bordered with black. On one pendant was ' Wisdom,' on another ' Strength' and on the third ' Beauty.' Monumental Obelisk borne by four oldest Master Masons supported by four more. The Obelisk and its Pedestal were four and a half feet high, repre- senting black marble ; on the front of it was a bast of General Wash- ington and over it a motto, ' He lives in our Hearts ' ; above the motto the square and compass. On the other three sides of the Obelisk were represented Faith, Hope and Charity, and above them the corre- sponding Masonic emblems ; the whole in Bas Relief. On the Pedestal was inscribed the General's name, where born, when Commander of tlie late Army, when President of Congress, &c., &c. Two Master Masons bearing a large and elegant SILVER URN beautifully decorated with a wreath of evergreens intermixed with flowers and the [laurel branch] in front. Three brethren walking triangularly with large silver candle- sticks without lights. Tyler with his sword as before mentioned. 586 The Records of Oxford. The Constitution and Sacred Writings on blacls cusliions, &c., borne by two Past Masters. Ttiree Masters of Lodges. A brother of the Royal Arch bearing a silver Urn. Presiding Master. Deacon. Deacon. Each with a black stafi", the head covered with white crape tied with black riband, black and white tassels. Officers of the Militia. Sheriffs. Justices of the Peace. Gentlemen of the Bar and Physicians. Other Citizens. "The citizens were marshalled by Capt. Hamilton of Worcester. It is supposed the procession and the spectators amounted to 5,000 persons. "On the arrival of the procession at the Meeting-house the troops formed the lines, opened their ranks, and faced inward, resting upou their arms reversed ; the procession passed through into the house, led by the clergy, the band playing a solemn dirge; the pulpit, communion table and galleries were wholly shrouded in black; the hearse being placed at the head of the broad aisle, the brethren of the Fraternity of Masons elevated the obelisk on the right of the hearse, and on the left placed their lights, silver urn, &c., on a large pedestal covered with black, during which the band from the gallery contiuued to fill the house with solemn music; thus arranged, the throne of grace was addressed by Rev. Mr. Austin of Worcester, after which another solemn dirge by the band. An eulogy was then pronounced by Capt. Josiah Dunham, of the 16th regiment of United States Infantry, in which he strikingly portrayed the virtues and services of the late Commander-in- Chief, and observed justly that Five Millions of people were, with one voice, expressing sorrow and grief at their loss. After the eulogy fol- lowed a solemn funeral dirge by the Band, during which the Fraternity, in mournful silence and in proper order, deposited their large silver urn and raised the Obelisk over it. A short but solemn fuueral service was performed by the Fraternity, which closed the solemnities in the Meet- ing-house. "The procession was again formed, and left the Meeting-house in the same order in which it arrived there ; marching one mile in the Main Street, which being very broad, straight and level, afforded to a numer- ous body of spectators an opportunity of viewing the whole procession at once, during which time the bell, being muffled, tolled a solemn English Chapters. 587 Knell, and minute guns were fired from the Artillery. On the arrival at the place of Deposit the troops again forming a line and resting on their arms reversed, the procession passed through, and the Hearse, reaching its destined spot, the Urn was deposited in the earth, the music again played a solemn dirge. The order of the President and of Gen. Hamil- ton was read to the troops, a detachment of Infantry advanced and fired three volleys over the Urn, after which the Masonic brethren placed a monument over it. The troops being again formed, the colors were unfurled and the drums unmuffled, the troops wheeled to the right by platoons, the President's March was played, and they moved to their quarters and were dismissed. The Fraternity retired to their temporary Lodge, which was immediately closed. "The solemnities ended with the setting sun. The appearance and movements of the troops gave great satisfaction, and bore honorable testimony of the military address and executions of the oflicers." For many years the "Urn" was preserved in the attic of the South meeting-house, where the ceremonies were held, and later in the house of Capt. Abijah Davis. It was of wood, about three feet in height, and was silver gilt with a monogram " W." in gold, on the side. Note.—" A Cavalry Company existed in Oxford for more than 25 years. Jeremiah Kingsbury, Jr., was in command in 1797. It was composed of men from different parts of the county. In Feb., 1808, Kingsbury had been several years Lieut.-Col. of a battalion of cavalry, 1st Brigade, 7th Division, Mass. Militia, and then resigned." Ancestry.— Col. Jeremiah Kingsbury was the son of Capt. Jeremiah (See Army Records) and Ruth (Ballard) Kingsbury, descended from Joseph Kings- bury of Dedham, 1637. He was a Captain of cavalry; in April, ISOo, Lieut.- Col. of cavalry. Col. Kingsbury was a gentleman extensively liuown in the southern part of Worcester County. Josiah Kingsbury of Needham in 1726 purchased a large landed estate of 600 acres in Oxford (now Webster) known as the Hobart Grant. Josiah con- veyed to his son Theodore 250 acres, the northern part of estate, and to his son Josiah^ 350 acres, " taking in the brook (Sucker brook) which runneth out of the Chaubunagungamaug pond." In 1705 Josiah Kingsbury conveyed to his son Jeremiah one-half of his estate and to his son Josiah a part of his estate. August, 1753, John Higginson of Salem, who had married Elizabeth, widow of Peter Papillon, conveyed to Josiuh Kingsbury 250 acres of the Papillon estate, bounded east on the village line, west by Gibbs lot, north by [Richard] Williams or Coburn's lot. April, 1764, Josiah Kingsbury to his "sou Amasa 140 acres; a daughter of Amasa conveyed to Richard Olney, May, 1826, 170 acres of land. Schools. In 1734 £24 were voted for a school to be kept at four places in the town. 588 The Records of Oxford. In 1735 it was voted to divide the town into four parts for the " scool" to be kept at six weelvs in each part. March, 1738, one central school-house was proposed, and voted to build 14 by 20 feet with a chimney at each end. "To be set near the meeting-house." Until this time the schools had been kept in private houses. May, 1738, voted that the votes referring to the school-house should be void and of none eflect. In 1739 voted £30 for schools and other expenses. In 1740 voted all school-houses to be built by subscription and that they may set the school-houses as they shall agree. The first school-house in Oxford was located near the church on the south common. It was one of the two school-houses named in 1760 in the south part of the town. In 1760 the town records state that schools for the south part of the town should be at the two school-house, thus showing at this date there were previously two houses in the town. Prospect Hill and vicinity may draw their part of the money except some small part towards the extraordinary expense of hiring a gram- mar school master to prevent the town from being liable to a fine. In 1767 the town was fined £5 for not keeping a grammar school. In 1767 the school-house on the Plain near Jonathan Fuller's on the Sutton road was built, and also one not far from Jonathan Pratt's, in a lane east of Town's pond, was built at the same date, showing there were at this date four school-houses in Oxford. Jonathan Fuller resided at the house near Sigourney Corner, north side of the Sutton road, known for many years as the residence of the late Capt. Andrew Sigourney, Sen. It is said the first hornbooks contained only the alphabet, which was sometimes written and sometimes carved in the wood. Devotional booklets for children opening with ABC. The hornbook in England appeared about the time of the Reformation and went out of use near the commencement of the present century. Dame School. The rod, which was a very important adjunct to the teacher, was known as the Sally, its use being to secure the attention of the children to the lesson, who were arranged in a semicircle, of which the teacher was the centre. If a scholar's eye was seen wandering from the book or any listlessness, even a whisper, the offender received punishment from the Sally. English Chapters. 589 Schools in New England in Old Colony Times. It was not until after the settlement of Boston by the Puritans that birth was given to the first New Enaland school, under the name of the "Free Latin," or "Latin Grammar School," on the thirteenth day of April, 1635, — a period only of Ave years having elapsed after the settle- ment of the town. In that most pleasing diary left by Gov. John Win- throp, of the condition of things in the Colony of Massachusetts Bay from 1630 to 1649, he relates (1645) : " Divers free schools were erected, as at Roxbury (for maintenance of which every inhabitant bound some house or land, for a yearly allowance, forever) and at Boston (where was made an order to allow forever fifty pounds to the master, and an house and thirty pounds to an usher, who should also teach to read and write and cipher, and Indians' children were to be taught freely, and the charge to be by yearly contribution, either by voluntary allowance or by rate of such as refused, etc.), and this order was confirmed by the General Court; other towns did the like, providing maintenance by several means." Commenting upon the above, the editor, Hon. James Savage, says: "Our fathers probably attempted, without coercion of law, to secure instruction for their children equal to that which them- selves had enjoyed in England, but soon perceived the necessity of a sanction for this duty." In the voluntary support of schools perhaps Boston led the way, for as early as 1635 a vote was passed by the authorities, " that our brother Philemon Pormont shall be entreated to become schoolmaster for the teaching and nurturing of children with us." Pormont was disbarred, and left Boston on account of his relig- ious views, and was succeeded in office by Mr. Daniel Maude in the fol- lowing year, when Sir Henry Vane became governor, who contributed ten pounds to the fund for the support of the schoolmaster. John Winthrop, then Deputy Governor, also subscribed ten pounds, and others in like proportion, according to their means, among whom was Mr. llobert Keayne, the first commander of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, who subscribed twenty shillings. And thus the system of free schools had its rise in New England, where it has obtained its full growth and prosperity. It may be said to have extended over the civilized world, until free education has become a permanent blessing wherever the Christian religion is taught. In the days of Queen Elizabeth education among the common classes of England was at a low ebb; notwithstanding, it flourished among the richer people. The example of Shakespeare is held out to us as one reason why he could not have written his plays, because he had but little education, unequal to that of most of the great writers of his day; but they have omitted the fact that the genius of the man overcame ^go The Records of Oxford. every obstacle, of which the want of an early education was undoubtedly the most important. The country schoolmaster of the days of Elizabeth was often a cleri- cal dunce of no learning, and frequently to his teaching added the occupation of a conjurer. In the Comedy of Errors, " Pinch, that hungry, lean-faced villain," is described as " a schoolmaster and a con- jurer." According to that learned writer, Roger Ascham, at one time preceptor of Queen Elizabeth and later on her Latin secretary, and the first writer on education known in the English language, the country schoolmasters in the reigns of Elizabeth and James were, in general, many degrees below the pedagogue of Shakespeare in ability ; their chief characteristics were tyranny and ignorance; they did not even possess the ordinary necessary knowledge to instil the merest rudiments of learning. Another writer of that day says, "Bad masters are a general plague and complaint of the whole land ; for one discreet and able teacher you shall find twenty ignorant and careless, and where they make one scholar they mar ten." If the leading features of the country schoolmaster in the mother-country were ignorance, despotism, and self-sufficiency, as most writers assert, what must have been the condi- tion of the youthful minds under their charge? And it may be asserted without fear of contradiction that among other things opened up by the first settlers, that of free education was deemed to be of the greatest value. How the first free schools were supported the records of the General Court of Massachusetts testify : they were endowed by lands rented on long leases, and the grant of several tracts of land, and islands in the Bay as early as 1G35, and in 1G37 a grant of thirty acres of land at Muddy Brook, now the beautiful town of Brookline, was confirmed for the pay- ment of teachers. In 1G41 Deer Island, in Boston Harbor, was ordered to be improved for the maintenance of the free school of the town of Boston. In 1044 the island was leased for three years for the same purpose at seven pounds per annum, and again in 1647 for an additional seven years at fourteen pounds per annum, for the school's use in " pro- vision and clothing." At Braintree five hundred acres of land were leased for forty shillings per annum, for the use of the town school. The first town school in Dorchester (now a part of Boston) was formed in 1639, and was styled a " Grammar School for Instruciion in English, Latin, and Other Tongues," and was partially supported out of an endowment in the lands of the beautiful Thompson's Island in Boston harbor. Oftentimes the teacher received for tuition a part of his salary in produce. Thus in Dorchester, Thompson's Island not being so lucra- tive as to pay the teacher his entire salary, he received four bushels of E^igUsh Chapters. cqi Indian corn from the parent of one scholar, from another two bushels, and from a third two bushels of peas ; also the cost of fuel was assessed on " them who send their children to school." In 1688 it was provided that " those who send children to the school shall bring for each child a load of wood." If the parents did not supply the wood or pay the tax for fuel before the 29th of October, annually, their children could have "no privilege of the Are." This seems to us a harsh measure, but it was not to the fathers of early days, who on Sundays sat through sermons of two to three hours' duration in the freezing atmosphere of a Puritan meeting-house. The first historical reference we have to education in New England is in a letter written by Gov. Matthew Cradock, as he was called in Eng- land, to John Endicott in 1628, and relates to the instruction of the children of the Indians in these words : "To train up some of the Indian children to reading and religion." Cradock never came to this country, yet he was honored in early colonial times as first governor of the Colony; but he was, in fact, only the head of a commercial company, not the ruler of the people. To him, however, is due the idea and honor of proposing the transfer of the government from this commer- cial company, of which he was the head, to the inhabitants here. And, as the attention of town after town in Massachusetts Bay was drawn to the free education of the children, so in the other Colonies of New Eno-- land schools were formed "for the encouragement of the poorer sort, and to train up their youth in learning." The honor of establishing the Common School system of the United States by legislation belongs to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The first law making education universal was passed by the General Court, June 14, 1642, at a session called to consider " the great neglect in many parents and masters in training up their children in learning." The Act of 1647 made the support of public schools compulsory, and education universal and free to all, though it was not compulsory in obliging the attendance of all children, nor did it raise the funds for their support by public taxation. As this was the first law of its kind in the world, it is published entire : — Massachusetts Ordinance of 1647. It being one chiefe project of that ould deluder, Satan, to keepe men from the knowledge of the Scriptures, as in former times by keeping them in an unknown tongue, so in these latter times by persuading from the use of tongues, that so at least the true sence and meaning of the originall might be clouded by false glosses of saint seeming deceivers, that learning may not be buried in the grave of our fathers in the Church and Commonwealth, the Lord assisting our endeavors :— 592 The Records of Oxford. It is therefore ordered, that every township in this jurisdiction, after the Lord hath increased them to the number of 50 Iiouseholders, shall then forthwith appoint one within their towne to teach all such children as shall resort to him to write and reade, whose wages shall be paid either by the parents or masters of such children, or by the inhabitants iu generall, by way of suppljs as the major part of those that order the prudentials of the towne shall appoint; Provided, those that send their children be not oppressed by paying much more than they can have them taught in other townes; — And it is further ordered that where any towne shall increase to the number of 100 families or householders they sliall set up a grammar schoole, the master thereof being able to instruct youth so farr as they may be fitted for the university. Provided, that if any towne neglect the performance hereof above one yeare, every such town shall pay 63 to the next schoole till they shall perform this order. Lord Macaulay called the attention of Parliament and all England to this noble document, declaring it to be worthy of the wisest men of any age. In " The Three Episodes of Massachusetts History," Charles Francis Adams says that the school was so far distant in the town of Quincy that for the smaller children such a walk as they were obliged to take was generally found too severe, and provision was made for local or "dame" schools, for which specific sums, varying from four dollars to forty dollars, were annually appropriated. But we are told in the biography of the poet Shenstone (born 1714) that he was taught to read at what was termed a dame school, and the poet immortalized his ven- erable preceptress by his poem of the "Schoolmistress"; so that the dame school was not born with the early settlers, but was brought over by them from England in very early colonial days. Distinguished Educators. Mrs. Emma Willard. Extracts from a sketch of Mrs. Emma Willard by Rev. E. B. Hunting- ton. Mrs. Willard is most eminent as a lady who has attained a high rank as a professional educator of the nineteenth century and devoted to educational literature. She had been most carefully educated. To complete a more perfect picture of Mrs. Willard as a model character we must go back to her early years in the parish of Worthington, in Britain, Ct. Very sweet are the lessons of kindness mingled in the instruction given by the mother in her every day charities to those in the parish, to whom she ever showed her interest in their welfare by her little acts of beneficence which were to live again in the life of her English Chapters. 593 daughter. Impressions made by the mother upon her little family taught the necessity of mailing life happy by doing acts of love even to the poor brute who is so dependent upon them for enjoyment. Mrs. Willard ever referred to these lessons as sweet memories of her mother, when she recalled to her mind, "The mother distributing bits of refuse wool at the farm-house, which were of no value to the home economy, and teaching her little ones how to leave it about on the hedges for a hint to the birds to build their fleece lined nests near to the home which she would have blest by their sweet songs." From these early lessons and home culture Mrs. Willard received her active and wide reaching benevolence. On leaving this home she was introduced into a boarding-school life, being placed under the care of Mrs. Royce and of the Misses Patten in Hartford, Ct., that noble city of all that is good and lovely to form the character of youth. Very soon Mrs. Willard leaves school to become herself interested as an educator of youth. She was a devout communicant in the Protestant Episcopal church. In all her study and life work " her approval has been to God's Word for her standard and law." " Mrs. Willard became greatly interested in the schools of her native State and also of New York in suggesting new plans of teaching. At one time Mrs. Willard travelled 1,000 miles in her own carriage visiting schools. Mrs. L. H. Sigourney, one of her personal friends, speaking of this great tour in one of her letters to Mrs. Willard, says : ' I should consider it an honor to wipe the dust fi'om your chariot wheels as they passed on in that career of benevolence.' " Mrs. Willai'd visited Europe, travelling in Germany, France, Switzer- land and Belgium as accessory or tributary still to her life devotion for observation and learning. In 1851 she received a medal at the World's Fair in London for her work, " The Temple of Time and Chronographer of Ancient History." The certiflcate of testimonial, signed lay Prince Albert, was no empty tribute to the distinguished author. Mrs. Willard on visiting Europe established a school in Greece for young ladies. Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Extracts from a sketch of Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe by Rev. E. P. Parker. (Harriet Beecher Stowe is truly an eminent lady of the nine- teenth century.) Mrs. Stowe, though early deprived of her mother, lov- ingly describes her character, " She was a woman of extraordinary talent, rare culture, fine taste, sweet and gentle temper. And then from her Christian faith, with all its intrinsic simplicity and beauty, there ema- nated an influence which the child never outgrew. "Mrs. Stowe when a child, being deprived of her mother, was con- 594 ^^^^ Records of Oxford. signed to her deceased mother's sister to be educated. Of her pleasant life in the farm house and of her dear grandmother she gives a vivid description, who read the evening service after supper from a great prayer-book with such impressiveness as touched the child's heart, and then the home picture of her Aunt Harriet is so lovingly described, and adds, the little white farm-house under the hill was a paradise to us, and the sight of its chimneys after a day's ride was like a vision of Eden ! " Mrs. Stowe on her father's second marriage again returns to her home, where not only in the home-life, but in the society of Litchfield, Ct., and as a member of the celebrated Mrs. Pierce's boarding-school, her own education is perfected and all those rare natural endowments that she possessed were cultivated in no ordinary manner by these eligible surroundings. The town of Litchfield was renowned for its great number of culti- vated scholarly gentlemen who were residents of the place with their families. Mrs. Stowe when in Paris was often visited by an elderly French gentleman who had in early life passed some years in Litchfield as a law student; in his conversation with Mrs. Stowe he frequently dwelt upon the society of Litchfield as the most charming in the world, and in such a society were passed the early years of Mrs. Stowe. From Litchfield and Hartford boarding-schools Mrs. Stowe is ushered into the path of a public educator and an author of rare attainments, aflbrdiug to the world a model of woman's influence as a philanthropist. All her writings are of great interest, "but one definite purpose took possession of her mind. That the whole system of slavery must be shown up as it really was! She now writes for the cause of humanity ' Uncle Tom's Cabin ! ' " Mrs. Stowe visited England and was received with great enthusiasm, many public manifestations were made in receptions and public dinners, not only as to an author of world-wide renown but to one who had aroused " the slumbering sympathies of England in behalf of the suffer- ing slave." An English divine said; "she had furnished in her 'Uncle Tom' one of the most beautiful embodiments of the Christian faith that was ever presented to the world." " But remarkable as was the literary popularity of the book, its politi- cal and moral influence was hardly less so." Said Lord Palmerston to one from whose lips the remark was taken (as here quoted), "I have not read a novel for thirty years ; but I have read that book three times, not only for the story, but for the statesmanship of it ! " Lord Cockburn said, " She has done more for humanity than was ever before accomplished by any single book of fiction." English Chapters. ^05 The first London edition was pnblislied in May, 1852. Before tlie close of the same year the booli had been translated into the French, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Danish, Dutch, Flemish, German, Polish and Magyar languages, and very soon into every European language and then into Arabic and Armenian. Mrs. Stowe after visiting Paris, Switzerland and Germany returned to America and subsequently selected Hartford, Ct., as her residence. Mrs. Lydia H. Sigourney. Mrs. Sigourney was a native of Norwich, Ct. The home influence of her mother, who so carefully directed her education in childhood, with the cultivated society of Norwich and Hartford, wrought lessons never to be forgotten during her life-long brilliant career. The memory of these years was to her most precious. Few persons through life have borne so lovingly the forms and afl-ections of their home-friends. The sweet influence of her friend, Madame Lathrop, a daughter of Governor Talcott of Hartford, was destined to prove educational to her young life. Mrs. Sigourney thus refers to her influence over herself, as like a golden thread that had run the whole woof of her life. Nov. 1, 1848, when Mrs. Sigourney was in London, the publishers of a volume of her prose and poetry thus announced its publication, "The author of this work has long been designated as the American Heraans." This comparison of Mrs. Sigourney to Mrs. Heraans was her introduc- tion to English society. In her journal while abroad she thus describes her visit. From a sketch of Mrs. Sigourney's travels in England and France. " Too late was I, Alas! for Mrs. Hannah More and Sir Walter Scott and Mrs. Hemans and Coleridge. Over Southey had settled that rayless cloud which lifted not till the pall enveloped him for his burial. Yet I was indulged in the privilege of the society of Wordsworth and Maria Edgworth and Joanna Baillie, a rich payment for crossing the storm tossed Atlantic. I was also favored with the acquaintance of Mrs. Norton, Mrs. Austin, the Countess of Blessington, Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Hall, the venerable poet Samuel Rogers, the philanthropic Mrs. Fry and her distinguished brother, John Joseph Gurney, with others whose classic pen had delighted me when life was new. In Scotland I was so fortunate as to meet John Foster, the essayist, aud Allen Cuuuiugham. And in Paris to share for several weeks the hospitalities of the elegant Marchioness Lavalette ... by whom I was introduced, among other memorable personages of that courteous clime, to Count Roy, one of the most high bred of the ancient noblesse; to De la Vigne, the lyrist, and the white haired philosopher vEago." While in France Mrs. Sigourney was presented at the French Court. 596 The Records of Oxford. Mrs. L. H. Sigourney it is said represented the best and highest type of cultivated womanhood and held a higher place in the respect and affections of the American people than any other woman. "Her loving friendliness had made herself and her name everywhere a charm. Her life for its native gifts was so genial and lovable in deed and spirit, that her very life seemed a sort of divine benediction upon our age." During the last week of her life she spoke of her own translations from the Hebrew of the book of Jonah, and said, "I liked my own translation, it seemed so vivid. I have been thinking of one verse in particular. ' In the fainting away of my life I will think upon Jehovah, and he shall send forth for me from His Holy Temple.' " Her remains were borne to the Episcopal Church where she had so long worshipped. The sublime words of the burial service were said, and the long procession moved slowly to the cemetery. With holy words of prayer the precious form was laid gently to its rest, " Looking for the geuei'al resurrection at the last day, and the life of the world to come." Mrs. L. H. Sigourney died in Hartford, Ct., June 10, 1865. At sunset hour all the bells of the many churches tolled a requiem to her memory. Mrs. Sigourney's humanity to the suffering was great. Many were the widows and orphans who shared in her generous friendship the happiness of life. A young friend of Mrs. Sigourney often narrated a delightful visit to her during the Christmas holidays, when she accom- panied her in a visit to the orphans' home and saw her distribute Christmas cakes and little parcels of useful clothing. As Mrs. Sigourney lovingly distributed these gifts the smile of every orphan face welcomed her kindness, and her own face beamed with sweetness, for a smile of hers was always radiant with peace and good-will. — The late Miss Elizabeth De Witt. Dinah, "A Slave." In the town papers appears the draft of a petition to the General Court, from the Selectmen, representing that " Dinah a Negro Woman is in the Town of Oxford without any means of support by which reason she has become chargeable to said Town she being Aged and infirm ; by the best information we can get she was born in Sudbury in the County of Mid. dlesex & came into this Town upwards of 30 years ago & at length be- came a servant of one Charles Dabney who came into this Town from Providence in the latter part of y« year '76 [or a little later] but did not in any wise gain a habitance in s' Oxford, & remained servant to s'' Dab- ney until y" addoption of this State Constitution soon after which time S'' Dabney her master removed back to s'^ Providence & there soon after deceased & left S' Negro in Oxford without any means of support by which English Chaptet-s. cg'j reason she has become chargeable to s"* Town. Therefore your Petition- ers pray your Honours to take the case into your consideration & [give] us relief by considering her one of this State's Paupers, etc." An indorsement on this paper is dated 1807. Dinah, as appears, was for many years after Dabney's removal a faith- ful domestic in the family of Josiah Wolcott. Boston and Dinah, two slaves, with their two children, Genny and Silvy, were in the family of Josiah Wolcott, Esq., of Oxford. They were at one time in the possession of I3uncan Campbell, Esq., his brother- in-law, and when Dinah was no longer a slave she had a home in the family of Major Archibald Campbell, and previously in the family of Samuel Campbell. Faithful Dinah! ever in the kitchen, with her dark skirt and neat calico short dress (in the fashion of the time called a " long short"), with her blue checked apron and neat turban. In figure Dinah was extremely short but immensely stout. Sometimes she would be seen standing in the chimney corner making chocolate, for she was always busily at work, or maybe giving her orders to her young masters Campbell in the absence of their parents, and at whatever happened in the family or neighborhood she would at once declare " I've tellt ye so." Notwithstanding her temper was not always the sweetest, there was in Dinah a kind heart. During her service in the Wolcott family she was much attached to her two young mistresses. Miss Wolcott and her sister. Miss Mahetabel. After their marriages, for they left Oxford for distant homes in New Hampshire and Maine, Dinah would make many inquiries for the young ladies, and if opportunity ofl'ered, many messages of her love and "duty" were sent to them. The following town record is found of Dinah, after along life of faith- ful service : — "The town paid Samuel Campbell for supporting Diner a negro wench up to the 2 day of November 1807."— Oxford Toion Records. Nothing now remains to remind one of Dinah but her picture embroi- dered by the Wolcott ladies representing her as making the tea by pour- ing water from a tiny tea-kettle into the china cups containing the tea, as she was standing behind the chair of her mistress at the tea table. Jack, another slave in the Wolcott family, is represented in embroidery as passing to guests a silver salver with glasses filled with wine. Dinah lived to be one hundred years of age and died in 1829. Her grave was in the northeast corner of the churchyard, styled the poor corner. The late Andrew Sigourney, Esq., who had married one of the ladles of the Wolcott family, placed a headstone to her memory, naming her faithfulness in servitude. The humble gravestone of Dinah records the death of the last slave in Oxford. 598 TJic Records of Oxford. After the termination of slavery in Massachusetts near the close of the last century, Jack and Phylis Whittemore, two freed slaves, with their child, Deborah, came to Oxford. They were most respectable in their characters. Their home was a small brown cottage on the old Charlton road, one mile west of the old North Common, just west of the river. It was long known as Jack's house. Jack died of a lingering consumption. * 'January 1 1797 gave Abner Mellen amount of one dollar and thirty three cents for digging Jack Whittemore*s grave." "On January 30, 179G the State paid the town a bill for the support of Jack Whittemore." — Toxmi Bccords. Story of Puylis Whittemore. In 17G0, or at a still later date, a vessel was at anchor oft" the Guinea coast; her boats were lowered and when manned put out for the shore. Phylis and her two brothers younger than herself were gathering nuts and berries when captured by the sailors. They were soon dragged on board the vessel, then came the battering down below hatches, and there like rats in a cage young and old were down in the hold of the vessel. If before being placed on board a slave-ship any poor African attempted to escape he was struck on the head and when senseless was thrown on board. Whenever the hatches were opened the poor captives would draw themselves off to the far end of the hold, as all who were sick were drawn out and thrown overboard with the dead. Phylis and her brothers were brought to Boston and were purchased from a slave-ship. Phylis was ten or twelve years of age according to her own account and with an uncovered head, with a single scant gar- ment of coarse hempen cloth covering her body, with her two brothers stood friendless, dejected and travelworn on the auction slave-stand in Boston, Mass., her sad face showing a hopeless sorrow, while the auc- tioneer glibly enumerated her various qualities — good looking, healthy, active — with all the coarseness and iudifi'erence that he would have spoken of an animal or any article of commerce. Soon Phylis and her brothers were sold, and all to difl'erent masters, never to meet again. During her whole life Phylis would speak of this parting scene with bitterness and with maledictions. Phylis Whittemore was much employed in service in the family of Mr, James Butler, and Deborah, her child, was in service to the family for many years of her life, having been taken by Mi-s. Butler in her child- hood on the death of her mother. She was taught reading, spelling, and to keep accounts correctly, with plain needlework. Deborah excelled in all departments of the kitchen and as a housekeeper. At her death she English Chapters. 599 was mourned as a loss to her friends for lier moral excellence of charac- ter. November 24, 1800, Phylis Whitteraore left Mrs. Butler's for home in a snow storm, and was found dead in the road next morning. Among a list of notes and papers delivered to Peter Butler, Esq., Town Treasurer of Oxford for the year 1807, from the late Samuel Campbell, Treasurer, there was a note of Amos Shumway, Jr., to pay Deborah Jack* twelve dollars and interest, amount due, $15.51. Richard Moore, Esq., owned Sharper, a slave, and sold him, 1736, to Joshua Haynes of Sudbury. Richard Moore, Jr., in 1755, owned Csesar, a slave. Moses Marcy, in 1747, owned a female slave. 1771, William Watson is taxed for two slaves ; in 1775 a slave was sold as a part of his "A likely Negro man, 20 years of age fit for service town or country for sale. Inquire of Daniel Johonnot at his house near the sign of the Buck in Marlborough street, Boston." In a letter of Gabriel Bernon, the president of the French Plantations of New Oxford, to the son of Governor Dudley, October, 1720, he writes of his losses while interested in the French plantation of Oxford, and included his servant, "negro Tom, who was drowned, at fifty pounds loss." This is the record of the first slave in Oxford. Bernon, being anxious to hold possession of his French plantation in New Oxford, had placed one Cooper and a " negro Tom" to occupy the premises, "the howse and farme at New oxford called the olde mill," the late Captin Humphrey's estate, now occupied by his descendants. In the will of Rev. John Campbell, bearing the date of August 1, 1760, is the following item; "I bequeath to my son William my saddle horse and furniture, together with all that part and number of my cattle, sheep and swine that remain undisposed of in this Instrument, as also my neTO servant 'Will' to be kindly used and improved and supported by him during his natural life and at the Expiration thereof to give him de- cent Christian Burial." Mingo, a slave owned by Col. Ebenezer Learned. At the decease of Col Learned, Mingo was to be kept in the family. This item in the will of Col. Learned : "And support my negro man Mingo during his life and decently bury s'd Mingo at his death." In 1771, on a town list for Oxford, Mr. Thomas Davis is taxed for a «' servant for life," one of the four negro slaves then owned in Oxford. Mary, a daughter of Mr. John Davis of Oxford, on her marriage to Major Nathaniel Healy of Dudley, Jan. 3, 1788, became the mistress of *Deborah Whittemore. 6oo The Records of Oxford. " Violet," once a slave, who had been owned by the Healy family. Vio- let had been taken from the African coast and brought to New England with a brother when children and sold. When surprised by their captors they were watching the rice fields to keep oflf the little monkeys from committing their depredations on the rice. Sotcs, %U. NOTES, ETC. Proclamation. On April 12, 1712, the original proprietors issued the fallowing proclamation : '< We the underwritten with other owners and proprietors of the lands at Oxford in the neepmug country granted to us by the general assembly of the Massachusetts colony, and since otherwise ratified and confirmed to ourselves in the Kingdom of Great Britain, having long time determined and surveyed ten or twelve thousand acres for a village and settlement of inhabitants and accordingly established a number of French Famalyes, Refugees, who have since deserted the plan whereby all improvements are lost which is a detriment to the province as well as to ourselves in the hope of our own private advan- tage by our other lands— do hereby agree and offer to thirty English that shall settle there to give grant and confirm to them all the lands of the said village containing the said ten thousand acres, except what is already granted to Mr. Bernon which is acres to be laid out to them, first a quantity of it in house lots not exceeding forty acres a family, and after the rest in proper divisions as they may agree always provided they be thirty families, and in the mean time if ten families or more shall proceed forthwith within a year to settle there, they shall have their house lots set out to them, and they as they have the use of the other land meadows until the number be thirty, and then they have liberty to divide the whole. " If any of the French families choose to come thither we do hereby save to ourselves liberty to establish them with other inhabitants, and Capt. Chandler the surveyor is hereby allowed to lay out lots accord- ingly, taking care always that he do not intrench upon the land of the proprietors. " Signed J. Dudley, William Taylok, Peter Sargent, Sargent, John Danforth, Eliza Danforth, 603 Heirs and Executors Wm. Stoughton." 604 ^^Ji(^ Records of Oxford. In May, 1713, the surveying of house lots commenced to those who had made a selection with a view to the permanent settlement of Oxford. The required number was completed during the month of July, and on the eighth day of that mouth the proprietors executed a deed conveying to the thirty English colonists a plantation for the village. Proprietors' Records. Deed of the Village. " To all people unto whome these presents shall come, Joseph Dudley of Roxbury . . . William Taylor of Dorchester . . . Peter Sergeant of Boston Esq. and Mehetabell his wife, John Danforth of Dorchester, and Elizabeth his wife, John Nelson of Boston Esqr. and Elizabeth his wife as the said William Taylor, Peter Sergeant, John Nelson, and John Danforth are the heirs and Executors of the Hon. William Stoughton, late of Dorchester, Esq. Dcc'd. Send Greeting — " Whereas the General Court of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay one Thousand six hundred and Eighty Two Granted to the said Joseph Dudley, William Stoughton Major Robert Thompson and their Asso- ciates a Certain Tract of Land Scituate in the Nipmug Country of Eight miles Square for a Township etc. as may be seen by the records of the said Generall Court, Pursuant whereunto and for the uses aforesaid the Joseph Dudley William Stoughton and their Associates in the Year One Thousand Six hundred and Eighty & brought over Thirty French Protestant families into this Country and Settled them upon Easteriuost part or end of the said Tract of land and severed and granted and Sett apart Twelve Thousand Acres for a village Called Oxford for the said Families and bounded it as by a Piatt upon record will more fully appear Butt foreasmuch as the said French families have many years since wholly left and Deserted their Settlements in refusing to return upon public proclamation made for that end as by the Voluntary Sur- render of the most of them are now reinvested in restored and become the Estate and at the Disposition of the Original proprietors . . . for the ends afore said And Whereas there are sundry good families of Her Majesties Subjects within this province who offer themselves to go and Resettle the said village . . . Now Know Ye that the said [Grantors] . . . have freely . . • and do give grant and Confirme unto Samuel Ilagbourne, John Town, Daniell Elliott, Abiel Lamb, Joseph Chamberlin, Benjamin Nealand, Benoni Twitchell, Joseph Rockett, Benjamin Chamberlin, Joshua Whitney, Thomas Hunkins, Joseph Notes. Etc. 605 Chamberlin, Jr. Oliver Coller, Daniell Pearson, Abram Skinner, Ebeuezer Ciiamberlin, James Coller, Isaac Learned, Ebenezer Learned, Thomas Leason [Gleason], Ebenezer Humphrey, Jona. Tillotson, Edmund Taylor, Ephraim Town, Israel Town, William Hudson, Daniell Elliott, Jr. Nathaniel Chamberlin, John Chandler, Jun. Joshua Chandler, and others their associates, so as their number amount thirty families at least All That Part of the said Tract of land . . . known by the name of Oxford. Excepting and reserving [that part purchased by Gabriel Bernon.] ... To have and to hold the same . . . Provided that if any of the . . . Grantees . . . Shall ... to settle upon and improve the said Land ... by the space of two years ... or shall leave and Desert the Same and not return to their respective Habita- tions . . . [then said lands should be forfeited and given to others who should be willing to] ' settle and Inhabit them.' " To witness whereof the partys above named to these presents have hereunto set their hands and seals the Eight day of July A. D. 1713." " Grand Proprietors' Lots." " The original grant of land lying west of Oxford Village, emln-acing 30,000 acres, and now included in parts of Dudley, Charlton and South- bridge, was equally divided between the five original grantees and styled ' The Grand Proprietors' Lots.' Of the southernmost 6,000 acres, Joseph Dudley's share, the larger portion was in 1731 included in the town of Dudley, the western portion being now a part of South- bridge. In his will Mr. Dudley gave to his daughters, viz., Rebecca, the wife of Samuel Sewall, Jr. ; Anne, the wife of Adam Winthrop ; Katharine wife of Hon. William Dummer; and Mary, wife of WaiuAvright, each 1,000 acres of land out of his 6,000 acres at Oxford : and to his nephew Daniel Allen, and niece Ann Hilton, who married Ebenezer Pierpont, each 500 acres of the same. His son Paul being residuary legatee inherited the remaining 1,000 acres. Through these children and their heirs the lands were sold to promote the settlement of Oxford." The *' second 6,000 acre lot of John Blackwell's was sold by his heirs, Frances his widow, and John Blackwell, merchant, both of Bethnal Green, Stepney, England, 25 April, 1720, to Peter Papillon of Boston, mariner. Papillon had four daughters, — Elizabeth who mar- ried first John Wolcott, and second John Higginson, both of Salem; Katharine who married in 1734 George Gibbs and died before 1749 ; Martha who married first Richard Williams of Boston, who removed in 1741 to Oxford where he died, and second John Ballard of Boston ; and Mary who married William Thomas of Plymouth in 1739, styled mari- ner and later physician. 6o6 The Records of Oxford. " After tlie decease of rapillon these Hands, excepting several small lots previously sold by liira, were divided among these four daughters. John Wolcott was administrator of his estate, and Isaac Larned, Ilev. John Campbell and Col. Ebenezer Learned of Oxford weie chosen to make a division. John Wolcott received the southeast SOOacre lot [with other tracts further Avest] which 500 acres he and Iliggiiison, the second husband of Elizabeth, sold chiefly to John Larned and Josiah Kings. Richard Williams' portion embraced besides a tract west in Charlton. The 500-acre lot at the east end adjoining Wolcott's on the north, being the lot formerly occupied by Gibbs, on which he had built a house, then going to ruin. Hei-e Williams is supposed to have built a house in which he resided until his decease. Nearly the whole of this tract was sold by Williams, executor, to Ebenezer Coburn. " In 1732 Moses Marcy of Woodstock purchased of Papillon the water-power and laud adjoining, at what is now Southbridge centre, which he improved. The balance of the Papillon tract was sold in lots to purchasers by his heirs." The "third G.OOO acres, William Stoughton's, who was unmarried, was in 1704 divided among four heirs, as follows : to William Taylor one-fourth; to John Nelson and his wife Elizabeth one-fourth; to Hon. John Danforth and Elizabeth his wife one-fourth ; and to Thomas Cooper and his wife Mehetable one-fourth. On 5 Dec, 1717, John Nelson and wife Elizabeth sold one-third of 6,000 acres to Samuel Brown of Salem. At the time of the Revolution William Brown owned 4,000 acres, a large portion of this tract, but being a loyalist it was confiscated. In 1771 the heirs of William Taylor and Mather Byles and wife Rel)ecca sold more than 1,00Q acres to Samuel Danforth of Cam- bridge, Elizabeth Williams of Roxbury, Elijah Dunbar of Stoughton, and Hannah the wife of Rev. John Searle of Stoneham. May, 1782, the then owners of the 6,000 acres made a division as follows : A line running east and west Avas drawn through the tract, Samuel Danforth of Boston, physician, Elizabeth Danforth of Boston, Elijah Dunl)ar of Stoughton and Joseph Dowse of Salem that lying south thereof. " In 1784, John Fessenden, Caleb Amidown and Jonathan Warner, a committee to sell confiscated estates in Worcester County, represented to the Supreme Court that there were in Charlton and Oxford 3,000 acres of unimproved lands of Avhich ' tAvo-thirds belonged to William BroAvn of Salem, conspirator, now the property of the Commonwealth, and one-third to Joseph Blaney, all common and i;ndivided,* and asked for a division, Avhicli Avas granted. Dec. 4, 1784, a division Avas agreed upon, Blaney being then of AVindham, Maine. In 1785 a large part of his share was sold on execution. Thus the BroAvn lands, which had laid long unimproved, were brought into market. April, 1785, Notes. Etc. 607 eight 100-acre lots, excepting GO acres, were sold by the State Committee to Ebenezer Davis for £835. Jacob Davis was purchaser of several lots. That part of the 0,000 acres lying south of the dividing line was distributed by Dauforth and Dunbar to purchasers for settlement. " The fourth division, Coxe's, was deeded June, 1701, by Daniel Cox, physician, of London, to his son Daniel. The tract was early sul)di- vided, the northern third having been conveyed to Thomas Freak of Ilanningtou, Wiltshire, England, and the southern to John Blackwell, Cox retaining the central third. Freak deeded, Feb., 1700, his 2,000 acres in trust for Mary the daughter of his son John, then a' merchant of Boston. She married. May, 1694, Josiah Wolcott of Salem, and 16 Dec, 1730, being then a widow, deeded the 2,000 acres to Edward Kitchen and Frake, his wife, of Salem, who sold in lots to settlers. " The southern third part was sold by Blackwell's heirs, with his large 6,000 acre lot, to Peter Tapillon and divided with that among his heirs into four e(iual portions of 600 acres each. The essterly 500 acres, which extended into Oxford to the village line, was drawn by Richard Williams and embraced the mill privilege known as John Rich's in Charlton. In 1747 Williams sold this water-power to Jonathan, Jr., and Ephraim Ballard, who then built a saw-mill. In 1754 Ephraim sold to Jonathan, who continued to operate the mill, built a potash factory and added to his estate, and in April, 1774, sold to Ebenezer Davis and David Rich, both of Charlton, 180 acres, part in Oxford and part in Charlton. In 1777 Davis sold to Rich, who added a gristmill and early in the present century a wool-carding mill. He died there, leaving as his successor his son, John II., who lived to old ao-e, and died there Oct., 1883. " The remainder of the southern one-third was allotted to John Wolcott, Molly Papillon, later Mrs. William Thomas, and Katharine [Mrs. George Gibbs] 500 acres each. The central third remained the property of Daniel Cox, Jr., who came to America and died in 1737 at Trenton, N. J. His heirs after many years made Ezra Taylor of Southboro [later, of Townalsboro', Me.] their attorney. Numerous settlers had gone upon the premises and taken possession, and in a majority, perhaps without controversy, sales were made to the occupants. Several suits, however, were brought for ejectment, and among them one became of much importance as*a test case. This suit was brought by Taylor at the November term of 1774, in the Court of Common Pleas at Worcester, in the name of Williani Cox of Bristol, Penn., and others, against John Edwards of Charlton. Trial June term 1773, verdict for Cox et al. Edwards appealed to the higher court. The Revolutionary struggle coming on the case was not heard until 1780, when under the new State Constitution it came up 6o8 The Records of Oxford. before the Supreme Judicial Court and was prosecuted with great vigor. According to the report printed in an appendix to Vol. 14, Mass., 491, the law of the case was argued several times by Paine for the demandants and Sprague and Lincoln for the tenant, and after long consideration by the court judgment was finally entered, Oct. terra, 1782, for the demandants. Two points were made for the tenant by his counsel. [1.] The deed from Cox, Sen., to Cox, Jr., was not executed according to statute requirements, but the court held, never- theless, that the execution of the deed in London had been sufficiently proved by the testimony of a resident of Philadelphia who witnesseth its signature. [2.] There had been no livery of seizin. On this point the court held, that in accordance with the common of most colonial lawyers, the feudal ceremony of grantor going with grantee personally upon the premises conveyed and then giving him in hand the twig of a tree or piece of turf from the soil as a symbolical delivery of the land, was not necessary in Massachusetts. This is thought to be the first reported decision of the American court upon the subject. Of course after this decision Cox's title was not generally disputed, and Taylor was able to collect from other parties the sums due from lands. Deeds from Charlton settlers were numerous. The fifth 6,000 acres of Robert Thompson's descended to his four daughters, who received each 1,000 acres of the west portion, and his only son Joseph who received 2,500 acres, the east part, there being an overplus of 500 acres. Joseph was of Nonsuch Parli, Parish of Ewell, Surrey, Eug., and his heirs, living in March, 1754, were Thomas Whately, Sen., and his wife Mary, who were also of Nonsuch Park, Thomas Whately, Jr., Stamp Brooksbank and wife Elizabeth, these at that date deeded to Ebenezer Learned and Edward Davis the said tract of 2, .500 acres. Davis owned the west part and settled his sons upon it. Learned received the portion bounded on Maanexit River at North Oxford, embracing the present Texas Village. From a record C. 11, 591, Thomas Whately died possessed, partly by inheritance from his an- cestor Robert Thompson, and partly by purchase of two-thirds of the original 0,000 acres, he having bought the interest of tlie four daugh- ters ; therefore Joseph, the son of the said Thomas Whately, being of " Nonsuch Park, clerk and professor in Gresham College, and the only surviving heir of said Thomas," on IG Oct., 1786, deeded to Samuel Danforth of Boston, physician, the said two-thirds of 4,000 acres of the westerly portion of the said tract. An Ancient London Record. Prior to the year 1628, a corporation was formed in London of " Adventurers for a Plantation intended at Mattachusetts Bay in Newe Notes. Etc. 609 England in America." An account of George Ilarwood, Treasurer, appears on page 1, vol. 2, of the Trobate Records of Suffolk County, the heading of which is as follows : " In the name of God, Amen." London, May, 1G28. " Sundrie men owe unto the general stock of the Adventurers for a plantation intended at Mattachusetts Bay in newe England America the some of ten thou- sand one hundreth and sixtic pounds and is for soe much undertaken by the particular persons mentioned hereafter by these several subscrib- tions to be by them adventured to this joint and general stock . . . for the plantation, whereunto the Almighty grant prosperous and happy success, that the same may redound to his glorie the ... of the Gospell of Jesus Christ and the particular good of the . . . Adventur- ers that now or hereafter shall be interested therein. The persons nowe to be made debtors to the gen'll stock arc as followeth, vizt." [Nearly one hundred names are appended.] NoTK. " September 17th, 1G30. According to an order of Gov. John Winthrop and his company, who held a council at Charleston, the name Trimountaine was ordered changed to Boston in compliment to the much honored Isaac Johnson, one of the foremost in the enterprise, who was a native of Boston, in Lincolnshire, England. HoBART Ghant, South Gork. Into the capital stock of this company Richard AVestland of Boston, England, paid £.50. Subscribers were entitled to lands in proportion to their payments. From a petition of Rev. Samuel Whiting of Lynn, pre- sented to the authorities 28 May, 1679, we learn that Westland nearly 50 years before had made a deed of gift of his rights to said Whiting, he being a brother-in-law. In this memorial he asks that five or six hundred acres of land might be set off to him ; on which it was voted : "Granted to Mr. Whiting, Sen., and his heires six hundred acres of Land." After Mr. Whiting's decease, upon application of Mrs. Elizabeth Hobart, his daughter and sole heir, in 1717, the grant of GOO acres was set off to her at the north end of Chaubunagungamaug Pond. On 7 May, 1718, Elizabeth Hobart of Hartford, widow of Jeremiah Hobart, clergy- man, late of Haddam, for £G0, deeded this estate to Josiah Dwight, first minister of Woodstock, who on 28 May, 172G, sold the same for £550 to Josiah Kingsbury of Needham. In 1732 Josiah Kingsbury sold the north part of this tract to his son Theodore, and in 1737 the south part to his son Josiah, who both occupied as settlers. The original grant to Mrs. Hobart included the " Falls," the spot where, before 1728, on the stream issuing from Chaubunagungamaug, the first saw-mill was built. George Robinson in 1719 bought the land 6io TJic Records of Oxford. adjoining on the west and had taken possession of tbe water-power and had built a mill. In 1728 Josiah Kingsbury, in a petition to the General Court, represents the facts and asks for a grant of 23 acres of poor land near the mouth of Sucker Brook as a compensation. The matter was referred to John Chandler, who reported "that there is cut off from the Original [Hobart] Survey . . . about three acres, on the same stands a Saw-Mill the conveniency for which was a great inducement to carry the bounds of the farm so far westward." He then reviews and describes the land petitioned for and gives his opinion "that it hardly was equivalent to the Fall or Mill place." The Roxbury School Grant. On IG October, 16C0, the General Court passed the following: " The Court Judgeth it meete to graunte the town of Roxbury five hundred acres of land toward the maintenance of a free school." On 24 Nov., 1715, a petition was presented to the Court signed by several citizens of Roxbury stating that a grant of 500 acres for the free school had been made in ir.fiO but had never been laid out, asking that action might be taken in the case ; on which it was voted that leave be given to have a plan made and presented. On 14 Nov., 1718, a plot was returned and said grant was confirmed. According to this plot, now in the State archives, the mouth of Sucker Brook was the first bound, the line ran thence northeasterly, thence at a right angle southeasterly, thence at a right angle southwesterly to the pond, at what was later Mr. Campbell's line, about one-third of a mile south of Brown's cove or pond, so called, thence uortheily following the shore of the pond, including all the long arm stretching into it, to the first bound at Sucker Brook. On 12 June, 1770, John Baker and Joseph Mayo of Roxbury, com- mittee to sell the school lands, deeded to Hezekiah Bellows 279 aci-es " on the neck." On 9 Feb., 1779, Bellows deeded to James Cudworth 324 acres with a house and half a saw-mill. In June of the nest year Cudworth, then living on the premises, sold the whole bought of Bellows to John Wight; on 12 June, 1781, Wight deeded back to Cudworth, who on 22 June, 1781, deeded the same, excepting half a saw- mill, reserved to Jacob Barrett, to Dr. James Gleason and Asa Robinson. On 25 Feb., 1774, said Baker and Mayo, committee, deeded to Rev. Joseph Bowman of Oxford 247^ acres, the remainder of the original grant, being the northern portion, reserving a road for Bellows, then living on the south part. In 1774 Mr. Bowman deeded 100 acres of the north to Oliver Barrett of Killingly, Conn., and on 9 July, 1777, 117 acres, part of the same, to Nathan Smith of Sutton. In 1780 Smith sold 15 acres, on which was a saw-mill, to Jacob Barrett. 1781 Bowman Notes. Etc. 61 1 sold 55 acres to Hezekiah Bellows. On 13 June, 1782, Nathan Smith and Elizabeth his wife, of South Gore, deeded to John Boyce of Mendon, housewright, 105 acres and buildings, being the uortlicast part of the Roxbury School Farm. In 178(J Boyce sold to Benoni Benson and Abraham Staples, both of Mendon, who in 1792 sold to Philip Brown, who kept a public house. In May, 1683, on account of services rendered to the Province, a grant of 500 acres of land was made to Major Robert Thompson 'of London, which was confirmed to him Feb., 1727. It Avas bounded on the west by the Hobart or Kingsbury land, on the north Ijy Oxford Villa-e, and on the east by Dr. Douglas' land. On 2G Nov., 1803, Thoniks Corbett and Elizabeth, his wife, she being heir and devisee of Robert Thompson of Elsham, County of Lincoln, England, deeded for .«;750 the " Thompson farm " to James Butler of Oxford. Mr. Butler brought a suit for ejectment against Benjamin Davis and obtained possession. A large portion of this land is known as Douglas Woods. ]ieul)en Dudley is present owner of a portion which has been improved. Cajipbell Grant. Rev. John Campbell representing he required aid in the work of the ministry at Oxford, and asking in 1730 for a grant of land, was voted his request. A plan in the State archives is endorsed: "This plan describes the boundary of 310 acres of land with a pond, lying South of Oxford on the South east side of Roxbury School Farm, east from Dudley town on the east side of Chaubunagungamaug Pond, bounded east and south with a line of marked trees on the Province land, sur- veyed and laid out in pursuance of the grant of the General Court of this Province in their full session of 173G to the Rev. Mr. John Campbell of Oxford, by Isaac Earned, surveyor, and Samuel Davis and John Earned, chainmen. Surveyed 18 Mar., 1737, aud ratified Tnn 1738." ' ■' The north line of this grant was about one-third of a mile southerly of what is known as Brown's Pond and it extended south more than a mile on the lake shore, and east 118 rods from the lake at the southern extremity and 210 at the northern. On 20 March, 1765, Edward Wigglesworth, to whom it was sold l)y Mr. Campbell's executors deeded it, estimating it at 400 acres, including a pond, to Levi Wight and Dr. James Gleason, both of Thompson Parish. Dr. Green'of Leicester later held a mortgage upon it, aud in 1777 his heirs quit- claimed it as follows : " to Levi Wight 120 acres, to Dr. James Gleason 180 acres, and to Aaron Wakefield and Amos Wakefield each one-half of 100 acres." William Wakefield is named as one of the interested parties. 6i2 The Records of Oxford. NoKTU GoKK Lands. " The Petition of Herbert Pclliam, late of Cambridge in Mattachu- setts, now for the present in England resident, Slieweth ; Tliat whereas there is to the said Herbert due from this colonic of Mattachuset eight hundred acres of land for the consideration of and in reference unto a hundred pound about 17 years ago, he the said Herbert Avith his father [Thomas Waldegrave] put into the common stoclv, it is therefore the desire of the said Herbert that you will be pleased to grauut to him the said number of akers and what more you shall for his forbearance think convenient, in such place as not prejudicing any plantation he the said Herbert shall by his agents lind out and allot upon, and that this Present Court will further to answer your petitioner that upon notice "•iven he may with all convenient speed eflect his desire and make return thereof unto the Court, that whether present or absent he may remain ever mindful to be yours in what otllce of love he the said Herbert shall be able to Pleasure this Colonic. " Presented the 19 day of the 8 m. 1648, In the name of Herbert Pelham, Esqr., in his absence by Henry Dunster at the motion of the said Herbert by his letters dated Ferrers, Apr. 4, 1648." 1G4^, Oct. 27. In answer to this petition, it was ordered that Mr. Pelham "should have his 400 akers of land" and also the heirs of Thomas Waldgrave another " 400 akers " in such place as "not preju- dicing any plantation he the sd. Herbert shall lind out and allot upon." Mr. Pelham was a man of high position among the people of the " Mattachuset Colonic," second to John Winthrop on the list of assist- ants from 1G45 to 1G49, and the first treasurer of Harvard College. The subscription " to the conmion stock" refers to that made in London for the aid and encouragement of the new colony then being organized for the settlement of Boston. In June, 1703, Penelope Winslow of Marshfleld represented to the Court that she was the daughter of Mr. Pelham and that the said grant had never been laid out, and asked for consideration. Later, Isaac and Elizabeth Winslow, only children and heirs of Dame Penelope Winslow, petitioned that the grants to Pelham Waldgrave might be set oil" to them. In 1718 Isaac Winslow and Elizabeth Burton that they had selected and surveyed "according to the law in this case" 400 acres, being one-half of the 800 due them. 400 acres they sold to Daniel Livermore in Weston, one of the proprietors and settlers at Leicester, who chose his 400 acres in the " Country Gore." May, 1719, the Court granted one-half of 800 acres, " which was formerly granted to Mr. Edward Pelham and lately granted to Mr. Edward Pelham and Coll. Isaac Winslow, Esq., and his sister, said laud Notes. Etc. 6i2 lying bet^-een Oxford and Leicester, bounded ivith Oxford line and every where Els with country Land as is si-nified in this plat " A committee of >vhich William Dudley was chairman, reported to the Court that these lauds embraced 10,751 acres. It was then ordered that this land should be sold, only reserving 400 of Herbert Pelhara, Esqr which fell to Isaac Winslow and his sister. '' In 1721 William Dudley reported to the Court that he had sold 10 000 acres, etc., but could not give a title as it was not laid out in 'any county. Upon which it was resolved that the said 10,000 be annexed and accounted a part of Suffolk County. There were many purchasers for this land, among them was Rev. John Campbell of Oxford who bought 300 acres. Ebenezer Learned bought a 300-acre lot and also one- half a 600-acre " gussett or gore," which was the acute angle of the plot extending east to Worcester corner; he having the east division and Mrs. Ann Stone, widow of John Stone of Framingham and the mother of Micah Stone, the west portion, bounding north on Leicester, east on Ebenezer Learned. Mrs. Ann Stone died 25 March, 1733, at Framino-. ham. This 300 acres in the Gore came into possession of James Stone and later into the possession of Micah Stone of Framingham, and his son Daniel " administered on land in the Gore " [Barry], who removed and resided in Oxford the remainder of his life. The Avestern and broader portion of the original Gore to the amount of 3,000 acres or more is now a part of Sturbridge. The large central portion is embraced in Charlton. The acute angle was included in the town of Ward at its founding 1778. A tract remained between Leicester and Oxford of 738 acres, which in 1738 was made apart of Oxford. ^W- 804 p-l